Sort list by: title | rating | view date ↓
June, 2009
May, 2009
April, 2009
March, 2009
February, 2009
-
2009-02-22 18:40
Babylon 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."
0.3 -
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?
0.3 -
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.
0.3 -
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.
0.3 -
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.
0.3 -
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!
0.3 -
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?)
0.3 -
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
-
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.
0.3 -
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.
0.3 -
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.
0.3 -
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.
0.3 -
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.
0.3 -
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.
0.3 -
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.
0.3 -
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.
0.3
List generated by WP Movie Ratings.
