Captain America: The First Avenger

Release Date: Jul 22, 2011  

Runtime: 2 hr. 4 min. 

Director: Joe Johnston 

Cast: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Tommy Lee Jones, Sebastian Stan, Hayley Atwell, Dominic Cooper, Stanley Tucci.

The last Marvel hero to hit the big screen this summer is the most valiant of them all, and none other than the first Avenger himself, "Captain America." Set during the height of WWII, soldiers are eager to join in the fight against the Nazis, including a scrawny kid from Brooklyn by the name of Steve Rogers. Small in size, but big on courage, Rogers gets offered a chance at a military experiment that will create a ‘super-soldier,’ thus becoming the ultimate weapon in a time of war. Chris Evans stars as the all-American hero, who’s as brave and selfless as he is endearing. Despite being usually typecast as the wisecrack and jock, Evans affirms he’s more than just a poster boy — as evident in past films such as “Sunshine” — and embraces the role with a demeanor beyond expectations. Aside from the acting, it’s his physical transformation that is most impressive and imaginative. Using digital technology as opposed to body doubles, Joe Johnston and his team bring a whole new meaning to extreme makeover, going from ‘skinny Steve’ to Captain America. The same can be said for the makeup work done on the iniquitous adversary, Johann Schmidt. Leader of HYDRA, and played by the ever-talented Hugo Weaving, Red Skull is profusely menacing, and is one of the more intriguing villains out of comic book movies this year. As far as origin stories go, “First Avenger” is at the top of its class, providing enough details and character buildup, interlaced with smooth action sequences. And much like its companions, humor is an added bonus that keeps the audience entertained, and the characters enjoyable. This includes the sarcastic Tommy Lee Jones who seems effortless when it comes to picking on the ‘little guy.’ As expected, there are indeed noticeable tie-ins to “Iron Man” and “Thor,” as it’s necessary to keep a unified storyline throughout. But the ending, in turn, slightly suffers for it, and makes for a forced entry in a series that is far from being completed. While it’s satisfying to see the continual improvements in these comic book adaptations, the greatest challenge will come in the form of the first ensemble picture next summer, when universes and heroes collide in “The Avengers.” Johnston should consider himself lucky, for Joss Whedon will have plenty of hype to live up to...or behold the wrath of the fanboys. 

Rating: 4 stars

 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Release Date: Jul 15, 2011  

Runtime: 2 hr. 5 min.

Director: David Yates 

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman. 

Little did she know, when J.K. Rowling wrote her first book, that it would amass into one of the most influential landmarks in literary and cinematic history. Spanning seven books and eight films, the boy wizard named “Harry Potter” has seen it all, through thick and thin. But alas, all good things must come to an end, and it’s with sadness to see the epic conclusion to the story of ‘The Boy Who Lived.’ For those who felt "Part 1" was action-less and anticlimactic, "Part 2" begins at the core of it, setting up the ultimate showdown at Hogwarts. Director David Yates saves the best for last, and for good reason too, as battle scenes and mythical creatures match the likes of “Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.” Though dark and solemn throughout, the scenes are by no means dreary, and preserve the cinematography that has encompassed the latter half of the series. That being said, 3-D becomes an unnecessary inclusion that all but dims the richness of quality, aside from a few select scenes that stand out. As Harry, Ron and Hermione’s journey of magical self-discovery comes to a close, so do the ties that bind the young actors to a franchise that has occupied the majority of their lives. Radcliffe, Grint and Watson have come a long way from “Sorcerer’s Stone,” proving their acting abilities alongside veteran actors who have all done a remarkable job with their characters and storylines. Notably, Alan Rickman as Professor Snape has been a flawless portrayal of villainy up until now, and may even rival that of ‘He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.’ While these films can never fully justify the fervor behind the books, there’s no doubt that they have left a deep impression within our culture and our lives. And “Harry Potter” is a name that will be remembered for generations to come.

Rating: 4½ stars

Click here for the review of Part 1. 

Horrible Bosses

Release Date: Jul 08, 2011 

Runtime: 1 hr. 40 min. 

Director: Seth Gordon 

Cast: Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day, Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, Colin Farrell. 

If you’ve ever dealt with an insufferable boss, then you are not alone. In the vein of “Office Space,” Seth Gordon forays into the lives of three disgruntled workers who are fed up with their workplace. Only, instead of unruly copiers and money laundering, it’s their bosses who become targets of misfortune. Filled with nefarious humor and a terrific cast, "Horrible Bosses" does everything that "Bad Teacher" didn’t do, and then some. Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day play the reckless trio of friends, each set out to murder one another’s superior. Though the three share a well-matched camaraderie, it’s Day who is a standout with his high-pitched voice and squeamish behavior. Opposite him is Jennifer Aniston, who steps away from her comfort zone long enough to play a sex-crazed fiend with no moral boundaries. The unexpectedness of such a role is what makes her relation with Day uncomfortable, and that much more hilarious. Colin Farrell as Sudeikis’ boss is equally unpredictable, as he has no qualms when it comes to firing certain people. Which leaves us with Kevin Spacey, who all but revels in making Bateman’s life miserable. As the three prepare to eliminate these nuisances, they receive help from ‘murder consultant’ Jamie Foxx, aka MF Jones. Of course things don’t go as naturally planned and this is where the story takes on a darker tone. As a result, the jokes wane off towards the end which feels disconnected from scenes prior. But a genuine cast of comical individuals is all it takes to make this one of the best comedies so far this year.

Rating: 3½ stars

Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Release Date: Jun 29, 2011

Runtime: 2 hr. 37 min. 

Director: Michael Bay 

Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, John Turturro, Tyrese Gibson, Patrick Dempsey, Frances McDormand. 

The battles may have been won, but the war has only just begun in “Dark of the Moon,” the latest installment in Michael Bay’s toy-bot franchise. Following the events of “Revenge of the Fallen,” we find the Autobots aiding as military allies in global conflicts, while the humans have reluctantly returned to their ordinary lives. But that soon changes when a top secret NASA mission resurfaces and exposes a threat that could mean the end for all of mankind. Michael Bay returns to what he knows best, offering up bigger explosions and battle sequences than ever before. And it’s obvious that he had 3-D in mind—whether it’s parachuting from building tops or smashing through rubble—as action fills the extremity of the frames at all angles. Unlike its lacking predecessor, “Dark of the Moon” attempts to tell a more cohesive story, bringing in historical anecdotes and footage regarding the ‘Space Race’ circa 1969. However, this is a summer blockbuster for a reason, and with it comes more of a visual appeal than anything else. This includes the acting, which regrettably has not improved much after the demise that was Megan Fox. In her place is newcomer Rosie Huntington-Whiteley who is nothing more than arm candy for leading man Shia LaBeouf, something of which even his mother (Julie White) takes notice and comments on. Adding to the mix are two eccentric characters played by Ken Jeong and John Malkovich, both who seem like a means of distraction rather than added value. Still, aside from casting mishaps, the second sequel feels like a small improvement—granted without the first hour or so—and that’s more than enough to roll in the big bucks. Don't expect Bay to stray too far from this franchise.

Rating: 2½ stars

 

Bad Teacher

Release Date: Jun 24, 2011

Runtime: 1 hr. 29 min.

Director: Jake Kasdan 

Cast: Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Jason Segel, Lucy Punch, John Michael Higgins.  

In addition to action-packed movies each summer, sleeper comedies are a favorite to watch for, especially those that can push the boundaries and broach the unexpected. Like what “Bad Santa” did to holiday pastimes, “Bad Teacher” attempts to do with the educational system, placing Cameron Diaz in the role of an irreverent instructor who sidelines as a gold-digger. But a foul-mouth and dirty jokes can only go so far in a comedy that still comes short of humor. The problem lies within the likability of the cast. Though not new to the genre, Diaz never reaches beyond what her role necessitates, and her snarky remarks come off as a person having a bad day rather than a personality trait. Similarly, her alleged opponent, played by Lucy Punch, fairs no better and somehow manages to be more obnoxious than she really should be. To cause even more friction between the two is Justin Timberlake, who plays a substitute teacher with a wealthy inheritance. Despite his romantic past with Diaz, the chemistry is surprisingly non-existent and leads to awkward moments that are better left off screen. Thankfully, Jason Segel is there to save the day, as the modest gym teacher and source for amusement. Without him, the comedy could have done far worse, and simply passing seems like the better option.

Rating: 1½ stars