The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Release Date: Dec 21, 2011 

Runtime: 2 hr. 38 min.

Director: David Fincher 

Cast: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgård, Steven Berkoff, Robin Wright.

From the highly-acclaimed Millennium trilogy, and Stieg Larsson's international best-seller, comes the gruesome tale of murder, mystery and deceit. When disgraced journalist, Mikael Blomvkist, is recruited by wealthy patriarch, Henrik Vanger, to investigate the disappearance of his niece forty years prior, he uncovers a trail of murders that are as inexplicable as they are disturbing. Enter Lisbeth Salander: a skilled hacker with an aversion to human interaction. Together, they form an unlikely partnership to solve the mystery, while grappling with their inner conflicts and moral complexities. Riding the success of the recent Swedish adaptation, master storyteller David Fincher takes the helm of what has rapidly become a literary staple in recent culture. Dark in tone and heavy-handed in dialogue, Fincher stays true to the source without compromising his own vision. The opening sequence of amorphous imagery is both haunting and beautiful, as it sets the tonality of what's to come. As brilliant castings go, Daniel Craig is a natural as sharp-witted Blomvkist, while Rooney Mara is flawless as the titular "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." Though previously encapsulated by the talented Noomi Rapace, Mara's drastic physicality and enigmatic presence are enough to extinguish any forms of comparison, as inevitable as that may be. The story, while far from forgotten, undertakes a parallel narrative for an extended period of time, which helps keep it suspenseful and riveting — like watching it for the first time. Similarly, the score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross is perfectly attuned to each scenic backdrop, despite being reminiscent of their last collaborative effort, "The Social Network." Granted, remakes rarely surpass the original, Fincher's interpretation deserves its praise and recognition. A strong story can be discernible in any form, but a strong lead is hard to come by. Without Mara, there can be no "Girl Who Played with Fire."

Rating: 4 stars

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Release Date: Dec 21, 2011 

Runtime: 2 hr. 13 min. 

Director: Brad Bird 

Cast: Tom Cruise, Paula Patton, Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner, Michael Nyqvist.

The stakes are high and the match is lit for another mission deemed 'impossible' in Brad Bird's "Ghost Protocol." After an explosion at the Kremlin, the IMF team is accused and disavowed, leaving its agents stranded without shelter or reinforcements. Led by the always resourceful, Ethan Hunt, a new team is assembled to carry out, possibly, the most challenging mission yet, and take on death-defying stunts that boldly blow out the rest. Paula Patton and Jeremy Renner join the fourth installment, with the latter being the most anticipated to see kick ass on screen. Comparable to the last round, Cruise steps back to let his teammates shine, even going as far as allowing Renner to complete the trademark stunt that has distinguished the franchise in all three films. But not one to be outdone, Cruise takes his own jab at withstanding gravity, deftly scaling the tallest skyscraper in the world without breaking a sweat. Whereas the action is pulsing and the new gadgetry is impressive, "Ghost Protocol" still lacks the clever storytelling that made the third film so engrossing. Particularly, a fairly wordless villain, played by Michael Nyqvist, makes for little intimidation, and draws an emotional disconnect when rallying against Ethan Hunt. Still, Bird proves he's a capable director beyond the animation world, keeping the lens close to all the action and excitement. Though it may not be the best "Mission" yet, it sure comes close, and another sequel may be the next objective.

Rating: 3½ stars

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Release Date: Dec 16, 2011

Runtime: 2 hr. 8 min.

Director: Guy Ritchie 

Cast: Robert Downey, Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris, Rachel McAdams.

It may take a mastermind to orchestrate a diabolical plot, but it only takes one man to outsmart him. Robert Downey, Jr. returns as Sherlock Holmes, the maniacally brilliant detective with an aptitude for trouble. When we last left Holmes, he merely started to unravel a thread to a much larger scheme puppeteered by his eventual archnemesis, Professor Moriarty. Now, the battle of wits begins as it's winner takes all in "A Game of Shadows." Coming off the success of the first film, Guy Ritchie continues to inject new life into the enduring literary character. Whereas its predecessor focused on the highly intricate game of cat and mouse, the sequel is imbued with fast-paced action and a hefty dose of explosions. Slow-motion sequences interlaced with close-up shots make it a visionary experience that characterizes the series thus far. RDJ and Law are a match made in bromance heaven, as their banter and partnership are what keep the story moving forward without risk for boredom. Likewise, Jared Harris plays the notorious adversary well, and keeps his composure while doing so, as he's both mysterious and calculative. The only weak link appears to be newcomer Noomi Rapace, who ingeniously played Lisbeth Salander in the original "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," but here, gives off a lukewarm performance. The blame, however, may lay with the writers who allocate more time for the action star Holmes, rather than the intellectual one. The story, while engaging, is complicated with so many elements that it takes much effort to comprehend and deduce than before. But there's no doubt that the sequel is a rollicking good time, and there's plenty of cases left to explore. Holmes will see to that.

Rating: 3½ stars

The Muppets

Release Date: Nov 23, 2011 

Runtime: 1 hr. 38 min.

Director: James Bobin 

Cast: Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Rashida Jones, Steve Whitmire.

It's not everyday you see a film with pure happiness bursting at its seams; but it's also not everyday you get to meet "The Muppets." After a hiatus of more than ten years from the silver screen, Kermit and the gang are back and livelier than ever. But first they must put on the show of all shows to outbid ruthless oil tycoon, Tex Richman, and save the theater that they once called home. From its opening musical number, the movie draws you into the memories you had as a child, when life was carefree and full of whimsy. Writing duo Segel and Stoller tap into every bit of that nostalgia to make the 50's homage feel vibrant and new, while director James Bobin adds a contemporary look. With a variety of celebrity cameos and ridiculously catchy tunes, "The Muppets" are everything fans long to remember, and an introduction to those who are unfamiliar. What's more is that the puppets are now self-aware and infinitely mobile, constantly breaking the fourth wall and making parodies upon parodies. That's the genius behind the marketing of the film, which utilizes its colorful cast while keeping the humor intact. And laugh you will, if not at least smile, for what is a show without an audience. But for those who have a low tolerance for uber cheesiness, be prepared for sudden break-outs in song and mob dance routines. (Hey, this is Disney, after all.) At any rate, "The Muppets" leaves a lasting impression, and seeing Chris Cooper rap is well worth the ticket.

Rating: 4½ stars

A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas

Release Date: Nov 04, 2011  

Runtime: 1 hr. 30 min. 

Director: Todd Strauss-Schulson

Cast: John Cho, Kal Penn, Neil Patrick Harris, Patton Oswalt, Danny Trejo, Tom Lennon.

Tis the season to get high, in the latest adventure with "Harold & Kumar." John Cho and Kal Penn reprise their roles as the stoner pair, this time reuniting after years of distance and separation. Harold is now a wealthy businessman down on Wall St. (cue the protesters), and Kumar is unemployed, unshaven and single. While not much has changed since the last roundabout—the boys still end up in their crazy antics and NPH is, well, 'straight'—the third time around doesn't feel as repetitive as the earlier disappointment that was "The Hangover: Pt II." On the contrary, "Christmas" is the most cartoonish of the bunch, tipping the scale of idiocy and obscenity to full-on mayhem. With the use of 3D technology and claymation, if feels like a constant acid trip, without the after effects. You have to give credit to the writers for their creativity, as this drugged out wonderland is remarkably full of holiday spirit, albeit in all the wrong ways. The best thing about the franchise is still NPH, of course, who willingly pokes fun of himself, as himself; a paradox of sorts. His presence alone makes up for the flaws that come with a sequel that has an easy premise to begin with, and not much going for it afterward. Will it ever surpass the novelty of going to "White Castle?" Probably not. But it sure puts a cracked spin on a holiday that's typically meant for kids. Think of it as a Christmas classic for the immoral side in you.

Rating: 3 stars

Tower Heist

Release Date: Nov 04, 2011 

Runtime: 1 hr. 45 min. 

Director: Brett Ratner 

Cast: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Casey Affleck, Alan Alda, Matthew Broderick, Téa Leoni, Michael Peña, Gabourey Sidibe.

Talk about a job gone wrong. When a group of condo employees get bamboozled by their wealthy resident, the only way to cope is to get even. But like all knuckle-headed heists, it's easier said than done, and improbability becomes irrelevant in a caper-comedy made for amateurs. In his first mainstream movie since "Rush Hour 3," Ratner keeps to what he knows, bringing talent together for a comedy that should please the general masses. Led by an unusually reserved Ben Stiller, the cast is what makes "Tower Heist" so appealing, giving much deserved attention to the supporting likes of Michael Peña and Gabourey Sidibe. But at the end of the day, it's all about the Eddie Murphy show and his long-awaited comeback to the comedy spotlight. After years of spiraling downward with family-friendly gigs, Murphy returns with gusto, and validates his old knack for humor with his fast-talking, wise-cracking persona. While the first half of the film delivers the majority of the jokes from the trailer, it's no less amusing in the context of the planning that already seems ill-fated from the start. It's when the actual heist comes into play that things go astray, and open a can of unanswered questions that leave us feeling dumbfounded. Still, Ratner's films are never meant to be taken seriously and this one shouldn't either. A heist is what you ask for and a heist is what you get.

Rating: 3 stars

In Time

Release Date: Oct 28, 2011 

Runtime: 1 hr. 55 min. 

Director: Andrew Niccol 

Cast: Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy, Vincent Kartheiser, Olivia Wilde.

If you had a chance at immortality, would you steal it? That's the quandary posed in Andrew Niccol's dystopian thriller, where the rich can live forever and the poor die young. In a Marxist future, 'time' has become the standard currency, with life hanging in the balance a year after the age of 25. When factory worker, Will Salas, is wrongly accused of murder, it's up to him to clear his name and fight the system that controls existence, before his clock inevitably runs out. In his first action role, Justin Timberlake is mediocre at best, attempting to make the most out of a flawed character and script. While the concept is fascinating on an intuitive level, various plot holes make the world in which Niccol envisions to be haphazard, resulting in an half-baked idea that never really coalesces. How did some people gain all that time? And why does it transfer so easily? Additionally, the reality of having everyone age the same way causes the roles to become oddly skewed. For instance, Olivia Wilde as Timberlake's mother is much harder to believe than Kartheiser's portrayal as Seyfried's father. This leads to the interesting notion of how difficult it is to judge a person's age mainly by appearance alone. Though "In Time" seems underdeveloped for an impending future, the moral is clear from the get-go, and ever relevant to our ongoing situation. Greed remains the same, no matter the form.

Rating: 2½ stars

Puss in Boots

Release Date: Oct 28, 2011  

Runtime: 1 hr. 30 min. 

Director: Chris Miller 

Cast: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Bob Thornton, Amy Sedaris.

Before there was an ogre who saved a princess, there was an outlaw by the name of "Puss in Boots," and this is his tale. Acting as a spin-off and prequel, the story takes place before the adventures of "Shrek," where we find Puss on a quest to find the mythical magic beans that lead to the golden goose. Along the way he meets his match in the equally conniving Kitty Softpaws, opposition from the evil duo Jack and Jill, as well as a blast from the past. Call it feline attraction because Puss and Kitty have real onscreen chemistry (can animated cats have that?) thanks to their lead voice actors, Banderas and Hayek. Given that Banderas has had three films prior to mastering the character, his vocal talent really shines through on this solo venture where he takes the reigns. His suave performance is comically intoned, even without the help of a giant ogre and talking donkey. But they do become sorely missed when it comes to Puss's new companions, especially Humpty Dumpty, played by the often cartoonish Galifianakis. Aside from his outlandish behavior and bi-polar attitude, there's just something eerie about seeing a human face plastered on an over-sized egg. But despite the long overhaul of the past two "Shrek" sequels, the story itself is surprisingly refreshing now that culture innuendos are replaced by dashing sword fights and kitty dance-offs. Perhaps it's the choice of character, but "Puss in Boots" seems more kid-friendly than adult when it comes to its underlying jokes. Either way, this hero is here to stay. At least for another sequel.

Rating: 3½ stars

Paranormal Activity 3

Release Date: Oct 21, 2011 

Runtime: 1 hr. 24 min.

Director: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman

Cast: Katie Featherston, Sprague Grayden.

If you've seen them once, you've seem them all, and the third installment of Orlin Peli's break-out hit, "Paranormal Activity," proves just that. Continuing on its course of reverse storytelling, the second prequel returns to its origins where the terror all began. By way of childhood videos, we learn the past of cursed sisters, Katie and Kristi, as they grow up living in fear. But whereas the previous two films instilled an unsettling impression, part three leaves little to the imagination, and suffers from the unavoidable case of déjà vu. Joost and Schulman stick close to the set formula, drawing out heavy silences followed by jumpy scenes and shadowy figures. And for the most part, it works, since children scare far easier than adults. However, the sense of surprise is no longer applicable when it's obvious as to what's going to occur next. As time goes on, the scares get more expected and conspicuous than before, making this outing a rather tiresome one. The ending twist, sequentially, feels out of place when coinciding with its prior narrative. While Peli may have inadvertently conjured up this found-footage franchise, one can hope that this 'activity' is now over.

Rating: 2½ stars

  

The Three Musketeers

Release Date: Oct 21, 2011  

Runtime: 1 hr. 42 min. 

Director: Paul W.S. Anderson 

Cast: Logan Lerman, Milla Jovovich, Matthew MacFadyen, Ray Stevenson, Luke Evans, Orlando Bloom, Christoph Waltz, Juno Temple.

Another year, another remake. For what is surely the most heavily-adapted [and tiresome] tale ever to be written comes the current edition by Paul W.S. Anderson. With a brand new cast and 3-D innovation, "The Three Musketeers" looks to undergo a modern makeover fit for the 21st century. But face lifts and stylish upgrades are inadequate to make this any different from its past predecessors, let alone the floundering franchise known as "Pirates of the Caribbean." Out of the reputable Musketeers, Logan Lerman is probably the most recognizable ("Percy Jackson"), as he steps into the prominent role of young D'Artagnan. His cocky mannerism is justifiably delivered through teenage charm and wit; but his physical presence isn't enough to outshine a picture meant for visual thrills and kicks. Interestingly enough, Milla Jovovich takes center stage as the villainous spy, Milady, contrary to the title of the film. Anderson seems to still be living in his "Resident Evil" days as his priorities fall undividedly onto seeing his muse in action, whether it be versus the undead or swashbuckling foes. Moreover, Orlando Bloom as the corrupt Duke of Buckingham appears tawdry, for lack of better words, and bares resemblance to a certain captain named Jack. Nonetheless, "Musketeers" is less about the characters than about the spectacles. The full volume of sword fights and flying contraptions are enough to make your head spin, but maybe that's what's needed to erase this from memory. All for one and none for all.

Rating: 1 star

Moneyball

Release Date: Sep 23, 2011 

Runtime: 2 hr. 6 min. 

Director: Bennett Miller 

Cast: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright, Chris Pratt.

There are many types of hitters in baseball. Contact hitters who rarely strike out. Slap hitters who simply get by. And complete hitters who go for that extra mile. Then there are power hitters who go for it all, as in the story of a man who took a chance and defied the rules of the game. "Moneyball" is based on the true story of Oakland A's general manager, Billy Beane, who found the value of statistics in a team unfit to win. With the help of Yale graduate, Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), he did what no one believed he could, and conceived a lineup that would go on to make American League history. Like a true craftsman, Pitt gets better with age, demonstrating his passion for a role that took years to bring to fruition. His worn-out character study is the sole basis for the film, as well as Oscar potential for Best Actor, and oftentimes overshadows everything else around him. That includes the sport itself, where only snippets of actual play are shown through archived footage and sound. This makes for an intriguing premise where the actors showcase their abilities off the field, instead of acting the part of professional athlete. As a result, when the time comes to show the final game, it makes it that much more invigorating to watch, and the energy is palpable. For those who are a fan of the sport, "Moneyball" is a reminder that all great things come at a cost, and that anything is possible with the right mindset. But for those of us who are novices, it's a look at a past-time that is more than just over-priced tickets and slow innings. It's about the players who are undervalued, and the work it takes to get noticed in a game of greed and money. Granted, if you weren't a fan of the sport before, chances are you may be curious after seeing it.

Rating: 4 stars

Real Steel

Release Date: Oct 07, 2011 

Runtime: 2 hr. 7 min. 

Director: Shawn Levy 

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo, Anthony Mackie, Evangeline Lilly, Kevin Durand.

Childhood fantasies get as 'real' as they come in the latest film to tackle life-sized robots with combative attitude. Hugh Jackman stars as Charlie Kenton, an obsolete boxer who resorts to illegal bot fights in order to pay off loans. Unlucky in winnings and afflicted by debt, he's left with nothing to lose when his son suddenly returns in to his life due to unforeseen circumstances. As they attempt to rebuild their frayed relationship, they discover a talent in a sparring bot named Atom, and the makings of a true underdog is born. In a role reversal of sorts, Dakota Goyo excels as the wise-crack son, Max, who acts older than he appears. His handling of words and acting abilities lay the groundwork for the father-son storyline that verges on being conventional, but in return adds emotional depth and value. While it isn't the most inspired of screenplays, "Real Steel" certainly packs a punch when it comes to the entertainment factor, and the action is where the film thrives at its best. With crushing metal and grinding gears, the robots move swiftly and deftly like any real fighter, which can be credible to the scenes' adviser: none other than boxing legend, Sugar Ray Leonard. But Levy works with what he has—great CGI and a strong lead—to provide us with an action flick worthy of any match, even if by split decision.

Rating: 3 stars

Dream House

Release Date: Sep 30, 2011 

Runtime: 1 hr. 31 min. 

Director: Jim Sheridan 

Cast: Daniel Craig, Naomi Watts, Rachel Weisz, Elias Koteas, Marton Csokas.

 

You can't always judge a book by its cover; and lesson learned here, you can't with a trailer, as well. From Academy Award nominated director Jim Sheridan, "Dream House" tells the story of a family who moves into a house, only to find that not all is what it seems. And if the plot doesn't already sound formulaic enough, the marketing ploy fairs no better. Regardless of its creepy poster and horror angle, the film is anything but that, and disappoints even before it begins. Having revealed the twist in the trailer, the rest of the story is far from compelling, and is devoid of any scares that would make this remotely a thriller. This isn't for lack of trying by its cast of stars. Daniel Craig plays the troubled victim well, with his blue-steel gaze and hardened exterior. But such a film seems unwarranted to be needing such big-named actors when they don't contribute much to the story. Naomi Watts and Rachel Weisz are easily forgettable if it weren't for their names displayed prominently across the placard. And Sheridan himself seems less than convinced if he's currently bidding to have his name removed entirely. With a film begrudgingly titled "Dream House," it's rightly in need of some refurbishing.

Rating: 1 star