Review of film: “RocknRolla” -- The WHOLE-A CRIME-IN-OLA

Review of film:    “ROCKnROLLA” --  The WHOLE-A CRIME-IN-OLA  =   

                    [ Rating:  7.5 of 10 stars ]

Date Rated: Oct 24, 2008 | Rel. Date: Oct 8, 2008

[ Based on an advance preview:]  This latest Guy Ritchie film is a STYLISH caper exploration of various levels of crime in England— from the low-level punks and druggies to the high-level white-collar deceivers, to the Super Rich and their toadies...

 TOM WILKINSON plays a well-connected “fixer” for the rich and up-and-comers, and he’s never afraid to use influence and violent toughs (like MARK STRONG) to enforce what he wants (including from a family member, played by TOBY KEBBELL)...

...  His plans to help a rich Russian are often foiled by disgruntled criminals (like GERARD BUTLER, IDRIS ELBA & TOM HARDY) and by seemingly high-level people like THANDIE NEWTON (who may or may not be a double-dealer)...

...  This film gathers together a very involved, complex, and periodically confusing interweaving of goals and actions (both serious & humorous), and you may have trouble understanding some of them (& certain dialogue used). But, while the film isn’t great, it’s a generally “FUN” ride.

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Review of film: “HAPPY-GO-LUCKY” – Is it Cheerfulness or OBLIVIOUSNESS?!

Review of film:  “HAPPY-GO-LUCKY”  – Is it Cheerfulness or OBLIVIOUSNESS?! = 

                         [ Rating:  7.5 of 10 stars ]

Date Rated: Oct 21, 2008 | Rel. Date: Oct 10, 2008

[Per an advance preview:] This Mike Leigh film has English actress SALLY HAWKINS starring as Poppy, a schoolteacher who's so super-cheerful about life, you might wonder if her near-continual “perkiness” is a put-on or an inherent “defect” of some kind...

...  Her friends and family tend to be “quirky”, but they are clearly general “ENABLERS” of her happy-go-lucky attitude...

...  She finds her carefree demeanor a bit rained-upon by an angry driving instructor named Scott (well-played by EDDIE MARSAN), but still tries to go forward with her outgoing life by taking Flamenco dance lessons (from funny KARINA FERNANDEZ), dating a bit, and trying to help and encourage others around her...

...  Hawkins does a fine job [acting-wise], but, while the film is exceptionally “pleasant”, I didn’t find it all that funny. The characters are often unique, and it's their intriguing interplay that leads me to recommend this film for those who want to get away from today’s everyday life of distressing “downers” surrounding us.

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Review of film: “NIGHTS IN RODANTHE” -- Can 2 people Recover from Separate Divorces & Find Happiness?

Review of film:    “NIGHTS IN RODANTHE”  --  Can 2 people Recover from Separate Divorces & Find HAPPINESS? =

                           [ Rating:  7.5 of 10 stars ]

Date Rated: Sep 25, 2008 | Rel. Date: Sep 26, 2008

[REVISED version; based on an advance preview:]  That subtitle I created [above] more or less sums up the gist of this film...

...  DIANE LANE is a civil-but-angry divorcee trying to raise her 2 kids. Helping out a friend, she temporarily runs a vacation house & chances to host a divorced man (RICHARD GERE) who’s on a personal mission in the area, trying to meet a very upset and hurt man (SCOTT GLENN)...

...  In their own way, Lane & Gere (who work very effectively together) end up helping smooth out some of each others' problems in life...

...  Will their inter-connecting lead to anything lasting and worthwhile?..

...  That’s what’s covered in this romantic drama. The film is not filled with action or special effects or wild excitement-- it’s two people getting to know each other little-by-little.  It “WORKS”, it has a number of pleasing episodes, and I recommend it to those seeking a leisurely investigation of human relationships...

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Review of film: “DEATH RACE” -- Machines, Mayhem, Murder & More

Review of film:   “DEATH RACE”  --  Machines, Mayhem, Murder & More =   

                 [ RATING:  7.5 of 10 stars ]

Date Rated: Sep 3, 2008 | Rel. Date: Aug 22, 2008 =

This new version of the original 1975 Roger Corman film stars JASON STRATHAM as the “hero” who’s framed by a powerful prison warden (JOAN ALLEN) to join her highly-rated “Death Race” TV show...


...  He’s assisted by a car-building coach (IAN McSHANE) and a sometimes-reliable aide NATALIE MARTINEZ as he competes against fellow con TYRESE GIBSON and various other vicious jailbirds who are desperately trying to stay alive by winning the competition...


...  Nobody plays very fair, everybody’s out to win (one way or another, whatever blood-letting exploits it takes), and you thus have an almost constant stream of tension-filled action...


...  The weapon-packed armored vehicles are almost stars in themselves, and the film is an enjoyable thrill ride of continuous confrontations...


...  Yes, it’s often over-the-top, but it’s MEANT to be, & is well-done and EFFECTIVE in what it attempts.

Review of film: “VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA” -- Woody Allen’s Homage to MENAGE

Review of film:   “VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA”  --  Woody Allen’s Homage to MENAGE =

                                  [ RATING:  7.5 of 10 stars ] 

Date Rated: Sep 3, 2008 | Rel. Date: Aug 15, 2008 =

This is a deftly done, periodically-humorous (but NOT slapsticky) drama about 2 very different women— initially-serious & skeptical Vicky (played by REBECCA HALL) & her more adventurous friend Cristina (SCARLET JOHANSSON)...


...  BOTH of them get involved in Barcelona with a Spanish painter (JAVIER BARDEM) who openly suggests they have a threesome...


...  Woody carefully constructs the ins-&-outs of their shifting relationships with each other and some other characters (such as PENELOPE CRUZ who takes the role of Javier’s explosive ex-wife, and Vicky’s new husband played by CHRIS MESSINA)...


...  Rather than Allen’s typical clever funny lines, there are instead clever relationships that are not “telegraphed” in advance...


...  While it'snot great, I found this tale to be a non-shocking, adult-oriented film— very ENJOYABLE and well-done by all involved.

Review of film: “HAMLET 2” -- Politically “INCORRECT” & PROUD of it!

Review of film:  “HAMLET 2”  --   Politically “INCORRECT” & PROUD of it! =   

 

                 [ RATING:  7.5 of 10 stars ] 

Date Rated: Aug 22, 2008 | Rel. Date: Aug 22, 2008 =

[From an advance preview]:  “I’m horrified-- but also FASCINATED!” That’s something said by a character in this film, & it pretty well DESCRIBES this movie in a nutshell! STEVE COOGAN plays a failed actor who becomes an increasingly irrelevant drama TEACHER at a Tucson high school (attended by SKYLAR ASTIN & PHOEBE STROLE)...


...  He has problems with his wife, more problems with his new “ethnic” (Latino) students (including JOSEPH JULIAN SORIA), & the school wants to end the drama program entirely...


...  He writes a “sequel” to Hamlet, its shocking plotlines get his students “onboard” the project (& their parents angrily against it), & (with support by AMY POEHLER & ELIZABETH SHUE) the film tells the often NUTTY & frequently very FUNNY story of trying to put on the play.


...  Yes, it’s silly, outrageous, unbelievable, “dementedly hilarious” (as a tag-line says)-- & lots of FUN! If you’re easily offended, this film will drive you CRAZY; if you can take it, you’ll probably get quite a “KICK” out of it!

Review of film: “THE HOUSE BUNNY” -- – Mothering G(r)eeks Can Be Rewarding

Review of film:  “THE HOUSE BUNNY”  --   – Mothering G(r)eeks Can Be Rewarding = 

                     [ RATING:  7.5 of 10 stars ] 

Date Rated: Aug 21, 2008 | Rel. Date: Aug 22, 2008 =

[Based on an advance preview:]  ANNA FARIS stars as a “Playboy” type Bunny who’s suddenly made homeless by unexpected shenanigans...


...  Needing a place to stay, she hits upon being a HOUSE mother to a Greek-named Zeta Sorority house that’s under threat of being disbanded because of a lack of pledges...


...  Anna (who got great guffaws from the audience each time she used a low-pitched growling voice) works hard to help the GEEKY girls in the House try to become more appealing to boys & thus to potential-pledging girls...


...   Anna is ditzy & not very educated in book-learning, but she’s not a “dumb” or stupid blonde, she has a good HEART, & works hard to IMPROVE the girls and also herself (for potential beau COLIN HANKS)...


...  This is not especially well-written (cleverness-wise), but it’s WELL-ACTED by the various stars and distinctive Zeta girls (EMMA STONE, KAT DENNINGS, KATHERINE McPHEE, RUMER WILLIS, etc.), you tend to CARE about their progressing, and thus I found it to be an enjoyable diversion.

Review of film: “THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2” -- Let the MUSE-ic Move You

Review of film:  “THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2”  --  Let the MUSE-ic Move You = 

 

                                            [ RATING:  7.5 of 10 stars ] 

Date Rated: Aug 8, 2008 | Rel. Date: Aug 6, 2008 =

Yes, this is in large part a “chick flick”-- & based on the audience I saw it with, the women seemed to love this sequel (to the 2005 original film) overall...


...  Friendship is deeply important to the four main characters— writer / videostore saleslady Tibby (a rebel enthusiastically played by AMBER TAMBLYN), somewhat-bland design school student Lena (ALEXIS BLEDEL), emotionally-suffering archaeologist Bridget (BLAKE LIVELY), and actress Carmen (AMERICA FERRERA, giving a fine multi-layered performance)...


...  They believe that their traded-around pants will bring them luck, but it’s their encouragement of each other & SELF-made opportunities that really help them move forward in their romantic relationships and personal growth...


...  It’s not a great film, but it’s very well done, with a bunch of likeable characters.

Review of film: “THE ROCKER” -- “THE ROCKER” was a Shocker – in a GOOD way

Review of film:   “THE ROCKER”  --   “THE ROCKER” was a Shocker – in a GOOD way

            [ RATING: 7.5 of 10 stars ] 

Date Rated: Jun 24, 2008 | Rel. Date: Aug 20, 2008 =

[Based on an advance preview, held with a fascinating Q&A by star RAINN WILSON:]  The trailer for this film described it as a comedy-- and it did not look at all worthwhile. But, to my considerable surprise, it’s a very ENJOYABLE, funny and well-done little comedy! RAINN (from TV’s “The Office”) plays a drummer who’s held a deep grudge for having been kicked-out of a once-successful rock band...


...  Fate intervenes and gives him the chance to join a newly-formed band 20 years later. At first, the young members (including EMMA STONE as “Amelia”, and introspective songwriter and band leader “Curtis”, quite well-played by actual musician TEDDY GEIGER) don’t appreciate his craziness-- until he chances to become an internet sensation when he’s seen as a naked drummer and the band starts to be noticed and appreciated all over the country...


...  It’s illogical, it’s silly, it’s sometimes corny-- but, it “WORKS” effectively! I think you’ll get a KICK out of it.

                  

Review of film: “GET SMART” -- It’s SEMI-SHARP but ENJOYABLE

Review of film:   “GET SMART”  --   It’s SEMI-SHARP but ENJOYABLE = 

   

                 [ RATING:  7.5 of 10 stars ] 

Date Rated: Jun 24, 2008 | Rel. Date: Jun 20, 2008 =

[Based on an advance preview:]  While I enjoyed this film, I found certain elements to be “LESS” than I’d expected. One by one, all the main actors do a basically quite GOOD job. STEVE CARELL plays Maxwell Smart, but he’s almost overly “RESTRAINED” and unemotional in the role. ANNE HATHAWAY is unexpectedly vibrant as Agent 99, DWAYNE (“ROCK”) JOHNSON is surprisingly funny as macho Agent 23, and ALAN ARKIN is a joy playing The Chief. Minor characters are also very well-cast. But, while I found the film to be cute, enjoyable, and with some quite good special effects (such as the “Cones of Silence” and chases), I found it to be a trifle DISAPPOINTING in that it wasn’t anywhere near as FUNNY as I’d expected, the laughs being mainly “chuckles” rather than “full” laughs; it was more “subdued” than I’d anticipated. The audience applauded a good deal at the end, and I expect you’ll appreciate it the same way.

Review of film: “DEAL” -- SHUFFLE Off to The Theater And See "DEAL"

Review of film:   “DEAL”  -- SHUFFLE Off to The Theater And See "DEAL" 

                 [ RATING:  7.5 of 10 stars ] 

Date Rated: Apr 25, 2008 | Rel. Date: Apr 25, 2008 =

Flushed with anticipation, I went to an advance preview of “DEAL”.  Wanting to give you the straight dope about the film (in case I was “carded” in any way), I carefully watched as BURT REYNOLDS (playing Tommy Vinson) gave a nicely restrained job portraying the coach – mentor to talented 21-ish poker-player Alex Stillman (acted by BRET HARRISON)…

...  Burt uses some unexpected “props” to help build Bret’s self-confidence and show him how to better “read” his opponents. All the while, he has to deal with the royal pain of his wife Helen’s (MARIA MASON’s) objections to his returning to playing cards himself. Eventually, there’s the almost-inevitable “showdown” between the teacher and his “student”. It wasn’t unanticipated— but, it was surprisingly WELL-HANDLED overall…

…  If you saw a report on the film, you might not expect it to “work”-- but it DOES. So, while it's not great, since it’s effective and entertaining, I recommend you “shuffle” off to the theater and enjoy it for what it is.

Review of film: “MISS PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY” -- Pettigrew Will GROW On You

Review of film:   “MISS PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY”  --  Pettigrew Will GROW On You = 

                                       [ RATING:  7.50 of 10 stars ] 

Date Rated: Mar 7, 2008 | Rel. Date: Mar 7, 2008:

From an advance screening: Despite a weak title, “MISS PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY” was a surprisingly GOOD little comedy set in England just before the start of World War II. A lady who’s lost her job (FRANCES MCDORMAND playing Miss Pettigrew) tries to get a position with an American singer Delysia Lafosse (played by bubbly and perky AMY ADAMS) in the home of a club owner whom she’s “triple-timing” in trying to get ahead as an entertainer…

…  The tag-line for the film is, “Every woman will have her day”.  That’s just somewhat accurate, in that -- almost by accident --, Miss Pettigrew helps out numerous people she meets along the way as she pretends to be a “social secretary” for Delysia.  There’s a bunch of interesting juxta-positioning of the dowdy & the super-rich, the deceitful and the sincere, in the midst of the machinations and music...

…  It’s a low-key (rather than slapstick) type of comedy, with most of the humor flowing out of the cir***stances rather than clever banter.