There are real movies, and then there are GI Joe movies. I'm not bashing it, I'm just stating fact. Actually I'll go just the opposite way with this one.
It's not a real movie and it will be glad to tell you so early. This movie makes zero attempt to try to convince you this is a possible scenario, or plot, and I respect that. This of course is another in a series of movies based o the old Hasbro toy, GI Joe's. Although there is no mention of the "Kung-Fu Grip" in this movie, but there is ton ninja fighting.
In this installment, the Joe's are attacked and almost wiped out by our own military, because they are thought to be traitors. Cobra Command (Joe's arch enemy) has taken over the U.S. Presidency with an impostor, and he directed the Joe's be wiped out. (In case you don't know, the Joe's are the worlds most elite fighting force for good) The goal here is for Cobra Command to take over the world with a new age of weaponry called Zeus. It is launched from deep space, and is far more horrible than nuclear weapons.
What Cobra Command doesn't know that 3 Joe's actually survived the brutal attack and they are out to set things right, and to save the world from Cobra attack, and domination. I'm betting they will succeed. And guess what? They do!
I am not making fun of this at all. This is a bunch of over the top, cool gadgets huge props and sets and a bunch of things blowing up. And I know there is a boatload of that out there. And yes, there is shooting, and the like from big guns and small. OK, yes and there is implied death. But there is no blood, no huge violence, there is tame language, and it's all presented with a bit of humor, fantasy, and innocence. This is NOT going to win a Pulitzer Prize. But it's not a washout.
I feel this is made for an even younger generation than most of these big action movies. They really throttle back on what could have been far more intensity in every regard. There is some attempt to make it somewhat relevant by weaving in some current events in the world and mixing in some humor that adults only will understand. But overall, this is a solid PG-13 flick in it's rating. And among the things that will detract from the entire project, is that it will blend in with 30 other action movies and be too tame for many.
This stars The Rock, Channing Tatum, Bruce Willis and a decent supporting cast that make it tolerable for adults that may be taking the teens to see this. This has it's problems, but trying to be something its not, is not among them. Yes, it's silly at times, over the top at times, but it's make believe, and I'm good with that. No reason virtually anyone can't go. You can see this in standard projection, 3-D, and IMAX 3-D as well.
G.I. Joe: Retaliation. Channel your inner child, if you wish.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Spring Breakers
It's always a good day when you are pleasantly surprised at the movies. Spring Breakers may sound like a drunken nude-fest. and it is. But it is so much more.
Sure, there are plenty of 19 year olds doing drugs, drinking to access, and getting naked while on spring break in Florida. But it is not glamorized here. It's there, but it's not pretty. And this movie should scare the daylights out of every parent of a 19 year old girl who goes to spring break.
This is the story of 4 girls from Kentucky, all seemingly from good families who are attending college. They have normal feelings of wanting to see the world but there is a hint that they may have too much to begin with, and no real appreciation for it. They want to go to spring break in Florida but as much as they saved, they don't have enough money. So, after a night of getting high and drinking they steal a car, and rob a local chicken joint at fake gunpoint to get the money they want. They then drive off to Florida for the time of their lives.
While there, they are with thousands of other 19 year olds, drinking themselves silly, doing drugs, and generally putting themselves out there for whatever self destructive behavior they can. Then it turns. They are arrested by local police for drugs and thrown in jail. But since they have no more money and can't tell their parents, they cannot pay the fine. So it's a few days in jail. Until a local, small time scum drug dealer pays it for them, and they are free.
The girls then, out of some form of misplaced gratitude then go off with him and begin a life no one ever dreamed. They are manipulated by him, their own rebellion and vulnerability to do previously unspeakable things. Complete with every single behavior any parent would shutter to think of in their worst dreams. How will these girls get through all of this?
This is loud, almost deafening social commentary on many fronts. It is an indictment of the whole culture in general surrounding the perceived right of passage spring break has become for many young people. It also indicts the cities that allow this incredibly terrible behavior in the name of money. It shows all that what parents are being told is going on, and what is going on are two different things. It highlights a completely out of control generation that has no real moral code. This movie should be commended for it's very accurate portrayal of this ritual that has evolved into something no parent would recognize from their own experience. Understanding this doesn't pertain to every young person, everywhere.
What this movie also does well is show you the amazingly thin line that young people walk when they put themselves in the position of complete freedom and are enabled to make huge decisions in the name of fun. It showcases, be it the worst situation imaginable, what can go wrong for these kids when they are out of control, and not within any bounds whatsoever. This is scary stuff for any parent. What this movie says loudly, is "Get your head out of the sand," to the young and the not so young.
Much of how you feel about this movie will depend on how old you are. If you are a college aged or so viewer, you will see this as a celebration of sorts of spring break, with an eye opening element to it. If you are a parent it will speak to you in a totally different language, stand you straight up with every parents worst nightmare. This is scary to say the least.
Spring Breakers. This is very, good and very smart. Extremely harsh, a hard R rating. Nothing short of eye opening. Clearly not for everyone, but in its message worth the hard work it can be to make it through.
Sure, there are plenty of 19 year olds doing drugs, drinking to access, and getting naked while on spring break in Florida. But it is not glamorized here. It's there, but it's not pretty. And this movie should scare the daylights out of every parent of a 19 year old girl who goes to spring break.
This is the story of 4 girls from Kentucky, all seemingly from good families who are attending college. They have normal feelings of wanting to see the world but there is a hint that they may have too much to begin with, and no real appreciation for it. They want to go to spring break in Florida but as much as they saved, they don't have enough money. So, after a night of getting high and drinking they steal a car, and rob a local chicken joint at fake gunpoint to get the money they want. They then drive off to Florida for the time of their lives.
While there, they are with thousands of other 19 year olds, drinking themselves silly, doing drugs, and generally putting themselves out there for whatever self destructive behavior they can. Then it turns. They are arrested by local police for drugs and thrown in jail. But since they have no more money and can't tell their parents, they cannot pay the fine. So it's a few days in jail. Until a local, small time scum drug dealer pays it for them, and they are free.
The girls then, out of some form of misplaced gratitude then go off with him and begin a life no one ever dreamed. They are manipulated by him, their own rebellion and vulnerability to do previously unspeakable things. Complete with every single behavior any parent would shutter to think of in their worst dreams. How will these girls get through all of this?
This is loud, almost deafening social commentary on many fronts. It is an indictment of the whole culture in general surrounding the perceived right of passage spring break has become for many young people. It also indicts the cities that allow this incredibly terrible behavior in the name of money. It shows all that what parents are being told is going on, and what is going on are two different things. It highlights a completely out of control generation that has no real moral code. This movie should be commended for it's very accurate portrayal of this ritual that has evolved into something no parent would recognize from their own experience. Understanding this doesn't pertain to every young person, everywhere.
What this movie also does well is show you the amazingly thin line that young people walk when they put themselves in the position of complete freedom and are enabled to make huge decisions in the name of fun. It showcases, be it the worst situation imaginable, what can go wrong for these kids when they are out of control, and not within any bounds whatsoever. This is scary stuff for any parent. What this movie says loudly, is "Get your head out of the sand," to the young and the not so young.
Much of how you feel about this movie will depend on how old you are. If you are a college aged or so viewer, you will see this as a celebration of sorts of spring break, with an eye opening element to it. If you are a parent it will speak to you in a totally different language, stand you straight up with every parents worst nightmare. This is scary to say the least.
Spring Breakers. This is very, good and very smart. Extremely harsh, a hard R rating. Nothing short of eye opening. Clearly not for everyone, but in its message worth the hard work it can be to make it through.
Monday, March 25, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Admission
Sometimes when you go to a movie you are made to expect one thing, but actually get something completely different. That is exactly what you get with the new Tina Fey, Paul Rudd movie, Admission.
Admission is the story of Portia (Fey) who is an admissions officer at Princeton. Her job is to evaluate all of the applications of high school seniors and decide who is "worthy" of admission to the nations number one academically ranked school. She reunites with John (Rudd), how is an old college acquaintance from Dartmouth 16 years earlier. He is running a new age kind of school for kids that is incredibly non-traditional in the heart of the liberal upper Northeast. He has a very gifted student that he wants to get admitted to Princeton, and wants Portia's help.
The story then becomes a bit complicated to explain. But out of nowhere, it seems this kid might be Portia's child she gave up for adoption while in college years earlier. So as Portia moves on to try to make this happen for this child, she can't help but get emotionally involved in the case, and eventually with John romantically. Portia is now revisiting her entire life. She has been an uptight, mostly boring woman, who has settled into a life of elitism, and higher education where she was spent her life judging others, except herself. Can she work it all out, and turn the page of her life?
First off, when you see the banner that says Tina Fey, and Paul Rudd what do you think? You think comedy, maybe even romantic comedy. And that's what the makers want you to think it is. But truth is, it's not. This is a dramedy. There is some attempted humor here, but it's all up front in this movie and not really funny at all. This really staggers out of the box. Then it evolves into a light drama more than anything else. Many who go to see this are going to be extremely disappointed in the fact this is not a comedy. Oh, there are a few moments that are mildly amusing, but that's not this movies DNA. And while were this far out, shame on them. The trailer bills this as a comedy, and it is not.
One huge problem this has is that you have to find the college admission process interesting to hold your focus. You also have to schlog through way too many characters you really have no interest in to get to the meat of what's going on here. And what is going on here? What this is, is Fey looking nice, and soft delivering a lot of drab dialogue and having a very limited character. Not really her fault, just an average script. Rudd is certainly fun enough, but his role is diminished as times goes on, and it really becomes Fey's movie. The supporting cast is fine, there's just a couple of story lines on the side that get in the way.
When it's all said and done, this just doesn't have enough to thoroughly engage today's movie goers. Yes, Fey and Rudd are favorites, but the basic premise is stuffy, and boring for many, and the fact that there will be no word of mouth on this because of the fact it's not funny, will kill it.
Admission. Not good enough to be good, not bad enough to be bad. It just lays there.
Admission is the story of Portia (Fey) who is an admissions officer at Princeton. Her job is to evaluate all of the applications of high school seniors and decide who is "worthy" of admission to the nations number one academically ranked school. She reunites with John (Rudd), how is an old college acquaintance from Dartmouth 16 years earlier. He is running a new age kind of school for kids that is incredibly non-traditional in the heart of the liberal upper Northeast. He has a very gifted student that he wants to get admitted to Princeton, and wants Portia's help.
The story then becomes a bit complicated to explain. But out of nowhere, it seems this kid might be Portia's child she gave up for adoption while in college years earlier. So as Portia moves on to try to make this happen for this child, she can't help but get emotionally involved in the case, and eventually with John romantically. Portia is now revisiting her entire life. She has been an uptight, mostly boring woman, who has settled into a life of elitism, and higher education where she was spent her life judging others, except herself. Can she work it all out, and turn the page of her life?
First off, when you see the banner that says Tina Fey, and Paul Rudd what do you think? You think comedy, maybe even romantic comedy. And that's what the makers want you to think it is. But truth is, it's not. This is a dramedy. There is some attempted humor here, but it's all up front in this movie and not really funny at all. This really staggers out of the box. Then it evolves into a light drama more than anything else. Many who go to see this are going to be extremely disappointed in the fact this is not a comedy. Oh, there are a few moments that are mildly amusing, but that's not this movies DNA. And while were this far out, shame on them. The trailer bills this as a comedy, and it is not.
One huge problem this has is that you have to find the college admission process interesting to hold your focus. You also have to schlog through way too many characters you really have no interest in to get to the meat of what's going on here. And what is going on here? What this is, is Fey looking nice, and soft delivering a lot of drab dialogue and having a very limited character. Not really her fault, just an average script. Rudd is certainly fun enough, but his role is diminished as times goes on, and it really becomes Fey's movie. The supporting cast is fine, there's just a couple of story lines on the side that get in the way.
When it's all said and done, this just doesn't have enough to thoroughly engage today's movie goers. Yes, Fey and Rudd are favorites, but the basic premise is stuffy, and boring for many, and the fact that there will be no word of mouth on this because of the fact it's not funny, will kill it.
Admission. Not good enough to be good, not bad enough to be bad. It just lays there.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Local Golf - Dewsweepers - Here We Go Again!
We golfers wait all winter around here for the weather to finally break, and stay broken. We look forward to using the new clubs, and equipment we've been acquiring all winter and getting out on the course.
That's is what makes the turn of events this week a bit more discouraging. March is about to check out and we are getting ready for April. Shame that Mother Nature is not. More snow this week, quite frankly really stinks. Remember that weekend a couple weeks ago? 66 degrees, beautiful and we all ran out and teed it up, supremely confident that the weather had turned and we on our way. Instead, here we go again.
Our foursome, The Dewsweepers did exactly that. We went out and swept the dew, teeing off at 730 that weekend and had a great time. And so did everyone else that weekend. Now, we are back to waiting, texting each other pictures of new drivers we're buying and complaining about how the weather needs to get off it's collective.....butt.... and clear up.
I mean what else are weekend mornings made for? This Spring, Summer and Fall, The Dewsweepers will be out again teeing it up on Sunday mornings, and honestly reviewing the local courses we play complete with pictures, websites and scores. It was very popular last season when we did it, and we look forward to posting them again here this season. All to give you an idea of how courses are where you live and play, or would like to play.
Even though we have been out a time or two this winter, we will wait till the Dewsweeper tour begins to stay. Our first scheduled stop is the weekend of The Masters. We will be playing and reviewing the beautiful Sawmill Creek near Huron. That's a course you really should put on your list to play. Not a very long drive, to play a first rate place.
Until then, we will have to wait, and drool over out new clubs, shoes and bags, as we get ready to the 2013 season. Bookmark this page now, and check in every week as we will be posting reports from all kinds of local courses you would like to play.
Let's tee it up!
That's is what makes the turn of events this week a bit more discouraging. March is about to check out and we are getting ready for April. Shame that Mother Nature is not. More snow this week, quite frankly really stinks. Remember that weekend a couple weeks ago? 66 degrees, beautiful and we all ran out and teed it up, supremely confident that the weather had turned and we on our way. Instead, here we go again.
Our foursome, The Dewsweepers did exactly that. We went out and swept the dew, teeing off at 730 that weekend and had a great time. And so did everyone else that weekend. Now, we are back to waiting, texting each other pictures of new drivers we're buying and complaining about how the weather needs to get off it's collective.....butt.... and clear up.
I mean what else are weekend mornings made for? This Spring, Summer and Fall, The Dewsweepers will be out again teeing it up on Sunday mornings, and honestly reviewing the local courses we play complete with pictures, websites and scores. It was very popular last season when we did it, and we look forward to posting them again here this season. All to give you an idea of how courses are where you live and play, or would like to play.
Even though we have been out a time or two this winter, we will wait till the Dewsweeper tour begins to stay. Our first scheduled stop is the weekend of The Masters. We will be playing and reviewing the beautiful Sawmill Creek near Huron. That's a course you really should put on your list to play. Not a very long drive, to play a first rate place.
Until then, we will have to wait, and drool over out new clubs, shoes and bags, as we get ready to the 2013 season. Bookmark this page now, and check in every week as we will be posting reports from all kinds of local courses you would like to play.
Let's tee it up!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Olympus Has Fallen
Here we go again, yet another "end of the world, end of the country" flick, Olympus Has Fallen is new this week. Can we get any more unimaginative?
Here a group of Korean radicals led by the worlds most wanted terrorist infiltrates the U.S. Government, and attacks the White House taking the President, Vice-President and many members of his cabinet hostage. In in exchange, they want essentially the Korean War restarted with the withdrawal of all American presence in that area, leaving the world in chaos. (And you never really learn exactly why). And of course they want to destroy America because we have too much, blah, blah, blah.
Lucky for the U.S.A. we have Mike Banning (Gerard Butler). He is a troubled Secret Service agent who is our only hope as he somehow gets into the burned out White House and goes on a one man killing spree to save the President who is hostage in the official White House Bunker 120 feet below ground. And lucky too for us, we have Speaker Of The House Trumball (Morgan Freeman), who is now in charge, and who quite frankly needs to grow some kind of spine, and that's just the beginning. But I bet everything works out, don't you?
Let's start with the pro's. Director Antoine Fuqua is very skilled and some of this is fairly well done. He wastes no time pulling you into the action, as the big attack scene is right up front. There are some moments of very compelling action early, then it kind of becomes gratuitous and silly. There is a very well used and very dramatic musical soundtrack, and some clever filming techniques that help get this off the ground. Then, there's the rest of this.
This story, the characters, the stereotypes and spoken chiches' just kill this, and it dies a horrible death. This becomes as silly as Air Force One, or a Die Hard rip-off. But in its slight defense, you start to realize they are not out to make a "real" movie here, just a half-fun, half entertaining one for the gullible who already paid, me included. Instead of being concerned about being good and original, it becomes concerned about being cartoon-ish.
Again, the U.S. military is portrayed as this bumbling, stumbling Keystone Cops kind of crew with completely inept people running it at the top. Various actors are cast as ridiculous caricatures of themselves again. I didn't know that the Secret Service at the White House is a bunch of chubby guys in suits with tiny pistols, who don't have the sense to wear bulletproof vests, while on duty. And of course both groups are no match for 30 or so Korean terrorists.
I also had no idea it takes 20 minutes for the military to even respond to the White House being attacked, as they got there late. And the Air Force isn't left out either, as they of course are clueless too. Did you know that you can fly a huge gunship all the way from,...somewhere right over the east coast, and right into Washington DC, and shoot up the White House with no resistance?
The government leaders as also portrayed as spineless, helpless ethic-less people who are willing to sacrifice the peace of the entire world for......nothing. But these are the clues you are given that tells you all this is, is a silly, ridiculous comic book come to life, as virtually nothing in this is half way authentic. This is a bad Top Gun, or an even worse Air Force One. This turns out to be a bad superhero movie come to life, only without a flying guy in a cape. And in case you're wondering, there are many obligatory, "helpless and we can't do anything right" scenes during the hostage taking, in the situation room, and the cheering and hugging scenes when it all works out.
Olympus Has Fallen. This will find an audience, and some will cheer it on. But, in the end is just a ultra violent, silly sell-out yet again. Can we have some microscopic level of authenticity, please?
Here a group of Korean radicals led by the worlds most wanted terrorist infiltrates the U.S. Government, and attacks the White House taking the President, Vice-President and many members of his cabinet hostage. In in exchange, they want essentially the Korean War restarted with the withdrawal of all American presence in that area, leaving the world in chaos. (And you never really learn exactly why). And of course they want to destroy America because we have too much, blah, blah, blah.
Lucky for the U.S.A. we have Mike Banning (Gerard Butler). He is a troubled Secret Service agent who is our only hope as he somehow gets into the burned out White House and goes on a one man killing spree to save the President who is hostage in the official White House Bunker 120 feet below ground. And lucky too for us, we have Speaker Of The House Trumball (Morgan Freeman), who is now in charge, and who quite frankly needs to grow some kind of spine, and that's just the beginning. But I bet everything works out, don't you?
Let's start with the pro's. Director Antoine Fuqua is very skilled and some of this is fairly well done. He wastes no time pulling you into the action, as the big attack scene is right up front. There are some moments of very compelling action early, then it kind of becomes gratuitous and silly. There is a very well used and very dramatic musical soundtrack, and some clever filming techniques that help get this off the ground. Then, there's the rest of this.
This story, the characters, the stereotypes and spoken chiches' just kill this, and it dies a horrible death. This becomes as silly as Air Force One, or a Die Hard rip-off. But in its slight defense, you start to realize they are not out to make a "real" movie here, just a half-fun, half entertaining one for the gullible who already paid, me included. Instead of being concerned about being good and original, it becomes concerned about being cartoon-ish.
Again, the U.S. military is portrayed as this bumbling, stumbling Keystone Cops kind of crew with completely inept people running it at the top. Various actors are cast as ridiculous caricatures of themselves again. I didn't know that the Secret Service at the White House is a bunch of chubby guys in suits with tiny pistols, who don't have the sense to wear bulletproof vests, while on duty. And of course both groups are no match for 30 or so Korean terrorists.
I also had no idea it takes 20 minutes for the military to even respond to the White House being attacked, as they got there late. And the Air Force isn't left out either, as they of course are clueless too. Did you know that you can fly a huge gunship all the way from,...somewhere right over the east coast, and right into Washington DC, and shoot up the White House with no resistance?
The government leaders as also portrayed as spineless, helpless ethic-less people who are willing to sacrifice the peace of the entire world for......nothing. But these are the clues you are given that tells you all this is, is a silly, ridiculous comic book come to life, as virtually nothing in this is half way authentic. This is a bad Top Gun, or an even worse Air Force One. This turns out to be a bad superhero movie come to life, only without a flying guy in a cape. And in case you're wondering, there are many obligatory, "helpless and we can't do anything right" scenes during the hostage taking, in the situation room, and the cheering and hugging scenes when it all works out.
Olympus Has Fallen. This will find an audience, and some will cheer it on. But, in the end is just a ultra violent, silly sell-out yet again. Can we have some microscopic level of authenticity, please?
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
The Chance
It is the eve of the NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament. I'm not going to all it a sports event. I guess outwardly, it literally is. But it's not at it's core, it's more.
It's the chance. It's everything loved rolled into one event. 64 teams from all over the country come together for a chance to win it all. It has drama, villains, underdogs, and in the end provides great theater on many stages all over our country. Not many opportunities in real life where the very small, and the very big commune together for the exact same chance.
Remember the first time younger brother beat older brother in something in the backyard? Man, I do. I am the little brother. The family takes great joy in finally seeing the little guy break through. It's joy beyond belief for one, and heartbreak for the other, or in other words, real life. And it's memory burn for both. Or when you finally score higher than dad at bowling, or lower than him at golf. Those moments, though viciously bittersweet for each, in the end, and up the line are soul nourishing for all.
That is what this event truly embodies. The chance to see something we almost never see, the diminutive one being more than he really is. Defying odds, and the Gods attempting in some cases to do the impossible. We our helpless but to watch this ordeal, as that ideal is woven in our societal fabric as tightly as any one thing can be.
The NCAA breaks ratings and revenue records every year, so it's not just a bunch of dudes eating ribs watching endlessly in the basement for hours on end. Although that does happen. It captures all of us at one time or another, when Cinderella is trying to send Goliath home, and move on. Because it's one and done. You lose, and you exit, and we like that too. Even those who won't watch a single basketball game all year long will be glued when that drama presents itself.
That is what is the first weekend of this event is. Little guy/big guy. It's the chance. And this weekend is far more alluring than the ones to follow. This is when FGCU (real school), Bucknell, South Dakota State and Akron get a chance at real stardom. And when they are up 2 with 2 minutes to play, and "The Giant" is on the ropes, it's pure magic and the Zips are suddenly playing a home game - in Michigan. And luckily for us, it has nothing to do with sports, basketball, or a game.
It has everything to do with all we can ever ask for. The Chance.
It's the chance. It's everything loved rolled into one event. 64 teams from all over the country come together for a chance to win it all. It has drama, villains, underdogs, and in the end provides great theater on many stages all over our country. Not many opportunities in real life where the very small, and the very big commune together for the exact same chance.
Remember the first time younger brother beat older brother in something in the backyard? Man, I do. I am the little brother. The family takes great joy in finally seeing the little guy break through. It's joy beyond belief for one, and heartbreak for the other, or in other words, real life. And it's memory burn for both. Or when you finally score higher than dad at bowling, or lower than him at golf. Those moments, though viciously bittersweet for each, in the end, and up the line are soul nourishing for all.
That is what this event truly embodies. The chance to see something we almost never see, the diminutive one being more than he really is. Defying odds, and the Gods attempting in some cases to do the impossible. We our helpless but to watch this ordeal, as that ideal is woven in our societal fabric as tightly as any one thing can be.
The NCAA breaks ratings and revenue records every year, so it's not just a bunch of dudes eating ribs watching endlessly in the basement for hours on end. Although that does happen. It captures all of us at one time or another, when Cinderella is trying to send Goliath home, and move on. Because it's one and done. You lose, and you exit, and we like that too. Even those who won't watch a single basketball game all year long will be glued when that drama presents itself.
That is what is the first weekend of this event is. Little guy/big guy. It's the chance. And this weekend is far more alluring than the ones to follow. This is when FGCU (real school), Bucknell, South Dakota State and Akron get a chance at real stardom. And when they are up 2 with 2 minutes to play, and "The Giant" is on the ropes, it's pure magic and the Zips are suddenly playing a home game - in Michigan. And luckily for us, it has nothing to do with sports, basketball, or a game.
It has everything to do with all we can ever ask for. The Chance.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - The Call
Halle Berry is back in a starring role, in the stirring new action drama, The Call.
The Call is the story of Jordan (Berry). She is an experienced 911 call operator who makes a tragic, but honest mistake during an emergency call. A young girl is on the line with her explaining that there is an intruder in her home. After the call becomes disconnected, Jordan calls her back. The intruder hears the ring, finds and eventually kills the little girl. Jordan blames herself, and leaves the active 911 call center to become a teacher of same.
Then during a training session, a far less experienced 911operator gets an emergency call from a young girl named Casey, (Abigail Breslin). Casey has been kidnapped by the same lunatic that killed the other girl that Jordan blames herself for. So Jordan takes over the 911 call and attempts to make it right for herself, and to hopefully save Casey from the same fate. Can they find Casey in time as they comb the entire city of Los Angeles to find her?
This is a pretty interesting idea for a movie. It is very cool to go back stage at a major 911 call center and see how they do what they do on a daily basis. Much of this movie is Jordan talking Casey through this horrible ordeal as Casey is stuffed in the trunk of a car, with an untraceable, disposable cell phone. Sounds a bit boring I know. But skillfully, they do keep you entranced in that conversation, and a whole lot of that is pretty compelling stuff.
Then a huge mistake in the movie and the story itself. After her shift with the ordeal still not over, Jordan gets in her car, and heads up to the last known location Casey and her captor were though to be. In the middle of the night, in the middle of nowhere, she discovers the place where Casey is. And goes in and rescues her. It's not quite a simple as that, and this is not a spoiler problem. You know the whole time this is going to have a good ending. But at this point in the movie after a pretty good first hour, the last 30 minutes is just stupid, and silly.
There are a TON of unanswered questions about our characters, especially our villain that have no real resolution at all. I mean they allude some things, but who is he really? Why is he doing this exactly, and his motivation? You really don't know. How is it that Jordan, can make about 20 horrible decisions once she discovers the scene? And where is this place, and where did it come from? (if you see it you'll know exactly what I mean). And of course, the ending. Not exactly closed for another one of these. And that's the thing. Can't we just make one singular movie anymore? Does everything have to be set up for sequel?
But I will say, this is a pretty good idea for a cable TV show. I could see this concept being adapted over to a weekly show. This idea is not without merit. But his is a movie here, and not a TV show. So write your story, tell it, and be done with it.
Berry and Breslin are pretty good here. Berry has the lions share of the spotlight, as Breslin is mostly in the trunk, or in a compromising position, but I like her. At 17, she's really growing up as an actress, and is shedding the chains of being a childhood kid in the movies. This is a nice transitional role for her. Sad the entire project isn't a bit better.
The Call. Good beginning, good idea. In the end, too many mistakes to be taken seriously.
The Call is the story of Jordan (Berry). She is an experienced 911 call operator who makes a tragic, but honest mistake during an emergency call. A young girl is on the line with her explaining that there is an intruder in her home. After the call becomes disconnected, Jordan calls her back. The intruder hears the ring, finds and eventually kills the little girl. Jordan blames herself, and leaves the active 911 call center to become a teacher of same.
Then during a training session, a far less experienced 911operator gets an emergency call from a young girl named Casey, (Abigail Breslin). Casey has been kidnapped by the same lunatic that killed the other girl that Jordan blames herself for. So Jordan takes over the 911 call and attempts to make it right for herself, and to hopefully save Casey from the same fate. Can they find Casey in time as they comb the entire city of Los Angeles to find her?
This is a pretty interesting idea for a movie. It is very cool to go back stage at a major 911 call center and see how they do what they do on a daily basis. Much of this movie is Jordan talking Casey through this horrible ordeal as Casey is stuffed in the trunk of a car, with an untraceable, disposable cell phone. Sounds a bit boring I know. But skillfully, they do keep you entranced in that conversation, and a whole lot of that is pretty compelling stuff.
Then a huge mistake in the movie and the story itself. After her shift with the ordeal still not over, Jordan gets in her car, and heads up to the last known location Casey and her captor were though to be. In the middle of the night, in the middle of nowhere, she discovers the place where Casey is. And goes in and rescues her. It's not quite a simple as that, and this is not a spoiler problem. You know the whole time this is going to have a good ending. But at this point in the movie after a pretty good first hour, the last 30 minutes is just stupid, and silly.
There are a TON of unanswered questions about our characters, especially our villain that have no real resolution at all. I mean they allude some things, but who is he really? Why is he doing this exactly, and his motivation? You really don't know. How is it that Jordan, can make about 20 horrible decisions once she discovers the scene? And where is this place, and where did it come from? (if you see it you'll know exactly what I mean). And of course, the ending. Not exactly closed for another one of these. And that's the thing. Can't we just make one singular movie anymore? Does everything have to be set up for sequel?
But I will say, this is a pretty good idea for a cable TV show. I could see this concept being adapted over to a weekly show. This idea is not without merit. But his is a movie here, and not a TV show. So write your story, tell it, and be done with it.
Berry and Breslin are pretty good here. Berry has the lions share of the spotlight, as Breslin is mostly in the trunk, or in a compromising position, but I like her. At 17, she's really growing up as an actress, and is shedding the chains of being a childhood kid in the movies. This is a nice transitional role for her. Sad the entire project isn't a bit better.
The Call. Good beginning, good idea. In the end, too many mistakes to be taken seriously.
Friday, March 15, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - The Incredible Burt Wonderstone
There's a big cast in the new comedy, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone. Wonder if it can pay off with a good movie?
It's the latest Steve Carell comedy, with Steve Buscemi, Jim Carrey, Olivia Wilde, James Gandolfini, Alan Arkin and others. With this ensemble, you would think this is a can't miss! And full disclosure, there were a few scenes in this movie where I laughed out loud in the theater. And as funny as they were, it's too bad there were not more of them.
This is the story of two huge magicians, Burt (Carrell) and Anton (Buscemi). They have been friends since childhood, and have become the biggest magic and illusion act on the Las Vegas Strip. But they can't stand each other, and the troubles begin. Their act is getting old and tired, and attendance at their shows is slipping. Plus, there is a new hot act in town, Steve Gray (Carrey.) He is a new kind of lunatic magician, and has a big following on he Internet and on a TV show. He does magic a new way, that consists of punishing stunts, and outrageous gags. And he is killing Burt and Antons act.
So, Burt and Anton break up and go their own ways. Burt falls the farthest, ending up doing magic at a retirement home. There he meets Rance (Arkin), his childhood idol magician who tries to reintroduce Burt to the love of magic like he had as a kid. Can Burt make it all the way back? Will Burt and Anton get back together? And where does Jane (Wilde) fit in to the plans, as she is a young and beautiful up and coming magician that has an interest in Burt. That is where we are here.
After watching this movie I was thinking over the pro's and con's of it. I think the main problem is the weakest link, and that's Carell in the lead. He's just not funny here. His act is old and tired and it's been a long time since his really funny performance in Bruce Almighty. He has nothing new to add to this movie he hasn't already done. He is the killer for this movie. His batch of unoriginal takes, and worn out bits really hold this back. The supporting cast is much better than he is. I like him much better when he's just a guy. Like in Dan In Real Life, or Hope Springs.
But one thing really learned by me today, and I think by his maturation, is Jim Carrey. He has a very small, but important role here, and he is pretty darn funny. Unquestionably, he is becoming far better as a side dish, and not a main course. He made me laugh a few times, pretty hard. And finally a role for Olivia Wilde where she gets some decent air time, and is asked to do a few things. I really like her, in these supporting roles as she is a fresh new face. Her opening scene was really funny, as she is tossed onstage to be an assistant with Burt and Anton during a Vegas performance with no experience. Really funny.
This movie also takes time to make a small point that was pretty interesting. It is an indictment of sorts of what we think is funny, and what is flat out gross, or tasteless. What is the line between really funny and really not funny.
The Incredible Burt Wonderstone. Moments of fun, moments of not fun. Average script saved by some talented people. Not a bad night at the movies, if you can make it past Carell.
It's the latest Steve Carell comedy, with Steve Buscemi, Jim Carrey, Olivia Wilde, James Gandolfini, Alan Arkin and others. With this ensemble, you would think this is a can't miss! And full disclosure, there were a few scenes in this movie where I laughed out loud in the theater. And as funny as they were, it's too bad there were not more of them.
This is the story of two huge magicians, Burt (Carrell) and Anton (Buscemi). They have been friends since childhood, and have become the biggest magic and illusion act on the Las Vegas Strip. But they can't stand each other, and the troubles begin. Their act is getting old and tired, and attendance at their shows is slipping. Plus, there is a new hot act in town, Steve Gray (Carrey.) He is a new kind of lunatic magician, and has a big following on he Internet and on a TV show. He does magic a new way, that consists of punishing stunts, and outrageous gags. And he is killing Burt and Antons act.
So, Burt and Anton break up and go their own ways. Burt falls the farthest, ending up doing magic at a retirement home. There he meets Rance (Arkin), his childhood idol magician who tries to reintroduce Burt to the love of magic like he had as a kid. Can Burt make it all the way back? Will Burt and Anton get back together? And where does Jane (Wilde) fit in to the plans, as she is a young and beautiful up and coming magician that has an interest in Burt. That is where we are here.
After watching this movie I was thinking over the pro's and con's of it. I think the main problem is the weakest link, and that's Carell in the lead. He's just not funny here. His act is old and tired and it's been a long time since his really funny performance in Bruce Almighty. He has nothing new to add to this movie he hasn't already done. He is the killer for this movie. His batch of unoriginal takes, and worn out bits really hold this back. The supporting cast is much better than he is. I like him much better when he's just a guy. Like in Dan In Real Life, or Hope Springs.
But one thing really learned by me today, and I think by his maturation, is Jim Carrey. He has a very small, but important role here, and he is pretty darn funny. Unquestionably, he is becoming far better as a side dish, and not a main course. He made me laugh a few times, pretty hard. And finally a role for Olivia Wilde where she gets some decent air time, and is asked to do a few things. I really like her, in these supporting roles as she is a fresh new face. Her opening scene was really funny, as she is tossed onstage to be an assistant with Burt and Anton during a Vegas performance with no experience. Really funny.
This movie also takes time to make a small point that was pretty interesting. It is an indictment of sorts of what we think is funny, and what is flat out gross, or tasteless. What is the line between really funny and really not funny.
The Incredible Burt Wonderstone. Moments of fun, moments of not fun. Average script saved by some talented people. Not a bad night at the movies, if you can make it past Carell.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Emperor
In limited release it's the new post WWII movie, Emperor with Mathew Fox, and Tommy Lee Jones.
This movie from me will get originality points right up front. This is the story of post war Japan from the perspective of United States Army General Bonner Fellers (Fox) . He is given the charge by Supreme Commander Douglas MacArthur (Jones), to investigate the Japanese Emperor and to see if he, as figurehead of the country of Japan was responsible for the war with the United States. Or if he simply sat back while the political leaders of that country ordered the attack on Pearl Harbor and started the war. Pretty interesting stuff. But sadly, that's where the originality points end.
I always like movies with stories you have not seen before. But this movie takes a pretty good idea, and makes it ordinary. The story is very intricate and too difficult to explain quickly here. But what this turns into, is Mathew Fox driving around in a jeep throughout bombed out Japan, asking a bunch of questions and doesn't get many answers. And that's a shame. There are moments of real good movie making here. There are some riveting scenes, and I especially liked the final sequence when the Emperor himself meets MacArthur. There is some well written dialogue at times that showcases the fact that war is hell, and no matter what side is fighting, there are consequences.
There is also too much narration done by Fox's character throughout this movie, that doesn't make it better, just more boring. I guess in the end, the real crime of this move is that it's a really good and original idea, and is presented in a very bland and unoriginal fashion. You also have to have some idea about WWII to really get all that is presented here. They really don't take time to give you a history lesson while you watch, and that's fine with me. No sense dumbing it down too. They assume those going have a working knowledge of WWII, and that's to their credit. But it's not enough to save it.
Emperor. For a niche audience for sure. Should have been better. Might have been a far better TV documentary with this idea.
This movie from me will get originality points right up front. This is the story of post war Japan from the perspective of United States Army General Bonner Fellers (Fox) . He is given the charge by Supreme Commander Douglas MacArthur (Jones), to investigate the Japanese Emperor and to see if he, as figurehead of the country of Japan was responsible for the war with the United States. Or if he simply sat back while the political leaders of that country ordered the attack on Pearl Harbor and started the war. Pretty interesting stuff. But sadly, that's where the originality points end.
I always like movies with stories you have not seen before. But this movie takes a pretty good idea, and makes it ordinary. The story is very intricate and too difficult to explain quickly here. But what this turns into, is Mathew Fox driving around in a jeep throughout bombed out Japan, asking a bunch of questions and doesn't get many answers. And that's a shame. There are moments of real good movie making here. There are some riveting scenes, and I especially liked the final sequence when the Emperor himself meets MacArthur. There is some well written dialogue at times that showcases the fact that war is hell, and no matter what side is fighting, there are consequences.
There is also too much narration done by Fox's character throughout this movie, that doesn't make it better, just more boring. I guess in the end, the real crime of this move is that it's a really good and original idea, and is presented in a very bland and unoriginal fashion. You also have to have some idea about WWII to really get all that is presented here. They really don't take time to give you a history lesson while you watch, and that's fine with me. No sense dumbing it down too. They assume those going have a working knowledge of WWII, and that's to their credit. But it's not enough to save it.
Emperor. For a niche audience for sure. Should have been better. Might have been a far better TV documentary with this idea.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - OZ Great And Powerful
This is the toughest kind of movie to review. The trouble with movies like OZ is, virtually everyone who is going to see this, loves it before they even buy a ticket. And there are somethings to love here, just not what you would expect.
Oz, is the prequel to the original Wizard of Oz from 1939. It's the story of how the Wizard came to OZ, and how he became the great and powerful. James Franco was given the role of The Wizard. He is a hack magician in Kansas in 1905 in a traveling show. What he really is, is a con man who makes many enemies. So in a frenzied escape from a swindle gone wrong, he takes off in his hot air balloon, and straight into another tornado. He then crash lands in the land of OZ. There he is greeted by a witch (Mila Kunis), who begins to fall in love with him.
They travel to the Emerald City, and begin big plans to rule OZ together, as he is the answer to a long anticipated plan for OZ. Then it all goes wrong, as more witches enter the fray, and jealously takes hold. And suddenly, Oz himself finds himself with the actual "good witch" of the south (Michelle Williams), and the other sister witches launch a diabolical plan to rule OZ with and iron fist. So, can Oz the man, the good witch and her people save the land of OZ so all may be free? In nutshell, that is this movie.
Just what we need, more witch and sorcery movies right? OK, enough sarcasm, but in the end, that's what this is. It's a visual feast, and that is what it required in this era of movie making to get the core to go. Now that there is no more Harry Potter around, we get this. The visual is the draw, the story is fair at best, and the payoff is basically average at best. But the story is not why most are going. This is 3-D, regular D, and IMAX 3-D in some areas.
Franco is fine as Oz. He certainly looks like a crook, as his smile and general attitude is that of a con man. Being fair, he was better than I thought he would be. Kunis is who she is, but she has certainly been better in other movies. The fact is, all the actors in this movie look like they are in school when Michelle Williams is on screen. Williams is sensational in this role of the good witch. She is alluring, gentle, and perfectly cast. She is maybe the most quiet superstar in Hollywood. She has been great in virtually everything she has been in, and she dominates this movie with her amazing acting talent. This movie is way better when she's on screen. She is schooling everyone else in this movie, as at times they all look over matched in many scenes with her.
Oz Great and Powerful. Good, not great. The only thing great and powerful in this movie is Michelle Williams.
Oz, is the prequel to the original Wizard of Oz from 1939. It's the story of how the Wizard came to OZ, and how he became the great and powerful. James Franco was given the role of The Wizard. He is a hack magician in Kansas in 1905 in a traveling show. What he really is, is a con man who makes many enemies. So in a frenzied escape from a swindle gone wrong, he takes off in his hot air balloon, and straight into another tornado. He then crash lands in the land of OZ. There he is greeted by a witch (Mila Kunis), who begins to fall in love with him.
They travel to the Emerald City, and begin big plans to rule OZ together, as he is the answer to a long anticipated plan for OZ. Then it all goes wrong, as more witches enter the fray, and jealously takes hold. And suddenly, Oz himself finds himself with the actual "good witch" of the south (Michelle Williams), and the other sister witches launch a diabolical plan to rule OZ with and iron fist. So, can Oz the man, the good witch and her people save the land of OZ so all may be free? In nutshell, that is this movie.
Just what we need, more witch and sorcery movies right? OK, enough sarcasm, but in the end, that's what this is. It's a visual feast, and that is what it required in this era of movie making to get the core to go. Now that there is no more Harry Potter around, we get this. The visual is the draw, the story is fair at best, and the payoff is basically average at best. But the story is not why most are going. This is 3-D, regular D, and IMAX 3-D in some areas.
Franco is fine as Oz. He certainly looks like a crook, as his smile and general attitude is that of a con man. Being fair, he was better than I thought he would be. Kunis is who she is, but she has certainly been better in other movies. The fact is, all the actors in this movie look like they are in school when Michelle Williams is on screen. Williams is sensational in this role of the good witch. She is alluring, gentle, and perfectly cast. She is maybe the most quiet superstar in Hollywood. She has been great in virtually everything she has been in, and she dominates this movie with her amazing acting talent. This movie is way better when she's on screen. She is schooling everyone else in this movie, as at times they all look over matched in many scenes with her.
Oz Great and Powerful. Good, not great. The only thing great and powerful in this movie is Michelle Williams.
Friday, March 8, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Dead Man Down
It's new, it's heavy and it's the new Colin Farrel, Terrence Howard inner city crime piece, Dead Man Down. Among the other things it is, is boring.
This is a very sullen, dark, dank drama that deals with inner city organized crime, revenge and an attempted love story. This is a strange movie. It actually has a rather exciting ending, and a pretty good crescendo moment. But the trek to get there is slow, arduous, and painfully slow.
Farrell is Victor. He is part of an organized crime family, and is in the inner circle as is a trusted member, especially by the crime boss, Alphonse (Howard). The crime ring is having a feud with other crime rings in New York City and members of his crew are being killed methodically. As paranoia grows, a new wrinkle develops.
A beautiful young woman, Beatrice (Noomi Repace) seemingly befriends Victor. Then while on a date, she states her real intention, and that is to blackmail Victor as she saw him kill a man in his apartment and has it on film. She says Victor must kill a man who was a drunk driver and caused a terrible car accident that has left her facially disfigured. She has no idea who Victor really is, and what he does for a living.
Turns out that the crime family doesn't know who Victor is either, as he is actually the mole that is killing off gang members, extracting his own ounce of revenge. I know this sounds a bit interesting, and the basic premise is. Trouble is, that this has a hard time getting off the ground. In fact, some of this is very sleepy, and staying awake might be a chore. This is all filmed very dark, everyone speaks in very low monotone voices, and there is not much emotion, or action for the first 90 minutes. Man, wake me up when the good parts come on.
And the end is a pretty good payoff, and clearly the chemistry between Beatrice and Victor is there, and you know where that is eventually going. You do kind of have the feeling the whole time that it will end well. But the journey there is pretty tough. As good of a cast as this has, and as deep as this story is, there is a reason it's a March release, that's because it's pretty marginal.
Dead Man Down. You're getting sleepy....very sleepy....
This is a very sullen, dark, dank drama that deals with inner city organized crime, revenge and an attempted love story. This is a strange movie. It actually has a rather exciting ending, and a pretty good crescendo moment. But the trek to get there is slow, arduous, and painfully slow.
Farrell is Victor. He is part of an organized crime family, and is in the inner circle as is a trusted member, especially by the crime boss, Alphonse (Howard). The crime ring is having a feud with other crime rings in New York City and members of his crew are being killed methodically. As paranoia grows, a new wrinkle develops.
A beautiful young woman, Beatrice (Noomi Repace) seemingly befriends Victor. Then while on a date, she states her real intention, and that is to blackmail Victor as she saw him kill a man in his apartment and has it on film. She says Victor must kill a man who was a drunk driver and caused a terrible car accident that has left her facially disfigured. She has no idea who Victor really is, and what he does for a living.
Turns out that the crime family doesn't know who Victor is either, as he is actually the mole that is killing off gang members, extracting his own ounce of revenge. I know this sounds a bit interesting, and the basic premise is. Trouble is, that this has a hard time getting off the ground. In fact, some of this is very sleepy, and staying awake might be a chore. This is all filmed very dark, everyone speaks in very low monotone voices, and there is not much emotion, or action for the first 90 minutes. Man, wake me up when the good parts come on.
And the end is a pretty good payoff, and clearly the chemistry between Beatrice and Victor is there, and you know where that is eventually going. You do kind of have the feeling the whole time that it will end well. But the journey there is pretty tough. As good of a cast as this has, and as deep as this story is, there is a reason it's a March release, that's because it's pretty marginal.
Dead Man Down. You're getting sleepy....very sleepy....
Thursday, March 7, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - The Last Exorcism 2
When you step back and analyze it, by sheer definition this movie should never had been made. Seems the original The Last Exorcism would have signaled that indeed, number 2 would not be needed. But this is number 2 alright.
First off, this is horrible. It is he sequel to the 2010 original that I don't remember being this bad. Ashley Bell stars again as Nell who is still being pursued by this horrible demon and wants to pro-create with her. As it is revealed in this sequel, the demon has a deep love for her. If it comes to be that they do procreate "everyone will die."
This is a great example of a movie that is about 90 minutes long, and absolutely nothing happens. This is not scary, this is not compelling, this is not anything at all except bad. A very poor script, with mediocre at best acting. No special effects that make any difference, and a wimpy, wimpy approach that clearly goes way out of it's way to maintain a PG-13 rating. That of course, is to ensure that middle school kids can go to this movie and make same dough. Mix it all up and what do you have? A silly, watered down piece of garbage that middle school kids can go to, but won't and if they do, won't be scared or even entertained in the slightest. There is no reason to go, rent, borrow, or pay-per-view this movie - ever!
Makes me wonder about movies like this. Any film maker knows this is horrible the minute the copies go out in the UPS truck. Seeing how the average movie is about 40 million to make how does this kind of movie really make it out of the studio? This first weekend out is always the biggest, and this brought in a measly 8 million last weekend. And there is not much hope as we move on to expand on those numbers. Yeah rentals down the line, I get it, but everyone on earth better rent it. But they won't. This is terrible, and nothing can save it.
The Last Exorcism 2. Honestly, I can't say one good thing about this movie.
First off, this is horrible. It is he sequel to the 2010 original that I don't remember being this bad. Ashley Bell stars again as Nell who is still being pursued by this horrible demon and wants to pro-create with her. As it is revealed in this sequel, the demon has a deep love for her. If it comes to be that they do procreate "everyone will die."
This is a great example of a movie that is about 90 minutes long, and absolutely nothing happens. This is not scary, this is not compelling, this is not anything at all except bad. A very poor script, with mediocre at best acting. No special effects that make any difference, and a wimpy, wimpy approach that clearly goes way out of it's way to maintain a PG-13 rating. That of course, is to ensure that middle school kids can go to this movie and make same dough. Mix it all up and what do you have? A silly, watered down piece of garbage that middle school kids can go to, but won't and if they do, won't be scared or even entertained in the slightest. There is no reason to go, rent, borrow, or pay-per-view this movie - ever!
Makes me wonder about movies like this. Any film maker knows this is horrible the minute the copies go out in the UPS truck. Seeing how the average movie is about 40 million to make how does this kind of movie really make it out of the studio? This first weekend out is always the biggest, and this brought in a measly 8 million last weekend. And there is not much hope as we move on to expand on those numbers. Yeah rentals down the line, I get it, but everyone on earth better rent it. But they won't. This is terrible, and nothing can save it.
The Last Exorcism 2. Honestly, I can't say one good thing about this movie.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Phantom
Every now and again a movie falls into the "what a shame" department. And that sadly is the new in limited release, Phantom.
Phantom is loosely based on the 1968 incident of the Soviet submarine K-129 during the height of the cold war between The United States and the former Soviet Union. K-129 was a Soviet sub that carried nuclear missile's sank and disappeared in strange fashion. There has been tons of speculation since then about what her actual mission was. Why did she sink? And did the sub go rogue and attempt to perfect first strike nuclear capability. And did it try to start a nuclear war? This movie speculates the latter.
Phantom has a great cast with Ed Harris, David Duchovny and Julian Adams. This is a classic "submarine" movie that virtually all takes place on the sub. It shows the inner workings of the Soviet sub command and the plot from the KGB to overtake the sub, and attempt to begin WWIII. Should be noted again, this is not a true story, but based on some kind of legend from the Cold War. The writers have their theory and that's fine.
Clearly the writer has a real passion for this subject matter, and story. But sadly, they have a hard time translating that to an effective movie. The story they write is interesting enough most of the time, but predictable dialogue, and really unoriginal filming hold this back. It also is a bit disjointed, and has an ending that may have you scratching your head a bit, as it is an attempt at cool but falls flat. I was really surprised by the lack of imagination here, the the uninspired writing with such a cool canvas to paint on. Original concept, but same old same old in the end. It looks and feels like 20 other submarine movies.
The performances are fine, with what they had to work with, and honestly this is not a bad movie by any means. It just lacks the punch it needs to be next level, or at least be a nice surprise in the middle of winter.
Phantom, just a shame. Should have been much better.
Phantom is loosely based on the 1968 incident of the Soviet submarine K-129 during the height of the cold war between The United States and the former Soviet Union. K-129 was a Soviet sub that carried nuclear missile's sank and disappeared in strange fashion. There has been tons of speculation since then about what her actual mission was. Why did she sink? And did the sub go rogue and attempt to perfect first strike nuclear capability. And did it try to start a nuclear war? This movie speculates the latter.
Phantom has a great cast with Ed Harris, David Duchovny and Julian Adams. This is a classic "submarine" movie that virtually all takes place on the sub. It shows the inner workings of the Soviet sub command and the plot from the KGB to overtake the sub, and attempt to begin WWIII. Should be noted again, this is not a true story, but based on some kind of legend from the Cold War. The writers have their theory and that's fine.
Clearly the writer has a real passion for this subject matter, and story. But sadly, they have a hard time translating that to an effective movie. The story they write is interesting enough most of the time, but predictable dialogue, and really unoriginal filming hold this back. It also is a bit disjointed, and has an ending that may have you scratching your head a bit, as it is an attempt at cool but falls flat. I was really surprised by the lack of imagination here, the the uninspired writing with such a cool canvas to paint on. Original concept, but same old same old in the end. It looks and feels like 20 other submarine movies.
The performances are fine, with what they had to work with, and honestly this is not a bad movie by any means. It just lacks the punch it needs to be next level, or at least be a nice surprise in the middle of winter.
Phantom, just a shame. Should have been much better.
Monday, March 4, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - 21 And Over
Full disclosure right up front. If there was ever a movie made that was squarely targeted at 17 year old boys, it's the new 21 And Over.
How do I know this? I was a 17 year old boy at one time, and I get it. This was made by the same people that brought us The Hangover a few years back. And even though tons of younger kids saw that R rated movie, it really was for adults. Not only in it's rating, but in its subject matter, and eventual outcome. The ending message of that movie had to be lived, and teens although will laugh at The Hangover's slap stick, they don't fully relate to the end game. That is not the problem here.
21 And Over (Rated R) is about three friends. One of the friends, Jeff Chang, is in college and has a huge meeting the morning after his 21st birthday to get into medical school. His doctor-father pulled many strings to get this meeting. Problem is, two friends come into town and are taking Jeff out for a drunken night. And that's pretty much the first 70 minutes of this movie. If you like to watch three guys out on the town, drinking, partying, chasing women and puking this is your movie. I would also like someone to go to this movie and try to count the "F-Bombs" here. I think Goodfellas holds the all-time record at like 285 or something, but I bet this is close in a movie that is an hour shorter.
Then they try to carve out a "coming of age" angle and attempt to develop a story, and some of it works alright. What this turns into, is a movie of rebellion, and the never ending quest today to not grow up. It speaks directly and absolutely to the rebel in all kids today, and in all generations past that it is far more fun to drink all night, party and be a kid forever. Who at 17 or 21 wouldn't buy into that? Wouldn't that just be great? That joke used to be a whole lot funnier than it is today. It puts today's college experience front and center.
21 And Over knows who is going to this movie and really caters to it. It really is The Hangover for late teens. There are some fun gags in this movie but what this really is, is a series of scenes that many teens have lived sadly, and eventually want to live out. There is a certain glorification to the whole "getting so drunk we don't know who we are thing." But mostly this is just a laundry list of gags, and scenes that young guys will think is really cool, and funny. Are there a few laughs? Why, yes there are, but not enough to save this. But for the core who are going to see this, it's right on target.
Interestingly though, this opened as real flop. Leading me to think that there is just so much of this type of thing at the flicks these days, this was thought of as "been there, done that." A measly 9 million first weekend out. Waiting till Spring Break might have been wiser financially.
21 And Over. Juvenile. Actually 21 might be pushing it.
How do I know this? I was a 17 year old boy at one time, and I get it. This was made by the same people that brought us The Hangover a few years back. And even though tons of younger kids saw that R rated movie, it really was for adults. Not only in it's rating, but in its subject matter, and eventual outcome. The ending message of that movie had to be lived, and teens although will laugh at The Hangover's slap stick, they don't fully relate to the end game. That is not the problem here.
21 And Over (Rated R) is about three friends. One of the friends, Jeff Chang, is in college and has a huge meeting the morning after his 21st birthday to get into medical school. His doctor-father pulled many strings to get this meeting. Problem is, two friends come into town and are taking Jeff out for a drunken night. And that's pretty much the first 70 minutes of this movie. If you like to watch three guys out on the town, drinking, partying, chasing women and puking this is your movie. I would also like someone to go to this movie and try to count the "F-Bombs" here. I think Goodfellas holds the all-time record at like 285 or something, but I bet this is close in a movie that is an hour shorter.
Then they try to carve out a "coming of age" angle and attempt to develop a story, and some of it works alright. What this turns into, is a movie of rebellion, and the never ending quest today to not grow up. It speaks directly and absolutely to the rebel in all kids today, and in all generations past that it is far more fun to drink all night, party and be a kid forever. Who at 17 or 21 wouldn't buy into that? Wouldn't that just be great? That joke used to be a whole lot funnier than it is today. It puts today's college experience front and center.
21 And Over knows who is going to this movie and really caters to it. It really is The Hangover for late teens. There are some fun gags in this movie but what this really is, is a series of scenes that many teens have lived sadly, and eventually want to live out. There is a certain glorification to the whole "getting so drunk we don't know who we are thing." But mostly this is just a laundry list of gags, and scenes that young guys will think is really cool, and funny. Are there a few laughs? Why, yes there are, but not enough to save this. But for the core who are going to see this, it's right on target.
Interestingly though, this opened as real flop. Leading me to think that there is just so much of this type of thing at the flicks these days, this was thought of as "been there, done that." A measly 9 million first weekend out. Waiting till Spring Break might have been wiser financially.
21 And Over. Juvenile. Actually 21 might be pushing it.
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