Troy (2004)

Rated R for graphic violence and some sexuality/nudity.

163 Minutes

Directed By: Wolfgang Peterson

Screenplay By: David Benioff

Based On The Novel “The Iliad” By: Homer

Everything is more beautiful because we’re doomed. -Achilles

Synopsis

A Prince Of Troy falls in love with the Queen of Sparta, Helen.  Together the lovers leave Sparta and return to Troy along with a new enemy that not only desires to take Helen back, but sack the city as well.  On each side are warriors of unimaginable quality.  The legendary Achilles and his Mermidon fight for Greece and the repugnant King Agamemnon, alongside with his friend Odysseus.  Troy is defended by the great warrior Prince Hector and it’s honorable King Priam.  It’s a battle of magnificent proportions and while history already tells how it ends, it’s a wild ride of how they get there.

Review

Wolfgang Peterson took on a massive task when accepting the request to direct Troy in a time where movies like Gladiator and Lord Of The Rings were creating standards in historical accuracies and amazing special effects battles.  In the end Troy isn’t as successful in it’s ability to really mimic the ancient city of Troy in a fashion that really brings it to life, nor are the battle scenes and special effects used as remarkably as Lord Of The Rings, but five minutes into the story I knew better than to take it as seriously as one or the other either.  The tone of the film is obviously of a serious nature, but it also gives itself enough allowance to be a film that was a little more superficial.  The character’s are depicted very well and are to be taken menacingly, but the nature of the story, the screenplay itself, and many of the lines exploit this as more of a fun action adventure story that happens to be based off an excellent piece of literature rather than a film than really has anything new or different to say and I’m okay with that.

The character’s are ones we all know and are played by a brilliantly casted group of actors.  Each really interpreted their character and fleshed them out in a way that gave them all a hardened more realistic feel than I had experienced before.  The story had moments of great weakness behind it, and some of the dialogue along with, but because of the excellent choices in actors, and perhaps the direction Wolfgang sent them in, it gave the rest of the way the gargantuan tale was told more validity. 

Complaints are often made about movies based on history and about the inaccuracies involved, and granted Troy certainly strayed away from the “known” truth at times to indulge it’s fictionalized tale, but the story was about entertainment not history.  The story stayed very close to Homer’s edition of the Iliad and what it created on it’s own was compelling in it’s own right.  I felt it had enough historical accuracy to be intriguing and enough fiction to be fun. 

Cast

• Brad Pitt as Achilles
• Eric Bana as Hector
• Orlando Bloom as Paris
• Brian Cox as Agamemnon
• Diane Kruger as Helen
• Brenden Gleeson as Menelaus
• Sean Bean as Odysseus
• Garrett Hedlund as Patraclus
• Julie Christie as Thetis
• Peter O’Toole as Priam
• Rose Byrne as Berseis
• Saffron Burrows as Andromache

Brad Pitt is possibly my favorite actor, but when advertised as the mighty Achilles, the most powerful of all warriors of all time, he was not the actor I initially envisioned for such a role.  Complex, dramatic or odd character’s, even a comedic role seemed more fitting than an action hero of such notoriety and in a time period no less.  My concerns were hushed from the first scene he was in.  Though the film works around an ensemble cast it is the character of Achilles that boasts the major thrust of the story forward.  His simple, yet poignant commentary, on a time that was merely a nightmare for even the victorious in the brutal war between the Greeks and Trojans.  I now can’t imagine another actor that could sustain the complexity of Achilles, the physical prowess he generated, and the reflectiveness of his character in a battle that he felt was orchestrated simply for himself.  His major adversary Hector, played by a much more modest Eric Bana was a fantastic contrast to Pitt’s arrogance as Achilles.  Hector was a man’s man who fought for his home and country and was heroic in his love for it, not the battle or glory.  Bana balanced those qualities in a way that made Hector not only loved, but feared.

With a supporting cast of stars including a lovely performance by Peter O’Toole playing Priam, King Of Troy, who seemed to own the screen each time he was on it with his subtle and intense portrayal.  He is a master of the big screen doing what he does best.  Orlando Bloom and Sean Bean were excellent additions and Rose Byrne as Berseis was a particularly captivating performance.  While the film is without any doubt a war movie focused on battle and special effects, the reason it was successful was greatly due to the brilliant casting that made these ancient character’s become alive and three dimensional.

Ratings And Suggestions

Troy is not Oscar quality nor does it pretend to be.  It’s better than most movies in it’s genre and offers an epic adventure of breath taking battles, romance, betrayal, and the hunger for power.  The imminent price each character pays for their fortunes are not comparable to pain and sorrow each of those paths lead.  What Troy does best is focus on it’s individual character’s and lets them shine.  The violence of this film is brutal and earns it’s “R” rating.  For anyone who enjoys a great epic movie, Troy should be on your list to rent, it’s on my shelf as property.  This one earns Three out of Four brutal stars.

Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull (2008)

Rated PG-13 for adventure violence and scary images.

124 Minutes

Directed By: Steven Spielburg

Screenplay By: David Koepp

Story By: George Lucas

Put your hands down will you, you’re embarrassing us. -Indiana Jones

Synopsis

Indiana Jones has returned.  Nineteen years later, not as spry, but just as adventurous he has been kidnapped by a new adversary.  Now that the wars have passed Indy’s enemy is: The Russians.  A KGB agent is in charge and begins psychicly probing Indy for information.  She is a vivacious woman that goes by the name of Irina Spalko and is searching for information Indy has involving South America and a myth surrrounding the Crystal Skull.  With him are character’s old and new, familiar and not.  With a new foe and an adventure at his finger tips, Indiana Jones prepares for yet another suspenseful action packed adventure.

Review

I admit the first scene left me a bit concerned and nervous.  It was a little off putting, the character’s unfamiliar, and our aged Ford seeming a little less like his normal dauntless adventurer.  Also were the worries advertised by the critic naysayers that claimed it was too Sci-Fi with the alien theme.  I will promise those concerns were immediately dismissed.  The first three films were themed with the occult and paranormal activity and the myth of the skull and even it’s gargantuan climax was more geared toward the original three’s mysticism rather than science fiction and aliens.  Rumours of that are simply fiction.  Spielburg even denied Lucas’s request to put more science fictionesque stuff in the film.  I assure you this film is not exactly in the same category as it’s predecessors, but it contains the same dynamics’s, feel, and heart of the original Indy’s.

Shia LaBeouf’s first scene immediately reminded me of Marlon Brando from The Wild One.  It quickly gave way to a more  moderized Indiana Jones.  The likeness of his character from a different generation but having Indy’s certain quirks he had unknowingly attained over his own years.  The leather jacket, the affection for his knife and upkeep on his hair contrasting Indy’s own leather jacket, whip, and fedora was yes obvious, but also creates a subconscious smile you didn’t even know was playing across your lips.  The name of Shia’s character being “Mutt” has to be an inside joke between Spielburg, Lucas, and the screenwriters from Temple Of Doom.  Indiana was actually named after a dog belonging to Lucas.  Willy in Temple of Doom was named after Spielburg’s dog, and the screenwriters named Short Round after their own dog.  Mutt essentially is the creator’s having even more fun with this adventure series.  I, for one, love it.

The action sequences were up to par and even surpassing some of today’s stunts, but the CGI wasn’t overused, and for this I’m grateful.  The magic of the original series was in it’s old school camera tricks and stunts, giving the chase scenes and a much more tangible feel.  They may be over the top and to some degree absurd, but the way they are shot makes it seem possible.   CGI was obviously integrated into the story, but it wasn’t an overwhelming distraction or used as a crutch as has been the case in many of Spielburg’s more recent creations.  It was utilized perfectly and the scene in New Mexico was absolutely stunning.

The depth and relationships between the character’s is what really made this story feel like Indiana Jones.  There was the excitement of Temple Of Doom, the family integration of Last Crusade, and the adventure of Raiders all combined together.  It was undeniably a relief Harrison Ford’s aging was implemented and done with grace.  There were a few comments at the beginning and from Mutt calling Indy “grandpa”, but the film was careful not to mock too much.

The switch from Nazi’s to The Reds, and the time change from the 30’s to the 50’s proved to be a much less distracting plot back round that I had expected.  In fact, the idea of another film with the Nazi’s trying to spoil Indy’s glory was asking too much.  It actually became a relief to post the villains face as a Russian.  Besides, facing a big bad as nasty as Cate Blanchett on a bad day is pretty intimidating all on it’s own.

The pacing was relentless and pushed forward at a speed seems like it has to slow down at some point, however it never relinquishes it’s momentum.  With some old Indy tricks and gags and some new ones, the entire package becomes a fans dream to soak in.  Was it as good as Raiders?  Or The Last Crusade? Or Temple Of Doom?  I wouldn’t say it’s even fair to compare, but if an answer is required, it’s not as good as Raiders, but it’s certainly up to par with the other two.

The behind the scenes creators had their work cut out for them.  With twenty years in film making technology, and new and fresh idea’s expected to flourish, high expectations were made.  John Williams returns to do the score and though it varied little from the previous films, it’s familiarity was welcome and nostalgic.  Michael Kahn’s fourth attendance on the adventure to edit was once again no small task.  I’m sure we can all owe the amazing pacing and thrust of the films story to his contributions.  The cinematography of Douglas Slocombe was greatly missed and one sore spot in the film.  While Janusz Kaminksi did a stand up job of really capturing the Indy 50’s, the magnificent shots Slocombe had in the previous stories proved to be a nearly impossible standard to live up to. 

The lowest point and only real annoyance was brief, but involved Mutt’s character on the tumultuous trek to the Crystal Skull’s location.  The CGI and overdone escape with himself and the monkey’s was over the top and not in a funny way.  The sword fight between himself and Irina Spalko was not so cleverly foreshadowed early on with the announcement that he had taken a fencing class.  The insult of making that “skill” play later in is obnoxious.  Besides it would have made for a much more interesting battle if he had been ill equipped to fight such a powerful adversary and even offered some comical opportunities, in the likeness that Indy always gets him in situations that are over his head, not ones he’s practiced for.  Nonetheless, it was the only major issue I had with the entire film. 

Cast

• Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones
• Cate Blanchett as Irina Spalko
• Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood
• Shia LaBeouf as Mutt Williams
• Ray Winstone as “Mac” George McHale
• John Hurt as Professor John “Ox” Oxley
• Jim Broadbent as Dean Charles Stanforth

Harrison’s Ford’s return nearly twenty years later to reprise the role of Indy has had no affect on his ability to slip right back into our favorite hero’s character.  Though aged but not any less clever, he has the same love and affection for artifacts, adventure, and knowledge that he ever did.  The return of Karen Allen to the cast brought back a chemistry between Indy and Marion that didn’t lose any of it’s fire.  Her spitfire role gave the film that much more texture and life.  Shia Labeouf, the new addition, seemed an odd casting, but after the first interaction between himself and Indy, it became clear he was perfect for the role, and his unsure developing confidence puts him at an age of discovery.  Cate Blanchett as our over the top maniacal villain plays out in a delightfully frightening way.   She was brilliant, as she generally is, and made her character more believable and less cartoonish.  There is a special treat of Neil Flynn appearing as a character as well.  It’s a small role, but concerning Scrubs fans will be most appreciated, especially with his second Ford cameo.

Ratings and Suggestions

This is the first Spielburg film in a long time where I felt he had real inspiration and joy in making a movie.  The affection the creater’s took in making it is evident in the character’s on screen.  All the great components of the past Indy movies were here with a cast and crew that obviously indulged their enthusiasm.   The jokes, the action, and the complex character’s were just as rich as they once were.  If they can do it just as good as they did this time, I want more Indy.  This is a movie made for it’s fans,  It has all the spunk and tenacity of the others.  The hardcore Indy fans will appreciate the intimacy involved in so much of the events and character’s and hopefully new comers will be able to catch on to the magic and be inspired to pick of a rental of the original series.  This is a great addition to an already brilliant series.  I simply loved it.  With a remarkable screenplay and brilliant cast and crew to support it, The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull earns Four out of Four adventursome stars.

 

Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003)

Rated R for strong bloody violence, language and some sexual content.

111 Minutes

Directed By: Quentin Tarantino

Written By: Quentin Tarantino and Uma Thurman

It was not my intention to do this in front of you. For that I’m sorry. But you can take my word for it, your mother had it comin’. When you grow up, if you still feel raw about it, I’ll be waiting. -The Bride

Synopsis

Tarantino returns after nearly six years of absence with a revenge film about a woman scorned by her former lover, and brutally beaten and shot on her wedding day.  Hell hath no fury like a woman’s scorn, and The Bride is no simple woman.  She is an assassin who wakes after four years in a coma and discovers her husband-to-be is dead along with her unborn child.  She has been raped and abused by a nurse at the hospital and begins her list of revenge after finishing him off.  Before she gets to Bill, her ultimate goal, she must also make the rest who took part in her attack suffer as well.  She makes her list and begins her methodical conquest.

Review

In it’s essence Kill Bill Volume 1 is an ambitious homage to old school kung-fu revenge flick’s.  The dark humour of Tarantino and the unification of pop culture with blood soaked battles on a grandiose scale of style makes it very much so it’s own fresh addition to a genre long since forgotten.  Volume 1 never stops to take a breath.  It’s a pure adrenaline rush that’s speed increases with each passing scene.  Stylized to the point of magnificence, it’s an event to behold.

The genius of splitting the chapters of the story allowed Vol. 1 and 2  to be very distinct films.  In Vol. 1 the viewer is given an explanation for The Brides killing spree, but the details of how she got to that point are vague, along with her past.  The first volume focuses entirely on her rage and revenge which makes for a more action oriented movie than it’s second part, which goes deeper into the motivations and heart of our character’s.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the story was actually the soundtrack.  With an old west and even at moments pop and rock and roll mix, gory kung-fu battles that satirized themselves was a strange yet very complimentary combination.  Because of the distinct appeal of the music, it implemented the entire theme and visuals on a much larger and textured scale.

For a story that says very little, the inventive brutality of the fight scenes and real exploitation of a raw and hardened killer is Tarantino at his best.  His unique ability to display cold hardened killers in a way that is almost declarative rather than explanatory is one his greatest talents.  The genius in the way they are depicted is done in a way no other filmmaker has ever really captured.  Kill Bill may be his best example of it.  It is sublime satisfaction to take in one of his films that are geared toward his own influences, but also acknowledges his loyal fan base with inside jokes and references to his previous films.

Cast

• Uma Thurman as The Bride
• David Carradine as Bill
• Lucy Liu as O’Ren Ishii
• Michael Madsen as Budd
• Darryl Hannah as Elle Driver
• Vivica A. Fox as Vernita Green
• Julie Dreyfus as Sofie Fatale
• Sonny Chiba as Hattori Hanzo
• Chiaki Kuryiyama as Gogo Yubari

There is no question that Uma’s performance was with the exception of Mia Wallace, the greatest of her career.  Her creative input into The Bride and her raw and twisted delivery was stoic, powerful, and tangible.  While the outside shows her character being driven by one particular motivator and force it’s obvious by Uma’s depiction that there is much more pain and heartache behind her glistening eyes.  She captures the essence of a true warrior and the heart of one too.  The scenes between herself and Sonny Chiba are some of my favorite in movie history.  The rest of the cast was chosen with perfection and each played their roles as though they had been written especially for them, but Sonny Chiba as Hattori Hanzo, while small, had the most depth to it.  The history of his life, which was only vaguely alluded to, his reaction to the name of Bill, and the manner in which it was all performed and stylized gave us viewers a moment of real movie magic.  Tarantino must be unimaginably proud of those scenes.

Ratings And Suggestions

If you don’t like Tarantino movies you aren’t going to like this.  If you don’t like violence and gore………well then you just don’t like Quentin Tarantino.  Kill Bill Vol. 1 is for a select audience and will fall into the category of love or hate, and probably very few in between, but for the kind of audience these kind of movies have appeal to, it’s one in a million.  I have no qualms about waiting years in between Tarantino’s projects, because when they arrive us movie goers are given the rare enjoyment of seeing a movie that will linger with you forever.  Kill Bill Volume 1 was pure genius.  Four out of Four Kung-Fu Stars.

I Am Legend (2007)

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence.

101 Minutes

Directed By: Frances Lawrence

Screenplay By: Mark Protosevich and Akiva Goldsman

 

My name is Robert Neville. I am a survivor living in New York City. I am broadcasting on all AM frequencies. I will be at the South Street Seaport everyday at mid-day, when the sun is highest in the sky. If you are out there… if anyone is out there… I can provide food, I can provide shelter, I can provide security. If there’s anybody out there… anybody… please. You are not alone. -Robert Neville

Synopsis

 

This entire movie seemed full of hopelessness. Everything was lost.  In the vastness of Manhattan, Robert Neville appeared to be the last man alive.  After three years his hope in finding someone else, or curing the disease that had infected those who were left was waivering.  The only thing left alive was the morphed creatures that haunted the night where Robert hid in his fortresslike home waiting for the frightening hours to pass.  With no human contact, and only a dog as his companion, his mind slowly begins to deteriate and his carefully structured existence along with it. 

 

Review

 

 

The film was centered around fear, both visually and psychologically.  As far as visually was concerned, it was abudndantly successful.   The appearance of the vampire/zombie’s were hardcore. In the sense that they really retained some of their human features and even expressions and didn’t seemed completely monstrous.  Of course, that was until they moved or howled. Obviously, this isn’t a cheesy horror flick and steps were taken to make sure these creatures looked and moved in a way that was anything but typical. The time was taken to really seperate and define them as something very different from other movies of this nature. Their behavior was peculiar and interesting. I thought we’d have some typical mindless zombie creatures running around looking for blood. But these were not the undead. They were still human, evolved into something even more horrible. They were not only intelligent, but they had certain abilities, such as amazing strength, speed, and agility. They could smell blood from an enormous distance. It called to them like a needle to a junkie. They worked together and stayed together, not unlike unaffected humans. The main difference between us and them was violence. This to me, made them even more terrifying, as humans are dangerous enough as is, without those abilities. 

 

There was a definite message behind the obvious. The things that weren’t said, the things that were symbolized. Days after I watched the movie I found myself asking questions like, how far from a possibility in reality is something like this from ever happening? If we continue to battle nature with science, are we going to inevitably lose a battle we never had the weapons for? It was obviously just a movie, but nontheless the validity in it’s statement is there. In my eyes the “monsters” weren’t some freak of nature, or overflowing of hell, they were US, and what we’re becoming, what we will eventually turn into. But even with that being said, I felt like there was hope in the final message, that even in our darkest hour, the few of us that fight, can still win, and still change things. I felt like that was why the Bob Marley side theme was thrown into the mix. 

 

There have been questions about the ending, and I concur it felt a little rushed and a little anti-climatic, especially after seeing the far superior alternate ending that really rang true to the novel the film was based on written by Richard Matheson.  The alternate ending connected everything together in a much smarter way, and ended in a much more pure fashion.  Even with a theatrical finale, I Am Legend was still better than 95% of what’s been released in the last two or three years. 

 

Cast

 

Will Smith played his solitude with the skill of an Oscar winning actor (I believe he at least deserves a nomination, but his performance will more than likely go unchecked). If he couldn’t sell it, this movie wouldn’t have worked. Though, he did have a pretty outstanding co-star, the German Shepherd Sam. The first signs of his beginning to “lose” touch were in the video store in the morning with the mannequins. The scene was awkward, but it hit you to the core when you realized how completely alone he had been, and for so long. The next scene that builds on this is when Sam runs after a deer into a dark building, it is also then we understand where these “humans” go during the daylight, but it exemplifies his attachment to his four legged friend, and what he’d risk for him. It’s a pivotal scene for ones that come later in defining his affection for Sam and why he reacts as severely as he does after a tragedy takes place. 

 

Ratings And Suggestions

 

While the story didn’t may it’s rightful homage to Matheson’s literary work, this is still an amazing film. It was psychologically terrifying and had incredible depth, and very keen metaphors. Throughout the entire movie I was entertained, intellectually stimulated, frightened, got to enjoy good action, and even had a laugh (Shrek scene). This one will be on my shelf when it comes out on DVD. Three And A Half out of Four Stars  

 

Iron Man (2008) Marc’s Review

“Tony, you’re three hours late…..I had to do a piece for Vanity Fair.”

Why are some movies of the Superhero Genre so well received compared to others?  What drives Spiderman 1 and 2, Batman Begins,  X-Men 1 and 2 to heights of critical, financial and the most hard won of all, core fan success? That question, and what I believe to be a common answer spread out across all of these films came to me while I was watching Iron Man.  What is it?  Characters.  Three dimensional, fleshed out characters.  Not just the basic chess pieces moved from square to square in service of the plot, but well written, well acted, well directed people inhabiting a story which JUST HAPPENS to include supernatural and or science fiction elements.  If the delivery of them is flawed, if the audience is not able to identify and relate to the people involved no amount of Special Effects, no strict adherence to character back stories will mean a damn.  It’s in that area of characterization that Iron Man puts it’s efforts first – foremost – and for the length of the film.

 

Robert Downey Jr. is fantastic as Tony Stark.  He inhabits the skin of an uber-genious billionaire, womanizing weapon manufacturing titan as easily as getting a tan.  People say that an actor was ‘born’ to play a role quite often, and at times without merit.  In this case it’s no hyperbole. We first meet him enjoying the life he’s carved for himself, wine, woman and wealth.  He deals in conspicuous consumption of each.  This is going to be a spoiler free review, but a single viewing of the trailer puts a few plot points out there off the bat.  His capture, and the time spent there generates not a cliched turn from weapon manufacturer to defender of peace, justice and the iron clad way, but to a different focus for the energies and brilliance that have guided his life so far.  He’s not shown going from A to B in some trite plot serving way, but in a organic path that is directly inline with his character.

 

The additional supporting players, Jeff Bridges, Terrance Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow all turn great performances as well.  They are each given distinct, real and functional areas of Tony’s life to interact with.  I’d like to give special notice to Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow though.  As the Chairman of the Board of Stark Industries, Jeff Bridges turns in one of his best performances in many many years.  He brings a very real sense of experience and age to the role and gives a nicely textured performance. 

 

Terrance Howard has the shortest screen time of the three supporting roles, but is clearly a character to grow in importance in the all but inevitable ( and in my opinion greatly anticipated ) sequel.   I’ve never been a big fan of Gwyneth Paltrow, but I have to say that I’ve never seen her more elegant, beautiful, charming, sexy or endearing in a role as this one.   Her portrayal of the long suffering, loyal 24/7 personal servant is in some ways a strong anchor for the film, and she pulls it off in spades.

 

It’s with her performance in mind that I want to return to my original point about the importance of characterization.  Why Iron Man worked so well for me, the base of it’s greatness in my opinion is that I’d be just about as interested in seeing these actors inside these characters in a courtroom drama.  The Tony Stark we see defending his company from a leveraged buyout takeover.  They’d have been fascinating in a survival movie.  The crashing of their corporate jet high in the mountains.  But as the story we see goes, he becomes Iron Man.

 

Characterizations aside – it is a very well crafted film. John Favro turns in work as a director that’s not revolutionary by any means, but very solid. The action sequences are delivered with punch, flair and just unique enough to earn him a ‘B’ on directing.  With this one done, we can expect to see an ‘A’ game next time. The effects, done by ILM are first rate, with any and all scenes involving the transition from physical suit to CGI coming off flawlessly.  In the becoming of Iron Man, the film delivers an origin sequence of designing and evolving the technology for the suit that’s far and ahead any of the usual ‘musical montage’ sequences we have seen in the past.  There is a logic – a real world texture given to the devices, machines and idea’s that culminate in his creation, a real pleasure to watch.

 

If I could find a fault with the film, and a mild one at that, is I’d love to have seen another 10-15 mins.  Just a few more out of suit moments between the characters, a little more time during the suit design phase.  I have a good feeling I’ll get my wish in the eventual DVD release. 

 

Stay THROUGH the credits, little gem well worth your time.

 

I give this movie a very heavy, solid iron cast four stars out of four stars.

The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

Rated PG-13 for intense sci-fi terror and violence.

129 Minutes

Directed By: Steven Spielburg

Written By: David Koepp

Oh, yeah. Oooh, ahhh, that’s how it always starts. Then later there’s running and screaming. -Dr. Ian Malcolm

Synopsis

Isla Nublar has been destroyed and all the dinosaurs on the island with it.  There is a discovery that John Hammond had a second island where he did the majority of InGen’s genetic testing on.  It has been deserted for years, with the exception of one very special species: dinosaurs.  They have managed to exist in their own ecological preserve that Hammond kept to himself, but now that he has grown ill, the other shareholders of InGen have gathered a plan to collect the dinosaurs and put them in a zoo in San Francisco.  Dr. Sarah Harding, also the ex-girlfriend of Ian Malcolm has been on Isla Sorna for weeks studying the dinosaurs in their natural habitat, and Hammond has sent Malcolm and a well equipped crew to get Sarah before the team arrives to take the dinosaurs.  Of course man and beast never seem to mix well and things suddenly go not entirely as planned.

Review

Can anyone blame Spielburg or Hollywood for wanting to capitalize on the glory of Jurassic Park with a sequel?  After a second novel was written by Michael Crichton that surpassed even Jurassic Park’s quality, it seemed rightfully necessary in the world of cinema to bring back Malcolm, the Raptors, and the ever terrifying T-Rex.  Even with Crichton’s absence in the screenplay department, David Koepp, who worked on Jurassic Park with Spielburg and Crichton has his own impressive resume including: Jurassic Park, Mission: Impossible, Carlito’s Way, and Panic Room.  Currently he has worked on Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull, so he is no small commodity in the action department.  Nonetheless, The Lost World lost the magic and momentum that was so captivating in Jurassic Park.

Once on the new island there was no time spent to focus on anything new or interesting about the dinosaurs, where Jurassic Park really engaged the viewer in the mystery of the creatures as real animals and really stimulated the childlike curiosity about their elusive existence in way that was tangible and frightening to an adult audience.  The Lost World portrayed them as monsters that worked as a very one dimensional antagonist throughout the film, and while pretty impressive visually, the buck stopped there. 

The screenplay integrated virtually none of the story Crichton created about the dark side of Jurassic Park and the amazing aspect of the dinosaurs creating their own world and perplexing questions about their evolution on the island was never even touched on.  These would have been great motivators and subjects of intelligent conflict between the dinosaurs and humans.  But it, along with the brilliant character Levine, was left alone.  Instead, Spielburg opted for more action, more action, and more chasing, and the unforgettable attack of San Francisco by the T-Rex, which he claims was his homage to Godzilla.  That’s fine and dandy Steven, but it had absolutely no place in the movie, and turned it into a freak show instead of a mediocre sequel to a genius original. 

Cast

• Jeff Goldblum as Dr. Ian Malcolm
• Julianne Moore as Dr. Sarah Harding
• Vince Vaughn as Nick Van Owen
• Richard Attenborough as John Hammond
• Pete Postlethwaite as Roland Tembo
• Arliss Howard as Peter Ludlow
• Vanessa Lee Chester as Kelly Curtis Malcolm
• Richard Shiff as Eddie Carr

Outside of Malcolm’s character our protagonists don’t give us much to root for.  Julianne Moore does the best she can to balance the obsessed and driven Sarah Harding, but mostly comes off as a scarier than the dinosaurs.  The low key tenacity of Dr. Ellie Sadler was not implemented in Sarah at all.  While Vince Vaughn as Nick Van Owen offered a few laughs his character really didn’t fit in the film or the story.  Even Malcolm wasn’t really given the opportunity to shine.  Jeff Goldblum made the best of the scenes and lines he had, but the brilliance of Ian Malcolm was heavily replaced by his cynicism instead.  His daughter, played by Vanessa Lee Chester was the biggest sore thumb of the film.  She was awkward, her line delivery constantly off, and often I found myself hoping she would be eaten by one of the dinosaurs.  It was her inevitable use of her gymnastics skill that reached a point almost as low as the T-Rex strolling through SanFran.

Ratings and Suggestions
In spite of the obvious decline in film quality from Jurassic Park to The Lost World, it still was a fun movie to watch the second or third time around.  However, after my first viewing opening day in the theatre I was mortified.  If you can detach from the brilliance of the novel and Jurassic Park itself and look at it on it’s own and then end the film when the T-Rex is captured, it’s not a horrible movie, but it still isn’t great.  If not for Goldblum, I would never have even given it a second chance.  It’s worth a rental, or even a purchase, just for the sake of owning all three, if you find them on sale somewhere, but The Lost World just doesn’t touch Jurassic Park in good movie making.  Two out of Four Stars.

Jerry Maguire (1996)

Rated R for language and sexuality.

139 Minutes

Written And Directed By: Cameron Crowe

But if anybody else wants to come with me, this moment will be the ground floor of something real and fun and inspiring and true in this godforsaken business and we will do it together! Who’s coming with me besides…”Flipper” here? -Jerry Maguire

Synopsis

Jerry Maguire is your typical high-powered sports agent, who has been corrupted so he can make his millions and make his clients rich.  It’s a cut throat industry, and Jerry is cutthroat as they come.  He loves who and what he is, until one night he faces a battle of morality, goes on a manic tangent and writes a mission statement about changes that should be made in the company, though some may call it a memo.  Jerry’s mission statement is applauded in the office, especially by an accountant Dorothy Boyd whom secretly fancies him.  Bob Sugar, his boss fires him and Jerry rushes to take as many clients with him as he can.  They all decline, save Rod Tidwell, an ego maniac wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals.  When Jerry leaves the office he asked his fellow colleagues and underlings to join him on his way to start his own business.  Only Dorothy follows, and the people he thought were his friends watch him walk out the door.  Jerry’s life seems to be falling apart, or is it a new beginning?

Review

Cameron Crowe structures the entire film around the relationships of his three main characters, and makes them connect with each other in a witty, and palpable way.  The change that Jerry goes through is heeded by the influence of Rod and Dorothy, but his own behavior is reflected in changes in them as well.  The film is obviously based on a romantic theme but balanced perfectly with a comedic tone.  By it’s end, it gives you a genuinely satisfied feeling.

Jerry Maguire has a large appeal because it’s so versatile.  The romance is not over the top, the comedy borders slap stick but never crosses that line, and the dramtic performances are there, but the level of sweetness and fun never extinguishes completely.  It’s a film that balances complex character structures, explores different film genres together as one, and also entertains on a level that just about anyone could connect with.  It was undoubtably one of the best films of 1996.

Cast

• Tom Cruise as Jerry Maguire
• Renee Zellweger as Dorothy Boyd
• Cuba Gooding Jr. as Rod TIdwell
• Regina King as Marcee Tidwell
• Jonathan Lipnicki as Ray Boyd
• Jay Mohr as Bob Sugar
• Kelly Preston as Avery Bishop
• Bonnie Hunt as Laurel
• Jerry O’Connell as Frank Cushman

Tom Cruise took a break from his action hero status and came back to play a role that was versatile in nature.  A tough guy that metamorphoses into a morally right man, who still hasn’t lost the fire to succeed in his field.  The complexity and confusion of Jerry, and the fact that he isn’t always even likable, was a risky but smart choice for Cruise.  The role of Dorothy Boyd opened the door to a new star, Renee Zellweger, who not only stole scenes with her infectious sweetness, but her ability to perform dramatically as a single mom, looking for inspiration and direction in her life.  Cuba Gooding Jr. burst onto the screen with scene stealing comic timing and an overwhelming likability, even though his character on the surface seemed to be no more than an arrogant jock.

Ratings And Suggestions

Jerry Maguire is about finding yourself and finding love.  Not just love in a relationship, but a passion and joy for existing and doing what you are inspired to be.  It’s about being able to take pride in who you are, and being able to persevere over adversity and being able to be successful in a corrupt system, and still chasing your dream.  This is a motion picture that is absolutely infectious.  I adore Jerry Maguire, and so will you.  Four out of four stars.

The People Vs. Larry Flynt (1996)

Rated “R” for Sexuality, Nudity, Language

129 Minutes

I turned the whole world into a tabloid. -Larry Claxon Flynt Jr.

Synopsis

The unsavory world of pornography is explored with Larry Flynt in his story about his fight to continue his publication by exercising his freedom of speech.  It began in the city of Cincinnati where Larry ran a local strip club and decided he wanted to join the ranks of Hugh Heftner’s Playboy.  He began his magazine Hustler at first in small circulation, until it became a popular commodity and Larry was making hundreds of thousands of copies.  Where he once was a local annoyance, his offensive publication was now being spread all across the country and some would stop at nothing to keep Larry from selling his magazine.  He spent over twenty years being threatened and persecuted by religious zealots, sued in court, sent to jail and even was shot which caused him to be paralyzed.  In between Larry’s courtroom appearances and death threats he continued to make his magazine while still maintaining his motivation to never give up.

Review

This movie was a pleasure to sit down and watch, and was so engaging I couldn’t take my eyes away from the screen.  Woody Harrelson as Larry Flynt is one of the most memorable roles ever to me.  This man who would generally seem to be a despicable and unforgiving creature was not only likable but evoked a desire for him to succeed in his mission.  Larry Flynt or his company never pretended to be anything other than what they were, and the point of the story was our beautiful country and it’s first amendment gave Larry the right to exercise his offensive mouth and freedom of the press in any way he desired, and the whole film based it’s structure around that ideal.  In between the many courtroom brawls we were offered a piece of Larry’s personal life as well.  The struggles and obstacles he overcame to continue to fight for his beliefs and his rights was an eventful journey full of debauchery and even sorrow.

Milos Forman really had the big picture in sight through the entirety of the film, each character and each event had relevance to the final moments of the film and what was to come.  Being based on Larry’s true life story, all things obviously weren’t going to end happily ever after, and the acceptance of the choices he and Althea made together was the heart of the story.  Larry’s biggest point was: 

 If the First Amendment will protect a scumbag like me, it will protect all of you.

Cast

• Woody Harrelson as Larry Claxon Flynt Jr.
• Courtney Love as Althea Leasure Flynt
• Edward Norton as Alan J. Isaacson
• Brent Harrelson as Jimmy Flynt
• James Cromwell as Charles Keating
• Crispin Glover a Arlo
• Vincent Shiavelli as Chester
• Richard Paul as Reverend Jerry V. Falwell
• Donna Hanover as Ruth Carter Stapleton

Woody Harrelson was just phenomenal is this role.  His transgression from the off balance Larry working in the club at the beginning of his career to the insane and decrepit Larry at the end of the film was an absolutely amazing evolution.  He was mentally disturbed, inquisitive, and intelligent rolled into one outrageous package.  Even at his most obnoxious moments Harrelson still makes Larry a very likable guy.  He is a hedonist that is all about embracing sexuality and fun.  Courtney Love played his wife Althea and though her role as a stripper and drug abuser was not a stretch for her, she still had a very engaging onscreen charisma that really made you watch her and wait for what she would do next.  Althea wasn’t so unpredictable, but the subtleties Love brought to the character made her very complex and interesting.  The voice of reason throughout the tale of madness was Larry and Althea’s lawyer played by a very fresh Edward Norton who even in this early stage in his acting career had proven his talent in Primal Fear, but really exuded his chameleon ability playing against two very strong actors that demanded your attention each time they were on screen.  Nonetheless Norton made you pay attention and enjoy each brilliant line he delivered.

Ratings and Suggestions

This movie may not be straight up pornography but there are naked people everywhere, sexual content, tons of foul language, and an adult themed storyline.  Not only is this movie not for the young, it’s not for those easily offended by nudity or cursing.  I still would suggest they watch this and try and see the beauty of what Larry stood for and the extent he went to in his desire to prove his right to use the first amendment.  The intellect behind Larry’s madness really made the story something more than a crazy porn dealer, it was about fighting for what you believe is right no matter what the cost.  Larry paid over and over again so he could run his company just as he pleased.  Nothing is for free.  I found the People vs. Larry Flynt to be a very smart and very entertaining film and agree it was one of the best movies of 1996.  Three and a Half out of Four stars.

Beowulf (2007)

Being based a masterpiece of classic literature Beowulf immediately had it’s work cut out for it, not to mention the fact that it has been adapted into different television and film versions as well.  But Robert Zemeckis takes things a step further and decides to make a fully computer animated film.  For the few of you that aren’t familiar with the story of Beowulf, it is about King Hrothgar in ancient Denmark.  His Mead hall is attacked by the demon Grendel, who kills most of the kings men.  Hrothgar announces he will give half of his kingdoms fortune to the hero who will kill Grendel.  Men come from all ends of the world, all ending in their deaths, but Beowulf is not worried about his foe when he arrives.  He lays and waits comfortably when Grendel bursts threw the huge Halls doors and begins tearing the men apart.  With no fear Beowulf takes on Grendel removing his arm and thus ending his reign of terror.  There is relief through the kingdom, but only briefly as they have by accident awakened an even greater foe.  Grendel’s mother.

The most interesting aspect of this adaptation of Beowulf is the fact that it’s done completely in CGI.  There is nothing cartoonesque about it.  It is completely realistic other than the occasional awkward moment where you capture the non-humanness of the character or animal.  The eyes even glisten with a real human feel.  The immense scale on which the entire world of Denmark and Hrothgar’s hall has been created is beautiful, dark, and intriguing.  When Beowulf battles the sea monsters, it’s almost plausible that they could or did exist in the past, along with Grendel, the diseased looking tormented demon. 

The characters are rich, due to a century of existence and common knowledge of ideals.  But due to some of sort of cliche antics along with some of the awkwardness of the CGI they somewhere lost some of the magic and depth I know so well in each of them.  The fact that Wealthow actually looked like Princess Buttercup from the Princess Bride was no doubt a subconscious animation, but distracting every time Robin Wright Penn’s voice sounded.  All I could picture was Buttercup.  The actual character of Beowulf looked so much like Sean Bean I thought I was watching Lord Of The Rings instead of Beowulf’s tale.  The only non-distracting performance was that of Hrothgar and Grendel’s mother.  Anthony Hopkins and Angelina Jolie’s voice overs were impeccable.  Robin Wright Penn’s might have been if not for the annoying likeness to her youthful character.

The story was played out nicely enough, and the eerie build up to the climax was entertaining enough, but the main part of the story just lacked a life that it needed to connect the viewer.  It opened some doors visually and gets kudos for trying something old and making it new, but in the end was just okay.  Beowulf gets two out of four stars.

 

Bad Boys (1994)

Directed By: Michael Bay

Written By: George Gallo and Michael Barrie

Dectectives Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawerence) and Mike Lowrey(Will Smith) are partners for the Miami Police in the Narcotics Department.  They have just made the biggest Heroin bust in the cities history of over one hundred million dollars, but someone has broken into the police department and stolen it all.  Their boss Captain C. Howard (Joe Pantaliono) gives them a 72 hour timeline before Internal Affairs butts it’s nose in and the department gets bashed across the television.  When Mike inquires through a female escort that is his friend, she is murdered but leaves a trail to her killer.  Julie (Tea Leoni), Max’s(Karen Alexander) roomate witnesses her murder and makes the call to Mike, the only man Maxine ever trusted.  But Mike is not at his desk, only Marcus, who pretends to be MIke to keep Julie on the line.  When he goes to recover her he also assumes the identity of Mike and by the time he has her safely in Mikes apartment, Mike is found and has to assumet he identity of Marcus.  In the midst of Marcus and Mike hunting down a mad killer and drugloard named Fouchet(Tchkey Karo), they have to keep up false identities until the very climatic ending.

Bad Boys is a film that has been a source of infectious entertainment to me for the last thirteen years.  In my book it’s one of the best action movies of all time.  With a funny yet serious script, this film is the flat out definition of the “buddy” action flick.  Martin Lawrence and Will Smith are cast as duo of best friends from as far back as high school, who still in spite of their very different lifestyles retain a close friendship and a bond and passion for the job of narcotics detectives.  Will Smith plays a smooth talking, handsome, ladies man, which was a very different role for the guy who’d been known as the Fresh Prince Of Bel Air.  Not only did he demonstrate his amazing ability to sell a line, but his smartness of when to steal the scene and when to share it with Lawrence.  There was never a struggle for supremacy between these two hilarious men.  They moved across the screen together like a wave on the ocean.  Smooth and endless in it’s perfection.  This was a definitive role for Will Smith at the beginning of his career.  It defined his strength for him to be a leading man, which set the precedent for the rest of his mind blowing successful career.  As for Lawrence, who’s character was less than smooth talking, and more or less bumbling and awkward, he played his character to the max.  He didn’t cross the line from his normal slap stick comedy.  He stuck with a realistic goofiness and genuineness, that made Marcus not only funny but genuinely likable.

Backing these two powerhouses on onscreen chemistry was the beautiful and talented Tea Leoni that was like throwing a lit match into a kerosene tank.  Each scene she was in, she was alive and powerful.  This was a very pivotal role in her career and really propelled her forward into the acting community as well.  Other shining supporting roles included Marcus’s wife Theresa(Theresa Randle), who was very full fleshed for only being in a few scenes.  Their chemistry and bond felt real.  Captain Howard was the insane little man that put the pressure on Marcus and Mike to build the suspense of the story by setting a time frame to reacquire the drugs, not to mention be crack the viewer up with his manic potty mouth while doing so.  And lastly the very typical foreign one dimensional drug lord character.  It’s a neccesary evil to have one of those in each of Michael Bay’s movies.  While some find this annoying, I find it humorous as Bay obviously has a sense of humour, not to mention an enjoyable homage to the Lethal Weapon films, another classic Buddy action film success.

Bad Boys without it’s two lead actors may have just been another blow ‘em up, shoot ‘em up movie with nothing really compelling to set it apart from other action films, but with the charisma of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, and the Michael Bay explosions, the cameo of the Porsche 911, the red lighting alluding to the dramatic heat of Miami, the action packed car chases, and fight scenes become important rather than just fun.

Bad Boys is a special film for a multitude of reasons, but it seemed to be one of those films where everyone was in the right place at the right time and movie magic was created.  It is undoubtedly on my most watched list as I’ve probably seen it two hundred times, which could be a gross understatement.  This movie is pure and simple great action flick fun.  Everything about it is pure entertainment.  The plot which is occasionally touched on is good enough that it is nearly irrelevant in the scheme of things.  For it’s genre and rewatchability, not to mention the brilliant one liners, Bad Boys is easily Four out of Four stars.

Alvin And The Chipmunks (2007)

Rated PG for some mild rude humor.

92 Minutes

Directed By: Tim Hill

Written By: Jon Vitti and Will McRobb

They are chipmunks who talk, Dave, people are going to come and see them. -Ian

Synopsis

Bachelor and music creator Dave has hit a brick wall in the creativity department.  As luck would have it his home has been invaded by three musically equipped Chipmunks who love to sing and have taken to Dave.  At first Dave thinks he’s going insane, but then resolves himself to the reality that the Chipmunks are not only capable of talking but really can sing.  Dave whips together a few songs to present to his friend that happens to be a big music producer.  Unfortunately, the Chipmunks get stage fright and Dave looks more like a mental patient escapee rather than a talented artist.  Dave’s regular employment has be terminated due to some Chipmunk artwork, and though he adores his new friends it seems they are causing him more grief than glory.

Review

Alvin and The Chipmunks was not at all the horrific nightmare of a film the previews gave way to.  In fact, it was pleasant and a fun family viewing and has also inspired me to rethink my harsh review of Garfield.  Alvin And The Chipmunks was much more satisfactory in the category of adult entertainment while Garfield seemed to appeal solely to children.  I had hoped Garfield would have been more geared to the adult audience and felt The Chipmunks should have been more focused on a child audience.  My kids adore Garfield and are “ok” with the Chipmunks which I felt was a far superior film.  This is the danger of making a live action film with beloved character’s from certain generations and then making them “childrens” movies.  No matter what you do, when your adaptation is purely mediocre the creator’s will eventually annoy someone.  Each of these films suffered just that.

Nonetheless Alvin and The Chipmunks was successful in one very important category where so many films, including Garfield have failed.  The CGI of the Chipmunks was simply brilliant.  While it was obvious they were CGI their character’s were fleshed out enough to really exploit the essence of Alvin, Simon, and Theodore and had fantastic voice overs playing each of them.  They were all infectious, cute little creatures that were just as adorable as Gizmo from Gremlins.  They were the real stars of the movie, and while mildly annoying at times, mostly just entertaining.

The most distracting aspect of the story was the typical “everything goes wrong” scene.  Dave loses his job, his future music deals, his girlfriend, and by the looks of it: his home, which the Chipmunks are in destroying at every turn.  These kind of beats are so standardized and habitual for this kind of movie it was annoying to the near point of turning the tele off.  Fortunately, there was a five year old in the back round who desperately wanted to see what happened next.

What followed turned out to be the saving grace of the story.  Sure it was predictable and obvious, but it played out in an amusing enough capacity that I no longer felt like I was stomaching the rest of the story.  I even laughed out loud at some of the obnoxious potty humor, to which the younglings did not catch.  Some of the more adult story lines and themes will be missed on younger children and may even bore them completely, but it makes much more passable for an older child or a parent to sit through as well.

Cast

• Jason Lee as Dave
• David Cross as Ian Hawke
• Cameron Richardson as Claire Wilson
• Justin Long as Alvin
• Matthew Gray Gubler as Simon
• Jesse McCarthy as Theodore

Jason Lee wasn’t necessarily the best choice for Dave.  I could see in theory why he was considered, but once onscreen with the squealing CGI chipmunks there became many scenes where he simply didn’t connect and it became apparent that he was not “in the scene” with the rodents.  Where Jason Lee’s character lacked David Crosses performance as Ian Hawke or “Uncle Ian” was maniacal enough to be the villain but funny enough to avoid really intimidating the child viewers and made a fun character that interacted well with all the cast members.

Ratings and Suggestions

Alvin And The Chipmunks was certainly no Shrek, but it did do a fair job entertaining it’s adult audience and appealing to it’s younger one.  It lacked in quite a few area’s, but it’s a jesting movie that avoids the tedium many adaptations like this have suffered.  The Chipmunks are worth a rental, and the rest is easily forgotten, but still lots of fun.  Two out of Four stars.

Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer (2007)

Rated PG for sequences of action violence, some mild language and innuendo.

92 Minutes

Directed By: Tim Story

Written By: Mark Frost and Don Payne

All that you know, is at an end. -The Silver Surfer

Synopsis

The Silver Surfer, a new villain has interrupted the second attempt of Reed and Sue’s marriage.  They discover the Silver Surfer is destroying the planet and is actually a subordinate of a greater power.  While working with the military they discover they have not been the only people recruited for assistance.  Dr. Doom is alive and well and aiding the government.  The Fantastic Four can’t figure out his motive yet, but they are certain it’s only a matter of time before he turns on them all.  With Armageddon a near certainty and the Silver Surfer and his board the key, the Four must achieve goals they never imagined before.

Review

One impressive leap this film made in comparison to it’s predecessor was taking on a much larger force for the quartet to battle against.  The mix of an old nemesis and a new mysterious foe putting the world at large in a precarious balance of survival vs. demise made Rise Of The Silver Surfer less excruciating to take in.  This time around there was an entire film stocked full of great CGI action sequences and a inclining suspense that lasted until the very predictable conclusion.

The positive improvements end there. Where the first film lacked, the second conceded it’s losing battle against super hero tales far superior to it.  The character’s continued to lack any growth.  If possible, Jessica Alba turned out an even worse performance, and I’m still not impressed with Ioan Gruffud or his unforgivable dance performance at his bachelor party.  It was the equivalent of Saved By The Bell with super powers.  At least Ben Grimm was a lot more fun in this version, though his character felt more like a supporting role than one of the team.  Again, the best character was The Human Torch, but even his charismatic style lacked a bit in this film, with him being lonely?  What was that about?  Let the man be a playboy for craps sake!  He was the one redeeming character in the first film, and the writers and director nearly destroyed that in this film.

The Silver Surfer had the opportunity to become a really wicked villain with more of a history than: “I’m doing this to save my world, and the one I love.”  Ok, so they didn’t want to delve into the complexity of his character, then Tim Story could have opted to let him remain this elusive bad guy that stays untouchable and some other circumstance motivates him to go after the big bad.  That didn’t happen either.  Instead Dr. Doom comes back.  While I enjoyed Julian McMahon’s interpretation of him in the first film, he should have been left out of this sequel and maybe left for another one.  Then there is yet ANOTHER ominous villain that isn’t revealed until part three of the tale.  There are just too many “bad guys” to split hairs between to really give any of them the necessary terror quality needed to emphasize a real impending doom, cool special effects or no.

Cast

• Ioan Gruffud as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic
• Jessica Alba as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman
• Chris Evans as Johnny Storm/Human Torch
• Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm/The Thing
• Julian McMahon as Victor Von Doom/ Dr. Doom
• Kerry Washington as Alicia Masters
• Andre Braugher as General Hager
• Laurence Fishbourne as The Silver Surfer (voice)
• Doug Jones as The Silver Surfer

Jessica Alba is relentlessly annoying in this sequel.  The addition of her glasses making her “smarter”, and her pre-wedding anxieties become a train wreck of astronomical proportions.  Her inability to deliver a simple line is difficult enough, but give her complicated emotions and you have a contorted face of confusion.  Unfortunately The Silver Surfer’s role was largely underwritten.  Laurence Fishbourne doing the voice was definitely a cool bonus, but even so his voice didn’t flow naturally with the character.  Reed continued to be as bland and dull as he was in the first film.  In fact, the character performances pretty much mimic the first film.

Ratings and Suggestions

Though this sequel improved in the overall category it still lacked in so many supporting ones that I could not say it was any better or worse than it’s original.  The action sequences and CGI leave make it fast paced enough to tolerate some of the more mind numbing moments.  If you liked the first one, then this one will appeal to you.  It’s just more of the same and just like the first, I resort to only two out of Four stars and would suggest they leave the series as is, unless some new writers or a director is taken on.  A rental is acceptable money spent, but not a theatre viewing and certainly not a purchase.

Fantastic Four (2005)

Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense action, and some suggestive content.

106 Minutes

Directed By: Tim Story

Written By: Mark Frost and Michael France

 A few days in space. What’s the worst that could happen? -Ben Grimm

Synopsis

Scientists and researchers head to outer space to record a solar storm that has the possibility of altering genetic make-ups.  With shields created to protect the scientists, they will be safe from the effects of the storm.  Or so they thought.  The storm hits sooner than anyone anticipated and each of the individuals aboard were exposed to it.  Once they had returned to earth, each begin noticing the strange affects the storm had on each of them.  Reed’s body stretches in all directions, Sue becomes invisible, Johnny becomes full of flames, and Ben turns into a rock monster.  Meanwhile, Julian McMahon begins to notice his own changes.  With his company being bought out and all his power and riches soon to be gone, he decides to use his “gift” in a much more sinister way.  It’s up to the Fantastic Four to discover his plans and stop him.

Review

In an ocean of super hero films Fantastic Four comes across as simply mediocre.  With so many excellent interpretations of Marvel Comics being realized on film and even long awaited additions to previous creations (Superman Returns) the bar to be a successful and memorable film is high, and Fantastic Four was nowhere near the necessary requirements to meet that success.  Directer Tim Story never put any of the fundamentals of characterization and plot development together, which left the story a series of events awkwardly banded together.

There never seemed to be an element to really put the character’s in deep peril, nor the world itself.  With no greater conflict other than the gradual metamorphosis of Julian McMahon’s inner evil, the greatest aspect of character or plot development was spent on The Thing’s loneliness and the awkward chemistry of Reed and Sue.  With nothing to focus on other than less than entertaining events that should have been side plots evolving, my interest more than weened.  It was nearly diminished entirely.  In fact, I fell asleep.

The most interesting character and best performance of the entire film was from Chris Evans as Johnny Storm.  The direction of a film has serious issues when the comic relief, one dimensional character is the most interesting and intriguing character of the story.  Because the film was left on such a superficial level and delved no deeper into the story, the world, and what was at stake itself, the Fantastic Four came off as trite at best.

Cast

• Ioan Gruffud as Reed Richards
• Jessica Alba as Sue Storm
• Chris Evans as Johnny Storm
• Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm
• Julian McMahon as Victor von Doom
• Kerry Washington as Alicia Masters

The casting was possibly the greatest downfall of the film.  Chris Evans and Julian McMahon were excellent choices.  Each were charismatic and often the saving grace of a scene.  Michael Chiklis played The Thing well, but the director’s focus on his depression and loneliness was expressed in a way far too melodramatic to really get into his character.  The biggest problems laid in Ioan Gruffud and Jessica Alba.  The two suffered chemistry as inviting as swarm of hovering gnats.  Each of their bland performances made the events transpiring seem even more inconsequential and left each of their character’s less than one dimensional.  I have never been a fan of Jessica Alba and this is why.  Her performances are weak, and her presence onscreen in uncomfortable.  Please, let her be a swimsuit model where she doesn’t speak or show expression, and keep her out of movies.  Every scene she was in became worse because of her bungling performance.

Ratings and Suggestions

Even with all the creative dysfunction Fantastic Four was still an entertaining viewing, it just wasn’t nearly up to the par of of films in it’s genre.  Perhaps it’s sequel will give it’s character’s more texture and it’s conflict of interest something on a bigger scale.  It was worth a rental, but never something I would add to my movie collection.  In the end, it was simply average.  Fantastic Four receives Two out of Four stars.

Accepted (2006)

Bartleby (B.) Gaines (Justin Long) has graduated high school but seems to be the only guy who has not been accepted into any of the local or non-local schools.  Already overshadowed by his teen-aged sister, his parents expectations are overwhelming and high.  As a result Bartleby panics and recruits his intelligent friend Sherman (Jonah Hill) to help create a false college website of a college that “accepted” him to bide some time with his parents until he could find the courage to tell them the truth.  His parents take the bait and even hand him a check for the first semesters tuition.  Bartleby takes the money to fix up an abandoned mental institution and make it appear to be a school with the help of friends that have now jumped on the bandwagon.  All seems to be going according to plan until it appears the website has drawn attention to other college rejects.  They show up with their own checks and Bartleby must decide whether to carry on his facade or throw in the towel.

Accepted follows itself in the footsteps of Camp Nowhere (1994) where a kid tricks his parents and his friends parents into sending him to a camp that doesn’t exist.  It was a fun and silly family film that required little substance to make the storyline plausible, not that the viewer cared anyway since it was just a kids film.  Accepted wasn’t as successful in it’s attempt of trickery and believability.  It’s biggest problem was the fact that all the students who attended South Harmon never questioned the lack of adult authority, save Uncle Ben (Lewis Black, The Daily Show), who was such a loose cannon it was obvious he belonged in the former mental institution.  After a certain amount of time it would be possible that they all enjoyed their hiatus enough to not care for the repercussions, but initially there should have been more questioning, more proving on Bartleby’s part, and more explanation as to why he was in charge of this school of self discovery.  Along with that it was difficult to stomach the complete dismissal of community colleges where everyone is accepted.  This missed beat results in much rolling of the eyes.

Nonetheless the distraction of the plain good fun the film exudes along with the inspirational point of view that college isn’t for everyone, and while lightly it touches on the pressures kids have to go to college and the fact that most don’t even know what they are going for, other than the possible future of have a secure job and making decent money.  Accepted encourages you to follow your dreams, even if your dream involves meditating and being a slacker all day.  It’s rebelling against society’s mantra that college is the answer to everything and your hopes, wishes, and dreams shouldn’t even be considered, because they aren’t logical.

The character’s of the story aren’t incredibly stand out, but they are all very likable and supported by reasonable enough acting that the rest of the chaos that Accepted pushes onscreen works.  No matter how ridiculous the scenario you are actually rooting for these pranksters to succeed.  Jonah Hill in a particular, stole the scene each time he was onscreen.  Prior to the hit of Superbad this film shows why he was an up and coming.

In general there wasn’t anything spectacular about Accepted, and it would be no surprise if it gets lost in time, but it’s worth a watch, a good chuckle, and a few hours of your time.  Essentially, it was just a fun movie, done smart enough not to take itself too seriously but not try to be over the top funny either.  Accepted receives Two out of Four stars.

  

Lars And The Real Girl (2007)

Rated PG-13 for some sex-related content.

106 Minutes

Directed By: Craig Gillespie

Written By: Nancy Oliver

Listen up, Margo, those action figures are very important to me. They’re worth a lot of money. And if I don’t see every damned one back on my desk pretty soon, then, you can tell your teddy to watch his back. -Kurt

Synopsis

A lonely man who lives in a small northern town, in a garage outside his brother and sister in laws house finds himself uncomfortable and awkward around people.  Somehow, he is still very likable.  Lars purchases himself a life size doll named Bianca.  He has deemed her his girlfriend and the woman of his dreams.  When he introduces Bianca to Gus and Karin as though she is a real live woman, their reactions were obviously in the category of shocked.  However, they take their brother to a physician/therapist and she begins to help Lars and Bianca.  Her instructions include going along with Lars delusions, and Karin and Gus must face their entire small town and their brother’s mental illness together.

Review

Like, you know, like, you don’t jerk people around, you know, and you don’t cheat on your woman, and you take care of your family, you know, and you admit when you’re wrong, or you try to, anyways. That’s all I can think of, you know – it sound like it’s easy and for some reason it’s not. -Gus

Lars And The Real Girl is a quirky film that happens to be one of the best movies of the year.  This whimsical tale sets itself apart from the mainstream films and stories in way that is both tangible and entertaining.  The character’s are inviting and easy to relate to and some are just plain and simply funny.  Though the film mostly feels light hearted, it by no means ignores the seriousness of Lars situation, it simply views it from a very different perspective.

Craig Gillespie (the director) centers the film around it’s character’s, leaving the story with a real small town feel to it.  It truly captures the feeling of being part of the rest of the world, but nonetheless existing separately from it.  It may appear simplistic, but it’s truly a delicate balance to keep, but it’s authentic small town theme holds out effortlessly throughout the film. 

The character’s themselves are a delight.  It was remarkable to sit through a movie and not have to deal with a “bad guy” or someone trying to spoil the ultimate goal of the protagonists.  In this story, the character’s all work together instead of against one another and believe it or not the story was still just as interesting without a giant form of conflict centered around the main character’s.  Big Hollywood directors need to take a cue from Lars and remember what telling a story and making a good movie entails.

Cast

• Ryan Gosling as Lars Lindstrom
• Emily Mortimer as Karin Lindstrom
• Paul Schneider as Gus Lindstrom
• Kelli Garner as Margo
• Patricia Clarkson as Dagmar
• Nancy Beatty as Mrs. Gruner
• Maxwell McCabe-Lokos as Kurt
• Karen Robinson as Cindy

I simply fell in love with Emily Mortimer’s performance.  She was infectious, kind, and utterly adorable.  Ryan Goslings subdued performance was a perfect contrast to the interpretation of Karin.  Her sympathetic heart, and gentle nature was the exact opposite of Gosling as Lars.  Lars was such a fascinating character to take in.  He was tender, bizarre, and heartbroken all in one confused body.  This performance really showed Gosling’s attention to detail and his dedication to a role.  Paul Schneider as Gus actually had the most complex character.  By the end of the story he had changed the most and for the better.  Lars may have actually helped him more than the other way around.  It was a lovely and gradual transition that Schneider performed with genuine care.  The entire cast was just wonderful.

Ratings and Suggestions

This was one of the most enjoyable movies I’ve had the pleasure to sit down and watch in some time.  With no special effect distractions, no real in depth side character plots, and no fantastical over the top sentimentality, this film was quiet and simplistic.  It was content telling it’s story and leaving it at that.  It’s a peculiar film that is funny, though never mocking or cruel, sometimes melancholy, but mostly contagious in it’s genuine sweetness and thoughtfulness.  I would recommend this film to anyone with an open mind and open heart.  It’s a definite purchase for me.  Four out of Four heartwarming stars.