Horror/Romance
3 stars
While the first Twilight movie was sexy, this sequel is more sappy - like the books. The first movie skipped over the sap and even added some extra gore and I wish New Moon had done the same. The movie also felt short, and omitted nuances (such as the tourist clutching her rosary while being led into the Volturi’s feeding chamber, or Jacob’s broken hearted howling wolf) that I thought would add more dimension to the screen version. I also thought some scenes, such as Bella’s fateful paper cut at her birthday party, would be more exciting. As for the shirtless guys, there is no contest; Jacob (Taylor Lautner) is hands down in fine form. Mmmm… Whereas Edward (Robert Pattinson) looked creepily emaciated and they should have shaved his chest to give him the “marble statue” look as book often describes him. Still, it’s always nice to see the book played out on the big screen, and Bella’s friends Rebecca and Mike made for some good comic relief (Kristen Stewart, Anna Kendrick, and Michael Welsh, respectively). Oh, and the wolves were cool! I liked it, and I may have to see if again for another eyeful of Jacob’s rockin’ bod. Oooohhh…
Saturday, November 21, 2009
The Box
Horror
2.5 stars
Decent suspense thriller where Cameron Diaz and James Franco are given a box with a push button and are told if they push the button, someone they don’t know will die, but they’ll receive a million bucks. Frank Langella plays the antagonist who provides the box. I liked how the movie played out similar to the style of the old Twilight Zone episodes or Hitchcock films. It still left some questions; like why would the folks who failed the moral test continue to be tested further? It wasn’t the best movie, but there was something cool and imaginative about it too.
2.5 stars
Decent suspense thriller where Cameron Diaz and James Franco are given a box with a push button and are told if they push the button, someone they don’t know will die, but they’ll receive a million bucks. Frank Langella plays the antagonist who provides the box. I liked how the movie played out similar to the style of the old Twilight Zone episodes or Hitchcock films. It still left some questions; like why would the folks who failed the moral test continue to be tested further? It wasn’t the best movie, but there was something cool and imaginative about it too.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
2012
Action, Suspence
3.5 stars
Fun movie – forget the nay-sayers! John Cusack stars in an end of the world disaster movie with plenty of special effects. I really liked it and was sufficiently “on the edge of my seat” even though you know the protagonists will prevail. If you want me to look for flaws, I’ll give you two: 1) already shown in the previews, I thought the collapse of St. Peter’s Basilica looked phony with the too obvious CGI effects. 2) You’ll have to see the movie to know what I mean by: “Yay! Let’s all cheer for the stowaways who almost got us all killed!” – now that was pretty silly. There. Those were my only two complaints. Great disaster film.
3.5 stars
Fun movie – forget the nay-sayers! John Cusack stars in an end of the world disaster movie with plenty of special effects. I really liked it and was sufficiently “on the edge of my seat” even though you know the protagonists will prevail. If you want me to look for flaws, I’ll give you two: 1) already shown in the previews, I thought the collapse of St. Peter’s Basilica looked phony with the too obvious CGI effects. 2) You’ll have to see the movie to know what I mean by: “Yay! Let’s all cheer for the stowaways who almost got us all killed!” – now that was pretty silly. There. Those were my only two complaints. Great disaster film.
Pirate Radio
Comedy
3.5 stars
Great music and a fun movie about the Pirate Radio ships in 1966 who played government-banned rock’n’roll on the airwaves. Tom Sturridge plays “Young Carl” whose Mum thought it would be a “good idea” for him to spend some time with a bunch of partying hippies (loved the clothes!) on the ship headed up by Bill Nighy. Philip Seymour Hoffman plays the head DJ and Rhys Efans (Notting Hill) plays Hoffman’s nemesis. Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) plays another popular DJ and Chris O’Dowd plays a DJ with a low self esteem. Kenneth Branagh and Jack Davenport (Pirates of the Caribbean) play the government officials bent on shutting down the pirate rockers. Fun movie, and I might have to get the soundtrack too!
3.5 stars
Great music and a fun movie about the Pirate Radio ships in 1966 who played government-banned rock’n’roll on the airwaves. Tom Sturridge plays “Young Carl” whose Mum thought it would be a “good idea” for him to spend some time with a bunch of partying hippies (loved the clothes!) on the ship headed up by Bill Nighy. Philip Seymour Hoffman plays the head DJ and Rhys Efans (Notting Hill) plays Hoffman’s nemesis. Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) plays another popular DJ and Chris O’Dowd plays a DJ with a low self esteem. Kenneth Branagh and Jack Davenport (Pirates of the Caribbean) play the government officials bent on shutting down the pirate rockers. Fun movie, and I might have to get the soundtrack too!
Disney’s A Christmas Carol
Family, Animation
3.5 stars
Decent rendering of the Dicken’s classic that stayed fairly true to the original story. I am happy that the performance-capture technology has improved since Polar Express (no more shifty eyes, and the colors and details are much richer) though aside from the Scrooge’s perfectly grumpy expressions, the other characters looked like they overdosed on Botox – especially Bob Cratchit (played by Gary Oldman; “Sirius Black” in the Potter movies). Let’s hope more improvements progress in the future. Don’t worry, Jim Carrey, who played the old grump and all three ghosts, was kept reigned in and played the roles seriously – no crazy goofing around. I just really wished they waited until December – or at least Thanksgiving – before releasing this film. A couple scenes may be too scary for very small children, but all in all a good rendition.
3.5 stars
Decent rendering of the Dicken’s classic that stayed fairly true to the original story. I am happy that the performance-capture technology has improved since Polar Express (no more shifty eyes, and the colors and details are much richer) though aside from the Scrooge’s perfectly grumpy expressions, the other characters looked like they overdosed on Botox – especially Bob Cratchit (played by Gary Oldman; “Sirius Black” in the Potter movies). Let’s hope more improvements progress in the future. Don’t worry, Jim Carrey, who played the old grump and all three ghosts, was kept reigned in and played the roles seriously – no crazy goofing around. I just really wished they waited until December – or at least Thanksgiving – before releasing this film. A couple scenes may be too scary for very small children, but all in all a good rendition.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Men Who Stare At Goats
Comedy
3 stars
Not as funny as I expected, but still enjoyable. Ewan McGregor plays a lackluster reporter who, while in the Middle East, stumbles into George Clooney who claims to be a Jedi Warrior with super powers (the Star Wars reference regarding McGregor wasn’t lost on me either) who is part of a secret mission commissioned by the Pentagon. It was still amusing with Jeff Bridges as a stoner hippy soldier and Kevin Spacey as the evil, jealous conspirator. Fun movie.
3 stars
Not as funny as I expected, but still enjoyable. Ewan McGregor plays a lackluster reporter who, while in the Middle East, stumbles into George Clooney who claims to be a Jedi Warrior with super powers (the Star Wars reference regarding McGregor wasn’t lost on me either) who is part of a secret mission commissioned by the Pentagon. It was still amusing with Jeff Bridges as a stoner hippy soldier and Kevin Spacey as the evil, jealous conspirator. Fun movie.
New York, I Love You
Drama
2.5 stars
Passable collection of intertwined short stories. I’m afraid only Woody Allen and maybe Nora Ephron can truly show off New York. This film didn’t really show off the city at all, it is more about pickup lines and hookups, and it felt really long (it was only 103 minutes). Despite the all star cast including stars young and old such as Orlando Bloom, Shia LaBeouf, James Caan (loved his role), Andy Garcia, Drea de Matteo, Bradley Cooper, Ethan Hawk, Julie Christie, Cloris Leachman, Eli Wallach and many more, it was mostly long and dull. Some of the stories were interesting, one was really strange (LaBeouf’s was the weirdest) and one was cute (Leachman and Wallach), but as I said, on the whole it seemed really long and was without much substance and I kept thinking “Chicago, I love you”.
2.5 stars
Passable collection of intertwined short stories. I’m afraid only Woody Allen and maybe Nora Ephron can truly show off New York. This film didn’t really show off the city at all, it is more about pickup lines and hookups, and it felt really long (it was only 103 minutes). Despite the all star cast including stars young and old such as Orlando Bloom, Shia LaBeouf, James Caan (loved his role), Andy Garcia, Drea de Matteo, Bradley Cooper, Ethan Hawk, Julie Christie, Cloris Leachman, Eli Wallach and many more, it was mostly long and dull. Some of the stories were interesting, one was really strange (LaBeouf’s was the weirdest) and one was cute (Leachman and Wallach), but as I said, on the whole it seemed really long and was without much substance and I kept thinking “Chicago, I love you”.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
Drama
5 stars
Powerful movie about a severely abused teen growing up in Harlem. Outstanding acting by Mo’Nique as the abusive mother, Gabourey Sidibe as the unfortunate teen, Precious, and Paula Patton as a caring teacher. Some scenes are hard to watch, but surprisingly there are a few laughs as well. The title character does dream of being a famous celebrity and I thought the dream sequences were a bit much, but other than that I can only sing praises for this film. Even Mariah Carey was good. Excellent movie, just go see it for yourself.
5 stars
Powerful movie about a severely abused teen growing up in Harlem. Outstanding acting by Mo’Nique as the abusive mother, Gabourey Sidibe as the unfortunate teen, Precious, and Paula Patton as a caring teacher. Some scenes are hard to watch, but surprisingly there are a few laughs as well. The title character does dream of being a famous celebrity and I thought the dream sequences were a bit much, but other than that I can only sing praises for this film. Even Mariah Carey was good. Excellent movie, just go see it for yourself.
Good Hair
Documentary
3.5 stars
Chris Rock humorously shines a light on the plight of black women trying to attain “good hair”. He exposes the dangers of relaxers and the somewhat sleazy way India encourages its people to shave their heads in an act of religious cleansing only to turn around and make big bucks on the sale of the hair to use for weaves. He also follows the market on hair products and how they profit from women’s unhappiness with their natural hair. I think maybe there should be a rebellion and they should start proudly rocking some big 1960’s style afros, but that’s just me... Good movie; educational for non-blacks, and a good case study on people’s perceptions of what is defined as “good hair”.
3.5 stars
Chris Rock humorously shines a light on the plight of black women trying to attain “good hair”. He exposes the dangers of relaxers and the somewhat sleazy way India encourages its people to shave their heads in an act of religious cleansing only to turn around and make big bucks on the sale of the hair to use for weaves. He also follows the market on hair products and how they profit from women’s unhappiness with their natural hair. I think maybe there should be a rebellion and they should start proudly rocking some big 1960’s style afros, but that’s just me... Good movie; educational for non-blacks, and a good case study on people’s perceptions of what is defined as “good hair”.
A Serious Man
Comedy, Dry
4 stars
This critically acclaimed Coen Brothers’ movie shows a slice of life from the perspective of a 60’s era Jewish man (Michael Stuhbarg) who’s life begins to spiral out of control. Being a Coen Brothers’ film, you have to expect some weirdness and unanswered questions. It starts with a bizarre short film that seems to have no relation at all to the main movie. Also, the main movie ends abruptly, leaving some big loose ends. But other than the beginning and end, the rest is a humorous take on the main character’s struggles and I really enjoyed it, as did the rest of the folks in the theater (and all the critics too). Note: the word “goy” means a “non-Jew” – they use that word quite a bit. Also, after overhearing a conversation after the movie, I think I may have missed a final scene that takes place after the credits. If anyone can verify this and let me know what I missed I’d be very grateful! Really good movie.
4 stars
This critically acclaimed Coen Brothers’ movie shows a slice of life from the perspective of a 60’s era Jewish man (Michael Stuhbarg) who’s life begins to spiral out of control. Being a Coen Brothers’ film, you have to expect some weirdness and unanswered questions. It starts with a bizarre short film that seems to have no relation at all to the main movie. Also, the main movie ends abruptly, leaving some big loose ends. But other than the beginning and end, the rest is a humorous take on the main character’s struggles and I really enjoyed it, as did the rest of the folks in the theater (and all the critics too). Note: the word “goy” means a “non-Jew” – they use that word quite a bit. Also, after overhearing a conversation after the movie, I think I may have missed a final scene that takes place after the credits. If anyone can verify this and let me know what I missed I’d be very grateful! Really good movie.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Cirque du Freak; The Vampire’s Assistant
3.5
Horror; Comedy
Fun! Perfect for Halloween, this slightly campy, fantastical movie was a fun ride. Though this film went against my principles that vampires should be sexy, it was still a fun story of two teenage boys (Josh Hutcherson, Chris Massoglia) who get lured to a freak show (I usually hate these, but I thought this one was cool – and I loved the little gnomes) and get themselves into trouble with the vampires (John C. Reilly, Willem Dafoe, Ray Stevenson). Salma Hayek and Ken Watanabe co-star. I was actually bummed when the movie ended because there is clearly more story, and an inevitable sequel. There is plenty of mist and sense of eeriness and creepy characters, but not much of the murder and mayhem as you would expect. Still, it was a fun movie.
Horror; Comedy
Fun! Perfect for Halloween, this slightly campy, fantastical movie was a fun ride. Though this film went against my principles that vampires should be sexy, it was still a fun story of two teenage boys (Josh Hutcherson, Chris Massoglia) who get lured to a freak show (I usually hate these, but I thought this one was cool – and I loved the little gnomes) and get themselves into trouble with the vampires (John C. Reilly, Willem Dafoe, Ray Stevenson). Salma Hayek and Ken Watanabe co-star. I was actually bummed when the movie ended because there is clearly more story, and an inevitable sequel. There is plenty of mist and sense of eeriness and creepy characters, but not much of the murder and mayhem as you would expect. Still, it was a fun movie.
Amelia
3.5
Drama, True Story
Better than what the critics complained about. Hilary Swank stars as Amelia Earhart with Richard Gere as her husband, Mr. Putnam with Ewan McGregor as a love interest. The critics really panned this movie. I really liked the ambiance of the late 20’s and 30’s with the costuming and I thought the acting was good. The problem was that although all the individual scenes were excellent, they were not pieced together well and felt disjointed from one another. Isn’t that the director’s fault (Mira Nair – Monsoon Wedding and Namesake)? I think they needed a few more scenes to transition them better. Throughout the film Amelia soars around the world on her ill fated flight with beautiful landscapes below, while the past and “present” of her life are mixed and mingled. They should have done less mixing and mingling and just told the story from start to finish consecutively – and they still could have kept her final flight interspersed throughout. It’s still better than most of the stuff in the theater right now, and I did enjoy it.
Drama, True Story
Better than what the critics complained about. Hilary Swank stars as Amelia Earhart with Richard Gere as her husband, Mr. Putnam with Ewan McGregor as a love interest. The critics really panned this movie. I really liked the ambiance of the late 20’s and 30’s with the costuming and I thought the acting was good. The problem was that although all the individual scenes were excellent, they were not pieced together well and felt disjointed from one another. Isn’t that the director’s fault (Mira Nair – Monsoon Wedding and Namesake)? I think they needed a few more scenes to transition them better. Throughout the film Amelia soars around the world on her ill fated flight with beautiful landscapes below, while the past and “present” of her life are mixed and mingled. They should have done less mixing and mingling and just told the story from start to finish consecutively – and they still could have kept her final flight interspersed throughout. It’s still better than most of the stuff in the theater right now, and I did enjoy it.
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