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.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - We Bought A Zoo
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.
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.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW -Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
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.
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
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.
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.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW -Sherlock Holmes 2
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.
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.
Friday, December 16, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Young Adult
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.
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.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - New Years Eve
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.
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
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.
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.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Hugo
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!
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!
Monday, December 5, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - The Muppets
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.
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.
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