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)

Review - Puss in Boots

Puss Purrs in Small Doses

One of the most lovable characters that came out of the Shrek series of films was Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas). It’s only logical that we get to hear all about the back story of what made Puss in Boots into the man, errr…cat he is today.

Long ago, Puss was an orphaned little kitty. Left with an orphanage, taken in and cared for by his adoptive mother; Puss tried to get along with everyone. One of his best friends was the oft picked on Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis). Humpty searched the world over for the magic beans that would allow him to find the goose that produced golden eggs. That goose would fund the whole village.

Then, Humpty decided to start breaking laws and dragged Puss in kicking and screaming. The friendship dissolved as Humpty was left to take the “fall” for his crime.

Now, Puss is heading back and gets into a scrap with Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek). Only later does he learn that this is all part of Humpty’s plans to acquire the magic beans that Jack and Jill have in their possession. Could this be the end of Puss? Or is it just the beginning?

I loved Puss in his small doses in the Shrek films. He brought something to the table that was a touch of mystery and courage like none of the other characters. But I struggled with Puss carrying an entire film.

The film felt very pasted together, as if there were a lot of ideas but no steady stream to tie them together. For ease they try to use flashbacks to tell an origin story that seems a bit disjointed. There are funny moments within the story, I only wish they were tied together better.

Kids will enjoy the journey, for the most part. It’s characters we like, voiced by talented actors, and action that rolls for the entire 90 minutes. It just seems like there should have been more here.

In small doses, Puss purrs, but in the bigger picture, it’s hard to tell if the audience will be purring as they leave or just thirsty for a different saucer of milk.

B- 

Puss in Boots

Paramount Pictures / Dreamworks

Director: Chris Miller

Cast: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis

Rating: PG for some adventure action and mild rude humor.

Runtime: 1 hour 30 minutes

Review - Anonymous

Is He To Be Or Not To Be?

Imagine if you will, William Shakespeare did not write all the Shakespearean works that exist. What if those works were the labors of someone else, but William Shakespeare just took credit for them? Are you thinking now??? This is the premise of the new film, Anonymous.

The Earl of Oxford (Rhys Ifans)had a love of writing. This, despite the fact, that the household in which he grew up was not appreciative of art of this kind. In fact they banned him from writing, as it was the work of the devil.

Though discouraged, he sets out to write and he is also drawn to the young Queen Elizabeth (Joely Richardson). The two start an affair that leads to a child. And despite the attempts to stay together, they are pushed apart.

Now The Earl is expressing himself through plays. Writing down some of the most incredible works the people have seen, but staying in the shadows as an unknown actor named William Shakespeare rises up to take the credit for writing the works that made a legend.

So will we ever see who really has written these works? Or is this just another fable put together to distract from the greatness of a talented writer?

I’ll admit it. I’m not a huge Shakespeare fan. There I said it. So a movie with the premise that Shakespeare really wasn’t Shakespeare is a bit intriguing, yet with working in the period I worry it could be tedious. Instead, director Roland Emmerich gives us a story that’s part mystery, part theory and part crazy but always fascinating. The premise, while on the surface seems crazy, is put together in such a way that will make you enjoy the period in which Shakespeare composed his works (whomever Shakespeare really is).

Actors that are perfectly cast include Rhys Ifans and the wonderfully talented Vanessa Redgrave. Redgrave especially is pleasing to see back onscreen in all her glory as the elder Queen Elizabeth. And Ifans works well with her in the later meetings and during his quest to write like he never has before.

As a whole the film works and I found myself glued to my seat in anticipation of what light through the next scene would break. Sure, it’s a film outside of my comfort zone, and one that I didn’t think I would like. But alas, I hath found peace with Shakespeare. Although I still don’t know if he be or not be…

B

Anonymous

Columbia Pictures

Director: Roland Emmerich

Cast: Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave, Rafe Spall, David Thewils, Joely Richardson

Rating: PG-13 for some violence and sexual content.

Runtime: 2 hours 10 minutes

Review - The Double

The Double Keeps You Guessing

Cassius has been one of the most elite Russian spies American has known. He has ruled over the Russian forces with an iron fist and remained secretive to American intelligence sources. One man, Paul Shepherdson (Richard Gere), has been closer than any American operative. He has tracked this man in his former career with the CIA, so it is understandable that he is brought back from retirement when evidence mounts that the spy has resurfaced.

He’s paired with a young FBI agent that thinks he understands the mind of Cassius named Ben Geary (Topher Grace). Ben is someone who has risen to his rank with his theories and research on the elusive Russian. Together they will try to stop Cassius before he carries out his mission, whatever it may be. Why has Cassius resurfaced? What does he have planned for his next mission and can Ben and Paul stop him in time.

The Double is a solid little film, for the most part. It deals in some cliché at time, but overall tends to work with the pairing of the young buck (Grace) with the wily veteran (Gere). Though the feeling here for me is Grace is coming harder at his role than Gere, and that is what makes this a notch below what you expect from a film like this.

I love Odette Annable and just wish she could be used more in films, but both she and Martin Sheen take a back seat to Gere and Grace.

Twists abound and some aren’t as obvious as others, but this is still an enjoyable little ride. Somewhat formula, but a decent ride nonetheless. How much of what I’m saying is true though, hmmmm, I can’t be a double agent…gotta say what I believe. But; The Double will have you guessing until the end.

C+

The Double

Universal Pictures

Director: Michael Brandt

Cast: Richard Gere, Topher Grace, Martin Sheen, Odette Annable

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images and language.

Runtime: 1 hour 38 minutes

50 Movies in 50 Days – The Lie

Day 4

I promised I wouldn’t be updating every day…but I couldn’t resist this one. Last night I had the opportunity to see Anonymous. The movie follows the thought of what if Shakespeare wasn’t really Shakespeare? What if the works of a master were really created by someone other than who they were attributed to? An intriguing premise with a solid film behind it, but that review comes Friday and isn’t the “lie” that I’m referring to in the title.

My schedule had me to the theater for the screening quite early on this Tuesday night. I was the first to arrive and sit in the press seats. About 10 minutes prior to the show I was still one of the only ones there when two 40-50 year old women came up and said to me we are confiscating or commandeering these seats. Well I politely asked, did you check with the rep for the studio and they said yes they did…so I thought….no big deal, they weren’t bothering me (though I knew there were more people coming).

I bumped into another couple critics soon after and we all got comfy together as the two women held down their seats. Then the rep came back in and asked who they were…especially when she saw all of us cramped together. She promptly kicked them down a row out of the seats they “confiscated” and a glare or two were shot our way. Though we hadn’t said anything at all, they just assumed we were the “bad” guys.

The part that still baffles me is why they would lie to me in the first place. I’m a nice guy…I would have showed them who the rep was and they might have found some open seats in the same row down the aisle. Instead it was a sense of entitlement for these women as they mumbled (no one ever sits here anyway – which is blatantly untrue….hello!!!)

Ugh…the movie went on and everything was good. Thanks to our rep, she did her job properly. But when do you get to the point of just bending and breaking every rule out there. Why not just take the other “available” seats in the theater? What makes you better than others? And why do you have to compound matters by lying? And better yet…at what age should you have known better?

That was the weird start to the night…that and the fact that a number of people brought young children to this film…why??? I have know idea…though I give the one woman kudos for taking her child out IMMEDIATELY when he started acting up. But what would possess anyone to think a child would have a good time with Anonymous is beyond me.

Ahh fun in the theaters – 50 Movies in 50 Days will have more stories…I’m sure….but get me to day 5!

Summary – Through Day 4 (4 Movies Puss in Boots, The Double, Monte Carlo, Anonymous)

50 Movies in 50 Days - It Begins

50 Movies in 50 Days – It Begins

So I’m doing it again…50 Movies in 50 Days as I plug through awards season.

Some movies will be considered for awards, some will be just reviewed on their schedule and still others will just be for fun (personal or family).

There will be movies on DVD/Blu-ray and in Theaters.

Movies in screening rooms and streaming online and of course movies on premium networks and in the DVR.

All these viewings are leading up to the casting of my ballot for the best of 2011 with the Critics’ Choice Awards ceremony in early January.

I’ll commit to periodically updating you along the way…I’ve tried to do it daily in the past, but if I can’t talk about a movie “officially” yet, things mainly center on stories that I can share. For that reason, I think a couple postings a week will be sufficient. (Unless, of course, you demand more!)

For now…I’ve got 3 days in the books and 3 movies on those 3 days.

Day 1

It all started Saturday, 10/22, with Puss in Boots. The advance screening, before the theatrical release on 10/28 was a trip with the whole family as the schedules worked in our favor. More on this title on the 28^th, but it was a nice diversion for the morning after drama class and before our first excursion geocaching on a beautiful Saturday.

Day 2

The quest included a sneak peek at The Double starring Richard Gere and Topher Grace (opening 10/28 in theaters) that I will soon be able talk about – how about Friday with that one as well.

Day 3

I got in Monte Carlo – the Selena Gomez starring vehicle that Fox put out earlier this year (now on DVD/Blu). Was happy to get a chance to see it, because I don’t get to see virtually any Fox movies in theaters anymore prerelease. It’s like they just forgot some of us, but I digress. Monte Carlo is nothing special from a film standpoint, but did you expect it would be? What Monte Carlo is, is an enjoyable film in the genre it is made. Ok, so that’s almost a backhanded compliment…but it doesn’t mean that I’m not trying to be nice here. Gomez is likable and that is part of the charm (though I didn’t buy her in the more difficult diva role for some reason.) I can recommend this as a girl’s night movie selection (maybe a mommy/daughter night). It’s overall a tame but enjoyable and non-threatening movie.

So – Three days into this journey and I’ve seen three titles. At this pace – I’ll have no problem getting to 50, even with a couple of (ZERO movie days).

For sure day 4 will feature the new film Anonymousand day 11 is scheduled to include the new film Tower Heist. Get ready for a fun ride. This season will wear you out, but it’s a lot of fun!

Summary – Through Day 3 (3 Movies Puss in Boots, The Double, Monte Carlo)

Review - Johnny English Reborn

Here’s Johnny, Again

It was 2003 and a little spy-comedy called Johnny English was released in theaters. Johnny was portrayed by Rowan Atkinson to decent response from critics and, more importantly, nearly $130 million dollars worldwide.

Fast-forward to today, and I NEVER would have suspected a sequel to be released, but alas – Johnny English Rebornis now in theaters.

Johnny English is loyal to his job and the MI7 but he is a little less than coordinated some of the time. And despite the best of intentions, English finds himself in a variety of precarious situations.

He’s called back to MI7 to get to the bottom of a ruthless trio of criminals that possess one of the most lethal weapons imagined. One of these individuals will only talk to English and despite her better judgment, the director (Gillian Anderson) puts him back into commission.

Now can English get to the bottom of this secret plot on the Chinese premier’s life? He must first get the weapon and get to the bottom of the group trying to alter the future by eliminating the premiere, but can he?

English is very similar to every movie of this type. You won’t find new moments here, but you will get plenty of pratfalls, mistaken identities, and crazy situations. But that’s enough to make you laugh here; just don’t think too much or you’ll be aware of some gaping plot holes.

Many enjoy Atkinson’s not verbal “Bean” character, but I tend to like him talking as he maneuvers through this film. Supporting Atkinson, the lovely and talented Rosamund Pike sparkles in her small role and it’s been way too long since I’ve seen Gillian Anderson.

I’m not generally a fan of the British humor of Atkinson, but Johnny English Reborn had me chuckling at length. No, there weren’t belly laughs, but Johnny English Reborn was able to give my funny bone a rebirth when it comes to pratfall fun.

 

C+

Johnny English Reborn

Universal Pictures

Director: Oliver Parker

Cast: Rowan Atkinson, Rosamund Pike, Gillian Anderson, Dominic West

Rating: PG-13 for mild action violence, rude humor, some language and brief sensuality.

Runtime: 1 hour 41 minutes

Review - Footloose (2011)

Kick Off Your Expectations, Footloose Is Toe-Tapping Fun

We have radio stations devoted entirely to the 80s. We’ve been remaking some of the best and worst movies of the 80s. Would I call the Footloose I saw as I was transitioning to high school one of the best of the 80s, nahhh, but it was one of the more fun films of the decade.

The story is virtually identical to the original; but let’s recap…shall we?

Ren (Kenny Wormald) is the big city kid who has come into a small town to stay with relatives. Coming from the city, he’s not familiar with the restrictions that the law has in place here. No loud music, no alcohol parties and absolutely no dancing. Laws that were enacted after a tragic accident seem outdated and out of place to all the kids in town.

The Reverend (Dennis Quaid) is trying to guide folks to the Promised Land. Little does he know, his daughter Ariel (Julianne Hough) might well be the wildest child in the town. These laws were in place to protect kids like her and yet all she wants to do is cut loose.

Ren leads the charge to get the law changed to let these kids experience all the dancing can be. But the battle won’t be easy; there are those in this town that don’t want to relinquish control. Will there be “Dancing in the Sheets” or anywhere?

Let’s face it, seeing an updated version of Footloose sends one to the theater with a bit of trepidation. But this film was released in 1984, so teenagers that grew up with it are now in the 40’s. Tastes evolve, music evolves and this film evolves; just a little bit. Director Craig Brewer keeps on a fairly consistent track and we have the same characters in virtually the same situations. And that’s not all bad.

Wormald seems a little too nice in his portrayal as Ren. I had a hard time buying the big city attitude he was to have. Julianne Hough has a look that just screams like she could be that wild child and she’s obviously got the dancing down, as does Wormald.

The dialogue is cheesy and out there, but it was in the 80s as well. The soundtrack uses many of the same songs that were made famous by the first film, with new and clever arrangements where possible. And before you get worried, Kenny Loggins is used…plus some of the others, in their classic form.

Here’s the thing about Footloose. This is a fun film for today’s generation. The story that is told doesn’t completely update to today’s standards, but it will have today’s kids tapping their feet just as those in 1984 did. Sure many expected me to “cut loose” on this one with a scathing review. But I can’t. It was fun and will have a new generation “kicking off their Sunday shoes”.

B

Footloose (2011)

Paramount Pictures

Director: Craig Brewer

Cast: Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough, Dennis Quaid, Andie MacDowell

Rating: PG-13 for some teen drug and alcohol use, sexual content, violence and language..

Runtime: 1 hour 53 minutes

Review Link - The Thing (2011)

The Thing Is, I Had A Schedule Conflict and Didn’t See The Thing…but a friend did

No review here for me...the screening came up at the same time as another film. Hopefully, I’ll be able to catch it another time…but until then…I thought I’d give everyone a link to my friend Justin Earl’s review – click the link below to open a new window and see what he has to say. We do disagree sometimes…just sayin’!

Justin's Movie Reviews

NR

The Thing (2011)
Universal Pictures

Director: Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.

Cast: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton, Ulrich Thomsen

Rating: R for strong creature violence and gore, disturbing images, and language.

Runtime: 1 hour 43 minutes

Milwaukee Film Festival 2011, A Recap

Milwaukee Film Festival 2011, A Recap

For me, I began the festival with one goal in mind. Make this MY Film Festival.

Based for me at the Ridge – it was different than if I spent the days at the Oriental (Film Festival Central). But this was what was convenient for me and allowed me to not only see movies, but also be the man my family deserved during the festival.

I came up short on what I had hoped to see, but still ended with 15 films/packages at the theater. (Got Milwaukee Brewers tickets on the last day of the fest – thanks Bob and we had a dance class and Creek Crawl to deal with during the fest.)

That said, what did I see?

Make Believe, The Human Resources Manager, Give Up Tomorrow, Shorts: World’s Best Commercials, When the Drum is Beating, The Interrupters, Somewhere Between, Wish Me Away, The Redemption of General Butt Naked, The Last Mountain, Bhopali, Page One: Inside the New York Times, The Flaw, Breaking and Entering, How Much Does Your Building Weigh Mr. Foster

So after spending nearly 30 hours of my last week or so at the theaters what did I learn.

Chicago has a great group of individuals trying to make a difference in the violence of our neighbor to the south. (The Interrupters)

Paco needs to be freed. (Give Up Tomorrow)

Chely Wright is extremely talented, no matter what her sexual orientation is! (Wish Me Away)

If there is a record to be broken, there will be someone to break it. (Breaking and Entering)

Haitians are an extremely resilient group of people even when you don’t count the Earthquake impact. (When the Drum is Beating)

Magic is alive and well with the youth of the world. (Make Believe)

Despite it’s title, The Redemption of General Butt Naked is not a comedy. (The Redemption of General Butt Naked)

Love him or hate him, David Carr is tenacious! (Page One: Inside the New York Times)

Films can be projected poorly at film festivals. (The Flawat Ridge)

People will complain about anything and everything. (Rumblings in the crowd about having to drive all the way to New Berlin for one of the films)

Directors and producers of even the smallest of films are passionate about filmmaking and are fascinating to listen to at film festivals (Directors/Producers from Make Believe, Give up Tomorrow, When the Drum is Beating, Wish Me Away, Breaking and Entering all did Q & A sessions after their films at the Ridge)

Sure there are things that could be done better – but I’m not here to focus on those right now…but if the Milwaukee Film Festival crew wants my ideas – I’m here! :-)

Overall, Milwaukee Film Festival was a real success. Attendance up 17%, 22 sell-outs and over 35,000 people took in a film. Plus members of Milwaukee Film more than doubled.

Actual festival winners were included in a previous post but here are my picks from what I saw.

Best Film: The Interrupters

I mean it when I say this is the bar for all other documentaries I’ll view before the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards gets my vote.

Most FUN film: Page One: Inside the New York Times, Make Believe (TIE)

Quite frankly, David Carr is the reason, but this film just had a smile on my face throughout. And I just had a smile on my face throughout the magic film Make Believe.

Cause I didn’t know about, but am appalled now that I do:Give Up Tomorrow

Sure with films it takes a side, but the blatant difference between the passion we fight Casey Anthony and others could be used to help Paco get freed with the ACTUAL evidence in his case.

Craziest Title: The Redemption of General Butt Naked

He really is naked at points in here…and he’s now a Christian…but he had impacts in 20,000 deaths (by his admission).

Surprising Moment: Wish Me Away (Chely’s prayers)

I know Christians that would condemn Chely for no other reason than her personal life that don’t pray as well as she admits to in this film. To ask the Lord for peace is so much more effective than wanting a new car, or a job to pay them more money.

Film I Missed that I Really Wanted to See: We Need To Talk About Kevin

Wanted to see this Tilda Swinton film but unfortunately, schedules wouldn’t allow it.

Home Screening Room -- Fast Five meets The Lion King

This Week’s Big Releases

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Released 9/30) – Rated PG-13 (Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley)

Even if you aren’t a fan of the series, these are the type of films to really stretch the legs on your HD TV and Blu-ray setup. This one was an improvement on the last film in the series, and even if there are a couple of gaping holes. The action, sound and visuals more than make up for the shortcomings.
READ THE FULLTHEATRICAL REVIEW

Fast Five – Rated PG-13 (Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson)

The action packed sequel of the summer that will be cranked as loud as it goes on the Blu-ray setup. Pick this one up if you enjoy fast cars, fast women and fast action!
READ THE FULL THEATRICAL REVIEW

The Lion King – Rated G (Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones)

The box office has been blown away with the 3D release of this timeless classic. Now – it comes home on the enhanced Blu-ray format. The 3D version is available as well, watch for more on this one as the week goes on.

Scream 4 – Rated R (Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox)

Sidney Prescott lives on in the 4^th installment of this teen specialty.

African Cats – Rated G

Disney Nature takes us out with the big cats in their newest installment of these top-notch nature films.

Also new this week…

Buck

The Heart Specialist – Rated R (Zoe Saldana)

Submarine – Rated R (Craig Roberts, Sally Hawkins)

The Undefeated – Rated PG-13 (Sarah Palin) It’s the documentary that had the country talking on the left and the right, now check it out in the comfort of your own home.

According to Jim: The Complete Fifth Season

Beavis and Butt-Head: Mike Judge’s Most Wanted– I have to admit…these guys still make me laugh.

The Bionic Woman: Season 3

Bored to Death:The Complete Second Season

Boy Meets World: The Complete Seventh Season

The Caller – Rated R (Rachelle Lefevre, Stephen Moyer)

Friday Night Lights: The Complete Series

Friday the 13^thCollection

The Hills: Season Six

In Treatment: Season Three

The League: The Complete Season Two

Lie to Me: The Complete Final Season

The Presence – Rated PG-13 (Mira Sovino, Justin Kirk)

Teen Mom: The Complete First Season

And Finally

Jig – Rated PG

I’ve sung the praises of this documentary for some time now. It comes home on DVD/Blu-ray combo pack today or you can just pick up the DVD itself. Irish dancing has never looked so cool. READ THE ORIGINAL COMMENTS - OFF THE BEATEN PATH 

Plus – here’s the trailer – can you tell I’m trying to convince you to give this little film a chance?

Pick of the Week

Lots to add to the collection this week – Transformersand Fast Five to blow out your system are perfect. The Lion King for the kids (young and old) will be appreciated. I’m a huge fan of The League, Beavis and Butthead and Jig…ok, so there’s a lot worth spending money on this week. If I HAD to get pinned down to one….it would be the beautiful Diamond Edition of The Lion King.

Thanks!

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

Milwaukee Film Festival 2011 Winners Announced

Ok, So I only got to 15 films this year at the fest -- family and other reasons for that...but I wanted to share the winners announced today! 

(My thoughts coming Wednesday on the festival as a whole).

Allan H. (Bud) and Suzanne L. Selig Audience Awards 

Feature: Louder Than A Bomb

Short: The Wheel

Cream City Cinema Award

Winner: Michael Hawkins-Burgos for the short film Don't Go

Fiction Competition

Nothing's All Bad

Documentary Competition

Somewhere Between

I missed Louder Than A Bomb -- was supposed to see that last night, but some a ticket to the Milwaukee Brewers game put me there instead.

I did see Somewhere Between -- solid film, solid choice -- the Documentary Competition had so many quality entrants (spent most of my viewing time with docs).

p

Review - 50/50

It Beats The Odds

As a 27-year-old man, Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) seems to have everything together. He does all the right things. He’s working hard. He’s working out. He has a girlfriend. And life in general seems just fine. Until he goes in for a check on a sore back and his doctor fits the words “you have cancer” into the middle of the results. How could he have cancer? He’s 27 and does everything he’s supposed to do; how could HEhave cancer?

Now that he has the news; it’s time to cope with things. He informs his girlfriend Rachael (Bryce Dallas Howard) who promises to stay with him through the process. He lets his best friend Kyle (Seth Rogen) in on the news and Kyle promptly proclaims 50/50 odds are really pretty good! He even tells his mom (Anjelica Huston) who promptly proclaims that she is moving in. (Adam nixes that idea right quick).

Everyone seems to be lining up to help with the next chapter of Adam’s life. He even starts with a young therapist (Anna Kendrick) who is starting with him as one of her first patients since graduating. She is using all the book knowledge she has learned and trying, desperately, to personalize the battle.

With everyone lined up to help, things must go easy, right?

This film surprised me upon seeing it. I didn’t expect it to grab me the way it did. It deals with a serious, life-changing event that usually doesn’t impact young people. When we see movies dealing with cancer, they deal with folks much older and learned. This is a great film for the youth of America to deal with.

Much of the stress is dealt with in a real way. Humor is at the forefront, as if you don’t laugh at things you just might cry. Seth Rogen wonderfully plays an understated comedic role that is a bit different from most of the characters he takes on. Anna Kendrick plays her role to perfection and Bryce Dallas Howard shows she can really deliver. But the star here is still Joseph Gordon-Levitt. In the role of Adam you feel his pain. You laugh, you cry and you progress as he does.

A touching, sweet and funny film that will stay with you; 50/50 delivers in every way. My diagnosis is that there is WELL over a 50/50 chance you will enjoy this film. 50/50 beats the odds and is quite enjoyable.

A-

50/50

Summit Entertainment

Director: Jonathan Levine

Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard, Anjelica Huston

Rating: R for language throughout, sexual content and some drug use.

Runtime: 1 hour 39 minutes