The story of Robin Hood has always been one of the great adventure stories. It told of the famous archer and his brigade of Merrymen from Sherwood Forest who assisted him as he righted the wrongs of Nottingham and stole from the rich to give to the poor. His times of living as an outlaw, his daring journeys, and opposition of his enemy King John always left a feeling of exileration to anyone who heard the story. It's hard to believe that Ridley Scott, the director who graced us with Gladiator, could take all feeling of adventure out of this classic tale. What should have been a thrilling expedition through Nottingham is reduced to nothing but a costume-adventure that's mostly a bore, and leaves the audience feeling empty.
Robin Longstride has been fighting in the Third Crusade for ten years under the leadership of King Richard the Lionheart. Not wanting to fight anymore, he runs away with a trio of friends who decide to abandon their army. The four of them travel back to Nottingham to report the death of a fellow soldier, Sir Robert Hoxley (Douglas Hodge). It is here where Robin Hood meets the beautiful Lady Marion (Cate Blanchett) and a relationship begins to blossom.
Meanwhile, King John (Oscar Issac) is focusing on his new duties as King of England, and is after any and all tax payments from his subjects. Little does he know, his childhood friend Godfrey (Mark Strong) is conspiring against him with King Philip of France, with the intention of starting an invasion of England. Forget about Robin Hood's famous feats of stealing for the poor; because this film is all backstory, and that's not a good thing. It practically ruins the movie.
The real Robin Hood story is out of the question at this point, being reduced to an average medieval period-piece rather than a soaring adventure. But one of the more disappointing aspects of the film is Russel Crowe's performance. He seems to be mimicing his Gladiator role for the whole movie, it's distracting. Cate Blanchett is decent, but somewhat forgettable as Lady Marion. Her character would have been a great deal more interesting if this were the Robin Hood story we're all familiar with, and would have depicted her relationship with him more vividly. Although there are glimpses their romance, we fail to see any sparks ignite. Two of the lone standouts in the film are Oscar Issac, who plays King John with convincing fierceness, and Mark Strong as the traitorous Godfrey.
What should have been a fun medieval quest turns out to be a dull origin story. What made Gladiator so gripping was with its 2 hour and 30 min. running time, it was able to balance dialogue with wonderful battle scenes. Although Robin Hood has about the same running time, it doesn't make good use of it. We get a battle in the film's opening, segments of near-nothingness, some sword-clashing and arrow-flying thrown in on the side, and a less-than-stellar battle in the finale. The very end of the movie show's the sentence "And so the legend begins," but at that point, we feel like Ridley Scott is the King of England and we're his subjects: he took our beloved hero, and we were robbed of the epic that was promised.
Final grade: C-
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
'Iron Man 2' offers some fun, but isn't as sleek as the original
Two years ago, moviegoers were introduced to Iron Man, one of Marvel Comics' lesser-known superheroes. After that, we were all on board for this new and very exciting franchise. Just like the reporters at the end of the first installment wanted to know more about Iron Man after Tony Stark revealed himself, so did the audience want to see more from this hero's story. The original presented Tony Stark as a comical, fast-talking, and slightly egotistical weapons-dealer with a heart of gold (um...paladium to be exact), and Robert Downey Jr. played it to fun and near-perfection. It was a superhero movie that emphasized that you don't need ongoing action scenes to make a fantastic, heroic story. Most of the time, engaging characters and sharp dialogue will mean the difference between good and bad; and that was just what the first installment had, along with a few winning action sequences. As for the much-anticipated sequel, the opposite seems to be in order. While most of the leads are enjoyable, some of the characters aren't used to their greatest ability; the dialogue still retains some of its cleverness, though some of it's weak; and the story tends to sometimes go in more places than once.
It is now six months after Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) has disclosed himself as Iron Man. He is enjoying the fruits of his labor and is claiming he "privitized world peace." He is the world's newest celebrity and knight-in-shining-armor, and is enjoying having it all. Soon, he comes up against his latest foe Ivan Vanko, or Whiplash (Mickey Rourke). He's aching from the fame and fortune that escaped him after his father and Tony's father worked on scientific breakthroughs, with Mr. Stark ending up with everything later on.
The story also gives us a second villain in Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell), who is a corporate rival of Tony's, and has the annoying habit of saying things more than once. His issue with Stark has him trying to persuade Tony to hand over his technology to the government. In the meantime, Hammer is trying to build bigger and better iron suits to show-up Stark, and hires Ivan Vanko to assist him.
Away from that, some of the movie involves Tony trying to find a substitute element for paladium, the element that's keeping our iron-clad hero alive, but is also slowly killing him.
And yet, ANOTHER story thread involves the development of the superhero group, the Avengers. Samuel L. Jackson has an amusing role as Avengers leader Nick Fury. Although this is an interesting plotline, it takes up a lot of the film's second act and doesn't allow the film to stand on its own as an Iron Man film, since the Avengers are also fighting for the spotlight.
Both Iron Man films have terrific actors playing the main villains. While Jeff Bridges was used to his full potential in the first movie, Mickey Rourke seemed to be underused. That's kind of ironic, seeing that he was offered this role in the midst of his critically-acclaimed performance in 2008's The Wrestler. Between the sequel's two villains, Whiplash is by far the more interesting one with his emotional baggage and vendetta against Iron Man. Although Justin Hammer is a passable villain, he unfortunately gets more screentime than Whiplash.
In a superhero film, we want to see a relationship between the hero and villain. In Iron Man, Robert Downey and Jeff Bridges shared many scenes that hepled build the hero-villain relationship and the tension that accompanied it. In Iron Man 2, Downey and Rourke share one meaningful scene together, then everything else between them are just the rock 'em-sock 'em fights, not leaving any time for the characters to build a good vs. evil connection for us to care about.
As for both the new and returning characters, Gwyneth Paltrow is just as feisty reprising her role as Stark's assistant Pepper Potts; Scarlett Johansson is a welcome addition to the franchise as the charming and alluring Natalie Rushman, a.k.a Black Widow; and of course, Robert Downey Jr. is still humorous and quick-witted, but a little too egotistical this time around. Terrance Howard was greatly missed as Stark's military pal, James Rhodes. While Howard's portrayal of James Rhodes possessed a tough exterior equal to Tony Starks's, Don Cheadle (while a good actor) downgraded the character and made him seem weak and uninteresting.
While Iron Man 2 offers some passable Summer entertainment, it couldn't reach the realm of superior comic-book sequels such as X-Men 2, Spider-Man 2, and The Dark Knight. The acting is up-to-par, and the action scenes offer some neat visuals; but one of the main problems is the replacement of dialogue with more action, as well as multiple plots. Sure, we all want action in our superhero movies, but there isn't a point to it if it's going to eclipse true character interaction. And if you have one or two good central plots to work with, you can make a terrifc movie; instead of having too many and making a mediocre one. Here's hoping for a better third installment.
Final grade: C+
It is now six months after Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) has disclosed himself as Iron Man. He is enjoying the fruits of his labor and is claiming he "privitized world peace." He is the world's newest celebrity and knight-in-shining-armor, and is enjoying having it all. Soon, he comes up against his latest foe Ivan Vanko, or Whiplash (Mickey Rourke). He's aching from the fame and fortune that escaped him after his father and Tony's father worked on scientific breakthroughs, with Mr. Stark ending up with everything later on.
The story also gives us a second villain in Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell), who is a corporate rival of Tony's, and has the annoying habit of saying things more than once. His issue with Stark has him trying to persuade Tony to hand over his technology to the government. In the meantime, Hammer is trying to build bigger and better iron suits to show-up Stark, and hires Ivan Vanko to assist him.
Away from that, some of the movie involves Tony trying to find a substitute element for paladium, the element that's keeping our iron-clad hero alive, but is also slowly killing him.
And yet, ANOTHER story thread involves the development of the superhero group, the Avengers. Samuel L. Jackson has an amusing role as Avengers leader Nick Fury. Although this is an interesting plotline, it takes up a lot of the film's second act and doesn't allow the film to stand on its own as an Iron Man film, since the Avengers are also fighting for the spotlight.
Both Iron Man films have terrific actors playing the main villains. While Jeff Bridges was used to his full potential in the first movie, Mickey Rourke seemed to be underused. That's kind of ironic, seeing that he was offered this role in the midst of his critically-acclaimed performance in 2008's The Wrestler. Between the sequel's two villains, Whiplash is by far the more interesting one with his emotional baggage and vendetta against Iron Man. Although Justin Hammer is a passable villain, he unfortunately gets more screentime than Whiplash.
In a superhero film, we want to see a relationship between the hero and villain. In Iron Man, Robert Downey and Jeff Bridges shared many scenes that hepled build the hero-villain relationship and the tension that accompanied it. In Iron Man 2, Downey and Rourke share one meaningful scene together, then everything else between them are just the rock 'em-sock 'em fights, not leaving any time for the characters to build a good vs. evil connection for us to care about.
As for both the new and returning characters, Gwyneth Paltrow is just as feisty reprising her role as Stark's assistant Pepper Potts; Scarlett Johansson is a welcome addition to the franchise as the charming and alluring Natalie Rushman, a.k.a Black Widow; and of course, Robert Downey Jr. is still humorous and quick-witted, but a little too egotistical this time around. Terrance Howard was greatly missed as Stark's military pal, James Rhodes. While Howard's portrayal of James Rhodes possessed a tough exterior equal to Tony Starks's, Don Cheadle (while a good actor) downgraded the character and made him seem weak and uninteresting.
While Iron Man 2 offers some passable Summer entertainment, it couldn't reach the realm of superior comic-book sequels such as X-Men 2, Spider-Man 2, and The Dark Knight. The acting is up-to-par, and the action scenes offer some neat visuals; but one of the main problems is the replacement of dialogue with more action, as well as multiple plots. Sure, we all want action in our superhero movies, but there isn't a point to it if it's going to eclipse true character interaction. And if you have one or two good central plots to work with, you can make a terrifc movie; instead of having too many and making a mediocre one. Here's hoping for a better third installment.
Final grade: C+
Friday, April 23, 2010
Summer Movie Preview 2010
Summer is here once again cinema fans, and we all know what that means: a ton of new blockbusters are coming our way to help us escape for a little while and take the heat off our minds. I know that during the Summer we all have jobs, family gatherings, days planned with friends, and maybe some of us will be taking a Summer class if we're in college. Of course, that's all understandable, but why not also take advantage of all the big-screen adventures that the season has to offer?
As with every Summer, the new releases will offer something for everyone: for the guys, we have the return of a certain iron-clad superhero, director Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe reunite to bring the classic hero of Sherwood Forest to life, and Dark Knight director Christopher Nolan is back with his latest, and literally mind-bending thriller. For the younger audience, they will be treated to the fourth outing of their favorite fairy-tale ogre, as well as the much-anticipated return of Woody and Buzz Lightyear. And for the ladies, they will surely enjoy the return of Sarah Jessica Parker and her girlfriends, and will undoubtedly come out in droves to experience the next installment of an ever-so-popular human-vampire-werewolf love-triangle. These releases will certainly bring in huge box office business, but they aren't the only films to get excited for. There are many more included in this Summer movie preview. Let's get started, shall we?
Iron Man 2 (May 7) Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is back in this second installment of the hit Iron Man franchise. In this chapter, the government wants Stark to hand over is technology to the military. He is unwilling to do so, worrying that it might fall into the wrong hands. Iron Man is soon faced with a powerful new opponent called Whiplash, played by Mickey Rourke. Also starring in the film are Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, and Sam Rockwell.
Robin Hood (May 14) After their success with Gladiator and American Gangster, director Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe team up to bring the Robin Hood legend to the big screen. In the story, our hero returns home to his English village after fighting in the Third Crusade. Using his military skills and intelligence, he sets out to conquer the tyranny and corruption that has taken over, while also trying to win the love of Lady Marion (Cate Blanchett).
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (May 19) The popular video game is now an adventure-epic starring Jake Gyllenhaal. Dastan, a street urchan in sixth century Persia, is adopted by a king to be his heir, and soon joins forces with Princess Tamina to rescue the Sands of Time, a godly gift that controls, you guessed it, time. Ben Kingsley portrays the wicked Nizam. Gemma Arterton and Alfred Molina also star in this film from the producers of Pirates of the Caribbean.
Shrek Forever After (May 21) Shrek returns in his fourth, and sadly his last, adventure in the land of Far Far Away. After becoming a family ogre, Shrek longs to live just one more day as a "real" ogre. He then strikes up a deal with Rumpelstiltskin to make this happen. In exchange, Shrek must give him a day from his own life. Unfortunately for Shrek, Rumpelstiltskin chooses the day when he was born, meaning that since Shrek had never been born, he doesn't exist. He is then stuck in an alternate Far Far Away, and must find a way to bring everything back to normal. Starring the voice talents of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews, and a whole myriad of other actors and comedians.
Sex and the City 2 (May 27) After the first movie struck gold with the female audience two years ago, a sequel was almost inevitable to the film adaptation of the hit HBO comedy. Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon are back again for another installment of their high New York City society lifestyle.
Get Him to the Greek (June 4) Jonah Hill plays a determined college graduate working as an intern at a record company in this spinoff to 2008's Forgetting Sarah Marshall. He is given the task of bringing British musican Aldous Snow (Russell Brand reprising his role from FSM) to the Los Angeles Greek Theater where he is scheduled to perform. Also starring Elizabeth Moss, Rose Byrne, Sean "Diddy" Combs, and Aziz Ansari.
The A-Team (June 11) Based on the '80s television series, the film follows a group of four members of the U.S. military who are now mercenaries. After three of them are arrested for a crime they didn't commit and are called war criminals, they escape and join forces with their pilot, Captain H.M. Murdock. Starring Bradley Cooper, Liam Neeson, Sharlto Copley, Quinton "Rampage" Johnson, and Jessica Biel.
Toy Story 3 (June 18) Pixar studios has graced their audiences with masterpiece after masterpiece, so it isn't any surprise that they're giving us the second sequel to their much-beloved Toy Story. In this installment, Andy is about to start college, but isn't sure what to do with the cherished toys from his childhood. After the toys accidentally get sent to a local daycare center, Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the toys try to get back to Andy before it's too late. Starring the voice talents of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, and many other celebrity voices.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (June 30) The emotions of the love-triangle between human Bella, vampire Edward, and werewolf Jacob, reach the boiling point in the third chapter of Stephanie Meyer's insanely popular series of novels. As Seattle is being plagued by several mysterious killings, the vampires and werewolves must reluctantly join forces to take on the malicious army of newborn vampires. On the sidelines, Bella must choose whether to live a life of eternity with her soulmate Edward, or live a normal, human life with her best friend Jacob. Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner.
Inception (July 16) Director Christopher Nolan follows his massive success of The Dark Knight with his new action-thriller that takes place in the architecture of the mind. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Dom Cobb, an agent who has a team of individuals that have a technology that allows them to enter the minds of people as they dream. After a heist goes wrong, Dom and his team must track down a CEO (Ken Watanabe) who has his own ideas of how to use this technology. Also starring are Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Ellen Page, Cillian Murphy, and Michael Caine.
Dinner for Schmucks (July 23) After Paul Rudd starred in last year's comedy I Love You Man, and Steve Carell starred in the recent Date Night, both of which were critically-acclaimed (and for good reason), the two comic-actors are now co-starring in what is sure to be one of this Summer's biggest comedies. Tim (Paul Rudd) is a successful executive who must find the right guest for his boss's monthly event, which is called a "dinner for idiots." Whoever brings the biggest moron to the party receives a promotion as a prize. Steve Carell plays Barry, an IRS employee who Tim tries to encourage into accompanying him to the dinner event.
The Expendables (August 13) A group of hired guns travels to South America on a mission to defeat the malevolent tyrant who has taken over. As the mission becomes a lot more serious, the group realizes that nothing is what it appears to be, and that there may be a traitor among them. Starring Sylvester Stallone, Jason Stratham, Mickey Rourke, and Jet Li.
So readers, there's my guide to some of this Summer's sure-to-be hits. There are obviously many other films coming out between May and August to suit everyone's interests, but the movies listed above are those that you might want to check out, depending on what you like. The Spring movie season is soon coming to an end, and there were some releases I enjoyed, particularly Shutter Island and Date Night (check out my reviews for them). In two weeks, Iron Man 2 will start off the Summer with a bing!-bang!-boom!, and I'm sure many of us are waiting in anticipation. I'll be posting my reviews for the Summer films that I have the chance to see, and I'm positive that I'll be seeing many of them. After each review, feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of whichever film the review was for. I'd love to hear your feedback. Until then, have a delightful Summer, and enjoy the movies!
As with every Summer, the new releases will offer something for everyone: for the guys, we have the return of a certain iron-clad superhero, director Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe reunite to bring the classic hero of Sherwood Forest to life, and Dark Knight director Christopher Nolan is back with his latest, and literally mind-bending thriller. For the younger audience, they will be treated to the fourth outing of their favorite fairy-tale ogre, as well as the much-anticipated return of Woody and Buzz Lightyear. And for the ladies, they will surely enjoy the return of Sarah Jessica Parker and her girlfriends, and will undoubtedly come out in droves to experience the next installment of an ever-so-popular human-vampire-werewolf love-triangle. These releases will certainly bring in huge box office business, but they aren't the only films to get excited for. There are many more included in this Summer movie preview. Let's get started, shall we?
Iron Man 2 (May 7) Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is back in this second installment of the hit Iron Man franchise. In this chapter, the government wants Stark to hand over is technology to the military. He is unwilling to do so, worrying that it might fall into the wrong hands. Iron Man is soon faced with a powerful new opponent called Whiplash, played by Mickey Rourke. Also starring in the film are Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, and Sam Rockwell.
Robin Hood (May 14) After their success with Gladiator and American Gangster, director Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe team up to bring the Robin Hood legend to the big screen. In the story, our hero returns home to his English village after fighting in the Third Crusade. Using his military skills and intelligence, he sets out to conquer the tyranny and corruption that has taken over, while also trying to win the love of Lady Marion (Cate Blanchett).
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (May 19) The popular video game is now an adventure-epic starring Jake Gyllenhaal. Dastan, a street urchan in sixth century Persia, is adopted by a king to be his heir, and soon joins forces with Princess Tamina to rescue the Sands of Time, a godly gift that controls, you guessed it, time. Ben Kingsley portrays the wicked Nizam. Gemma Arterton and Alfred Molina also star in this film from the producers of Pirates of the Caribbean.
Shrek Forever After (May 21) Shrek returns in his fourth, and sadly his last, adventure in the land of Far Far Away. After becoming a family ogre, Shrek longs to live just one more day as a "real" ogre. He then strikes up a deal with Rumpelstiltskin to make this happen. In exchange, Shrek must give him a day from his own life. Unfortunately for Shrek, Rumpelstiltskin chooses the day when he was born, meaning that since Shrek had never been born, he doesn't exist. He is then stuck in an alternate Far Far Away, and must find a way to bring everything back to normal. Starring the voice talents of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews, and a whole myriad of other actors and comedians.
Sex and the City 2 (May 27) After the first movie struck gold with the female audience two years ago, a sequel was almost inevitable to the film adaptation of the hit HBO comedy. Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon are back again for another installment of their high New York City society lifestyle.
Get Him to the Greek (June 4) Jonah Hill plays a determined college graduate working as an intern at a record company in this spinoff to 2008's Forgetting Sarah Marshall. He is given the task of bringing British musican Aldous Snow (Russell Brand reprising his role from FSM) to the Los Angeles Greek Theater where he is scheduled to perform. Also starring Elizabeth Moss, Rose Byrne, Sean "Diddy" Combs, and Aziz Ansari.
The A-Team (June 11) Based on the '80s television series, the film follows a group of four members of the U.S. military who are now mercenaries. After three of them are arrested for a crime they didn't commit and are called war criminals, they escape and join forces with their pilot, Captain H.M. Murdock. Starring Bradley Cooper, Liam Neeson, Sharlto Copley, Quinton "Rampage" Johnson, and Jessica Biel.
Toy Story 3 (June 18) Pixar studios has graced their audiences with masterpiece after masterpiece, so it isn't any surprise that they're giving us the second sequel to their much-beloved Toy Story. In this installment, Andy is about to start college, but isn't sure what to do with the cherished toys from his childhood. After the toys accidentally get sent to a local daycare center, Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the toys try to get back to Andy before it's too late. Starring the voice talents of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, and many other celebrity voices.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (June 30) The emotions of the love-triangle between human Bella, vampire Edward, and werewolf Jacob, reach the boiling point in the third chapter of Stephanie Meyer's insanely popular series of novels. As Seattle is being plagued by several mysterious killings, the vampires and werewolves must reluctantly join forces to take on the malicious army of newborn vampires. On the sidelines, Bella must choose whether to live a life of eternity with her soulmate Edward, or live a normal, human life with her best friend Jacob. Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner.
Inception (July 16) Director Christopher Nolan follows his massive success of The Dark Knight with his new action-thriller that takes place in the architecture of the mind. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Dom Cobb, an agent who has a team of individuals that have a technology that allows them to enter the minds of people as they dream. After a heist goes wrong, Dom and his team must track down a CEO (Ken Watanabe) who has his own ideas of how to use this technology. Also starring are Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Ellen Page, Cillian Murphy, and Michael Caine.
Dinner for Schmucks (July 23) After Paul Rudd starred in last year's comedy I Love You Man, and Steve Carell starred in the recent Date Night, both of which were critically-acclaimed (and for good reason), the two comic-actors are now co-starring in what is sure to be one of this Summer's biggest comedies. Tim (Paul Rudd) is a successful executive who must find the right guest for his boss's monthly event, which is called a "dinner for idiots." Whoever brings the biggest moron to the party receives a promotion as a prize. Steve Carell plays Barry, an IRS employee who Tim tries to encourage into accompanying him to the dinner event.
The Expendables (August 13) A group of hired guns travels to South America on a mission to defeat the malevolent tyrant who has taken over. As the mission becomes a lot more serious, the group realizes that nothing is what it appears to be, and that there may be a traitor among them. Starring Sylvester Stallone, Jason Stratham, Mickey Rourke, and Jet Li.
So readers, there's my guide to some of this Summer's sure-to-be hits. There are obviously many other films coming out between May and August to suit everyone's interests, but the movies listed above are those that you might want to check out, depending on what you like. The Spring movie season is soon coming to an end, and there were some releases I enjoyed, particularly Shutter Island and Date Night (check out my reviews for them). In two weeks, Iron Man 2 will start off the Summer with a bing!-bang!-boom!, and I'm sure many of us are waiting in anticipation. I'll be posting my reviews for the Summer films that I have the chance to see, and I'm positive that I'll be seeing many of them. After each review, feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of whichever film the review was for. I'd love to hear your feedback. Until then, have a delightful Summer, and enjoy the movies!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
A 'Date' With Comedic Royalty
You don't need me to tell you that a majority of today's romantic-comedies are not what they used to be. Many of them are presented without any imagination, and that takes the fun out of watching them. For some time now, they have become too dull and formulaic. Sometimes the viewer has to question, is the film's lack of energy at the fault of the writing or the actors? Nowadays, it's mostly the writing that's the problem, with the actors as casualties. Once in a while, however, the romantic-comedy genre can surprise us, like with the films of Judd Apatow. It's latest surprise is Date Night, the new film by director Shawn Levy, starring the charming Tina Fey and outrageous Steve Carell. Since Fey and Carell star in two of today's most successful TV comedies, 30 Rock and The Office, it was only too appropriate to have them in a film together. The result is a refleshingly hilarious comedy.
Steve Carell and Tina Fey are Phil and Claire Foster, an average, middle-class couple from New Jersey. Day by day, they go to work, keep their house in order, and take care of their two children. Lately, they have been feeling that their marriage is in a rut. The couple just goes with the flow as their lives become more and more predictable (much like the rom-com genre). Urging for something different, the couple goes to an upscale restaurant, but can't get a table. Not willing to give up, they steal a reservation from a couple called the Tripplehorns. They don't know, however, that the Tripplehorns are wanted criminals. Of course, as with anything starring Carell and Fey, much hilarity ensues. What starts out as the Foster's weekly date becomes a night of mistaken identities as the Fosters race to clear their names. And it's a riot.
Never is there a dull moment whenever our two leads are on screen, because they have established themselves as true comic actors years ago, and can practically carry a movie all by themselves. Fey and Carell make their comedy seem effortless as they play-off of each other, which makes their entire romp through the Big Apple a joy to watch. The Foster's adventures are complete with some amusing characters, even if they are only seen for a few minutes. Kristen Wiig is a friend of the Foster's whose marriage is also on the rocks. As with her roles on Saturday Night Live, she continues to prove that she can offer plentiful laughs for only a few moments of screen time. James Franco and Mila Kunis have a greatly comical scene together as the white-trash Tripplehorn couple. In a comedy where Fey and Carell dominate, the pairing of Franco and Kunis don't have any problem having their wit shine as bright as our two leads when they all share a scene together.
In the end, it's Fey and Carell who make this comedy work. They make the film watchable when any other pairing of actors would have made this a disaster. One might consider them today's king and queen of comedy; and with such prestige, the two made what might have been a stale narrative feel new to the audience. When they are not busy making us laugh on their popular sitcoms, Fey and Carell should take the time to do a few more rom-coms. In doing so, they can easily help in making the genre as enjoyable as it once was.
Final grade: B+
Steve Carell and Tina Fey are Phil and Claire Foster, an average, middle-class couple from New Jersey. Day by day, they go to work, keep their house in order, and take care of their two children. Lately, they have been feeling that their marriage is in a rut. The couple just goes with the flow as their lives become more and more predictable (much like the rom-com genre). Urging for something different, the couple goes to an upscale restaurant, but can't get a table. Not willing to give up, they steal a reservation from a couple called the Tripplehorns. They don't know, however, that the Tripplehorns are wanted criminals. Of course, as with anything starring Carell and Fey, much hilarity ensues. What starts out as the Foster's weekly date becomes a night of mistaken identities as the Fosters race to clear their names. And it's a riot.
Never is there a dull moment whenever our two leads are on screen, because they have established themselves as true comic actors years ago, and can practically carry a movie all by themselves. Fey and Carell make their comedy seem effortless as they play-off of each other, which makes their entire romp through the Big Apple a joy to watch. The Foster's adventures are complete with some amusing characters, even if they are only seen for a few minutes. Kristen Wiig is a friend of the Foster's whose marriage is also on the rocks. As with her roles on Saturday Night Live, she continues to prove that she can offer plentiful laughs for only a few moments of screen time. James Franco and Mila Kunis have a greatly comical scene together as the white-trash Tripplehorn couple. In a comedy where Fey and Carell dominate, the pairing of Franco and Kunis don't have any problem having their wit shine as bright as our two leads when they all share a scene together.
In the end, it's Fey and Carell who make this comedy work. They make the film watchable when any other pairing of actors would have made this a disaster. One might consider them today's king and queen of comedy; and with such prestige, the two made what might have been a stale narrative feel new to the audience. When they are not busy making us laugh on their popular sitcoms, Fey and Carell should take the time to do a few more rom-coms. In doing so, they can easily help in making the genre as enjoyable as it once was.
Final grade: B+
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Journey of Redemption for a Musical 'Heart'
One of the best parts of a film about a musician is that the story can be told through straight acting, and through the songs performed by the musician. What makes telling parts of the story through song so gratifying, is that the musician is using his given talent to let the audience know what he has experienced. The backgrounds of musical icons will usually contain some sort of tragedy or misfortune that was suffered through in life. By the escape of music, however, these musicians will find salvation through their lyrics, and will share their talent and lives with the world. Director Scott Cooper has adapted Thomas Cobb's novel, Crazy Heart, to tell the story of a once famous country-music star Bad Blake, played by Jeff Bridges, who sets out on the road to redemption after an extended history of regretable life choices.
Bad Blake's life is slowly falling apart. He's almost broke, an alcoholic, has been in and out of marriages, can't seem to find new material to write about, and his fame is nearly gone, which leaves him playing in bowling alleys. He eventually crosses paths with an aspiring journalist named Jean Craddock, played by Maggie Gyllenhaal, who just like Bad, is trying to forget about her past mistakes, and makes a comfortable living with her son. What is so intriguing about her character, is that what starts out as interviewing Bad for a story, turns into her becoming a catalyst for Bad Blake wanting to turn his life around. But this doesn't come without its setbacks.
The songs performed in the film blend perfectly with the events played out in the story. They describe heartbreak, ruined futures, and the neglect of the special things in life. The film's main ballad, "The Weary Kind," tells of the need to be strong of heart, and give as many tries as you have to in order to get your life back on track. The lyrics tell of what has happened in Blake's life, and hint at what's to come. The way how the music continually reinforces the film's messages makes the songs all the more effective in the storytelling.
Even though the movie is about the journey of redemption for a troubled life, it also emphasizes that as humans, we're all capable of hitting the occasional speedbump on the way. Whether we are like Bad and need to set our lives straight, or even if we're like Jean and our lives are going smoothly, it is natural for everyone to make mistakes. What's important, is that we recognize them, and try to rebuild our lives.
Jeff Bridges' performance is the gem of the film. His singing and musicianship is as breathtaking as the southwestern landscapes through which he travels. His portryal of a broken-down soul trying to save himself can relate to anyone, and shows that it's never too late to turn your life around. In the end, Jeff Bridges more than succeeeds in getting his message across. He makes us inspired.
Final grade: A-
Bad Blake's life is slowly falling apart. He's almost broke, an alcoholic, has been in and out of marriages, can't seem to find new material to write about, and his fame is nearly gone, which leaves him playing in bowling alleys. He eventually crosses paths with an aspiring journalist named Jean Craddock, played by Maggie Gyllenhaal, who just like Bad, is trying to forget about her past mistakes, and makes a comfortable living with her son. What is so intriguing about her character, is that what starts out as interviewing Bad for a story, turns into her becoming a catalyst for Bad Blake wanting to turn his life around. But this doesn't come without its setbacks.
The songs performed in the film blend perfectly with the events played out in the story. They describe heartbreak, ruined futures, and the neglect of the special things in life. The film's main ballad, "The Weary Kind," tells of the need to be strong of heart, and give as many tries as you have to in order to get your life back on track. The lyrics tell of what has happened in Blake's life, and hint at what's to come. The way how the music continually reinforces the film's messages makes the songs all the more effective in the storytelling.
Even though the movie is about the journey of redemption for a troubled life, it also emphasizes that as humans, we're all capable of hitting the occasional speedbump on the way. Whether we are like Bad and need to set our lives straight, or even if we're like Jean and our lives are going smoothly, it is natural for everyone to make mistakes. What's important, is that we recognize them, and try to rebuild our lives.
Jeff Bridges' performance is the gem of the film. His singing and musicianship is as breathtaking as the southwestern landscapes through which he travels. His portryal of a broken-down soul trying to save himself can relate to anyone, and shows that it's never too late to turn your life around. In the end, Jeff Bridges more than succeeeds in getting his message across. He makes us inspired.
Final grade: A-
Friday, March 19, 2010
A 'Wonderland' That's Short on Wonder
The name of Tim Burton has long been synonymous with the capability of creating lush, imaginative worlds for the screen, and pairing them up with strangely mystical stories. These stories can be considered to be in the same realm as the classic Grimm's fairy tales, and are every bit as immersive as they are darkly beautiful. Most people will argue that some of his films like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride, and Sweeney Todd fit that criteria all-too perfectly. Burton's latest undertaking, adapting Lewis Carol's timeless children's story Alice in Wonderland, seemed to be another perfect pairing of story and director. Who else but Tim Burton would you expect to bring Carol's fantastically bizarre Wonderland to the screen? Burton creates another enchanting world with colorful visuals a plenty that's hard to divert your eyes from. Alas, that's all this movie has to offer. A film with little story is hardly the case when one thinks of Tim Burton. Sadly, Alice in Wonderland is that type of film.
This latest trip into Wonderland is the first starring-vehicle for Australian newcomer Mia Wasikowska, who plays the title-character. Alice grows tired of her mundane life and the expectations put upon her by family and friends. In an attempt to escape an arranged marriage, she chases the White Rabbit (voiced by Michael Sheen), and eventually falls down the rabbit-hole into the dreamlike Wonderland. There, she meets the Mad Hater, played by non other than Burton's other half, Johnny Depp; and is told that she must find what's known as the Vorpal Sword to slay the dragon-like creature known as the Jabberwocky, in order to restore the rule of the White Queen (Anne Hathaway) from the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter). You'd figure there would be more story to be offered in-between these main plot points. Don't be fooled. This is just about all there is.
Given the much-beloved source material, it is expected that a movie like this would retain the magical touch that made the original novel a joy. The beauty of the world is surely at play, but it doesn't help make the film any better when it seems like many of the CGI characters have more life than the human characters. The Dormouse has her ongoing spunk and swordmanship, and the Caterpillar, though rather rude, is an insect of knowledge. The standout of all the CGI creatures is the Cheshire Cat, with his devious personality and smooth-talk.
This being Wasikowska's first major role, she plays the part of Alice as we all would like it: adventurous, intelligent, and quizzical of her new surroundings. Unfortunately, since the visuals are the film's only high points, and the make-up effects of other characters are so demanding of attention, it takes away from Alice the opportunity to shine. But the CGI effects aren't all that's to blame. Since the story lacks in content, it also is deprived of any memorable dialogue. A majority of Alice's dialogue is comprised of asking questions such as "What am I doing here?" "Why was I brought here?" "How do I defeat the Jabberwocky?" and so on. As for the Red Queen, let's just say you could make a drinking game based on how many times she screams "Off with their heads!"
Sadly, even Johnny Depp wasn't that much of a standout as the Mad Hatter. When Depp plays characters such as Willy Wonka, Sweeney Todd, and Captain Jack Sparrow, you become swept away by his talent, energy, and by the new heights to which he brings his characters. As the Mad Hatter, he didn't do anything new or exciting; he just wore distracting make-up, mumbled a lot of nonsense, and performed an embarrassing dance to celebrate the end of the final battle.
Tim Burton is certainly a master of his craft, and when he wants to tell a darkly entertaining and striking story, he can surely bring it to life. Every director, however, has at least one movie that can't quite measure up to his or her most treasured works. Too bad for Burton that it had to be his adaptation of a dearly loved classic.
Final grade: C
This latest trip into Wonderland is the first starring-vehicle for Australian newcomer Mia Wasikowska, who plays the title-character. Alice grows tired of her mundane life and the expectations put upon her by family and friends. In an attempt to escape an arranged marriage, she chases the White Rabbit (voiced by Michael Sheen), and eventually falls down the rabbit-hole into the dreamlike Wonderland. There, she meets the Mad Hater, played by non other than Burton's other half, Johnny Depp; and is told that she must find what's known as the Vorpal Sword to slay the dragon-like creature known as the Jabberwocky, in order to restore the rule of the White Queen (Anne Hathaway) from the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter). You'd figure there would be more story to be offered in-between these main plot points. Don't be fooled. This is just about all there is.
Given the much-beloved source material, it is expected that a movie like this would retain the magical touch that made the original novel a joy. The beauty of the world is surely at play, but it doesn't help make the film any better when it seems like many of the CGI characters have more life than the human characters. The Dormouse has her ongoing spunk and swordmanship, and the Caterpillar, though rather rude, is an insect of knowledge. The standout of all the CGI creatures is the Cheshire Cat, with his devious personality and smooth-talk.
This being Wasikowska's first major role, she plays the part of Alice as we all would like it: adventurous, intelligent, and quizzical of her new surroundings. Unfortunately, since the visuals are the film's only high points, and the make-up effects of other characters are so demanding of attention, it takes away from Alice the opportunity to shine. But the CGI effects aren't all that's to blame. Since the story lacks in content, it also is deprived of any memorable dialogue. A majority of Alice's dialogue is comprised of asking questions such as "What am I doing here?" "Why was I brought here?" "How do I defeat the Jabberwocky?" and so on. As for the Red Queen, let's just say you could make a drinking game based on how many times she screams "Off with their heads!"
Sadly, even Johnny Depp wasn't that much of a standout as the Mad Hatter. When Depp plays characters such as Willy Wonka, Sweeney Todd, and Captain Jack Sparrow, you become swept away by his talent, energy, and by the new heights to which he brings his characters. As the Mad Hatter, he didn't do anything new or exciting; he just wore distracting make-up, mumbled a lot of nonsense, and performed an embarrassing dance to celebrate the end of the final battle.
Tim Burton is certainly a master of his craft, and when he wants to tell a darkly entertaining and striking story, he can surely bring it to life. Every director, however, has at least one movie that can't quite measure up to his or her most treasured works. Too bad for Burton that it had to be his adaptation of a dearly loved classic.
Final grade: C
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
A Twisty-Turny 'Island'
Federal detectives, a secluded mental-institution on an island, an escaped patient, strange doctors hiding the truth, this sounds like a cinematic work from the mind of Alfred Hitchcock. Well, yes and no. The new thriller Shutter Island certainly has that mysterious atmosphere that was present in many of his films, but the story is actually from a novel by Dennis Lehane, and was brought to the screen by one of today's Hitchcock equivalents of filmmaking genius, Martin Scorsese. This being his first psychological thriller since 1991's Cape Fear, Martin succeeds in bringing a sense of fear to the story he wants to tell. This time, Scorsese reunites with his frequent collaborator Leonardo DiCaprio, for a story of conspiracy and paranoia.
The story opens in 1954 with our two leads, U.S. Marshal Edward 'Teddy' Daniels (DiCaprio), a tough-as-nails detective from Boston, whose past is plagued with tragedy by the death of his wife (Michelle Williams), and is accompanied to the island by his new partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo). They are sent to the mysterious Ashcliff Hospital for the criminally insane on Shutter Island. The hospital shelters 66 inmates that are said to be there because it was impossible for them to be treated anywhere else. The head psychiatrist Dr. John Cawley, acted by Ben Kingsley with a disturbing blend of calm and creepiness, fills-in our two detectives of the escape of inmate Rachel Solando (Emily Mortimer), who has been placed in the institution for murdering her three children. As Teddy and Chuck begin their search for the woman it becomes clear that, as with all psychological thrillers, there is something much more going on in the background than our two detectives are aware of.
As Teddy and Chuck question patients and visit several sectors of the island looking for evidence, the audience is provided with snipets of Teddy's troubled past in the form of dream sequences and hallucinations. While his dreams do add significantly to the story in most cases, it gets to the point when some of them are a little too long, or slightly unnecessary. They are, however, disturbingly and beautifully realized. As the story progresses with the detectives exploring deeper into the island, the stunning aerial shots of the area help expand on the growing fear and isolation of the charatcers.
Patricia Clarkson shows up in the later half of the movie as an exiled escapee, and truly makes the most of her few minutes of screen time, offering a couple startling plot twists. And Max von Sydow is wonderfully frightening as an evil, Nazi-like psychiatrist. Clocking in at 2 hours and 18 minutes, the film tends to drag in the middle; but the big twist (or several twists) in the end make the movie worth sitting through, even though the plot revelations come at a somewhat overwhelming rate in the end. This being Martin Scorsese's second psychological thriller, Shutter Island is a daring break from his gangster epics, such as The Departed and Goodfellas. In the end, it's truly a mystery worth solving.
Final grade: B+
The story opens in 1954 with our two leads, U.S. Marshal Edward 'Teddy' Daniels (DiCaprio), a tough-as-nails detective from Boston, whose past is plagued with tragedy by the death of his wife (Michelle Williams), and is accompanied to the island by his new partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo). They are sent to the mysterious Ashcliff Hospital for the criminally insane on Shutter Island. The hospital shelters 66 inmates that are said to be there because it was impossible for them to be treated anywhere else. The head psychiatrist Dr. John Cawley, acted by Ben Kingsley with a disturbing blend of calm and creepiness, fills-in our two detectives of the escape of inmate Rachel Solando (Emily Mortimer), who has been placed in the institution for murdering her three children. As Teddy and Chuck begin their search for the woman it becomes clear that, as with all psychological thrillers, there is something much more going on in the background than our two detectives are aware of.
As Teddy and Chuck question patients and visit several sectors of the island looking for evidence, the audience is provided with snipets of Teddy's troubled past in the form of dream sequences and hallucinations. While his dreams do add significantly to the story in most cases, it gets to the point when some of them are a little too long, or slightly unnecessary. They are, however, disturbingly and beautifully realized. As the story progresses with the detectives exploring deeper into the island, the stunning aerial shots of the area help expand on the growing fear and isolation of the charatcers.
Patricia Clarkson shows up in the later half of the movie as an exiled escapee, and truly makes the most of her few minutes of screen time, offering a couple startling plot twists. And Max von Sydow is wonderfully frightening as an evil, Nazi-like psychiatrist. Clocking in at 2 hours and 18 minutes, the film tends to drag in the middle; but the big twist (or several twists) in the end make the movie worth sitting through, even though the plot revelations come at a somewhat overwhelming rate in the end. This being Martin Scorsese's second psychological thriller, Shutter Island is a daring break from his gangster epics, such as The Departed and Goodfellas. In the end, it's truly a mystery worth solving.
Final grade: B+
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