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