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Reviews for DVD Releases

Hannah Montana: The Movie
Jack Rico
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2009/08/18 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Hannah Montana: The Movie

08.18.2009 | By |

Rating: 2.0

Rated: G
Release Date: 2009-04-10
Starring: Daniel Berendsen
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/hannahmontanamovie/

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‘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.

17 Again
Jack Rico
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2009/08/11 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

17 Again

08.11.2009 | By |

Rating: 2.0

Rated: PG-13 for language, some sexual material and teen partying.
Release Date: 2009-04-17
Starring: Jason Filardi
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: www.17againmovie.com

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I wanted to like ‘17 Again’ for its nostalgic teen flare, but the script and dialogue were so inept and appalling, not much can be extolled from it. So many things went awry that scrutinizing the film at lengths would be a time-wasting process. The ensemble did an okay job, enough to collectively salvage some dignity from the movie. Nevertheless, whatever I say is insignificant since the main ticket buyers for this teen film will ignore my every word. They will swoon over Zac Efron for a few weeks, then on DVD a few months later until eternity.

The storyline is somewhat intriguing – what would you do if you got a second shot at life,  as your former 17 year old alter-ego? Many questions would arise, but for argument’s sake, we’ll follow the film’s plot… 39 year old Mike O’Donnell (Matthew Perry), a has-been high school basketball star, is dealt a miserable hand at being a credible dad. But Mike is given another chance when he is miraculously transformed back to the age of 17 (Zac Efron) to recapture his best years, and bring his family together.

The premise may catch an ear or two, but it is the execution of the story which is unfathomable. Director Burr Steers doesn’t have a clue of what story development is. Perhaps 17 Again’s biggest travesty, is its inability to fabricate a better story to explain how an adult transforms into a teenager. In the movie, a janitor with magical powers just happens to show up and morph him. Moreover, his former teachers, friends and wife, who should recognize Perry as a young Efron, are fully oblivious to this miracle. No explanation, no reason, no care. One tends to understand that plausibility in thee types of films are inconsequential, but for it to be this blatant is just negligent and wreckless.

In spite of these glaring issues, parents and other adults could succumb to the nostalgia of the films storyline. Noteworthy is Zac Efron, who is a likable actor that masks a lot of the movie’s deficiencies. His looks also camouflage his limited range as an actor. Hopefully, he will develop into a better thespian with time and work. Overall, kids and Zac zealots will enjoy and indulge in this zany 80’s feel teen flick.

I Love You, Man
Jack Rico
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2009/08/11 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

I Love You, Man

08.11.2009 | By |

Rating: 3.0

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

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“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.

face3media
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2009/08/04 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

The Soloist

08.4.2009 | By |

Rating: 2.5

Rated: PG-13 for thematic elements, some drug use and language.
Release Date: 2009-04-24
Starring: Susannah Grant, Steve Lopez
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:UK, USA
Official Website: http://www.soloistmovie.com/

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Obsessed
Mack Chico
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2009/08/04 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Obsessed

08.4.2009 | By |

Rating: 1.5

Rated: PG-13 for sexual material including some suggestive dialogue, some violence and thematic content.
Release Date: 2009-04-24
Starring: David Loughery
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.areyouobsessed.com/

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Tenemos al héroe y al villano de la película. El héroe y el villano pelean, se matan a golpes, el villano busca la muerte del héroe y el héroe busca salvar su vida. Se encuentran en un precipicio, un piso alto, o cualquier diferencia de altura que permita lo siguiente, que en un movimiento el villano termine pendiendo de un hilo, a punto de caer y morir. El héroe se apiada de él y le extiende la mano. El villano aprovecha su mano, y luego lo traiciona, poniendo al héroe al borde de la muerte. ¿Les suena esta escena? No hace falta que contesten.

 

Por ahí esta escena podía causar algo de impacto en 1989, cuando Batman le extiende el brazo al Guasón, y éste da vuelta la escena, poniendo en riesgo la vida del encapotado. Pasaron veinte años, y esta escena todavía puede figurar en un guión. No solo figurar, sino ser el punto principal del clímax de un thriller. Pero para llegar a ello, Obsesionada pasa por todos los clichés de cualquier thriller. Si el personaje de la blonda Ali Larter fuera la amante de Derek, el papel interpretado por Idris Elba, estaríamos ante una remake no declarada de Atracción fatal, con la única diferencia de contar con protagonistas negros y amante rubia. Pero no, aunque no sabemos hasta qué punto el hecho de que ese dato determinara que no es una copia fiel de aquel thriller es una ventaja para la película.

 

Por un lado, si Derek efectivamente le hubiese sido infiel a su mujer, hubiese afectado la credibilidad del guión, a fin de cuentas, teniendo a Beyoncé en tu casa, ¿para que buscarías algo afuera? Por otro lado, la falta de ambigüedad de Derek por momentos se vuelve irritante. No solo parece un hombre perfecto, laboralmente exitoso, apuesto, y con una familia perfecta, sino que en ningún momento actúa de manera mínimamente cuestionable, por ende, todo lo que sucede en la película reposa en Lisa, el personaje de Ali Larter. Ahora bien, ¿qué thriller se puede construir con una mujer obsesionada con un hombre que en ningún momento da pie o hace algo (por más ingenuo que sea) para generar semejante obsesión? Sin duda, un thriller forzado al máximo, carente de todo sustento, con dos personajes “maquetas” (el de Idris Elba y el de Beyoncé), y una contrafigura construida de manera sumamente gratuita, tan gratuita como buena parte de las situaciones que se suceden.

 

Cierta intriga está correctamente desarrollada, y la pelea entre Sharon (Beyoncé) y Lisa es indudablemente entretenida, pese a ser excesivamente obvia, y desembocar en la radicalmente previsible acción que se narra al inicio de esta crítica. Dos cosas concretas: El interés principal de esta película reposa indudablemente en la bella Beyoncé, y algo de la publicidad en torno a este film sugería cierto dejo de erotismo. Hay que decir que Beyoncé está muy bien en su papel (es, lejos, lo mejor de la película), y que el erotismo, lo único que le podría haber insuflado un poco de sangre al film, falta completamente a la cita. El resto, de lo convencional a lo decididamente mediocre.

Race to Witch Mountain
Jack Rico
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2009/08/04 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Race to Witch Mountain

08.4.2009 | By |

Rating: 3.5

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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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.

Fast & Furious
Jack Rico
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2009/07/28 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Fast & Furious

07.28.2009 | By |

Rating: 2.5

Rated: PG-13 for for intense sequences of violence and action, some sexual content, language and drug references.
Release Date: 2009-04-03
Starring: Chris Morgan, Gary Scott Thompson
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.fastandfuriousmovie.net/

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‘Fast & Furious,’ the fourth installment to the classic car action film ‘Fast and the Furious’ franchise, revisits the lives of the original cast members and their unexpected reunion after eight years apart from each other. This time around, the film amps up the action sequences and presents more character development than the first part. Those moments unfortunately do not work well and are perhaps the most risible and feeble scenes of the film. Nevertheless, the end result is fun, brainless entertainment that combines nostalgia with unadulterated action.

Vin Diesel and Paul Walker meet up again when an unfortunate incident brings them back to the highways of Los Angeles as they are forced to confront a shared enemy. Dom (Diesel) and Brian (Walker) must give in to an uncertain new trust if they hope to ever outmaneuver him and fulfill their individual and personal agendas.

I have never been a big fan of the “Fast and the Furious” franchise, but I guess the old adage of “you never know what you have until you lose it” has some truth to it. I am referring to the original cast of Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster – whose absence from parts two and three (2 Fast 2 Furious and Tokyo Drift) were tremendously felt. With their anticipated reunion on this third sequel, mostly a nostalgic one, the ‘hype’ surrounding the original film in 2001 was merited. These four individuals together bring a tremendous charge of allure to the big screen which will no doubt make this film a box office success. Expect a high dosage of high speed car chases, gun battles and a heavy Latino vibe from the actors, the locations and music.

Watchmen
Alex Florez
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By

2009/07/21 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Watchmen

07.21.2009 | By |

Rating: 2.5

Rated: R for strong graphic violence, sexuality, nudity and language.
Release Date: 2009-03-06
Starring: David Hayter, Alex Tse
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://watchmenmovie.warnerbros.com/

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Film goers, be warned. Watchmen is no ordinary superhero movie, but it’s also not an extraordinary one.

This latest comic book adaptation is one complex, multi-layered murder mystery, set in an alternate 1985 America in which costumed superheroes are part of the fabric of everyday society.  It is the world Alan Moore created for his legendary comic book series, which, when published, challenged both the genre and medium. 

For those who haven’t read the books, Watchmen chronicles a group of vigilantes which disbanded years earlier when masked superheroes were banned by the US government.  The story begins when one of its members, “The Comedian” (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) is murdered, setting “Rorschach” (one of his former partners) on a mission to find out who done it. 

Those that have read the books, will know that in reality the story is about much more than that.  It is part political satire, part Shakespearian tragedy and oh yes, part “Detective Comics”. It’s mature content is without a doubt bound to surprise many. The ones who argue that comic books can’t be or aren’t “deep”, simply haven’t read this one.  And that’s precisely the challenge the filmmakers met when adapting it to the big screen. 

The books are so carefully crafted that everything in them, needs to be there.  If even one of the elements goes missing the story just doesn’t work. There’s no question that director Zack Snyder attempted to make a faithful adaptation, but when you try to fit all 12 issues into a regular movie’s running time (this one runs 15 minutes shy of three hours), some of the desperately needed elements in the story are bound to be lost in translation.  In the end however, some different directing choices could have tied things together more coherently.

One such thing I think could have been re-imagined is an opening montage that condenses the origins of the Watchmen lore to the duration of a 1960s folk song, leaving you will little time to figure out what’s happened.  At times things feel a bit convoluted but unlike reading a comic, in a movie you can’t go back and re-read a page to further understand what happens later in the story.  Fortunately the appeal of some of the characters are undeniable.  Jack Earle Haley wonderfully plays “Rorschach” the borderline psychopath who wears a mask with shape shifting inkblots, and gives the film its edge and ferocity. 

It is not the first time that one of Alan Moore’s graphic novels is adapted to the big screen.  V for Vendetta and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen were the other two films that fell short on their promise.

While the film disappoints on some levels, my hope is that viewers will be drawn to read to the comic book series that set a precedence for future books of its kind.

Coraline
Mack Chico
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By

2009/07/21 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Coraline

07.21.2009 | By |

Rating: 3.5

Rated: PG for thematic elements, scary images, some language and suggestive humor.
Release Date: 2009-02-06
Starring: Henry Selick, Neil Gaiman
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.filminfocus.com/focusfeatures/film/coraline/

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Coraline, based on a short book by Neil Gaiman, is an entertaining 3-D experience that manages to tell a captivating kids story with an edge that adults can enjoy.

 

The movie tells the story of a young girl (Fanning) who  through a secret door in her new home and discovers an alternate version of her life. On the surface, this parallel reality is eerily similar to her real life – only much better. But when her adventure turns dangerous, and her counterfeit parents (including Other Mother [Hatcher]) try to keep her forever, Coraline must count on her resourcefulness, determination, and bravery to get back home – and save her family.

 

Selick’s animated style is almost smooth enough to be mistaken for CGI, but there’s a texture to the approach that betrays it as being a little more labor intensive (watch the cat’s fur, especially in its first scene). Kids likely won’t notice the difference, but adults will appreciate that the movie doesn’t feel like a generic clone of the animated product that studios are pumping out with regularity. Selick’s bizarre streak is given ample opportunity to be on display. His tendencies to favor gothic backdrops and to develop his characters in such a way that they look like they have emerged from an Edward Gorey illustration makes the film potentially intense for young, nightmare-prone children. This is the basis for the PG (not G) rating.

 

The plot is interesting enough to involve viewers of all ages. Despite the incorporation of familiar elements, it provides some surprises and the narrative trajectory is not predictable from start to finish. The vocal characterizations, mostly provided by actors without distinctive voices, are strong. Dakota Fanning makes the young heroine instantly likeable and Teri Hatcher has no difficulty with aspects of her role that force her into Wicked Witch territory. Selick may have incorporated a little of Fanning and Hatcher’s looks into their animated counterparts, although nothing is overt.

 

Like all effective fables, Coraline isn’t only for children, although it would, I suspect, work as a bed-time story. One of my biggest problems with many animated movies is that they are pitched at an intellectual level below me, but I didn’t feel that way about Coraline. The film has been crafted with a consideration that the best family movies appeal not only to a young target audience but to the parents who accompany their offspring to theaters. And, while the 3D experience may make Coraline a little more eye-catching, it is by no means mandatory for those wishing to enjoy what this visually intriguing production has to offer.

The Haunting in Connecticut
Mack Chico
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2009/07/14 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

The Haunting in Connecticut

07.14.2009 | By |

Rating: 1.5

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

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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.

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