Showing posts with label The Double. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Double. Show all posts
The Double Keeps You Guessing
Cassius has been one of the most elite Russian spies American has known. He has ruled over the Russian forces with an iron fist and remained secretive to American intelligence sources. One man, Paul Shepherdson (Richard Gere), has been closer than any American operative. He has tracked this man in his former career with the CIA, so it is understandable that he is brought back from retirement when evidence mounts that the spy has resurfaced.
He’s paired with a young FBI agent that thinks he understands the mind of Cassius named Ben Geary (Topher Grace). Ben is someone who has risen to his rank with his theories and research on the elusive Russian. Together they will try to stop Cassius before he carries out his mission, whatever it may be. Why has Cassius resurfaced? What does he have planned for his next mission and can Ben and Paul stop him in time.The Double is a solid little film, for the most part. It deals in some cliché at time, but overall tends to work with the pairing of the young buck (Grace) with the wily veteran (Gere). Though the feeling here for me is Grace is coming harder at his role than Gere, and that is what makes this a notch below what you expect from a film like this.
I love Odette Annable and just wish she could be used more in films, but both she and Martin Sheen take a back seat to Gere and Grace.
Twists abound and some aren’t as obvious as others, but this is still an enjoyable little ride. Somewhat formula, but a decent ride nonetheless. How much of what I’m saying is true though, hmmmm, I can’t be a double agent…gotta say what I believe. But; The Double will have you guessing until the end.
C+
The Double
Universal Pictures
Director: Michael Brandt
Cast: Richard Gere, Topher Grace, Martin Sheen, Odette Annable
Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images and language.
Runtime: 1 hour 38 minutes
50 Movies in 50 Days – It Begins
So I’m doing it again…50 Movies in 50 Days as I plug through awards season.
Some movies will be considered for awards, some will be just reviewed on their schedule and still others will just be for fun (personal or family).
There will be movies on DVD/Blu-ray and in Theaters.
Movies in screening rooms and streaming online and of course movies on premium networks and in the DVR.
All these viewings are leading up to the casting of my ballot for the best of 2011 with the Critics’ Choice Awards ceremony in early January.
I’ll commit to periodically updating you along the way…I’ve tried to do it daily in the past, but if I can’t talk about a movie “officially” yet, things mainly center on stories that I can share. For that reason, I think a couple postings a week will be sufficient. (Unless, of course, you demand more!)
For now…I’ve got 3 days in the books and 3 movies on those 3 days.
Day 1
It all started Saturday, 10/22, with Puss in Boots. The advance screening, before the theatrical release on 10/28 was a trip with the whole family as the schedules worked in our favor. More on this title on the 28th, but it was a nice diversion for the morning after drama class and before our first excursion geocaching on a beautiful Saturday.
Day 2
The quest included a sneak peek at The Double starring Richard Gere and Topher Grace (opening 10/28 in theaters) that I will soon be able talk about – how about Friday with that one as well.
Day 3
I got in Monte Carlo – the Selena Gomez starring vehicle that Fox put out earlier this year (now on DVD/Blu). Was happy to get a chance to see it, because I don’t get to see virtually any Fox movies in theaters anymore prerelease. It’s like they just forgot some of us, but I digress. Monte Carlo is nothing special from a film standpoint, but did you expect it would be? What Monte Carlo is, is an enjoyable film in the genre it is made. Ok, so that’s almost a backhanded compliment…but it doesn’t mean that I’m not trying to be nice here. Gomez is likable and that is part of the charm (though I didn’t buy her in the more difficult diva role for some reason.) I can recommend this as a girl’s night movie selection (maybe a mommy/daughter night). It’s overall a tame but enjoyable and non-threatening movie.So – Three days into this journey and I’ve seen three titles. At this pace – I’ll have no problem getting to 50, even with a couple of (ZERO movie days).
For sure day 4 will feature the new film Anonymousand day 11 is scheduled to include the new film Tower Heist. Get ready for a fun ride. This season will wear you out, but it’s a lot of fun!
Summary – Through Day 3 (3 Movies Puss in Boots, The Double, Monte Carlo)
This Week’s Big Releases
The Big Year – Rated PG (Jack Black, Steve Martin, Owen Wilson)
So three men that are rivals are trying to one up each other with ideas…or something like that. This one didn’t screen locally; so I can’t tell you any more than that.
The Double – Rated PG-13 (Richard Gere, Topher Grace)
Did a full review when this came out in limited theatrical release – might have been too hard on the final grade, but if you’re interested read the review first. The story of a secret agent and his quest to keep his identity secretDream House – Rated PG-13 (Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, Naomi Watts)
This didn’t screen for the press, and I have yet to see it – but come on…the reviews out there can’t be right….it looks so good, and I love all three actors.
Drive – Rated R (Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston)
The hippest, coolest and downright BEST film released today. Drive is a cerebral film that walks you through some of the best performances of the year. Ryan Gosling is perfect as the haunted Driver and Albert Brooks SHOULD HAVE BEEN nominated for an Academy Award here.
In Time – Rated PG-13 (Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy))
I’m really starting to dig Justin Timberlake (the actor) – but didn’t get a chance to see this thriller on time being the biggest asset anyone controls.
The Thing – Rated R (Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton)
Remake, but Mary Elizabeth Winstead involved – and I like her. Didn’t get to see it as I had a schedule conflict when it screened.
Also new this week…
Chalet Girl – Rated NR (Felicity Jones, Ed Westwick)
Texas Killing Fields – Rated R (Sam Worthington, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Chloe Grace Moretz)
You and I – Rated R (Mischa Barton, Anton Yelchin)
And Finally
Treasure Buddies – Rated G
Ok, I had to post the trailer for this here…yes it’s because my daughter loves the buddies. Snow Buddies, Santa Buddies…it doesn’t matter – I’ll have HER review of this up later this week.
Check out the trailer below.
Pick of the Week
Driveis an intense and VERY cool movie. Actors should watch this one to see how it’s done! I have to admit I’m curious about In Time. And of course, I have a now 7 ½ year old that loves puppies so she would say Treasure Buddies is a must.
Thanks!
Pop Popcorn, Do the Dew, and Bust out the Blu and remember to Save Me A Seat!