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Movie Reviews

Coco Before Chanel (Movie Review)
Namreta Kumar
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2009/09/25 at 12:00am

Reviews

Coco Before Chanel (Movie Review)

09.25.2009 | By |

“Coco Before Chanel” is a visual treat that captures the essence of its subject, Gabriel “Coco” Chanel, in a way that is both elegant and authentic. Anne Fontaine has crafted a period piece that mirrors the timeless nature of Chanel herself.

Fontaine and Audrey Tautou seamlessly bring Coco to life on screen. As the title suggests, the film focuses on Coco before she became the legendary figure known for Chanel. It’s a story of a woman destined for greatness, but not about her ultimate success. Rather, it’s about her tragic journey—a tale of perseverance and struggle. Thanks to Fontaine’s brilliant screenplay and direction, the film offers a compelling and nuanced view of Coco’s life without resorting to excess or grandeur.

Fontaine and Tautou carefully illustrate Coco’s vision, allowing the audience to see the world through her eyes. Tautou’s portrayal captures the complexity of Coco’s emotions and aspirations, from her first spark of ambition to her final, defining gaze. The film would not be complete without the contributions of Etienne Balsan (Benoit Poelvoorde) and Boy Capel (Alessandro Nivola), as their relationships with Coco form the emotional core of the narrative. The portrayal of these key figures is as carefully executed as Tautou’s, keeping the audience emotionally engaged through the vulnerabilities and aspirations of each character, right up to the film’s bittersweet conclusion.

While the film does not attempt to cover the full span of Coco Chanel’s 87 years, it encapsulates the essence of her style and spirit. It’s a quiet, intimate experience that is driven by beautiful, still moments. If you’re unfamiliar with Coco Chanel or are outside the typical audience for this kind of film, be prepared for a different kind of cinematic journey. Like all things Coco Chanel, even if you can’t afford it, this is one experience you can’t afford to miss.

The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
Jack Rico
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2009/09/22 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

09.22.2009 | By |

Rating: 2.5

Rated: PG-13 for sexual content throughout, some language and a drug reference.
Release Date: 2009-05-01
Starring: Jon Lucas, Scott Moore
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.ghostsofgirlfriendspastmovie.com/

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‘Ghosts of Girlfriends Past’ isn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Screenwriters Jon Lucas and Scott Moore somehow manage to salvage the film by developing two well written romantic moments into the overdone cornball premise. The film doesn’t work as a comedy, but it gets the job done in the romance department.

Celebrity photographer Connor Mead (Matthew McConaughey) is a free loving bachelor  who is the ultimate ‘playa’. Unfortunately, his childhood friend Jenny (Jennifer Garner) is the one woman in his life who has always seemed immune to his considerable charm. It all comes to a climax when three ghosts, yes a la Dickens, take him on a revealing odyssey through a lifetime of failed relationships. The purpose of this exam is to get him to redeem himself in front of his one true love – Jenny.

There is no doubts about this film being targeted to female viewers, Unfortunately, they’ll have to deal with some negatives. Most of the damage of the film exists in its overused storyline – Charles Dickens’ ‘The Christmas Carol’. That on its own should scare most moviegoers away. Adding to the barrage of detriments is the myriad of lame and unamusing gags that never go over. I don’t really remember laughing once. But halfway through the film, when Michael Douglas appears as Uncle Wayne, is when we finally experience the first engaging moment. Douglas’s detailed in-depth tutorial on picking up women to a young Connor possesses a real candor absent from similar movies of the genre. I’m sure female viewers will find it amusing if not absurd. We once again are treated to another memorable moment at the film’s climax when McConaughey himself dishes out some love wisdom of his own. These scenes mixed in with a gooey score and sufficient teary close ups will debilitate even some of the most stoic of men.

 

Apart from those likable sequences, the supporting cast is simply irrelevant and insipid. Their charms and levels of interest are nonexistent. Futhermore, McConaughey’s performance matches those of his previous uninspired works (Fools Gold, Failure to Launch, The Wedding Planner). Nevertheless, if you can get past the Dickens homage, ‘Ghosts of Girlfriends Past’ is better than most romantic fare out in theaters right now. Female viewers will enjoy a good insight into the male psyche and have a chance to see a man go from player to prince. Isn’t that what all women want?

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Jack Rico
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2009/09/19 at 12:00am

Reviews

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

09.19.2009 | By |

Rated: PG for brief mild language.
Release Date: 2009-09-18
Starring: Judi Barrett, Ron Barrett
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country: USA
Official Website: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/cloudywithachanceofmeatballs/

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Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Gluttony to the umpteenth degree is what parents should expect from this farcical 3D animation that is strictly for kids’ excessive and hyper yearnings. I’d like to say, “fun for the whole family”, but the story is too infantile for adults to be truly bothered. Watch out for Mr.T’s character throughout the film – he is hilarious for all ages.

‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs’ is based on a children’s book from Judy and Ron Barrett which follows inventor Flint Lockwood (voice of Bill Hader) and brainy weathergirl Sam Sparks (voice of Anna Faris) as they attempt to discover why the rain in their small town has stopped while food is falling in its place. Meanwhile, lifelong bully Brent (voice of Adam Samberg) relishes in tormenting Flint just as he did when they were kids, and Mayor Shelbourne (voice of Bruce Campbell) schemes to use Flint’s latest invention–a device designed to improve everyone’s lives–for his own personal gain. Mr. T. voices by-the-books cop Earl Devereaux, and James Caan voices Flint’s technophobe father, Tim.

For those of you that might be going for the 3D animation experience, “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” produces a sharp, crisp picture, with no visible imprecision between the matches of the images. There is clear definition between closer and further elements. In terms of technical quality, this is the best I’ve seen so far along with G-Force from Disney.

The Burning Plain (Movie Review)
Jennifer Lawrence in ‘The Burning Plain’
Jack Rico
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2009/09/19 at 12:00am

Reviews

The Burning Plain (Movie Review)

09.19.2009 | By |

‘The Burning Plain’ is a bleak film which is heavy on the visceral drama and light on substance. The script isn’t compelling nor are the characters and last I heard, the idea behind creating a movie is to entertain audiences to some degree, not make one miserable and despondent.

Three stories about three women swing back and forth in time and place, gathering apparently disconnected and twisted scenes into a monotonous tale of betrayal, love, and death. The film stars Charlize Theron, Kim Basinger and a new crop of actors.

Mexican screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga, now turned director, is a magnificent penman who creates scenes that bring the best out of actors and his director. Regrettably, as his fourth work shows, he has reached a repetitive, one-dimensional plateau where he can’t seem to free himself from. Once again, Arriaga tells a story of various characters paralleling each other. He began with this structure in ‘Amores Perros’ and continued in ‘21 Grams,’ ‘Babel’ and now ‘The Burning Plain’. When I spoke to him, Arriaga contested that he felt the composition and story of this film are completely different than anything he has done before. He needs to take a closer look at his films and pick up on the recurring patterns – multi-narratives and gut-wrenching, emotional dramas. There isn’t anything wrong with Arriaga continuing along this trademark path, but isn’t variety the spice of life? Versatility is where you prove yourself to be better than just one style and I am hoping to see something distinct and fresh for his next project.

This is a Hollywood indie intertwined with a Latino story. For Hispanics, the decision to watch this heavy film for the sake of supporting a fellow patriot is ignorant. You make your decision based on the quality of the script and the acting. In this case, the script is banal, too serious and melodramatic and the acting, though arguably strong, is not compelling and lacks believability. I recommend you wait for his arch nemesis, Alejandro González Iñárritu’s new film ‘Biutiful’ starring Javier Bardem for a more enjoyable experience at the movies in December.

 

Jennifer’s Body
Alex Florez
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2009/09/18 at 12:00am

Reviews

Jennifer’s Body

09.18.2009 | By |

Rated: R for sexuality, bloody violence, language and brief drug use.
Release Date: 2009-09-18
Starring: Diablo Cody
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country: USA
Official Website: http://www.jennifersbody.com/

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Jennifer's Body

‘Jennifer’s Body’ is a failure on so many levels: as a horror film, a comedy and its acting, but it does manage to be a good teen film due to Diablo Cody’s authentic and irreverent script and dialogue. It is so sumptuous that I haven’t been this excited to HEAR just dialogue since her first work in ‘Juno.’

The premise is simple yet loses its path many a times. When small-town high school hottie Jennifer (Megan Fox) is possessed by a hungry demon, guys who never stood a chance with her, take on new luster in the light of Jennifer’s insatiable appetite.

Oscar award winning screenwriter Diablo Cody is a teenager trapped in a woman’s body. Her uncanny way to capture and tap into the teen angst of today is an onerous task that she pulls off effortlessly… once again. Nevertheless, there is no excuse for some of the tawdry moments the movie provides. Its pacing, in particular, lacks a natural rhythm, the acting is descent at best and Megan just doesn’t bring it; she’s not good enough to carry the movie. The film overall struggles with a sense of identity. It doesn’t know whether it wants to be campy or a little less flamboyant, but it never finds the right balance. It’s never truly scary or funny. If you’re going to see the film in theaters just to get off on Megan Fox, there are other ways to do it, such as waiting for it on DVD in 4 months

Watch out for the lesbo scene, it might just shock the horror from you.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Jack Rico
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2009/09/15 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

09.15.2009 | By |

Rating: 3.0

Rated: PG-13
Release Date: 2009-05-01
Starring: David Benioff
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.xmenorigins.com/

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Is the bootleg online version of ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ better than the cinematic experience? If you already saw the illegal downloaded version, should you spend your money to watch it in a real movie theater? I personally haven’t seen the unauthorized edition, but from the feedback I’ve received from those who have and with my take from the theatrical version – yes, you should see it in theaters only if you enjoyed what you saw. It would enhance the experience that director Gavin Hood intended to originally put forth, but, if you didn’t like the story to begin with, odds are you won’t like it after you see in the big screen.

‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ is set prior to the events of the original X-Men films, sometime in the 1970s. It begins principally with Wolverine and partially with a few other legends of the X-Men universe. Some highlights include characters and story lines that have been long anticipated. The movie also explores Logan’s romance with Kayla Silverfox. Kayla’s fate triggers Logan’s involvement with the ominous Weapon X program, a top secret, billion-dollar military experiment, in which Wolverine obtains his indestructible metal skeleton.

The film had several problems ranging from blatant gaps in the story, underwhelming performances by new characters, to the unacceptable, second-rate CGI effects throughout the film (in particular a cameo done by a CGI Patrick Stewart). Unfortunately, these critical factors in particular, were too distracting for me to overcome. In its defense, there were many laudable moments such as Hugh Jackman’s performance of Wolverine (I can’t see anyone else ever playing him) and Liev Schrieber as his archenemy brethren, Sabretooth. Ryan Reynolds, who has been bashed by some bloggers for being casted as Deadpool, was likable in playing the wise cracking sword killer.

Overall, you have the good and the bad making ‘Wolverine’ an average film. Brett Ratner’s “X-Men: The Last Stand” turned out to be a better films on all levels. On a separate note, watch out for two clips after the credits, one scene immediately after the credits begin and the other at the very end of all the credits. These will reveal some of what may come in the next sequel.

Whiteout
Jack Rico
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By

2009/09/10 at 12:00am

Reviews

Whiteout

09.10.2009 | By |

Rated: R for violence, grisly images, brief strong language and some nudity.
Release Date: 2009-09-11
Starring: Erich Hoeber, Jon Hoeber
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country: USA
Official Website: www.whiteoutmovie.com

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Whiteout

Before writing this criticism, I read some reviews from some major outlets spewing diatribes about this film. I just want to say their statements are greatly exaggerated. They just don’t get graphic novels. That is what ‘Whiteout’ is based on via the creative pens of Greg Rucka and Steve Lieber, This is a stomach churning action-thriller that journeys into the depths of ice hell in the Antarctica. Expect a balanced dose of action and drama, but it’s the slow, escalating tension that ultimately maintains you glued to your seat.

Carrie Stetko (Kate Beckinsale), the lone U.S. Marshal assigned to Antarctica, is investigating the continent’s first murder, which draws her into a shocking mystery. Now, with only three days until a calamitous winter, Carrie must solve the crime before Antarctica is plunged into darkness and she is stranded with the killer.

The movie has its deficiencies such as the dialogue (“Doc, this wasn’t an accident!”) and its shoddy denouement that will leave audiences cursing, but it needs to be applauded for creating a tense filled atmosphere through slow paced and eery scenes. I appreciated the twists and turns, which I felt, were unpredictable, yet plausible. Overall that is what going to the movies is all about, experiencing something far from the realities of life.

9
Jack Rico
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By

2009/09/10 at 12:00am

Reviews

9

09.10.2009 | By |

Rated: PG-13 for violence and scary images.
Release Date: 2009-09-09
Starring: Shane Acker, Pamela Pettler
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country: UK, USA
Official Website: http://9themovie.com/splash/

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9

‘9’ is an enjoyable, engrossing piece of cinema that will envelope you with its innovative animation, dark yet thought provoking storyline and compelling voice performances. Think of Wall-E meets Terminator Salvation. Its only flaw is that it lacks some depth, but it’s redeemed by the absorbing action sequences. Just WOW. With a slight running time of 80 minutes, ‘9’ does the trick for this post Labor Day weekend.

The film takes place in a world parallel to our own, in which the very legacy of humanity is threatened. A group of sapient rag dolls, living a post-apocalyptic existence find one of their own, 9 (Elijah Wood), who displays leadership qualities that may help them to survive.

The director is Shane Acker, who is making his feature debut. 9 is an expansion of his 2005 Oscar-nominated animated short of the same name. With Tim Burton and Tim Bekmambetov (Wanted) on board, getting A-list voice actors was not a problem. Of all the major stars – Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, John C. Reilly, Martin Landau – only Christopher Plummer is immediately recognizable. The rest manage the critical component of effective anonymity, which can be important in an animated film lest the image of the actor overwhelm the character to which voice is being given.

For those looking for something different, new, mentally stimulating and a bit dark and sinister, ‘9’ offers all the Tim Burton traits without the hype.

All About Steve (Movie Review)
Jack Rico
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By

2009/09/03 at 12:00am

Reviews

All About Steve (Movie Review)

09.3.2009 | By |

All About Steve has to be one of the worst movies of the year and certainly the worst of Sandra Bullock’s career. To make matters worse, she also produced it. Double slap. The comedy is meant to be funny, but instead, it leaves viewers frustrated and irritated. This vapid, insipid story fails to engage and is a waste of a good cast.

The premise is awful and unoriginal. After one date with a CNN cameraman (Bradley Cooper), Mary Horowitz (Sandra Bullock), a brilliant crossword-puzzle constructor, decides he is her true love. As she alienates him by trailing him across the country, she bonds with a group of misfits who appreciate her eccentric nature.

If you’ve seen The Proposal, you know Bullock can shine in a much better comedy. That film was a box office hit on its release. So what happened here? It’s simply a case of a bad script. Nothing and no one can escape that “disease.” All About Steve is a train wreck from the very start, and you should avoid it at all costs.

Extract
Namreta Kumar
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By

2009/09/01 at 12:00am

Reviews

Extract

09.1.2009 | By |

Rated: R for language, sexual references and some drug use.
Release Date: 2009-09-04
Starring: Mike Judge
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country: USA
Official Website: http://www.extract-the-movie.com/

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Extract

When you leave this film the first thing that you recall is that it was a comedy; beyond that the characters were peculiarly familiar, and then even the comedy becomes textbook.

Overall this comedy rings through the characters, but unlike “Office Space” this film brings nothing novel to cinema. “Extract” pulls from Mike Judge’s all too familiar space and creates a new score of characters we can all say we have met before.

Jason Bateman plays the “Extract King,” Joel, in this blue-collar comedy that is all about its ensemble of characters and the trouble they brew. From the incorrigible best friend Dean, played by Ben Affleck, down to the gnawing neighbor Nathan, played by David Koechner, each character is a satire all on their own and the film benefits most from the casts’ unison. However, that is about where the fun ends. As one gets to know the little pieces that each character plays the film becomes a little too predictable and even the characters lose their familiar charms.

As the film progresses, the little doses of rolling laughter almost feel typical rather than being synonymous to the anecdotes they all seem to have been created from. The audience may feel swept away for bits as the cast does a great job portraying their little world, however as the film closes there is not much that resonates. The story comes full circle as the satire thins out and the final credits roll in the last little stunts.

Extract can benefit from its release date as summer winds-down and some people look forward to an unassuming film to wind-down with; but this Judge film, much like its predecessor, will more likely find its place in the cable and DVD market.

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