The Green Hornet

Release Date: Jan 14, 2011 

Runtime: 1 hr. 48 min. 

Director: Michel Gondry 

Cast: Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Cameron Diaz, Tom Wilkinson, Christoph Waltz.

In a world filled with criminals and violence, there are heroes destined for greatness. And then there’s this guy. Britt Reid: bumbling playboy by day, accidental vigilante by night. Backed by his trusty sidekick Kato, they fight for justice, armed with a gas gun and pimped-out cars. But despite the amusing premise, the film goes awry when it struggles to draw the line between being clever and cheesy. Acting as a comical farce, rather than an update of the classic, “The Green Hornet” is anything but a superhero movie. In the vein of the “Charlie’s Angels” remakes, it relies on utter ridiculousness and impossible stunts to mask any obvious flaws or faux pas. As a result, it begins rather sloppily, doing a quick rundown of plot set-ups and character introductions for the sake of calling it an origins story. While Seth Rogen’s humor is obvious in the script writing, he rarely carries the substance of his character that is suppose to play the leading role. Even Christoph Waltz manages to appear non-menacing as the so-called villain, Chudnofsky, in comparison to his prior role of Nazi Colonel Hans Landa. Instead, it’s Jay Chou who ends up with all the charisma and best comic deliveries, in spite of the language barrier. In any case, Michel Gondry does bring a visual flair to the screen that is enjoyable to watch, as it is creative. The ‘Kato-Vision’ and ‘Black Beauty’ renditions alone make up the majority of what makes “The Green Hornet” an acceptable popcorn flick. As the end comes open with sequel possibilities, it seems like the crime-fighting days of Seth Rogen have only just begun. And that in itself is intriguing enough.

Rating: 2½ stars

Rabbit Hole

Release Date: Dec 17, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 31 min. 

Director: John Cameron Mitchell 

Cast: Nicole Kidman, Aaron Eckhart, Dianne Wiest, Tammy Blanchard, Sandra Oh.

An exploration of the deepest loss is the core of this gripping film that many would not want to see, but should see. Based on the Pulitzer-winning play, "Rabbit Hole" tells the story of a married couple who loses their child and copes with it in two very distinctive ways. While one pulls away, the other struggles to make amends and move on, pitting them on separate paths that will ultimately determine their future together. Brilliant performances, possibly their best yet, are delivered by Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart, who make you believe their pain and suffering through it all while also giving a sense of hope. As the story takes us through the various stages of grief, it rises and falls as an emotional rollercoaster, but is never dark or gloomy. Its honesty and perseverance allows it to embark on a path of healing that eventually leads to resolution. Despite the grim subject matter, “Rabbit Hole” shows it’s a survivor and falls in line as one of my favorites this year.

Rating: 4½ stars

True Grit

Release Date: Dec 22, 2010 

Runtime: 2 hr. 8 min. 

Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen 

Cast: Jeff Bridges, Josh Brolin, Matt Damon, Hailee Steinfeld, Barry Pepper.

Known for their mastery of directing award-winning films, the Coen brothers’ latest entry into the Western genre is no different. “True Grit”—while being a remake of the 1969 film of the same title—is an unblemished adaptation of its own accord, staying truer to the original novel that started it all. Jeff Bridges takes on the heavy-burden task of following in John Wayne’s footsteps, who won his one and only Oscar portraying the irritable, but resourceful, Rooster Cogburn. Yet, Bridges proves he’s a seasoned actor for a reason, and personalizes the role with every ounce of confidence and indifference in his soul. Opposite the veteran actor is newcomer, Hailee Steinfeld, whose age is all but forgotten when acting beyond the wisdom of her years. Her steadfast personality and no-nonsense attitude is what makes the film bustle and thrive. Matt Damon rounds out the trio as Texas Ranger La Boeuf, whose acting comes readied with comical comebacks and swagger. With all of this, in addition to the handsome terrain and cinematography, it’s no wonder that the Coens’ “True Grit” needs no comparison. But don’t expect a whole lot of gunfights here. This is one Western that chooses style over ammo.

Rating: 4½ stars