Paranormal Activity 2

Release Date: Oct 22, 2010

Runtime: 1 hr. 31 min. 

Director: Tod "Kip" Williams 

Cast: Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat, Sprague Grayden.

Marketed as the most anticipated horror flick of the year, “Paranormal Activity 2” justifies the thrills but falters like many unwarranted sequels. As the film opens up on familiar home video footage, the Hollywood influence is visibly apparent through enhanced recordings and frequent jump cuts. The low-budget, personal feel that made the first film so successful is downgraded to hi-tech security cameras and seemingly rehearsed narrations. But in spite of this, the dreary uncertainty continues to linger in the hushed silences that come with every nighttime scene. While the subtleties still remain, the film opts for more scare tactics the second time around. From creaky doors to gravity-defying levitations, there’s enough of the fright factor that’ll keep fans satisfied, if not for the extended storyline. Serving as a prequel, “Paranormal Activity 2” further expands on Katie’s childhood and how she becomes the unfortunate victim of these supernatural occurrences. Though clever as it may sound, another sequel seems inevitable for what may become the next “Saw” franchise, and that’s not a good thing. So enjoy it while you can. And avoid any basements.

Rating: 3½ stars

The Social Network

Release Date: Oct 01, 2010 

Runtime: 2 hr. 1 min. 

Director: David Fincher 

Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Timberlake, Andrew Garfield, Rashida Jones, Armie Hammer, Max Minghella, Rooney Mara.

Every once in awhile, there comes a film that resonates, even days after you’ve watched it, for reasons that justify great storytelling. This year’s breakout hit, “The Social Network,” happens to be one of those films, and revels in doing so. From established director, David Fincher, comes an in-depth glance at the social phenomenon that has eclipsed the web over the last six years. While many may construe it as just ‘the Facebook movie,’ in reality, it symbolizes the very core of our digital culture and the compulsion to stay connected. Break-through performances and sharp dialogue make this film, both, wildly entertaining and vividly enthralling. From the opening scene, the hook is instantaneous and grabs hold of you over the course of, what feels like, a brief two hours. Jessie Eisenberg plays the ultimate anti-hero in his take on Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg. Talking a mile-a-minute and lacking all social skill set, Eisenberg’s character is hard to like, yet hard to dislike, even after all the calamities he instigates. As we witness his progression from computer geek to billionaire, it becomes obvious that no good thing comes without a cost. Andrew Garfield skillfully plays the best pal, Eduardo Saverin, who starts off as the financier, only to be betrayed in the end. Although he’s still a relative unknown, Garfield shows ample potential and will likely gain some interest in his upcoming role as Spidey in the “Spider-Man” reboot. Another notable actor is Armie Hammer, who unknowingly plays both twins, but makes them so cleverly different that one would never notice. The film unfolds in various timelines and shows all sides of the story, despite any fabrications it may have from reality. Is it glorifying the right to be an asshole without any remorse of ramifications? Sure. Does it validate manipulation and total alienation of friends? Absolutely. But the faults end there for what is to be one of the best and most talked about films of the year. Brilliant directing and an intelligent script easily make this a front-running contender for Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay. Watch it for yourself and decide.

Rating: 5 stars

 

Easy A

Release Date: Sep 17, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 33 min. 

Director: Will Gluck 

Cast: Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, Dan Byrd, Thomas Haden Church, Patricia Clarkson, Stanley Tucci, Cam Gigandet, Lisa Kudrow, Malcolm McDowell.

 

Nothing travels faster than gossip, as demonstrated in this high school comedy about a straight-laced girl being pegged by ‘The Scarlett Letter.’ Emma Stone plays the said character with as much charisma and appeal as any accomplished actor. Her comedic-timing and delivery of lines are flawless and elevate a film that is, in any other sense, average. While “Easy A” is backed by a supporting cast of big names, it doesn’t quite manage to be as witty or entertaining as “Mean Girls,” from which it can draw similar comparisons. The jokes come steadily, thanks in part to the parenting skills of Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson, but not as frequently as one would hope. Yet, for a teen comedy surrounded by the current generation of excessive profanity and sex appeal, it comes off as remarkably uplifting and gets an “A” for effort. The film pays tribute to the 80’s films by John Hughes, giving nods to both “The Breakfast Club” and “Sixteen Candles,” amongst many others. It’s good to know that some classics never get old.

Rating: 3½ stars

The Town

Release Date: Sep 17, 2010 

Runtime: 2 hr. 5 min. 

Director: Ben Affleck 

Cast: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively. 

Already gathering mass critical acclaim, and perhaps a little Oscar-buzz, Ben Affleck’s second outing behind the lens further solidifies his abilities as a director. His return to what he knows best, Boston, helps sell this bank-heist thriller that boasts notable actors and performances. Affleck and his gang of three friends are bank robbers who incessantly evade the FBI through use of various vehicles and disguises, the most notable being the unsettling nun attire as seen on posters. Jeremy Renner plays the reliable, yet highly unstable, friend who causes more trouble than needed. After rightfully gaining attention from “The Hurt Locker,” Renner continues to exceed expectations with his hard demeanor and effortless acting. TV regular, Jon Hamm, attempts to shed his ‘Don Draper’ persona by taking on the role of head FBI agent, but is ultimately outshined by Blake Lively of all people. For once, her promiscuous guise and revealing attire actually pays off, while her acting is surprisingly genuine. With plenty of car chases and shootouts, the film rarely misses an opportunity to fill in the gaps with a generous dose of dark humor. But the end comes surely, in an almost predictable manner that is neither good nor bad. Either way, Affleck seems to be on his way to career redemption, and quite possibly, the directing ranks of Clint Eastwood. Believe it.

Rating: 4 stars

The Expendables

Release Date: Aug 13, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 43 min. 

Director: Sylvester Stallone 

Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Mickey Rourke, Terry Crews, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, David Zayas, Eric Roberts.

Seems like Sylvester Stallone pulled all the stops when he put together his dream team of mercenaries, taking cue from every possible action genre imaginable. Even Governor Arnold took time off to grace us with a cameo, setting up the best punch line in the entire film (hint: president). “The Expendables” is anything short of greatness, being the very antithesis of chick flicks and packing the punches. Yet, it swiftly becomes an overindulgent film that revels in its cast of superstar action heroes. While the trailers and marketing boast big names, you rarely get to see them all together on screen. A few scenes even go as far as appearing as endorsements for some—I’m looking at you, Couture—but to see such a gathering of heavyweights is a rarity in its own and something to appreciate. The story is fairly linear, getting slow at certain points while bursting with force at others. Contrary to “The Other Guys,” the best parts are saved for the last 30 minutes, chock-full of shootouts, brawls and explosives. Enough to make you forget the non-existence of character development or quality acting. But say what you will, Stallone’s still got a few solid years left in him, even if it’s minimal at that. 

Rating: 3 stars

The Other Guys

Release Date: Aug 06, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 47 min. 

Director: Adam McKay 

Cast: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes, Michael Keaton, Samuel L. Jackson, Dwayne Johnson.

It’s been awhile since a Will Ferrell movie has even been considered remotely funny, and that includes the atrocity that was “Step Brothers.” But luckily for Ferrell, he may have regained his comedic mojo with “The Other Guys,” a buddy-cop comedy with no filters. Teaming up with the smile-phobic Mark Wahlberg, the oddball pair manages to keep up a hilarious rapport despite a complicated storyline. Each line is delivered with such deadpan expression that it’s a wonder how they filmed without an excess of outtakes. Like any venture by Adam McKay and Will Ferrell, the humor thrives on utter ridiculousness that knows no limits or bounds. The first 30 minutes alone will have you in stitches, whether it is the wild antics of Jackson and Johnson or the lion versus the tuna altercation. Nevertheless, underneath the absurdity lies an even more ludicrous plot about finance that fails to attract interest. After awhile, the comedic dialogue begins to weaken and becomes somewhat repetitive over the course of a lengthy film. But enjoyable it is, with as many quotable lines as a Ron Burgundy broadcasting. Michael Keaton continues to be the X factor, after his magnetic performance of Ken in “Toy Story 3,” as the affable chief of police that works a part-time job at Bed, Bath and Beyond. He, along with most of the supporting cast, adds extra hilarity when ‘the other guys’ aren’t around. If you’re looking for some release after the mind-bending “Inception,” this is the way to go. Overall, a good comedy that’s reminiscent of the Will Ferrell glory days. 

Rating: 3½ stars

Inception

Release Date: Jul 16, 2010 

Runtime: 2 hr. 22 min. 

Director: Christopher Nolan 

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Ken Watanabe, Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine.

The conception of ‘dream versus reality’ has often been the premise of brilliant films alike, but never has one been told as comprehensively as this before. Enter the latest creation from the mind of Christopher Nolan who has built a formidable reputation for himself over the last few years. Following his illustrious success with “The Dark Knight,” Nolan ambitiously offers his take on a surrealist’s view of cognition and its consequences. “Inception,” a cerebral-heist and sci-fi action thriller, delves into the subconscious mind where ideas can be ‘extracted’ or created. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as the protagonist, Dom Cobb, whose occupation requires the former and eventually the latter. Along with his team of talented ‘dream sharers,’ Cobb races against time as he battles his inner-demons and attempts to complete a seemingly impossible mission. Perhaps the most profound aspect of the film is time itself and its correlation to the dream state. Nolan does a terrific job in establishing many of the conditions we experience during our nighttime fixation, while simultaneously blowing it out of proportion. The acting is superb, whereas the cinematography is eye-popping. The only setback comes in the form of the story and how quickly it unravels. As seemingly simple as the job appears, the complexity of the plan is what requires broad attention. The film becomes a paradox within itself, as ideas twist and form well beyond our mental capacity. And yet, Nolan allows room for subjectivity on our part, as we piece together the story and ultimately deduce the conclusion. As the screen fades to black, you can’t help but wonder if this world we live is merely a figment of our imagination or an alternate reality in which there is no escape. Without a doubt, one of the most original and best films of the year. 

Rating: 4½ stars

Despicable Me

 





Release Date: Jul 09, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 35 min. 

Director: Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin 

Cast: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Will Arnett.

As the first computer-animated feature film from Universal Studios and Illumination, “Despicable Me” is able to find its niche with ease amongst the animation giants. Backed with a star-studded vocal cast and an abundance of adorableness, it’s enjoyable for kids, as well as those young at heart. Whether it is the little yellow minions with unintelligible dialogue or the fluffy unicorn-obsessed Agnes, the laughter comes in waves due to the cuteness factor rather than comicalness. What begins as villain rivalry quickly becomes a heartfelt picture of self-discovery and the importance of family. Because of this shift in moods, the pacing of the story seems choppy at times, but it does eventually regain itself in the end. While it is redundant to draw comparisons to Pixar, or even DreamWorks, the film still holds its own, both visually and conceptually. With a full slate of projects leading all the way into 2012, Illumination may prove to offer up some heavy competition. 

Rating: 3½ stars

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Release Date: Jun 30, 2010 

Runtime: 2 hr. 4 min. 

Director: David Slade 

Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke, Bryce Howard. 

Less than 8 months later comes the newest installment of “The Twilight Saga.” The good news is that this is a far improvement over its predecessors. The bad news is that we still have two more films to endure until this entire vampire/werewolf craze dies down. Or so we hope. The characters are the same, overembellished and caught in a love triangle that torments the very soul of tweens [and Twi-moms]. But this time around, the action takes some precedence, with additional backstories of supporting characters being told. Director David Slade deserves certain credit for taking such a synthetic love story and turning it into a tolerable film. Even with cringe-inducing dialogue and lackluster acting, there are a few key moments where the story actually seems to flow and be entertaining. The culminating fight scene, in particular, almost makes you forget that it IS a “Twilight” movie. While it may never be the best of its potential, “Eclipse” succeeds for what it is. The box office receipts prove this. 

Rating: 2½ stars

Knight and Day

Release Date: Jun 23, 2010 

Runtime: 2 hr. 10 min. 

Director: James Mangold 

Cast: Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Peter Sarsgaard, Viola Davis, Paul Dano. 

After the much-applauded stint as studio head Les Grossman in “Tropic Thunder,” Tom Cruise attempts another comeback as his alter ego, action hero. His latest role in “Knight and Day,” fortunately, does just that, but in the form of a hybrid Cruise. He retains the characteristic traits he’s been known for, mixed with a whole lot of crazy. The trailer seemed promising enough and the film delivers some of it, mainly due to the oddball chemistry between the two stars. The plot, however, falters over the course of the film, careening out of control amid car chases and drug-related blackouts. Elaborate schemes and hazy transitioning do little to hide the façade of a lazy script and lack of character development. It’s as if the studio was solely relying on its stars to carry the film and nothing more. Still, it’s a decent flick if you’re looking for mindless fun and miss the old Tom Cruise that didn’t jump on couches. One can only hope. 

Rating: 2½ stars

Toy Story 3

Release Date: Jun 18, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 49 min. 

Director: Lee Unkrich 

Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, Don Rickles.

It only took 11 years and 7 films to come full circle and complete possibly one of the best trilogies ever. And this is quite an achievement coming from an animated feature film. Pixar has always gone above and beyond to tell a story, but it takes a great amount of talent to tell it better each time. Woody and the gang are all back in the latest, and conceivably last, adventure in “Toy Story 3.” The question we’ve all been asking, of what lies ‘beyond infinite,’ is answered in the form of every toy’s nightmare: daycare. With the inevitability of Andy getting older, the toys struggle between deciding their fate and the undeniable bond that they share. There are plenty of heavy underlying themes in the third installment that the first two only touched upon, making it much more somber than is usually expected. From the opening scene to the last, there is never a moment where you don’t feel emotionally connected to the scenario which represents such a strong link to childhood. The film taps into this relationship so naturally that you almost forget that you’re sympathizing with a toy. Fortunately, the wittiness is still present, with a whole new assortment of characters to love. Ken, voiced by Michael Keaton, is by far the standout addition, with his impeccable style and complex of being a ‘girl toy.’ That’s the great thing about a Pixar film; it has the ability to tell a joke that’s applicable rather than forcing an idea for the sake of being funny. Not surprisingly, the animation is stellar and doesn’t require the extra 3-D—skip the glasses—which, if anything, dull down the quality. With an almost unprecedented reign as the most highly rated trilogy yet, it’s another easy win for Pixar. Stick around for the gag reel at the end for an extra dose of laughter. 

Rating: 4½ stars

The Karate Kid

Release Date: Jun 11, 2010 

Runtime: 2 hr. 20 min. 

Director: Harald Zwart 

Cast: Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan, Taraji Henson, Wang Ji, Harry Van Gorkum.

Seeing as remakes aren’t a rarity these days, it was only a matter of time before the next “Karate Kid” made its way to theaters. This time around, Will Smith’s mini-me, Jaden Smith, tackles the role with surprisingly valiant effort. Despite my initial reservations about the casting choice for the title role, Smith’s inherent personality gives a refreshing quality that’s of his own accord. Though young in age and still inexperienced, he shows potential in what could be a budding acting career. Jackie Chan, in turn, takes on a change of persona with his first serious role in American cinema. While he is no Mr. Miyagi, Chan gives depth to the character of Mr. Han that superimposes on his stereotypical roles in the past. Acting as both a teacher and father figure, he has a good grasp on delivering humor with an unyielding expression and attitude. The story has a slow buildup but gradually strengthens in terms of character development that stretches over the course of 2.5 hours. Understandably, the relationship between the protagonist and his love interest becomes awkward at times due to their youthful age, as well as the believability of such brutal violence. But the film delivers on emotion and triumph through as many means as possible. In the face of ideas being borrowed from the original, it holds its ground as a bona fide remake. 

Rating: 3½ stars

Get Him to the Greek

 Release Date: Jun 04, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 49 min. 

Director: Nicholas Stoller 

Cast: Jonah Hill, Russell Brand, Rose Byrne, Sean Combs, Elisabeth Moss.

When we first met Aldous Snow, he was an unhinged rocker seducing a tv actress in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.” Two years later, he’s still unhinged but in a more drug-induced, out-of-control sort of way. “Get Him to the Greek” attempts to delve deeper into the life of the misunderstood rock star, but ultimately finds itself lost between a comedy and a chance for self-discovery. While the premise works in terms of outrageous scenarios and dialogue, the occasional seriousness offsets the tone in an odd way. Still, one person makes this film one of the funniest of the year and that’s Diddy. The writers seemed to have him in mind when writing the character because he ended up with all of the best lines of the script. Russell Brand is even cruder than ever and eases perfectly back into the role that catapulted him in the first place. The laughs come and go but the rubbing of the furry wall will always be priceless. Overall, a fun-filled time at the Greek. 

Rating: 3½ stars