When I first saw the trailer of "Step Up Revolution", I felt it would be a total fluff piece that would go nowhere, however after seeing the film, I realize that I could have missed the opportunity to see an extremely entertaining, heartfelt film if I had decided to skip this viewing.
The Mob sets the dancing against the vibrant backdrop of Miami. Emily (Kathryn McCormick) arrives in Miami with aspirations of becoming a professional dancer and after meeting Sean (Ryan Guzman), they soon fall in love. Sean and Eddy (Misha Gabriel), friends from boyhood, lead a dance crew in elaborate, intricately choreographed, cutting-edge flash mobs, called "The Mob". When a wealthy businessman, Bill Anderson (Peter Gallagher) threatens to develop The Mob's historic neighborhood and displace thousands of people, Emily must work together with Sean and The Mob to turn their performance art into protest art, and the risk of losing their dreams to fight for a better cause.
Others to round out the cast are Stephen 'tWitch' Boss as Jason, Cleopatra Coleman as Penelope, Michael 'Xeno' Langebeck as Mercury, Chadd Smith as Vladd, Megan Boone as Claire, Sean's sister, Tommy Dewey as Trip, Sean's boss, and Dominique Bell as Sarah, Sean's niece.
This was slickly directed by virtual newcomer to theatrical films, Scott Speer ("The LXD 2: Secrets of the Ra" '11). This guy should receive future work, considering his lack of experience. It was written by Amanda Brody which was based on characters created by Duane Adler. Although it was not an Academy Award written piece, it still exuded a heartfelt quality that seemed genuine.
The real star of this film was clearly choreographer, Jamal Sims ("Step Up" '06, "Step Up 2: The Streets" '08, "Soul Men" '08, "17 Again" '09, "Hannah Montana: The Movie" '09, "Year One" '09, "Step Up 3D" '10, "Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son" '11, "Footloose" '11, "Jack and Jill" '11). The dance sequences have got to be some of the best I've seen in films today. The way the music, the stunts, and staging was integrated was pure genius. As you can see by this man's resume, he certainly knows how to work with his dancers/actors to get the maximum effect. Wow! And all presented in 3D.
If someone had told me that I would really enjoy this film before I walked into the theater, I would've said they were nuts, just from the trailer, which did not sell this flick. However, the way the music and dance numbers were integrated within the script made this project work. Do we see a "Step Up 5" in the works?
Out of 4 stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 98min.
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There are comedies, and then there's "The Watch". This is not just a comedy with a sci-fi element, but it has a certain amount of gruesomeness attached to it, which took me by surprise, considering anything that's horrific is usually reserved for the dramatic genre.
Four everyday suburban guys, Evan, Bob, Franklin, and Jamarcus (Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill, and Richard Ayoade) respectively, come together to form a neighborhood watch not only to get out of their day-to-day family routines, but then get diligent when one of Evan's night security guards, Antonio Guzman (Joe Nunez), at his Costco is brutally murdered. But when they discover that their town has become overrun with aliens posing as ordinary suburbanites, they have no choice but to save their neighborhood-- and the world from total extermination.
Others to round out the cast are Rosemarie DeWitt as Abby, Evan's frustrated wife, Will Forte as Sgt. Bressman, a doad of a cop, Mel Rodriguez as Chucho, Bressman's partner, Doug Jones as Hero Alien, Erin Moriarty as Chelsea, Bob's rebellious daughter, Nicholas Braun as Jason, Chelsea's boyfriend, and R. Lee Ermey as Manfred.
This was adequately directed by Akiva Schaffer ("Regarding Ardy" (TV movie) '03, "Hot Rod" '07) and a ton of SNL (Saturday Night Live) experience. It was written by Jared Stern, Seth Rogen, and Evan Goldberg and was written in a way that is very akin to that of the SNL style, considering the over-the-top format. It was certainly better than I could have imagined after seeing the trailer, but It was not anything great. The chemistry between the guys was effective, but I believe the writing could've been definitely sharper and better delineated.
If you like SNL, this basically being an extended version of one of their skits, You'll probably love this romp. Otherwise, if you're waiting for substantial dialogue to tickle your funny bone, I would save your ten bucks and maybe wait for the DVD. It's not a total wash, but considering its premise, so much more could've gone into this to make you howl.
Out of 4 stars: 2 Rated: R 102min.
It's so refreshing to see some small, creative, literary films during a season of big-budget, high adrenaline, visual effect-packed bonanzas that we've all come to expect. In the midst of the dog days of summer, I came across "The Magic of Belle Isle" which is an absolute gem.
This starts with one, Monte Wildhorn (Morgan Freeman) being driven to a small cabin by his nephew, Henry (Kenan Thompson) in a small rural town, Belle Isle, in an effort to tap into his original talent, writing western novels. He's lost the ability of his legs years past and is now stricken to a wheelchair. But the only thing Monte is interested in is drinking to mask the pain and bitterness in his life. He slowly befriends his next door neighbor, Charlotte O'Neil (Virginia Madsen) and her three daughters, Willow, Finnegan, and Flora (Madeline Carroll, Emma Fuhrmann, and Nicolette Pierini) respectively.
Through these different relationships that slowly blossom, there is a connection that develops, whether during the good or strained times. Not only does Monte reignite his passion for writing, but others end up finding their direction in ways they never knew existed.
Others to round out the cast are Fred Willard as Al Kaiser, Ash Christian as Carl Loop, Jessica Hecht as Karen Loop, Carl's mom, Boyd Holbrook as Luke, Debargo Sanyal as Mahmoud, and Kevin Pollack as Joe Viola, Monte's publisher.
This was passionately directed by Rob Reiner ("This Is Spinal Tap" '84, "Stand by Me" '86, "The Princess Bride" '87, "When Harry Met Sally..." '89, "Misery" '90, "A Few Good Men" '92, "North" '94, "An American President" '95, "The Story of Us" '99, "Alex & Emma" '03, "Rumor Has It..." '05, "The Bucket List" '07, "Flipped" '10). The veteran director that Reiner is, I felt that a small amount of the directing, at the beginning, was a little stagy, but certainly not enough to deter from one powerful movie experience. This was written by Guy Thomas, Reiner, and Andrew Sheinman, which shined. As these characters developed, via through peaks and valleys, one could slowly see these people start to connect. It was encouraging, because I figured that people, in general, were just not connecting with each other, which they're not. But through this film, it kind of gave me a little hope that people really can connect, with a nudge, push, or just a gentle word, it's possible.
All should see this film in that it gives you an incredible shot in the arm, which is something we all could use. Laughter through tears in this comedy/drama may be just what the doctor ordered.
Out of 4 stars: 3.5 Rate: PG 109min.
Did I just mention franchises in the last review on Ice Age? Seems to be a trend here, but since Christopher Nolan took this franchise and helped completely overhaul it starting with "Batman Begins", it has been a truly worthy venture. "The Dark Knight Rises" is supposedly the last of this franchise, but not to ruin any surprise, it screams sequel.
Despite his tarnished reputation after the events of "The Dark Knight", in which he took the rap for Harvey Dent's crimes, Batman/Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale), after a stretch of reclusivity, feels compelled to intervene to assist Gotham City and its police force headed up by Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) and Foley (Matthew Modine) which is struggling to cope and deal with Bane's (Tom Hardy) plans to destroy the city by forcing physicist, Dr. Pavel (Alon Moni Aboutboul) to design a megaton bomb.
While all this is unravelling, Batman strives to trust an accomplished jewel thief, Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway) to assist him with Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and others to ultimately defeat Bane.
Others to round out the cast are Marion Cotillard as Miranda, Morgan Freeman as Fox, Michael Caine as Alfred, and Ben Mendelsohn as Daggett.
This was richly, yet grittingly directed by Christopher Nolan ("Following" '98, "Memento" 2000, "Insomnia" '02, "Batman Begins" '05, "The Prestige" '06, "The Dark Knight" '08, "Inception" '10). It was equally well written by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan based on a screen story by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer which is based on Bob Crane's creation.
The visual effects by Double Negative and New Deal Studios were absolutely a knockout. They way these guys partially destroyed the city using CGI (Computer Generated Imagery), models, and sets were amazing. The sound design by Richard King was out of sight.
With the exception of the fact that the film was a bit long-in-the-tooth, and a few things that happened were far-fetched, even though it's pure fantasy, this film had you right on the edge of your seat. And presented in IMAX, one must experience this on the large screen so as to get the full effect of the white-knuckle ride Nolan was undoubtedly trying to convey.
Out of 4 stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 165min.
Franchises! Franchises! Franchises! As I've stated before, summers are full of them. When Hollywood stumbles upon a hit, they won't give up or they won't back down, so when they hear the ca-ching at the box office, the Hollywood 'machine' just keeps rafting out these films like they were making sheets of money in the back room. But once in a while they really do hit the jackpot, not only financially, but quality also. As with the case of "Ice Age: Continental Drift", this franchise only ever gets better.
Scrat's (Chris Wedge) nutty pursuit of the cursed acorn, which he's been after since the dawn of time, has world-changing consequences-- quite literally. A continental cataclysm that triggers the greatest adventure of all for Manny (Ray Romano), Diego (Denis Leary) and Sid (John Leguizamo) reunites Sid with his cantankerous Granny (Wanda Sykes), and the herd encounters a ragtag menagerie of seafaring pirates using an iceberg as a ship, including Captain Gutt (Peter Dinklage), Shira (Jennifer Lopez) and others. They are intent on stopping the herd from returning home while all around them the geological upheavals are aplenty.
Others to round out the cast are Queen Latifah as Ellie, Manny's wife, Keke Palmer as Peaches, Manny and Ellie's daughter, Josh Gad as Louis, friend of Peaches, Seann William Scott as Crash, Josh Peck as Eddie, and Simon Pegg as Buck.
This was effortlessly directed by Steve Martino and Michael Thurmeier with such ease that one could truly empathise with these characters knowing these are just fictional animated characters. It was equally well written by Michael Berg and Jason Fuchs based on a screen story by Lori Forte and Berg. The premise kept you riveted from the first minute to the last.
All the characters were great, but kudos to Wanda Sykes as Granny and Peter Dinklage as Captain Gutt. They were a hoot! The animation by Blue Sky Studios, who also produced, was just rollicking fun and the 3D really enhanced this ride. Is there an Ice Age 5 in the works?
Out of 4 stars: 4 Rated: PG 94min. (Including a Maggie
Simpson animated
short)
One thing one can expect from an Oliver Stone film is plenty of in-your-face action, topics, information, and messages. He is a man with a lot to say and being the passionate artist that he is, he makes sure he grabs you by the juggler and doesn't let go until he 'says' what he feels he needs to say. Look at his past resume and you can see how this plays out. So considering that he strives to get his point across the way that Stone knows best, why should "Savages" be presented in a different way than his predecessors.
Entrepreneurs Ben (Aaron Johnson), a peaceful and charitable marijuana producer botanist who is 99% of the business, and best friend Chon (Taylor Kitsch), a former Navy SEAL, finishing several tours of duty in Afghanistan who is 1%-- the brawn of the business, run a lucrative, homegrown industry-- raising some of the best weed ever developed. They also share a one-of-a kind love relationship with Ophelia (Blake Lively) or O as she prefers to be called.
Life is idyllic in their Southern California town... until the Mexican Baja Cartel decides to move in and demands that the trio partners with them. When the merciless head of the BC, Elena (Salma Hayek) and her enforcer, Lado (Benicio Del Toro), underestimate the solvent bond of the three friends, Ben and Chon-- with the reluctant assistance of a corrupt DEA agent, Dennis (John Travolta) wage a seemingly unwinable war against the cartel. As the cartel hold O hostage, a series of increasingly vicious and brutal ploys and maneuvers begin in a high stakes, savage battle of wills.
Others to round out the cast are Emile Hirsch as Spin, a techno geek friend of Ben and Chon's, Demian Bichir as Alex, one of the cartel, Shea Whigham as Chad, a supplier of the cartel, and Joaquin Cosio as El Azul.
This was intensely and brutally directed by Oliver Stone ("Platoon" '86, "Wall Street" '87, "Talk Radio" '88, "Born on the Fourth of July" '89, "The Doors" '91, "JFK" '91, "Natural Born Killers" '94, "Nixon" '95, "Any Given Sunday" '99, "Alexander" '04, "World Trade Center" '06, "W." '08, "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" '10). He really knows how to pull that intensity, anger, fear, etc. out of his actors in such effective ways. This was adequately written by Shane Salerno, Don Winslow and Stone based on Winslow's novel.
I must say, the chemistry between Johnson and Kitsch as Ben and Chon was well established. One could really feel the camaraderie between these two. They came across as two buddies that have known each other since high school which was the case here. Where this starts getting somewhat a downer is that it was truly difficult to feel sorry for just about anyone in this film, because they all were so screwed up. And also I believe that a screenplay can be written putting across the horridness of the drug world without all of the extreme gratuitous violence and with the gratuitous sex involved. It was almost like watching a soft-core porn film in some ways. The up side is that with all the graphic violence, drugs that create wars, and gratuitous sex abound which ultimately causes them to question their relationship, hopefully this will sink into certain people's heads that this is surely a nowhere world which leads to a nowhere life. Truly the title "Savages" says it all for this film.
Out of 4 stars: 2.5 Rated: R 130min.
Tyler Perry has to be one of the best comedy writers in Hollywood today, however that isn't giving Perry too much credit considering most of the comedies in Hollywood today are mediocre at best. But, more so, Perry can write anything, not just comedy but drama as well i.e. this year's "Good Deeds". So coming off that drama, he had to come back to what Perry does best, and that is Madea, and this incarnation is in the form of "Madea's Witness Protection".
As investment banker George Needleman (Eugene Levy) goes off to work on a Saturday so as to catch up on some things, and arrives only to find everyone running around, shredding documents and such including his co-worker, Walter (Tom Arnold) who informs George to shred everything. George is clueless about what's happening and Walter lets him know that the company was involved, through the mob, in a huge Ponzi scheme, and they made George the 'fall guy' in case something goes awry which it did. He then ends up in the District Attorney's office trying to explain his situation. DA Brian Simmons (Perry) believes him, so decides to put he and his family under a witness protection program, but where?
This scenes exits to his Aunt Madea (Perry) in which Brian feels would be the perfect place for the Needleman's. Madea and her brother, Joe (Perry) don't want to have anything to do with this until Brian lays on her that it pays 4,000/month. Decision made!
It becomes very clear that Madea has to come to the rescue when it comes to this family and how the kids walk all over the parents and a neighborhood kid, Jake (Romeo Miller) who has a secret of his own in which he needs to deal with which inadvertently is connected with the company that George was linked to.
Others to round out the cast are Denise Richards as Kate, George's wife, Doris Roberts as Barbara, George's somewhat demented mother, John Amos as Pastor Nelson, Marla Gibbs as Hattie, Danielle Campbell as Cindy, George's daughter, and Devan Leos as Howie, George and Kate's son.
This was written, co-produced and directed by the incomparable Tyler Perry ("Diary of a Mad Black Woman" '02, "Madea's Class Reunion" '06, "Meet the Browns" '08, "Madea Goes to Jail" '09, "I Can Do Bad All by Myself" '09, "For Colored Girls" '10, "Madea's Big Happy Family" '11, "Good Deeds" '12). Perry is real big on message, even his comedies have an element of that, but he does know how to execute the message in an entertaining way where it can and does effect people in the positive.
Think about it. An white upper middle-class family being thrown into a black regular middle-class family is an incredibly funny premise, and since I believe the wide appeal that the character of Madea has with people is that she's willing to say what's on her mind not worrying about the possible consequences, makes this work, because wish they could be like Madea, but aren't willing to take the risk. You might not agree with everything that comes out of Madea's mouth, but you'll respect her for it all the while laughing in your seat.
Out of 4 stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 114min.
We've all been part of the Hollywood franchise scene in the past with the likes of Batman, James Bond, Planet of the Apes, even American Pie which seem to go on forever depending on how much money they pull in at the box office. Well, this summer is no different in that we have soon, "The Dark Knight Rises" and also now we have "The Amazing Spider-Man".
Like most teenagers, Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is now. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), and together, they struggle with love, secrets and commitments. As Peter discovers a briefcase that belonged to his father, Richard (Campbell Scott), which he found in his home which is his aunt and uncle's (Sally Field and Martin Sheen) house. At this point, he begins to question his parent's disappearance that leads him on a quest which leads him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans), his father's partner.
As Spider-Man (Parker) is set on a collision course with Connors' alter ego, The Lizard, Peter will have to make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.
Others to round out the cast are Denis Leary as Captain Stacy, Gwen's dad, Irrfan Khan as Rajit Ratha, the financial backer of Connors' cross genetic experiments, Embeth Davidtz as Mary Parker, Peter's mom, Chris Zylka as Flash Thompson, a bully of Peter at high school, Max Charles as Peter Parker (age 4), C.Thomas Howell as Jack's dad, and Jake Ryan Keiffer as Jack. Garfield simply rocks as Parker. He almost acts and appears 'spider-like' when the scene calls.
This was frenetically and intensely directed by Marc Webb who has done a ton of TV, so he is a virtual newbie when it comes to feature films. Undoubtedly he will be offered more work. In fact this is so-o set up for a sequel, so Webb will get more work. Considering all the writers of this, it actually had a interesting storyline. It was written by James Vanderbilt, Alvin Sargent, and Steve Kloves based on a story by Vanderbilt which was based on a Marvel comic book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.
The visual effects predominantly designed and created by SPI (Sony Pictures Imageworks) were, as with the past Spider-Man movies, absolutely seamless. In fact, if anything, possibly better. It's amazing what a few years difference can make in the computer generated imagery or CGI field.
This being presented in both IMAX and 3D versions, you've got to see this on the large screen, lest it will lose everything on a DVD. This is not without flaws, but this new revamped version of the franchise is definitely an improvement that all will enjoy for years to come.
Out of 4 stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 136min.
Once in a while, in the middle of all the huge, high-budget, visually eye-popping films out there for the summer, there is a film that you might have to look for, that is small-budget; a film about fear, anger, bitterness, soul-searching and redemption that one would've never thought they could find in summer. If you're looking for such a film, you'll find it in "People Like Us".
Sam (Chris Pine) leads a very busy life in the commodities business. Because he's so difficult to reach, he arrives home and his wife, Hannah (Olivia Wilde) tells Sam that she's called him several times to tell him that his father has died. Sam hasn't been back home where he was raised for a while only to find his mother, Lillian (Michelle Pfeiffer) there to have to contend with.
While settling his father's estate, he unwittingly discovers he has a sister, Frankie (Elizabeth Banks) and a nephew, Josh (Michael Hall D'Addario), Frankie's son, whom he never knew existed. Sam, out of curiosity, decides to search her out which, as they meet, lead both to re-examine their perceptions about family and life choices.
Others to round out the cast are Mark Duplass as Ted, a neighbor of Frankie's, Sara Mornwell as Dr. Amanda, and Philip Baker Hall as Ike Rafferty, the attorney of the estate.
This was sensitively directed by Alex Kurtzman, who has directed some TV and mostly has done a good deal of producing, but since this is his first theatrical film in the directing category, I would like to see this guy receive more work which I believe will be the case.
This was equally well written by Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Jody Lambert, and with the exception of very few inconsistencies, this was a well thought out script allowing each of the characters to develop with ease.
This film could've taken the approach that so many Hollywood films have done in that through the revelations shown, bitterness and intense anger could've lingered and been justisfied by so many characters in the film, but this went a different, even healthier way, and since the film is based on true events, it makes not only the premise seem incredible but more so, the way certain characters handled it ultimately.
Out of 4 stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 114min.
When I first saw the trailer to the film, "Magic Mike", I thought, you've got to be kidding, a soft porn flick with a Hollywood commercial label to make it 'legit'. Then I realized it was directed by Steven Soderbergh and starred Channing Tatum who has done some quality films in both cases. So I figured, what the heck. I'm game.
Magic Mike (Tatum), as he's called, who is an experienced stripper, takes a younger performer, Adam (Alex Pettyfer) also called The Kid, under his wing and schools him in the arts of stripping, partying, picking up women, and making easy money. But as Mike starts showing Adam a thing or two, he inadvertently ends up creating a monster. Mike has been in the biz for six years working alongside Dallas (Matthew McConaughey), and has learned to respect the biz, albeit in a superficial way, but respect the boundaries of it. Adam, however, is already problematic and this 'lifestyle' just fuels his issues even more. This simply frustrates his sister, Brooke (Cody Horn), who has to bail Adam out emotionally and financially so much of the time.
Somehow Brooke sees something in Mike and tries to help him, knowing that he'd rather make and sell his custom furniture. But as Mike is torn between his loyalty to Dallas, while trying to help Adam and trying to get more funds to help with his furniture business, that custom furniture dream seems to be an impossible reach.
Others to round out the cast are Olivia Munn as Joanna, on again, off again girlfriend of Mike's, Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer, Adam Rodriguez, Kevin Nash as Big Dick Richie, Ken Tito, Tarzan, respectively as Dallas' other strippers, Gabriel Iglesias as Tobias, Reid Carolin as Paul, and James Martin Kelly as Sal.
This was directed with raw grit and intensity by veteran Soderbergh ("Out of Sight" '98, "Erin Brockovich" 2000, "Traffic" 2000, "Ocean's Eleven" '01, "Full-Frontal" '02, "Solaris" '02, "Ocean's Twelve" '04, "The Good German" '06, "Ocean's Thirteen" '07, "Che" Part 1 & Part 2 '08, "The Informant!" '09, "Contagion" '11, "Haywire" '11). He takes these seemingly 'together' individuals and strips them raw in a very vulnerable way. Mike and Adam are grand examples in this film. This was equally well written by Reid Carolin ("Earth Made of Glass" (documentary) '10). It did have a few rough places, but considering the lack of theatrical experience Carolin has, I definitely would like to see more work from him if this is one of his first films. Wow! Considering Tatum did some stripping when he was 18 years old for money and comes from a dancing background, remember "Step Up" '06, this made him a natural for it. In fact he had been wanting to have a film made about his experiences in that part of his life, so this was personal endeavor for Tatum.
The audience was a definite barometer of how this film was evolving in that at the beginning of the film, Mike had just finished having sex with his girlfriend and he gets up and all can see his butt-naked tush. So, of course, the women in the audience were giggling and oohing and ahhing, but this is normal because Soderbergh has to create that superficial side to Mike. But as the film progresses, it gets more serious and one doesn't hear the giggles and such anymore. The film starts 'growing up'. It starts going into the seedy part of this lifestyle with the alcohol, ecstasy- a drug, anonymous sex, emptiness, loneliness, etc.
This is a great film for teenagers 17 and above and ones in their 20's which are predominantly the ones that need to watch this, because even though the film may start out showing the fun part of this business, it suddenly takes a nose dive right down the toilet of life if you don't do something about it.
Out of 4 stars: 3.5 Rated: R 110min.
When I first saw the trailer of "Step Up Revolution", I felt it would be a total fluff piece that would go nowhere, however after seeing the film, I realize that I could have missed the opportunity to see an extremely entertaining, heartfelt film if I had decided to skip this viewing.
