Tangled Is A Straight Winner
Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) has been in that tower for what seems like eternity. Well, in her case, it’s only approaching her eighteenth birthday. All she wants to do is stretcher wings and be free. Free to roam in the village, free to see the lights she has only seen from a far, and free to be a young woman.
But her mother won’t let that happen. Of course it is not really her mother. She was stolen away at a young age with the power that existed within her. That power keeps an old woman young and alert but also unknowingly keeps her trapped in the tower that is her home.
Flynn Ryder (Zachery Levi) is an outlaw. Wanted by the King and Queen, he is on the run when he stumbles upon the tower that has held Rapunzel for years. Despite being told she couldn’t keep up with the world, Rapunzel holds her own against the intruding Flynn. To free him, she strikes a deal. He will take her to see the lights that she has dreamt of enjoying. She will trade him the journey for his satchel.
Together, Rapunzel and Flynn head to the lights on a journey that is wrought with challenges. With each passing step, Rapunzel is torn between obeying her mother and her newfound freedom. Will she let her hair down and have a good time, or keep it close to the vest and remain a prisoner in her own home.
What a fun film! Sure this is geared towards young girls, but it has everything that makes an animated film like this work.
Rapunzel is based on a classic tale. The film has bright and vibrant colors and contains great voice work. But probably most importantly it has a quick pace and is full of music to keep the kids constantly amused.
Disney’s 50th animated film is a great representation of what has made Disney an industry leader. Tangled is a straight winner.
B+
Tangled
Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Tom McGrath
Cast: Mandy Moore, Zachery Levi
Rating: PG for brief mild violence.
Runtime: 92 minutes.
Rabu, 24 November 2010
Review - Faster
Forgiveness Is Faster, But Revenge Rules
Driver (Dwayne Johnson) is out of prison and he’s got one thing on his mind, revenge. He was in prison for his role in a bank robbery. He was the only remaining survivor after the group was ambushed and killed for their loot. It was then he vowed to get even, and kill all those involved. Today, he begins to keep the vow.
His vengeance leads him first to a telemarketer and after walking into an office and gunning him down in broad daylight he as a Cop (Billy Bob Thornton) on his tail. The Cop and his partner for this case (Carla Gugino) try to put together the pieces and find out who this man is that committing cold blooded murder, and why.
There is one more thing that will make the next couple days a bit interesting. Someone has hired a Killer (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) to take out Driver as they feel they might be at the top of his list. Now it’s just a matter of who will be killed next. Is anyone safe? Just how will this revenge plot play itself out?
This feels a bit like a classic revenge movie. There is the foreboding music, the washed out colors, and the really rough visuals. Dwayne Johnson sheds the lighthearted image he has recently led with in films for the rougher, tougher role. It works, as Johnson can do just about anything.
The rest of the cast rolls through the punches, even if only onscreen briefly. It’s a bit of a murky developing film; there is not much beyond the base plot line. I still found myself racing as the revenge played out. The faster it went, the faster I went. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Despite the fact that some may object to the film’s revenge story, it shouldn’t slow down. Faster is perfect for the audience it’s searching for, and still fun for just about all the rest of us.
C+
Faster
CBS Films
Director: George Tillman Jr.
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton, Carla Gugino, Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Rating: R for strong violence, some drug use and language.
Runtime: 95 minutes.
Driver (Dwayne Johnson) is out of prison and he’s got one thing on his mind, revenge. He was in prison for his role in a bank robbery. He was the only remaining survivor after the group was ambushed and killed for their loot. It was then he vowed to get even, and kill all those involved. Today, he begins to keep the vow.
His vengeance leads him first to a telemarketer and after walking into an office and gunning him down in broad daylight he as a Cop (Billy Bob Thornton) on his tail. The Cop and his partner for this case (Carla Gugino) try to put together the pieces and find out who this man is that committing cold blooded murder, and why.
There is one more thing that will make the next couple days a bit interesting. Someone has hired a Killer (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) to take out Driver as they feel they might be at the top of his list. Now it’s just a matter of who will be killed next. Is anyone safe? Just how will this revenge plot play itself out?
This feels a bit like a classic revenge movie. There is the foreboding music, the washed out colors, and the really rough visuals. Dwayne Johnson sheds the lighthearted image he has recently led with in films for the rougher, tougher role. It works, as Johnson can do just about anything.
The rest of the cast rolls through the punches, even if only onscreen briefly. It’s a bit of a murky developing film; there is not much beyond the base plot line. I still found myself racing as the revenge played out. The faster it went, the faster I went. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Despite the fact that some may object to the film’s revenge story, it shouldn’t slow down. Faster is perfect for the audience it’s searching for, and still fun for just about all the rest of us.
C+
Faster
CBS Films
Director: George Tillman Jr.
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton, Carla Gugino, Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Rating: R for strong violence, some drug use and language.
Runtime: 95 minutes.
Kamis, 18 November 2010
SNAPSHOTS - Harry Potter and the rest.
Remotely accessing the blog, so the full reviews won't go online until this evening...but here's the SNAPSHOTS.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 - scary for some, this will take Harry Potter fans to the brink with a solid, yet unspectacular setup for the final film next year. Much like the early chapters of a book, there is a lot of exposition that goes on and it can sometimes be confusing for the casual fan. A solid, yet unspectacular effort. B
The Next Three Days - Russell Crowe and Elizabeth Banks in a Paul Haggis film about a woman in jail for murder and her husband that will do anything to get her back. A little out there at times, but definitely a solid popcorn flick. Quick and hard driving action sequences will definitely get the blood going. B-
127 Hours - Now reaching out in wider release, this has one of the performances of the year from James Franco. The one scene may make you uncomfortable, but it should. Franco takes viewers through the whole range of emotions in this award worthy performance. A man trapped goes through feelings like no other. A-
Fair Game - Also now rolling into its wider release window, this is the Valerie Plame story brought to the screen by Naomi Watts and Sean Penn. It's a faster paced thriller type as it's framed and that's not a bad thing. Definitely worth checking out. B-
Those are your SNAPSHOTS on this week's new offerings -- Look for these as we go forward Every Friday at 12:01 AM -- with full reviews to follow! If you don't have time for the full review, always take a peek at the Common Guy's Snapshots.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 - scary for some, this will take Harry Potter fans to the brink with a solid, yet unspectacular setup for the final film next year. Much like the early chapters of a book, there is a lot of exposition that goes on and it can sometimes be confusing for the casual fan. A solid, yet unspectacular effort. B
The Next Three Days - Russell Crowe and Elizabeth Banks in a Paul Haggis film about a woman in jail for murder and her husband that will do anything to get her back. A little out there at times, but definitely a solid popcorn flick. Quick and hard driving action sequences will definitely get the blood going. B-
127 Hours - Now reaching out in wider release, this has one of the performances of the year from James Franco. The one scene may make you uncomfortable, but it should. Franco takes viewers through the whole range of emotions in this award worthy performance. A man trapped goes through feelings like no other. A-
Fair Game - Also now rolling into its wider release window, this is the Valerie Plame story brought to the screen by Naomi Watts and Sean Penn. It's a faster paced thriller type as it's framed and that's not a bad thing. Definitely worth checking out. B-
Those are your SNAPSHOTS on this week's new offerings -- Look for these as we go forward Every Friday at 12:01 AM -- with full reviews to follow! If you don't have time for the full review, always take a peek at the Common Guy's Snapshots.
Kamis, 11 November 2010
Review - Morning Glory
This Morning Is More Than Fluffy
The life of a morning news producer is filled with celebrity, glamour, fun, and excitement. Or at least that’s what the public thinks when they talk to the person behind the show they love. They get to work with the on air talent that is wonderful to watch and fun to be around. The producer is respected and revered and everyone waits for their every instruction, right? As Becky (Rachel McAdams) will show you, it’s more about working all hours, all the time and making the show you see something you won’t forget.
Whey Becky loses her job at a little station in New Jersey, she finds herself struggling to find another job in television. She’ll take anyone, if they’ll just give her a chance. So when the lowest rated network calls her for an interview, she accepts the job before she even interviews. That interview shows her two things. One she has a long way to go to live up to the credentials that are in the industry. But more importantly that she has heart and drive that is nearly unmatched.
Getting the job is just the first hurdle for Becky. She inherits a staff that has taken bickering to another level. They each are all in it only for themselves and team unity is nonexistent. After firing the co-anchor she searches the roster of those already under contract to the network to find the next fresh face for the morning show. The fresh face she wants is well past being “fresh”. Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford) has seen it all. He’s been in the hard news business for a long time. He’s interviewed world leaders, seen governmental changes and been at some of the most historic moments in history. He’s under contract to IBS and at a point where he has to accept any offer the network makes to get the remainder of his contract paid.
Now, not willing, not eager and definitely not helpful to the cause, it is up to Mike to help bring Daybreak back from the depths and make Becky a success. Together with cohost Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton) the bickering will get a bit more intense as Mike sticks to “hard” news and Colleen does everything else. Can Becky bring the team together in time to make a difference? Or will she soon need to look for yet another job.
Can I just say; I dug this film! Sure, many of my colleagues will probably call it fluff and discount what is done here. Let me make the case for why I dug this.
First and foremost there is some great casting here. Let’s start with Rachel McAdams. She really is the central character that makes the film tick. She exhibits a youthful exuberance in the role of a driven woman trying to succeed in a tough business. Her drive and dedication towards her chosen profession was obvious and she captured her character.
But it’s not only her, Harrison Ford as a grizzled news veteran is exactly the Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw type. You believe that he feels everything going on is beneath him, and what he has to offer. Diane Keaton is a longtime part of Daybreak that just wants to garner the popularity that comes with the position, she just wants to be loved by her fans.
This array of great talent is put through the paces in a light but effortless pace. It’s a nice combination of comedy and reality. It didn’t feel nearly as “fluffy” as some might think. There are many serious films to come, but this one is simply crowd pleasing and it was a fun experience in the theaters.
B+ / A-
Morning Glory
Paramount Pictures
Director: Roger Michell
Cast: Harrison Ford, Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton, Patrick Wilson , Jeff Goldblum
Rating: PG-13 for some sexual content including dialogue, language and brief drug references.
Runtime: 95 minutes.
The life of a morning news producer is filled with celebrity, glamour, fun, and excitement. Or at least that’s what the public thinks when they talk to the person behind the show they love. They get to work with the on air talent that is wonderful to watch and fun to be around. The producer is respected and revered and everyone waits for their every instruction, right? As Becky (Rachel McAdams) will show you, it’s more about working all hours, all the time and making the show you see something you won’t forget.
Whey Becky loses her job at a little station in New Jersey, she finds herself struggling to find another job in television. She’ll take anyone, if they’ll just give her a chance. So when the lowest rated network calls her for an interview, she accepts the job before she even interviews. That interview shows her two things. One she has a long way to go to live up to the credentials that are in the industry. But more importantly that she has heart and drive that is nearly unmatched.
Getting the job is just the first hurdle for Becky. She inherits a staff that has taken bickering to another level. They each are all in it only for themselves and team unity is nonexistent. After firing the co-anchor she searches the roster of those already under contract to the network to find the next fresh face for the morning show. The fresh face she wants is well past being “fresh”. Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford) has seen it all. He’s been in the hard news business for a long time. He’s interviewed world leaders, seen governmental changes and been at some of the most historic moments in history. He’s under contract to IBS and at a point where he has to accept any offer the network makes to get the remainder of his contract paid.
Now, not willing, not eager and definitely not helpful to the cause, it is up to Mike to help bring Daybreak back from the depths and make Becky a success. Together with cohost Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton) the bickering will get a bit more intense as Mike sticks to “hard” news and Colleen does everything else. Can Becky bring the team together in time to make a difference? Or will she soon need to look for yet another job.
Can I just say; I dug this film! Sure, many of my colleagues will probably call it fluff and discount what is done here. Let me make the case for why I dug this.
First and foremost there is some great casting here. Let’s start with Rachel McAdams. She really is the central character that makes the film tick. She exhibits a youthful exuberance in the role of a driven woman trying to succeed in a tough business. Her drive and dedication towards her chosen profession was obvious and she captured her character.
But it’s not only her, Harrison Ford as a grizzled news veteran is exactly the Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw type. You believe that he feels everything going on is beneath him, and what he has to offer. Diane Keaton is a longtime part of Daybreak that just wants to garner the popularity that comes with the position, she just wants to be loved by her fans.
This array of great talent is put through the paces in a light but effortless pace. It’s a nice combination of comedy and reality. It didn’t feel nearly as “fluffy” as some might think. There are many serious films to come, but this one is simply crowd pleasing and it was a fun experience in the theaters.
B+ / A-
Morning Glory
Paramount Pictures
Director: Roger Michell
Cast: Harrison Ford, Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton, Patrick Wilson , Jeff Goldblum
Rating: PG-13 for some sexual content including dialogue, language and brief drug references.
Runtime: 95 minutes.
Senin, 08 November 2010
Review - Megamind
Mega Fun? Or Just Kinda Fun?
Good versus Evil. It’s the constant battle that is fought day in and day out. So is the case in Megamind. Megamind was sent to earth as a young boy, ejected into space as his planet was facing destruction. At the same time, Metro Man was also on his way to Earth under the same scenario. One landed in a nice house, and one in prison. Their fates had been selected.
As they grow, the rivalry intensifies. And it reaches a heated climax when Metro Man is trapped and his defenses are weakened, but will this final battle be the end for our hero? Or will Megamind need to find his nemesis to be complete?
Megamind is not your father’s animated film. In fact the humor here is not your son or daughter’s either. It is a funny film for boys and maybe even teens/adults but I wouldn’t look to young girls for a group that will enjoy this film. I had fun at some of the jokes that cross the heads of the youngest viewers, but there were more of those than jokes that make the youngsters laugh.
The voice work is top-notch and they do their best, but this film fizzles a bit when it comes to structure and overall pacing. It would have been nice to keep the fun going, but because of the story structure, it just can’t proceed.
Megamind could have been mega fun, but instead it was just kinda fun.
B-
Megamind
Dreamworks Pictures
Director: Tom McGrath
Cast: Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, David Cross
Rating: PG for action and some language.
Runtime: 96 minutes.
Good versus Evil. It’s the constant battle that is fought day in and day out. So is the case in Megamind. Megamind was sent to earth as a young boy, ejected into space as his planet was facing destruction. At the same time, Metro Man was also on his way to Earth under the same scenario. One landed in a nice house, and one in prison. Their fates had been selected.
As they grow, the rivalry intensifies. And it reaches a heated climax when Metro Man is trapped and his defenses are weakened, but will this final battle be the end for our hero? Or will Megamind need to find his nemesis to be complete?
Megamind is not your father’s animated film. In fact the humor here is not your son or daughter’s either. It is a funny film for boys and maybe even teens/adults but I wouldn’t look to young girls for a group that will enjoy this film. I had fun at some of the jokes that cross the heads of the youngest viewers, but there were more of those than jokes that make the youngsters laugh.
The voice work is top-notch and they do their best, but this film fizzles a bit when it comes to structure and overall pacing. It would have been nice to keep the fun going, but because of the story structure, it just can’t proceed.
Megamind could have been mega fun, but instead it was just kinda fun.
B-
Megamind
Dreamworks Pictures
Director: Tom McGrath
Cast: Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, David Cross
Rating: PG for action and some language.
Runtime: 96 minutes.
Review - Due Date
Road Trip
What should be a simple trip across country becomes very difficult after Peter (Robert Downey Jr.) has a chance encounter with Ethan (Zach Galifianakis). The chance encounter leads to placement on the No Fly List and the daunting task of getting across country without the help of commercial transportation. Ah, but Ethan has rented a car, and with Peter having no ID or wallet (he left them on the plane) there was only one thing to do, ROAD TRIP!
The road trip is filled with bumps along the way. Ethan searches for his glaucoma medicine in Birmingham, annoys Peter at every turn, and even falls asleep behind the wheel causing a rollover accident. Despite Peter’s constant battles with Ethan’s personality, he knows he wants to make it home for the birth of his child, and he puts up with it all. But can they make it to Los Angeles?
This is truly a schizophrenic comedy. It rolls along for extended sequences with humor that is very predictable. And then, out of nowhere, bam, something totally unexpected happens to elicit chuckles. And the unexpected is usually coming from Peter’s behavior. He does things we just don’t see in comedies.
But despite the schizophrenic fun, Due Date’s ultimate downfall is the totally unrealistic, even in a marginal way, setups. To get our two individuals in a vehicle together is crazy in and of itself, but to go further and have them encounter some of the things they do, well that just isn’t right. I normally don’t dwell on this aspect, especially in comedies, but it is just too much.
I laughed at Due Date, and I laughed a lot. That’s a good thing, right? A fun film that has its own identity, Due Date is a unique take on the road trip film.
B
Due Date
Warner Brothers Pictures
Director: Todd Phillips
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis, Michelle Monaghan, Jamie Foxx, Juliette Lewis, Danny McBride
Rating: R for language, drug use and sexual content.
Runtime: 100 minutes.
What should be a simple trip across country becomes very difficult after Peter (Robert Downey Jr.) has a chance encounter with Ethan (Zach Galifianakis). The chance encounter leads to placement on the No Fly List and the daunting task of getting across country without the help of commercial transportation. Ah, but Ethan has rented a car, and with Peter having no ID or wallet (he left them on the plane) there was only one thing to do, ROAD TRIP!
The road trip is filled with bumps along the way. Ethan searches for his glaucoma medicine in Birmingham, annoys Peter at every turn, and even falls asleep behind the wheel causing a rollover accident. Despite Peter’s constant battles with Ethan’s personality, he knows he wants to make it home for the birth of his child, and he puts up with it all. But can they make it to Los Angeles?
This is truly a schizophrenic comedy. It rolls along for extended sequences with humor that is very predictable. And then, out of nowhere, bam, something totally unexpected happens to elicit chuckles. And the unexpected is usually coming from Peter’s behavior. He does things we just don’t see in comedies.
But despite the schizophrenic fun, Due Date’s ultimate downfall is the totally unrealistic, even in a marginal way, setups. To get our two individuals in a vehicle together is crazy in and of itself, but to go further and have them encounter some of the things they do, well that just isn’t right. I normally don’t dwell on this aspect, especially in comedies, but it is just too much.
I laughed at Due Date, and I laughed a lot. That’s a good thing, right? A fun film that has its own identity, Due Date is a unique take on the road trip film.
B
Due Date
Warner Brothers Pictures
Director: Todd Phillips
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis, Michelle Monaghan, Jamie Foxx, Juliette Lewis, Danny McBride
Rating: R for language, drug use and sexual content.
Runtime: 100 minutes.
Selasa, 02 November 2010
Home Screening Room - It's All About Toy Story 3
Home Screening Room
Just From Theaters
Toy Story 3 (Tom Hanks, Tim Allen)
Bar none, the best film released on DVD this week, and one of the best of the year. The trilogy will end with grown men and woman weeping as Woody, Buzz and the rest wrap up their journey. Well worth every minute spent with the “toys”. Pick up the great Blu Ray/DVD box set for the best of all worlds!
CHECK OUT THE THEATRICAL REVIEW - MORE ON THE DVD THIS WEEK
Also new this week…
Centurion (Michael Fassbender, Dominic West)
Love & Distrust (Robert Pattinson, Sam Worthington) All these stars, how have I missed this.
Other fun stuff released today.
Beverly Hills 90210: The Final Season – catch the original cast in their final season.
Flipping Out: 1st and 2nd Seasons – Jeff Lewis, pre-Housing meltdown…this is good stuff.
The Goonies - 25th Anniversary Blu Ray
The Larry Sanders Show: The Complete Second Season
Mad About You: The Complete Fifth Season
The Pacific – HBO series that is now on Blu Ray and is well worth checking out.
V: The Complete First Season – I will admit…I totally got sucked in to this one and can’t wait for season 2.
For the Kids
Hannah Montana Forever: Who Is Hannah Montana?
And Finally
ExTerminators (Heather Graham, Jennifer Coolidge)
Check out this Comedy. Come on … it’s got Heather Graham. It’s the story of getting sent to a rage-therapy group after a bad breakup. It’s a dark comedy, but…
Pick of the Week
You’ve got to get your hands on Toy Story 3. This is worthy of any collection. Also I love the release of The Goonies on BluRay.
Thanks!
Pop Some Popcorn, Pop a Pepsi, and Pop in a DVD and remember to Save Me A Seat!
Just From Theaters
Toy Story 3 (Tom Hanks, Tim Allen)
Bar none, the best film released on DVD this week, and one of the best of the year. The trilogy will end with grown men and woman weeping as Woody, Buzz and the rest wrap up their journey. Well worth every minute spent with the “toys”. Pick up the great Blu Ray/DVD box set for the best of all worlds!
CHECK OUT THE THEATRICAL REVIEW - MORE ON THE DVD THIS WEEK
Also new this week…
Centurion (Michael Fassbender, Dominic West)
Love & Distrust (Robert Pattinson, Sam Worthington) All these stars, how have I missed this.
Other fun stuff released today.
Beverly Hills 90210: The Final Season – catch the original cast in their final season.
Flipping Out: 1st and 2nd Seasons – Jeff Lewis, pre-Housing meltdown…this is good stuff.
The Goonies - 25th Anniversary Blu Ray
The Larry Sanders Show: The Complete Second Season
Mad About You: The Complete Fifth Season
The Pacific – HBO series that is now on Blu Ray and is well worth checking out.
V: The Complete First Season – I will admit…I totally got sucked in to this one and can’t wait for season 2.
For the Kids
Hannah Montana Forever: Who Is Hannah Montana?
And Finally
ExTerminators (Heather Graham, Jennifer Coolidge)
Check out this Comedy. Come on … it’s got Heather Graham. It’s the story of getting sent to a rage-therapy group after a bad breakup. It’s a dark comedy, but…
Pick of the Week
You’ve got to get your hands on Toy Story 3. This is worthy of any collection. Also I love the release of The Goonies on BluRay.
Thanks!
Pop Some Popcorn, Pop a Pepsi, and Pop in a DVD and remember to Save Me A Seat!
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