Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 Review

Vamped out-Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart return as Edward and Bella in Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2
                     I am so indescribably happy. As a film critic and a guy who goes to every movie out there....I am excitedly reporting that I will never have to see another Twilight film again. These two hour soap operas disguised as vampire films have wasted hours upon hours of my life but it is no more. As well---I am glad to report that Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 is not the worst you can do watching a movie. This year---we have had Savages, Rock Of Ages and the god awful remake of Total Recall to name a few so this film will actually not be making my top ten worst list.

                     Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart return as Edward and Bella...still married and still horrible actors. Taylor Lautner is continuing to have no real emotion on his face as Jacob and now they all must fight together to go up against the evil Volturi led by the insane Aro (Michael Sheen.) Sheen's performance is actually pretty good. Sure...he's completely over the top and ridiculous but he's obviously having fun doing this role and he gives it his all. The always reliable Lee Pace plays a Nomad named Garrett and is thoroughly intriguing in his role.

                    This film does not gives us anything particularly great. In fact...I grew weary long before it was over. However...there is a cool final action sequence and the film is not as dreadfully one note as the previous films have been. It's never too unbearable and it does give us some decent scenes between Edward and Bella as long as other characters. In fact...I admittedly kind of liked how they wrapped up the Twilight saga. It was a good way to give the audience a "see ya" without going too sappy or boring.

                 I can not say anything really works here but it does provide more entertainment value than all the previous films combined.  Sure---I'm still happy this series is over and I can't recommend this film at all but it did have a few individual things I enjoyed and that's enough for me.
(2 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated PG-13 for sequences of violence including disturbing images, some sensuality and partial nudity)

                         

Top 10 Films Of 2012

                                        I published my top 10 favorite films of 2012 to Facebook leaving two in particular out. That I will get to later. I have compiled this list to spread the wealth of all the great films that have come out this year. This is a list of 10 films that I think people should have seen this year if possible. With the exception of a few (including my favorite)....there was no excuse for people to seem most of these films that I consider to all be quality film making.
(10) Argo This is one of the two that I left out. I am sure many people are going to have this higher on their list. I thought although it lost its footing a couple of times....it was a movie lover's movie and a great piece of film making. Ben Affleck proves yet again that he is a quality director as well as a fantastic actor. This is a great film but not worthy of any spot but 10.

(9) Easy Money A truly great underground thriller....this film shows the rough and tough world of criminal rings. The film is extremely difficult to watch in many parts but that is the point. It shows what it's like to be a criminal and that is the whole point. Another underground crime thriller----Headhunters almost topped this list but I felt as if I could only choose one crime film.

(8) 21 Jump Street  While this film is not an Oscar caliber film like many on my list...it is fantastic for what it is...a comedy. It provides laughs galore and builds on a potentially dumb plot. It is also the funniest film I saw all year and therefore makes my top 10 list.

(7) Flight Denzel Washington and Don Cheadle once again both prove to be great actors who never pick a bad role in this phenomenal drama. With the most suspenseful scene I have witnessed all year...this is a thrilling film that gets you gripping onto your seat right from the get go.

(6) Cabin In The Woods The other one that I left out which I could have gotten in had I thought for a couple seconds more...this is the most inventive film I saw all year. It is a clever mix of horror and comedy that works as both a hilarious parody of all the cliches in horror films nowadays and a creepy horror film in and of itself. With a great cast and excellent direction...this is one film that should not have been missed by anyone.

(5) Lincoln Daniel Day Lewis may get yet another Oscar win for playing Abraham Lincoln in this flawless biography and you know what...I'm okay with that. The excellent supporting cast including Tommy Lee Jones, Sally Field and the flawless James Spader and the amazing direction by Steven Spielberg help this to be the fantastic film it is.

(4) The Perks Of Being A Wallflower Anyone who is in high school or has been through high school can relate to this film. This film is the best high school comedy this side of John Hughes. The acting is outstanding and the script is quick and witty. It may not be the funniest high school comedy this year (21 Jump Street takes that honor) but that's only because it's the most touching and tender and therefore the best one.

(3) End Of Watch Like a more realistic episode of "Cops"...this is a funny, touching, thrilling and altogether fantastic film that tugs at your heartstrings while you are on the edge of your seat. How this film was not seen by everyone on Earth is beyond me. With all the crap that has been coming out in wide release..it is nothing short of a miracle that films like this still get wide release.

(2) Silver Linings Playbook There is no other way to put this...this film is so close to the number one spot I can't stand it. However---there was one film that was just slightly better this year. If you have been reading my reviews consistently and/or have talked to me about film...you know what that is. With instantly palpable chemistry from Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper and touching supporting performances from Chris Tucker, Jacki Weaver and Robert De Niro....the film never gets too mushy or into too much romantic comedy territory and for these reasons is an amazing piece of film making.
(1) Killer Joe As previously mentioned...anyone who has talked to me about film and/or has read my reviews constantly knows how much I love this film. With a stunning performance from the previously unreliable Matthew McConaughey and amazing supporting performances from Emile Hirsch, Juno Temple, Thomas Haden Church and Gina Gershon and a witty and daring script by Tracy Letts as well as fantastic direction by the almost always reliable William Friedkin...words can not do justice to how much I love this film. I might as well stop typing because I will not get my point across as to how great this film is. I will end this by saying that this film is now available on DVD and Blu Ray and you should see it right away. In fact...don't Netflix it because despite how brutal it is (which is what makes it so great)...you will want to watch it again and again.

The Guilt Trip Review

Mother and child reunion-Seth Rogen and Barbara Streisand go on a cross country road trip together in The Guilt Trip
                         The Guilt Trip is that rare film in which the trailer has nothing on the film itself. Upon watching the trailer for this---I thought "this looks dreadful." Upon watching the film itself---all I can say is that it's one of the funnier, more likable comedies I have seen this year. Sure---it's no Silver Linings Playbook but The Guilt Trip just plain works.

                      In the film---Seth Rogen plays Andrew Brewster who just invented a new product and is desperately trying to get companies to buy it. On his way to more interviews---he visits his mother, Joyce (Barbara Streisand) and decides to take her on a cross country road trip for more than one reason.

                      The chemistry between these two is instantly palpable. They are obviously having fun with one another and play well off one another. When Joyce says something completely inappropriate---Andrew is right there with a very funny response. Rogen has always been one of my favorite comic talents while Streisand has never been one of my favorites. I'll admit---she's talented but I've never loved her in a film. That is until now. While Rogen is very, very funny here---Streisand plays what could have been a cliche character and does wonders. She is in equal parts sweet and funny and reminds every member of the audience just what she is capable of.

                      This is also one of those feel good films where if you don't get the message of the film you are either (a) completely dumb or (b) completely cynical. The film is very sweet but not in a syrupy or over-the-top way. Rather---it makes us feel for the characters at hand and gives us people to root for.

                       In the midst of Oscar season...it's nice to just sit down and watch a funny comedy. While it may not be a fantastic film....The Guilt Trip certainly fits that bill. It works on almost all levels a comedy should work and makes the audience think twice about their relationships with their mothers.
(3 and 1/2 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated PG-13 for language and some risque material)

Django Unchained Review

Kill fill-Christoph Waltz and Jamie Foxx are a couple of bounty hunter in Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained
                    Django Unchained is a film for the film fan in all of us. It is a great film with movie references galore. It's like that one friend who was obsessed with movies and always made tons of film references and you had fun hearing him list off a reference to every film ever made. The film can not be described as an action film because that would be cutting it short. It's more like a piece of art that could only come from the mind of a genius. In fact---it did come from the mind of a genius. Quentin Tarantino---the master of all things violent and fantastic has proved yet again that he is quite possibly the smartest man working in Hollywood today. He wrote and directed this masterpiece and by these standards---you can see why he keeps making movies.

               In the film---Christoph Waltz plays Dr. King Schultz...a bounty hunter who hires a slave named Django (Jamie Foxx) to help him with his bounty hunting business. He does this because Django's wife (Kerry Washington) has been held as a slave by Calvin Candle (Leonardo DiCaprio,) and his assistant Stephen (Samuel L Jackson.)

               The performances are the key to the film. Although Waltz and Foxx are two of my favorite working actors today and are great in the film---DiCaprio and Jackson give the two best performances. DiCaprio is obviously having a blast and that gives the audience a reason to do the same and Jackson gives his best performance in years. In fact...Jackson definitely deserves an  Oscar nomination for his brilliant performance here. The film is more fun in its comic violence than this year's The Man With The Iron Fists and there is a very funny scene involving none other than bags. The film is also the most visually awesome film you are likely to see this year. The fact that the film looks exactly like an old spaghetti western doesn't even begin to describe the ways this film looks cool. Also---the way it takes its ludicrous plot completely seriously is much of the fun.

             Although the film could have been shortened by 15 minutes (it is, after all, 165 minutes)....Django Unchained lives up to the hype. It is funny, smart, cool, thrilling, fun and need I go on? I've seen many great films this year and this one adds to the reason why I need to think for a long time about what's going to be in my top 10.
(5 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated R for strong graphic violence throughout, a vicious fight, language and some nudity)
                 

Rust And Bone Review

He's got a leg up on her-Matthias Schoenaerts as a man who falls for a double amputee in Rust And Bone
                Well---it's the end of the year and that means I am making my best and worst list. Good thing I saw the new Belgian film Rust And Bone before making the latter. This is a disgusting little film that in equal parts mocks the handicapped and women. It is a truly despicable piece of work with the most unlikable male lead I have seen this side of Hannibal Lecter. Nothing works about this film and when I say nothing I mean nothing. It is garbage. It reeks. It makes sitting through every other film I have seen this year seem like a cakewalk.

               The film stars Marion Cotillard as Stephanie---a killer whale trainer who suffers a terrible accident and becomes a double amputee. She then meets Ali (Matthias Schoenaerts)---a completely misogynistic jerk who sleeps with multiple women and asks for sex from Stephanie not only after she has lost her legs but when they barely know each other. This starts a relationship in which we are supposed to believe that Stephanie sees even the slightest bit of charm in this guy,  He is the lowest common denominator form of scum and never gives the audience any reason to root for him. He's even awful to his very young son.

               The film never reaches past the point of "oh---there's a woman with no legs--you *the audience* should all stare in disgust." This would be insulting enough as is but then the audience is supposed to believe that an attractive woman like Stephanie would never get any guy except for this jerk after she has lost her legs. Perhaps the film may not have been so grossly offensive had it not been for the fact that Jacques Audiard had directed it. He has done three previously beautiful films---A Prophet, The Beat My Heart Skipped and Read My Lips. Now---he presents us with this ugly piece of trash that gives the audience no one to root for and nothing to be engaged in.

                 Upon watching Rust And Bone---I felt like I was watching that one rare car crash that I can look away at but I am forced to sit and watch. It is nothing more than a mockery of people---especially females and the way they live their lives. Why must these films be green lit? Well---I know many are going to enjoy this film as an art house picture. That may be a reason. However---those people also probably don't mind making fun of people with disabilities or an awful script or terrible acting or a completely unrealistic film or you know---being in pain.
(0 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated R for strong sexual content, brief graphic nudity, some violence and language)

This Is 40 Review

Wouldn't it be nice if we were younger?-Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd as an "aging" couple in Judd Apatow's This Is 40
                            Knocked Up may be the best comedy-drama I have seen in the past 10 years. It was such a perfect mix of the two genres that I can't see how anyone didn't like it. Now---there's This Is 40---being advertised as the "sort of sequel" to Knocked Up. However---while Knocked Up thrived on its own inventiveness and charm---This Is 40 falls flat under the weight of its own recycled ideas and plot. In fact---even the final scenes of This Is 40 feel exactly like the final scenes of Knocked Up. It's not even that I want to compare the two (although director Judd Apatow does ask for this comparison to occur)----it's that This Is 40 is a bad movie on its own terms.

                          The film follows Debbie (Leslie Mann) and Pete (Paul Rudd.) You know---they were the other hilarious couple in Knocked Up. As the film starts---Debbie finds out Pete has had to take a Viagra to have sex with her and Debbie is turning 40. Pete's 40th birthday is also quick approaching and they try to relive their glory days while raising their two very different daughters (Maude and Iris Apatow.)

                           I think if I were a bit older and could relate to these situations I may enjoy this a bit more. As I was watching the film...a man leaned over to his wive multiple times and asked "look familiar?" At the end of the film..they both found the film thoroughly enjoyable. However---I am not this couple. I am still in my younger years and have yet to get married or have kids. Is it such a crime that I wanted to laugh? I only really laughed once. This laugh comes from Chris O'Dowd as Ronnie---Pete's coworker at their record label. Let's just say Ronnie describes a neon sign and why it was not a smart investment. Melissa McCarthy---a comic force is in a couple of scenes that could have been funny but end up being just plain uncomfortable. Albert Brooks and John Lithgow play Pete and Debbie's dads and they have never seemed more desperate to get a laugh from the audience or a good performance from themselves. Also---Jason Segel and Robert Smigel---two of the funniest men working today bring nothing to the table as Debbie's personal trainer and Pete's friend and biking buddy.

                          Like I said---the film may have worked better had I been able to relate to these scenarios. There is nothing here that a 40 or even 30 year old will not like. However---This Is 40 was a desperate attempt to bring back the excellent chemistry that Mann and Rudd had in Knocked Up. The film is too long and with---as previously mentioned---only one real laugh. I will say that people under 30 should not see it because it will feel more like a cautionary video like the ones you see in driving school than a film to them. All the people over 30--you may enjoy it but it also may hit way too close to home for you.
(2 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated R for sexual content, crude humor, pervasive language and some drug material)

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Review

Dwarf and dwarfer-Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) must help a group of dwarfs in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
                            From the visually stunning 2005 remake of King Kong to the underrated gems Dead Alive and Meet The Feebles---Peter Jackson has proven himself a great director. Now he takes on the world of JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. We have been hearing about it for quite a while and fan boys and general audiences alike have been getting pumped up for it. In fact---on the weekend when Skyfall opened and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 was going to open the next week...The Hobbit reigned supreme in Fandango sales. Now---is it worth all the hype and excitement? No---not at all.

                           The film is an incredibly long endurance test that moves like molasses and is Jackson's first film that manages to be neither visually stunning nor exciting. The film follows Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman)---a hobbit who must help a group of dwarfs get back their stolen mountain home. Freeman is decent here but I feel as if this character could have used a more intense personality and less of one that feels as if it came out of a Friedberg-Seltzer parody film. The whole film is like this in fact. It manages to both look and feel both like it's trying to impress the audience too much and yet it also feels as if it's making fun of the very ideas it's presenting.

                             The whole beginning scene with Ian Holm and Elijah Wood also falls flat. It feels like a scene that was added in just so a few more actors could get a decent paycheck. The whole film actually feels like an excuse for people to get paychecks. I say this because they are screwing people into paying for the next films---one of two sequels in the works. Why are they making audiences sit through another one? Well----without giving too much away,.,,the ending is not so much an ending as a to be continued sign. The ending does not wrap up the movie and actually makes what the audience just watched confusing to them. Therefore---the audience must watch the next film to answer all their questions.

                              The film is way too long. At two and a half hours (not even including the endless credits)---there are simply too many scenes in which nothing happens. People walk, people talk but the audience is not excited in the least. There is not a single scene in fact that feels authentic or exciting. Also---the appearance of a mysterious creature named Gollum is annoyingly pretentious.

                               Where did Jackson go wrong? Perhaps he was too confident in himself. Perhaps he thought maybe he didn't even need to try. Perhaps there is simply no reason to make a live action film version of The Hobbit. I think the latter is correct. There was no possible way I can think of to make the dwarfs look even slightly normal in live action and the general story line isn't fit to a two and a half hour movie. Even if you're a fanboy---there is no reason you need to see The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in anywhere but the comfort of your own home.
(1 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence and frightening images)

Playing For Keeps Review

He shoots, he misses-Jessica Biel, Noah Lomax and Gerald Butler as a family at odds in Playing For Keeps
                                                 Playing For Keeps is a severely misguided attempt. It is a film that thinks if a man sleeps with many women, betrays his son and ruins his ex-wife's new relationship---we should still root for him. Why this film has these thoughts I will never know. It is a truly dreadful film featuring both unappealing and appealing actors all doing equally unappealing things.

                                                 The film stars Gerald Butler---quite possibly the worst working actor in Hollywood as George Dryer---a former soccer king whose life has gone down the tubes. The audience is supposed to wonder what went wrong but we can answer that question immediately. George's wife Stacie (Jessica Biel) left him and his kid Lewis (Noah Lomax) is not his biggest fan either. George's quick solution is to sleep with the moms of all the kids on Lewis's soccer team. Among the actors playing these women are Judy Greer, Catherine Zeta Jones and Uma Thurman. Dennis Quaid is a fellow dad who looks up to George for God knows why. Barring Butler and Biel to some extent, every actor in this film is talented. However, they are all making jokes of their careers by being in this film. Even Lomax---his first appearance on the silver screen obviously has potential.  Why are these actors in this film?

                                                  Perhaps they saw director Gabriele Muccino get an excellent performance out of Will Smith in The Pursuit of Happyness. Perhaps they saw writer Robbie Fox's surprisingly funny So I Married An Axe Murderer. Even after writing these two sentences---I can still not place my finger on why anyone thought this sappy, incoherent, unfunny, completely cliched and predictable romantic comedy would be a good idea...at all. Butler is a terrible actor and drags everyone else down with him. It seems now that everyone in this film is in the same boat as Butler.

                                                 Don't see Playing For Keeps. I really mean this statement. Don't watch it in the theater or if they are giving away free copies on the street. And yes---the cast and crew of this shameful film will probably end up having to give away free copies at some point and for good reason. Everyone involved in the making of this project should be ashamed of themselves...it totally reeks.
(0 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated PG-13 for some sexual situations, language and a brief intense image)

Rise Of The Guardians Review

Happy holidays-Bunny (Hugh Jackman) and North (Alec Baldwin) must come together in Rise Of The Guardians
                  Remember when you started to think that The Sandman, Santa Clause, The Easter Bunny and The Tooth Fairy didn't exist? Well...I am young enough to remember that time of my life. Perhaps this is why I found art director Peter Ramsey's directorial debut Rise Of The Guardians so charming. It gave me a feeling of joy as I was watching it. It was a fantasy that I have been wishing for my whole life. However, don't get me wrong-the 89 minute run time is long enough for me. Also---writer David Lindsay-Abaire may have written a clever script but he does go a bit too overboard on the fantasy aspect of the film.

                In the film---Tooth (Isla Fisher), North (Alec Baldwin), Bunny (Hugh Jackman) and Sandman must come together to fend off the evil Pitch (Jude Law.) All the while---hopeful guardian inductee Jack Frost (Chris Pine) is helping in the ending of Pitch's diabolical plans.

                All of these actors do an excellent job at bringing their animated characters to life. These are all talented people and their voice work is among the best I have seen all year. Law especially brings a menacing and realistic presence to the villain of the story. Fisher makes Tooth charming, Baldwin brings a comic element to North, Jackman is perfect for Bunny and Pine gives us a very likable character in Jack Frost. The animation is also very beautiful---giving the kids many bright colors to gaze at while adults can enjoy how visually stunning much of the film is. There is no real reason to see this in 3D because the film looks excellent in 2D. The film is funny and features some nice action. The film also does a good job of keeping both parents and children interested in the plot and what is going to happen next. There are some slow spots in which kids might find a reason to wobble out of their seats but they will get right back into the film.

              While it may need be a great film---Rise Of The Guardians does provide enough fun to make it worth both parent's and children's time and the parent's money. I will say that if you have kids this weekend and have already seen Wreck It Ralph---Rise Of The Guardians will be harmless, fun entertainment for both of you.
(3 and 1/2 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated PG for thematic elements and some mildly scary action)

Silver Linings Playbook Review

How does it feel?-Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence as two socially awkward friends in Silver Linings Playbook
                                    Silver Linings Playbook is the very definition of a perfect film. My readers may recall that I have claimed many films this year to be perfect. In particular-I said Killer Joe was my favorite film of the year so far if not my favorite of all time. If the latter still gets that honor by the end of the year then Silver Linings Playbook is coming in at an incredibly close second. The film is perfectly acted, directed, written and cast. I literally could not find one gripe with the film as I sat there---watching in amazement at how good this film was.

                                     The film stars Bradley Cooper as Pat...a socially awkward and deeply troubled young man who just got released from a mental hospital. His parents (Jacki Weaver and Robert De Niro) want him to get better but can't seem to help him. One night...Pat's friend Ronnie (John Ortiz) invites him to dinner at his house. This is where he meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence)---the sister of Ronnie's wife (Julia Stiles.) Tiffany and Pat seem to not like each other at first but quickly become friends and eventually decide to go into a dance competition together.

                                     The chemistry between Cooper and Lawrence is instantly palpable while both of them are extremely vulnerable, sad characters. Cooper plays Pat as one of the most touching characters to ever be seen in a movie. The audience wants Pat to get help and get over his mental illness but he never seems able to. Pat is also amazingly complex in the way the audience does not know what he is going to do next. This is all due to Cooper's brilliant, Oscar worthy performance. As well---Tiffany is both sexy and dangerous. She is unpredictable but that's what makes her so charming. Lawrence nails it. Weaver and De Niro are both excellent as the loving but ultimately fed up parents. Also---Chris Tucker has a nice role as Danny---a friend of Pat's who is sad in his own right. Tucker breaks out of his usually completely comic shell to give what is one of the more dramatic performances in the film. The dialogue is witty and the direction is sharp. This is all due to writer-director David O. Russell (Three Kings, I Heart Huckabees.) Russell here proves what someone can do when they put their effort into something. In fact----this is my favorite film that Russell wrote and directed since 1996's incredibly funny Flirting With Disaster. 

                                        There is no other way to put it---Silver Linings Playbook is fantastic. It never peters out and becomes a typical romantic comedy and it even has many parts that will make most people cry. I can not recommend this film enough. I feel as if not many people are going to end up seeing it but I urge you to go see this brilliant film if it is playing anywhere near you.
(5 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated R for language and some sexual content/nudity)

Killing Them Softly Review

Stale violence-Brad Pitt and Richard Jenkins as an enforcer and his employer in the action film Killing Them Softly
                  I love gritty action films when done well. I think we can all agree that Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction are two of the best films ever made. I also love a little known gem called Suicide Kings. Killing Them Softly-writer-director Andrew Dominik's second feature film starring Brad Pitt does not fit that bill. It is a film with too much of a political agenda and not enough grittiness or wit to it. Pitt proves once again to be an excellent actor but for most people that will just be because you remember the same type of "don't mess with me guy" in something like Inglorious Basterds. The film even starts with a Barack Obama speech being cut in and out of. I don't care what Dominik thinks he's doing---either way, he is not making a good movie.

                 In the film---Pitt plays Jackie. He's the kind of guy who likes to see people experience long and painful deaths. After two inept robbers (Scoot McNairy and Ben Mendelsohn) hold up a card game run by Markie (Ray Liotta)---Jackie is hired by Driver (Richard Jenkins) to take them down. This may sound like a totally awesome idea but despite an extremely violent beating of Ray Liotta in a parking lot...all the audience is getting is violence with no substance. People who have been reading my stuff for a while now should know that I need substance with my violence.

                McNairy and Mendelsohn are by far the best part of the film. Perhaps it is because they are newcomers that they impress so much but they were excellent. Their characters are completely unlikable and yet we the audience enjoy watching every second they are on screen because they are in fact---so inept. Where the movie fails is showing all the experienced actors in supporting roles doing nothing. It's as if they lost all hope on the film and decided to not even try. Also---the film goes on for way too long. It is a cool idea for a TV show episode stretched out to a feature length film. Within half and hour of the film---I kind of wished it would be over soon. This is not to say it is a bad film---just a tedious one.

                  Overall---Killing Them Softly can never seem to get its own two feet off the ground. Never have I seen a film I wanted to end so badly and yet wanted to continue so much. I wanted it to continue because I had hopes that it would improve greatly. While I can say that the end line comes out of nowhere and sums the film up perfectly...I can also say the film hardly improves at all throughout its entire run time. I would say see this film only if you are dying to see it or love politics and even then...wait for Netflix.
(2 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated R for violence, sexual references, pervasive language and some drug use)

Life Of Pi Review

 The eye of the tiger-Suraj Sharma as Pi, a boy who ends up on a lifeboat with a life saving tiger in Life Of Pi
                            Ang Lee is an incredible director. I had no doubt in my mind that he was going to do wonders with the movie adaptation of Life Of Pi. I found the book to be incredibly dull and my expectations for Lee to give the movie some new life were about half right. Yes...this is a visually stunning and brilliantly acted (with the exception of one person who I will discuss later) but the film often lacks energy and more often than not is too boring to be recommended.

                            The film follows Adult Pi (Irrfan Khan) who is telling the story of his life to a writer (Rafe Spall-the one exception.) This story follows his parent's death and him ending up all along in the middle of the ocean with a tiger in a boat. It ends up, however that said tiger saved his life. Now-onto Spall. I understand that the role of the writer in this film is to listen and it's not exactly the most in-depth role. However-does Spall have to be so bland that it gets to the point where his character might as well not have been on screen? Tobey Maguire was originally cast for the role but was later replaced by Spall. Andrew Garfield was also considered. Either of these talented young actors would have been better than the one that they chose. As well-the fact that the story centers around Adult Pi and him does not help to justify how bad he is. Rather, it worsens the fact.

                             The film is a visual feast in every way possible. The 3D is amazing and the film is beautiful to look at. However, it is all too poky for much of its two hour running time and it runs out of steam long before the end credits roll. The story starts to get extremely repetitive and I myself started to get tired of Pi at any age. There are too many scenes in which the story could have progressed significantly but instead decides to do nothing with what it had. As well, the back and forth between Adult Pi telling the story and the story itself was tiresome and made the film more boring than it should have been.

                             Ang Lee is a brilliant director and once again proves that here. I am not recommending the film because the story is not interesting enough and quickly becomes tedious. Lee, however shows just how much he can do when given a boring narrative and an exceptionally bad performance. He may not have saved it completely but Lee does make Life Of Pi something worth seeking out on DVD.
(2 and 1/2 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated PG for emotional thematic content throughout, and some scary action sequences and peril)

Hitchcock Review

The trouble with Hitchcock-Anthony Hopkins and Scarlett Johansson as Alfred Hitchcock and Janet Leigh in Hitchcock
                            It's kind of sad actually. It's sad that such a fantastic director can get such an unfit treatment. Anthony Hopkins-one of my favorite all time actors portrays Alfred Hitchcock and can never seem to get the look, feel or voice down right. As well-the rest of the cast-talented as they may be never step up to the plate. They all just kind of sit there and do nothing as does the movie itself. Needless to say-Hitchcock is a complete failure.

                            The film follows the world famous director on his trek to make his new supposed masterpiece-Psycho. Everyone doubts he will make this film a success. Even his wife-Alma Reville (Helen Mirren) is starting to work with writer Whitfield Cook (Danny Huston) in skepticism of her husband's latest project. It is not until Alfred hires sex symbol Janet Leigh (Scarlett Johansson) to star in the picture that the film really starts to get good. The film I'm referring to getting good is Psycho not Hithcock.

                            One of my main problems with the film is it never got the look right. Despite a few cool opening scenes..for a movie about the early 60's...it never felt as if it was set in that time period. The film also feels as if it never knows what it wants to be. There are attempts at humor and suspense and drama. However, it never felt like it wanted to mix these genres. It felt as if it was more confused than anything. It's almost as if director Sacha Gervasi (who previously did the fantastic documentary Anvil; The Story Of Anvil) had no clue how to direct a non-documentary film. Also-writer John J. McLaughlin (who previously did the phenomenal Black Swan) didn't seem to be able to get this fictionalized account's message across right. Yes-we all know that Psycho ended up being a huge success but was it really necessary to slam the whole "the film is never going to even happen" thing into the audience's heads? I don't think so. Furthermore-the film seems to be too much of a showcase for Mirren. Yes-we know she is a fantastic actress but in a film called Hitchcock...why put his wife in the spotlight?

                           All in all-the film will appeal only to those majorly obsessed with the ingenious director. Sure-I'm a huge fan of his and know much about him but that really didn't seem to matter. When you have an option of how to spend ninety minutes of your life why would you possible choose to see a film such as Hitchcock? It's simply not worth it.
(1 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated PG-13 for some violent images, sexual content and thematic material)

Red Dawn Review

In the red-Josh Peck and Chris Hemsworth must fend off North Korean soldiers in the action film Red Dawn
                        It is actually impressive how unnecessary this was. I do not know why I saw it. What possible appeal could have come out of this film? Why are talented actors such as Josh Peck, Chris Hemsworth and Jeffrey Dean Morgan completely phoning it in? Why would anyone think this would not be a complete waste of time, money and screens in a multiplex? These are questions that will never get answered Perhaps they will never get answered because they are that rhetorical. Either way...Red Dawn proves that Hollywood is officially a wasteland of unoriginal, uninspired garbage.

                        The film stars Chris Hemsworth and Josh Peck as brothers Jed and Matt. One day after a football game, Matt wakes up to a mysterious noise. He asks Jed what it is. It turns out that it is the North Koreans taking over. They then have to recruit fellow fighters such as Robert (Josh Hutcherson), Toni (Adrianne Palicki) and Daryl (Connor Cruise) among others.

                         The main problem with this film (and trust me there are many) is that it is overly patriotic in the way it presents itself. It's almost as if director Dan Bradley and writers Carl Ellsworth and Jeremy Passmore made the film with the mindset that America is the only country that matters. That is all subjective so I don't mind someone thinking that. However, don't force it onto every member audience by making an unbearable film. The actors all feel as if they are improvising-acting immature at every turn and the action might as well not be there. There are also much too many scenes in which the film tries to be cool and up to date but rather feels dated and ridiculous.

                          In the end-there is no reason to see this film. Wasn't one Red Dawn enough?: Apparently not according to Hollywood. It's almost as if this is all that is left of the mainstream movies nowadays. Oh well-I still have an art house theater around me.
(1 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated PG-13 for sequences of intense war violence and action and for language)

Holy Motors Review

He's motoring-Eva Mendes and Denis Lavant as Kay M and a man with many personalities in Holy Motors
                         Holy Motors is a fascinating idea for a movie gone horribly wrong. I actually saw this film a few days ago and while I tend to think about a film I saw before I review it...I REALLY had to think about this one. The film is similar to that drunk guy at a party who is amusing the hell out of himself but is irking everyone else. It is a film that will bore many and make just about everyone sick of it long before the final credits role around. I actually had to think about this film long and hard not because it is a smart film. No...far from it. Rather...I had to do so because it is such a weird film that I couldn't help but wonder if writer/director Leos Carax made the film bad on purpose.

                         The film follows a man (Denis Lavant) who rides around in a limo with his chauffeur Celine (Edith Scob) while switching into multiple personalities. In this way-the film reminded me much of the Woody Allen classic Zelig. It is the same plot-a man who can be multiple people and just blend into whomever he is. However, Zelig is a classic....Holy Motors is far from that status.

                         The main thing that made me upset with this film is the fact that Lavant is obviously a major talent. He's got the look, feel and even the sound of a very versatile actor. So why is he hamming it up until the final, unfunny twists? I can't put my finger on it but I know there has to be a reason other than a paycheck. The film also features way too many moments where a story gets boring but never seems to end. There is an extremely strange scene with Lavant as a dancer of sorts that goes on for much too long. It is almost like Carax did not have a script and just came up with any weird idea he could think of. Take the two end twists. If you have seen the film you know what I am talking about. These twists are not only too strange for their own good and unfunny. They also have the feeling of being jammed into the film for no apparent reason. The very end of the film feels as if Carax did not have a good idea on how to end the film so he just winged it. The whole film is very much like this...bouncing from one weird idea to the next without ever giving the audience any real insight or substance.

                         In the end there are very few reasons to see Holy Motors. Lavant is a talented actor but even he can't save this film. The whole thing is too smug and the experience of watching it too discomforting.
(1 and 1/2 out of 5 Stars, The film is Not Rated)

Lincoln Review

Stopping the bleeding once and for all-Daniel Day Lewis and Joseph Gordon Levitt as Abraham Lincoln and son Robert in Lincoln
                             Who would have ever thought someone could pull of the face, voice, actions and just about everything else of our 16th president so well? Yes-after this year's atrociously boring Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter-audiences now get a true historical drama about this great man. Daniel Day Lewis plays him now and nails it. The rest of the cast disappear into their roles as well but Lewis is the one who makes this film as thrilling as it is.

                              The film follows Lincoln as he attempts to ratify the 13th amendment-therefore abolishing slavery and ending a 4 year war. His secretary, William Seward (David Strathairn) backs him up as do three other men (James Spader, Tim Blake Nelson and John Hawkes.) The plot having to do with these three men is the most entertaining part of the film although as a whole-the film is endlessly fascinating and entertaining. Lincoln's son-Robert (Joseph Gordon Levitt) wants to go fight in this war but his father advises against it. Of course-as is pointed out by Lincoln in the film-he, unlike most father has the power to assure that his son does not fight in the war. We also have Thaddeus Stevens (Tommy Lee Jones)-who gives Lincoln much support and Lincoln's wife-Mary Todd (Sally Field) who sees the love everyone displays to Lincoln.

                              Everything about the film works exquisitely. There is not a bad performance in the film. Spader-perhaps because he was on the unbearable season of "The Office" especially impresses here. He could have easily made his character too goofy and over the top. Instead-he shows what a talented actor can do with a potentially meaty role. Levitt and Field both hit the family dynamic very close to home and Jones is perfect as a man just trying to do right by his country. As well, Nelson, Hawkes and Strathairn among others are fascinating to watch in their respective roles. The film also makes politics intense once more. I am the last person to ever want to talk politics but I'd be lying if I said this film did not makes politics interesting for me. The film is funny, exciting, sad, touching and entertaining all at once and every scene is beautifully shot by director Steven Spielberg. Yes-after last year's mediocre films The Adventures Of Tin Tin and War Horse-Spielberg is back with what is bound to be another timeless classic.

                                What I am trying to say here is go see Lincoln. It is an unbelievably entertaining, fascinating piece of American cinema and an excellent addition to the historical drama cannon. There is not a more flawless film out in theaters right now and there should be an Oscar win coming Lewis's way. 
(5 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated PG-13 for an intense scene of war violence, some images of carnage and brief strong language)

A Liar's Autobiography: The Untrue Story Of Monty Python's Graham Chapman Review

Liar, liar-Graham Chapman's life is (sort of) explored in the animated film A Liar's Autobiography: The Untrue Story Of Monty Python's Graham Chapman
                                        Have you ever seen a film so bad that it kind of makes you appreciate all other films? Have you ever seen a film so bad that you sit there fascinated by what you are watching? Well-the new animated documentary (if you can even call it that) A Liar's Autobiography will allow you who said no to one or both of these questions finally get to have both of these experience. The film is dreadfully unfunny, painfully boring, soul crushingly stupid, disgusting to look at and yes-it even ruined all of the good memories about one of my favorite comedy troupes-Monty Python.

                                         The film explores the life of Graham Chapman-the Python member who died at 48 of cancer. When I say the film explored his life-I just mean it barely skimmed the surface. In fact-anyone with a brain would have more fun doing five minutes of research about  Chapman online. Also-they would learn more and save money (especially since this film is in 3D.) The film tells of his childhood and how he came out of the closet. However, it does this in such a derogatory fashion that I am shocked to say that this is based on something that Chapman wrote.


                                           Also-the film tries to be hilarious at every possible chance. In this aspect-the film did not succeed...at all. I never laughed once and considering the size of the crowd I was with-I might as well say neither did they. One guy in my audience chuckled softly to himself two times but that was it. The film is boring in the way that it does not go for any originality and is stupid and tedious in the way it repeats itself over and over and over. Also-the film is sickening to look at. Unlike something like the HBO show "The Life And Times Of Tim," which is crudely animated on purpose-this film is just cheap looking in its animation for no reason. The film uses many different styles of animation but none of them are pleasing in the slightest.

                                             In the end-there is no reason to see this film. It is a lifeless and worthless piece of junk. This is the first film in years that I want to burn every copy of. It is a waste of film, money and time and has officially ruined anything I ever loved about Monty Python.
(0 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated R for strong and crude sexual content including graphic animated sequences, language and some violent images) 

A Late Quartet Review

A delicate instrument-Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Christopher Walken and Catherine Keener as aging members of a quarter in A Late Quartet
                                Christopher Walken is back for his third movie this year. This is never a bad thing-especially when you have actors such as Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener and Imogen Poots backing him up. However, A Late Quartet-while featuring excellent performances from everyone in the cast including Mark Ivanir feels as if it has something missing. Throughout the film-it rubbed me the wrong way. Yes-Walken is perfect and Hoffman, Keener, Poots and Ivanir are all wonderful but all the characters just kind of sat there for me.

                                 In the film-Walken plays Peter-a member of a quartet who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's. When he hears the news-he asks the other quartet members-married couple Robert and Juliette (Hoffman and Keener) and Daniel (Ivanir) to let them play one last farewell concert. Their loyalty towards one another is tested in varying ways,however. The most significant is Robert and Juliette's daughter, Alexandra (Poots) dating Daniel.

                                I think what the film needed was a more cohesive narrative. It bounced from one thing to the next without giving me anytime to soak in just how excellent the film was. Walken is bone chilling in his role. I do not mean he plays an unlikable character...I simply mean he is so good and churning out empathy from the audience that we start to get chills thinking about what is going to happen to him. Walken has always been a great actor but not since 2002's Catch Me If You Can has he proven to be a great serious actor. Hoffman and Keener have great chemistry and give us a complex story that may have gone by a bit too fast to completely understand. I hate to sound cynical or snobby here-it is simply my opinion. Ivanir and Poots feel good together and both give off excellent individual performances but it felt as if they really shouldn't have been on screen together that much. The film is obviously passionately about its subject and earns respect for that but it feels as if first time writer and director Yaron Zilberman along with co-writer Seth Grossman let the movie flounder too much.

                             For the performances alone I will have to recommend A Late Quartet. I did not find it to be a great film by any means but it certain does feature people who know what they are doing. Walken is as good as ever (and that's coming from a guy whose favorite actor is Walken) and the rest of the cast bring their a-game. Just don't go in expecting any great shakes and you should be fine.
(3 and 1/2 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated R for language and some sexuality)

Skyfall Review

This time it's personal-Daniel Craig and Javier Bardem share the screen together in the newest James Bond film Skyfall
                             Bond is back and still going strong after 50 years. I know that may be the wrong way to start out a review-just telling my readers what I thought of the film.I know I should go more in depth with my analysis but I'm going to do that anyway by telling you all the ways I loved Skyfall. After the incredibly weak Quantam Of Solace of which the film had no real writers-Daniel Craig is back as world renowned spy James Bond. This time behind the camera-rather than having the same guy who directed Finding Neverland-we have the same guy who directed American Beauty. You decide which one of those sounds like a better director. Sam Mendes brings Bond back to life and gives him more oomph than ever before. To top it off-Javier Bardem plays as chilling of a bad guy here as he did in No Country For Old Men. 

                           In this entry-Bond is given a dilemma when an evil ex-spy (Bardem) comes back and claims that M (Judi Dench) has betrayed Bond. Now-things get personal as Bond tries to stop him at any cost necessary. Helping him is new Agent Q (Ben Whishaw) as well as Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes.)

                          What director Mendes does spectacularly is make the action come alive with bond high-tech, updated Bond-isms and old fashioned Bond-isms. We get the best of both worlds as Mendes and writers John Logan, Robert Wade and Neal Purvis gives us both the classic side of Bond and the side we have never seen of him before. Bardem reminds us of some of those great bond villains of days past. He brings a sort of charm to the role but he is also completely despicable and unsympathetic. Sure-he's not trying to take over the world like most of the general favorite Bond villains but is that really necessary for every Bond? Craig-who brought us a more personal bond in arguably the best Bond film ever-2006's Casino Royale scores again here. He is so good at playing Bond as both a suave, cool guy and a completely likable character. I will have to mention that the Bond women are not much a factor here. We get Eve (Naomie Harris)-Bond's assistant as one of them but she is barely in it.We do get the obligatory love scene but nothing more than that with the women

                           While Skyfall is fantastic-I expected it to be even a bit better. Sure-I have no room to complain because I am still giving it my full endorsement. However-there seemed to be something about it missing. Maybe it was just the Bond women not being there, but I don't think so. I think it was that I was feeling a certain nostalgia for the Bond films of days past and did not want to let that nostalgia go as I watched all the new high-tech elements. Either way-if the Bond series keeps films such as this coming-I have no problem with 007 staying around for another 50 years.
(5 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated PG-13 for intense violent sequences throughout, some sexuality, language and smoking)

Wreck It Ralph Review

He's in control-A video game villain (John C Reilly) and an accidental video game character (Sarah Silverman) must help each other out in Wreck It Ralph
                           Through the years-Pixar has proved time and time again that animated films can speak to people of all ages. I say this because this has set the bar for other animation companies. This is not to say that we never get bad animation anymore. Sure-parents still have to sit in a theater and endure an Ice Age Continental Drift but that doesn't happen as often now. If for nothing else-Wreck It Ralph is a flawed but fun film that provides bright colors and silly situations for kids and both old school and new school video game references for teens and adults alike. In other words...it's not perfect but it should have a little something for everyone.

                             The film stars John C Reilly as the title character...a video game villain who is tired of being mistreated by his fellow characters. Due to this-he decides to game hop much to the dismay of the good guy of his video game, Fix It Felix (Jack McBrayer.) It is in the game Sugar Rush that Ralph meets Vanellope (Sarah Silverman) who is the glitch of the video game. If you don't get what I meant by that...you will most likely not enjoy the film itself.

                               One thing I really liked about this film is that all of the voice actors bring their characters to life. Reilly is perfect as a nice guy stuck in a bad position while McBrayer is absolutely fantastic as Felix. McBrayer's wacky voice is ideal for the role of the good guy. Silverman creates a sympathetic character and Jane Lynch is perfect as an army woman from a Halo-esque video game. The best voice, however comes from Alan Tudyk as a character I choose not to mention because his character is a nice surprise. The film also features great chemistry between Ralph and Vanellope and makes good use of its video game centered plot.

                                Now for the flaws. The 3D is superfluous even though the film is visually stunning. Also-the film does have a few moments in which the pacing slows and the plot just meanders. Also, there is a twist that is somewhat cool but is also kind of thrown out there for no reason.

                                 In the end-Wreck It Ralph may not be a great movie but it should be enjoyed by the masses. There is no reason that you can't go out for a couple of hours this weekend and enjoy a good film. if you have kids or love video games-that film should be Wreck it Ralph. 
(4 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated PG for some rude humor and mild action/violence)

Flight Review

Learning to fly-Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle and Bruce Greenwood try to disprove a crash theory in Flight
                         Flight is a film made by people who knew what they were doing. It is directed by Robert Zemeckis (Cast Away, Forrest Gump, Back To The Future) and stars actors such as Denzel Washington and Don Cheadle who have rarely picked a bad role. It is shown very clearly and extremely often that there are talented people both in front of and behind the camera. This is the type of film that stays flawless almost every second and never manages to be too showy about the fact. A perfect example of it not being showy while being great is the scene that allows the movie to take off. This scene involves pilot Whip Whitaker (Washington) having to land a plane while in a nosedive. This scene is bound to be more intense than any whole of a film this year and yet it seems humble in its style.

                          In the film-Whip is a pilot who miraculously lands the plane. However, Whip is accused of having an excessive amount of alcohol in his system while flying the plane. It is now that lawyer Hugh Lang (Cheadle) and Ken Evans (Bruce Greenwood) must prove the innocence of Whip.

                         The best thing about the film is that you never know where it is going. Even though it is revealed in the trailer that Whip lands the plane-the audience is on the edge of their seat because they forget about what they saw in the trailer. This is the mark of a great director-the fact that they can make you be right in the moment without you even realizing it. The performances are also all top notch. Washington brings his A-game and shows us a sympathetic character who, despite their major issues, we root for. Cheadle and Greenwood are both great as men who must prove something that seems too true to be proven. John Goodman shows up as Harling Mays-a friend of Whip's who shares his alcohol and drug addiction. Here-for the second time (the first being Argo) in less than a month-Goodman provides excellent comic relief among all the seriousness. The film is well paced. At two hours and eighteen minutes-it never seems to drag. Also-there is an excellent romance between Whip and a fellow drug addict named Nicole (Kelly Reilly) whom he meets at the hospital. You can feel their chemistry just ooze off the screen.

                         Don't go into Flight thinking it's yet another AA movie about alcohol dependency. No-we have already had our share of that with the excellent Smashed from about a month back. Rather-this is a flawless film that will leave you holding your breath in suspense and perhaps touched, enlightened and surprised by how much you care for the character of Whip. You can thank Zemeckis and Washington for that-they both do great things here as do the rest of the cast and crew.
(5 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated R for drug and alcohol abuse, language, sexuality/nudity and an intense action sequence)

The Man With The Iron Fists Review

A fistful of violence-Lucy Liu and Russell Crowe go head to head as Madam Blossom and Jack Knife in The Man With The Iron Fists
                                      I have always had the belief that an action film does not need to be smart or well made as long as it is entertaining. That is not to say that these things can't help-it is just to say that I never watch something such as Kill Bill thinking it is going to be a classic. The Man With The Iron Fists is both incredibly entertainingly and yet somehow a bit unsatisfying. I was having a blast watching the film but I also thought "is this ALL that this talented cast and crew come up with?" It is incredibly esoteric in both its extreme comic violence (which includes but is not limited to an eyeball falling out of a man's head and arms being cut off) and its old-school throwback plot.

                                       The film has no real plot except to say that a tourist named Jack Knife (Russell Crowe-in one of his best performances) comes to a Chinese village. This village is where gold is being shipped, a blacksmith (RZA) is in danger and many violent acts are being committed. Even as I was watching the film...I did not know who to root for or why these people are doing what they were doing. In fact....I couldn't even answer these questions after the film.

                                       While the film is self aware of how ridiculous it is most of the time...it goes into serious territory a few too many times. I never thought that I would say this about a film but this film did not need to TRY to have a plot. Sure...it never reaches plot level because it is so wacky but when it tries to get into that territory...it just falls flat. The acting is top notch, however. Crowe and RZA both give awesome a new name in their roles while David Bautista and Lucy Liu both make good villains although the audience can't really tell they are villains.

                                           If you like this type of film then go for it. If not then you may be completely bored out of your mind. It may not completely work but The Man With The Iron Fists does provide a good bit of fun. It does drag and lose its footing quite a bit but that's forgivable for a movie like this because as I said-just give me entertaining.
(2 and 1/2 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated R for bloody violence, strong sexuality, language and brief drug use)

The Sessions Review

    Sexual healing-Helen Hunt as a sex surrogate who helps a disabled man (John Hawkes) in The Sessions
                                       It is getting close to Christmas which means the Oscars are also fast approaching. The Sessions is a film that is aware of this fact. It churns out not two, not three but four of the best performances that are likely to be seen all year and tastefully presents a plot that could have been tasteless in lesser hands. John Hawkes, who is known for his versatility gives his best performance yet. Even 2010's independent hit Winter's Bone did not prove all that he had in him.Here-he takes a role that takes much physical, mental and verbal ability to pull of. Since this is Hawkes-it is needless to say that he does it beautifully. As well, Helen Hunt gives one of her best performances in years, William H Macy is fantastic as always and Moon Bloodgood proves to be a rising young star.

                                        In the film-Hawkes plays Mark-a man who has had Polio since his childhood and does not want to be a virgin anymore. He decides to talk to his local priest, Father Brendan (Macy) who concludes that he should see a sex surrogate. It is then up to his newly hired assistant, Vera (Moon Bloodgood) to get him to go. The sex surrogate is Cheryl (Hunt)-a married woman whom Father Brendan views as "no less than a prostitute."

                                         What the film does beautifully is shows that it cares about its characters. Mark is a nice guy who has led a life he wishes that he did not have to lead. The audience is engrossed with Cheryl because we know her intentions are good but also somewhat agree with Father Brendan. Father Brendan is just trying to help someone out even though it goes against his morals. Vera shows very nice character development throughout the film.We like all these people and are delighted to see them together. Part of the reason for this is the performances. As I mentioned before-everyone gives it their all and shows the audience what real acting is made of. Also-the movie is funny without taking any cheap shots. Writer and director Ben Lewin takes the disease very seriously but manages to spread some humor onto it. Lewin's screenplay and direction succeeds in spades because of this.

                                          Lewin-whose last film was an unknown 1994 romantic comedy called Paperback Romance makes quite a terrific comeback here. He proves that any director and/or writer can still make an excellent film no matter how long they have been out of the game. I highly urge everyone to go see The Sessions-there is magic in this gem of a film.
(5 out of 5 Stars,  The film is rated R for strong sexuality including graphic nudity and frank dialogue)

Fun Size Review

Sugar rush-Roosevelt (Thomas Mann) and Wren (Victoria Justice) search for Wren's little brother Albert in Fun Size
                       Can a movie be soul crushingly bad and entertaining at the same time? Fun Size answers that question with a big, fat yes. While being poorly made, badly written, totally immature and amazingly stupid...this newest film from the Nickelodeon cannon actually has a certain charm of its own. Sure-it is not even up to the standards of Disney's flop Prom but it does provide a nostalgia factor. That is to say it reminds both the adults and kids in the audience of an adventure they have had before.

                       The film stars Victoria Justice as Wren-a sweet, innocent high school student. Wren is friends with April (Jane Levy)-a not so sweet, not so innocent high school student. One night while Wren is trying to go to a party-her mom (Chelsea Handler) dumps Wren's little brother Albert (Jackson Nicoll) on her. Needless to say-Wren loses him. She then has to have nerdy guys Roosevelt (Thomas Mann) and Peng (Osric Chau) help her.

                        The film is stupid and depressing for many reasons. For one-Levy-a major talent on the hit ABC show "Suburgatory" is awful here. Her character is totally unlikable and you wonder why Wren wastes her time with April. Second-Albert is the most impish child ever put on film. Seriously-he makes Damien and Emily Rose look like angels by comparison. Therefore-we do not care what happens to him. Third-the lack of maturity comes in spades here and shows that the writers had no intentions of making any sort of a "good" film. Fourth-the subplot involving the mom feeling left out at a party she goes to with her 26 year old boyfriend (Josh Pence) is just a time waster. Finally-a subplot involving a convenient store clerk (Thomas Middleditch) and a dummy of a boyfriend (Johnny Knoxville) is just played for a few cheap laughs. Admittedly-Middleditch and Knoxville successfully get those cheap laughs. However-the film does earn a bit of respect for making me giggle a couple of times and keeping me entertained. I think it is because the film is so bad that I was so entertained. I was laughing at it without really laughing. Knoxville was not credited for his role and if I were to take a stab I would say that he did not want his name on the film because he was ashamed to be in it. If you are reading this, Johhny-trust me, I completely understand.

                      Fun Size does provide some entertainment value. However, this value is at the expense of talented people embarrassing themselves. Handler is the only one in the cast I actually think is untalented and should be in this film. As for the rest of the cast-fire your agents.
(1 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated PG-13 for crude and suggestive material, partying and language)

Smashed Review

The teacher who needs to be taught-Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Octavia Spencer as mutual alcoholics in Smashed
                                  You have seen her before. Whether it be in the comic book adaptation Scott Pilgrim VS. The World or the mediocre re-remake of The Thing-you have seen Mary Elizabeth Winstead before. However, you have never seen her give as great of a performance as she gives in Smashed. Earlier this year we got the over hyped The Master. Smashed is where Oscar season truly starts. Winstead gives a realistic, amazing and downright touching performance in what is bound to be a film that will get ignored by The Academy. However, Winstead does deserve a nomination for her performance while the supporting cast is excellent as well and the movie itself is a beautifully melancholic look at a desperate woman.

                                   Winstead plays Kate-a woman so obsessed with alcohol that many times it becomes dangerous to be around her. She is married to Charlie (Aaron Paul) and works as a first grade teacher. When the vice principal of the school, Dave (Nick Offerman) invites her to an AA meeting..she agrees to go. It is there that she meets Jenny (Octavia Spencer) who soon becomes her sponsor.

                                     Each of these supporting performances carry something special. Anyone who has seen Paul on the hit TV show "Breaking Bad" knows he is an excellent actor. As with his TV performance...Paul brings a mix of general creepiness and complete likability. He gives a chilling performance because you simply do not know what kind of guy he is...even at the end. Another TV regular, Offerman who plays the goofy Ron Swanson on TV's "Parks And Recreation" provides great comic relief. If you have seen him on TV...you know he is a very funny man. However, here he gets to bring a little more to the table. He is likable and funny but also gets to play a significant part in the progress of the film. Spencer, who is always great plays it straight here. However, Spencer is always so unbelievably connectable in her roles. This performance is no different as she gets to play a character we all know at least one of. The film also goes very much in depth with its message. This is a very good thing as we see the problems that are faced with Kate as she both drinks and stays sober. There are many painfully accurate scenes in the film including the end which is not predictable but does not come out of left field either. I will say there is one scene set in a convenient store that is hard to watch because in said scene you feel both bad for Kate and mad at her. This scene is a prime example of why the film works so well.

                                       Smashed does feel a bit too long even at 80 minutes. Perhaps that is the point. Just like alcohol addiction, perhaps the movie is intended to be something that slowly burns and can not just end right away. I will say the film will not be for everybody due to its subject matter. However, I will also say that you should definitely look out for Winstead this Oscar season...she is just magnificent.
(4 and 1/2 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated R for alcohol abuse, language, some sexual content and brief drug use)

Butter Review

    Do not spin into it-Jennifer Garner, Ashley Greene and Ty Burrell as a family of sculptors in Butter
                                 Butter is a political satire directed by Jim Field Smith. Smith last directed my ultimate guilty pleasure comedy She's Out Of My League. Unlike the latter-his new comedy manages to waste an all too great cast. This is not to say that Butter is a bad movie. I am simply pointing out that the film manages to fall under the weight of its own cleverness.

                                 The film stars Jennifer Garner and Ty Burrell as Laura and Bob Picker-a seemingly happily married couple. The key word there is seemingly. While on the surface they look like they have a good marriage...Bob is seeing a stripper named Brooke (Olivia Wilde), Laura is driving Bob crazy with her butter carving and their daughter Kaitlen (Ashley Greene) hates them both. Another plot involves Destiny (Yara Shahidi)-a young girl who has flip-flopped from house to house all her life. She gets two new parents (Rob Corddry and Alicia Silverstone) who support her skeptically in her ambitions to win the butter carving competition.

                                  These are talented people I have mentioned including Shahidi who is going to be huge one day. However, they are given nothing to do. Sure-the film is cleverly written but by being that way it seems to go for the goofball moments too many times. By this I mean it tries to be clever and wacky and ends up not being much of either. This can be seen especially with a dreadfully misguided cameo with Hugh Jackman as a sleazy car salesman.  There are too many scenes where first time writer Jason A. Micallef appears to think he is so clever that there is nothing else to do. The political backbone of the story is just there for the upcoming election season. I feel that the film would have been funnier if it did not try so hard. If Micallef wants to be a writer he needs to learn that a screenplay need not try hard-if it is good it is good and vice versa.

                                  There are a few funny moments in Butter but they are dragged down by the lack of energy. This director and these performers can do wonderful things with a script. She's Out Of My League did not have a very good script but Smith managed to make it work. As well-Burrell, Garner, Corddry, Silverstone, Jackman and Wilde have all had much experience in Hollywood and have proved they can act their way out of a bad script. However, here they seem to be lethargic in the way they present themselves. I will just say that it was a bad day for them and be done with it.
(2 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated R for language and sexual content)

Here Comes The Boom Review

A fighting chance-Kevin James as a school teacher and Salma Hayek as a school nurse in Here Comes The Boom
                   I have always found Kevin James to be one of the more likable actors in Hollywood. Sure...he is no Jason Segel or Paul Rudd but he always seems to fit well into nice guy roles. Here Comes The Boom-while being all too predictable continues my theory on just how likable James is. This is the kind of predictable, dumb movie that you can not hate because everything about it involves such a good heart. Sure there are too many plot conveniences and plot holes but when it comes down to it-there is not a more likable movie out there.

                  In the film-James plays Scott Voss-a lethargic and not dedicated at all biology teacher whose students do not appreciate him. When the school principal (Greg Germann) announces they are cutting the music program and Mr. Streb (Henry Winkler) will be let go...Scott immediately tries to save the school. Along for the ride is a hopeful US citizen (Bas Rutten) and the school nurse Bella (Salma Hayek) with whom Scott has been trying to date for years.

                 James gives it his all and does not pander to the fat guy shtick that he usually does while Winkler plays the sort of teacher every one of us has had at some point. Rutten is thoroughly charming as the foreigner who hopes to soon become a US citizen and Hayek is a good romantic interest for James even if their relationship is all too unbelievable. The film moves at a brisk 105 minutes and all of the jokes are pretty dumb but some of them stick with great comic force. As well-the film is surprisingly sweet in the way it treats its characters with respect rather than looking at them cynically. Where the movie fails is where it tries to be TOO cute. It begins to slowly degrade into a pile of sappiness that is hard to swallow. Fortunately-it *mostly* picks itself back up.

              With very few surprises but a decently touching and funny narrative and good performances-Here Comes The Boom may not be worth your hard earned eleven bucks. However, it is all too pleasurable for home viewing. I say wait until Netflix or Redbox. It is immensely likable but there are better nights out at the movies.
(3 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated PG for bouts of MMA sports violence, some rude humor and language)

Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike Review

Rand aid-Samantha Mathis and Jason Beghe as a couple of business people in Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike

                                   I will admit that I am one of the few people if not the only person who kind of enjoyed Atlas Shrugged Part 1. I mean-considering how supposedly impossible to make the book is-I thought the filmmaker and cast did a decent job. Despite how much the first one flopped-a new director and cast has decided to make  Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike. Now-before I get into how bad this film is I will say that I understand why this book is so impossible to make. Therefore-I respect that director John Putch and the cast even tried to make a second part because I simply could not do it. The last two feature length films of Putch were Beethoven's Christmas Adventure and American Pie Presents The Book Of Love-both of which went straight to DVD. I bring this up because I also want to remind my readers that this is Putch's first theatrical release since (I believe) 2001. 

                                      However, the film is so boring that it almost requires the audience to check the time at least a couple of times. At 110 minutes with both too much and too little going on the film feels like a five year old with too many ideas. The film also features terrible performances from a talented cast. Samantha Mathis, Diedrich Bader, Ray Wise, Esai Morales and Thomas F. Wilson among others are all extremely talented but they squander that talent by following the lousy script. The plot of the film need not be explained because everyone should know the plot by now. The only thing I will say about the plot is that the question "Who is John Galt?" is asked multiple times. The film has an unfinished twist ending that sets up for another film. However, there is no reason to sit through another film to find out the whole twist when IMDB is available.

                                     There are also too many laughable moments. These moments are not particularly laughable due to the content but are rather this way because director Putch is obviously trying too hard to provide said content. For example-there is a shot of a gas pump machine that is way too obviously trying to show the rise is gas prices. The beginning scene is also the end scene unfinished which is right out of the cliche barn. There are  also way too many dull moments. These moments are dull because they do not try hard enough. Like I said-too much going on and yet too little going on. For example-there is a scene involving Robert Collins (Thomas F. Wilson) and his employees arguing about what to do about the collapse of the economy. Teller  (Penn's partner) shows up for 30 seconds as a hotel clerk and actually talks. That particular moment feels as if the filmmakers are trying to find some reason-any reason to get people into the theater. Of course-Dagny (Samantha Mathis)-the main character is unlikable in every way possible even if Mathis makes pretty good eye candy. Still-she is one of the most likable characters in the film.

                                      Honestly-there is no reason to go see Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike. As someone who sees every film under the sun....I may not even see the third and supposedly final chapter because simply-no one should care. It is a terrible film even if it is a respectable effort.
(1 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated PG-13 for brief language)