The House of the Devil
02.2.2010 | By Jack Rico |
Rated: R for some bloody violence.
Release Date: 2009-10-30
Starring: Ti West
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: No disponible.
Go to our film page
02.2.2010 | By Jack Rico |
Rated: R for some bloody violence.
Release Date: 2009-10-30
Starring: Ti West
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: No disponible.
02.2.2010 | By Jack Rico |
Rated: PG for some sensuality, language, thematic elements and smoking.
Release Date: 2009-10-23
Starring: Ronald Bass, Anna Hamilton Phelan
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: NULL
If you’ve seen the films ‘Aviator’ from the director Martin Scorsese and ‘Titanic’ from James Cameron, then you will have a good idea of what to expect from ‘Amelia’.
The film is a celluloid biography about the real life of Amelia Earhart (Hilary Swank), the first woman that attempted to fly around the world. The movie focuses on her beginnings as a pilot, her voyages in the Atlantic and Pacific, her marriage to George Putnam (Richard Gere) and eventually, her mysterious death around Hawaii in 1937.
‘Amelia’ is a good film but it doesn’t deserve too many praises. The cinematography of the film was great and recreated the 20’s and 30’s on point. Acting wise, Hilary Swank was once again splendid, capturing Earhart’s innocent and joyous essence. Her nomination for an Oscar is more than assured. Richard Gere on the other hand, did not move me with his acting, to be franc, he was indifferent to me. I don’t know, I think his best days as an actor are over.
Anyway, the film lacked the magic that ‘Titanic’ or ‘La Vie En Rose’ by Olivier Dahan had. Those are movies that you keep in your heart for months, years, even a whole life time after you’ve seen them in the movie theater. As a cinematographic piece I recommend seeing ‘Amelia’. It’s a good film but is not that special.
01.30.2010 | By Jack Rico |
‘When in Rome’ is everything that is bad with movies nowadays. A romantic comedy with a recycled and absurd premise, vacuous humor, and a script as predictable as the weather in LA. These are the types of movies that you should never pay to see for many reasons including a lack of soul, depth or real substance to any of these characters. Everything ssems to be a fantasy passed off as reality and the producers must think we are the fools that will buy it.
Here’s the storyline. Beth (Bell) is a young, ambitious New Yorker who is completely unlucky in love. However, when she impulsively steals some coins from a reputed fountain of love during a whirlwind trip to Rome, she finds herself aggressively pursued by a band of suitors with one of them becoming her one true love.
The protagonists seem to be better than what the script constrained them to. Kristen Bell showed promise in Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Josh Duhamel (who looks like Joey Lawrence’s long lost twin brother) could be either an action leading man in his future or continue to do rom-com’s. The acting wasn’t the big problem, the screenwriters, David Diamond, David Weissman and the director Mark Steven Johnson are fully responsible for this ignominious failure.
The standard for today’s romantic comedy was set with Rob Reiner’s ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and some would argue Woody Allen’s ‘Annie Hall’. But ‘When in Rome’ looks like a disaster from the onset and should not be worth your time or money at the movies. Perhaps a DVD pick? Not even. It is one of the worst movies of the year.
01.29.2010 | By Karen Posada |
‘Edge of Darkness‘ was directed by Martin Campbell (Casino Royale) who also directed the English mini-series from the 80’s with the same title on which the movie is based on. Not being familiar with the mini-series I thought the previews had given too much away and I could guess the outcome of it. I was wrong. There are many surprising moments and twists that have you guessing and wanting to know more. The story unfolds nicely and though at times it is hard to understand Gibson’s mumbles as well Winstone’s english accent, I enjoyed the thrilling ride.
This is the story of a Boston police investigator in the quest to find out who brutally shot his daughter and the reason why. Thomas Craven (Mel Gibson) is a widowed parent who has a estranged relationship with his only daughter Emma (Bojana Novakovic), he seems to love her deeply but know very little about her life. Once she’ shot he’s got nothing to loose and decides to put justice in his own hands. On his road to finding his daughter’s killer he opens up a can of worms and finds himself in the middle of a big corporation/governmental plot. In this quest he ends up getting to know his daughter more than he did when she was alive and finds that her principals were just what he taught her. A professional killer (Ray Winstone) sent to kill Craven proves to be his only ‘friend’ through his dilemma, a character that complements him well. Craven states the premise of the movie perfectly ” you had better decide whether you are hanging on the cross or banging in the nails”, this is exactly what the film makes us think of as we are introduced to new settings and characters.
The one thing that bothered me about the film were the moments where Craven hallucinates hearing and seeing his daughter as a child and an adult, there was no need to play the crazy card; his irreparable pain was enough and his misplaced anger worked to show it. Craven acting as a superhero for the later part of the film would have bother me except that knowing he’s a father that finds himself on ‘the edge of darkness’ and his only purpose is to revenge his daughter’s death lets me accept his ‘superpowers’.
Gibson’s words from our interview resonated as the movie continued, I got the connection he made to Jacobean tragedies and this film and you will too. It is a film that does make you think about how much power the government and how little we may be able to do about it. For those that know the series they might not find it as appealing as they already expect the shocking moments but it may appeal to them to see it under a new light. At some points the thought provoking plot does get in the way of the action but the moments of surprise make it worth it.
01.27.2010 | By Namreta Kumar |
There are some films that you love instantly, and others that you hate; this film does not fit either category. Saint John of Las Vegas is distinctly unmemorable.
John, played by Steve Buscemi, is a “recovering” gambling addict, whose journey starts and ends in Las Vegas. The film follows John from his unexciting job in insurance, back to Vegas. Along the way we meet the typical boss, Mr. Townsend, and some particularly peculiar characters that drive along the fraud investigation of a car “accident.”
I really cannot find anything to say about this film, neither good nor bad; and unfortunately that in itself is bad. Everything about the film is mediocre. Steve Buscemi does a convincing enough job playing John, however it is nothing we haven’t seen before. The story is too reminiscent of every other film of its genre and the characters albeit quirky aren’t altogether new either.
The hundreds gambled at a gas station that form the crux, and narrate the larger story, are perhaps the best moments of the film. Luckily they are spread out intermittently to form a strong writing arc and keep the story moving. Unfortunately though it makes the feature film feel like an addition to a better short.
This character based film lacks character. First time writer/director Hue Rhodes’ attempt at creating another independent comedy of manners is grossly unoriginal. Saint John of Las Vegas is a film that can be missed for better films of the same genre.
01.26.2010 | By Jack Rico |
Rated: PG
Release Date: 2009-10-28
Starring: Kenny Ortega
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/michaeljacksonthisisit/
01.26.2010 | By Namreta Kumar |
Rated: PG
Release Date: 2009-10-28
Starring: Kenny Ortega
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/michaeljacksonthisisit/
Like much of anything Michael Jackson this film is a landmark. This Is It will immediately capture your heart.
The film takes you on a roller coaster ride. It opens with the tears of joy of the opportunity to work with the man who has defined music and dance in so many ways. While watching the film you almost forget that Michael Jackson is not here anymore. His vibrance, humor, and spirit leap off the screen and touch you.
This project developed by the archived videos of Michael Jackson’s last concert reveal art-making as an unfinished masterpiece. Kenny Oretga’s mosaic of Michael Jackson’s last days and dreams will undoubtedly inspire Michael Jackson fans. The raw images never hinder, as other documentaries may, but deliver the energy of another thrilling performance.
Through the eyes of these rehearsal lenses every music fan is delivered to the stage. The respect and L-O-V-E, love, that Michael Jackson works on every detail with is sure to move anyone. It is almost hard to judge the film objectively, because it seems to have another quality about it altogether.
Whether you look at it from a subject point of view or from a genre point of view This Is It is unique. You get a lot more than what you bargain for – A Film, A Concert, A Journey – This Is It honors the entertainer of entertainers.
01.26.2010 | By Karen Posada |
Rated: PG-13 for sexual content including crude dialogue, language and drug material.
Release Date: 2009-10-02
Starring: Shauna Cross
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/whipit/
‘Whip It’ has got to be one of the most enjoyable movies that I’ve seen in a while. It was fun and very entertaining. It may make you want to go out and join a roller derby team or at least give yourself a cool and tough pseudo name.
Â
This is Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut; we see her fun energetic personality at various points in the film especially with her character, Smashley Simpson. In the film we follow a teenager (Ellen Page) who is stuck in a small town on the outside of Austin and has been for most of her life following her mother’s dreadful dream of being a beauty queen, which doesn’t even fit with her metal rock/punk personality. She goes from pageant to pageant just to keep her pushy mother happy, until one day in Austin she encounters the Hurl Scouts, an all-girl roller derby team and decides to try out for the team to become, Babe Ruthless.
Â
With her roller blades and her alter ego she becomes her own hero and we see her becoming confident as she sneaks off to practice with her best friend Pash (Alia Shawkat from Arrested development); we also see her struggle with her family as it becomes harder to lie. The focus of the story is her perseverance to reach greatness at a sport she falls in love with along with strengthening her family ties which doesn’t come into play until almost the middle of the movie. It is enjoyable to see Ellen Page, who plays the main character Bliss, grow as an actress; she still has her quirky personality from Juno and although she is still playing a teenager she makes us forget that at times. We also have Kristen Wiig and Jimmy Fallon, from SNL and Juliette Lewis who is also not unfamiliar to comedy. Â
Â
This movie is full of girl empowerment without being feministic. It might become one of those flicks that they’ll replay on TV because of the comedy/teenage factor. Teenagers will definitely enjoy the film and adults will enjoy what it has to teach about family values and not forgetting about where you came from. But over-all there are plenty of fun moments for all to enjoy. The only thing that I found unnecessary in the movie was the sappy love story which is almost of minimal importance; Bliss’ own life was interesting enough without needing to add boy-drama.
01.26.2010 | By Ted Faraone |
Rated: R for sequences of grisly bloody violence and torture, and language.
Release Date: 2009-10-23
Starring: Marcus Dunstan, Patrick Melton
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.saw6film.com/
Â
In an extraordinary move the Spanish government have restricted “Saw VI†(not surprisingly the sixth installment in the Jigsaw horror series) to the nation’s eight theaters that are allowed to show porno. While this begs the question, “Are Spaniards really into Pay Per View?â€Â Your critic says that it is an over-the-top judgment call.
Â
Your critic entered the screening room expecting something akin to a snuff film that would arouse men who harbor violent thoughts against women. Fortunately such was not the case. However, pic contains moments that those with weak stomachs should avoid.
Â
“Saw VI†meets or exceeds all standards on a technical level. Sound recording works. Lensing is competent. Special effects don’t look expensive, but work. Editing delivers just the right amount of tension. Where it falls down is in storyline and acting. There are three thesps who turn in creditable performances: Tobin Bell, who created the role of Jigsaw John, Betsy Russell as his wife, addiction doc Jill, and Peter Outerbridge as William, a medical insurance executive who is pic’s evil capitalist. The rest, notably Costas Mandylor as crooked detective Hoffman, either sleepwalk through their roles or need to go back to acting school. In Mandylor’s case, those who remember him from TV’s “Picket Fences†will be disappointed to know that he has both gained weight and lost talent. Dialogue is subpar. Plot leaves a ton of loose ends. Most of them have to do with the question, “Why?â€
Â
While dying of a cancer for which William’s insurance company refused to cover treatment (pic is at least timely) Jigsaw John has developed a very nasty post mortem revenge plot cloaked in pseudo human decency. He sets up William, the insurance VP who refused coverage for an experimental procedure, in a catch 22. He has to save himself by killing others. Instead of building suspense, plot is an excuse to string together a series of bloody vignettes. It’s a sort of “Galaxy Quest†on acid. Such clues as exist are telegraphed. Surprises surprise without any credible setup.
Â
It is never explained why wife Jill goes along with the bloody scheme and why crooked detective Hoffman executes it. It’s those pesky loose ends….
Â
Direction on a technical level by Kevin Greutert is good. Screenplay by Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton should have been sent back for rewrites. But “Saw†is a franchise. It functions on a different plane from the rest of cinema. It has a track record at the box office and a loyal audience. Lionsgate’s marketing strategy of not showing it to crix until opening day is open to debate, but pix such as “Saw VI†tend not be affected by notices.
01.21.2010 | By Jack Rico |
I didn’t really know what to expect of the latest family film ‘Tooth Fairy’ starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. At one point I thought it might be the same fare as his 2007 ‘The Game Plan’, which was #1 at the box office for two weeks in a row, but no, this was nowhere near as charming as that one. ‘The Tooth Fairy’ was just bad cinema. The Rock is a simpatico guy, but with a ludicrous plotline, uninspired dialogue, the worse camera editing I’ve seen in years and a paltry supporting cast, there was no way he was saving this sinking ship.
Here’s the story. A bad deed on the part of a tough minor-league hockey player (The Rock) results in an unusual sentence: He must serve one week as a real-life tooth fairy.
He wears a ballerina dress when first becoming a fairy and instead of it being a funny moment, it was a bit embarrassing. I’m wondering why he needs to be working these types of films. Could you imagine what his wrestling buddies must be saying? His body of work isn’t so bad at all. His previous roles in films such as ‘Race to Witch Mountain’ was great family fun potpourried with thrills, chills and action. ‘The Game Plan’ was a touching and charming movie that makes grown men cry when they see it.
Director Michael Lembeck, mostly a TV director, shouldn’t be doing movies. His camera shot selections were not flattering to the actors and showed the many audio dubbing flaws caught by the lens. Just intolerable. Adding to the demise of the movie was seeing a New York legend Billy Crystal in a pajama like costume regurgitating screenwriter Lowell Ganz’s stale and infantile dialogue.
Do not spend your money this week on ‘Tooth Fairy’. If you want the same family vibe with lots of smiles and warm, fuzzy sentiments and a tear or two, see ‘The Game Plan’ on DVD. You’ll be grateful I recommend it to you.
