Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Release Date: Nov 19, 2010 

Runtime: 2 hr. 27 min. 

Director: David Yates 

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

It has taken over a decade of critically-acclaimed books and films for one of the greatest storytellings to culminate at last in the final chapter; turning an average boy wizard named Harry Potter into the 'chosen one.' After facing adversaries in the form of Deatheaters and adolescence alike, we find Harry on a mission to overcome Voldemort once and for all. But such a journey doesn't come without obstacles. Being no stranger to the franchise, David Yates further hones his skills as the director, taking "Deathly Hallows" to unfamiliar territories beyond the castle. The vast landscape and dark cinematography help enhance the emptiness and turmoils that the characters face on a grander scale. With the stakes set high, tensions mount in the air between the three friends (Harry, Ron and Hermione) who we have witnessed grow and mature over the years. This maturity, in turn, goes hand-in-hand with their acting abilities which have improved exponentially since the first film. Rupert Grint as Ron continues to excel, delivering a convincing performance behind the more emotional aspects of the script. But the most impressionable character, is none other than a house-elf by the name of Dobby. Originally acting as comic relief, he promptly becomes the unexpected hero of the film. In addition, other old faces make timely appearances as we recall the plethora of characters that have come and gone in the past. Although many contest that the final book was unnecessarily divided into two films, it is reasonably justified given its extensive material. "Part 1" provides a detailed account of the titled 'Deathly Hallows,' through brilliant use of animation, while simultaneously discussing the aforementioned 'Horcruxes' and setting up the climax. If the previous film, "Half-Blood Prince," had a major flaw, it was that the purpose of the title wasn't thoroughly conveyed in the film. With that in mind, the film can get a bit long-winded at times, acting more as an introductory set-up for the battle of Hogwarts that is to come. There are also significant plot-holes, ie. new characters, that many Potter newbies will not understand due to liberties the writer took to maintain the bulk of the story. But for the most part, "Deathly Hallows" is the first to remain relatively true to the book while working as a solid film. By the time the credits roll, you can't help but to feel both satisfied and longing for the epic finale. Whether you're a die-hard Potter fan or not, next summer's "Part 2" will be one you won't want to miss.

Rating: 4½ stars

Megamind

Release Date: Nov 05, 2010

Runtime: 1 hr. 36 min. 

Director: Tom McGrath 

Cast: Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, David Cross, Brad Pitt.

Never one to evade comparison, DreamWorks offers its take on the superhero genre in the newest adventure pic, “Megamind.” Not to be confused with “Despicable Me,” which coincidentally came out earlier this year, it pits villain vs. hero, but with a predictable twist. Will Ferrell and Brad Pitt play these roles, respectively, leading an all-star vocal cast that easily outshines the film itself. Whereas the animation is up to standards, the story relies heavily on borrowed material that is obvious, yet forgivable. In a familiar narrative that has one rooting for the underdog, in this case the bad guy, there are plenty of heartfelt moments where humor isn’t necessarily needed. That being said, the jokes are mildly funny when not extraordinarily clever. Though it may not be the best product from DreamWorks, it certainly gives off an enjoyable impression for all ages. A story with a moral is always a plus.

Rating: 3 stars

Due Date

Release Date: Nov 05, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 40 min.

Director: Todd Phillips

Cast: Robert Downey, Jr., Zach Galifianakis, Jamie Foxx, Michelle Monaghan, RZA.

Director Todd Phillips returns to his ‘road trip’ roots in his latest buddy comedy, “Due Date.” Where anger management gets left at the door and it’s every man for himself. After running into trouble and landing on the no-fly list, Robert Downey Jr. must depart on a cross-country quest to make it home in time for his wife’s delivery of their first child. The only problem lies within his unwelcomed travel companion: Zack Galifianakis. Together they embark on a misguided journey that generates the laughter, but in intervals that come and go. Like many comedies before it, the oddball pairing is what strongly drives the film and makes it worthwhile. Perhaps even the best moments come during the silent interactions of awkwardness that speak louder than words. It’s the downplay of outlandishness that takes away from the whole experience, therefore limiting the memorable aspects of the film. Most of the jokes are already seen in the trailer and clips, with a 'been there, done that' feel. However, it does manage to redeem itself in the end with some surprise cameos. While “Due Date” is no equal match for “The Hangover,” it’s still a worthy follow-up that’ll provide the entertainment like any decent comedy should. If not, there’s always the “Hangover” sequel to look forward to next summer.

Rating: 2½ stars

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