Wednesday Soapbox - Go To A Film Festival!

Film Festivals Not Named Sundance, Toronto, or SXSW

So I thought I’d just step on the soap box today to throw a little love to the smaller film festivals.

When folks think of a film festival they immediately go to the big boys. Sundance, Toronto, South By Southwest, Tribeca, even Telluride are all film festivals that many have heard of, even outside the film world.

So what if you are a film buff and you want to go to a festival, but can’t afford to trek to the big guys? The obvious option is to check out something a bit closer to home.

Some of the best experiences you may have are at a hometown festival.

I bring this up as the Wisconsin Film Festival kicks off in Madison, WI. This week many filmmakers will show their wares AND chat not only with members of the press but also with movie fans. I still remember being a fledgling critic in 2002 and being treated pretty good by all the staff and volunteers in Madison even though I didn’t carry a major newspaper, magazine, web site, or television station backer in with me. The staff was there to help and even though I had some long days, it was some of the more rewarding days I had. I still remember the film Rocks With Wings that I had a chance to experience. I even had a one on one with the director afterward. Not planned, just in passing in the hall. These are the moments that festivals bring.

It’s at festivals like the Wisconsin Film Festival or the Milwaukee Film Festival or over at the Indy Film Fest or up at the Flyway Film Festival (in Pepin, WI), out in Omaha or down in Florida or Atlanta for each of their festivals. All the “lesser” name festivals are amazing places to see great films PLUS get up close with the filmmakers that are working to promote the product.

And if you like them, you can go to places like http://www.kickstarter.com to help fund pictures for the folks you may see the next festival in town.

As a critic, I love these festivals, and unfortunately I get to attend too few of them. I don’t have major outlets funding these excursions, but I still like to go on my dime to experience some great film making with some great people.

So get out to Madison this week or Milwaukee in the fall. Go to Indianapolis this July or hit up Central Florida in early April. Not on the East Coast, try Tucson in April for the Arizona International Film Festival or get up to Seattle in May and June.

No matter where you go, you are in line for a great treat!

Home Screening Room - A Tangled Black Swan is Fair Game

Ok, this week -- I'm thinking I may be embedding a lot of sneak peeks in here -- not just an And Finally title -- but there are a lot of interesting things you should know about....see below!

Just From Theaters

Black Swan – Rated R (Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel)
Natalie Portman took home an Academy Award ® for her role in this delightfully twisted film. I actually liked her performance more than the film itself, and now, on Blu, you can get the film in all its glory.

Fair Game – Rated PG-13 (Naomi Watts, Sean Penn)
The story of Valerie Plame has been debated in the news media for years now. Here is the film that takes a look at her family and how things were torn apart. Two great actors in Watts and Penn and a really solid action/thriller feel to the film make it worth checking out.

Made in Dagenham – Rated R (Sally Hawkins, Bob Hoskins)
Sally Hawkins delivers a great performance in a film that no one got a chance to see. She plays a woman who is fighting for equal rights and pay for her co-workers in a male dominated environment. Not just a drama, it has light moments too and is an enjoyable film.

Tangled – Rated PG (Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi)
One of the best family films of 2010 by far comes home. This is one everyone will enjoy when they sit down to see it together. The Blu Ray includes features on the 50 films that Disney has created (Tangled being the 50th), plus some great deleted scenes, and behind the scenes looks at a fun film. PLUS there is much more to behold. Can you tell I really, really like this film? And so does my little girl.

Also new this week…

All Good Things – Rated R (Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Dunst) One of New York’s most notorious missing person cases. I think a trailer is warranted here...




Cool It – Rated PG A great little documentary that takes a new look at the global warming issue and who is making money off of things.

Dead Awake – Rated R (Nick Stahl, Rose McGowan, Amy Smart)
A story of a man with a secret past.

Emergency: The Final Rescues

Everybody Loves Raymond Seasons 6 & 7

Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-D -- Ok...come on Kenny Chesney...here's a peek





Mad Men: Season Four

Rocky & Bullwinkle & Friends: Complete Season 5

Teenage Paparazzo – the documentary from Adrian Greiner that looks at the story of a paparazzo that runs the streets surviving on photos. Did you see this on HBO? If not -- here's a peek.




Vega$: The Complete Second Season – Dan Tanna is back…check out the trailer below. The opening of Vega$ -- gotta post...

And Finally

The Resident – Rated R (Hilary Swank, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Christopher Lee)
She’s beautiful, she’s single and she’s moving in….but is she alone in this new place….Just check out the trailer below for the frightening details.




Pick of the Week

I really like Tangled. The repeatability factor is amazing on that one. If you’re a dance fan, you may want to add Black Swan as well. And who can pass up a Kenny Chesney 3-D concert film.

Thanks!

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

Monday Ahh...Monday

So it's Monday Morning...the grass is trying to get green. Spring is trying to get going and my blog was curiously missing reviews this weekend, but why?

Well turns out there was no opportunity to see Sucker Punch or Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. Wait, should I reverse those as Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules delivered a sucker punch to its opponent this weekend with a TKO at the box office. Turns out there are more parents out there who want to take their kids to a family film than teens that want to see a film that as some have said, treats women really, really badly. Go figure?!?!?!?

So what's on tap around here this week...

Well tomorrow's Home Screening Room will feature one of the top family titles of 2010, PLUS one of the most twisted titles of the year as well (that has one of the best performances of 2010).

I'll have a video review of one of those movies posted to you tube with my very special guest, my daughter.

I get a chance to see, Hop -- but I missed my chance to see Source Code -- Sorry all -- schedule conflicts (which seem to be the latest probs).

I also get a chance to see Soul Surfer (which, being the common guy, I kinda want to see).

And who knows what the DVD envelopes/packages will drop off on my doorstep. I could really go for a good comedy or two right now...busy busy busy!

I might even get back on the soapbox on Wednesday about ... well you'll have to check back to find out.

Have a great week everyone!

Paul

Real Milwaukee visit this week -- Limitless, Paul (I Am Not An Alien), Tangled Blu

Video from Real Milwaukee on Friday. Enjoy.

Wednesday Morning Soapbox

Wednesday Morning Soapbox

I’ve decided to jump on the soapbox here on a Wednesday morning…so turn away if you don’t want to look, this is all inside baseball type of stuff!

Last week a story popped up online that led a website to criticize others for their work with publicists. They implied that people can’t be impartial when dealing with publicists and that’s why they NEVER deal with Studio Publicists, Don’t Do Set Visits, and NEVER do Junkets.

Let me give you my take, since that’s why you’re here.

Publicists have a couple of jobs to do.

1) They have to disseminate information and opportunities to the press they are responsible for in a reasonable time frame.

2) They have to follow up and make sure that the press have taken advantage of opportunities and see what thoughts they may have on the film(s).

3) They try to keep an open dialogue with the press member and yes, even sometimes try to spin the positive in an otherwise bad movie. (They are not all given only GOOD movies to promote; though I’m sure that would make their lives easier.)

If you are trying to get ahead in this business you need to work with publicists. Very few of us are independently wealthy enough to cover things with our own resources at every turn (unless of course, I hit the next Mega Millions jackpot). AND very few of us have the opportunity to call up a celebrity on a whim, we need someone to be there as our advocate for our website, TV appearance, radio interview or print piece. Enter the studio publicists, who for the most part do an outstanding job of getting us connected, no more, no less.

I as an individual critic building my own business, with NO financial backing have needed publicists and they have come through for me in a big way. I appreciate the tact and the approach that all of them have taken.

I’ve never been asked to change anything I’ve put out there, never been asked to soften a blow, or basically shill for a studio.

I HAVE been asked for my comments after the movie is over, and I’ve only provided comments when I’ve felt the urge to do so. Never have I given a comment or “quote” after a film that I didn’t truly enjoy.

I also have never been to a junket, though if I DID go on one, I would like to believe I could offer a FAIR review of the movie, PLUS some FUN content that would skew positive to the talent. Just because you don’t like a movie, doesn’t mean you don’t like the people who WORKED on the movie.

As an individual without any real backing behind me (sure I appear on a TV station, Radio Stations, and Print Vehicles – but always as “The Common Guy” or Paul Hall) I have always given my true feelings on everything. (and of course sometimes that flies in the face of popular views).

I NEED to stay on good terms with the studios. I don’t put any review material up before a studio asks, and I haven’t for the last 15 years or so that I’ve been doing this. (that’s my choice – to abide by the rules, even if it costs me viewers/jobs)

I won’t criticize my colleagues for what they are doing/not doing – they make the same choices that I do, and some of them can afford to get under people’s skin.

The fact of the matter is, I was somewhat disheartened to see the site that was getting jabbed on this called on the carpet. It’s a site I regularly visit, and enjoy…and nothing has changed in my opinion of the hard working staff there.

The site doing the jabbing, I had honestly not heard of. Maybe I’m not tight enough on the circuits…being based in the Midwest. But it seemed like a grab for attention. If they are truly doing this without ever talking to a studio publicist (whether it’s arranging an interview or getting them into a screening, or even just saving a seat at a screening…hey more power to them) but I don’t think that affords the best coverage possible for their readers.

I believe that you CAN be honest in your coverage and be nice to the studio. I have in fact ran a contest that included prizes for a film I disliked and it made my worst 10 that year. It’s simple – the contest runs WITHOUT any EDITORIALIZING. The review is pure EDITORIALIZING.

Anyway – I’ve rambled way too long on this topic. If people can’t separate the Editorial part of their content from the “puffy” part of their content, I think they are missing the mark on what they are doing.

For me, thanks to the publicists…you’ve been fair to me over the years, and I hope I’ve been fair to you and your job!

Thanks for reading this little commentary – back to your regularly scheduled movie goodness, and if you want to weigh in...feel free!

Home Screening Room -- How Do You Know The Tourist Looks to the Skyline for Yogi Bear

Just From Theaters

How Do You Know – Rated PG-13 (Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson, Jack Nicholson)
How do you know when it is love or something else? Reese Witherspoon playing professional softball, Owen Wilson pitching for the Washington Nationals and a father/son combo of Rudd and Nicholson are all featured in this fun, yet not perfect little film.

Skyline– Rated PG-13 (Eric Balfour, Scottie Thompson, Donald Faison)
Aliens, invading Los Angeles…where did this story come from?

The Tourist – Rated PG-13 (Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Paul Bettany)
A chance meeting between two of the biggest superstars in film; isn’t that alone worth the price of a rental?

Yogi Bear – Rated PG (Dan Aykroyd, Justin Timberlake, Anna Faris)
Yogi and Boo Boo like you’ve never seen before.

Also new this week…

Looking for Palladin – Rated R (Ben Gazzara, David Moscow, Talia Shire)
Marcus Welby, M.D.: The Best of Season One
Meskada – Rated R (Nick Stahl, Rachel Nichols)
Scarecrow and Mrs. King: Complete Second Season

And Finally
Adventures of a Teenage Dragonslayer – Rated PG (Lea Thompson, Wendy Malick)
Ok, the idea of a teenage dragon slayer is fun…and this trailer, well your 8 year old would like to see it, I think….maybe. Take a look.




Pick of the Week
Not a huge week, if I had to pick something up I probably would take another look at How Do You Know. More likely, this week, I’d just pick up a number of rentals this week.

Thanks!

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

Review - Paul

So It’s Not About Me, But It’s Still Funny

Ok, let’s face it, being a critic you have to have somewhat of an ego. So when I saw there was a movie on my schedule named Paul, I immediately thought it had to be about me. But alas, it wasn’t about me. Instead, it’s a story about an alien that is just trying to find his way home.

Graeme (Simon Pegg) and Clive (Nick Frost) have come across the pond to partake of a sci-fi lovers dream, Comicon. After a great time at the San Diego institution, they set out on a road trip to see all the alien hotspots in the Southwest. It’s on this journey, in a rented motorhome that they have a close encounter of the Paul (Seth Rogen) kind.

Years earlier, Paul crash landed his craft on earth and is working to try and get home. Chased by a no-nonsense man in black (Jason Bateman) he is doing his best to elude capture and make his way to a rendezvous point. When he crashes the car he is fleeing in; he ends up in the company of Graeme and Clive. Now the two will have to adjust to the party, cussing, drinking Paul who is “out there” in more ways than on. Can they help Paul get home?

Pegg and Frost have given fans of the science fiction movie a lot to laugh at here. There are countless subtle, and not so subtle references to everything from Star Wars to Mac and Me, yes I said Mac and Me. They poke loving fun at the genre and everything about it and it works on so many levels.

One of the coolest aspects of Paul is looking for all the subtleties in the film. From smart quick references to smaller roles that are played by some of our favorite actors, Paul makes use of some great material to make you laugh. And laugh I did. Pegg and Frost as writers as well as stars are able to use the wisecracking Paul to push the boundaries but never makes the cracks feel mean.

Rogen feels right at home in his portrayal of Paul. It would be the movie I could see him doing even if it was him and not an alien character on screen. He embodies the fun that is within this character.

It lost a little steam at one point and some of the cracks at Kristen Wiig’s characters beliefs were a bit harsh, but overall Paul is a well done adult comedy that will have you laughing throughout. And if you a sci-fi fan, that laughter will continue all the way past Area 51 and into another dimension.

B+

Paul
Universal Pictures

Director: Greg Mottola
Cast: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig

Rating: R for language including sexual references, and some drug use.
Runtime: 104 minutes.

Review - Limitless

Just Relax and Focus

Focus, it’s something we all long to do more of every day. What if there were a drug, that was about to be approved for use, that would allow you to gain total focus and utilize every part of your brain. You know, those tasks you get distracted from, you would no longer have to worry as the ability to complete them would be within your grasp.

Eddie (Bradley Cooper) is a struggling writer. He is struggling with a block right now that nothing seems to cure. And it is starting to have an impact on other aspects of his life. But now, he is offered a unique drug, NZT. NZT he is promised by his ex brother-in-law will give him the focus he needs to turn his life around. It will give him the precious focus and allow him to make the best use out of his mind and the knowledge he has gained over the years. And he finds out quickly, it’s all true.

But that’s when things turn for Eddie. As he goes to secure additional pills, his connection meets a different fate. But now he has the material and it is turning his life around. Every pill puts him closer to a life of freedom that he’s dreamt of, and deeper into an intriguing web of individuals that have an impact on his life.

Along the way Eddie meets Carl Van Loon (Robert DeNiro). Carl is the preeminent business icon that has heard about Eddie exploits as a day trader, and wonders how he does it. No matter, he’s going to get him on his team with one of the biggest deals he has ever been a part of and he wants Eddie’s proven wealth of knowledge.

But Eddie has others that are out to get him. A mobster that wants NZT for himself, a mystery man that is tracking him down at every turn, and a drug that is having a variety of effects are among the situations that challenge him. Now, will he have what it takes to weather the storm and come out of the situation better than ever?

Limitless is one of those movies that just didn’t totally click with me. It’s a unique story that everyone can relate to, gaining the strategic advantage of constant and unfiltered focus. But it’s a bit messy in its makeup and will come off as confusing as the trip Cooper goes on. There are a number of storylines that seem to start and go nowhere. This includes his relationship with his ex-wife, with his ex-girlfriend, and with really all the women in his life.

I think this one could find a real place in my mind after multiple viewings, but after the first viewing alone, my focus is somewhat limited, and my grade matches. But if that NZT works, imagine the results…and the grade for NZT…

B- / C+

Limitless
Dreamworks SKG / Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Director: Neil Burger
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Abbie Cornish, Robert DeNiro

Rating: PG-13 for thematic material involving a drug, violence including disturbing images, sexuality and language.
Runtime: 105 minutes.

New Video - Pirates of the Caribeean On Stranger Tides

I give you, a new Pirates video embed....you know...Pirates of the Caribbean, that little movie due out in May ... Check it out below



What do you think?

Home Screening Room - The Fighter looking in the Hereafter

Just From Theaters

The Fighter – Rated R (Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Melissa Leo, Amy Adams)
Flat out, the best film of 2010. The story of Mickey Ward and his brother Dick that garnered Oscar nominations for Bale, Leo and Adams and wins for Bale and Leo finds its way to DVD. If you’re a fight fan you will REALLY love it as it goes behind the scenes of one of the more colorful fighters to come down the path. I can’t say enough about this title; one you should have in your collection.

Hereafter– Rated PG-13 (Matt Damon, Bryce Dallas Howard, Cecile de France)
Death and the unique connection of a variety of characters will make this an interesting selection. This might be tough to watch, with current events, as it contains one of the most amazing visuals surrounding the last tsunami.

The Switch – Rated PG-13 (Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Patrick Wilson.)
What happens when a sperm donor is not really the sperm donor? Ok, that’s enough…

Also new this week…

Hemingway’s Garden of Eden – Rated R (Mena Suvari, Jack Huston, Caterina Murino)
A Shine of Rainbows – Rated PG (Connie Nielsen, Aidan Quinn)
Spooner – Rated R (Matthew Lillard, Nora Zehetner)
A Bonus trailer here for you...



Waste Land – Rated NR Award nominated documentary.

And Finally

The Parking Lot Movie – Rated NR (Documentary)
The coming and going of three years in a parking lot in Charlottesville, VA. Check out the trailer to see this unique documentary.

Pick of the Week
The Fighter is the film from this week that you want in your collection, hands down….and I will say The Parking Lot Movie looks to be worth a quick look somewhere!




Thanks for reading!

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

Review - Battle: Los Angeles

Aliens, Explosions and Firefights; Oh My!

Aliens have invaded the United States a number of times in the movies. They’ve invaded virtually every major city in the world. The world is under attack from meteorites that are falling from the sky. Protecting the population is a huge responsibility for the American military. But as they arrive on the scene, it’s quickly evident these are not just meteors that are crashing into the world’s biggest bodies of water.

Now the world is under attack, speculation runs rampant on what they are or why they are here, but the last remaining battle for survival is about to take place, in Los Angeles. Sergeant Michael Nantz (Aaron Eckhart) knows he’s lost a step or two to the new guys. He’s about to step away from the game for good, but this attack has changed things. Now he will join forces with 2nd Lt William Martinez (Ramon Rodriguez) who is fresh out of training and has never seen combat.

Will the two of them be able to work together to keep America safe? Together with a platoon of young Marines, they are off to evacuate the stranded and prepare for America’s military to push the aliens back to the ocean. The battles will be fierce and the strong will survive.

Alien attacks, wars and disasters have been seen on film for as long as you can remember. Battle: Los Angeles brings aspects of all of these films together in one crowd pleasing film. Sure, you need to check your mind at the door, but just do it. Sure, it has a cheesy heartwarming part towards the end of the film, but throw those 10 minutes out. This is meant to explode your senses of sight and sound, and that is what it does.

Aliens all over the scene are visually impressive and even more so in a firefight. Firefights are pretty impressive and reminiscent of some of the solid war movies of the past decade. And the firefights and explosions are the reason you come to this film.

Thankfully the small hiccup at the end with an attempt at a heartwarming moment doesn’t detract from the rest of the film. They try to work in a love story as well, but that takes a real back seat to the action on the screen.

Action is the name of the game here, and there is very little that stands in the way of it. You will never be bored with Battle: Los Angeles. Aliens, explosions and firefights; oh my!

B

Battle: Los Angeles
Columbia Pictures

Director: Jonathan Liebesman
Cast: Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, Ramon Rodriguez, Bridget Moynahan, Ne-Yo

Rating: PG-13 for sustained and intense sequences of war violence and destruction, and for language.
Runtime: 116 minutes.

Review - Red Riding Hood

My What Big Eyes You’ll Need

Little Red Riding Hood is a classic tale that every little boy and girl has grown up with. The story of a young girl heading to Grandma’s house and the Big Bad Wolf that stands in her way. Now we have the new version of the classic tale, only this one is for the kids that have grown up.

Valerie (Amanda Seyfried) is living in a classic village. It’s a village that has simple things going on. Thatch huts and residents that lock their doors and leave a sacrifice nightly for the wolf and it’s been that way for years. As Valerie has grown up, she remains close to the one boy that knows her, Peter (Shiloh Ferandez). She loves Peter, but her parents have other plans for her, arranging a marriage with Henry (Max Irons). This love triangle, however, is the least of the worries for this little village.

The wolf is back and wants one thing, Valerie. Give him Valerie and he will stop the carnage. But who is this wolf that is terrorizing these people? Will anyone survive his attacks?

I really wanted to like this film. It looks so stylish and fun. Amanda Seyfried is someone that I have come to like more and more each time I see her. Did I say it looks stylish? I did? Ok, I think I’ve run short of the good for Red Riding Hood.

Fact is, there is more suspending belief in this film than in some of the most far out science fiction plots. The villagers that are simpletons that just don’t understand their surroundings, a wolf that mauls anything in its path and a love story that just screams for something to make it work are all the elements that are wrong.

This is a film that elicits laughter at times instead of the proper level of tension and fear. I never felt anything for the characters that were in danger, and the more visual attention to detail took place, the less I bought the film. Yes there are moments, but truly you need those big eyes to see them.

C-

Red Riding Hood
Warner Brothers Pictures

Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, Billy Burke, Shiloh Fernandez, Max Irons

Rating: PG-13 for violence and creature terror, and some sensuality.
Runtime: 100 minutes.

Review - Mars Needs Moms

Moms Know Everything

Milo (Seth Green) and his mom (Joan Cusack) have a little strain in their relationship. It’s the typical mother/son disputes that happen during childhood. And it leads to that harsh confrontation where Milo wishes he didn’t have to deal with his mom anymore. That night, he will face the prospect of losing his mom and hitching a ride to Mars.

You see, Mars Need Moms. Why? They need what mom’s know, what mom’s feel and the knowledge that mom’s posses. Martians needed that special love and bond that moms of earth know. They’ve been at this for years and are still looking to gain that special knowledge.

Now Milo joins forces with Gribble (Dan Fogler), a man who knows the ins and outs of the red planet. He knows what the Martians are doing with moms of the world and will help Milo find his mom, but can they do it in time?

This is a pretty garden variety animated film. The story is simple but reinforces the importance of moms in the family unit. Most of the action takes place on the world of the other worldly surface of Mars so there are some crazy creatures in the mix for your enjoyment.

The motion capture animation for the stars is a bit unnerving at first, but once you are into the film it resonates with the viewer.

Mars Needs Moms is fun for the little ones, though the perilous state of mom could lead to some tears. A trip to Mars has never been quite this interesting. Not that you need a movie to prove the point, but Moms ARE really important! As my brother once said, “moms know everything”.

C+

Mars Needs Moms
Walt Disney Pictures

Director: Simon Wells
Cast: Seth Green, Dan Fogler, Joan Cusack, Mindy Sterling

Rating: PG for sci-fi action and peril.
Runtime: 88 minutes.

SNAPSHOTS - Battle, Mars and Red Riding Hood?

A quick snapshot this morning -- full reviews go live later today.

Battle: Los Angeles
Fun, popcorn film. The aliens are coming but we are strong! Fight them!!!! Do you realize it's been 15 years (this year) since Independence Day? This will not break any groundbreaking film standards, and some people might not like it...but dang...I just felt this was a non-stop action, fun film! (B)

Mars Needs Moms
This is a neat little kids film, well kinda. The ending might bother the youngest...but it shows EVERYONE needs their Mom. (B-/C+)

Red Riding Hood
Ok, the title means this is going to be a tame and nice fairy tale, right? RIGHT? NO! this is for the teens trying to make the Big Bad Wolf hip! Yes, there is blood and stuff. It's like the Twilight of Big Bad Wolf movies...did I just say that? (C+/C)

I'll be on Real Milwaukee this morning talking about some of these titles, then over to KMOX this afternoon to chat with Mark Reardon on the new movies....and the full reviews will be up tonight.

Home Screening Room - What's the Story Morning Glory?

Morning Glory – Rated PG-13 (Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton)
A struggling morning television show brings on a new producer that might be over her head. But this producer has a plan…adding veteran newsman Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford). Only he’s only interested in one thing, the paycheck.

Jackass 3– Rated R (Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve-O)
This is very funny, but VERY raunchy. Good to watch at home, as you can get up and take a shower in between scenes.

The Next Three Days – Rated PG-13 (Russell Crowe, Elizabeth Banks)
A husband tries to break his wife out of jail as he believes her wrongly convicted. But it will take more than just a good plan to make this caper work.

Inside Job – Rated PG-13
The documentary about the financial crisis that set the world on fire and made its mark at this year’s Academy Awards. Truly scary but good film.

Also new this week…

Billy Joel: Live At Shea Stadium
Every Day – Rated R (Helen Hunt, Liev Schreiber)
Four Lions (R)
Hannah Montana Forever: The Final Season
Super Bowl XLV Champions: Green Bay Packers
Veggie Tales: Twas The Night Before Easter
The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season

And Finally

The Chaperone – Rated PG-13 (Paul Levesque, Annabeth Gish)

Ok folks, this is Triple H from the WWE in this super cool PG-13 rated film, really! Ok, so am I really excited about this…or is this all just me, being over the top? Well watch the trailer and then you decide.



Pick of the Week

Alright, I was a big fan of Morning Glory. I think it is really underrated! Pick that up, and then maybe go crazy for Jackass 3, or….maybe not.

Thanks!

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

Review - Rango

Changing the Landscape of Animation

Rango (voice of Johnny Depp) has always led a life of luxury. In his controlled environment, he was the master of all. But when an unfortunate accident leaves him stranded in the middle of the desert, he learns to fend for himself and establish his new identity.

Now in the west there are strange things around every corner. Becoming a member of a town means finding a niche. In the town of “Dirt” the Mayor (Ned Beatty) has the keys to the city. That key, of course, is water. Now with Rango in town, there is a new sheriff that will keep things in order and keep the town ahead of the curve.

But can Rango establish himself as something he’s never been? Will his acting background help him to take on this new challenge? And will this new persona lead to positive changes in the sleepy town of Dirt?

Rango is an animated film that really breaks stereotypes. For much too long, despite the advances of the Pixar films, people have viewed animated films as “kids” fare. Rango is not really “kids” fare. This is one of those films where the wheelhouse seems to be older teens or even young adults. The swagger of the west includes a number of violent shootouts and cigar chomping moments. For many of the youngest kids this film is not in their league, nor does it try to be.

And that’s what makes sequences of Rango so cool an hip. Not pandering to the sterotype of the genre, Rango instead charts a new course for animation. A course that is a welcome change, it is refreshing to see an animated film that sets its own rules. With a cool lead like Johnny Depp, Rango is able to find a hip place in the lexicon of animated films. Depp brings style and a large amount of swagger to his character that explodes on the screen.

Unfortunately the film felt like it dragged through a muddy plot at times. It didn’t use its break out feel to really shoot out of its box. Despite a decent little premise and a fun cast of characters, I felt the film was a touch off.

Despite that, Rango is easily one of the more fun adult focused and interesting animated films to come along in a long time. Rango may be changing the way that we view animation; welcome to the shootout in a popular genre.

B

Rango
Paramount Pictures

Director: Gore Verbinski
Cast: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin, Ned Beatty

Rating: PG for rude humor, language, action and smoking.
Runtime: 107 minutes.

Review - The Adjustment Bureau

A Couple Adjustments Short

David Norris (Matt Damon) is on a beeline to the top. He has seen a political career that has grown by leaps and bounds. From a young congressman he has decided to take on the US Senate and it looks as if nothing will keep him from that goal. His main competitor to the challenge just might be himself.

When a devastating story is released, he sees an almost insurmountable lead in the polls disappear and his dreams are cut short. But it’s the meeting with the lovely Elise (Emily Blunt) that changes him. In a men’s room, trying to compose himself after a rare defeat, Elise sets him on the right path. Her frank comments encourage his frank comments. He is now a refreshed politician that just might make a comeback, someday. But for now, all David can think of is the woman that changed his perspective. Where is Elise?

But how is it that Elise and David got together? Was it part of a plan that was predestined? Were they together simply by chance? Or were there some individuals that helped to nudge them in the correct direction to make sure they stayed on their path.

Is there a plan for David? And is there free will? Questions that have baffled individuals for years are examined in this sci-fi thriller. Who is the adjustment bureau and what are they up to?

I really am starting to dig Matt Damon as an actor more and more. Every time out he seems to create an interesting character that fits the film. That is absolutely true with this film as he is perfectly cast as the up and coming politician who could one day take the next step. Emily Blunt works well with Damon and the two do a nice job of carrying through despite some rough patches.

Anthony Mackie feels underutilized. It was the one character that seemed to have more existing, but remained unexplained.

There are some light, fun moments that break up the action and it is, perhaps, those moments the make the film feel right. Now if this didn’t make us believe too many weird occurrences too often, it really would have been a great film. Should I be surprised though, that a film about adjustments could have used an adjustment or two?

B-

The Adjustment Bureau
Universal Pictures

Director: George Nolfi
Cast: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Anthony Mackie

Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 105 minutes.

Review - Beastly

Beastly Is Just…Beastly

Beauty and the Beast is a...tale as old as time. Wait…am I singing a Disney song here?

In this journey through the classic tale we are treated to the stuck up Kyle (Alex Pettyfer) regard for who knows his looks are his calling card. His ego rubs many individuals the wrong way, unless of course they are trying to suck up to him. When he crosses the school “witch” Kendra (Mary-Kate Olsen) she places a curse on him. His looks are gone and now he must find someone to love him for what’s inside.

Lindy (Vanessa Hudgens) has been at the same school with Kyle for years, and yet she remained under the radar. While Kyle was rubbing most of the school the wrong way she remained unnoticed. A chance meeting before the change gave Kyle a chance to see that Lindy was a pretty decent person, and intrigued him.

Now he searches her out as he is in his own prison. Kyle’s news anchor father has put him in his own apartment to live out his time. It’s all about image. For Kyle to get released from this physical prison he must get someone to say they love him. And as he follows Lindy around an opportunity presents itself for him to convince her to love him. But will she?

Being a story that everyone knows, it would be great if the film set itself apart from what we know. In this case; it doesn’t. This film just feels disjointed and never really wraps itself around an identity. Even though it is a retelling for a new generation, the power of the story seemed muted, and Pettyfer’s Kyle felt too over the top. And while Vanessa Hudgens is an absolutely adorable young woman, she didn’t feel as troubled or upset with the scenario as the situation would warrant.

There are those that may disagree, but this was just a beastly film that could find the way to an, I love you, from me.


C-

Beastly
CBS Films

Director: Daniel Barnz
Cast: Vanessa Hudgens, Alex Pettyfer, Mary-Kate Olsen, Neal Patrick Harris

Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 95 minutes.

My Apologies

I apologize for not having reviews posted for Rango, The Adjustment Bureau and Beastly -- along with this week's Home Screening Room -- I hope to have the situation rectified by tonight and tomorrow. I have some personal issues that have kept me from them.

My in a nutshell thoughts, in case you are really looking for them....Rango (good, but geared towards teens and adults), The Adjustment Bureau (could've been great, but still not bad), Beastly (beastly...and I think Vanessa Hudgens is adorable...but still not great).

Thanks for your patience.

Paul