Finally in wide release the new Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson movie, Last Chance Harvey. A movie that proves it's never too late for good things to happen to good people. It's a little, off beat romantic comedy that should not be missed.
I call movies like this, "little movies." It's not an indy film, but it feels like one to a degree. Hoffman stars at the 65 ish Harvey Shine. Harvey is a failed musician who has been making his living writing jingles for many years. He's divorced with a grown daughter, he's losing his job, he's lonely, and his daughter has just chosen her stepfather to give her away at her wedding. Which is in London. While Harvey travels to London to be ignored, he meets Kate.
The very British Kate (Thompson) is a slightly chubby 47 ish, never married, with a boring job, who is her needy mothers keeper. She too is lonely and by her face you can tell she feels that her realistic chances for love have passed her by. These two meet by happenstance, and will they find love? Are they the unlikely answer for each other?
First off, this movie is perfectly cast. Hoffman and Thompson are just delightful together in this gem. Hoffman spends the movie looking up at everything in life, including Thompson, and you can really feel Harvey's pain. Thompson is lovely, and riveting with her matter-of -factness. I wish she's make more movies, she is terrific!
This is an interesting take on older love. The both characters cut through the junk, plain speak which I feel is indicative of real life with more seasoned adults. There's no games between them, they just lay it our there. The good and the not so good. Wonderful dialogue, fantastic performances and a perfect soundtrack give LCH the boost it needs to be a real winner.
Last Chance Harvey. This movie may get somewhat lost with all the box office bling out right now, but it's not to be missed. A great big hit, crammed into such a little movie. Well, well done!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - The Unborn
Wooo....it's scary! The Unborn new in theaters this week. NOT! Producer Micheal Bay and others have teamed up to bring us yet another unscary movie that is supposed to really give us a jolt.
Give me a break! The Unborn is the story of young college woman, who is being haunted by her unborn twin who died while still in the womb. All of this unknown to her until the haunting starts and her dad fesses up. She goes on this frantic search to find some kind of resolution to this trouble, and ends up meeting a rabbi and a pastor who convince her that an exorcism is the only hope.
To be brutally honest here. That's about all you need to know as far as the story is concerned. There are sub plots and twists, but they are so ridiculous and far fetched, and so unnecessary. It really goes no deeper, although it tries. This is 85 minutes of my life that I feel were just flushed down the can. And the can would be a good place to take all copies of this movie, and just have one enormous handle thrust.
I wish I could say that despite the silly story of "Jumby" (that's right..Jumby) the spirit doing the haunting, that there were really good effects or music or something, but there were not. It's just bad. It has all the stuff you would expect from a supposedly scary movie. Plenty of loud jolts, things popping out of the dark after the quiet, even lots of scenes of our attractive female star doing lots of things in her t-shirt and panties for some reason. Ever notice that in these really bad flicks, that all the scary things happen when our heroine is in her underwear at night? It's been that way for years now.
I guess if you're seeing your first "scary" movie it'll give you a jolt or two, until you learn the drill, and are aware of the formula. There are a few things here disturbing to some as well. Children used as evil spirits, and infant mortality. All could have been written out and reworked. Although wouldn't have made any difference, it's still bad.
The Unborn. Not scary, not interesting, not clever, just flat out not good.
Give me a break! The Unborn is the story of young college woman, who is being haunted by her unborn twin who died while still in the womb. All of this unknown to her until the haunting starts and her dad fesses up. She goes on this frantic search to find some kind of resolution to this trouble, and ends up meeting a rabbi and a pastor who convince her that an exorcism is the only hope.
To be brutally honest here. That's about all you need to know as far as the story is concerned. There are sub plots and twists, but they are so ridiculous and far fetched, and so unnecessary. It really goes no deeper, although it tries. This is 85 minutes of my life that I feel were just flushed down the can. And the can would be a good place to take all copies of this movie, and just have one enormous handle thrust.
I wish I could say that despite the silly story of "Jumby" (that's right..Jumby) the spirit doing the haunting, that there were really good effects or music or something, but there were not. It's just bad. It has all the stuff you would expect from a supposedly scary movie. Plenty of loud jolts, things popping out of the dark after the quiet, even lots of scenes of our attractive female star doing lots of things in her t-shirt and panties for some reason. Ever notice that in these really bad flicks, that all the scary things happen when our heroine is in her underwear at night? It's been that way for years now.
I guess if you're seeing your first "scary" movie it'll give you a jolt or two, until you learn the drill, and are aware of the formula. There are a few things here disturbing to some as well. Children used as evil spirits, and infant mortality. All could have been written out and reworked. Although wouldn't have made any difference, it's still bad.
The Unborn. Not scary, not interesting, not clever, just flat out not good.
Monday, January 12, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Bride Wars
Okay, give me the bucket, it's time for Bride Wars the new Anne Hathaway, Kate Hudson comedy. And I use the word comedy loosely. Sorry, I wish I had better hews here.
Bride Wars is the story of two 26 year old women, one a high powered lawyer, and the other a simple middle school teacher. They have been friends since they were 6, and they both share the same dream. These two grown up, professional, successful women's life long dream number one priority in life is .....to be married to their respective fiance's at the Plaza in New York City. When the wedding planner they hire accidentally books each others wedding at the same time and day, one has to change their date. Neither will, and the "war" is on between two life long friends.
Where to begin? First, anyone on earth believe Kate Hudson as a powerful NYC corperate attorney? I didn't think so. Next, do we need one more movie about how caddy and immature grown women can act? I think not. I am telling you girls, I can feel your pain. This is supposed to be fun, but it's too mean spirited to be fun. It comes off as mean and vindictive, there's no innocence to this mess to make you think it's a joke. And finally, isn't the whole idea of making a comedy to make people laugh? Truth told here. Today not ONE person laughed out loud at this debacle.
Bride Wars just reinforces stereotypes in young women that I think most would as soon forget. I understand totally that this is a parody on the whole wedding industry, but it turns into women killing each other and their friendships in order to get what THEY want. Ruthless, win at all cost, give me what I want because I am me. Me, me me. Good god man, is this the funniest thing Hollywood can come up with?
One memorable scene though. Anne Hathaway's dance at a bachelorette party is very, very funny, and I did laugh. Good for her. Hathaway is a fresh. pretty face who can be both alluring and funny. She clearly carries the freight here. Hudson though is awful, just awful. What has happened to Kate Hudson's decision making. This is three dog movies in a row! The really big trouble with Bride Wars is the writing. You hate both us these characters so much, you can't root for either one. Cheap gags, worse dialogue and zippo originality.
Bride Wars. 14 year old girls, could, should and would find this mess funny. For the rest of us.....pass the bucket.
Bride Wars is the story of two 26 year old women, one a high powered lawyer, and the other a simple middle school teacher. They have been friends since they were 6, and they both share the same dream. These two grown up, professional, successful women's life long dream number one priority in life is .....to be married to their respective fiance's at the Plaza in New York City. When the wedding planner they hire accidentally books each others wedding at the same time and day, one has to change their date. Neither will, and the "war" is on between two life long friends.
Where to begin? First, anyone on earth believe Kate Hudson as a powerful NYC corperate attorney? I didn't think so. Next, do we need one more movie about how caddy and immature grown women can act? I think not. I am telling you girls, I can feel your pain. This is supposed to be fun, but it's too mean spirited to be fun. It comes off as mean and vindictive, there's no innocence to this mess to make you think it's a joke. And finally, isn't the whole idea of making a comedy to make people laugh? Truth told here. Today not ONE person laughed out loud at this debacle.
Bride Wars just reinforces stereotypes in young women that I think most would as soon forget. I understand totally that this is a parody on the whole wedding industry, but it turns into women killing each other and their friendships in order to get what THEY want. Ruthless, win at all cost, give me what I want because I am me. Me, me me. Good god man, is this the funniest thing Hollywood can come up with?
One memorable scene though. Anne Hathaway's dance at a bachelorette party is very, very funny, and I did laugh. Good for her. Hathaway is a fresh. pretty face who can be both alluring and funny. She clearly carries the freight here. Hudson though is awful, just awful. What has happened to Kate Hudson's decision making. This is three dog movies in a row! The really big trouble with Bride Wars is the writing. You hate both us these characters so much, you can't root for either one. Cheap gags, worse dialogue and zippo originality.
Bride Wars. 14 year old girls, could, should and would find this mess funny. For the rest of us.....pass the bucket.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Value Of Values
It's the start of a new calender year. It's a time many think about things that we can do better, or resolve to change in the year renewed. It's usually an exciting time, and it still is simply because of the ritual of it all. But many are a little worried about the new year now at hand.
Understandable. The news at times doesn't seem to be getting better. We're not really used to that. In most of our minds, things go wrong, we fix them and in short order they get better. Sometimes very quickly. The economy and all it's fingers keep stretching throughout our lives, and make us a bit nervous. A great positive out of all this? Now for the first time in a long time most will have to really decide what we really value. What is really important.
It seems it's time to put a value on our values. I'm not sure if I know one person who isn't more aware of the money that they spend, and where, and on whom. And that certainly seems like a good thing. For a long time, many never really thought about those things, but today we do - because of necessity
If you stop and think about it, lots of the things many have had to give up, or cut back on really are not all that important in the first place. For me, life has always been defined by one thing.....the people in my life. The people close to me at home, and at work are sacred. They are always worth the time, money and effort.
I would rather treat a friend or coworker to a nice lunch, than buy something for myself. Or invest in them things that are intangible. Free. I'm glad that's in my DNA. Because a lot of the stuff that we think we need...we really don't. I learned a line from a coworker many years ago. "When in doubt, leave it out." I have found myself saying that silently a lot over the past year. If I have any doubt about something, I wait and revisit it later. Most of the time it gets left out, and the world continues to spin. But all of us need good people around us. A worthy investment.
Learning the value of values. Weeding out the really important from the sort of important, and then the was never really important at all.
I don't need to collect things, buy nine dollar coffee twice a day, drive a call worth more than my house, or live in a house that I can't afford. I need what I think we all need...good people in our lives. The best investment of time, energy and of money I have ever made. Maybe that's the silver lining in this whole money mess. We'll phoenix out of this thing with a new look on our lives that may benefit us and the people in our lives for years. Nice thought! And I'm aware that this doesn't pay the bills, or pad the shrinking savings account. But the returns?
It has always been a bull market.
Understandable. The news at times doesn't seem to be getting better. We're not really used to that. In most of our minds, things go wrong, we fix them and in short order they get better. Sometimes very quickly. The economy and all it's fingers keep stretching throughout our lives, and make us a bit nervous. A great positive out of all this? Now for the first time in a long time most will have to really decide what we really value. What is really important.
It seems it's time to put a value on our values. I'm not sure if I know one person who isn't more aware of the money that they spend, and where, and on whom. And that certainly seems like a good thing. For a long time, many never really thought about those things, but today we do - because of necessity
If you stop and think about it, lots of the things many have had to give up, or cut back on really are not all that important in the first place. For me, life has always been defined by one thing.....the people in my life. The people close to me at home, and at work are sacred. They are always worth the time, money and effort.
I would rather treat a friend or coworker to a nice lunch, than buy something for myself. Or invest in them things that are intangible. Free. I'm glad that's in my DNA. Because a lot of the stuff that we think we need...we really don't. I learned a line from a coworker many years ago. "When in doubt, leave it out." I have found myself saying that silently a lot over the past year. If I have any doubt about something, I wait and revisit it later. Most of the time it gets left out, and the world continues to spin. But all of us need good people around us. A worthy investment.
Learning the value of values. Weeding out the really important from the sort of important, and then the was never really important at all.
I don't need to collect things, buy nine dollar coffee twice a day, drive a call worth more than my house, or live in a house that I can't afford. I need what I think we all need...good people in our lives. The best investment of time, energy and of money I have ever made. Maybe that's the silver lining in this whole money mess. We'll phoenix out of this thing with a new look on our lives that may benefit us and the people in our lives for years. Nice thought! And I'm aware that this doesn't pay the bills, or pad the shrinking savings account. But the returns?
It has always been a bull market.
Friday, January 9, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Gran Torino
One of the years most anticipated movies, Gran Torino hits theaters this weekend. Clint Eastwood, who is 78 years old stars in this absolute gem of a movie.
Eastwood stars as decorated Korean War veteran Walt Kowalski, who has spent the 50 years since the war on the Ford assembly line in Detroit where the movie is staged. Walt has retired and his wife has died. He lives alone in the same house that he's lived in for over 50 years. His neighborhood has become run down, and he now lives in an Asian-gang dominated block. Walt doesn't understand young people, or his own family. He is extremely prejudice against just about everything. Intolerance is in his blood. The only thing good still remaining in his life is his mint condition 1972 Ford Gran Torino, he helped build on the assembly line.
He reluctantly befriends his next door neighbors who are Asian. Due to life's circumstances, Walt takes a stand on their behalf and the walls of his hatred and prejudice start to erode. Or do they?
Gran Torino is classic Eastwood. His movies over the last 20 years all have that "feel" to them. Eastwood is great as the bigoted Kowalski, and makes a simple man very complex on the screen. As usual, Eastwood assembles a fantastic supporting cast, and manages to put a story on the screen that is compelling, and maybe the most important element....it's a story you have not seen before. That is the separator for Gran Torino.
It's hard to think that after all his success over 50 years, that he would save the last 20 for his best work. But Unforgiven (5 Oscars) Million Dollar Baby (Oscars) Letters From Iwo Jima, (numerous awards) Changeling (favorite to win this year) are all evidence that Eastwood is making the best movies of his career, in the twilight of his career.
Gran Torino. This is a harsh at times compelling movie that deals with many issues and the kind of people we'd rather not think about. But the story telling here is the star. Strong, powerful, adult. Not to be missed. Fantastic!
Eastwood stars as decorated Korean War veteran Walt Kowalski, who has spent the 50 years since the war on the Ford assembly line in Detroit where the movie is staged. Walt has retired and his wife has died. He lives alone in the same house that he's lived in for over 50 years. His neighborhood has become run down, and he now lives in an Asian-gang dominated block. Walt doesn't understand young people, or his own family. He is extremely prejudice against just about everything. Intolerance is in his blood. The only thing good still remaining in his life is his mint condition 1972 Ford Gran Torino, he helped build on the assembly line.
He reluctantly befriends his next door neighbors who are Asian. Due to life's circumstances, Walt takes a stand on their behalf and the walls of his hatred and prejudice start to erode. Or do they?
Gran Torino is classic Eastwood. His movies over the last 20 years all have that "feel" to them. Eastwood is great as the bigoted Kowalski, and makes a simple man very complex on the screen. As usual, Eastwood assembles a fantastic supporting cast, and manages to put a story on the screen that is compelling, and maybe the most important element....it's a story you have not seen before. That is the separator for Gran Torino.
It's hard to think that after all his success over 50 years, that he would save the last 20 for his best work. But Unforgiven (5 Oscars) Million Dollar Baby (Oscars) Letters From Iwo Jima, (numerous awards) Changeling (favorite to win this year) are all evidence that Eastwood is making the best movies of his career, in the twilight of his career.
Gran Torino. This is a harsh at times compelling movie that deals with many issues and the kind of people we'd rather not think about. But the story telling here is the star. Strong, powerful, adult. Not to be missed. Fantastic!
Five Best Movies Of 2008
A couple of weeks ago, I posted the Five Worst Movies Of 2008, and got lots of feedback from you guys. I reviewed over 100 movies for Akronnewsnow.com in 2008. So now that the list can finally be completed, here are the Five Best Movies of 2008. Plus, I'll toss in some honorable mentions too. Thanks for reading......here goes.....
The Five Best Movies Of 2008
1/ Changeling - Clint Eastwood directed Angelina Jolie in this terrific film based on a true
story from 1928. A terrific period piece of corruption in the L.A.P.D after
a woman's child is abducted. Jolie is fantastic in this role, and Eastwood
makes an actress out of her. Wonderful movie.
2/ Gran Torino - Clint Eastwood again directs, and stars in this never seen before story. All
great movies start with a great story and that's evident here. Powerful tale
of extreme prejudice, and the willingness of overcome it. Smart is it
possibly could be.
3/ Benjamin Button - Brad Pitt's award worthy performance as a man who lives his life in
reverse, being born 85 and living backwards. Wonderful tale, a little
long, but moving, and smart. Based on an F. Scott Fitzgerald short
story.
4/ Batman - Every now and again one actor can make a movie so much better than it really
should be. Heath Ledger's Joker in this movie, took a good movie and made it
really special. This is a big movie in every regard. Ledger made it compelling.
Without Ledger, Batman is average.
5/ Smart People - Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker and Ellen Page, from last
spring. Story that reminds us that many times in life that smart people
often have the most to learn. If you missed this gem, rent it. Really fun.
Honorable Mentions
1/ Wall - E - Great family fun. Great message and animation - fantastic.
2/ Australia - A story you didn't know based on true events. Another big movie. This film
was hurt from too much hype. But it did deliver.
3/ Bolt - The years best surprise. Loved every frame.
4/ Henry Poole Was Here - Inspirational tale that shouldn't be missed. Luke Wilson stars in
this gem of an independent film from the summer.
There it is. Agree or not? e-mail me anytime at scott@wqmx.com More coming in 2009!
The Five Best Movies Of 2008
1/ Changeling - Clint Eastwood directed Angelina Jolie in this terrific film based on a true
story from 1928. A terrific period piece of corruption in the L.A.P.D after
a woman's child is abducted. Jolie is fantastic in this role, and Eastwood
makes an actress out of her. Wonderful movie.
2/ Gran Torino - Clint Eastwood again directs, and stars in this never seen before story. All
great movies start with a great story and that's evident here. Powerful tale
of extreme prejudice, and the willingness of overcome it. Smart is it
possibly could be.
3/ Benjamin Button - Brad Pitt's award worthy performance as a man who lives his life in
reverse, being born 85 and living backwards. Wonderful tale, a little
long, but moving, and smart. Based on an F. Scott Fitzgerald short
story.
4/ Batman - Every now and again one actor can make a movie so much better than it really
should be. Heath Ledger's Joker in this movie, took a good movie and made it
really special. This is a big movie in every regard. Ledger made it compelling.
Without Ledger, Batman is average.
5/ Smart People - Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker and Ellen Page, from last
spring. Story that reminds us that many times in life that smart people
often have the most to learn. If you missed this gem, rent it. Really fun.
Honorable Mentions
1/ Wall - E - Great family fun. Great message and animation - fantastic.
2/ Australia - A story you didn't know based on true events. Another big movie. This film
was hurt from too much hype. But it did deliver.
3/ Bolt - The years best surprise. Loved every frame.
4/ Henry Poole Was Here - Inspirational tale that shouldn't be missed. Luke Wilson stars in
this gem of an independent film from the summer.
There it is. Agree or not? e-mail me anytime at scott@wqmx.com More coming in 2009!
Friday, January 2, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Bedtime Stories
Disney is at it again, with another family comedy, this one is Bedtime Stories. Adam Sandler stars as "Skeeter", an uncle entrusted by his sister to watch her kids for a week while she goes out of town to look for a new job.
Skeeter is a loser type. Stuck in a seemingly dead-end job as a hotel maintenance man. His skills are marginal at best as a role model for his young niece and nephew. But he does find some common ground with the 5 and 6 year olds, with his bedtime storytelling.
He tells stories that he and the kids make up together every night for a week. Skeeter then finds out that the contributions to the stories that the kids make, indeed do come true the next day in his life. For the good and the not so good. After Skeeter figures this out, he tries to manipulate the stories to his advantage, but that never seems to work out completely.
Bedtime Stories is a movie that I feel is tough to really review. This is what critics of Hollywood asking for. Family movies that all can see, and enjoy, and this is certainly is one. Tough job too, making a live action movie that has a story that both kids and adults can enjoy equally. Funny thing, I always thought that family flicks should be "kid heavy" on the plot. story line, and it's sense of humor. But the trend now is to make sure parents get a kick out of it too. Tough to be all things to all people.
Bedtime Stories is a fun family flick that all can enjoy. There are moments that don't work here but that is generally true with all Sandler movies. He should be applauded though that he generally handles himself well here, and so does the supporting cast, Courtney Cox, Keri Russell, and even tough guy, Guy Pearce is having some fun here.
Bedtime Stories, for what it is, it's not bad. Fun and families at the movie? Good mix.
Skeeter is a loser type. Stuck in a seemingly dead-end job as a hotel maintenance man. His skills are marginal at best as a role model for his young niece and nephew. But he does find some common ground with the 5 and 6 year olds, with his bedtime storytelling.
He tells stories that he and the kids make up together every night for a week. Skeeter then finds out that the contributions to the stories that the kids make, indeed do come true the next day in his life. For the good and the not so good. After Skeeter figures this out, he tries to manipulate the stories to his advantage, but that never seems to work out completely.
Bedtime Stories is a movie that I feel is tough to really review. This is what critics of Hollywood asking for. Family movies that all can see, and enjoy, and this is certainly is one. Tough job too, making a live action movie that has a story that both kids and adults can enjoy equally. Funny thing, I always thought that family flicks should be "kid heavy" on the plot. story line, and it's sense of humor. But the trend now is to make sure parents get a kick out of it too. Tough to be all things to all people.
Bedtime Stories is a fun family flick that all can enjoy. There are moments that don't work here but that is generally true with all Sandler movies. He should be applauded though that he generally handles himself well here, and so does the supporting cast, Courtney Cox, Keri Russell, and even tough guy, Guy Pearce is having some fun here.
Bedtime Stories, for what it is, it's not bad. Fun and families at the movie? Good mix.
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