Entertainment Hunters

Gulliver's Travels

We all know the 18th-century story of Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift, where the main character finds himself a giant amongst the tiny people of a mysterious faraway land, Lilliput. In this modern-day retelling, Jack Black (Kung Fu Panda) plays the title role as a Manhattan mail room clerk. He's smitten by an editor at the office, but Darcy (2012's Amanda Peet) is clearly out of his league. To get her attention, Gulliver tricks her into believing that he's actually a writer -- so she sends him on assignment to the Bermuda Triangle to cover a story.

After a fierce storm, Gulliver is shipwrecked and awakens in Lilliput -- where at first he is held captive, but then rises to hero status. Along the way, he helps another unlikely duo get together -- the island's princess (The Young Victoria's Emily Blunt) and an adoring commoner (Jason Segel from Despicable Me). Helping his new friends get together gives Gulliver much insight as to how he could win over Darcy. Now if only he could find a way to be back on the same ground with her again.

The comic-adventure film relies a bit too much on crude humor and special effects (although the 3D enhancement is once again unnecessary). It may not be that funny or adventurous, but there's some mild entertainment here thanks to a talented cast that rises above a silly script. It's not the best family film out this year, but it's certainly not the worst either. Directed and co-written by Rob Letterman (Monsters vs. Aliens). [Rated PG; opens Christmas Day]


Grade: B-


Notes:

• The minor recommendation is helped along by a fun new animated short that precedes the film. Scrat’s Continental Crack-Up is a great sneak peek at what lies ahead for the Ice Age series -- as Ice Age: Continental Drift is expected to hit theaters on July 13, 2012.
• Click on the Film Reviews icon at left for more reviews -- including Rabbit Hole, which opens wider on Christmas Day.

True Grit

Joel and Ethan Coen (A Serious Man, No Country for Old Men) have created their most mainstream film in True Grit, an adaptation of the 1968 Western novel by Charles Portis. The story, set in 1800s Arkansas, was previously adapted in a 1969 film starring John Wayne -- in his only Oscar-winning role.

Newcomer Hailee Steinfeld plays Mattie Ross, a 14-year-old girl who undertakes a quest to avenge her father's death at the hands of a drifter named Tom Chaney (Milk's Josh Brolin). Ross persuades an alcoholic U.S. marshal known as Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to join her in tracking Chaney down. He wants to go solo, but feisty Ross insists she go along. They are also joined by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), who wants to take in Chaney for other crimes. The trio face danger and surprises on the journey -- truly testing their "grit."

Bridges proves that his Oscar win last year for Crazy Heart was no fluke -- he nails the gruff, but lovable Cogburn. And Damon (Hereafter) also successfully showcases his great range -- he really can do both comedy and drama. But it's Steinfeld who steals the movie in a perfect casting coup. The Academy will surely recognize her talents when the Oscar nominations are announced next month.

Although I never read the novel -- and don't recall seeing the original film -- this newer version may be less of a straight remake than some would think. Ethan Coen has been quoted as saying the film is a more faithful adaptation of the novel than the 1969 version: "It's partly a question of point-of-view. The book is entirely in the voice of the 14-year-old girl. I think [the book is] much funnier than the movie. They lost a lot of humour in both the situations and in her voice. It also ends differently than the movie did. Another way in which it's a little bit different from the movie — and maybe this is just because of the time the movie was made — is that it's a lot tougher and more violent than the [original] movie reflects." (Source: IGN)

To sum up -- even if you're not usually a fan of Westerns, this film should not be missed. And if you've had trouble with the Coen Brothers' quirky writing and directing in past films, no worries here. There's no confusion as to what happens -- from start to finish. It's just a great American story -- dramatic, funny, touching and adventurous. And you'll witness the making of a new star in Steinfeld. [Rated PG-13; opens later today]


Grade: A-


Notes:

• Click on the Film Reviews icon at left for more reviews.
• Coming soon: a review of Gulliver's Travel.

Rabbit Hole

How do you move on after the death of a child? There is no time frame rule for grieving. Nor does everyone grieve in the same way. Eight months after the death of their young son, Becca (Nicole Kidman) and Howie (Aaron Eckhart) continue to cope with their grief -- but in different ways. Whereas Howie finds solace in re-watching a final video of the boy over and over, Becca needs to strip the house of most reminders. Both find comfort in private platonic relationships -- Becca becomes close with the teenage driver (newcomer Miles Teller) who accidentally hit the boy, while Howie buddies up with a fellow bereavement support group member (Sideways' Sandra Oh). Can Becca and Howie's marriage survive with so much grief and secrecy?

There's nothing particularly groundbreaking in the story-telling here. Sure, it's heartbreaking -- but the movie stands out due to riveting performances by Kidman (Oscar-winner for The Hours) and Eckhart (The Dark Knight). And Oscar-winner Diane Wiest (Hannah and Her Sisters, Bullets Over Broadway) is terrific as Becca's mom -- mourning not only her grandson, but also her own son she lost several years back. Teller, Oh and The Good Shepherd's Tammy Blanchard (who plays Becca's sister) round-out a strong supporting cast.

Directed by John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch) and written by David Lindsay-Abaire -- an adaptation of his Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name. If you can sit through the tough subject matter, the film is worth seeing for some astonishing performances. [Rated PG-13; opens in NY and LA today; wider on Christmas Day; nationwide on January 14]


Grade: B+


Notes:

• Click on the Film Reviews icon at left for more reviews.
• Coming soon: a review of True Grit.
  

127 Hours

Director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) is in Oscar-form once again with his dramatic telling of mountain climber Aron Ralston, who became trapped by a boulder in Utah for five days back in 2003. By now, we all know the true story of how Ralston ended up amputating his forearm to set himself free. So, it's an amazing feat by Boyle to create an engaging action film where the subject is alone and trapped -- especially one where we already know the ending. Boyle excels in pulling it off -- but there are plenty of accolades to go around.

James Franco (Milk) is excellent as Ralston, the loner who tells no one where he is going before his hike, while packing a bag with only limited supplies. He's pumped up for an exciting solo adventure -- but has some side fun before setting off on his main mission. Kate Mara (Brokeback Mountain, Shooter) and Ambler Tamblyn (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) play two pretty hikers Ralston meets before the accident. The short meeting showcases Ralston's captivating energy and fun spirit -- but also highlights his ultimate drive to be one with nature as they part ways.

Then it's on to the accident -- where Franco truly earns the Oscar nomination that lies ahead for him. He's somehow able to believably convey the fear, strength, determination, imagination and gut-wrenching realization that Ralston dealt with during those five days. How Ralston was able to keep his sense of humor intact and his mind sharp enough to rescue himself -- even after severe dehydration, hunger and hallucinations set in -- is nothing short of a miracle.

Boyle proves past success was not fleeting -- as the filmmaker pulls together a great story (he co-wrote with his Slumdog Millionaire Oscar-winning screenwriter, Simon Beaufoy) -- along with superb acting, camera work, film editing and score. Sure, you may have to look away at the critical point in the story, but that's okay -- I did. And it won't diminish the overall effect -- a truly inspirational story of survival. [Rated R; opens wider today and nationwide November 24]


Grade: A-


Notes:

• Watch a short interview with Aron Ralston here.
  
• Click on the Film Reviews icon at left for more reviews.

The Kids Are All Right

Nic and Jules are in a long-term, committed and loving relationship -- raising two teenagers while balancing home and work lives. Like most couples, they're happy -- but things are by no means perfect. Pretty normal. So, what makes this a different story? Well, Nic and Jules just happen to be lesbians. Annette Bening plays Nic, a doctor, primary breadwinner and the stricter parent. Julianne Moore is Jules, the more laid-back stay-at-home mom. With the kids getting older, Jules is trying to get a new business off-the-ground, but that's just one factor adding stress to the relationship.

We learn that each woman had given birth to one of the two kids using the same anonymous sperm donor. As daughter Joni (Mia Wasikowska) readies to leave for college, her curious younger brother Laser (Josh Hutcherson) asks her to contact the sperm bank in order to meet their biological father. When their father (Zodiac's Mark Ruffalo) enters the family's lives -- not only do the kids have to learn to adjust, but Nic and Jules face an unexpected turn of events that will truly test their relationship.

Directed by Lisa Cholodenko (High Art, Laurel Canyon) -- and written by Cholodenko and Stuart Blumberg -- the film is an entertaining family dramedy strengthened by stellar acting from a great cast. As usual, Moore (A Single Man) and Ruffalo are terrific -- and so are Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) and Hutcherson (Journey to the Center of the Earth). If you're going to make a film where younger actors play integral roles, you better nail the casting. And here, the filmmakers did. Bening is especially outstanding -- I honestly had forgotten what a great actress she is -- and without a doubt, she'll gain a well-deserved fourth Oscar nomination (The Grifters, American Beauty, Being Julia). My only gripe with the film is that part of the story veered off and didn't seem completely believable -- and that's the only reason you won't see a higher grade from me below. Still, a must-see. [Rated R; released on DVD and Blu-ray today]


Grade: B+


Note:

• Click on the Film Reviews icon at left for more reviews of movies in theaters now -- or already released for home viewing.
  

Megamind

The latest animated comedy from DreamWorks Animation is a villain vs. superhero story with a twist -- one where you may end up rooting for the unlikely character. The villain here is the Megamind (voiced by Will Ferrell), who continuously terrorizes Metro City -- but the city and its people are always rescued by suave superhero Metro Man (Brad Pitt). Megamind and Metro Man are both aliens who were sent to Earth as babies from their respective home planets. On Earth, they've had a long rivalry -- but Megamind always seems to be outwitted by Metro Man. Then during one of Megamind's many hostage plots involving news reporter Roxanne Ritchi (Tina Fey), tragedy strikes -- and it looks like Metro Man is finally out of the picture.

Now freed from his rival's shadow, Megamind proceeds to take control of Metro City. But over time, the big blue-headed villain comes to realize that he no longer has any purpose in life without an enemy. So, he concocts a plan to turn Roxanne's goofy cameraman Hal (Jonah Hill) into Metro City's next big superhero, the fiery-headed Titan. But things do not go as planned when power quickly goes to Titan's head. Aided by his fish-like sidekick Minion (David Cross), Megamind must find a way to resolve an even bigger issue -- as Metro City now has two villains and no superheroes.

Written by Alan J. Schoolcraft and Brent Simons, the film is directed by Tom McGrath (Madagascar). All borrow plot points from recent animated features -- including Monsters vs. Aliens and Despicable Me -- so, the film isn't as original as it could be. And be forewarned, it's neither a laugh-out riot nor a 3D spectacular (it's ok to see in 2D!). But the animation and strong cast rescue the film's shortcomings. Ferrell (The Other Guys), Fey (Ponyo), Hill (Cyrus) and Cross (Alvin and The Chipmunks) add much liveliness to the tale. Surprisingly, only Pitt (Inglourious Basterds) is a bit flat in his first animated role. [Rated PG; opens today]


Grade: B


Notes:

• Thanks to AOL, you can watch the first five minutes of the film -- with an introduction by Will Ferrell -- here. The opening serves as a great back-story that sets the stage well.
  
• Click on the Film Reviews icon at left for more reviews.

Hereafter

Invictus director Clint Eastwood and star Matt Damon re-team in the new drama, Hereafter. The film tells separate parallel stories about three individuals greatly affected by struggles with mortality -- and their beliefs in the afterlife. Damon plays American factory worker George, who is able to communicate with the dead, but finds it a curse rather than a gift. In another story, Cécile de France plays French television journalist Marie, who is haunted by her near-death experience after barely surviving the 2004 tsunami. Finally, newcomers Frankie and George McLaren play Marcus, a London boy who loses the person closest to him -- leaving him extremely lonely and longing for answers. As has been done in previous films in this style (yep, no longer original), all three stories and characters eventually converge.

The film has an extremely powerful opening showcasing Marie's survival. The special effects will pull you right into that horrific tsunami -- and the story. However, from that point on, the pacing of the film slows down significantly -- and at times, nearly stalls. And although it has a thought-provoking premise, and all three leads deliver strong performances, the conclusion seems a bit hokey and a tad unsatisfying. Still, Eastwood is a master director and the film is beautifully shot. Also stars the radiant Bryce Dallas Howard (The Village) and the miscast Jay Mohr (better suited for comedies). Written by Peter Morgan (The Queen, Frost/Nixon), with original music by Eastwood. It's not as strong as Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby or Gran Torino, but still worth seeing. [Rated PG-13; opens nationwide today]


Grade: B


Notes:

• Conviction opens wider today. Click here to read my review -- and to see an interview with star Sam Rockwell and director Tony Goldwyn.
• Click on the Film Reviews icon at left for more reviews.

Conviction

Two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank (Boys Don't Cry, Million Dollar Baby) turns in yet another winning performance in Conviction. Based on a true story, Swank plays Betty Anne Waters, a single mother who goes back to school to earn her GED, then her bachelor's degree, a master's in education, and eventually a law degree -- all in an effort to help exonerate her brother. Kenneth Waters was convicted in 1983 of the brutal 1980 murder of Katharina Brow in Ayer, Massachusetts. Kenny (Sam Rockwell) is no angel -- but Betty Anne feels she knows her brother the best, and is convinced he is innocent. So much so that she spends many years for just the chance to find a way to prove it.

Written by Pamela Gray and directed/co-produced by Tony Goldwyn (A Walk on the Moon, The Last Kiss), the story almost slips to TV movie quality at times -- maybe because so much ground (nearly 20 years) has to be condensed into a two-hour film. But Swank (Amelia), Rockwell (Everybody's Fine) and a great support cast led by Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting), Juliette Lewis (The Switch, Whip It!), Melissa Leo (Frozen River) and Peter Gallagher (Adam) give the film the heavy jolt needed to remind you that you're watching a truly remarkable story. And we're fortunate it got told in a theatrical release instead of a watered-down Lifetime TV production.

Now, I complain a lot about dumb movie titles that often contribute to a film's failure. Finally, we have a moniker that is genius. Think about it -- two uses of the word fit here. Waters fought so hard to find a way to overturn her brother's conviction -- because it was her firmly-held belief that he was innocent. This movie is quite a moving story of one's love for a sibling -- and should not be missed by anyone who loves his or her family. [Rated R; opens in select cites today, wider next Friday]


Grade: B+


Notes:

• Click on the Film Reviews icon at left for more reviews -- including RED, which opens today.
• Fun fact: Tony Goldwyn comes from a long line of Hollywood producers, actors and writers. And although he has also now branched out to directing and producing, Goldwyn is probably still best known for his acting. He played bad guy Carl Bruner in 1980's Ghost and philandering business executive J.D. Sheldrake in a recent stint in Broadway's Promises, Promises (a role he'll reprise on the big screen).
  
• Goldwyn, Sam Rockwell and Betty Anne Waters attended my recent screening of Conviction. The next day, the three made the usual round of press stops to promote the film. Here below is their interview with Philadelphia NBC10's "The 10! Show."

I Am Love (Io sono l'amore)

By now, you may have heard that Oscar winner Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton) has turned in another winning performance in an Italian art house film she co-produced. And that she does in I am Love -- but unfortunately, besides her potent turn and some breathtaking cinematography, the film is nothing more than a glorified soap opera.

Swinton plays Emma, a native Russian who had long ago wed into the wealthy Recchi family of textile manufacturers from Milan, Italy. With her children all grown, Emma finds herself in a rut -- and ends up having a passionate love affair that rocks her existence and jeopardizes the sanctity of the entire family. Mix in secrecy, homosexuality, an accidental death and some business wheeling and dealing -- and you'll feel like you're watching a dubbed version of a 1980s "Dynasty" episode.

Although the mostly Italian cast is unknown here, you may recognize the wonderful Marisa Berenson (S.O.B.) as the Recchi matriarch. The score, which contains several works by Pulitzer Prize winning composer John Adams, is mostly way over the top -- adding to the film's melodramatic tone. Directed by Luca Guadagnino and written by Guadagnino and Barbara Alberti. [Rated R; Italian and Russian with English subtitles; released on DVD today]



Grade: C+



Notes:

• Click on the Film Reviews icon at left for more reviews.
• Coming soon: reviews of October theatrical releases RED and Conviction.
  
• Curious when current films will be released on DVD? VideoETA remains the best online source -- click here.

Jack Goes Boating

Philip Seymour Hoffman has chosen familiar territory for his feature directorial debut -- the film adaptation of the 2007 off-Broadway play, Jack Goes Boating. Hoffman starred in Bob Glaudini's play -- an unconventional love story set in working-class New York City. On film, the Oscar-winner (for Capote) reprises his role as Jack, a limo driver unlucky in love.

Joining Hoffman is his Capote co-star, Amy Ryan (Gone Baby Gone) -- who plays Connie. Like Jack, she's also loveless. They're two middle-aged misfits who were somewhat damaged by life's experiences -- enough so that they never properly navigated the romance game. To the rescue are couple Clyde and Lucy -- who set their friends/co-workers up on a blind date. What ensues is a mix of humor and drama -- as one couple begins to take shape while another may suffer from irreparable damage.

Also reprising their roles from the play are John Ortiz (Two Lovers) as Clyde and Daphne Rubin-Vega (Wild Things) as Lucy. And Glaudini wrote the screenplay based on his own original work. Only Beth Cole, who played Connie in the play, did not take part in the movie. Although a small independent film, it's a believable tale of love, betrayal and friendship. Strengthened by excellent acting by all and showcasing a convincing slice of New York life, it's an admirable start to Hoffman's directing career. Some may argue that Hoffman has pigeon-holed himself in sad-sack roles. But who else can do it so well? [Rated R; in select cities now; opens wider tomorrow]


Grade: B


Notes:

• Click on the Film Reviews icon at left to read other recent reviews.
• Coming soon: reviews of The Social Network, Catfish, RED and Conviction.
• Amy Ryan attended my Jack Goes Boating screening last week -- and was especially gracious. The next day, she made many press rounds to promote the film. Here below is an interview with Philadelphia NBC10's "The 10! Show."
  
  

Never Let Me Go

Directed by Mark Romanek (One Hour Photo), the incredibly slow-moving drama Never Let Me Go is a science-fiction tale -- but it's not set in the future. Instead, the action begins at an English boarding school in the 1980s where classmates Kathy (Isobel Meikle-Small), Tommy (Charlie Rowe) and Ruth (Ella Purnell) may seem like regular kids -- but they (and we) eventually learn that they are far from normal. Without giving much away, their lives are totally planned out -- from beginning to defined end.

The visually-stunning story jumps to the mid-1990s, with the lead characters now young adults. Picking up the roles are the excellent Carey Mulligan (An Education) as Kathy, Andrew Garfield (The Social Network, future Spider-Man) as Tommy and Keira Knightley (Atonement) as Ruth. The transition from Meikle-Small to Mulligan is a seamless achievement in great casting -- and it's a good thing since the Kathy role serves as the film's narrator. The other transitions are less believable -- something that always seems to bug me maybe more than it should.

Wrapped up in the dystopian world is a story of love, jealousy and betrayal. But the character development falls far short to really sympathize. There was such potential here -- but in the long run, not enough happens to make things interesting or truly moving. And believe me, there are things you expect should happen and don't -- and you're left frustrated as to why they're not even explored. The film also stars Charlotte Rampling (Swimming Pool) and Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky). The screenplay is by Alex Garland (28 Days Later) -- and is based on the novel of the same name by Kazuo Ishiguro, who also wrote the novel "The Remains of the Day." [Rated R; in select cities now; opening wider tomorrow]


Grade: C+


Notes:

• Click on the Film Reviews icon at left to read other recent reviews.
• Coming soon: reviews of The Social Network, Catfish, Jack Goes Boating and RED.

The Town

In his second directorial feature, Ben Affleck proves that his first -- 2007's taut crime thriller Gone Baby Gone -- was no beginner's luck. Affleck explores the same genre again -- but this time around, he's wearing even more hats -- as director, co-writer and star of The Town. And he excels at all tasks -- in this gripping tale of intense action (some quite violent) interwoven with romance.

Set within the tough streets of Charlestown, Massachusetts, the film's plot revolves around four friends who are team of expert bank thieves. Affleck is the crew's chief, Doug -- with Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker) as Jem, a bit of a loose cannon. Things get a bit complicated when the masked crew takes bank employee Claire (Vicky Cristina Barcelona's Rebecca Hall) as a hostage during one Boston heist. She's released unharmed, but the crew decides they must keep on eye on her -- just in case she starts talking to the Feds. Soon after, Doug and the unknowing Claire strike up a romance -- and he finally has just cause to turn his life around. But will Claire find out the truth, ending Doug's plans?

Based on Chuck Hogan's novel "Prince of Thieves," the film boasts strong performances by all the leads and supporting cast. Jon Hamm (TV's Mad Men) portrays the FBI agent pursuing a case against the criminals. Blake Lively plays troubled drug addict Krista, Jem's sister and Doug's ex-girlfriend. It's quite a departure for Lively -- who stars on TV's Gossip Girl. And although we don't see a lot of her, Lively is surprisingly believable in the gritty role. The drama also stars the consistently great Pete Postlethwaite (In the Name of the Father) and Chris Cooper (Adaptation). Now that the traditional summer fluff is behind us, it's time for movies to get serious again. Thankfully, The Town kicks off the fall season in fine fashion. [Rated R; opens today]


Grade: B+


Notes:

• You may recall that Blake Lively was the guest host of the Saturday Night Live show I attended last year. Click here for more on that adventure.
  
• Click on the Film Reviews icon at left to read other recent reviews.
• Upcoming reviews include my thoughts on two October releases -- The Social Network (aka, the Facebook movie) and the Bruce Willis-starrer RED.

The Switch

Jennifer Aniston, the recent queen of romantic comedies, is back in The Switch playing Kassie -- a successful, but single 40-ish New Yorker looking to have a baby. As with 99% of films in the genre, you know the final outcome here before the movie even starts. I'm not even sure how it's possible, but this movie even finds a way to remove any glimmer of suspense. If you've seen the trailers, you've already seen the movie.

Despite the objections of her neurotic buddy Wally (Jason Bateman), Kassie decides to go ahead with plans for a sperm donor once she finds the perfect candidate in Roland (Patrick Wilson). Wally has always had feelings for Kassie -- but they long-ago decided just to be friends. At Kassie's ridiculously absurd "insemination party," a depressed and drunken Wally accidentally spills Roland's sample and has to switch it with his. Once pregnant, Kassie leaves town for seven years only to return with a young son who is mini-me version of Wally. Now we just have to painfully sit through the film until Kassie finds out the truth.

The film's only redeeming quality is a strong performance by Jason Bateman -- who continues to build upon recent successes in Juno, Extract and Up in the Air. Sadly the same cannot be said of Aniston. Despite great turns in early film roles in Object of My Affection and The Good Girl, she is now stuck in a rut of bad roles, giving the same performance over and over again. Also wasted here are the talents of Juliette Lewis and Jeff Goldblum as the obligatory co-workers/wacky friends. Neither are able to rise above the weak material. Not even a cute performance by the kid -- Thomas Robinson in his film debut -- can save this mess.

Co-directed by Will Speck and Josh Gordon (Blades of Glory), the film is written by Allan Loeb (Things We Lost in the Fire, 21) -- all of whom fail to inject life into the story. It's neither romantic nor funny -- I barely even chuckled. And you'll fail to convince me that it's really a dramedy -- because there is no drama here either. The geniuses behind the film even found a way to ignore the great setting. I cannot remember the last time a movie was set in New York City and didn't at least minimally capitalize on the wonderment of the city. It might as well been set in a small remote town. So save yourself the money on this one. If you're a fan of Bateman or Aniston, hold out and wait for the DVD release instead. [Rated PG-13; opens today]


Grade: C+


Note:

• Click on the Film Reviews icon at left to read other recent reviews -- including Eat Pray Love, The Other Guys, Dinner for Schmucks, Countdown to Zero, Inception, Despicable Me, Cyrus, Grown Ups and Toy Story 3.

Eat Pray Love

Based on the best-selling memoir of the same name by Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat Pray Love explores the life of a writer who leaves her unhappy marriage -- and temporarily her country -- to rediscover herself again while abroad. Julia Roberts is excellent in her first lead role since 2009's Duplicity. Too bad the story is not as riveting.

Starting on a wrong note, we never really learn why the writer's marriage was so terrible. So, it's a bit tough to cheer her on as she takes on her overseas personal journey. Her jaunt is split into three overly drawn-out stops in Rome (where she eats a lot), India (where she prays and meditates a lot) and Bali (where she unexpectedly finds love again). Along the way, she is inspired by the varied cultures and unique people she comes across. And I guess we're supposed to be equally inspired by her insights. But the main problem is -- how many of us can just drop everything after a life-changing moment and spend a year abroad? Consequently, it's hard to relate. Maybe the female viewers can at least relate to the introspection angle more than this guy blogger? I don't know.

There's a great supportive cast here that include Billy Crudup (Watchmen), James Franco (Milk), Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men, Vicky Cristina Barcelona), Richard Jenkins (The Visitor) and the tragically-underused Viola Davis (Doubt). But their performances are not enough to overcome the "so what" feeling you're likely to be left with after sitting through this flat adaptation. I base my minimal recommendation on a winning performance by Roberts, some visually-stunning scenery and a strong soundtrack which includes Eddie Vedder's new song, "Better Days." Directed by Ryan Murphy (Running with Scissors), who also co-wrote the screenplay with Gilbert and Jennifer Salt. [Rated PG-13; opens today]


Grade: B-


Note:

• Click on the Film Reviews icon at left to read other recent reviews -- including The Other Guys, Dinner for Schmucks, Countdown to Zero, Inception, Despicable Me, Cyrus, Grown Ups and Toy Story 3.

The Other Guys

It's definitely a summer full of silly comedies. On the heels of the dumb Grown Ups and Dinner for Schmucks, comes the latest -- The Other Guys. The film marks the fourth collaboration between star Will Ferrell and director/co-writer Adam McKay (Anchorman, Talladega Nights and Step Brothers). This time, Ferrell is teamed up with Mark Wahlberg (The Lovely Bones) as bumbling NYC detectives out to solve a financial crime -- and to prove to their precinct captain and fellow cops that they have what it takes to be heroes.

Full of cartoon-like violence and ridiculous lines, there are laughs here -- although the low-brow humor definitely wears thin after a while. Ferrell is at the top of his goofy game -- and Wahlberg, after dipping his feet in comic roles with Date Night, shows he has the range to garner laughs. Surprisingly, the two do have good chemistry. But a better script could have made this buddy cop film a huge adult comedy success. Instead, it's just a silly, simple movie that seems best targeted to teenage boys.

Ultimately, the film is funnier than the other summer comedies out there, but not by much. At least it doesn't try to be anything but silly -- unlike its predecessors that try to be serious, too. I say save your money now and wait for the DVD. Like most Will Ferrell comedies, it will make for a somewhat enjoyable rental. Also stars Micheal Keaton, Eva Mendes (The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans), Samuel L. Jackson, Dwayne Johnson -- and in a funny cameo, Yankees captain Derek Jeter. [Rated PG-13; opens today]


Grade: B-


Notes:

• Continuing a trend of interesting closing credits, stick around for a litany of statistics and facts about the current state of our economy. Better suited for a financial documentary, they somehow find a home here. Most of my audience left unaware or uninterested -- which just helps to explain why things are the way they are!
  
• Click on the Film Reviews icon at left to read other recent reviews -- including Dinner for Schmucks, Countdown to Zero, Inception, Despicable Me, Cyrus, Grown Ups and Toy Story 3.

The Ghost Writer

Director Roman Polanski knows first-hand about getting away with a crime -- and he carries the theme over to his latest film, the political thriller The Ghost Writer. No matter what you feel about his personal life, Polanski is an excellent director who has created movie magic with such films as Rosemary's Baby, Chinatown and The Pianist.

In another strong achievement for Polanski, Pierce Brosnan plays fictional former British Prime Minister Adam Lang -- who is living on Martha's Vineyard while completing his memoirs (of course, production was actually completed in Germany due to Polanski's inability to step foot in the United States). Lang's long-term aide and ghost writer has died in an accident -- and a successor (Ewan McGregor) is hired to take over the project. Soon, the new ghost writer learns that his predecessor's death may not have been an accident -- and that his employer is mixed up in a world of mess that involves accusations of war crimes and CIA cover-ups.

McGregor (Angels & Demons) is terrific in the lead -- his impressive performance actually helps the film overcome the occasional absurd bump in script logic. Equally great is Kim Cattrall (Sex and the City fame) as Lang's assistant. I was amazed she pulled off the British accent so well -- until I learned that the actress is actually from the United Kingdom -- it was news to me! There are also very good turns by Brosnan (Oceans), Olivia Williams, Tom Wilkinson and veteran Eli Wallach.

The film is an adaptation of the Robert Harris novel, The Ghost. Harris and Polanski co-wrote the screenplay. If you cannot forgive Polanski for his person indiscretions, that's understandable. But you'll be missing one of the better thrillers to come along in a while. [Rated PG-13; released on DVD today]


Grade: B+


Note:

• An alphabetical archive of other film reviews -- for recent releases and those already on DVD -- can be found by clicking on the icon in the left menu.

Countdown to Zero

From producer Lawrence Bender, who backed the hit global warming documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, comes Countdown to Zero -- about another threat to the world -- nuclear annihilation. There's no doubt, this film will scare the bejesus out of you. Let's face it, things were scary enough during the Cold War when only a few countries had nuclear weapons. Now, not only do many more countries have nuclear capabilities, but we also have to worry about terrorists obtaining materials to make their own bombs. And on top of that, we learn in the film how lucky we've been to survive all the near nuclear accidents that have plagued the world for decades. You can't help but think our luck will run out sooner rather than later.

The film features interviews with world leaders and experts, including Tony Blair, Jimmy Carter, Mikhail Gorbachev, Robert McNamara, Pervez Musharraf and Valerie Plame Wilson. It also contains chilling vintage footage of J. Robert Oppenheimer -- who was instrumental in developing the world's first atomic bomb. Their words will haunt you -- and also frustrate you (stop giving the terrorists more ideas!).

Sure, it's mostly a downer. But when the film closes with Pearl Jam's song, "The Fixer," you're left with at least some hope that the world can work together to undo the madness -- if leaders would only work together to dismantle the current bombs and better secure the plutonium that's already out there. And we can help. The film's closing credits contain a phone number to which a text message may be sent to protest the maintenance of high levels of nuclear arsenals and lax security of nuclear materials. It may not be the most-completely balanced documentary, but it's quite powerful just the same. Directed by Lucy Walker (Blindsight) and narrated by actor Gary Oldman. [Rated PG; opens wider today]


Grade: B+


Notes:

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Dinner for Schmucks

It's really a shame when good actors deliver in a film -- but it's not enough to save a bad script. That's the case with Dinner for Schmucks, a remake of the French film The Dinner Game (Le Dîner de Cons), which itself was an adaptation of a French play. Steve Carell and Paul Rudd, who have previously teamed up in Anchorman and The 40 Year-Old Virgin, reunite for this offbeat comedy which mostly misses the mark.



Grade: C+


Note:

• Click on the Film Reviews icon at left to read other recent reviews -- including Inception, Despicable Me, Cyrus, Grown Ups and Toy Story 3.

Inception

Writer, director and producer Christopher Nolan, who gave us The Dark Knight and all its glory, is back with another imaginative world -- this time, the visually-stunning world of dreams. Leonardo DiCaprio (Shutter Island) stars as Dom, a thief-for-hire who can extract corporate secrets from sleeping minds. But Dom has a secret of his own -- one that is preventing him from being reunited with his children. Now he is given a chance to have his personal dream fulfilled -- if he can complete an assignment from a tycoon, played by Ken Watanabe (Letters from Iwo Jima). But there's a twist -- Dom must work with a team to plant an idea into the mind of an unsuspecting heir to a business empire (Cillian Murphy) -- an inception, rather than an extraction.

With amazing detail, Nolan has created a very stylized, multi-layered thriller. The architecture of the dreams is something to behold -- with all the CG tricks and real-location beauty working together for brilliant results. But the movie excels on more than extraordinary visuals and exciting action. DiCaprio turns in yet another strong performance -- and Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard (La Vie en Rose) is exceptional as his long-suffering wife, Mal.

But is Inception a great movie? Not exactly -- but it's a very good one. Sure, it has the most original material of any movie so far this year, but it still borrows from action movies that have previously dabbled in the space-time continuum arena -- most notably, The Matrix. I also found casting a bit odd. I loved supporting players Joseph Gordon-Levitt in (500) Days of Summer and Ellen Page in Juno and Whip It -- and they're fine here, but at times I felt that they seemed too young to carry their more adult roles. And a favorite of Nolan, two-time Oscar winner Michael Caine (Alfred in the Batman series) was also sadly underutilized this time around. Finally, clocking in at nearly two-and-a-half hours, an overly-long opening sequence could have been trimmed a bit to give the film a tighter fit. But these are minor issues -- and Inception should not be overlooked. It's a big-screen must -- and I recommend seeking it out on IMAX to maximize appreciation of Nolan's amazing dream world. [Rated PG-13; in theaters now]


Grade: B+


Notes:

• Click on the Film Reviews icon at left to read other recent reviews -- including Despicable Me, Cyrus, Grown Ups and Toy Story 3.
• Look out for more movie reviews in the coming weeks -- including one for the new Steve Carell/Paul Rudd comedy, Dinner for Schmucks.
  

Despicable Me

Anyone else notice the latest Hollywood trend? The most inventive, and therefore most critically-acclaimed films over the past several years are animated features. From Universal Studios and Illumination Entertainment, Despicable Me is the latest computer-animated 3-D feature film -- releasing right on the heels of the extraordinary Toy Story 3 from Disney/Pixar. And it's nearly as entertaining.


Grade: A-


Note:

• Click on the Film Reviews icon at left to read other recent reviews -- including Cyrus, Grown Ups and Toy Story 3.