Top 25 Movies of 2011

Another year has closed and that means it’s time for year-end lists!
(I reserve the right to amend this list if there is a movie that I DIDN’T catch in 2011 yet – but do later)

First, a couple movies I really dug, but didn’t include on my final list –

We Need to Talk About Kevin (Although it muddled for a bit, it packs a real punch and at the end I was wowed!), The Beaver (People are so anti Mel Gibson they didn’t give this the chance it deserved – and that’s too bad because it’s a good film), My Week With Marilyn (I thought Michelle Williams was great, better than the movie itself), Give Up Tomorrow (The story of Paco was moving and I personally found myself disgusted at his treatment – check out http://freepaconow.comfor more), Page One: Inside The New York Times (For a media junkie like myself, this hit it out of the park with a fascinating look at the NY Times), Super 8 (An action movie, a weird crash, kids making movies – all fun)

25 Movies I really dug in 2011

25. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Ok, virtually no critic will put this on a list, but look – it’s amazing on IMAX or Ultra Screen so get out and see it with the biggest screen and loudest sound you can find. Yes, Tom Cruise is back!

24. Young Adult

Charlize Theron and Patton Oswalt are spectactular and not just because they hit my target age group here. Diablo Cody has written a witty and fun script that will have you laughing as well as crying inside for Charlize’s character. And Jason Reitman, well….is still the man.

23. Margin Call

One of those that just wasn’t marketed and distributed very well. This is an amazingly timely and star-studded film dealing with the financial crisis; if you at all like finances you need to see this movie. Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, Paul Bettany, Zachary Quinto and more are featured here.

22. The Artist

Sure I like it; I’m just not overwhelmed with this silent, black and white effort that seems to be taking everyone else by storm.

21. Win Win
Underrated film from early 2011 featuring a stellar performance from Paul Giamatti (but that is expected these days). It’s one of those snapshots of life that will really grab you.

20. The Way
Ok, very few people saw this Emilio Estevez written and directed film starring his father Martin Sheen playing his father. It’s a poignant tale of a father coming to grips with the loss of his son, all while coming to grips with his own personal struggles. A journey both physically and spiritually that is worth checking out.

19. Cedar Rapids

You may have missed it earlier this year, but you shouldn’t have. Ed Helms teams with John C. Reilly, Anne Heche and Isiah Whitlock Jr. to give us a look at small town insurance in the big city of Cedar Rapids. You’ll laugh a lot and won’t be disappointed by this one.

18. Take Shelter

Michael Shannon. Seems like all I need to say about this movie is his name. He’s such a solid actor that anything he touches turns into something special. Here he is dealing with a spiral into mental illness before your very eyes, or is he? Jessica Chastain stars as his wife in just ONE of her great performances of the year.

17. The Help

Speaking of Jessica Chastain she is here alongside a spectacular ensemble including Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and Bryce Dallas Howard. This may be the best ensemble in a movie this year. It’s a film that will disgust you when you think of where we were as a society. It will also uplift you in ways you never imagined with the courage of a few to step out of the “norm” of the time.

16. Senna

Why this wasn’t on the short list for the Academy Awards is beyond me. Of course, I like racing, but even if I didn’t this story of driver Ayrton Senna and his rise in Formula 1 plays like a gripping novel. You can’t wait to turn the next page some of which will make you smile, but eventually will break your heart. A man so revered, whose life was cut short way too soon, gets a special film to remember him.

15. 50/50

This one really surprised me. I didn’t expect the depth that I got. Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars along Seth Rogen and deals frankly and openly with a startling diagnosis. At 27 he has cancer despite living the “right” life. Coping with cancer at 27 is tough but this is a very straightforward and frank film filled with humor and heart.

14. The Adventures of Tin Tin

I wasn’t the first to call attention to it, but I think it’s true. This is like an animated Raiders of the Lost Ark film. I think that may be some of the reason Steven Spielberg was so passionate about bringing it to the screen. The motion capture works and I can’t wait to see the next stop for Tin Tin.

13. War Horse

Speaking of Spielberg, War Horse is the way filmmaking used to be. Despite being a touch long, it is an emotional story that reminds you of epic films of days gone by.  It is a sharply crafted film that is beautiful to look at and evokes memories of classic American films.
 
12. Martha Marcy May Marlene
Cults are fascinating to me. How one man can have so much control over some lost souls is just amazing. Here Elizabeth Olsen delivers an amazing turn as one of those lost souls trying to break away from the leader of a cult. John Hawkes is patient, calculating and oh so devious as the leader and will make your skin crawl at times which is, of course, a perfect emotion to feel after this film.

11. Hugo

As a film critic I truly adored this film. As a film lover I truly adored this film. But I think it has a hard market to find and that may be its downfall. No matter about that, it still is one of the best films of the year unfolding like a lyrical opera.

And now – to the Top 10…are these films necessarily the best made or technically superior to everything else, maybe not…but these 10 films were the ones that really worked for me.

10. The Muppets

It’s time to start the music; it’s time to light the lights! The Muppets came back this year and were amazing. Jason Segel brings a true love of the characters to his script and Amy Adams just makes you smile no matter what she does. The music works and the smile that was on my face when I left the theater, and even watched after watching it for a second time, were ear to ear.

9. The Ides of March

Ok, I’ve admitted to a lot of things in this list and here’s another one – political movies, when done well, get etched in my memory. George Clooney’s film that stars Ryan Gosling is memorable as a glimpse inside political campaigning. (the good, the bad, and the ugly) With a cast that includes Paul Giamatti, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood and others, Clooney has assembled talent that he lets work. A marvelous political thriller, don’t miss it.

8. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Although many have yet to see this Stephen Daldry film that rolls out in mid-January nationwide, it is a truly special film. A film starring Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock that really focuses most of the scenes on a young boy is a risk, but works. Thomas Horn as young Oskar may annoy some, but I believe he fits the role here beautifully. That persona is exactly what his father fostered within him and what makes him special. A film dealing with the horrifying realities around life after 9/11 is tough and you will have watery eyes before it ends.

7. Bridesmaids

The funniest film of 2011 by far. I was fortunate to see this one about 3 weeks before it was released to the public and was blown away. The women here do things that have always been reserved for men, and it’s about time. Kristen Wiig leads a funny and talented group of women that will have you laughing for days after the film ends. Original, witty and extremely funny – Bridesmaidsis a hit with this groom.

6. The Interrupters

The best documentary of 2011 that I had the pleasure of seeing, period! It’s a film that will live with you for ages after seeing it. The men and women that try to step in between the violence that rips apart family and friends is truly life-changing. There are individuals that are alive today because of their efforts and this film from Steve James (Hoop Dreams) will make you want to thank them, personally. Please, please, please see this film!

5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II

Is this the best film of the year? No. But it IS the perfect end to such a solid series. Even the lesser Harry Potter films held a bar up that was higher than most films could meet. The conclusion has everything, action, effects, drama and great characters that we know and love. It was the perfect end to the series and what fans wanted to see.

4. Contagion

This is on virtually no radars as I can tell, but Steven Soderbergh’s tale of a virus gone wild is as creepy as anything that I’ve seen this year. With a cast this big, you can only imagine that not all will make it to the end of the movie alive, and it doesn’t disappoint. You will wash your hands more, and look twice at that doorknob you open for weeks and even months after seeing this film.

3. Moneyball

Sure this is a mainstream film starring one of the most popular actors on the planet. Sure it’s got Jonah Hill in a less comedic role than we’ve seen from him before. But it’s got a heart and soul like nothing else this year. Pitt knocks it out of the park as General Manager Billy Beane in his task to be the general manager of the Oakland A’s. Jonah Hill works wonders as the stat man behind the man. Money Ball is not just a successful baseball movie, it’s a great film…period.

2. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

When I left my 2 hours and 20 odd minutes with Lizbeth I just had to breathe. David Fincher delivers something that is absolutely amazing at every turn. Rooney Mara stars in a star making role as Lizbeth. Fincher’s direction left me stunned as one minute I was sickened by what was happening to Lizabeth onscreen. And later – I found myself aroused when I witnessed a much healthier encounter. It’s dark yet sleek. And the story makes you wonder all along just what will be found. If you liked Silence of the Lambs – you will love this film as well.

1. The Descendants

Since the first day I saw this Alexander Payne film, I compared everything to it. The film delivers a range of emotions like nothing else this year. When I laughed, I laughed loudly. When I cried, the tears were real emotion. George Clooney dials his look back just enough that you believe everything he’s going through. On the backdrop of the beautiful Hawaiian Islands, even the set pieces are amazing to watch onscreen. I cheered for George to make it through the life changing events that were set on his life. And the revelation here is – Shailene Woodley, as George’s daughter. She deserves every accolade that will come her way as does this film. This is truly amazing and marks another satisfying encounter with Payne.

There ya have it – Hope you enjoyed the list! What would you add? What would you delete? What can’t you wait to see? Let me have it!

Here’s to a wonderful 2012.

Real Milwaukee - 12/23/11

Visited Real Milwaukee this morning -- here's the video -- PLUS if you want to see the full video of my daughter and I reviewing The Adventures of Tin Tin -- here's that link....

http://commonguyfilmreviews.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-adventures-of-tin-tin.html

Review - The Adventures of Tin Tin

Yes, my daughter Alexandria joined me for a review this time and it's a video look at The Adventures of Tin Tin.

Please take a peek --

Review - Young Adult

Young Adult is Grown Up

Thirty seven year old Mavis Gary (Charlize Theron) is stuck. She’s an author of young adult fiction, only it’s not under her name that the books are published. When her high school boyfriend Buddy Slade (Patrick Wilson) and his wife send an announcement for their new child, Mavis becomes stuck on rekindling the old flame and heads to her hometown.

Upon arriving in the small Minnesota town, she finds the happily married Buddy a challenge that she wants to take on. As she’s ingesting liquid courage at the local watering hole, another of the guys that went to high school with Mavis says hi. Matt Freehauf (Patton Oswalt) is one of those guys that people like Mavis ignored in high school. Mavis as a popular girl would not have given Matt the time of day, but this is 20 years after high school and times have changed.

Mavis wanders through her “return to glory” and even though Matt can see she might not be able to swing things the way she once did, it is hard for Mavis to come to the same realization. But it is Matt, the man who she once wouldn’t give the time of day to, that shows her a friendship that a girl could only imagine.

Sometimes, coming to grips with who you really are is harder than the situation you are in. Mavis is broken, but believes she is meant to be with Buddy Slade. But can she regain his affections despite his marriage and the new baby. Or will reality give her the wakeup call that is long overdue?

Written by Diablo Cody, Young Adultis fresh, witty and snappy all while smacking the viewer with a dose of reality. Charlize Theron gets a chance to show her chops in this tale that will be relatable to anyone who has ever tried to hold on to their youth. She is wonderfully quick with her lines and is able to turn it on at a moment’s notice, all while struggling with life and where it has taken her.

Starring with Theron, Patton Oswalt delivers another solid performance. He makes you feel the pain that he experiencing both inside and out. Oswalt shows you how much emotion exists inside the other kids as they grew up.

Couple two actors at the top of their game with a witty script and solid direction from the amazing Jason Reitman and you are bound for success. Young Adult will teach you that everyone needs to grow up sometimes, no matter how painful it may be.

A-

 
Young Adult
Paramount Pictures
 
Director: Jason Reitman
Cast: Charlize Theron, Patton Oswalt, Patrick Wilson

Rating: R for language and some sexual content.

Runtime: 1 hour 34 minutes

Review - Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

A Fun Game Is Afoot, Again

Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) is continuing his crime stopping ways. He’s after a mysterious man who has bombed a number of establishments with no trace left behind. And just when he thinks he’s getting to the bottom of it, and getting down to it with the lovely Irene (Rachel McAdams) everything changes.

Now the game is really afoot as despite the impending nuptials for Dr. Watson (Jude Law), Sherlock has other plans and starts digging deeper for clues. Even though it’s Watson’s bachelor party, Holmes finds a clue with the lovely Madam Simza (Noomi Rapace)that gets him deeper into the understanding that his foe is as intelligent as any he has ever faced.

Professor James Moriarty (Jared Harris) will be one of Holmes’ toughest foes as he thinks ahead as quickly as Holmes does. What is the plan for this mastermind? He’s trying to incite a war so he can be the supplier and make money from those involved. The criminal plan is almost perfect, but Homes and Watson are on the case.

The second film featuring Downey Jr. and Law picks up with a bit of action that actually is quicker and tighter than the first film. Robert Downey Jr. looks effortless as he goes back to the disguise changing wise cracking sleuth. And with Jude Law at his side, Downey Jr. makes for a likable hero. With the disguises and wisecracking I wonder aloud if they every remake Fletch, how about Robert Downey Jr. in the role? But I digress...

Overall the film moves faster and the action rolls at you in scene after scene. There are witty and fun lines that bring the characters back to life in a way that will leave everyone satisfied. The game is afoot once more and I enjoyed playing along.

B

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Warner Brothers Pictures

Director: Guy Ritchie

Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris

Rating: PG- 13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and some drug material.

Runtime: 2 hours 9 minutes

Very Behind...

Since I'm very behind in posting full reviews -- let me get you some links....

Talk on New Year's Eve with Mark Reardon and I from 12/9

http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2011/12/09/mark-on-movies-new-years-eve-the-sitter/

Talk on Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows and Young Adult.

http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2011/12/16/mark-on-movies-sherlock-holmes-mission-impossible-4/

And I'll be back on Real Milwaukee for a preChristmas appearance on December 23 to talk Mission Impossible, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, The Adventures of Tin Tin, War Horse and more... It's a busy week!

Check back all week for an updated Home Screening Room and full reviews of all of the titles this week and the last 3 weeks.

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Critics' Choice Movie Awards -- Nominations

So the last year worth of movie viewing comes down to this, the release of the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards (CCMA). I’m a member so I’m part of the group that selected these nominations. I will say there are some omissions here from what I would have liked, but overall it’s not a bad list.

Take a look…

NOMINATIONS FOR THE 17th ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE MOVIE AWARDS

BEST PICTURE

The Artist
The Descendants
Drive
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
The Help
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
Moneyball
The Tree of Life
War Horse

BEST ACTOR

George Clooney – “The Descendants”
Leonardo DiCaprio – “J. Edgar”
Jean Dujardin – “The Artist”
Michael Fassbender – “Shame”
Ryan Gosling – “Drive”
Brad Pitt – “Moneyball”

BEST ACTRESS

Viola Davis – “The Help”
Elizabeth Olsen – “Martha Marcy May Marlene”
Meryl Streep – “The Iron Lady”
Tilda Swinton – “We Need to Talk About Kevin”
Charlize Theron – “Young Adult”
Michelle Williams – “My Week With Marilyn”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Kenneth Branagh – “My Week With Marilyn”
Albert Brooks – “Drive”
Nick Nolte – “Warrior”
Patton Oswalt – “Young Adult”
Christopher Plummer – “Beginners”
Andy Serkis – “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Bérénice Bejo – “The Artist”
Jessica Chastain – “The Help”
Melissa McCarthy – “Bridesmaids”
Carey Mulligan – “Shame”
Octavia Spencer – “The Help”
Shailene Woodley – “The Descendants”

BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS

Asa Butterfield – “Hugo”
Elle Fanning – “Super 8”
Thomas Horn – “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”
Ezra Miller – “We Need to Talk About Kevin”
Saoirse Ronan – “Hanna”
Shailene Woodley – “The Descendants”

BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE

The Artist
Bridesmaids
The Descendants
The Help
The Ides of March

BEST DIRECTOR

Stephen Daldry – “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”
Michel Hazanavicius – “The Artist”
Alexander Payne – “The Descendants”
Nicolas Winding Refn – “Drive”
Martin Scorsese – “Hugo”
Steven Spielberg – “War Horse”

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

“The Artist” – Michel Hazanavicius
“50/50” – Will Reiser
“Midnight in Paris” – Woody Allen
“Win Win” – Screenplay by Tom McCarthy, Story by Tom McCarthy & Joe Tiboni
“Young Adult” – Diablo Cody

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

“The Descendants” – Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash
“Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” – Eric Roth
“The Help” – Tate Taylor
“Hugo” – John Logan
“Moneyball” – Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin, Story by Stan Chervin

 BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

“The Artist” – Guillaume Schiffman
“Drive” – Newton Thomas Sigel
“Hugo” – Robert Richardson
“The Tree of Life” – Emmanuel Lubezki
“War Horse” – Janusz Kaminski

BEST ART DIRECTION

“The Artist” – Production Designer: Laurence Bennett, Art Director: Gregory S. Hooper “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2” – Production Designer: Stuart Craig, Set Decorator: Stephenie McMillan
“Hugo” – Production Designer: Dante Ferretti, Set Decorator: Francesca Lo Schiavo
“The Tree of Life” – Production Designer: Jack Fisk, Art Director: David Crank
“War Horse” – Production Designer: Rick Carter, Set Decorator: Lee Sandales

BEST EDITING

“The Artist” – Michel Hazanavicius and Anne-Sophie Bion
“Drive” – Matthew Newman
“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” – Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
“Hugo” – Thelma Schoonmaker
“War Horse” – Michael Kahn

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

“The Artist” – Mark Bridges
“The Help” – Sharen Davis
“Hugo” – Sandy Powell
“Jane Eyre” – Michael O’Connor
“My Week With Marilyn” – Jill Taylor

BEST MAKEUP

Albert Nobbs
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
The Iron Lady
J. Edgar
My Week With Marilyn

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Hugo
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Super 8
The Tree of Life

BEST SOUND

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Hugo
Super 8
The Tree of Life
War Horse

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

The Adventures of Tintin
Arthur Christmas
Kung Fu Panda 2
Puss in Boots
Rango

BEST ACTION MOVIE

Drive
Fast Five
Hanna
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Super 8

BEST COMEDY

Bridesmaids
Crazy, Stupid, Love
Horrible Bosses
Midnight in Paris
The Muppets

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

In Darkness
Le Havre
A Separation
The Skin I Live In
Where Do We Go Now?

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Buck
Cave of Forgotten Dreams
George Harrison: Living in the Material World
Page One: Inside the New York Times
Project Nim
Undefeated

BEST SONG

“Hello Hello” – performed by Elton John and Lady Gaga/written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin – Gnomeo & Juliet
“Life’s a Happy Song” – performed by Jason Segel, Amy Adams and Walter/written by Bret McKenzie – The Muppets
“The Living Proof” – performed by Mary J. Blige/written by Mary J. Blige, Thomas Newman and Harvey Mason, Jr. – The Help
“Man or Muppet” – performed by Jason Segel and Walter/written by Bret McKenzie – The Muppets
“Pictures in My Head” – performed by Kermit and the Muppets/written by Jeannie Lurie, Aris Archontis and Chen Neeman – The Muppets

BEST SCORE

“The Artist” – Ludovic Bource
“Drive” – Cliff Martinez
“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” – Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross
“Hugo” – Howard Shore
“War Horse” – John Williams

 Check out the awards airing January 12, 2012 on VH-1.

Whatcha think?

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Home Screening Room - Cowboys, Aliens and The Help

This Week’s Big Releases

Cowboys and Aliens – Rated PG-13 (Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde)

Who couldn’t enjoy cowboys in a movie with aliens? The premise is there, the team is there and everything sounds so like a lot of fun. It’s a solid movie, but it does fall a touch short of expectations. That said…I’d still pick it up and take a peek. READ THE FULL THEATRICAL REVIEW

The Debt – Rated R (Sam Worthington, Helen Mirren)

The retired members of the Mossad are back to relive one of their biggest missions ever. Can you imagine Helen Mirren playing the role. Yep I knew you could.

The Hangover Part II – Rated R (Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms)

It’s The Hangover…in Thailand! The sequel brings the characters you like back together for another wild night. READ THE FULL THEATRICAL REVIEW

The Help – Rated PG-13 (Emma Stone, Viola Davis)

Undoubtedly to soon have a spot on many critics’ top lists of 2011 releases, this is one of those films that many will see. In 1960s Mississippi there are some rules that needed to change.  

Mr. Popper’s Penguins – Rated PG (Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino)

Jim Carrey and penguins … YES!!! In an apartment how can you raise penguins? Jim Carrey can.

Also new this week…

Big Love: The Complete Fifth Season
Biggest Loser: At Home Challenge
Cake Boss: Season 4, Volume 1
A Christmas Wedding Tail – Rated PG (Jennie Garth, Brad Rowe, Tom Arnold)
Law and Order: The Ninth Year
Spongebob Squarepants: The Complete Seventh Season
UFC 135

And Finally

The St. Louis Cardinals: 2011 World Series Champions

The World Series champion dvd is finally available and this one pains me as a Milwaukee Brewers fan…but for the St. Louis faithful…this is your moment, pick up the official video of the series win over the Texas Rangers in a thrilling seven games.

Pick of the Week

To purely blow out the Blu-ray player – I say Cowboys & Aliens will put your system to the test. The Hangover 2 will be one of the films that is rewatchable as a comedy, though there are better comedies out there.

Thanks!

Pop Popcorn, Do the Dew, and Bust out the Blu and remember to Save Me A Seat!

Real Milwaukee Visit -- 11/23/11

I made a rare Wednesday visit with the Real Milwaukee family on Wednesday, yes I'm behind in posting links with the holiday...

So check out what I said about The Muppets, Arthur Christmas, Hugo and that film that keeps making lots of money with Vampires and Werewolfs and .... (oh yeah...Twilight).

Let me know what you think.



Why...why????

Trailer - Titanic 3D

Meant to share this last week, but a bit behind on things --

Check out the trailer for Titanic 3D below -- doesn't Leo look young!





What do you think?

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Review -- The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

It Just Breaks My Heart – And Not In A Good Way

It’s time for the wedding of the century. Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) have decided to make it official; they’re getting married. And that means that within one minute Jacob (Taylor Lautner) will be running without a shirt through the woods in anger. This, folks, is The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1.

So our basic story begins with Bella having some mild cold feet about the impending nuptials. She’s having some pretty wild dreams about how the whole thing might go down. I mean, come on, she’s marrying into a vampire family.

The wedding is just the first step, for this film as soon after the drama surrounding the wedding, it’s off to the honeymoon on a remote island. Bella and Edward can finally consummate their marriage and it is a bit wild. They also get to have some fun playing chess on the beach. But Edward is worried that sleeping with Bella will harm her and he tries to stay away. Bella will not be denied, and the result is a pregnancy between a human and a vampire.

Now the two must cope with hiding this strange occurrence from family and friends as only the Cullen’s will understand. Now, staying with the Cullen’s, they will work to find out what happens next and keep everyone alive. With Jacob there to help, can the Cullens figure out who or what is growing inside Bella and keep everyone safe? And how will we ever prepare for Part 2?

I’m not the target market for the Twilight films; that’s a given! But I can lead you to a good film from time to time, even if it’s not in my wheelhouse. Twilight is not only NOT in my wheelhouse; it’s not in the wheelhouse of passable good films.  I know many enjoy the heck out of these films, but I don’t get it.

The acting is all marginally set in a soap opera feel that I just couldn’t quite handle. Music goes over the top and sequence looked better suited to a television screen than on the big screen. So what is it; what will draw people to this film.

I understand there is a love story that is running rampant here. The triangle between Jacob/Edward and Bella is ready to meet its end, but really it doesn’t end with the wedding of Edward and Bella. The over the top performances and lines are just a bit weird. And there were many sequences that left me a bit baffled.

This will proceed to make millions; there is no question about that. I would like to understand. I would like to know what is so special about this series. Many would compare me to a vampire with the schedule I keep, but I still don’t get it. If you are a fan, don’t let me stop you from seeing this film. If you aren’t a fan; don’t start here. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 just breaks my heart, and not in the way the author and director intended.

Someone PLEASE explain the attraction here to me...I really want to know!

D

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

Summit Entertainment

Director: Bill Condon

Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner

Rating:PG-13 for disturbing images, violence, sexuality/partial nudity and some thematic elements.

Runtime: 1 hour 57 minutes

Review - Happy Feet Two

Happy Feet Two Keeps You Moving

Mumble (Elijah Wood) is back and this time he’s all grown up. With his female penguin Gloria (Pink) in tow, they are now raising their son Erik (Ava Acres). Erik is having trouble trying to find his place in the world. He’s not a big dancer and even though the song and dance that fills his home is infectious; he remains unmoved.

So Erik sets off with two of his friends on a journey away from his home. As they meet up with the lovable Ramon (Robin Williams)they find out; penguins can be special in very different ways.

The journey that takes them to look for who they are leads them to a “different” kind of penguin named The Mighty Sven (Hank Azaria). He can do things penguins have only dreamed of for years. He can fly! And his prophet like quality is looked up to within the herd.

Now while Erik is trying to find himself, and Mumble is looking for Erik, the Earth has moved and Gloria and the rest of the penguins are trapped. It will take some quick thinking and real unselfish behavior to get them free. Can they?

Happy Feet Two is quite frankly, just as enjoyable as the first film. Where the first film went wrong was delivering its heavy-handed eco message after a light and enjoyable film. Here there is definitely a message, but it’s peppered throughout and is a lot of fun.

Songs and dancing are just a lot of fun here and everywhere. But probably my favorite aspects of Happy Feet Two were the Krill (Matt Damon and Brad Pitt). It’s too bad these guys didn’t have more chance to shine, but they are set for their own adventure!

Overall, it was pleasant enough and a decent time at the theater. Happy Feet Two will keep your feet tapping and more.

B

Happy Feet Two

Warner Brothers Pictures

Director: George Miller

Cast: Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Pink (Alecia Moore), Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Hank Azaria

Rating: PG for some rude humor and mild peril.

Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes

Review - Jack and Jill

Did Jack and JillBreak Adam Sandler’s Crown?

Jack Sadelstein (Adam Sandler) is working hard to keep his business afloat. As a commercial producer, he is full of clients but about to lose one of his biggest accounts, Dunkin Donuts. He needs to land Al Pacino for their new product or they will walk.

As he starts his quest to land the big fish, he needs to welcome his twin sister to town for some “twin time”. Yes, his twin, Jill is also played by Sandler. So Jack and Jill don’t go up the hill much in this film, it’s more of the tumbling down the hill that takes place.

As Jack tries to bond with his hard to get along with sister; he finds out that Al Pacino is in love with Jill. Well there is the opening he can’t miss as he would easily sell his sister down the river for an account, but in this case, the guy really likes Jill!

How can the man who dislikes his sister so much get her to see the man who might be his only chance to keep his business afloat? Can he be civil with her, or will this be the end of his relationship with his twin AND his business?

When I first saw a trailer on this film a while back, I really wondered if it would be a good move for Sandler. I’m one of those critics that really likes him, yeah I know, memberships are being revoked everyone for me as you read this. But it’s true; Sandler knows how to get at my funny bone. Jack and Jill swung and not only missed the funny bone, it missed more than that.

I was amazed at the small roles in this film, and that is what did have me laughing. A birthday party for the twins sees the likes of Jared Fogle(The Subway guy), Vince Offer (The Sham-Wow guy), and even Billy Blanks(Tai-Bo Master). I had the most laughs there during the entire movie. Sure the normal standbys show up as well including David Spade as, well his/her own version of Jill, named Monica. But instead of being filled with laughter it came up short.

At least with this kid at heart, Jack and Jill didn’t live up to the family friendly PG rated romp of the season. The premise took away from the whole film and the simple demeaning of everything around the ridiculously played Jill made things feel a bit mean spirited at times. Jack and Jill didn’t break Adam Sandler’s crown – he’s still a very funny guy, it just tarnished it a bit.

C-/D+

Jack and Jill

Columbia Pictures

Director: Dennis Dugan

Cast: Adam Sandler, Al Pacino, Katie Holmes

Rating: PG for crude and sexual humor, language, comic violence and brief smoking.

Runtime: 1 hour 31 minutes

Real Milwaukee Visit -- 11/11/11

Yes I popped up at Real Milwaukee last Friday...talked about Jack and Jill and some of the family friendly fun coming the next couple of weeks to theaters... Take a look --

Real Milwaukee Appearance - 11/4/11

Last Friday I dropped by Fox 6 in Milwaukee for a look at Puss in Boots and Tower Heist -- plus new DVDs like Cars 2, Winnie the Pooh and MORE....take a look at the appearance below... 


 

Review - Tower Heist

Tower Heist Steals Some Laughs

Josh Kovacs (Ben Stiller) is the manager of the luxurious Tower in New York.

The Tower is the place to be for some of the highest rollers in the city, and Josh knows how to treat them with the utmost respect and discretion. He demands the same type of attitude from his entire staff, understanding and catering to every need of the residents of the building.

When the FBI takes one of Josh’s tenants into custody, everything changes. Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda) is this films Bernie Madoff. He has “invested” the money of a number of individuals and there is nothing to show for it. But there is a bigger problem at the tower, he also has all of the retirement accounts of all the employees there as Josh had invested it with him.

Now, it’s personal, especially after reality hits the employees that have lost everything. Josh can’t look beyond these indiscretions any longer. After confronting Shaw, he finds himself jobless. He knows that if it weren’t for his trust in Shaw’s character, the employees of the Tower would not be out all of their retirement.

He recruits a crack team of criminals to get the money back for his employees. Unfortunately only one of them has any criminal background and Slide (Eddie Murphy) hardly knows any of the crew. Can they reclaim what is there’s? Or will this be just another crash and burn experience for Josh?

First and foremost let’s get this out of the way; Tower Heist will make you laugh. I know many of my critical brethren will look at this film and immediately discount it. But they can’t knock the fact that it’s funny.

We’ve waited for years for Eddie Murphy to have some of the restraints taken off of him to return to his funniest and although this doesn’t go far enough to really unchain him, it DOES give a glimpse of that old school Murphy humor.

It’s not only Murphy, with a cast like this, you can’t help but find a variety of funny moments. From roles for Casey Affleck and Matthew Broderick to the “villain” Alan Alda and small moments for Gabourey Sidibe and Tea Leoni, this film is loaded with talent.

Some uneven sequences do exist and I have problems with the structure of the film at times, but this isn’t Citizen Kane, nor does it pretend to be.

Tower Heist is a solid funny buddy film that will have you giggling until the end all while yearning for someone to really let Eddie Murphy go again.

B

Tower Heist

Universal Pictures

Director: Brett Ratner

Cast: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Casey Affleck, Alan Alda, Matthew Broderick

Rating: PG-13 for language and sexual content.

Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes

50 Movies in 50 Days -- Movies, Movies, Movies

50 Movies in 50 Days – Movies, Movies, Movies

 

Day 5 (10/26)

My theatrical fun for the week was done with Anonymous. But that doesn’t mean I’m done this week, OH NO!

First up, I was perusing the selections on HBO GO and came across a documentary I had missed that I really wanted to check out, Dirty Driving; Thundercars of Indiana. For those of you who know me, you know I love documentaries on every subject imaginable. And in my past I’ve seen a number of short track races…this was fascinating and quick. Just under 70 minutes of bumper to bumper action (both on and off the track) in a town that loves racing. It’s set up to go off HBO GO on 10/31 but hopefully it will take another run, or you can find it elsewhere.

Followed that up with another HBO GO title, one I haven’t seen in awhile and it helped me get in the mood for Halloween, the original The Amityville Horror. The overbearing music, the creepy happenings and James Brolin’s wild facial hair are the stars in this creepy film. I still remember reading the book as a kid and being creeped out for days! The movie holds up ok, but I can definitely recommend it.

Day 6 (10/27)

Time to check out a classic, Caddyshack. I love to revisit this film at least once a year, and with a lull in titles (Since Fox didn’t want to show In Time) I was game.

Day 7 (10/28)

Two titles for the day…first up was a chance to revisit the boys. You know the boys who had RE-premiered a day earlier on MTV. Beavis and Butthead Do America. Hard to believe that the film is 15 years old, but most of the jokes are just as inane and funny as they were then! Some fall a little flat, but to spend some time with the Great Cornholio in search of their TV and scoring….well was pretty fun!

Second up one that surpised me (tried to watch Your Highness on BluRay rental from Blockbuster – but Universal Blu – Ray rental disc never work right in my PS3….so moved on instead to Legendary. You know the movie about wrestling and coping with John Cena from the WWE. Oh, you don’t know? Well this was a bit better than one could hope for as the talented Patricia Clarkson starred with Danny Glover and Cena in this one. Sure its formula, but it was solid for the most part.

Day 8 (10/29)

An outdoor viewing took place of How To Train Your Dragon – as part of a Halloween party. Great outdoor viewing with good friends…despite being REALLY COLD I enjoyed sitting with my daughter and watching – though she quickly headed for the fire!

Then we had to leave (they had Frailty up next – one of my FAVORITE scares…but my daughter is 7 and it was approaching 9PM…couldn’t do it). But my wife showed an interest in a scary movie – dug up Carriers which wasn’t as scary as one might hope for, but a decent little horror flick for the end of a long day.

Day 9 (10/30)

It’s a Sunday – God rested, and so did I! No movies, a little football, a little trick or treat, some light reading but no movies….but I started Day 10 (Halloween) with a movie at MIDNIGHT CT – more on that next time.

Summary – Through Day 9 (11 Movies Viewed - Puss in Boots, The Double, Monte Carlo, Anonymous, Dirty Driving: Thundercars of Indiana, The Amityville Horror, Caddyshack, Beavis and Butthead Do America, Legendary, How To Train Your Dragon, Carriers)