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• August, 2008

• Vantage Point (2008) 1.5/5

  2008-08-17 23:42

  

  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.

  0.3

• The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008) 3/5

  2008-08-15 23:32

  

  "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...

  0.3

• The Dark Knight (2008) 4.5/5

  2008-08-13 13:30

  

  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

• Pineapple Express (2008) 2/5

  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

• Traitor (2008) 3.5/5

  2008-08-07 19:30

  

  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 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

• We Are Marshall (2006) 4/5

  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

• The Proposition (2005) 4/5

  2008-08-03 22:28

  

  You know, this is a darn good flick, and a fascinating take on the "Western." I mean, for all intents and purposes that's exactly what it is, and yet the West depicted here is actually the aboriginal no-man's land of 19th century Australia. While the film takes its time telling a relatively simple story, its opening frames come at you with such intensity that it's almost a blessing that things slow almost to a crawl in the scenes that follow. There's not a lot going on here, but some wonderful character studies and an intriguing setup keep things interesting. Guy Pearce is quite good in the lead role, but Ray Winstone (who just keeps getting better and better) steals every scene he's in, and is the linchpin in this wonderfully esoteric deliberation on good and evil. If you pay attention, I guarantee you'll find that not everything is what it seems. See it!

  0.3

• Art School Confidential (2006) 3/5

  2008-08-01 22:18

  

  I didn't care for "Art School Confidential" quite as much as I did director Terry Zwigoff's 2001 indie hit "Ghost World" (which he also penned with "Art School's" writer, Daniel Clowes), but it was sort've quirky and relatively smart in the same underground comic book way. What stifles this film more than its predecessor is that it's a little too colorful/commercial for its own good, and the biting satire so ripe for the picking gets lost in the rainbow of trite characters and plot devices. Not a bad film by any means, but not nearly as fresh or edgy as some of Zwigoff's former projects.

  0.3

• July, 2008

• The Brave One (2007) 3.5/5

  2008-07-30 23:13

  

  Neil Jordan's "The Brave One" is an atypical revenge thriller -- atypical because the "brave" one out for revenge is a woman. This is actually the heart and soul of the film, as the story is as much about her difficulty accepting the violence building within as it is about her exacting that violence. For the most part it works, save for the awkward first Act relationship between her and "Lost" alum Naveen Andrews. Let me preface by saying that I love Jodie Foster, and am a huge fan of almost all her work... but for some reason, there's something inherently creepy and vaguely dishonest when she and Andrews are "intimate." I don't think I'm really even addressing her sexuality here (I personally think she's beautiful and could care less what team she plays for), but there's something very hard and distant about her which works for the latter 85% of the film, but just feels weird in the beginning. That said, her performance is for the most part very subtle, and nuanced as always. Terrence Howard didn't work as well for me in the beginning either, but eventually won me over as the detective who has befriended Foster. Jordan's direction is sure-footed, with handsome cinematography and clean, almost invisible editing supporting his well-planned story. But in the end, the film's strongest point becomes its weakest. The script is tight, well thought out, and explores some fascinating ideas... And while the ending certainly ties everything up and places a neat bow on things, this is one film that I wish had taken the higher, more honest road. I don't wanna issue any spoilers, but suffice it to say, with a story and characters as complex as these, I don't think you should walk away feeling "good" about the ending. With that in mind, "The Brave One" is a nice piece of filmmaking, and would be right at home in your Netflix queue.

  0.3

• The Condemned (2007) 2/5

  2008-07-28 23:18

  

  "The Condemned" stars WWE vet Steve Austin in a production that is equal parts "The Most Dangerous Game" and "Survivor," played out as a ridiculous online pay-per-view event. I'll shamefully admit that I was kinda looking forward to this flick as some mindless action a la the lower-budge Schwarzenegger and Segal flicks of the 80's. Well, twenty years later the production values are a LITTLE better, but what starts out as a fun (albeit ridiculous) concept, quickly devolves into lowest-common-denominator violence and some ultra-stupid Act III shenanigans. Characterization and reality are completely thrown out the window in an effort to raise the body count, and an already average film suffers for it. Austin is okay, and even likable at times, but he simply can't save the C-grade melodrama and incredibly hypocritical script. The direction is okay too, but these MTV-style fight scenes have GOT TO STOP! You can't tell what's going on, or who's doing what, and let's be honest... who cares? I realized watching this movie that editing that way is easier than trying to make things match. Just start throwing stuff in the timeline and the kids will love it! BLECH!!! I'm pretty sure you could do worse than "The Condemned" if you really try, but why in the world would you want to? Avoid this film unless you LOVE professional wrestling -- the intelligence bar by which this flick is setting its standards.

  0.3

• Step Brothers (2008) 3.5/5

  2008-07-26 20:10

  

  First of all, I have to admit how much I love Will Ferrell. The guy just makes me laugh, almost regardless of what he's doing. Secondly, "Step Brothers" is funny. It's not nearly as crass as a lot of critics are saying, but it IS filled with lots of R-rated buffoonery that manages to somehow straddle the line between brilliant satire and utter gutter humor. (Yes, you heard it here folks... "utter gutter.) Surprisingly, Ferrell gives John C. Reilly lots and LOTS of room to steal focus. I think this is both a good thing and a bad thing... and this is where I'm torn. You see, it makes for a much more cohesive and endearing story, but it probably sacrifices a few laughs along the way. I mean, lets be honest, Reilly is a fine actor and a very good foil to Ferrell's characters, but at the end of the day, he'll NEVER be funny like Will. I'm inclined to think that no one will ever be funny like Will. All that said, many of his past movies have suffered for spending TOO much time with this comedic giant. It's good to tell other folks' stories, and when the credits roll, we all leave feeling like we've been on much more fulfilling ride -- this despite the absolutely ridiculous concept and even more ridiculous (in a completely stupid GOOD way) performances. Director (and co-writer) Adam McKay doesn't do much in the way of establishing any kind of cinematic style here; the lighting is rather flat, and the production design is pretty straightforward. It's not a dealbreaker by any means, but after the gorgeous (but not as funny) "Semi-Pro," I was hoping the bar might be set a little higher. As it is, "Step Brothers" is a bona fide crowd pleaser with plenty of laughs, and enough story to outpace most of Ferrell's recent work. Definitely worth a visit to the multiplex.

  0.3

• Jumper (2008) 2.5/5

  2008-07-24 22:17

  

  Darn it... This movie could've been SO good. The hook is great, the possibilities are endless, and yet somehow it manages to turn rather quickly from Grade-A science fiction to Grade-B teen flick. Apparently director Doug Liman likes to throw the script out the window and "explore" on set, so this might have something to do with it. Then again, it kinda screams "Studio Interference." I can imagine after securing the rights to the book some suit insisting that they turn it into something that skews young. And it really is a shame because the pieces are all there from a pitch standpoint. I like Hayden Christensen -- he's not the greatest actor, but there's something immensely likable in the one thing he does well... namely, pout. No, I'm not being sarcastic. He pouts well, and it's gotten him through several (much better) movies. "Life as a House" is a great example. Jamie Bell (of "Billy Elliot" fame) is a much better actor, and steals almost every scene he's in, and Rachel Bilson is... well, she's pretty. You know, young males like pretty girls, and her eyes sure are big. Whatever, this movie devolves so fast that it's amazing it stays afloat at all. The "jump" effects are cool, but eventually grow tiresome. The storytelling is forced, and it feels like there are entire chapters missing. I'm done complaining, but I really wanted to like this movie. Oh well, whaddya gonna do? I'm giving it an extra half-star just because it COULD've been so cool.

  0.3

• Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008) 3.5/5

  2008-07-22 20:10

  

  Not QUITE the spectacle that I was hoping for, but a solid outing for writer/director Guillermo del Toro and his cast of otherworldly characters. At the end of the day, I'll just echo what all the reviewers have said, "Hellboy II" is a fun little romp through wonderland that's awfully short on story, but oozing with some brilliant visuals. Unfortunately, said eye candy peaks somewhere in Act II and the rest of film feels a little anticlimactic. There's also some lousy logic and character choices near the end of the film, so I wasn't all that sad to see it end. If you could put all the visual treats into a truly compelling story, and amp up the scale of things 'til the very end, you might just have... well, you'd have a much better film. As it is, Hellboy's still a pretty good ride that's easily worth a matinee viewing at the theater.

  0.3

• Definitely, Maybe (2008) 4/5

  2008-07-18 22:56

  

  I definitely liked this movie... maybe. No, seriously, "Definitely Maybe" is a charming little flick, with a sometimes hokey, but ultimately charming gimmick in the guise of a bedtime story to the precocious, and adorable Abigail Breslin. That the romantic shenanigans of the EXTREMELY likable Ryan Reynolds are being told to his young daughter provides for some fun, if not totally believable moments; and while I found myself eye-rolling on occasion at the need to keep coming back to these two, it does pay off nicely in Act III. A heartfelt and pretty intelligent little romantic comedy, it doesn't really break any new ground, but is solidly cast, well-directed and quite lean from a story-telling standpoint. It's too bad it didn't find its audience, cuz its a real charmer. I still can't figure out why Mr. Reynolds isn't a HUGE star. He's bright, great-looking, and his timing is superb -- he just needs the right vehicle. From National Lampoon cover boy to buff "Blade" vampire slayer, to warm-fuzzy dad, he's obviously got range... but enough of my man-crush. Check this film out and you'll likely chuckle, perhaps tear up a little, and definitely enjoy yourself... maybe.

  0.3

• Sister Act (1992) 4/5

  2008-07-16 01:42

  

  I decided to watch "Sister Act" again as a little research for another musical project on which I'm working. I remembered liking it the first time 'round, and while some of the shenanigans seemed a bit too "hi-jinksy" on this viewing, I still think it's a fun little comedy with a really good (albeit obvious) message. While Whoopi's no Brando, she's fine here, and the supporting cast of nuns is right on. The film is incredibly lean from a story standpoint, and my only real gripe pacing-wise might be too much of the aforementioned hi-jinks. Marc Shaiman's arrangements are (what did you expect?) awesome, and the direction surrounding these musical numbers is just fantastical enough to lift one's spirits without insulting his/her intelligence by completely abandoning reality. The movie has to walk a fine line as this good-hearted comedy is initially set up with a pretty dark back story. Silly 80's chase music, and (once again) equally silly shenanigans are what manage to keep the violence and (supposedly) scary characters from seeming too real. You'd think this might undermine Whoopi's dilemma, but c'mon... it's really just an excuse to get her into the penguin suit so she can change some lives for the better. If you can stomach some buffoonery, and a handful of underdeveloped one-dimensional characters, I really don't see what's not to like in this thoroughly entertaining, and occasionally inspirational romp through the wilds of Catholic churchdom.

  0.3

• Ne le dis à personne (2006) 3.5/5

  2008-07-12 21:30

  

  Thought it'd be fun to check out a fun little foreign film at a somewhat authentic art-house cinema since I'm in New York for a couple weeks, so... My gal and I went and saw the French flick "Tell No One," at the Sunshine Theater down in what they're now calling NoLita. All in all, it was a good ride. It's rare that I'm 2/3 of the way through a movie and literally on the edge of my seat waiting to see WHAT'S IN THE ENVELOPE!?! This is a tightly-woven yarn that manages to actually make sense of all the seemingly loose ends along the way. My only gripe is that while the screenwriter pulls it all together so succinctly, much of the tension that's been built feels less than warranted given the somewhat anti-climactic ending. Don't misunderstand, it's well worth the two hour ride, but I was hoping the big explanation might be more profound. As it is, I kind of saw it coming. But enough about story... The direction is taught and the performances are spot on. François Cluzet's Dr. Beck is fantastic and the guy is Dustin Hoffman's doppelganger -- no joke. This is a really solid film that I can heartily recommend if you dig a good mystery or a good foreign film. If you're a fan of both, you'll enjoy it even more.

  0.3

• Be Kind Rewind (2008) 2.5/5

  2008-07-03 21:04

  

  Michel Gondry is one of the most gifted THINKERS (I think) working behind the camera today, but it has yet to translate into a decent script. I really do like him as a director, but we're on different wavelengths as writers. I guess I just don't "get" his stuff. "Be Kind Rewind" is almost as tedious as his last film (the underwhelming "The Science of Sleep"), but where the last film was heady and kind of romantic, this film is silly and kind of romantic. I understand that we're supposed to check our disbelief at the door and fall into these little fantasy worlds that he creates, but it's awfully hard for me to do. I wind up not caring about his characters, and worse, I end up just not buying whatever it is he's trying to sell. In this case, a guy who gets "magnetized" in a cartoonish scene at a power plant, then accidentally erases all the tapes in a video store... that only rents VHS tapes... run by a guy who claims the building once housed jazz legend Fats... Waller? Domino? Albert? See, that's how tuned in I was to Gondry's "inspired" vision. It's not that these are not potentially great ideas, they just seem to be executed with a very French sense of "So-what-if-it-doesn't-make-any-sense? It's FUN!" Well, it wasn't THAT fun, but what transpires after the silly setup is kind of fun: Jack Black and company re-enacting all the movies they erased. An inspired idea, but with the exception of "Ghostbusters," not very well executed. Whatever. Jack and Mos Def are fun to watch, and the rest of the cast is up to the fantastic task of populating the film with their soon-to-be fans and admirers. You could do a lot worse than "Be Kind Rewind," but its simple charms don't make up for its loose and lazy storytelling. Eh...

  0.3

• Hancock (2008) 3/5

  2008-07-02 17:50

  

  I always hate jumping on the critic's bandwagon, but "Hancock" isn't very good. It's not BAD, mind you... It's just not very good. Will is solid and Jason Bateman continues to be one of my favorite actors around, but Peter Berg's direction just doesn't lend itself to this kind of story. Berg, known for his shaky, almost documentary-style camera work, is better suited to the gritty "commercial dramas" that have made him famous ("Friday Night Lights"/"The Kingdom"). He gets the small moments right here, but the big action sequences seem kind of clunky. Add to that an extremely episodic script that is tonally all over the place and you have a recipe for one ugly cake. And that's exactly what "Hancock" is... A jumbled mess of a movie, that actually doesn't TASTE too bad. The moral of the story? There's a reason why Will Smith is the biggest movie star in the world. He carries this film squarely on his shoulders, and even though it nearly derails several times, I still left feeling like I got my money's worth. That's a credit to Will's charisma and how much I genuinely LIKE the guy. He's also quite a good actor -- one that just keeps getting better with age. See "Hancock" at a matinee and enjoy it with some buttery popcorn. Both will bring a smile to your face, but neither will provide you with much nourishment.

  0.3

• June, 2008

• Patton (1970) 3.5/5

  2008-06-30 20:19

  

  I know that "Patton" won a slew of Oscars (netting a young Francis Ford Coppola his first), and is widely regarded as a classic, but aside from a powerhouse performance by George C. Scott, I don't really see what all the fuss is about. Then again, the fact that Paramount stepped up to the plate and made a "war film" in the midst of so much peace and love is somewhat significant, and there's no doubt that the film is very well made. It just seems a little hokey almost four decades later. While I have a great deal of respect for Karl Malden, his acting has always seemed a little old-school to me -- especially when sharing the screen with a Brando, or here with Scott. And those two juxtaposed together on celluloid is kind of what this film felt like to me... A bridge between the melodrama of its forebears and the grittier reality of the 70's. It's long, like "Lawrence of Arabia," but doesn't feel nearly as epic. On the other hand, I think I ENJOYED it more. What does all this mean? No clue. "Patton" is a well-crafted film that's both long and perhaps a little long-in-the-tooth, but definitely needs to be seen at least once. If I'd seen it back when it first came out, I'm sure I'd have given it at least another star.

  0.3

• Get Smart (2008) 2/5

  2008-06-28 22:50

  

  Man, I was really hoping to like "Get Smart." I wasn't expecting much, but I thought it might be a fun little comedic departure after seeing "Wanted." Well... it's a departure alright, but it's not funny -- or even fun, really. Don't get me wrong, it's all done in a spirit of fun, but it's SO formulaic, SO uninspired, and in turn, SO not worth the $14 I shelled out for the second half of my double feature. Problems? Well, Steve Carrell's Maxwell Smart gets too much RIGHT. Carell can eke pathos out of the most clueless characters, so why not let him run with Smart? This Smart keeps showing just how capable he is, and so he never really feels like an underdog. Add to this some bad paint-by-numbers "comedy," and been-there-done-that spy stuff and it ends up feeling like a poor-man's "James Bond." That all said, there are a few chuckle-worthy moments, and a fun dance scene that help save face, but also highlight just how unintelligent "Smart" really is. I can't recommend this film on any kind of cinematic level, but if you're game for some silly, completely mindless fun then it might serve your Saturday afternoon matinee jones. Then again, it might not.

  0.3

• Wanted (2008) 4/5

  2008-06-28 20:35

  

  "Wanted" has gotten its fair share of criticism because of its seemingly non-stop violence, and it DOES have oodles of the pretty graphic stuff, but what I think a lot of folks have overlooked is just how well crafted the story is and how all the pieces in this puzzle go together. What's unfortunate is that I don't think this flick NEEDED all the violence; if anything, some of the hyper-stylized killing took me OUT of the moment. Don't get me wrong, some of the shots are really cool, and the creativity in developing ways to assassinate the "bad guys" is clearly on display -- but one can't help but wonder why a guy would go to such great lengths to be so creative going after a guy in his limo when he could've just waited 'til the guy got OUT of said car. At any rate, we're missing the forest for the trees. This is solid story-telling with crumbs laid out nicely all along the way for the tale's many twists and turns. Yes, I saw most of them coming, but it's only because I've been in super-critical script analysis mode for the past couple months. I love it when it feels like all the dominoes start tumbling near the end of a film, with puzzle pieces finally landing to form a picture that's been carefully painted from the first frame. Angelina and Morgan Freeman are fine here, but the real star of the show is James McAvoy, who manages to nail the many different emotional levels required by his constantly-evolving character. I've been saying it since "The Last King of Scotland," and I'll reiterate it here, this guy is the real deal, and his star is about to explode. Solid direction, great design, and a fun (albeit awfully violent) story make for what might be my favorite big Hollywood flick so far this year. The only gripes I have are minor ones -- the narration seemed unnecessary and a little lazy, and their were a FEW moments where it felt like the rebirth of "Fight Club." Loved that movie, but it doesn't belong here -- in fact, I think that might be what threw me with the narration. I'm rambling now, so let me close by saying that this film is a doozy and deserves to be seen on the big screen. If you can stomach lots of blood and a pretty high body count, "Wanted" is one heckuva ride!

  0.3

• Punch-Drunk Love (2002) 4.5/5

  2008-06-26 19:05

  

  I know I'm in the minority, but this is probably my favorite P.T. Anderson flick. On this, my second viewing, I found Adam Sandler's performance subtle, incredibly nuanced, and (IMHO) nothing short of brilliant. Why don't more directors use him dramatically? (I suppose this film's Box Office answers that question... unfortunately.) In addition to a powerful meditation on loneliness and companionship, "Punch Drunk Love" offers some sublime moments of honesty and stunning realization. Heart-breakingly funny in spots, I found myself laughing and crying all at the same time. The art direction is lovely, with wonderful colors and enough lens flares to do an 80's sci-fi flick proud. At once a beautiful, disturbing, comically poignant fairy tale, "Punch Drunk Love" is a hopelessly romantic tone poem for the hopeless romantic soul at odds with the world. I LOVE this film.

  0.3

• Meatballs (1979) 3/5

  2008-06-25 04:05

  

  Believe it or not, this is the first time I've ever seen "Meatballs." For some reason I was under the impression that it was one of those raunchy 70's teen flicks, but it's actually quite sweet in a not-so-raunchy 70's way. This is early Ivan Reitman, and is oozing innocent charm even while it lacks the tight(er) storytelling of his later, more plot-driven fare. Bill Murray is aloof enough to keep things hip, yet completely lovable and even believable as the wacky summer camp counselor Tripper Harrison, and the kids are all lovingly crafted, one-note, two-dimensional clichés. I don't know that I did a lot of laughing, but I sure did a lot of reminiscing. If you ever went to camp as a kid, you'll likely find something to like here. Yay...

  0.3

• Night Falls on Manhattan (1996) 4/5

  2008-06-25 01:53

  

  This movie is good. I don't know that Lumet is in "Serpico" territory here, but I liked "Night Falls on Manhattan" a lot more than I thought I would (and apparently quite a bit more than other film buffs and critics). There's nothing particularly groundbreaking going on here other than good solid storytelling, but c'mon... it's Sidney Lumet. Andy Garcia is great, Richard Dreyfuss is... well, Richard Dreyfuss, and the rest of the cast is uniformly solid (although I've never really understood the whole Lena Olin thing... I'm just not a fan I guess). I will mention that Ron Leibman's Morgenstern steals every frame that he's in, and that we get to see two Sopranos (Tony and Junior) a good three years before the show made them household names. This may not be the most incredible story ever told, but it's a compelling and entertaining one told well by one of the master storytellers in American Cinema. C'mon... SEE IT!

  0.3

• Mr. Brooks (2007) 3/5

  2008-06-22 23:38

  

  In the bonus materials, writer Raynold Gideon recalls how Kevin Costner first responded after reading the script. Apparently the movie star told he and co-writer/director Bruce Evans that he had only read four PERFECT scripts in his whole life, and that "Mr. Brooks" was one of them. He then goes on to say how Costner was constantly encouraging Evans to just trust the script. I only bring it up here because I don't know if this tells us more about Hollywood egos, Hollywood politics, or the steady decline of Kevin Costner's star. This is not a BAD film, but it's far... FAR from perfect. In fact, some of the biggest missteps are clearly script issues. Corny dialogue, difficult-to-justify character choices, and some sketchy logic. I hate to rag on actors, but Demi Moore's performance here is among her worst, and while Costner and stalwart William Hurt are uniformly solid, their "character" is so clearly NOT the moral protagonist the writers want him to be. I understand this story as metaphor, but when you ratchet up the stakes this high, it's hard to see the metaphorest for the sociopathic trees. It's supposed to be edgy -- it isn't. It's supposed to make you think -- I didn't. And if "Mr. Brooks" DID begin its life as the aforementioned standard to which all screenwriters aspire, then maybe it tells us the most about just how willing the Studio System is to mess with a perfectly good script. That said, you should definitely see this film if you have a penchant for downright despicable, super-nice guys.

  0.3

• The Happening (2008) 3/5

  2008-06-20 20:05

  

  Much like Mr. Shama-lama-ding-dong's "The Village," I didn't hate "The Happening" as much as everybody else. That said, it's not very good. What's frustrating is that M. Knight is a very capable (maybe even terrific) director. His prowess behind the camera, and ability to created tension with shot composition alone is perhaps unmatched by his peers in Hollywood. He also has the uncanny ability to tap into seemingly simple ideas that have the potential to make us extremely uncomfortable. Unfortunately, he's also proving himself (film-by-film it seems) to be a lousy screenwriter, and completely inept at knowing what does and doesn't work. Mark Wahlberg is so laughably bad in this film that I kept thinking that the director had pulled him over after every take and said, "Great work Mark. Now let's try it again, but more gay this time. You're not just GAY enough..." I literally have no clue what Wahlberg is doing here. The usually likable Zooey Deschanel also manages to derail every scene she's in. Perhaps it was by design that her childlike manner would release the tension in each scene, but it does NOT WORK. What's worse, Shyamalan has these two very average actors doing hardcore melodrama that again, is literally laughable. I SHOULD NOT BE LAUGHING IN THIS MOVIE! At least not every third shot. The script is littered with breadcrumbs that lead absolutely nowhere, and tries to tie it all together in the end with some over-the-top talking head explaining the very thing that was explained in THE FIRST FIVE MINUTES OF THE FILM! Talk about feeling cheated. Add to all this some ridiculously sophomoric moments (The scene in the lion's den looks like something out of a Will Ferrell movie), and one of the most anticlimactic "climaxes" in recent memory and you have all the elements for a bona fide stinker. What manages to save the day though, is M. Knight's sure-footed camera work. I was engaged from the first frame to the last, and while I snickered and rolled my eyes through much of the film, I was on board the whole way. What needs to happen... What MUST happen if this guy is gonna keep making movies, is that someone (maybe Spielberg) has to step in and knock Shyamalan's ego down several notches. Hand him a REALLY good screenplay. Then go out and populate it with some seriously good actors. I'm telling you, this guy's got the chops to be one of the best, but he's WAAAAYY too in love with himself to get the job done right now. Go ahead and see this flick, but just know that it's nothing more than an average B-movie posing as some kind of self-important social commentary.

  0.3

• Atonement (2007) 4/5

  2008-06-18 22:55

  

  I'd been meaning to see "Atonement" since it was in the theaters, and with all the Oscar buzz was prepared for some serious filmmaking. I'll start out by saying that it was not the juggernaught that I was expecting, but there IS some great filmmaking going on here. Specifically, the 5 minute Steadicam shot at Dunkirk. Holy moly, Batman! While not as visceral as the uncut sequences in "Children of Men," the sheer scale and precise timing of this one shot is beyond stunning. I'd heard rumblings about the depressing ending, but to be honest, it didn't really affect me. I LIKED the "twist," but felt that it lessened the emotional impact of the story as a whole. The story meanders at times, and while the performances are admirable all 'round, for some reason I had trouble investing in these characters. That said, James McAvoy's star is rising, and I hope he stays true to the performances that have brought him this far. ("Last King of Scotland" anyone?) In a nutshell, this is a fine film. Engaging, but not particularly "entertaining." It surely deserves the recognition it has received, but I don't know that it belongs on the short "must-see" list of 2007. Perhaps, the "should-see" list...

  0.3

• Point of No Return (1993) 2.5/5

  2008-06-16 23:39

  

  I remember seeing this movie in college, and having the biggest crush on Bridget Fonda for weeks (if not months) afterward. Watching it today, I suppose I can see why the younger me was so enamored, but it's difficult now to look past the completely unbelievable casting and absolutely ridiculous (not in a good way) action sequences. Based on Luc Besson's "La Femme Nikita," John Badham's "Point of No Return" suffers from 80's hangover in the gunplay department (henchmen showing up out of nowhere with ROCKET LAUNCHERS!?! in the kitchen at some posh restaurant) and suffers even more from a case of the taking-ourselves-way-too-seriously blues. It also suffers from really bad writing, and some simply asinine situations. What's crazy is that with all the atrocious storytelling, it's not an abysmal ride. Bridget's pretty easy on the eyes, Gabriel Byrne is solid despite the silly writing, and the "idea" behind it all is pretty fun. You could do worse, but you could also do a whole lot better.

  0.3

• Meet the Robinsons (2007) 4/5

  2008-06-09 19:14

  

  This is one wacky movie. Some reviewers have complained that it's all over the place and completely unquantifiable, and to be honest, I think that's its biggest charm. There also happens to be a good little message packed into all the nonsense and non-sequiturs, along with a few fun "reveals" that keep the audience guessing. With the exception of a few shots here and there that look like they didn't get finished, "Meet the Robinsons" is absolutely gorgeous (especially on Blu-Ray) and the art design is really stylized and fun. I'll close by saying that you're likely to either love or hate this film. The script IS absolutely nutty, but I happened to find it both charming and really entertaining. Give'er a try!

  0.3

• War Dance (2007) 3/5

  2008-06-05 22:01

  

  I didn't love the Academy Award nominated "War Dance," but I did bawl like a baby on cue with one of the film's protagonists. For some reason this film feels more like propaganda than genuine storytelling. Yes, these kids are living lives that are in many ways unthinkable, and yes their story needs to be told... This one just felt manipulative to me. I understand that in order to make a documentary film that looks and plays like this, the subjects must be prodded and posed in ways that will tell a visually compelling story. It just seems awfully invasive at times. The redemption that these kids find in music is a wonderful thing, but I found myself struggling to connect with it in any kind of meaningful way. At the end of the day, this is a culture and way of life that I cannot comprehend. While the filmmakers should be credited for bringing this story to light, IMHO it's a little too slick for its own good. That said, it IS a beautifully shot and wonderfully scored documentary... And perhaps that's its biggest fault.

  0.3

• 3:10 to Yuma (2007) 4/5

  2008-06-04 23:40

  

  I am not typically a fan of Westerns. I can't really put a finger on it, but I tend to tune out to all but the most commercial gunslinger. For example, I loved "Tombstone" and have seen it several times, but every time I try to sit through a screening of "Unforgiven" I feel like I'm wading in quicksand. Call me crazy, but my cinematic ideals are all but thrown out the window when it comes to this genre. So "3:10 to Yuma" was a pleasant surprise for me. Not only did it hold my interest, it was thought-provoking and even managed to entertain me. Russell Crowe is solid if not spectacular, and the always-engaging Christian Bale doesn't disappoint either. However, the performance that really jumped out at me was Ben Foster's menacing #2. With the exception of "My Name Is Earl," I don't think I've ever really liked Foster in anything, but he is wonderful as Ben Wade's right-hand man, and steals almost every frame that he's in. The direction here is pretty sure, and doesn't rely on the long, pondering reflections and self-indulgent cinematography that plague many Westerns. My only beef with this film is the ending. I mean really, I was on board hook, line and sinker 'til one of the main characters starts making decisions that are simply not... in character. It doesn't sink this otherwise solid ship, but it does weaken its impact considerably. Still, this is a good ride and one worth taking. Check it out!

  0.3

• Once (2006) 3.5/5

  2008-06-03 21:19

  

  I'd heard such good things about this low-budge movie musical, and was really looking forward to seeing it. I knew it was shot on the super cheap with a DV camera and a miniscule crew, and of course it went on to win an Academy Award... for Best Original Song. While I did really enjoy the film and its simplicity, I kept wanting something to HAPPEN. "Once" is essentially a series of scenes that tie together a bunch of original music, performed passionately and convincingly by the two leads. And that's pretty much it. Guy meets girl. Guy makes some music with girl. Guy and girl... Well, I won't spoil it, as the ending is a pretty bold choice, and one that finally brought me on board with the whole experiment. If only Hollywood would wake up and sniff the honesty... I'll add that I kept thinking that a couple musicians must've gotten together and said, "Hey let's make a movie so people will listen to our music!" Some perusing of the Bonus Materials on the disc convinced me otherwise, but it ain't a bad idea. Hmmm... I probably won't ever watch this one again, but it's certainly worth a look-see.

  0.3

• Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) 4/5

  2008-06-01 17:15

  

  I've probably lost my mind, but I'm giving "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" four stars. Not because it's a great film, but because it's a comedy that actually made me laugh, and kept me laughing pretty much top-to-bottom. Actor/Writer Jason Segel's script doesn't really break any new ground, but it does find humor in the most innocuous places, and even manages to pull some heartstrings along the way. If you've ever been in and out of love, this film will make you laugh. Out loud.

  0.3

• May, 2008

• Before the Devil Knows You're Dead... 4/5

  2008-05-30 23:41

  

  "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead" is a darn good melodrama posing as a sharp crime caper. Or at least that's what director Sidney Lumet wants you to think. I liked it. A lot. Philip Seymour Hoffman is (as always) breathtaking, and Marisa Tomei not only goes toe-to-toe with him in several frames, but steals a scene or three with subtle expressions alone. The non-linear editing serves the story well, and Lumet's direction is a sure as ever. I always love Carter Burwell's burdensome scores, and he's well-utilized here. Ethan Hawke and Albert Finney turn in equally solid (if not scene-stealing) performances, and the supporting cast is really top-notch -- theater actors most of them. It would have been easy to get bogged down in the heavy subject matter, but the script never panders, and Lumet keeps things going at a rather brisk clip. Complaints? Geez, I don't think I have any. Actually, from a strictly emotional/ethical place, I kinda wish the very last scene had gone a little differently. Then again, that would've been a completely different a story...

  0.3

• The Fall (2006) 4/5

  2008-05-28 20:00

  

  I'm not exactly sure what I thought of "The Fall." I'd gone 'cuz I'd heard it was a visual feast on par with Terry Gilliam's "Brazil." I'd also heard that it made about as much sense. Thankfully it makes much more sense, but while the visuals are lush, wondrous, and even inspiring, the film lacks a cohesiveness that would help ground these optical treats in some kind of reality (however fantastical it might be). Now I know some will argue that's the whole point, but it doesn't help the fact that everything seems somewhat disjointed. It's almost a reflection of the performances here. While the "real-world" characters are wonderfully portrayed and entirely believable, their "storybook" alter-egos are so cartoony as to elicit actual laughs in the theater. Again, I know that there's a method to this madness, but it still kept me from completely investing on any kind of emotional level. THAT, in turn, made it difficult to find my balance, and I often became more occupied with how I was feeling than with what was happening on screen. All that said, however, this is a beautiful story told in a very original way. It's one of those rare pieces that manages to tie up all the loose ends with one simple scene (and it doesn't feel manipulative or like some Deus Ex Machinanation). Catinca Untaru, the little girl here is, for the most part, nothing short of brilliant. In fact, some of her deliveries are SO spontaneous and real that I have to believe that she wasn't working from a script at all, but rather, that director Tarsem had the adult actors milk her own stilted words from her still-developing bilingual vocabulary. Without issuing any spoilers, I'll add that Act III turns this lovely children's bedtime story rather Grimm, but it's not out of nowhere. "The Fall" is a brighter, tamer "Pan's Labyrinth" with more focus on the fantasy than the reality. While it has some darker moments and themes, it never becomes bleak enough to self destruct (which I thought "Pan's Labyrinth" did), and ultimately manages to find the necessary bow to tie things up. While it certainly has it's issues, this is a film I'm more than comfortable recommending.

  0.3

• 28 Weeks Later (2007) 2.5/5

  2008-05-27 15:30

  

  It's never good to go into a movie with expectations, and while mine weren't exceptionally high for "28 Weeks Later," I HAD anticipated one thing: that it would be similar to the first (the phenomenal "28 Days Later"), but with a substantially higher budget. While the latter half is true, it's really not at all like the original save for the virus in question and its effect on people. The film starts off strong, with a truly chilling teaser that sets the story in motion. I was even on board with the "let's-repopulate-Britain-now-that-the-virus-is gone" premise. What left me completely cold was the series of ridiculous coincidences that had to take place to get the zombie ball rolling again, and the generic kill'em off one-by-one storytelling which then commenced. Throw in the absurd prescience of Robert Carlyle's character for the remainder of the film, and what you've got is a paint-by-numbers zombie flick with some U.S. Military bashing thrown in for good measure. You could probably do worse, but I know you can do better.

  0.3

• Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the... 3.5/5

  2008-05-24 14:15

  

  I could go into great detail about what does and doesn't work in "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," but at the end of the day you're either gonna suspend your disbelief or not. If you can (and you should), it's a heckuva ride with all of the chills and thrills that made the franchise so popular a quarter century ago. Yes, there are some goofy looking props and some leaps in logic, but hey, this series was always SUPPOSED to feel like a Saturday serial. Spielberg once again shows why he's the king of camera movement, and while Ford's Indy isn't quite as cool as we remember, that's kind of the point. Shia opens the door for future adventures, and while he'll certainly never FILL such big shoes, he might just surprise us with some fun new ones down the road. This was my second favorite installment (with "Raiders" the clear-cut winner), and deserves to be seen in the theater.

  0.3

• P.S. I Love You (2007) 2.5/5

  2008-05-17 18:05

  

  I agreed to watch "P.S. I Love You" because I think one of the signs of being a good boyfriend is letting the missus choose the evening's entertainment on occasion. The good news is I think I earned an action flick or three by sitting through this romantic comedy. The bad news is that is was neither romantic... or a comedy. Actually, let me take that back. If cartoonishly perfect men saying cartoonishly perfect things to a cartoonishly imperfect girl constitutes romance, then this chick flick might change your life. In all fairness, Harry Connick Jr. DID make me laugh a few times, and there are a FEW sweet moments, but the pacing is so bad, and the gimmick so difficult to swallow, that it's hard to take any of it seriously. By the time Prince Charming swoops in out of nowhere to rescue the three stooges, I mean... SISTERS, who are "stuck," three-wide on a rowboat because they're too lazy and/or stupid to recover their "lost" oars, I... I... Aw the setup is so long, I don't even have the patience to write a punchline. The male characters in this film are rugged and charming enough to perhaps warrant a viewing on girls' night, but I'd advise the boyfriends out there to cause a distraction when she nears the P's at Blockbuster. Consider yourselves warned!

  0.3

• Reversal of Fortune (1990) 3.5/5

  2008-05-15 23:51

  

  This was the first time I'd seen "Reversal of Fortune" and I went into it with absolutely no expectations. It's based on Alan Dershowitz' book of the same name, and is at its heart, an inventive take on the procedural drama from the legal side of things. Jeremy Irons won an Oscar for his fantastic portrayal of the strange, but likeable Claus von Bülow, and he steals each an every scene he's in. Not to be outdone, Ron Silver's hair also manages to draw plenty of focus in his take on the scribe (and central character) Dershowitz. Barbet Schroeder's direction is fine if not terribly original, but Nicholas Kazan's script feels a little flat and not quite smart enough for the subject matter at hand. The ending is a little vague for my tastes, but the story is based on true events and real people, and I suppose it wouldn't be right to invent some Hollywood ending to tie up all the loose ends. After all, I'm guessing they're easily that loose in reality. Finally, the filmmaking seems a little dated; the movie came out in 1990, but it FEELS like an 80's flick. That's not all bad, but nostalgia for that decade works better in comedies than dramas. Oh well... Concerns aside, this film is certainly watchable and Irons' performance alone is more than worth the price of admission. Give it a shot.

  0.3

• The Conscientious Objector (2004) 4/5

  2008-05-12 23:57

  

  I'm giving "The Conscientious Objector" four stars not because it's an example of great documentary filmMAKING, but because it's such a wonderful little story -- one that I'd never heard before. It's the story of Desmond T. Doss: a man who refused to carry a gun because of his religious convictions, yet marched off to Okinawa and changed the course of history -- bringing home a Medal of Honor in the process. While the film itself is awfully simplistic in its paint-by-numbers, "stock footage and talking heads" approach, Doss' story (as recounted by the man himself, and the men he saved) is a stunning and incredibly touching meditation on courage and faith. With the WWII-on-film craze we've endured this past decade, it absolutely boggles my mind that someone hasn't already turned this into an Academy Award winning feature. Maybe I should start hunting down the rights...

  0.3

• Air Guitar Nation (2006) 3/5

  2008-05-11 21:47

  

  "Air Guitar Nation" might not rock your world, but it could quite possibly rock your day. A fun, feel-good romp that never takes itself too seriously, this little SXSW darling is to documentaries what air guitar is to Eddie Van Halen: an amusing, but never threatening distraction. You'll likely fall for one of the main characters, and you're equally as likely to be cheering at the end, but while it's all fun (really, a lot of fun) it's not substantiative FILMMAKING in any way. In fact, I'm guessing that director Alexandra Lipsitz manipulated events in order to create her story. No, it wouldn't surprise me if SHE put Dan Crane (aka Bjorn Turoque) on that plane to Norway. There were actually several moments where I had a hunch that this had happened, and though it was a little distracting, each instance (whether true or not) certainly helped the story. Even with these question marks, this little doc had me smiling, rolling my eyes, and even tearing up a bit at the end. It's certainly worth a rental, and might be enjoyed even more with a group of rock-loving friends looking for a rockin' good (but harmless) time.

  0.3

• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) 2.5/5

  2008-05-10 19:35

  

  I remember liking this movie a lot more as a kid. In fact, I went so far as to defend it prior to the Indy marathon I attended this past weekend. Unfortunately, "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" doesn't hold up nearly as well as "Raiders." While the spectacle works on many levels, the story-telling falls flat on its face with a hackneyed plot, and Mrs. Spielberg ruining every other scene. It's not her fault, of course... What Lucas and Company failed to see was that Indy's relationship in this installation is with Short Round -- NOT Willie. A lot of the fun is also lost here, as the subject matter is a lot darker while the jokes are slapstick-ier. It doesn't work. There ARE some fun setpieces and some fantastic stunt-work, but at the end of the day, the only reason to re-visit this awkward middle child is to lower the bar a little, expectation-wise, this summer. Surely Part Four can't be any worse...

  0.3

• Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) 4.5/5

  2008-05-10 17:25

  

  By far the best of the original Indy trilogy, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" still stands as one of the most enjoyable cinematic rides of my life. While it shows its age with some cheesy special effects, and a still sprite-looking Harrison Ford, this is the film to which all summer popcorn flicks aspire. What can I say that hasn't already been said? The action is fun, the locations are awesome, and the hero is maybe the greatest of all time. The one thing I noticed on this viewing is some over-the-top exposition dripping from the mouths of Indy and Marion. What's crazy is that it doesn't feel terribly obvious. For whatever reason, all the pieces just FIT together in one of the greatest action-adventures ever committed to celluloid. The opening sequence alone is worth the price of admission, and if you can keep your tongue planted as firmly in your cheek as Spielberg and Lucas, you won't even mind the B-movie effects near the end (FX that TERRIFIED me at the ripe old age of eight). If you're gonna re-visit just one Indy movie prior to this summer's highly anticipated sequel, "Raiders" is the ONLY option!

  0.3

• Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) 4/5

  2008-05-09 23:20

  

  While I don't recall whether or not I saw "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" at a proper movie theater in 1977 (heck, I was probably too busy seeing "Star Wars" for the gazillionth time), I do know that I saw it at some point in my childhood; probably on Betamax. I know this, 'cuz I still have tinges of nightmarish anxiety when I see stills or footage of the alien at the end -- the kind that only comes from imagery lodged deep within the recesses of childhood memory. I also know that I hadn't seen it since, so I was REALLY looking forward to a viewing of this seminal film on Blu-Ray. There are three versions available on the disc, and I went with what aficionados uniformly deem the superior "Director's Cut." I wasn't disappointed... but neither was I completely swept off my feet. Maybe because I know how it ends (check out the "Special Edition" for a different ending), or maybe cuz we're thirty years on, but for some reason it didn't have quite the same magical effect on me as the one I recall from my formative years. Then again, maybe that's not fair. Act III is pretty doggone magical, and it'll be tough to EVER top that feeling of first contact. Spielberg's childlike eye makes this relatively dark, but spiritually profound film play more like fantasy than sermon, while managing to both entertain and provoke. The cinematography is lovely, what with all the lens flares and vignette-focusing, yet the overall darkness necessitates grittier, grainier-looking celluloid. Is this art mimicking the juxtaposition of themes within the story, or just a happy accident? Either way, it creates a film that feels incredibly special more than three decades after its initial release. And maybe that's why I'm torn... I have a hunch that this film FEELS more special than it really is. It's lodged so deeply in the public psyche (and mine) that the legend of it overshadows the film itself. I mean, c'mon... There are some terrible looking sets on display, some atrocious character design (the hordes of little green men in rubber suits near the movie's climax), and some terrific leaps in logic. Sure, the ending is profound, but it's also profoundly ambiguous in its idea of what makes a hero. I know, I know... I'm over-analyzing all of this. At the end of the day, "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" is a heckuva film (especially for 1977), and while it may not be the terrifying-yet-magical adventure I experienced as a kid, it undoubtedly blazed the trail for a new kind of science fiction in cinema. Forgive its few shortcomings, and try to experience it again for the first time.

  0.3

• Iron Man (2008) 3.5/5

  2008-05-07 21:30

  

  So Marvel Studios' first film "Iron Man" broke some box office records, and has undoubtedly written director Jon Favreau's ticket for the foreseeable future. It might have even cemented the less-interesting-when-clean, but still enjoyable Robert Downey Jr.'s commercial star power, and reignited the now-a-mom, but ever-cute Gwyneth Paltrow's acting career. It's also without-a-doubt the smartest superhero flick to come down the pipeline in awhile. The summer's first big action flick was the second half of a double-date double feature (yes, the GUYS half), and my writing partner went so far as to say that it might be his favorite super hero movie EVER! And most of the critics seem to agree, so I guess I'm just losing touch with "The People." I thought it was fine, perhaps even enjoyable, but certainly not the Second Coming of the Superhero flick. On the other hand, it didn't make the all-too-common Act III mistake of jamming the screen with 35 minutes of CGI and other special effects. Instead, the characters take OFF their masks and Favreau focuses on their humanity. Bravo! There's also lots of fun banter between Downey's Tony Stark and Paltrow's Pepper Potts. The gadgetry is a testosterone-fueled smörgåsbord of gears and metal, and the soundtrack is epic, orchestral rock. The direction is sure-footed, and the performances are uniformly solid. So what's not to like? Well I guess the biggest issue for me is one that seems to be creeping up all over the place: There just weren't that many surprises -- heck, I'm trying to think of even one. Maybe I've outgrown popcorn movies, or maybe I'm overthinking things, or maybe I should just stop paying such close attention... All I know is, rockets and guns and girls and sexy toys seem WAAAYYY cooler to me if they exist within a story that keeps me on the edge of my seat. So while "Iron Man" was fun and dazzling, it wasn't the thrill-ride I'd hoped for, primarily because I was slouched a little too comfortably right smack dab in the middle of my seat for the duration of this otherwise really good ride. Still, you should see it.

  0.3

• Made of Honor (2008) 2/5

  2008-05-07 17:15

  

  I saw "Made of Honor" as the first half of a double-date double feature; you know, the one the GIRLS wanted to see? It's about as corny and predictable as you'd expect, and somehow even manages to ignore the FEW decent setups created early-on in the otherwise uninspiring script. They've essentially re-made "My Best Friend's Wedding," but dumbed it down and cheesed it up. My girlfriend tells me that the two stars I'm giving it go wholly to Patrick Dempsey and his boyish good looks. He's fine, but I still don't understand all the fuss. If you're looking for a completely mindless, sort've okay romantic comedy, then "Made of Honor" MIGHT suffice. Then again, you still might be disappointed.