The "Shrek" franchise couldn't get better than it was. Or could it? Those guys at Dreamworks Animation were brilliant to spawn a spinoff using another character from their stable in the form of "Puss in Boots".
This is a story about the events leading up to to the sword fighting cat's meeting with Shrek and his friends, a prequel if you will. This is about Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) and Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis) getting back together again after a long bitter separation, to locate the long missing magic beans so they can plant them, wait for the huge beanstalk to grow so they can climb the stalk to obtain the golden goose that lays the golen eggs. this way they can be rich beyond their dreams. Along the way, they come across Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek) whom they agree they could use her help especially in plotting to dupe and overcome the guards of the beans, the giant Jack & Jill (Billy Bob Thorton & Amy Sedaris).
Others to round out the cast are Constance Marie, Puss in Boots' adoptive mom, Guillermo del Toro as Moustache Man/ Comandate, Rich Dietl as Bounty Hunter, and Ryan Crego as Luis.
It was incredibly paced well in its direction by Chris Miller ("Lea Press on Lambs" (short) '88, "Shrek the Third" '07). With this small amount of experience, this guy will make an incredibly talented director. He definitely found his niche. It was very well written by Tom Wheeler based on a screen story by Brian Lynch, Wheeler, and Will Davies which was based on characters created by Charles Perrault.
If you liked Shrek, you'll love this, and who didn't like Shrek? What's not to like? This was clever, witty, colorful, with a great story and it was just killer in 3D. This is pure fun for all who like to be entertained with a great story.
Out of 4 stars: 4 Rated: PG 90min.
Why are all films about the future based in grim, sad, troubling, and unfulfilled premises? Maybe they make for more interesting films, or maybe the writers want to see what we have now as something to cherish, so they make the future uncertain at best. As with the case of "In Time", this premise seems to follow suit.
In the not-too-distant future people have been engineered to stop aging at 25 years. And also being engineered to live only one more year, money no longer becomes the currency. In its place time becomes the commodity which people would kill and die for to obtain, so it's possible for their lives to last longer. The rich, with all their time, can theoretically live forever, whereas the rest, who don't have as much time, try to negotiate for their immortality.
A poor, young man, Will Salas (Justin Timberlake) comes into a fortune of time through a man, Henry Hamilton (Matthew Bomer), who's tired of living so long, but isn't able to save his mom, Rachel (Olivia Wilde) from her imminent fate. Because of surveillance cameras, the police, known as timekeepers headed up by Raymond Leon (Cillian Murphy), is on Salas' tail for suspicion of murder. So Salas grabs a hostage, Sylvia Weis (Amanda Seyfried) who is the daughter of Philippe Weis (Vincent Kartheiser), a rich corporate man which becomes a connection that becomes an important part of the way against the system.
Others to round out the cast are Johnny Galecki as Borel, a co-worker/buddy of Salas', Alex Pettyfer as Fortis, a gang leader who steals time from people, Collins Pennie as Timekeeper Jaeger, and Bella Heathcote as Michele Weis, Philippe's wife.
This was cleverly written and directed by Andrew Niccol ("Gattaca" '97, "S1mOne" '02, "Lord of War" '05). It is an interesting premise in that instead of there being some sort of monetary currency, there is time, but considering the fact that most people are engineered to last about 26 years, one can see how time would become extremely valuble. There were a few inconsistencies in the script, but all in all a very interesting plot. Before I saw this, I thought this might be similar to 1976's "Logan's Run" where one's life ends at age 31. When one becomes 31, a group comes looking for you to 'terminate' you. In this film, when you run out of time, which is indicative by electronic numbers on your forearm, you immediately drop dead where you stand.
If you like sci-fi, especially a film with an original premise, literally a race against time itself, you will love this film. It's kind of like a dream where you wake up and say, oh it was just a dream. Don't worry, with all the grimness, you can say after the film, oh it was just a movie.
Out of 4 stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 109min.
You know, I had no idea that this week's films were remakes, until I started writing my review. Really!! I know it sounds difficult to believe, but it just turned out that way. Now with the remake of "The Thing" it was just a higher tech, more CGI and more graphic type of film than its predecessor, John Carpenter's 1982 version of the same name.
Paranoia spreads like an epidemic among a group of researchers as they're infected, one by one, by a mystery alien from another planet. Paleontologist Kate Lloyd (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) has traveled to the desolute region of Antarctica, by invite of Dr. Sander Halvorson (Ulrich Thomsen) for the expedition of her lifetime. Joining a fellow scientist, Adam (Eric Christian Olsen) and a Norwegian team that has stumbled across an extraterrestrial ship buried in the ice, she discovers an organism that seems to have died in the crash years ago. But it is about to wake up.
When a simple experiment frees the alien from its frozen prison, Kate must join the crew's pilot, Carter (Joel Edgerton) to keep it from killing them off one at a time. And in this vast, intense land, a parasite can mimic anything it touches and will pit human against human as it tries to survive and flourish as with any living thing.
Others to round out the cast are Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Jameson, another pilot, Paul Braunstein as Griggs, Trond Espen Seim as Edvard Wolner, Kim Bubbs as Juliette, Jorgen Langhelle as Lars, Jan Gunnar Roise as Olav, Stig Henrik Hoff as Peder, Kristofer Hivju as Jonas, Jo Adrian Haavind as Henrik, Carsten Bjornlund as Karl, and Jonathan Lloyd Walker as Colin.
As aforementioned, Carpenter's 1982 version was way ahead of its time, visually and special make-up effects which were created by Rob Bottin. The special make-up effects in this version were by the creative team of Alex Gillis and Tom Woodruff Jr., and they were stunning. Coupled with the visual effects predominantly by Mr. X,inc., this version soared. But as far as the intensity, which this was, I felt the '82 version just edged out the 'keeping you on the edge of your seat' feeling.
This was directed by virtual newcomer Matthijs van Heijningen, and considering his lack of experience, this guy is going places. His pacing, lighting and intensity can only get better. I've seen seasoned directors with less quality. It was written by Eric Heisserer based the short story, "Who Goes There?" by John W. Campbell Jr.
If you're going to see this, better to see it on the large screen for the incredible effects. However, if you've seen the '82 version, and you go to see this, I can't help but think that you will be yearning to see the other version shortly thereafter.
Out 4 stars: 3 Rated: R 103min.
How many times has "The Three Musketeers" been rehashed over and over again? A bazillion times at least, however this one is definitely a better cut of the different incarnations. I really didn't think that Dumas' story could be improved on until I saw this rendition.
D'Artagnan (Logan Lerman) leaves home in rural France to fulfill his ambition of becoming one of the king's elite guardsmen, the Musketeers. In Paris he meets Athos (Matthew MacFadyen), Porthos (Ray Stevenson) and Aramis (Luke Evans)--- three of King Louis XIII's (Freddie Fox) finest swordsmen, who have been laid low by Milady De Winter's (Milla Jovovich) betrayal as a double agent. D'Artagnan rallies his new friends to foil Cardinal Richelieu (Christoph Waltz) and the Duke of Buckingham (Orlando Bloom) which plot to overthrow the monarchy and crown himself, Richelieu, king of France.
Others to round out the cast are Til Schweiger as Cagliostro, Juno Temple as the Queen, Mads Mikkelsen as Rochefort, Richelieu's General in charge of finding the Musketeers, James Corden as Planchet, servant of the Musketeers, Gabriella Wilde as Constance, D'Artagnan's love interest, and Carsten Norgaard as Jussac.
This was directed with such intensity coupled with just the right amount of humor by Paul W.S. Anderson ("Mortal Kombat" '95, "Event Horizon" '97, "Soldier" '98, "Resident Evil" '02, "AVP: Alien vs. Predator" '04, "Death Race" '08, "Resident Evil: Afterlife" '10). This is becoming a trademark of Anderson's which usually works for the type of films he's famous for. It was written by Alex Litvak and Andrew Davies based on Alexandre Dumas' novel "Les Trois Mousquetaires".
The production was lavishly done while not taking away from the principal story at hand. Even the visual effects by Mr. X,inc. and Rodeo FX were cool but, again, not totally over the top. This is a film all can enjoy. It's not totally overhauled as being 'original', but the ride will be just as fun.
Out of 4 stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 110min.
This year has certainly been a lackluster one for comedies. With the extreme exception of a few this year, most have been mediocre at best or I didn't bother because they just looked as though they would be a waste of time. However, with "The Big Year", I got a lot more than I thought I would get out of it.
Three avid bird watchers, technically called birders, Stu Preissler (Steve Martin), Brad Harris (Jack Black) and Kenny Bostick (Owen Wilson) converge on January 1st to compete in the prestigious event titled 'The Big Year' which runs a calender year whereas the one who spots the most rarest birds in North America wins the title of the champion birder in the world.
However, these guys, while on their trek, face different life crisis'. Stu faces a late-life crisis, Kenny is in the middle of a mid-life crisis, while Brad is wallowing in a no-life crisis.They soon discover , however, that there are more important things than coming out on top of the competition.
Others to round out the cast are Brian Dennehy as Raymond, Brad's dad, JoBeth Williams as Edith, Stu's wife, Dianne Wiest as Brenda, Brad's mom, Kevin Pollack as Jim and Joel McHale as Barry, Stu's associates, Rosamund Pike as Jessica, Kenny's wife, Rashida Jones as Ellie, a fellow birder of Brad's, and Anthony Anderson as Bill Clemont, Brad's boss.
This was incredibly well directed by David Frankel ("The Devil Wears Prada" '06, "Marley & Me" '08, and a ton of TV). His pacing of how he was able to orchestrate the eventual meeting of these guys in a slow but very realistic way was brilliant. It was equally well written by Howard Franklin based on Mark Obmascik's book. The script simply flowed from scene to scene with the greatest of ease.
The photography by Lawrence Sher ("Garden State" '04, "Dan in Real Life" '07, "The Promotion" '08, "I Love You, Man"'09, "The Hangover" '09, "Due Date" '10) was amazing. Along with Murray Close's still photography and Sher's cinematography, the shots of the different rare birds was just breathtaking.
The chemistry between these guys was perfect. Jack Black simply amazes me in that even though he played a 'loser' type character; one of which he's used to playing, he played this character with much more realness to it.
This was a comedy with a dramatic side to it. The humor was powder dry, which, in my opinion, can make it even funnier. If you like pratfall, physical comedy, you probably won't get into this; this, unlike most comedies these days, relies on dialogue to achieve that laugh.
Out of 4 stars: 4 Rated: PG 100min.
Is Hollywood really running out of ideas when they have to stoop to producing remake after remake? Believe me, I saw the original "Footloose" back in the 80's and although it wasn't a terrible flick, it certainly wasn't anything to garner a remake.
This is a slightly different plot, but not a far cry off. Storyline as follows: Due to a fatal car accident three years prior, Rock 'n' Roll and dancing have banned in a small town. Enters Boston kid, Ren MacCormack (Kenny Wormald) who moves to this town after he loses his mom to leukemia and resides with his Aunt Lulu (Kim Dickens) and his Uncle Wes (Ray McKinnon). After finding out about the ban through classmate/buddy Willard (Miles Teller), Ren butts heads with the Rev. Shaw Moore (Dennis Quaid) who challenges Ren's rebellious spirit and also has a problem with Ren's intentions toward his daughter, Ariel (Julianne Hough).
Others to round out the cast are Andie McDowell as Vi Moore, Shaw's wife, Patrick John Flueger as Chuck Cranston, Ariel's boyfriend, Ziah Colon as Rusty, Ariel's classmate/friend, and Ser'Darius Blain as Woody, Ren's boss at the gin mill.
The film was adequately directed by Craig Brewer ("The Poor and Hungry" 2000, "Hustle & Flow" '05, "Black Snake Moan" '06, and some TV) and it was written by Dean Pitchford and Brewer based on a story by Pitchford. There were some differences in plot, as aforementioned, between the original and this, but not enough to have this screenplay be based on a story.
The real star here is Jamal Sims, the choreographer. The choreography was so absolutely superb, that if this film was judged solely on the dancing, it would receive a 4-star rating.
As with the original, this "Footloose" wasn't a great film, but certainly wasn't an awlful film either. Other than a rendition of the song Footloose at the opening which showed some good dancing and action, it did take a while for this story to get off the ground. But once it did, it became more interesting especially when Ren was trying to teach Willard how to dance as in the original. This film could've been 10 minutes shorter and still had the same flavor as with the original.
If you're a dancer or are fascinated with dancing, you'll love this, however if you're looking for a tightly written script, this really won't fill the bill. But, in any rate, even if the script is questionable, you'll have fun anyway while you're dancing down the aisle.
Out of 4 stars: 2.5 Rated: PG-13 113min.
Futuristic films of late have had some grim premises, such as "The Book of Eli", District 9", "I Am Legend", "I, Robot", "Minority Report", "9" and too many more to even mention, that it's a refreshing change to see something a bit lighter in the form of "Real Steel".
Set in the near future, where robot boxing not only has replaced human boxing, but also has become a top sport, a struggling promoter, Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman) feels, through his 11-year-old son, Max (Dakota Goyo) whom he recently realized he had through his ex-girlfriend who died, he's found a champion in a discarded robot, Atom. As Charlie's rise to the top continues, Max wants to know his father, however the reciprical seemingly happens slowly if at all. But Max is determined to not only help Charlie continue with his rise to the top, but persists on finding out who his father really is, especially through Charlie's assistant, Bailey Tallet (Evangeline Lilly) of Tallet's boxing gym owned by her Dad who died years earlier.
Others to round out the cast are Anthony Mackie as Finn, a professional boxing odds better, Kevin Durand as Ricky, a nemesis of Charlie's, Hope Davis as Aunt Debra, sister of Max's Mom, James Rebhorn as Marvin, Debra's husband, Marco Ruggeri as Cliff, Karl Hune as Tak Mashido, a robot designer, Olga Fonda as Farra Lemkova, a boxing promoter, and John Gatins as Kingpin.
This slickly directed by Shawn Levy ("Just Married" '03, "Cheaper by the Dozen" '03, "The Pink Panther" '06, "Night at the Museum" '06, "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" '09, "Date Night" '10). He's one of the few directors that seems to be able to convey decent directing even with all the visual effects; just look at his resume to figure that one out. With the exception of a bit of choppiness in the script, I thought John Gatins wrote a fairly good screenplay which was based on a story by Dan Gilroy and Jeremy Leven.
Hugh Jackman was definitely well cast here as was Evangeline Lilly. Dakota Goyo as Max was a bit over the top, but given more roles in his future, experience can only serve him.
This is certainly worthy of viewing on the large screen, if for no other reason, that with all the visual effects and for John Rosengrant's stunning Robot designs, makes this ride fun.
Out of 4 stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 127min.
We've all seen films about politics whether they be based on fact or fiction, but in the case of "The Ides of March", this was set in a fictional story, however it could've easily been based on a true story.
This is a political thriller centering around an idealistic staffer, campaign manager, Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling) for a newbie presidential candidate, Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney) gets a crash course on dirty politics, on both sides of the aisle, during his stint on the campaign trail along with Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman) who is the senior campaign manager whom he buts head with more than once along the way.
Others to round out the cast are Paul Giamatti as Tom Duffy, campaign manager for the Republican candidate, Evan Rachel Wood as Molly Sterns, a senior intern of Meyers, Marisa Tomei as the slimy news journalist, Ida Horowicz, Jeffrey Wright as Senator Thompson, Max Minghella as Ben Harpen, another senior intern of Meyers, Jennifer Ehle as Cindy Morris, wife of Mike Morris, and Gregory Itzin as Jack Sterns, Dad of Molly and head of the DNC (Democratic National Commitee).
This was perfectly directed by Clooney ("Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" '02, "Good Night, and Good Luck" '05, "Letherheads" '08) and suspect that Clooney could pick up yet another Oscar nomination. The way he just slowly built the tension mostly surrounding the Meyers character was brilliant. At one point in this film, one would really not want to be in Meyers shoes. It was effectively written by Clooney, David Heslov and Beau Willimon. It's know wonder it was well written considering one of the writers, Willimon wrote the play, "Farragut North" which the film was based on. This element can add much more richness to how the the script develops. Clooney could basically perform his role in his sleep, but I think this was to showcase what Gosling can do with an incredibly complex role.
I really haven't seen quite the intensity in a political thriller to this degree since 1976's "All the President's Men" which was about the Watergate scandal and the uncovering of it as it broke out. This will continually keep you guessing of what is going to happen next and to whom. What is extremely refreshing here is that the film jabs at both sides of the aisle and not just one particular party, and you rarely, if at all, see this coming from Hollywood.
Out of 4 stars: 3.5 Rated: R 101min.
Sometimes seeing inspirational films, depending on how they are treated, can be quite fulfilling and even humbling. As with the case of "Courageous", certainly if you're a Dad, this can be quite humbling and a great learning experience. All of us being kids to Dads, this can be equally touching and emotional.
Four men, one calling: to serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, they face danger every day. Yet when tragedy strikes close to home, these fathers, Adam Mitchell, Shane Fuller, Nathan Hayes, and David Thomson (Alex Kendrick, Kevin Downes, Ken Bevel, and Ben Davies) respectively, are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, and their faith. From this struggle will come a decision that changes all of their lives. With action, drama, humor, apprehension, redemption, and closure, the fourth film from Sherwood Pictures embraces God's promise to "turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers." Souls and emotions will arise and be stirred, and hearts will be challenged to be... courageous!
Others to round out the cast are Robert Amaya as Javier Martinez, another father going through what the other fathers are going through--a carpenter friend, T.C. Stallings as T.J., a gang leader, Rusty Martin as Dylan Mitchell, Adam's son, Angelita Nelson as Carmen Martinez, Javier's wife, Lauren Etchells as Emily Mitchell, Adam's daughter, Renee Jewell as Victoria Mitchell, Adam's wife, Ed Litton as Pastor Hunt, and Rusty Martin Sr. as Frank Tyson, Javier's boss.
This was painstakingly and carefully directed by Alex Kendrick ("Flywheel" '03, "Facing the Giants" '06, "Fireproof" '08), who seems to go over the top to bring this message across. The message was somewhat heavy-handed, but considering it's about an area that is sorely in need of addressing, I can understand his passion about the topic. It was equally well written by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick. They were able to peel off, layer by layer, these problems each of these fathers had in order for them to see their shortcomings, and the children also, which made this a well delineated script.
Be sure to bring a half box of kleenex with you, because it is a tear-jerker at times. Again, considering the subject matter, and how this can affect so many people, I see how this can cause such emotion. Believe me, this is a good thing.
Considering the cast are virtual unknowns, at least of mainstream films, the acting was superb. It was like watching people live their lives, instead of watching actors act. The writing, directing and other production values were right on the mark.
This is a film everyone should see. It's a great message for those that are struggling with their families, their faith, and their hope. Kudos!
Out of 4 stars: 4 Rated: PG-13 130min.
Not as planned, but this turned out to be inspiration movie week. Now, I realize we've seen films about people who overcome all kinds of tragic obstacles, ("Never Cry Wolf", "127 Hours", "Soul Sufer"), but how many stories have we seen about a dolphin losing its tail and needing a new one to survive? I'd say none, but with "Dolphin Tale", this is what we got.
A lonely and friendless boy, Sawyer Nelson (Nathan Gamble) finds and untangles a hurt dolphin that is caught in a crab trap. An aquatic rescue team headed up by Dr. Clay Haskett (Harry Connick Jr.) and Phoebe (Austin Highsmith), is summoned and they bring the dolphin back to their facility for healing and rehab. After that point, Sawyer becomes very attached to Winter (the dolphin) because she responds possitively toward Sawyer. Sawyer's attachment becomes intensified more when it is learned that her tail must be amputated due to infection in order to save her life. Sawyer believes that Winter would be able to swim normally if it was given a prosthetic tail. As he goes online, he comes across a process that could be a possibility of a tail design.
Meanwhile, Sawyer's cousin, Kyle (Austin Stowell) has been injured in the military in Afghanistan, and when he and his Mom, Lorraine (Ashley Judd) goes to visit Kyle, they come upon one, Dr. Cameron McCarthy (Morgan Freeman) who constructs limbs for amputees. Sawyer gives Dr. McCarthy the business proposition of a lifetime: to design and construct a prosthetic tail for a dolphin.
Others to round out the cast are Kris Kristofferson as Reed Haskett, Clay's Dad, Cozi Zuehlsdorff as Hazel Haskett, Clay's daughter, and Frances Sternhagen as Gloria Forrest.
This was directed with just the right amount of heart by Charles Martin Smith ("Fifty/Fifty" '92, "Boris and Natasha" '92, "Air Bud" '97, "Roughing It" (TV Movie) '02, "The Snow Walker" '03, "Icon" (TV Movie) '05, "Stone of Destiny" '08, and acted in many films). It was well written by Karen Janszen and Noam Dromi based on a true story.
With the exceptions of a few inconsistencies in the script, this movie was actually much better than I thought. It represents a connection between a boy and a dolphin that is simply amazing and it has heart and a story that, for the most severe of cynics, will have you standing up and cheering by the film's end.
Out of 4 stars: 3 Rated: PG 113min.
The "Shrek" franchise couldn't get better than it was. Or could it? Those guys at Dreamworks Animation were brilliant to spawn a spinoff using another character from their stable in the form of "Puss in Boots".
