Foreverland: Movie Review

Dragging out a road trip to eventually get to an interesting place in life.

“Foreverland” is a relationship drama road trip movie. And I know what you’re thinking, you’ve seen it before. Yes, pretty much, but it does have some refreshing twists even though it takes them too long to get there. It starts with Will (Max Thieriot) a young man with cystic fibrosis shopping for coffins. He has that twisted sense of humour which we’re supposed to find endearing.		2011 Directed by: Max McGuire Screenplay by: Shawn Riopelle, Max McGuire Starring: Max Thieriot, Laurence Leboeuf

The Art of the Steal: Documentary Review

The greatest theft ever committed.

“The Art of the Steal” is about not only the greatest art theft in the world, but probably the greatest crime ever committed. And at this point, let’s define “greatest”. In this sense, “great” means		2009 Directed by: Don Argott
comparatively large in size or number, unusual or considerable in power or intensity, and of an extreme or notable degree. It does not mean wonderful, first-rate, or good. This theft wasn’t even deemed a crime in the first place and was committed by mobsters, city of Philadelphia politicians, and educators.

Argo: Movie Review

Marriage of history and entertainment as Argo becomes a run-away hit.

“Argo” starts with the history of the Iran hostage crisis of 1979 when Islamist students and militants stormed the American Embassy in Tehran and 6 American diplomats escaped with their lives and found temporary salvation in the home of the Canadian Ambassador. It was enough history to educate us but not too much to lose viewer’s interest. Like most stories, things start getting entertaining when the film moves to Hollywood.		2012 Directed by: Ben Affleck Screenplay by: Chris Terrio Based on an article and book. Starring: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston

Girl in Progress: Movie Review

A coming-of-age story told by the book is good, smart and enjoyable.

Coming-of-age films are a dime-a-dozen and, surprisingly, good coming-of-age films are also a dime-a-dozen – providing they have the right hook and the right leading teenager. That’s exactly why “Girl in Progress” can neatly fit itself in-line with other memorable and good, but not great, teenage girl films. Ansiedad (Cierra Ramirez) is a snarky teenager, fed up with her immature mother (for good reason) and rebels at home and at school because she’s got nothing better to do.		2012 Directed by: Patricia Riggen Screenplay by: Hiram Martinez Starring: Cierra Ramirez and Eva Mendes

The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Movie Review

Uplifting teenage drama with humour, heart and soul.

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is self-adapted from Steven Chbosky’s novel of the same name. While I frequently like reading the novel first to gain more insight into the art of the adaptation, and also to read good books, I stayed clear from this one since it was written as a series of letters. The protagonist writes one letter after another and such works can seem choppy at best. As a film, letter writing can be a useful tool to understand the inner turmoil of characters and here Perks feels very fluid.		2012 Directed by: Steven Chbosky Screenplay by: Steven Chbosky (Based on his book) Starring: Logan Lerman, Ezra Miller and Emma Watson

People Like Us: Movie Review

Overly dramatic people that you won't like or care for.

Sam (Chris Pine) is estranged from his father because he thinks he cared more about his job than his son. Frankie (Elizabeth Banks) is estranged from her father because he abandoned her shortly after she was born. When the father dies, Sam learns for the first time that he has a half-sister, a single mother who has been left more on her own than he was. “People Like Us” is Sam’s journey to connect with his new relatives after a sum of money is left in the will for Frankie.		2012 Directed by: Alex Kurtzman Screenplay by: Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Jody Lambert Starring: Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks

Won't Back Down: Movie Review

 

Poorly marketed, received drama trying to fight the good fight.

Jamie Fitzpatrick (Maggie Gyllenhaal) is a single mother trying to hold down two jobs, struggling to afford a good education for her daughter. “Won’t Back Down” is her fight to change the public school system. Joining her is a strong, tough, independent disenchanted black teacher, Nona Alberts (Viola Davis). It’s a drama poorly marketed as anti-union propaganda and was just as poorly received.		2012 Directed by: Daniel Barnz Screenplay by: Brin Hill, Daniel Barnz Starring: Maggie Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis