Home Screening Room -- It's Biutiful to Drive Angry

Just From Theaters

Biutiful – Rated R (Javier Bardem, Maricel Alvarez)

The film featuring the Academy Award Nominated Javier Bardem finally comes home to DVD and Blu Ray.

Drive Angry – Rated R (Nicolas Cage, Amber Heard)
Vile, action packed and a feeling of classic grindhouse fare…oh yeah, and I loved it.

Also new this week…
Brad Meltzer’s Decoded: Season 1 – Ok, I admit, I love a good conspiracy and Meltzer talks about a number of them in this series.

Endure – Rated R (Tom Arnold, Judd Nelson)

Passion Play – Rated R (Mickey Rourke, Megan Fox, Bill Murray)

Psych – The Complete Fifth Season

Rookie Blue : The Complete First Season

SG-U Stargate Universe: The Complete Final Season

The Waiting City – Rated R (Radha Mitchell, Joel Egerton)

And Finally
Cross – Rated R (Brian Austin Green, Vinnie Jones, Michael Clarke Duncan)
Ok, Brain Austin Green PLUS beautiful women, Los Angeles and an immortal Viking? Watch the trailer…

Pick of the Week
Not much really to recommend, but I might pick up Decoded. Other than that, what will you grab from this week’s new releases.

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

Review - Kung Fu Panda 2

Panda To The Rescue


Po (Jack Black) is the Dragon Warrior. As we left the first film, Po was just starting to learn about the power that he possesses inside. Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) continues to train Po to be that warrior that shall utilize Kung Fu to the benefit of the greater community.


When a master criminal Shen (Gary Oldman) discovers that Kung Fu cannot stop the weapon of fireworks; he begins to unleash his rule on the people. Masters like Ox, Rhino and Croc are no match for this “new” method of fighting. They have chosen to give up the fight in an attempt to protect their people.


But the Furious Five will have none of it and Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Monkey (Jackie Chan), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Viper (Lucy Liu) and Crane (David Cross) set out with Po to make a difference and keep the people safe. Can Po save the Kung Fu that he loves so much?


The nice thing about Kung Fu Panda 2 is that it keeps much of the same positive messaging the first film featured. Jack Black’s Po character is an inspirational example for kids of overcoming the stereotypes that are placed on them. And the characters here feature some fine voice actors that make things all the better.


Visually the film maintains the standards that had been set in animating the original. And a beautiful score from Hans Zimmer shows that this animated film is serious about wanting to be part of the discussion of quality films in general.


If you enjoy Po, and Kung Fu Panda you will definitely want to check out the newest animated entry. Where all else may fail, the panda will come to the rescue onscreen and off.


B


Kung Fu Panda 2
Paramount Pictures


Director: Jennifer Yuh
Cast: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross


Rating: PG for sequences of martial arts action and mild violence.
Runtime: 1 hour 30 minutes

Review - The Hangover 2

It Happened Again


The wolfpack is back and this time they are headed for Thailand. Sure there have been some minor changes since the group was together in Las Vegas. This time, Stu (Ed Helms) is getting married, again, but it is too a woman he really cares about.


Phil (Bradley Cooper) and Doug (Justin Bartha) are coming along and what would the trip be unless Alan (Zach Galifianakis) could find a way to be part of things. Now it’s a seemingly harmless night out on the beach with a couple of friends and a couple of beers that will lead to another “lost” evening.


Waking up in a Thai hotel is a little different that in a Las Vegas suite. They are there with a couple problems. When they wake they have not only lost Doug this time, but they have also lost Stu’s future son in law, Teddy.


Now they will have to once again, retrace their steps. This time they will find Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong), a gangster (Paul Giamatti) and a monkey as part of their pre-wedding wild night. Oh, and there are strippers, a gun runner and a monk that all had a part in their night that everyone can’t remember.


Now will Stu be able to hold his head high while he marries the woman of his dreams or did things go so crazy that he has lost her forever.


The number one question I’m always asked with sequels is, “Can I see it without having seen the first film?” With The Hangover 2, the answer is yes. In fact if you’ve seen the first film, you’ve seen this one.


The Hangover 2 doesn’t go far beyond what worked the first time around. There is really no expansion of the characters. There are no wildly different storylines. There are just lots of laughs. And that’s ok. I don’t believe anyone is going to go to this film expecting these characters to be anything different than what they were in the first film. Though that is true, it would have been nice to see a couple more diversions along the way instead of rehashing the same plot. This is literally the first film redone.


One last thing that didn’t change about the film, it STILL makes you laugh. In a market that is always a bit hit or miss, The Hangover 2 remains a hit with the laughs. Raunchy as ever, and full of craziness they weren’t lying when they say “It happened again.”


B


The Hangover 2
Warner Brothers Pictures


Director: Todd Phillips
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong


Rating: R for pervasive language, strong sexual content including graphic nudity, drug use and brief violent images.
Runtime: 1 hour 42 minutes

My Favorite Oprah Winfrey Show Episode

My moment on Oprah!

I know this is a movie blog, but I have to share my Oprah story. With her show coming to an end people are asking for your favorite episode, and I say…the ONE I WAS ON!


Fifteen years ago this month, I had a whirlwind that will never be forgotten. I was brought on, as a kind of guest, to the Oprah Winfrey show. How did this happen you ask? Read On.



I was lucky enough to win a chance to audition for Wheel of Fortune (yes this is the Oprah story, be patient). This was a show that I watched with my Grandma and played since I was a tot! The audition process wasn’t tough enough that we found out Oprah’s crew was there to and she was filming for an upcoming segment on what it takes to get on a game show. So not only did we have the stress of the audition process, but the Oprah show was there!


After the audition process was complete, Oprah’s crew did some exit interviews with us and we were sent on our way.


Shortly after the audition I got a call that Oprah’s producers wanted me to come to Chicago. So I started making plans. Where to park, where to go, where is the studio….when I received another call, that they would be sending a car for me and my family.


Ok, so this got a little better – So my Mom (who was also a big wheel watcher with me and my grandma) and my brother Bob that could make it at the time were ready to go. I expected maybe a van, perhaps taking myself and a couple of the other people who auditioned to show up at my house. Instead…yep you guessed it, a stretch limo for my family alone. Oprah spared NO expense.


Arriving in Chicago we were whisked into our seats in the audience (there were 6-8 of us from the audition that were invited to the show). So we were all together to do a brief segment. Yes my ugly mug showed up in the highlight package that led into things and then, without warning, Oprah pulled the big moment that she knew which of us were making Wheel of Fortune. It was ALL OF US.


Talk about elation, there you have it…and it wasn’t until later that we found out that the producers didn’t even know we had made the show until that morning. Seems the Oprah producers and the Wheel producers were looking for the same type of individual and they were good judges of what went on.


My charismatic debut on Oprah, led to an appearance on Wheel of Fortune. And to this day…that will still be my FAVORITE Oprah episode ever.


Thanks Oprah!

Home Screening Room -- Gnomes, Numbers and Whoa!,

Just From Theaters

Gnomeo and Juliet – Rated G (Voices of James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Ashley Jensen)
Gnomeo, Gnomeo wherefore art thou Gnomeo. Yes the classic tale of two feuding families has come back to the bigscreen., Oily this time, the characters are garden gnomes and lawn ornaments.


I Am Number Four – Rated PG-13 (Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant, Teresa Palmer)
I need to watch this one again, and I will. It’s got a futuristic sci-fi action feel to it and let’s face it Pettyfer is on fire right now.

Also new this week…

The Big Bang – Rated R (Antonio Banderas, Thomas Kretschmann)
Lemonade Mouth – NR (Bridgit Mendler, Adam Hicks) The latest Disney original film straight from the Disney Channel Run.

The Scenesters – Rated R (Sherilyn Fenn, Blaise Miller)

And Finally
Melissa & Joey: Season One, Part One
Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence star in this ABC Family original television series. Here's a blooper reel to enjoy, whoa.

Pick of the Week
Gnomeo is a fun take on the whole Romeo and Juliet thing while I Am Number Four isn’t bad for the teen set. Not sure I can wholeheartedly recommend either across the board, but I’m going to take another look at them just to be sure.

Thanks!

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

Today's Visit to Real Milwaukee

Today's visit at Real Milwaukee -- we talked Pirates, The Beaver and new DVD's this week and next -- plus coming soon, my story on how I was on Oprah.

Review - Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Strange Tides, Stranger Film


The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is one of the biggest grossing series in film history. Let’s face it, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) has become a classic character in film lore, ALREADY. The newest journey takes us “On Stranger Tides” as Jack is back.


Everyone has heard of the Fountain of Youth. It’s been legendary throughout writings during all parts of history. Most references have been to the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon and that is the foundation for the search for this mystical fountain that would restore youth to those who drink from it.


Ah, but the journey will be more than just a search for the fountain when Jack is involved. He is forced aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge; that’s the one belonging to Blackbeard (Ian McShane)!


Angelica (Penelope Cruz) has a past with Jack. She grabs him and takes him prisoner for the journey to the fountain. But wait, doesn’t everyone have a past with Jack, I digress.


The journey to the Fountain of Youth will have them encountering Mermaids, swashbuckling, zombies and more. Plus Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) is back and even Gibbs is along to help out Captain Jack (plus watch for that memorable monkey to have some bottled up enthusiasm.


Will the journey result in younger days ahead?


I’ve been a big fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean films. They take us to beautiful lands and excite the senses. Sure some may have been a touch long, but the journey was worth it.


If it sounds at this point like I’m leading up to a but, it’s true. BUT, this film felt different.


I never found myself reengage with Jack here. The first thirty minutes or so felt like it wandered way more than it should have. I’m not going to say sleep inducing, but it really didn’t get me into the film, despite an early action sequence or two.


Having Penelope Cruz onboard just seemed to be written in kind of funny, I will give it the thought that the Depp/Cruz history “might” be explored more in Pirates 5, and yes – staying after the credits you will see the scene that sets the tables for a 5th installment. But the relationship here just didn’t have the spice that it could have conjured up.


The action sequences felt a bit long and the only segment I wanted more of was with the diabolical mermaids that seemed to end way too quickly.


Things that did stand out for me included visuals of the water and jungle. Very breathtaking to look at, I wish that it was not a 3D film as the many sequences filmed in the dark become darker. And the Hans Zimmer score felt spot on, so much so that I felt every scene that utilized the music was enhanced.


Maybe I’ve become spoiled with the first three films, maybe I expect more from them now, but this is just a run of the mill type of film. It may be on stranger tides but it is a stranger film as it doesn’t rise to the level we’ve come to expect. But alas, mateys! There could be Pirates 5 on the horizon, and I’ll line up for that one immediately as well as no one can get enough of Captain Jack Sparrow.


C+


Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Walt Disney Pictures


Director: Rob Marshall
Cast: Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush, Ian McShane


Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of action/adventure violence, some frightening images, sensuality and innuendo.
Runtime: 2 hours 17 minutes

Review - The Beaver

Chipping Away Life’s Problems


Depression is not a fun topic by any means. Many suffer with mild depression on a regular basis. For extreme cases of depression, it can be something that tears families apart.


Walter Black (Mel Gibson) is suffering from severe depression. It’s not important how he hit this place, but it is very important to see the effects on his family. His wife Meredith (Jodie Foster) has kicked him out. His son Porter (Anton Yelchin) sees many of the behaviors of his dad happening in his own life. And his youngest son Henry (Riley Thomas Stewart) just wonders what is wrong with his dad.


Just when Walter has hit rock bottom he comes across a beaver hand puppet. A weird curiousity makes him pick it up and when he fails at his attempts to end it all, the beaver becomes Walter. Now he finds the courage and motivation to deal with things in a whole new light.


The Beaver begins embodying all that Walter wants to be in a boss, a husband and a father. And it’s through the beaver that Walter begins to revive his lost life. But this can’t last forever, and eventually Walter and his family and friends need to confront what is real. Can he overcome and return to his life?


There are many in this world that will immediately discount this film because of the involvement of Mel Gibson, but should they? I hope not. This is an acting performance that really lets Mel shine and if you can remove yourself from offscreen Mel, you will see that. He becomes Walter Black. He utilizes his acting ability to have a little piece of his personality exposed through his person and the whole of his personality through a puppet.


Jodie Foster works through her roles as an actor and a director, allowing quiet and funny moments to dot the heartbreaking life of a man. She does a wonderful job pulling the heart strings of viewers.


Some of the best supporting roles come from Anton Yelchin as the kid who just doesn’t want to be like dad and Jennifer Lawrence as the girl that seems to have it all together, but has more beneath her surface.


Despite some feel good moments and occasional laughs, this is not a fun movie by any means. As a character study it works wonders. The Beaver is a surprisingly touching tale that will have you chipping away life’s problems.




B+


The Beaver
Summit Entertainment


Director: Jodie Foster
Cast: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence


Rating: PG-13 for mature thematic material, some disturbing content, sexuality and language including a drug reference.
Runtime: 1 hour 31 minutes

Review - Bridesmaids

Say I Do to Bridesmaids

How many times have we seen the story of the behind the scenes run through the Bachelor Party? How many times have we seen the antics of guys, displaying the lowest common denominator mentality that guys hold dear? It’s always been the guys that are on display in all their good and bad glory. Not anymore, welcome to Bridesmaids.

Annie (Kristen Wiig) is not very sure of herself. She has a failed business and the men in her life, well, to say they don’t treat her well, would be an understatement. She loves spending time with her best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph). And when Lillian announces her engagement, Annie is bound for the Maid of Honor role.

The Maid of Honor has a number of important roles in the planning of the wedding, but of course! That role is even tougher when Annie has a relationship that really isn’t more than a booty call, is jealous of the “new” best friend Helen (Rose Byrne) and is just a touch unstable overall.

From the toast war between Annie and Helen, to the battle to provide Lillian with the best possible environment for her shower the war is on, and Annie is in it to win it.

Bridesmaids are more than just a support group for the bride; they are a microcosm of the society that shapes her life. Some are close, some are not, but in this film, all are fun.

I’m a guy; yes the first step is admitting it. I’ve always put women on a pedestal believing of course that none of them behaved like us guys. Guys were the ones that had bad behavior a plenty, you know, guys like in The Hangover. We did the grotesque things, so much so, we sometimes couldn’t believe that some women could love us like they do. After seeing Bridesmaids I’m here to report…all my preconceived notions are wrong.

The women in Bridesmaids devour food, devour men, are used by men, use men and do all the same toilet behavior that we do. And it’s refreshing to see.

Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph are at the center of things here but they know how to take a back seat to humor better suited to Wendi McLendon-Covey and Melissa McCarthy. It’s those supporting roles that really make the film move and make the laughs roll.

Sure the shock value of seeing women do some of the things they do here helps, but really it sticks to comedy. And the biggest question asked is will guys want to see it? I think they can enjoy it and laugh as well, but it is perfectly suited for Girls Night Out!

I’m glad these Bridesmaids invited me to their party; it’s easy to say I DO with these women.

B+

Bridesmaids

Universal Pictures

Director: Paul Feig

Cast: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper

Rating: R for some strong sexuality, and language throughout.

Runtime: 2 hours 5 minutes

Home Screening Room -- Justin Bieber and AC/DC with No Strings Attached

A crazy little collection this week after a couple weeks away....good and bad are all part of this week's Home Screening Room.

Just From Theaters

Blue Valentine – Rated R (Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams)
The story of a couple looking to save their marriage that garnered award buzz a plenty for both Gosling and Williams.

The Illusionist – Rated PG (voices of Jean-Claude Donda, Edith Rankin)
The award nominated film features the story of a magician who has a girl that thinks his act is real.

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never – Rated G (Justin Bieber)
The story behind Justin Bieber’s rise to fame, sure the life story is only 16 years, but this is actually quite interesting as many of the things we find out within the film are things that many didn’t know.

No Strings Attached - Rated R (Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher)
What’s it like when the relationship with no strings is proposed by the woman? A movie that is good for both sexes and fun for all.

Also new this week…
AC/DC: Live at River Plate – come on…it’s AC/DC!
Black Death – Rated R (Sean Bean)
Cougars, Inc. – Rated R (Denise Richards, James Belushi) – I’d like to use this as my pick of the week, but the trailer has a little more than I usually post.
Cropsey – Documentary that Roger Ebert really loved about a boogie man in the neighborhood. I have to share this trailer -- here ya go.

Home Improvement: The Complete Collection
WWE: Wrestlemania XXVII – Finally, Wrestelmania has come back to DVD.

And Finally
The Hit List – Rated R (Cuba Gooding Jr., Cole Hauser)
What happened to Cuba Gooding Jr. you ask? Well..ask no more...here he is a hit man that is about to help Cole Hauser make one of the worst mistakes of his life.

Pick Of The Week
Gotta pick up No Strings Attached, really, you’ll love it! After that…who knows?

Thanks!

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

Review - Thor

Thor Hammers His Way


Thor (Chris Hemsworth) has always been a bit aggressive. He acts first and then worries about the consequences of his actions. As he is about ready to assume the throne from his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) he does something so rash that Odin has no choice but to cast him down to Earth to teach him a lesson.


On Earth Thor meets Jane Foster (Natalie Porman). Jane is a scientist that has been study anomalies in the atmosphere and is sure something is about to happen right before her eyes. Just then, out of nowhere, Thor arrives and an instant connection is born.


But while Thor is on Earth trying to find his way home, trouble is brewing. His brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is making his own attempts to take over the kingdom. As father lays clinging to life it is Loki making plans to ensure that he, and not Thor, will be the next King.


With the US Government hot on the heels of Jane’s research and Thor struggling to realize his purpose, devastation is sweeping his home and everything is crumbling. Who will survive? And what relationships will be forged?


Now this, is the type of summer kick off films that works for me. Usually when it comes to summer selections we get great action but nothing else. Thor combines great action sequences with a plot and lots of fun. It’s the story that drives the film


When you combine a good story with the action you’ve got something good going, add to the fact you have solid acting talent in each of the smaller roles and you get something special in the summer movie realm. From Portman as Jane to Hiddleston as Loki and Hopkins as Odin to Skarsgard as Erik, Thor is loaded with talent.


Nothing about this film disappointed me, at least in a large way. It’s the perfect way to start the summer and will be a hit with young and old alike. Thor’s Hammer smashes open the box office and the hope for good things to come.


PS – don’t run out on this one…we have at least one extra scene as we get closer to The Avengers in theaters in 2012




B+


Thor
Paramount Pictures


Director: Kenneth Branagh
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Stellan Skarsgard, Rene Russo


Rating: PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence
Runtime: 1 hour 54 minutes

Review - Something Borrowed

Borrowing A Laugh


Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Darcy (Kate Hudson) have been friends forever. They’ve grown up together and were virtually inseparable. Rachel is the quiet, understated one while Darcy is the party girl.


While Rachel was going through law school she met Dex (Colin Egglesfield). Dex is the All-American boy. He’s got the perfect smile is smart and is everything you could want in a man. Dex and Rachel studied together and became close, but when it came time to Rachel telling her how she felt, she just introduced Dex to Darcy.


Fast forward years and Darcy and Dex are ready to become man and wife. After celebrating Rachel’s 30th birthday she finally owns up to her feelings for Dex. But it just may be me too late. Now Rachel, Darcy, Dex and even their friend Ethan (John Krasinski) must figure out who is feeling what and for whom.


This is a bit of a wacky tale that has some fun moments. Although you might expect a straightforward plot that you’ve seen time and time again, this does take the occasional chance to do something a bit different.


Ginnifer Goodwin is sweet and likeable, even as her character is using some questionable judgment. Kate Hudson is just ok as Darcy, more often than not I didn’t feel her character though. The real nice supporting role in the film comes from John Krasiniski. Every time he’s onscreen, things just feel right.


Something Borrowed may try to borrow a laugh or two from you along the way, but that’s about all that you’ll be willing to give it.


B- / C+


Something Borrowed
Warner Brothers Pictures


Director: Luke Greenfield
Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, John Krasinski, Colin Egglesfield


Rating: PG-13 for sexual content including dialogue, and some drug material.
Runtime: 1 hour and 43 minutes

Review - Fast Five

Strap In And Enjoy The Ride


Before we get started, let me say, I’m a junkie for these films. It seems every time they show up on Starz or HBO, I’m tuned in while I’m working. Why? Because they are escapist fun and take you somewhere that you’ve wanted to go. Fast cars, fast women and non-stop action are the normal course of action when you sit down with the Fast and Furious action.

Dominic (Vin Diesel) is on his way to serve an extensive jail sentence when a group of cars surround the bus. Those cars are led by former FBI agent Brian O’Connor (Paul Walker) and some of Dom’s Family. Dom will regain his freedom and we are off to the races with the next installment in the Fast and Furious series.


The fugitives land in Rio de Janeiro Brazil and aren’t there long when a job is set in motion. But that job quickly goes bad and now the US government is keen to where the fugitives are hiding. The government has sent their best tracker, Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) to get Dom and Brian back and he is not one to miss out on his target.


Brian and Dom have a way to get even with the Brazilian who has made their life miserable and it will take the best of all the crews they have assembled over the years to get the job done. It’s almost an impossible mission, but the prize will change their life forever. Can they finish the job, or will Hobbs bring them in before they can get the job done.


When I sit down with a movie like Fast Five, I am not looking for Award winning screenplay, or actors that blow me away. I AM looking for something that might be worthy of a Critics’ Choice Movie Awards nomination for Best Action Film. I’m looking for explosion, check. I’m looking for at least one terrific action sequence, check. And I’m looking for amazing cars and non-stop action, check.


This is a film that you can check your mind at the door and just flat out enjoy. If you think too much about the plot, you will find plot holes bigger than on a piece of Swiss cheese. But that’s not what you are doing here. You are sitting back and enjoying some crazy action.


Fast Five does one thing well, it keeps you interested throughout the over 2 hour film. And, if you wait for the credits…you will see where a sixth film might go. (It’s worth sticking it out).


Don’t think too much; just strap in and enjoy the ride.


B


Fast Five
Universal Pictures


Director: Justin Lin
Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Jordanna Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris


Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, sexual content and language.
Runtime: 2 hours 10 minutes

Review - Prom

Boys, Girls and Prom – Who Will You Ask?


Prom, I remember it well. Deana and I danced, yes I danced! The song was Open Arms by Journey and the…ok, enough about me! The new film from Walt Disney Pictures tries to take on one of the most stressful times in high school, and the most expensive date that will ever happen, Prom.

Nova (Aimee Teegarden) is planning the prom. She is in charge of the prom committee and is just hoping that special guy will ask her. She’s on a path to greatness. She’s a good student, loves being involved in creating the perfect night, and is on her way to Georgetown after her Senior Prom. But there will be challenges that will come before her, it is high school of course.


There will be relationships on the brink, new relationships that start to bloom and that bad boy, in this case Jesse (Thomas McDonell) may be just misunderstood. All the drama of a normal high school will face these kids that are ready for their prom. Will couples stay together or break apart? Check it out as we get ready for the prom.


I was a little scared to think of a PG rated prom film, but this actually worked. It focuses on the asking and the relationships that are going on as the prom approaches. The focus is on friendships that are starting and those that are dissolving. Focusing on the top level of these relationships keeps the film from going to naughty places, and that is a good thing.


The young cast is a mix of those who look like they “could” be in high school and those who clearly are older than their character. It is reminiscent of early 90210 classes that had the same makeup.


Unfortunately, instead of a quick and breezy 85 or 90 minute film this clock in just under 1 hour and 45 minutes and goes on a bit too long. There are some things that work and will resonate and some that don’t and won’t. But that’s the good thing about a film like this, it doesn’t have to work all the time.


The preteens and early teens will love this film, it’s not for me, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a place. Parents this is a safe film about high school trials and tribulations, and it an environment where that usually doesn’t happen it’s a welcome change. Now, what happens Post Prom…oh wait…I think I’ve just created the sequel!


C+


Prom
Walt Disney Pictures


Director: Joe Nussbaum
Cast: Aimee Teegarden, Thomas McDonell, DeVaughn Nixon, Danielle Campbell


Rating: PG for mild language and a brief fight.
Runtime: 1 hour and 43 minutes