In Theaters This Weekend

"I don't survive"

Three new films of note for the weekend. Well, two of them are of note. One is . . . well, it's a movie produced by Adam Sandler. So there you go.

Bucky Larson: Born to be a Star. R.

Being friends with Adam Sandler apparently has its benefits. I like Nick Swarsdon, but this film just looks awful. Awful. Don't care.

Warrior. R.

Rocky for MMA fighters? I know next to nothing about it, and that's exactly how I like going into some movies sometimes. I hear the acting, especially by Tom Hardy is great, and that the film has more heart than the subject matter would lead you to believe. I'm really looking forward to seeing what the hoopla is all about.






Contagion. PG-13.

I can't even make up any jokes about this film (aside from the one surrounding the fact that we see Gwyneth Paltrow dying in the film's trailer, of course). Sure, it seems like an Outbreak rehash, but it looks even better (and I love me some Outbreak). How can you go wrong with a film starring Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Laurence Fishburne, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Bryan Cranston, John Hawkes, etc., etc.? You can't. This movie is going to MELT FACES. Or at least just make them bleed from infection.

So what say you, faithful readers? Are you seeing one of these films this weekend? Yes, it's the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 this weekend, so of course pay your respects. Then go see a movie! What's more 'Merican than seein' a movie?

The Beaver, Win Win, TrollHunter, and Others on DVD Tomorrow

"What're you looking at, Sugar Tits?"

By Josh Amato

One day, our children will take off their Netflix Instant Viewing Googles and ask "Mommy . . . Daddy . . . what's a DVD?" It's the kind of question that you cringe upon hearing, hoping it was going to come when the kid was older. Your mind will scramble as you figure out where to start. VHS, LaserDisc, DVD, Blu-Ray . . . it's all so confusing. So first, you think of some examples of which films were on DVD.

You probably won't be using the following DVD releases as examples, but I just needed a segue that wasn't 100% crap (I usually settle for 90%).

The Beaver - Directed by Jodie Foster, this film was supposed to be Mel Gibson's street cred comeback, complete with a hot script and a humble, but showy, performance from Mad Max himself. Then some audio tapes were released with Mel ranting about blowjobs and burning down houses. Oh, and toss a handful of racial slurs in. This pretty much killed the film's chances in theaters, so here it is on DVD.

I haven't seen it yet, but I hear Gibson gives a FANTASTIC performance. So if you're a fan of the man and can put aside his personal life from his art, I'd say give it a chance. For FREEEEEEEDOMMMMMMM!!!!!!

(Also available on Blu-ray)

Win Win - Next up is the feel good indie of the year starring Paul Blart, sorry, Giamatti as a part-time wrestling coach. I haven't seen the film yet but it comes across as a white version of The Blind Side. Well, that film was pretty white, actually. Just take the big black guy everyone is using to excuse their white guilt and replace him with a troubled young teen. I only understand commentary that is in my face, so this is beyond me.

Anyway, haven't seen it but the reviews are great and writer/director Thomas McCarthy has an excellent track record so far.

(Also available on Blu-ray)

Pom Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold - Oh, man! Look out Corporate America, Morgan Spurlock is at it again! This time he's taking on brand names, advertising, and product placement. All while getting all of these companies to actually FUND the film by having it advertise for them. See what Spurlock did there? Shit's crazy.

(Also available on Blu-ray)

TrollHunter - The last good Troll movie was probably Troll 2. And given the massive critical and box-office success that film was, it's hard to see why they wouldn't have made Trolls 3-7. But we're just talking fiction with those films. TrollHunter is a real-life documentary, following a crew of filmmakers as they are investigating bear attacks. Things take a turn for the worst when they come across a real life giant troll. What? You didn't know trolls existed? Idiot.

(Also available on Blu-Ray)

So what say you, loyal readers? Have you seen any of these films? If not, are you considering renting any of them? All these answers and more can be posted in the comment section. And if you just feel like saying hi, well go ahead! Don't be shy. We won't bite (we're gentle nibblers).

In Theaters This Weekend

Hey guys, Josh Amato here and "In Theaters This Weekend" just got a whole lot fatter. Don't worry, I don't blog with my mouth full.

This weekend we're looking at FOUR new wide releases going up against The Help, a film that is destined to be the box-office champ of the bunch despite being in its second week of release. That's right, Conan The Barbarian will take a 3D swing at the competition, Fright Night will bare its fangs, Spy Kids will . . . spy. In 4D. And One Day will . . . wow, I'm really bad at this.


Conan the Barbarian. R.

The first remake of the weekend is also the first remake of an iconic Arnold Schwarzenegger role, with Jason Momoa stepping into some pretty big shoes. The trouble with this film right off the bat is that it's hard to imagine anyone but Arnold in the role. I don't know about you, but this film just screams RENTAL to me.



Spy Kids: All the Time in the World 4D. PG.

Besides the fantastic title, this fourth installment in the legendary Spy Kids series just has so much to off-- I can't do it. I just can't keep a straight face. It's a SPY KIDS movie, people, so that means it's just a way for Robert Rodriguez to make some quick cash to make his next film. I'm OK with that, actually.



Fright Night. R.

The second remake being released this weekend. The original 26 year old Fright Night is sort of a genre classic, but it's not entirely untouchable. Word on the street is that the film is a worthy re-do. Being a horror film buff, I'm actually excited for this one. Expect a review from either Scott or myself within the next couple of days.


One Day. PG-13.

I actually didn't know anything about this film except that it apparently stars Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess and is about people who went on a date and then Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.


Sorry. Dozed off a bit there. Anyway, what will you be seeing this weekend? Anything? If you answered 'no', you're lying unless you're blind. And if you're blind, how are you reading this? Feel free to answer all of these questions in the Comments section.

In Theaters This Weekend

The Stepford Maids

"In Theaters This Weekend" is back! Of course, it really never left, but... there was time off and whatever. It's here, so we might as well get it started! 

Rolling into the cinemas tomorrow, four movies that will probably be fairly divided in numbers - The Help, Final Destination 5 (5nal Destination?), Glee 3D (Gl3 D?), and 30 Minutes or Less. I'm thinking that it's between 5nal Destination and 30 Minutes or Less for the top spot; probably the former. But, we'll have to wait and find out. We'll know Sunday for sure, probably by Friday night. 

Personally, I was getting a bit annoyed with the constant churning out of the Final Destination films. But, this one takes an interesting twist. The kids figure out that they can cheat death even further by putting other people in the way when Death comes for them. So, we get a lot of violent accidents and murders, AND murders caused by other people trying to avoid violent accidents. Could prove to be pretty interesting. Of course, they might completely mess it up. But, time will tell. 

Final Destination 5. R.

Ehhhhhh. This really could be awful. But, I'm siding with the people who think it might be kind of awesome. It very well could be! The idea behind it is kind of interesting, even if the series has gone straight down hill after the opening scene of Final Destination 2 (Final Des2nation?). Even with 4nal Destination (... ana... never mind.), there were interesting ideas at work. However, knowing that the series has become something of a "slasher/torture porn" saga, maybe this is the breath of fresh air the series needs. The tone is a bit more malicious now, more than "survivalist" bouncing between 'dead teenagers'. Still, there is a very real possibility that this could flat out suck. I'm going to try and be optimistic, though.

whatever. this might blow. 50/50. We'll find out tomorrow!


The Help. PG-13. 

If you've never seen the wonderful Corrina, Corrina with Ray Liotta and Whoopi Goldberg, do so immediately. Preferably before seeing this. Of course, The Help sets itself up to be as wonderful as it possibly could be, especially with that cast. Emma Stone's career has skyrocketed past where most of us thought it would be four years ago, and Easy A proved that she's a genuinely talented actress. She has a huge talent and I'm glad she's surrounded by proven actresses like Viola Davis and Bryce Dallas Howard in this film - she's only going to get better the more she puts herself around talent of that caliber.


Glee: The 3D Concert Movie. PG. 

Honestly, it's Glee. That's really all I can say. I'm a total Gleek. Normally, I'm not one for concert films, and I'm sure this won't be the next Rattle & Hum, but... you know, it's Glee. I'm down.


30 Minutes or Less. R. 

I'm so glad Jesse Eisenberg has a substantial career. Yes, this is a huge departure from The Social Network, and, well... Rio. But, from the makers of Zombieland, he must be doing something right. And Danny McBride gets my money without question. Yes, Your Highness was horrendous and completely misguided, but McBride has a gift that can't really be denied. He's absolutely hysterical, and has the best comic timing in the business. Even in something as small as Fanboys, McBride steals the whole film. With only a couple of scenes, and only a few lines in them. Thank God David Gordon Green gave him a career. Otherwise, film would be losing a little bit of goodness. Still, this will probably be the top taker. Or the standard "number 1 comedy in the nation!" second place announcement. Hopefully not, but... we'll see.


That's it! Let me know what you guys will be seeing, and if you see one before I do, let me know what you think!

We're Back! A Filmgoer's Story

"Son of a bitch stole my line."

Dear loyal reader,

After experiencing a slew of technical difficulties, I am proud to announce that The Filmgoer's Project, as we know and love it, is back online and ready for business. Tons of new things are happening now with our beloved blog - there's a new writer on board, by the name of Josh Amato, a buddy of mine from LA. We're, he and I, introducing a new podcast that will be up sometime by the end of the month at the latest. "In Honor Of" will be undergoing a big change, and a new schedule. 

Reviews for new releases will be posted on Fridays, as well as "DVD"/"In Theaters" being on Monday and Thursday, respectively. 

I'm so thankful for everyone who has been asking when the blog would be back up, and I'm thankful to the loyalty of the readers I've been able to snag. A massive thanks is due to you all, so much so that the words themselves might sound lame. 

I've had a chance to undergo some massive, personally developing moments in my life since the site shut down. I'd like to think that I can channel these experiences into my own writing, and the way this site might carry itself in the future. But more about that in The Filmgoer's Journal to come. 

Big things are on the horizon. And God bless you all for staying in tune. 

The filmgoer,

'Scott

Limitless, Take Me Home Tonight, and Others on DVD Tomorrow

"Wait. We're not 'rotten' on the TomatoMeter?"

Did anyone here know that there was a Tekken movie? In the same vein as Mortal Kombat, Dead or Alive, and Street Fighter? And... maybe in the same vein as the first half of Uwe Boll's career? Think back to Alone in the Dark, or In the Name of the King whatever. It's been a while since a video game-to-screen adaptation has worked solely on merit, and it'll probably be a while before it does again. I'm also fairly certain it's a Direct-to-DVD release, which means it's pretty much a "0" on the importance scale. Still, though, it'll be on Encore or Starz before any of us realize its existence, and we'll watch it there on a hungover Saturday afternoon. And we'll still feel like we were mislead. That's my take on it. 

But, for now! The other DVD releases this week. They are, as follows - Limitless, Take Me Home Tonight, Peep World, and Cracks. Haven't heard of the last two? Well, you're in for a treat, dear reader. 

Limitless - It's funny that a film with this title is as limited as it is. You'd think that a film taking such strong cues from Flowers for Algernon (and most crime movies ever made) would be able to do three things: a) tell a coherent story, b) have a sympathetic lead character, c) engage its audience. But, Limitless finds itself unable to do either. The story is about a writer named Eddie who discovers a miracle, and highly illegal, drug called NZT - it gives you the ability to use all of your brain rather than the average percentage. He's suddenly smarter than everyone, more fashionable, stylish, desirable... he finishes his overdue book assignment in about three days and gets a job trading stock on Wall Street. And then, of course, the drug starts to run out. What do we learn from this movie? Assuming that this, like other films in its genre is a "message film"? Absolutely nothing. Except that Bradley Cooper isn't ready to headline a major motion picture. And that Robert De Niro is officially lazy. 

Take Me Home Tonight - It's also funny that a film like this one, so racked with nostalgia and full of love for the 80's, would seem straight out of a "John Hughes via Judd Apatow" generator. But, it is and this is what we must live with. There's a reason they don't make movies like this anymore - it's because they rarely ever work. I mean, kudos are in order for giving it a fair try, but realistically, if you look at the film from a critical stand point and take certain things into consideration, it's a failure. The screenplay is self-serving and completely one-dimensional, it's impossible to get behind any of the characters, and the villain... not that bad of a guy. Yeah, he's a tool, but... so is everyone else in the movie. There isn't anything that separates him from the main character except a few pay grades. Of course, there are moments in the film that are enjoyable, as there always are. Most bad movies usually have something decent about them, if even just for a moment. 

Also on DVD tomorrow - 

Peep World - I haven't been fortunate enough to see this one yet, though I want to badly. It's on my list. With Michael C. Hall and Sarah Silverman in the cast, as leads, how could it not be? I can't truly recommend it, or tell you it's terrible, because I haven't seen it. But, I can tell you that it's worth a look either way, despite its poor critical reception. Its plot is a recycled idea - a writer, from a rich family, writes a tell-all book and then everyone deals with the book's release. Woody Allen did that in the late 90's with Deconstructing Harry. And other films have done that before, too; it's nothing new. But, there's something about the cast that makes me want to see it. And really, it's almost solely for that reason. Give it a look. I will be. 

Cracks - Looking for a stirring indie period-piece drama? Here's one. There are several released throughout every year, but none usually hold buzz for two years since their conception. Cracks was conceived and filmed in 2009, and finally saw an American-made theatrical run this year, to... mixed reception. It's part uplifting-teacher drama in the same vein as Dead Poets Society, and part child-abuse thriller by way of Atonement. I haven't seen this one yet, either, but... again, it's on my list. I love Eva Green, and she needs a bigger career. Hell of an actress. 

Have at it! Leave a comment, tell me what you're getting, or what you want to see. Any releases that I missed?

Go get a movie. You've a long week ahead of you. Escape a little.

Larry Crowne

Rating: ★★

The Cast Away and the Pretty Woman

Larry Crowne is the sort of movie you watch with anticipation of it being different somewhere along the way. I’m sure you’ve heard the joke by now that it’s two hours of Tom Hanks on a scooter, and that’s pretty much accurate. Obviously there’s a bit more to it than that, but that’s the gist of it. Tom Hanks is on a scooter, and he’s a nice guy who gets the girl. Spoiler? No, because you’ve seen movies about nice guys before. This one is no different. You can see it coming from about a mile away, just like a Vespa.


And there are tons of Vespas in this one. Our story begins with nine-time employee of the month Larry Crowne (Hanks) becoming a sudden ‘non-employee’ of the month when he’s downsized at the local retail store for not going to college. Sacked, and recovering from a crippling divorce in the middle of an awful economy, what’s a man to do? Well, he sells his worldly possessions, climbs aboard a scooter, and goes back to community college. At least that’s what people would do in Nia Vardalos’ world (remember how good her screenplay was for My Big Fat Greek Wedding?). I wonder if she would do the same if she were finally thrown out of Hollywood… Her films since Greek Wedding haven’t left too much to be desired.

There isn’t much to say about a movie that doesn’t have much to say. Larry Crowne is the ultimate everyman, but that doesn’t make him a character. The only true character in the film is barely discernable, and not even the focus. Julia Roberts plays Mercedes Tainot, Crowne’s “Speech 217” teacher - her life is hard, she hates teaching, and her marriage to her husband (Bryan Cranston) is crumbling. She does excellent work, as does Hanks admittedly, and their chemistry together is perfect. But when there’s nothing going on in the film to invest in, how do you invest in the characters? Sure, you can look around and find pieces of yourself… but that only goes so far.

Crowne joins a ‘gang’ of scooter-enthusiasts after making quick friends with the quirky, flirty, and beautiful Talia (Mbatha-Raw). This isn’t the type of gang you might think of. That would require the film to have some sort of conflict or dramatic engagement. No, this scooter gang is the type that might do a drive-by redecoration. Of course it’s hinted that both Crowne (whom she has renamed “Lance Corona”, as if it sounds cooler) and Talia might have feelings for each other, but note that she’s a flighty girl with a free spirit in a movie about a guy who needs a push in his life. That’s all you really need to know. The only true human relationship hinted at in the film is between Crowne and Mrs. Tainot, watching how their own personalities collide and push each other to grow.

It’s important to understand this - Larry Crowne isn’t a bad movie, anymore than Larry Crowne is a bad guy. It’s nice, sweet, and simple. Two hours of good stuff happening to a good guy. A good guy who rides a scooter and helps influence other people. And, this will sound weird, but… remember in That Thing You Do!, how there was so much positive energy floating around that you couldn’t notice that the film was terribly bland until after you finished watching it? Tom Hanks directed that the same way he directs this - positive flow; bland payoff. Once it was over, I felt like I had witnessed something uplifting and genuine, but in reflection while writing this, I couldn’t help but notice the utter lack of spirit surrounding the whole project. It’s as if Vardalos and Hanks simply wanted to pour sugar on something bitter.

Zookeeper

Rating: ★★★

"Don't ever call me 'Bobo' again, damnit"

You’d think that a movie about Kevin James talking to animals wouldn’t be amusing, right? I would think that, too. And, I did, since I started seeing the banners all over San Francisco during my coffee outings with friends and co-workers. We’d joke back and forth about him being a tubby Dr. Dolittle, or Dr. Eatmuch, or whatever. But, those are low blows. Fact is, Kevin James is a talented guy, and a decent actor who gets stuck doing the second-hand Chris Farley shtick for Camp Sandler (you know, Adam Sandler and his best friends; Grown Ups, being as good as it is, is an exception). Here, watching Kevin James have talk soup with a gorilla isn’t as bad as it might seem, simply because of what they’re saying. Of course, you can raise an eyebrow or both about the screenplay taking five writers to finish, but… no, let’s just enjoy the story.

Griffin (Kevin James) is a zookeeper. Get it? That, and he’s a hopeless romantic. The film opens with a seemingly out of place shot of him riding on a horse with his girlfriend, Stephanie (Leslie Gibb). She’s not the one for him, as she turns down his proposal in a heartbeat. Never mind all the stops that were pulled out. Those don’t matter, really. Five years later, Griffin seems to be back on his feet, still working for the zoo, tending the animals, and kind of crushing but not really on the infinitely better-for-him Kate (the infallible Rosario Dawson). I can say infinitely better because there’s a formula at work here that’s as old as animal husbandry. Goofy guy tries to get his hot ex back using goofy routines, only to discover that being goofy is suave and gets a better girl. The difference here is that the animals are hooking him up.

The voices of the animals are as follows - Bernie the Gorilla is Nick Nolte, Donald the Monkey is Adam Sandler, Joe the Lion is Sylvester Stallone, Janet the Lioness is Cher, Barry the Elephant is Judd Apatow, Jerome the Bear is Jon Favreau, Bruce the Bear is Faizon Love, Mollie the Giraffe is Maya Rudolph, Sebastian the Wolf is Bas Rutten, and then there’s simply ‘frog’ by Don Rickles. That’s a hell of a voice-over team. And each actor is perfectly suited for their animals. They’re the most entertaining part of the film, especially the way their dialogue is designed, almost as if to fit whatever extra footage they had of the animals playing around. Their interactions are fantastic.

It’s unfortunate that the film follows as much formula as it does, given the opportunities for gold that it mines; the idea of using the animals’ own mating habits to get Griffin his girl isn’t exactly screenwriting gold, but the execution is loads of fun. Could have run a bit deeper and meant a bit more, and the humor probably could have been either broader or darker (think, oh… Strange Wilderness, for example). But, that might belie the intent of the screenplay. Just to show a sweet story about a man, a woman, their love, and its connection with nature. Or, maybe I’m even reading too much into that. Maybe they just wanted Kevin James to be fat with some animals for an hour and a half. Either way, both intentions were realized, and they pay off was better than it should have been. Predictable ending, but… formula. It’s almost Darwinian.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Rating: ★★

"Whatchu talkin' 'bout, Optimus?"

You know your movie is in trouble when you’re 20 minutes in and there’s no discernable plot. That’s also an indication that your movie is directed by Michael Bay. Also, that it’s part of the Transformers series. A general rule of screenwriting is that you have to hook your audience in the first ten pages (one page equals about one minute). Transformers assumes its audience is hooked from the first trailer, expecting people to shell out money for the tickets like they would for the refills of popcorn. And, of course, they were right. This is one of the biggest films of the year, and there seems to be no stopping it.

What we don’t seem to know about American history is that during the Apollo 11 moon landing, the astronauts discovered alien life. Not just any alien life, but the Transformers. Buzz Aldrin and his team unearthed a transport ship carrying “pillars” that were meant to build a space bridge, transporting pieces of the doomed planet Cybertron to a new location. Where? Well, if you’ve seen the last two movies, you can piece that together. We have the Autobots and the Decepticons locked in eternal war, battling for control of their race. Make? Design? Can we even call the Transformers a race? Whatever. That part isn’t important. What is important, however, is that the Autobots have formed an alliance with the humans and there’s… a war. Again. For a third time.

The flaw in the Transformers movies is that there’s the plot, and then there’s the action. And then there's the last hour of the movie that the two shall never meet. Think of it like the old adage - “Sex scenes in movies help drive the plot. Plot in porn helps drive the sex scenes.” The action scenes in Transformers, and in most action movies these days, drive what little plot there is. And by drive, I mean hammer. Right into the ground. There’s excess, and then there’s “a film by Michael Bay”. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the mythology the films have set up, let me break it down for you. There’s this kid, Sam Whitwicky (Shia LeBeauf) who got a car. Not just a car, but a classic Chevy that is actually a transformer. And there are other Transformers and they do some things. That’s really the extent of it. Yes, fans will cry “foul!” over that description, but that is sincerely all there is to make of it. If you can go further and not make me laugh, be my guest.

The problem, and this is the most integral problem of the whole franchise, is that it’s hard to care for a hunk of metal. The only reason that people are involved at all is, instinctively, because these hunks of metal come with power windows, four-wheel drive, automatic locks, plenty of trunk space, but absolutely zero personality. So, to circumvent that, we’re given Shia LeBeauf and John Turturro. That, and a slew of other actors. Frances McDormand, Patrick Dempsey, John Malkovich, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson... all actors too talented for a mess like this.  I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a fan of Megan Fox - I think she has a lot more on the ball than people are giving her credit for; and there’s a lot of talk about the disputes between her and Michael Bay during the filming of these films (hence her being replaced in this). But, that’s a story for another article. The point is, the actors are the best part, and the dialogue, no matter how inane, is always well delivered. Michael Bay has that part right - the easiest way to hook your audience in an action film is good, quick dialogue; not just big, loud explosions.

Bay is a talented filmmaker who makes bad movies. Sure - the story goes that with the second Transformers, that got critically destroyed, there was no script, the actors improvised most of their lines, Megan Fox wasn’t even present for most of the filming, etc. There’s all that - and then there’s the fact that even while Michael Bay can direct his actors to say things well, and then put a couple of big, snazzy explosions in between those lines, he just can’t tell a coherent story. There’s the miracle film of his called The Rock, and then there’s everything else. Big, pretty, loud, fun =/= intelligent.

Bad Teacher

Rating: ★

Bad teacher, worse car-washer.

There’s a special place in Hell reserved for people like Elisabeth Halsey. She’s a drunk, drug-abusing, materialistic gold-digger, and makes no bones about it. If you took one look at the woman, you’d think trophy wife, and move on. As well you should. What you wouldn’t think, however, is “teacher”. Role model, etc. Of course, that’s all part of the joke of the movie. Get it? Of course you do - it’s spelled out to the point where it isn’t funny anymore. Bad Teacher takes the idea that made Bad Santa so funny, and pile drives it into slapstick oblivion. Where in Bad Santa, the Santa was a criminal posing as a Santa. In Bad Teacher, this woman is actually a teacher, posing as a good person. The joke is lost in the translation.

I don’t really get it anymore.

More after the cut--

Horrible Bosses

Rating: ★★★

Cry me a *beep* river, Charlie. 

Part of my process for reviewing whatever it is I watch, I sit down and read as much about the film as possible - be it production notes, or other reviews. Reading other reviews for Horrible Bosses, I’m surprised that the film has taken off as well as it has. Certified “fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes at 75%, and many critics have given it three-four stars. Note - this of course doesn’t mean that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy the movie. It’s a comedy perfectly suited to my tastes, even if a bit sloppily executed. In the realm of “awful workplace” comedies, it falls just short of the greatness achieved by 9 to 5 or Office Space (the granddaddy of them all). Still, though, even on reflection, Horrible Bosses takes pinches of both and creates something unique to itself.

More after the cut--

In Theaters This Weekend

Does this mean Ralph Fiennes can stop whispering in everything now?

The time has come, the Rowling said - seven books took ten years and eight movies to get to filmgoers like us. And has the ride been worth it? Well, about half the time. The series has survived different directors, casting problems, and most other ailments that production companies dread. But, they've been released nonetheless, and always to gigantic box office numbers. I feel bad that cute little Winnie the Pooh has to go up against the giant that Harry Potter is destined to be. It's almost unfair. Also, this is the only chance I'll have to write about a Harry Potter movie being released. Until they're all remade in about thirty years. 

But, there has to be some sort of respect paid to the series, non? Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuaron, Mike Newell, and David Yates have given their visions and we give our thanks. Except to Mike Newell. He crapped on one of the best books ever written. But never mind. This is about the Deathly Hallows. 

So let's get down to it. 

More after the cut--

The Lincoln Lawyer and Others on DVD Tomorrow

"Outta my way, pointless supporting character."

Finally, a group of DVD's worth spending some money on! It's been a while since a stock of good films was put out on shelves at the same time as one another, so tomorrow is a day in which we can rejoice. A Grisham novel on steroids in The Lincoln Lawyer, a haunted house thriller in the same vein as Poltergeist in Insidious, and the foreign drama that stirred up emotions all over the country - Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives.  

So, let's take a look at each, shall we? I don't have to tell you which is worth your money. They all are. 

More after the cut--

Of Gods and Men and Others on DVD This Week

Survivor Man can suck it.

On DVD this week, three movies you might not have seen or heard of, but that you definitely should. An exploitative (in all the right ways) B-movie Grindhouse urban adventurer epic - Hobo With a Shotgun. A French drama about monks massacred in North Africa in the 90's, partly inspired by a true story - Of Gods and Men. And a film about immigration, specifically how far a woman will go to protect her son - Illegal. 

This is my first post in about a week, so I won't bog you down with any sort of prolific piece about each film. Let's cut straight to the chase. You want to know which one to see, right? Of course. The correct answer to that question is all three. I always urge my readers to see anything they can get their hands on. But, sometimes money is tight and you can't rent everything in sight. Well, this is where we help you make a decision. 

And as long as that decision is Hobo With a Shotgun, you're on the right track. 

More after the cut--

Gangs of New York

Rating: ★★★★

They're about to literally stomp the yard.

The critical divide over this film is astounding, even after almost ten years since it was released. The general consensus seems to be "it's an excellent film, but a touch unnecessary". I can understand that, and in some ways I'm inclined to agree. But, when reviewing a film, it's important to not think of it in an existential way (unless, of course, it requires that). What the film is, regardless of its necessity, is a sprawling epic and a beautifully told story. Filled with large characters and passionate direction. In some ways, it's a masterpiece. In other ways, it's just a damn good film.

Most people understand the word 'masterpiece' as being the singular pinnacle of an artist's career. I've always understood it to mean a piece of work that reflects the artist being at the top of their game. And by that definition, Martin Scorsese's career is loaded with masterpieces. So much so that the standard of 'masterpiece' becomes a bit higher for him. Gangs of New York, as Roger Ebert once remarked (and I'm saying this here because I've agreed with him for almost ten years now), would have been any other director's masterpiece. But in a filmography that contains Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, The Age of Innocence, etc.... it falls just short. A towering achievement, nevertheless, but not 'his masterpiece'.

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Super 8

Rating: ★★★★

Taking lessons from JJ Abrams

I'd call it the best Spielberg movie never made, but his role as a producer limits the truth of that statement. His signature is all over the film, especially in terms of the craft. But, I think that has more to do with J.J. Abrams (Lost, Star Trek, etc.) than anything else. Super 8 is most definitely a love letter to Steven Spielberg, and if the multiple shots of people looking just slightly off camera, the musical cues, and the treatment of the action is any indication, Abrams is most definitely in love. I've heard the film referred to as Stand By Me meets ET meets The Goonies, but... adding The Goonies to that list sort of insults the film. I say this, because I've always hated The Goonies, and I always will. But, that's for another post. 

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The Ballad of Jack and Rose

Rating: ★★

Another argument for the dangers of home schooling.

The Ballad of Jack and Rose furthers my argument that if The Parent Trap had only been about one child, it would have been a psychological drama. Haley Mills of course never had the near clinical sense of vacancy that Camilla Belle has as an actress. That isn't a knock on Belle, merely an observation - this character seems perfectly tailored to her abilities as a young actress. She's wonderful here, in ways that she isn't in other things. Of course, comparing this film to, oh... 10,000 BC is a bit like comparing this film to The Parent Trap. This is a film that deals with deep emotional issues, and some oddly specific parts of human nature - yet, it never manages to go as deep as it might suggest. And the film's director, Rebecca Miller (daughter of The Crucible's playwright Arthur Miller, and also Daniel Day-Lewis' wife), might not have been ready to delve into the story she presented. 

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The Adjustment Bureau, Unknown, and Others on DVD This Week

Mad Men returns 2012. Without Anthony Mackie.

On DVD this week, five films that require a little bit of an introduction. Only because they've seem to slip from the forefront of interest. The Adjustment Bureau, still one of the year's best films, almost seven months in; Cedar Rapids, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules, Unknown,  and The Eagle. Remember those?

No? Okay, well, don't feel bad. I do, and I'm here to help. Hell, I've reviewed two of them. And they're my recommendations for the week. Let's get down to brass tacks, shall we?

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There Will Be Blood

Rating: ★★★★

I drink your milkshake.

If Daniel Day-Lewis tells you he’s a Mohican Indian, you believe him. If he tells you he has cerebral palsy and can only use his left foot, you believe him. And if he tells you he’s an oil man, you will agree. He’s taken much criticism in his wild approaches to method acting, but I’ve often said in his defense - yes, the journey might be outlandish, but it’s all about what’s on screen. It’s the performance, not just the preparation.

There Will Be Blood is a dark comedy, in the same way that Lars Von Trier’s Dogville is; it is sound and furious, satirizing nothing. A rare period piece that feels lifted from its implied period, rather than feeling filmed in 2007, the film takes place between 1898 and 1927. I’m always pleased when a period film manages not to suffer from what I call ‘Yesterday Syndrome’. The film has an early American, as well as an oily and slick, feel. Paul Thomas Anderson’s screenplay is derived from only pieces of Upton Sinclair’s novel “Oil!”

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Happy Father's Day.

Awful movie, but it's what the "father's day movie" Google search gave me. 

In celebration of this honored day, and as an excuse to be too busy to go shopping for ties and golf balls, I've compiled a list of the five best, and five worst, movie fathers of all time.

From Atticus Finch to Anakin Skywalker, here we go.


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