Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
WTF? Little Fockers Lacks the Little Laughs
Meet the Parents was a nice little film that was not only funny, but it also uniquely told the story of a man meeting his in-laws and struggling to fit in. Meet the Fockers had us meeting the other side of the family and the quirks they possessed. Little Fockers has kids, fraternal twins that are supposed to be the basis for the humor. A problem occurs though, they forgot the humor.
Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) is coming to Greg and Pam’s (Ben Stiller and Terri Polo) house to celebrate the 6th birthday of their two children, and yes he is still watching them. Things have change though…Dr. Bob is splitting from his wife (an affair) Kevin (Owen Wilson) is half way around the world looking to get engaged. And the Fockers (Barbara Streisand and Dustin Hoffman) are apart as Bernie tries to find himself while Roz hosts her sex therapy show.
As Greg is trying to do the best for his family, he takes on a night job as a spokesman for Sustengo (the new erectile dysfunction drug) with his drug rep Andi Garcia (Jessica Alba). So who is watching who, and why, and will this birthday party happen?
This is a hard review to write. Why? I like everyone in this film. In many instances, they have put out a range of films that have generated every emotion within me. But this film had such little emotion that I had to check my pulse when I left.
Sure there are some scenes in here that gave me a chuckle, but there were so many more that felt miserable. It felt miserable all over. I felt bad for the actors. I felt bad for the individual sitting next to me and I felt real uncomfortable for those who mistakenly brought young children to the film.
The movie was supposed to be about the “little” Fockers…but they had what seemed to be small roles in a much bigger movie, so that’s kind of a misnomer.
This film just didn’t work on so many levels. I really don’t want to trash these good people, so I’m not going to. It’s the Christmas season and I will just say, don’t see it. Rent Meet the Parents or buy Meet the Fockers instead either will be a much better selection. Otherwise you may just resort to texting a friend WTF on your way out of the theater.
C- / D+
Little Fockers
Universal Pictures
Director: Paul Weitz
Cast: Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Blythe Danner, Teri Polo, Jessica Alba, Dustin Hoffman, Barbara Streisand
Rating: PG-13 for mature sexual humor throughout, language and some drug content.
Runtime: 98 minutes.
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Meet the Parents was a nice little film that was not only funny, but it also uniquely told the story of a man meeting his in-laws and struggling to fit in. Meet the Fockers had us meeting the other side of the family and the quirks they possessed. Little Fockers has kids, fraternal twins that are supposed to be the basis for the humor. A problem occurs though, they forgot the humor.
Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) is coming to Greg and Pam’s (Ben Stiller and Terri Polo) house to celebrate the 6th birthday of their two children, and yes he is still watching them. Things have change though…Dr. Bob is splitting from his wife (an affair) Kevin (Owen Wilson) is half way around the world looking to get engaged. And the Fockers (Barbara Streisand and Dustin Hoffman) are apart as Bernie tries to find himself while Roz hosts her sex therapy show.
As Greg is trying to do the best for his family, he takes on a night job as a spokesman for Sustengo (the new erectile dysfunction drug) with his drug rep Andi Garcia (Jessica Alba). So who is watching who, and why, and will this birthday party happen?
This is a hard review to write. Why? I like everyone in this film. In many instances, they have put out a range of films that have generated every emotion within me. But this film had such little emotion that I had to check my pulse when I left.
Sure there are some scenes in here that gave me a chuckle, but there were so many more that felt miserable. It felt miserable all over. I felt bad for the actors. I felt bad for the individual sitting next to me and I felt real uncomfortable for those who mistakenly brought young children to the film.
The movie was supposed to be about the “little” Fockers…but they had what seemed to be small roles in a much bigger movie, so that’s kind of a misnomer.
This film just didn’t work on so many levels. I really don’t want to trash these good people, so I’m not going to. It’s the Christmas season and I will just say, don’t see it. Rent Meet the Parents or buy Meet the Fockers instead either will be a much better selection. Otherwise you may just resort to texting a friend WTF on your way out of the theater.
C- / D+
Little Fockers
Universal Pictures
Director: Paul Weitz
Cast: Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Blythe Danner, Teri Polo, Jessica Alba, Dustin Hoffman, Barbara Streisand
Rating: PG-13 for mature sexual humor throughout, language and some drug content.
Runtime: 98 minutes.
Yes, my daughter Alexandria joined me for a review this time and it's a video look at The Adventures of Tin Tin.
Please take a peek --
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Please take a peek --
Young Adult is Grown Up
Young Adult
Paramount Pictures
Director: Jason Reitman
Cast: Charlize Theron, Patton Oswalt, Patrick Wilson
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Thirty seven year old Mavis Gary (Charlize Theron) is stuck. She’s an author of young adult fiction, only it’s not under her name that the books are published. When her high school boyfriend Buddy Slade (Patrick Wilson) and his wife send an announcement for their new child, Mavis becomes stuck on rekindling the old flame and heads to her hometown.
Upon arriving in the small Minnesota town, she finds the happily married Buddy a challenge that she wants to take on. As she’s ingesting liquid courage at the local watering hole, another of the guys that went to high school with Mavis says hi. Matt Freehauf (Patton Oswalt) is one of those guys that people like Mavis ignored in high school. Mavis as a popular girl would not have given Matt the time of day, but this is 20 years after high school and times have changed.
Mavis wanders through her “return to glory” and even though Matt can see she might not be able to swing things the way she once did, it is hard for Mavis to come to the same realization. But it is Matt, the man who she once wouldn’t give the time of day to, that shows her a friendship that a girl could only imagine.
Sometimes, coming to grips with who you really are is harder than the situation you are in. Mavis is broken, but believes she is meant to be with Buddy Slade. But can she regain his affections despite his marriage and the new baby. Or will reality give her the wakeup call that is long overdue?
Written by Diablo Cody, Young Adultis fresh, witty and snappy all while smacking the viewer with a dose of reality. Charlize Theron gets a chance to show her chops in this tale that will be relatable to anyone who has ever tried to hold on to their youth. She is wonderfully quick with her lines and is able to turn it on at a moment’s notice, all while struggling with life and where it has taken her.
Starring with Theron, Patton Oswalt delivers another solid performance. He makes you feel the pain that he experiencing both inside and out. Oswalt shows you how much emotion exists inside the other kids as they grew up.
Couple two actors at the top of their game with a witty script and solid direction from the amazing Jason Reitman and you are bound for success. Young Adult will teach you that everyone needs to grow up sometimes, no matter how painful it may be.
A-
Young Adult
Paramount Pictures
Director: Jason Reitman
Cast: Charlize Theron, Patton Oswalt, Patrick Wilson
Rating: R for language and some sexual content.
Runtime: 1 hour 34 minutesA Fun Game Is Afoot, Again
Warner Brothers Pictures
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Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) is continuing his crime stopping ways. He’s after a mysterious man who has bombed a number of establishments with no trace left behind. And just when he thinks he’s getting to the bottom of it, and getting down to it with the lovely Irene (Rachel McAdams) everything changes.
Now the game is really afoot as despite the impending nuptials for Dr. Watson (Jude Law), Sherlock has other plans and starts digging deeper for clues. Even though it’s Watson’s bachelor party, Holmes finds a clue with the lovely Madam Simza (Noomi Rapace)that gets him deeper into the understanding that his foe is as intelligent as any he has ever faced.
Professor James Moriarty (Jared Harris) will be one of Holmes’ toughest foes as he thinks ahead as quickly as Holmes does. What is the plan for this mastermind? He’s trying to incite a war so he can be the supplier and make money from those involved. The criminal plan is almost perfect, but Homes and Watson are on the case.
The second film featuring Downey Jr. and Law picks up with a bit of action that actually is quicker and tighter than the first film. Robert Downey Jr. looks effortless as he goes back to the disguise changing wise cracking sleuth. And with Jude Law at his side, Downey Jr. makes for a likable hero. With the disguises and wisecracking I wonder aloud if they every remake Fletch, how about Robert Downey Jr. in the role? But I digress...
Overall the film moves faster and the action rolls at you in scene after scene. There are witty and fun lines that bring the characters back to life in a way that will leave everyone satisfied. The game is afoot once more and I enjoyed playing along.
B
Warner Brothers Pictures
Director: Guy Ritchie
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, Jared HarrisRating: PG- 13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and some drug material.
Runtime: 2 hours 9 minutesTRON Finds Itself Stuck Inside The Game
In the years since the original Tron, things have changed. Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) has been missing for 20 years, and his son Sam (Garrett Hedlund) longs for the dad who told him stories or his legendary accomplishments. Sam has a mind of his own and marches to the beat of his own drummer. He has seen his dad’s company become solely interested in profits, with no regard for customers.
But when a mysterious page is received, yes I said page, Sam goes to investigate his dad’s office at the arcade. There he finds many mothballs, lots of vintage games, and his father’s office the way he left it. When Sam examines things a bit closer, he soon finds himself inside the programs that have been his father’s home.
Now Sam must join forces with his Father and find a way out of this world. His father has created so many of the programs around him, and some help, while others do not. Quorra (Olivia Wilde) is a program that is viciously loyal to her creator. She’ll do everything she can to protect Kevin and his son. But the other member of this equation is Clu, the younger version of Kevin who was with him and wanted to help him create the perfect environment. Who will reign victorious? Can Sam and his Father exit the game and continue with life?
This is a really tough film to talk about. I wanted this to be an amazing experience. I wanted to love every aspect of this go around with Tron. I wanted to walk out and tell my friends, get your tickets now. Unfortunately, none of what I wanted became reality.
While it was fun to see they “younger” Bridges, the sexy Olivia Wilde, the charismatic Michael Sheen and more, it just wasn’t enough. The action sequences were exciting when they were happening, there were too few occurrences in this slightly over 2 hour long film. Instead of keeping the pace hoping, there were many places where the film tried to get overly philosophical and dragged endlessly.
Tron isn’t awful; I guess I just expected more. Instead of breaking outside of the realm that contains it; TRON: Legacy finds itself stuck inside the game.
C / C-
TRON: Legacy
Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Michael Sheen, Bruce Boxleitner
Rating: PG for sequences of sci-fi action violence and brief mild language.
Runtime: 127 minutes.
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In the years since the original Tron, things have changed. Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) has been missing for 20 years, and his son Sam (Garrett Hedlund) longs for the dad who told him stories or his legendary accomplishments. Sam has a mind of his own and marches to the beat of his own drummer. He has seen his dad’s company become solely interested in profits, with no regard for customers.
But when a mysterious page is received, yes I said page, Sam goes to investigate his dad’s office at the arcade. There he finds many mothballs, lots of vintage games, and his father’s office the way he left it. When Sam examines things a bit closer, he soon finds himself inside the programs that have been his father’s home.
Now Sam must join forces with his Father and find a way out of this world. His father has created so many of the programs around him, and some help, while others do not. Quorra (Olivia Wilde) is a program that is viciously loyal to her creator. She’ll do everything she can to protect Kevin and his son. But the other member of this equation is Clu, the younger version of Kevin who was with him and wanted to help him create the perfect environment. Who will reign victorious? Can Sam and his Father exit the game and continue with life?
This is a really tough film to talk about. I wanted this to be an amazing experience. I wanted to love every aspect of this go around with Tron. I wanted to walk out and tell my friends, get your tickets now. Unfortunately, none of what I wanted became reality.
While it was fun to see they “younger” Bridges, the sexy Olivia Wilde, the charismatic Michael Sheen and more, it just wasn’t enough. The action sequences were exciting when they were happening, there were too few occurrences in this slightly over 2 hour long film. Instead of keeping the pace hoping, there were many places where the film tried to get overly philosophical and dragged endlessly.
Tron isn’t awful; I guess I just expected more. Instead of breaking outside of the realm that contains it; TRON: Legacy finds itself stuck inside the game.
C / C-
TRON: Legacy
Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Michael Sheen, Bruce Boxleitner
Rating: PG for sequences of sci-fi action violence and brief mild language.
Runtime: 127 minutes.
It’s Hard To Know
Lisa (Reese Witherspoon) is a motivated and driven woman. She is a professional softball player that has a past with the US Olympic team. This year is different. The team is going younger and Lisa isn’t as quick or as strong as the youth movement the new coach is moving towards.
She is dating Matty (Owen Wilson). He is a hot pitcher for the Washington Nationals and knows what he wants. What he wants is Lisa, oh and he knows how to relate that fact, even if he doesn’t have an ounce of tact in his system.
This is all complicated a man named George (Paul Rudd). He’s an executive that is about to be indicted. Though he’s done nothing wrong, it’s the company his father has put him in charge of that is in trouble. It could be that his father (Jack Nicholson) has some involvement in the problems, or it could be he knows nothing.
Different individuals with different paths all searching for the answer to the question; how do you know?
Director James L. Brooks has made us laugh for years with a real life backdrop. Even his “bad” films that others dislike, I have tended to enjoy. How Do You Know is a tough film as it seems to have lost some of the regular sensibilities that you are used to finding.
Reese Witherspoon is likable, and I found myself coming away from this film with even more of an appreciation for everything she does. She plays a woman who is motivated and driven, using motivational words, phrases and techniques. Her ability to slip into her role as a champion softball player, with party side is amazingly fun.
Co-star Paul Rudd is perfectly cast as the nice guy who is caught in the middle of things. It’s a role he has gotten used to, and does it well. Owen Wilson gets to take his Fockers character and add a bit of attitude to it to create Matty. Sometimes it felt that it just wasn’t real enough. I almost wanted a bit more attitude out of his character, but you couldn’t help but “like” him and see the side that Lisa saw in him.
I know there were a number of laughs in this film. I know I like Reese Witherspoon more than I did before I saw this film. But ultimately, did I like this movie? It’s hard to know.
B- / C+
How Do You Know
Columbia Pictures
Director: James L. Brooks
Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson, Jack Nicholson
Rating: PG-13 for sexual content and some strong language.
Runtime: 116 minutes.
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Lisa (Reese Witherspoon) is a motivated and driven woman. She is a professional softball player that has a past with the US Olympic team. This year is different. The team is going younger and Lisa isn’t as quick or as strong as the youth movement the new coach is moving towards.
She is dating Matty (Owen Wilson). He is a hot pitcher for the Washington Nationals and knows what he wants. What he wants is Lisa, oh and he knows how to relate that fact, even if he doesn’t have an ounce of tact in his system.
This is all complicated a man named George (Paul Rudd). He’s an executive that is about to be indicted. Though he’s done nothing wrong, it’s the company his father has put him in charge of that is in trouble. It could be that his father (Jack Nicholson) has some involvement in the problems, or it could be he knows nothing.
Different individuals with different paths all searching for the answer to the question; how do you know?
Director James L. Brooks has made us laugh for years with a real life backdrop. Even his “bad” films that others dislike, I have tended to enjoy. How Do You Know is a tough film as it seems to have lost some of the regular sensibilities that you are used to finding.
Reese Witherspoon is likable, and I found myself coming away from this film with even more of an appreciation for everything she does. She plays a woman who is motivated and driven, using motivational words, phrases and techniques. Her ability to slip into her role as a champion softball player, with party side is amazingly fun.
Co-star Paul Rudd is perfectly cast as the nice guy who is caught in the middle of things. It’s a role he has gotten used to, and does it well. Owen Wilson gets to take his Fockers character and add a bit of attitude to it to create Matty. Sometimes it felt that it just wasn’t real enough. I almost wanted a bit more attitude out of his character, but you couldn’t help but “like” him and see the side that Lisa saw in him.
I know there were a number of laughs in this film. I know I like Reese Witherspoon more than I did before I saw this film. But ultimately, did I like this movie? It’s hard to know.
B- / C+
How Do You Know
Columbia Pictures
Director: James L. Brooks
Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson, Jack Nicholson
Rating: PG-13 for sexual content and some strong language.
Runtime: 116 minutes.
Yogi Is Still Smarter Than The Average Bear
Yogi Bear (Dan Aykroyd) has been stealing pic-i-nic baskets for what seems like a lifetime. Depending on who you ask, it either has helped or hurt the attendance at Jellystone Park. All this of course is taking place with his trusty companion Boo Boo (Justin Timberlake) by his side every step of the way. Ranger Smith (Tom Cavanagh) tries to fight back, but alas the likable Yogi has a mind of his own, and he is a hungry bear.
Jellystone Park is filled with interesting situations. Mayor Brown (Andrew Daly) is trying to sell the logging rights to the historic park in an attempt to relieve a massive budget deficit. Rachel (Anna Faris) is a documentary filmmaker who has come to the park to shoot footage of this “bear that talks”. And Ranger Jones (TJ Miller) is dying to take over the park, and the off road vehicle that the head ranger uses.
As the Mayor unleashes his scheme, it will take everyone to save Jellystone from the treeless future that is envisioned. Will Ranger Smith be able to work with Yogi, instead of against him? Will they be able to save Jellystone?
This film, much like the past releases of The Chipmunks and Garfield reminds me of a movie that is past its prime. Had this movie been release 20 years ago, it may have had more of a chance to connect with the audience. As it is, it feels a little tired.
Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake do admirable jobs at the voice work of these two iconic characters. The animation is smooth and easy to look at. When seen in 3D, they actually make the 3D feel alive and bring you in as part of the movie. Unfortunately for them, the folks that want to feel this immersion are the youngest that can’t by tickets themselves.
There are moments of lighthearted fun, but unfortunately there are too few of them. At only 80 minutes in length, even if you don’t like the film it will be over soon. Yogi is still “smarter than the average bear” but the average moviegoer, even the young ones, are smarter than Yogi.
C+
Yogi Bear
Warner Brothers Pictures
Director: Tom McGrath
Cast: Dan Aykroyd (Voice), Justin Timberlake (Voice), Tom Cavanagh, Anna Faris
Rating: PG for some mild rude humor.
Runtime: 80 minutes.
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Yogi Bear (Dan Aykroyd) has been stealing pic-i-nic baskets for what seems like a lifetime. Depending on who you ask, it either has helped or hurt the attendance at Jellystone Park. All this of course is taking place with his trusty companion Boo Boo (Justin Timberlake) by his side every step of the way. Ranger Smith (Tom Cavanagh) tries to fight back, but alas the likable Yogi has a mind of his own, and he is a hungry bear.
Jellystone Park is filled with interesting situations. Mayor Brown (Andrew Daly) is trying to sell the logging rights to the historic park in an attempt to relieve a massive budget deficit. Rachel (Anna Faris) is a documentary filmmaker who has come to the park to shoot footage of this “bear that talks”. And Ranger Jones (TJ Miller) is dying to take over the park, and the off road vehicle that the head ranger uses.
As the Mayor unleashes his scheme, it will take everyone to save Jellystone from the treeless future that is envisioned. Will Ranger Smith be able to work with Yogi, instead of against him? Will they be able to save Jellystone?
This film, much like the past releases of The Chipmunks and Garfield reminds me of a movie that is past its prime. Had this movie been release 20 years ago, it may have had more of a chance to connect with the audience. As it is, it feels a little tired.
Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake do admirable jobs at the voice work of these two iconic characters. The animation is smooth and easy to look at. When seen in 3D, they actually make the 3D feel alive and bring you in as part of the movie. Unfortunately for them, the folks that want to feel this immersion are the youngest that can’t by tickets themselves.
There are moments of lighthearted fun, but unfortunately there are too few of them. At only 80 minutes in length, even if you don’t like the film it will be over soon. Yogi is still “smarter than the average bear” but the average moviegoer, even the young ones, are smarter than Yogi.
C+
Yogi Bear
Warner Brothers Pictures
Director: Tom McGrath
Cast: Dan Aykroyd (Voice), Justin Timberlake (Voice), Tom Cavanagh, Anna Faris
Rating: PG for some mild rude humor.
Runtime: 80 minutes.
Tangled Is A Straight Winner
Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) has been in that tower for what seems like eternity. Well, in her case, it’s only approaching her eighteenth birthday. All she wants to do is stretcher wings and be free. Free to roam in the village, free to see the lights she has only seen from a far, and free to be a young woman.
But her mother won’t let that happen. Of course it is not really her mother. She was stolen away at a young age with the power that existed within her. That power keeps an old woman young and alert but also unknowingly keeps her trapped in the tower that is her home.
Flynn Ryder (Zachery Levi) is an outlaw. Wanted by the King and Queen, he is on the run when he stumbles upon the tower that has held Rapunzel for years. Despite being told she couldn’t keep up with the world, Rapunzel holds her own against the intruding Flynn. To free him, she strikes a deal. He will take her to see the lights that she has dreamt of enjoying. She will trade him the journey for his satchel.
Together, Rapunzel and Flynn head to the lights on a journey that is wrought with challenges. With each passing step, Rapunzel is torn between obeying her mother and her newfound freedom. Will she let her hair down and have a good time, or keep it close to the vest and remain a prisoner in her own home.
What a fun film! Sure this is geared towards young girls, but it has everything that makes an animated film like this work.
Rapunzel is based on a classic tale. The film has bright and vibrant colors and contains great voice work. But probably most importantly it has a quick pace and is full of music to keep the kids constantly amused.
Disney’s 50th animated film is a great representation of what has made Disney an industry leader. Tangled is a straight winner.
B+
Tangled
Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Tom McGrath
Cast: Mandy Moore, Zachery Levi
Rating: PG for brief mild violence.
Runtime: 92 minutes.
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Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) has been in that tower for what seems like eternity. Well, in her case, it’s only approaching her eighteenth birthday. All she wants to do is stretcher wings and be free. Free to roam in the village, free to see the lights she has only seen from a far, and free to be a young woman.
But her mother won’t let that happen. Of course it is not really her mother. She was stolen away at a young age with the power that existed within her. That power keeps an old woman young and alert but also unknowingly keeps her trapped in the tower that is her home.
Flynn Ryder (Zachery Levi) is an outlaw. Wanted by the King and Queen, he is on the run when he stumbles upon the tower that has held Rapunzel for years. Despite being told she couldn’t keep up with the world, Rapunzel holds her own against the intruding Flynn. To free him, she strikes a deal. He will take her to see the lights that she has dreamt of enjoying. She will trade him the journey for his satchel.
Together, Rapunzel and Flynn head to the lights on a journey that is wrought with challenges. With each passing step, Rapunzel is torn between obeying her mother and her newfound freedom. Will she let her hair down and have a good time, or keep it close to the vest and remain a prisoner in her own home.
What a fun film! Sure this is geared towards young girls, but it has everything that makes an animated film like this work.
Rapunzel is based on a classic tale. The film has bright and vibrant colors and contains great voice work. But probably most importantly it has a quick pace and is full of music to keep the kids constantly amused.
Disney’s 50th animated film is a great representation of what has made Disney an industry leader. Tangled is a straight winner.
B+
Tangled
Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Tom McGrath
Cast: Mandy Moore, Zachery Levi
Rating: PG for brief mild violence.
Runtime: 92 minutes.
Forgiveness Is Faster, But Revenge Rules
Driver (Dwayne Johnson) is out of prison and he’s got one thing on his mind, revenge. He was in prison for his role in a bank robbery. He was the only remaining survivor after the group was ambushed and killed for their loot. It was then he vowed to get even, and kill all those involved. Today, he begins to keep the vow.
His vengeance leads him first to a telemarketer and after walking into an office and gunning him down in broad daylight he as a Cop (Billy Bob Thornton) on his tail. The Cop and his partner for this case (Carla Gugino) try to put together the pieces and find out who this man is that committing cold blooded murder, and why.
There is one more thing that will make the next couple days a bit interesting. Someone has hired a Killer (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) to take out Driver as they feel they might be at the top of his list. Now it’s just a matter of who will be killed next. Is anyone safe? Just how will this revenge plot play itself out?
This feels a bit like a classic revenge movie. There is the foreboding music, the washed out colors, and the really rough visuals. Dwayne Johnson sheds the lighthearted image he has recently led with in films for the rougher, tougher role. It works, as Johnson can do just about anything.
The rest of the cast rolls through the punches, even if only onscreen briefly. It’s a bit of a murky developing film; there is not much beyond the base plot line. I still found myself racing as the revenge played out. The faster it went, the faster I went. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Despite the fact that some may object to the film’s revenge story, it shouldn’t slow down. Faster is perfect for the audience it’s searching for, and still fun for just about all the rest of us.
C+
Faster
CBS Films
Director: George Tillman Jr.
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton, Carla Gugino, Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Rating: R for strong violence, some drug use and language.
Runtime: 95 minutes.
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Driver (Dwayne Johnson) is out of prison and he’s got one thing on his mind, revenge. He was in prison for his role in a bank robbery. He was the only remaining survivor after the group was ambushed and killed for their loot. It was then he vowed to get even, and kill all those involved. Today, he begins to keep the vow.
His vengeance leads him first to a telemarketer and after walking into an office and gunning him down in broad daylight he as a Cop (Billy Bob Thornton) on his tail. The Cop and his partner for this case (Carla Gugino) try to put together the pieces and find out who this man is that committing cold blooded murder, and why.
There is one more thing that will make the next couple days a bit interesting. Someone has hired a Killer (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) to take out Driver as they feel they might be at the top of his list. Now it’s just a matter of who will be killed next. Is anyone safe? Just how will this revenge plot play itself out?
This feels a bit like a classic revenge movie. There is the foreboding music, the washed out colors, and the really rough visuals. Dwayne Johnson sheds the lighthearted image he has recently led with in films for the rougher, tougher role. It works, as Johnson can do just about anything.
The rest of the cast rolls through the punches, even if only onscreen briefly. It’s a bit of a murky developing film; there is not much beyond the base plot line. I still found myself racing as the revenge played out. The faster it went, the faster I went. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Despite the fact that some may object to the film’s revenge story, it shouldn’t slow down. Faster is perfect for the audience it’s searching for, and still fun for just about all the rest of us.
C+
Faster
CBS Films
Director: George Tillman Jr.
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton, Carla Gugino, Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Rating: R for strong violence, some drug use and language.
Runtime: 95 minutes.
It Just Breaks My Heart – And Not In A Good Way
It’s time for the wedding of the century. Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) have decided to make it official; they’re getting married. And that means that within one minute Jacob (Taylor Lautner) will be running without a shirt through the woods in anger. This, folks, is The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1.
So our basic story begins with Bella having some mild cold feet about the impending nuptials. She’s having some pretty wild dreams about how the whole thing might go down. I mean, come on, she’s marrying into a vampire family.
The wedding is just the first step, for this film as soon after the drama surrounding the wedding, it’s off to the honeymoon on a remote island. Bella and Edward can finally consummate their marriage and it is a bit wild. They also get to have some fun playing chess on the beach. But Edward is worried that sleeping with Bella will harm her and he tries to stay away. Bella will not be denied, and the result is a pregnancy between a human and a vampire.
Now the two must cope with hiding this strange occurrence from family and friends as only the Cullen’s will understand. Now, staying with the Cullen’s, they will work to find out what happens next and keep everyone alive. With Jacob there to help, can the Cullens figure out who or what is growing inside Bella and keep everyone safe? And how will we ever prepare for Part 2?
I’m not the target market for the Twilight films; that’s a given! But I can lead you to a good film from time to time, even if it’s not in my wheelhouse. Twilight is not only NOT in my wheelhouse; it’s not in the wheelhouse of passable good films. I know many enjoy the heck out of these films, but I don’t get it.
The acting is all marginally set in a soap opera feel that I just couldn’t quite handle. Music goes over the top and sequence looked better suited to a television screen than on the big screen. So what is it; what will draw people to this film.
I understand there is a love story that is running rampant here. The triangle between Jacob/Edward and Bella is ready to meet its end, but really it doesn’t end with the wedding of Edward and Bella. The over the top performances and lines are just a bit weird. And there were many sequences that left me a bit baffled.
This will proceed to make millions; there is no question about that. I would like to understand. I would like to know what is so special about this series. Many would compare me to a vampire with the schedule I keep, but I still don’t get it. If you are a fan, don’t let me stop you from seeing this film. If you aren’t a fan; don’t start here. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 just breaks my heart, and not in the way the author and director intended.
D
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1
Summit Entertainment
Director: Bill Condon
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner
Rating:PG-13 for disturbing images, violence, sexuality/partial nudity and some thematic elements.
Runtime: 1 hour 57 minutes
Happy Feet Two Keeps You Moving
Mumble (Elijah Wood) is back and this time he’s all grown up. With his female penguin Gloria (Pink) in tow, they are now raising their son Erik (Ava Acres). Erik is having trouble trying to find his place in the world. He’s not a big dancer and even though the song and dance that fills his home is infectious; he remains unmoved.
So Erik sets off with two of his friends on a journey away from his home. As they meet up with the lovable Ramon (Robin Williams)they find out; penguins can be special in very different ways.
The journey that takes them to look for who they are leads them to a “different” kind of penguin named The Mighty Sven (Hank Azaria). He can do things penguins have only dreamed of for years. He can fly! And his prophet like quality is looked up to within the herd.
Now while Erik is trying to find himself, and Mumble is looking for Erik, the Earth has moved and Gloria and the rest of the penguins are trapped. It will take some quick thinking and real unselfish behavior to get them free. Can they?
Happy Feet Two is quite frankly, just as enjoyable as the first film. Where the first film went wrong was delivering its heavy-handed eco message after a light and enjoyable film. Here there is definitely a message, but it’s peppered throughout and is a lot of fun.
Songs and dancing are just a lot of fun here and everywhere. But probably my favorite aspects of Happy Feet Two were the Krill (Matt Damon and Brad Pitt). It’s too bad these guys didn’t have more chance to shine, but they are set for their own adventure!
Overall, it was pleasant enough and a decent time at the theater. Happy Feet Two will keep your feet tapping and more.
B
Warner Brothers Pictures
Director: George Miller
Cast: Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Pink (Alecia Moore), Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Hank Azaria
Rating: PG for some rude humor and mild peril.
Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes
In five short weeks, 10 buildings burned to the ground in East Texas.
Sure it would be a story if it was convenience stores or houses.
It really would have been a story if it was schools.
But it became a major story in the Bible belt when it had churches burning to the ground.
Churches have always seemed to been untouchable, and for good reason. They don't generally get robbed and they absolutely don't burn to the ground at the hand of any human.
The church as a place of worship is a gathering point. It's a place where fallible men and women come together as one body. And sure, as we here in the new film Little Hope Was Arson, the church is the body of believers more than any building. But it sure stings when someone has put a direct target on the backs of Christians at their house of worship.
It was January 2010, and the largest criminal investigation in East Texas history was getting started. Terror overcame residents of these small town churches as no one could understand or assign any motive to what was going on. All they knew is that their faith was about to be tested.
As director Theo Love unfolds the story in front of us, we find that everyone is on edge in this documentary. While dealing with true facts, Love is able to reveal the pieces of the story at his pace from finding out who was setting the fires, to the response of church members and pastors that were impacted the most.
My heart broke as we see footage of a pastor who felt responsible for things. I wanted to virtually hug him through the screen and tell him it wasn't his fault.
There are moments in the film that Love delivers that will stay with you for days. From the family situation of one of the boys that had to deal with death and suicide attempts. To the woman who had to find the courage to help the authorities.
And there was the Pastor that exhibited a power of forgiveness for the actors, while not condoning the actions while his wife could not yet get past the fear and anger that was generated inside her.
And we get summed up in the words of on man who struggled all his life, doing his best, by saying "Thank God, the God we serve is a God of second and third chances."
The film had me intrigued and wondering what was around every corner. Sometimes I saw it coming and others...I got blindsided.
Kudos to the team for bringing this story to the screen. Search this film out at theaters in parts of the country or rent it from Itunes/Amazon or other online retailers.
Little Hope Was Arson
B+
Directed by: Theo Love
Little Hope was Arson is in select theaters November 21, 2014. Or online at Itunes, Amazon and other rental sites. Visit http://www.littlehopewasarson.com for more on the film.
READ MORE
Sure it would be a story if it was convenience stores or houses.
It really would have been a story if it was schools.
But it became a major story in the Bible belt when it had churches burning to the ground.
Churches have always seemed to been untouchable, and for good reason. They don't generally get robbed and they absolutely don't burn to the ground at the hand of any human.
The church as a place of worship is a gathering point. It's a place where fallible men and women come together as one body. And sure, as we here in the new film Little Hope Was Arson, the church is the body of believers more than any building. But it sure stings when someone has put a direct target on the backs of Christians at their house of worship.
It was January 2010, and the largest criminal investigation in East Texas history was getting started. Terror overcame residents of these small town churches as no one could understand or assign any motive to what was going on. All they knew is that their faith was about to be tested.
As director Theo Love unfolds the story in front of us, we find that everyone is on edge in this documentary. While dealing with true facts, Love is able to reveal the pieces of the story at his pace from finding out who was setting the fires, to the response of church members and pastors that were impacted the most.
My heart broke as we see footage of a pastor who felt responsible for things. I wanted to virtually hug him through the screen and tell him it wasn't his fault.
There are moments in the film that Love delivers that will stay with you for days. From the family situation of one of the boys that had to deal with death and suicide attempts. To the woman who had to find the courage to help the authorities.
And there was the Pastor that exhibited a power of forgiveness for the actors, while not condoning the actions while his wife could not yet get past the fear and anger that was generated inside her.
And we get summed up in the words of on man who struggled all his life, doing his best, by saying "Thank God, the God we serve is a God of second and third chances."
The film had me intrigued and wondering what was around every corner. Sometimes I saw it coming and others...I got blindsided.
Kudos to the team for bringing this story to the screen. Search this film out at theaters in parts of the country or rent it from Itunes/Amazon or other online retailers.
Little Hope Was Arson
B+
Directed by: Theo Love
Little Hope was Arson is in select theaters November 21, 2014. Or online at Itunes, Amazon and other rental sites. Visit http://www.littlehopewasarson.com for more on the film.
Did Jack and JillBreak Adam Sandler’s Crown?
Jack Sadelstein (Adam Sandler) is working hard to keep his business afloat. As a commercial producer, he is full of clients but about to lose one of his biggest accounts, Dunkin Donuts. He needs to land Al Pacino for their new product or they will walk.
As he starts his quest to land the big fish, he needs to welcome his twin sister to town for some “twin time”. Yes, his twin, Jill is also played by Sandler. So Jack and Jill don’t go up the hill much in this film, it’s more of the tumbling down the hill that takes place.
As Jack tries to bond with his hard to get along with sister; he finds out that Al Pacino is in love with Jill. Well there is the opening he can’t miss as he would easily sell his sister down the river for an account, but in this case, the guy really likes Jill!
How can the man who dislikes his sister so much get her to see the man who might be his only chance to keep his business afloat? Can he be civil with her, or will this be the end of his relationship with his twin AND his business?
When I first saw a trailer on this film a while back, I really wondered if it would be a good move for Sandler. I’m one of those critics that really likes him, yeah I know, memberships are being revoked everyone for me as you read this. But it’s true; Sandler knows how to get at my funny bone. Jack and Jill swung and not only missed the funny bone, it missed more than that.
I was amazed at the small roles in this film, and that is what did have me laughing. A birthday party for the twins sees the likes of Jared Fogle(The Subway guy), Vince Offer (The Sham-Wow guy), and even Billy Blanks(Tai-Bo Master). I had the most laughs there during the entire movie. Sure the normal standbys show up as well including David Spade as, well his/her own version of Jill, named Monica. But instead of being filled with laughter it came up short.
At least with this kid at heart, Jack and Jill didn’t live up to the family friendly PG rated romp of the season. The premise took away from the whole film and the simple demeaning of everything around the ridiculously played Jill made things feel a bit mean spirited at times. Jack and Jill didn’t break Adam Sandler’s crown – he’s still a very funny guy, it just tarnished it a bit.
C-/D+
Columbia Pictures
Director: Dennis Dugan
Cast: Adam Sandler, Al Pacino, Katie Holmes
Rating: PG for crude and sexual humor, language, comic violence and brief smoking.
Runtime: 1 hour 31 minutes
This Morning Is More Than Fluffy
The life of a morning news producer is filled with celebrity, glamour, fun, and excitement. Or at least that’s what the public thinks when they talk to the person behind the show they love. They get to work with the on air talent that is wonderful to watch and fun to be around. The producer is respected and revered and everyone waits for their every instruction, right? As Becky (Rachel McAdams) will show you, it’s more about working all hours, all the time and making the show you see something you won’t forget.
Whey Becky loses her job at a little station in New Jersey, she finds herself struggling to find another job in television. She’ll take anyone, if they’ll just give her a chance. So when the lowest rated network calls her for an interview, she accepts the job before she even interviews. That interview shows her two things. One she has a long way to go to live up to the credentials that are in the industry. But more importantly that she has heart and drive that is nearly unmatched.
Getting the job is just the first hurdle for Becky. She inherits a staff that has taken bickering to another level. They each are all in it only for themselves and team unity is nonexistent. After firing the co-anchor she searches the roster of those already under contract to the network to find the next fresh face for the morning show. The fresh face she wants is well past being “fresh”. Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford) has seen it all. He’s been in the hard news business for a long time. He’s interviewed world leaders, seen governmental changes and been at some of the most historic moments in history. He’s under contract to IBS and at a point where he has to accept any offer the network makes to get the remainder of his contract paid.
Now, not willing, not eager and definitely not helpful to the cause, it is up to Mike to help bring Daybreak back from the depths and make Becky a success. Together with cohost Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton) the bickering will get a bit more intense as Mike sticks to “hard” news and Colleen does everything else. Can Becky bring the team together in time to make a difference? Or will she soon need to look for yet another job.
Can I just say; I dug this film! Sure, many of my colleagues will probably call it fluff and discount what is done here. Let me make the case for why I dug this.
First and foremost there is some great casting here. Let’s start with Rachel McAdams. She really is the central character that makes the film tick. She exhibits a youthful exuberance in the role of a driven woman trying to succeed in a tough business. Her drive and dedication towards her chosen profession was obvious and she captured her character.
But it’s not only her, Harrison Ford as a grizzled news veteran is exactly the Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw type. You believe that he feels everything going on is beneath him, and what he has to offer. Diane Keaton is a longtime part of Daybreak that just wants to garner the popularity that comes with the position, she just wants to be loved by her fans.
This array of great talent is put through the paces in a light but effortless pace. It’s a nice combination of comedy and reality. It didn’t feel nearly as “fluffy” as some might think. There are many serious films to come, but this one is simply crowd pleasing and it was a fun experience in the theaters.
B+ / A-
Morning Glory
Paramount Pictures
Director: Roger Michell
Cast: Harrison Ford, Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton, Patrick Wilson , Jeff Goldblum
Rating: PG-13 for some sexual content including dialogue, language and brief drug references.
Runtime: 95 minutes.
READ MORE
The life of a morning news producer is filled with celebrity, glamour, fun, and excitement. Or at least that’s what the public thinks when they talk to the person behind the show they love. They get to work with the on air talent that is wonderful to watch and fun to be around. The producer is respected and revered and everyone waits for their every instruction, right? As Becky (Rachel McAdams) will show you, it’s more about working all hours, all the time and making the show you see something you won’t forget.
Whey Becky loses her job at a little station in New Jersey, she finds herself struggling to find another job in television. She’ll take anyone, if they’ll just give her a chance. So when the lowest rated network calls her for an interview, she accepts the job before she even interviews. That interview shows her two things. One she has a long way to go to live up to the credentials that are in the industry. But more importantly that she has heart and drive that is nearly unmatched.
Getting the job is just the first hurdle for Becky. She inherits a staff that has taken bickering to another level. They each are all in it only for themselves and team unity is nonexistent. After firing the co-anchor she searches the roster of those already under contract to the network to find the next fresh face for the morning show. The fresh face she wants is well past being “fresh”. Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford) has seen it all. He’s been in the hard news business for a long time. He’s interviewed world leaders, seen governmental changes and been at some of the most historic moments in history. He’s under contract to IBS and at a point where he has to accept any offer the network makes to get the remainder of his contract paid.
Now, not willing, not eager and definitely not helpful to the cause, it is up to Mike to help bring Daybreak back from the depths and make Becky a success. Together with cohost Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton) the bickering will get a bit more intense as Mike sticks to “hard” news and Colleen does everything else. Can Becky bring the team together in time to make a difference? Or will she soon need to look for yet another job.
Can I just say; I dug this film! Sure, many of my colleagues will probably call it fluff and discount what is done here. Let me make the case for why I dug this.
First and foremost there is some great casting here. Let’s start with Rachel McAdams. She really is the central character that makes the film tick. She exhibits a youthful exuberance in the role of a driven woman trying to succeed in a tough business. Her drive and dedication towards her chosen profession was obvious and she captured her character.
But it’s not only her, Harrison Ford as a grizzled news veteran is exactly the Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw type. You believe that he feels everything going on is beneath him, and what he has to offer. Diane Keaton is a longtime part of Daybreak that just wants to garner the popularity that comes with the position, she just wants to be loved by her fans.
This array of great talent is put through the paces in a light but effortless pace. It’s a nice combination of comedy and reality. It didn’t feel nearly as “fluffy” as some might think. There are many serious films to come, but this one is simply crowd pleasing and it was a fun experience in the theaters.
B+ / A-
Morning Glory
Paramount Pictures
Director: Roger Michell
Cast: Harrison Ford, Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton, Patrick Wilson , Jeff Goldblum
Rating: PG-13 for some sexual content including dialogue, language and brief drug references.
Runtime: 95 minutes.
Mega Fun? Or Just Kinda Fun?
Good versus Evil. It’s the constant battle that is fought day in and day out. So is the case in Megamind. Megamind was sent to earth as a young boy, ejected into space as his planet was facing destruction. At the same time, Metro Man was also on his way to Earth under the same scenario. One landed in a nice house, and one in prison. Their fates had been selected.
As they grow, the rivalry intensifies. And it reaches a heated climax when Metro Man is trapped and his defenses are weakened, but will this final battle be the end for our hero? Or will Megamind need to find his nemesis to be complete?
Megamind is not your father’s animated film. In fact the humor here is not your son or daughter’s either. It is a funny film for boys and maybe even teens/adults but I wouldn’t look to young girls for a group that will enjoy this film. I had fun at some of the jokes that cross the heads of the youngest viewers, but there were more of those than jokes that make the youngsters laugh.
The voice work is top-notch and they do their best, but this film fizzles a bit when it comes to structure and overall pacing. It would have been nice to keep the fun going, but because of the story structure, it just can’t proceed.
Megamind could have been mega fun, but instead it was just kinda fun.
B-
Megamind
Dreamworks Pictures
Director: Tom McGrath
Cast: Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, David Cross
Rating: PG for action and some language.
Runtime: 96 minutes.
READ MORE
Good versus Evil. It’s the constant battle that is fought day in and day out. So is the case in Megamind. Megamind was sent to earth as a young boy, ejected into space as his planet was facing destruction. At the same time, Metro Man was also on his way to Earth under the same scenario. One landed in a nice house, and one in prison. Their fates had been selected.
As they grow, the rivalry intensifies. And it reaches a heated climax when Metro Man is trapped and his defenses are weakened, but will this final battle be the end for our hero? Or will Megamind need to find his nemesis to be complete?
Megamind is not your father’s animated film. In fact the humor here is not your son or daughter’s either. It is a funny film for boys and maybe even teens/adults but I wouldn’t look to young girls for a group that will enjoy this film. I had fun at some of the jokes that cross the heads of the youngest viewers, but there were more of those than jokes that make the youngsters laugh.
The voice work is top-notch and they do their best, but this film fizzles a bit when it comes to structure and overall pacing. It would have been nice to keep the fun going, but because of the story structure, it just can’t proceed.
Megamind could have been mega fun, but instead it was just kinda fun.
B-
Megamind
Dreamworks Pictures
Director: Tom McGrath
Cast: Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, David Cross
Rating: PG for action and some language.
Runtime: 96 minutes.
Road Trip
What should be a simple trip across country becomes very difficult after Peter (Robert Downey Jr.) has a chance encounter with Ethan (Zach Galifianakis). The chance encounter leads to placement on the No Fly List and the daunting task of getting across country without the help of commercial transportation. Ah, but Ethan has rented a car, and with Peter having no ID or wallet (he left them on the plane) there was only one thing to do, ROAD TRIP!
The road trip is filled with bumps along the way. Ethan searches for his glaucoma medicine in Birmingham, annoys Peter at every turn, and even falls asleep behind the wheel causing a rollover accident. Despite Peter’s constant battles with Ethan’s personality, he knows he wants to make it home for the birth of his child, and he puts up with it all. But can they make it to Los Angeles?
This is truly a schizophrenic comedy. It rolls along for extended sequences with humor that is very predictable. And then, out of nowhere, bam, something totally unexpected happens to elicit chuckles. And the unexpected is usually coming from Peter’s behavior. He does things we just don’t see in comedies.
But despite the schizophrenic fun, Due Date’s ultimate downfall is the totally unrealistic, even in a marginal way, setups. To get our two individuals in a vehicle together is crazy in and of itself, but to go further and have them encounter some of the things they do, well that just isn’t right. I normally don’t dwell on this aspect, especially in comedies, but it is just too much.
I laughed at Due Date, and I laughed a lot. That’s a good thing, right? A fun film that has its own identity, Due Date is a unique take on the road trip film.
B
Due Date
Warner Brothers Pictures
Director: Todd Phillips
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis, Michelle Monaghan, Jamie Foxx, Juliette Lewis, Danny McBride
Rating: R for language, drug use and sexual content.
Runtime: 100 minutes.
READ MORE
What should be a simple trip across country becomes very difficult after Peter (Robert Downey Jr.) has a chance encounter with Ethan (Zach Galifianakis). The chance encounter leads to placement on the No Fly List and the daunting task of getting across country without the help of commercial transportation. Ah, but Ethan has rented a car, and with Peter having no ID or wallet (he left them on the plane) there was only one thing to do, ROAD TRIP!
The road trip is filled with bumps along the way. Ethan searches for his glaucoma medicine in Birmingham, annoys Peter at every turn, and even falls asleep behind the wheel causing a rollover accident. Despite Peter’s constant battles with Ethan’s personality, he knows he wants to make it home for the birth of his child, and he puts up with it all. But can they make it to Los Angeles?
This is truly a schizophrenic comedy. It rolls along for extended sequences with humor that is very predictable. And then, out of nowhere, bam, something totally unexpected happens to elicit chuckles. And the unexpected is usually coming from Peter’s behavior. He does things we just don’t see in comedies.
But despite the schizophrenic fun, Due Date’s ultimate downfall is the totally unrealistic, even in a marginal way, setups. To get our two individuals in a vehicle together is crazy in and of itself, but to go further and have them encounter some of the things they do, well that just isn’t right. I normally don’t dwell on this aspect, especially in comedies, but it is just too much.
I laughed at Due Date, and I laughed a lot. That’s a good thing, right? A fun film that has its own identity, Due Date is a unique take on the road trip film.
B
Due Date
Warner Brothers Pictures
Director: Todd Phillips
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis, Michelle Monaghan, Jamie Foxx, Juliette Lewis, Danny McBride
Rating: R for language, drug use and sexual content.
Runtime: 100 minutes.
Tower Heist Steals Some Laughs
Josh Kovacs (Ben Stiller) is the manager of the luxurious Tower in New York.
Josh Kovacs (Ben Stiller) is the manager of the luxurious Tower in New York.
The Tower is the place to be for some of the highest rollers in the city, and Josh knows how to treat them with the utmost respect and discretion. He demands the same type of attitude from his entire staff, understanding and catering to every need of the residents of the building.
When the FBI takes one of Josh’s tenants into custody, everything changes. Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda) is this films Bernie Madoff. He has “invested” the money of a number of individuals and there is nothing to show for it. But there is a bigger problem at the tower, he also has all of the retirement accounts of all the employees there as Josh had invested it with him.
Now, it’s personal, especially after reality hits the employees that have lost everything. Josh can’t look beyond these indiscretions any longer. After confronting Shaw, he finds himself jobless. He knows that if it weren’t for his trust in Shaw’s character, the employees of the Tower would not be out all of their retirement.
He recruits a crack team of criminals to get the money back for his employees. Unfortunately only one of them has any criminal background and Slide (Eddie Murphy) hardly knows any of the crew. Can they reclaim what is there’s? Or will this be just another crash and burn experience for Josh?
First and foremost let’s get this out of the way; Tower Heist will make you laugh. I know many of my critical brethren will look at this film and immediately discount it. But they can’t knock the fact that it’s funny.
We’ve waited for years for Eddie Murphy to have some of the restraints taken off of him to return to his funniest and although this doesn’t go far enough to really unchain him, it DOES give a glimpse of that old school Murphy humor.
It’s not only Murphy, with a cast like this, you can’t help but find a variety of funny moments. From roles for Casey Affleck and Matthew Broderick to the “villain” Alan Alda and small moments for Gabourey Sidibe and Tea Leoni, this film is loaded with talent.
Some uneven sequences do exist and I have problems with the structure of the film at times, but this isn’t Citizen Kane, nor does it pretend to be.
Tower Heist is a solid funny buddy film that will have you giggling until the end all while yearning for someone to really let Eddie Murphy go again.
B
Universal Pictures
Director: Brett Ratner
Cast: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Casey Affleck, Alan Alda, Matthew Broderick
Rating: PG-13 for language and sexual content.
Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes
Puss Purrs in Small Doses
One of the most lovable characters that came out of the Shrek series of films was Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas). It’s only logical that we get to hear all about the back story of what made Puss in Boots into the man, errr…cat he is today.
Long ago, Puss was an orphaned little kitty. Left with an orphanage, taken in and cared for by his adoptive mother; Puss tried to get along with everyone. One of his best friends was the oft picked on Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis). Humpty searched the world over for the magic beans that would allow him to find the goose that produced golden eggs. That goose would fund the whole village.
Then, Humpty decided to start breaking laws and dragged Puss in kicking and screaming. The friendship dissolved as Humpty was left to take the “fall” for his crime.
Now, Puss is heading back and gets into a scrap with Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek). Only later does he learn that this is all part of Humpty’s plans to acquire the magic beans that Jack and Jill have in their possession. Could this be the end of Puss? Or is it just the beginning?
I loved Puss in his small doses in the Shrek films. He brought something to the table that was a touch of mystery and courage like none of the other characters. But I struggled with Puss carrying an entire film.
The film felt very pasted together, as if there were a lot of ideas but no steady stream to tie them together. For ease they try to use flashbacks to tell an origin story that seems a bit disjointed. There are funny moments within the story, I only wish they were tied together better.
Kids will enjoy the journey, for the most part. It’s characters we like, voiced by talented actors, and action that rolls for the entire 90 minutes. It just seems like there should have been more here.
In small doses, Puss purrs, but in the bigger picture, it’s hard to tell if the audience will be purring as they leave or just thirsty for a different saucer of milk.
B-
Paramount Pictures / Dreamworks
Director: Chris Miller
Cast: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis
Rating: PG for some adventure action and mild rude humor.
Runtime: 1 hour 30 minutes
Is He To Be Or Not To Be?
Imagine if you will, William Shakespeare did not write all the Shakespearean works that exist. What if those works were the labors of someone else, but William Shakespeare just took credit for them? Are you thinking now??? This is the premise of the new film, Anonymous.
The Earl of Oxford (Rhys Ifans)had a love of writing. This, despite the fact, that the household in which he grew up was not appreciative of art of this kind. In fact they banned him from writing, as it was the work of the devil.
Though discouraged, he sets out to write and he is also drawn to the young Queen Elizabeth (Joely Richardson). The two start an affair that leads to a child. And despite the attempts to stay together, they are pushed apart.Now The Earl is expressing himself through plays. Writing down some of the most incredible works the people have seen, but staying in the shadows as an unknown actor named William Shakespeare rises up to take the credit for writing the works that made a legend.
So will we ever see who really has written these works? Or is this just another fable put together to distract from the greatness of a talented writer?
I’ll admit it. I’m not a huge Shakespeare fan. There I said it. So a movie with the premise that Shakespeare really wasn’t Shakespeare is a bit intriguing, yet with working in the period I worry it could be tedious. Instead, director Roland Emmerich gives us a story that’s part mystery, part theory and part crazy but always fascinating. The premise, while on the surface seems crazy, is put together in such a way that will make you enjoy the period in which Shakespeare composed his works (whomever Shakespeare really is).
Actors that are perfectly cast include Rhys Ifans and the wonderfully talented Vanessa Redgrave. Redgrave especially is pleasing to see back onscreen in all her glory as the elder Queen Elizabeth. And Ifans works well with her in the later meetings and during his quest to write like he never has before.
As a whole the film works and I found myself glued to my seat in anticipation of what light through the next scene would break. Sure, it’s a film outside of my comfort zone, and one that I didn’t think I would like. But alas, I hath found peace with Shakespeare. Although I still don’t know if he be or not be…
B
Columbia Pictures
Director: Roland Emmerich
Cast: Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave, Rafe Spall, David Thewils, Joely Richardson
Rating: PG-13 for some violence and sexual content.
Runtime: 2 hours 10 minutes
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