Family, Animated
4 stars
Loved it. A boy (Jay Baruchel; She’s Out of My League) befriends a dragon, despite the fact that dragons regularly ransack and plunder his Viking village. Gerard Butler and Craig Ferguson voice a couple of the beefier Vikings. We loved all the different, imaginative dragons (especially the black one which resembles our black pug quite a bit), fun adventures, and of course the boy who acquired a better appreciation and respect for the dragons than his fellow villagers – he was sort of a “dragon whisperer”. Kids of all ages (and adults too) will root for the underdogs in this wonderful tale.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Greenberg
Drama
3 stars
Somber and seemed really long at 107 minutes. Ben Stiller stars as miserable and cranky guy who is house-sitting for his brother after returning home from a mental hospital. He tries to reconnect with old friends, Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill) and Jennifer Jason Leigh, but they seem almost as miserable as he does. His brother’s personal assistant (Greta Gerwig) is a sweet, naïve girl whom Stiller takes advantage of, and slowly develops feelings for. I thought this would be more of a dry comedy, but it’s mostly depressing. If you like dry movies like The Royal Tenenbaums or The Darjeeling Limited then you may like this one. This just wasn’t my thing.
3 stars
Somber and seemed really long at 107 minutes. Ben Stiller stars as miserable and cranky guy who is house-sitting for his brother after returning home from a mental hospital. He tries to reconnect with old friends, Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill) and Jennifer Jason Leigh, but they seem almost as miserable as he does. His brother’s personal assistant (Greta Gerwig) is a sweet, naïve girl whom Stiller takes advantage of, and slowly develops feelings for. I thought this would be more of a dry comedy, but it’s mostly depressing. If you like dry movies like The Royal Tenenbaums or The Darjeeling Limited then you may like this one. This just wasn’t my thing.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Hot Tub Time Machine
Comedy
4 stars
Wicked Funny. Four guys go back in time to the 80’s and have a crazy weekend. Not as good as films like The Hangover, but I gave it 4 stars because I laughed out loud so much – and even covered my eyes a few times. Stars John Cusack, Clark Duke (Superbad), Craig Robinson (“The Office”, Zach and Miri Make a Porno) and Rob Corddry (Harold and Kumar 2). My favorite was the one-armed bellhop, Crispin Glover (both Charlie’s Angels). Includes a little nudity and some scenes are a little crude, but it was hilarious.
4 stars
Wicked Funny. Four guys go back in time to the 80’s and have a crazy weekend. Not as good as films like The Hangover, but I gave it 4 stars because I laughed out loud so much – and even covered my eyes a few times. Stars John Cusack, Clark Duke (Superbad), Craig Robinson (“The Office”, Zach and Miri Make a Porno) and Rob Corddry (Harold and Kumar 2). My favorite was the one-armed bellhop, Crispin Glover (both Charlie’s Angels). Includes a little nudity and some scenes are a little crude, but it was hilarious.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Repo Men
Action, Drama
3.5 stars
A decent futuristic guy film full of violence and icky organ extractions. Tip: you probably don’t want to be eating your popcorn during the opening sequence. Jude Law stars as a repo man, alongside Forest Whitaker, who has no problem removing organs from folks who’ve become delinquent on their payments – that is until he becomes an organ recipient himself. Obviously his company doesn’t offer workmen’s compensation. There were a few picky little details that bugged me, but probably won’t bother the average movie-goer, such as Law’s English accent when he supposedly grew up with Whitaker, and I’m a little hazy on Whitaker’s strange commitment to Law (you’ll see) which also became questionable. Anyway, guys will love all the shooting and fight scenes and totally gross organ extractions.
3.5 stars
A decent futuristic guy film full of violence and icky organ extractions. Tip: you probably don’t want to be eating your popcorn during the opening sequence. Jude Law stars as a repo man, alongside Forest Whitaker, who has no problem removing organs from folks who’ve become delinquent on their payments – that is until he becomes an organ recipient himself. Obviously his company doesn’t offer workmen’s compensation. There were a few picky little details that bugged me, but probably won’t bother the average movie-goer, such as Law’s English accent when he supposedly grew up with Whitaker, and I’m a little hazy on Whitaker’s strange commitment to Law (you’ll see) which also became questionable. Anyway, guys will love all the shooting and fight scenes and totally gross organ extractions.
Bounty Hunter
Comedy
2.5 stars
Cute, but the smug banter got irritating after awhile. Gerard Butler plays a bounty hunter who must take in his ex-wife, Jennifer Aniston, whom he has unresolved feelings for. You know how it ends. I liked the rare occasions when the characters acted honestly, rather than the aforementioned smug banter between them. If the previews looked appealing to you, then the film is more of the same and you’ll probably like it. I was hoping for more depth and more of a reason to care about the characters.
2.5 stars
Cute, but the smug banter got irritating after awhile. Gerard Butler plays a bounty hunter who must take in his ex-wife, Jennifer Aniston, whom he has unresolved feelings for. You know how it ends. I liked the rare occasions when the characters acted honestly, rather than the aforementioned smug banter between them. If the previews looked appealing to you, then the film is more of the same and you’ll probably like it. I was hoping for more depth and more of a reason to care about the characters.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Family, Comedy
3 stars
Cute film about a boy (Zachary Gordon) starting middle school and trying to fit in. He tries to change his blissfully happy and naïve friend (Robert Capron), only to learn the inevitable moral of the story. It’s cute, but not as many laugh out loud moments I was hoping for (for adults anyway). I probably got the most laughs from the tormenting older brother, Devon Bostik (Adoration, Saw VI, Saw IV). Rachel Harris (The Hangover) and Steve Zahn (Management, You’ve Got Mail) co-star as Gordon’s parents. Kids of all ages should enjoy this one, especially boys with it’s handful of gross-out moments. Cute.
3 stars
Cute film about a boy (Zachary Gordon) starting middle school and trying to fit in. He tries to change his blissfully happy and naïve friend (Robert Capron), only to learn the inevitable moral of the story. It’s cute, but not as many laugh out loud moments I was hoping for (for adults anyway). I probably got the most laughs from the tormenting older brother, Devon Bostik (Adoration, Saw VI, Saw IV). Rachel Harris (The Hangover) and Steve Zahn (Management, You’ve Got Mail) co-star as Gordon’s parents. Kids of all ages should enjoy this one, especially boys with it’s handful of gross-out moments. Cute.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
The Runaways
Drama
3 stars
Accurate depiction of the sleazy 70’s. Kristen Stewart (Twilight) and Dakota Fanning play Joan Jett and Cherie Curry, respectively, in this sort of coming of age tale taking place in the mid-70’s. It’s more of the story of Curry, morphing from a space shot to a drug-addled diva as they form the band The Runaways in an abandoned trailer. This reminded me of everything I disliked of the 70’s and everything I disliked as a 15 year old. It felt kinda creepy watching these promiscuous teens experiment with drugs and their budding sexuality. Me, I was a Joan Jett fan in the 80’s and was in the mood for some rock’n’roll, and while there is some good music, there is very little told about Jett’s background and I was embarrassed for Stewart every time she tried to belt out a song – thankfully Fanning did most of the singing. It’s not a bad movie, it’s just not my thing.
3 stars
Accurate depiction of the sleazy 70’s. Kristen Stewart (Twilight) and Dakota Fanning play Joan Jett and Cherie Curry, respectively, in this sort of coming of age tale taking place in the mid-70’s. It’s more of the story of Curry, morphing from a space shot to a drug-addled diva as they form the band The Runaways in an abandoned trailer. This reminded me of everything I disliked of the 70’s and everything I disliked as a 15 year old. It felt kinda creepy watching these promiscuous teens experiment with drugs and their budding sexuality. Me, I was a Joan Jett fan in the 80’s and was in the mood for some rock’n’roll, and while there is some good music, there is very little told about Jett’s background and I was embarrassed for Stewart every time she tried to belt out a song – thankfully Fanning did most of the singing. It’s not a bad movie, it’s just not my thing.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Brooklyn’s Finest
Drama, Crime
3 stars
Really long! Three unhappy cops working for the same dangerous district all find themselves in desperate situations. Richard Gere plays a frustratingly ineffective uniformed cop just 7 days from retirement who is marking the days till he is off the job. Ethan Hawke plays a SWAT team cop with way too many kids that he can’t afford to support, and the ever-talented Don Cheadle plays an undercover cop who is sick and tired of hanging out with drug dealers. Just when the climax was building, I found myself yawning and checking my watch – not a good sign (it’s 133 minutes long). For what it’s worth, a lady I bumped into after the movie really liked it. I was bored. It started out OK, but then just felt too drawn out. When a movie gets to the point where both myself and some guy behind me are both saying out loud to screen “just shoot the guy!”, it’s just too aggravating. Wait for cable.
3 stars
Really long! Three unhappy cops working for the same dangerous district all find themselves in desperate situations. Richard Gere plays a frustratingly ineffective uniformed cop just 7 days from retirement who is marking the days till he is off the job. Ethan Hawke plays a SWAT team cop with way too many kids that he can’t afford to support, and the ever-talented Don Cheadle plays an undercover cop who is sick and tired of hanging out with drug dealers. Just when the climax was building, I found myself yawning and checking my watch – not a good sign (it’s 133 minutes long). For what it’s worth, a lady I bumped into after the movie really liked it. I was bored. It started out OK, but then just felt too drawn out. When a movie gets to the point where both myself and some guy behind me are both saying out loud to screen “just shoot the guy!”, it’s just too aggravating. Wait for cable.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Green Zone
Action
4.5 stars
Very exciting. Matt Damon stars as a soldier in 2003 Iraq on a fruitless search for WMD’s who begins questioning authority and “intelligence”. Much like Inglorious Basterds gives us a more satisfying turn of events for WWII, this movie gives non-George W. Bush fans a more satisfying take on Iraq. Filmed with hand-held cameras, it’s a little shaky, but not as bad as most movies filmed this way. Most of the non-principle actors are real U.S. soldiers wearing their own gear who attest to the film’s realism. Lots of action, very realistic and makes you wish it happened this way.
4.5 stars
Very exciting. Matt Damon stars as a soldier in 2003 Iraq on a fruitless search for WMD’s who begins questioning authority and “intelligence”. Much like Inglorious Basterds gives us a more satisfying turn of events for WWII, this movie gives non-George W. Bush fans a more satisfying take on Iraq. Filmed with hand-held cameras, it’s a little shaky, but not as bad as most movies filmed this way. Most of the non-principle actors are real U.S. soldiers wearing their own gear who attest to the film’s realism. Lots of action, very realistic and makes you wish it happened this way.
She’s Out of My League
Comedy, Crude
3 stars
Funny, but too crude for my taste. Jay Baruchel (Knocked Up, Million Dollar Baby) stars as a nerdy airport security guard who lands a date with a beautiful girl, Alice Eve (am I the only one who thinks she’s a dead ringer for Elin Woods?). Krysten Ritter (Confessions of a Shopaholic) and T.J. Miller co-star as best friends of the two main characters. I thought all the younger actors were likable and funny, but the humor and language was much cruder than necessary.
3 stars
Funny, but too crude for my taste. Jay Baruchel (Knocked Up, Million Dollar Baby) stars as a nerdy airport security guard who lands a date with a beautiful girl, Alice Eve (am I the only one who thinks she’s a dead ringer for Elin Woods?). Krysten Ritter (Confessions of a Shopaholic) and T.J. Miller co-star as best friends of the two main characters. I thought all the younger actors were likable and funny, but the humor and language was much cruder than necessary.
Remember Me
Drama, Chick Flick?
4 stars
Good movie, but not what I would define as a “chick flick”. Robert Pattinson (Twilight) falls in love with Emilie De Ravin, but this is much more than a love story. Both protagonists have Daddy issues: hers is a hard-nosed cop (Chris Cooper) and his is an absentee father (Pierce Brosnan). Both are still reeling from a death in the family, and Pattinson is fiercely protective of his adorable younger sister who is picked on at school (Ruby Jerins of Nurse Jackie). I really liked this film but thought it was unnecessary that a certain major world event was included in the story. Good Movie.
4 stars
Good movie, but not what I would define as a “chick flick”. Robert Pattinson (Twilight) falls in love with Emilie De Ravin, but this is much more than a love story. Both protagonists have Daddy issues: hers is a hard-nosed cop (Chris Cooper) and his is an absentee father (Pierce Brosnan). Both are still reeling from a death in the family, and Pattinson is fiercely protective of his adorable younger sister who is picked on at school (Ruby Jerins of Nurse Jackie). I really liked this film but thought it was unnecessary that a certain major world event was included in the story. Good Movie.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The Good Guy
Chick Flick
3.5 stars
Pretty good. Alexis Bledel (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) stars as a young twenty-something navigating love and life in New York City. Scott Porter (Friday Night Lights) co-stars as her Wall Streeter love interest and Bryan Greenberg (October Road, Bride Wars) plays a coworker he is mentoring. Andrew McCarthy has a small role as the male actors’ jaded boss. This film had a better sense of realism rather than the usual movies of this age group that usually have perfectly polished fashionable apartments and flawlessly coifed hair. Instead, the characters had cluttered homes and messy, but interesting, lives. No dumb pratfalls, no sugary sappiness – what a refreshing change! My only complaint is Bledel still looks too wide-eyed and awkward to be playing a 20-something (despite the fact that the actress is 28!). I liked it.
3.5 stars
Pretty good. Alexis Bledel (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) stars as a young twenty-something navigating love and life in New York City. Scott Porter (Friday Night Lights) co-stars as her Wall Streeter love interest and Bryan Greenberg (October Road, Bride Wars) plays a coworker he is mentoring. Andrew McCarthy has a small role as the male actors’ jaded boss. This film had a better sense of realism rather than the usual movies of this age group that usually have perfectly polished fashionable apartments and flawlessly coifed hair. Instead, the characters had cluttered homes and messy, but interesting, lives. No dumb pratfalls, no sugary sappiness – what a refreshing change! My only complaint is Bledel still looks too wide-eyed and awkward to be playing a 20-something (despite the fact that the actress is 28!). I liked it.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Fantasy
4 stars
Really good. Mia Wasikowska falls down the rabbit hole in this Tim Burton version of Alice. I went in with really high expectations hoping to be wowed - I should learn to never do that! I really liked this movie, but the special effects were CGI-heavy and not as realistic looking as, say, Harry Potter. I’d like to know how they got Johnny Depp’s eyes so freakishly large though! Helena Bonham Carter stars as the red queen and Anne Hathaway as the white queen. For sensitive little ones, scenes like the decapitated heads floating in the queen’s moat might be too scary. But a fun movie for everyone else.
4 stars
Really good. Mia Wasikowska falls down the rabbit hole in this Tim Burton version of Alice. I went in with really high expectations hoping to be wowed - I should learn to never do that! I really liked this movie, but the special effects were CGI-heavy and not as realistic looking as, say, Harry Potter. I’d like to know how they got Johnny Depp’s eyes so freakishly large though! Helena Bonham Carter stars as the red queen and Anne Hathaway as the white queen. For sensitive little ones, scenes like the decapitated heads floating in the queen’s moat might be too scary. But a fun movie for everyone else.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Oscar Nominated Short Films 2010: Animated
Comedy (mostly)
5 stars
LOVED these! Features 8 animated shorts (5 Oscar noms, and 3 “Notables”) from various countries including a 30 minute Wallace & Gromit that was just ADORABLE. I also loved the Irish one where the grandma scares the crap out of her granddaughter with an embellished bedtime story. Jim loved the Spanish one about the Reaper. Some were poignant, some were cute, and many were hilarious. The last short is preceded by a warning for its violence and profanity – this is your cue to exit if you are easily offended – but despite its very basic hand-drawn animation, it is probably the one that stayed with me the longest. It is an Argentinean movie short, dissing Americans and capitalism (not undeservedly) but it had the most laughs and most to ponder. For Chicagoans, it is playing at the Landmark Theater at Clark & Diversey. I highly recommend it.
5 stars
LOVED these! Features 8 animated shorts (5 Oscar noms, and 3 “Notables”) from various countries including a 30 minute Wallace & Gromit that was just ADORABLE. I also loved the Irish one where the grandma scares the crap out of her granddaughter with an embellished bedtime story. Jim loved the Spanish one about the Reaper. Some were poignant, some were cute, and many were hilarious. The last short is preceded by a warning for its violence and profanity – this is your cue to exit if you are easily offended – but despite its very basic hand-drawn animation, it is probably the one that stayed with me the longest. It is an Argentinean movie short, dissing Americans and capitalism (not undeservedly) but it had the most laughs and most to ponder. For Chicagoans, it is playing at the Landmark Theater at Clark & Diversey. I highly recommend it.
Cop Out
Comedy
2.5 stars
What a bummer. Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan play buddy cops who use an irritating thief, Seann Williams Scott (American Pie), to help with a case. I love all three actors and was looking forward to a silly comedy, but I was sadly disappointed. I am not sure if Morgan was the victim of bad writing or if he is a Jim Carrey-type who gets too out of control when not reigned-in, but he had the most embarrassingly bad scenes including the opening scene where he acts out famous movie bits during an interrogation, and another long spiel on bowel movements. This is all the type of stuff that would appeal to young boys, but the violence and profanity is not exactly kid-friendly. Even the violent drug dealer, Guillermo Diaz, who was supposed to be scary, had a comic scene that was completely incongruous with his character. I blame the director, Kevin Smith (Clerks), who I never liked anyway. Wait for cable – or not.
2.5 stars
What a bummer. Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan play buddy cops who use an irritating thief, Seann Williams Scott (American Pie), to help with a case. I love all three actors and was looking forward to a silly comedy, but I was sadly disappointed. I am not sure if Morgan was the victim of bad writing or if he is a Jim Carrey-type who gets too out of control when not reigned-in, but he had the most embarrassingly bad scenes including the opening scene where he acts out famous movie bits during an interrogation, and another long spiel on bowel movements. This is all the type of stuff that would appeal to young boys, but the violence and profanity is not exactly kid-friendly. Even the violent drug dealer, Guillermo Diaz, who was supposed to be scary, had a comic scene that was completely incongruous with his character. I blame the director, Kevin Smith (Clerks), who I never liked anyway. Wait for cable – or not.
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