Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Jack Reacher (2012)



Not bad. The trailers and media promote Jack Reacher as being some kind of anti-law anti-hero with a vendetta. That's off-the-mark. Reacher is a badass detective with above average abilities...in everything.

This movie is like The Firm (1993) meets Punisher (2004). Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher is very much like Thomas Jane as Punisher, without the vendetta, and the story is like The Firm because of it's suspense, crime, and investigative aspects.

Maybe it's Tom Cruise's character or the way he delivers him, but the movie has an old school comic book hero feel to it, hence The Punisher. The main villain is cheesy to boot.

It's a little low on the action considering it's a Tom Cruise movie, but there is still enough to not be completely disappointed.

There are a lot of unnecessary looks and stares and slow scenic movements like they're putting onto film a Stephen King chapter of descriptive scenery. We see it, we get it, move on.

Surprisingly Tom Cruise is funny! It's my favorite aspect of the entire movie. Oh and bonus...Robert Duvall is in it too.

Overall, it's decently entertaining.

On a scale of 1-10, Jack Reacher: 7.0

Small Apartments (2012)


I have never been so uninspired to speak. Small Apartments...sigh. It's forcefully eclectic. Every character is unconvincingly condensed. Apparently it was adapted from a Chris Millis novel. Sometimes you watch a movie and get a feeling that the book is probably good even if the movie is not. No, not this time.

Here is my honest superficial reason for watching this movie: James Marsden. Second reason? Rebel Wilson. Her humor is quirky and I've been waiting for it to shine with the right cast. Unfortunately not only is she hardly in this movie, her character wasn't funny.

The biggest problem this movie is that it doesn't feel like anything happens even though you watch it happen. It tries so hard to bring everything together, but it just doesn't work. It's not drama, it's not comedy, it's not action. It's nothing.

On a scale of 1-10 Small Apartments: 4.5

Scene Spotlight: Rosie Perez

Let me just reiterate...a "Scene Spotlight" doesn't necessarily mean it's good.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Seven Psychopaths (2012)


Thoroughly entertaining! Seven Psychopaths is essentially about Marty (Colin Farrell) trying to write a screenplay of the same name. It is helariously funny at times. Not surprisingly, there's lots of blood and dead bodies...LOTS. Some parts were sad and if you're in the right mood, you will conclude that this, seemingly superficial movie, actually has a deeper message. The great part about it is that if you don't want to analyze it that far, you don't have to. You can just take what they're showing and be entertained.

The fast pace from the beginning doesn't sustain throughout the movie. Few times I found myself sighing at the lack of progress, but there's just enough humor to hold you over till the end.

The biggest downer of this movie is Colin Farrell. His Irish accent is at times indistinguishable, but that isn't even comparable to his lack of connection to the audience and his co-stars.

Christopher Walken as Hans is so incredibly funny and heartfelt. I can't even describe what a terrific performance it is. Walken alone is worth watching!

Throughout the movie, there are many stories within the story, so you do have to pay attention. There were also a couple of interesting twists. The movie took a semi-hard turn about half way and there was a slight disconnect between the two halves, but overall it makes sense and pretty much comes together at the end.

On a scale of 1-10, Seven Psychopaths: 8.5

Perfomance distinction for Christopher Walken as Hans: highly underrated.

Scene Spotlight: Every scene with Christopher Walken.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1931533/?ref_=ttexrv_exrv_tt

Friday, May 17, 2013

Young Adult (2011)


Slow...slow...slow. It takes almost 20 minutes to introduce another significant character other than Charlize Theron's character Mavis. For the first 15 minutes you really just want to scrub her down and hose her off. It's like a presentation of grossness. She's definitely a good actress, which is why I question why it took so long for the prep of her character. The most obvious reason I can think of would be that it was used as a time-filler for a good, yet paper thin, story. A story which is essentially about a disheveled, alcoholic, big city girl going back to her childhood town on a delusional whim.

Patton Oswald as Matt is terrific. Charlize and Patton together is even better. Their chemistry is the only thing that saves this movie. Charlize's ability to force the realism and comfortability in her character is superior, by far, to any other actor in this movie. She almost overtakes Patton a few times with her presence but he holds his own and they make a surprisingly remarkable duo.

Matt's sister, Sarah, is a funny quirky character that should have been expounded upon. She has a very "Fargo" feel about her.

Most of the time, you feel completely embarrassed for Mavis. You wonder why so many people let her behavior escalate so far; but I suppose there would be no point to the movie otherwise. Buddy, played by Patrick Wilson is Mavis's high school sweetheart, and he has got to be the most perplexingly oblivious person. When he finally admits his stance, it doesn't match up to his previous behavior, or non-behavior I guess would be more accurate. It's like they want you to forget pretty much everything they show you about him up until that point and see him completely differently toward the end. It's just plain odd.

The title of the movie is more representative of Mavis's career. The tagline of "'Everyone gets old. Not everyone grows up.'" and the image of Charlize on the cover does not match up with the story. Mavis isn't having a hard time growing up per se, she has serious mental and emotional problems. It's almost an insult to young people to say only the young experience these issues. I get that she doesn't want to let go of the past, but to say it's because she doesn't want to grow up makes me cringe.

Practically speaking, how the heck is Mavis so thin with such great complexion? Whatever! Anyway, I didn't mind watching this movie, but don't expect any kind of mind blowing revelation or even a slight bulge in the plot. In fact, the ending was kind of a "that's it?" producing moment; but if you want to see another great performance by Charlize Theron and don't mind slow-paced movies, you'll be decently satisfied.

On a scale of 1-10, Young Adult: 6.0

Peformance distinction for Charlize Theron as Mavis: underrated.

Scene Spotlight: Mavis picking up Matt's figurine.

Friday, May 10, 2013

God Bless America (2011)


God Bless America starts off with a bang! Let me just put out the obvious...this movie is suited for slightly irritated liberals with above average intelligence. Everyone else will either be too offended or won't understand it completely. It's an uncomfortable ripping of American mainstream life. As you watch "reality TV" depicted in this movie, you're automatically inclined to think it's in parody form; yet you realize it's a completely accurate portrayal of what's going on in modern society. Within the first seven minutes you depressingly discern that American entertainment reality has become a parody of itself.

Frank, played by Joel Murray, is frustrated with his life and society in general. He successfully shares his frustration to the point where you want to punch a lot of people in the face; including his daughter. Frank takes a more drastic approach but you can't help but agree with a lot of what he says.

The first 30 minutes of the movie moves a little slow, but it's fascinating. Tara Lynn Barr as Roxy is simply awesome and she puts a needed amount of ferocious psychotic energy into this otherwise mellow movie. She's so blunt, completely neurotic, and reminds you a little of Wednesday Addams. Roxy and Frank's relationship is effortless because Murray and Barr balance each other well.

This movie is extremely negative but highly amusing in a matter-of-fact shocking manner. It sometimes comes off as a complaint riddled mess, but that's where the above average intelligence comes in to decipher it as a whole; which then leads to a kind of arrogance and anger that leaves you with a disturbingly fun vicarious satisfaction.

On a minor note, the blood sometimes looks like orange paint but it's easily forgiven because again, you have to look at the big picture. There are many social and political layers. If you focus on the impossibilities of the minor details, it will distract you from the story. In addition, if you find yourself asking how they're not caught at certain times, turn it off, you're too fucking stupid for this movie.

Don't get in a huff pickle! That last line, while true, is an ode to the movie.

On a scale of 1-10, God Bless America: 8.5
         with distinction: underrated.

Scene Spotlight: Frank, Roxy, and Fuller.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

The Raven (2012)


The Raven is a dark twisted story, inspired by the obvious; Edgar Allan Poe and his writings. It's better than I expected; although, that's not saying too much because I didn't even want to watch this movie. It is also gorier and funnier than I expected. That's already an interesting combination, but then add suspense and a little bit of love and sadness. It's a strange cocktail of a story.

John Cusack, as Poe, is not very good. Alice Eve as Emily Hamilton, Poe's love interest, is even more painful. Their chemistry is lackluster. They both try too hard to encompass the dialect and inflection of the era. A lot of the specifics of what they say is lost, but you get the gist of it, so it's not unbearable. Cusack's performance warms up about 25 minutes in. It's still not good, but you get comfortable and attached with his character. The movie gets better around this time mainly because Cusack's and Eve's screen time together is reduced.

Luke Evans as Detective Fields is so good and has such a powerful presence, at times he feels like the lead. It would've been a much better movie had they shifted it that way.

The clues at each crime scene play out like a 19th century CSI. It's fun to follow along, even though it's simple and predictable.

On a scale of 1-10, I give The Raven: 7.0

Scene Spotlight: None.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1486192/

Saturday, May 4, 2013

What to Expect When You're Expecting (2012)


What to Expect When You're Expecting is inspired by the pregnancy guide of the same name. It follows along the relationships of five different couples and their experiences of becoming parents. There are many familiar faces in this movie. Most notably Cameron Diaz (Jules), Jennifer Lopez(Holly), and Elizabeth Banks (Wendy). All of the familiar faces, leaves this movie feeling crowded; or maybe there are just too many relationships to watch. You want to see more of Wendy's story and less of Holly's and Jules'.

When it comes down to it, this movie wasn't very much about teaching anyone what to expect. Wendy comes closest to the concept of the book, but she simply has too many other characters to share screen time with. Prior to watching it, you're anticipating the movie will be a funny and somewhat accurate portrayal of pregnancy and its symptoms; instead, you get the typical story of relationship problems surrounded by a lot bulging bellies.

There were a couple of tear welling moments and a few LOL ones too. Craig, played by Thomas Lennon, is probably the funniest character of the ensemble, next to Wendy.

The casting of Ben Falcone as Gary is really distracting. He looks too old to be Dennis Quaid's son.

Cameron Diaz looks terrible, none of her scenes are funny, and she isn't likeable.

The "dude's" Saturday meet-up is entertaining and the actors play very well off each other. The kid Jordan, played by Reginald and Resan Womack, is hilarious.

In the end, they should've focused the story around Wendy and her symptoms and completely cut out Jules and Holly.

In addition, this movie must have been focused for the female audience because there were *ahem* multiple actors that were pleasing to the eye. Just something minor I noticed. ;)

On a scale of 1-10, What to Expect When You're Expecting: 7.0

Scene Spotlight: 1. Wendy, Janice, and the cell phone. 2. The dude's group introduction.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1586265/?ref_=sr_1

Friday, May 3, 2013

The Joneses (2009)



The Joneses is a fun concept, with decent delivery, and is simplistically thought provoking. There's something abnormal about the Jones family. From the beginning, you notice their conversations are just slightly different than the average family's and it's fairly obvious that they are "planted." The movie leaves you guessing for about twenty minutes before you're given a solid answer to why they're there. After the amusement settles in, the conspiracy theorist in you begins to wonder how many "Joneses" you have known in your lifetime.

David Duchovny's character, Steve Jones, is funny and witty. It's by far Duchovny's best performance, yet the character isn't as powerful as it could be. The scenes that should be hysterical are just simply funny.

The movie squeaks out a little bit of the cheese factor; mostly because of the angles/directing, but partly because of Demi Moore's performance as Kate Jones. Both Demi Moore and Ben Hollingsworth, who plays Mick Jones, are acting in a staged play while everyone else is acting in a motion picture. Kate's budding relationships with Billy and "the girls" falls flat; and although her relationship with Steve develops well in the beginning, it fizzles towards the end and it's not believable.

The most troubling aspect of the entire storyline are the children. They're supposed to be "professionals" and yet they make multiple rookie mistakes. It makes you wonder how old they're actually supposed to be.

The weakest part of the story, and possibly the most unnecessary, is the house party while the Kate and Steve are out to dinner. What teenager in their right mind throws a party while their parents are out to dinner? It's impractical considering the very short time frame. On top of that, everyone is cleared out and the entire house is cleaned before the parents come home? But, it's a movie and you're willing to forgive such a ridiculous notion if there's a bigger purpose behind it. Unfortunately there isn't. The story tries too hard to give both children equal drama when it isn't necessary. It would've played out much better had they focused on developing Amber Heard's character, Jenn Jones and glossed over Mick's story instead.

There are two powerful performances in this movie. Gary Cole as Larry Symonds, the Jones's neighbor, evokes so much sympathy and sadness, it's depressing. Glenn Headly as Summer Symonds, Larry's wife, evokes sadness as well, yet in much more of a funny, kooky, and unstable manner.

The humor drops off drastically half way through the movie. It quickly turns from a comedy into a drama. Unfortunately, the latter half is rushed and therefore hollow.

I have pointed out many imperfections of this movie but strangely enough, it's fun and worth watching. Overall it could've been better, but it's amusing and entertaining none-the-less.

On a scale of 1-10, The Joneses: 7.5

Scene Spotlight: The music during the pinnacle of drama (as Summer begins to pick up the papers).

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1285309/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Sherlock (TV Series-BBC) Season 2 (2012)


I want to be Sherlocked! Season two of the BBC's Sherlock series is a maddening rollercoaster ride.

Three episodes is not nearly enough per season. The first episode bring you back in from season one and the third episode walks you out. There is only one lone episode for you to get comfortable. It leaves you wanting at least three more episodes in-between. Its a rather contradicting feeling because its so good you desperately want more, but yet you leave pouting and unfulfilled.

The problem with having only three episodes per season is the lack of foundational development. Watson's relationship with Mycroft takes a huge leap from season one without explanation. It isn't difficult to figure out, but it is a direct consequence of limited time. They do however remedy most of it with superior writing and directing. The show effortlessly moves at rate that allows you to understand their passage of time.

All three episodes were so vastly different but the entire season had an overarching theme; that Sherlock Holmes is vulnerable. Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of Holmes is much more somber than in season one. No where is it more apparent than in episode three. Cumberbatch humbly and appropriately gives way to Andrew Scott who plays Jim Moriarty. Moriarty is the most fantastic villain. You hate him so much, you want to squeeze and twist his stupid face off and then pull out his vocal chords! He is brilliant!

Although season two doesn't allow for savoring, its simply remarkable to watch the supreme level of excellence by the entire cast and crew.

On a scale of 1-10, Sherlock Season Two: 9.0

Performance distinction for Benedict Cumberbatch: underrated.

Scene Spotlight: Sherlock and Moriarty on the roof.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1475582/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)


An absolute must for any dog lover. Another must? A box of tissue! Based on a true story of the unbreakable bond between a man and his dog. Hachi is the American remake of the Japanese movie, Hachi-ko (1987).

Richard Gere is grossly underrated and pulls you in from the moment he enters the scene. He plays Parker Wilson, a Professor at the local college who takes the train to and from work. Joan Allen is Cate Wilson, Parker's wife, who is the closest thing you're going to get to an antagonist in this film. Jason Alexander plays Carl, the train station controller. Its nostalgic to see Gere and Alexander together again on screen.

Hachi is a simplistic story so don't expect any action. Its slow moving throughout the entire movie. Parts of it are reminiscent of Benji (1974). Toward the end of the movie, there is very little dialogue. The relationship development takes a while but its necessary and worth it. The emotional connection is incredibly deep, hence the tissue. Its heartwarming and heartbreaking with bits of humor sprinkled around.

The camera views from the dog's perspective is a bit strange, but its not that often. This story is so touching, you're willing to ignore how a shiba inu turned into an akita. There's nothing more to say except, watch this movie!

On a scale of 1-10, I give Hachi: A Dog's Tale...a 9.0
                 with distinction: underrated.

Performance distinction for Richard Gere: Highly underrated.

Scene Spotlight: Cate with Hachi at the train station.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1028532/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Hunger Games (2012)


Its hard not to compare The Hunger Games to Battle Royale (2000). Its not as if there are movies that exist that don't overlap in theme or basic storyline; but so many aspects of Hunger Games mirrored that of Battle Royale. However, Battle Royale is a Japanese cult classic so its likely you haven't seen it (although I highly recommend it).

In Hunger Games, a group of teenagers (tributes) are pitted against each other in a televised fight to the death battle. The largest difference between Hunger Games and Battle Royale has to be the gore factor. Hunger Games minimizes the blood and hardly shows any real view of children dying. If there is one thing Hunger Games succeeds in doing is earning their PG-13 rating. Although, it is still a movie about children killing each other, so why bother diluting it?

Jennifer Lawrence as the Katniss Everdeen is a perfect match. She is highly relatable as Katniss; even during her contemptuous moments, you're rooting for her the whole way.

Woody Harrelson as Haymitch and Elizabeth Banks as Effie are the two outstanding performances.

There's a slight uproar about the character, Rue, being played by Amandla Stenberg, instead of a white actress, as she is represented in the books. It makes no difference. There's nothing in the movie that requires the character to be any particular ethnicity.

Lenny Kravitz as Cinna is the only person noticeably attempting to act. His persona comes off as lazy rather than cool.

Donald Sutherland as President Snow is surprising. He's usually good at being bad, but he seems like he's sickly or dying, and not nearly as psychotically masterful for being "President" of such an awful system.

Its a rather long film, at 2 hours 36 minutes, and much more boring than it should be. It takes over an hour before the kids enter the domed arena to fight. Prior to entering the arena, the tributes are trained and given a make-over to make for better television. During this time, everything is dragging on and you begin to ask, 'When are they going to start fighting already?' During training, hardly any special skills are shown and during fighting, hardly any special skills used. The tributes are not 'X-Men,' but even Katniss hardly uses her signature weapon in any fantastic way. This does however lend credence to the realism of the tributes and normally that will be appreciated, but the movie is very outlandish. It would've been better served had the tributes shown more skills. In other words, none of the tributes are "BA" (BA means badass for all you non-gamers out there). The tribute closest to "BA" status is Clove. She's a skilled knife thrower. The confusion comes in when a situation calls for her to put her skill to use and she doesn't use it! Glimmer attempts to use a bow, then Cato attempts to use the bow. Why doesn't Clove just throw a knife?

Most of the special effects are decent. Katniss's dress and the control room for the arena are fairly impressive, but parts of the movie contains shockingly low special effects, e.g., when the tributes are introduced to the audience. The finale incorporates good effects but the finale itself is anti-climactic.

The general story is good, the characters are good, the acting is good, and even the directing is passable. The screenplay needs to be burned. The one thing this movie leaves you with is a desire to read the book. It seems as though there might be a wonderful gem behind this flimsy portrayal. If there's one thing to take away from this movie is that the tween fangirls tastes are improving. In other words, thank goodness Twilight is over!

On a scale of 1-10 The Hunger Games is...a 6.5
                  with distinction: slightly overrated.

Scene Spotlight: None.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392170/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1