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The Last House on the Left
Jack Rico
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2009/08/18 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

The Last House on the Left

08.18.2009 | By |

Rating: 3.5

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
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.thelasthouseontheleft.com/

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‘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.

The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
Jack Rico
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2009/08/14 at 12:00am

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The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard

08.14.2009 | By |

Rated: R for sexual content, nudity, pervasive language and some drug material.
Release Date: 2009-08-14
Starring: Neal Brennan
Director(s):
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Film Genre:
Country: USA
Official Website: http://www.livehardsellhard.com/

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The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard

‘The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard’ is really funny, whoever tells you otherwise is probably as cold as an ice bucket. The opening scene should tell you everything. I laughed in the first ten seconds, really hard! It’s the second half that withers away, the story line weakens and the jokes start becoming repetitive and dull. Overall though, the film still manages to entertain and engage you enough for you to have felt like you didn’t waste your money at the box office.

A legendary car salesman, Don Ready (Jeremy Piven) whose job it is to save a car dealership in the town of Temecula, California from bankruptcy. What Don doesn’t expect is to fall in love and find his soulmate, which will eventually be a deterrent to achieving his goals.

The characters here are great, the dialogue is fast and yes, vulgar, and the fact that it all takes place in car dealership is cheap and amusing already. Piven brings his Ari Gold persona to the mix and if you like him in Entourage, you won’t mind him here. The only real flaw with the film is in the execution of the storyline in the second half. It falters with an inane romantic story that should’ve never taken off.

Think the Will Farrell films, if you have laughed hard at those you won’t have a problem in laughing your a$$ off on this one.

District 9
Jack Rico
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2009/08/14 at 12:00am

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District 9

08.14.2009 | By |

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

‘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’

The Time Traveler’s Wife
Karen Posada
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2009/08/12 at 12:00am

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The Time Traveler’s Wife

08.12.2009 | By |

Rated: PG-13 for thematic elements, brief disturbing images, nudity and sexuality.
Release Date: 2009-08-14
Starring: Bruce Joel Rubin
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country: USA
Official Website: http://www.thetimetravelerswifemovie.com/

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The Time Traveler's Wife

The Time Traveler’s Wife really tries to fly through time with a fast paced beginning. The love story will captivate you and may make you fight back your tears but the film loses its essence as the story unfolds.
 
The time traveler, Henry (Eric Bana) disappears into time because of a genetic anomaly which makes this film sort of sci-fi, since it is after all from a screenplay by Bruce Joel Rubin who wrote “Ghost”. He seems to want to recapture this story once again but fails at it.  Clare (Rachel McAdams) has more of an imaginary friend at times than a husband in Henry; her side of the story keeps the film more grounded; we see an element of sadness and loneliness in her life because of Henry’s off and on appearances which we can relate to. The story just gets weirder and more surreal as the movie continues, which makes the story shaky.

 

The book which was very successful should not have come to life, at least not in the big screen. The film touches upon an interesting dilemma between whether our choices have been made for us or if we have free-will when dealing with the past/future. Henry is able to travel from the present to both the past and the future but it gets so complicated to the point that the main character is competing for his own wife with his old/young self.
 
Since the story is told by the way their romance unfolds, not by the passing of time, there is some sort of rhythm that one is able to follow. One thing that viewers can look forward to is a couple of nude scenes that are spread throughout the film. You may go and enjoy the romance of the story but don’t expect to get much out of it.

Ponyo
Karen Posada
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2009/08/12 at 12:00am

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Ponyo

08.12.2009 | By |

Rated: PG for mild action and brief language.
Release Date: 2009-08-14
Starring: Hayao Miyazaki
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country: Japan
Official Website: http://www.ghibli.jp/ponyo/

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Ponyo

Ponyo turns from a sweet simple children’s story to a convoluted drama that is even hard for adults to follow. It does send out a good message though, of love and kindness towards the ocean, but the story revolves around too many surreal things that even for a children’s film is hard to get in tune with.
 
This new animated film by Hayao Miyazaki an Academy Award winner is a heartwarming film about a boy and his pet fish who fight the entire ocean, literally, to stay together. Its cast is composed mainly of stars from the Disney Channel such as Noah Cyrus, Frankie Jonas and Selena Gomez who is of Mexican background and surprisingly does a lot of the minor character’s voices. Some of the other big stars are Tina Fey, Cate Blanchett, Liam Neeson and Matt Damon who has a very small role in the film. 
 
Seeing that the film had great success in Japan, there is potential for it to achieve the same results in the U.S., but the film’s turn from a simple story to a convoluted apocalyptic end of the world as we know it, may bore, confuse and disappoint many children. The film sticks close to its Japanese culture with minor elements to incorporate American viewers such as a change in a few character’s names. It is almost 2 hours long which will make it lose its intended audience after the first hour.  Although it is a little too unreal at times and one has to struggle to not criticize, judge the story or some of the character’s actions, those who enjoy anime may still like the film even if just for its roots. The rest of you should just wait for it to come out on DVD.

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.

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.

A Perfect Getaway
Jack Rico
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2009/08/06 at 12:00am

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A Perfect Getaway

08.6.2009 | By |

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

‘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.

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.

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.

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