Run Fat Boy Run

Very funny. Out of shape, ne’er do well security guard (Simon Pegg) decides to run a marathon to prove to his ex (Thandie Newton) and their son that he can actually complete a goal and somehow win her heart back. I read other reviews that said this movie “fell flat in the second half”, but I disagree. I think in the first half some of the jokes weren’t quite as funny as intended, but the second half had a lot of heart. Stars Simon Pegg (the red haired guy from Brit films Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz) and Hank Azaria as Thandie Newton’s boyfriend. My favorite character was played by Dylan Moran, as Simon Pegg’s best friend and also a gambling addict. We enjoyed it, and it gave Jim further motivation for his goal of completing the Chicago Marathon this October.

Under The Same Moon (La Misma Luna)

I loved this movie! A nine year old boy travels from Mexico to L.A. to find his mother who has been working there for 4 years to send money back to her family. Yes, I am against illegal immigration – there just has to be a better way! But it is very interesting to hear the Mexican’s point of view, and the little boy is just so darned cute you can’t help but root for him. Too bad the previews gave away pretty much the entire movie, but I still loved it anyway.

Sleepwalking

Charlize Theron as an irresponsible mother who abandons her 12 year old daughter with her slightly more responsible younger brother, Nick Stahl. The uncle and niece duo take off on a road trip and wind up at his abusive father’s ranch (Dennis Hopper). This is not a happy, feel-good movie. It is sad and depressing. Great acting though. I was hoping the characters would improve their situations somehow, but you’re left wondering “what now?”.

Funny Games

Two young preppies terrorize a young family (Naomi Watts, Tim Roth). Excruciating. I don’t mean excruciating suspense. I mean it is excruciating that you have to sit there and listen to the young preppies dumb jokes and banter. At one point one of the preppies actually talks to the camera and asks us, the viewers, if we want them to continue on because it would be no fun without a plot. What plot? We learn nothing about the preppies backgrounds or their motives. Apparently they were just bored and decided to go on a killing spree. All of the scuffles that end in gruesome violence are all done off screen. I do enjoy cat and mouse suspense films, but this isn’t one of them. Maybe if you have the patience to listen their dumb “polite” banter you might enjoy it. I didn’t.

War / Dance

If you want to see a really good movie of substance, that you will not soon forget, this is it. I will be really mad if this doesn’t win the Academy Award for Best Documentary. It is about the children of Northern Uganda who have been left orphaned by the rebels and must now live in a refugee camp with armed guards to protect them from abduction and being forced to kill innocents. The children from this particular camp are practicing for a National Music Competition, where they sing, dance, and play instruments, and find a little happiness in the music and forget their sorrows. The movie is narrated by the children who tell their horrific stories, yet they persevere and have hope for their future. It is wonderful to see the pure joy in their faces when they are dancing and playing music. I really don’t believe that there could be a better or more powerful movie to top this one all year, or ever.

10,000 B.C.

OK, I am no historian, but I believe this is a fictional adaptation of what the movie writers think to be real history. This was a very enjoyable piece of fiction; I loved the saber tooth tiger and the mammoths. Basically, there is “white” tribe (I use this term loosely, since the actors are from all walks of life), and they are ravaged by a more advanced tribe, who ride horses and use bows & arrows. The men (mostly it is the main character who wants to retrieve the pretty blue-eyed girl), decide to pursue the evil advanced tribe. Along the way, they meet other tribes, first black tribes, and then lighter skinned black tribes (I guess that’s why the movie got bad reviews, since it is unlikely after a few days hike that you would stumble upon a tribe of such a different culture & race) who were similarly ravaged. I won’t give away anymore, but you get the idea that the original “white” tribe collects members from other tribes who want to get their women and children back. It was an entertaining journey, and I enjoyed it, but of course, do you think the boy finally gets the girl? Great special effects, and very entertaining. But definitely not historically correct, if you are a stickler for details. The good new is that it is not like a History Channel documentary type thing. Fun adventure movie, but you might prefer to wait for it to come out on DVD.

The Bank Job

This is a good heist movie, though there are way too many topless girls in it that I never wanted to see! This is based on a true story of the heist of safety deposit boxes in London in the early 70’s. All sorts of shady characters are after the robbers from dirty cops to racketeering types to some sort of British version of the Black Panthers. It was exciting, even though parts drove me nuts, such as they finally get into the vault, and they decide to take a nap first! And they didn’t wear gloves, so they left fingerprints everywhere. Details bug me! Don’t worry, none of these things affected the plot, surprisingly… Jason Stratham stars as one of the robbers. There is some bloody violence, and the aforementioned nudity. This was an exciting movie.

Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day

I loved this movie! Amy Adams plays a lovable floozy who can’t decide between 3 men: the rich man, the man who can make her a star, and the poor man who loves her. Frances McDormand plays the morally conflicted “social secretary” who is desperate for a job. With WWII looming overhead, and the great soundtrack of big band and swing, and the lavish lifestyles of parties, luxurious furs, silks and satins and dripping chandeliers, it was a fun and engaging movie. Sure, it’s a little predictable, but aren’t all chick flicks, and isn’t that why we love them?

Movies that are playing in Chicago as of March 5

The Other Boleyn Girl
I did not read the book, and I realize movies often have a hard time stuffing everything in from the book. I liked the movie, though it seemed like Henry VIII had nothing better to do than turn his kingdom upside down in order to satisfy his libido. But this is Henry VIII we are talking about. I loved the lavishly bejeweled costumes and the tender love scenes with Mary. Although I really like Natalie Portman, I think her blatant flirting was a little stiff. I still enjoyed being transported to another time and it felt like the Medieval Festival all over again :).


Penelope
Cute fairytale story. A girl is cursed with a pig nose, and the only way to break the spell is to find another blue blood who will accept her as she is. Although even with the pig nose, Christina Ricci is still gorgeous, and it’s hard to believe everyone running away in horror at the sight of her. Cute movie. I love James McAvoy, but he seems to be in every movie in the theaters these days.


Vantage Point
This is a tough one to review.

On the plus side, it was extremely exciting. Very edge of your seat. I thought it seemed realistic and Forest Whitaker is amazing as usual. Even Randy Quaid was excellent.

On the downside, they play the same 23 minutes over and over, from different characters point of view/ vantage point. They build you up to a cliff hanger, then they stop! and start over the 23 minutes again from another point of view. This felt very much like Groundhog Day. They do this 4 or 5 times. And it feels a little insulting to your intelligence, when after the 23 minutes they do a little recap, in case you weren't paying attn the first time.

In the end it all ties together nicely, which makes me happy. I have to say, I don't see any other way they could have squeezed in all the details of all the many characters. I guess I would give it 3 stars. It was very exciting to watch though, and it made me care about the characters.

I know the critics have bashed it, and some lady who came out of the same show complained that it was all action, and little dialogue. Well DUH, in an action movie, there isn't much time for chit chat. Overall, I did like it, but I guess it could have been done better, I am just not sure how. Maybe stretch out the 23 minutes and show everything consecutively, but then it would be easier to get all the characters mixed up.

Spiderwick Chronicals
I LOVED this movie!!! Anyone who likes cool creatures, like the ones in Harry Potter or Narnia, etc, should love this movie too. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much, because I didn't think the previews looked very good. Luckily, there were way more nifty creatures that the previews didn't give away. This is the movie I had hoped Bridge to Terebithia would be (the previews had promised lots of creatures, but were pretty stingy with them). Lots of cool characters, a little bit of a mystery to unravel, some adventure since some of the creatures were evil, and a sweet ending. I just wish they showed more of the fairies :). May be too scary for very small children.

Charlie Bartlett :
I liked this one. It’s a teenager movie, but not obnoxious as most tend to be. Charlie is an Über rich, high IQ student who engages in illegal entrepreneurial enterprises in order to become popular. The movie begins with his getting kicked out of the latest private school, and he now must face public school. He shows up on his first day wearing a shirt, tie and a blazer with a crest on it… Robert Downey Jr. plays the harried principle who must contend with him. (Downey reminded me a lot of the Matthew Broderick character in “Election”, another movie I really enjoyed). I really enjoyed this one, as Charlie slowly learns from his mistakes and tries to do good.

Persepolis :
French adult cartoon with subtitles, which takes place in Tehran, and follows the life of a young girl who acts out against the injustices she must witness on a daily basis. It is a coming of age movie, of sorts, and a little enlightening on the way of life in Iran, and also in Vienna, where she is sent away to school. It begins in 1978, when she is about 10 or 11, and continues until about 1992 or 1994. There are some cute scenes, and I liked the stark black and white art used to illustrate the movie. There is a lot of teenage angst, intensified by her extreme life. It was nominated for an Oscar, but lost to Ratatouille, which I disagree with. I’m pretty sure Ruthy and maybe Laura would like this one.

27 Dresses –
If you really need to see a chick flick go ahead, this should satisfy any chick flick cravings. Unfortunately, this is not one of the best chick flicks I’ve seen. The best part is when you see how Katherine Heigl’s character uses all the old bridesmaid dresses.

Fool’s Gold -
Not exactly an Oscar contender, but hey, during this frigid Chicago winter, it is really nice to see a tropical locale and swaying palm trees. Guys will be happy to see Kate Hudson in a bikini, and girls will be happy to see Matthew running around shirtless. Oh yeah, there's a treasure hunt too! It is a fun, silly comedy.

Jumper –
Well this one isn’t going to win any awards. There were some neat special effects as the main character learns he can transport himself to anywhere in the world. It did make me wish that I had that capability and be able to travel like he does. But then there is Samuel Jackson as the one who is after “jumpers” because jumpers do break laws. And the end was left wide open for a sequel.

Juno -
Great movie, a little slow in parts as most low budget type movies tend to be. Ellen Page as a pregnant teen, preparing to give it up for adoption to Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman. I loved the girl's father, J.K Simmons. The sound track reminded me a lot of Phoebe from Friends singing her coffee shop “Smelly Cat” song. Smart dialogue, witty, dry humor. I really enjoyed it.

No Country For Old Men –
Excellent movie, though a bad “ending” – the movie just stops, without any resolution. Though the ending in this one is better than the one from There Will Be Blood. Javier Bardem plays a chilling killer with his own strange code of ethics. He deserved the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

In Bruges –
Very good dark comedy. Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson are hit men in hiding in the quaint tourist town of Bruges. Ralph Fiennes is pretty intense as thier boss. There are some blood and guts toward the end, so it’s not all laughs. This movie is mostly dialogue, so if you are looking for an action movie, this is not for you. It is refreshingly politically incorrect, and pretty much everyone, including Americans, is insulted. I really enjoyed the different characters and their attitudes, and I definitely have to go see Bruges someday!

The Savages –
Excellent portrayal of siblings sniping at each other over the care of their father, from whom both had been estranged. Partly funny, partly sad, but excellent all the way through. Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman are both excellent as usual.

Atonement –
I do love period films. This movie felt a bit long in parts, and I think they could have cut some of it out, mainly some of the war scenes. James McAvoy was excellent, and boy, you really will want to strangle that little girl! Beautiful costuming and scenery. Very tragic story. A good tear-jerker.

Definitely, Maybe -
I loved this movie! Ryan Reynolds tells his daughter, Abigail Breslin, the story of the 3 main loves of his life. Only complaint was Ryan Reynold's character wasn’t aged. His present day character is around 37-40, and he still looks baby faced. They should have added a little gray to his temples. But still an adorable movie with, of course, a happy ending.

There Will Be Blood –
No question that Daniel Day Lewis is a riveting actor. The story was interesting, but there was no ending – the movie just stops without any resolution. And there were some maddening questions over this Paul/Eli character. Were they twins and Paul just dropped out of the movie after his only scene? Or was Eli suffering from multiple personalities (he was a bit unbalanced)? And what made the kid go nuts? He saw a picture in a diary and just went nuts. Very strange movie.