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Movie Reviews

The Haunting in Connecticut
Mack Chico
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2009/03/27 at 12:00am

Reviews

The Haunting in Connecticut

03.27.2009 | By |

Rated: PG-13 for some intense sequences of terror and disturbing images.
Release Date: 2009-03-27
Starring: Adam Simon, Tim Metcalfe
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Film Genre:
Country: USA
Official Website: http://www.hauntinginconnecticut.com/

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The Haunting in Connecticut

The Haunting in Connecticut is a tedious and pedestrian film that gives ghost stories a bad name. Director Peter Cornwell‘s film is so bereft of substance that when it comes to generating atmosphere and scares, an inordinate abundance of “frightful” moments are needed to keep viewers attentive. Assessing the film’s capacity for entertainment,  ‘The Haunting in Connecticut’ is a tough task to like.

The film relies on the “based on a true story” crutch, which is a good indication that the movie is in trouble. This story focuses on a family forced to relocate near a clinic where their teenage son was being treated for cancer. The family begins experiencing violent, supernatural events that the parents first blame on stress from the illness, but they later discover that their new home is a former mortuary with a dark past.

Perhaps most vexing is the script’s directives of having the protagonists go back to their separate beds and try to sleep amongst all the specters and spooky occurrences that are happening in their new quarters. Have any of the filmmakers ever heard of rational when it comes to writing these horror movies? Besides that, the ‘mystery’ is void of mystery, flashback sequences are laughable and the special effects for the ectoplasm are sad. Follow that with some over-the-top acting and unintentionally hilarious dialogue and you have yourself a monumental failure.

It’s hard to imagine horror fans will like this. It’s poorly made and badly written. Nevertheless, it does offer some suspenseful moments, but never enough to justify the price of admission. The PG-13 rating assures that nothing overtly gruesome or shocking is shown. Everything is sanitized so younger viewers can gaze upon it without going blind.

Monsters vs. Aliens
Mike Pierce
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2009/03/23 at 12:00am

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Monsters vs. Aliens

03.23.2009 | By |

Rated: PG for sci-fi action, some crude humor and mild language.
Release Date: 2009-03-27
Starring: Maya Forbes, Wallace Wolodarsky
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Film Genre:
Country: USA
Official Website: http://www.monstersvsaliens.com/

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Monsters vs. Aliens

Yes! Monsters VS. Aliens – I had the chance to see this earlier this week and I must say…It was funny! I knew it would be. Check out the trailer and see for yourselves. (lol)

 

It stars the talented voices of Reese Witherspoon (Ginormica), Seth Rogen (B.O.B.), Hugh Laurie (Dr. Cockroach Ph. D), Will Arnett (The Missing Link), Keither Sutherland (General W.R. Monger), and many others. If you’re looking for a funny, all age family movie…Monsters VS. Aliens is for you!
 
It’s about this girl – who’s about to get the perfect life she’s always wanted. On her wedding day – she is hit by a meteorite from outer space…which turns her into a GIANT Monster lady. The government steps in and captures her – while she’s in the government prison…she meets 3 of the coolest monsters ever. Well, while that’s going on…an evil alien named, Gallaxhar decides he wants to attack and take over earth. As a last resort – with the leadership of General W.R. Monger and direct orders from the President of the United States…Ginormica and her 3 special friends must save the earth.
 
Ding…Ding…Monsters VS. Aliens. Your kids will love it and there’s enough adult humor to make you laugh.
I loved how they make you (me) remember all the classic monsters movies – The Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Blob, and so on. You’ll see!
 
I give Monsters VS. Aliens…4 out of 5 Popcorns

I Love You, Man
Jack Rico
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2009/03/18 at 12:00am

Reviews

I Love You, Man

03.18.2009 | By |

Rated: R for pervasive language, including crude and sexual references.
Release Date: 2009-03-20
Starring: John Hamburg and Larry Levin
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Film Genre:
Country: USA
Official Website: http://iloveyouman.com/

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I Love You, Man

“I Love You, Man,” is the movie that will catapult Paul Rudd from supporting actor to leading man status. He’s been a journey man throughout his whole career until his recent streak of small, yet successful substantial roles, has either salvaged movies (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) or surprised many with his comical talents (Role Models).

Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) is a successful real estate agent who, upon getting engaged to the woman of his dreams, Zooey (Rashida Jones), discovers, to his dismay and chagrin, that he has no male friend close enough to serve as his Best Man. Peter immediately sets out to rectify the situation, embarking on a series of bizarre and awkward “man-dates,” before meeting Sydney Fife (Jason Segel), a charming, opinionated man with whom he instantly bonds with. But the closer the two men get, the more Peter’s relationship with Zooey suffers, ultimately forcing him to choose between his fiancee and his new found “bro,”.

Rudd is once again the embodiment of hilarity and charm. What’s interesting about him is his ability to take what sounds like a bad joke on paper and convert it into laugh-out-loud laughs. That is a gift and he oozes it. Segel is amusing too, but he’s much more affable than he is comical. I just don’t chortle when he jokes. The ensemble overall hid the few flaws the movie had with some genuinely hysterical moments (Jon Favreau and Rudd clashing it out in a drinking game).

In general, most people will who aren’t into the bathroom humor will like the nice balance of college, sexual jokes and endearing, knee-slapping punchlines. “I Love You, Man,” will be one of the top 5 comedies of 2009.

Duplicity
Alex Florez
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2009/03/18 at 12:00am

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Duplicity

03.18.2009 | By |

Rated: PG-13 for language and some sexual content.
Release Date: 2009-03-20
Starring: Tony Gilroy
Director(s):
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Film Genre:
Country: USA
Official Website: http://www.duplicitymovie.net/

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Duplicity

At its core, Duplicity is a romantic caper about two spies that have left the world of government intelligence for a scheme to cash in on a highly profitable cold war raging between two big rival corporations.  The problem is, half the movie goes by before we can figure that out.

Duplicity feels a lot like one of the Ocean’s Eleven movies with the romantic dynamic of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, but its plot is wound up tighter than it really needs to be. Director Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton, The Bourne Identity) seems to be overly concerned with keeping his audience guessing, virtually adding a plot twist wherever he can in the film.  Yes, for most of it we don’t quite know who’s good, who’s bad or who’s double crossing who, but at some points we’re also utterly confused. To make matters worse, this is one of those movies where the timeline isn’t linear and the events are completely shuffled around.

But let’s face it, at the root of this whole thing is a love story in which all those other details don’t really matter much.  For all of the intricacies Gilroy writes into the film, all we really care about is the fate of the two spies – as lovers.  Fortunately for us, both Julia Roberts and Clive Owen are total pros at being charmingly ‘duplicitous’, and thanks to them, the film is solidly entertaining.  Let’s remember how creepily untrustworthy they both were in Mike Nichols’ Closer. 

Of course, this isn’t The Bourne Identity nor is it Michael Clayton, and as far as romantic capers go, the endings are never as deceitful. Wink wink.

 

Knowing
Jack Rico
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2009/03/17 at 12:00am

Reviews

Knowing

03.17.2009 | By |

Rated: PG-13 for disaster sequences, disturbing images and brief strong language.
Release Date: 2009-03-20
Starring: Ryne Douglas Pearson, Juliet Snowden, Stiles White, Stuart Hazeldine
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country: USA
Official Website: http://knowing-themovie.com/

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Knowing

‘Knowing’, Nicolas Cage’s new apocalyptic action-thriller pic, is a mammoth and entertaining mega-production that possesses a captivating plot (rare in Hollywood these days), but due to its risible acting and incongruous occurrences, the enormity of the film becomes just a distraction to its script deficiencies. Is it entertaining? You betcha, but you’ll have to wait almost an hour to see the best scenes.

Nicolas Cage stars as a professor who stumbles upon terrifyingly tragic predictions about the future of the world – as he sets out to prevent them from coming true.

Blowing up Earth is where Hollywood has had some of its best box office successes and saving it is where Cage is king. His last two films, Bangkok Dangerous (2008) and National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007), were #1’s at the box office respectively, not to mention several others throughout his career. Regrettably, just because he topped the b.o doesn’t mean those movies are great. It means he works in films that the public likes. These type of movies that incorporate computer generated graphics are a huge attraction, but in the case of ‘Knowing’, the gaping holes are just too blatant to ignore. Worse is its denouement – its conclusion is the most random and absurd ending to any film I have ever seen!

If you’re in the mood to zone out and do not mind preposterous irrationalities, then you’ll enjoy this film. If you’re looking for a stimulating and thought provoking sci-fi flick, you’ll be very disappointed.

The Last House on the Left
Jack Rico
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2009/03/13 at 12:00am

Reviews

The Last House on the Left

03.13.2009 | By |

Rated: R for sadistic brutal violence including a rape and disturbing images, language, nudity and some drug use.
Release Date: 2009-03-13
Starring: Adam Alleca, Carl Ellsworth
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Film Genre:
Country: USA
Official Website: http://www.thelasthouseontheleft.com/

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The Last House on the Left

‘The Last House on the Left’ is as uncomfortable a film as I have ever seen. Uncomfortable because the movie possesses elements that blur the lines between violence, abuse and entertainment. Cinematically, the film is arresting through and through due the high caliber of the production, the reliable and convincing acting performances and its engrossing premise to boot. But how can one recommend a movie that possesses a barbaric rape scene, as a good cinematic selection? It is a complex response, but ultimately, you need to be the judge.

This is the third remake of ‘The Last House on the Left’. In 1972, the first feature effort of Wes Craven, was a reworking of Ingmar Bergman’s 1960 picture, The Virgin Spring, which won the 1961 Best Foreign Language Film Oscar. This third version, is more reminiscent to the 1972 edition. The story takes place after the kidnapping and butchering of two female teenagers. The guilty gang unknowingly finds refuge with the parents of one of the victims, hosts who devise a gruesome revenge.

Women be forewarned. If you have never been privy to scenes of sexual abuse, this is not the film to get acquainted with it. The rape scene images seen here are some of the most gruesome, disturbing and down right reprehensible ever committed to a Hollywood film. I’m not sure many will be able to withstand it and walking out of the theater just might be your best option. But if you can cover your eyes and get through it, there is a redeeming third act that will quench your thirst for revenge. 

After seeing the entire film, I must say, Greek director Dennis Illiadis was a fantastic director who maintained a level of dread, suspense and retribution throughout the whole film. This is not a horror movie but a highly intense thriller that works the mind to feel contempt in its first half then vindication in its denouement.

‘The Last House on the Left’ is not a “pretty” movie, but it does challenge the boundaries of entertainment, and hopefully with an open mind, you’ll be the one entertained.

Race to Witch Mountain
Jack Rico
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2009/03/12 at 12:00am

Reviews

Race to Witch Mountain

03.12.2009 | By |

Rated: PG for sequences of action and violence, frightening and dangerous situations, and some thematic elements.
Release Date: 2009-03-13
Starring: Matt Lopez, Mark Bomback, Andy Fickman
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country: USA
Official Website: http://www.disneylatino.com/FilmesDisney/La_montania_embrujada/index.html

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Race to Witch Mountain

What an entertaining movie! I would dare say ‘Race to Witch Mountain’ will be one of the breakout hits of the young year. The story, the fast-action-packed sequences, the charming performances, all add to a fun time with the family at the movies this weekend.

In this new re-imagining of Disney’s “Escape to Witch Mountain” (1975) and its sequel “Return from Witch Mountain” (1978), a UFO expert enlists the help of a cabbie (Dwayne Johnson) to protect two siblings (AnnaSophia Robb, Alexander Ludwig) with paranormal powers from the clutches of an organization that wants to use the kids for their nefarious plans.

Disney, known for its animation, surprisingly presents an amusing live-action sci-fi flick that provides escapism for today’s troubled times. The film immediately begins with a suspenseful, special effects driven scenery that sets a swift pace for the rest of the film. Dwayne Johnson once again does a fantastic job of adding humorous and credible layers to his performance. This script fits him like a glove and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him do more roles like this (The Game Plan) in the next few years. The rest of the cast are appealing without being histrionic with the alien script.

‘Race to Witch Mountain’ feels like a Disney theme ride (I wouldn’t be surprised if one is in the works) extracting elements from E.T. and the Terminator while adding the Disney touch to make it viewable for kids and comfortable enough for parents to enjoy. There are some moments that are incoherent and random, but I say, so what? It’s a Disney film with all the bells and whistles made to be an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Sunshine Cleaning
Ted Faraone
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2009/03/11 at 12:00am

Reviews

Sunshine Cleaning

03.11.2009 | By |

Rated: R for language, disturbing images, some sexuality and drug use.
Release Date: 2009-03-13
Starring: Megan Holley
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country: USA
Official Website: NULL

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Sunshine Cleaning

“Sunshine Cleaning,” the third feature from helmer Christine Jeffs, is an amusing trifle of a chick flick that manages to hold attention for 102 minutes.  It does so despite a thin plot mainly due to smashing performances by Alan Arkin as con-artist cum paterfamilias Joe Lorkowski, Amy Adams as his less than successful elder daughter Rose, and crisp dialogue by screenwriter Megan Holley.  Arkin is making a career at playing pretty much the same existential character he played in “Little Miss Sunshine.”  Fortunately for “Sunshine Cleaning,” this time his character is not killed mid-flick.
 
Plot centers on Rose’s almost “I Love Lucy” style effort to better her circumstances.  A star high school cheerleader, opening cuts show her working as a maid days while screwing her now married high school boyfriend (Mac played by Steve Zahn) nights.  An unwed mother, her son Oscar’s (Jason Spevack) expulsion from public school ignites her immediate need for more money to pay private school tuition.  The Ethel in the duo is slacker younger sister Norah (Emily Blunt).  “Sunshine Cleaning” is a biohazard cleanup concern Rose starts after Mac mentions that it is a lucrative growth industry – a point driven home by pic’s opening in which a fellow played by Christopher Dempsey offs himself by shotgun in a sporting goods store.
 
After a shaky start, all goes well until Norah accidentally burns down a client’s house.  That puts uninsured Rose out of business.  A couple of notes of pathos (and tears) are introduced via the revelation, mid flick, of absent mother’s (Marya Beauvais) suicide when the siblings were tots.  The revelation is set up by an odd subplot with lesbian overtones that leads to a dead end.
 
Sharp editing by Heather Persons and Jeffs’ firm hand at the throttle move things along at a fine clip, making “Sunshine Cleaning” seem far more compelling than it is.  Its message, if it has one, is the Nike slogan, “Just Do It.”
 
A weepy ending would be out of the question.  Jeffs avoids it with a couple of scenes that appear to be almost tacked on – the pivotal one being a sort of deus ex machina that is not entirely set up by what went before, but is at least consistent with pic’s humorous tone.  Editor Persons offers a nicely balanced touch in which quick cuts at the film’s open and end accomplish a good deal of exposition.  “Sunshine Cleaning” is a bit like Chinese food.  It seems more substantial than it is while one is eating it.
 
Minorities are almost conspicuously absent in this flick set in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Beyond a few seemingly Mexican-American small roles, cast credits reveal only a few Spanish surnamed actors.  One, however, Clifton Collins (a.k.a. Clifton Gonzalez-Gonzalez) plays a pivotal although not necessarily ethnic role.
 
Distributed in the US by Overture Films, “Sunshine Cleaning” is rated “R” due to language, violence (the suicide in the first reel), and sexual content.

Transporter 3
Alex Florez
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By

2009/03/10 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Transporter 3

03.10.2009 | By |

Rating: 2.5

Rated: PG-13 for sequences of intense action and violence, some sexual content and drug material.
Release Date: 2008-11-26
Starring: Luc Besson, Robert Mark Kamen
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:France
Official Website: http://www.letransporteur3-lefilm.com/

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Let’s be frank (no pun intended). This review really isn’t needed. 

The latest installment of the ‘Transporter’ series is everything you expect it to be: one ridiculous action sequence after another with a senseless romantic plot sandwiched in between.  But who says that’s a bad thing?

Frank Martin (Jason Statham), a former Special Forces officer and now a highly skilled courier for the underworld world, has been pressured into ‘transporting’ Valentina (Natalya Rudakova), the kidnapped daughter of Leonid Vasilev, a top Ukrainian politician, all across Europe.  But things get pretty ugly for him when he has to contend with the people who strong armed him to take the job, the special agents sent by Vasilev to intercept him, and his unruly passenger.  If you haven’t seen the first two films, you’ll quickly pick up on its simple premise. 

Oh yes, one other matter of hilarious complication. On this particular run, Frank is forced to wear a high tech bracelet which is programed to explode if he gets too far from his Audi S8.  And so he speed races through Europe stopping only to battle dozens of henchmen that are on his tail using his masterful kung fu skills – all within 50 feet of his car, of course.

If nothing else, Transporter 3 is hysterical. The implausibility of all the stunts should be enough to keep you entertained for a couple of hours. And the fact that it takes itself so seriously makes it even funnier. If you’ve seen ‘Crank’ (my personal favorite Statham film), I’m sure you know exactly what I mean. 
 
It is what it is.  A kung fu movie with fast cars and a British accent.

Now we all know the effects a big turkey dinner can have. So if you’re looking for a film to watch on Thursday night, perhaps ‘Transporter 3’ is a better choice than the 3 hour epic which also opens this weekend.

Role Models
Mike Pierce
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2009/03/10 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Role Models

03.10.2009 | By |

Rating: 4.0

Rated: R for crude and sexual content, strong language and nudity.
Release Date: 2008-11-07
Starring: Paul Rudd, David Wain
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.rolemodelsmovie.com/

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The dynamic duo is back! Sean William Scott and Paul Rudd are tag teaming it on the big screen in the hilarious movie, Role Models.

Let me tell you people…I haven’t laughed that hard in a longgggg time. I’m telling the truth…you laugh from the beginning to the end! NO LIE.

It’s basically about two guys who work for a energy drink company…Paul Rudd who plays, Danny…well, his girlfriend breaks up with him…totally crushed…he decides to go off during a high school speech…after being kicked out…their Minotaur truck gets towed…a huge fight breaks out…and their arrested.
 
Instead of doing jail time…they are told they have to do 150 hours of community service at Sturdy Wings. (like a Big Brother’s Program) They have become mentors.
 
Danny gets a kid named Augie…who’s into REAL FANTASY roll playing. (Watch the trailer)…Wheeler is mentoring, Ronnie…this little black kid…who is funny as hell. You have to see it for yourself.
 
This is a great Rated R movie…cussin, boobies, fighting, biting, screaming, drinking…a good ass movie. I’m actually going to see it again.

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