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July, 2009
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2009-07-21 18:24
Rudy (1993)
4/5
From the same writer and director who brought us "Hoosiers." Not QUITE in the same league, but definitely worth a look if you like a good sports flick.
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2009-07-05 17:50
I've supposedly given up the actual WRITING of reviews, but I need to add a note here. "Religulous" is not a terrible film, and is actually quite thought-provoking on many levels. What KILLS the entire production though is Bill Maher's incessant need to belittle others in order to prove that he's funny. While he's clearly smarter than a lot of the people with whom he's messing, he hasn't got an iota of compassion or human decency with anyone who isn't on his side of the argument. Call it what you may, but he's clearly as close-minded and set in his ways as the folks he's exploiting, and the passion with which he rants reeks of, well... RELIGION. What's worse, he spends so much time trying to be clever at others' expense that the useful parts of his message get lost in a mountain of self-aggrandizing "humor." I'd avoid this at all costs unless you're willing to look for some nuggets of potential truth hidden amidst all the BILL-shit.
0.3 June, 2009
May, 2009
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February, 2009
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2009-02-22 18:40Babylon A.D. (2008)
3.5/5
I've been trying to rent "Babylon A.D." on Blu-ray for months now, but it's ALWAYS checked out at Blockbuster. It's not that I'm a huge Vin Diesel fan, or even that I've heard anything good about this picture... I just happen to be a sucker for futuristic sci-fi, and sometimes the lower rent productions are just what the doctor ordered for a little semi-mindless action. Well this time 'round, I got lucky -- the Blockbuster dude found it for me in the return pile, and upon getting it home I was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn't as low-rent as I'd anticipated. A good-looking film with some great production values (ignoring the occasional unnecessary green-screen), this little ride has enough action to keep your adrenaline going, enough eye-candy to keep you watching, and just enough story to keep your attention. Vin Diesel is doing what he does best, the tough-guy-with-a-hearrt-schtick that toes the line between action hero and "maybe this guy can actually act." With the exception of a visually stirring, but narratively pointless chapter under the Aurora Borealis'ed skies of the great white North, the film is quite lean and clips along at a very efficient pace. The only real "issue" I had was the extremely anticlimactic ending for a film that otherwise delivered a lot of excitement and fun. I know that looking back over my reviews, it might seem like I'm grading on the curve here, but expectation has a lot to do with how one perceives a movie, and I went into this with absolutely none. It's not gonna win any awards or likely be remembered in the annals of film-dom, but if you like futuristic sci-fi action, you could do a whole lot worse than "Babylon A.D."
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2009-02-20 22:33The Rocker (2008)
2.5/5
So I've been eager to see this film for awhile cuz the subject matter is SIMILAR to a screenplay I've been working on. I'd heard that it was actually a pretty decent little flick, but that for a movie called "The Rocker," the music didn't exactly, uh... well... Rock. And while that's pretty much true (in the 80's sense of the word at least), it in no way means that the music sucks; it just doesn't melt your face like Van Halen or Whitesnake. The film, on the other hand, kinda does suck (in the 21st century sense of the word). Tonally it's all over the place -- from the opening sequence where Rainn Wilson's title character has the inexplicable power to run 60mph, to some hard-to-justify and overly melodramatic teen angst, all ramping up to an ending built on a healthy dose of simply unbelievable logic AND heartfelt warm fuzzies. Look, I don't have a problem suspending my disbelief, as long as the rules remain consistent, but here it feels like the filmmakers will stretch in any direction for a laugh, which cheapens the whole experience and ultimately makes it less funny. The cast is uniformly strong, though their characters are crippled somewhat by a script that's painted them pretty one-dimensional. The production design is decent, and their ARE a few good laughs sprinkled throughout... But at the end of the day, "The Rocker" feels like a project that had a few too many hands in the pot. What could've been a edgy, hard-rocking tale of one misguided man-child's reclamation of glory, instead tries a little too hard to be a made-for-DisneyTV movie. Which kinda blows (in the universal sense of the word.) You could do worse on a Saturday afternoon, and I'm guessing the kids might have a little more fun with this than I did, but for a real dose of 80's rock shenanigans we'll probably have to wait for something starring, oh I dunno... Will Ferrell and Jack Black?
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2009-02-19 23:56The Candidate (1972)
3.5/5
If anything, "The Candidate" is a pointed treatise on just how much things remain the same. And while I'm quite sure that back in 1972 it was eye-opening, it's clear that while the channels of distribution continue to evolve, politics is politics... is politics. Robert Redford (doing his best measured Brad Pitt impersonation) stars as reluctant candidate Bill McKay, whose good looks and "integrity" manage to charm even as he kowtows to the manufactured public image he so despises. The filmmaking is standard early-70's "drama" -- with all the obligatory quick-zooms and bad ADR one expects from a flick sporting a mono soundtrack -- but who's complaining, really? The old-school tech will make you cringe, the haircuts will make you, uh... wish you had hair, and the ending just might make you think about it all a little more carefully the next time you step into a voting booth. Check it out.
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2009-02-14 23:45Bella (2006)
3/5
The first feature from writer/director Alejandro Gomez Monteverde, "Bella" is a lovely little portrait of one Mexican American's journey to redemption. With a cast of talented, but relative unknowns (to American audiences at least), and an uplifting story with some solid direction, Monteverde's effort to shed some positive light on the Mexican American family succeeds in many ways. What it lacks in finesse, it more than makes up for with heart, and is a colorful and thought provoking take on the "day-in-the-life-of..." genre. Definitely worth a look-see.
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2009-02-06 22:45He's Just Not That Into You (2009)
3/5
There's not a lot of heavy lifting going on in "He's Just Not That Into You" -- not in any respect; but that doesn't mean it doesn't make for a thoroughly enjoyable night at the movies. If you're on a date with your significant other, you'll likely laugh, cringe, and even hide under your seat once or twice. Soft and fluffy as the packaging may be, there are some honest insights into men and women and the relationships we try so hard to make work. See an early show with your loved one, and talk things out afterwards over some pizza.
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2009-02-06 20:00Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
4/5
Okay... I liked this movie. A lot. I don't know if it's the best film of the year, but "Slumdog Millionaire" has got an awful lot going for it, and feels incredibly fresh in so many ways. Sporting a narrative device so simple it seems strange that no one had already thought to do it, Slumdog poignantly portrays just how intricately our lives are written, and how much MORE we all need to be paying attention to the details. Danny Boyle is at the top of his game in the director's chair, meeting or exceeding the prowess he showed behind the lens with "Trainspotting." The difference, of course, is that this time out all the dirt and ugliness in life is transformed into something inspirational. Shooting in the slums of Mumbai can't have been an easy feat, but the life captured on screen is truly remarkable. With strong performances across the board, a tightly woven (if occasionally vague) screenplay, and perhaps the best soundtrack of the year, "Slumdog Millionaire" easily goes on my short list of must-see films, and should find itself in the hunt for some serious honors at this year's Academy Awards. See it in the theater!
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2009-02-05 21:16Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)
3.5/5
I'm more than a little embarrassed to admit that this is the first time I've seen "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Of course, I'll never have to admit that ever again, cuz now I have -- and it's pretty darn good. That Tennessee Williams, he's what I'd call more-than-competent with words. Paul Newman and Liz Taylor are both easy on the eyes, and fairly oozing that thing we call "Star Quality." And the filmed stage play is all but dead these days, so it's nice to see what can be accomplished with one location and not a lot of fancy camera moves. The story is a good one, and the performances are solid... at least by 1958 standards. It's interesting to note Newman's development as an actor. I've seen several of his films, but this is some of his earlier work on celluloid, and I find it fascinating and admirable how his acting chops changed with the times. This is old-school high melodrama here, but later roles showcase a guy who clearly spent some time at the Actors Studio. Acting styles aside, "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" showcases a great piece of writing with some serious talent on board to bring it to life. See it again... (For the first time?)
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2009-02-02 22:15
"King of Kong" is a swell little documentary chronicling one man's quest to rightfully claim the world record at... Donkey Kong. Yes, you read that right -- DONKEY KONG. I'd heard lots of good things about this film prior to watching via the Netflix streaming service, so my expectations were pretty high. I can't say that it quite lives up to the hype, as it all feels a little anticlimactic in the end; but it's definitely a fun ride stocked with some absolutely BRILLIANT real-life characters. As with most docs these days, there's not a lot of inspired film-MAKING, but the footage is well-assembled and the editing is lean enough to keep things interesting. Good for a laugh, and even a little inspiration!
0.3 January, 2009
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2009-01-24 22:14Chillicothe (1999)
3.5/5
I've seen "Chillicothe" as many times as most folks have seen "Star Wars." Okay, that's stretching the truth a little, but I've seen it a bunch of times. My buddies over at Blue Yonder Films brought this little gem to Sundance in 1999, and to celebrate its 10 year anniversary we had a little viewing party to see just how well it stands up. And I'm happy to report that it still makes me laugh, think, and even tear up a little at the end. Yeah, there are moments that scream "THIS FILM WAS MADE IN THE 90's!!!" The Star Wars references that dot so many indie films of that decade are out in full force, and the cell phone jokes get a little tired, but for the most part this is a very effective meditation on that awkward phase between college and "adulthood." It's well-directed, evenly acted, and shot with astonishing inspiration for some kids that had almost no budget. This 35mm flick looks GOOD, and that's a testament to writer/director Todd Edwards' creativity and the fact that almost everybody involved worked for free. My only real gripes with this film are the (IMHO) unnecessary interviews which are sprinkled throughout, and the unfortunate fact that several inspired music queues had to be removed for distribution. If you ever get the chance to see a Sundance screener with all those queues intact (which I happen to have -- on VHS!), it's an even better version. Either way, "Chillicothe" is definitely worth a look if you enjoy a good slice of life on celluloid. Check it out.
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2009-01-20 23:13The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian...
2.5/5
Ya know, after a late night viewing of "Prince Caspian" on Blu-Ray, I think I might have an idea of why there are some big questions about filming the rest of the Narnia books. It's not that the film is bad by any means, but the Disney-esque treatment of the material just leaves one feeling less-than-moved. To be fair, Disney's actually started showing some balls (distribution deal with Dreamworks, anyone?), so the better characterization might be that the story has been "Walden-ized." I respect Walden Media and the family-friendly entertainment they want to produce, but C.S. Lewis' series of books deserve a more adult treatment. As we've witnessed with the Harry Potter films, you can tell a story for "kids" without all the candy coating. And I'm not talking about the cinematography here. Caspian is much darker LOOKING than "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," but there's simply no tension, and thusly, very little drama. Some of the effects are decent, but the actors are still kind of wussy, and the lines they're given aren't helping the situation at all. Also, when adapting a novel it's inevitable that some things won't make it into the screenplay, but here it feels like they've left out almost everything of any substance. It's kind of hard to wrap my head around it because I haven't read the books in a few years, but I'm quite sure that Lewis' Caspian was more "Lord of the Rings" and less "Madagascar" than this relatively weak film adaptation. You can't just hit the plot beats in a story like this; you must explore and develop character, relationships, and theme. Lewis' Narnia was an allegory for LIFE. This version feels more like a connect-the-dots coloring book. Sort've fun, but ultimately disposable.
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2009-01-17 03:55The TV Set (2006)
3.5/5
I first heard about writer/director Jake Kasdan's "The TV Set" at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival. It had received some good buzz, and I was looking forward to a screening. Unfortunately "Lure," a film I had edited and co-produced, was getting so much attention that we had to cancel ALL our extraneous screenings and focus on OUR film. Which is, of course, a big, fat lie... Both films DID screen at Tribeca that year, but the only thing they really had in common is that not many folks saw them. Which is too bad, as "The TV Set" is a wonderful little meditation on the ups and downs of getting a Network TV Pilot to air. And what it lacks in cinematic flair, it more than makes up for with intelligent writing and a healthy dose of honesty. Which is probably why no one jumped in and decided to give it a theatrical release. The irony is that this film is about the Business of Entertainment, and how good storytelling and the integrity it takes to see it through, always seem to take a back seat to whatever's cheap and immediately marketable. Forget that it took "Seinfeld" or "Cheers" several years to find an audience, the Studios now have shareholders breathing down their necks and THIS YEAR'S bottom line is all that matters! Okay, I suppose it's possible that the lack of any A+ level stars might've scared some folks off, but c'mon... David Duchovny and Sigourney Weaver aren't exactly NOBODIES, and Ioan Gruffudd and Judy Greer's stars are on seriously on the rise. For the most part, all the performances here are incredibly nuanced, and it's a shame that nobody had the chance to see them. The only real issue I had with this flick is almost identical to the one thing that plagued one of 2007's best new Network Dramas, "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" (which is, of course, now cancelled); namely, the product these fictional characters are producing is terribly average -- borderline bad, even. If the shows-within-a-show were as compelling and masterfully written as the world they inhabit, it would all be a lot more powerful. That, however, should not dissuade you from seeing either. Like its television brethren, "The TV Set" has a lot to say about the state of things, and manages to do so in a way that is entertaining and even more believable. If you're a fan of the boob tube, do yourself a favor and check it out.
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2009-01-13 00:24The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
3/5
"The Darjeeling Limited" is nowhere near my favorite Wes Anderson film. That honor belongs to (and will likely forever belong to) "Rushmore;" the last truly indie film the young auteur has made. And that's a shame, cuz it's clearly evident that he is a filmmaker with independent sensibilities -- even when working with some of the biggest names in the game. His latest, an adult coming-of-age-on-a-train story starring Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman has all the traits that have made his previous efforts so distinctly his: impeccable attention to detail, odd characters whose words rarely bely their intention, and lots of SUPER Slo-mo cut to quirky/cool music. What it doesn't have is the humor of "Rushmore," the drama of "The Royal Tenenbaums," or even the childlike simplicity of "Bottle Rocket." Instead, we're given glimpses of all these traits (and more), but without a substantial amount of time to soak any of it in. "The Darjeeling Limited" is an intimate portrait of three almost fatally flawed characters, that happens to be drawn a little too broadly for its own good. Perhaps the script needed one more pass, or perhaps Anderson's just spending too much time on his visual metaphors and sight-gags to care if the story is where it needs to be. For the most part, it isn't, but thankfully it finds it's footing in Act III and manages to deliver an honest moment of revelation. The acting here is fine; weird, but on par with Anderson's unique vision. The score is equally up to the task of feeling bizarrely fresh, and appropriate. And the production design is (what's new?) quite stunning. I just found it hard to care during much of this journey, and found myself wishing I was instead stuck on this train with, say... Max Fischer. With all that in mind, this is classic Anderson and worthy of a look -- especially if you enjoy his style.
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2009-01-07 20:40Frost/Nixon (2008)
3.5/5
"Frost/Nixon" is a very competent film, featuring some incredible performances and enough words to fill... a really long screenplay. The film's not overly long, but it's clearly based on a stage play, as the last half of the film is almost all talk. While I did enjoy it quite a bit, I keep coming back to yesterday's review of "The Incredible Hulk," in that not much really happens. We know that this is a story about the interview between David Frost and Richard Nixon. We get a few scenes thrown our way to set it up, and then we're thrown into the ring with these guys. And it's certainly compelling, but not entirely cinematic. That said, Ron Howard does a fine job of CREATING some film moments that clearly were not in the play, and some fine cinematography and production design helps to establish a fantastic cast in a very definite time and place. And speaking of performances... I was SURE that Mickey Rourke was a shoo-in for the Best Actor Oscar this year, but Frank Langella's gonna give him a run for his money. He's by no means a ringer for Tricky Dick, but his voice and body language are impeccable. "Frost/Nixon" isn't (even close to) the best movie of the year, but it's a very good one, and deserves to be seen.
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2009-01-06 23:27The Incredible Hulk (2008)
2.5/5
Despite all the positive reviews, I decided to wait for "The Incredible Hulk" on Blu-Ray... I'm glad I waited. It's not at all bad by any stretch of the imagination, but in a year crammed with flicks like "The Dark Knight" and "Iron Man," it seemed less-than-inspired. My girlfriend put it best when she said she liked it because "it felt like a comic book." (Golly, she should've seen Ang Lee's Hulk.) But she's right. While the aforementioned comic book adaptations felt like big cinematic events, this one seemed like a big, fat cartoon. I dunno that the CGI is there yet to make human facial features feel authentic (next to real, live human beings). The Hulk looks great from a distance, but every time his mug was in closeup, it just felt like some sort of Pixar experiment. What's more, while there's nothing inherently WRONG with the story, there's not a whole lot going on really. Chase, fight, dialogue, chase, fight, dialogue, chase, big final fight. Owing more to the videogame school of storytelling, "The Incredible Hulk" plays like a series of increasingly difficult levels; which wouldn't be all bad if there were some twists and turns along the way. I'm guessing that 12 year boys LOVED this movie, but I prefer... {INTONING ELVIS} ...A little more conversation, a little less action.
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2009-01-05 20:45Revolutionary Road (2008)
3.5/5
Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet are amongst the finest (relatively) young actors in the business today. Reviews for "Revolutionary Road" have consistently attested to this, and a look at their resumés prior to the latest Sam Mendes pic would suggest so as well. It's clear then, why these two are reunited for the first time since "Titanic" in this critically acclaimed film -- cuz there's not a whole lot going on other than a couple of good-looking, young ringers "acting" their way through a very difficult piece of cinema. And interestingly enough, I personally found the performances a bit uneven. With that said, both actors deliver some of the finest scene-work they've ever done -- it's just not entirely consistent. Leo can, and will, break your heart as he tries to piece together a seemingly broken relationship, then turn around and backhand you without warning. Likewise, Kate manages to create a character for whom we feel both loathing and sympathy, and even glimpses of longing. This is what they are asked to do by a demanding screenplay -- demanding not just for the wide range of emotions, but because 90% of the film is JUST THE TWO OF THEM TALKING. In fact, there are moments when this feels so much like a play, that I was anticipating an intermission so that I could talk through some of the feelings I was having. It's this pointed focus on two people and their jacked up relationship that has critical heads spinning, and yet I feel it's the biggest problem. During a stage play, I'm typically witnessing the events from a safe distance; I can hear what's going on and see the big picture, BUT... I can't really look into their eyes. Film, as we all know, is a very different medium. And while I saw a lot of truth in a lot of scenes, I also saw some "acting." Don't get me wrong -- GOOD acting, but acting nonetheless. And in a picture that has almost nothing but an all-too-familiar Thomas Newman score to support said acting, the performances are about as naked as you'll find on celluloid -- Stunning when they're on (which is most of the time), and somewhat jarring when they're not. When we do take a giant step back in an effort to see the film as a whole, it seems an awful lot like Mendes is trying to recreate some of that old "Amercian Beauty" magic. But alas... not with this script. With very little humor and absolutely ZERO redemption, this Road may be American, but it contains very little Beauty. So I hated it, right? Not at all. I'd watch Daniel Day Lewis read a phonebook, and while these two (and almost everybody else acting today) have a ways to go before they're in HIS league, they're awfully stinkin' good. So yes, I suppose I'll agree that this picture deserves to be seen for the performances alone -- performances that wouldn't seem so uneven if the majority of them weren't so soul-crushingly brilliant.
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2009-01-05 02:18Love and Other Disasters (2006)
3/5
"Love and Other Disasters" is a low-budge indie that's low on production values, but full of some fun, comic moments. Brittany Murphy is toying with some strange accent (which the film tries to explain away in the opening frames), but is otherwise her cute, charming self. Imagine the Keystone Cops as a romantic comedy, and that's essentially what you've got here -- some sublime silliness, good for a few laughs, but nothing too substantial. The "movie-within-a-movie" angle is cute, and provides for some fun cameos at the end, but is more gimmick than necessity. Nothing to write home about, but worth a look if you need some late-night fluff.
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2009-01-02 21:39The Game (1997)
4.5/5
Call me simple, call me a sellout, but "The Game" might be my favorite David Fincher flick. In fact, it might be one of my favorite movies EVER. Seriously. "Fight Club" was an amazing feat, and terribly poignant when it was released, but I think that "The Game's" screenplay is tighter and perhaps even more intelligent. See, we didn't realize that "Fight Club" was a puzzle 'til the very end; which was a fun twist, but secondary to the story itself. On the other hand, with "The Game" the story IS the puzzle, and it manages to stay a step or three ahead of the viewer throughout. Like all Fincher films, it looks fantastic and is rife with stylistic camera work. Michael Douglas is doing what he does best -- playing a rich, selfish shmuck seriously in need of some life lessons. The editing is lean, the pace is spot-on, and the production design is wonderful. But back to basics... The script is the star here, and while we ARE required to take a couple leaps of faith, the puzzle manages to get harder and harder to decipher as the story progresses. If you pay attention though, there are clues everywhere. I've seen this flick more times than I can count, and each time I catch something new. What's more, there's a pretty solid message hidden amongst all the fancy storytelling. If you haven't seen it, I wouldn't even THINK of ruining it for you by divulging more -- just make a point of doing so. If you HAVE seen it, watch it again, and see if you don't find yourself laughing at something obvious you missed before. "The Game" is Hollywood filmmaking with some intelligent pizazz, and on my short list of films I'll watch again and again.
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2009-01-01 18:47Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)
3/5
"Cheaper by the Dozen" is short on originality, but the performances are good, and this family flick has enough chuckles to warrant a lazy afternoon in front of the boob tube. Opposite Bonnie Hunt, I WISH Steve Martin could find a little more edge, but whaddya gonna do? If you're willing to check your disbelief at the door, this one's got some harmless fun for everyone.
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2009-01-01 16:20RV (2006)
3/5
You know, I think critics give Robin Williams a bad rap. So what if a manic comedian wants to emote from time to time? He's still pretty funny, and when he puts his mind to it, is a fine actor. Yes, "RV" is a paint-by-numbers road film in the vein of any Chevy Chase flick where he was Griswold-ing. No, it doesn't have any of the edgy humor that those "Vacation" movies had. And yes, director Barry Sonnenfeld has made better movies than this. But it ain't as bad as the critics led us to believe. You'll laugh a little, roll your eyes a few times, and grin like a schoolboy every time Kristin Chenowith steps onscreen. Don't go hunting this movie down like your life depended on it, but if it's on TV tonight, make some popcorn and enjoy it for what it is: A little dash of fun!
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2009-01-01 14:12
"Future by Design" is an interesting, albeit somewhat uninspired look into the life and ideas of futurist Jacque Fresco. Pedestrian in its execution, the only reason to check this documentary out is if you're interested in Fresco's work on the Venus Project and his theories on where we SHOULD be heading as a society.
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2009-01-01 12:09
I could go into great detail about why Diane English's 2008 remake of George Cukor's 1939 classic doesn't work, but suffice it to say: It's 2008... not 1939. Times change, issues change, acting styles change. This had disaster written all over it from the very first reel, and my girlfriend and I stomached our way through it only cuz it was New Year's day, and we were too tired to get off the couch and change the disc. Don't even pretend to bother...
0.3 December, 2008
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2008-12-27 20:10
"The Wrestler" is not (IMHO) the amazing slice of filmmaking that critics everywhere are claiming it to be. That's not to take anything away from director Darren Aronofsky, but some monkeys could probably have kept Mickey Rourke in frame long enough to make a similarly effective film. Yes, this is a picture that almost entirely sits on the shoulders of its actors. While the script is honest and relatively unflinching, it's not incredibly SPECIAL. Neither is the gritty look, greasy music, or wandering camera. What IS special is Mickey Rourke. Is Randy 'The Ram' Robinson really the same guy girls swooned over in "9 1/2" weeks? He is. Critics have commented that perhaps we're all responding to this performance because it mirrors Rourke's career. May be. Doesn't matter. Give him the statue, and let's call it a day. Marisa Tomei holds her own here (along with Evan Rachel Wood), but is anybody looking at anyone other than Rourke when he's onscreen? I mean, really? My girlfriend commented that Tomei was at it again taking off her clothes to show off her fantastic body on screen, and I was like... "Huh?" I hardly noticed. Okay, that's hyperbole, but I'm gushing here and you will too if you go and see "The Wrestler." The subject matter may or may not be your cup of tea, but if great acting ranks up there with your Earl Grey, you don't wanna miss this performance of the year.
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2008-12-26 20:49Swingers (1996)
3.5/5
What can I say that hasn't been said? Most of the main players from "Swingers" have gone on to have HUGE careers, and the seeds of their potential are all here. While it almost feels like a period piece by now, the situations and dilemmas faced by this group of struggling actors are just as applicable (and funny) today, as they were in 1996. While I might argue that director Doug Liman got a little more credit than he deserved (have you SEEN "Jumper?), Jon Favreau clearly had his eyes on the prize, and I can guarantee you that Robert Downey Jr. thanks the good Lord that this film came along when it did...
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2008-12-25 20:42We Own the Night (2007)
3.5/5
So I'm guessing that since "We Own the Night" was in and out of the theaters in a week or two that nobody went and saw it. That's too bad cuz it's pretty good. Nothing especially new here -- cops and crooks and family and betrayal -- but it's all done effectively with story and character out in front, supported by some great production design and direction. This film won't change anyone's life, but it's worth a viewing... especially if you like a good slice-of-life crime drama.
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2008-12-25 15:40The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
4.5/5
Everyone's complaining that the biggest problem with "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is its length. It's title? Maybe. But the near three hour running time was not an issue for me. At all. This is David Fincher in a striking departure from the often cold, detached filmmaking of years past; cold, detached filmmaking that I happen to love, but cold and detached nonetheless. Here, with a character that could easily be exploited for his oddity, Fincher insteads finds magic in the moments. This is, for all intents and purposes, just another biopic; the story of one man's life. Who cares that this man happens to age backwards? What makes his life -- and ANY life -- special, are the experiences that define it. Penned by "Forrest Gump" scribe Eric Roth, there ARE a lot of similarities with the Tom Hanks vehicle; right down to the crusty old seaman who befriends the title character. But Fincher and Zemeckis are cut of entirely different cloths, and whereas Gump thrived by being in the right place at the right time, Button opts for tragedy by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. There's a ton of metaphor going on here, but Fincher doesn't beat us over the head with it. The irony is clear, so rather than focus on it, he opts to ignore it for the most part. And that's a good thing. Brad Pitt is at or near the top of his game here, and Cate Blanchett is (what's new?) fantastic as his lifelong love. The editing is invisible, the CGI work on display is perhaps the best I've EVER seen (or rather, NOT seen) and Alexandre Duplat's score is the perfect complement to all that's playing on screen. My only gripe with this film is the mechanism by which it's told: An unnecessary flashback that pointlessly concludes with the onset of Hurricane Katrina. HURRICANE KATRINA!?!?!? I'm SO glad I wasn't in those story meetings, cuz I'm quite sure I'd have ended up fired. Alas... nobody's perfect, but Benjamin Button is darn close. Go see it while it's still in the theater!!!
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2008-12-23 19:00Bolt (2008)
3.5/5
"Bolt" is a fun, witty, and thoroughly entertaining romp through a 3-D animated world filled with fun characters, sly digs, and almost non-stop action. It won't get the critical attention that "WALL*E" did, but it's easily as much (actually MORE) fun than the Pixar behemoth and just as clever -- albeit in much less subtle ways. "Bolt" is clearly for the kids, but has enough pop culture references and jokes to keep the adults entertained. Yes, it's got Disney's paw prints (sorry, I had to) all over it, but this is a new Disney -- one that's finally heeding the lessons of its Pixar brethren. Eye candy is all well and good, but story is king; and here they've finally managed to assemble a movie that I think Walt would be proud of. Sure, it's a little more commercial and a little less intelligent, but it makes up for that with some genuine heart and a healthy dose of humor. I could take or leave the 3-D. They say it's here to stay, but gimme a good story and I'll watch it with or without the glasses. This one'll work both ways!
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2008-12-22 19:53WALL·E (2008)
4/5
"WALL*E" is a good cartoon. In fact, it's a very good film and quite deserving of the box office and critical acclaim it received. But I'm not drinking the Pixar Kool-Aid anymore. Metacritic (a pooling of all reviews for a film) has "WALL*E" -- like so many Pixar flicks before it -- as the best reviewed movie of the year. Gimme a break. I think it's time we all took a step back and acknowledge these films for what they are; namely, products that are retooled and rewritten and refashioned and spit-shined 'til they absolutely gleam. And that's to be praised. But let's not forget that these films are built entirely in a computer and are backed by some of the deepest pockets in town. You'll never approach this kind of sheen with live-action by virtue of the fact that you can't spend FIVE YEARS making the same film with real live actors (unless you're Stanley Kubrick). Does that make it any less of an accomplishment? Not necessarily. But is "WALL*E" really a better film than "The Dark Knight?" According to a composite of all the reviews out there, it is. I disagree. I think it's a stunningly beautiful film, that amazes not only with its visuals, but with it's ability to almost re-invent the silent film. I laughed out loud several times in the first half hour, without a lick of dialogue. Incredible. Then... WALL*E gets blasted into space, meets some other robots, and eventually runs into some cartoon people who DO talk, and all of the sudden the spell is broken. Plot takes over, and I kinda stop caring. That's not to say that the movie fails, or even stumbles in Acts II and III, it just becomes predictable and less interesting. And those are not traits I usually find in the BEST picture of the year. Then again... it IS pretty good.
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2008-12-17 15:15The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
3/5
The message is great. The setup, and most of the first Act is pretty great. Heck, even some of the way-too-obvious metaphors approach greatness. But the bulk of Scott Derrickson's remake of "The Day the Earth Stood Still" is, uh... not-so-great. Surprisingly, the best thing in the movie is (drumroll) Keanu Reeves. Give the guy a part where he's required to have no honest emotion, and he'll knock it out of the park. And I don't mean that as a dig; only to say that his is a star that needs to be utilized correctly, and it is here. What plagues the film is a lot of preaching, almost no subtext, and some God-awful greenscreen work in Act III that screams "Reshoot!" In fact, the picture ends so abruptly that my writing partner and I left the theater convinced that at some point the studio just said, "We're not throwing any more money at this. Just fade out already." So I hated it, right? Not at all. I got my weekday matinee's worth, and had a darn good time -- butter-flavoring dripping down my chin. It's just too bad that things weren't finessed a little more, cuz this could've been one of 2008's big surprises -- that rare popcorn flick that actually has something to say and entertains at the same time. Instead, it won't shut up about what it wants to say, which in turn becomes annoying, which leads me to start picking things apart in a desperate attempt to justify why I'm still sitting here typing lame-o reviews while some other wannabes are getting-to-be. Oh well... there's always 2009.
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2008-12-15 19:19Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)
1.5/5
Okay, so I checked out "Picnic at Hanging Rock" cuz "Creative Screenwriting" hailed its script as one of the Top 7 Revolutionary Screenplays of all time. I'll be honest, I had no clue what was going on for much of the film, and in the end... was even MORE clueless. One of director Peter Weir's first projects, it's based on the novel by Joan Lindsay which is (apparently) just as bizarre and ambiguous. This, I'm told, is what makes it so unique. Now I'm going to get all narrow-minded here and just admit that I personally think it's dumb storytelling. Don't tell me a story that has no ending is brilliant -- the purpose of storytelling is to tell a STORY, and stories by definition have a beginning, middle, and an END. I think it's great to keep the audience guessing, but when the writer creates a bunch of mystery and doesn't know how to solve it, it's pointless. Go ahead and call me old-fashioned, but there should be a point, and the point should never be "Who knows?" Having ranted about the film, I'll add that the novel originally had a final chapter which explained the events of the story, but this last chapter was removed at the behest of the publisher. Having tracked down the explanation online, I can agree that it was best left unexplained as the "answer" made even less sense than the questions that preceded it. In other words, while I'm gonna throw a few stars at this Picnic, it's solely for the effort that went into crafting the film itself; but without a decent story, why even bother?
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2008-12-12 18:43Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (2007)
3/5
"Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" is the colorful but uneven directorial debut of "Stranger Than Fiction" scribe, Zach Helm. There's a lot to like in this G-rated children's fantasy, but it lacks the polish and wit of 2006's "Fiction," and ultimately stumbles in the one department where the former Will Ferrell vehicle shined. See, fantasy that FEELS like reality always resonates much more deeply than that which is blatantly unreal. It's difficult to relate to folks who exist in a world without some basic rules. Don't misunderstand, fantastical toys and the 243 year-old store owner who fashions them are all swell, as long as they interact and coexist with others in relationships that make sense. Here, they often don't, and what results is a beautiful picture with a nice message that's awfully hard to take seriously cuz huge pieces of the puzzle are missing -- like motivation. The characters' through-lines are barely realized, and their actions are often inexplicable. With that in mind, I did enjoy this movie and would even recommend it (especially to parents looking for non-animated kid-fare), but what COULD have been an instant classic feels like either the victim of studio interference (READ: Cutting), or perhaps just a case of the first-time director blues.
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2008-12-08 18:20Zeitgeist: Addendum (2008) (V)
3.5/5
"Zeitgeist: Addendum" is a follow-up to wirter/director Peter Joseph's first doc, "Zeitgeist." Better researched, and ultimately more hopeful than the first installment, Addendum focuses less on the problems and more on potential answers. While all of this makes for a much more intellectually palatable experience, the fact that it's far less incendiary also makes it a little less interesting. That said, there's plenty here to make you go, "Hmmm..." and enough hope and truth to warrant sharing it with your friends. Like its predecessor, the production is nothing to write home about, but the content I think, is. Check it out.
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2008-12-06 18:10
"Zeitgeist," the internet phenomenon and conspiracy theorist's "Citizen Kane," is a painfully slow and overly long documentary that delves into what's wrong with the world today. Tackling the lies behind religion, the 9-11 coverup, and the corrupt banking system, many of its "facts" are sketchy at best, but do open up a big ole can of worms as writer/director Peter Joseph begins to connect the dots. I can't pretend to agree with everything that's presented here, but the picture that begins to form out of those aforementioned dots is wildly compelling. I WOULD recommend this film, but not to the persnickety film critic or the non-thinking believer; the production itself is amateur at best, and the ideas contained within are in no way certifiable gospel-truth. On the other hand, "Zeitgeist" can and should get you thinking and might even encourage you to be a little more diligent in seeking out the truth... whatever it might be.
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2008-12-03 17:41The Warriors (1979)
3.5/5
I'm guessing I never saw "The Warriors" because it came out when I was six, and it was rated R. Apparently it's some sort of cult classic, and I have to admit, despite feeling a little long-in-the-tooth and awfully tame here in 2008, it does manage to somehow crawl under your psyche and make itself at home. The story is simple: After a price is (mistakenly) put on their heads, a small gang called the Warriors has to venture through rival turfs one night in hopes of making it back to Coney Island alive. It sounds cheesy, and it IS. But it's also kinda compelling. In fact, this film stuck with me longer than most of the movies I saw this year. No, I can't quantify what makes it so watchable, so instead I'll just encourage you to see it for yourself and come to your own conclusions. How's that for a lazy review?
0.3 November, 2008
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2008-11-26 17:32
Whaddya want from me? It's Chevy Chase in a National Lampoon flick scripted by John Hughes... before any of them got too lame. I don't know that "Christmas Vacation" stands up as a film twenty years later, but a lot of the laughs do. C'mon... it's the holidays! Why not spend a couple hours with the Griswolds?
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2008-11-24 17:24Synecdoche, New York (2008)
3/5
It's hard to recommend "Synecdoche" to any but the most ardent cineaste or existentialist, but Academy Award-winning screenwriter Charlie Kaufman's directorial debut deserves to be seen if for no other reason than to admire (and scrunch your nose at) its incredibly ambitious story-within-a-story-within-a-story screenplay. Kaufman's never been one to shy away from avant-garde story-telling, but this film takes it to new heights (or lows... depending on whether your glass is currently half-empty or half-full). The cast, led by the always-stellar Philip Seymour Hoffman, is uniformly good; and the idea, while ultimately a bit difficult to grasp, is even better: A playwright mounts his life story as an open-ended, concurrently updated stageplay -- always in rehearsal, but never actually performed. It's a big, brilliant metaphor in a script that's laden with them. In the end however, it's probably just too much work for the average theater-goer to sit through this self-indulgent parade of confusion and care much about any of it. I'm personally awed by the way Kaufman's brain works, but I'm not exactly Joe Public. And I didn't exactly LIKE this film. Proceed with caution...
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2008-11-21 17:07Maxed Out: Hard Times, Easy Credit and the...
3/5
Like most documentaries these days, "Maxed Out" doesn't do a whole heckuva lot in terms of film MAKING, but it has a lot of important stuff to say... Namely, that we as a society are being preyed upon by Lenders who will stop at nothing to increase their bottom line. This info isn't at all new, but is presented here in a concise, easy-to-understand format for those who either don't know or have refused to care. It won't change the way you see movies, but it might change the way you manage your finances.
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2008-11-19 20:00
"Quantum of Solace" is Daniel Craig's second outing as James Bond, and while he brought a certain badass charm to 2006's "Casino Royale," this follow-up (yes, it's pretty much a sequel) has finally turned the corner into straight-up action/drama. Lost is the fun, the humor, the larger-than-lifeness of Ian Fleming's superspy, and in his place we now have a brutally human antihero who might as well be Jason Bourne BEFORE the amnesia. Don't get me wrong, this is a fine action flick, but with an all-too-realistic story and character-friendly director Marc Forster at the Helm, it just doesn't feel like Bond. Oh well...
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2008-11-15 16:50Thirteen Days (2000)
4.5/5
"Thirteen Days" has its fair share of storytelling shortcuts and muddled accents, but is a consistently enlightening and entertaining take on 1962's Cuban Missile Crisis. This is History meets Hollywood 101, but it just plain WORKS. As usual Costner is not doing very much to great effect (accent notwithstanding), and while Bruce Greenwood makes for a convincing JFK, Steven Culp's Bobby Kennedy is a standout amongst the solid cast. These performances along with some sure-handed direction from Roger Donaldson and a tight script just oozing with profound tension from David Self make for a thoroughly enjoyable and even educational experience. If you haven't seen it, make a point to do so ASAP.
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2008-11-14 16:27Waiting for Guffman (1996)
3.5/5
Saw "Guffman" again when a buddy of mine told me that he'd secured the rights, and was working on a live musical version. It's STILL funny, and showcases Christopher Guest and Company at the top of their game, but like many of his mockumentaries, it's not exactly great filmmaking. That said, while later efforts like "A Mighty Wind" are more perhaps more polished, "Waiting for Guffman's" cast of of characters are better realized and, in turn, utilized in this ridiculous and often downright funny spoof on the artistic dreams of Smalltown U.S.A.
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2008-11-12 16:21
"Body of Lies" is a well-made terrorist-era spy-flick with a heavy dose of reality and enough "entertainment" to keep you glued to the edge of your seat. Of course, whaddya expect from director, Ridley Scott and stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe. As always, Leo is solid as a rock, and Crowe (with not a lot to do) is on comfortably chubby autopilot. And that's not a bad thing, as Crowe's autopilot is better than most at full throttle. As always, I get a little concerned when I find myself entertained by a cinematic rendition of horrors plucked right out of current events, but master that he is, Scott handles such affairs with much more care and subtlety than say Peter Berg managed to with "The Kingdom." This doesn't FEEL like the big-budget star-driven vehicle that it is. No, it comes across as an honest and important meditation on the world in which we live, and the juxtaposition of how small its become with our ability to distance ourselves from the turmoil within. (I need an editor, no?) My only gripe here was an ending that was less Middle East and more, uh... Hollywood. Regardless, this is big-budget "important" filmmaking at it slick best. See it!
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2008-11-09 16:08Sex and the City (2008)
2.5/5
Ehh... What can I say? There's probably a reason I never got into the TV show (besides the fact that I don't have HBO). I just genuinely do not care for these people or their ridiculously selfish problems. I watched this with the gal-pal who'd already seen it, and while it does have some nice cinematic moments and even some clever screenwriting, I just can't get involved with Carrie, Samantha and Miranda. Charlotte on the other hand...
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2008-11-06 20:00
Clint Eastwood has an amazing resumé, incredible longevity, and is (IMHO) the true definition of celebrity. But those aren't the reasons I like the guy so much. I like Eastwood 'cuz he's still working hard and accomplishing more (both critically and commercially) at 76 than most Hollywood-types will in a lifetime. At the helm once again with "Changeling," he's made an awfully good picture that will likely find some nominations and perhaps even a trophy or three. That said, it's not the tightest film he's ever made, and given the shockingly true subject matter I was hoping for a little more passion. While Angelina Jolie is quite good here, I find it harder and harder to connect with her; I think she suffers from the same affliction as her husband... she's TOO famous. So while I WANT to believe her onscreen, it's hard for me not to see Lara Croft, UN Goodwill Ambassador, Covergirl and modern day Carol Brady. But she IS good; along with the rest of her supporting cast. Eastwood's sparse score strikes a nice balance with the earnest story, and the cinematography and production design are top-notch. Ultimately though, what keeps "Changeling" from true greatness is its pacing and storytelling. I didn't need an entire Act of Jolie whining that the kid isn't hers. I got it the first time she said it. (Actually... I got it in the trailer). Great, the kid's not hers -- that's what we call an inciting incident; now move on! What follows is some wonderful storytelling, and the stuff that really matters. With a little editing (and maybe a less recognizable lead) this is nearly a perfect film; as-is...? It's still pretty darn good, and deserves to be seen. After all, who knows how many Clint's got left in him?
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2008-11-03 19:45
"RocknRolla" leads me (once again) to believe that if you've seen one Guy Ritchie flick, you've seen them all. But that's not entirely bad, you know? Ritchie's flair for the visually cool, intricately simple storylines, and knack for keeping things moving so British-ly fast that those of us across the pond can barely keep up is what makes his films so distinctly HIS. This is a popcorn pic for the arthouse crowd, and while it's not as funny as "Snatch" or as powerful as "Lock, Stock...", it's certainly an entertaining ride and definitely worth a look-see.
0.3 October, 2008
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2008-10-30 15:33Rescue Dawn (2006)
2.5/5
Based on a true story, the usually strong Werner Herzog missteps a bit with the Christian Bale starrer, "Rescue Dawn." While the story is interesting and perhaps even important, there seems to be some kind of disconnect in the storytelling. For one, Bale (whom I consider one of the best actors around) is kind of all over the place. Then again, so is Herzog's script. The tone of the film is so uneven that it's hard to get too invested -- some scenes are incredibly corny, and much of the dialogue is laughably bad. I'm guessing the fault lies in the language barrier -- this is a German writer/director at the helm of a German-produced film, shot in Thailand with American and Asian actors speaking English and Vietnamese. So while the drama is (I'm sure) motivated, it just doesn't... translate. If you LOVE Vietnam pics or Christian Bale (or even the wonderful Steve Zahn) then give this flick a try, otherwise I can't really recommend it.
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2008-10-26 14:53Dark City (1998)
4/5
This is the fourth or fifth time I've watched "Dark City," but my first time viewing the extended Director's Cut (on Blu-Ray no less...) Unlike most films, director Alex Proyas' re-vision for his seminal piece of cinematic Sci-Fi philosophy is even better than the theatrical release. With some additional characterization and a little less hand-holding, what was already a fantastically mind-bending, visual treat becomes a story with more depth and the ability to connect emotionally with the viewer. If you haven't visited this film in awhile, I can't think of a better reason.
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2008-10-24 14:45Cocaine Cowboys (2006)
2.5/5
"Cocaine Cowboys" is an interesting, somewhat nostalgic look at the infamous Miami drug wars of the 80's. While not incredibly inspired on the filmmaking front (primarily a lot of talking heads and vintage VHS-quality news footage), it does tell a compelling story and will likely fix your "Miami Vice" jones better than Michael Mann's updated film version of the classic TV show. Worth a shot if this is interesting subject matter to you, but awfully long at nearly two hours.
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2008-10-06 20:15Burn After Reading (2008)
3.5/5
I saw "Burn After Reading" with a relatively mixed bunch. I think each person I was with found moments to like, and plenty to dislike; and I'm guessing that our respective moments differed greatly betwixt the five of us. This film is "Fargo" for the "Michael Clayton" crowd. In other words, it's a thinking-man's comedic diatribe on a rather serious and potentially dark subject. While a ridiculously goofy Bradd Pitt was the highlight of the film for a few of the gals, I thought he pulled a little too much focus. He's funny, but his cartoonish performance just didn't belong in this film. Don't get me wrong, I love the guy doing quirky (which is what he does best), it just doesn't fit the tone of the rest of the picture. With that exception, the performances are all pretty good (Malkovich is a LITTLE over the top, but... he's Malkovich-Malkovich-Malkovich). And of course, the writing is intelligent, and pretty specific. In the end, the movie is a big, fat metaphor that manages to point an accusatory finger at a clueless American government without resorting to anger and malice. It's definitely worth a shot if you like the Cohen Bros. darker comedies, and worth a recommendation if your political views skew left of center.
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2008-10-04 14:13What Happens in Vegas (2008)
2.5/5
Okay, so this is one of those movies where you roll your eyes for a good 3/4 of the time, wishing to God that you hadn't committed these precious minutes of your life to such a stupid, lazy, almost insultingly-bad piece of celluloid schlock. You know -- because one doesn't just start something then NOT finish it... But to be fair, "What Happens in Vegas" has a few chuckle-worthy moments, and in the end manages to push the right (aka obvious, cliché, paint-by-numbers) buttons; which inevitably left me walking away with a mildly satisfied (albeit guilty) grin on my face. Diaz is past her bouyant comic prime, and needs to start embracing her womanhood, but Ashton seems as cute and juvenile as ever, and for some reason it continues to work for him. WARNING: This film sports pages and pages of absolutely atrocious writing, but manages to surprise with small doses of charm sprinkled throughout. Can't recommend it, but won't NOT recommend it either.
0.3 September, 2008
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2008-09-05 20:002001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
4/5
"2001" gets a four star rating because of its pedigree, and because of its place in film history (and because 50 years after it was made I still sat there thinking, "How'd they get that shot!?!") Is it too long? Yeah. Was Kubrick a little too in love with his camera. OH yeah. Does it make any damn sense? Not really. But guess what? It's spectacular. Really. I'd never seen it on the big screen, so when the Arclight got the most recent print and was showing it in the Cinerama Dome, it was a no-brainer. And on this, only my second viewing (and 15 years after the first), I was surprised by how a lot more of it DID make some sense (Act I monkeys, anyone?) I was also struck by how the ridiculously long and repetitive shots actually lulled me into kind of a stupor -- which might just have been the point. Or maybe the point is much more simple. Maybe in 1968 folks had NEVER seen this kind of effects work, and Kubrick was simply giving them some serious bang for their buck. I mean, remember the dinosaurs in "Jurassic Park?" I just wanted to LOOK at them forever -- we'd never seen anything CGI that even approached that. Well, "2001" was that times ten. Seriously. Think about it... this was ten years BEFORE "Star Wars," and a lot of the effects are better. Yes, better. It's stunning, often breathtaking, and perhaps the most bizarre, amazing, commercially successful film ever made. If you're under the age of 20 and NOT a film geek, you'll probably hate this seminal piece of filmmaking. But I guarantee you love many of the films that have constructed their shot lists (to a frightening degree) from this, the first truly great space opera to grace the silver screen. Without "2001: A Space Odyssey" there is no "Star Wars." And without "Star Wars," my childhood becomes very sad and very lonely. So thank you Stanley Kubrick, and thank you to whomever took George Lucas to see this, perhaps your most stunning achievement behind the camera.
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2008-09-03 21:57Immortal Beloved (1994)
3.5/5
"Immortal Beloved" is more a gothic romance than it is a treatise on Beethoven's life, but the setting and the maestro's legend provide a nice world in which to tell this little tale. Equal parts Nancy Drew, Falcon Crest, and Masterpiece Theater, the film isn't exactly the prestige piece that I was expecting, but Oldman is (what's new?) fantastic as the famed composer, and his supporting cast are all quite good. Well crafted, and set to Ludwig's Greatest Hits, this film is an enjoyable ride through another time, but never really reaches to do much more than unravel a mystery that I didn't personally care that much about. That said, it's worth a rental... especially if you're a woman jonesing for some period costumes and a little romance.
0.3 August, 2008
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2008-08-30 22:10The Lookout (2007)
2.5/5
Dunno really WHAT I thought of "The Lookout." It definitely has its moments, and some really solid performances, but it also feels rather disjointed at times, and ultimately misses the mark in its Act III heist. Matthew Goode is particularly, uh... good as the bad guy, and Jeff Daniels plays a very watchable (if not entirely believable) blind man. There's an interesting "Memento"-type plot device which hooked me early, but it never really plays out, and ultimately left me feeling rather blah about the whole affair. I wouldn't recommend this as a rental, but I wouldn't NOT recommend it if it happened to be playing on TV.
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2008-08-28 20:15Tropic Thunder (2008)
3.5/5
So "Tropic Thunder" is doing pretty good business... And for a comedy that cost $90 million to make, that's gotta have writer/director/star Ben Stiller breathing a little easier. I've always liked the guy, but have often thought he's better when he's not wearing so many hats. Loved his direction on "Cable Guy." Loved his performance in "There's Something About Mary." Didn't particularly care for either in "Zoolander," (although it does have some laugh-out-loud moments). Thankfully, he's managed to walk that tightrope with a little more polish this time 'round, and the resulting film is a fun mix of inappropriate hi-jinx and balls-to-the-wall action. Robert Downey Jr. (in blackface) clearly steals the show, but the other supporting characters are quite good too. My only minor gripes in this department were Stiller and Jack Black, who didn't seem quite as grounded. Stiller is always doing... Stiller. And Jack, who I think is the better actor, is playing more for laughs here, when I think playing the drama would've been even funnier. Minor qualms though, as there's plenty here to like -- not least of which is the relatively tight, and quite clever script. At the end of the day, this flick didn't blow my mind the way it has some folks, but it's a pretty big achievement and one that I'd recommend if you're looking for some late summer fun at the movies.
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2008-08-26 23:58Cinemania (2002)
3/5
You know, I'm finding myself drawn more and more to documentaries-- first and foremost, methinks, 'cuz the real world and the people in it are almost always more fascinating than something a writer might dream up. Of course, when your subject matter is so thoroughly entertaining, the filmmaking doesn't have to be quite as sharp, and therein lies the dilemma I have with my review for "Cinemania." Unlike the Errol Morris school of documentary filmmaking, which goes to great lengths to keep the viewer VISUALLY interested in what's going on, filmmakers Angela Christlieb and Stephen Kijak simply follow their subjects around with a DV camera, documenting the weird and wacky lives they lead. It's lazy filmmaking, and it kinda bothers me, but... I LOVED THIS MOVIE. The handful of folks on screen eat, breathe, and live cinema. They go to 3-5 films EVERY day of their lives. Not one of them has a job, and they each have very specific, OCD-like ways of making sure they can cram as much film into each waking moment. It's brilliant and funny and sad, and... still could've been so much better if the filmmakers had gotten a little more creative. Oh well, you should still see this little doc if for no other reason than to realize that guys like me aren't that weird at all when it comes to our love for the cinema. In fact, after watching "Cinemania," I felt kinda irresponsible for only seeing 2-3 films a week. Alas -- I didn't inherit millions, and I'm not on disability... yet.
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2008-08-17 23:42Vantage Point (2008)
1.5/5
Geez, this movie is lame. If I had to review it based on the first (and perhaps most important) first five minutes, I'd give it ZERO stars. Yes, it's that bad. Thankfully, as the stories play out in their faux "Rashomon" way, it does get a little better. Unfortunately, the whole thing FEELS like a big, fat setup, and it's nearly impossible to care about any of the people involved. Couple that with a hackneyed plot, ridiculous dialogue and some (blame the script!) incredibly uninspired performances, and what you're left with is a wasted night at the movies. Yes, this was a rental, but by the end I almost felt guilty for having watched the darn thing. I could have gone and fed a homeless guy, or taken some clothes to Goodwill, but no... I stayed at home and watched "Vantage Point." Ech. This is a dumbed-down "intelligent" thriller for the masses -- and it's no wonder it didn't fly in the theater even WITH a balls-out ad campaign. Donate some clothes or just buy some new ones, but don't waste your time with this bunch of tremendously talented, but completely underutilized actors. Seriously, this is not a good movie.
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2008-08-15 23:32The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
3/5
"The Spiderwick Chronicles" is better than its box office (or even the critics) would lead you to believe. It's got all the makings for a must-own DVD for the kiddies. And perhaps that's what the suits -- who didn't spend all that much on marketing when the movie came out -- were thinking when they greenlit it. Based on the Children's books of the same name, "Spiderwick" only really suffers from what almost all adaptations suffer from: Not enough time to tell the whole story. It just feels like there are some gaping holes and wonderful subplots that are missing here. The effects are solid, the performances are fun, and the (perhaps TOO simple) plot is set up and played out with precision. It's a little sterile in that regard, but it makes sense, and ultimately it WORKS. And while I don't have the numbers in front of me, I'm guessing that it's doing just fine on Blu-Ray and DVD, and that all's well in the Spiderwick coffers. This kid's fantasy doesn't break any new ground, and probably won't surprise you, but there's nothing really wrong with it and the kids are bound to enjoy its sense of adventure. Worth a shot...
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2008-08-13 13:30The Dark Knight (2008)
4.5/5
What can I say that hasn't already been said? "The Dark Knight" is probably the best film I've seen this year. It's about 15 minutes too long, but other than that, it's almost perfect. Solid performances, brilliant direction, and an inventive, intelligent screenplay make for a film that's both enormously entertaining, yet seriously thought-provoking. Heath Ledger IS as good as everyone is saying, but he's also been given SO much to work with. Great lines, superb setups, and some wonderful design make his Joker a villain for the ages, and one that fits right at home in the new millennium. Equal parts "V for Vendetta" and Michael Mann's "Heat," this Batman manages to thrill and wow at almost every turn, while raising some big important questions in the process. If you can see this at an IMAX theater, do. The scenes shot in this large format are eye-popping and worth every penny. Box office receipts would indicate that you've probably already seen this movie once or twice, but I say "GOOD." See it again, and let's all go to film school together. A few studied viewings of "The Dark Knight" will likely educate you as much as a few years in any film school. This Chris Nolan is the real deal. I was already a fan, but I'm officially onboard his boat now. Wherever it goes...
0.3 -
2008-08-09 10:30
Boo. No really... Boooo. I'm somewhat shocked and appalled that this film opened so well, and even worse, found favor among some critics. This is lowest-common-denominator writing, paired with could-care-less filmmaking, and features some of the most pathetic, loser-characters in recent memory. That it was directed by "All the Real Girls'" David Gordon Green is borderline mindblowing, and that this is what popular comedy has become is disheartening. This is NOT Cheech and Chong for the new millennium, and neither is it comedy's answer to "Pulp Fiction." Rather, it's lazy, masturbatory filmmaking by folks who've been given a little too much leash. Look, I don't mind Seth Rogen, but we've crowned him the new "It" comedian, and it simply doesn't fly. He bragged about how he wrote this AND "Superbad" when he was in his teens, and that he hasn't written anything since. Now that may be a joke, but I believe it! The best thing this movie has going for it is Danny McBride, who should be in line for some serious comic roles after this otherwise abysmal ride. To be fair, James Franco's performance is pretty good, but the story and the script are so loose and lazy that it's hard to care. Shave 35 minutes off this 2 hour snooze-fest and you might be onto something, but as-is, it's a sad commentary on what Hollywood is pouring its time and resources into these days. All that said, if you're a complete pothead, you might dig "Pineapple Express."
0.3 -
2008-08-07 19:30Traitor (2008)
3.5/5
Don Cheadle gives a... very good Don Cheadlesque performance in this engaging, but too-preachy thriller exploring the war on terror. Written and directed by "The Day After Tomorrow's" Jeffrey Nachmanoff, and based on a story by Steve Martin (yes, the wild and crazy guy), "Traitor" is long on intrigue and suspense, but ultimately suffers from some lousy writing and big fat neon sign overhead that practically shouts to the world, "YES -- WE KNOW HOW STUPID OUR GOVERNMENT IS HERE IN AMERICA!" Not that I don't personally agree with many of the points the film is making, but when you spoonfeed an audience characters and dialogue this heavy-handed, it's hard to take it seriously. The actors here are hit and miss, and the story, while ingenious in some of its twists and turns, doesn't place OR pace them quite right. This COULD have been this year's "Syriana," but unfortunately it's a little too on-the-nose to feel like much more than a popcorn melodrama with a little action thrown in for good measure. Of course, there are worse things than popcorn and melodrama...
0.3 -
2008-08-03 23:42
Okay, I'll admit it... I got sucked up just enough into all the cliché sports moments, that I'm overlooking some cookie-cutter filmmaking in order to throw four stars at "We Are Marshall." I don't want to give anything away, but this flick is sort've adhering to the original "Rocky" blueprint for sports movies. And it really does work for the most part. In other words, the journey is often much more important than the destination. The stars of the film are the cinematography and the production design. Watch this beaut on a crisp 1080p Blu-ray machine, and you'll see what I mean. It's hard to stuff a lot of information into a two hour movie, so while many of the one-dimensional characters don't have a whole lot to DO, the performances are uniformly good. In fact, I actually liked Matthew McConaughey's weird, but very specific take on Coach Jack Lengyel. A lot. And I'm no fanboy... I was actually a little surprised to see that video wunderkind McG was behind the lens of this rather touching look at overcoming adversity, but in retrospect it makes perfect sense. There's a lot of emotional manipulation going on in this somewhat hollow, but incredibly beautiful piece of celluloid. I can't say that it's stuck with me, but in the moment, I was on board hook line and sinker; and that's what a music video director brings to the table. Whatever the case may be, I can recommend this film to all but the most hardened and cynical cineastes, and would venture to say that it's a no-brainer if you dig warm'n'fuzzy sports flicks. Go ahead -- rent it already.
0.3
List generated by WP Movie Ratings.
