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17 Again (Movie Review)
Jack Rico
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2009/04/14 at 12:00am

Reviews

17 Again (Movie Review)

04.14.2009 | By |

I wanted to like 17 Again for its nostalgic teen appeal, but the script and dialogue were so inept and appalling that there’s not much positive to say about it. Many things went wrong, and scrutinizing the film would only waste time. The ensemble did an okay job, enough to salvage some dignity from the movie, but ultimately, my opinion is irrelevant. The main audience for this teen film will ignore my thoughts, swoon over Zac Efron for a few weeks, and then continue to watch it on DVD for months to come, possibly for eternity.

The storyline is somewhat intriguing—what would you do if you got a second shot at life as your former 17-year-old self? While many questions could arise from this concept, we’ll follow the film’s plot for argument’s sake. Mike O’Donnell (Matthew Perry), a 39-year-old has-been high school basketball star, is struggling to be a good father. But Mike gets another chance when he is miraculously transformed back into a 17-year-old (Zac Efron) to relive his best years and bring his family back together.

The premise might grab some attention, but the execution is baffling. Director Burr Steers doesn’t seem to understand the concept of story development. Perhaps the biggest flaw of 17 Again is its failure to come up with a coherent explanation for how an adult turns into a teenager. In the film, a janitor with magical powers just happens to show up and change him. Moreover, his former teachers, friends, and wife, who should recognize Perry as young Efron, are completely oblivious to this transformation. There’s no explanation, no reason, no care. While plausibility is often overlooked in these kinds of films, the blatant disregard here feels negligent and reckless.

Despite these glaring issues, parents and other adults might be swayed by the nostalgic storyline. Zac Efron is likable, and he covers up many of the movie’s shortcomings. His looks also help mask his limited acting range, but with time and experience, he may grow into a better actor. Overall, kids and Zac fans will enjoy and indulge in this zany, 80s-style teen flick.

State of Play
Ted Faraone
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2009/04/14 at 12:00am

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State of Play

04.14.2009 | By |

Rated: PG-13 for some violence, language including sexual references, and brief drug content.
Release Date: 2009-04-17
Starring: Matthew Michael Carnahan, Tony Gilroy
Director(s):
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Film Genre:
Country: USA
Official Website: http://www.stateofplaymovie.net/

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State of Play

There is something about seeing a bloated overweight, unkempt Russell Crowe that makes one cringe – and put down that black and white cookie.  He’d have done well to follow Shelley Winters’ famous advice about playing fat roles.  However, Crowe’s weight is not what goes awry in “State of Play,” a crime thriller from helmer Kevin Macdonald (“The Last King of Scotland”), although being fat does not add much to his character as Cal McAffrey, a reporter at the “Washington Globe”.
 
Until the final reel, “State of Play” (based on an eponymous BBC Television series), has all the makings of a well made film noire:  Bad weather, dark lighting, ominous music, more plot twists than a back road in Connecticut, and corruption in places high and low.  Why, there are even three murder attempts in the first reel, two of them successful.  Until the final reel the storyline fits together like a well crafted jigsaw puzzle.  It has an excellent cast:  Helen Mirren as foul-mouthed newspaper editor Cameron Lynne, Ben Affleck as philandering congressman Stephen Collins, Robin Wright Penn as his wife, Jeff Daniels as the House Majority Whip, and Jason Bateman as a sleazy, not too bright PR man, each playing his part to perfection. Rachel McAdams is convincing as a newspaper blogger who earns her reporting stripes solving a string of four seemingly unrelated murders in a buddy-film subplot opposite Crowe.
 
Pic opens with a drug addict running from a gunman (Michael Berresse) who catches and kills him.  He also shoots a pizza delivery man who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Then the mistress of Congressman Collins, whose committee is investigating the “mercenary” private army on duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, dies mysteriously underneath the wheels of the Washington Metro.  All roads lead to a vast conspiracy with 30 or 40 billion Dollars at stake for the company hoping to profit from the privatization of homeland security at its center.  Crowe’s McAffrey is hot on the trail as dead bodies pile up.  He is also dispensing PR advice to his college roommate, Affleck’s Collins.  Subplots appear to spin out of control but each peels a layer from pic’s onion – until the final reel, that is, when a surprise ending both confuses audiences and leaves unresolved the biggest plot element, the conspiracy and the company at its center – is it real or a red herring?
 
Blame in this case has to be shared.  Screenwriters Matthew Michael Carnahan, Tony Gilroy, and Billy Ray deserve a major chunk.  But many a bad screenplay has been fixed in the edit room.  Take that, Justine Wright.  And one has to ask just how much control Macdonald had over the final cut.  At 127 minutes, it’s not as if the picture had to be fleshed out to feature length.  It coulda been a contender….
 
“State of Play,” distributed in the US by Universal, carries a PG-13 rating, largely due to Mirren’s lines.  Other than that there is little objectionable for children.  But not even adults have a chance of making sense out of it.

Observe and Report
Jack Rico
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2009/04/10 at 12:00am

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Observe and Report

04.10.2009 | By |

Rated: R for pervasive language, graphic nudity, drug use, sexual content and violence.
Release Date: 2009-04-10
Starring: Jody Hill
Director(s):
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Country: USA
Official Website: http://observe-and-report.warnerbros.com/

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Observe and Report

Observe and Report is a bizarre film whose laughs are rooted in shock comedy. This is highlighted by the last 5 minutes which will either culminate with your fascination by the scene or by you heaving at the person next to you. The choice will be yours. I’m curious to know which one you will pick. Nevertheless, the laughs aren’t as frequent and the storytelling process is nowhere in sight.

This movie comes at the heels of January’s surprise hit “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” – coincidence? It was written and directed by Jody Hill, whose underground hit “The Foot Fist Way” who brought an exploration of a main character who is reprehensible, delusional, and foolish.

Seth Rogen stars as a bi-polar mall security guard Ronnie Barnhardt who is called into action to stop a flasher from molesting his “mall crush” (Anna Faris) and turning shopper’s paradise into his personal peep show. But when Barnhardt can’t bring the culprit to justice, a surly police detective (Ray Liotta) is recruited to close the case.

The cast is top notch, but perhaps the one who stands out most is comedy princess Anna Faris (Scary Movie, The House Bunny). Getting laughs is hard to do and she manages to make me laugh out loud in every scene she is in. Mexican-American actor Michael Peña, known for his dramatic performances, is another one who provided perhaps me with the loudest laughs halfway through the film. His character, Dennis, was undeniably underused. His screen time barely hits ten minutes, but he was a scene stealer from the very moment he was on.

What I can promise you is that you will laugh at this film, it is just a matter of whether you will feel right doing it. The director, Hill, takes perverse pleasure in getting laughs at whatever costs as he pushes the boundaries of what is funny and what isn’t.

Hannah Montana: The Movie
Jack Rico
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2009/04/09 at 12:00am

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Hannah Montana: The Movie

04.9.2009 | By |

Rated: G
Release Date: 2009-04-10
Starring: Daniel Berendsen
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Country: USA
Official Website: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/hannahmontanamovie/

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Hannah Montana: The Movie

‘Hannah Montana: The Movie’ is Miley Cyrus’ second big screen film. She’s a little bit older, wiser and experienced, yet, she has not reached her prime and thus, we are witnesses to someone experimenting in film and making mistakes with an innocuous sensibility. Unfortunately, for us adults, who are aware of the mundane, we cannot ignore the mediocre acting and tween-filled soundtrack. Undoubtedly, Hannah Montana: The Movie will appeal to Cyrus’ core audience, but the chances of this sanitized, prepackaged effort crossing over to anyone else is zero.  

Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus) struggles to juggle school, friends and her secret pop-star persona; when Hannah Montana’s soaring popularity threatens to take over her life – she just might let it. So her father (Billy Ray Cyrus) takes the teen home to Crowley Corners, Tenn., for a dose of reality, kicking off an adventure she would want her audience you to enjoy.

The storyline is pretty elemental. It’s written for 7-to-11 year old girls and knows its target group. Likewise, the acting is unimpressive but what the performers lack in skill they make up for in energy and charisma. Miley Cyrus is extremely likeable, although she shows little in the way of discernible range. Unlike other teenage actresses like Dakota Fanning and AnnaSophia Robb, she lacks depth. The weakness of Cyrus’ voice is amply displayed; one might have incorrectly assumed the filmmakers would employ some kind of electronic enhancement to strengthen the vocals. Her potential is not in films and neither in music (I had the chance to see her in 2008 in a multiple artist concert, musically she hasn’t shown much). She might not make it past the teenage years with a prosperous career. I hope I’m wrong.

Hannah Montana: The Movie, sets out what it was meant to do – make a big screen project for tweens and their friends. Unless you or your youngsters are BIG fans, this is better left for video watching at home… on a Sunday… when perhaps no one is around. Don’t worry, it’ll be our little secret.

The Tale of Despereaux
Mike Pierce
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2009/04/07 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

The Tale of Despereaux

04.7.2009 | By |

Rating: 3.5

Rated: Not available.
Release Date: 2008-12-19
Starring: Gary Ross, Will McRobb, Chris Viscardi
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Film Genre:
Country:UK, USA
Official Website: http://www.thetaleofdespereauxmovie.com/

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Awww…there’s nothing cuter than a little, big eared mouse with a sword. The Tale of Despereaux stars a little mouse named, Despereaux.

 

At an early age – his family and friends noticed he wasn’t your average mouse. He doesn’t cringe to the site of knives. He doesn’t fear cats. He laughs at the of mouse traps. He’s just one COOL mouse. The story starts in a kingdom called, Dor…and in this kingdom…they love soup…yes, I said soup. SOUP DAY that is – it’s a day of celebration!

Well, something bad happens…an accident (not going to tell you) where the king…broken hearted…decides to banish soup and KILL at rats. I know, I know – your saying to yourself, “Mike – what the heck does rats have to do with it?” – Well, go see the movie and you’ll find out. (lol)
 
This movie teaches you a lot of lessons – It has like 4 little stories all wrapped in 1 movie. This happens to be great family, holiday movie. There’s comedy, drama, action and adventure.
 
Just remember…size DOESN’T matter if you put your mind to it!

Adventureland
Alex Florez
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2009/04/02 at 12:00am

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Adventureland

04.2.2009 | By |

Rated: R for language, drug use and sexual references
Release Date: 2009-04-03
Starring: Greg Mottola
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country: USA
Official Website: http://www.adventurelandthefilm.com/

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Adventureland

Having directed “Superbad”, one of the biggest and most critically acclaimed comedies in recent memory, Greg Mottola chooses another teen-angst coming of age story as his follow up project. But don’t be fooled, “Adventureland” is a completely different type of movie.

Although both the quirkiness and awkwardness of our adolescence are obviously exploited here for comedic effect, the film comes across as deeply personal and honest.  That’s because it is the semi-autobiographical story of Mottola as an uptight, overeducated young man who’s forced to take a minimum wage job at the local amusement park when his family suffers an economic downturn in the middle of the Reagan 80s.

What James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg) doesn’t anticipate when he gets the job however, is falling head over heels for the alluringly sharp-tongued arcade girl, Em Lewin (Kristen Stewart).  Of course, a number of things have to stand in their way – mainly, the park’s maintenance guy (Ryan Reynolds), who is also vying for her affection. 

At the center of it all, the film is nothing more than a love triangle but it’s the film’s uncomfortably accurate representation of this misfit world that sets it apart from other movies of its kind. 

Unfortunately, that sincerity is threatened by studio interference.  Just when you think you’re watching a film that has the license to present a realistic depiction of an adolescence full of the traumas and failures, you are reminded that Disney is behind the scenes making sure you leave the theater “feeling good”.  It is the disappointment that you’re likely to avoid if this were an independent film. Nevertheless, Adventureland is likely to please most viewers.

 

Paris 36
Ted Faraone
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2009/04/01 at 12:00am

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Paris 36

04.1.2009 | By |

Rated: PG-13 for some sexuality and nudity, violence and brief language.
Release Date: 2009-04-03
Starring: Christophe Barratier, Pierre Philippe
Director(s):
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Film Genre:
Country: France
Official Website: http://www.faubourg36-lefilm.com/

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Paris 36

Mickey and Judy Put on a Show… In French
 
It is only April but “Paris 36” may be the feel-good movie of 2009.  The third feature by helmer Christophe Barratier (“Les Choristers”) is a stew of plots and subplots with a cast almost the size of that of “Slumdog Millionaire,” but that does not detract from its appeal.  Set in Montmartre from New Year’s Eve 1935 to New Year’s Eve 1945, pic’s action takes place against the backdrop of the short-lived Popular Front government of Leon Blum, the Jewish premier who became the focal point of French Fascist anti-Semitism.  To cram all that historical context into a two hour movie is a daunting task, but Barratier and co-writers Pierre Philippe and Julien Rappaneau are more than up to it.  Fast moving plot and crisp dialogue help.  So do compelling performances by the entire cast, Barratier’s confident direction, and no-frills editing by Yves Deschamps.
 
Despite its historical context, “Paris 36” is a comedy that morphs into a musical.  The Fascists are almost comical.

Plot centers on a music hall taken over by a greedy, Fascist real estate thug (Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu) who closes it and puts its workers, including lighting man Germain Pigiol (Gérard Jugnot), out of work.  Eventually the workers, led by Pigiol, occupy the theater and stage shows that bomb.  They are saved by the arrival of Douce (Nora Amezeder), a songstress of fine voice whose history is central to the plot.  Pic is narrated by Jojo (Maxence Perrin) who plays the roughly ten-year-old son of Pigiol.  Jojo’s theatrical ambitions provide one of two key subplots.  The other hinges on a love triangle pitting labor activist Millou (Clovis Comiac) against Donnadieu’s Gallapiat over the affections of Douce.
 
Deus ex-machina plot twists are easily overlooked.  Notable among them is the surprise un-retirement of Max (Monisieur TSF played by Pierre Richard—TSF is French for radio) a 20-year agoraphobic who sees the world through his radio.  It seems that Douce’s mother, a music hall star, was the love of his life.  He composed her songs and conducted her orchestra in the very same music hall at pic’s center some two decades earlier.  He returns to do the same for her daughter.
 
Production numbers, set in the music hall, abound during pic’s final reel.  One feels almost transported to MGM in the 1930s except that it’s all in French.  It seems that every worker at the theater, even the lighting guys, is a superb singer and dancer.  Who’d of thunk?  Barratier handles what pathos there is economically.  Auds are guaranteed not to shed a tear.  Production design by Jean Rabasse excels in evoking inter-war Paris.  Original music by Reinhardt Wagner and lensing by Tom Stern leave nothing to be desired.  The only minor quibble, easily overlooked, is its somewhat predictable ending.
 
Pic, distributed in US by Sony Pictures Classics, carries a PG-13 rating, perhaps because of a few brief violent scenes.  However, for families not averse to subtitles, “Paris 1936” makes an excellent outing.

Slumdog Millionaire
Mack Chico
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2009/03/31 at 12:00am

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Slumdog Millionaire

03.31.2009 | By |

Rating: 4.0

Rated: R for some violence, disturbing images and language.
Release Date: 2008-11-12
Starring: Simon Beaufoy
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/slumdogmillionaire/

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Slumdog Millionaire comes from director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Simon Beaufoy, who fashion what is at heart a romance into a mystery and a thriller with Dickensian undertones. It’s tough not to think of David Copperfield when we see the “orphanage” to which the film’s main character is consigned during his youth. What’s more, this filmmaking team has found a new and inventive way to approach the storyline that not only invigorates the material but adds a whole new layer to it. The result is magical and life affirming, and will enrapture those who are not scared away by the mention of “subtitles.” For the record, the majority of the dialogue is in English, although there are lengthy segments during the film’s first 40 minutes when characters speak in Hindi. The way in which Boyle handles the subtitles is playful and colorful, and entirely unlike what we’re accustomed to see. This is a subtitle movie made with subtitle-phobes in mind.

 

In a way, it’s tough to believe that a film that begins with such a hard edge ends up being as enriching and deliriously joyful as this one. The opening sequences have an ominous undertone, with scenes of torture taking place in the bowels of some dark, dank police station. When the victim refuses to give the answers his captors expect, electrodes are attached to his toes and the power is turned on. This scene is one of the reasons why the MPAA in its wisdom elected to give Slumdog Millionaire an undeserved R instead of the coveted PG-13. Now, teenagers are unable to see the film without parental accompaniment – yet no such restriction limits the access to the cacophony of carnage that is Max Payne. Go figure. Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) is a poor boy from the slums of Mumbai who finds himself center stage opposite a smug host being watched by 90 million people on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. Improbably, Jamal is able to answer question after question, responding to the penultimate query and earning 10 million rupees just as time runs out for the episode. The next day, he will return with a chance at the biggest prize. However, that night, the police take Jamal in for questioning, certain that he has cheated. After being tortured, he explains to them how he knew the answer to every question. This results in a flashback-rich tour of Jamal’s life and the two recurring characters in it: his violent brother, Salim (Madhur Mittal), and the girl he loves, Latika (Freida Pinto). Growing up together, they were the “Three Musketeers” until circumstances tore them apart. It soon becomes apparent that Slumdog Millionaire isn’t actually about how Jamal did so well on a TV game show, but whether there will be a happy ending to his found her-lost her-found her-lost her-found her- lost her relationship with Latika. With Garry Marshall, a happy ending would be mandatory, but Danny Boyle isn’t nearly as conventional.

 

The film has all the elements necessary to make it a major winner in general release, and a dark horse Oscar contender. It’s superbly acted, wonderfully photographed, and full of rich, unconventional location work. Dev Patel has us rooting for the shy, good-natured Jamal from the beginning. Freida Pinto is beguiling as Latika. Anil Kapoor, a big name in Bollywood, is deliciously devious as the gameshow host whose motives are ruled by more than a desire to see his program get good ratings. Imagine Alex Trebek after having been seduced by the dark side of the force. The story works on multiple levels – it can be seen as a sweeping romance, as a thriller, or as a glimpse at the ways in which a fast-developing economy is convulsing the fabric of Indian society. Some of the film’s funniest and most satirical scenes occur within a massive call bank where customer service operatives try to convince callers that they are not, in fact, located in a foreign country. The movie ends with a grand Bollywood song-and-dance number that is not to be missed. Placed between the conclusion of the story proper and the end credits, this sequence dares anyone to leave the theater in anything but the best of spirits.

 

Some films keep viewers on the outside looking in, able to appreciate the production in technical terms but not on other, more basic levels. This is not the case with Slumdog Millionaire. Boyle’s feature draws the viewer in, immersing him in a fast-moving, engaging narrative featuring a protagonist who is so likeable it’s almost unfair. The movie has moments of heartbreak and tragedy but it is ultimately uplifting and contains pretty much all the instances an audience will want. Boyle has come a long way to get to this point from Shallow Grave and Trainspotting but, after experiencing the pleasure of Slumdog Millionaire, I’m glad it’s a road he has elected to take. (“I am located just around the corner from you, Ma’am…”)

 

Review written by James Berardinelli

Seven Pounds
Jack Rico
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2009/03/31 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Seven Pounds

03.31.2009 | By |

Rating: 2.0

Rated: PG-13 for thematic material, some disturbing content and a scene of sensuality.
Release Date: 2008-12-19
Starring: Grant Nieporte
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.sonypicturesreleasing.es/teaser/sietealmas/

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12 Rounds (Movie Review)
Jack Rico
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2009/03/27 at 12:00am

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12 Rounds (Movie Review)

03.27.2009 | By |

‘12 Rounds’ is a surprisingly fun movie. I would actually say it is a great ‘B’ movie that many will enjoy. It possesses action from beginning to end and an interesting and plausible plot line that will keep your ADD at bay.

The story centers on a New Orleans police detective (John Cena) whose girlfriend (Ashley Scott) is kidnapped. He must play a sinister game lasting 12 rounds with a vicious and heartless killer (Aidan Gillen) to save the love of his life.

The wrestling organization, WWE, has been in the movie making business for some time now creating film vehicles for its top stars such as Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Roddy Piper and Steve Austin, all with the intention of creating extra financial revenue and branching their brand to non-wrestling masses. Cena’s ‘12 Rounds’ is perhaps the best of their cinematic efforts. For years, these films featuring wrestling stars, have been mocked for their facially exaggerated acting and asinine dialogue. But things are changing for the better. ‘The Rock’ achieved #1 status with 2007’s The Game Plan and most recently again with Race to Witch Mountain. From the looks of it, people are warming up to them and ‘12 Rounds’ could very well be in the top 3 in this week’s box office. This film, unlike the previous WWE Studios projects, offers a legitimate movie that can crossover to mainstream audiences with Cena providing a toned down dramatic demeanor as opposed to his flamboyant and hip hop persona on Monday Night Raw.

I must admit though, it will be a tough sell for audiences that are not wrestling fans simply because of the unknown cast, but to its credit, the movie moves at a fast pace with many twists and turns accompanied by explosions, car chases and gun fights. Few action movies do that anymore. Alas, the acting is not up to par, but it is not by any means blinding. Cena is decent and not over the top and his co-star assassin is suave and dynamic. If you are looking to escape in a movie that offers plausible, non-stop action, this is definitely worth checking out.

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