Tuesday, September 28, 2010

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

Monday, September 20, 2010

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

Sunday, September 19, 2010

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

The A-Team







Release Date: Jun 11, 2010
Runtime: 1 hr. 57 min.
Director: Joe Carnahan  
Cast: Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Jessica Biel, Quinton Jackson, Sharlto Copley. 

One of television’s most memorable shows finally makes it to the big screen with a new look and cast. Meet “The A-Team:” soldiers of fortune with a whole lot of attitude. Their mission: to cause mayhem with as much noise as possible. Hannibal, Faceman, Howling Mad and B.A. are all back with different looks but not necessarily for the better. After having such an iconic character as Mr. T playing Baracus, Quinton Jackson does little to fill his shoes. Every recognizable line is butchered to a pulp, being spoken with as much personality as a doormat. The story moves full force with the feeling of ten episodes packed into one film. But the action is heavy, backed by familiar music and a feeling of nostalgia for the 80’s classic. Fans of the hit show will be satisfied knowing that no detail was spared, from Murdock’s eccentric behavior to Baracus’s fear of flying. The problem lies within the plot, which tries to pull an “Ocean’s” in terms of clever distraction but altogether forgets that it shouldn’t matter. This is all about mindless fun in the form of summer entertainment. Maybe a sequel will suffice? 

Rating: 3 stars

MacGruber







Release Date: May 21, 2010 
Runtime: 1 hr. 39 min. 
Director: Jorma Taccone 
Cast: Will Forte, Kristen Wiig, Ryan Phillippe, Val Kilmer, Powers Boothe. 

After a hiatus of SNL skit-turned-movies, there is a new hero in town by the name of “MacGruber.” He’s highly trained, highly awarded…and a total case for disaster. Like many SNL members before him, Will Forte steps into his first lead role as a spoof of the tv character MacGyver. Known for his stylish mullet and tendency to get sidetracked, MacGruber never [always] fails to disarm a bomb. Unfortunately, we don’t get a glimpse of the skit format until the very end. Unlike “Austin Powers,” which relied heavily on absurdity and puns, this film primarily focuses on crude jokes and exterior exposure to get the audience laughing. It does provide humor at times, but the main character does little to appear appealing or likable. In lieu of this, Kristen Wiig does a great job in offering some consolation as the trusty sidekick, Vicki St. Elmo. Nevertheless, this is one film that’s acquired through multiple viewings rather than enjoyed the first time around. 

Rating: 2 stars

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time







Release Date: May 28, 2010 
Runtime: 1 hr. 56 min. 
Director: Mike Newell 
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Ben Kingsley, Alfred Molina, Steve Toussaint.

Joining the slew of video game adaptations comes “Prince of Persia,” starring Jake Gyllenhaal in his first big action-hero role. Known for his boyish good looks and taking on more serious roles lately, the question becomes: can he pull it off? While physically fitting for the role, the accent is less than convincing, giving it a comical twist that was probably unintentional. Together with quick-rising star, Gemma Arterton, they set out to save the world with a magical dagger and a glass full of sand. Being as farfetched as it sounds, the film has its moments, offering up plenty of action and special effects. Still, the villain is predictable and the story plays without much thought. But while this is no “Pirates of the Caribbean,” it at least gets the job done in being an entertaining popcorn flick of the summer. Expect little and get enough. 

Rating: 2½ stars

Shrek Forever After







Release Date: May 21, 2010 
Runtime: 1 hr. 33 min. 
Director: Mike Mitchell 
Cast: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews. 

When “Shrek” first emerged in 2001, it was clever, humorous and contemporary. Its sequel was equally entertaining, while the third, not so much. Needless to say, the fourth and final chapter proves to be no different. The repetitive nature of the script and overly outdated jokes keep this film from reaching new ground. While the premise of “what if” seemed promising at first, the story quickly becomes formulaic, even going as far as borrowing ideas from the second film. Perhaps the only redeeming quality is the nature of the characters and their ability to evolve. This time around, we find Shrek as a ‘family man’ who feels nostalgic of his days as a liberated ogre. He’s certainly grown into the role, even if he’s just a green and animated version of Mike Meyers. The opening sequence is jumbled and accelerated, though it at least gives some sense of time lapse. Then, the story unfolds in a typical manner until at last, like any fairytale, there’s nothing else to do but say, “the end.” Let’s just hope DreamWorks learns from this and stops at two for future outings. 

Rating: 2 stars

Iron Man 2






Release Date: May 07, 2010 
Runtime: 2 hr. 4 min. 
Director: Jon Favreau 
Cast: Robert Downey, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell. 

With the iron power of Robert Downey, Jr. and a heavily anticipated follow-up, “Iron Man 2” takes the coveted spot of being the first of many in this summer’s lineup. Aside from the common flaws of a sequel to a stellar predecessor, this film takes you on a joy ride worth having. If I had to pinpoint what makes this mediocre flick a blockbuster, it’s Robert Downey, Jr.’s aptitude to have fun while engaging the audience with his charm. His blasé attitude, in addition to the surprising chemistry with Gwenyth Paltrow’s Pepper Potts, gives it a sheer entertainment value that can’t be ignored. Mickey Rourke as the villain, on the other hand, comes and goes with a whole lot of muscle but little fighting power. The climax appears rather anticlimactic compared to the other exuberant scenes. The plot mainly suffers from trying to achieve too much at once. As two different stories parallel and more characters are introduced, the sole focus of Iron Man becomes lost and muddled. It’s obvious that the filmmakers are really trying to push the “Avengers” movie with full force, dropping clues that would make any fanboy (or girl) giddy. Wait around for the after-credits Easter Egg though. This is only the beginning of the onslaught of comicbook movies to come. Overall, a nice way to start off the summer race. 

Rating: 3½ stars

Kick-Ass






Release Date: Apr 16, 2010 
Runtime: 1 hr. 57 min. 
Director: Matthew Vaughn 
Cast: Aaron Johnson, Nicolas Cage, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Chloe Moretz, Omari Hardwick, Xander Berkeley. 

One of the biggest things to come out of Comic-Con last year was this little known film called “Kick-Ass.” Raising controversy for its outright violence and profanity, it quickly garnered enough interest to make it to the big screen. And kick-ass it is. First off, this is not a film for kids despite the younger cast of self-proclaimed superheroes. Much like Tarantino, there’s no excuse for violence but rather a need for it. Secondly, this is raw filmmaking at its best. Only can an 11-year-old girl named Hit-Girl, kill dozens of men and still be considered adorably innocent. Having already displayed her adolescent mind in “500 Days of Summer,” Chloë Moretz gives an outstanding performance that pretty much makes the film 10 times better than it already is. The other superheroes fend well for themselves as vigilantes in the pseudo-realistic comic book world. Nic Cage can consider this his brief career revival, as the highly-trained and ready, Big Daddy. Christopher Mintz-Plasse proves there’s life beyond “McLovin” while Aaron Johnson will mostly likely gain more recognition. While the story gets to a slow start, the plot rapidly unravels with blood, violence and unabashed humor. Think “Superbad” meets “Watchmen,” only way cooler and uncompromising. Easily one of the early favorites of 2010 and that says a lot already. 

Rating: 4 stars

Clash of the Titans






Release Date: Apr 02, 2010 
Runtime: 1 hr. 50 min. 
Director: Louis Leterrier 
Cast: Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Flemyng, Gemma Arterton. 

Remakes are the current trend, which makes it no surprise that “Clash of the Titans” follows suit. With advancements in computer graphics, this should have bested the original by a mile but sadly, doesn’t gain much momentum. When the title character barely has dialogue in the beginning of the film, you know the story’s already in trouble. Consequently, this should signal some epic battle scenes, but even then is it only mediocre. The story moves so quickly that no details are spared and scenes are lazily mashed together. The special effects are no better, with Medusa looking faker than, well, the Kraken. Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes, as Zeus and Hades respectively, add no star power other than wearing glittery outfits and running through their lines. Much has changed from the original so don't expect a true remake. It's a film on its own but hardly a good one at that. 

Rating: 2 stars

How to Train Your Dragon






Release Date: Mar 26, 2010 
Runtime: 1 hr. 38 min. 
Director: Dean DeBlois 
Cast: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse. 

DreamWorks’ latest adventure takes us to the world of the Vikings, where dragons run wild and poach the sheep stock. The protagonist is an awkward and lanky boy, aptly named Hiccup, who is the son of the Viking Chief. Voiced by the similarly built Jay Baruchel, the cast is solid in terms of matching personalities with characters. While the story isn’t original, being based on a book of the same title, the way it is brought to life on screen is magical in its own sense. The cinematography is beautiful and the animation has greatly improved to match almost that of Pixar. The best of the film comes from the actual dragons, which are wonderfully designed and choreographed to the tee during the flying scenes. With high-tense action and a moving script, it’s a story anyone at any age can enjoy. This may well be my favorite DreamWorks piece to date, even surpassing “Shrek.” Well-done. 

Rating: 4½ stars

Hot Tub Time Machine







Release Date: Mar 26, 2010 
Runtime: 1 hr. 40 min. 
Director: Steve Pink 
Cast: John Cusack, Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, Clark Duke, Crispin Glover. 

Vying to ride the success of “The Hangover” comes another comedy about four adult guys just trying to have some fun. The title itself should be reason enough to watch what could be the most ridiculous concept ever, but the film succeeds only halfway. While raunchiness and madness ensues as quickly as the hot tub warps speed, they don’t quite reach the level of hilarity that lasts. By the time the credits roll, the jokes are forgettable, other than the ones present in the trailer. Still, the high points come with every scene Rob Corddry and Craig Robinson are in. All of their smaller, sidekick roles in the past have finally paid off to give them the bigger spotlight they deserve. Even the coveted cameo of Chevy Chase does little to take away their stride, his role almost appearing meaningless. Memorable or not, this is a mindless comedy that should be seen with low expectations in order to have a good time. 

Rating: 2½ stars

Alice in Wonderland







Release Date: Mar 05, 2010 
Runtime: 1 hr. 49 min. 
Director: Tim Burton 
Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Helena Carter, Matt Lucas. 

Interpreting the classic tale of "Alice in Wonderland" through the brilliant but atypical mindset of Tim Burton should have been a no brainer. Yet the much anticipated fall into 'Underland' begins and ends with a dull stupor. While the film is visually eye-popping, from floral landscapes to talking animals, the dreariness overtakes the generally vibrant world. What begins as a grown-up version of "Alice" quickly becomes a diluted version of "Narnia." The chosen one. Check. The evil queen. Check. Battle scene. Check and mate. The story was almost too 'normal' for a Burton film, even with the trademark characters. But Johnny Depp does deliver again with his unparalleled take on the Mad Hatter, wide-eyed and charming. I just wish there was more fantasy and unexpectedness over the theme of empowerment. 

Rating: 2½ stars

Shutter Island






Release Date: Feb 19, 2010 
Runtime: 2 hr. 18 min. 
Director: Martin Scorsese 
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, Max von Sydow.

After several months of delay, Scorsese returns with a throwback to film noir thrillers in style. From start to finish, the intensity is palpable, sending you on a mind-numbing chase that twists and turns. Setting up each scene is the ominous drone of classical music that further adds to the enigmatic ambiance. As the film delves deeper, we see the protagonist, played by the ever-talented Leo DiCaprio, gradually begin to deteriorate amid manipulation and remorse. Along with a superb cast of Sir Kingsley, Ruffalo, Michelle Williams and Jackie Earle Haley, this film is nothing short of acting at its finest. While fairly predictable in nature and deliberate in unveiling the plot, the end result is well-honed and brought to fruition. There is an uneasiness that lingers like any Dennis Lehane adaptation, but the open-endedness is what makes it so worthwhile. Overall, a terrific thriller that provides an abundance of suspense, as well as some frights. 

Rating: 4 stars

Valentine's Day




Release Date: Feb 12, 2010 
Runtime: 1 hr. 57 min. 
Director: Garry Marshall 
Cast: Julia Roberts, Emma Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Jennifer Garner, Shirley MacLaine, Kathy Bates, Bradley Cooper, Ashton Kutcher, Topher Grace, Eric Dane, Patrick Dempsey, George Lopez, Queen Latifah, Hector Elizondo, Jamie Foxx, Taylor Lautner, Taylor Swift.

Take every cliché about love, over a dozen A-list actors and you get an unoriginal rom-com appropriately titled "Valentine's Day." So where does any movie with such a star-studded cast go wrong? The plot lines become thin, stories uninspired and you get a bevy of attractive people whose fate seems to rely heavily on this aforementioned day. It's 'cute' and enjoyable for the female crowd but it lacks an intelligence that "Love Actually" so successfully obtained through a similar formula. Director Garry Marshall doesn't quite bring his A-game like he's done in the past with "Pretty Woman" or even "The Princess Diaries." As a result, you're left with another sappy movie that only garners attention to the cast and not to the theme of love. Let's hope "New Year's Eve" proves differently but I highly doubt it. 

Rating: 1½ stars

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief







Release Date: Feb 12, 2010 
Runtime: 2 hr. 0 min. 
Director: Chris Columbus 
Cast: Logan Lerman, Brandon Jackson, Alexandra Daddario, Jake Abel, Sean Bean.

Hoping to join the ranks of "Harry Potter" comes yet another adaptation of a young-adult fantasy series. Despite an easy premise of Greek gods and a teenage boy's journey of self-discovery, "Percy Jackson" has difficulty in finding a niche amongst the target audience. Some scenes are expectantly cheesy while others may be too violent for kids. As quickly as the story begins, no details are spared for what is to be a fast-paced movie with special effects but a weak storyline. What saved this film for me was the sole basis of Greek mythology itself. Nothing beats seeing Uma Thurman with a head full of snakes. That is, until "Clash of the Titans" makes its remake-debut in early April. 

Rating: 2½ stars

The Lovely Bones






Release Date: Jan 15, 2010 
Runtime: 2 hr. 15 min. 
Director: Peter Jackson 
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon, Stanley Tucci, Michael Imperioli. 

Having not read the book, I watched this film going in with awe and coming out with a bitter taste in my mouth. The story is anything but uplifting when it's about the murder of a 14-year-old girl. As she looks on from heaven, her family struggles to cope with their new life and a case which no detective can solve. Saoirse Ronan does a terrific job of playing the lead role, already having proved her acting chops in "Atonement," while Stanley Tucci equally delivers as the antagonist. The visuals are stunning, if not sometimes a bit over the top. Peter Jackson captures a heaven of ethereal beauty that is reminiscent of Dali but personalized for Susie Salmon. The only downfall comes in the end when things feel unresolved and apathetic. There is no sense of fulfillment when all things are said and done. Maybe if I had read the book then I would have been less keen to judge. Overall, a beautiful yet tragic story of love, loss and life. 

Rating: 3 stars