Movie of the Day - March
March 31st, 2012 -
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- DirectorRuben FleischerStarsJesse EisenbergEmma StoneWoody HarrelsonA shy student trying to reach his family in Ohio, a gun-toting bruiser in search of the last Twinkie and a pair of sisters striving to get to an amusement park join forces in a trek across a zombie-filled America.March 1st, 2012 - Its somewhat ironic that zombie flicks merge so well with comedy. For generations, everything from "Night of the Living Dead" to "28 Days Later" took the concept of people riding from the dead for one goal: to kill. It doesn't make sense for any type of humor to come out of an idea, but it does. "Zombieland" captures the funny essense of zombies, but its more then that. Alot more. Sure, it has the typical 'Shaun of the Dead' style "pokes fun more at the zombie culture rather then the zombies themselves", but I think what I like best about it is not only the realistic take on zombies the movie has (its brilliant to have an actual, factual list as to how to survive), but also for the aspect of the characters doing exactly what any of us would do in the same situation. Honestly, if you survived an apocolyptic encounter, you too would smash up gift shops, steal cars, and sleep in Bill Murray's house. Its something that the public doesn't think about, but it makes perfect sense. Though lets be honest: the thing that really makes this movie work are the characters. Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg have nothing in common. They should never EVER be a duo. But opposite attract rules make them perfect together, as the 'nervous, switchy, but prepared" and the "southern badass with issues" combo make them two of the most likeable characters to be put on the screen in years. Now, as with most zom-coms, its good, but not perfect. I like both Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin just fine, but i feel like Columbus and Tallahassee were given so much characterization that the girls were left out a little. They aren't bad, and their 'con-artist' subplot is interesting...but the characters themselves are a little generic to me. Also, at about an hour and twenty minutes, the film seems a little short. But hey, its a great film, and that's just really minor complaints. "Zombieland" is the perfect flick for fans of zombies and comedy fans alike. I highly recommend it. 4 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorAnthony HickoxStarsTerry FarrellDoug BradleyKevin BernhardtAn investigative reporter must send the newly unbound Pinhead and his legions back to Hell.March 2nd, 2012 - Cinema is an interesting beast. Just because a movie is bad, doesn't necessarily mean that it's 'bad'. Sometimes, a movie has the ability to be bad (storywise, characterwise, effectswise, etc), yet still has a certain...likeability to it. 'Hellraiser III' is one of those movies. If I were to describe this movie in one word, it would be '90s'. It explores concepts that the Hellraiser franchise has never touched before...and I think that might have been for the better not to. The idea of Pinhead being unleashed on the world as nothing more then a serial slasher takes away alot of the art and detail of the franchise, really taking out the gothic style creep factor that we've all come to know and love. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Pinhead is NOT a slasher. Does he kill? Yes, but his killings effect those on a personal level, enjoying more of a mind torture with his prey then slaughtering folks left and right. The Cenebites also seem...goofy. A camera of death? Killed compact discs? Sure, it might be scary if Im not too busy laughing my ass off. However, there is a fair amount of good in this movie too. Seeing Pinhead's human form is not only interesting onto itself, but the fact that his human form is actually one of the movie's heroes was a brilliant step, showing us a side of a horror movie killer that most of us don't really see. The effects for the movie are also fun, giving us the same style b-movie buckets of blood fun that we're all used to. Overall, it's not the best Hellraiser flick, but it's still lightyears better then 'Hellraiser: Revelations' (as of this writing, still the absolute WORST movie I have ever seen!). Hellraiser III, on the other hand, might be stupid, but its also very entertaining. I suggest this movie for the hardcore horror buffs, but softcore movie buffs might be better off sticking with the original. Again, it's not great, but its not horrible either, so I give "Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth" a 2 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorDan EckmanStarsDonald GloverD.C. PiersonDominic DierkesA group of former Encyclopedia Brown-style child-detectives struggle to solve an adult mystery.March 3rd, 2012 - The internet is a funny place. Everyone clearly has their story to tell, and thanks to the world-wide-web, people are able to tell those stories now more then ever. With the internet, we also get internet comedy, such as the brilliant work of Derrick Comedy. However, like other internet comedians, DC didn't seem to be satisfied with net comedy alone, and had a story to tell that could only be told in the big screen. 'Mystery Team' is that movie. The biggest problem with short, internet comedy into the transfer of cinema is always about the timing. Just because something is funny for 3 to 5 minutes, is it going to be so for up to two hours? Well, for this movie...yeah, actually. It is. Unlike most SNL movies that take sketches like "MacGrubber" "Night at the Roxberry" and "The Ladies Man" and simply slam the same joke down the audience's throat time and time again, 'Mystery Team' doesn't depend on Derrick Comedy's old routine, creating a new concept that is funny on its own, then explores all the various elements of it. At the heart of this movie is 'Community's' Donald Glover in his first cinematic leading man role...and he absolutely kills. Playing the 'master of disguise', he takes advantage of the internet's habit of overracting, making it his own in the process. Though, like any movie, it does suffer from problems. Glover's character stands as a bit too much of the focus, leaving his co-stars DC Pierson and Dominic Dierkes in the dark quite a bit, establishing their characters, but not really pushing them to the extremes I would have liked to see. Also, for a movie that sorta pokes fun at the sugary sweet way concepts of yesterday were portrayed as opposed to the way it would be portrayed in the real world, the ending defies sugary sweet, everything wrapped up so happy and perfect that it almost becomes a tad bit offputting. Still, the movie is funny, the characters are fun, and any Derrick Comedy, Community, or any average comedy fan will certainly get a kick out of the flick. I give 'Mystery Team' 3 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorKirk JonesStarsEmma ThompsonColin FirthAngela LansburyA governess uses magic to rein in the behavior of seven ne'er-do-well children in her charge.March 4th, 2012 - Every so often, there is a movie that comes out that the rest of the world adores but you, for whatever reason, simply can't get into. 'Nanny McPhee' is that movie to me. Don't get me wrong, from Emma Thompson to Colin Firth, this movie is wonderfully acted and presents one of my favorite rarities in movies: good child actors. However, my main problem with this movie is the storyline. Alot of people call this movie the 'modern day Mary Poppins'. I like to call this movie 'The Anti-Mary Poppins'. See, Mary's sweet nature was that children aren't really 'bad' at heart as long as they see the joy that comes from everyday life. In my eyes, Nanny McPhee's nature was that children aren't really 'bad' at heart as long as they know that if they don't do as she says, she will friggin' hurt them. And yes, I know that in the end the children end up learning the lessons on their own about being kind, respectful, honest, brave, yadda yadda yadda, but it seems like the motions were set in course fo the children to learn it on their own, McPhee's magic simply adding glitter and whatnot to the events. Plus, what's the deal with the children learning lessons, and McPhee getting more beautiful? Sorta kicks the whole 'be yourself' message that other movies try to convey to the curb, doesn't it? All in all, I can understand how some folks like this movies, and as a fluff kids flick, its not exactly terrible (troubling for some, but you're really have to focus on the bad to be offended), but it's simply not my style. Still, I respect the effort, so I give "Nanny McPhee" 2 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorPeter HyamsStarsJean-Claude Van DammeMia SaraRon SilverMax Walker, an officer for a security agency that regulates time travel, must fend for his life against a shady politician who's intent on changing the past to control the future.March 5th, 2012 - Well, I'll be dipped! A GOOD Van Damme movie! Well, 'good' is an interesting word. 'Timecop' is far from being the best movie I've ever laid my eyes on, but as far as Van Damme flicks go, it works, and clearly stands as one of his better films. I think the difference between 'Timecop' and your other films like 'Street Fighter' and 'The Quest' is that the writers, directors, and producers understood Van Damme's acting ability, so they gave him a role he can work around: a gruff, but loveable, slightly quiet fighter with a haunted past who has a thirst for justice. He isn't forced to give the same emotional range as most of his other movies, so it works. Also, as most of you know, Im a sucker for time travel, so the idea of a time-traveling police force who stop those who abuse time travel is a brilliant concept, even going far enough to establish set rules for travel, including why eactly one couldn't visit their past self. The movie does also have its problems. The R-Rating is sorta out of place, making it seem like the random F-bombs and shots of nudity were tossed in simply to make the film edgier...but we do get to see the girl from 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' without a top, so that's awesome. *Shrugs* One big problem that I have with the movie is Van Damme's partner in the movie. We meet her, find out her back story, end up really caring for this character....only for her to turn traitor and ends up getting killed in the first quarter of the movie! Why? Its so out of place. I once again think its just an excuse to be edgy, and the movie could actually be good enough to stand on its own merrit. But whatever...the movie is still fairly good, and if you want proof that Van Damme actually had chops once upon a time, this is that very proof. 3 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsBrad PittDiane KrugerEli RothIn Nazi-occupied France during World War II, a plan to assassinate Nazi leaders by a group of Jewish U.S. soldiers coincides with a theatre owner's vengeful plans for the same.March 6th, 2012 - Remember back in my 'Pulp Fiction' review when I said that the film was perfect representation of Quintin Tarantino before he became uberly caught up in his own success and began loving himself and/or everything her touched? 'Ingloarious Basterds' is the perfect example of post-ego-maniacal Tarantino. Now, don't get me wrong, 'Inglorious Basterds' is in no way, shape, or form a bad movie. Hell, it was probabily one of the best movies of 2009. However, if you're a film student or someone who overly obsesses about cinema, Tarantino has a specific status-quo to all his movies which becomes harder and harder to ignore. The foot fetish. The grindhouse style opening credits. The nichey references. The uncredited cameo by Samuel L. Jackson. Its all there, and it's not bad...but it does have a certain 'been there/done that' sense that does tend to annoy simply because you know Tarantino threw them in for his own jollies. I know, it's nitpicking, but it does need to be pointed out. On the plus side, most of this movie is all star casting, with Brad Pitt, Melanie Laurent, Daniel Bruhl, Diane Kruger, and others who steal the show, including Academy Award Winner Christoph Waltz, who absolutely steals the show as 'The Jew Hunter', a wolf in sheep's clothing who is able to do the most vile and evil of actions while giving a friendly smile the entire time (you'll never look at cream the same way again). The story, as is with most of Tarantino's work, is stellar, taking bits of real life events and characters, and tweeking it for a very entertaining roller coaster ride. All in all, if you don't mind 'money shots' or aren't a major stickerler on film making, instead wanting to veg out with a good movie, this is that movie. I don't know if I would call it Tarantino's 'Masterpiece', but that doesn't keep it from being a damn good film. 4 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorShawn LevyStarsHugh JackmanEvangeline LillyDakota GoyoIn the near future, robot boxing is a top sport. A struggling ex-boxer feels he's found a champion in a discarded robot.February 7th, 2012 - This movie shouldn't have been good. At the end of the day, it's essentially a movie based on the 'Rock Em', Sock Em' Robots' toy...and yet, it is. I mean, don't me wrong. Its never going to be the 'Rocky' of our generation, but this film goes to show just how much of a factor effort plays, no matter what the premise of the movie may be. The heart in this movie is good, tettering on the corny side, but a leading man like Hugh Jackman knows exactly how to play it straight without it being over the top. He invests himself into the movie, and the rest simply falls into place. Dakota Goyo also represents that amazing rarity: a good child actor. His playful/rebelious spirit with a hint of darkness makes him a great supporting character, and Dakota certainly has the acting chops to fill the role. The effects are also really cool for the story. I like the fact that every single robot they have in the movie was actually made in real life, then re-constructed digitally, adding a fair amount of realism to the flick. Then, there is the part of the movie I don't like, which is probabily the storyline. Like I said, they could have easily made this a fluffy, simple, dumb movie, but they added alot of drama. I mean...ALOT of drama! If Im going to a movie called 'Real Steel', I certainly don't expect to see Jackman getting his ass kicked by mobsters and left for dead to be made 'an example of'. Stuff like that is fine in most cases, but scenes like this bring the entire movie to a screetching hault. But again, its hard to get mad at a movie like this that is actually, genuinely trying to make itself better then it needs to be. Overall, 'Reel Steel' is a surprisingly good movie with great effects, and a really good, positive message. Sure, its not the most original movie you'll ever see, and some parts are actually quite head scratching, but it's no bad, and its certainly entertaining. I give 'Real Steel' 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorGuillermo del ToroStarsRon PerlmanDoug JonesSelma BlairA demon raised from infancy after being conjured by and rescued from the Nazis, grows up to become a defender against the forces of darkness.March 8th, 2012 - A match made in heaven: Ron Perlman. Guillermo Del Toro. Mike Mignola. *Head Explodes* "Hellboy" is not only one of the best made comic book movies ever created, it was also one of the best casted, as B-Movie legend Ron Perlman takes on the horns of everyone's favorite hell bound-demon demon hunter, Hellboy. The movie itself is a beautiful piece of eyecandy, as Del Toro's touch once again allows some of the imagination's greatest characters to come to life. At its heart, "Hellboy" is a love story, with the loveable lug trying to win the affections of his former BPRD co-worker, Liz Sherman (played by Selma Blair). Im not sure how well of a plan this originally was, as the title character's comic never really alluded to this romance, but for what it is, its good. All in all, "Hellboy" is a good movie, but it does have its fair amount of nit-picky concepts. Agent Myers (played by Rupert Evans) is the fish out of water eyes for the audience, walking us through the world of the BPRD...and that's about it. He's supposed to represent the 3rd part of the Hellboy-Liz-Myers love triangle, but aside from being there, he doesn't really have the personallity to understand why he should be loveable. Also, Rasputin desn't really strike me as the strongest villain in Hellboy mythos, as in the movie, his actions don't really seem all that understandable. So he has a thing for magic? Okay. So he wants to open a door to hell? Fine...then what? What are his overall plans? A rise of the SS? World domination? Being creepy for the sake of creepy? Its not really stated. But again: minor complaints. Vetran actors John Hurt and Jeffrey Tambor are also in the flick, making it overall and entirely winning cast. This is a movie I would recommend to coming book fans, as well as fantasy fans. One of the better coming book movies you will come across, I give it 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorGuillermo del ToroStarsRon PerlmanSelma BlairDoug JonesA prince of the mythical world starts a rebellion against humanity in order to rule the Earth. Hellboy and his team must fight to stop him from locating the all-powerful Golden Army.March 9th, 2012 - People always crap on sequels, saying that they are never better then the original. I disagree. I've always liked sequels because once the introductions and origins of the characters are out of the way, it's possible to have a second movie, and have some real fun with the world previously created. "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" is proof of that. With backstory already explained, the movie isn't afraid to finally let go of the viewers hand and let them explore the world for themselves, and that actually becomes something of a plotpoint to the movie. At one point, Hellboy stands revealed to the world, and is met by a cross between interest and horror, making his world (and his relationship with Liz) alot more difficult. Now, that's an interesting twist we don't see in alot of movies: seeing the hero win the girl, and yet, its not really what either of them may have wanted. Kinda ballsy. I also like how sidekick, Abe Sapien (played by Doug Jones) finally gets a love interest of his own...though Im not a big fan of the final payoff between the two. And of course, there is my favorite character: JoHann, played by Seth MacFarlin. Watching JoHann and Hellboy play off eachother is worth the ticketprice alone, entertaining through and through. So, what's wrong with this movie? Well, sadly, once again, I have to go with the villain. In this case, the villain's method is explained, showing that he wants to possess the three pieces of a crown that will allow him to control the legendary Golden Army, but again...then what? It explores that there is a world of man and a world of fairies, but which does he want to take over? Why does he want to take it over? Why did he wait until now to WANT to take over? Basically, the best type of villains are those that you don't really see as villains, and can sorta see their point of view, but between he and Rasputin, I simply can't...but again, it is total improvement, and all in all, I actually think "Hellboy II" is actually a superior film, in effects, storyline, costume, makeup, and the fact that it actually got me into a Barry F'n Mannalow song, to the original "Hellboy" movie. I give it 4 out of 5 stars."
- DirectorNathan GrenoByron HowardStarsMandy MooreZachary LeviDonna MurphyThe magically long-haired Rapunzel has spent her entire life in a tower, but now that a runaway thief has stumbled upon her, she is about to discover the world for the first time, and who she really is.March 10th, 2012 - As a fan of the old school, 2D, hand painted Disney flicks, I've never really been into the 3D animated flicks (Pixar excluded...well...most Pixar excluded.....we'll get to them), but "Tangled" was still really entertaining to me. Granted, not one of the best Disney flicks ("Aladdin" still stands as my favorite of all time), but it still has a heart and charm all of its own. Mandy Moore and Zachery Levi both bring the characters of Repunzel (one of the sweetest, cutest characters to be in cinema in years) and Flynn to life...but sadly, I feel like these characters are fleshed out a little TOO well. So much of the focus is brought into these two that everyone else is sorta playing second fiddle. Repunzel's 'Mother' in the movie is an okay villain, but her greed for never ending youth seems a bit on the hostile side. She stages her kidnapping, cuts deals with thugs, threatens people, and even STABS A MAN just for her own personal gain. Remember that thing I said in "Hellboy II" about the best villains you can understand their means? Yeah...not so much here. Also, Ron Perlman and Brad Garrett are voice acting in this movie, but their characters are sadly on opposite of the spectrums, one overly nice and the other overly evil. Another issue I have with the movie are the songs. Sure, they are nice enough, but the overly sweet, popness to it just doesn't click. I sure as hell know that I wasn't popping out of the theater with the catchy tunes in my head. Also, because it deserves mentioning, if you need one reason to see this movie, two words: the horse. The horse character is, without a doubt, the best Disney character created in at least a decade. Im talking laugh out loud funny. Overall, the thing about "Tangled" is that it falls under a rut: the good is overly good, and the bad is overly bad. Its not a bad movie whatsoever, but sadly, it's just a smidge above average. The characters are totally there, but sadly, the story just isn't. Shame too, because this really is a beautiful piece, but still, very enjoyable. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorJoe JohnstonStarsRick MoranisMatt FrewerMarcia StrassmanThe scientist father of a teenage girl and boy accidentally shrinks his and two other neighborhood teens to the size of insects. Now the teens must fight diminutive dangers as the father searches for them.March 11th, 2012 - Nostalgia and premise aside, this movie is...really, friggin' out there. Don't get me wrong: I prefer media aimed towards kids that actually takes the audience seriously and isn't afraid to not pull any punches, but there is a difference between 'Batman: The Animated Series', and...this. Disney marketed this thing as a light-hearted family comedy with a sci-fi/fantasy twist, but I would have marketed this as a kids' horror movie, because that's essentially what it is. I swear, from the moment the kids are shrunk, there is not a single moment that isn't filled with screams of terror as dozens of different things try to kill them at once, from lawn mowers, to bees, to sprinklers, to drowning in milk. Oh, and if that's not enough, there is a sequence in which Antie, a single aunt that the kids befriend and accompanies them on their adventure, cute as a button, that ends up being POISONED AND KILLED BY A SCORPION IN BLOODY DETAIL! Have fun sleeping through THAT! But, heck, maybe Im being a little too critical. Rick Moranis brings the likeable, yet overly obsessed Wayne Salynzki to life, Matt Frewer plays the annoyed next store neighbor perfectly, and this is actually the first movie I stayed all the way through as a kid (alright I was 4...I was a late bloomer....shut up), and it really isn't horribly acted or really a bad movie all in all. I guess it's just that Disney family affair concept that this movie is given. If I were a parent, this probabily wouldn't be one of the first movies I would show my kid, and I would have prefered this movie to have either been a little more light-hearted, or aimed towards a bit of an older viewer. I can see the effort put into the movie, and I know that the nostalgia voice in my head wants to go higher, but really, I can't. I have to give "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" 2 1/2 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorStuart TownsendStarsAndré 3000Jennifer CarpenterIsaach De BankoléActivists arrive in Seattle, Washington en masse to protest a meeting of the World Trade Organization. Riots and chaos ensue as demonstrators successfully stop the WTO meetings.March 12th, 2012 - I'm not, for a moment, going to pretend that I know the first thing about the World Trade Organization, but the thing about this movie is that it seems like it wants to be propaganda, but really, its not. To be propaganda, one must have an issue with a specific subject one sees as wrong, and from there, shove the wrongness down the viewers' throats over and over again. "Battle in Seattle" does not. In its respect, the movie tries not to present itself in that form, instead focusing on a small group of protesters, trying to make themselves heard during a WTO summit. This is where the movie gets interesting. While originally conceived to look at the WTO and it's 'evil powers', the film instead focuses on protesting itself, and protesting as a tool, idea, and overall tactic. Even more to this films credit, it shows both the good and the bad of protesters, and the police officers who try to keep them at bay. There really is no favoritism in this movie's script, and that itself makes it seem even more realistic. The cast includes Woody Harrelson, Michelle Rodriguez, Andre Benjamin, Charlize Theron, Jennifer Carpenter, Ray Liotta, and others, each one giving an all-star performance, making for a pretty powerful piece. Again, I feel like the overall reason why these people would take to the streets and risk their lives for this reason would have been explored, and there were some moments in this movie that really came off as sorta disgusting promotional tactics to get the audience's sympathies, such as a cop beating a pregnant woman, but its hard to get over just how well acted and well designed the movie is. It's a piece of history that very few people even know about, but true of not, its a pretty good movie. I give it 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorClive A. SmithStarsDon FrancksPaul Le MatGreg SalataA malevolent rock star kidnaps a singer to force her to participate in the summoning of a demon, and her band must help her stop him.March 13th, 2012 - "Rock & Rule" is the first English-speaking animated feature film to be made in Canada, and grew a cult following after a low theater relased, and a very small VHS and Lazerdisc release. Why? Because it's freakin' awesome. "Rock & Roll" is the Canadian "Heavy Metal", in both gorgeous animation and rockin' music, consisting of acts such as Cheap Trick, Debbie Harry, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, and Earth, Wind, and Fire. The story is everything that a rock-opera should have, complete with the day being saved by music...but just by coincidence, all the characters just happen to be mouse-human hybrids. All the taboo subjects, such as violence, sex, drugs, and nudity are there (even one concept that is so close to tackling rape, its almost scary), though ironically enough, not a single curse word is said. Go figure. Hell, for the adult undertone and bat [BLEEP] crazy moments this movie has, its still over rated PG, and you'll never really notice it. It's a beautiful art piece that deserves much wider distribution then it has, and if you can get your hands on it, I high suggest checking it out. I give "Rock & Rule" 4 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorMabrouk El MechriStarsJean-Claude Van DammeValérie BodsonHervé SogneJean-Claude Van Damme gets involved in a bank robbery with hostages situation and reflects about his life during it.March 14th, 2012 - I poke alot of fun at Jean-Claude Van Damme in my 'Movie of the Day' reviews, but the one thing that I rarely poke fun at is the man himself. Van Damme, overall, is a hard working actor, and a hard working action star. Granted, the final project may not be the best movie ever made, but the man has to be given credit: be it Colonel Guile of Timecop, Van Damme always works his ass off, and in 'JCVD', it shows. Ironically enough, Van Damme's greatest character portrayal is Van Damme himself, as he plays something of a cracked mirror version of himself, a now down on his luck, struggling actor who ends up getting caught up in a bank robbery. The film plays like a really good, dramatic version of an SNL sketch in which the actor is in on the gag, but the gag is done with so much heart, focus, and desire, even going so far as to Van Damme himself breaking character, and actually giving a roughly 6-8 minute monolgue directly into the camera, openly discussing his concepts on karate, love, the American dream, success, and even his former drug abuse history. So much passion and pure drama, 'JCVD' stands as Van Damme's finest performance of all time. This is the type of film about actors playing themselves in a fictional setting that flicks like 'being John Malcovich', 'Free Enterprise', and 'Wes Craven's New Nightmare' were trying to do, but does it way WAY better. If you are looking for a film that is great on acting with a hint of parody, 'JCVD' is the way to go. Its one of the finest films made in the last decade, and deserved so much more then the straight to DVD release it got. I give it 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorIvan ReitmanStarsBill MurrayDan AykroydSigourney WeaverThree parapsychologists forced out of their university funding set up shop as a unique ghost removal service in New York City, attracting frightened yet skeptical customers.March 15th, 2012 - A while back, I came up with a theory that simply states the following: deadpan attitude + larger then life situation = friggin' hilarious. "Airplane" created this concept, and "Ghostbusters" well establishes it. There is so much good in this movie, that its almost impossible to know where to begin. The movie is perfectly casted, starring Bill Murray, the queen of sci-fi herself Sigorney Weaver, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, Rick Morranis, and of coarse, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, who also serve as the script writer. The concept as a whole is brilliant, with the idea of ghost exterminators (seriously, Im surprised no one came up with this idea earlier), and the further idea that everyone in the cast takes the concept of ghost capture and removal as seriously as they do is genius....though, as much as I love this film (and believe me, I do. Hell, I actually owned a Ghostbusters jumpsuit before I lost it to my ex....dammit), there is one thing that always bothered me about it: as well established as the characters are, they always seemed a little too stereotypical for me. Peter Vankman is one of cinema's greatest characters, but no one would really be THAT sarcastic in the middle of a life or death situation like he is. But it doesn't end there. Egon is overly deadpan, Ray is like a wide-eyed man child, Jeanine is practically straight from an episode of 'The Nanny'. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad whatsoever, it just sorta pulls one out of the movie. Still, 'Ghostbusters' is one of the best comedy films ever made, bringing us characters like Slimer and the Stay-Puffed Marshmellow Man. I recommend this movie to those who are fans of paranormal inspired movies (especially ones that are parody based), as well as anyone who simply digs a good ol' fashioned comedy. But be warned: the Ghsotbusters theme WILL be stuck in your head for life. 4 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorIvan ReitmanStarsBill MurrayDan AykroydSigourney WeaverThe discovery of a massive river of ectoplasm and a resurgence of spectral activity allows the staff of Ghostbusters to revive the business.March 16th, 2012 - "Ghostbusters 2" isn't a horrible film. Hell, it's not even a 'bad' film. However, the film tries to do one of the age-old oddities of cinema that rarely works: having lightning strike twice. You still have the classic characters returing, you have the stakes raised, and you even have an interesting means that unites the characters together in the idea of an ancient warlock returning to the world of the living by taking over the body of Venkman's girlfriend's son...but the main problem with the movie is that even for a 'Ghostbusters' movie, its a tad bit over the top. The idea of 'evil slime' feasting on bad vibes plays off like a bad PSA, as I keep expecting Michael Jackson to moonwalk on screen and start singing 'Black and White', but as silly as that is, the fact that the Ghostbusters use good slime as a means to bring the Statue of Liberty to life as a means to battle the forces of evil is....really friggin out there. Don't get me wrong, out there is fine. "Ghostbusters: The Video Game" will always stand out in my mind as not only the official 3rd part to the story (and a great send-off for the franchise), but its story is out there, but still has a touch of realism to it without being the slightest bit goofy. I personally feel that Aykroyd and Ramis were a tad bit too starstruck by the success of the first movie that the second wasn't given as much afterthought as it deserved, but hey, its still a decent enough flick. If you're a fan of the first movie, and not a hardcore nit-picker, you'll probabily enjoy it. I did too, but I still have to give it 3 stars out of 5.
- DirectorJoseph KosinskiStarsJeff BridgesGarrett HedlundOlivia WildeThe son of a virtual world designer goes looking for his father and ends up inside the digital world that his father designed. He meets his father's corrupted creation and a unique ally who was born inside the digital world.March 17th, 2012 - A sequel 20 years in the making, "TRON: Legacy" sadly suffers from the same disease that most CGI heavy flicks seem to suffer from: all flash with little substance. Don't get me wrong, the film looks beautiful. One of the few 3D movies that actually take advantage of being in 3D, its finely polished, as the film certainly welcomes the viewer into a world they have never seen before. The acting is stellar, with the likes of Jeff Bridges and Olivia Wylde playing believeable perforances in a situation that is, more or less, hard to believe. The only thing that really gets to me about this movie is its plot, which seems to me was an afterthought to the effects heavy film. Two things about the overall story really stick out and bother me. One: in the story, CLU (Jeff Bridge's evil, younger, computer generated doppleganger) is on a quest to lead his forces into 'the real world', and its up to Sam (Garrett Hedlund), Kevin Flynn (Bridges), and Quorra (Wylde) to stop him before he goes through...why? Why is the essential storyarch to stop CLU? From a story perspective, actually having CLU enter the real world, and having the Flynns trying to fight his forces and get him back would have been the real interesting plot. Im not here to slam the way they go about with the movie, but it feels like a wasted opportunity. Im also sure that that might be the way they go if they ever make 'TR3N', but its something that really bugged me. And Two, and this was a biggie to me: for the movie being named after him, very little TRON appears in the movie. I know, Rinzler IS Tron, but still, by turning him to the darkside and giving him a 'blink and you miss it' sacrifice for the greater good moment, everything that was likeable about the character goes out the window. Nevertheless, depite my personal opinions, I really can see what is so likeable about the movie. Its gorgeous eye-candy, and the Daft Punk beats are entertaining from begin to end. TRON purists may have issues with the movie, but it is still very entertaining, and certainly worth your time. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorChristian AlvartStarsDennis QuaidBen FosterCam GigandetTwo crew members of a spaceship wake up from hypersleep to discover that all their colleagues are missing. Despite this, it appears that they are not alone.March 18th, 2012 - "Pandorum" is a mixed bag, a decent story with pretty good special effects, but the film has some relatively cartoony acting, and once again suffers from one of my biggest pet peeves in cinema: trying to be too many things at once. The idea of Earth becoming so run down that no one is capable of living there anymore, leading to humanity needing to live on another planet has been done again and again, but this film does a fairly decent job on making it fresh, taking place on a star ship that has apparently been on the way to that very planet for a long, long time (leading to a really intersting twist ending that I wouldn't dare give away). Like I said, the actors do their best with the film, but it seems a little too overthetop for me. Ben Foster spends 95% of the movie whispering his lines, and Dennis Quad almost becomes a Saturday Morning Cartoon super villain with his over the top craziness, it almost becomes silly. Now, the thing that kinda gets to me is that, at its core, "Pandorum" is a horror movie, and the real threat of this movie comes from the zombie/alien like creatures that inhabit the ship. The threat is creative, and again, i don't want to spoil the reveal of what exactly the creatures are...but the science of the creatures really doesn't make sense, and the reveal leads to alot more head scratching then actual answers. I don't think "Pandorum" is as bad as people say that it is, as I would still say that its above other sci-fi horror movies that follow the same scheme, such as "Alien Resurrection", but sadly, when it coems down to the bare bones, its sadly nothing mroe then your average sci-fi flick. I give it a 2 1/2 out of 5.
- DirectorDave BullockStarsDavid BoreanazMiguel FerrerNeil Patrick HarrisIn the 1950s, a new generation of superheroes must join forces with the community's active veterans and a hostile US government to fight a menace to Earth.March 19th, 2012 - Warner Premiere has made some fantastic animated films based on the DC Comics properties over the years, from "Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths" to "All Star Superman" to "Superman/Batman: Apokolips". "The New Frontier" is good...but its also very condensed. Based on the mini-series of the same name, the film follows the late golden age adventures of Green Lantern, the Flash, and Martian Manhunter (amonst others) as they pave way to the era adoringly dubbed 'the silver age'. My complaints over the film are nit-picking, but they need to be said. Neil Patrick Harris, Lucy Lawless, and David Boreanaz are fantastic castings for Flash, Green Lantern, and Wonder Woman respectfully, but that's where the voice 'talent' ends. Everyone else is either par or below average, none of the other voices really sticking out to me. Also, while the animation design isn't bad (based on series creator Darwyn Cooke), its not really ideal either, especially for animation. But, the main problem with the flick is that it simply wants to be too big. Its nice that the writers wanted to put so much into the film, but I would rather they have either cut a few spots that don't seem to go anywhere (Batman becoming more kid friendly, Superman and Lois' early relationship, etc), or more ideally, make the moie even longer, and expand on those 'dead end' storylines. Again, the movie isn't bad, but when it comes to the DC Direct films, I was really hoping this would be alot better. Still, its entertaining, and for what it is, its good. Though, you can really do alot better, Im afraid. I give it 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorPatrick McBreartyStarsTrish StratusFrank J. ZupancicBoomer PhillipsA hundred thousand dollar bounty or a million dollar execution? Choosing the former launches the heroes of BOUNTY HUNTERS into an all-out fight just to stay alive. The feature film debut of international fitness model Trish Stratus, BOUNTY HUNTERS is a sexy, action packed ride.March 20th, 2012 - Under different circumstances, this movie could have been fairly good. The story is good: three bounty hunters catch the member of a mafia family, and if they can get him to safty (and away from the head of the family who wants him dead), they will be rewarded with one million dollars. Sounds all fine and dandy...except that the movie decides to forgo any good that the plot can offer and instead offers nothing more then unfunny jokes, and eye-candy. First, lets get to the elephant int he room: Trish Stratus. If I've said it one, I've said it time and time again: just because The Rock knows how to act doesn't mean other wrestlers do as well. "Wrong Side of the Tracks", "Sting: Moment of Truth", and pretty much anything made by WWE Studios seems to prove it. Sure, Trish is attractive, but her character simply isn't likeable, and it feels like she was only casted for this role to put her in a school-girls costume that makes no sense to the overall plot as it were. The rest of the cast is nothing more then no-names who range from bland to simply gastly, making one question their own sanity when they miss the acting chops of Dane Cook. All in all, this film sacrifces credibility for name value and jokes that even 13 year olds would feel too old for. If I were to describe this movie in one word, it would be 'forced'. It wants to be a funny, yet kick-ass action film so badly that it does away with all realism and simply throws crap at the wall to see what sticks. The only saving grace for this film (if you want to call it a 'saving grace', since the film still sucks on toast) is that the stunts are fairly good, and Stratus' wrestling career does allow her to be a tad bit more complex and really with her moves, but at the end of the day, its too little, too late. I give "Bounty Hunters" 1 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorMatt MaiellaroDave WillisStarsDana SnyderDave WillisCarey MeansAn action epic that explores the origins of Master Shake, Frylock, and Meatwad, better known as the Aqua Teen Hunger Force, who somehow become pitted in a battle over an immortal piece of exercise equipment.March 21st, 2012 - To your average 'ATHF' fan, this movie is the second coming. It captures everything about the show perfectly, and expands it to a full length movie...however, those who don't know about the 'Aqua Teens' will have no idea, whatsoever, about what the hell is going on. Just saying the plot aloud can create waves of confusion: a milkshake, wad of meat, and box of frenchfries team up to stop an evil exercise machine from taking over the world, while discovering secrets about their own origins. Its like a Disney film on acid, but it can be argued that that is exactly what the creators were going for. 'Aqua Teens' is almost to the point of a parody film, poking fun at how epic and over the top most animation films can be this day, but the problem with the movie is that is carries over that [adult swim] sarcasm, but I think it may have gone a bit over the top with the movie. Its one thing to tease the audience with a free 12 minute TV show, but to do the same with a $9 full length movie? Its almost like an SNL sketch: it can only be so funny for so long. Still, one has to respect the film for sticking so close to their guns and remembering what it was about 'ATHF' that people loved in the first place. Also, this movie is BIG on guest cameos: Bruce Campbell, Chris Katan, Tina Fey, and H. John Benjamin are just a few of the voices you'll instantly recgonize in the movie. This film was obviously aimed towards the [adult swim] crowd, so anyone who isn't a fan of the more lowbrow, fart joke type of humor won't be interested, but it still has its entertaining parts. Its far from the worst movie you'll ever see in your life, but it could have been alot better if it were to maybe tweek its style a small bit, or take itself a little more seriously, but again, its Aqua Teen Hunger Force. You sorta either get it, or you don't. I feel the need to give it a half-way decent 2 1/2 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorDon JurwichStarsCharlie AdlerShuko AkuneJack AngelThe heroic G.I. Joe action force must oppose the ruthless Cobra organization that has secretly allied with a subterranean reptilian people who were their founders.March 22nd, 2012 - A big pet peeve I have about movies based on franchises is when the reason people loved the franchise gets lost in the shuffle of making the script. Despite their best efforts, this simply doesn't feel like a G.I.Joe movie. Despite having one of the BEST 5 minute openings in cinema history (seriously, look it up on YouTube, its amazing), after those 5 minutes pass, it doesn't feel like GIJoe anymore. Everyone's favorite, most beloved Joes spent most of the movie captured, leading to Sgt. Slaughter (yes, the wrestler) making a team of NEW Joes (ie, characters we've never seen before, and need to buy action figures of) as they battle against the evil Cobra-La. And yes, you heard me: Cobra-La. COBRA isn't even the actual villains of the movie (Cobra Commander, in my opinion, is treated the worst, actually spending the entire movie turning into a snake). Everyone seems to love this movie, but I personally blame Nostalgia Glasses. Its not a horrible animated movie, but if you're looking for a G.I.Joe, Joes vs. Cobra type of movie, look somewhere else. Not having this be Real American Heroes vs. Terrorists, and instead going for Roughnecks vs. Mutants, leaves a bad taste in my 80s loving mouth. Its a major disappointment, and I can only hope that with 'GIJoe Retalition' around the corner, I could get a more ideal Joe movie. I give this movie a disappointing 1 1/2 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorNelson ShinStarsOrson WellesRobert StackLeonard NimoyThe Autobots must stop a colossal planet consuming robot who goes after the Autobot Matrix of Leadership. At the same time, they must defend themselves against an all-out attack from the Decepticons.March 23rd, 2012 - Made right around the same time, the 'Transformers' and 'G.I.Joe' animated movies have quite alot in common: both feature the established villains taken over by a new, more powerful force, both feature the lead characters (Optimus Prime/Duke) being taken out of action, both feature new, younger characters stepping forward to battle the new threat, and perhaps most annoying, both feature the main villains (Megatron/Cobra Commander) becoming nothing more then slap-around characters for the new big bad...and yet, while 'G.I.Joe' seemed to make these new, bold choices for the sake of new, 'Transformers' did the same thing...but actually made it work. 'Transformers' made bold decisions for a total storyline concept, taking out the biggest, strongest Autobots as a means of taking everything away from the heroes and forcing them to grow, and find a way to save the day. Also, the newer Autobots offered alot more interest because, unlike GIJoe, they realized that they weren't the ones who were supposed to be saving the day. The responsibility fell on their shoulders, and they accepted it without hesitation, not being ordered to take it head on. Also, it needs to be said: I know that alot of kids all over the world's hearts broke when it happened...but I loved Optimus Prime's death. It was something that no one had ever seen before, killing off the lead character of the franchise (and not pussing out like Joes and simply putting Duke in 'a coma. Prime was dead as hell). it added something of closure to the Prime/Megatron battle, and was spectacular to see. Like 'GIJoe', I wasn't exactly pleased to see so many beloved characters pushed aside for new characters, but in this case, I can at least understand it. Its not the ideal 'Transformers' movie, but its still lightyears ahead of ANY of the Bayformers movie. Also, WE! GET! THE! SONG! We get that kickin' Transformers theme song, as well as the immortal 'You Got the Touch!', and even a little Weird Al tossed in as well. It's dated, cheesy, and a little overkill, but its certainly fun. Hell, it even features Judd Nelson, Leonard Nimoy, and Orson Wells in his final performance as well. What's not to love? I give 'Transformers: The Animated Movie' a fairly decent 3 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsTom HanksRobin WrightGary SiniseThe history of the United States from the 1950s to the '70s unfolds from the perspective of an Alabama man with an IQ of 75, who yearns to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart.March 24th, 2012 - The historical adventure through time through the eyes of one of the most likeable characters in cinema history is an enjoyable treat...but is it REALLY as good as its made out to be? "Forrest Gump" cleaned up at the Oscars, winning awards including Best Picture of the Year, but in my eyes, Gump represents another of my biggest cinema pet peeves: Oscar Bait. When a movie comes out that is either a.) features a metally challenged hero as the film's hero, b.) adds a twist of fiction to a well noed historical event, or c.) adds a series of tragic twists to make the Academy's collective hearts twist like a pretzel, that's Oscar Bait. "Forrest Gump" as no shock to anyone, is all three, but I would be inclined to mention that it does a really good job in being Oscar Bait. Tom Hanks's portrayal as the lead character is very well done, making Forrest a character who might be a tad bit clique, but more then makes up for it with spirit, heart, and a general all around niceness that makes it hard not to like him. The movie "Tropic Thunder" makes the joke about not being all to go 'full-tard' in these types of movies (no disrespect intended to my readers who do suffer from mentally-based challenges, and speaking as one myself), but while Forrest is slow, he never comes off as 'challenged', which if anything makes his character all the more stronger. The script is beautiful, as it is neat to see the world through Forrest's eyes, from meeting Elvis, to Vietnam, to the Watergate scandal, re-shaping history, but doing so in a playful, interesting style. Robin Wright, Sally Field, and Gary Sinise co-star in the film, making a rather all star cast for the film. Like I said, I really like it...but there are subtle, certain things about it that turn me off. I know that its based on the book of the same name, but some scenes in it tug on the heart strings a little too much...Bubba's death in the middle of the movie is really sad, and considering the way the story went, his death is acceptable towards the overall saga of the adventure...but Jenny's death seemed so random and senseless! Its heartbreaking! You follow Forrest through so much jsut to be with the woman he loves, and in the end, he loses her. Oscar bait at its finest...Also, as I said before, this movie is veeeeeery clique. From Forrest shattering his way through his leg braces in slow motion, to he and Jenny running across the pond to meet up at the Washington monument, to every single damn moment with the feather, alot of these scenes are just symbolism for the sake of symbolism, and it a little hard NOT to get synical. Despite my nitpicking, "Forrest Gump" is still an entertaining, incredible look through America's history, and I advise anyone with a love for history (or a love for cinema in general) to check it out. I give "Forrest Gump" 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorKaryn KusamaStarsMegan FoxAmanda SeyfriedAdam BrodyA newly-possessed high-school cheerleader turns into a succubus who specializes in killing her male classmates. Can her best friend put an end to the horror?March 25th, 2012 - Folks...I have no idea what this movie is even supposed to be. It's one part "Friday the 13th", one part "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", and one part "Gillmore Girls"...none of it equaling out to anything good. "Jennifer's Body" was supposed to be a follow up for writer Diablo Cody after her brilliant "Juno" script, but this movie is just...bad. After a coming of age story about teen pregnancy, one wants to wonder why a slasher/horror flick was the way to go, much less why Megan Fox, of all actresses (and I use the term 'actress' loosely) was chosen for this role, but the brilliant dialogue that Cody is known for feels like an afterthought in this movie. Alot of people seem to like the movie, including critic Roger Ebert who called it "Twilight for men", but honestly, I can't see how that could be a good thing. Aside from Megan Fox looking hot, there really isn't much offered in this horror movie. The dialogue is out of place, the horror isn't there (and for the parts where it is there, it's quickly forgotten by some stupid one-liner or sightgag), but the one thing that annoys me the most is that everything in this movie is stereotypical. Megan Fox's character, Jennifer, is a slut. Amanda Seyfried's character, Needy, is an insecure nerd. Needy's boyfriend, Chip, is the nice guy who finishes last. Rock band LowShoulder (headlined by Adam Brody) are occultists who have no idea how the black magic that they are dedicated to is supposed to work, exactly. This is the type of movie where the second you see a character, you practically know everything about them, which sorta fizzles as the movie goes on because you can more or less predict what's going to happen next. So, is there any good to this film? Well, like I said, the dialogue IS good, and the story is an interesting one, with the 'virgin sacrifice' given violent abilities to get revenge against those who wronged her (which...Jennifer never actually does, so I guess that's lost in translation on its own), but the two merging together simply doesn't work. It honestly feels, at time, as if one rented two movies, got drunk, watched them back to back, then tried to remember the plots of them both, only to remember them both blending together into one. Though, this movie really isn't ALL bad. The effects for the movie are good, the direction is spot on, and the film does get pretty good performances by Amanda Seyfried (the last few minutes of the movie are, without a doubt, the best, including the last shot) and of course by the hardest working man in Hollywood, JK Simmons. All in all, "Jennifer's Body" is a bad movie, and one that certainly wouldn't be anyone's favorite movie, but given time, it could very well make its way to cult status. Until then, it's a below average flick, and probabily not worth your time. I gave it 2 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorPeter SegalStarsAdam SandlerDrew BarrymoreRob SchneiderHenry Roth is a man afraid of commitment until he meets the beautiful Lucy. They hit it off and Henry think he's finally found the girl of his dreams until discovering she has short-term memory loss and forgets him the next day.March 26th, 2012 - An Adam Sandler film where he doesn't play a rude, but loveable man child...that's actually good? Hard to believe, but it's true. Often overlooked, "50 First Dates" could very well be Adam Sandler's best cinematic role, simply because...well...he's not really Adam Sandler. While in the beginning to the movie, Sandler comes off as a jack of all trades, 'use em and lose em' womanizer, the characteristic is abandoned rather quickly, in place, Sandler's charater comes off as a more gentle, kind hearted vetranarian, who is willing to do anything for the woman who literally falls into his life, played by Drew Barrymore. Barrymore's character, Lucy, suffered a car accident a few years back, giving her a brain injury in which she finds herself unknowingly living the same day over and over again, each night having her slate wiped clean. This is an interesting idea for a romantic comedy, playing off as a reverse 'Groundhog Day', but making it work in a loveable way. Barrymore and Sandler are absolutely adoreable together (as "The Wedding Singer" showed us before), and its interesting to see the way Sandler tries to win over Lucy day, after day, after day. The drama that Lucy experiences when she discovers her condition is beautifully acted, able to walk that bitter-sweet tightrope some lesser movies have difficulty balancing. However, as much as I like this movie, it does suffer two MAJOR problems: 1.) This IS a Sandler movie, and with any Sandler movie, there are grossout jokes. LOTS of grossout jokes. In more slapsticky films, I wouldn't really care...but they seem to out of place in this flick. Walrus vomitting, transgender jokes, and steroid satire stick out like a sore thumb, often taking away from the overall sweet, grown up idea of the plot. The other problem is a BIG one. 2.) Rob Schneider. And Im not talking about any specific part: EVERY SINGLE PART HE IS IN! Schneider's character exists for nothing but cheap laughs, most of which aren't even funny. All he seems to do is get hurt, and make dumb, joyless one liners. I know deep down in his heart, Schneider IS capable of being funny (I actually liked "The Animal". Go figure.), but these stupid, stereotypical roles are not the way to go. The heart of this movie is beautiful, and as a love story, its tops, but as far as a romantic comedy goes, I would have rather it stuck more to the romantic side and stray a little further from the comedy. Still, its entertaining, and the ending is so incredibly bittersweet, Im not afraid to admit that I DID cry at the end the first time I saw it (friggin' "Somewhere over the rainbow"...gets me everytime). Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore get "50 First Dates", and just because Im a darn, nice guy, I give them 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorDavid FincherStarsDaniel CraigRooney MaraChristopher PlummerJournalist Mikael Blomkvist is aided in his search for a woman who has been missing for 40 years by young computer hacker Lisbeth Salander.March 27th, 2012 - The tagline for this movie is "The Feel Bad Movie of the Holidays", and it does NOT disappoint. This is a dark, gritty, and depressing movie. From its very opening, a classic David Fincher style 'what the hell did I just see' mini-music video, you can tell that you are entering a world you have never been to before; a world of darkness and grim, where hope seems lost and suffer becomes the only emotion. While the darkness I speak of is on the metaphorical level (murder, rape, torture, violence...DONT take kids to this flick), I also speak literal as well. So much of this movie deals with dull, muted colors, primarily blacks, whites, grays, and browns. The color really defines the movie, and helps establish the entity that the movie wants to be. The story starts off simple enough: a magazine reporter (played by Daniel Craig) tries to uncover a disappearance that took place several decades ago. Along the way, he begins to uncover a conspiracy that could very well rock an entire family down to its very core. Along the way, he enlists the help of a computer hacker (played by Rooney Mara) to dig even deeper into the case, an act that begins to target both of their lives. The movie is a work of art, but for all the most sadistic reasons. Both Craig and Mara was forced to some pretty deep, twisted acts in this film, all of which push the limits of cinema. Without a doubt, the hardest scene to watch in the entire movie is the rape of Rooney Mara's character, Lisbeth Salander. It's very graphic, and extremely disturbing. Its the type of scene you will immediatly feel the urge to shower after watching it. However, the rape scene does make Lisbeth's revenge scene all the more fasinating to watch, showing just how primal mankind can be if need be. The complaints I have for the movie are minor, but worth noting. Im sure it followed along the book (I'll be the first to admit that I haven't read it), but this is a VERY long movie. Much longer then it needs to be. Honestly, the last 30 minutes of the film sorta stretch out and seem more like filler. But, to the same degree, the first 30 minutes seem very padded and detail oriented, as its actually close to an hour before Craig and Mara's characters actually meet. Still, this is nitpicking at its finest as there is still so much good to this movie, and it once again proves why David Finsher is one of my favorite directors ("Fight Club" stands as one of my top ten favorite movies of all time, and we WILL get to it). I want this to be a 5 star movie, but the only thing holding it back is the length and the padding of the film itself. If this could only have about 30 to 45 minutes shaved off of it, it would be a perfect movie, but full length features can only be so full. Still, credit must be given where credit is due, and I give "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorRuben FleischerStarsJesse EisenbergDanny McBrideNick SwardsonTwo fledgling criminals kidnap a pizza delivery guy, strap a bomb to his chest, and inform him that he has mere hours to rob a bank or else...March 28th, 2012 - "30:Minutes or Less" is funny...but not quite the story I was hoping for. Don't get me wrong, when you have Nick Swardson and Danny McBride in your cast, it quickly becomes clear that you're not going to have "Citizen Kane", but hey! Stupid, slapstick style movies still have the ability to be good. "Animal House", "Ace Ventura", and "Pineapple Express" are all silly, yet well done films that push the envelope while still tickling everyone's funny bone, so why wouldn't this film be any less? Weeeeeeell, remember how in "Pineapple Express" the film was funny, but still had a violent, action sense to it? This film does the same thing...without the likeability. Jesse Eisenberg and Aziz Ansari are, without a doubt, the best part of the movie, and the scenes with them are always amusing because they actually DO have the likeability to their characters (the bank robbing scene is my favorite part). But...as much as I hate to say this because I really do like him as an actior...Danny McBride kills this flick. When we first meet him, he's a moron, devising a plan to get money to get out of trouble. In a strange, backwards sorta way, he finds himself in the same situation Eisenberg is in...but halfway through the movie, the man loses his mind. Suddenly, he's become a homicidal lunatic, kidnapping people, and willing to kill anyone to get his money...because. Its a complete out of left field character turn, and it drags down the entire movie. The films climax seems overly forced, action for the sake of action, and most of the laughs going out the window. Really, this is the type of movie where, looking at the cast, you would be pumped up to see it, then afterwards, get pised off that you spent money on it. Its an alright film if you're looking for a cheap laugh, but everything about it seems so forced. Some parts are good, and the cast is stellar, but all in all, its simply not that great of a flick. I give "30:Minutes or Less" 2 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorTom McGrathStarsWill FerrellJonah HillBrad PittEvil genius Megamind finally defeats his do-gooder nemesis, Metro Man, but is left without a purpose in a superhero-free world.March 29th, 2012 - A love-letter to the world of comics, and a dang good one at that. "Megamind" is an interesting look at the super-villain's perspective. The character of Megamind, an alien Lex Luthor with a tad bit of Alice Cooper thrown in, captures the idea of the bad guy truly being bad because it's what he is good at. It makes sense in a tongue and cheek kinda way, and does alot to help the audience root for the villain. The voices are, for the most part, really good. Will Farrell is able to make Megamind over the top while still having alot of heart. David Cross as Minion plays the part of the comedic sidekick perfectly, and Brad Pitt as MetroMan is a stroke of genius, giving the character a holier-then-thou/cocky attitude that makes the audience want to hate him. Hell, the movie even once again features the hardest working man in Hollywood, JK Simmons, as the warden. My complaints about the movie are few, but worth noting. Tina Fey, as much as I adore her, simply never really worked with me when it comes to voice acting. In her movie and television work, she's fantastic, but she never really seemed to master acting on voice alone, as her expression rarely seems to change. And then...there is Jonah Hill.....I am not a fan of Jonah Hill. At all. So giving him the role of Titan (Tighten) seems bizarre to me. The real main villain of the movie played by Jonah Hill would be like having Darth Vader voiced by Jack Black. Its along the lines of my "30:Minutes of Less" review: sometimes, you can't cast a well known comedic actor as the villain if you want to take him seriously (Rainn Wilson in "Monsters vs. Aliens" aside), and this movie proves it. Also, there was one moment in the movie that sorta bothered me: at one point, Megamind and Roxy find MetroMan alive and well and tell him how he disappointed them by faking his death. Later in the movie, MetroMan seemingly returns to help Megamind fight Tighten, but its revealed to be a disguised Megamind himself...why? The idea of Megamind and MetroMan tag teaming would have not only been epic, but for MetroMan to actually fall in battle would have stood out better for the hero torch to be passed to Megamind instead of him simply taking it. Still, this is a really good, underrated, animated movie that comic book fans will love, and also has alot of really good rock music in its soundtrack. I highly recommend it, and give "Megamind" 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorNick CassavetesStarsGena RowlandsJames GarnerRachel McAdamsAn elderly man reads to a woman with dementia the story of two young lovers whose romance is threatened by the difference in their respective social classes.March 30th, 2012 - As I continue this "Movie of the Day" project, I am quickly discovering specific rules and regulations when it comes to cinema. One of the rules dictates the following: woman don't get 'Fight Club', and men don't get "The Notebook". As anyone of the female species can tell you, "The Notebook" is a love story, and supposingly a damn good one too. Told in mostly flashback, the film features James Gardner as Noah, telling the story of the love of his life, Allie, to Allie herself, now suffering from dementia. In flashback, Noah and Allie are played by Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams respectively...and it is the flashback parts that, sadly, irk me the most. First of all, Noah is supposed to be the charming, jack-of-all-trades, everyman with a sense of humor and danger that draws Allie closer to him. Personally, I kinda think that Noah is a bit of...well...a dick. He threatens to kill himself by jumping from a ferris wheel if Allie doesn't agree to go on a date with him, and after the date, his concept of night life fun is laying in the middle of the street, narrowly avoiding being run over. And to think he's single, ladies. Allie, honestly, doesn't strike me as much better. Granted, she argues with her parents when they say she can't see him, due to their status differences (showing that she truely does love him), but as soon as Noah leaves for war, Allie meets a new man (played by James Marsden) and eventually becomes engaged to him. Now, that's fine. I can respect that. Allie needed to get on with her life...but as soon as Noah returns, Allie sleeps with him WHILE STILL ENGAGED, and eventually leaves Marsden's character to be with Noah again (thank god that hasn't been done time and time again). Honestly, that's my main issue with this movie: clique. It's beautifully directly and acted, but the story is nothing more then the same clique 'boy meets girl; boy loves girl; boy gets girl again' storyline you've seen time and time again, and I won't even spoil the ending for you, but here is a hint: it's the single most clique ending I have ever seen in my life. But, again, I am a guy, and I think that is a major factor for the entire movie. Women may love it, but this guy didn't get it, and this guy certianly didn't enjoy it. I give "The Notebook" 2 out of 5 stars.
- DirectorTodd PhillipsStarsBradley CooperZach GalifianakisEd HelmsTwo years after the bachelor party in Las Vegas, Phil, Stu, Alan, and Doug jet to Thailand for Stu's wedding. Stu's plan for a subdued pre-wedding brunch, however, goes seriously awry.March 31st, 2012 - The purpose for most sequels is to take the ideals that the first movie established and push the limits to their absolute maximum. As far as grossout humor goes, "The Hangover Part II" delievers. However, as far as the story goes, it's pretty much the same exact film everyone saw in the original "Hangover". The only real difference this time around is a foreign country, a monkey instead of a baby, and butt-sex with trannies (and yes, women with penises ARE featured in this film. You've been warned). I guess with a title like 'Hangover', you know exactly what you are getting into, but considering how brilliant the first movie was, it seems like the funnier idea for the sequel would have been the exact opposite. Perhaps in a 'Brides Maids' sorta idea, it's Stu's fiance who gets plastered and goes misisng in Bangkok, leading to the Wolfpack having to find her, forced to relive their night 'which will go unspoken' and retrace their footsteps to see if they can find her. That would have seemed like a better way to go instead of giving us the 'same old, same old' effect. Really, that's the entire problem with the movie: if you've seen the first film, you've seen this film. It follows so close to the original that it might as well not have been made at all. I hear they will be having a 'Part III' aimed for a late 2013 release, but I can only hope that it goes in a different direction, but considering that it is called the "Hangover" which guarantees 'watch as they deal with the after effects of getting wasted', I wouldn't put too much faith in it. Oh, and Stu's song sucks this time around too. Oy. 1 1/2 out of 5 stars.