Scott Wynn's Window

2012 Oscar Preview And Picks

2012-02-19T06:32:00.001-08:00

The Oscars will be handed out this week, and this year could be one of the more interesting Academy Awards shows in quite a while.

First, Billy Crystal is back as the host, and he has always done well there. This is such a turn events after last years laughable, and disastrous choices of Anne Hathaway and James Franco. After they hacked up the stage for 3 hours last year, this year we needed someone with real ability to handle this lasrge undertaking. Many kudos.

And second, 2011 was an interesting year at the movies. There was no clear winner with the critics and the fans. There was no Titanic, or even last years The King's Speech that seemed a lock. So this year the field is wide open in virtually all categories.

After seeing 140 movies last year, I will give you three pics from each of the five major categories. I will give you the Academy's pic on who they will choose (prediction.) Then I will give you my personal favorite pick, and then who really should win the Oscar. So here goes!

Best Picture

The Academy - Hugo will win. Hollywood loves this movie endlessly, and I really don't know why. Yes, it's a nice movie and technically well done. But I feel this is entirely overrated. So many nominations. Martin Scorsese directed. Too big of a temptation for them to pass up.

My Favorite - Moneyball. This is a great movie that was so far beyond what it should have been. Great performances, and a surprisingly deep story line. Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill were terrific.

What Should Win - The Artist. The black and white silent movie that tells a fantastic story with no dialogue. Performances, amazing photography and music. Cutting edge stuff.

Best Actor

The Academy - George Clooney in The Descendants. This is a good movie, and he is really good here. The awards show circuit has eaten this up so far. This is a very good performance, but not Oscar worthy with the field he's up against.

My Favorite - Brad Pitt in Moneyball. Pitt has never looked more comfortable and been better than this. I think he is in every single scene of this movie. Stellar performance, career best. It's now or never for Pitt.

What Should Win - Jean Dujardin in The Artist is on par with Pitt , but in a very different role. Both are magnificent.

Best Actress

The Academy - Viola Davis in The Help. She is wonderful, and it's a role that she really made powerful. Big movie, well reviewed and Hollywood loves this picture.

My Favorite - Michelle Williams in My Week With Marilyn. She is brilliant in her depiction of Marilyn Monroe in every regard. Tough part is, you have to actually look like Monroe, and she does. Simply great!

What Should Win - Michelle Williams. With all due respect to the field, this is the runaway best performance from an actress this year. And it's not even close.

Best Supporting Actor

The Academy - Christopher Plummer for Beginners. He is 80 years old, and has been great for years in countless movies. He is great here too. Last chance probably, he will win.

My Favorite - Nick Nolte for Warrior. In a movie that had very little box office success, he was stellar as a broken down father to two MMA fighting sons. Really gritty stuff. Completely believable.

Who Should Win - Nolte. Overall, this is a relatively weak field this year, and it could be his moment.

Best Supporting Actress

The Academy - Melissa McCarthy for Bridesmaids. She is very funny in this comedy. And the academy I think is just dying to branch out and give credence to the new era of raunchy comedies that make them so much money. It would help legitimize the genre if she wins. Hollywood loves her too.

My Favorite - Berenice Bejo in The Artist. She is absolutely fantastic in this role as the up and coming movie star in the early 1930's. This role was very challenging and she makes it look easy. Plus, I'm not so sure it would be possible to more likable on camera.

Who Should Win - Octavia Spencer in The Help. She was brilliant in her supporting role, and really energized a good movie, and gave it another direction when it needed one.

Feel free to e-mail me your thoughts scott@wqmx.com

MOVIE REVIEW - Ghost Rider 2

2012-02-18T12:01:00.000-08:00

Nicolas Cage is back for the second installment of the comic book, Ghost Rider come to life.

In an era where we have far too many hero movies being made, they all seem to run together. Huge special effect fests that can tire the mind, and fatigue the eyes. Ghost Rider 2 does offer some effects of course, but dares to offer something more. An actual story.

In case you are unfamiliar with the saga, in short here goes. Johnny Blaze (Cage) is a motorcycle stunt rider. When his father is dying, Johnny makes a deal with the Devil here on earth. His soul for his fathers life. Of course the Devil reneges, and Johnny's father dies anyway. Johnny is now cursed with this demon that unleashes within Johnny's body whenever he is drawn to someone whose soul needs to be taken. He becomes the supernatural Ghost Rider. And he steals their souls. But the actual demon is based in justice, truth and protection. So there is good that lies beneath. He is a good guy/bad guy hero of sorts. Johnny feels this somehow, and believes that this curse could maybe be used for good. The Devil does not know this.

But in this installment, Johnny is looking to shed himself of the curse and return to a normal life. And he is offered yet another deal by the forces of good here on earth. He must deliver a young boy to them, because the boy is the actual son of the Devil. And there are plenty of villains bent on not allowing that to happen. Including the Devil himself in human form on earth. Can the Ghost Rider make it all right, and keep the spiritual balance on earth steady?

Kudos to this franchise on one big thing. A real nice attempt at a meaningful story. There is actual dialogue that is well though out, well written, and researched. This movie picks it's places for it's effects to be effective, and they are. Not the over the top, hard to follow, tough on the eyes style from other movies. This movie has a heartbeat and a soul. And it's kept to about 85 minutes. Tidy and the most part interesting and fun.

Cage is who he is. Here's a guy who actually hasn't gotten any better as an actor as time has rolled on. In fact, he's not near as good as he once was. Here as the Ghost Rider, there is a ton of overacting, and him looking borderline silly as he transforms from Blaze to The Rider. But let's forgive him on that. Let's say this is better than a ton of other movies of this type and move on. For my money, Ghost Rider 2 proves that less is more. That hero movies don't need to be bigger to be fun.

Ghost Rider 2. I was surprised. Some way, somehow this worked.

MOVIE REVIEW - This Means War

2012-02-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

The new trend of action, romantic comedies continues this week, with This Means War.

Reece Witherspoon, Tom Hardy, and Chris Pine star in yet another movie we have all seen, by simply watching the countless commercials on TV. To be fair, there are a few real good laughs in this movie. But there is also a bunch to be desired.

It's the story of FDR (Pine) and Tuck (Hardy). They are young CIA agents working on high profile cases on an international scale. They are great friends and partners at work, and they are highly decorated. They each meet Lauren (Witherspoon) in separate circumstances. And not known to each other, they each start to date her. Then they find this fact out. And it's a fight to the finish to win Lauren. With Lauren being none the wiser that they know each other.

Both of our decorated agents then use the full disposal of the CIA to spy on Lauren and each others dates to see who can get the upper hand. They bug her office, her home, and her phone. As they spy on her in private and on each other, the drama builds. Who will win her heart, and can their friendship survive such an ordeal?

The good thing about TMW is that it's good to see Hardy, and even Pine give us some new faces to digest on the screen in a movie like this. But the story is so inane that it borders on insulting. And it's a shame. There are some real legit laughs here, and some funny situations. But the absurdity of it all is a bit much to overcome. And I'm sure that the makers would say that's part of the gag, and that's probably true. But it ends up being dumbed way down.

I am a big Witherspoon fan, but here she is miscast and used poorly. She has no chemistry at all with either Pine or Hardy. In fact, may have more love chemistry with Laurel And Hardy than these two. She looks more like their sister than love interest. Plus, she is costumed badly, in scene after scene in horribly high heeled shoes, sandals and tennis shoes. That goes along with the dresses she wears that look like they belong on a 16 year old. A lot of this just looks bad in every regard.

There is plenty of action that the guys will like who get drug along to see this with their wives or girlfriends. But after that clears, it's all just so formula. Two guys, a girl, the girls witty married best friend who lives vicariously through her. And then a predictable ending that is anything but creative.

This Means War. Yeah I laughed a few times but what this really means is a big box office take, and a forgettable flick that will on on TNT every weekend in a couple of years.

MOVIE REVIEW - The Woman In Black

2012-02-14T12:27:00.000-08:00

Daniel Radcliffe takes off those perfectly round Harry Potter glasses and stars in the new "scary" movie, The Woman In Black. Up front, false advertising. We're not going to spend a great deal of time on this.

Truth is, if you are looking for a good snooze, in fact one of the best snoozes you've probably had in weeks go to this movie. Many people would be thrilled to throw down eighth bucks for a couple hours of shut-eye. This is without question one of the more boring movies I have ever seen. If you want to watch Radcliffe walk around in the dark a lot, chasing after strange noises he hears in this haunted old house. Then you will be in heaven.

This is the story of a young lawyer (Radcliffe) in the early 2oth century in England. His wife has recently died, and his job is on he line. He is sent out of town to settle the estate of a strange old woman who lived in some kind of spooky house. Once there, children in the small town start getting killed off, and this "woman in black" seems to be at the center of it all. There is a feeble attempt to tell you why, and a few other things, but it doesn't make any difference. You may be deepm in REM sleep by then.

This movie has no real story, or meaningful plot. Borderline horrible effects, underused music, and performances so underwhelming it teeters on a high school production. Plus, it's not suspenseful, or scary. And the ending may actually make you mad. This is a complete disaster all the way around.

The Woman In Black. Loser!

MOVIE REVIEW - Safe House

2012-02-11T12:28:00.000-08:00

Denzel Washington is back again this winter, and this year it's Safe House.

Washington like Liam Neeson, has sort of reinvented himself as this cold weather action hero. I loved Washington in The Book Of Eli, and in last years Unstoppable. Both were surprise hits, good stories and well done. Oh, let's not forget Training Day! - Oscar winner for him.

But Safe House is another matter. None of this is really Washington's fault. Although he did have a hand in producing this, the writing is none of his affair. If you are looking strictly for a non stop action movie, than this is your flick. Safe House is almost all action.

It's the story of Tobin Frost (Washington). Frost is a rogue CIA agent that has been on the loose for about a decade. He supposedly betrayed the CIA and almost all other Western Intelligence agencies, and now he is in the secret selling business. Frost is this super agent with an amazing smarts and manipulation skills, and terrific physical skills too. Too bad we seldom if ever get to see any of them. We have to take the movies word for it, and that's the gigantic hole right down middle of this movie.

Ryan Reynolds plays a young CIA agent bent on making name for himself. So after Frost turns himself in to the American Consulate in South Africa, our young agent finds himself with the dubious task of bringing Frost in. But there are huge mountains to climb. Seems everyone on earth is after them, and trying to kill them. Can they make it? Who can they trust, anyone?

This next sentence is not a spoiler. Because you will be light years ahead of this movie. You will know right away what and who the trouble is. But the movie doesn't think you're that smart. And that's another big hole. They think they are being subtle, but they are not. In the end this ends up begin another CIA gone wrong movie where they think they are weaving a complicated web, but all they are really doing is tangling up two hours to bring you to a finish you knew an hour and a half ago.

Going one step further, without Washington's amazing screen presence, this is total wash out. He does give some credibility to this over done, and tired script and plot line.

Safe House. Big action. Big Star. Bigger disappointment.

MOVIE REVIEW - The Vow

2012-02-11T11:50:00.000-08:00

The Vow. Just in time for Valentines Day. Right up front, there will be a sector of the movie going public that will think this is the greatest movie ever!

But of course, it's not. But The Vow, which is based on a true story is, in it's most raw form - a really interesting story. In fact, you even get to see the actual couple at the end and they give you resolution. Which to me, was pretty compelling stuff. But as a movie, this is a whole lot of syrup on a small stack of pancakes.

The Vow is about this young, and crazy in love young couple that get married and live in Chicago. He owns a recording studio and she is a freelance artist. One night while out, they are involved in a terrible car accident with a snow plow. She, Paige (Rachel McAdams) is terribly injured and wakes up in the hospital only to have no recollection of her husband, Leo (Channing Tatum.)

So Leo goes on a personal crusade to help her remember the last years of her life. Paige seems to remember being engaged to another man years before she met Leo. This is the story of their struggle. Will they be able to reconnect? And will they be able to fall in love again? That is The Vow.

The Vow seems to go way out of it's way to be really sugary sweet. There's a whole lot of fluff, especially at the outset. But if you can fight through all of the "awww" intended moments you start to get down to a pretty good story. Trouble is, this real interesting plot is watered down with some bad acting from Tatum, and a real effort to make McAdams cute and lovely in every shot. The story begins to be minimized, and that's a shame.

I have always liked McAdams and she pulls off here exactly what they asked her to. She is lovely. But maybe a bit too lovely. I don't know, after being in the hospital for an extended period, in a medically induced coma it's tough for me to think any woman would emerge looking like a supermodel on the way home. But she does here. And there are a bunch of other silly ends like that here. And that's bad movie making. If you're going to make a true story, then let's get it right. Let's not water it down so much that every single scene is for 17 year old girls to go, "awwww."

Tatum who is getting a ton of work these days, is average at best in this role. To me this deserved someone with a little more heart. Tatum comes off at times a bit too "dudey." His character in this movie at times shows flashes of really being deep, and moving, and that's just not him. I really liked him in Dear John a couple years ago, and thought he was cast well. Here, not so much. But don't panic, there are plenty of shots of him with no shirt on here, and tight fitting clothes too. And of course the mandatory "naked behind" scene.

It's a shame that they didn't take this story at bit more seriously and make a movie that showcased the strange series of events first, and the cutesy factor second. But, that's Hollywood. It's a money making enterprise, and this kind of stuff sells big. And they will be ringing the cha-ching bell hard this run.

The Vow. Better actual story than this movie.

MOVIE REVIEW - Big Miracle

2012-02-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

It's always good when Hollywood makes a movie that the whole family can see together without being a cartoon. I know, they prefer to call it "animation," but it's a cartoon. And Big Miracle is a movie all can see, and enjoy.

Big Miracle is based on a true story from 1988 in Barrow, Alaska. Three whales become trapped in the Arctic Ice, and their survival is dependant on humans somehow banding together from different paths to make it happen. Somehow they must create a way for these whales to reach open water so they can begin their annual journey to the California Baja to mate.

It's a story that brings together the media, Eskimos, Greenpeace, big oil, the U.S. Government, and even the old Soviet Union. All trying to put aside their differences, to make a difference. This movie is also sprinkled with old news footage from the three major networks as they covered the story as it happened. It is over all well told, but embellished at times. That embellishment doesn't make it better, but doesn't kill the good buzz it has going.

Big Miracle does a nice job of developing characters, and the drama between them. The really good decision here was putting the emphasis on the conflict of the characters, and special effects, and movie trickery second. This movie is well told, and steadily paced, with a big cast. Drew Barrymore, John Krasinsky, Ted Danson, Kristen Bell, Dermot Mulroney, and real nice supporting cast as well. Although Barrymore is the absolute weak link in the lead role. Her attempt at playing a huge Greenpeace activist is more whine than spine. But the story is compelling enough, you can look past her completely off target performance.

I always think that the challenge of a movie like this is to keep you glued, when you know the eventual outcome. Even if you are not familiar with the story from 24 years ago, the title tells you the outcome will be positive. And this holds your attention. Told in an emotive style that will make all feel good during the drive home. Plus, the decision to film this in Barrow was paramount. You can feel the cold. Well done.

Big Miracle does go a bit too far in some regards. It basically takes credit for the 1988 Presidential Election where George Bush (number one) wins. They also lead us to believe that Barrymore's character threatens President Reagan's legacy in the waning days of his second term. There are also a few more moments of silliness that can be forgiven, and we can get over this and move on. It's simply a movie, and it's for our enjoyment. There are some very interesting after stories to tell, and that's fun to see. Stay and watch the closing credits.

Big Miracle. Big for the family.

MOVIE REVIEW - Chronicle

2012-02-08T14:19:00.000-08:00

A couple of movie trends continue with the new Chronicle this week. The trend of movies made for a young audience, namely young guys. Also, the trend of hand held herky-jerky filming, point of reference like Paranormal Activity. And the trend of supposedly scary movies.

Chronicle is the fictional story of three high school friends who at a party somehow make contact with something extra-terrestrial. The three boys are then given the "gift" of telekinesis. The remarkable ability to move things with the power of the mind. At first, it's all fun and games, as the boys use the powers to pull pranks, and do amazing things that are considered cool by their friends.

The three can even develop the ability to fly. And as time goes on, the powers become more powerful and using them has greater ramifications. Then it all starts to go wrong. One of the boys decides to use his powers to cause harm, and go to the dark side if you will. He is the strongest one, and in the end can cause the most damage to himself, and the greater Seattle area where the boys live.

OK, you guessed it. This is movie laden with special effects, and loud noises. It also caters to a young audience that I'm sure think that having these powers would be "epic". And to be fair, it might be epic to have this gift. But, Chronicle gets fatiguing very quickly, even in its tidy 85 minutes, both in story and in technique. I'm not going to rip this in half, but to be honest I was glad when this was over.

This is a great example of a movie that overused this herky-jerky style. This would have been better if it would have been filmed in the more traditional style. The movie was limited by the hand held camera, and didn't make it better, just more trendy. The story was better than this. There is too much action for the hand held technique to be effective.

But maybe the biggest offense of this is, it's not scary. Not at all. There were a few jolting moments that really didn't work. And the climactic scenes at the movies end are too busy, and too blurry to feel fear. In short, many things it was supposed to be... it is not.

Chronicle. Average at best. Even for the core audience.

MOVIE REVIEW - Man On A Ledge

2012-01-30T13:30:00.000-08:00

Truth be told, sometimes movies are made for no other reason than to be 2 hours of entertainment. And when you are lucky enough to see one, it's a good day.

Man On A Ledge is exactly that. It has no message. It is not a triumph in cinema. It doesn't push the envelope of any humor, bad taste, animation, or special effects. It has a decent cast, not a star studded red carpet blitz. And it simply is entertaining. Period!

Sam Worthington stars as a New York City cop who was framed for a crime he says he didn't commit, and goes to ail for 25 years. He escapes, and devises an elaborate scheme to prove hi innocence to the world. And it all begins when he walks out on a building ledge 25 floors up in Manhattan threatening to jump as the crowd cheers him on.

No one knows at first who he is, but as the whole ordeal unfolds it all starts to come together. His plan is to employ his brother and his brothers girlfriend to perpetrate a crime while our man in on the ledge. To be fair, the plot is a big thicker than that, but you'll want to see it play out for yourself. And you'll be entertained the whole time.

I will be the first to tell you, there are holes in this story, and a whole bunch of this is very convenient. And normally this would bother us. But here, it does not. It's just a movie that is in front of you, and isn't taking it self too seriously. For what this is, it is very compelling.

Look at the people in it. Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Ed Burns, Ed Harris, and a nice supporting ensemble cast. Except of the horrible miscasting of the usually great Kyra Sedgwick. For some reason they cast her as a TV reporter with a Spanish accent. What were they doing? BUT, it's not a deal breaker.

I love the way this movie was filmed. Many cliffhanging shots from the ledge, with plenty of sweaty palm moments. You are up there on the ledge, and you do get a sense of just how desperate our hero is. Worthington is fresh and great. And for much of this movie you do feel his anguish. It all leads to a wonderful climactic scene that is pretty cool. The afterglow and epilogue though, do have a bit to be desired. Should have quit while they were ahead.

Man On A Ledge. It's not perfect. It's not even close. But it is entertaining.

MOVIE REVIEW - One For The Money

2012-01-28T12:33:00.000-08:00

Low expectations are many times a very good thing when going to a movie. Mine were low for this one, the new Katherine Heigl flick, One For The Money.

Heigl is lovely. Always has been. But my fear has been that she has done every charming, cutesy thing on screen she was ever gonna do. I always thought that was Meg Ryan's downfall. She, for the most part was doing the same thing over and over. We eventually quit yawning, and fell sound asleep, and never woke up. From my seat, Heigl has been on that same road. But this is a bit different, and that's a good thing.

Heigl plays Stephanie Plumb. She has just been fired from Macy's as a lingerie salesman, and somehow ends up being a bounty hunter. This all transpires in about 5 days. Then somehow she shuts down a huge crime ring, saves the day, and becomes somewhat of a local hero. It's all so tidy and nice. I didn't say that this story was anywhere near realistic, or good. But Heigl seems different somehow.

As charming as she can be, we get a whole lot less cute here. A whole lot less, "Oh gosh, gee whiz, I can be physically funny at times," and that's refreshing. Here Heigl is a bit more earthy, and real. Oh, there is still the obligatory, "I'm naked and watch me cover up awkwardly" moment. And there still is a bit of, "Gee willikers watch me bumble a bit." But far less. Heigl here is a brunette, she is costumed well, and someone has convinced her a bit of reinvention was in order.

One For The Money makes a few good decisions. It doesn't go for huge laughs from scene to scene. And it doesn't write its dialogue in punchlines. Heigl seems to be asked to be more real, and not more funny. And that's a good choice. She is blessed with being natually funny. Here it just comes to her without being asked to carry the day. To be fair, I was thinking this was maybe going to be the nail in the slowly closing coffin for her. But I was surprised.

No this is not great, but this is more of a real movie.as opposed to a Katherine Heigl gag real funny fest. For January, we can live with this. There are certainly worse flicks on the way.

One For The Money. Story is shakey, but that's not why one person is going to this movie. They want to see Heigl. And Heigl seems to have steadied a listing ship.

MOVIE REVIEW - The Grey

2012-01-27T13:15:00.000-08:00

Over the past few years, Liam Neeson has reinvented himself as an action hero and had some real success. Taken, and Unknown come to mind, both very good and this week it's The Grey.

The Grey is a story of survival in the Arctic against all odds. Neeson's character and a bunch of what has to be called "thugs" are working for a major petroleum company high above the Arctic circle. As a plane load of them are leaving to come back down to the mainland, the plane crashes in the frozen tundra of what is either extreme northern Canada, or Alaska. A group of 7 men make it through the crash, and they are going to try to survive.

But in no mans land, they are confronted by terrible weather, blizzards, and cold. Plus giant man eating Northern Timber wolves that stalk the men endlessly. These wolf packs start picking off the men one by one as they try to leave the wreckage and somehow find help. Of course, there is conflict not only with nature, but the men with each other as they fight for control of their own pack. As the wolf pack gets in their heads, so do each other. Will they make it?

I wish they could get a do-over with this movie, because the idea is interesting enough. Just not the execution. The Grey is way too long, and way too elongated. Sandwiched between some real compelling movie making are some really long, drawn out scenes that don't make this better. Plus, a big thumbs down to the actual wolf attack scenes. They are extremely hard to see and follow. I know, this is maybe what a wolf attack would be like, highly chaotic and all, but as a movie goer we are having a difficult time following it. Has the feel of wanting to take a safer, less expensive way out in the movie making.

The Grey also loses some momentum a real lack decent character development. It simply is a series of semi-action scenes, and we are really not cheering for anyone at all. They are simply characters on screen. Plus, The Grey has an ending that may leave many cold. No pun intended.

Neeson is good as always,but it's a shame that most elements that surround him are adequate, or average at best. Yeah you can feel the cold, and but you really aren't drawn in to feel the terror. This is a pretty good idea, that falls short.

The Grey. Not bad by any means, but certainly not what it should have been.

MOVIE REVIEW - Red Tails

2012-01-24T13:50:00.000-08:00

It opened to much bigger fanfare than most thought. Red Tails sails into theaters this week. And in many ways this is very refreshing.

Red Tails is based on true events of the famed Tuskegee Airmen from WWII. If you are not really sure who they are, during the war there was an "experiment" of trying to make African American men fighter pilots. The prevailing thought of the era was that they were not smart or brave enough to handle such a task during the war. The Airmen fought powerful enemies during he war, both foreign and domestic. There were plenty in this country against the whole idea.

Of course the Tuskegee Airmen became highly decorated during the war. Even though it took almost moving heaven and earth to get them forward missions, and not fly far behind the war itself. This is their story.

This stars a real nice ensemble cast, that includes Terrence Howard, and Cuba Gooding Jr. This movie for the most part very entertaining with a nice story to tell, and a decent script to back it all up. There are a few too many scenes in this movie with some rather silly dialogue. Plus, maybe a few too many characters. But that's not a deal breaker.

There are plenty of flying action scenes, done well, and it's fun to see some of these vintage aircraft such as B-17 Bombers, and P-40's and P-51 Mustangs. And it's great to see them fly. Some of these are done exceedingly well, and are very encompassing, with great sight and sound. They take you back to 1944 Italy during the war, and for the most part create a good sense of it.

But with that said, there lies within one of the weak links. Outside of the flying scenes, some of this looks like a movie set, and doesn't devour you, and totally transport you back in time. I see the set but I don't smell the gasoline, hear the roar, or totally feel the 1940's.

But one thing that may be the most refreshing is this. In this day and age of Transformers, computer generated aliens, monsters, cartoons, end of the world movies, and Hollywood for the most part portraying America as the worst nation on earth. It's great to see a movie that can fill you with pride. It's great to see these men. Against all odds, loved their country above all else. And even though it's a war that's been over for 67 years, and it is not a modern day story, it makes you feel good without being Top Gun silly. Plus this movie is good for virtually all ages to see, a PG-13 rating is very on target.

Red Tails. Well done. It's not perfect, but so what? A story worth telling, and makes you feel good about your night at the movies.

MOVIE REVIEW - Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

2012-01-21T13:45:00.000-08:00

There is lots to discuss about the new movie, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. I was hoping much of the talk would be good. But it will not.

Right up front, if you're thinking you are going to a Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock movie, you are wrong. Very discouraging that they are not the stars of this movie. Hanks is probably on screen for about 15 minutes total, Bullock maybe 20. But in fairness to the movie makers, without those names at the top, no one would go see this. But cutting them that break from their perspective, it doesn't change the fact that they have manipulated most to go see a product that really doesn't exist. What a shame that finally Hanks and Bullock make a movie together, and it turns out to be less than challenging, and less than honest with us.

This movie really stars a young actor named Thomas Horn, who plays a young boy, Oskar, trying to come to terms with the death of his father (Hanks) in the September 11 attacks in the Twin Towers. They were very close and after his death, Oskar is lost. He is distanced emotionally too from his mother (Bullock). Oskar is peculiar kid, who claims he was tested for Aspergers Syndrome, but the tests were inconclusive, but he shows symptoms.

Oskar finds a key in his fathers closet a year after 911, and decides he is going on a search through New York City to find the lock it fits. He is also guarding secrets from September 11, that are eating him up, and he's having a difficult time coping. He meets many people along the way in his search who help him out. Will he find the lock, and feel closer to his father?

This was a big book, and probably should have stayed a book. This movie quite frankly is not very good. Most will feel lied to about who actually stars in it. And in the end, many will feel like they've been through something and wonder why. This movie thinks it's very smart, and it's not. The ending will leave many wondering why they came in the first place. 911 movies are tough still for the public to swallow. The few that have been out since, have had very lukewarm responses from the public. It's just tough to make movies about that tragic day. They just don't seem to work.

Horn is good in this very large role. The supporting cast is very well cast, but are poorly used. In addition to Hanks and Bullocks very limited screen time, same goes for the very talented Viola Davis who is on screen for a just a few short minutes. Horn dominates this movie from start to finish, with Max Van Sydow the actual co-star who is Oskar's grandfather. (No spoiler, you will figure that out long before they movie tells you.)

But who is going to buzz about going to see the new Thomas Horn and Max Van Sydow movie? Yeah, me either.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Not very good.

MOVIE REVIEW - Haywire

2012-01-21T12:59:00.000-08:00

Lot's of movie this weekend, and no matter what the box office figures are, I think the real winner from the weekend will be the star of the new thriller, Haywire.

Gina Carano is ex-marine, now defense contractor operative Mallory Kane in this star studded winter time movie that is way better than it's January release date. Kane has been set up by someone to take the fall in the murder of person of interest she rescued in Europe. He is later found dead, and for some reason, someone wants her to take the blame for this international incident. And then they want her dead.

Haywire also stars, Micheal Douglas, Antonio Bandaras, Ewan McGregor, Channing Tatum and Bill Paxton. Great cast, all cast well. All seemingly hitching their wagon to the Carano wagon which they are betting is going full speed ahead.

Carano is a beautiful former Mixed Martial Arts Champion who has been in a few movies before, but not in a role like this. And this is refreshing too, all 5' 8" 150 pounds of her. This is no stick thin model/actress. Make no mistake, this is her movie. As Kane, she is a highly trained, and decorated operative with amazing skills. But don't be fooled, this is not some over-the-top, silly action movie. There is virtually no gun play in this movie, and it's not some special effects fest. Kane is a real person with real skills.

And Carano does it all herself. She is the real deal. She will stand way taller than all the other females so-called action stars who do none of the tough stuff. Carano is very believable and uses her own real life skills to give us some very good fight scenes. These scenes are very authentic. They are not laced with silly sound effects and dramatic music. They are just her and the guy who who's butt she's kicking. As Kane tries to flee Europe and clear her good name. Also, she trying to track down the double-crossers who set her up. These scenes are very good with real sounds, real reaction, and in real time. They are numerous and very well done. And she does it all.

They don't demand a ton from her in this movie as far as real, deep acting is concerned, but what they do ask, she gives it to them. They also don't sex this up too much, and that let's her credibility come through. She is naturally very sexy, and easy on the eye, but they don't exploit her and that's a great decision. The cast around her lifts her up and makes this really work. The door is open for more of this story to play out, that would be welcome.

If I was a female action movie star in Hollywood right now, I would be looking in the rear view mirror. Because Carano is coming, and she is real. She looks it, she plays it, and she is it. With respects to say, Angelina Jolie, Carano is the real deal. And not a actress waiting for the stunt people to make her look good.

Haywire. Regardless of the weekend take, a star is born in Gina Carano. She is an original.

MOVIE REVIEW - The Artist

2012-01-21T08:21:00.001-08:00

It's black and white, it's silent, and it's finally being shown locally. The Artist is here.

The Artist is quite frankly, sensational. It is so interesting, fresh, and new. If you are a movie goer that's always looking for something different at the movies this is for you. Isn't it ironic that what is today considered fresh, is a style of movie making that has been extinct since 1927 or so. It would be difficult for this movie to be more charming.

The Artist is the story of George Valentin (Jean Dujardin). He and his wonderful little Jack Russel dog (Uggie) are the undisputed kings of the silent movie era. They star in movie after movie thrilling movie goers. Then in 1927, the talking movies become reality. George dismisses it as a passing fad, and of course he is wrong. So he eventually loses everything through his pride, and the stock market crash of 1929.

Meet Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo). She is a younger actress who befriends George while working in silent movies. But she embraces the new era of talkies and becomes a big star. She also is in love with George, but never really makes it plain to him. So, can George survive his own pride, and the economy? And Will George and Peppy ever fall in love? That in it's most simple shell is The Artist.

This movie is wonderful. Filmed in beautiful, and palpable black and white it is hard to take your eyes off the screen. A fantastic orchestral musical soundtrack plays throughout, and that score will win the Oscar. And so will this movie. The Artist will more than likely win multiple Oscars. Hollywood loves to honor movies made about art, by artists, and showcasing their own industry. Many times that affection is misguided, but here it is apt. This movie is brilliant.

Dujardin and Bejo both totally create amazing characters on screen with no dialogue. You really get to know who George is, and who is isn't through Dujardin's amazing non verbal communication on screen. Same with Bejo, who would also be hard pressed to be more charming, and lovely in this role. Uggie the dog, is amazing, and is in virtually every single scene. He gives this movie an element that is paramount to it's success. He, along with the music help it's pacing.

I've heard some critics say that this is a great movie to take the kids to. And you certainly can. But remember, it's silent, and black and white. And of course, most kids today have never seen anything like this before. That is both the best reason, and possibly the worst reason to take them to this movie. Some may be enthralled, some could be totally non engaged. There is no animation, no special effects, or action. This is simply story telling.

The Artist. Simply fantastic. An achievement of the first order.

MOVIE REVIEW - Carnage

2012-01-17T12:05:00.000-08:00

Little movies, little movies. And the new Carnage is about as little as they get.

Oh don't get me wrong, there is a good cast. Jodie Foster, Christoph Waltz, John C. Reilly, and Kate Winslet. But Carnage is a 70 minute, one scene flick that will not appeal to the masses in anyway shape or form. This is strictly a movie goers movie. If you go to the movies a few times a year, this will not be for you.

Carnage is the story of two couples in New York City. One is a very blue-collar family and the other is a stuffy, uptown couple. Their 11 year-old sons get into a fight at the beginning of the flick. The stuffy kid hits the other kid in the face with a stick of some kind. The kid then is going to require some dental work and medical bills, but overall everyone is fine. The couples get together as parents would, and discuss the situation and decide what to do next. Including, money, and discipline, etc... And in that living room, is where it all goes wrong.

These four people are among the most troubled people you can imagine. This never ending conversation balloons into a long, drawn out conversation, that should have ended an hour ago, and has numerous chances to do so. They fall so far off track and past the point it's becomes destructive. The two couples start to drink, and air each others dirty laundry. This becomes a highly confrontational situation where everyone is judging everyone else. The drinks kick in, someone throws up and all become borderline irrational.

Does this sound interesting to you? Probably not. And this is going to have a very hard time finding an audience. This is like watching a play. It's all dialogue - period! Some of this is quite funny, as they roll in dark comedy and irony for while. And the entire theater howled when Kate Winslet threw up for about 30 straight seconds, which was designed for big laughs with it's total absurdity.

This will leave many cold. There is not real resolution to this within these four people. But there is loud social commentary. If you go, you'll see. But only go if you are brave. This is certainly not mainstream.

Carnage. Interesting idea. A laugh or two, but overall..not so sure.

MOVIE REVIEW - Joyful Noise

2012-01-16T13:15:00.000-08:00

Queen Latifah, and Dolly Parton are teamed up in this weeks new Joyful Noise.

Man, have the national and local critics been tough on this new adventure. I've even seen scores of D-. That's the reason I don't have a scoring system here in my reviews. I think they can jade people, without them reading further. I lay it out and you decide.

Joyful Noise you may have seen is the new music movie that is centered around a church choir that is battling to win a national competition musically. Latifah, and Parton play antagonistic characters that are struggling for control of the choir. There is also a young love, Romeo and Juliet story within involving our main characters daughter and grandson respectively. And a whole bunch of this is old and tired. A storyline that has been done to death.

So let's move on. I think you have to judge movies on exactly what they are. This is not for everyone. This movie is a niche movie. A certain kind of movie goer is going to go and like it. This is not for the bulk of most targeted movies. I find it difficult to imagine that a group of 20 year old boys are going to load up and see this. I think a good movie maker knows who is going, and zeroes in.

Joyful Noise has a lot of problems that the critics are talking about. The dialogue is terrible at times. Many characters talk in horrible cliche's. The acting, writing, and many of the scenes designed for big laughs are really not overly funny. And if you've seen the trailers, you've seen most of them. It also tries way too hard to be relevant. Reaching time and again to remind us that the economy is bad, blah blah. In short, a big bulk of this is not very good.

But it doesn't matter. What is good is the music, and the joy that is brought from watching talented people perform. Thankfully, there are a number of nice music and performance scenes here to wipe away some ills. It's good to hear Dolly sing some great spiritual songs. Latifah too, and many of the others. These scenes are spot on target for the core audience that will flock to see Joyful Noise.

There are worse things than to make movies that are good for virtually anyone to see. Or that families can see together. And thankfully, occasionally ones that are not animated with singing dogs, or plucky, dancing computer generated characters. Have we become to used to all that overused nonsense that there is no room for a good old family movie? Joyful Noise isn't designed to win Oscars, or Golden Globes. It's not going to change cinematic history, set box office records. So what? My gosh critics, quit looking down your elitist nose, and quit trying to be the smartest person in the room. It's a movie that knows whose going to see it, and serves them directly.

Is Joyful Noise great? It's not my favorite movie, but it's going to be enjoyed by a ton of people that don't care about Oscars, or cinematic history. It's simply to be enjoyed by those looking for something to go to, that will lift them up, and make them glad they went to the movies that day.

Joyful Noise. For what is isn't, it's got problems. But for what it is, and for those who go, they won't care. And I'm good with that.

MOVIE REVIEW - Contraband

2012-01-14T11:43:00.000-08:00

Mark Wahlberg back agaim, here comes the new drug running movie, Contraband.

Generally Wahlberg has been picking very good projects the past couple of years, and has developed a real nice following. Contraband though is a movie that in one way shape or form, you have seen a number of times before. There's nothing really wrong with this movie, I'm not so sure there's anything abnormally right with it.

Wahlberg play Chris. He was, at one time the worlds premiere smuggler. He could smuggle virtually anything into the United States via container ship. But after a long run of drug running, he gets out of the game and goes legit. He marries Kate (Kate Beckinsdale) and has a couple of kids. Then his much younger brother in-law who still is running drugs, screws up. And when about to be caught, tosses a 7 hundred thousand dollar load of cocaine overboard to save his won skin. Needless to say, the drug dealers want their money back.

That forces Chris back into the game. He is going to make a run to Panama, and make things right for his brother in law. Trouble is, who is working with him and against him? That is the eternal question that runs through the entire movie. He is operating on a deadline, as the dealers have vowed to take things out on his wife and kids, if not made right in time.

Contraband has a nice cast, including Giovanni Ribisi, and J.K. Simmons. This does have some real nice scenes where the authenticity is really stark, and real. But to counter that, there is much of this that is highly convenient. things just kind of "happen" with no real explanation. There is a bunch of this. And that gets a bit tiresome after a while. There are a number of holes in this story, and credibility does get compromised. But one thing this does very well is have a few real nice twists and turns that do give it a bit of smarts. With emphasis on a bit.

But in the end, Contraband is just another drug movie. But it's not an afternoon or evening wasted, but it falls short of being really, really good.

MOVIE REVIEW - The Iron Lady

2012-01-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Someone needs to explain to me how Meryl Streep continues to get huge roles, and get an Oscar nomination seemingly every single year. Well, maybe the reason is pretty basic. She is possibly in the sum of all of her works, the greatest movie actress ever.

I have never been a big Streep fan, but I have always respected her talent. And here she takes on the gigantic role of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady. And she is magnificent. For the most part she plays an aged Thatcher at the end of her life, after her husbands Dennis' death, with dementia, and senility. But she does play Thatcher as the charismatic, powerful first ever woman PM of Great Britain.

The Iron Lady is a movie is good. Although, I feel the direction this movie takes is a bit questionable. Much of this shows the well past her prime Thatcher, and for me. And a little bit of that goes a long way. The scenes where she is the Thatcher we all knew in the 1980's and 1990's as PM, are far more compelling as we get to know exactly who she was as a politician. This movie is told in flashback form, weaving in and out of the aged Thatcher and the young, younger and more vibrant one.

Should be noted that huge kudos need to go to Alexandra Roach who plays the very young Thatcher in this movie, and she is also terrific. Hair, makeup, and costuming is incredibly spot on for both characters, it really is amazing. Streep is wonderful, and she has Thatcher down to a science. The bulk of the supporting cast is well cast, and solid.

For those hoping to recapture the magic of last years The Kings Speech, this is not on the same level. TIL is good, solid, and well done. But to be fair, Roach and Streep are far better than this movie. I know that sounds contradictory, but it's true. The script and direction of this piece for me, is very sullen, dark at times, flat out not as interesting as this great woman really was. I feel for a piece on such an important 20th century figure, they sold her short. Yes, they do at times showcase her political side, and what she had to deal with, but there is far more attention paid to her later years of dementia, and her hallucinations in her small flat well past her greatest years.

The Iron Lady. At times uplifting and insightful. But mostly a large opportunity missed. Roach and Streep's performances as stellar, but this movie can only muster a "good."

2012 Movie Preview

2012-01-12T12:39:00.000-08:00

Now that 2011 is over, we can move on to 2012 and a new year at the movies. 2011 overall was a weak year. A ton of factors are present in modern day movie making. Emphasis on animation and computer generation. And the over use of 3-D. Stars that are stars on paper only, and little or no emphasis on quality scripts.

Also, with the economy taking it's toll on everyone Hollywood is not immune. Many of the flicks debuting in 2011, had their roots in 2008 and 2009, the heart of the recession. So, hopefully 2012 will be a better year as far as quality is concerned. Let's see what 2012 has in store. We'll hit some of the highlights, in no particular order. And this is not all the movie of course, but this will give you an idea what is on the horizon.

Red Tails - January 20. Great cast. WWII story of African American fighter pilots. Looks compelling.

Batman The Dark Night Rises - Due out July 20. Word is it's the last installment of the Batman Trilogy. Anne Hathaway as Cat Woman.

The Lorax - Due out in March. Dr. Seuss story comes to the screen animated of course. Taylor Swift in the lead.. Should be visually wonderful.

Mirror, Mirror - March 16. Julia Roberts in a satirical look at Snow White, and word is there will be a Snow White craze this year. Looks fun. These concept movies are fence movies. They could go either way.

Snow White and the Huntsman - June 1.

Titanic 3-D - April 6. Same 1997 movie, only 3-D enhanced. Fans will love it.

Twilight Breaking Dawn 2 - We have to wait all the say will November 21st for this to finally be over, and the whole thing is through. Does anyone really think this is the total end?

The Bourne Legacy - August 3. Without Matt Damon, and Jason Bourne for that matter. Explain why please?

Men In Black - Smith and Jones are back again. New year, old ideas.

The Expendables - Again? Please!

Dark Shadows - Barnabas Collins in the hands of Tim Burton.

The Raven - John Cusack as Edgar Allen Poe. It's fiction, not a bio-pic.

This Mean War - February 17. Reece Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy. This could be really funny.

Haywire - January 20. A star will be born with mixed martial artist Gina Carano. She has all that is needed to really hit big! Great cast too.

Judge Dredd - September 21. Remake of the 1995 disaster. Why???? Why????

The Amazing Spiderman - July 3. The craze continues. Spiderman stories many never really die.

The Gangster Squad - October 20. Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, Nick Nolte, Sean Penn, and the backdrop of 1940's Los Angeles. Mob and cop movie. Huge buzz about this.

World War Z - Brad Pitt's trouble filled movie December 21.

The Great Gatsby - Leo DiCaprio. A role he was born to play. And yes, it's the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic Story. December 25.

The Avengers - May. Filmed in Cleveland, tons of superhero's teaming up!

This is just a taste. Check back each month and I'll preview each month. and check out all my reviews too at http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment/movies

The Five Most Disappointing Movies of 2011

2012-01-10T13:45:00.000-08:00

This is the final year-end list I will compile this year. After the Five Best, Five Worst, and Five Biggest Surprises, thought this one was in order. The Five Most Disappointing Movies of 2011. Movies that are not bad per say, just maybe over hyped, or just flat out not near as good as they were touted or should have been.

Sometimes movies can be bitten by too much hype and expectation. And sometimes the cast is so good, but the script is so bad. After seeing about 150 movies last year, there certainly were some disappointments, so let's go. To be on this list, all movies had to be released in the calender year 2011, and be in local theaters.

The Five Most Disappointing Movies of 2011

1/ Super 8 - All that publicity, and all those TV commercials. Steven Spielberg produced it, and it looked like a real nice period piece back to the 1970's. This story though completely abandoned the whole "Super 8" premise halfway through, and became ET on steroids. Could possibly be the biggest dud ending to a big budget movie in years. In the end, it's not an afternoon wasted, but it certainly could have been better spent.

2/ Larry Crowne - I wanted to like this movie real bad. Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts together in a romantic comedy for grown-ups. Seemed like a good idea. Just because you toss them together doesn't mean it's going to be great. Really average, and really off target at times, with it trying to be all things to all people. Too many characters, and too many awkward scenes. Plus, they asked Roberts to do some physical comedy. Bad move! Ho-hum.

3/ Contagion - I think saw more TV ads for this than any other movie this year. And for what? A remake of a mid 1990's flick called Outbreak. A killer virus spreading all over the place and what will we do? This was laughably bad in spots, and not one scene is the slightest bit riveting, or interesting. Tons of good people in it. But one bad writing job kills the whole thing. Tough year for Gwenyth Paltrow. First, Country Strong and then this. Sheesh!

4/ The Big Year - Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson in a movie about competitive birdwatching. Some critics were on the record saying that this was the funniest movie in years. Truth be told, I don't think they saw it, and I'm not kidding. Not a single real laugh in a full theater on opening day. This was just a bad idea. Really bad idea.

5/ Sanctum - Just because James Cameron (maker of Titanic) makes a movie, doesn't make it good. And this isn't. If you want to see a ton of underwater photography this is your movie. But after about 20 minutes of that, you're tired of it. And the the "Cameron Curse." After you've shown all your toys, and special effects, oh yeah, you've gotta have a story. And this one stinks. Again, Cameron plenty of sizzle, just a shoe leather steak.

There you have it. Make sure you check out all my movie reviews every week right here. Feel free to e-mail me your thoughts too scott@wqmx.com

Top Five Most Surprising Movies 0f 2011

2012-01-09T13:10:00.000-08:00

I see about 150 movies a year, and to be fair there are far more mediocre ones than really good ones. Some think that movie making may be at an all time low as far as sheer quality is concerned, and there may be something to that. So much emphasis on special effects, animation, and computer generated movies. Many times the story, acting, casting and the overall plot to many movies is cast aside.

I love seeing movies that seem to come out of nowhere and really hit home. And that's what this list is all about. Movies that really surprised the public, and the critics and scored well at the movies. To be on this list all movies had to be released to local theaters in the calender year 2011.

The Five Most Surprising Movies of 2011

1/ The Way - What a wonderful little movie about a fathers love for his son. Martin Sheen stars in a movie written and directed by his son, Emilio Estevez. A father takes a remarkable walking, spiritual journey in Europe in honor of his son who died on the same walk a few weeks earlier. Why does he really make the walk? And what does he hope to discover about himself and those around him? Great story, filmed well, and totally compelling.

2/ Real Steel - Hugh Jackman starred in this futuristic robot boxing movie. I know, it sounds really strange, but this is nothing except real fun. I, and most expected a real bomb, but this is fun. You cheer for it and Jackman is great. Special kudos to Evangeline Lilly who is fantastic as the only woman in this movie. She makes it much better than it may have been without her. Great casting. Good for all to see.

3/ Warrior - I am not a Mixed Martial Arts fan at all. But this movie is splendid! Nick Nolte leads a perfectly chosen cast, and stars in this movie that although is a sports movie in theory, is so much more. This may be the best casted movie of the year. Everyone in Warrior is completely believable. This is a movie about family and honor, and should have found a bigger following than it did. Warrior is emotional and though all at the same time. Well done!

4/ Everything Must Go - I am not a Will Farrel fan either, but this little gem of a movie is really good. It's Farrel as you've never seen him. A man who has lost everything in life and love. He sets out to start all over again. It's a dark comedy to a degree, and is so surprising that Farrel can actually do good work if called on to do so. Here, he's an actor and not Will Farrel. A good rental.

5/ The Source Code - A very compelling story that looked tired and overdone in it's trailers. But this story with its good cast of Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan and Vera Farmiga turns out to be totally original and well paced. Monaghan needs to make more movies. She is one of Hollywood's best kept secrets. I love everything about her on screen.

Honorable mentions

Cedar Rapids - Incredibly funny, very adult and quirky movie lampooning the insurance industry.

Captain America - Best superhero movie in a long time.

Puss In Boots - Antonio Bandaras is hilarious as the over the top swashbuckling cat. Might be the new standard for animated movies.

There you have is the Five Most Surprising Movies of 2011. Look for the Five Best and Five Worst list here, and also be looking for the Five Most Disappointing Movies coming later this week right here at http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment/movies

Feel free to e-mail me your thoughts too at scott@wqmx.com

The Five Worst Movies Of 2011

2012-01-08T07:48:00.000-08:00

Every year there are clunkers at the movies. But this year, there were a huge amount of really bad movies. And some had some very popular stars. This year the really bad movies were not the typical horrible slasher flicks, but actually movies that were made to be real movies, with people you know.

It was not real hard to put together the Best Movie list this week. That basket was not near full, and had few to choose from. But the Worst Movie list was way harder. That basket was overflowing this year.

I see about 150 movies a year, and I see them in the same theaters you do. So to be on this list, movies have to be in general release and shown in local theaters. This is always a fun list to talk about.

The Five Worst Movies of 2011

1/ I Don't Know How She Does It - Sarah Jessica Parker and a real nice sounding cast in this
absolute travesty of an idea. They attempted to show you a typical working mom and
how she balances it all. Problem is, she is a privileged, wealthy East Coast woman
that is not even remotely relatable to 99 percent of women anywhere. Parker is beyond
horrible in this movie as is the story, writing, and the whole idea. I am not sure this
could have been any worse if they tried. Nauseating.

2/ New Years Eve - Too bad that Sarah Jessica Parker also stars in this hunk of junk. But so
do a ton of other "big names" in this insultingly horrible idea. This movie also has 3
Oscar winners in it that had no business even going to this movie, let alone starring in
it (Halle Berry, Hilary Swank, and Robert De Niro). This was so bad, it was almost
walk out worthy. Please stop making these "star" loaded movies. No one cares about them, and more and more no one is going to them. And stop embarrassing yourselves. What was Hilary Swank thiking? 2 time Oscar winner, holy cow!

3/ One Day - The lovely Anne Hathaway somehow was talked into this piece of absolute trash.
This is a "love story" that takes place over a 20 year span, and the whole time you know
this is going no where, and worse, you don't care. Plus, she gets hit by a truck at the end. So there you go, you don't have to rent it. You will be pretty ticked off that this is your payoff for trudging through this mess. This was supposed to be emotional and it was. It made most everyone mad at themselves for paying to go see it.

4/ Your Highness - For heavens sake. How really terrible is this? I mean really. Not really worthy of much here. If you want to see bad, crude, vile, and 7th grade locker room humor for 2 hours as acted out by adult men and women. This is your movie. Oh, what some people will do for a paycheck.

5/ Country Strong - We have to go all the way back to January for this one. Gwenyth Paltrow as a washed up country singer who's on drugs trying to make a comeback. She is miserably miscast. The writing is abysmal, the ending is horrible, and the idea is so overdone, and unoriginal it loses all the way around. Music is good as Nashville held up its end. But the rest of this is a disaster. Plus, after paying Paltrow, there must have not been any money left, because this whole project looks amateurish, and underfunded. With the huge concert scene looking like it was filmed in someones garage.

There they are, the Five Worst Movies of 2011! I know there are tons more this year that were worthy of this list. Share your thoughts with me scott@wqmx.com .

Also, check out my Five Best List, and be looking for the Five Biggest Surprise Movies of 2011, and the Five Biggest Disappointing Movies of 2011 coming this week. All will be found at http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment/movies

The Five Best Movies of 2011

2012-01-08T06:38:00.000-08:00

2011 at the movies was overall not a really great year as far as the quality of the movies. There were a ton of really big box office success stories, and people did flock to the flicks. There was seemingly more than ever, animated, and computer generated movies that drew tons of young viewers. And some real nice independent small movies that really found some traction and created a a buzz, and an audience.

I think the thing that was really lacking from 2011, was the gigantic Christmas season as far as the 2 or 3 movies that were above the rest. But this year there were flicks throughout the year that have made this list.

To be on this list, movies had to be in general release during the calender year of 2011, and in local theaters.

So let's check out my top five movies of 2011.

1/ Moneyball - Brad Pitt was so good in this flick he should be a favorite for the Oscar. Great
story, told well, and fantastic performances from Jonah Hill and the rest. This
is far more than a baseball movie, it is a real story of real people. This also has
I feel the most moving scene of the year when our lead characters 12 year old
daughter sings to her dad in the music store with a guitar she is about to get
for her birthday. Everything about this movie is interesting. Well done!

2/ Midnight In Paris - What a fantastic movie from Woody Allen. This story is so original, and
you can't help but love it. Owen Wilson is the new on screen Woody
Allen too. This is skillfully done, way fun, and makes you feel about as good as
you can at the movies. It may be on of the biggest surprises at the movies in
many years.

3/ The Help - In August this movie took the box office by storm, and found a huge audience.
All performances were exceptional. Emma Stone broke through and
shed the young actress label in young movies and really owned this grown up
role in a real movie. Original story, told brilliantly. This is the reason we like
to go to the movies.

4/ The Descendants - When George Clooney simply is a movie star, and not directing or
writing the movie, they are better. This is a very quirky and great story, and he
is great. Oscar nomination worthy, and a story no one else has really told before.

5/ Young Adult - I applaud bold movie making. And this is. This movie dares to take on a very
concerning topic of a young generation that is perceived by many as immature
and unmotivated, at a time society needs them to grow up. Charlize Theron
is brilliant, and will certainly be Oscar nominated. It's her flick.
She makes a bold script, absolutely fantastic and compelling.

There you have it, the five best movies of 2011. Understanding completely that there are many other great flicks out there. You can check out my list of Five Worst Movies of 2011, also the Five Biggest Surprise Movies of 2011, and the Five Biggest Disappointing Movies of 2011. All Can be found at http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment/movies

Feel free to e-mail me your thoughts at scott@wqmx.com

MOVIE REVIEW - The Devil Inside

2012-01-07T12:48:00.000-08:00

New this week, and ripping everybody off is the new docu-drama, demonic possession flick, The Devil Inside. I'm going to be up front. I am going to rip this movie to shreds.

This filmed in the same way Paranormal Activity is. You know, point of view, third person holding the camera. Lot's of really gullible people thinking this is real. Who these people are that think this are amazing to me. And after you sit through the vomitus 75 minutes of garbage, it ends up being a movie commercial for a website. Just like Apollo 18 did. Again, this is a commercial for a website. There is resolution here. I don't care about a spoiler alert here.

There have been tons of demonic possession movies made throughout the years. Many of them quite good. With compelling stories, characters, good actors and a plot. Not this one. TDI is simply an excuse for young film makers to make movies for young adults, that destroy the envelope of any kind of decency, or taste. I'm sure their mothers are so proud.

In this heap of junk, you have to watch things that are so utterly distasteful it amazes me that someone really thinks this stuff up. Nothing wrong with jolting, scary or envelope pushing, but shredding the envelope because you can doesn't make your point. It shows your complete immaturity as a person, and a film maker. But, sadly...cha-ching.

I know, we've become desensitized to this stuff, and we can see worse on TV at home. To me that's a cop out. Let me ask you. Do you want to pay 10 bucks to go in and see an actor playing a young priest in Rome, try to forcefully drown a newborn baby during a baptism in church? I didn't think so. But you will if you go. I'm not going to listen to the desensitizing argument here. That is just bad taste squared, and horrific judgment to the third power.

Theater goers should be completely offended that this and many other totally disgusting decisions are made here. And besides the terrible decisions, there is not one ounce of originality. And it's all for naught. Because there is no point, no story, and the ending had the entire theater I was in angry. A commercial for a website is the payoff. And I hate to break it to you....it's not real or true.

The Devil Inside. Already on my list of the worst movies of 2012. Or any other year. Save your money.

MOVIE REVIEW - Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

2012-01-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

Gary Oldman and a real nice cast hit the screen this week in the very complicated, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Let me be the first to tell you, this is a movie with limited appeal and is not an action movie by today's standards. And that's a good thing.

TTSS, is based on a 1974 novel that dives deeply into British Intelligence during the Cold War. The very basic premise is, there is a suspected Soviet "mole" in the highest realm of Western Intelligence. This spy of course is a double agent that supposedly is stealing intel, and sending it to the Eastern Block. And the search is on to find him by the West. And that paragraph therein, lies the first hurdle as a movie goer.

You must have some, if not a lot of knowledge of everything I just mentioned, which rules out a ton of people. Many have grown up in a world where this was never a part of their lives. TTSS is totally geared to an older audience. Those that lived through much of the Cold War. But for those with that info at hand, this is a very compelling, complicated thinking man's movie, and I'm good with that. This entire movie is a throwback to the early 1970's in it's theme, setting and the style of movie making that was popular at the time. This is a real time machine.

Should be pointed out, there are not action scenes in this movie. Even though it's a spy flick, this is not James Bond. But what this is, is a very deep story that is told in flashback form for much of the time. Also, be advised this movie's dialogue is laced with real technical terms. It is authentic, and some may struggle to really understand who, and what they are talking about much of the time. As I exited the packed theater, I could hear the patrons buzz about what really happened, and if they really understood this movie or not. It is complicated.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy. Limited appeal, but a very interesting movie if you are a "real movie goer."

MOVIE REVIEW - War Horse

2011-12-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

There's been a lot made of the new Steven Spielberg flick, War Horse. The novel, and the stage play have been around for a while and now it's the movie's turn.

War Horse is the story of an extraordinary thoroughbred horse in the early 20th century. Joey is his name, and he leads a adventure filled life. He is born in England and is sold to a drunken farmer who for some reason bought the running horse instead of a plow horse that he needed. His young son then bonds with the horse and makes him more than just a running horse. Joey is then purchased by the Army at the beginning of WWI. Joey is an English officer's horse till the officer is killed.

Joey then is confiscated by the German army, then escapes. Then he is the property of various sides and continually escapes. Many times Joey is facing the end of his storied life, all the while wanting to be reunited with his owner from many years ago back on the farm. Can Joey make it through all the horrific situations that were WWI? That is War Horse.

First of all this is a wonderfully filmed movie, with many breathtaking scenes. Plus, there are many heart moving, emotionally powerful scenes with truly unbelievable performances by the horses themselves. You find yourself locked in to Joey's life for the most part, and are rooting for him the whole while. From a movie making perspective, much of this is championship movie caliber. The story is one you have not seen before told with this backdrop. Spielberg is capable of making "pretty" movies and this is one.

There are some difficulties though with War Horse. There were a few portions in the first hour where they were losing me. A stumble out of the gate if you will. Too much time in a repeated set up that we completely understood the first time. War Horse though does gain momentum.

War Horse too at times becomes a real commentary of the deplorable conditions of WWI. Now that's not a bad thing, but there are a few moments where focus is lost, but are quickly regained. For those viewers having no idea about WWI this will be a real learning tool, and I think that is great. But be advised, there are some hard to watch scenes here, and many of them do involve much cruelty that was inflicted on these animals, and people in WWI. (None actually in the movie making of course.)

I think it is very important point out this is not a typical "horse" movie. Put all those older movies out of your mind when considering going in here. This is entitled "War Horse." This is the story of horse fighting to live through the most cruel, and detestable war in history. This is really tough stuff at times. Do not think this is a young child's, or young family movie. There are numerous moments that animal lovers, and children will have a hard time digesting if they can even bear to watch the screen.

But the strength of War Horse as a story are the caring people on both sides of the war that came across Joey and realize that there was something chosen about him. That no matter what the conflict between nations were, there was still the love of animals, and the respect that a horse soldier could stir up in these men. And that makes for good story telling.

War Horse. Yes, it's a story of finding your way home and that's nothing new. But it is so much more. A beautifully filmed Spielberg film. Not one of the years 5 best, but certainly an upper tier movie.

MOVIE REVIEW - We Bought A Zoo

2011-12-23T11:27:00.001-08:00

The new Cameron Crowe written and directed movie We Bought A Zoo is new this week. Based somewhat on a true story, starring Matt Damon, and Scarlett Johansson.

This is the story of a young widower Benjamin (Damon), and his struggling young family. After his wife's death, he strikes out and takes his family in a new direction. He buys an 18 acre piece of property that is actually a local working zoo. He has no zoo experience of course, but there are people that do there. Can he take his family on this new adventure, and keep the zoo afloat? That's We Bought A Zoo.

This for many will be a feel good holiday movie for most of the family to enjoy. But to get down to brass tacks, this is not a very good movie, and that's a shame. A dirty, rotten shame. It's not the story though. I think there is enough here for a nice little movie. But that's part of the trouble. This is an attempt to make this a big movie, and it doesn't work. Checking in at 2 hours, this would have been far sweeter at 90 minutes. And have a different feel to it.

The writing is horrible. For some reason they try to weave in a love story between Benjamin and Kelly (Johansson) who is the head zookeeper. But it never seems to go anywhere at all. It just strings you along with no payoff. Also they blend in a "love story" that involves two 14 year-olds that is really stupid and off point. This subplot, and eventual outcome is embarrassingly bad. And of course, they have to make the cardinal sin of many movies like this. They make Benjamin's 7 year old daughter, Rosie "a wise old soul." And 7 year old Rosie has the insight on life, and the vocabulary of a 30 year old. And as cute as she is, it's just incredibly dumb, and insulting. The best kids on TV and movies talk like kids. And they wrote her badly.

It's also a story you don't know and that's generally a good thing. But here you know the whole time, from start to finish how this will end. It just takes way too long to get there. I would have loved to see this movie reworked, shortened down, and rewritten a bit to allow it to go in a different direction. And for heaven sake cut out some of the fat, and make these characters real.

With an eye on the entire project though, this will find a following and will do well over the holidays as some families will enjoy this. There is nothing in this movie that is objectionable, and pretty much anyone can see it. The timing is right for its release as people have the time to go. And you're gonna need it. 2 hours and 5 minutes of dragging you along.

We Bought A Zoo. It's no one on camera fault. It's terrible writing. This is a huge opportunity missed here. Could have been so much more, by being so much less.

MOVIE REVIEW -Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

2011-12-22T13:37:00.000-08:00

There's been a ton of hype and anticipation about the new thriller, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. And here it is, in all of its two hour and forty minute glory.

Based on the immensely popular books, Daniel Craig stars in a deep, and dark story of family secrets and murder. Before we dive in, should be noted this movie is highly adult in about every way. There are a few images that could be exceedingly disturbing to many. It deals with virtually every harsh thing that could possibly be undertaken in one feature length movie. So the audience should be monitored. It is highly graphic at times.

It's too complicated to really explain in detail, and you may have read the books. It's basically the story of a small magazine publisher (Craig). He has lost most of his life savings due to a libel lawsuit he lost. He is then hired by a stinking rich businessman in Sweden to investigate a 40 year old murder in his own family. A 16 year old niece disappeared in 1966, and some members of the family are convinced it was a family member the did the deed. This starts to get pretty ugly.

As he investigates he hires a totally disturbed young woman with the Dragon Tattoo as an assistant. She is insane , and borderline genius. She is also an accomplished computer hacker that can seemingly hack any computer anywhere and get the info she needs to assist our investigator. She is also completely ruthless, and will go to about any length to get what she wants in every avenue of her life. She is a most compelling character. Can they solve the riddle?

There is far more to this story than simply that. But in a nutshell, that's where we are. This is a very interesting story, that I am positive would read better than the movie. This is a pretty good flick, and the story carries the day. This is pure movie making and that's refreshing in today's move making climate. This is just a great story, told well, without a lot of bells and whistles. Besides is graphic nature, it is kind of throwback movie making. A real intense, thrilling, mystery drama.

If you read the book, I'm sure you are thrilled for the movie. But beware that many times reading something, and seeing something are two completely different things. This movie is certainly not for everyone. It will be way too graphic, and dark for many. But for those entranced by the story or book, it's right on target.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Not exactly a movie full of holiday cheer, but good nonetheless. This may suffer some from a bit too much hype, but over all this is pretty good.

MOVIE REVIEW - MIssion Impossible 4

2011-12-22T06:06:00.000-08:00

Tom Cruise is back, overacting but still trying to find new ways to keep the Mission Impossible series alive with Ghost Protocol.

This is his fourth installment of this 1960's TV show come to the movies, and to be fair it is what it is. No one is going to change cinematic history with this, or win 11 Oscars. But it is pretty fun. And that's what these are. This is holiday fun - period. And I'm good with that.

The IMF team is still doing amazing things with out of this world gadgets, and making it all look pretty easy. This time they are trying to stave off nuclear war with Russia, after someone bombs the Kremlin, and lays the blame on the IMF team. Will they succeed?

For the most part this is well paced, and well thought out. Although there are a few holes in it. But again, this is holiday fun so let's not get carried away here. Great music soundtrack again and some really wonderful action scenes. The scene where Ethan is scaling the worlds tallest building from the outside is really sweaty palm stuff, and is exceptionally compelling. There is a bunch of slow burn tension moments too that set this above most action flicks. And that's great.

But there is entirely too much people chasing people. One sand storm scene goes on for what seems like years, and there are a few very unimaginative chase scenes that actually slow this whole thing down. Cruise still has a tendency to overact at times and becomes a slight parody of himself, by overall he is still good in this series.

This is available to you in regular D, 3-D, and there is IMAX for this. I know the IMAX is pricey, but I would think that may be very compelling for this flick, especially in the tall building scene. May have to go back and check that out.

Mission Impossible 4. Good holiday fun for virtually anyone.

MOVIE REVIEW -Sherlock Holmes 2

2011-12-17T17:08:00.000-08:00

Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are back again for the next installment of the Sherlock Holmes series. Sometimes movie are made strictly for fun. And that is this movie.

Just like the first Holmes flick this is not you fathers Sherlock Holmes. Baring little resemblance to the iconic literary character developed by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the late 1800's. But in fairness, that Holmes wouldn't fly today with the movie going public at all. So Holmes and Watson have been morphed into 19th century action figures, and it seems to be working.

This story has Holmes and Watson in the middle of a late 19th century terrorist plot to start up a world war by diabolical men. Holmes as usual is one step ahead and is trying to hold off world war as along as he can. And he drags along Watson (who was on his honeymoon at the time). Will he succeed? I'm guessing.

Downey has done a great job in the first two movies now of creating a new Sherlock Holmes character. He is perfectly cast. And when all is said and done, these performances may be the ones he is most remembered for. He seems comfortable in this role, and brings a nice believability to this. Jude Law is strong at Dr. Watson, and seems on the same page with Downey most of the time.

These movies are not award winning cinema by any means, but they are a few things that are really good. They are fun, and released at the perfect time of the year. This will provide a ton of holiday movie going fun for fans well into January. They are loaded with action, and humor, and overall, pace long quickly and give you a well rounded day at the movies.

Sherlock Holmes 2. Nothing,except holiday fun. That's all we ask, and that all this is.

MOVIE REVIEW - Young Adult

2011-12-16T11:33:00.000-08:00

I love movies that say something. It's a trait that is attempted by many, but successful by few. The new Young Adult starring Charlize Theron has a loud, amplified social message that will resonate through, and land with a whole lot of people.

Young Adult is the story of Mavis (Theron). Mavis is a 37 year old divorced woman who lives in Minneapolis. She is from a very small town called Mercury, Minnesota. She is a ghost writer of a teen book series for young adults. She is probably the most immature, irresponsible, less than grown up person you can imagine. She is living in some kind of high school time warp and her mental growth stopped about 1993. It also appears that she may be living through the fictional stories she writes. She decides to go back to her hometown and try to rekindle her high school romance with her ex boyfriend from 20 years ago. Problem is, he is happily married and has a newborn baby.

Mavis goes to great drunken lengths to reconnect with him, and has no real sense of any kind of reality or decency. Mavis has retreated from the world because she can. There is nothing adult about her. She is seen as a pathetic has been by all of her ex-school mates who cross paths with her. You begin to wonder if she is mentally ill, or what her exact mental malady is. But in the end you must decide if she is ill, or just so incredibly immature that she may never really become a functioning adult. And moreover, why is she this way? It is a question worth asking, as she is not all that rare in today's world.

Theron is simply fantastic. She is the very rare combination of beauty, and trash all at the same time. Her Oscar winning performance in Monster a few years ago was proof positive of that. And she relives that magic here. Theron is very funny, and despicable all at the same time. She is so convincing as this completely detached young woman, who is so self involved that the world around her has grown up and left her behind. She is staggeringly good, and is representative of the perception of many young adults today. I think most fans will point to the screen and picture someone they know of. This is Oscar-worthy. Hard to overestimate how good she is here. Although she is aided by a compelling story, and equally good writing.

This movie is very skillfully done it's almost scary. Mavis is so bold and out of touch, you almost feel uncomfortable in your seat for her and everyone else in many scenes. This is loud, and I mean loud social commentary of some young adults today it's almost deafening. It's a story for our times, and blazes a new trail of more that I am sure to come. It's tidy, a quick 90 minutes with an Indy-feel music soundtrack, and a story you don't know with message sent.

Young Adult. Theron is great, great! And so is this movie. It's bold a risk taking and one of the years best.

MOVIE REVIEW - New Years Eve

2011-12-10T12:17:00.000-08:00

Did you see last years Valentines Day at the movies? If so, you may or may not want to see the new New Years Eve opening this week. You see, it is the exact same movie. Different holiday, some of the same cast, and basically the exact same formula and story line.

I'm just going to say this up front. New Years Eve is putrid. Just awful, hard to find a worse movie. - Seriously. This is another attempt at jamming together a ton of good looking mid level stars in a movie and hoping for a good result. The trouble is not with our so-so stars, it's the writing. It's pathetic. And it gets no better from there.

This movie has a bad case of Hollywood ADD. It's basically a bunch of disconnected stories of "love" on New Years Eve, that slowly become connected. Just like Valentines Day. It jumps crazily from boring plot line to stupid plot line in a very amateurish fashion. There are a couple of applaudable moments and twists, but they are rare. But after those, and a few obligatory "awww" moments come and go, there is the rest of this junk heap. And there are far more questions to be asked about this movie.

First, what is the lovely, 2-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank doing anywhere hear this hunk of trash. She's usually so good, she shouldn't even go to this movie, let alone star in it! Same goes for Oscar winner beauty Halle Berry, and Oscar winner and icon Robert DeNiro. For a few bucks, they just watered down all these great awards. Someone should have reminded these three who they were, or maybe read the script before signing on the dotted line and flushing their credibility forcefully down the can.

Look, I get people like Jessica Biel, Josh Duhamel, Ashton Kutcher, Bon Jovi, Sarah Jessica Parker and Katherine Heigl making flicks like this. They can't bring people to the movies on their own, so they team up and make drivel like this. Understandable. Our expectations of them are relatively low, or non existent, so if this movie must be made they are the people for it.

I could only shake my head at Swank. Amazingly talented actress in the prime of her career stooping to such a low point in role choices. She is the main star of this movie, as her character is in charge of the Big Ball dropping in New York City. Boy there's a role of a lifetime! Her character is so ridiculously written it's hard to watch. Berry, has a role that is about minutes long, and DeNiro lays in a hospital bed most of the time dying on New Years Eve, but he wants only to see the ball drop.

Do you believe that Kathering Heigl as the greatest new chef in New York City? Me either. Do you want to hear Bon Jovi sing two songs that literally sound like Barry Manilow? Me either. How about Sarah Jessica Parker as a frustrated mom of a teen? No? Or 15 year old Abigail Breslin as her spoiled daughter? Still no?

Then maybe you just can't wait to see Michelle Pfeiffer as a shy, pathetic woman, who ends of doing things on screen I'm sure she never, ever dreamed of. It's all so embarrassing. Or maybe watching two other pregnant women characters and their husbands in a "squeeze out" contest to win at all costs to see who has the first baby of 2012. Because they will win $25,000. Good gravy man make this stop!! I never prayed so hard for a movie projector failure in my life.

New Years Eve. Quite possibly the worst movie of the year. Nothing about this is worth one dime, or one minute of time.

MOVIE REVIEW - The Sitter

2011-12-10T11:45:00.000-08:00

Funnyman Jonah Hill stars in the new comedy The Sitter. Upon viewing this movie, you may want to leave Nana at home for this one.

The Sitter is another in a long line sophomoric comedies targeted squarely at young adult males who can't seem to get enough of this kind of humor. The Sitter is a bit more than just a bunch of sight gags, and edgy bits. Many of the people that pay money to go and laugh at this movie won't even really get that this is total parody of young adults. The perception that many early 20 somethings are lazy, unmotivated, and entitled is exploited to the highest. Also lampooned is the perception of some that today's parents are basically not in charge anymore, and not very skilled at parenting.

The parody rolls on, as the drug and street culture are also painted in the lampooning spotlight. And young kids too, they are portrayed as highly screwed up, troubled, and materialistic. They all intertwine and they try to give us laughs in The Sitter.

Hill plays Noah. He is a 23 year old guy who lives with his mom. He ends up babysitting 3 neighbor kids. As a result he breaks every rule a sitter should have. He takes them (9, 11,13) into New York City in the night, and puts them in the middle of a drug deal gone bad. Noah and the kids steal a dealers cocaine and then spend the rest of the night trying to raise cash to pay the dealer back. And they are also trying not to get caught by said dealer because he is going to kill Noah. This is pretty much a mess.

They do try to grow a heart late in this movie, as Noah seemingly has the epiphany that he should grow up and be an adult. The kids as a result of this drug chase of a night, are suddenly awakened by our wonderful role model Noah, and each shed their baggage as well. Not sure it's reality, huh?

Hey, there are a few laughs here and Hill can be very funny. But I think we are laughing because Hill is in this movie. This script is really edgy, not overly funny, and not terribly creative. This is envelope pushing with these young kid characters. As they continue to push the line further out. Language is not as horrible as it could have been, and I've certainly seen more vile and offensive movies. But after Hill was in Moneyball, I was hoping he would turn the corner. This looks like a movie that was filmed a while ago, the old Hill.

The Sitter. It will be a hit with it's fans, but not really very good.

MOVIE REVIEW - Hugo

2011-12-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

Hugo is in theaters now. And for as good as a movie as it is, it has played to very little fanfare.

Hugo is a very strange movie set in 1930's Paris of a young boy named Hugo. He suddenly becomes orphaned, and lives in a train station, dodging the Inspector who is bent on throwing him in the orphanage. Hugo also is a young thief who by accident comes across an old man who owns a toy stand in the station by stealing from him. Who is this man? And who exactly is Hugo?

Hugo then friends up a young girl, Isabelle, who is connected to the old man. Hugo is convinced that his dead father is trying to communicate with him from the dead through a machine that his clockmaker father found in an old museum, and leaves for Hugo. Does this all sound too incredibly weird? Too much so to really explain? Well, it is.

But, go see Hugo. This is a Martin Scorsese directed movie that is an absolute feast for all of your senses. This is shot in 3-D. I know you've seen 3-D before, but this is different. This 3-D is so full of texture, there will be times you will not believe your eyes. This is wonderfully filmed, and skillfully crafted. It is also a movie that virtually anyone can see. But, the every young will not really find this very interesting. Don't put this 3-D movie in the same breath as all the others, it is different and better.

Hugo in fairness, does stumble out of the gates. The first 20 minutes or so to me had a bit to be desired. But as this story moves along, it gains momentum. And really becomes a very compelling story based part on fact and part on fiction. It's also a story that no one has really seen before, and that always helps. Great casting with Ben Kingsley, Sasha Baron Cohen, Asa Butterfield, and Chole Grace Moretz. Moretz is simply outstanding as Isabelle.

There's not much about this movie that isn't good. It does start out a bit slow, and it may be a bit too long, but none of that is a deal breaker. Hugo really is something to see, and you'll learn a bit of something too along the way.

Hugo. Well written, acted, and filmed in 3-D like no other movie to date. I'm not going all the way and saying it's the best movie of the year like some others. But it's pretty darn good!

MOVIE REVIEW - The Muppets

2011-12-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

I've put this one off for a while, but after hearing a bunch of really good things about The Muppets, I took it in.

I am not going into the plot line here, because that won't allure you to this movie. It's the Muppets. And it's fun. And the family can and should go. It isn't often in Hollywood these days that less is more - way more. But here it is.

The Muppets stars, well the Muppets. And funnyman Jason Segal, and lovely Amy Adams. The Muppets are just as we left them many years ago. By today's movie standards they could be a relic, a dinosaur. For of course they are puppets, operated by puppeteers that live and breathe air, and not by a computer. Voiced too, by same. And it is so refreshing to see this kind of movie making again.

This is skillfully done. Still snappy and witty all these years later. I know, there are some that will remember them as the felty friends that got on your nerves on TV, and yes, at times they still can. But this movie is fun, delightful, and a very different kind of movie experience that you and your kids can really enjoy together. This is the perfect intersection of your generation, and your children's. You will remember the Muppets from your childhood, and your kids will be thrilled to learn of them in theirs.

A long list too of cameo's will make you laugh as the grown up and they Muppets will make your kids giggle for about 80 fun minutes. And I am a story guy, and this is a great story too, told well. With some singing production numbers and plenty of parody to go around. I wish they would make more movies like this for young families.

The Muppets. Put the computer generated characters, and animation away. Simpler can be better, way better. Rated G all the way. Really, really fun.

MOVIE REVIEW - My Week With Marilyn

2011-11-29T13:59:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while a good movie comes out that has as its calling card, a really great performance. That is the basic deal with the new My Week With Marilyn.

This is based on a true story in 1956 told from the memoirs of then 23 year old Colin Clark. Colin was a young English movie executive who was lucky enough to get his first paid gig working on a Marilyn Monroe movie, The Prince And The Showgirl. He somehow becomes a sort of assistant to Monroe at the height of her fame during this filming in England. He becomes her confidant, and friend, and he guides her through the tough time she had on this films set.

Supposedly, he documents the entire visit, and even goes so far as to say that Monroe wanted to sleep with him, skinny dip with him, and wanted him. Even though she was married at the time to famous playwright, Arthur Miller. Right up front, this story may have a hole or two, and it may raise an eyebrow or two, as it is the recollection of a star struck 23 year old normal man. It's not a deal breaker.

And the reason is simple. Michelle Williams. She is Monroe, and is absolutely fantastic. How incredibly difficult is this role? Playing Marilyn the movie star, the drug addict, the scared little girl, and the lonely love starved woman. Many times weaving between each in several scenes at the same time. Lots of actors play iconic figures on screen. But playing Monroe has an element that every single other one does not. You have to be the most beautiful woman on earth in your era. Williams is beautiful, and completely at ease with this role she was seemingly born to play. she has Monroe down pat, without being over the top. She looks amazingly like her, throughout this entire movie.

This movie positions Monroe as a deeply troubled, but gifted actor and person. And that seems consistent with all historical accounts. She is 30 years old in this movie, and it's the Marilyn we all like to remember. Iconic, captivating, amazingly alluring and the worlds biggest star at the time. Williams pulls it off perfectly in a movie that is good, but less than perfect. but, this is the runaway best performance of any actress so far this year. Although, Meryl Streep is still yet to be heard from in her portrayal of Margret Thatcher in The Iron Lady later in December.

Qualifying statement here, I am a big Marilyn Monroe fan. And I am not a real huge Michelle Williams fan. That is one of the main reasons I am so blown away with her performance here. As many good roles as she has had, this may be the one she is most remembered when all is said and done. I say, the Oscar may be hers to lose. Should be noted too, the courage it takes to play a character like this. Well done.

My Week With Marilyn. Perfect...no. But Michelle Williams is. Simply perfect.

MOVIE REVIEW - The Descendants

2011-11-23T13:06:00.000-08:00

Here come those three little words that generally are followed by a great review. "In limited release," the new George Clooney flick, The Descendants is in theaters just in time for the holiday weekend. And it is worth the wait.

The Descendants is a wonderful story of a successful father in Hawaii (Clooney). He has been in trusted with the 150 year old family inheritance and much of the sacred land in the trust is for sale. As a result, all of the relatives want their cash now. His young wife has just had a terrible boating accident and in an a irreversible coma and will be coming off life support hopefully soon. He has a 10 year old troubled daughter and a 17 year old rebellious daughter. And somehow he has to raise them, repair their relationships, deal with his wife's situation, and the family too. Oh yeah, his wife was having an affair at the time of her accident. And he didn't know.

I am a story guy. And this is a new story we don't know. I know it sounds very deep and highly emotional. and at times this is. But this is also splendidly told in a fashion that lends itself to some humor, drama and irony. This, in feel, not in story is highly reminiscent of Up In The Air from 2 years ago. This has an original story to tell, tells it, and thoroughly entertains the whole time.

This is what Clooney does best and not by a little. Star in movies. No producing, writing, directing, editorializing, or making political statements. This is simply George Clooney the movie star. And that's really what we want. This movie, although exuding a sophisticated feel, is not elitist or above ones head. As this is a departure from recent Clooney flicks, this one is better. Clooney is far more Dr. Ross from ER here and less "I'm the smartest guy in the room Clooney" of late. And it really works.

This movie has a story to tell, not a statement to make. And for me, that is Clooney at his best. Being a true movie star in a time we so badly need one. Nice supporting cast, and a wonderfully adapted Hawaiian soundtrack that sounds weird to tell you about, but really blends in expertly and gives this movie real texture.

The Descendants. This is flat out good. Fun, original, powerful and complete. Clooney has not been this good in a few years, and this is one of the years best. Well, well done!

MOVIE REVIEW - Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1

2011-11-18T11:15:00.000-08:00

Here we go again. The Twilight series continues and this time it's Breaking Dawn Part 1. Without question, to be a major hit at the movies this weekend.

These are the hardest movies to really review. The fans of this series love this movie 6 months before it ever hits the theaters. The fans are rabid, and there is virtually nothing the movie makers can do to mess this up. So how do you take an honest look at a movie that not many are willing to look at honestly? The quandary here is simple. To many this movie will be "the most amazing movie ever!" And to others this movie will look absolutely ridiculous.

In Breaking Dawn, the wolves and the vampires are still for some reason fighting over the incredibly boring Bella. Team Edward will be glad to know that Bella marries Edward, and they go to Rio on their honeymoon. (Well of course they did). She then becomes pregnant by Edward after a series of "awww" honeymoon scenes. The pregnancy with a human and a vampire does not go well, and so they return to the Cullen mansion in Seattle, where Bella does the next logical thing. The newly married pregnant woman calls Jacob. The wolf she rejected to marry Edward. They all get together to help Bella through her pregnancy troubles. And all involved are fine with this. Will Bella survive this ordeal?

Looking at this movie from the outside, it is true that this series has grown with the core of its fan base. But for the new and very young girls coming on board, this installment of the series is fairly intense. This movie deals with unplanned pregnancy, and the decision to terminate, or not terminate such. The overall feel to this is far more real rather than the super fantasy of the first few. But at the same time, the whole vampires fighting wolves thing is starting to look silly, and is frankly getting tired. Parents may want to monitor very young fans.

This series seems to be mired down in a creative bog. And at the same time, paint a picture that love obsession for young people is cool and really has no consequences. In this series, no one has any other interests whatsoever. They don't have jobs, or responsibilities, and all they have to do is obsess over each other. I know it's a fantasy, but I'm not 13 and forming my views on the world, love and relationships.

The performances are what they are. They do keep these characters remarkably consistent from flick to flick. Kristin Stewart (Bella) is still boring us to tears, and praying this series ends no time soon. This has always been the troubling thing about this entire story. Bella is so completely boring, one dimensional, and uninteresting, it's amazing anyone would be interested in her. I know, she's the every girl, but she is far more Jane Plain than Jane Plain would ever be. Jane Plain looks like a party animal next to Bella Swan.

And Robert Pattinson (Edward) is praying this does end soon, because he is a real interesting actor, who has been very good in other projects way beyond this. When this ends, he may be poised to take off as one of Hollywood's premiere leading men.

Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1. No matter what anyone says or feels about this movie, it is destined to maybe bring in 100 million or so in its opening. But keeping everything in proper perspective, at 10 bucks a ticket that means around 10 million people will go to see it this weekend. Which means about 320 million people in this country will not.

Just sayin'.

MOVIE REVIEW - Jack And Jill

2011-11-14T13:20:00.000-08:00

Jack And Jill is going to be a big hit. The theaters will fill, and a bunch of people are going to laugh and laugh. But for the life of me, I will not understand why.

Jack And Jill is the new Adam Sandler movie in which he plays identical twins, where we have to watch him parade around in drag for most of the movie. And performing without question the worst character voice I have ever heard. It's the story of Jack who is a TV commercial producer in Hollywood. His twin sister Jill comes to visit, and of course she is a real character that generally makes everyone uncomfortable she comes in contact with. She is supposed to be funny, but she's not.

Sandler is so irritating in this movie it almost baffles the mind. I get it, Jill is supposed to be lots of things, including irritating, but this is simply over the top. There is so much terrible dialogue, physical comedy, bad acting, horrible editing, and juvenile humor to go around. This movie will resonate with some younger movie goers, but not all. And this will miss with most, because it is not funny.

Granted, there are a few laughs in this movie, and that's OK. But I emphasize - a few. For the most part this is simply horrible. The laughing I heard today sounded forced. Like this is where you were supposed to laugh. But it wasn't me. I was checking my cell phone screen seeing if it was time to go home.

There are tons, and I mean tons of cameo's in this movie too. A virtual who's who of Hollywood lined up for their few seconds on screen. Some of this works, but most is ho-hum. Most namely, Al Pacino. Pacino plays himself...actually a parody of himself, and at times is funny. But there are a few things he does in this movie, where I could hardly believe my eyes. Sinking to such a low point. Stunning. Someone should have reminded him he was Al Pacino. In fairness in the last five minutes of this movie he is pretty funny. But before that? Oh, boy!

Being more than honest here, this is simply a money printing press movie. Of course with it being Sandler there is a built in audience that will go no matter what he does, and doesn't he know it. Also, this is product placement central. There is so much product placement mentions, and logo's in this movie, it's shameless. Not only is this poorly written and acted even worse, it is unapologetic in it's motive to put advertisers on screen and think we won't notice.

Also for some reason I can't figure out, Tom Cruise's wife Katie Holmes decided to come along on this ill-conceived ride, as did Johnny Depp in a cameo, and a ton more. I get it. Sandler is rich beyond anyone's wildest dreams, and maybe some of these folks were just too tempted by the potential pay day. But seriously, it's not worth it.

Jack And Jill. Quite possible one of the most irritating movies I have ever seen. A laugh or two, can't erase 2 hours of teeth and nails scraping across a blackboard, and watching Sandler wearing a dress. Just putrid!

MOVIE REVIEW - J. Edgar

2011-11-11T12:54:00.000-08:00

Here come the big time movies for the end of the year. This week it's the Clint Eastwood directed J. Edgar.

J. Edgar stars Leonardo Dicaprio as the iconic 48 year Director of the FBI J. Edgar Hoover. It tells his personal and professional story over the entire term of his reign as the nations most powerful law enforcement officer. It is told in flashback form, that at times seems a bit disjointed, and choppy.

To say the the actual Hoover was a complicated man would be an understatement. In this piece, he is portrayed as a determined man, bent on crushing enemies of the United States both foreign and domestic. He is also portrayed as a man that may have had a difficult time identifying exactly who was the enemy. Was he paranoid? Was he mentally ill? Eastwood seems to give him his due as a capable man who successfully built the FBI from the ground up. But also as man on mission to grab as much power along the way was possible.

J. Edgar also targets his personal life. From his highly unusual relationship with his mother, to his sexual preference, and his absolute fear and lack of knowledge of how to communicate with women. Overall, it is an eye-opening view into the life of one of the most powerful men that has even been a position of power in United States history.

Decaprio is well cast in this most demanding role. As his performance has to take our character from the time he was about 20, till his death. Makeup and costuming are terrific, possibly Oscar worthy on both counts. This movie has the typical Eastwood feel. Light and well placed music, great camera angles, and somehow he always gets the very best out of all of his actors. That is what Eastwood does best.

Things that may hold this back from being super well received by the public is simple. It is a bit long, at two hours and twenty minutes. It is complicated at times, and you need to have at least some knowledge of history to really understand all that is transpiring. Also, for many there is a lack of action, and long periods of music free scenes. In short for some, there just may not be enough going on.

But this is well written, and well acted. And as is true with most Eastwood picks, he finds stories that you don't know, and tells ones that are worth telling. That is true here for the most part. But I'm not so sure that Hoovers story may not be better told in a Ken Burns documentary, rather than a dramatic movie. There is a lot of story here, and maybe not enough time to tell it perfectly. Also be warned, this is not a glorification of Hoover, but adapted from a story that attempts to tell the entire story of Hoover the man. Not just the law man.

J. Edgar. I think this will fall into the category of "critically acclaimed" and I'm fine with that. I think box office gold is not in the offing here. Not a bad movie, but not Eastwood's best.

MOVIE REVIEW - Tower Hiest

2011-11-09T14:17:00.000-08:00

I've felt it. I've seen, it and I've said it. "Seen one Ben Stiller movie and you've seen them all." And for the most part that is right. But I have to admit, Tower Heist is not typical Ben Stiller at all.

Has someone finally gotten through to that thick, and exceedingly rich skull of his, that his typical bumbling, stammering, tasteless self act has grown tired and worn out? Seems so. In Tower Heist, Stiller has reinvented himself, and has made a movie that's not perfect by any means, but way better than you might have thought.

TH is ripped right out of the headlines. It's a comedy that is clearly inspired by Wall Street rip-off artist Bernie Madoff. Stiller is Josh. He is the building manager of this gigantic apartment tower in New York City. The star resident is Mr. Shaw (Alan Alda). Shaw is a Wall Street tycoon who rips off everyone's money in the building along with thousands of other people in a swindling scheme. So, after the FBI arrests Shaw, Josh and his band of merry men decide to get their money back one way or another from Shaw.

It's an action comedy that also stars Eddie Murphy, Matthew Broderick, and a nice supporting cast overall. Some of this really works and some really does not. There are moments that are funny, and over all this movie has a nice feel to it. Stiller has grown up. At least for a little while. He doesn't go all "Ben Stiller" on us with that old routine. Josh is a real guy, and they actually develop a nice character here. This is such an improvement, it is so much more watchable. Kudos.

Murphy tough, is still the same guy he always is. There is nothing new about Eddie Murphy all these years later, but he's in a supporting role, and we can look past it. Broderick is horribly miscast as in his role as a Wall Street banker that has lost it all. But serious kudos to Tea Leoni. She plays FBI agent Claire, who is in charge of the case, and is the movies other nice surprise. She should have been doing comedy all along. She has made some horrific role choices before in some really terrible movies, but not here. In a scene where she has way to much to drink with Josh, Leoni completely steals the show, and give us the biggest laughs of the movie by far. She is absolutely hilarious in that scene.

Yeah, there are a few holes in this story, and not all of this is told well, but TH is over all pretty good. It's a fun 90 minutes or so without being offensive, crude, or selling out to a ton of typical contemporary comedy stunts. It is more grown up and moves along nicely. Good to see some growth too in some or our stars.

Tower Heist. This is nothing except a fun time.

MOVIE REVIEW - Anonymous

2011-11-02T13:01:00.000-07:00

In very limited release is this weeks Anonymous. It has long been speculated that William Shakespeare did not write all those classic plays, poets and sonnets. But actually another man, or a series of other men. But the political climate of the day demanded another be credited.

Well in this movie, they put out a strong case that the actual writer of all of the above was actually Edward De Vere, who at the time was the Earl of Oxford. They go so far as to paint the actual Shakespeare as a lying, cheating, actor and illiterate who came upon the title of being great by accident, and skulduggery. De Vere confides in another playwright of the era, Ben Johnson who becomes a messenger of sorts. Sort of taking credit for De Vere's plays in the late 1500's. Shakespeare then starts taking credit for Johnson's work, which is actually De Vere's. It sounds complicated, and at times it is.

Anonymous looks great. Wonderful sets depict the era magnificently, and the costuming is terrific too. Told in flashback form, at times it can be hard to follow, but as time goes on more and more becomes clear to it's credit. This movie does have a slow spot or two, but pacing gets better as time rolls on.

Rhys Ifans is great as De Vere, and remember the name Sebastian Armesto. He is fantastic as Johnson. He delivers one of the best, if not the best supporting performance of the year. His scenes near the end of this movie are the kind that win you Oscars at years end. He dominates this movie in the scenes where he is present.

Anonymous, with it's subject matter and movie making style will not find a big audience. But this might be the movie that will be shown more after the awards shows announce their nominations later this season. Very similar to The Kings Speech last year. As more people became aware of it, the better known it became. Anonymous certainly in the same regard will be in the awards conversation. It's the kind of movie Hollywood loves to pat itself on its own back over. An artsy movie-about art. But don't construe that as sarcasm. Anonymous very good.

Anonymous. If you are a movie goer it would be worth the drive to see this. If not, this will be the best movie this year that nobody sees.

MOVIE REVIEW - Puss In Boots

2011-11-01T13:30:00.000-07:00

They make entirely too many animated movies. But every once in a while a gem pops up, and that's Puss In Boots that is out this week.

I love Dreamworks Animation. The are so my favorite. All the way back to Balto, I really like the way they do animated movies. As Pixar, and Disney has their feel, so does Dreamworks, and it just feels better. They have such a nice grown up movie feel, without forgetting about the kids. This movie is fantastic for so many reasons.

First the animation is great, but everyone does good animation. The story is just really fun, and is told in such a charming way, it's hard to resist. It's the story of course of Puss In Boots, a sword toting, boots wearing cat in a cavalier hat from Spain. Is he a hero, or a villain? He is incredibly voiced by Antonio Bandaras. This may be Bandaras' best performance ever. Simply fantastic. Puss is trying to find the Golden Goose who lays the golden eggs just like in the fable with the help of Kitty Softpaws (Selma Hayak) and Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis). And there are pitfalls along the way. But the story will tell itself when you go, and you should.

This movie is so well done, charming, lovely and flat out fun, more movies should be this way. Wonderfully written for kids and adults alike. Plenty of action, and fun. Wonderful character development, snappy dialogue, and enough zest to go around two or three time. This movie has one imaginative scene after another, with Bandaras leading the way.

This movie too, is blessed with one of the best musical soundtracks in years. A big, dramatic Spanish inspired salsa-samba orchestral score that is simply breathtaking. This is a great music to expose youngsters to, as many may never hear such incredible music in their I-pod or on their computer. What a great experience to give a young person, in addition to a fun time at the movies. If this soundtrack isn't nominated for an Oscar, they should stop handing out the award. Awesome. Enhances this movie from start to finish. Stay and watch the closing credits, and you'll get a sense of how wonderful this music really is.

Puss In Boots is great in very way. This is perfect for any viewer, and generation. The bar has been raised in technique, execution, and sophistication for this kind of movie. See it once, then see it again.

This is the new benchmark of animated movies.

MOVIE REVIEW - In Time

2011-10-31T14:16:00.000-07:00

It's yet another look into the future at the movies and it's not a happy one. Justin Timberlake and Olivia Wilde star in In Time.

In this movie, humans are engineered to only live 25 years, plus one more. After 25 years, there's a clock on your left arm that starts running down to zero. If it reaches zero, you die. But by essentially shaking hands, you can exchange time with others. Time is now the new currency. It's how you are paid, and what you spend to survive. The key to survival is not to let your time expire. So you do what you gotta do to survive. You don't physically age one day past 25, but you can live way past that if you are savvy enough to acquire time and spend it wisely, even though you look 25.

Oh course, there are some who are stealing time. Hoarding it, and those who are in charge of it. This is supposed to be the dramatic part of this movie. But I have to say one thing right now. Make it stop! Please make this whole thing stop! My gosh man, are movies going to get any worse?

I'm not going to indict Timberlake, or Wilde. They do what they do best. Timberlake makes young women take notice, and Wilde looks great here for two hours running, toting guns, and being an action star all while wearing a short cocktail dress. But those are the highlights. This is just silly. Plain and simple - silly. It makes an attempt at a social commentary, and class warfare, but in the end, In Time says nothing of any worth.

This may be some of the worst acting and writing we've seen in a while. The script is putrid, and the movie makers vision of the far distant future is laughable. In what might be a couple hundred years in the future, cars somehow look like custom Dodge cars and trucks from the 1960's and 70's. Plus, the rest of this looks equally as silly. I'm guessing after spending on Timberlake and Wilde, there was not enough dough lefty of the rest of the picture.

In Time. There was no reason to actually make this movie. Hard core Timberlake fans may love this due to lack of perspective. But this is no better than a TNT weekend movie in 3 years.

MOVIE REVIEW - The Rum Diary

2011-10-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

No surprise here. Johnny Depp stars again in a very strange, off the beaten path movie, The Rum Diary. Up front, this is not a movie that many young Depp fans are going to be impressed with. This is really grown up movie.

TRD takes place in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1960. Depp is Paul. Paul is a young writer that lands a job at San Juan's only newspaper. There he meets a bunch of very strange fellow writers, and co-workers at the paper, all from America too. They pretty much spend all of their time drinking entirely too much high powered rum and doing all kinds of recreational drugs, and stagger around the island aimlessly.

Somehow this band of drunks ends up spending time with some of the most vile people and some of the most successful people on the island. Paul even falls in with a bunch of crooks, bent on destroying the Caribbean beauty by developing beautiful, virgin islands with hotels and casinos. After all that goes wrong Paul decides to expose these criminals in the struggling paper, but will he get the chance?

Right now you are saying, "What kind of movie is this!?" And that's valid. This movie is very complicated to explain. But then again, it's a Depp movie. Casual movie goers may actually hate this movie. Serious movie goers may find some charm, and humor. There are some very quirky, funny scenes. But much of this will go unexplained to many, and some will feel like this is a waste of time. I am somewhere in between, but leaning towards a waste of time.

I did laugh out loud a few times, and I rather enjoyed the fantastic retro - Caribbean musical soundtrack. This did have the feel of a movie from the 1960's at times, and that was cool. Was also treated to one of the great supporting performances of the year in Michael Rispoli, who was splendid as Sala, Paul's good friend. He was great. But I don't think he can save this.

Depp again show great versatility. Depp can pull off the Pirates series for young fans and families, and he can make the formula flicks occasionally too to pay the bills. He is terrific in his animated performances like Rango, and still find time to be really "out there" like this one. He truly is gifted, and attacks all roles head on.

This is going to be just way too far out there for many. A story that is strange, and at times seemingly not connected. And in the end, it just seems to not really go anywhere worth going. But there are some giggles along the way.

The Rum Diary. Certainly not one of my favorites. But I've certainly spent worse afternoons.

MOVIE REVIEW - Johnny English Reborn

2011-10-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

You know, Rowan Atkinson can be a funny man. He has a very distinct style that in the right setting can be pretty darn funny. His new movie, Johnny English Reborn may not be quite that setting.

JER is Atkinson's attempt at lampooning the "secret agent" genre. It is a spoof on British intelligence, James Bond and even a bit of Austin Powers. There in lies the trouble. How many spoofs of Bond are we going to have? And didn't the Austin Powers flicks kind of make the point? But in fairness, JER is skewing much older in it's appeal than Powers. The humor is simple, not offensive and pretty tame overall.

What this is, is a series of scene gags where Atkinson can show how funny he still is, an in some scenes... isn't. He plays Johnny English, a bumbling British agent who can't do a thing right, but somehow always gets the job done. I have always thought his understated humor, and fantastic facial expressions have always been his calling card. And they are here too. But one thing else has always dogged me about him. He is a much better side dish than main entree. The whole act, although funny at times, has a hard time carrying an entire movie.

But, in his defense, we all need movies to go to,. And for an older audience, it is getting tougher and tougher to go to a comedy and not be alarmed and offended at the new comedies that are out there. There is a whole new way of making comedies that some simply do not understand. There is a huge audience out there that thinks Hollywood has left them to rot by the box office by targeting every comedy at a 22 year old young adult. Let's face it, that's not everyone's comedy. This is a throwback to a simpler and purer comedy. And in moments, Atkinson is funny.

Johnny English Reborn. This is not going to be anyone's favorite movie, but it's out there for a laugh or two.

MOVIE REVIEW - Paranormal Activity 3

2011-10-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

OK, this is going to be short and sweet. There is yet another Paranormal Activity movie out this week just in time for Halloween. This is number three, and that's two too many.

I had a ton of respect for the original PA. It was filmed in the makers condo for about 15 grand, and it made hundreds of millions. It was really cool movie making, the whole point of view camera angles and it was a bit compelling. Asking the question, what really goes on in your house when you are sleeping? Pretty interesting. Good idea, executed very well, and wildly successful.

PA 2 was decent. Not as compelling, but with a few scarier scenes. But this? Junk! Just in case you have not seen enough middle of the night videotaping of sleeping people. Because that's what we have here. They keep trying to freshen up this whole project, all the while these makers should be making arrangements for a new idea. But wait. That's not the way we roll these days. We just beat a good idea to death in Hollywood, until we ruin the whole concept of the original good idea.

OK, there's a jolt or two, and there is a scene or two that is relatively new, and interesting. But moreover, it's the same old thing just happening to new people. I think even hard core PA fans would prefer something - ANYTHING except filming sleeping people. And don't believe the TV spots either. Theater audiences are not writhing around in fear during this flick. If they are somewhere, and that is actual, I would suggest a good "Man Up" session, or have their mommy's tuck them into bed and read them a story.

Paranormal Activity 3. It's time to move on!

MOVIE REVIEW - Footloose

2011-10-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

It's thirty years later and there's a whole new generation or two of people that have never seen the original Footloose. So they decided to make a new version that will "wow" a younger crowd. You have to admit, the original does look a bit dated in about every regard. So the idea seems sound.

But it's really not. Footloose 2011 still has the same basic problem that the original has. It simply has no relevance whatsoever. Maybe even more so now because to the state of the world and the economy today. You may remember, we are supposed to feel badly that these teens in a South Georgia small town are not allowed to dance because of an overreacting city council that outlawed it after a terrible car accident that killed 5 teens on the way home from a dance.

But the sad reality is, you just don't care. You don't care about this uptight town, these teens that think they run the world, or any single character here. You don't like the people in charge, or the bratty teens. It was a bad formula then, and it's even more amplified in today's version. The story is still silly.

This version supposedly is a coming of age as an actress movie for Julianne Hough. And to be fair, she's OK. But I emphasize, OK. She holds up her end as well as the story will let her. But there is a fatal flaw in this performance that has nothing to do with her personally. She barely dances. In fact, there is not a whole lot of dancing in this movie till the end. And some of the dance scenes are so ridiculously silly, it's almost laughable. Especially a scene at a drive-in theater where about 1,000 teens all break into dance at once. Yeah, that happens. Works in musical theater, not here.

They also drag Dennis Quaid, and Andie MacDowell along for this ill-conceived remake. I like both of them usually, but Quaid is completely miscast as a southern pastor bent on making teens behave. And MacDowell? I think she says about 10 lines in the entire movie.

But there are a few things positive worth noting. They do keep it as much to the original as they can. And I'm good with that- shallow story and all. The soundtrack has been updated nicely and has some slick versions of some of the original songs. There is some really impressive dancing in the last 5 minutes or so. And overall this movie, although shallow and nonsensical is pretty tame and harmless. If you just have to go to a teen dance flick, could be your cup of tea. Although this pales in its dancing by a long shot to many of the more modern dance flicks of the past few years.

Footloose 2011. A a thuddy, dud.

MOVIE REVIEW - The Way

2011-10-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

Why is it that so many movies that are in limited release are such gems? That's the way of it this week with the new, The Way.

The Way stars Martin Sheen, and is directed by his son, Emilio Estevez. The Way is a simply astounding movie that all real movie goers ought to go see. It has all the key elements you need for a great experience, headlined by a story that you haven't seen before, and that is worth telling.

The Way is the story of Tom (Sheen). He is a very successful eye doctor from California whose wife has died, and he is at odds with his only child, his son, Daniel (Estevez). Daniel is almost 40 years old and is going to abandon his doctoral thesis to go to Europe and walk the Camino de Santiago. This is a spiritual 800 kilometer walk through France and Spain, ending up at the foot of St. James. It's a century old journey that has changed the lives of thousands looking for spirituality. Daniel then dies on his first night of the walk alone in an accident. So Tom goes to France to collect the remains.

While there, Tom decides to walk the journey for his son himself at 64 years old. So he strikes out too alone. Evntually meeting up with three other troubled walkers whom he eventually befriends, all walking for different and painful reasons. But what will it take for each of these four people, from four different countries share their stories with each other. And will they each find solace from the pain that follows them, and is this really a trek of healing?

This story is so well written and so well told, it really is a gem in a stack of really mediocre movies that have been out recently. Sheen is terrific, and so is the unknown supporting cast. Filmed magically in the European Spanish country side, it is simply breathtaking. You feel the pain in each step, and you feel like you are on the journey with them. But even though this is a movie where our characters are each trying to find comfort from anguish, you also feel the whole time they will find the answers they seek. You just don't know how each is going to reconcile their own case. Very skillfully made.

The Way. If you are seeking something, if you ever have, or if you just want to take two hours and find some joy, The Way is for you. A movie goers movie. Just flat out great!

MOVIE REVIEW - The Thing

2011-10-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

I'm not quite sure what number remake it is of this old story, but The Thing is back in theaters for the Halloween season.

You may know the basic story. This time a bunch of Norwegian scientists are down in the Antarctic, when they uncover seemingly a space alien frozen in the ice. They think that he may have been frozen there for 10,000 years or so. So in the name of science, they dig him up, and when he thaws out.....well that's not good.

The Thing has the ability to mimic human cells and replicate a complete person, and then go through a startling metamorphosis into "The Thing." And of course starts killing all of our now stranded friends deep in the Antarctic cold. Who will survive? Can they keep him contained so he doesn't wipe out the entire world? And who exactly is now disguised as The Thing?

First off, this is actually a lot better than I thought it would be. It's a slightly new "thing". It's quick and tidy, and says what it has to say and gets done. If this was any longer all would ahve been lost. This Thing, doesn't fall in love with itself and drag this out too long.

Also, the special effects are quite good, but a word of caution. There are some highly graphic, and gruesome sights in this flick, and some may not be quite ready for that. There is not a ton of what you would call violence, but there are some very strong scenes that some may be queasy over. The story still has a few holes, as these highly educated scientists are still making very stupid decisions all these decades later in this story, but it can be overlooked.

One major problem to speak of. This takes place at the deepest point of the South Pole. You really don't feel the cold like you should. At times, it seems our characters are in Vail, Colorado on a ski trip rather than in the coldest place on earth. Thought that was a big point missed as it seemed the cold was not a detriment to their struggle. Although there are some breathtaking shots of the country at the start of our movie.

Nice to see a new, and fresh face too, Mary Elizabeth Winstead cast as our heroine, Kate Lloyd. She is one of the scientists that was invited to go to the site to analyze the finding. You do pull for her to make it out alive. Winstead is well cast, and looks for part. Although this is not overly challenging acting, it's good to see a new face in an action role.

The Thing. Certainly not for everyone. But for those looking for a Halloween jolt, that holds your attention, The Thing could be for you.

MOVIE REVIEW - The Big Year

2011-10-14T12:25:00.001-07:00

What a cast! Steve Martin, Owen Wilson, Jack Black, Rachida Jones, Kevin Pollack, JoBeth Williams, Brian Dennehy, Angelica Houston and DianeWeist. So isn't it funny they all get together for such a below average movie?

Oh, there are worse flicks, and there isn't a mountain wrong with this, it's just average at best. This is being billed as a rip-roaringly funny adult comedy movie, and the truth is, it's just not that funny. There are some nice moments here, but this is not a real comedy.

It's the story of these three characters , Martin, Wilson, and Black. They are each trying to become the world champion bird watcher. So we have to travel around the country, watching these guys watch birds. Aren't you intrigued? Yeah, me either. And that's the main flaw. You just don't care about what they are doing, who they are, and what they risk, and give up to go all around the continent for a whole year watching birds, while their collective lives are put on hold.

Big crowd today at the movies, and no laughing to speak of. I walked in ready to hold my sides and really have a big laugh. None. I will say, this movie does grow a heart and becomes more of a light drama near the end, and does make you think a bit about your life and your priorities, but so do a lot of other flicks that are not supposed to be funny. If you think you are walking into big laughs...keep walking.

The Big Year. A big lead balloon.

MOVIE REVIEW - Real Steel

2011-10-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while you roll into a movie with little or love expectations. It's part of the fun of reviewing movies, especially when you are pleasantly surprised with a gem.

Hugh Jackman stars in Real Steel, and I think it's the years surprise hit so far. This is the movie that appears to be a cross between Rocky, Rock-Em Sock-Em Robots and possibly a cheesy dad-and-son sports flick. And once it is all mixed together, somehow it works. A bit of Steven Speilberg magic was dusted on this as well as the movies producer.

RS is a story set in the near future where boxing by humans is no longer violent enough for the publics taste. So robots are built to box, just as humans were in decades past. Jackman is Charlie, a former boxer himself, who now runs around building boxing robots, getting beat and generally owing shady people a lot of money. He is reunited with his 11 year son, Max (Dakota Goyo) that he has never known after the mother dies. The only thing they have in common is the intertest in robot boxing.

So they set out to build a robot that can maybe help them make a bit of cash to keep them afloat. They then run across Atom. Atom is a robot from 2014 never designed to actually box, but they try to make him a contender. With the help from Bailey (Evangeline Lilly) one of Charlie's former girlfriends and robot builder, they set out to see how far Atom can take them. And learn that Atom may be a bit more human than one might think.

This movie will make you laugh, cry and cheer. This story at first glance may look a bit silly, and maybe it is. But somehow this works wonderfully well. Very nicely crafted to make you a part of what's going on. You feel like you are on the journey with them. Terrific special effects that don't get ridiculous. Also, the robot action sequences are so well done. Not too long, not fatiguing, and not hard to watch or follow say like Transformers.

Kudos to Jackman and Coyo who develop a nice chemistry with a well written script that lets their relationship evolve at a nice pace, and never gets cheesy. Evangeline Lilly gives this a nice soft touch, and a great womanly presence it really needed. She was perfectly cast as the boxing savvy, but still feminine, Bailey. Well done.

Real Steel. This could have gone either way. It was either going to be really, really good, or a complete waste of time. This time, good wins out. Sleeper hit of the year so far.

MOVIE REVIEW - The Ides Of March

2011-10-08T04:22:00.000-07:00

The new political drama, The Ides Of March, strolls into the theaters this week full of stars and promise.

George Clooney written, and produced movie where he plays a presidential candidate in the latter stages of the Democratic primaries. He is Governor Morris from Pennsylvania, and is running against only one Democratic challenger left as this story takes place during the weeks of the Ohio primary. This is a key state as to who will win the Democratic nomination for President.

He has one of the best young media minds in the country working for him Stephen (Ryan Gosling). And one of the greatest political minds Paul (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) leading his campaign. Morris is perceived as "the real deal" by his staff who are working hard for his election. But there are a few very bad skeletons in his closet, and the passionate campaign leaders have to decide if they are willing to go to the mat with Morris knowing what they do.

Then the rival campaign chimes in lead by Tom (Paul Giamatti) trying to use politics to muddy the waters, and screw up the entire election. This is a complex drama that really shows the dirty side of politics. At least as much as Clooney knows how to show through his writing. There are many twist and turns. But one thing about this movie, I think it thinks it's really smarter than it is. Some of these plot twists are supposed to really make you go "WOW" when in fact most viewers are ahead of this movie.

But that's not a deal breaker here. This is a pretty good movie, that has a very nice cast and it's fun to see a few generations of good people make a good movie. Gosling is the star of this movie categorically. Hoffman is again great, as is Giamatti. Clooney, although central, does not have a huge screen time presence in this flick. Good lesson maybe learned. Maybe make a movie, and not a "George Clooney" movie. Great small performances too from Evan Rachel Wood, and Marisa Tomei give this movie a real nice ensemble.

The Ides Of March doesn't make some of the same mistakes that some other Clooney movies have. It's not too long. It has a story that stays on course and focus, and it doesn't have that "elite" stench that some others have had. One of the things haunting Clooney flicks is that they can bear the preception they think that they are saying something that no one has ever thought of before. And that can be insulting to some. Many times it seems they are making the movie for their own entertainment and not ours.

This is much shorter than the never ending Micheal Clayton, much better than the putrid The American. Where 2009's gem Up In The Air was relevant, so is this one. There is a reason to tell this story now. On target, and overall pretty entertaining.

The Ides Of March. Great cast, but only a good movie.

MOVIE REVIEW - Dream House

2011-10-04T11:23:00.000-07:00

Daniel Craig leaves James Bond and a bunch of other tough guy characters behind for his family man role in Dream House.

After seeing Dream House, I can't decide if it is supposed to be thrilling, scary or both. It is neither. I can't tell you this is a bad movie, but I can't sit here and tell you it's a good one. There are plenty of stars. Craig, Rachel Wiesz, and Naomi Watts. And seemingly the time of year is right for a movie like this. But in fairness, Dream House just lays there. It darn near sent me to Dream Land!

Craig stars as a family man with a lovely wife and two equally lovely young daughters. They buy this house that seems haunted. Come to learn that there was a family killed in this house years earlier, and the husband was the person thought to have killed his entire family. As they they set out to find out who it was that actually did the murders, who knows what they might find.

I think that is supposed to be the thrilling part, but I was completely underwhelmed. Dream House lost me right out of the gate with a super boring first 30 minutes. It does recover if you stick with it, but it can only come up to mediocre at best, before settling for poor at the end. It tries so hard to be smart, but it's not. Oh, they try to throw in this twist in the final few frames, but you're done. Long done. You go, "Yeah, yeah"..as you are walking out as the credits roll.

Craig is hard pressed to pull off the family man thing on screen. Good for him branching out, but this is poorly staged. When you see him with the little girls, he's holding some other persons kids. As he literally is, but the point is, he looks out of water. This role was a throw away role for him. This was a good waste of real star power in a movie that may have required a star, but shouldn't have gotten one. It's just not that good of a script.

Dream House. If you must. Otherwise this movie will be on TNT every weekend in a couple of years.

MOVIE REVIEW - Courageous

2011-10-03T13:13:00.000-07:00

Not often that a new movie brings in a huge first week take, when debuting in roughly half the theaters that other movies do. But Courageous did.

Courageous is from the same people that made Fireproof from 2008. That was a big hit, this looks like a big hit too. Courageous is another Faith Challenging and Faith Affirming movie that will find an audience. This, like Fireproof is not mainstream movie making. It has a message, and is not ashamed of it. It is not the usual out of Hollywood.

Courageous is the story of four different families in Albany, New York. They are good people, and people of faith. Or so they thought. One of our families then has a terrible tragedy that melds them all closer together. The family fathers then take a "resolution" to be better than they are, and be the family leader they feel God wants them to be. But we learn that is not always an easy journey, and there are challenges. Are they courageous enough to see it through?

This movie will be hit and miss situation. There will be many who will dismiss this out-of-hand, and feel that this is not what they want in an experience at the movies, and that's fine. Movies are not one size fits all. But for those who are interested, or feel that there is nothing decent coming out to the movies these days, this will be right on the money. And I am frankly fine with either side. That's the beauty of the movies.

You may notice this does not even look like most movies, and that's in the design. There is not star power in this movie. Actors you don't know at all, allowing the message to cut through without seeing a movie star. Courageous also is told very simplistically, with carefully written dialogue that carries, and delivers a message. It is straightforward, and unapologetic. It has something to say, and says it right to you.

Movies like Courageous are hard to really review. It is pure, with a message that is crafted to be positive and uplifting. There are certainly better written, better acted movies with bigger budgets out there, but there's room for this too. And I am good with bringing everything to the theaters these days, instead of 20 identical movies in theaters at the same time.

Courageous. If it's not for you, then go to the movie next door. If this is your thing, enjoy.

MOVIE REVIEW - What's Your Number

2011-10-01T11:19:00.001-07:00

Anna Faris has a new comedy out this week, What's Your Number. Seldom will you see a movie with about the same amount of good and bad in the same 100 minutes.

Faris, is a funny woman that I feel is way funnier than the projects that she gets tangled up in. I thought she was very funny in House Bunny, and a few others. Great movies? No. But she usually holds up her end of the bargain. That goes for What's Your Number. This is not a great movie, but thanks to Faris, it has some moments.

It's the story of a young woman in Boston named Ally (Faris). She has just been fired from her job she hated. Then she reads a magazine article that says the average woman has 10 lovers over the course of her life. She goes into a panic, because her number, while still single is almost double that. So at her younger sisters engagement party, Ally vows to not sleep with another man till she meets her future husband.

She then goes a step further by trying to contact her past lovers to see if there is still something there. She enlists her "dog" male neighbor from across the hall, Colin (Chris Evans) who has mad computer skills to track these men down. As they spend more time together you start to get the idea that Ally and Colin might end up together. What a surprise! So where will this whole thing go?

Let's clear out the bad first. Too predictable, too much of Faris trying too hard, and this needed another re-write. There are some really funny scenes and characters here. Too bad the lead characters aren't nearly as developed as the side ones. This idea, which is not great, could have been a lot better if some things were re-worked a bit. Would have helped too to write some snappier dialogue, and quit selling out to the constant references to body parts, and functions. That dialogue didn't add one thing to this story. And the theater didn't laugh at it. - Again.

But with that said, WYN does have some real good to it. Faris is wonderful at times, and funny, albeit she can be a bit fatiguing after a while. That is her Achilles heel. They do introduce us to characters that are highly representative of a whole lot of young adults today, in their lifestyle and interests. And a really up-to-date soundtrack is very well used at times that fits the movie like a glove. And yes, there area few real out loud laughs here. It's just a shame that a bit more care wasn't taken to really make an intelligent movie. With what they had in place, I'm not sure it would have been a whole lot of extra effort.

What's Your Number. Faris makes it pretty good, but the movie makers insisted on making it not as much so. Not a washout, just a wash. Looks and sounds like 20 other movies.

MOVIE REVIEW - 50/50

2011-09-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

It's not often that a drama comedy involves a young adult facing the challenges of cancer. But that's the plot of the new Seth Rogen flick, 50/50.

50/50 stars Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anna Kendrick in this overall very well done story of 26 year-old Adam (Levitt) and his best friend Kyle (Rogen). Adam is diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer, and the outlook is marginal at best. Or 50/50 on survival. This basically is Adam's story as he weaves in and out of various phases of the disease. How he deals with it all, and how those around him deal with him too. It's tough at times, as his age is making it hard for his girlfriend, mother and others to try to be supportive.

This is an honest look at an illness that luckily we don't equate with young adults very often. They skillfully sew in some real nice humor, and some really heart touching moments. It accurately shows the difficulty people in their 20's would have coming to terms with this whole thing. Levitt is very good, Rogen may be a bit too "Rogeny" for me in this one. But Kendrick is simply fantastic. She is Adam's therapist in training Katherine, who takes a special interest in Adams sad case.

Kendrick is stunningly good in this movie, as she was in 2009's George Clooney flick, Up In The Air, where she was Oscar nominated. She may be a bit limited in her roles that she could really pull off. But she is the queen of screen vulnerability. She is so personal with her role, hard not to feel her emotions on screen. And feel them deep. She may be Hollywood's most underrated star. It's hard to put into words just how badly this movie needed her in it. As popular as our main stars are, this does not work without her. She is the element this movie needed to be better than it probably has a right to be.

50/50 does not skate away unscathed. There are a few horrible decisions made in this movie that prevent it from being totally above the fray. But they are not deal breakers. For some reason there are quick and "sore thumby" moments of really terrible profanity. And there's a scene or two that really don't work. This movie need none of this. But it's all OK. What Rogen screws up, Kendrick and the story smooth it over.

50/50. Thanks to Anna Kendrick......very good.

MOVIE REVIEW - Killer Elite

2011-09-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

It's another Jason Statham action flick, Killer Elite. This time they try to dress it up with a nice cast. But in the end, it's more of the same.

But that's alright for now. Statham is very popular for now, with a young set of young movie goers. And overall his movies, are violent, ut I've seen more intense, by a long shot. Killer Elite is based on a supposed true story, and on a 1990 book called The Featherman. The story this time is airing the dirty laundry of the secret SAS branch of British Intelligence.

Meet Danny (Statham). He is a rogue agent who is sort of hired, and sort of blackmailed into a killing contract by an Arabian Sheik. The contract is to kill three other British agents who killed the Sheiks sons a few years earlier. So Danny brings his team together to do the killings. But they soon learn that they may be being played for fools, and are being set up by someone. But who?

KE, also stars Clive Owen, Robert De Niro and a decent supporting cast that elevate this Statham flick a bit as compared to others. But I feel the clock is ticking. He needs a reinvention soon, because all of these action flicks are really starting to blend together big time. They all look the same, sound the same and are filmed he same. And the interest is starting to dry up.

KE really stumbles at times, and breaks a cardinal rule of these kinds of movies. It seems like it will never end. In fact, it kind of does a time or two, only to start back up in a new direction. Much seat fidgeting, and clock watching near the end. There is plenty of action. In fact, maybe too much, and it is fatiguing. Statham flicks can have a video game feel to them, and this one does. Lots of action scenes, both long and short. Long on action, short on interesting story.

Killer Elite. OK we get it. You're an action star. Now let's go in a new direction, before the jokes start flying. Just ask Stallone, Van Damme and Seagal.

MOVIE REVIEW - Abduction

2011-09-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

Taylor Lautner has put away his wolf fangs for an hour and a half, and stars in the new thriller, Abduction. Yes, the Twilight co-star has his own gig till the big cash starts rolling in from the next Twilight flick in November.

Abduction is the story of a high school senior named Nathan (Lautner). He is a typical kid or so it seems. He is on the wrestling team, he drinks himself silly and stays out all night on weekends, and has a crush on the girl across he street. But the one thing he doesn't have in common with all the other kids is his Hollywood good looks, and he is being chased by the CIA for some reason.

Nathan's parents are murdered in a home invasion, and before they die, they urge him to run and save himself. Along with the girl across the street who witnesses the whole thing. They soon find out that the CIA is in pursuit, but and so are the bad guys. But why? Why is this high school kid so important? Well, that's why you have to go see Abduction. Or maybe not.

I can see the eye rolling already. "I, as a grown adult am NOT going to see a Taylor Lautner flick!" I get it. But a few minutes into this movie that starts off halfway decent, you realize that
grownups are not supposed to be there. In its defense, this is a grown up movie for very young adults, and I'm good with that. Finally, a movie that targets a young audience that doesn't sell out to horrible language, rampant drug use, graphic violence, and over all tastelessness.

And I say, good for them. Up front for me, this is not a great movie. But it's not for me. It is full of predictable, cliche' and obligatory scenes, that a young audience will eat up with a gigantic spoon. The storyline is simple, but not babyish. It has some action, but overall it's not silly. Oh, granted there is a shade of "yeah right" to it, but it's not a deal breaker. This movie is only about 85 minutes, so it doesn't wear out it's welcome either.

Lautner has been convinced he is a hunk, and acts every bit of it here. It is hard not to see Jacob from Twilight here, but I think that's by design. He over acts and reacts at times. The surrounding cast is above average, and as a whole, good decisions are made here basically from start to finish. Am I going back to see this movie? No. But I do respect a movie that knows its audience, and serves it well without being a total sellout to the lowest common denominator.

Abduction. For who its for, good movie. For many others? Go see Moneyball.

MOVIE REVIEW - Moneyball

2011-09-23T12:40:00.000-07:00

Great to see some star power back in theaters, and some adult movies. Here comes Brad Pitt and the new true story dramatic baseball movie, Moneyball.

This is the true story of Billy Beane, (Pitt) the General Manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball team in the early 2000's. Oakland is a small baseball market, and as the game is changing, small market teams must try to invent new ways to stay competitive and not have a 100 million payroll. Beane "buys" this Ivy League whiz kid from the Cleveland Indians with no baseball experience fresh out of college, and brings him to the A's. The A's have no money in a baseball sense.

They two of them set out with the idea they must find the "right'" players for them based on some mathematical formula they have devised. This flies in the face of 150 years of baseball tradition, and his new way is resisted at every turn by most members of the baseball world, and his own organization. Will his new way to build a team work as they enter the 2002 season? That's Moneyball.

Sports movies have gotten so much better over the past 20 years. They have finally figured out that any good movie has to have a story worth telling. And for sports movies, they must have a story that is interesting to all movie fans, and not have the arrow pointing squarely at sports. Secretariat, Miracle, and even the new Warrior are proof positive. Have a great story, and you have a shot at a great movie. Good movies are story first. Sports movies must be even more story forward. the story shines first, and sports is somewhere down the list.

Moneyball is great. Pitt was born to play this eccentric, risk taking character, that puts everything on the line for his possibly ill-thought out beliefs. They let you get to know Beane inside and out, and but there's still a part of him that remains hard to reach. Pitt is terrific, and so is the supporting cast of Jonah Hill (the whiz kid) and Phillip Seymour Hoffman who plays the skeptical team Manager Art Howe.

This is a wonderful mix of actual team footage from the 2002 season, and staged scenes. This movie is splendidly filmed, perfectly cast, and edited together in a way that it is thrilling and exciting, but not hokey or cheesy. It shows you the underbelly of baseball operations that go to the human level and exposes some parts I'm sure many involved are not thrilled you are seeing. But Moneyball takes the time to develop characters that are interesting, and flawed all at the same time. Skillfully done.

It's hard not to love Pitt here, as he looks as comfortable in this role as he has in any role in a very long time. This is a bit of a risk for Pitt, but you can tell he believed in the project, just as his character believed in the risky venture of 2002. Good to see Hill again making a great decision to make a grown up movie, and Hoffman, is better every time out.

Moneyball. This is a story worth telling, and it's good to see some risk taking in Hollywood for a change. This is off the beaten path, but this is very, very good. Moneyball is one of the years best movies so far, and look for Pitt to be mentioned in the year end honors.

MOVIE REVIEW - Straw Dogs

2011-09-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

Straw Dogs is one powerful, hard to watch at times thriller.

Straw Dogs is the story of a young couple Amy and David. They are from Los Angeles and move back to her hometown deep in the heart of Mississippi. Amy has made it as an actress and David is a screenwriter. After the death of her father, they move back to her childhood home, but find out quickly they are not really welcome there.

This group of local thugs and bullies decide they don't like David, and are not thrilled with Amy anymore and her new life. They begin terrorizing the couple in every way they can. After these bullies kill the local sheriff on Amy's property, they decide the have to kill all witnesses. Namely Amy and David. Can they survive?

Straw Dogs is harsh. But it is also compelling and scary. I know it's Hollywood, but to be honest, it's not all that far fetched. They put you on a slow burn to the showdown you know is coming the whole time, but that's OK. They don't wear you out, or drag this out too long. I think they knew they had limitations, and made the best movie they could with what they had.

Straw Dogs is well cast and well directed. It is also borderline brutal at times, and many scenes may make some uncomfortable, so buyer beware. It is also highly adult. It's not for everyone.

MOVIE REVIEW - I Don't Know How She Does It

2011-09-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

If you're planning on going to see the new I Don't Know How She Does It, you had better like Sarah Jessica Parker. Because you get a huge overdose of her here.

This movie is a good idea. Inventing a character that is an image of the young professional mother and her plight to keep her head above water. And see how she juggles is all and keeps it together. That would have been fine if you could have really related to her. If she had more than one thing in common with the audience she is supposed to be a mirror image of. But here she's not. The only thing she has in common, is that she is a mother. Her life is not most people's life.

Meet Kate (Parker). She is a mother of 2 young kids, and has a nice husband. She lives in Boston and works for a high powered finance company. She is working on a huge work project where she travels all over with Jack (Pierce Brosnan). He is the head of the finance company and together they are working on an ambitious project, and Kate is on the verge of having an entire Investment fund named after her. Along the way, she neglects her kids, takes advantage of her spineless husband (Greg Kinnear), and generally makes a mess of her personal life for professional gain. And this is a comedy. In the end of course she makes it all right, what a surprise.

This is after Jack of course makes a play for her, and she practically ruins all major relationships in her life. But that's not the real trouble here. This is just bad. Parker is hard to watch on screen. She's not really funny, or anything enjoyable. Plus she's still Carrie Bradshaw, where she was great. The reason she was so good in Sex And The City TV show, was that it was a fantasy. It was not really reality. She even narrates a bunch of this movie like Sex And The City, and it doesn't work. In fact, many characters in this movie do narration parts, and that's movie making gone by. It doesn't work.

This quite frankly is a painful 90 minutes. You have to like watching East Coasters talk on the cell phone, live in total chaos, trample over people, make a mess of it all, and put it all back together. If that's your thing, you're good. Even though you may see some similarities, many will not totally identify with Kate. She is above the audience. Big flaw.

This flick is a good idea, but you have to make characters that look like those going to see the movie. This may play well in New York, or Boston, but not most places. These characters just look selfish, self centered and ridiculous. Honest observation, there was one out loud laugh in the whole theater, and it was the last 2 seconds of the movie. True.

I Don't Know How She Does It. Nice try. Swing and miss.

MOVIE REVIEW - Drive

2011-09-16T12:29:00.000-07:00

You haven to hand it to Ryan Gosling. With the new movie Drive, a good decision has been made to not be the same character in every movie he makes.

And that is so smart. And so is Drive, with a slick script, a dark look, and an unapologetic story that may not be hugely compelling as is, but is packaged very nicely. This movie is not for everyone right up front. There is extreme violence with a bunch of blood. But it is very quick, tidy and concise, and most importantly, it is central to our story.

Drive is the story of "Driver" (Gosling). He is an angry, young man who is a part-time stunt driver in Hollywood. He also moonlights as a driver get-a-way man in high profile robberies, getting a cut of the loot. He then somehow gets tangled up in one of the worst possible robberies he could have. It involves the local, the East Coast Mob and a million dollars. Everyone around him starts getting killed. How can he survive this bad decision? This is dramatic and highly intense, and never really takes its foot off the heavy pedal. That's Drive.

Drive is very dark, and almost morose. It has a real music video feel to much of it. But when you add it all up it's pretty good. They invent (not develop) this enigmatic character Driver, that you really don't get to know. But that's part of the allure. You find yourself wanting to know more about him and you wonder if they will tell you more. He is a man of very few words, and little emotion. But you do end up pulling for him, even though is is terribly flawed, and really mentally unsteady.

Drive is richly filmed with great lighting, and wonderful camera angles throughout. A main car chase scene is well done, and much of the suspense is understated with a slow burn effect. Most effective. Gosling is good here, with what they asked of him. Getting away from the "dude" characters, and the heart throb mentality. And believe or not, even keeps his shirt on the whole movie.

I always like it when actors take on new roles for themselves. This is different for him. And even more bold roles are on the way for him, as he is on his way to becoming Hollywood's most popular leading man.

Drive. NOT for everyone. This will miss with some, and may disappoint some who are hoping for "hunky" Gosling. But overall this is pretty good.

MOVIE REVIEW - Creature

2011-09-16T11:42:00.001-07:00

In somewhat limited release, is the new supposedly scary, Creature.

The first time I went to see this movie the theater's projector broke after about 20 minutes. And to be honest, I think I enjoyed that showing a bit more than the next day when I was able to watch this debacle in its entirety. Some movies and many ideas are just better left in some sick dude's head and not be allowed to play out in plain view for all to see.

Creature is about this group of 6 young adults who are going on a mini-vacation. They stumble across this awful general store with with three scary looking men running it deep in the Louisiana Bayou Swamp. The kids are then convinced that they should take a tour of a home showcased in this scary store. They are given directions on how to get there by these men, and off they go to discover if a local legend of a "Swamp Creature" is really true. Turns out it is, and the getting picked off one at a time begins. Or so you think.

Creature begins almost as a parody of itself. Poking fun at the stupid stereotypical dumb things people do in these movies. You know the ones, where you are almost cheering for the monster to eat these clowns because they are so stupid. Every single stereotype is featured here. And they are not ashamed of it. And I have to admit, I was hoping the carnage would begin so I could go home. Then Creature turns.

Holy cow! Into some twisted mating ritual tale where these general store guys and the town at large try to mate this horrible monster with one of the three young, beautiful girls so the legend can go on for another generation with offspring. As the violence escalates, so does the twistedness that brings all these people to the swamp, and a sort of religious ceremony is performed, and the attempted mating seems to be averted. All the while our "hero's" are trying to kill this awful swamp creature. Have you heard enough?

The real trouble with Creature (besides some sick dudes writing it) is that despite all the ridiculous story lines, and infatuation with trying to be scary, it ends up being nothing...except dumb. Is this a slasher flick? Or perhaps a parody? Is this a gross-out fest? Or is this a serious attempt being a real thriller? As the story changes and morphs into this new story, it loses all momentum that it had, wish wasn't much. And it ends up being laughable and painful to watch.

What may have started out with a bit of sense of humor about itself, dies on the vine and rots. And you are just sitting there hoping that somehow the theater will have to be evacuated so you can go home after about an hour. And then lament on how you just wasted 10 bucks.

Creature. Only if you have way too much money!

MOVIE REVIEW - Warrior

2011-09-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

Warrior is out this week and is being billed as a Mixed Martial Arts movie. But in effect, it is so very much more.

Yes, to get a young audience to get interested in this movie, MMA is the preview focal point, as this sport is sweeping the country in popularity. But the depth of this movie is so far beyond the violent sport, it will be a wonderful surprise for many who go see it. Warrior is well written, and should be noted is very adult.

Warrior is the story of two brothers now grown. Each has taken a different path after the death of their mother who was abused by her then drunken husband. One has become a teacher with a family of his own, and is on the verge of losing his home to foreclosure. The younger brother joined the Marines, and has a storied past with them in Iraq. Their father who is still alive, has gone sober. And in their youth was a great fight trainer, and taught both boys how to box and wrestle.

The relationship between them all is strained horribly, and filled with anger and bitterness. The dad is trying to put it all together again, but it seems too late. Then as fate would have it, a huge MMA event is created, and both brothers enter the field of 16 in Atlantic City. Winner take all, a 5 million dollar pay day. Dad is coaching one of the boys, and the other is being handled professionally. Who will win? And what road will each travel to this event.

First off, I am going to glow over this movie. I am not a big MMA fan at all, and learned much about it during this movie. But this movie is absolutely outstanding. Period! The story is such the star, and the performances are so great by a stable of under the radar stars and that really works. Very skillful casting allowing this fantastic script to shine brightly. The makers knew what they had here and really knew what they were doing. Nick Nolte as the father does anchor a stellar cast and gives it a bit of star power. But how great was that decision. Nolte in real life, maybe a bit past his prime, aging, and not what he once was. Simply genius. Everyone cast in this movie is simply perfect for their roles, and really deliver incredible performances.

The MMA scenes are violent, but are handled with such drama, such skill, and not over the the top silly. Extremely real, but not really bloody or distasteful. Quick and to the point, heavily dramatic, and not over-killed. Characters are deeply developed with body language and terrific dialogue, and a sense of realism is cast over this whole project. But to repeat this movie uses MMA as its young appeal sport, but this movie is way, way more.

Warrior. Best new movie in a while, and one of the years best movies so far. Simply great!!

MOVIE REVIEW - Contagion

2011-09-09T12:29:00.000-07:00

Call me crazy, but I think I've seen this movie about 17 years ago and it was called Outbreak.

You know, where a ton of Hollywood stars get together and make a movie about a rogue and killer virus that threatens to wipe out life an earth? Well, it's been reincarnated as Contagion in 2011. Granted, there are a whole new cast of stars, and the story has been slightly elevated to make it relevant in today's world. And if you remember Outbreak, this movie does NOT have those ridiculous scenes with Dustin Hoffman talking like an complete buffoon in a microphone from a helicopter at the end begging a Air Force fighter pilot not to carryout his duty.

But don't be fooled. Contagion does have it share of silly plot lines and a bunch of stars fighting for face time. And there in lies the problem. With star after star, these kinds of flicks become disjointed and hard to follow, because of limited scenes for each.

Contagion, much like Outbreak makes the Federal Government out as one of the bad guys. Also the drug companies, and assorted other entities. It makes it's statement on big business, government, the dangers of constant construction, and the deplorable conditions at meat processing plants in China. All easy targets, and probably all very apt. But from a movie making perspective, incredibly unimaginative.

If you are going to make this kind of movie again, how about a little thought outside the box? Nothing new is offered here. Very predictable, and exceptionally formula. Which many times leads to scads of cash at the box office, but also makes for forgettable movies. Which this is. Don't get me wrong, this is not a bad movie in total. We've all just seen this before about a million times. Don't get corralled in by the hype on TV. There is absolutely nothing compelling here. This is simply a possible "end of the world" movie, where you are wondering what big star is going to walk on camera next for a couple of minutes, and how they will somehow try to work him or her into the story.

Contagion. In a word? Underwhelming. In two words, completely underwhelming.

MOVIE REVIEW - Apollo18

2011-09-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

It's always fun to see new techniques in movie making. Many times a new idea can put a real fresh coat of paint on the movie screen.

The "point of view" technique really got rolling years ago with The Blair Witch Project. The camcorder filmed flick that you were not supposed to know it was real or not. Interesting stuff. Cloverfield a few years ago did the same and did it better. Recently, the Paranormal Activity series has had great success, and been compelling. Now it's Apollo 18. And this tanks badly.

Should be noted, Apollo 18 is complete fiction. There was no Apollo 18 moon mission, but this movie "claims" that there was. This is "actual footage" from an ill-fated seventh moon mission that goes horribly wrong. The two astronauts on the moon run into Russians that are also on the moon. (Also fiction) And then the encounter some kind of bugs things deal that terrorize them, drive them mad, and eventually do not allow them to return home.

The "story" claims that NASA, the Department Of Defense and the government at large have lied to these fine men, and sent them on a mission they knew would end badly. Our hero's do not make it back, and it has a bad ending for all. What this movie is, is a 90 minute commercial for a website that makes claims about the Apollo program and specifically the moon landings. They post it at the beginning and the end of this movie.

Cloverfield, and Paranormal Activity are one thing. But taking on NASA and the Apollo program is very different. For those that were not alive during the program, this is potentially dangerous, as they may view this as history, which it is not. But I do think that the movie going public has learned that these kinds of movies finally are NOT real, and are fiction. And that's a good thing. Even at the end of this one, the "actual footage" is debunked as they run a list of actors and characters. Enough said.

Overall, this is just a mess. Not scary, not compelling, and no real payoff yet again. That has been the problem with all of these kinds of flicks. No real climactic ending. Makes you feel like time has passed, and has been wasted. No reason at all to see this on a big screen, a dollar rental in 90 days if you must, and are bored this winter.

Apoll0 18. Don't be fooled. This is by NO mean Apollo 13. 18 is a waste of time.

MOVIE REVIEW - Shark Night 3-D

2011-09-03T06:19:00.000-07:00

Let me ask you question. Don't you think that there have been enough shark eating people movies?

It baffles me how many times we are asked by Hollywood t go to the flicks, and try to see some new way to watch us get eaten by sharks. And Shark Night 3-D, may be the granddaddy of all ill-advised projects.

Shark Night 3-D is the story of a bunch of good looking college students from Tulane University that go on a weekend getaway deep in the bayou at one of the rich girls family island home on a huge lake. There, one of them gets attacked by a shark and get his warm lopped off. Then as the try to escape the island retreat, they start getting picked off one by one by a bunch of sharks that have somehow infiltrated this salt water lake.

The makers do try to develop a story on how the sharks got in the lake, but it's lame. What this is, is an excuse to have a bunch of nice looking young actors act out this horribly written script while wearing bathing suits, no shirts, and small outfits. May be some of the worst acting of all time, and one of the most ridiculous scripts that's come down the pipe in a long time. Even the shark attack scenes are lame, tame, and low budget. It tries hard to be relevant, and topical in it's core "story" but it's flat out dumb. And if you've seen a movie like this before, you have an idea how it will end, and it does.

This is another example of the new 3-D inviting remakes of sorts, so we can now be bedazzled by shark snacks in 3-D. But it really doesn't work. Ho-hum. This movie is going to miss the mark badly, even with it's core audience that will think they are going to see a real scary, jolting flick. It is neither.

Shark Night 3-D. Why?

MOVIE REVIEW - The Debt

2011-09-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

I really like the idea for some movies of the Wednesday release date. It was a great move for The Help a few weeks ago getting adults to that movie. And for this weeks grown up thriller, The Debt, it could be the right mix.

The Debt is the story of three very young intelligence operatives in in 1965, who were deep in cover in Communist East Germany. The mission was to capture an ex-Nazi doctor, who during World War II was conducting horrific experiments on Jewish prisoners and bring him back to Israel for a long awaited trail. When the mission doesn't go as planned, the young spies must think of a story to convince the world that their mission was actually a success.

Now in 1997, the truth could somehow come back to haunt them, and they could be exposed as frauds. So, 30 years removed from their ordeal, they must figure out a way to end this long string of lies once and for all, half a world away.

The Debt stars Helen Mirren, Tom Wilkinson, Jessica Chastain, Sam Worthington, and and a real nice supporting cast that really give this thriller a nice look. This is told in flashback form, taking us deep behind the Iron Curtain in East Germany, and in modern day Israel. Double casted with our hero's from two different era's in very well done. Very skillfully woven plot lines too that connect the past and the present, really make The Debt riveting, and give it overall a good pace.

There is a hint of unbelievability to some of this, but because the story is relevant and so are the actors it can be given a mild pass. Nothing here is so over the top that it can't be excused. What is done well here is far greater than what is not. Characters that are well developed and defined, and story that won't win any awards, but is interesting and hold us for the 110 minutes. Plus this movie has an over all real nice "look" that is really transporting, especially to the flashback scenes.

The Debt. Being released on a Wednesday is good business for this movie. It still may get lost in all the animation, cartoons, and summer leftovers, but this is a movie that you will catch up with sooner or later. Hopefully sooner. Not great, but worth it.

MOVIE REVIEW - Sarah's Key

2011-08-30T12:32:00.000-07:00

Kristin Scott Thomas stars in a new small picture new this week called Sarah's Key.

Movies are made for all kinds of reasons today. Movies are a business. Some are made strictly for marketing purposes. Others are made because huge profit, others for the effects. Some still are made to push the envelope of what we will tolerate in taste. And then there are some, luckily that are made because they should be.

That is Sarah's Key. Up front, this is not going on my list of my favorite movies. This movie is in very limited release, and it will have a very small appeal with much of the movie going public. But I am a story guy, and this is a great story.

This is the story of a reporter in modern day (Thomas) who lives in Paris. She is a writer for a magazine that is doing a deep story on a disturbing time in world history. She is writing a piece on the rounding up of the Jewish population in Paris in the early years of World War II. What makes this really disturbing, it being done by the French Government and not the Nazi's. She follows the story of a young family, namely a little girl named Sarah and her journey during this traumatic time. Putting it together one piece at a time.

She finds that Sarah's story has threads that run through her present day in-laws family, and discovers a deep connection. She moves on anyway and dares to find the truth about Sarah, her family and troubling history. OK, I get it. This may or may not be for you, but this is a very moving, powerful and complicated story that is told wonderfully, and with such movie making ease for such a hard story to watch. .

The timing of this film is also curious. It has much more of a November feel than August. It is a dark, heavy and compelling drama that will make you think. As it tells a story that most of us do not know in it's entirety, and I always think that makes for good movie making. It is presented in English, but there is plenty of French spoken and some of this is sub-titled.

Sarah's Key is also a great example of the star of the movie sometimes is..the movie. This great story, based on a best selling book is worth knowing. It is highly adult, and the bulk of the people going to see this movie will be real movie goers, and that's probably best for all here.

Sarah's Key. Very powerful, and very well done. A story worth learning about, and telling.

MOVIE REVIEW - Colombiana

2011-08-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

Zoe Saldana stars in what may be the most ridiculous movie of the year, Colombiana.

This is the story of a little 8 year old girl who lived in Colombia in 1992. Her parents are heavily involved in illegal drug trafficking, and are then killed right in front of her by the cartel her father was trying to free himself from. She decides right then and there, she wants to be a "killer" when she grows up. Please! And of course, wants to avenge the deaths of her parents.

Flash forward 17 years. She now is all grown up and lives in Chicago after being raised by an uncle, and grandmother. And yes, she now IS a killer that goes on a spree that has no rival. Every move she makes is perfect, and every decision she makes is the right one. She is flawless, and she never fails to pull off every hit without even a scratch. Will she get caught? That's Colombiana.

What is this really? It's an excuse to film Saldana do all kinds of acrobatic things, (or more thank likely some stunt double..sorry) pull off killings in bathing suits, catsuits, tight jeans or very little clothing. There is the obligatory shower scene, and the equally obligatory, "she is a real woman" scene, complete with terrible dancing. She owns every gun known to mankind, and she is without question the worlds worst shot. As she fails in one scene to kill any of the 12 or so drug lords with a propelled grenade and two uzi machine guns a close range. All while driving an armored car she somehow owns.

Plus near the end, she gets into hand to had combat with a 60 year old dude, and can barely hold him off. She almost gets killed by him, after establishing for two hours she is virtually unstoppable. And don't get me started on the scene at the beginning where she at 8 years old, runs through the streets of Colombia in her school uniform while being chased by 10 heavily armed drug cartel hit men. Jumping from rooftop to rooftop, crashing off car tops, and so on. No only does she escape, but doesn't get dirty or wrinkled. Oh, until they decide to do this in the following scene where they remembered they should have done this.

This movie is insulting. It's ridiculous, and just plain silly. It just reeks of "I can be an action figure too...you know!" We don't need Colombiana, and the movies are not better for it being here. Saldana, though beautiful and wonderfully photogenic, picks a horrific script and the only challenge put before her was, would she get hurt making this picture.

Colombiana. Laughably bad.

MOVIE REVIEW - Our Idiot Brother

2011-08-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

Funny man Paul Rudd stars with a nice cast in this weeks late summer comedy, Our Idiot Brother.

First off, this is not going to start a new genre in comedic movie making. Nor is it going to be fully remembered in a couple of years, but this is a pretty good flick. It has its problems, and some weaknesses, but considering what is out there for comedies these days, this works.

Rudd stars as Ned. Ned is a mid-20's "dude". He is not quick in the uptake, and probably smokes a bit too much weed. He is the youngest of four children, with 3 older sisters. He is the brother no one talks about. He is arrested for selling a uniformed police officer pot. After spending 8 months in jail, he is released to his family. Although they love him, no one really wants to take him in, as he is a difficult problem.

But as goofy as Ned is, he has a good heart. He loves his dog, and his family. And he is painfully, and I mean painfully honest. And that gets him into trouble with his sisters. But in the end, his honesty, and his ability to live and love unconditionally, is lesson for all of his caddy, self centered sisters to learn from.

Rudd does a real nice job of creating this real goofy, lovable, and highly believable character that is parody of course. But is parallel to real life in many ways. Leaving the theater I heard many say that he reminded me of so-and-so, which I found interesting.

Good cast here, Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Daschanel (who is underused), Rashida Jones, and many more that round out a real solid cast. OIB, is a bit short on story at times, and wanders off track a time or two, (once time very badly painting itself into t corner) but overall this is pretty funny, and actually has some charm at times.

Our Idiot Brother. Not perfect, but few are. But a fun 90 minutes at the movies.

MOVIE REVIEW - Fright Night

2011-08-22T11:51:00.000-07:00

Strictly from a movie perspective, this summer cannot come soon enough. More remakes, blah, blah.

Fright Night in 3-D is a remake, for the most part of the 1985 original that you may or may not know was out there. But since the vampire craze has been running full throttle for a few years now, the temptation proved too much to take. Too many vampire and slasher enthusiasts with a bunch of money, and new 3-D technology, and va-voom...you have Fright Night 3-D. And we are not better for it.

In a nutshell, a teen boy living with his single mom outside Las Vegas discover that the hot, single neighbor guy living next door is a vampire. And he's bent on dining on as many victims as he can. From there, the whole story is how this teen plans on eventually killing him so he and his mom can live in peace and all can be good.

Let's just get down to it. This is a snoozer of the first order. Oh, there are a few moments here and there. It's one of those half serious, half satire movies where you are supposed to laugh the whole time you are supposedly being scared. Been done a thousand times. But in its defense, the original was one of the originators of this kind of movie. But most that are going to see this, don't know this. Half cheesy in this remake, turns quickly to rank, rotten cheesy, and the whole thing just ends up stinking up the joint.

You can watch this in regular vision or 3-D. But honestly there are far better things to spend your money on. Outside of a moment or two this isn't going to scare one young person today, or make them laugh. The core audience is far too desensitised for this nonsense. This is child's play to them.

Fright Night in 3-D. No matter what kind of "D" this is, the key letter while watching this is zzzzzzzz!

MOVIE REVIEW - One Day

2011-08-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

One Day with superstar Anne Hathaway in trailers looks like a fun and interesting movie that has a slightly different story. And then the movie starts.

OD is the story of Emma (Hathaway) and Dex (Tom Sturgiss). They live in England in 1988. They are college friends who become better acquainted on graduation day. What begins then is a 20 year friendship/romance thing that stretches over the miles, and the years. Dex is a playboy, TV star that burns up his 20's with a nice TV gig. He also becomes a heavy drinker, a womanizer and loses all real sense of decency that even stretches into his mothers eventual loss to cancer. All the while maintaining a platonic relationship with Emma, who is love starved for his affections. And Dex knows it.

Emma who has great potential spends her 20's twisting in the wind. Working horrible jobs, and spending time with men she doesn't really care for. All the while seemingly waiting for Dex to grow up. Will this relationship ever happen? That is the whole thing in a nutshell with One Day.

Kudos to Hathaway. Her versatility is really amazing. They make her up wonderfully to give her many looks over the course of 20 years, and she really looks amazing, and spot on in all era's. Also she continually takes on roles that are demanding, and not easily filled by Hollywood also-rans. She is clearly the star of this movie as she creates a very sympathetic Emma. You are drawn to her, like her and are pulling for her to have a nice life, and to get things right with or without Dex. But Hathaway's beauty, smile, fake accent, charm and all around wonderful performance can not outrun predictability and a sell-out story.

One Day sounds like a real good idea, and it is. But the whole time you can see it coming, the senseless almost mandatory plot development of "this has been done 1,000 times before." This movie looks in advertisements as somewhat charming, and it's not. This is heavy drama plain and simple. One Day deals with a endless array of grown up heavyweight issues and situations. And the whole time you know what is eventually going to happen. And it does. It's so sad to see that movie makers can take a pretty good idea, and not be creative enough to develop a different result that would make their movie stand above the fray.

Some will, love, love, love this movie. Others will wonder why they are there as the manhole cover sitting on their chests gets heavier and heavier. But by now means should anyone think this is a romantic comedy of any kind. This is a pretty good basic premise, that is highly adult, and very bleak. So buyer beware.

Hathaway is great again, and the supporting cast is decent but that makes no mind. There's really no one else that matters here. It's Hathaway's movie that that's the end of that. Without her this is a complete and total washout.

One Day. Like it's inner love story this is love/hate on the outside too.

MOVIE REVIEW - Final Destination 5 3-D

2011-08-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

The new 3-D technology is really great, and can make virtually any action, or animated movie a real different experience. That brings us to Final Destination 5 3-D.

This series has been an interesting one. The whole premise is, and has been this. Groups of young adults who somehow escape death, are then hunted down by death. You can't cheat death, we all owe one. And if you escape yours, you must pay with your life, or a life in it's place.
This premise alone is kind of interesting at first, but after one movie point was made and all could have been tidied up. But we trudged on.

This series was dead (excuse the pun) but the new 3-D breathed new life into it. The idea of watching characters being hacked to death now in 3-D was just too tempting not to go after. After seeing it, I have to say the 3-D here stinks, and is not worth the extra dough. There is a moment or two of cool 3-d, but over all... pretty rank.

After this group of young adults escape a deadly suspension bridge collapse, death comes looking for them. And death starts to pick them off one by one. One girl gets her eyeballs fried out in a doctors office during a routine eye exam. Another is rubbed out in a horrible industrial accident involving a huge hook. And so on. Two of our characters seem to defeat death only to be killed in a 747 plane crash. That's pretty much the story.

Interesting here. They found this actor to play the lead character, Sam (Miles Fisher). Fisher looks exactly like a young Tom Cruise. Is the intent to give this franchise some credibility by casting a Cruise look-a-like? Seems so. Dude does a mean Cruise I have to admit, even though it may not be intended. Cruise imitator or not, you can't cover up bad acting, or a bad script. This movie has some of the worst acting you can imagine. And the writing? Unbelievably bad. But that's not whey we're here.

We're here to see what new ideas this franchise has cooked up to show people at their demise. And if you're looking or hoping for "new" you're out of luck. It's the same old stuff. But I will say the bridge collapse scene in 3-D and the special effects there are extraordinary. It is very well done, and a big undertaking for this franchise. Very elaborate and over all compelling. But that's the best moment of the flick, and it's right up front. After that, it's all ho-hum.

Final Destination 5 3-D. The only reason it's here in the first place is the new 3-D. And the only reason to go see it, is if you have 15 dollars too many.

MOVIE REVIEW - 30 Minutes Or Less

2011-08-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

With an open mind, what we think is funny in movies and entertainment is always changing and evolving. And that will not, and should not ever change

What was funny in 1969, was not near as funny in 1989. And so it goes. This change has been amplified and accelerated in the past 10 years or so. Much of the comedy since say 2000 has lost it's luster with viewers, and now there has been a new era ushered in. There are exceptions, and classics that do transcend time. You know them when you see them.

That brings us to the new 30 Minutes Or Less comedy this week. This "dude" comedy stars Jesse Eisenberg and Danny McBride. In summary, a young going nowhere pizza delivery dude (Eisenberg) is grabbed by some other dudes (McBride), and has a bomb strapped to him. He is told that unless he robs a bank in the next few hours and gets them 100 grand, they will remotely blow him up. Then the crazy antics begin as our "hero" courts his friends to help him pull off this diabolical plan.

There are a few funny moments in this movie, but that is true in virtually any summer comedy. But that's where it will end for some. In a pure movie making world, the makers of this movie absolutely know their audience. In the theater large groups of young viewers (early 20's, girls and boys both) laughing at virtually everything that was happening of screen. Being fair, no movie ever made is that funny. They were caught up in this ADD, crazy, wacky movie that is loud and borderline chaotic at every turn. They all thought the constant swearing, and crude, and deep sexual references, were just the funniest thing in the world. You can't fault them, or the movie makers. It is the perfect storm, knowing what your fans want and giving it to them for 90 minutes.

It is funny to go to the movies for many years and see how different patrons are. It is interesting to watch new viewers virtually not being able to be offended in any way. No matter what is said or done, No matter how degraded the movie characters actually end up being portrayed on screen, and how often the cycle is repeated. Are we seeing a new generation so desensitised that there is nothing off limits? That the deeper the offensive language is, the grosser the gags are, and that all they really want to laugh at is an envelope that is pushed as far as it seemingly can go? Some of the comedies this summer would have you thinking that. This is just one of many.

Eisenberg is a fine young actor from Zombieland, and of course The Social Network. I have liked his work, but there's really no acting here. And the Oscar Nomination for TSN, seems like another life now after this. I have never cared for McBride in any movie. He seems so pre-occupied with talking about various body parts, I am fatigued by it all. It might be fun to try something new. If he's capable. I'm guessing not, but his checkbook is huge. But this movie must be spot on for who they want to see it, large crowds, and howling young adults.

30 Minutes Or Less. There's really nothing worth reviewing here. It is what it is. From my seat, a moment or two of guilty pleasure laughs, but mostly the same old tired formula that has become Hollywood's new comedy calling card. In a year, this will be completely forgotten.

MOVIE REVIEW - The Help

2011-08-11T13:43:00.000-07:00

It's always hold your breath time when a huge book comes to the movies.

Will they mess it up? Will they change the story too much, and is it all that the book is? Well, feel free to exhale because The Help is as good as advertised.

The Help is a remarkable story of fictional women of Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960's, who hire African-American or "colored" house help. Although this is fiction, it is based in principal of facts of the era. It shows the terrible way they treat these hired women and for no good reason other than hate. The help, cook, clean, and in most cases raise the children of these bigoted people. It's a story that shows that some states, mainly Mississippi went kicking and screaming into the Civil Rights movement of the 60's, all the while most of the rest of the nation was way ahead.

Meet a young woman, Skeeter (Emma Stone). She is a single 24 year old woman, who breaks away from all of her friends who are now married and are helping to perpetuate this vicious cycle of hate in their own homes. Skeeter is a college graduate and wants to be a writer, so she decides to write, and right the wrongs by exposing the real truth behind these hate filled, caddy women of Jackson by penning a book entitled, The Help. The book is the story of the lives of the hired help, as told through the helps eyes. Needless to say, although it's anonymously written and told, it causes quite a stir in the southern town.

The Help is a really great movie that is powerful and inspirational. Incredibly well cast with Stone, Viola Davis, Allyson Janney, Octavia Spenser, Sissy Spacek, and Bryce Dallas Howard in the lead roles. This movie is right out there and honest. It pulls no punches. It shows you first hand the horrible treatment of these people, and the hatred and close mindedness of the era. The Help runs you through all emotions. It's very funny in spots, and very powerful in others. It'll make you angry, sad, happy but most of all it will make you think. Good coffee talk after.

Emma Stone carries the day again, as she marches towards the top, showing great versatility yet again. In the coming years there is little doubt her charm, her humor, and her sense of being real will put her in high demand and should land some more really fantastic roles. Against actors her own age, it is a mismatch. She is light years ahead of the rest of the pack of actors and actresses that would dare to be her contemporaries. She leads a cast that again is stellar from top to bottom. But that being said, The Help in the end, is the kind of movie that really speaks for itself. The best part is, the real star of this movie is....the movie. Great story, well adapted and very well done indeed.

The Help. Adult in nature and content, and really great. I know it's only August, but one of the years best no doubt.

MOVIE REVIEW - The Change Up

2011-08-08T15:58:00.000-07:00

Whoa! There's bad, and then there's The Change Up.

Somehow I made it all the way through this two hour supposed comedy about a supernatural switching of lives. One body taking over the life and body of another, and visa-versa. This mess stars Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman, both who have done really good work in the past. But it'll take a while to clean up this mess.

Briefly, it's the story of Dave (Bateman), a married man with three kids and a great wife. He has a lifelong friend, Mitch (Reynolds). Due to a drunken night out they somehow get their lives switched. Dave is now Mitch and Mitch is now Dave. Mitch is a dope smoking, irresponsible dude that has never grown up. Dave is a respected lawyer up for promotion at work. As you can see, the opposite inhabiting each others lives is a recipe for disaster. This is supposed to be funny. All that idea is is old and tired.

That's as deep as this gets. The first hour of this movie tries so hard to out do itself for gross, and vile scenes on screen. It is hard do fathom the minds that think that much of this is funny. Every single frame of the early portion is horrible. It almost seemed as though this was made up as it went along. "Here. let's try this, this is is REALLY gross." The word tasteless pops into mind throughout too. This movie is totally tasteless in every regard. Buyer beware, this movie is packaged so differently than what it delivers. It is rated R, and that's fine. But an R rating doesn't get it off the hook. Tasteless and foul is tasteless and foul, no matter what letter is up front.

The second half of this movie tries real hard to grow a heart, switch gears and actually become a movie. It tries to shed the horrible suit of armor it was wearing the first hour, but it's too late and too far gone. It tries to tell a story and make you feel. And to be fair it does get better, but it has no where to go but to get better. But it still stinks - bad! It's also the movie that never ends. 30 minutes too.

There are a lot of good people in this movie, including the talented Alan Sorkin and the lovely Olivia Wilde. But even they can't make this palatable. This movie is an example of seeing how far these new movie making dudes can push us to get young boys to laugh. Aside from the money, I'm sure the writer, producer and directors moms, and families are so very proud of their sons creative visions and really vile sense of what is funny and entertaining.

The Change Up. This could be the worst movie of the year, or any year.

A No Trace Place

2011-08-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

Over the past couple of weeks because I've played golf and done various roadshows that prompted me to drive past a place I haven't in a while. It's the intersection of State Route 303 and I-271.

Do you know what's there? Nothing, just a big field of two. And that's the shame of it all. If that intersection sounds familiar, it should. Years ago it was the home of the Richfield Coliseum. The RC has been gone a long time now. Torn down in the early 1990's after the Cavaliers and others moved into the Gund Arena (The Q now), and left it for dead in northern Summit County. I'm not looking back and saying things should have been different and we should still be playing ball there, but I am saying it's sad that it seems like it never happened.

If you are too young to remember, The Coliseum was built in the early 1970's after the Cavs came into the NBA. The Cavs were playing in the worst building in the world, the old Cleveland Arena. They then moved into the greatest building in the world, at least we thought so, The Coliseum. It was built in the era of The Spectrum in Philadelphia, and the Omni in Atlanta. New, exciting arenas that were like nothing we had seen before. With restaurants, private suites, and amazingly comfy seats. This sounds so basic now, but it wasn't then.

Some fantastic things happened in that building in the middle of nowhere. The Cavs Miracle In Richfield, The Cleveland Force and the great soccer played there, and too many concerts to mention. From Frank Sinatra who opened the building, to Micheal Stanley and everything in between. She had her naysayers too, being out there on some farmland far from any real city. But many of us grew up there along with the Cavs, Force, the circus, the rodeo, and cars shows, everything you can imagine. Then, the doors closed...and that was it.

I think it is sad that there's not a single thing there that commemorates or reminds us that the once mighty building even existed. There should be! I think as a people we are really saddened when a place closes where so much fun had been had. Schools, theaters, amusement parks, and stadiums are good examples. Heck even Chippewa Lake somehow managed to stay standing for 40 years after it closed and over grew itself. And I'm not saying that the Coliseum should still be out there in the forest crumbling down like Chippewa Lake.

I am also glad that the Coliseum didn't get a reprieve on life for life's sake, with some of the silly ideas that floated around at the time. I am glad it's not an outlet mall like some were hoping for, or a prison like was being talked about too. The old girl certainly deserved better treatment than that. And I am not saying that maybe her time didn't come. But I am saying that there is no sign, no marker, no single trace that she was ever there. I think she...and we deserve better than that.

All of us had so much fun there, and have so many memories that it would be fun to take note when you drive by. That in this massive overgrown field at one time, there was great human joy, and heartbreak, and such outpouring of emotion to the to... and the fro. That pretending it never happened is no way to go.

But as it is, the memories of an era gone by with only the whispers of cheers and joy that now are a faded memory that gently blows through the trees and meadow that is 303 and 271. She deserved better when she was alive, and absolutely more now that she's gone.

The Coliseum site has become a true no trace place.

MOVIE REVIEW -Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes

2011-08-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

More action, more effects and more doomsday stories at the box office this week.

This time it's Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes. Of course for those that can remember, the Planet Of The Apes movies of the late 1960's and early 70's were huge hits. There now is a new young audience that has a bunch of money. Toss in no new ideas, and better Hollywood effects, it was almost bound to happen. This is the story of how the Apes became empowered to begin their takeover of the world. Up front too. If you are growing weary of the end of the world scenario, this is another one and steer clear. There has been no shortage of them the past year or so. More gloom and doom.

This is the story of a young, brilliant but arrogant young chemist at a large drug company that is looking for a cure Alzheimer disease. His father is afflicted with the terrible illness, and he has a personal stake in the fight against it. He develops a revolutionary drug that has promise. It not only seems to cure the disorder, but actually enhances the brain to heights never imagined. But after a clinical trail on a chimp goes horribly wrong, the project is pulled. But one chimp subject does survive.

Cesar is a baby chimp that during his mothers pregnancy was given the drug, and he is amazingly smart. As he grows up he learns much from the world. Only to eventually be in he control of animal control with hundreds of other chimps in an illegal poaching and chimp supplying ring. He becomes the leader of the entire primate community and eventually leads his pack to escape and reek havoc in the world. With their superior physical ability, and seemingly unending capacity to learn, the Apes become a giant force poised to take over Earth.

First off, there is no shortage of stunning film making here. With the mixture of real animals, and computer generated effects Apes has a real nice look. Being fair though, you have to like to watch apes do, what apes do because there is plenty of it. The overall story is well thought out, and full of strong messages ranging from the ethics of creating medicines that effect the mind and extend life. Also, animal cruelty, and mans seemingly unending misunderstanding of his role in the world. It's the story too of corporate and personal greed, and how small we humans can be. There is no shortage of social issues addressed in this movie.

As well done as this movie is done from a movie making perspective, it may not appeal to everyone. The general idea may not interest all, just like the originals. There may be a "what's the point" argument from some who are on the fringe or disinterested, and that's OK. Apes will find it's fans, and do well. To be fair, I felt that the originals were enough. But since Apes is now here, it is well done and well written. Limited but rabid appeal. Apes is one of those stories you are interested in, or you are not. End of subject. Just like the originals.

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes. Far smarter than most of the summer action flicks. Good story and well done. It you are into it, you'll totally be into it!

MOVIE REVIEW - Crazy, Stupid, Love

2011-07-31T15:04:00.000-07:00

The time is right for a new adult comedy, and this weeks Crazy, Stupid, Love is just the answer.

First off, this movie does have problems, and we'll address those right up front. It's is draggy in some spots. It does seem longer than it is, and some of the stuff here doesn't work the way they had hoped for. So to say that CSL is flawed is fair. But there is much good here.

It's the story of Cal (Steve Carell) and Emily (Julianne Moore). They have been married for 25 years, and she wants a divorce. Cal doesn't take it well and tries hard to move on with his life. He then meets Jacob (Ryan Gosling) who is 20 years younger and a real ladies man. He takes the long off the market Cal and gives him lessons on picking up women with a total life makeover. And Cal has a fair amount of success. But as good of friends as they become, there is still a generation gap that seems to be ever present.

Then there's the PG rated Hannah (Emma Stone). She meets Jacob, and suddenly his days of women chasing seem to be over. He falls for her, and his friendship with Cal is strained. Emily is trying hard to move on as well in her life, and Emily and Cal's young kids are trying to hang on too. Will Cal and Emily put it back together? Will Jacob finally meet his match? That is CSL. This is a real slick script.

This is a very compelling story that tries its best to take a good, long look at modern love of all ages. It shows the good, the bad and the ugly of all that can be our world today as far as relationships are concerned. It does a very good job of showing love from all angles. Being married, young dating, older dating, the bar scene, and stupid decisions we have all made in love at one time or another. Including bad decisions, runaway hormones and stupid actions. There are some too good laughs, and some moving moments that give it a well rounded look.

Carell is the same guy again in the movies. The lovable geek that seems to be fighting an uphill battle in love. Moore is who she is, underwhelming again. Gosling's star continues to rise as Hollywood's leading man. But Emma Stone is the show again. Stone is so versatile, so funny, so real, it's hard not to be taken with her. I have stated before she is the next big deal and this is more proof. At such a young age she has such a leg up on the competition both past and present. With all due respect, Meg Ryan, Sandra Bullock or Julia Roberts were never this naturally funny. She is a great mix of girl next door, with real natural comedic skills and pleasantness that's hard to match. Any movie is better with her starring in it.

Crazy, Stupid, Love is not perfect, and it's not without flaw. But the story is strong, and it's a bunch of fun. Great summer movie going. Well done.

MOVIE REVIEW - Cowboys And Aliens

2011-07-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

In this summer of animation, remakes and superhero flicks, one thing that has been missing is a bit of Hollywood star power.

So welcome Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford in the new Cowboys and Aliens. This is a western like you have never seen. Not only do we have two big stars on the screen, but they get to be in a big action flick that is as original as anything you'll see this summer. And finally, an action movie that has a point, a heart, and a good balance of action and story.

CAA is a strange western. New Mexico in the late1800's. A renegade cowboy (Craig) finds himself in the desert with no memory of who he is, or where he is from. All he knows is that there is this strange bracelet on his wrist that he can't get off. He ventures off then to a sleepy mining town that has dried up is suddenly under siege from aliens and their advanced civilization. He finds stunning powers in the bracelet that seems to destroy the aliens. And of course, with this being the 1800's, everyone is amazed and terrified a the whole ordeal.

Our hero teams up with local cattle baron (Ford) to wage war on the aliens who have been abducting various family members. See, I told you this was a strange western. I know it all sounds very complicated, but it's really not. Truth is, this story is told in a very straight forward fashion that is very refreshing. CAA is just flat out good.

This movie has a fantastic mix of old school western, Sci-Fi, and socially aware drama. Incredibly original, and really fun to watch, CAA is a real breath of fresh air in this summer that has become somewhat stuffy with the same old same old. Craig and Ford are really great, and toss in a really strong supporting cast,(esp Olivia Wilde) a huge western soundtrack that keeps it focused and classic. That is the real strength of this flick. Even though it's Sci-Fi, somehow it maintains the feel of a classic western. Very skillfully done.

CAA is also a bit intense, especially the battle scenes with the aliens near the end. CAA is not brutal or appaulling, but there are moments that could make some squeamish. But overall this is exciting, well paced, and tremendously original.

Cowboys And Aliens. Wonderful summer movie going. Good to see!!!

MOVIE REVIEW- Captain America

2011-07-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

How much fun is a good surprise at the movies?

I love going into a movie with one set of expectations, and come out completely baffled by what I just saw. That is this weeks Captain America. On the surface, you may be thinking, "here we go, another comic book hero come to life." And you would literally be right. But your preconceived notions about how potentially silly this might be would be dead wrong.

CA is straight out of the 1940's comic book and right on the money. We go back to WWII. The Nazi's are starting up the war. And America is starting a huge recruiting drive as we enter the war. Steve Rogers is a 90 pound weakling who is rejected time after time by the Army for active duty. But he is then chosen for a biological experiment that the Army is spearheading. He will be injected with a serum stolen from the Germans, and will go through a procedure that will hopefully drastically change his body. The goal is to develop an army of "super soldiers."

The experiment works. Steve now is a huge man with amazing physical ability. But he is chosen to be a stage show for recruits. But as fate would have it, Steve is thrust into active duty, as Captain America! A mortal man with incredible strength and speed. He is then asked to go after an even more sinister villain than the Nazi's, but a rogue break off group that also has it's sights on world domination. Will he succeed? Well, he's Captain America, I hope so!

This is just flat out two hours of fun, and real good action. It's a great example of how good these kind of flicks really can be done, when more attention is being paid to what is being said, as opposed to what special effects can be conjured up to 3-D us to death. CA is so well done, with a bit of everything for everyone. First our hero is real, and doesn't have some silly ability to fly or shoot rays from his eyes or anything. He is a real person and that includes the whole package of emotions and shortcomings.

The supporting characters are terrific and breathe additional life into a wonderfully written script that successfully transports of back to 1943. It gives us a sense of the life and times, all the while walking a fine line between fantasy and reality. Great sets, great and simple effects, wonderful imagination, and a spot on musical soundtrack that adds a bunch. This movie is well cast, well thought out, and highly entertaining from start to finish. Fans of many ages should love this one. There is a fair amount of violence, but it is tempered. Extremely well done.

Captain America. One of the summers really good movies. Well, well done!

MOVIE REVIEW - Friends With Benefits

2011-07-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

The romantic comedy gets a shot in the arm with the new Justin Timberlake/Mila Kunis flick, Friends With Benefits.

FWB is a thoroughly modern romantic comedy, garnering an R rating, and starring two of Hollywood's biggest young stars. It's the story of Dylan (Timberlake) and Jamie (Kunis). They are young New Yorkers that become friends and try a novel idea of having a purely physical relationship without any of the messy emotional stuff that goes with it. If it sounds eerily similar to last Springs No Strings Attached with Natalie Portman, in it's premise, it is. But even if it sort of rips off the idea, there are major differences. The most obvious one is this movie is actually good.

FWB starts off as a typical borderline average movie with Dylan and Jamie rolling around in the hay endlessly. And FWB seems to be pigeonholing itself into the same old trap of being high on being R rated and not concerned with being good. Then it shift gears. FWB becomes a completely different movie. Introducing some new characters such as Dylan's sister Annie (Jenna Elfman) who is great. And Jamie's eccentric, lost in the 1970's goofy mom (Patricia Clarkson). Both are great in these very small roles.

FWB also takes a stab and actually succeeds in being relevant. Daring to take on it's basic premise, but also Dylan's aging father with dimensia, and his difficult family life. Both of our main characters are flawed, and the makers do their best to develop a nice story with characters that have something to say. FWB doesn't fall into the "isn't this funny" trap and fall in love with itself or it's racy premise.

Truth is, I wouldn't call FWB overly hilarious. There are some funny moments and some good laughs. But the strength of this movie is wonderful chemistry between Timblerlake and Kunis. He was come a long way in a short time, and I like her better every time out. Kunis was great in Black Swan, and I really loved her in The Book Of Eli last year. both supporting roles, but here she takes center stage. And a for a change there is a movie that gets smarter and more refined as it goes on.

Friends With Benefits. It's not perfect. But it's pretty good. And hopefully will breathe some life into a genre that desperately needs some.

MOVIE REVIEW - Zookeeper

2011-07-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

Kevin James and his band of usual suspects are back again, and this time it's the talking animal "comedy" Zookeeper.

First off, have there not been enough talking animal movies in the past number of years? Have we not seen Kevin James act like a moron in the movies enough? And is it possible for this troupe to make a movie, that you don't know the ending in the first 5 minutes?

Zookeeper is the story of Griffin (James). He is a zookeeper at the Franklyn Park Zoo, and he is in love with Stephanie (Leslie Bibb). He wants to marry her, but she says no, because he works at a zoo with animals. She wants someone important. But he works with the lovely Kate (the equally lovely Rosario Dawson). And it is clear that she is better for him than Stephanie. The makers show you this in the first 3 minutes, so there's no reason to watch any further unless you just have to see talking animals with celebrity voices.

Griffin feels that he wants to leave the zoo. He then finds out that the zoo animals can talk. And when they find out they are about to lose their favorite zookeeper, they start giving Griffin "love" advice and how to get back his ex-girlfriend. Doesn't this sound fun?

This movie is just plain bad. I am still confounded on who this movie is actually for. It is so juvenile, so Junior high you would think it's for kids. But the subject matter and language lead me to believe it's really not. They then blend in a very heavy mid- 1970's soundtrack that completely does not match one thing in this movie. It seems that they just wanted to use their favorite songs from their childhood. I am certainly hoping they were not thinking that full grown adults with real lives would think this is for them. I was in a semi full theater and a few laughs by a few people a few times. Do not let anyone tell you this is really funny.

James who was great on King Of Queens, again shows virtually nothing new here as the lovable loser, who's too fat, too shy and too dumb to figure things out for himself. I think I have seen James fall off things, get hit with things and act like he is 17 enough in my life, to take me into the next. It's an old tired act, that isn't aging very well. Seems that this bunch, of James, and Adam Sandler (animal voice and Producer) are now making movies for their own amusement and not ours. Toss in the voices of Cher, Sylvester Stallone, Nick Nolte and many others and what you have is an expensive yawn fest without one sliver of originality. It's almost like it's time for this troupes "talking animal movie" time.

Zookeeper. Pass, pass pass.....

MOVIE REVIEW - Horrible Bosses

2011-07-12T05:30:00.000-07:00

Summer means big action, and comedy time at the theaters. And this week Horrible Bosses is the comedy of the moment.

This has a really big cast, and a very funny script. It's just naughty enough to be really funny. HB, though Nana may not appreciate all the extremely edgy humor in it, is over all well paced and there are some very big laughs here.

HB is the story of these three young guys about 30. All are trying to climb the ladder in their respective fields, but their horrible bosses are in the way. One boss is a manipulative jerk, one is a unqualified moron, and one is a sexual harasser to the extreme. Our hero's then come up with the ridiculous plan to kill each others bosses, so they can get on with their careers. And the laughs begin.

HB is a dark comedy of sorts, although there is an innocence that runs through it that doesn't let it get too dark and morose. It is exceptionally edgy, and laced with harsh language at times but for some reason you are willing to look over it. I think it's because the script is pretty darn funny and just dripping with parody, satire and sarcasm. Once you latch on to HB, and understand that this although edgy, is not going down the terribly vulgar road. You get that it's just summer fun, and escapism - period. After the Cameron Diaz' disaster, Bad Teacher, this movie looks and is so much better.

Starring Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston, and a great supporting cast, HB is laugh after laugh at a time when we need one at the movies. Extraordinarily good comedic timing, and a story that stays on target without weaving off course. Award winning? No. But it's not computer generated, a cartoon, or a superhero. Could be too that it's super refreshing that it plays so well.

Horrible Bosses. Not for everyone, but pretty darn funny. This is the comedy of the summer so far.

Extraordinary Times

2011-07-09T10:31:00.000-07:00

We like to think the we live in amazing times, and for the most part I probably do. And as amazing as they are, you have to wonder if they are more amazing than those before us. This has been on my mind over the past couple of weeks.

I have been so incredibly fortunate in my life. True, I have not been blessed many of the monetary things that many others enjoy. But I have been blessed with something that I have always been able to take for granted. And that's the blessing of extraordinarily good health. And I would not trade that for anything. This week, for the first time in my life I had to enter the health system for something outside of the basics. I have had about 2 prescriptions in my life, and have never had any health issues ever! Yesterday, I had to have a bit of repairing abdominal surgery. All is good today. The fact that I am home the same day writing this is extraordinary all on it's own.

When my grandparents on both sides were born, it was shortly after the Gunfight At The OK Corral in 1881. Over the course of their lives, they saw the advent of the airplane, the automobile, the the nuclear age, and many things well beyond. Think about that. Born in the era of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday and Tombstone, and living well into the era of Albert Einstein and the splitting of the atom.

My parents were born when Charles Lindbergh was amazing the world with his solo flight across the Atlantic, and Amelia Earhart with her heroics. And then later, they watched Neil and Buzz walk on the moon. My mom is still around being amazed about the advancement of technology seemingly on a daily basis. Think about that, from a rickety single propeller Spirit Of St. Louis, through Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and the Space Shuttle.

And now, it's my turn to be amazed. When I was born, black and white 3 channel TV with Andy Griffith and Don Knotts. To yesterday, when I had to have the first surgery of my life, and it was done by a robot. No kidding. And done well I might add. When I was a kid we used to play Rock-Em Sock-Em robots, and they were stuff of science fiction, Star Wars, and some time in the future. Well in some respects, now is the future.

This generation has become so used to extraordinary change we almost take it for granted. I-Phones, Blackberry's, GPS, and list goes on. But we shouldn't. For me, I will never forget the moment I entered the Operating Room getting ready for something brand new to me, and a robot was staring me down. And when it was all over, he (or she) did the surgery that allows me to recover in a matter of days, rather than when I was born, would have taken weeks.

We do live in truly Extraordinary Times. But in perspective they may not be any more amazing than the generations before us. Just different. Each has a story to tell, and that's mine. But in a world where it's easy to take it all for granted, sometimes it's good to be reminded. That the times in which we live, no matter when - are truly extraordinary.

MOVIE REVIEW - Larry Crowne

2011-07-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

Been a while, but Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts are back on the screen in the new, Larry Crowne.

LC is a romantic comedy of sorts that deals with a very relevant story line in these recessionary time. Crowne (Hanks) is a 50 ish guy, retired 20 years in the Navy. He was been working at U-Mart for a number of years, and is divorced. He is then downsized from U-Mart because he never went to college. Finding himself out of work, in debt and with no real positive prospects ahead of him, he decides to go to community college.

There he meets Mercy (Roberts). She is a the sexy, unhappily married college professor, who unknowingly is looking for something better in her life than her ADD students, her Internet porn watching, out of work husband, and her recreational drinking. She meets Larry who takes her speech class. And both people seem to be set on a new direction in life. Will they end up together? That's Larry Crowne.

To say LC is a bad movie is too harsh. To say it is a big opportunity missed is more kind and a bit more apt. This movie should have been way better than it is. Having the guts to take on a relevant story, and telling it in a mature way, with two big stars is a great idea. Problem here is story. LC is real light on actual story, and disjoints its way through. LC never really gets on a roll and stays there. The principals somehow find each, somehow get together and that's it. Sadly, there is no palpable chemistry between Larry and Mercy. And that's the opportunity that goes by the by.

What Larry Crowne has is Hanks, and Roberts, and not much else. This script stunningly was written by Hanks, and Nia Vardalos (writer of Big Fat Greek Wedding). And this was directed by Hanks. No doubt it is fun to see Hanks back on the screen in a comedy, and Roberts too. But you have to tell a story that makes sense and is compelling. The idea of LC is highly compelling, the actual movie will hit and miss.

There is not enough of Hanks being the real star he is. And Roberts is misused, but it's not all her fault. Her character is dark, and thinly written, and not asked to do much. As lovely and talented as Julia is, they do ask her to be physically funny in a scene or two here, and it falls short. Scenes designed for big laughs didn't really get them. As far as Hanks is concerned, tough to be in it, writing it, and directing it. Might have been spread a bit too thin.

Overall, Larry Crowne will go over big with box office success, not so sure all will feel as elated after the flick as they will going in. Adults need movies to go to, that are not animated, or computer generated, and that speaks to them. This one can and does to a degree.

Larry Crowne. Many will feel not as good as it really should have been.

MOVIE REVIEW - Transformers 3

2011-06-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

It is amazing that a toy from the early 1980's can stir such a huge fan base at the movies some 30 year later.

But Transformers continues to thrill an audience that already loves this move before they walk in. And virtually nothing that happens in that movie could shake their love for this flick. Sometimes there are just "can't miss" movies made and this is one of them. It's the continuing saga of the Autobots and the Decepticons and their attempt to protect or take over Earth respectfully. After the complete disaster of T2, a film even the film makers apologized for, there is some pressure on this one.

T3 makes an all out effort to be a grown up film. A virtual who's who of Hollywood has lined up even for the most rudimentary of roles to be in this one. They have hardened up the language, and have up-ed the stakes for even more intense computer generated violence between the robots. This franchise is trying to grow with it's core audience. I'm not so sure it can effectively though. T3 may be pretty cool for the 30n year old dudes in the crowd who played (or play with the toys), but may be getting a bit too edgy and intense in many regards for very the very young.

The special effects are of course incredible, but to be fair they are no different or better than a few years ago when this franchise first started out. This movie also leads one to believe that the real life moon walk and Apollo program of the 1960' and 1970's was to go to the moon to investigate the Autobots space ship crash there in 1961. For the record. It wasn't.

This also may the most product placed movie I have ever seen. Virtually all of the advertisers imaginable are on display in this movie. Everything from NASCAR to FedEx and everything in between. See how many you can count up. NASA is also on display in this movie. An hour or so of it's logo, and at a time that there seems to be a slowing in space exploration interest, I'm sure NASA is thrilled to be aligned with such a bit of pop culture.

If you are going to this movie, you will more than likely love it. That's why you're going. But being fair, you've seen this before in it's execution. The story continues to develop but in it's film making, there really is no new ground here. Lot's of battles, lots of action. And checking in at 2:25. You will certainly get your moneys worth. Showing in 2-D and 3-D.

Transformers 3. Overall more intense, but overall more of the same.

MOVIE REVIEW - Midnight In Paris

2011-06-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes little movies have a big story.

Legendary movie maker Woody Allen has made a new "Allen" flick, Midnight In Paris. Understanding that Allen is an acquired taste, his movies are not for everyone. Always quirky, and off beat and always with that "Woody Allen" feel. I am not a fan of all of his flicks, but you always seem to know when you are watching one. Midnight In Paris is a small gem in this summer of big box office budget busters.

MIP is the story of Gil (Owen Wilson) and Inez (Rachel McAdams). They are a young couple from California who tag along with her parents as they take a trip to Paris. Inez and her family are typical snobs, and Gil is a writer that is romantically taken with Paris. He wants to move to Paris like in the old days of lore and write his great novel there. Inez does not. Gil feels he was born too late, and feels he relates better to an era gone by, rather than the modern day he lives in.

Then MIP takes a weird, but fun twist. One drunken night at midnight, he meets up with his heroes of The Expatriate Era in Paris in the 1920's. He ends up at a party with F. Scott Fitzgerald, Cole Porter, Ernest Hemingway, and countless others who lived in Paris after WWI. He befriends them and starts to live in their world every night at midnight. He has been transported somehow back in time. Will this "revelation" help him with the clarity he needs to help him write his novel, or make the right choices in his life? That's Midnight In Paris. Sound strange? It is, it's Woody Allen.

Wonderfully written, most creative, really snappy dialogue, and interesting casting choices put Wilson and McAdams in roles they've never attempted before. Both are terrific, and so is the supporting cast. Wilson especially is really great. Usually limited to mindless roles in comedies and action flicks, he shines here and shows he really can do this. Mix in a fun soundtrack that is so typical of Allen. And a fabulous backdrop of Paris itself, and you have a real fun 90 minute getaway at the movies. This movie will find a very, and I mean very limited audience, but no matter. Midnight In Paris is a fun reason to go to the movies.

Woody Allen after all this time, can still put on a real nice movie, and this one is. Midnight In Paris is all that is good about an Allen film, and good fun.

MOVIE REVIEW - Bad Teacher

2011-06-24T13:40:00.000-07:00

Cameron Diaz is back in the new comedy Bad Teacher.

It's another in a long line of raunchy comedies that have come down the pike lately. In short, it's the story (if there really is one) about a teacher, Elizabeth (Diaz). She teaches English at a middle school, and her ultimate goal in life is to marry a rich guy so she doesn't have to work anymore. She then thinks the way to get that goal accomplished is to get a breast enhancement done so she can attract the right guy.

She is a terrible teacher. She's either drunk all the time, or high as she smokes grass in the school parking lot most of the time. She sleeps in class, she hates her students, has horrible language and hates her job. She is a user, and a loser. She then sets her sights on Scott (Justin Timberlake) who teachers with her. She thinks he is rich from family money. All the while being pursued by the gym teacher (Jason Segel) as the other teachers look on.

Raunchy can be fun at times. But the real trouble here is this. Diaz does the same thing over and over in this movie. And it wasn't funny the first time. She is not a funny woman. Not before, and certainly not now. This movie just reeks of desperation on her part. Being cast in a raunchy "comedy" that requires nothing except smoking pot, and cussing. In her big scene at the students car wash where she of course wears little clothing and soaps up with a sponge and garden hose to draw attention. She can't even really be sexy anymore. Final straw. This is just flat out embarrassing. If you've seen the trailer for this movie, you have seen the whole thing.

This movie tries to have a story, but it's disjointed, and silly. Then it gets worse as they pull out all the junior high humor stops as the movie goes on. And this thing just spirals out of control to it's eventual demise. A bright spot though is Lucy Punch as the eccentric, perky young teacher, Miss Squirrel is pretty darn funny here. Timberlake too, has a moment or two, but he deteriorates as the flick moves on. Not his fault, bad writing. Also, Phyllis Smith as teacher Lynn, a scared of her shadow, reluctant, understated, quirky friend is very funny. She was totally underused here.

In short, Bad Teacher never gets off the ground. This satirical concept actually could have been funny handled and written properly. But it's not good. It takes the easy way out. Sometimes makers as so focused on making a "cool" movie they take their eye off the ball. My goodness, how many scenes do we have to watch Diaz do nothing creative on camera? Pay attention guys.

Bad Teacher. It will be a hit, and find an audience. But the full theater wanted to laugh today way more than it actually did. And for those that walked out halfway, I wonder if you got your money back.

MOVIE REVIEW -The Art Of Getting By

2011-06-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

Small movies sometimes are diamonds in the rough.

I'm not so sure The Art Of Getting By is, but it is honest. Honest enough that it could be tough for some parents who have honest self awareness to watch. I've heard it described as a "teen coming of age" movie, and I guess it literally is. But to me it was more.

TAOGB is very straight forward social commentary. It's the story of George and Sally, and their various friends and acquaintances in high school. Set in modern day, George and Sally go to a private school in New York City. George is as unmotivated in life and school as one can be. He is also completely isolated and socially terrible. He is a walking statue. Sally is pretty, outgoing, but also totally scraping by. So are all of their friends, and everyone in their lives. These kids and young adults are living adult lives long before they should or are ready. And are not better for it.

But what a surprise. They have all been raised by equally self centered, immature, hands off parents who have let the kids call the shots. Their parents have made one horrible decision after another and are shocked when their kids do the same. This is the fruit of their lack of labor. Entitled kids with no real direction in life that's meaningful, just like their parents. Pretty powerful stuff. Hard to watch at times, about a problem that could be far too common.

George is on the verge of not graduating high school and just being swallowed up by the world. And Sally just wants to be happy, and loved. Can they work this out? Life, and their lives? That's the deal here. My take on this flick was, this was a bad parenting wake-up call movie as much as a teen flick. Told through the teens eyes, it shows what the modern teen can go through when there is nothing there for them at home. Of course, all bear some responsibility, but the commentary here is, all need to get in the game.

This is a very tidy little movie coming in at 80 minutes, and that's about all you can take. But this small movie takes on a big topic, and although I wanted to like this movie a lot, some is the best I can do. I respect the angle, and I respect the idea. But during the credits, it dawns on you that you've just been asked to have empathy for entitled East Coast kids of privilege as they seemingly squander away one chance after another that many would die for. And that will miss with many. Hard to cheer for anyone here.

The Art of Getting By. New polish on an old idea. If you are a real movie goer, be one of the tens that will see this before it goes away - quickly.

MOVIE REVIEW - Mr. Poppers Penguins

2011-06-21T10:56:00.000-07:00

Jim Carrey is back and this time it's a true family with Mr. Poppers Penguins.

Carrey has been around now in the movies for 20 years or so, and we are used to him as a comic with the rubbery face, and the silly ad-libbed one liners, and that's great fun. We've also seen a more serious Carrey at time, say Truman Show, Simon Birch and others. This is family movie Carrey, and to be fair, it's alright.

True family movies I think are hard to review. How do you truthfully find critical flaw in a movie that is clearly targeted at a very young audience? Of course, for older viewers there is going to be the eye rolling. But the idea is to laugh at the little ones that are gazing at the wonder on screen, laughing hysterically at a show made specifically for them.

Carrey stars as Mr. Popper. He is a successful real estate agent who always get the deal in New York city. He is divorced with two kids who are teens or so, and dad is always goo busy, or just not cool anymore. Until Popper's father passes away, and leaves him 6 full grown penguins from the South Pole. The kids love them. And there is plenty to love. And there are plenty of antics and tom-foolery to go around. How do you keep these penguins a secret? And do they hold the key to reuniting this family?

Carrey is funny, but not over the top here, and that's a good thing. A nice mix of scratching what he was, and channeling what he is. Carrey is now 50ish, and the Dumb And Dumber thing just doesn't work anymore. The penguins, (mix of real birds and computer generated) are funny, and give the kids much to cackle over for 90 minutes. Carrey does the real smart thing, and let's them be the star, and doesn't ramp up a competition with the animals. You always lose that one.

With a few side plots and some fun supporting cast members, Jeffery Tambor, Angela Landsbury and others, Mr. Poppers Penguins over all is good family fun. There may be a bit too much bathroom humor at times, but it's harmless. And the kids cracked up the whole time. And being honest again, it's the rare movie that garners applause at the end from the crowd. This movie got some. Not sure it deserved it, but it's more proof that kids loved it and mom and dad survived it.

Mr. Poppers Penguins. It's not a real movie, it's family fun. That's what it is. No more, no less.

MOVIE REVIEW - Green Lantern

2011-06-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

Ryan Reynolds as a superhero? Is that the road we are going down?

That's the deal here in the yet another comic book come to life and this time it's the Green Lantern. It's another super special effected flick, that tries to explain the origins of the Green Lantern in our world. And how Hal (Reynolds) becomes the protector of the earth. Don't we have enough of this stuff out right now? Evidently not.

But you try to go in with an open mind, a watchful eye, and walking in with low expectation sometimes is a good thing. GL is OK. They makers of this movie in an all out effort to try not to wander too far off the original premise of the story, do remain true. Everything is very carefully explained for the purists. And there is enough computer generated stuff to hold the attention of those who could really care less about the story, and just want to see what special effects can be conjured up next.

I will say that Reynolds holds his own here, but truthfully, there is not a great deal of acting asked of him. Mostly it's jumping around in front of a big screen so the set can be superimposed behind him. Lots of pretend flying that kind of stuff. And there is a big gravy train riding cast of Blake Lively, Tim Robbins, Angela Basset and others do give this flick a bit of cred. The special effects are big, up to the minute in cutting edge and non-stop. A huge level of sophistication for such an old school story.

Being honest, I am not sure how many women will really be interested in this Sci-Fi borderline geek fest. That's what Reynolds, and Lively are for. This story is way too complicated to tell you here in these short notes, but it's OK. Trouble is, all of these superhero movies are really starting to look the same. It's the same formula time after time. Just insert new star here, insert up and coming actress here, big effects here, and a soaring soundtrack here and you're good to go.

But Green Lantern is OK. True, it's Thor, Iron Man, and blah blah all over again, it sort of works. It's not too long, and for the exception of a very slow 15 minutes or so in the middle, and draggy start, Green Lantern is entertaining.

Not great, not really anything that will move you, Green Lantern though is summer fun, and get ready there are many more of these ahead.

Sunny Sweeney

2011-06-13T12:54:00.000-07:00

I was talking with rising star Sunny Sweeney the other day at the Brad Paisley show. On a beautiful sun splashed, breezy day we talked about how this was a good time to be in Country Music. And it is.

Sunny was getting ready for her performance on the H20 Stage in the Gateway Plaza. I have been a Sunny fan since the first time I heard her first single, From A Table Away, many months ago. I remember I was driving into work to do the show on WQMX at about 3AM. And this fresh country song came rocketing through the night. Traditional in nature, with a thump and a beat, channeling an honest voice resonating a story of love and lust seemingly gone wrong, and for naught. The thing I really remember was how good that song actually sounded on the radio, and in the middle of the night, just added to the drama.

In today's country music, a real hurtin' song, from a young woman. Sounds almost like a novel idea. I'm a fan of hurtin' songs. They are part of the backbone of country music. And at times, it seems like they are not as prevalent as they used to be. There's plenty of, you're too good to be true songs. Tons of I'm over you songs, and soaring vocal ballads a plenty. There's room for all. And we are in the midst of the greatest country era maybe ever. Great balance, with artists ranging from traditional to borderline classic rock to young pop country. There is something for everyone.

Sunny Sweeney has the right idea. From East Texas, she said she grew up listening to two types of music. Country, and ...Country. And that's what she is. It's honest, straight forward and unapologetic. I'll be honest, I love hearing a woman sing a good hurtin' song. And to be more than honest, I love listening to Sunny Sweeney sing a country song. It's no BS stuff. Here I am, here's my story, and this is what it feels like. Her second single, Stayin's Worse Than Leavin', powerful stuff too.

I have listened to her sing in person, and on the radio, and in my stereo. I believe every word she sings, and that is the grand separator for a country singer. We always like the ones that have lived the songs they sing. That goes back to the beginning, and remains today. Happy or sad, we want to believe it. When we do it's powerful, and we relate to it. And in the end you can't fool us. Fans will see right through the glass.

We use the term "cut through" in radio sometimes. Does the sound cut through? Is there something about a certain artist that pops out? When I heard Sunny singing on the air for the first time, it was different. I knew it was someone new, there was a story being told from the gut, over a steel guitar and few barroom guitars. Good stuff.

I believe there is room for many styles in today's country. And I think that in the sum of all works we need a good balance. Her music sounds as good in a BMW as an F-150, an Ipod, or a truck stop jukebox. I believe Sunny Sweeney is good balance, good music, and her message is clear. A fresh new a face with the stuff to contend.

I believe in Sunny Sweeney.

MOVIE REVIEW - Super 8

2011-06-10T12:15:00.000-07:00

Steven Spielbergs's new summer flick, Super 8 opens to much fanfare this weekend. And were off and running for the big summer movies.

Super 8 is set in rural Ohio in 1979. It's the story of this group of young kids, middle school age that somehow find themselves in the middle of a major government cover up. But what exactly is the Air Force covering up? These kids are having fun, making a zombie movie on the old super 8 film. For many of you, that makes no sense. But before there was video tape there was regular 8 and then super 8 film. No sound,just a grainy picture, and film pack that would only hold about 5 minutes of action. As they are filming, they accidentally capture a major train derailment in their town. And end up seeing things the Air Force wish they wouldn't have.

The small town of Lillian, Ohio now after this accident, is being terrorized by something. No one knows what. What exactly was on that ill-fated train that is so dangerous, so enormous that it's causing all this? Some being, that is causing major trouble, and forcing the government to swoop in and take over the town. Will the kids and the town survive this turmoil? That is Super 8.

Super 8 is typical Speilberg. It is highly entertaining, and not too intense. His action flicks by and large have a nice feel to them. It has been said that he can make great scenes, but not great movies. That is a bit harsh, but there are some really great scenes here. But for some, the end result may be a let down. This has happened before. War Of The Worlds, and a few others come to mind. A great idea that somehow just doesn't kick the door all the way down. The trouble spots in Super 8, are problems with story and writing, and not movie making execution.

Teen aged 1979 is captured spot on here. It's done through music, cars, wonderful sets, and costuming. But far more importantly, it's captured through mood, and feel. These kids are perfectly cast, and the actions, emotions, and a certain innocence of the time is perfect. You can feel it. Although they are not perfect kids, the things parents wish they were not doing in 1979, by today's standards are tame. If you were a teen then, this movie will really speak to you in that regard. Well, well done.

There is plenty of action here, but much of it is not overly compelling. And to be fair, there are a few loose ends out there, and some things not made overly clear as the plot goes on. Super 8 is also a bit too convenient at times, and rushed through a bit quickly at critical times. There will be those too who will find the end payoff a bit shallow. But I'm not sure that is a deal breaker. The allure of Super 8 will be transporting those back to a time, and watching their adolescence all over again, only in a summer action movie.

Because of a generation gap, this may not be for 20ish year-olds. Although they will enjoy the action and effects, because of how fast we've gone down the high tech trail, some of this may look like a silent movie to them. But, this target is a bit older. For those who would like to see their junior high friends one more time.

Super 8. It's not super great. But it is summer fun. And in the end, that's all it is supposed to be.

MOVIE REVIEW - X-Men First Class

2011-06-04T06:32:00.000-07:00

More superhero comic book movies at the theaters this week with X-Men First Class, and we're not a better nation for it. I am not anti-superhero movie. But enough is enough.

For heavens sake. How far are they going to take some of this stuff anyway. X-Men FC, is a prequel on how then eventual X-Men became, X-Men. And to be frank, do we need this? I'm thinking not. But a whopping pay day in on the way for this studio, and these actors in a way most of them have never dreamed. But this is a total cheese-fest of the first order.

This story does have some allure and intriguing moments and ideas. It starts back in the 1940's as the mutant experiment that goes awry, and now mutants with tremendous powers are among us. One goes completely rogue, Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon). His plan is that since mankind will hunt down and exterminate the mutants, he then decides to orchestrate the real life Cuban Missile Crises of the early 1960's. The plan is that mankind will destroy themselves with nuclear war, and the mutants will take over and flourish on earth. For anyone under 35 reading this, we should point out, that "mutants" did not prevent the Cuban Missile Crises from happening, or prevent nuclear war as this movie takes credit for.

The one good thing about this flick is this. The beginning of the movie, where they establish Shaw as a diabolical and insane international criminal is very good. His character has a James Bond villain feel to it at it's inception. But then it all goes horribly wrong. This movie turns so bad it borders on unwatchable. It saddens me that Kevin Bacon got involved here. So many great movies to his credit like Apollo 13. But after you lose all your money as it was reported he did on Wall Street, I guess you gotta get on the gravy train. He is a fine actor, that has no business playing dress up with this bunch.

Special effects that are average at best, too many characters trying to squeeze in their time on screen, and scenes so amazingly absurd it resembles a bad monster movie from Japan in the 1960's. The final hour of this two hour quagmire is so incredibly horrible, I am amazed it made it through editing. It looks like they were making this up as they went along. Absolutely ridiculous fight scenes, that are embarrassing to the actors themselves. But for most of them, this is the payday they've waited for. So a little "Dude, you look ridiculous" from their friends and spouses will be all worthwhile.

James McAvoy who was just great in the recent, The Conspirator that was heralded by some as a great flick, stars here as well. But The Conspirator doesn't pay the bills, and this trash will be the gift that keeps on giving for all these actors. Hope your contract was good. Because this is rock bottom for sheer performing and acting. It looks like these guys were playing some superhero game in the backyard at 8 years old. Great activity for kids, but a movie?

X-Men First Class. Poorly named. Because this is a first class bomb.

Word Of Mouse

2011-05-27T12:02:00.002-07:00

A week or two ago, we really had something special here at WQMX. Not only did Sue Wilson and I have a great time on our show all week. But we hosted a Rising Star Showcase for charity at the Tangier in Akron. Always fun when we host a show in Sultans Cabaret. We raised a bunch of money for Project Homeless Connect of Stark County. Felt good to do so.

But the rising star of our show was the real story.

The rising star was a singer named Brantley Gilbert. Gilbert has finally come to Nashville and signed a recording contract. He has been quite a star on the Internet for a while now, but it seems now that the masses are going to learn of him sooner rather than later. It's a new tech world we are living in. This is the latest example of where the traditional world of mouth, works hand in hand with the newer, word of mouse. Thousands clicking on demand to their favorite singer on the web that they learned about from a friend. And watching it over and over.

The 300 or so lucky ticket holders that packed Tangier that night were so wildly enthusiastic it was almost like a Hollywood script. Truth is, we could have sold many more tickets if we had the room. They cheered his every word, song, and move. They came in from all over including some from out of state. Plus, they sang out loud almost every song, most of which have never been on one radio wave anywhere. And when it was over, the young audience didn't want it to be. And they let that be known.

Gilbert has written big songs recently recorded by other Nashville stars, but now he is carving out his own niche. There is lots of great music in Nashville these days. There is no shortage of young talent stepping down off the Greyhound with big dreams and an almost paid for guitar strapped across their backs. Never has been. But Gilbert goes in with a huge following and a running head start that he crafted in our new media age. His connection with his fan base is strong, intense and stunningly real. Seldom do you see such passion from fans over a brand new artist. But he's not new to them.

But after I thought about it for a while, it all started to make sense. These fans are in it with him. They have been there before there was this new beginning. Gilbert is theirs. He looks like them, he sings to them, and they have come to know him before there was a "him." That is rare. The fans know they provided the push that got this thing started from mired in the mud inertia, to locomotive rolling downhill. And the fans are layin' on the horn, as Gilbert mans the throttle. Most get to know stars after they have become stars. But Gilbert's fans have been watching him for a long while now, and cheering his baby step advances. The strides are suddenly longer now, and casting greater shadow.

As Americans, we love the underdog. And until now Brantley Gilbert has been one. Trying to get noticed while others have been singing in the big halls, on TV and radio. All while he waits for his turn. And now it's here. And the celebration begins as "they" have knocked down this wall together. When the front door was closed, they went around to the side porch, and simply let themselves in.

It was palpable in that concert room. Gilbert's fans wanted more as they were unashamed and unabashed in their passion for their new star. Many of us like to say "We were there at the beginning." And that's whats going on here. Yes, the music is great, but the connection transferred from the high speed Internet, to a higher speed real life experience was just as powerful.

It's all starting to click now for Brantley Gilbert. Word of mouth isn't the only way to go anymore.....but word of mouse too.

MOVIE REVIEW - Pirates Of The Caribean

2011-05-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

Break out the male mascara and eyeliner, the fake beards and the long dreadlocks, it's time for yet another "Pirates" movie.

Johnny Depp is back again as the over the top, highly animated Captain Jack, and he brings along Penelope Cruz, Geoffery Rush, and Ian MacShane this time. This is the fourth installment in the Pirates Of The Carribean series. I have to think this is the most successful film franchise based on an amusement park ride. Enough sarcasm, although true.

How on earth do you review a movie like this? This is one of those movies than everyone loves before the walk in the theater. I know the second one caught some heat, and well deserved. But trying to review these movies will fall on deaf ears. Depp in this series is terrific, and that's all fans really need. I tihnk they could really do about anything they wanted in this series and everyone would love it. At this point, it's still bullet proof.

Swashbuckling a plenty, tons of action, and the desperate search for the Fountain Of Youth in this movie, is a winning combination for it's fans. Elaborate sets, extraordinary costumes, tons of special effects, and a sense of humor pull this franchise through yet again. And if the ending is any hint, this will not the last one of these anytime soon. If we're not careful Depp could be the fist pirate in history on Social Security. OK, maybe a little sarcasm hung around.

Action based, and intense at times Pirates does check in at two hours and twenty minutes, so it's a real afternoon commitment, but no one will mind. A far cry from the 2 hours forty five a movie or two ago. Unending summer fun for those who have been waiting.

Pirates Of The Caribbean (4). Fans will love it.