You have probably heard of the new documentary, Bully that is in limited release this week.
Bully is the real story of about a half dozen separate different victims of middle, and high school bullying. It also puts the spotlight on their entire families and the various local, and public school systems that seemingly are failing horribly in this era of teen-age bullying. At times this is a very powerful piece of film that goes right to the heart. Then at others, it feels like only the beginning of the conversation. Let's get this out there. Bullying is a big problem today, and no one should attempt to minimize the that trouble is big, out of control, and needs to be addressed.
Even though the subject matter is really topical and tough, sadly this feels like a really big opportunity missed. While focusing only on the victims and their plight, many things jumped out. First, virtually all of the true stories take place in extremely rural areas, or the south. I found that very limiting. And even though clearly that the victims are the central focus, there was really no attempt at all to understand the root cause, or source of this phenomenon.
There was not one word from the "other side." Not to defend bullying of course, but to attempt to at least help us understand why this exists to the degree it does today. I felt that is one of the essential elements of any real documentary. I think many will want to find who these bullies are, and what is their misguided motivation, and the families that harbor them. Also missing was virtually any mention of cyber-bullying which is a gigantic problem facing today's youth. Another opportunity missed.
As in many documentaries, there has to be a scapegoat and there is one here too. They successfully portray the public school administrators in various schools as non-caring, incompetent , and self absorbed adults that are out of touch and really don't care about the trouble. If the attempt was to show the politics, rules, and the fact that they have their hands tied in may of these cases, it failed. They made these people, and two women assistant principals look like total buffoons. Only the film maker knows what the actual intent was.
Bully is certainly not a bad movie, but it only goes as far as the film maker will let it go. And to be fair, maybe the problem is just far too large to explain in a two hour movie, and so there is a pass given. Maybe there will be more up the road to help us all understand the problem in it's entirety. I think they even did the subject a bit of harm at times by failing to completely educate, and to me that is what a documentary does best. It stops one quarter of the way, and though there's nothing wrong with the content in this film, there is much more to be learned and shared.
Bully. A moving experience to be sure, but there is certainly so much more to this story and problem than they give us here.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - The Three Stooges
Wacky film makers, and brothers Bobby and Peter Farrelly have finally gotten the Three Stooges to the big screen this week. A long-time planned, trouble plagued movie where it has at last come all together.
The Three Stooges of course, have been around since Vaudeville days. The original black and white movie short troupe entertained movie and TV audiences for decades with their unmistakable brand of slap-stick humor. And now, they have been brought back to life in color and thrust into the 21st century. This is not a bio-pic. This is a fictitious story with Larry, Curly and Moe buffooning their way through life.
First up, should be noted that we live in correct world these days. And there is no way on earth to make The Stooges anywhere near correct. They still poke each other in the eyes, and hit each other with hammers, fall off buildings, and never really get hurt. That's just the way it is. When even classic Warner Brothers cartoons and such have been edited, and made more correct, somehow The Stooges get a pass. And I'm good with that. My goodness, do we not know that this is just silliness, amplified and personified? If you don't want your kids to see these things, then don't go. And don't cry to me or anyone else if you do and you are offended.
The story here really doesn't matter. What does matter here are the performances. Large kudos to our three stars. Sean Hayes as Larry, Will Sasso as Curly and Chris Diamantopoulos as Moe. This is not easy stuff. 90 minutes of imitating nearly 100 year old entertainment icons is not easy, especially if you want to be taken "seriously." They are incredibly dead on in look, sound and mannerisms. Honestly uncanny stuff, all three. It's clear that the actors and the film makers studied The Stooges at length.
This movie has the feel of a real Stooges flick. It is broken down into three "shorts" like the old Stooge shorts. There is a nice supporting cast, with Jane Lynch, Larry David, Jennifer Hudson and Sofía Vergara. There is plenty of head slapping, eye poking, and gourde bashing fun. And the reasons you laugh are many. First, you are a Stooge fan. Or you are laughing at the sheer expert imitations you are seeing. Or, you just have a silly bone that needs to be tickled from time to time with a guilty pleasure laugh. And that's what this is.
The Three Stooges is a bit fatiguing, and CERTAINLY it is not for everyone. It's one thing to watch a 10 minute short, and another to watch this for 90 minutes. But it's fast paced, no down time, and exits just in time, or maybe 10 minutes oo late. This is not a perfect comedy by any means, but many generations of movie goers at the showing today were laughing hysterically. And that's seldom a bad thing. Kids loved it. Again, if you're not willing to give The Stooges the pass they've always gotten, don't go. It's not correct, and Stooge fans wouldn't have it any other way.
Footnote: Extraordinary thing at the end. The Farrelly brothers themselves come on camera at the end of the movie and before the credits. They directly address the kids in the audience and explain that none of this is real and all done in fun. They go on to say that the hammers are rubber, and show them. And they show how the eye poke is actually done safely and a few other things too. And end by urging kids to play safe. Well, well done.
The Three Stooges. It is what it is. It's just silly fun. And three really wonderful mimics who have The Stooges down.
The Three Stooges of course, have been around since Vaudeville days. The original black and white movie short troupe entertained movie and TV audiences for decades with their unmistakable brand of slap-stick humor. And now, they have been brought back to life in color and thrust into the 21st century. This is not a bio-pic. This is a fictitious story with Larry, Curly and Moe buffooning their way through life.
First up, should be noted that we live in correct world these days. And there is no way on earth to make The Stooges anywhere near correct. They still poke each other in the eyes, and hit each other with hammers, fall off buildings, and never really get hurt. That's just the way it is. When even classic Warner Brothers cartoons and such have been edited, and made more correct, somehow The Stooges get a pass. And I'm good with that. My goodness, do we not know that this is just silliness, amplified and personified? If you don't want your kids to see these things, then don't go. And don't cry to me or anyone else if you do and you are offended.
The story here really doesn't matter. What does matter here are the performances. Large kudos to our three stars. Sean Hayes as Larry, Will Sasso as Curly and Chris Diamantopoulos as Moe. This is not easy stuff. 90 minutes of imitating nearly 100 year old entertainment icons is not easy, especially if you want to be taken "seriously." They are incredibly dead on in look, sound and mannerisms. Honestly uncanny stuff, all three. It's clear that the actors and the film makers studied The Stooges at length.
This movie has the feel of a real Stooges flick. It is broken down into three "shorts" like the old Stooge shorts. There is a nice supporting cast, with Jane Lynch, Larry David, Jennifer Hudson and Sofía Vergara. There is plenty of head slapping, eye poking, and gourde bashing fun. And the reasons you laugh are many. First, you are a Stooge fan. Or you are laughing at the sheer expert imitations you are seeing. Or, you just have a silly bone that needs to be tickled from time to time with a guilty pleasure laugh. And that's what this is.
The Three Stooges is a bit fatiguing, and CERTAINLY it is not for everyone. It's one thing to watch a 10 minute short, and another to watch this for 90 minutes. But it's fast paced, no down time, and exits just in time, or maybe 10 minutes oo late. This is not a perfect comedy by any means, but many generations of movie goers at the showing today were laughing hysterically. And that's seldom a bad thing. Kids loved it. Again, if you're not willing to give The Stooges the pass they've always gotten, don't go. It's not correct, and Stooge fans wouldn't have it any other way.
Footnote: Extraordinary thing at the end. The Farrelly brothers themselves come on camera at the end of the movie and before the credits. They directly address the kids in the audience and explain that none of this is real and all done in fun. They go on to say that the hammers are rubber, and show them. And they show how the eye poke is actually done safely and a few other things too. And end by urging kids to play safe. Well, well done.
The Three Stooges. It is what it is. It's just silly fun. And three really wonderful mimics who have The Stooges down.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
LOCAL GOLF - J.E. Good Park Golf Course
The Sunday Morning Dewsweepers tee'd it up at Akron's J.E. Good Park public golf course.
You know where it is. It's the course visible from I-77 near the White Pond Exit. If you've never played it or haven't played it in a while, you should. Every time we play this course we always say over a beverage that "We should have played this course better today." And I think a whole lot of golfers feel that way at rounds end. From the white tees it checks in at par 71, and around 6,200 yards with some sand, and no water of any real consequence. But you better hit it straight.
From our perspective there were not enough pars at all for us out there. This is a thin course with a boatload of trees of all kinds. Big, small, tall, pines, and they seem to come into play a whole lot. The greens were quick and true, and a bit slick at times. Ask Beef, as he wrestled on the greens all day long. 3-putting 6 times and one "other". This, after actually hitting the ball pretty well, really hurt his score.
One thing too about this course are the harder handicapped holes. 1-4 handicaps are brutal and can shred the card, and are way harder than the rest of the course. Hole 10 is a ridiculously hard par 4, 440 plus to an elevated, and slanted green 2 handicap. It always gives us trouble. Ask any of us. We all got wood-shedded there. Number 5 is 1 handicap, a super long par 5, is no picnic either. In fact, the 3 par 5's are all tough. Even number 2, a short 5, but heavily tree lined all the way, better be down the middle. Hit a big driuve straight, and it make this hole is really much easier. But......get into the forest?
Joe Red got a case of double bogey-itus. He putted well, but hit the ball just errant enough to find himself in trouble, and not able to go at the greens. And it never ends. Lot's of trees. Tex, who is not a long hitter, had his strong short game working, but the length of some of the par 4's were difficult for him to score on, especially with the early morning dew in the rough.
I had played the course a few times before, and had slight advantage, but still was not in position to score well. You must hit it very straight every hole, and I simply did not. There are a few holes on this course as an amateur you must score well on to have a good card. You know can see them when you are on the tee. If you don't take what the course gives you, it can be a long day.
The Park has a real nice and simple club house that I really like. Good hot dogs, and cold drinks. I always feel like it's a retro experience playing there, and I like that too. It's old-school and straight forward golf. Hit is straight and be rewarded, don't and don't. Better putt well, because many of us hacks will not find a ton of regulation.
In short, we all liked it and will return. Thinking this is the time we play it a bit better, and take advantage of it shorter length.
Ahh, always next time.
You know where it is. It's the course visible from I-77 near the White Pond Exit. If you've never played it or haven't played it in a while, you should. Every time we play this course we always say over a beverage that "We should have played this course better today." And I think a whole lot of golfers feel that way at rounds end. From the white tees it checks in at par 71, and around 6,200 yards with some sand, and no water of any real consequence. But you better hit it straight.
From our perspective there were not enough pars at all for us out there. This is a thin course with a boatload of trees of all kinds. Big, small, tall, pines, and they seem to come into play a whole lot. The greens were quick and true, and a bit slick at times. Ask Beef, as he wrestled on the greens all day long. 3-putting 6 times and one "other". This, after actually hitting the ball pretty well, really hurt his score.
One thing too about this course are the harder handicapped holes. 1-4 handicaps are brutal and can shred the card, and are way harder than the rest of the course. Hole 10 is a ridiculously hard par 4, 440 plus to an elevated, and slanted green 2 handicap. It always gives us trouble. Ask any of us. We all got wood-shedded there. Number 5 is 1 handicap, a super long par 5, is no picnic either. In fact, the 3 par 5's are all tough. Even number 2, a short 5, but heavily tree lined all the way, better be down the middle. Hit a big driuve straight, and it make this hole is really much easier. But......get into the forest?
Joe Red got a case of double bogey-itus. He putted well, but hit the ball just errant enough to find himself in trouble, and not able to go at the greens. And it never ends. Lot's of trees. Tex, who is not a long hitter, had his strong short game working, but the length of some of the par 4's were difficult for him to score on, especially with the early morning dew in the rough.
I had played the course a few times before, and had slight advantage, but still was not in position to score well. You must hit it very straight every hole, and I simply did not. There are a few holes on this course as an amateur you must score well on to have a good card. You know can see them when you are on the tee. If you don't take what the course gives you, it can be a long day.
The Park has a real nice and simple club house that I really like. Good hot dogs, and cold drinks. I always feel like it's a retro experience playing there, and I like that too. It's old-school and straight forward golf. Hit is straight and be rewarded, don't and don't. Better putt well, because many of us hacks will not find a ton of regulation.
In short, we all liked it and will return. Thinking this is the time we play it a bit better, and take advantage of it shorter length.
Ahh, always next time.
MOVIE REVIEW - American Reunion
It's been a number of years, but the American Pie troupe is back in force, and all grown up now in the fourth installment, American Reunion.
All of the original cast, and characters return 12 years after graduating high school, and come back to their small hometown for a high school reunion. But, don't panic, they are still all the same old sex-crazed people we knew from the original trilogy. Constantly finding themselves in drunken, compromising sexual situations. So not much has changed.
This whole series was of course very popular and a whole generation kind of grew up with these characters. And there are come funny moments in these movies, and here too. I always thought if you took the best scenes from each of the first three and put them in one movie, you would have had a really funny flick. But it's strung out over three, and it's a lot of the same over and over again. And so is this. Be advised, you do need knowledge of the first three to get all the humor in this movie. They do reference the past a lot.
There is some growth in our characters, and they try real hard to have a heart and attempt to put a more grown up spin on this, but it's still American Pie. They do bring in a few new characters to try to breathe some new life into this, and some of that does work. But as fresh as the new faces might be, the formula is still the same. Plus at times take you till the next level and go for the gross-out formula which is really not needed at all.
Should be noted that this series was the launching pad for many young stars that have gone onto better things both on TV and in the movies. And it was no small feat to get them all back together for this reunion. Commendable. But sadly the end is left wide open, and there seems to be ground work laid down for yet more American Something, to come down the road at a later date. And that is more than unfortunate. As time goes on, these characters and actors will look sillier and sillier. But that's Hollywood.
American Reunion. If you were a big fan of the originals, then this may be for you. Or you may find that you've grown up more than our characters, and you may have more and different things to so. Nothing really new here.
All of the original cast, and characters return 12 years after graduating high school, and come back to their small hometown for a high school reunion. But, don't panic, they are still all the same old sex-crazed people we knew from the original trilogy. Constantly finding themselves in drunken, compromising sexual situations. So not much has changed.
This whole series was of course very popular and a whole generation kind of grew up with these characters. And there are come funny moments in these movies, and here too. I always thought if you took the best scenes from each of the first three and put them in one movie, you would have had a really funny flick. But it's strung out over three, and it's a lot of the same over and over again. And so is this. Be advised, you do need knowledge of the first three to get all the humor in this movie. They do reference the past a lot.
There is some growth in our characters, and they try real hard to have a heart and attempt to put a more grown up spin on this, but it's still American Pie. They do bring in a few new characters to try to breathe some new life into this, and some of that does work. But as fresh as the new faces might be, the formula is still the same. Plus at times take you till the next level and go for the gross-out formula which is really not needed at all.
Should be noted that this series was the launching pad for many young stars that have gone onto better things both on TV and in the movies. And it was no small feat to get them all back together for this reunion. Commendable. But sadly the end is left wide open, and there seems to be ground work laid down for yet more American Something, to come down the road at a later date. And that is more than unfortunate. As time goes on, these characters and actors will look sillier and sillier. But that's Hollywood.
American Reunion. If you were a big fan of the originals, then this may be for you. Or you may find that you've grown up more than our characters, and you may have more and different things to so. Nothing really new here.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - Salmon Fishing In The Yemen
One of the really fun thing about going to the movies is when you see a well told story that you have not seen in any way before. That's the new Indy Piece, Salmon Fishing In The Yemen.
This is a remarkable new movie that stars Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt. It's the story of Fred (McGregor) and Harriet (Blunt). Fred works for the British government in the Fisheries Department. Harriet works for a public relations firm that represents an incredibly rich Middle Eastern Sheik. The forward thinking Sheik has the eccentric dream of bringing river fishing to his native Yemen. He is a huge fishing enthusiast, and enlists the help of our two characters, and about 100 million of his own dollars to make it happen.
There are huge pitfalls along the way. Because of the climate can it be done? Is there the will from his own nation to want it to happen? And of course, there are many factions within his own culture that don't want this "westernization" of the Yemen. Then you toss in the tension between Harriet and Fred.
Fred is extremely boring, and reserved. He is in a loveless marriage that seems to be winding down. It's clear he needs someone new in this life. Harriet is young woman who also can envision someone new in her life. They are polar opposites at first, but they learn to grow together. Are they right for each other?
McGregor chooses his projects so well, it's hard not to be a fan. He is terrific here, and perfectly cast as the beaten down Fred. It's also hard to explain how great Blunt is in this movie. She is so versatile and is really coming on as one of the really wonderful actresses in Hollywood. I am becoming a huge fan very quickly. The basically unknown supporting cast is good, led by Kristin Scott Thomas who plays a higher up in the British government who is pulling many of the strings in our story.
This movie tells a captivating story that is seemingly far fetched, and it is. But this is so skillfully done it seems believable, and attainable. The plot draws you in, develops the characters well, and makes you care about them and what they are doing.
Salmon Fishing In The Yemen. In limited release. If you love the movies, find it... go to it... and enjoy it. One of the best movies of this year so far, if not the best.
This is a remarkable new movie that stars Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt. It's the story of Fred (McGregor) and Harriet (Blunt). Fred works for the British government in the Fisheries Department. Harriet works for a public relations firm that represents an incredibly rich Middle Eastern Sheik. The forward thinking Sheik has the eccentric dream of bringing river fishing to his native Yemen. He is a huge fishing enthusiast, and enlists the help of our two characters, and about 100 million of his own dollars to make it happen.
There are huge pitfalls along the way. Because of the climate can it be done? Is there the will from his own nation to want it to happen? And of course, there are many factions within his own culture that don't want this "westernization" of the Yemen. Then you toss in the tension between Harriet and Fred.
Fred is extremely boring, and reserved. He is in a loveless marriage that seems to be winding down. It's clear he needs someone new in this life. Harriet is young woman who also can envision someone new in her life. They are polar opposites at first, but they learn to grow together. Are they right for each other?
McGregor chooses his projects so well, it's hard not to be a fan. He is terrific here, and perfectly cast as the beaten down Fred. It's also hard to explain how great Blunt is in this movie. She is so versatile and is really coming on as one of the really wonderful actresses in Hollywood. I am becoming a huge fan very quickly. The basically unknown supporting cast is good, led by Kristin Scott Thomas who plays a higher up in the British government who is pulling many of the strings in our story.
This movie tells a captivating story that is seemingly far fetched, and it is. But this is so skillfully done it seems believable, and attainable. The plot draws you in, develops the characters well, and makes you care about them and what they are doing.
Salmon Fishing In The Yemen. In limited release. If you love the movies, find it... go to it... and enjoy it. One of the best movies of this year so far, if not the best.
Monday, April 2, 2012
LOCAL GOLF - Sunday Golf Thunderbird Hills North
The Sunday Morning Dewsweepers went out and played a real nice public golf course this week. It has been one of our favs over the past few years in Huron, Thunderbird Hills North Course. Beef, Joe Red, Tex, and I were all geeked up and ready to get the 2012 season started off right.
Thunderbird Hills North is part of a two 18 hole complex right on Route 2. The North Course is open all year round, and the South Course which is newer and more modern, does close in the fall. T-bird Hills is very easy to get to, and well worth the drive for many reasons. It's about an hour from Akron/Medina, 45 minutes from Brunswick/Strongsville and about 30 minutes from Cleveland. Your GPS will take you on Route 2 or the Turnpike.
When we played the North this week, we found it in great shape, and very challenging. It is a traditional course. Lot's of trees and rolling hills. The North has no sand traps, but don't let that fool you. The rough is the story here. Most holes have generous driving lanes, but you are penalized for hitting into the rough. Especially in the morning while we are sweeping the dew, the wet rough can be brutal. We found the greens fast and true which was impressive for this time of year. Joe Red proves positive of this, but 1 putting 7 of the first 1o holes.
We have played this course a dozen times or so, and it always seems to go the same way. Generally, the front is the place to make your hay, because the back plays far tougher. My 42 on the front was punctuated by my birdie on the par 4 number 4, and I was feeling pretty good. But my three doubles on the back, and overall getting slapped around gave me, and us all a reality check.
Holes 9 -13 is really the teeth of this course. Hole 10 could possibly be the toughest par 4 we play all year, checking in at number one handicap. Proceeded by number 9 a brutal par 5, 2 handicap where Beefs really nice front 9, took a hit when he got a triple number 9. In a five hole stretch you play 2, 1, 17, 3 ,7 handicaps. Pretty tough. There's your round.
We always seem to hack up the 10th. 440 yards down the hill, up the hill, over water to a raised and turtle backed green. A par 4, in which 5 is a great score. It can kill a round. Ask anyone of us. All of us have taken our turn in the triple bogey barrel here. We always are glad to see that hole go by and hopefully without too much damage to the card. Tex's big number there 8, was a reminder that this can happen there quickly.
Truth be told, T-Bird Hills is always in great shape, and the rates are always fair for the kind of course you're getting. Great people too. The clubhouse on the North Course is great, with a new wine bar called Bar North that is new the past year or so, with good food too. Good hot dogs that are always ready even for the early tee times at the turn. Hot coffee, and good selection of drinks. A real nice patio to sit and watch those come up the 18th fairway with a brew when you're adding them up.
In short, golfers don't mind a little drive for a good golf course, and this one is. Thunderbird Hills North/South. Always is a good time, always is challenging, and always invites us back.
Scores:
Beef - 90
Joe Red - 88
Tex 100
Wynn - 88
Thunderbird Hills North is part of a two 18 hole complex right on Route 2. The North Course is open all year round, and the South Course which is newer and more modern, does close in the fall. T-bird Hills is very easy to get to, and well worth the drive for many reasons. It's about an hour from Akron/Medina, 45 minutes from Brunswick/Strongsville and about 30 minutes from Cleveland. Your GPS will take you on Route 2 or the Turnpike.
When we played the North this week, we found it in great shape, and very challenging. It is a traditional course. Lot's of trees and rolling hills. The North has no sand traps, but don't let that fool you. The rough is the story here. Most holes have generous driving lanes, but you are penalized for hitting into the rough. Especially in the morning while we are sweeping the dew, the wet rough can be brutal. We found the greens fast and true which was impressive for this time of year. Joe Red proves positive of this, but 1 putting 7 of the first 1o holes.
We have played this course a dozen times or so, and it always seems to go the same way. Generally, the front is the place to make your hay, because the back plays far tougher. My 42 on the front was punctuated by my birdie on the par 4 number 4, and I was feeling pretty good. But my three doubles on the back, and overall getting slapped around gave me, and us all a reality check.
Holes 9 -13 is really the teeth of this course. Hole 10 could possibly be the toughest par 4 we play all year, checking in at number one handicap. Proceeded by number 9 a brutal par 5, 2 handicap where Beefs really nice front 9, took a hit when he got a triple number 9. In a five hole stretch you play 2, 1, 17, 3 ,7 handicaps. Pretty tough. There's your round.
We always seem to hack up the 10th. 440 yards down the hill, up the hill, over water to a raised and turtle backed green. A par 4, in which 5 is a great score. It can kill a round. Ask anyone of us. All of us have taken our turn in the triple bogey barrel here. We always are glad to see that hole go by and hopefully without too much damage to the card. Tex's big number there 8, was a reminder that this can happen there quickly.
Truth be told, T-Bird Hills is always in great shape, and the rates are always fair for the kind of course you're getting. Great people too. The clubhouse on the North Course is great, with a new wine bar called Bar North that is new the past year or so, with good food too. Good hot dogs that are always ready even for the early tee times at the turn. Hot coffee, and good selection of drinks. A real nice patio to sit and watch those come up the 18th fairway with a brew when you're adding them up.
In short, golfers don't mind a little drive for a good golf course, and this one is. Thunderbird Hills North/South. Always is a good time, always is challenging, and always invites us back.
Scores:
Beef - 90
Joe Red - 88
Tex 100
Wynn - 88
MOVIE REVIEW - Mirror, Mirror
This is the first of two Show White movies that we'll have this year. This is the live action satirical comedy starring Julia Roberts, and it's called Mirror, Mirror.
It's the tongue and cheek telling telling of the classic fairy tale, with Roberts as the evil Queen who is obsessed with her fleeting beauty. Not to mention the beauty of her step daughter, the 18 year old Snow White. She then takes every step imaginable to rid herself of Show White, and hopefully marry the handsome Prince herself. Yes, this version has the 7 Dwarfs too, although they have been reinvented and defined.
MM is heavy satire and parody on the classic story, and some of this works real well. The story has been rewritten, and worked for a new audience. Let's face it, Snow White has been told to death for 100 years now, and it is somewhat fun to see someone's new spin on the old fable. This has a nice cast, and a fun look. Totally lavish, and over the top sets, costumes, and props. It makes not apologies that this is an off beat interpretation, and much of this feels somehwhat fresh.
Roberts has discovered that there is acting life beyond "Pretty Woman, romantic comedy Julia Roberts." She is fiendishly funny and the skullduggerish Queen, who takes great pride in causing misery to others. Lily Collins as the pure Snow White is brilliantly cast too. There also is a decent supporting cast, led by funny man Nathan Lane.
Should be noted, because of the subject matter, this movie is going to have box office limitations. There are not going to be huge bands of guys flocking to see this, and that's OK. This is a niche movie, and for those who find this interesting this could be right on the money. But as interesting as this idea is, it's not overly great.
Roberts and Collins give it a good go, but Mirror, Mirror in the end will suffer from the dreaded forgettable label.
It's the tongue and cheek telling telling of the classic fairy tale, with Roberts as the evil Queen who is obsessed with her fleeting beauty. Not to mention the beauty of her step daughter, the 18 year old Snow White. She then takes every step imaginable to rid herself of Show White, and hopefully marry the handsome Prince herself. Yes, this version has the 7 Dwarfs too, although they have been reinvented and defined.
MM is heavy satire and parody on the classic story, and some of this works real well. The story has been rewritten, and worked for a new audience. Let's face it, Snow White has been told to death for 100 years now, and it is somewhat fun to see someone's new spin on the old fable. This has a nice cast, and a fun look. Totally lavish, and over the top sets, costumes, and props. It makes not apologies that this is an off beat interpretation, and much of this feels somehwhat fresh.
Roberts has discovered that there is acting life beyond "Pretty Woman, romantic comedy Julia Roberts." She is fiendishly funny and the skullduggerish Queen, who takes great pride in causing misery to others. Lily Collins as the pure Snow White is brilliantly cast too. There also is a decent supporting cast, led by funny man Nathan Lane.
Should be noted, because of the subject matter, this movie is going to have box office limitations. There are not going to be huge bands of guys flocking to see this, and that's OK. This is a niche movie, and for those who find this interesting this could be right on the money. But as interesting as this idea is, it's not overly great.
Roberts and Collins give it a good go, but Mirror, Mirror in the end will suffer from the dreaded forgettable label.
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