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Movie Reviews

A Perfect Getaway
Jack Rico
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2009/12/29 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

A Perfect Getaway

12.29.2009 | By |

Rating: 2.5

Rated: R for graphic violence, language including sexual references and some drug use.
Release Date: 2009-08-07
Starring: David Twohy
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.iamrogue.com/aperfectgetaway/

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‘A Perfect Getaway’ is one of the most predictable ‘whodunnit’ thriller films of 2009. Because of this, the second half of the film isn’t as enjoyable since we already know who the killers are. Nevertheless, it is fun, but I wish writer/director David Twohy (Pitch Black) would have made it a bit more difficult for us to decipher. The complexity of figuring out who the assassins are is what makes these types of films entertaining (i.e; Memento).

The storyline is engaging. A Hawaiian honeymoon turns dangerous for two lovers (Steve Zahn and Milla Jovovich) when they discover they are being stalked by a pair of killers: Nick (Timonthy Olyphant) and Gina (Kiele Sanchez) are unmarried adventurers looking for one more destination to add to their globe-trotting resume. And Kale (Chris Hemsworth) and Cleo (Marley Shelton) are surfer/hippie types who show signs of anti-social behavior. But who could it be? (Cue the horror music).

This film begins in an amusing fashion with plenty of character development allowing the audience to attach themselves to the protagonists. This is a clever move by the director since it is a known “rule” that audiences like characters who they know well, but it backfires because Twohy tries so hard to surprise everyone that he ends up surprising no one. There is a ‘twist’ that occurs in the middle of the movie that is so expected, it makes you feel like one’s intelligence has been questioned.

I’ve never been a fan of Timothy Olyphant’s acting (‘Hitman’ was the beginning of the end for me), but it wasn’t a distraction this time around. He did a descent job as did the rest of the cast. Kiele Sanchez, the Puerto Rican actress, was a pleasing screen delight, and Zahn casted a shadow of agitation throughout the film.

All around, ‘A Perfect Getaway’ is a silly, fun time at the movies that won’t leave you bored, just expect to figure out everything out very soon and to see some dumb moments that’ll leave you scratching your head.

Jennifer’s Body
Jack Rico
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2009/12/29 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Jennifer’s Body

12.29.2009 | By |

Rating: 2.5

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’ 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.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel
Mirna Lopez
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2009/12/23 at 12:00am

Reviews

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

12.23.2009 | By |

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

If you enjoyed the adventures of Alvin and the Chipmunks in 2007, be sure to feel the same with Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel. It contains the same main characteristics from the first movie. Once again, these cute and fuzzy chipmunks will entertain you with their music. Basically, The Squekquel continues the adventures of the pop sensations Alvin and the Chipmunks.

 

The chipmunks are attending school, and it is up to them to save their school’s music program by winning $25,000 in a battle of bands. Nevertheless, now the chipmunks have competition, The Chipettes: Brittany, Eleanor and Jeanette. Adjusting to this new life style involving peer pressure, girls, and sports has become pretty difficult for Alvin, Simon and Theodore.

 

We do not hear Dave (Jason Lee) yelling “Alvin!” every few minutes, like in the first movie. His nephew Toby takes care of the chipmunks in The Squeakquel, and treats them slightly different as Dave.

 

The way everyone seems to ignore the fact that famous chipmunks are attending school, makes us wonder “why?” However, we easily make them fit into the environment, especially when another three female chipmunks arrive. Something we will have in mind throughout the entire movie is that the chipmunks are adorably cute. Being adorable is what makes the chipmunks unique and gives the special touch that both movies have.

 

Prepare yourself to see these sweet and clever chipmunks live as if they were humans. You will only enjoy “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel” if you already think they look adorable. Otherwise, you will not receive the same effect as everyone else, who also liked the first movie.

District 9
Jack Rico
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2009/12/21 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

District 9

12.21.2009 | By |

Rating: 4.0

Rated: R for bloody violence and pervasive language.
Release Date: 2009-08-14
Starring: Neill Blomkamp, Terri Tatchell
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA, South Africa
Official Website: http://www.d-9.com/

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‘District 9’ is the must-see summer film of 2009! It is really two films in one – a thought-provoking political and social documentary combined with stylized action packed CG film with all the bells and whistles. The direction of the film allows the story to rise to a crescendo at the very end satisfying even the non sci-fi cinephiles.

This is a smart film like those who too infrequently visit our multiplexes. The premise is a bit intricate since it deals with various social layers such as racism, bigotry, immigration, corruption, but with a quirky and entertaining twist. An extraterrestrial race forced to live in slum-like conditions on District 9 in South Africa, suddenly find a kindred spirit in a government agent that is exposed to their biotechnology. To reveal anymore would be to give away the movie.

What is wonderful about the movie is how director Neil Blomkamp manages to intertwine several genres with success: off-beat comedy, drama and sci-fi action. His use of handheld cameras at the start build an eery tension that gives out a vibe that what you’re watching is factual. Not bad for a fictional movie.

The acting is solely centered around the character Wilkus Van De Merwe (Sharlto Copley), a klutzy man who works for the South African government and whose job it is to lead the aliens to a new location. His first day in this position ends with him in the hospital, having been contaminated by an alien fluid – and that’s where his personal nightmare begins.

Peter Jackson, director of Lord of the Rings, produced the movie, adding an internationally revered name to the credits that will doubtless help in marketing. District 9 speaks with a loud, clear voice and by defying as many science fiction conventions as it embraces, it becomes a singular movie-going experience. For fans of the genre, the summer of 2009 will be remembered by the films ‘Moon’ and ‘District 9’.

Extract
Jack Rico
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By

2009/12/21 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Extract

12.21.2009 | By |

Rating: 2.5

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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All About Steve
Jack Rico
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2009/12/21 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

All About Steve

12.21.2009 | By |

Rating: 1.0

Rated: PG-13 for sexual content including innuendos.
Release Date: 2009-09-04
Starring: Kim Barker
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.allaboutstevemovie.com/

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‘All About Steve’ has got to be one of the worst movies of the year and the worst one of Sandra Bullock’s career. To add insult to injury, she also produced it. Double slap. This comedy’s intention is to be funny, but it manages to have an adverse effect – that of vexation and aggravation. This vapid and insipid story never manages to engage the attention and is a waste of a good cast.

The premise is just awful and unoriginal. After Mary Horowitz (Sandra Bullock) has one date with a CCN cameraman (Bradley Cooper), the brilliant crossword-puzzle constructor decides the hunk is her true love. While she alienates him by trailing him all over the country, she falls in with a crew of misfits who appreciate her eccentric nature.

If any of you happened to see ‘The Proposal’, you could see Bullock in a much better light and a much better comedy. That film was #1 at the box office in its initial release. So what happened here?  A case of the ‘bad script’. Nothing or no one can escape that “disease”. ‘All About Steve’ is a train wreck from the very beginning and you should not be anywhere near it.

Extract
Namreta Kumar
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By

2009/12/20 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Extract

12.20.2009 | By |

Rating: 2.5

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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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.

Nine
Jack Rico
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By

2009/12/17 at 12:00am

Reviews

Nine

12.17.2009 | By |

Nine
Avatar
Pau Brunet
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By

2009/12/17 at 12:00am

Reviews

Avatar

12.17.2009 | By |

Avatar

Hace once años, el Titanic de James Cameron zarpó diciendo adiós al gran espectáculo de Hollywood. La epopeya de aquel barco fue como una despedida del cartón y piedra. En unos años, Peter Jackson unió por un momento el cartón de los decorados de antaño con la era digital. Las prótesis se mezclaban con las telas azules. Este universo, ha seguido mezclándose aunque cada vez con menos brillo – Robert Zemeckis ha ido dándose con la misma piedra desde hace seis años-, dejándose seducir más por lo azul que por lo real. Pero once años después de este barco, Cameron da por fin la gran bienvenida a esta era digital y del 3D. Avatar es un avatar del Hollywood de antes con el de ahora. El director le ha dado al cine de los grandes espectáculos pirotécnicos, un traje nuevo, hecho a medida y donde convergen estilos, ideas y nuevas tecnologías, todo ello envuelto en un tono muy cerca de ‘Dances with Wolves‘.

 

Avatar cuenta una historia clásica de un soldado en tierras extrañas y como por accidente termina involucrándose en la vida de los habitantes de ese lugar. Como en Dances with Wolves o The New World (la historia de Pocahontas contada por Terrence Malick), Avatar es un relato sobre las culturas extranjeras y desconocidas por el mundo occidental. Sabiendo esto, Cameron no trata de dar a la historia ningún matiz novedoso –algo que es criticable, y por el que lo criticará más de uno-, sino que centra su atención en el nuevo mundo que descubre su personaje principal. Es en este punto donde la película funciona a toda máquina, la curiosidad del personaje de Sam Worthington es el motor de la historia, y Cameron logra que sintamos lo que siente él. Los hermosos lugares, los matices de los personajes y la lograda ambientación son todo un triunfo en mayúsculas para su director. Lo que no ha logrado Zemeckis en tres películas, Cameron lo logra en una. Por primera vez, la tecnología 3D se justifica para entender todo lo que sucede a nuestro alrededor.

 

En estos dos años de intentos tridimensionales, Avatar es la reina absoluta al lograr imprimir imágenes inolvidables, con texturas impresionantes, y llena el vacío que hay entre la pantalla y los ojos del espectador. Cameron construye un nuevo mundo entero y ese es su acierto, sobrepasando los defectos de un film algo largo y pesado en su primer acto, y falto de originalidad. De estos defectos también destaca una música de James Horner que no acaba entrar en el oído como hacia en Titanic o Legends of the Fall, y la canción final es casi un despropósito artístico. Una pecata minuta que se olvida rápido gracias a la presencia de Sigourney Weaver y todos los guiños a Aliens.

 

A modo personal, Avatar me recuerda a esas películas de antes – y que ahora sólo saben hacer los señores de Pixar – que te invitaban a soñar y entender que Hollywood es la fábrica de sueños.

Did You Hear About the Morgans?
Mirna Lopez
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By

2009/12/16 at 12:00am

Reviews

Did You Hear About the Morgans?

12.16.2009 | By |

Did You Hear About the Morgans?

“Did You Hear About the Morgans?” is better than it appears to be in the trailer, since many important aspects are not reveled to the audience. These include suspense, and what love means to Paul and Meryl Morgan. Although cultural differences may limit us from understanding Wyoming’s traditions, like the Morgans, we get accustomed to it throughout the movie. 

 

Due to the consequences of witnessing a crime, the Morgans must leave New York City and create a new temporary new identity in the countryside of Wyoming. In order to receive the best protection from the witness protection program it is best if they do not contact anyone that they may know. Additionally, the separated couple, Paul and Meryl Morgan, is played by the well known actress from “Sex and the City”, Sarah Jessica Parker, and the charismatic actor Hugh Grant. They represent a New Yorker’s point of view when visiting the country, although they tend exaggerate at times.

 

Meryl acts unreasonable at times, as if she does not know what is happening around her. In other words, she takes serious situations very calmly and vice versa. This can be a bit overwhelming, especially when she acts in a way that can bring terrible consequences. Moreover, very few activities occur in this town, which makes us see the same ongoing environment during these scenes. In addition, we may hope to see more animals in an environment like this, but they are only shown in very few occasions, which disappointed me.

 

Lastly, this film is interesting and different from other romantic movies. Throughout this movie we witness an enormous suspense about what will happen to the murderer trying to get in contact with the Morgans. Also, I can assure you, you will encounter many funny situations which will come in perfect during those moments of suspense. Overall, this romantic comedy is more than just a romance.

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