Of late, I've had a really tough time finding a comedy I could sink my teeth into. It being my favorite genre, I'm constantly scouting around to find one that works. Romantic comedies are typically the worst comedies out there, mostly because the jokes seem so forced and contrived. With this offing, instead of "Admission" being a romantic comedy, it's more of a romantic dramedy (comedy/drama combo).
Straitlaced Princeton University admissions officer Portia Nathan (Tina Fey) is caught off-guard when she makes a recruiting visit to an alternative high school, Quest overseen by her former college classmate, the freewheeling John Pressman (Paul Rudd). Pressman has surmised that Jeremiah (Nat Wolff), his gifted yet very unconventional student, might well be the son that Portia secretly gave up for adoption many years ago. Soon, Portia finds herself bending the rules for Jeremiah in order for him to be chosen for admission, putting at risk the life she thought she always wanted-- but in the process finding her way to a surprising and exhilarating life and romance she never dreamed of having.
Others to round out the cast are Michael Sheen as Mark, boyfriend of Portia's, Wallace Shawn as Clarence, Dean of Admissions, Lily Tomlin as Susannah, Portia's Mom, Gloria Reuben as Corinne, Travaris Spears as Nelson, Olek Krupa as Professor Polokov, and Sonya Walger as Helen.
This was skillfully directed by veteran director, Paul Weitz ("American Pie" '99, "Down to Earth" '01, "About a Boy" '02, "In Good Company" '04, "American Dreamz" '06, "Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant" '09, "Little Fockers" '10, "Being Flynn" '12). He has such a knack of putting his actors in situations that make them appear they are the person the actor is portraying. This was adequately written by Karen Croner based on the novel by Jean Hanff Korelitz. I'm not sure why the character played by Michael Sheen was in this. He played Portia's boring, practically non-existent boyfriend. This was a definitely flaw along with Lily Tomlin's character. These actors were wasted in a film that just didn't really need them playing the characters they played. The basic premise of the film was certainly worthy of tackling, especially with all the hoopla of universities and their cost and difficulty in getting into them these days.
Don't get me wrong, I not saying to throw the baby out with the bath water, this was not a bad film, just not a great one. However, if your looking for a film that will have you chuckling, but also will make you think a bit, the rest may be more forgivable.
Out of 4 Stars: 2.5 Rated: PG-13 107mins.
As time grows that much closer to the summer season, we have started seeing remnants of films that emulate that 'feel' of the season. We have just come off from "Oz the Great and Powerful", and coming up this next week is "G.I. Joe: Retaliation". Well, we now have the animated "The Croods" in our midst.
The Croods is a prehistoric comedy adventure that follows the world's first family, or one that has survived infections, grisly animal attacks, etc, as they embark on a journey of a lifetime when the cave that has always shielded them from danger is destroyed in a huge earth shifting. Now, through an idealistic and inventive boy, Guy (Ryan Reynolds) and his pet snake, Belt (Chris Sanders) whom Eep (Emma Stone) comes across, The Croods--Grug (Nicolas Cage), Eep, Ugga (Catherine Keener), Gran (Cloris Leachman),Thunk (Clark Duke), and Sandy (Randy Thom), through traveling across a spectacular landscape, discover an incredible new world filled with fantastic creatures--and their outlook is changed forever. This not only is a discovery of new lands, but also a discovery of being able to change different views that come from the heart.
This was well directed by Kirk De Micco ("Space Chimps" '08) and Chris Sanders ("Lilo & Stitch" '02, "How to Train Your Dragon" '10). the two don't have a ton of experience in the feature film department, but they really knew how to bring these actors to a place where one minute you're thinking these characters are idiots and crass to feeling bad for these characters and then back again. It was wittingly written by Sanders and De Micco, in that the story really had a place to go here, and being able to convey what they were attempting to convey in a short 95 minute running time was, not only tough to execute, but actually worked.
The animation by Dreamworks Animation was its usual expertly created. The bright colors of the 'new world' as compared to their old world was spot on. Even the main titles by Ariandy Chandra absolutely captured the feel of the film.
If you're looking for a film that rocks, quite literally in some places, that is colorful, with interesting characters and situations they find themselves in, then this film will have you leaving the multiplex with a satisfied grin on your face.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG 95mins.
When was the last time we saw a film about a terrorist threat and/or attack either domestic or foreign? Uh-h, let's see, how about "A Good Day to Die Hard", and that was only about a couple of months ago? Fact is, we've seen a plethora of these films in past years, especially since 9/11, and "Olympus Has Fallen" is no different.
When the White House (Secret Service Code: "Olympus") is captured by a terrorist mastermind from North Korea, Kang (Rick Yune) and the President, Benjamin Asher (Aaron Eckhart) is kidnapped by Kang and his army, disgraced former Presidential guard Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) finds himself trapped within the building. As our national security headed up by Speaker Trumbull (Morgan Freeman), Secretary of Defense Ruth McMillan (Melissa Leo), Secret Service Director Lynn Jacobs (Angela Bassett), and Admiral Nathan Hoenig (James Ingersoll) scrambles to respond, they are forced to rely on Banning's expertise inside knowledge to help retake the White House, save the President, and avert an even larger disaster.
Others to round out the cast are Dyan McDermott as Forbes, Radha Mitchell as Leah, Banning's wife, Cole Hauser as Roma, a Secret Service agent, Finley Jacobsen as Connor, the President's son, Ashley Judd as the First Lady, Margaret Asher, and Phil Austin as Vice President Charlie Rodriguez.
This was amazingly well directed by Antoine Fuqua ("The Replacement Killers" '98, "Bait" 2000, "Training Day" '01, "Tears of the Sun" '03, "Lightning in a Bottle" (Documentary) '04, "King Arthur" '04, "Murder Book" (TV Movie) '05, "Shooter" '07, "Brooklyn's Finest" '09, "Exit Strategy" (TV Movie) '12). His use of intensity and grit given certain scenes exuded realism and just kept you right on that proverbial edge of the seat. This was adequately written by Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt. Com'on, this was an incredibly a propaganda film, so you really know how this is going to end. It's the 'ride' in which these writers are using to keep us glued to the screen. There are flaws to this plot i.e. putting the President and Vice President in the same place in a time of crisis. This doesn't happened for the reason of what happened here. But then Freeman couldn't have taken over. Another flaw? Since 9/11, our security has practically quadrupled, if for no other reason than of pure fear, so the fact that this terrorist could have taken over the White House is incredibly implausible. But then we wouldn't have a story.
The plot here, as stated, has a certain amount of implausibilities, but you have to know this before you walk through the theater door. This was basically a "what if..." type of film. And this is amazingly timely, considering the animosities between this nation and North Korea. Even though the 'representative' of North Korea was a crazed terrorist, and not part of the political machine, still it plants the seed for many American's patriotism to start bleeding blood red, white and blue. The reaction by some of the audience when I went to view this was indicative of this. It really gets the juices going. If you're into action, intensity, explosions, and over-the-top patriotism, this will feed that desire ten fold.
Out of 4 Stars: 2.5 Rated: R 120min.
When it comes to suspense/thriller films, who does like a good nail-biter? As visual and special makeup effects have evolved to the expertise caliber they have become, we have seen a definite increase of this particular genre. Anywhere from "Fatal Attraction" to "Event Horizon" to "Silence of the Lambs" to "Psycho", we are kept sitting on our hands so we don't bite our nails down to the nub. We now have "The Call" to add to that never ending list.
When veteran 911 operator, Jordan Turner (Halle Berry), takes a life-altering call from a desperate teenage girl, Casey (Abigail Breslin) who has just been abducted, she realizes, through clues, that she must confront a killer, Michael Foster (Michael Eklund) from her past in order to save the girl's life.
After a victim from a previous 911 call that ends up falling prey to a killer, Leah (Evie Louise Thompson) ends up getting killed, in which Jordan blames herself for that situation. When she comes back to work, she is then placed in the same situation with a call coming from Casey. So determined that this situation would not end the same as the previous one, Jordan is fervent in her help to save this girl.
Others to round out the cast are Morris Chestnut as Officer Paul Phillips, Jordan's boyfriend, Denise Dowse as Flora, a co-worker of Jordan's, David Otunga as Officer Jake Devans, Michael Imperioli as Alan Denado, Justina Machado as Rachel, Jose Zuniga as Marco, and Roma Maffia as Maddy.
This was intensely and brutally directed by Brad Anderson ("The Darien Gap" '96, "Next Stop Wonderland" '98, "Happy Accidents" 2000, "Session 9" '01, "The Machinist" '04, "Transsiberian" '08, "Vanishing on 7th Street" '10). The intensity in which Anderson put his actors through was absolutely mind-bending in some cases. You could feel the fear, frustration, and anger these actors were experiencing which is a direct reflection of the director. It was written by Richard D'Ovidio ("Exit Wounds" '01, "Thir13een Ghosts" '01) based on a story by Richard D'Ovidio, Nicole D'Ovidio, and Jon Bokenkamp. This guy doesn't have a ton of experience, but considering this aspect, he gave us a story that actually stays with you.
Before I saw this, I felt it would be a fairly well executed film, but after viewing it, I've come to realize that this was a nice, tight script that deserves recognition. If you're into a solid film, one where you can nail bite yourself to the bottom of the popcorn bag, this definitely fits the bill.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: R 96mins.
We have seen films about gangland mobsters and their enemies which is usually the same bad guys that end up double-crossing the other. Sound familiar? I could give you a list longer than my arm, but what's the point of that? Instead, we have infiltration amongst the ranks along with another character with her own interests involved all wrapped up in "Dead Man Down".
Victor (Colin Farrell), a rising gangland player has infiltrated the crime empire run by ruthless kingpin Alphonse (Terrence Howard), with the single purpose of making Alphonse pay for destroying his once happy life. As he meticulously orchestrates his vengeance from his high-rise apartment, Victor watches and is watched by Beatrice (Noomi Rapace), a mysterious young woman who lives in the apartment across from his. On the surface a fragile, seemingly innocent woman, Beatrice has pent up rage of her own. When she uncovers Victor's dark secrets, she threatens to expose him unless he helps carry out her own campaign of retribution. Each fixated on avenging the past, they devise a violent and cathartic plan that could change their worlds forever. They, at first, accuse each other of their 'plots' not realizing until later that they aren't that much different from each other after all.
Others to round out the cast are Dominic Cooper as Darcy, good friend of Victor's, Isabelle Huppert as Valentine Louzon, Beatrice's mother, F. Murray Abraham as Gregor, Armand Assante as Lon Gordon, Beata Dalton as Anka, Luis Da Silva Jr. as Terry, Franky G as Luco, Declan Mulvey as Goff, Roy James Wilson Jr. as Blotto, John Cenatiempo as Charles, Andrew Stewart-Jones as Harry, and Robert Vataj as Albanian Hostage.
This was directed with such intensity, that you'd swear these characters were going to break on screen. The director, Niels Arden Oplev ("Portland" '96, "Fukssvansen" '01, "We Shall Overcome" '06, "Worlds Apart" '08, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" '09) by his very resume, knows how to capture his actors in the most compromising, intense situations with such expertise. It was written by J.H.Wyman ("Pale Saints" '97, "Exhuming Mr.Rice" 2000, "The Mexican" '01, "Repo Cohen" (TV movie) '04, "13 Graves" (TV movie) '06). This is where it gets a little dicey. First of all, this was a little long-in-the-tooth, and secondly, it was a bit choppy in places. It had a great premise, certainly a different twist on otherwise overdone material, but there was too much character development, so the actual plot was jeopardized.
Don't get me wrong. this is not a bad film, just not a great one. Farrell, Rapace and Cooper definitely gave interesting strong performances, but they, themselves couldn't save the script in this one.
Out of 4 Stars: 2.5 Rated: R 118mins.
War films have been a staple genre since the beginning of film itself, so filmmakers have had to find a different approach to the genre to keep audiences wanting more. We've all seen American war films that practically could be used as propaganda films, but portraying this genre to enable us to see a glimpse of the other side, or the enemy, is something we're just not familiar with. One film that comes to mind in putting us in the shoes of 'the enemy' is that of "Letters from Iwo Jima". We were able to see wartime as these Japanese soldiers saw it. Now, we have "Emperor" in which we are forced to see yet another situation except our own.
This is a story of love and understanding set amidst the tensions and uncertainties of the days immediately following the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II. On the staff of General Douglas MacArthur (Tommy Lee Jones), the self-proclaimed ruler of Japan as Supreme Commander of the occupying forces, a leading Japanese expert, General Bonner Fellers (Matthew Fox), who has resided in Japan prior to the war, is charged with reaching a decision of incredible historical importance: should Emperor Hirohito (Takataro Kataoka) be tried and hanged as a war criminal? Interwoven is the story of Fellers' love affair with Aya Shimada (Eriko Hatsune), a Japanese exchange student he had met years previously in the U.S. Memories of Aya, along with his assistant, Takahashi (Masayoshi Haneda) researching her whereabouts in the ravaged post-war landscape, help Fellers to discover both his wisdom and his humanity, and to allow him to come to the huge decision that changed the course of history and the future of two nations.
Others to round out the cast are Toshiyuki Nishida as General Kajima, Kaori Momoi as Mitsuko Kajima, wife of Gen. Kajima, Colin Moy as General Richter, Will Wallace as CIC Commander, Masato Ibu as Koichi Kido, Masatoshi Nakamura as Fumimaro Konoe, Isao Natsuyagi as Teizaburo Sekiya, and Shohei Hino as Hideki Tojo.
This film was directed with compassion and challenges by Peter Webber ("A to Z of Wagner"
(TV movie) '95, "The Temptation of Franz Schubert" (TV movie) '97, "Underground" (TV movie) '99, "Men Only" (TV movie) '01, "The Stepford Wives" (TV movie) '02, "Girl with a Pearl Earring" '03, "Hannibal Rising" '07). Webber was so effective in showing how Fellers was pulled from one position, to follow orders, and another position, to his passion for the Japanese country especially his love for Aya. This was written by David Klass and Vera Blasi based on the book, "His Majesty's Salvation" by Shiro Okamoto. Even though there were a few choppy areas in script, this was still a solidly well put together story.
The casting of Jones as MacArthur, Fox as Fellers, and Haneda as Takahashi was perfect. These guys portrayed these roles with forethought and pathos. These characters, plus others, leave you thinking well after the film's end.
If you liked Clint Eastwood's '06 "Letters from Iwo Jima". you'll love this. It really allows the audience to see war, and all its horrific effects, through the eyes of a culture that one usually wouldn't understand. So which is it? Is the decision, after this investigation based on politics, or based on compassion? Interesting how these two elements never seem to equate.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 106mins.
Did I mention fantasy films before? Yes, I believe I mentioned how they can send you to another place and time, delve into different characters, and allow the audience to enjoy the 'ride' as the characters themselves do in these films. All of this describes "Oz the Great and Powerful" in spades.
Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty 1905 Kansas via a hot air balloon and a twister to the vibrant Land of Oz. Because everyone thinks he is the wizard that is expected by prophesy, at first he thinks he's hit the jackpot--fame and fortune are his for the taking. That all changes, however, when he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz), and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it's too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, with the assistance of friends, Finley (Zach Braff), China Girl (Joey King), Master Tinker (Bill Cobbs), and Knuck (Tony Cox), Oscar's use of ingenuity, and even a bit of wizardry, he transforms himself not only into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz, but into a better man as well.
Others to round out the cast are Stephen R. Hart as Winkie General, Abigail Spencer as May, Bruce Campbell as Winkie Gate Keeper, and Tim Holmes as Strongman.
this was directed with grit and poignancy by veteran Sam Raimi ("The Evil Dead" '81, "Crimewave" '85, "Evil Dead II" '87, "Darkman" '90, "Army of Darkness" '92, "The Quick and the Dead" '95, "A Simple Plan" '98, "For Love of the Game" '99, "The Gift" 2000, "Spider-Man" '02, "Spider-Man 2" '04, "Spider-Man 3" '07, "Drag Me to Hell" '09). The way he can bring such passion from his actors is effortless. It was written by Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire based on the works of L.Frank Baum. These writers were not only able to keep that nostalgic feel to the story, but also were able to bring fresh blood to it also. This was basically a prequel to 1939's "The Wizard of Oz", where Dorothy is transported to Oz where Oscar, or the wizard has already set up residence. This goes more into both evil sisters instead of just one.
The visual effects predominantly created by SPI (Sony Pictures Imageworks) were stunning, and usually I pan the 3D process, but this was clearly enhanced by that process and actually helped make this land that much more fantastic. You can even see the similarity of the beginning of the film filmed in black and white and the screen as smaller to, when he lands in Oz, everything is in color and the picture is much wider just like in the original. Everything from Danny Elman's whimsical score, to Peter Deming's sweeping photography, the visuals, even the main titles designed by Yu + Co, make this production sing.
This film has it all: action, adventure, explosions, but at the same time it brings poignancy, heartfelt characters, and passion that you just don't see as a typical combination in films today. What more do you want for a great ride to a fantastical place?
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG 130mins.
Suspense thrillers are often calibrated, meticulous, nail-biting ventures that intensifies an otherwise normal situation that, a lot of the time, is routine. We've seen this in films like "Unstoppable", "Pelham One Two Three", "Jaws", "Side Effects", "Broken City", and now we have "Phantom".
Ed Harris plays Demi, the captain of a Cold War Soviet submarine who has recently been suffering from epileptic seizures that alter his perception of reality. Forced to leave his wife, Sophi (Dagmara Dominczyk) and daughter, he is pushed into a classified mission, where he is haunted by his past and challenged by a rogue KGB group led by Bruni (David Duchovny) and also Garin (Derek Magyar) and Ravlov (Jonathon Schaech). Bruni is bent on seizing control of the ship's nuclear missile. With the fate of humanity in his hands, Demi discovers, along with Alex (William Fichtner), his executive officer, and Markov (Lance Henriksen) that he has been chosen for this mission in the belief that he would fail.
"Phantom" is a suspense submarine thriller about extraordinary men facing impossible choices.
Others to round out the cast are Jason Beghe as Semak, Sean Patrick Flanery as Tyrtov, Jason Gray-Stanford as Sasha, Julian Adams as Bavenod, Kip Pardue as Yanis, and Matt Bushell as Sentry.
This story which was a classified incident in 1968 was based on actual events. It was effectively directed by Todd Robinson ("Angel Fire" '92, "Wild Bill: Hollywood Maverick" (Documentary) '95, "Amargosa" (Documentary) 2000, "Lonely Hearts" '06, "Amy Cook: The Spaces in Between" (Documentary) '09). It was also written by Robinson which isn't tough to believe since he writes most of the work he directs. With the exception of some jumping around, script wise, this was an intense yarn that kept your attention. The one problem I had with this was the fact that these guys are Russian, but no one speaks Russian. I would understand this considering it's an American made film, but why couldn't they have a Russian dialect instead? With a great dialect coach like Tim Monich, or Susan Hegarty, or Neil Swain, or Elizabeth Himmelstein, or Jessica Drake, it would have given this thriller that added realism that would give it even more intensity. Another example of this flaw was with "Valkyrie" '08 with Tom Cruise. Again, no German language, not even a dialect. I don't get it.
This was a definitely a nail-biter with grit and some nifty twists along the way. It's not great, but solid performances by the cast especially Harris. Even though the Cold War is no more, this should be a constant reminder of where we've come from and also a reminder of making sure we don't go there in the future.
Out of 4 Stars: 2.5 Rated: R 97mins.
The best thing about fantasy type films is just that... fantasy. They can whisk one away to a different time and place, with human, animal, or even fantastical creatures to allow us to plug into our imaginations to have a ton of fun with. The list is endless in film history: "Star Wars", "Clash of the Titans", "Raiders of the Lost Ark", "Jurassic Park", "Planet of the Apes", last year's "Snow White and the Huntsman", and on and on. To add to that list, we have "Jack the Giant Slayer".
When young farmhand Jack (Nicholas Hoult) unwittingly, through ancient beans he got from a monk (Simon Lowe), opens a portal between his realm and a race of giants via huge fast growing stalks. Princess Isabelle (Eleanor Tomlinson) inadvertently gets caught at the top of the stalk, so her father, King Brahmwell (Ian McShane) has Jack, Elmont (Ewan McGregor), Roderick (Stanley Tucci), Crawe (Eddie Marsan), Wicke (Ewen Bremner) and a small group of soldiers climb up the stalk to retrieve her. This, of course, is where the giants reside.
Through the happening of this stalk, it rekindles an ancient war that occurred many, many years ago. Roaming Earth for the first time in centuries, the fearsome giants seek to reclaim the land they lost long ago. Jack and others have to face an army of foes that he thought existed only in legend, but through their arduous fight for the kingdom and its people, Jack himself may win the love of Princess Isabelle, perhaps becoming a legend himself.
Others to round out the cast are Christopher Fairbank as Jack's uncle, Mingus Johnston as Bald, Ralph Brown as General Entin, Joy McBrinn as Old Maid, Chris Brailsford as Blacksmith, Warwick Davis as Old Hamm, and Craig Salisbury as Panto Erik the Great.
This was effortlessly directed by seasoned veteran, Bryan Singer ("Public Access" '93, "The Usual Suspects" '95, "Apt Pupil" '98, "X-Men" 2000, "X2" '03, "Superman Returns" '06, "Football Wives" (TV movie) '07, "Valkyrie" '08, "Mockingbird Lane" (TV Movie) '12). By his very resume, this guy knows his way around a large big-budget film, so he had to feel right at home here. It was written by Darren Lemke, Christopher McQuarrie, and Dan Studney based on a story by Lemke and David Dobkin which was loosely based on the fairy tale, "Jack and the Beanstalk". This was an interesting twist on the very old tale utilizing the stalk as an actual pivotal thing within the story and working the story around that. Considering that these type of films are usually made to showcase the amazing visuals, the storyline here actually captured your attention.
The visual effects predominantly created by Digital Domain, MPC (Moving Picture Company), Rodeo FX, and Soho VFX were absolutely seamless. How do those guys do it?
With very few choppy places in script, this film was still able to tell that very old tale with a new and fresh approach that will leave you with a smile on your face.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 113mins.
Of late, I've had a really tough time finding a comedy I could sink my teeth into. It being my favorite genre, I'm constantly scouting around to find one that works. Romantic comedies are typically the worst comedies out there, mostly because the jokes seem so forced and contrived. With this offing, instead of "Admission" being a romantic comedy, it's more of a romantic dramedy (comedy/drama combo).
