Entries from March 2008 ↓

I suspect the cast of 21 was chosen for their looks rather than their talent. The “we can beat the casinos” story was very predictable. That said I have to say I was entertained. I predict good business and good word of mouth. There is nothing complicated here. The audience doesn’t have to think if they just accept the fact, as I did, that you aren’t going understand the counting cards technique. [ RT ]

I have seen most of the “Iraqi War” movies . . . Stop-Loss has one of the most intense war portrayals as an open. It doesn’t get any less real when the story follows the guys home. But slowly the story dips down to a unacceptable ending. This could have been the Iraq war movie. [ RT ]

Flawless is set in 1960 and it almost looks like it was made in 1960. The story is also as quaint but well executed. It’s an engaging diamond heist caper that kept my attention and in the end it was an engaging two hours.  [ RT ]

Nice try Corolla. I was rooting for a radio guy trying to make the big leap. And you have to give morning DJ credit for getting the job done. And for less than a million dollars. But here on the big screen you gotta compete with Spielberg and Scorsese. The Hammer just looks cheap and amateurish. It’s a romantic comedy disguised as a boxing movie. There is plenty of cheesy sap to go around. Corolla, who created the story - and stars, isn’t as funny as he thinks he is. I will be surprised if the film spreads past “limited release.” Or make the $45 million that Stern’s Private Parts banked ten years ago.  [ RT ]

Sleepwalking has “indie” written all over it. It gives Charlize Theron a chance to do what we know she can do: get glammed down and act. And introduces to a new young (14 years old) actor named AnnaSophia Robb. Few liked this film . . . but I liked it a lot. [ RT ]

The hip quick edits, fuzzy out of focus photography, and jumping back and forth along the story’s time-line are, I suspect, an attempt to overwhelm an unoriginal and mediocre plot. Gus Van Sant’s style didn’t win me over thus this by the numbers story of disillusioned youths almost put me to sleep. Paranoid Park should have been called Snooze Park. [ RT ]

Married Life with a great cast (Chris Cooper, Patricia Clarkson, Pierce Brosnan) is set in 1949. With a leisurely pace it has a subtle comedy touch as it, shall we say, explores the challenges presented by the opposite sex in and out of married life. It was entertaining. [ RT ]

For the first half Snow Angels looks and feels like a complicated soap opera involving several families.  I did sense an impeding doom. And, boy, I was right. Soon it got very tough to watch where these relationships were going. . . . bordering on cringe-worthy during the hard-hitting climaxes. Kate Beckinsale, whose movies rarely give her a change to show her acting chops, picks up alot of indie cred here.  Sam Rockell also acts up a storm.  The more fascinating couple features two high schoolers (Michael Angarano and Olivia Thirlby - of Juno fame ). Very good performances but the despair will prevent many from recommending this film. I am predicting very little positive word of mouth.

The Bank Job hums along with a story line - let’s tunnel under the bank vault - we have seen scores of time. Just when I was about to fall asleep the plot with the diminutive Jason Statham in the lead takes an unexpected turn — and without a car chase in sight. I could feel the audience waking up and moving to the edge of their seats. For the political intrigue fans this could be the caper movie of the year.  [ RT ]

Here’s an old fashion high society comedy featuring the enormous talents of Amy Adams. Did I say old fashion? I think I was the youngest person in the audience. And the rest of the crowd thought Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day was a whole lot funnier than I did.  It had it’s charm . . . but . . . in the end quite forgettable.  [ RT ]