Every genre usually has a distinct defining factor that totally describes that particular genre... except for comedy. I guess what one person perceives as very funny, another could look at it and believe the film could be funnier. As with the case of "Hope Springs"-- where the trailer depicted it much funnier, it really was much more subtle.
After thirty-one years of marriage, a middle-aged couple, Kay and Arnold (Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones) attend a week long intense marriage counselling seminar officiated by Dr. Bernie Feld (Steve Carell) in Hope Springs, Maine. Kay is the one who prompted the need for this, so Arnold begrudgingly went, of course, expecting nothing. But as the problems start to unveil, they begin to realize this seminar is going to basically decide the fate of their strained, weak, totally banal and routine existence called a marriage.
Others to round out the cast are Jean Smart as Eileen, Kay's friend, Ben Rappaport as Brad, their son, Marin Ireland as Molly, their daughter, Patch Darragh as Mark, their son-in-law, Brett Rice as Vince, Arnold's friend, Becky Ann Baker as Cora, the waitress, Elisabeth Shue as Karen, the bartender, and Mimi Rogers as Carol, the neighbor.
This was wonderfully directed by David Frankel ("Miami Rhapsody" '95, "The Pennsylvania Miners' Story (TV movie) '02, "The Devil Wears Prada" '06, "Marley & Me" '08, "The Big Year" '11). Frankel has this innate ability to emit so much emotion, whether it be restrained or not, out of his actors. It's incredible. Surprisingly, this was written by virtual newcomer to theatrical films, Vanessa Taylor ("The Amazing Mrs. Novak" (TV movie) '09). All that I can say is the amazing Ms. Taylor. This was written as though a consummate veteran writer had gotten hold of it. She WILL definitely receive more work deservedly.
The real kudos of this has to go to Streep and Jones equally.You'd swear they were married for a long time, especially a failing one. The nuances of awkwardness, nervousness, anxiety, pain, anger and fear were so well delivered here. Interestingly, I kept waiting for Carell to have a joke or two come out of his mouth, and not once did he. He just played the role as Dr. Feld straight-on-- no diversions. His role was amazingly refreshing.
In a season with so many films to grab your juggler, it's so nice to see a film that is played out that is not only entertaining, but one with a message without slugging you in the face and will keep you thinking or talking well after the film's end.
Out of 4 stars: 4 Rated: PG-13 100mins.
In the last 10-15 years, comedies, especially Will Ferrell comedies, have just gotten more and more strained and over-the-top. I'm not usually a huge Ferrell fan, so I naturally went to see "The Campaign" with a bit of trepidation, but what I assumed would be just another silly pratfall comedy turned out to be an interesting and fairly well written piece.
In order to gain influence over their North Carolina district, two wealthy CEO's, Glenn and Wade Motch (John Lithgow and Dan Aykroyd) seize an opportunity to oust long-term congressman Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) after a terrible public gaffe involving Cam, by putting up a rival candidate. Their man: naive Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis), director of the local Tourism Center.
The Motch brothers are long time buddies with Raymond Huggins (Brian Cox), Marty's father, so as not to displease his dad, Marty agreed to run. The Motch brothers need someone moldable, basically a patsy. So to insure a win, The Motch brothers bring in a hard core campaign manager, Tim Wattley (Dylan McDermott) to get Marty prepared. As they face-off with Cam and his campaign manager, Mitch (Jason Sudeikis), the 'boxing match' replete with mud-slinging ensues for one bloody battle.
Others to round out the cast are Katherine La Nasa as Rose Brady, Cam's wife, Sarah Baker as Mitzi Huggins, Marty's wife, Karen Maruyama as Mrs.Yao, Grant Goodman and Kya Haywood as Clay and Dylan Huggins, kids of Marty's, Randall Cunningham as Cam Jr., Jack McBrayer as Mr. Mendenhall, and Elizabeth Wells Berkes as Mrs. Mendenhall.
This was directed by comedy veteran, Jay Roach ("Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" '97," Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" '99, "Meet the Parents" 2000, "Austin Powers in Goldmember" '02, "Meet the Fockers" '04, "Dinner for Schmucks" '10,).It was actually decently crafted by writers Shawn Harwell and Chris Henchy which was based on a screen story by Chris Henchy and Adam McKay.
I have to say that not only did the premise and writing work for this flick, but the chemistry between Ferrell and Galifianakis was spot on. The 'opposites attract' definition used here really made this work.
There were a few moments that really weren't needed to make this the comedy it was striving to be, but all in all it excelled. This being an election year,this gave you a glimpse of the satirical side of the politics and pratfalls of campaigning, or was it satirical?
Out of 4 stars: 3 Rated: R 85mins.
I believe "The Bourne Legacy" is more of a continuation than that of a re-boot of the franchise, although I'm sure the producers have every intention of keeping the Ludlum characters going for as long as they keep making money. Ca ching!
This is the fourth installment of the Bourne series which sidelines main character Jason Bourne in order to focus on a fellow estranged assassin, Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner).
When political upheaval jolts certain influential figureheads, Retired Col. Eric Byer, USAF (Edward Norton) and Retired Adm. Mark Turso, USN (Stacy Keach) who consult with Ezra Kramer (Scott Glenn), decide that a special Ops outfit dubbed Alcom not only has to be necessarily eliminated, but anyone involved with it must also be eliminated. Enters Cross who survives being eliminated, contacts Dr. Marta Shearing (Rachel Weisz) after realizing she is the only survivor of a massacre carried out by colleague, Dr. Donald Foite (Zeljko Ivanek). Apparently Dr. Shearing and colleagues were unwittingly involved with Alcom to provide, through research, the operatives or outcomes as they are called ,chems or drugs so as to refine their strength and sensitivity in the field. So, of course, they also had to be eliminated, leaving this film as a 'cat and mouse' game, making Cross and Shearing targets chased by their on people. Who can trust whom?
Others to round out the cast are Joan Allen as Pam Dandy, Albert Finney as Dr. Albert Hirsch, Donna Murphy as Dita Mandy, Michael Chernus as Arthur Ingram, Oscar Isaac as Outcome #3, and Corey Stoll as Zev Vendel.
For a director who has much more writing credits than directing credits, Tony Gilroy ("Michael Clayton" '07, "Duplicity" '09) actually excelled at the helm. The writing was by Tony Gilroy and Dan Gilroy based on a story by Tony Gilroy which is inspired by the Bourne series by Robert Ludlum.The script here begins a bit sluggish and slow, but then it kicks in high gear and then takes off. Even though it's a bit long-in-the-tooth, it still was able to capture your attention until the end.
I usually don't speak too much about a film's editing, but this was incredible. John Gilroy,asc
("Billy Madison" '95, "Game Day" '99, "Narc" '02, "Miracle" '04, "First Born" '07, "Michael Clayton" '07, "Pride and Glory" '08, "Duplicity" '09, "Salt" '10, "Warrior" '11) obviously, a veteran in his field, excelled when it came to the car, and motorcycle chase scene. The editing became so rapid, it actually had a blur to it, which added to the frenetic feel.
Certainly, as long as this franchise keeps making money, they will keep rafting out film after film, and in the case of these films, it will be more than welcome.
Out of 4 stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 135 mins.
Once again we have another remake in our midst. The list is so lengthy, that I'm not going to bore you with facts, suffice it to say, this remake of "Total Recall" certainly is better than that of its predecessor, the 1987 version of the same name.
For a factory worker named Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell), even though he's got a beautiful wife, Lori (Kate Beckinsale) who he loves, a trip to Rekall, recommended by a new co-worker, Marek (Will Yun Lee), sounds like the perfect diversion from his frustrating life. 'Real' memories of a life as a super spy might be just what he needs. But something during the Rekall procedure triggers something in his mind and now is living out that supposed 'real' memory.
Quaid soon realizes that his wife, Lori is a cooperative who now has to try to kill him and Doug is now on the run from her and the police until he comes upon Melina (Jessica Biel). Can he trust her? Can he trust anyone at this point?
Others to round out the cast are Bryan Cranston as Cohaagen, Bokeem Woodbine as Harry, Doug's friend and co-worker, Bill Nighy as Matthias, head of the resistance, and John Cho as McClane, head of Rekall.
This was grittily directed by Len Wiseman ("Underwood" '03, "Underworld: Evolution" '06, "Live Free and Die Hard" '07). This guy knows what should go into a guy flick in that there's not only the usual adrenaline, explosions, some romance, a good vs. evil format, but so much of the time he gives us great photography and usually a nice, tight story to work with.
Which brings us to the writers. This was meticulously written by Kurt Wimmer and Mark Bomback based on a screen story by Ronald Shusett, Dan O'Bannon, Jon Povill, and Wimmer, which was based on the short story, "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale" by Philip K. Dick. Dick has to be my favorite storyteller. There are many films which have been based on a Dick story, such as "Blade Runner", "A Scanner Darkly", "Minority Report", and "The Adjustment Bureau".This guy was a visionary in that he wrote "Minority Report" in 1954, before all the 'big brother' and Orwell's 1984 became big issues. Dick was a cynic that was bent on the conspiracy theory mindset. He was always asking questions like "if this were to happen, would it be OK, or would it open up Pandora's box? He kept you thinking.
The visual effects predominantly designed and created by MPC (Moving Picture Company) and Double Negative were absolutely amazing, in fact so good that they almost upstaged the rest of the production, but didn't. The miniatures, matte paintings, and sets were equally stunning and along with IMAX, you have one unbelievable roller coaster ride.
Out of 4 stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 118min.
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.
Every genre usually has a distinct defining factor that totally describes that particular genre... except for comedy. I guess what one person perceives as very funny, another could look at it and believe the film could be funnier. As with the case of "Hope Springs"-- where the trailer depicted it much funnier, it really was much more subtle. 
