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Movie Reviews

Quantum of Solace
Jack Rico
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2009/03/24 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Quantum of Solace

03.24.2009 | By |

Rating: 2.5

Rated: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and some sexual content.
Release Date: 2008-11-14
Starring: Paul Haggis, Neal Purvis, Robert Wade
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:UK, USA
Official Website: http://www.007.com/

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The new Bond film ‘Quantum of Solace‘ isn’t better than its predecessor ‘Casino Royale’, and its story not as fun as ‘Wanted’. So, where did the 225 million dollars that they spent on it go?

This 22nd James Bond adventure picks up the story just an hour after ‘Royale’ ends.  Fueled by the betrayal of Vesper, the woman he loved, agent 007 (Daniel Craig) fights back the temptation of making his new mission personal.  Treading through a minefield of betrayal and deceit, Bond aligns himself with old friends in search of the truth.  As you know, nothing is ever as it seems in the spy world.

In this high octane sequel, you’ll meet a colder and soulless version of Bond. Each time he murders someone, it’s his indifference that’ll strike you and not how violent the murder is itself. It’s a side of Bond we’re not used to seeing out of the 46 year old franchise, but it seems audiences have welcomed his ‘darker’ self.

The action sequences are always fun but do not live up to the ones in ‘Royale’. And just as disappointing are the lack of the high-tech gadgets that are so synonymous with the saga. 

But getting back to my original point. Where did they spend this exorbitant amount of money? It looks like a fair share was spent on the various filming locations throughout Latin America. Places like Panama City, the Atacama desert in Chile and the city of San Felipe in Mexico. 

Overall, the cast turns in performances worthy of the money in our pockets, but the bottom line is that the movie doesn’t deliver on the promise of being one of the best Bond movies ever.  This is a distinction we can make for ‘Royale’, a movie far superior in every aspect.

If you don’t get a chance to see ‘Quantum of Solace’ don’t fret. You’re not missing anything special.

Bolt
Jack Rico
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2009/03/24 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Bolt

03.24.2009 | By |

Rating: 3.5

Rated: PG for some mild action and peril.
Release Date: 2008-11-21
Starring: Chris Sanders
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/bolt/

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What a breath of fresh air…I had to redeem myself from Twilight people! (lol) Walt Disney has done it again with the adorable America White Shepherd, Bolt.
This movie has a great meaning – for the entire family. “If you put your mind to it – you can do anything!” It’s about a dog named Bolt (voice by John Travolta) and his “person”, Penny (voice by Miley Cyrus) who star in an action hit TV show. Now when the show ends – Penny goes home…but, Bolt…doesn’t. He doesn’t get to be a REAL dog…get this (lol) – the director keeps him locked in his trailer…that way – Bolt STAYS in character, which is better for the show. Are you following me? (lol) Good.
 
One day – Penny is kidnapped by the evil Dr. Calico. (in the TV show) As soon as they end the scene – Bolt is immediately taken to his trailer – STILL thinking Dr. Calico has Penny. Well, it’s time for action – the first chance he gets – he escapes the Hollywood studio lot…only to fall in a box and is shipped to New York City. (Yeah, poor Bolt)
 
While there in the Big Apple, he meets Mittens…a cat…who he thinks knows where Penny is. (KEEP IN MIND, BOLT THINKS HE IS LIVING THE TV SHOW) They decide to make a road trip BACK to L.A. – along the way – they meet a cool little kick butt hamster. (You gotta see him)
 
It’s a great family movie – you laugh and you even cry…yes, I DID tear up. Go see this movie people – – it’s a great and the kids will dig it.

Monsters vs. Aliens
Mike Pierce
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2009/03/23 at 12:00am

Reviews

Monsters vs. Aliens

03.23.2009 | By |

Rated: PG for sci-fi action, some crude humor and mild language.
Release Date: 2009-03-27
Starring: Maya Forbes, Wallace Wolodarsky
Director(s):
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Film Genre:
Country: USA
Official Website: http://www.monstersvsaliens.com/

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Monsters vs. Aliens

Yes! Monsters VS. Aliens – I had the chance to see this earlier this week and I must say…It was funny! I knew it would be. Check out the trailer and see for yourselves. (lol)

 

It stars the talented voices of Reese Witherspoon (Ginormica), Seth Rogen (B.O.B.), Hugh Laurie (Dr. Cockroach Ph. D), Will Arnett (The Missing Link), Keither Sutherland (General W.R. Monger), and many others. If you’re looking for a funny, all age family movie…Monsters VS. Aliens is for you!
 
It’s about this girl – who’s about to get the perfect life she’s always wanted. On her wedding day – she is hit by a meteorite from outer space…which turns her into a GIANT Monster lady. The government steps in and captures her – while she’s in the government prison…she meets 3 of the coolest monsters ever. Well, while that’s going on…an evil alien named, Gallaxhar decides he wants to attack and take over earth. As a last resort – with the leadership of General W.R. Monger and direct orders from the President of the United States…Ginormica and her 3 special friends must save the earth.
 
Ding…Ding…Monsters VS. Aliens. Your kids will love it and there’s enough adult humor to make you laugh.
I loved how they make you (me) remember all the classic monsters movies – The Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Blob, and so on. You’ll see!
 
I give Monsters VS. Aliens…4 out of 5 Popcorns

Duplicity
Alex Florez
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2009/03/18 at 12:00am

Reviews

Duplicity

03.18.2009 | By |

Rated: PG-13 for language and some sexual content.
Release Date: 2009-03-20
Starring: Tony Gilroy
Director(s):
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Film Genre:
Country: USA
Official Website: http://www.duplicitymovie.net/

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Duplicity

At its core, Duplicity is a romantic caper about two spies that have left the world of government intelligence for a scheme to cash in on a highly profitable cold war raging between two big rival corporations.  The problem is, half the movie goes by before we can figure that out.

Duplicity feels a lot like one of the Ocean’s Eleven movies with the romantic dynamic of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, but its plot is wound up tighter than it really needs to be. Director Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton, The Bourne Identity) seems to be overly concerned with keeping his audience guessing, virtually adding a plot twist wherever he can in the film.  Yes, for most of it we don’t quite know who’s good, who’s bad or who’s double crossing who, but at some points we’re also utterly confused. To make matters worse, this is one of those movies where the timeline isn’t linear and the events are completely shuffled around.

But let’s face it, at the root of this whole thing is a love story in which all those other details don’t really matter much.  For all of the intricacies Gilroy writes into the film, all we really care about is the fate of the two spies – as lovers.  Fortunately for us, both Julia Roberts and Clive Owen are total pros at being charmingly ‘duplicitous’, and thanks to them, the film is solidly entertaining.  Let’s remember how creepily untrustworthy they both were in Mike Nichols’ Closer. 

Of course, this isn’t The Bourne Identity nor is it Michael Clayton, and as far as romantic capers go, the endings are never as deceitful. Wink wink.

 

I Love You, Man
Jack Rico
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2009/03/18 at 12:00am

Reviews

I Love You, Man

03.18.2009 | By |

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

“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.

Elegy
Jack Rico
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By

2009/03/17 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Elegy

03.17.2009 | By |

Rating: 3.5

Rated: R for sexuality, nudity and language.
Release Date: 2008-08-08
Starring: Nicholas Meyer
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:NULL
Official Website: http://www.onpictures.com/peliculas/elegy/index.htm

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Catalan film director Isabel Coixet won various Goya awards in Spain (equivalent to the Oscars in the US) in 2006 for a small English spoken film called ‘The Secret Life of Words’ (La Vida Secreta de las Palabras) starring Tim Robbins and Canadian actress Sarah Polley. An ironic event since her native tongue isn’t even Spanish. Now, two years later, Coixet is at it again, in the Anglo-Saxon language, as she teams up with screenwriter Nicholas Meyer to bring to the big screen ‘Elegy’, starring Ben Kinglsley and Penélope Cruz.

The premise, based on Philip Roth’s short novel ‘The Dying Animal’, tells the story of the relationship between literature professor David Kepesh (Ben Kingsley), who is renowned for his cultural pedigree and Consuela Castillo (Penélope Cruz), his young and sensual Cuban student who falls in love with him.

But there is more here than just sexual play, the narrative essentially centers on how Kepesh deals with the fear that Consuela may leave him because of his age (thought to be around 55 or 60). Kingsley gives a charming and engaging performance that could be his best work in years. Cruz complements him beautifully as she plays the part of the erotic muse to perfection. Great dialogue, fabulous acting by a strong supporting cast (Dennis Hopper and Patricia Clarkson), along with unexpected sub-plots keep you absorbed for the entirety of the film.

A note, if you’ve been watching summer blockbuster Hollywood films one after another, the normal pacing of this film will either be a drastic change for you or a sight for sore eyes. I’ve noticed that after sitting in a dark theater consuming films the likes of ‘The Dark Knight’ and ‘The Mummy’, you become rather impatient with mid-tempo cinema. ‘Fight through it’, I say ardently! Elegy will be worth your troubles.

Knowing
Jack Rico
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By

2009/03/17 at 12:00am

Reviews

Knowing

03.17.2009 | By |

Rated: PG-13 for disaster sequences, disturbing images and brief strong language.
Release Date: 2009-03-20
Starring: Ryne Douglas Pearson, Juliet Snowden, Stiles White, Stuart Hazeldine
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country: USA
Official Website: http://knowing-themovie.com/

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Knowing

‘Knowing’, Nicolas Cage’s new apocalyptic action-thriller pic, is a mammoth and entertaining mega-production that possesses a captivating plot (rare in Hollywood these days), but due to its risible acting and incongruous occurrences, the enormity of the film becomes just a distraction to its script deficiencies. Is it entertaining? You betcha, but you’ll have to wait almost an hour to see the best scenes.

Nicolas Cage stars as a professor who stumbles upon terrifyingly tragic predictions about the future of the world – as he sets out to prevent them from coming true.

Blowing up Earth is where Hollywood has had some of its best box office successes and saving it is where Cage is king. His last two films, Bangkok Dangerous (2008) and National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007), were #1’s at the box office respectively, not to mention several others throughout his career. Regrettably, just because he topped the b.o doesn’t mean those movies are great. It means he works in films that the public likes. These type of movies that incorporate computer generated graphics are a huge attraction, but in the case of ‘Knowing’, the gaping holes are just too blatant to ignore. Worse is its denouement – its conclusion is the most random and absurd ending to any film I have ever seen!

If you’re in the mood to zone out and do not mind preposterous irrationalities, then you’ll enjoy this film. If you’re looking for a stimulating and thought provoking sci-fi flick, you’ll be very disappointed.

Punisher: War Zone
Jack Rico
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By

2009/03/16 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Punisher: War Zone

03.16.2009 | By |

Rating: 0.0

Rated: R for pervasive strong brutal violence, language and some drug use.
Release Date: 2008-12-05
Starring: Nick Santora, Art Marcum, Matt Holloway
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA, Canada
Official Website: http://www.punishermovie.com/

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This film is so bad, it’s not worth our time writing a review for it.

The Last House on the Left
Jack Rico
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By

2009/03/13 at 12:00am

Reviews

The Last House on the Left

03.13.2009 | By |

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

‘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.

Race to Witch Mountain
Jack Rico
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By

2009/03/12 at 12:00am

Reviews

Race to Witch Mountain

03.12.2009 | By |

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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Race to Witch Mountain

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.

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