Recent movie releases
by RICK MAUCH
(Posted Sun 03:15 am)
Up In The Air (A) -- George Clooney gives arguably the best performance of his illustrious career, one which should certainly garner him another Oscar nomination (and perhaps his second statue) as a specialist in delivering bad news to folks getting laid off from their jobs. While his work is depressing, to say the least, Ryan (Clooney) at least offers hopeful possibilities to those getting the bad news and understands the need to do his deed face-to-face instead of over the Internet, as a new young co-worker proposes. Void of attachment and always going from place to place, which makes his job perfect for him, his outlook begins to change when he meets a fellow constant traveler (Vera Farmiga in a role that should also receive strong Oscar consideration). Directed and co-written by Jason Reitman, the moovie ranks among the year's best and has a story that is a reminder that sometimes the loneliest people are often surrounded by others.
Precious (A) -- One of the best movies of 2009, it is emotionally riveting and challenges it's horrific core with humor and hope (albeit not always where we would like to see it). Director Lee Daniels keeps the movie stirring when it could have slipped into something found on the Lifetime Network. A litany of powerful acting performances is led by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe as the title character, an obese inner-city 16-year-old who lives with her abusive mother (comedian Mo'Nique) and has not one--but two children by her own father. Both are worthy of an Oscar nomination, as is Mariah Carey (yes, she of Glitter fame) who dispenses with every shred of diva-ness to play the social worker who befriends Precious.
Invictus (A) -- Morgan Freeman gives a lived-in performance as South African president Nelson Mandela as he teams up once again with director Clint Eastwood to tell the story of how Mandela used the nation's beloved sport of rugby to help erase racism and apartheid. Freeman is certain to receive another Oscar nomination, as could Matt Damon as the team's coach who engineers the team's improbable run to the 1995 World Cup championship. At the core of the story is Mandela's compassion and love for his country, including those who wrongfully sent him to prison for 27 years.
Crazy Heart (A) -- It's easy to understand why Jeff Bridges is the frontrunner for Best Actor at the March 7 Academy Awards. He gives the performance of his career as broken-down country singer Bad Blake, a man who is one cigarette and one drink away from possible death when he meets a woman (Maggie Gillenhaal, nominated for Best Supporting Actress) who gives him hope. Bridges' brilliant performance drives the movie, but it's touching theme and down-to-earth approach to survival--combined with a terrific soundtrack--makes it great.
Avatar (B+) -- More than a decade after he envisioned it, Oscar-winning writer/director James Cameron's tale of an alien world invaded by humans makes it to the big screen. Visually, it is a spectacle, but even spectacles can become tiring after nearly three hours. The magnificent CGI animation is sometimes undone by the human cast (even the great Sigourney Weaver's character raises question marks), and the film could have been at least a half hour shorter. It does, however, deliver a very worthwhile environmental message. No way this movie should have even been nominated for--much less won--a Golden Globe for Best Dramatic Motion Picture.
The Lovely Bones (B) -- Director Peter Jackson high-tech touches aside, the movie is driven by strong performances from former Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan (Atonement) and possibly soon-to-be Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci. Ronan stars as Susie Salmon, a 14-year-old girl who is murdered and looks down on her family from Heaven, struggling with how to deal with her premature death and how her family can move forward without her. Tucci is perfectly creepy, giving one of his finest performances as the villain with a lust to kill that he doesn't battle, but instead hides in plain sight.
The Book of Eli (B) -- As movies about the apocalypse go, brothers Albert and Alan Hughes (Menace II Society) deliver one of the more watch-worthy ones. Denzel Washington stars as the title character, a drifter in a world filled with cannibals and people who have forgotten the value of the written word since almost every book has been destroyed. However, Eli has the last Bible in existence, and Carnegie (Gary Oldman) wants it. But while Eli sees it as the last hope for rebuilding humanity, Carnegie sees having it as a power tool. Aside from its clear message of using religion as power, the movie has a couple of pretty good fight scenes and a nice twist of an ending.
Sherlock Holmes (B) -- This is NOT your father's Sherlock Holmes. Director Guy Ritchie turns the legendary sleuth into something of a superhero who jumps out of buildings, disarms bombs and even knows a little martial arts. However, he does sprinkle in enough of what made Holmes famous, seeing clues that are oblivious to all others, to maintain the character's base. Robert Downey Jr. sparkles as the title character, while Jude Law is the perfect sidekick as Watson and Rachel McAdams mixes in the right amount of vixen as Holmes' love interest/rival. This being the first of what is obviously a franchise, I would have liked to have seen more of Holmes' origin and what led him to be the great detective he is.
The Blind Side (B) -- Sandra Bullock delivers a solid performance, perhaps her best ever (she's certain to get her first Oscar nomination, and maybe even win after already taking home a Golden Globe and Screen Actor's Guild honors), in this true story about the family that took in Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher when he was a teenager, ultimately creating an opportunity for him to go on the success he enjoys today. Aside from Bullock's powerful showing, though, the movie misses numerous opportunities to make the emotional impact it might have, too often taking the safe road.
Youth In Revolt (B) -- While not nearly as cutting edge as C.D. Payne's written works on which the movie is based, the movie does raise some good societal questions. It also has a few very funny moments, although not nearly enough. Michael Cera challenges his comedic range and is somewhat successful as the 18-year-old determined to lose his virginity after the breakup of his parents.
Leap Year (B-) -- Despite its overly formulaic premise, there's something to like about this extremely predictable romantic comedy--it's leading lady. Amy Adams is quite charming as a woman intent on going to Ireland to propose to her boyfriend on Feb. 29 in a leap year (apparently it's a tradition there), only to discover that her journey might have led her to the true love of her life.
From Paris With Love (C+) -- Not much of this movie about stopping terrorism makes sense or is memorable, but John Travolta is fun to watch and it is nice to see Jonathan Rhys Myers back on the big screen. My advice, if you are inclined to see this movie, is enjoy the explosions and action and move on to something with more substance next time.
Extraordinary Measures (C+) -- Harrison Ford gives one of the most spirited performances of his career, but the movie is bogged down by the story around him. Ford is often riveting as the self-driven and unconventional doctor who teams up with a father (Brendan Fraser) who leaves the fast track of the business world to start a drug company in hopes of getting the cure for his two children's fatal disease.
Nine (C) -- What was the great Daniel Day-Lewis thinking when he accepted the role of an Italian director experiencing a midlife crisis? The man has done many wonderful things in his career, but pulling this off is not among them.
Dear John (C) -- Amanda Seyfreid, so terrific on HBO's Big Love, does a solid job of carrying this story of young lovers separated by war and the world's problems. However, the movie is too filled with contrivances and predictability to be anything above average popcorn fair.
The Tooth Fairy (D) -- If you saw the trailers and, like me, thought this movie was going to be terrible, you were right. Dwayne Johnson stars as a hockey player whose nickname is The Tooth Fairy because of his ability to separate opponents from their teeth. Then, after dissing a youth, Derek (Johnson) finds himself sentenced to work as a real tooth fairy. Yes, it is as silly as it sounds, and yes, the humor is equally bad--what little humor there is.
When in Rome (F) -- Dumb reached a whole new level with this movie about a lady (Kristen Bell) who, down on romance, travels to Rome and places her romantic fortunes on a wishing well. It would help if Bell were a stronger actress, but I'm more curious to find out what made the great Anjelica Huston partake in this waste of film?
by RICK MAUCH
(Posted Sun 03:15 am)
Up In The Air (A) -- George Clooney gives arguably the best performance of his illustrious career, one which should certainly garner him another Oscar nomination (and perhaps his second statue) as a specialist in delivering bad news to folks getting laid off from their jobs. While his work is depressing, to say the least, Ryan (Clooney) at least offers hopeful possibilities to those getting the bad news and understands the need to do his deed face-to-face instead of over the Internet, as a new young co-worker proposes. Void of attachment and always going from place to place, which makes his job perfect for him, his outlook begins to change when he meets a fellow constant traveler (Vera Farmiga in a role that should also receive strong Oscar consideration). Directed and co-written by Jason Reitman, the moovie ranks among the year's best and has a story that is a reminder that sometimes the loneliest people are often surrounded by others.
Precious (A) -- One of the best movies of 2009, it is emotionally riveting and challenges it's horrific core with humor and hope (albeit not always where we would like to see it). Director Lee Daniels keeps the movie stirring when it could have slipped into something found on the Lifetime Network. A litany of powerful acting performances is led by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe as the title character, an obese inner-city 16-year-old who lives with her abusive mother (comedian Mo'Nique) and has not one--but two children by her own father. Both are worthy of an Oscar nomination, as is Mariah Carey (yes, she of Glitter fame) who dispenses with every shred of diva-ness to play the social worker who befriends Precious.
Invictus (A) -- Morgan Freeman gives a lived-in performance as South African president Nelson Mandela as he teams up once again with director Clint Eastwood to tell the story of how Mandela used the nation's beloved sport of rugby to help erase racism and apartheid. Freeman is certain to receive another Oscar nomination, as could Matt Damon as the team's coach who engineers the team's improbable run to the 1995 World Cup championship. At the core of the story is Mandela's compassion and love for his country, including those who wrongfully sent him to prison for 27 years.
Crazy Heart (A) -- It's easy to understand why Jeff Bridges is the frontrunner for Best Actor at the March 7 Academy Awards. He gives the performance of his career as broken-down country singer Bad Blake, a man who is one cigarette and one drink away from possible death when he meets a woman (Maggie Gillenhaal, nominated for Best Supporting Actress) who gives him hope. Bridges' brilliant performance drives the movie, but it's touching theme and down-to-earth approach to survival--combined with a terrific soundtrack--makes it great.
Avatar (B+) -- More than a decade after he envisioned it, Oscar-winning writer/director James Cameron's tale of an alien world invaded by humans makes it to the big screen. Visually, it is a spectacle, but even spectacles can become tiring after nearly three hours. The magnificent CGI animation is sometimes undone by the human cast (even the great Sigourney Weaver's character raises question marks), and the film could have been at least a half hour shorter. It does, however, deliver a very worthwhile environmental message. No way this movie should have even been nominated for--much less won--a Golden Globe for Best Dramatic Motion Picture.
The Lovely Bones (B) -- Director Peter Jackson high-tech touches aside, the movie is driven by strong performances from former Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan (Atonement) and possibly soon-to-be Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci. Ronan stars as Susie Salmon, a 14-year-old girl who is murdered and looks down on her family from Heaven, struggling with how to deal with her premature death and how her family can move forward without her. Tucci is perfectly creepy, giving one of his finest performances as the villain with a lust to kill that he doesn't battle, but instead hides in plain sight.
The Book of Eli (B) -- As movies about the apocalypse go, brothers Albert and Alan Hughes (Menace II Society) deliver one of the more watch-worthy ones. Denzel Washington stars as the title character, a drifter in a world filled with cannibals and people who have forgotten the value of the written word since almost every book has been destroyed. However, Eli has the last Bible in existence, and Carnegie (Gary Oldman) wants it. But while Eli sees it as the last hope for rebuilding humanity, Carnegie sees having it as a power tool. Aside from its clear message of using religion as power, the movie has a couple of pretty good fight scenes and a nice twist of an ending.
Sherlock Holmes (B) -- This is NOT your father's Sherlock Holmes. Director Guy Ritchie turns the legendary sleuth into something of a superhero who jumps out of buildings, disarms bombs and even knows a little martial arts. However, he does sprinkle in enough of what made Holmes famous, seeing clues that are oblivious to all others, to maintain the character's base. Robert Downey Jr. sparkles as the title character, while Jude Law is the perfect sidekick as Watson and Rachel McAdams mixes in the right amount of vixen as Holmes' love interest/rival. This being the first of what is obviously a franchise, I would have liked to have seen more of Holmes' origin and what led him to be the great detective he is.
The Blind Side (B) -- Sandra Bullock delivers a solid performance, perhaps her best ever (she's certain to get her first Oscar nomination, and maybe even win after already taking home a Golden Globe and Screen Actor's Guild honors), in this true story about the family that took in Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher when he was a teenager, ultimately creating an opportunity for him to go on the success he enjoys today. Aside from Bullock's powerful showing, though, the movie misses numerous opportunities to make the emotional impact it might have, too often taking the safe road.
Youth In Revolt (B) -- While not nearly as cutting edge as C.D. Payne's written works on which the movie is based, the movie does raise some good societal questions. It also has a few very funny moments, although not nearly enough. Michael Cera challenges his comedic range and is somewhat successful as the 18-year-old determined to lose his virginity after the breakup of his parents.
Leap Year (B-) -- Despite its overly formulaic premise, there's something to like about this extremely predictable romantic comedy--it's leading lady. Amy Adams is quite charming as a woman intent on going to Ireland to propose to her boyfriend on Feb. 29 in a leap year (apparently it's a tradition there), only to discover that her journey might have led her to the true love of her life.
From Paris With Love (C+) -- Not much of this movie about stopping terrorism makes sense or is memorable, but John Travolta is fun to watch and it is nice to see Jonathan Rhys Myers back on the big screen. My advice, if you are inclined to see this movie, is enjoy the explosions and action and move on to something with more substance next time.
Extraordinary Measures (C+) -- Harrison Ford gives one of the most spirited performances of his career, but the movie is bogged down by the story around him. Ford is often riveting as the self-driven and unconventional doctor who teams up with a father (Brendan Fraser) who leaves the fast track of the business world to start a drug company in hopes of getting the cure for his two children's fatal disease.
Nine (C) -- What was the great Daniel Day-Lewis thinking when he accepted the role of an Italian director experiencing a midlife crisis? The man has done many wonderful things in his career, but pulling this off is not among them.
Dear John (C) -- Amanda Seyfreid, so terrific on HBO's Big Love, does a solid job of carrying this story of young lovers separated by war and the world's problems. However, the movie is too filled with contrivances and predictability to be anything above average popcorn fair.
The Tooth Fairy (D) -- If you saw the trailers and, like me, thought this movie was going to be terrible, you were right. Dwayne Johnson stars as a hockey player whose nickname is The Tooth Fairy because of his ability to separate opponents from their teeth. Then, after dissing a youth, Derek (Johnson) finds himself sentenced to work as a real tooth fairy. Yes, it is as silly as it sounds, and yes, the humor is equally bad--what little humor there is.
When in Rome (F) -- Dumb reached a whole new level with this movie about a lady (Kristen Bell) who, down on romance, travels to Rome and places her romantic fortunes on a wishing well. It would help if Bell were a stronger actress, but I'm more curious to find out what made the great Anjelica Huston partake in this waste of film?
