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