Flypaper: Movie Review

 

A crime comedy that's unique and messy and nowhere near realistic.

There comes a time in every criminal's life when he has to make sacrifices. "Flypaper" takes place in a bank where two criminal groups have simultaneously arrived to rob the place. But this is not a crime drama; it's a dark comedy revolving around some very unlikely characters. Namely, Tripp (Patrick Dempsey), an autistic hero of sorts who is super-observant but unable to behave appropriately.		2011 Directed by: Rob Minkoff Screenplay by: Jon Lucas and Scott Moore Starring: Patrick Dempsey and Ashley Judd

Young Adult: Movie Review

 

An almost brilliant look at the world of a darkly troubled young adult.

“Young Adult” takes place in that thirty-something world where young college student ready to take over the world meets experienced cynic (see my review of “The Ides of March”). Both halves exist in troubled Mavis (Charlize Theron) and not sure what to do about it she sets her sights on her high school flame (Patrick Wilson) who is now married with a newborn.		2011 Directed by: Jason Reitman Screenplay by: Diablo Cody Starring: Charlize Theron and Patton Oswalt

Margin Call: Movie Review

The buying and selling of protagonists and antagonists in a profanely straight film.

Set during the recent financial crisis, “Margin Call” does something that most of these sobering dramas do not. It’s not about the characters reactions but their expected actions and takes place primarily in board rooms. A large number of rich and even richer guys work for a financial company that buys and sells. Buys and sells what is blurry, likely on purpose.		2011 Directed by: J.C. Chandor Screenplay by: J.C. Chandor Starring: Zachary Quinto, Kevin Spacey and Paul Bettany

Hugo: Movie Review

 

An orphan goes on an adventure, and we discover the magic of filmmaking.

“Hugo” has Martin Scorsese master the children’s adventure movie genre. Scorsese’s 2010 hit was “Shutter Island” where he mastered the suspense thriller by paying attention to every detail in the film. Here, the camera is in the walls of a 1930s train station in Paris where we see the inner workings of clocks, an automaton, and an orphan boy looking for a key. It’s also in 3D and is about the history of filmmaking.		2011 Directed by: Martin Scorsese Screenplay by: John Logan Starring: Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Moretz and Ben Kingsley

The Artist: Movie Review

The golden hue of black and white silence and old school charm.

The Artist is an artist’s film; a tribute to the golden age of movies. In 1927, George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is a silent film star at the height of success. When the studios turn their attention to talkies, George isn’t ready to make the transition. He continues to watch the world in black & white and listen in silence.		2011 Directed by: Michel Hazanavicius Screenplay by: Michel Hazanavicius Starring: Jean Dujardin

The Descendants: Movie Review

 

Scaling the Hawaiian country-side with tears and laughter.

"The Descendants" is set in Hawaii but Matt King (George Clooney) and his family are not on vacation. Far from it. King is actually in a line descended down from an old Hawaiian princess and has inherited a wealth of land. That's only the secondary plot. The primary plot is that his wife is in a coma and he has to learn how to be a parent to his two unruly daughters. Cue the laugh track.		2011 Directed by: Alexander Payne Screenplay by: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash Starring: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller

Take Shelter: Movie Review

 

Shelter in the face of insanity versus reality.

Curtis (Michael Shannon) is having bad dreams and hallucinations. He’s likely just going crazy, but if he is in fact having visions of the future end of the world, then he might as well “Take Shelter”. With Curtis’s dreams turning into nightmares turning into a possible reality, he needs to keep himself safe and his wife (Jessica Chastain) and their young, deaf daughter.		2011 Directed by: Jeff Nichols Screenplay by: Jeff Nichols Starring: Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain

My Week with Marilyn: Movie Review

 

An affair with Marilyn Monroe, but who is she?

“My Week with Marilyn” is the week-long affair with Marilyn Monroe (Michelle Williams) for young film enthusiast Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne). It’s also a week from hell for great actor Sir Laurence Olivier (Kenneth Branagh) as he tries to make a movie with Ms. Marilyn Monroe. It’s also a week-long glimpse into the beautiful / tragic life of the starlet-turned-starlet.		2011 Directed by: Simon Curtis Screenplay by: Adrian Hodges Starring: Michelle Williams, Eddie Redmayne and Kenneth Branagh

Melancholia: Movie Review

Feelings of melancholia bursting through the brilliant colours of the Earth.

Justine (Kirsten Dunst) suffers from severe depression. Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg) drives herself crazy with paranoia over fear of the end of the world. “Melancholia” just might prove to be the end of the world. This film just might prove to be an example of some of the best filmmaking in the world.		2011 Directed by: Lars von Trier Screenplay by: Lars von Trier Starring: Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg

Like Crazy: Movie Review

 

A story of love, depending on what love really is.

Anna (Felicity Jones) and Jacob (Anton Yelchin) are in love with each like crazy. Hence the title, “Like Crazy”. They are in, or want to be in, a grown-up relationship — one where they act like adults and are just a part of each other’s lives. But they met each other at college and one stupid idea forces them to make grown-up decisions that will affect the rest of their lives quicker than they would have liked.		2011 Directed by: Drake Doremus Screenplay by: Drake Doremus and Ben York Jones Starring: Felicity Jones and Anton Yelchin

Anonymous: Movie Review

 

Problematic theory, story and characters but worthy acting and end point.

“Anonymous” is a story that accounts the theory that William Shakespeare did not write all the works credited to William Shakespeare. Instead the true author is Edward, Earl of Oxford, a nobleman of the court of Queen Elizabeth I. It is known as the Oxfordian Theory. And it is a real theory; it’s just not a good one.		2011 Directed by: Roland Emmerich Screenplay by: John Orloff Starring: Rhys Ifans

Martha Marcy May Marlene: Movie Review

 

Martha, Marcy May, and Marlene all caught between truth, sanity and madness.

Martha (Elizabeth Olsen) is a character who has forgotten what it means to be normal. Marcy May is a character who has been taught to ignore social values and any definition of “normal.” Martha and Marcy May is the same person and that’s where the conflict lies. “Martha Marcy May Marlene” is a dramatic character study which edges towards psychological thriller.		2011 Directed by: Sean Durkin Screenplay by: Sean Durkin Starring: Elizabeth Olsen

J. Edgar: Movie Review

 

Presenting a hero but not defining hero versus villain.

“J. Edgar” is worth the hype, the fuss and the wait. I was particularly intrigued by the prospect that it was directed by the older, masculine Clint Eastwood and written by the younger, out-and-proud Dustin Lance Black. I got the biographical story of the FBI leader and I also got the deeply-touching love story of a closeted gay man. Both were woven together seamlessly.		2011 Directed by: Clint Eastwood Screenplay by: Dustin Lance Black Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio and Armie Hammer

The Skin I Live In: Movie Review

 

Into the mind of mysteriously disturbed individuals.

“The Skin I Live In” is the latest Spanish film from writer and director Pedro Almodóvar who once again explores issues of sexuality, rape, and extremely dysfunctional relationships. Set in the future, as in, next year, a scientist, Robert (Antonio Banderas), has invented the “perfect” skin. Presumably to help burn victims. But things get more mysterious, sinister and unnatural.		2011 Directed by: Pedro Almodóvar Screenplay by: Pedro Almodóvar Starring: Antonio Banderas

Friends with Benefits: Movie Review

Insulting romantic comedies, its fans, and everything else.

The thing about ‘Friends with Benefits” is that you have, in fact, seen it before. Not in the generic way the film implies that all romantic comedies are the same. But this exact movie was released earlier this year with the title “No Strings Attached”. And what’s worse is that vapid, uninspired, Hollywood-love-fest original is actually better.		2011 Directed by: Will Gluck Screenplay by: Keith Merryman, David A. Newman, Will Gluck and Harley Peyton Starring: Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake

Red State: Movie Review

 

This is the stuff that nightmares are made of.

“Red State” is a horror the way “Jesus Camp” (the 2006 documentary) is a horror; not in the way Hollywood makes horror movies. It’s actually scary. It’s scary because these people exist and events like the fictional ones portrayed here have occurred and there’s no reason they won’t occur again. I’m assuming Kevin Smith had nightmares for years and to try and right his world, he had to tell this story.		2011 Directed by: Kevin Smith Screenplay by: Kevin Smith Starring: Michael Parks and John Goodman

The Entitled: Movie Review

Rich kids, poor kids, their parents, and all their attitudes locked in a house.

A group of under-privileged kids starving for money and attention; a group of over-privileged kids starving for action and attention; a group of over-privileged adults trying to be content with their current state of life. That’s The Entitled. One group wants what the others have and the others just plain want. If you want an intelligent, thought-out thriller, you’ve got it.		2011 Directed by: Aaron Woodley Screenplay by: William Morrissey Starring: Kevin Zegers and Ray Liotta

The Ides of March: Movie Review

The games people play to get ahead, not necessarily in politics, but within themselves.

George Clooney is running for President. Well, I mean, in “The Ides of March,” as Governor Mike Morris, he’s running for the Democratic Presidential nomination. He’s the good guy and his opponent is the bad guy. Because that’s how it is supposed to be, right? The opponent’s campaign manager is played by the ever shady Paul Giamatti, while Morris’ campaign is run by the young, handsome idealist Stephen (Ryan Gosling).		2011 Directed by: George Clooney Screenplay by: George Clooney, Grant Heslov, and Beau Willimon Based on the play by Beau Willimon Starring: George Clooney and Ryan Gosling

Moneyball: Movie Review

More than a game of numbers.

It has long been said that professional sports are more a game of politics than an actual game. The MLB is not just a game of money, but here, it’s a game of numbers versus a game of people. It's callousness at its highest when general managers trade away people as objects with little regard for them or their family. Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, the GM of the Oakland As, seems to take that even further, treating people as if they are only numbers, and yet there was something refreshing and humanistic about the whole thing.		2011 Directed by: Bennett Miller Screenplay by: Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin Based on the book by Michael Lewis Starring: Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill

Prom: Movie Review

Disney-ifying of prom for an immature but sweet re-hash of predictability.

"Prom" is the Disney version of prom for teenagers. Or make that 17 year-olds acting like 12 year-olds (but of course acted by 20 year-olds). It's immature because it fails to bring in any humour, reality, or surprises that people of any age could enjoy. The plot is like every other adolescent romantic comedy. High-schoolers are getting ready for prom, led by the over-achieving, blonde, class president, but who is being opposed by the local rebel.		2011 Directed by: Joe Nussbaum Screenplay by: Katie Wech Starring: Aimee Teegarden and Thomas McDonell

Drive: Movie Review

Driving a slow and thoughtful character study into a full-on violent crime thriller.

Ryan Gosling is a driver. During the day, he’s a part-time Hollywood stunt man and a part-time car mechanic. During the night, he seems to spend most of his time helping out with criminal activities. All of the time, he’s a leading man. He has a quiet and unassuming charm about him that can drive girls wild, and grateful bosses (like Bryan Cranston) since he’s so trustworthy and capable.		2011 Directed by: Nicolas Winding Refn Screenplay by: Hossein Amin Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan and Bryan Cranston

Chapter 27: Movie Review

 

Observations without judgement for a character study deserving of judgement.

Mark David Chapman (Jared Leto) has flown from Hawaii to New York to meet John Lennon. This is his second trip. This time he’s going to do something big; he just doesn’t know if it’s going to be a good or bad thing. There are multiple ways to interpret that line. I like the inference that he knows what he’s going to do, he just doesn’t know if it’s good or bad.		2007 Directed by: J.P. Schaefer Screenplay by: J.P. Schaefer Starring: Jared Leto, Lindsay Lohan, Judah Friedlander

Peep World: Movie Review

 

A true comedy that you don't have to hold up a mirror for.

"Peep World" is a peek into a world of a dysfunctional family. It's a dysfunctional family comedy and it's funny. Henry had four children, even though he really shouldn't have had any, and they all pretty much hate each other and him. This movie is set on one particular day: Henry's birthday, and right after the youngest sibling, Nathan (Ben Schwartz), wrote a best-selling book revealing the family's secrets.		2010 Directed by: Barry W. Blaustein Screenplay by: Peter Himmelstein Starring: Ben Schwartz, Kate Mara and Michael C. Hall

Ceremony: Movie Review

The romantic desperation of flawed characters with humour, love and understanding.

Sam (Michael Angarano) is going to take his friend Marshall (Reece Thompson) on an adventure. It starts with Sam referring to liking a book in his “younger and more vulnerable years.” Sam used to think it was written about him; Marshall thinks it is written about him. And if you already know which book they are referring to, the characteristics of Sam and Marshall, and the adventure they are about to go on, instantly fall into place.		2010 Directed by: Max Winkler Screenplay by: Max Winkler Starring: Michael Angarano, Reece Thompson, Uma Thurman and Lee Pace

Our Idiot Brother: Movie Review

Light on the comedy but so charming that "Our Idiot Brother" is likable.

As has been stated many times already, Ned (Paul Rudd) is not an idiot. Well, he kind of is. He lacks understanding of normal social protocol, and not in a genius kind-of-way, but as a hippie. Prone to frequent breakdowns in communication, one such instance lands him in jail. When he’s out, he’s off to live with his family. His sisters all treat him like he’s an idiot. Hence, the title, “Our Idiot Brother.”		2011 Directed by: Jesse Peretz Screenplay by: David Schisgall and Evgenia Peretz Starring: Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks and Zooey Deschanel

Miss Nobody: Movie Review

Murder in a fun, cartoon-like environment.

Sarah Jane McKinney (Leslie Bibb) is Miss Nobody, a secretary for a pharmaceutical company who has no boyfriend but faith that her guiding angel will send her messages as to what she should be doing. Her mother ensures her that everybody lies, so a very smudged resume gets her a promotion to junior executive.		2010 Directed by: Tim Cox Screenplay by: Doug Steinberg Starring: Leslie Bibb and Adam Goldberg

Soul Surfer: Movie Review

 

Without the constant presence of God, "Soul Surfer" would have been more inspiring.

Based on the true story of soul surfer Bethany Hamilton, “Soul Surfer” is close to the true story, just exaggerated to make sure we don’t miss any subtle points on how perfect everybody is. Wikipedia even defines the term “soul surfer” incase you couldn’t catch the meaning that it’s about a girl who surfs for the sheer pleasure of surfing. God has put surfing in her soul, if you will.		2011 Directed by: Sean McNamara Screenplay by: too many to name Starring: AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt

The Help: Movie Review

 

Comedy, drama and characters who walk Hollywood's high rope.

It's the 1960s in Mississippi, and the uppity, high-class, rich white girls have returned from university with husbands in tow and babies in their bellies, and now they get to hire maids of their own. The maids of course are poor black women from the other side of the tracks (literally). Skeeter (Emma Stone), on the other hand, has returned home from university with a degree in hand, rather than a husband, and after a stop-off in New York City in a failed attempt to get a job as a writer.		2011 Directed by: Tate Taylor Screenplay by: Tate Taylor Based on the novel by Kathryn Stockett Starring: Emma Stone, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer

Trust: Movie Review

 

The simple act of trusting runs deep and dramatically. 

“Trust.” That’s what the online sexual predator keeps telling 14 year-old Annie (Liana Liberato). “Trust me.” Problem is, she does. Even when he keeps lying about his age, lying about where he lives, and then taking her to his motel room. This movie is about the stupid things that 14 year-old girls do. Although Annie is relatively careful she doesn’t understand what qualities good people have and what qualities evil people have.		2010 Directed by: David Schwimmer Screenplay by: Andy Bellin and Robert Festinger Starring: Liana Liberato, Clive Owen and Catherine Keener

Dear Lemon Lima: Movie Review

 

A smart, boy-obsessed girl creating a unique, quirky indie.

I have discovered a missing genre in the American film landscape: the smart, quirky girl teen comedy. Most notably with “Rushmore” (1998) and filmmakers like Wes Anderson, the smart, isolated male teen have become heroes in quirky indie films. Up until now, there hasn’t really been a female equivalent. But here comes “Dear Lemon Lima” where our heroine is awkward and boy-obsessed, but she’s also ambitious, kind-hearted and smart, and those are the qualities that drive this film.		2009 (with 2011 DVD release) Directed by: Suzi Yoonessi Screenplay by: Suzi Yoonessi Starring: Savanah Wiltfong and Shayne Topp

Beautiful Boy: Movie Review

 

The beauty of love and the beast of life's realities.

“Beautiful Boy” is about people. Husband Bill (Michael Sheen) and wife Kate (Maria Bello) and their son who is in his first year of college. They have an emotionless marriage, one where things are done logically rather than with feeling. They’re separated, just not physically. Bill is going to save up money, then find an apartment, then put a down payment on it, and then move out. But then comes the news of a mass shooting at their son’s school. The police arrive at their door and the tears start flowing. But, wait, as the cops say, “There’s more.”		2010 Directed by: Shawn Ku Screenplay by: Michael Armbruster and Shawn Ku Starring: Maria Bello and Michael Sheen

Crazy, Stupid, Love. : Movie Review

 

Twisting your standard romantic comedy into something that's hilarious and refreshing.

Love is the be-all and end-all of life. It's crazy, it's stupid, but you have to put everything towards winning over your soul-mate. That is what all of the characters believe. Except Jacob (Ryan Gosling). He believes that people who are in love are pathetic. Thank God for Ryan Gosling. I've been saying that a lot recently, but it's true. He makes everything he's in better.		2011 Directed by: Glenn Ficarra and John Requa Screenplay by: Dan Fogelman Starring: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone

Cowboys & Aliens: Movie Review

Action heroes versus cowboys and aliens where thinking is not allowed.

"Cowboys & Aliens" is actually just Daniel Craig versus cowboys and aliens. It's very handy that he has an alien countdown timer bracelet on his wrist that doubles as a special alien killing machine. It works better than guns and knives which is all that real cowboys have. But Jake Lonergan (Craig) doesn't know how he got that bracelet, or what his name is, or who he is. He does know English.		2011 Directed by: Jon Favreau Screenplay by: Too many to name Starring: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford and Olivia Wilde

Submarine: Movie Review

 

Fresh, funny and twisted turns to this quirky coming-of-age tale. 

Submarine is Welsh. It opens, at least in North America it does, with a letter from its protagonist (Oliver) to Americans; educating us that Wales is a country located next to England. Although thankful that America has not yet invaded his country, Oliver informs us that this is an important film which we should treat with the utmost respect.		2010 Directed by: Richard Ayoade Screenplay by: Richard Ayoade Starring: Craig Roberts and Sally Hawkins

Good Neighbours: Movie Review

 

So much set-up, so little purpose.

Horror movies are generally not good. Good comedies, although hard to write well, are easier to find. I normally wouldn’t recommend anybody attempt a horror comedy, but “Good Neighbours” is Jacob Tierney and Jay Baruchel’s follow-up to “The Trotsky” (2009) and I couldn’t pass up that potential. The result though is something that’s not scary and not very funny.		2010 Directed by: Jacob Tierney Screenplay by: Jacob Tierney Starring: Jay Baruchel, Emily Hampshire and Scott Speedman

Meek's Cutoff: Movie Review

A journey not about the destination but which prejudices to fight to stay alive.

As bleak as the 1845 Oregon landscape they are traversing, “Meek’s Cutoff” is about the arduous journey three wayward families are taking. Their trip is at first to get to a better life, but later it becomes just about finding water. Although the film is less about their voyage and more about the characters and their decisions.		2010 Directed by: Kelly Reichardt Screenplay by: Jon Raymond Starring: Michelle Williams and Will Patton

Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives: Movie Review

There may be something to this appealing but disturbing and possibly offensive film.

With a mystifying title like "Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives", it begs viewers to be open to transcendental ideas like the belief of past lives, forms of the spiritual world, and the transformation of the human world, the animal world and nature. I am usually open to those kinds of perceptions, at least in the world of film. When this film took those forms, I could at least appreciate it, if not understand it.		2010 Directed by: Apichatpong Weerasethakul Screenplay by: Apichatpong Weerasethakul Starring: Thanapat Saisaymar

3 Idiots: Movie Review

A college comedy, and joking aside, they're not idiots.

A college comedy. You know the genre, movies where idiots get into college and then continue to behave as idiots, and usually by the end they get a girl. 3 Idiots is not such a movie. Mostly because our three protagonists are not idiots. Rancho is a smart-alecky trouble-maker but he's not an idiot. Raju and Farhan might fail a lot of exams, but they try hard and they have good hearts. Same goes for the movie.		2009 Directed by: Rajkumar Hirani Screenplay by: Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi Starring: Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi and Madhavan

Beginners: Movie Review

The relationships of life told with drama, humour, subtlety, and thoughtfulness.

“Beginners” is one of those life dramas where Oliver (Ewan McGregor) has to take care of his dying father, Hal (Christopher Plummer). Except Hal has just announced that he’s gay and has hooked up with a much younger man, Andy. Oliver hasn’t been able to carry on any relationship but meets the mysterious Anna (Mélanie Laurent) just as he’s grieving over the loss of his father. Oh, and there’s a talking dog.		2010 Directed by: Mike Mills Screenplay by: Mike Mills Starring: Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer

Horrible Bosses: Movie Review

Adding coarse and sexual content to make a plot-rich story funny.

In the vein of "The Hangover" (2009), "Horrible Bosses" has three friends taking a wild trip to—well, jail, most likely. They mean well, but when you spend your free time drinking at a bar complaining about your bosses, reckless plans are bound to be hatched. But I'm glad they do. It's a premise with lots of possibilities, never quite knowing which turns they would take, and they were all hilarious.		2011 Directed by: Seth Gordon Screenplay by: Michael Markowitz, John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein Starring: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis

Kaboom: Movie Review

College students that are over-sylized and over-sexed.

Described as trippy, entertaining, and very funny, "Kaboom" is actually just a very stylized version of the college-aged sexual exploration. It gets interesting when it mixes sex with a thriller plot, but colour-coating over-sexed college students doesn't make them anymore profound.		2010 Directed by: Gregg Araki Screenplay by: Gregg Araki Starring: Thomas Dekker

The Tree of Life: Movie Review

Life in the grandest, and almost inexplicable, of scales.



"The Tree of Life" is not a film that can be understood, nor can it be explained. It also does not want to be described in any one way. We jump from decade to decade, from solar system to solar system, and from era to era in the history of the planet. As specific as can be allowed, it's about life, also the universe. In parts, it's about family or childhood, but certainly, not on the whole.		2011 Directed by: Terrence Malick Screenplay by: Terrence Malick Starring: Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastian and Sean Penn

Larry Crowne: Movie Review

Too little of anything other than juvenile and cheap laughs.

Tom Hanks is a nice guy. Larry Crowne is a nice guy. But as a movie, “Larry Crowne” is only somewhat likable. Larry Crowne (Tom Hanks) is fired from his 9-time-employee-of-the-month job at U-Mart. Yes, we’re supposed to feel sorry for him, and we do, but it’s mostly played up for laughs. The most we get into the psychology or economics of the down-sizing is that “times change.”		2011 Directed by: Tom Hanks Screenplay by: Tom Hanks and Nia Vardalos Starring: Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts

Prime of Your Life: Movie Review

A near-perfect story weighed down by immature actors and characters.

Expecting a romantic comedy, I was pleasantly surprised when "Prime of Your Life" delivered so much more. Elements of drama, comedy, coming-of-age and romance were all there with the typical romantic comedy facets being barely even noticeable. The problem is those lessons, that life or stories about life, including everything from love, to heartbreak, to mortality, to cons, and independence, were expounded to me by a 20-something slacker and it was too condescending for my liking.		2010 Directed by: Kelly L. King Screenplay by: Nicole Abisinio and Brandon Cotter Starring: Nicole Abisinio and Ryan Donowho

The Art of Getting By: Movie Review

Asking the question, "What's the point?" But then doesn't deliver much.

The teenage rebel, full of angst, and feeling alienated through their own defeatist philosophies, once perfected in Holden Caulfield, is on display here again in George (Freddie Highmore). He has the typical advanced vocabulary and expected intellect, but boredom for school and life. "What's the point if you're just going to die alone?"		2011 Directed by: Gavin Wiesen Screenplay by: Gavin Wiesen Starring: Freddie Highmore and Emma Roberts

Midnight in Paris: Movie Review

Paris and literature taken to golden heights of intelligence and humour.

Have you ever wanted to see Owen Wilson play a modern day Alvy Singer and then transport him into the 1920s? I'm assuming that nobody other than Woody Allen has even thought about doing that. But trust me, now you'll want to see it. "Midnight in Paris" pairs ingenious casting with Allen's usual parade of characters (a neurotic writer, a right-wing Republican ignoramus, and a pedantic know-it-all) and places them in Paris.		2011 Directed by: Woody Allen Screenplay by: Woody Allen Starring: Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams

Certified Copy: Movie Review

"Certified Copy" is an original work of art.

Discussions on art, on the interpretations of art, and on the value of copies of original art. Discussions on relationships, marriage, and on the types of individuals it takes to enter into one. Discussions on what is truth, what can be left up to the viewer's imagination, and what really matters. "Certified Copy" is all of that.		2010 Directed by: Abbas Kiarostami Screenplay by: Abbas Kiarostami Starring: Juliette Binoche and William Shimell

Bitter/Sweet: Movie Review

Light, sweet, enjoyable trip to Thailand.

A part Thai film, part U.S. film, "Bitter/Sweet" did a wonderful job of merging the two cultures for both audiences. It centers on Brian (Kip Pardue) a young American, for the Western audiences to connect to, but takes place in Thailand. It even manages to include a small-town girl in big-city who comes back to her hometown storyline, without me completely noticing.		2009 Directed by: Jeff Hare Screenplay by: Jeff Hare Starring: Kip Pardue and Napakpapha Nakprasitte

Take Me Home Tonight: Movie Review

A comedy that can't be taken humorously or seriously, but I do think they tried.

It's like a high school comedy with college graduates, but it has the immaturity of high school and lacking the intelligence that some college grads are supposed to have. "Take Me Home Tonight" is about Matt (Topher Grace) trying to win over his dream girl in a night full of parties with old high school classmates. It's also about him not knowing what to do with his life, but it's not thoughtful enough to be meaningful.		2011 Directed by: Michael Dowse Screenplay by: Jackie Filgo and Jeff Filgo Starring: Topher Grace, Dan Fogler, Anna Faris and Teresa Palmer
It wasn't funny enough to be a flat-out comedy, but it also didn't have much heart for a movie that wanted to occasionally take itself seriously. It had a strange mix of wild, immature partying just for fun, and a deeper side when smarts doesn't add up to success. I do think they were trying to juxtapose the two for a reason, but I couldn't find that reason. The characters were all either smart or successful, or if both, they weren't happy. Most characters were just one-off jokes, but Topher Grace as smart, but directionless and insecure is a joy to watch. I always want him to succeed. I reluctantly admit that the '80s angle actually worked here. It wasn't just about crimped hair, bangles and bandanas. It also had the success of the financial sector and the desire to get into it, which was a big part of that era. But I don't think they mentioned Reagan or Reaganomics once. Surely, that's a writer's mistake. A soundtrack of music that was once popular but shouldn't have been couldn't carry the movie, but then again good, popular music from the '60s couldn't even save "Pirate Radio". "Take Me Home Tonight" wasn't very funny and it couldn't even be taken seriously when it wanted to be, but I was amused. And even though I don't necessarily know what they were, I still think they had a reason for everything that they did. And I suppose that is one step up for Hollywood.

Recommended:

The Waterhole (2009) - Real humour and thoughtfulness to college grads trying to find their way. High Fidelity (2000) - The hilarious realities when relationships get in the way of every stage of life.

Jackie Brown: Movie Review

Slick characters and slick dealings in one perfectly executed film.

I never thought that I would actually like a Quentin Tarantino movie, let alone think that it's a brilliant film that should be revered. "Pulp Fiction" (1994) was entertaining but most of his other violent, ridiculous "artistry" I couldn't even sit through. "Jackie Brown" though, gives us some powerful characters to connect to, a drug and money plot which for the most part makes sense, and relatively, very little violence.		1997 Directed by: Quentin Tarantino Screenplay by: Quentin Tarantino Based on the novel by Elmore Leonard Starring: Pam Grier and Samuel L. Jackson