This Means War

Release Date: Feb 17, 2012

Runtime: 2 hr.

Director: McG 

Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Tom Hardy, Til Schweiger, Chelsea Handler.

Take a ladies' man, a suave Brit, and one single female and you get a love triangle fit for disaster. Or rather, the spy comedy aptly titled "This Means War." From director McG, the mind behind the garish "Charlie's Angels" reboot, comes a rom-com that seeks the thrills but falters on premise. Starring the easy-on-the-eyes Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy, the film does no wrong in flaunting the looks and pairings of a likable cast. This includes the uninhibited humor of Chelsea Handler who, by default, steals the show when she's not inebriated. But underneath the layers of espionage and romance is a jumbled plot line that forgoes any logic, and haphazardly works to create a means of indifference. Pine and Hardy play the two spies respectively, neither more developed than the other. And it comes as a surprise to see Hardy take on such a banal role when he's capable of so much more, ie. "Warrior." It goes without saying that Witherspoon's character ends up with one of them, whether you care or not. The reason of why is another thing left untold, like who is FDR? Either way, while "This Means War" is by no standards a 'great' romantic comedy, it's good enough...if by 'good' you mean okay.

Rating: 2 stars

The Adjustment Bureau

Release Date: Mar 04, 2011 

Runtime: 1 hr. 39 min. 

Director: George Nolfi 

Cast: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Anthony Mackie, John Slattery, Michael Kelly, Terence Stamp.

 

Plagued by scheduling delays, “The Adjustment Bureau” seemed predestined to fail, both critically and commercially, even before its release date. But contrary to belief, the film’s perseverance on cast chemistry and likability makes it to be one of the first entertaining flicks of the year. Matt Damon stars as a politician running for Senate, whose fated path gets interrupted when he meets an alluring woman, played by Emily Blunt. This chance encounter thus sets in motion a ripple of events, resulting in a pursuit by the mysterious organization known as the ‘Adjustment Bureau.’ While outwardly appearing like a suspense thriller, the film wavers between genres; not quite action-packed enough to be a thriller, yet not sentimental enough to be a romantic comedy. Regardless, the attraction between the two stars is the central driving force, and one that surpasses many other hapless romances. Damon deserves credit for always being at the top of his game in every role he partakes, and Blunt is as charming as ever. Though the plot borrows elements from films, such as “Dark City,” “The Matrix” and even “Wanted,” it still manages to bring a refreshing quality to a subject matter that eludes us on a daily basis; whether things happen for a reason or if it’s merely up to chance. With mystical-powered hats and ill-fated love, the story can quickly become far-fetched and slightly cheesy. But the underlying philosophical message helps alleviate those flaws, while giving a narrative that’s rich with humor and romance. Mark this one under 'date night.'

Rating: 3½ stars

The Tourist

Release Date: Dec 10, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 43 min. 

Director: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck 

Cast: Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Paul Bettany, Timothy Dalton, Steven Berkoff.

Espionage and deceit. Jolie and Depp. What should have been the makings of a great action thriller is, instead, a dull train ride with little to no surprise or suspense. Acting as a remake for the French film, “Anthony Zimmer,” “The Tourist” starts off with intrigue but doesn’t quite find the momentum it needs to build a story worth viewing. Though the two stars seemed destined to be together on screen, the chemistry comes off as halfhearted and expedited, even against the scenic backdrops of Paris and Venice. The sluggish action and flat script further weaken the plot, which unfolds at a snail’s pace and misses the ‘a-ha’ factor when it finally reveals the twist. Predictable in nature and deficient in humor, you’re better off watching its distant counterpart, “Knight and Day.”

Rating: 1½ 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

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Release Date: Nov 20, 2009 

Runtime: 2 hr. 1 min. 

Director: Chris Weitz 

Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli, Kellan Lutz, Nikki Reed, Ashley Greene, Rachelle Lefevre.

Already gathering acclaim at the box office, the second installment of the "Twilight" series shows little but some improvement. Yes, the dialogue is cheesy and the acting questionable. But every once in awhile it comes off as humorous which helps balance out the teenage angst. Kristen Stewart spends a great deal of time moping around and being awkward so any form of relief is nice. Director Chris Weitz stuck pretty close to the book this time around but deviated away from the world Catherine Hardwicke created on an even lower budget. Because of this, the film appeared flat in some scenes and the music sounded too conventional. The action sequences were better choreographed from what little was actually in the book. Still, unless you're a die-hard fan, these films will do nothing but make you feel queasy. All this mushy romance and longing are suitable for teenage girls...and Twi-moms. 

Rating: 2 stars