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Inception
Jack Rico
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2010/12/08 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Inception

12.8.2010 | By |

Rating: 4.5

Rated: PG-13 for sequences of violence and action throughout.
Release Date: 2010-07-16
Starring: Christopher Nolan
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA, UK
Official Website: http://inceptionmovie.warnerbros.com/

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What is undoubtedly one of the top 3 films of the year, Inception is a visual and production achievement infused with entertaining CGI and action sequences all while engaging you intellectually… characteristics that I wish every movie would set out to do. The premise is not a simple one to follow and it demands more focused attention from you than 90% of the films out there, but the payoff will be one of the great cinematic experiences of 2010 and perhaps the past decade.

Inception, in dictionary terms, means the beginning of something. In Christopher Nolan’s new film it is defined as the implanting of an idea through the dreams of a subject. That is what Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) sets out to do for the very first time in this story. He is a skilled thief, the best in the dangerous art of extraction: stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb’s rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back but only if he can accomplish the impossible–inception. Instead of the perfect heist, Cobb and his team of specialists have to pull off the reverse; their task is not to steal an idea but to plant one.

You’d have to go back to the The Matrix movies to even remotely experience anything like ‘Inception’. Director Christopher Nolan has perfected the craft of the cavernously dark, cerebral, tension filled films which have now become his stylistic stamp. His films such as The Following, Memento, The Prestige, amongst others, all carry the singularities and traits that have build up to ‘Inception’.

The assembled cast (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Ken Watanabe, Dileep Rao, Cillian Murphy, Tom Berenger, Marion Cotillard, Pete Posthethwaite, Michael Caine), many from The Dark Knight project, is top notch. Dicaprio, the star of the film, is intense, affecting, and captivating. I do think though, his best performance was captured by Martin Scorsese in this year’s Shutter Island. In regards to the CGI, it functions as a compliment to the plotline instead of overwhelming it. Make sure you await with anticipation the hallway fight scene which seemed extremely hard to shoot and produce. That scene alone is worth the price of admission.

If you are looking for an action/adventure film that is layered with puzzles and mysteries, then you are going to love Inception, but remember, in order to fully enjoy it, your trip to the concession stand or the bathroom will have to wait. Don’t look at that text or that guy that’s gasping too loud in amazement. Just focus, just enjoy.

Shrek Forever After
Jack Rico
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By

2010/12/07 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Shrek Forever After

12.7.2010 | By |

Rating: 4.0

Rated: PG for mild action, some rude humor and brief language.
Release Date: 2010-05-21
Starring: Josh Klausner, Darren Lemke
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.shrekforeverafter.com/

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The fourth and final installment of the Shrek series titled ‘Shrek Forever After,’ is in my opinion, one of the funniest movies of the year and draws a tie with How To Train Your Dragon as the best family film of 2010. This Shrek movie felt more real and less fictionalized due to the family arc. There was a human connection I had with this one that for some reason or other I couldn’t find in its predecessors.

This time around Shrek, voice by Mike Myers, has to face his toughest challenge – that of being a father and a husband. Surprisingly, our green giant is not used to being the head of a household and longs for the days when he can once again become a fearsome monster. But when an evil dwarf magician makes his dream come true, our hero does everything he can to return to the times when he had the unconditional love of his family and friends.

The original voice cast of the film return, but the talk now is that Antonio Banderas will spin-off his own movie Puss in Boots. This had to happen. The lovable cat is the best of all the characters and its too bad we had to wait this long to know he’s going solo.

Shrek Forever After is the best of the series. The film is excellent; it combines a clever comedy with drama, action and poignant moments. The three-dimensional images appear so real that you forget it’s a fictional world. Adults are probably going to enjoy this more than the kids. Thank you Shrek for the memories.

Black Swan
Jack Rico
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2010/12/03 at 12:00am

Reviews

Black Swan

12.3.2010 | By |

Black Swan
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Jack Rico
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By

2010/11/30 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

11.30.2010 | By |

Rating: 3.5

Rated: PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, and some sensuality.
Release Date: 2010-06-30
Starring: Melissa Rosenberg
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.eclipsethemovie.com/

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‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,’ directed by David Slade (30 Days of Nights), is the best film of the series and it is indisputably the most entertaining of the three movies. It has depth, a gripping and sexual tension to it, a surfeit of action, visually appealing special effects and entertaining drama. ‘Twilighters’ are going to love this second sequel and newcomers will be hooked on the tension filled decision Bella’s love life has to make.

The first sequel left us on a cliffhanger with Jacob telling Edward to watch out, he’s coming after Bella. Eclipse continues the churning novela with Bella (Kristin Stewart) once again finding herself surrounded by danger as Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and Victoria (Bryce Dallas Howard), a malicious vampire who is out for revenge. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward (Robert Pattinson) and her friendship with Jacob (Taylor Lautner) — knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the struggle between vampires and werewolves. What’s it going to be Bella – Edward or Jacob? That’s been the question pop culture media has been toying with for a year now.

The film’s predecessor, New Moon, was a test of endurance in tediousness. My criticism of the aforementioned was that it lacked entertainment value. If it only had an ounce of divertissement. Subsequently, Eclipse repaired the damage done and threw me a biscuit in the process. The improvements are rooted in the insertion of several battle sequences, which provided a much-needed injection of energy to the saga, accompanied by quality-eye-candy computer generated effects. Add to that a much more interesting plot and of course, the main event, the confrontation between the films two male leads. The acting is modest, and let’s be honest, it is not exemplary. It does though behoove the genre and the style of the film.

Amazingly enough, Eclipse possesses two Oscar nominated actresses in its cast: Anna Kendrick (Jessica Stanley) and Catalina Sandino Moreno. Kendrick, coming off her ‘Up in the Air’ nomination, seemed to be fulfilling contractual obligations or spoofing herself in the pic. Moreno on her part, the Colombian Oscar nominated actress for Maria Full of Grace, made a pleasant and surprising cameo. Her appearance, along with Christian Serratos (who plays Angela Weber), represented Hispanics in the film. Some of Catalina’s dialogue was in Spanish, which I must confess was a bit off brand, but welcome nevertheless. She whispered the word “chupar” in a Colombian accent and I automatically thought it was strange, yet cool to listen to within one of the most successful franchises in modern cinema. Regrettably, she went uncredited as Summit Entertainment decided not to include her in their 113 page long production notes, a document usually reserved for press to ascertain microscopic details on cast members, set designs, etc. The reasons for her exclusion in the notes is baffling since she could have served as a great Latino marketing angle for their promotional strategies. I’m glad a site like ShowBizCafe.com exists to give Ms. Moreno and Latino actors their props.

‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse’ is a step in the right direction and it exemplifies what the film adaptations should have been like from the beginning. The intense, heavy teen romance is still there but layered with a much more entertaining ambiance of thrills and chills to it. I saw the film in standard 2D and was pleased with it. The IMAX version must be even better. I’m just glad it is not in 3D because with all sincerity, it does not need it. The fans of the books will be fanatical with it, newcomers will be entertained and drag-ons will at least be gratified with the notion that they saw the best of the series.  I hope the fourth chapter Breaking Dawn, which will be split into two parts next year, is just as good as this one.

Knight and Day
Jack Rico
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2010/11/30 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Knight and Day

11.30.2010 | By |

Rating: 4.0

Rated: PG-13 for sequences of action violence throughout, and brief strong language.
Release Date: 2010-06-23
Starring: Patrick O’Neill
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.knightanddaymovie.com/

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Tom Cruise is back and I’m loving it. I’ve been a supporter of the actor ever since I can remember, mainly because, I strongly believe he is a very good actor who knows how to pick stories that entertain a mass audience. Many still don’t regard in the same light (he’s never won an Academy Award). His latest effort is the action comedy ‘Knight and Day,’ one I believe to be the second most entertaining film of 2010 after ‘Kick-Ass.’

The plot is centered on a spy (Cruise) who bumps into a normal woman (Diaz) at an airport and involves her into his dangerous mission around the world.

So you have an idea of what you are up against, ‘Knight and Day’ is the comedy version of the Mission Impossible series. I found those films enthralling and to see Cruise in this loosely based adaptation, mixed with appealing jokes in between, gave this critic mad moments of hilarity. The pacing was intense and exciting, the jokes and gags were amusing and enjoyable and the acting was chemically divine! The film isn’t perfect, but the flaws are invisible, masked by pure summer fun action.

Both Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz seem re-vivified here. Evident and nostalgically so are Cruise’s magical nuances that made him into the biggest box office star of the late ’80s and early ’90s. Both stars seemed to really have fun making this movie and it looks genuine on screen.

‘Knight and Day’ is what summer Hollywood movies are all about – pure high wattage entertainment with likable superstars. This one qualifies as a must see in my book.

Vampires Suck
Jack Rico
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By

2010/11/30 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Vampires Suck

11.30.2010 | By |

Rating: 1.0

Rated: PG-13 for crude sexual content, comic violence, language and teen partying.
Release Date: 2010-08-18
Starring: Jason Friedberg, Aaron Seltzer
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.vampiressuckmovie.com/

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‘Vampires Suck’ directed by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer plain ol’ sucks. Now don’t get me wrong, I like spoof movies, but ones that are full of hilarity such as The Naked Gun, Hot Shots and the Scary Movie series to name a few. The level of creativity to get this film off the ground is elementary, nothing seems to be out of the box thinking and 10 year old girls must have been consulted.

The premise, as you can tell by the trailers and posters, is a spoof on the Twilight films where teenager Becca (Jenn Proske) finds herself torn between two boys, a vampire (Matt Lanter) and a wolf (Chris Riggi). As she and her friends wrestle with a number of different dramas, everything comes to a head at their prom.

‘Horror-ble’ and painful comes to mind when I think of having watched this, though I must admit that actress Jenn Proske mimics Kristen Stewart’s delivery and speech patterns to a tee. Not much else can be praised from this film as a chuckle might as well be interpreted as a ‘pity chuckle’ for the sake of all the honest hard working technicians that put the production together.

I’m not going to get into revealing scenes of what I think is awful and boorish, but for the sake of your pocket and mental sanity, stay away from this film full of dreadful, inept jokes, paltry pop culture references and awful dialogue. ‘Vampire Sucks’ is on my top 10 lists of one of the worst movies of the year.

Burlesque
Jack Rico
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By

2010/11/27 at 12:00am

Reviews

Burlesque

11.27.2010 | By |

Burlesque

I know it’s going to be hard to for many critics who panned ‘Burlesque’ to understand, but the film is a guilty pleasure that will be embraced mostly by women, the gay and Latino communities. I say the Latino community as well because they are the most avid and indulgent consumers of telenovelas – the preeminent guilty pleasure in the US, in my book. They’re so bad, yet so good. As many know, most bad films possess characteristics that make them dementedly pleasurable – this movie provides us with a plethora. If I can highlight one component that kills this movie over and over again is the tired and shameful setups that lead to repeated and unrelenting risible clichés. To be frank, the barrage is interminable, but it manages to be sporadically entertaining, somehow.

Christina Aguilera plays Ali, a small-town girl with a big voice and big dreams. Like countless girls before her, (Ruby Keeler’s Peggy Sawyer from “42nd Street” and Judy Garland’s Esther Blodgett from “A Star Is Born”) she leaves behind whatever she has and heads for uncertain future in the entertainment capital, Los Angeles. After stumbling upon The Burlesque Lounge, a majestic but ailing theater that is home to an inspired musical revue, Ali lands a job as a cocktail waitress from Tess (Cher), the club’s proprietor and headliner. Burlesque’s outrageous costumes and bold choreography enrapture the young ingenue, who vows to perform there one day. Soon enough, Ali builds a friendship with a featured dancer (Julianne Hough), finds an enemy in a troubled, jealous performer (Kristen Bell), and garners the affection of Jack (Cam Gigandet), a bartender and fellow musician.  With the help of a sharp-witted stage manager (Stanley Tucci) and gender-bending host (Alan Cumming), Ali makes her way from the bar to the stage. Her spectacular voice restores The Burlesque Lounge to its former glory, though not before a charismatic entrepreneur (Eric Dane) arrives with an enticing proposal.

Cinematically, Burlesque is a mess, whether that is intentional or not is a future conversation. The acting was subpar to abysmal, the dialogue was criminal and the script was 75% old, stale tricks that have been worn out for decades. Even so, the camp charm manages to lure you in even through the dreadful moments of banality. I am sure director Steve Antin set out to do an entertaining and dignified project without the perversely sophisticated appeal… or did he? Only time will tell.

There will be a tendency to compare this film with Cabaret, Chicago and most recently Nine. Doing so would be unfair. Those movies had at the helm Bob Fosse and Rob Marshall, two stylistic and visual geniuses known for cinematic works of art. Antin looks like he was shooting a music video. It would have been interesting to see what heights the film could have achieved if it fell into more capable hands. Nevertheless, there’s some enjoyment to be had from the musical numbers, which are picturesque and staged with presence. Aguilera did a pretty good job for her first time out, I’ve seen worse (Paris Hilton). I never thought of Cher as a great singer, but her longevity as a performer lays that opinion to rest. Her credibility as an Oscar winner permits her to have a bad film here and there, but we all assumed this was a comeback film of sorts.

Burlesque will win many Razzie nominations, but as bad as it is, history will tell how bad made cult status.

Faster (Movie Review)
Jack Rico
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By

2010/11/23 at 12:00am

Reviews

Faster (Movie Review)

11.23.2010 | By |

‘Faster’ is 2010’s Dirty Harry and its star, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, inhabits his character as menacingly as the perilous Clint Eastwood ever did. This is a serious revenge thriller with some moments of gun slinging action; the jokes are absent and the raw pounding revenge only moves one way – forward. The action is light so don’t expect any Jason Bourne choreographed fight sequences or Michael Bay explosions as the star walks away unscathed. With ‘Faster’ you get a deeply tormented man, hell-bent on revenge as he points, shoots and kills his victims without consideration of any consequences or regard for the law. It is genuine, uncensored, R rated fun. Read More

The Expendables
Mack Chico
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By

2010/11/23 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

The Expendables

11.23.2010 | By |

Rating: 2.5

Rated: R for strong action and bloody violence throughout, and for some language.
Release Date: 2010-08-13
Starring: Dave Callaham, Sylvester Stallone
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://expendablesthemovie.com/

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‘The Expendables‘, the latest film by Sylvester Stallone, is a no holds barred movie full of man sweat, rampaging bullets, vomiticious wounds, 80’s tattoos and biceps … What more can you ask of from a film with a cast like this? Well, honestly, you could ask for much more. Let’s be clear: ‘The Expendables’ is not an action movie, rather it is a love story with moments of action. It also doesn’t merit a detailed analysis on my part, nor do I think that deserves to be battered, because it does serve up a large dose of nostalgia . Anyway, it is far from achieving what was intended, largely due to a faulty script. Despite this drawback, the plot conforms to what is asked of it and it won’t be unpleasant, it won’t be anything remarkable.

The premise is simple and straightforward – leader and mastermind Barney Ross (Stallone), former SAS blade expert Lee Christmas (Jason Statham), hand-to-hand combat specialist Yin Yang (Jet Li), long barrel weapons specialist Hale Caesar (Crews), demolitions expert Toll Road (Randy Couture), and precision sniper Gunner Jensen (Dolph Lundgren).  Living life in the fringes of the law, these hardened mercenaries take on what appears to be a routine assignment: a covert, CIA-funded operation to infiltrate the South American country of Vilena and overthrow its ruthless dictator General Garza (David Zayas).  But when their job is revealed to be a suicide mission, the men are faced with a deadly choice, one that might redeem their souls…or destroy their brotherhood forever.

Some of the negative highlights can be narrowed down to a few but no larger than the misuse of Jet Li. Known for his spectacular martial arts moves and fast paced fights without the use of weapons, there should have been some intense and epic battle to remind us of the old days. Although there is a small fight with Lundgren, it fails to impress and for the rest of the film he goes almost unnoticed.
 
Obviously by now, you’ve all seen the trailer with Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis in THE SCENE. It really is worth all the hoopla just to experience that.

This film is bad and wonderful. It doesn’t have a great script, the plot is chaotic, and it’s an old dick party reminiscing of the good ol’ days. I’ll give it this, it has some nice moments, but the story is unchallenging which leaves us unsatisfied.

If it had tried something more daring or have brought the full potential of what they had (Stallone and Drago II), it would have hit a bigger jackpot. Nevertheless, the word is that  there is a sequel in the works where they can perfect the imperfections. Let’s toast to that.

Eat, Pray, Love
Namreta Kumar
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By

2010/11/23 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Eat, Pray, Love

11.23.2010 | By |

Rating: 2.5

Rated: PG-13 for brief strong language, some sexual references.
Release Date: 2010-08-13
Starring: Ryan Murphy, Elizabeth Gilbert (memoir)
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/eatpraylove/

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Although Eat Pray Love promises a heartwarming journey, it unfortunately does not reach deep enough.

‘Eat Pray Love’ is transcribed from the memoirs of Elizabeth Gilbert. It is Liz’s three-part search for an “enriched” self. The first leg of her journey takes place in Italy, where she learns the value of living without a roadmap to life. The second part of her journey takes place in India, where she has to challenge everything from within. And the last stage of her journey, in Bali, forces her to practice these principles indistinct of one another.

Ryan Murphy does an excellent job integrating Liz’s, played by Julia Roberts, old life into the search for her new life. The transitions of the film and Liz’s life are what make an impression. They may either remind you of a place you have been or help you envision a place you might want to be. The art and cinematography of the film transport you to an authentic and very distinct memory, however the screenplay and film do not complete the emotional journey.

Eat Pray Love was much more than a novel or biography, for the people who have read the book, it is an emotional experience -  unfortunately the film does not make the cut. What makes this impossible journey so possible are the words and life of the heart, but the screenwriting alters and hangs on too many words and clichés that in turn do not move the audience.

Gilbert’s journey requires a patience, lost in translation to film. In fact the film feels lengthy at moments instead of carefully drawn out or experienced. Julia Roberts brings a placid Liz to screen, who only becomes animated in light of her supporting cast and not the narration. Javier Bardem, much like his character, breathes life into the final leg of the film. It is in Bali that the pieces of the film fall into place, but it still does not leave the same mark the novel has.

Eat Pray Love leaves an impression but doesn’t make an impact. The emotional levels of the novel do not become the art of this film and there it loses it’s heart.

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