ELECTRIC BOOGALOO: CANNON FILMS DOCUMENTARY

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckgF_og05BKYVFT8EjeBnP2yjxSe84F2MrW3eNLPwk69cYM7-f-p6JEk7rPiikiZxbmgxeNhSXxQwY6x0jie9lfBOVtaZuNylaIsTrNNWL67HEgsTXooJ7FKWyjEmuH3AYO4goctlRWo/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckgF_og05BKYVFT8EjeBnP2yjxSe84F2MrW3eNLPwk69cYM7-f-p6JEk7rPiikiZxbmgxeNhSXxQwY6x0jie9lfBOVtaZuNylaIsTrNNWL67HEgsTXooJ7FKWyjEmuH3AYO4goctlRWo/s400/1.jpg" width="280"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">year: 2014</td></tr> </tbody></table> For the most part, there are two kinds of Cult Films: really bad cheap ones that get a following for being so fun and campy, or solid, classic blockbusters that simply won't go away, spawning sequel after sequel and endless conventions and, you know, all that jazz.<br> <br> In this, ELECTRIC BOOGALOO: THE WILD, UNTOLD STORY OF CANNON FILMS, instead of celebrating (ironic or otherwise) b-movies or motion pictures that tried for greatness and failed, there's an endless hammering of really irritated people talking down the two men who made up the surprisingly successful CANNON company, Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus, wheeler-dealer Israelis who loved spawning movies so much they just couldn't stop. It was like an addiction. A craze. One that, beyond anyone's opinion herein and simply fact, <i>did</i> eventually bring down an immense empire as, between the lines, there's a feeling the boys always wanted to create greatness on the big screen, so their cinematic turkeys probably did make them look pretty awful, at the time. In other words, if they set out to make money on junk, they succeeded (and were obviously extremely difficult to work with, or understand... verbally). But yearning to be the next, say, Sam Peckinpah or Walter Hill, and winding up, at times, digging themselves beneath Roger Corman or Troma... at least according to most of the interviews... does put some of the gripes into perspective. Wannabe Kings who turned out Jesters is an intriguing premise.<br>

2014, cult, documentary

ELECTRIC BOOGALOO: CANNON FILMS DOCUMENTARY

year: 2014 For the most part, there are two kinds of Cult Films: really bad cheap ones that get a following for being so fun and campy, ...

SURPRISINGLY GREAT REVIEW OF PADDINGTON

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOeBbQemSkqc5WO4eEshfBBS3VlXTmL95dqEfD7yqb2VrvWsCaz6s7aXtlvnEzpOMnMnWhU2IbAkLdmPQ4PFuatMk5IWOzGGBGYFDFejVFoSphFOgp6tHMvNXIu-KmKW2co7i2pqaNAc/s1600/Paddington_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOeBbQemSkqc5WO4eEshfBBS3VlXTmL95dqEfD7yqb2VrvWsCaz6s7aXtlvnEzpOMnMnWhU2IbAkLdmPQ4PFuatMk5IWOzGGBGYFDFejVFoSphFOgp6tHMvNXIu-KmKW2co7i2pqaNAc/s1600/Paddington_4.jpg" width="102" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 grade: A+</td></tr> </tbody></table> Items on the menu always look better than the real thing… And movie trailers are usually no different… But in this case, the commercials showing the red-hatted bear cleaning his ear with a toothbrush and flooding the house while riding the bathtub downstairs makes PADDINGTON seem banal and childish, when in fact it's an enjoyable, thoughtful and creative odyssey, and even more entertaining than, dare it be said, <i>anything</i> up for Best Picture this year… Take that, Academy snobs!<br /> <br /> Beneath those silly scenes and a few jokes that don't always hit the mark, there’s a sturdy plot about Paddington searching for an explorer who we met in the prologue – he discovered a trio of bears in their jungle home and promised safe harbor if ever visiting London, where our furry hero winds up alone on a permanent basis. Attached to a reluctant human family including a snobby father and two bitter children, he finds a true friend in the perky mom/wife till the others follow suit.  <br /> <br /> In the Cruella Devillish role is Nicole Kidman, out to kill the adventurous bear for… reasons that shouldn’t be spoiled. And what makes PADDINGTON visually sublime are the inserted shots either depicting the backstory or detailing fantasy sequences, sometimes bathed in a Noirish black & white: making this a children’s film equally engaging for adults and bonafide film buffs, paying stylish homage to classics ranging from AMELIE to RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK to THE THIRD MAN, and beyond. <b>OVERALL RANK: <u>Jedi,</u> Rebel, Droid, Sith. </b>

2014, animation, kids, nicole kidman

SURPRISINGLY GREAT REVIEW OF PADDINGTON

2014 grade: A+ Items on the menu always look better than the real thing… And movie trailers are usually no different… But in this case, ...

MILES TELLER & J.K. SIMMONS IN WHIPLASH

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttxwkoDyrkwc0NY4yUBGzSII3IPHZFDKWvPUrhbxtA6UFnLvW1Th8LtGut0JtNDvxLDIkI7B2FfDs2v6-eE4tciPP-_Gi_POsGiDNurhrsW-oSm9aUBwmX-kgpJWzs9Ngykm1mBnCnhE/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttxwkoDyrkwc0NY4yUBGzSII3IPHZFDKWvPUrhbxtA6UFnLvW1Th8LtGut0JtNDvxLDIkI7B2FfDs2v6-eE4tciPP-_Gi_POsGiDNurhrsW-oSm9aUBwmX-kgpJWzs9Ngykm1mBnCnhE/s320/Picture+1.png" width="202" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 rating: ***1/2</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div style="text-align: right;"> </div> When J.K. Simmons as Fletcher, a hard-nosed teacher at a prestigious music conservatory, mentions how jazz is practically dead thanks to "Starbucks Jazz," it’s the one time he really connects with the audience, because it’s true: That genre has been practically done away with, at this point sounding more like a spy flick or game show than the kind of pioneering improvisational genius that took blood, sweat and tears to create, and perfect. <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: right;"> </div> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_XzI8w-DXOsyACTZtRJMw7U8XON29GsEShc4_b2Gp097wjIbwDNijpZAMcZIR_qRlB-gRXQd6HDLnq37ODK9uKX35O4RTm0ENu5L8_ZhnZGbc2qDk9QXeOftAN_JO8NAOh0-9vNmOsI/s1600/Whiplash.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_XzI8w-DXOsyACTZtRJMw7U8XON29GsEShc4_b2Gp097wjIbwDNijpZAMcZIR_qRlB-gRXQd6HDLnq37ODK9uKX35O4RTm0ENu5L8_ZhnZGbc2qDk9QXeOftAN_JO8NAOh0-9vNmOsI/s320/Whiplash.jpg" width="138" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J.K. Simmons</td></tr> </tbody></table> Well it's blood, sweat and one tough tear that Andrew, played by Mills Teller, sheds to make the cut in Fletcher’s band room, an intentionally claustrophobic setting where most of the movie's set. From Simmons we experience screeching commands and furious tantrums reminiscent of cinematic drill sergeants, ranging from Louis Gossett Jr. to Lee Ermy, and his subjects are along for the pulsating, gut-wrenching ride. <br /> <br /> While Fletcher’s rants are as politically-incorrect as you can get away with today, and Andrew’s edgy determination brings out a terrific performance (and spot-on drum mimicking) from Teller, WHIPLASH isn't without clichés, like a tacked on love interest and various sideliners, from family members to fellow musicians, catered to make our lead character seem more viable, or something. Meanwhile, no matter how many times the band plays, and the teacher scolds them for getting it wrong, it all sounds... similar.  <br /> <br /> But what really puts WHIPLASH over the top is a standoff finale that, in a musical sense, equals if not triumphs any pulsating action movie climax – summing up both student and teacher while the theme becomes clearer than ever. <b>COLLECTIVE RANK: Jedi, <u>Rebel</u>, Droid, Sith. </b>

2014, jazz score, jk simmons, miles teller, music

MILES TELLER & J.K. SIMMONS IN WHIPLASH

2014 rating: ***1/2 When J.K. Simmons as Fletcher, a hard-nosed teacher at a prestigious music conservatory, mentions how jazz is prac...

LEFTOVER 2014 REVIEWS: SELMA & THE IMITATION GAME

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MEybw6m1LAIcYK8Xz1GcmvnZbIch3zw8NmNfHdjuu-sXbOrpxc7bW1-U64ajA0CorZvUpDhxreOdjbNUmTZOGOECJkVDuJB_TFfZkeuzCIw1n13_CJTO_8byPtKbyWTW211QC5OlPus/s1600/5651d721-3c60-44f7-8d2c-6ec952d7c9b0.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MEybw6m1LAIcYK8Xz1GcmvnZbIch3zw8NmNfHdjuu-sXbOrpxc7bW1-U64ajA0CorZvUpDhxreOdjbNUmTZOGOECJkVDuJB_TFfZkeuzCIw1n13_CJTO_8byPtKbyWTW211QC5OlPus/s200/5651d721-3c60-44f7-8d2c-6ec952d7c9b0.PNG" width="131" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 rating: ***</td></tr> </tbody></table> <b>SELMA:</b> Historical biopic taking us through the fight for equal voting rights – not an easy task in 1965, Alabama. Visually narrated by typed <i>logged</i> accounts from an antagonistic standpoint, we get Southern police readouts of almost every meeting that Martin Luther King Jr. had before the planned march from Selma to Montgomery, describing good people as bad i.e. peaceful protestors as violent agitators...<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: right;"> </div> Yet not all off-the-record conversations are verified and need some factual confirmation. But much like LINCOLN, the movie plays out intentionally sparse and strategic, centering on the race-related political goal with very little distractions or sideline melodrama. Unlike several other projects this year (THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING especially), SELMA doesn't reek of contrived Oscar bait. And with bigwigs like Brad Pitt and featured cameo Oprah Winfrey producing, it has a surprisingly indie baseline. <br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXoaGE_2zUzzTWaEMeaBJ6RTeZ4DYNSkuzaUHsolKzE6mj9oNBPfVWNjYpb1xqR_Tkt9W16Avi7IuXtiLlftSMBnVILTeHlkqfPeMkKTmylsUYarEI2n3TLnzeTSVoWKJjqNWJ6WXQCs/s1600/selma-still.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXoaGE_2zUzzTWaEMeaBJ6RTeZ4DYNSkuzaUHsolKzE6mj9oNBPfVWNjYpb1xqR_Tkt9W16Avi7IuXtiLlftSMBnVILTeHlkqfPeMkKTmylsUYarEI2n3TLnzeTSVoWKJjqNWJ6WXQCs/s320/selma-still.jpg" width="162" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Oyelowo as King</td></tr> </tbody></table> In the lead role, David Oyelowo provides a realistic human portrayal of the iconic leader. Whether speaking to his wife alone, his men joined together, or to a large crowd, Oyelowo’s voice is mesmerizing but never overly dramatic or seeming like an imitation. And on the other side of the spectrum are two men, opposite to each other and to King. Yet despite the combined potential, Tom Wilkinson's stubborn President Lyndon B. Johnson and Tim Roth's spiteful Governor George Wallace never stretch beyond grouchy wallpaper.  <br /> <br /> There are a few overlong scenes involving characters not very fleshed out. You’ll feel for any human being who gets beaten and/or killed, but tragic violence is even more moving and persuasive when we know the victims beyond their struggle at hand. And that’s the catch: While there needed more attention and interesting dialogue from the people around Martin Luther King Jr. to fulfill the overall cinematic experience, with such a genuine lead performance it didn’t seem necessary to stray from the MLK's presence very long. Also like LINCOLN, this is a one-man show… when it counts the most.<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hFmpqH7oAmFHYfnt-fD2fpXQ4Ah7qMDJQzIuod8wDabMv5EGjb30T9H97zNZM7GNTm52dpOUP8j_QxbHhdM3Wn4GGUWUi48RlpRZL2nGplmzMqGfLYVNEUZtITamfn9i9kfxz-nJs7o/s1600/Poster-art-for-The-Imitation-Game_event_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hFmpqH7oAmFHYfnt-fD2fpXQ4Ah7qMDJQzIuod8wDabMv5EGjb30T9H97zNZM7GNTm52dpOUP8j_QxbHhdM3Wn4GGUWUi48RlpRZL2nGplmzMqGfLYVNEUZtITamfn9i9kfxz-nJs7o/s320/Poster-art-for-The-Imitation-Game_event_main.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">year: 2014 rating: **</td></tr> </tbody></table> <b>THE IMITATION GAME: </b>As the movie begins, a narration warns us to pay attention… A story centering on the guy who, during World War 2, figured out how to fight fire with fire – in this case, break a computer code using another computer (years before computers were everywhere and inside everything) – might seem very complicated… Details matter so you better well listen…<br /> <br /> Although THE IMITATION GAME spends very little time with technology, instead centering on mathematician Alan Turing's quirks... He's a young man so brilliantly neurotic and flaky, everyone around has to figure him out as <i>he</i> figures how to break a Nazi code to intercept attacks before they happen, and ultimately win the war. <br /> <br /> Sporadic backstory glimpses into Alan’s past are intriguing at first, and then amount to what the entire movie really centers on instead of the WWII cerebral thriller that was promoted: Turing was a homosexual during a time when it was illegal, and his personal struggle trumps the important strategy we were poised to experience: The computer Alan creates and tortures himself over is, halfway through, suddenly built and ready to go. Meanwhile, his teammates, including a dashing womanizer and a beautiful crossword puzzler (Keira Knightly), seem more interested in what Turing has to hide than defeating the Nazis. And while all performances are capable enough, GAME would make for a much better documentary: centering more on historical facts than factual distractions.

2014, biopic, tim roth

LEFTOVER 2014 REVIEWS: SELMA & THE IMITATION GAME

2014 rating: *** SELMA: Historical biopic taking us through the fight for equal voting rights – not an easy task in 1965, Alabama. Visu...

GROUNCHY GROWNUP REVIEW OF INTO THE WOODS

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WVhMokHyBa-q6g7A5n_elBMR4t7DarMtztkivy-HXz6v2ZCOZfOplgBBO-DVI3pL2GPsIWwdmsU2Q9G5llNX7KsixJlPL4MDNgJ-wnv8sOaZ2oJJh4YfyZM8i4BeEWFWwlDI98hlj64/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WVhMokHyBa-q6g7A5n_elBMR4t7DarMtztkivy-HXz6v2ZCOZfOplgBBO-DVI3pL2GPsIWwdmsU2Q9G5llNX7KsixJlPL4MDNgJ-wnv8sOaZ2oJJh4YfyZM8i4BeEWFWwlDI98hlj64/s320/1.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 rating: **</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div style="text-align: right;"> </div> In any musical, the songs should be unique, setting apart each sequence while moving the story along instead of, in this particular case, every tune sounding so similar, it's like each character were taking a piece of the same thread, tying it around the same tree, over and over again… and again and again… like a scratched record... Or fingernails on a chalkboard.<br /> <br /> An hour feels like three, but INTO THE WOODS isn’t without artistic and creative value. Whereas TITANIC added unknown characters into a known (true) story, here we have a common baker and his wife intertwined within a handful of fairy tails including Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella and of course, Little Red Riding Hood… And with the promotion of Johnny Depp as the Big Bad Wolf, you would think he was more important – but JD's a tiny shriek of a howl compared to the other players, all lost within a busy maze that is sometimes entertaining and other times, just plain redundant.<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7i614coKGx0Rm2_pRjjlQvE14Vo9wN1LLx6YqWblaanKr_nU6vOBMa2giqdTvV8pkK4QJaAzcS4HcQZOGZ-OK-0Ans_oI2nl_zX4S-7von6VBbztbhZp3v_ZaY2tY7NMjAFGQKbrLl8/s1600/2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7i614coKGx0Rm2_pRjjlQvE14Vo9wN1LLx6YqWblaanKr_nU6vOBMa2giqdTvV8pkK4QJaAzcS4HcQZOGZ-OK-0Ans_oI2nl_zX4S-7von6VBbztbhZp3v_ZaY2tY7NMjAFGQKbrLl8/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Johnny Depp Cameo</td></tr> </tbody></table> The funniest number has our two handsome studs, Cinderella’s Prince and Rapunzel’s Prince, outdoing each other's sorrow and rejection, providing genuinely witty satire and giving the characters a tongue and cheek platform. At certain moments throughout, right when the movie gets humorous the characters take themselves too seriously, and vice versa. Yet Chris Pine in general seems to realize an important element: this is a parody liken to THE PRINCESS BRIDE… And here we catch the tail end of each famous tale: For example, Cinderella’s dance with the prince and Jack’s adventures in the clouds are spoken of and dealt with afterwards, which can be frustrating... It feels like we're missing all the good parts. <br /> <br /> Meryl Streep plays the Witch who cursed the Baker’s wife, sending the couple on a scavenger hunt (also the main plot) to retrieve one item from each story including Red Riding Hood’s Red Hood, Jack’s cow and Cinderella’s slipper. Streep, who gets nominated on an annual basis, feels like a special guest star; her input is nothing special, really. The two most talented performers are the youngest: Jack and Little Red were probably hired for their voices, both obvious "ringers" to legitimize this patchwork musical that occasionally breaks into dialogue.

2014, disney, emily blunt, johnny depp, meryl streep, musical

GROUNCHY GROWNUP REVIEW OF INTO THE WOODS

2014 rating: ** In any musical, the songs should be unique, setting apart each sequence while moving the story along instead of, in th...

PAUL THOMAS ANDERSON DIRECTS INHERENT VICE

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8k4pHjcQpyCz9ZnhhveNCDbQ1OxIUO-KZJHY_0Q-fb2nCL_ua6MxHAB-xSJZHXWl7JMJWSt2HjE-FkaAha1ohyltxZFyX7f7OVeZYiYgAMBs-myoLKJON75ZrXr92bHv51dCebkMIIJs/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8k4pHjcQpyCz9ZnhhveNCDbQ1OxIUO-KZJHY_0Q-fb2nCL_ua6MxHAB-xSJZHXWl7JMJWSt2HjE-FkaAha1ohyltxZFyX7f7OVeZYiYgAMBs-myoLKJON75ZrXr92bHv51dCebkMIIJs/s200/Picture+1.png" width="131" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2015 rating: *</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div style="text-align: right;"> </div> Judging by appearances alone, INHERENT VICE has already been compared to THE BIG LEBOWSKI since our scruffy hippie hero is… well… a scruffy hippie hero, like Jeff Bridges as The Dude. But the real similarity is both channel Film Noir where reluctant underdogs become entangled in an eclectic web of deceit, beautiful women, red herrings and more last names than a phone book…<br /> <br /> And while LEBOWSKI centered on the product of the 1960’s lost in the 1990's, INHERENT VICE takes us to that actual magical place: a colorful era where idealistic L.A. druggies proudly contrast from the straight-laced necktie jerks, who, in this particular case, are all more crooked than Richard Nixon himself (numerously mentioned along with The Manson Family, Paranoia, Blacklisting and a napsack of other counter-culture clichés).<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1bDFAssl-D3I9CTADfoNUQRiKReOaswzAHzoS97G_AEsFW0qO1x_K868vUzrtvkP3-883-fwFFlNFILj64yA_YErYy0JAeEGlVjLLpKN2KNvrBK64LGRnbLGOopRPZ-0y5CRqAtEQoU/s1600/-1.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1bDFAssl-D3I9CTADfoNUQRiKReOaswzAHzoS97G_AEsFW0qO1x_K868vUzrtvkP3-883-fwFFlNFILj64yA_YErYy0JAeEGlVjLLpKN2KNvrBK64LGRnbLGOopRPZ-0y5CRqAtEQoU/s200/-1.jpg" width="118" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joaquin Phoenix</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> The problem with VICE isn’t the abundance of characters spouting endless monologs within dull interior locations, but our main man, Joaquin Phoenix, whose Larry "Doc" Sportello doesn’t seem established enough to be taken seriously as an investigator of any sort, or a doctor or… Whatever the hell he's supposed to be just isn't clear.  <br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiV06eIPHgaFZCvSgqir1vByGAeZb9SodzGwIxjQ5Xek8l-kK49loE3s1LGoGvSPUSv8f7vxWDXKtHVAqjoz4pkCkecucqKTfVJ-gUUeBoSRHVkYVBfF7TUQxtWIFgC0Ep7sA-P310Lek/s1600/Picture+1.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiV06eIPHgaFZCvSgqir1vByGAeZb9SodzGwIxjQ5Xek8l-kK49loE3s1LGoGvSPUSv8f7vxWDXKtHVAqjoz4pkCkecucqKTfVJ-gUUeBoSRHVkYVBfF7TUQxtWIFgC0Ep7sA-P310Lek/s200/Picture+1.png" width="120" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Josh Brolin</td></tr> </tbody></table> Phoenix sleepwalks through the role without humor, pathos or legitimate world-weary dynamic while his given-task weaves in so many twists and turns, there’s no palpable destination. Being misled through a foggy treadmill maze is the staple of any gumshoe flick, but a light at the end of the tunnel, or a few sparks along the way, keeps the viewer intrigued, enlightened, and awake. Meanwhile, epic art house director Paul Thomas Anderson seems even more absent than his otherwise talented MASTER star. <br /> <br /> The best character is Josh Brolin’s square-jawed flattop bully cop Bigfoot, who represents everything hippies thoroughly detest: Ironically enough, he has one thing the entire movie lacks, which can be summed up in three words: An… Actual… Pulse.

2014, gumshoe, joaquin phoenix, josh brolin, neo noir, paul thomas anderson, reese witherspoon

PAUL THOMAS ANDERSON DIRECTS INHERENT VICE

2015 rating: * Judging by appearances alone, INHERENT VICE has already been compared to THE BIG LEBOWSKI since our scruffy hippie hero...

ANJELINA JOLIE DIRECTS UNBROKEN

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXe6lxG7B4zboX0wrC0hvc_s4nBgIpRd_Mpx4A0JhLNFUBV84EtvZP0zT6_SXqySiTd8XL77XJ0RtFhiVYVuMhQgPfB8jOQfpaeENQlEsM4hEAMBg5HL1OSomdGEEJfxwGf2Talm3RSo/s1600/UNBROKEN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXe6lxG7B4zboX0wrC0hvc_s4nBgIpRd_Mpx4A0JhLNFUBV84EtvZP0zT6_SXqySiTd8XL77XJ0RtFhiVYVuMhQgPfB8jOQfpaeENQlEsM4hEAMBg5HL1OSomdGEEJfxwGf2Talm3RSo/s320/UNBROKEN.jpg" width="187" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 rating: *</td></tr> </tbody></table> A true life story about Olympic runner Louis Zamperini, who, during The Second World War after his plane goes down, survives on a raft and is ultimately captured by the Japanese.<br /> <br /> As director, Angelina Jolie plays her ace way too soon…<br /> <br /> Creative flashbacks show Zamperini's childhood as a rebellious kid, sneaking booze after church and the start of his running track reign, leading to the 1938 Olympics: all during scenes before the crash, resulting in the deep sea survival portion when those much-needed flashbacks had all run out. Meanwhile, his fellow soldiers, including a cigar-chomping maverick, were colorfully introduced but ultimately wasted.<br /> <br /> It’s a true story, but perhaps a few cliché War Movie aspects would have helped make UNBREAKABLE cross over onto the big screen with more dynamic... especially when Zamperini winds up as a POW in Japan with excessive scenes of beating after beating. Much like 12 YEARS A SLAVE we witness the brutality served upon the main character with hardly any story in-between.

2014, angelina jolie, bio, war

ANJELINA JOLIE DIRECTS UNBROKEN

2014 rating: * A true life story about Olympic runner Louis Zamperini, who, during The Second World War after his plane goes down, survi...

TIM BURTON DIRECTS BIG EYES

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlxbwKVCzI6pDhyphenhyphenGsX7x5gVPTxxpVWN0SAcWqBDRM1e8y5lVTSuzIC-Ud13ZWikEFchOz1-OLob1LELlLnU4fo9F6FLRlHwGoiSQdsBjFAEvKL11VTGKhbOV3yDaTUOfGPFQEaQEwcAQ/s1600/sq_big_eyes.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlxbwKVCzI6pDhyphenhyphenGsX7x5gVPTxxpVWN0SAcWqBDRM1e8y5lVTSuzIC-Ud13ZWikEFchOz1-OLob1LELlLnU4fo9F6FLRlHwGoiSQdsBjFAEvKL11VTGKhbOV3yDaTUOfGPFQEaQEwcAQ/s1600/sq_big_eyes.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">year: 2014 rating: *1/2</td></tr> </tbody></table> What BIG EYES has in common with another Tim Burton film, BIG FISH, is that both are based on liars, but only one is a filthy, stinking liar. <br /> <br /> The 1950’s is never really shown in a positive light, and hasn't been since… well… the 1950’s. And here we’re reminded that men are the only people who had it good during that era… Especially if they marry well… The man, that is: For in the case of fast talking Walter Keane, played by fast talking two time Oscar winning Christoph Waltz, a strategic partnership earned him a career as a famous artist, "his" work going from galleries to posters to postcards...<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEtXld-7WbaiSid2nvRmaZMx2UOO_xwf30hTPdR0rAZsBzPppYRsV-3JGiTL4bi-yukFEwaaAWKml28U_XntFBxidCvhUNAbpTNluG9HjP5B7OahuWNmmYxIRT4uLsiINUjHp5mZM0tI/s1600/Big-Eyes-new-poster1-e1417531566528.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEtXld-7WbaiSid2nvRmaZMx2UOO_xwf30hTPdR0rAZsBzPppYRsV-3JGiTL4bi-yukFEwaaAWKml28U_XntFBxidCvhUNAbpTNluG9HjP5B7OahuWNmmYxIRT4uLsiINUjHp5mZM0tI/s1600/Big-Eyes-new-poster1-e1417531566528.jpg" width="121" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not A Bingo</td></tr> </tbody></table> And those Gothic looking waifs with huge sad eyes are about the only Tim Burton element of a film that, based on a true story, lives up to the chauvinistic time it's based: The woman, Margaret Keane, played by Amy Adams, not only lacks important pivotal screentime but hardly gets a word in edgewise... Which is intentional since she’s stuck with a con artist charlatan using her talent for his fame, and<i> their </i>money. The biggest downside is he’s a plagiarizing jerk and ultimately becomes borderline psychotic…<br /> <br /> Yet Christoph Waltz’s performance is so outrageously over-the-top right off the bat, there’s no progressive arc: Instead of going from A to B he starts on a frantic C and never slows down, waxing so much poetic there’s hardly a character visible at all... At least not a realistic one. Just another chance for Waltz to steal a movie that, unlike those paintings, is completely his to have and to hold, and never let go of.

2014, amy adams, biopic, christoph waltz, tim burton

TIM BURTON DIRECTS BIG EYES

year: 2014 rating: *1/2 What BIG EYES has in common with another Tim Burton film, BIG FISH, is that both are based on liars, but only on...

REMAKE OF 'THE GAMBLER' (2014)

<div style="text-align: right;"> </div> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjta0YTkpnWv8vIhkcn_aE2hZgNqo-rGxe9amoC1yFkAY5BZCXNcRykajwTFbZnS3YCAQw3F2KzbVS9A9rwUdGzkUVreMNansBpyj2cmfDFFv4pE6d1179GPeOE9d5aPbgaj5GhWCMckjA/s1600/1.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjta0YTkpnWv8vIhkcn_aE2hZgNqo-rGxe9amoC1yFkAY5BZCXNcRykajwTFbZnS3YCAQw3F2KzbVS9A9rwUdGzkUVreMNansBpyj2cmfDFFv4pE6d1179GPeOE9d5aPbgaj5GhWCMckjA/s200/1.jpg" width="127" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">year: 2014 rating: **</td></tr> </tbody></table> <u>THE GAMBLER 2014</u>: Certain iconic movies you just can’t remake. Others shouldn’t but it still happens. Yet there are some that could use a transformation... <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: right;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> Like James Toback's slowburn character-study starring James Caan. While not a bad film, it definitely lacked the spontaneous intrigue of Robert Altman’s poker flick CALIFORNIA SPLIT or John Cassavete's Shylock indie THE KILLING OF A CHINESE BOOKIE and could have used more edge, like Martin Scorsese's MEAN STREETS: Ironically, this remake was initially optioned by Scorsese to star Leonardo DiCaprio, which fell through and subsequently went to director Rupert Wyatt and leading man Mark Wahlberg, and, in this NEW GAMBLER, Wahlberg’s Jim Bennett is a sort of grungy James Bond with a license to... gamble, and not always wisely. When he isn't laying down the Blackjack cards or betting black on roulette, he's got a day job as a professor of literature: Scenes in the classroom lead to a love interest side-story with a pretty and talented writing student. As a teacher and reluctant author, Wahlberg does a believable job but his intense diatribes don’t connect with the story. Ironically, we spend more time in the lecture hall than where we should be.<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSVMvmsPqozOR2bWvhtAF9M4IwE4Cl0s2XuM8K_dG5tprPxlDcJbh2kmup3Ogz33pFEcxb1Ug2RUsczxYgcoHA2-tQSWceWM5gdiWxdjqzXYWcvlgGVNYX1PRA1gN5pl35h8rIL10M3M/s1600/2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSVMvmsPqozOR2bWvhtAF9M4IwE4Cl0s2XuM8K_dG5tprPxlDcJbh2kmup3Ogz33pFEcxb1Ug2RUsczxYgcoHA2-tQSWceWM5gdiWxdjqzXYWcvlgGVNYX1PRA1gN5pl35h8rIL10M3M/s200/2.jpg" width="123" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Wahlberg</td></tr> </tbody></table> With a title like THE GAMBLER there needed more scenes of… gambling...<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjta0YTkpnWv8vIhkcn_aE2hZgNqo-rGxe9amoC1yFkAY5BZCXNcRykajwTFbZnS3YCAQw3F2KzbVS9A9rwUdGzkUVreMNansBpyj2cmfDFFv4pE6d1179GPeOE9d5aPbgaj5GhWCMckjA/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjta0YTkpnWv8vIhkcn_aE2hZgNqo-rGxe9amoC1yFkAY5BZCXNcRykajwTFbZnS3YCAQw3F2KzbVS9A9rwUdGzkUVreMNansBpyj2cmfDFFv4pE6d1179GPeOE9d5aPbgaj5GhWCMckjA/s200/1.jpg" width="127" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">year: 2014 rating: **</td></tr> </tbody></table> Although the few pivotal times he does play Blackjack, the direction is taut and suspenseful, allowing the audience to suffer the aahs and oohs of each card flipped – meanwhile, the title character calls the shots like he knows the score, even when he loses everything. <br /> <br /> Surrounded by three opposing bookies, none seem as dangerous to Bennett as he is to himself. Talking a big game about reckless abandon, we never catch even a glimpse of what’s ticking under the surface. In an ambiguous Neo Noir template, perhaps it's intentional that he keep more inside than we're allowed to perceive from his exterior: a cinematic poker face, as it were. But with so much potential insight into a gambler dead set on winning and losing everything in one shot, a few answers would have added flesh to a character that, for the most part, sleepwalks through disaster.<u> <a href="http://www.cultfilmfreaks.com/2020/05/caan-man.html">AND CLICK HERE FOR THE REVIEW OF THE ORIGINAL GAMBLER STARRING JAMES CAAN.</a></u><br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCLOQ0bHarBJnpApZqmz7PNJNFdUDyzV2F8dqUFn9IJt6bTwL_K6hm28FL2I1kqmhktWKBQUmcgvOM8aKtmuZH2TzHQaiyyw55Bu_fNl0dVZP1w4wROEIoMOIE3oVSSbY8bd-5-lVLiD0/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCLOQ0bHarBJnpApZqmz7PNJNFdUDyzV2F8dqUFn9IJt6bTwL_K6hm28FL2I1kqmhktWKBQUmcgvOM8aKtmuZH2TzHQaiyyw55Bu_fNl0dVZP1w4wROEIoMOIE3oVSSbY8bd-5-lVLiD0/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>James Woods as a weenie banker with James Caan in THE GAMBLER</u></td></tr> </tbody></table>

2014, drama, gambling, mark wahlberg, melodrama, remake

REMAKE OF 'THE GAMBLER' (2014)

year: 2014 rating: ** THE GAMBLER 2014 : Certain iconic movies you just can’t remake. Others shouldn’t but it still happens. Yet there...

REESE WITHERSPOON PRODUCES AND STARS IN WILD

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IBAc4L0Vyrf7pLxfTgnUM7i3pOBRn-RewldAQWEEDR08iJAb_BHjvcUc2g-rI_IlBv4r0JnWmndDubEfC326968Y-c57TUtInHjYOvZoK9HhHPvGSSUUQBTJY4i9YKSkvF9DFKuPC2M/s1600/wild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IBAc4L0Vyrf7pLxfTgnUM7i3pOBRn-RewldAQWEEDR08iJAb_BHjvcUc2g-rI_IlBv4r0JnWmndDubEfC326968Y-c57TUtInHjYOvZoK9HhHPvGSSUUQBTJY4i9YKSkvF9DFKuPC2M/s320/wild.jpg" width="205" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">year: 2014 rating: **1/2</td></tr> </tbody></table> WILD mirrors INTO THE WILD but with a happy ending. Not a spoiler since this is a completely documented true story, and a life-affirming one at that – perhaps too much so, taking away from what was probably a much more painstaking trek across the Pacific North Trail spanning from Mexico to Oregon.<br /> <br /> Carrying a backpack almost as big as she is, Reese Witherspoon plays Cheryl with intense determination and bouts of dry humor, surprising for a young woman kicking heroin and fighting other mental demons – these things we catch during flashbacks throughout the arduous hike.<br /> <br /> The non-linear backstory works and it doesn’t: while nicely edited, we don't really suffer through Cheryl’s pain beyond sporadic glimpses, making it hard to decipher which was more difficult: her tragic past or the present day (at that point, the mid-90’s) climb: While one is loaded with heartache, including the death of her mom, a divorce with a genuinely nice man and numerous sexcapades fueled by drug use, the other – what the movie is really about – has but a few obstacles that, while not altogether lacking tension and suspense, seems more like a breezy existential travelogue than a cathartic journey.<br /> <br />

2014, adventure, bio, reese witherspoon

REESE WITHERSPOON PRODUCES AND STARS IN WILD

year: 2014 rating: **1/2 WILD mirrors INTO THE WILD but with a happy ending. Not a spoiler since this is a completely documented true st...

ROGEN & FRANCO STARRING IN THE INTERVIEW

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjas1Am7m6KZKR5gyLRvec5JzZQXj9ePcrq_KuoXDJ1njItspoHASUoBdIgvX3c3GrqrtqkL9P0gDZATZLY35qmukr_QGzgK8wQnWlcjcaapoGaM2aTcAE2dDRygeiZ24TcxmC30zb0xSg/s1600/The_Interview_2014_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjas1Am7m6KZKR5gyLRvec5JzZQXj9ePcrq_KuoXDJ1njItspoHASUoBdIgvX3c3GrqrtqkL9P0gDZATZLY35qmukr_QGzgK8wQnWlcjcaapoGaM2aTcAE2dDRygeiZ24TcxmC30zb0xSg/s1600/The_Interview_2014_poster.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">year: 2014 rating: **1/2</td></tr> </tbody></table> A combination of SPIES LIKE US, as two inept goofballs are sent overseas on a dangerous government mission, with the second half of Woody Allen’s LOVE AND DEATH dealing with the seemingly impossible task to assassinate an infamous tyrant, THE INTERVIEW sums up two completely opposite yet spontaneously connected buddies, James Franco’s Dave Skylark and Seth Rogen’s Aaron Rapaport, in one particular scene halfway through: when an observing Franco remarks that a tiger might be wearing night vision goggles while Rogen is trying to avoid being killed by the ferocious creature, one guy tells the jokes while the other takes the risks – but not entirely... <br /> <br /> Franco’s Dave is the host of a popular entertainment show and Rogen's Aaron is his producer. Dave is perfectly content with celebrity gossip while Aaron yearns for something better, deeper, and important… So when they get a job from the C.I.A. to “take out” North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, during a scripted interview on his own soil, there’s a fair amount of quick-witted wordplay until the mission is at hand.<br /> <br /> When THE INTERVIEW shifts from a decent buddy comedy to an ambitious (and as it turns out, risky) attempt at political satire with suspenseful hijinx thrown in, we lose touch of Rogen’s grounding dry wit, a whole lot funnier than Franco’s dementedly goofy airhead persona, highlighted during an entire day's bonding with Jong-un, initially shown in a weak and pathetic if sympathetic light: he’s a spoiled son with a lot to take on, has a metrosexual adoration for Katy Perry, and just wants to be understood: until his true colors are revealed… <br /> <br /> At which point, the final act/closure is so overlong and ponderous, you’ll forget all about the two main stars and that they’re supposed to be funny, as a team. 

2014, comedy, james franco, seth rogen

ROGEN & FRANCO STARRING IN THE INTERVIEW

year: 2014 rating: **1/2 A combination of SPIES LIKE US, as two inept goofballs are sent overseas on a dangerous government mission, wit...

REVIEW OF NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJ6aEe4UQJ1iKjZTLrCKh650N30Czy27HeSPi854gJ7jSHEemPZ8nqampyseMqeZKGIHwKuqITdBItJXQOE7tIv59duqp9fNwcTGh7X_WkWod2u7I4gXB5OZrXrThBDkdrb2sSR7fBo8/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJ6aEe4UQJ1iKjZTLrCKh650N30Czy27HeSPi854gJ7jSHEemPZ8nqampyseMqeZKGIHwKuqITdBItJXQOE7tIv59duqp9fNwcTGh7X_WkWod2u7I4gXB5OZrXrThBDkdrb2sSR7fBo8/s320/2.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">year: 2014 rating: ***</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div style="text-align: right;"> </div> Starting much like the middle of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK or the beginning of THE EXORCIST, we learn an Egypt archeology backstory of the device that brought everything to life in the first place: that place being the museum where Ben Stiller’s put-upon night-watchman Larry sees stuff happening no one else does, after hours…<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmbZT-wAdbj_DPNVAAyPxo6ZAEV19fYXgDWMwTfathzdZss5KwiD0BA1UwZIVLVVjc44AFcPIb1Mta5zTd7003OKfHksdoKhnED8xfQdQtVgRXyOoFD7myc2Jt_7ZJhnv6Hv2R6arZpE/s1600/movies-night-at-the-museum.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmbZT-wAdbj_DPNVAAyPxo6ZAEV19fYXgDWMwTfathzdZss5KwiD0BA1UwZIVLVVjc44AFcPIb1Mta5zTd7003OKfHksdoKhnED8xfQdQtVgRXyOoFD7myc2Jt_7ZJhnv6Hv2R6arZpE/s320/movies-night-at-the-museum.jpg" width="129" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robin Williams</td></tr> </tbody></table> This time, several problems arise: the insides get taken out when the public witness a barrage of the creatures and characters running rampant, and yet it’s all blamed on special effects… But it was that ancient artifact that caused the chaos, and eventually Larry and the whole gang, including Robin Williams as Teddy Roosevelt, Owen Wilson as a miniature cowboy with Steve Coogan's Gladiator and the urinating monkey wind up in a London museum to put the magic back in order before, according to the curse learned in the prologue, it all goes... blank.<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQakYZDyE9zSK_05mYozK0CML89kee7cJxKlq5cGHZa0_LKZdiBq1DbovUWyZqJV-BZOsmtxsE-cVTgTaH2FS2r-rhezlylvnljxjocOv7Ft8ZP8ikmEIEomklqBYpudXQedXGthjZmLs/s1600/1.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQakYZDyE9zSK_05mYozK0CML89kee7cJxKlq5cGHZa0_LKZdiBq1DbovUWyZqJV-BZOsmtxsE-cVTgTaH2FS2r-rhezlylvnljxjocOv7Ft8ZP8ikmEIEomklqBYpudXQedXGthjZmLs/s320/1.JPG" width="197" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan Stevens as Lancelot </td></tr> </tbody></table> The best element in this third MUSEUM is Dan Stevens as Sir Lancelot, starting out as a pontificating hero and winding up a desperate villain, of sorts, and pretty much stealing the show – or at least his own scenes, which are the most important.<br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: right;"> </div> Despite the fact the movie doesn’t quite know how and when to end, the plot keeps having to be continuously explained, and Ben Stiller playing himself as a Neanderthal (creepily resembling Tom Cruise)  is more irritating than humorous, SECRET OF THE TOMB is a breezy and sometimes funny but never hilarious wild ride rollercoaster: either an end to the franchise or setting up the beginning of another installment. And with night guard Rebel Wilson now in charge, let’s hope it just… rests eternally. <br /> <br /> Dick Van Dyke makes a cameo as well as the late Mickey Rooney. Stick around to see the end credit dedication to Rooney and Robin Williams. And during Larry’s prolonged farewell to Teddy, it’s apparent he was the Scarecrow to be  missed "most of all.”

2014, adventure, ben stiller, dan stevens, owen wilson, rebel wilson, robin williams

REVIEW OF NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB

year: 2014 rating: *** Starting much like the middle of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK or the beginning of THE EXORCIST, we learn an Egypt ar...

REVIEWS OF REBOOT ANNIE AND THE ORIGINAL THEATRICAL

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQO9hpSftEN3dh6TfLnVMMP9WKLhkFrtdCx09Z_kI6W9lF79o169RVvMdxIXUGyGsNVe_Lbqxz-BYd7msBdu6L82Rli1lAdJ-_kQwekBAIjp5gDxeeqBHPTgz0xI3n4JMb72aiENNtuVI/s1600/HARD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQO9hpSftEN3dh6TfLnVMMP9WKLhkFrtdCx09Z_kI6W9lF79o169RVvMdxIXUGyGsNVe_Lbqxz-BYd7msBdu6L82Rli1lAdJ-_kQwekBAIjp5gDxeeqBHPTgz0xI3n4JMb72aiENNtuVI/s320/HARD.JPG" width="208" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">year: 2014 rating: *</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div style="text-align: right;"> </div> <b>ANNIE 2014:</b> To make people forget what you’re taking the place of, the most effective device is to mention that particular thing to get it… or in this case… to get <i>her</i> out of the way, quick.<br /> <br /> So begins the new ANNIE inside a classroom where a redheaded <i>white</i> girl wraps up an annoying presentation... and then it's time for the next student, also named ANNIE, played by last year’s Oscar nominated Quvenzhané Wallis, who not only trumps this movie’s pseudo Annie but the original, Aileen Quinn’s iconic orphan, is outdone in one aspect – compared to a <i>haves and have nots</i> opening number inspired by The New Deal, FDR never had such posthumous promotion.   <br /> <br /> ANNIE, a MR. DEEDS style mainstream comedy with pop culture references galore, introduces each character as if they were cameos in a parody instead of a genuine remake, or in this case... altering from the 1930's into modern day... a reboot.<br /> <br /> Wallis sleepwalks through the pains and joys of the title character, and replacing Carol Burnett as the mean orphanage… or rather… Foster Home den mother is Cameron Diaz. Almost letting her guard down right off the bat, Miss Hannigan seems more like a cranky Aunt than a villain with a hatred for little girls… Providing the orphans nothing to really fear. In fact they seem completely at home, and in control: The place ain't too shabby.  <br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZ2zCbMUXtYWB4wJ8Wb6rfGpXpuI0sLQrC6AXpF2T18SNgxijdZ9yXwq5iw2eHlbxs-RGaaxnk8_ajeEqCj7pwVmz1Eaz3v9lg67ySqW4dZn95SEmccwkyYS0e-xZX0MHK7k-a93-vdQ/s1600/onset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZ2zCbMUXtYWB4wJ8Wb6rfGpXpuI0sLQrC6AXpF2T18SNgxijdZ9yXwq5iw2eHlbxs-RGaaxnk8_ajeEqCj7pwVmz1Eaz3v9lg67ySqW4dZn95SEmccwkyYS0e-xZX0MHK7k-a93-vdQ/s320/onset.jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warbucks Unnamed</td></tr> </tbody></table> The real heavy is Bobby Cannavale, stepping into the Tim Curry role as a nefarious climber seeking a big raise from his boss, the new Daddy Warbucks in the form of Jamie Foxx as Stacks, a cell phone magnate running for New York City Mayor and, losing in the polls, he takes in an orphan for a needed boost.  <br /> <br /> During their pivotal field trip bonding experience, Foxx and Wallis have the awkward non-chemistry of two actors who just started rehearsing lines. Stacks isn’t very uptight to begin with for his eventual heart-melting transition to matter, while Annie doesn't seem to really <i>need</i> anything, much less a new parent. Songs between the duo border banal and creepy. And as Rose Byrne attempts tying loose ends together, there’s just not anything between anyone – even the dog seems bored. <br /> <br /> The original hard knocking classics aside, the new tunes lend nothing to an actual story, which isn’t an entertaining rags to riches coming-of-age musical but a pointless attempt to bring a famous Comic Strip/Broadway/Cinema character back to life by throwing everything into the pot, hoping something will land. <br /> <br /> Not to jump on the breaking news bandwagon, but SONY PICTURES scrapped the wrong film!<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dvSifrAsHwosVYKxOGO9u9V7PXlcdMm7vPWuGICjGUtN1VjrZK43n6zeOBIJoCgr5MOM7NFnqg33oMBKyDAjEDxasTEHL1_g6kWEJbtTd1lQy54kEN9QCzixSB6dLiuSy1XH9tCD2Ws/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dvSifrAsHwosVYKxOGO9u9V7PXlcdMm7vPWuGICjGUtN1VjrZK43n6zeOBIJoCgr5MOM7NFnqg33oMBKyDAjEDxasTEHL1_g6kWEJbtTd1lQy54kEN9QCzixSB6dLiuSy1XH9tCD2Ws/s320/3.jpg" width="178" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1982 rating: ***</td></tr> </tbody></table> <b>ANNIE 1982:</b> “Why a kid would want to be an orphan,” barks the villainous Miss Hannigan, “is beyond me!” Well who can blame the bitter lush: No matter how bad these poor little tykes are treated in that rundown dilapidated orphanage, they're having loads of fun singing and dancing like there’s no… tomorrow!<br /> <br /> Although this big budget extravaganza’s loaded with great actors like Albert Finney as bald millionaire Daddy Warbucks, Tim Curry as a con artist and Carol Burnett as the bearer of the quote above, Aileen Quinn’s ANNIE steals the show.<br /> <br /> Displaying an everygirl persona mixed with a dynamic musical talent, Quinn provides the essential energy for the iconic redhead without lacking pathos and vulnerability.<br /> <br /> Even when given a dream-week to stay with Daddy Warbucks for his publicity, her true aim is having a real family. Determined to find her original parents, Warbucks makes a radio campaign with a hefty reward – perking ears of the wrong people.<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGc1LJ7xIXjX9FnLqCWbEEgC_oA0eOHC3vHkLI3tUdQugRcd60CG0k0cy2W02qgnkhaHcwZiT6L4GEATa5Ibl_LOxHHyolhKs-IrxYmytJzH84Cd3b8-MyfQndHTXvFu8OjmUrVtCp-Zo/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGc1LJ7xIXjX9FnLqCWbEEgC_oA0eOHC3vHkLI3tUdQugRcd60CG0k0cy2W02qgnkhaHcwZiT6L4GEATa5Ibl_LOxHHyolhKs-IrxYmytJzH84Cd3b8-MyfQndHTXvFu8OjmUrVtCp-Zo/s200/2.jpg" width="143" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aileen Quinn</td></tr> </tbody></table> While Annie slowly warms the heart of the steely industrialist, songs break out in just about every other scene. The tunes are catchy, showcased with incredible dance numbers.<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggt8C-phWyk6wEN1t_fZ4Jjuo9jyNdatEju9ksxMiAGHVe31CPTr7CC4FuaXFjtGvZpwM07_nUh77EFO5hyphenhyphenL_jDOJ0z6vbwFOs8O71ifVRop3ykRxCKtn9K3-KOcw91ojE0EeZJJrMNng/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggt8C-phWyk6wEN1t_fZ4Jjuo9jyNdatEju9ksxMiAGHVe31CPTr7CC4FuaXFjtGvZpwM07_nUh77EFO5hyphenhyphenL_jDOJ0z6vbwFOs8O71ifVRop3ykRxCKtn9K3-KOcw91ojE0EeZJJrMNng/s1600/1.png" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albert Finney with Quinn</td></tr> </tbody></table> The time-period sets look and feel authentic; from poverty stricken streets and alleyways to the plush Warbucks mansion, veteran auteur John Huston takes us to a polarizing time of haves and have-nots in the Depression-era '30s with vibrant reality.<br /> <br /> Although one particular overlong scene, as Warbucks (constantly regarded as a greedy Capitalist) is talked into the New Deal by President Roosevelt, distracts from Annie’s personal adventure, we sporadically return to the orphanage where Miss Hannigan and her nefarious brother's plot to recover the reward: providing the audience – especially the younger ones – a constantly suspenseful edge, making ANNIE a kid's movie with just about everything: including a heroine with <i>everything</i> to gain or lose.

2014, aileen quinn, bobby cannavale, cameron diaz, eighties, jamie foxx, musical, remake, rose byrne

REVIEWS OF REBOOT ANNIE AND THE ORIGINAL THEATRICAL

year: 2014 rating: * ANNIE 2014: To make people forget what you’re taking the place of, the most effective device is to mention that ...

TOMMY LEE JONES DIRECTS THE HOMESMAN

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlTpLoqchlJedVC2zcxW6J4R04zIGgRW03Yoyg6-G-vhkqeptLRroPtK7E_L_Zl4oYTTJLIpk53MOf79zhwwr73E-x_o_4YgIAWO-nOf6cZ6BdEaCTB2WkoI6Geld_l6dciJ51ZQrJDY/s1600/the-homesman-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlTpLoqchlJedVC2zcxW6J4R04zIGgRW03Yoyg6-G-vhkqeptLRroPtK7E_L_Zl4oYTTJLIpk53MOf79zhwwr73E-x_o_4YgIAWO-nOf6cZ6BdEaCTB2WkoI6Geld_l6dciJ51ZQrJDY/s320/the-homesman-poster.jpg" width="205" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">year: 2014 rating: **</td></tr> </tbody></table> Right before the journey gets underway, a helpful blacksmith tells Hilary Swank’s Mary Bee Cuddy that the townsfolk like talking about death and taxes, but when “crazy” is brought up, everyone hushes…<br /> <br /> That hush occurs way too often as Cuddy and reluctant hired-hand George Briggs, played by veteran actor Tommy Lee Jones, take three demented women across the barren landscape with a few obstacles including Indians and narrow minded white folk: yet when Briggs is really needed to alleviate the hopeless melancholy, he doesn't always deliver. <br /> <br /> As director, Jones attempts a dark, brooding art house anti-Western, only there’s a mismatch of disturbing images and the odd couple relationship between the independent woman and the gruff rogue drifter: Clichés aside, the latter plays out a lot more natural. Too bad they weren't just hauling grain. While important catalysts, the human cargo distract from the two people we should have known much better. <br /> <br /> THE HOMESMAN is nicely bookended with an intriguing setup, first learning about our assertive Plain Jane heroine and concluding with a table-turning epilogue. Unfortunately, the hard trail in-between is but a tedious stretch of prolonged, awkward silence.

2014, hilary swank, meryl streep, tommy lee jones, western

TOMMY LEE JONES DIRECTS THE HOMESMAN

year: 2014 rating: ** Right before the journey gets underway, a helpful blacksmith tells Hilary Swank’s Mary Bee Cuddy that the townsfol...

CHRISTIAN BALE IN EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFHs720F_C1BNz6lWyinJPmjB5Zrtm6Y69PP2rmB7FJrLsnfkkGpChQeBUpJW3ESVbPlz4wThFcGAQSoIRBfUu6dwyXLngtUi8k2lClSlEri97fI9ImzvjkgJPX56rCWnVkGoQQMT_0A/s1600/exodus_gods_and_kings_ver7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFHs720F_C1BNz6lWyinJPmjB5Zrtm6Y69PP2rmB7FJrLsnfkkGpChQeBUpJW3ESVbPlz4wThFcGAQSoIRBfUu6dwyXLngtUi8k2lClSlEri97fI9ImzvjkgJPX56rCWnVkGoQQMT_0A/s320/exodus_gods_and_kings_ver7.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">year: 2014 rating: **</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div style="text-align: right;"> </div> Right before the strategic waves crash down, when the Red Sea finally parts, it's really more... drained.<br /> <br /> That's what it feels like sitting through two-and-a-half hours of Moses and Ramses going back and forth: one holds a grudge, the other has conversations with God himself. Though not from a Burning Bush… that’s but a rudimentary apparition to get the ball rolling… Here the Creator takes form of a really tough child who gives the famously temperamental Moses a run for his money. <br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OFtxq29UmmNx-oBAnU6VfkHbVpeIdba3RBoip4fUiVGlm8pmuWyHEWrhmCzQPydnahhY1OmQVbUoMg4j04oViBw1dS5ekQP-9kMBFfEFfppOu1HLy176hJCeWMBqLDDtj1-6FEKnGBY/s1600/Exodus-Gods-and-Kings-Poster-Bale-and-Edgerton.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OFtxq29UmmNx-oBAnU6VfkHbVpeIdba3RBoip4fUiVGlm8pmuWyHEWrhmCzQPydnahhY1OmQVbUoMg4j04oViBw1dS5ekQP-9kMBFfEFfppOu1HLy176hJCeWMBqLDDtj1-6FEKnGBY/s200/Exodus-Gods-and-Kings-Poster-Bale-and-Edgerton.jpg" width="130" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bale & Edgerton</td></tr> </tbody></table> Directed by Ridley Scott and starring the always-intriguing method-acting Christian Bale, EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS is a different sort of Biblical epic – while visually immense, the geography mostly centers on two locations where each grouchy leader resides.  <br /> <br /> Bale does a passable job in the lead role, a sort of MOSES: FIRST CLASS budding superhero partaking in LORD OF THE RINGS style swordplay, while Joel Edgerton, as the antagonistic Ramses (looking more like Brando's Colonel Kurtz than a nostalgic Yul Brynner), can’t shed his omnipresent frown...<br /> <br /> Very understandable since Moses has more than a slight edge, including the ability to thwart a barrage of plagues: impressive scenes to watch but the searing melodrama had by each character is enough for the audience to pray for a conclusion.

2014, biblical, christian bale, joel edgerton, ridley scott, sigourney weaver

CHRISTIAN BALE IN EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS

year: 2014 rating: ** Right before the strategic waves crash down, when the Red Sea finally parts, it's really more... drained. ...

TWO LEFTOVER REVIEWS: PENGUINS & THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYwpFlN6M_-3bDinTs9trlbKA2KaSO1OhjKLEVRtS_uasTDdPa-ax6_LdOINDIgtfzElrTzMxKvzsM9tcyogXqXP8wKNeHrGj-JSQUXo1uxOw9c1qAJmAp6EeYBWtKM37HkFsg4u-_lQ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYwpFlN6M_-3bDinTs9trlbKA2KaSO1OhjKLEVRtS_uasTDdPa-ax6_LdOINDIgtfzElrTzMxKvzsM9tcyogXqXP8wKNeHrGj-JSQUXo1uxOw9c1qAJmAp6EeYBWtKM37HkFsg4u-_lQ/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">year: 2014 rating: **</td></tr> </tbody></table> <b>PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR:</b> The coolest chase scene in the Roger Moore James Bond MOONRAKER has nothing to do with outer space but, taking place in Italy, the resilient spy darts through busy sidewalks and canals, including a getaway using one of those romantic canoes going from the water onto land back onto water, and pretty much that exact thing happens in PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR…<br /> <br /> And in keeping with the 1970’s Bond genre vibe, most of the film attempts the same freewheeling aura, on purpose…<br /> <br /> The main villain has an island lair ala Christopher Lee in THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN and is able to live underwater much like the heavy in THE SPY WHO LOVED ME… Only Dave is a bitter Octopus with a rather pathetic backstory: throughout his career as a water park attraction geared for kids, penguins would always steal his thunder… And now he wants revenge. <br /> <br /> PENGUINS starts out pretty good, going back to when they were younger: three (and soon four) rogues wanting to split from the cookie-cutter pack… But ironically, right when their adventure gains momentum, our flightless heroes serve as mere patsies to an overblown, overlong and overcooked spy parody, which any character could have been stuck in. <br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRUdx8yUk8hoFYMu3_g417FWgcY1EIqt3-vXqACHwdzf7efhCHn4gN7wkDDk6QySBWf498FbQGSI0cQ5CiFukhFxiRm2Vo32-_19yDg8w9W2C5udIqEw2C87hqc57cIlPeyIJ6AoehM8/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRUdx8yUk8hoFYMu3_g417FWgcY1EIqt3-vXqACHwdzf7efhCHn4gN7wkDDk6QySBWf498FbQGSI0cQ5CiFukhFxiRm2Vo32-_19yDg8w9W2C5udIqEw2C87hqc57cIlPeyIJ6AoehM8/s320/2.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">year: 2014 rating: *1/2</td></tr> </tbody></table> <b>THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING:</b> Our subject, Stephen Hawking, was on the verge of discovering THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING, but the director obviously didn’t realize before a montage sequence shows two people getting married, and then their babies growing into toddlers before our very eyes, we should know the characters just a bit. <br /> <br /> The romantic setup at Cambridge University, bathed in an opulent nostalgic glow of academia, does look wonderful. And yet the meeting of Stephen and his first wife Jean is so quick and easy, it’s not one bit interesting. <br /> <br /> As an actor and probably the next Oscar winner, Eddie Redmayne transforms from a quirky, ambitious student into the tortured, wheelchair-bound genius, but the performance shouldn’t be compared to Daniel Day Lewis in MY LEFT FOOT since this particular vehicle seems more like an actor’s workshop than a fleshed-out biopic with a genuine character arc. It’s as if the scriptwriter wanted Hawking’s controversial philosophies on Atheism, through the prism of discovering a powerful Black Hole, to have a cinematic soundboard – with an intellectual date movie buried within the stardust. (Hawking himself said the movie was "broadly true," and it sure is broad.) Yet after tedious bouts of soap opera diatribes we never really know the man behind the suffering and brilliance, and how he managed to bridge his personal life with his breakthrough in science, and beyond. <br /> <br /> Like an actual Black Hole, this particular THEORY has an intriguing design with absolutely nothing inside.

2014, animated, bio

TWO LEFTOVER REVIEWS: PENGUINS & THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

year: 2014 rating: ** PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR: The coolest chase scene in the Roger Moore James Bond MOONRAKER has nothing to do with ou...

WEEKEND REVIEW OF THE PYRAMID

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFAEs8yTsTcAuRCv4DNbCVdFHinxQSma3kOvQittaQrrhNbPk9efU56BZ9H9T9OcGenE99_8fas1TIS2Kq-6AwYFPsOxFRJtQIKSz_1T1nI4197mzIrHaOoun5O-6NP1oE5T39kIqy9M/s1600/07_Pyramid_clean2-691x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFAEs8yTsTcAuRCv4DNbCVdFHinxQSma3kOvQittaQrrhNbPk9efU56BZ9H9T9OcGenE99_8fas1TIS2Kq-6AwYFPsOxFRJtQIKSz_1T1nI4197mzIrHaOoun5O-6NP1oE5T39kIqy9M/s320/07_Pyramid_clean2-691x1024.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">year: 2014 rating: *</td></tr> </tbody></table> When the plot unravels like bandages on a mummy, a group of researchers are stuck in THE PYRAMID and all smell something reminiscent of crap, and one of the guys says to another that the last time he smelled something so rank was when “you had beans the other night.” At which point a giant rock falls and kills off one of the two cliché fart joke idiots. So there is a God!<br /> <br /> But in this horror/suspense/adventure flick it's probably more like The Devil: for what's loose underground within a mazy labyrinth isn’t human, and there seems to be absolutely no way of getting out. <br /> <br /> Our victims include a bickering father and grownup daughter archeologist team and a reluctant camera crew, shooting everything via handheld… yes it’s that kind of movie, again… and these poor trapped souls have zero chemistry with each other. Perhaps it's intentional since the body count aspect of doomed humans hunted by ferocious rat creatures is what everything amounts to anyway. And when the main antagonist is finally revealed, the best and corniest scenes occur simultaneously – after an hour of screaming in the dark, we can, for better or worse, actually see something!<br /> <br /> This “monster” climax is also the one thing separating PYRAMID from the more ambiguous AS ABOVE SO BELOW, another shaky BLAIR WITCH style thriller set within endless catacombs that isn't good enough for another movie to be called a “pale imitation"... but if the shoe fits.

2014, horror

WEEKEND REVIEW OF THE PYRAMID

year: 2014 rating: * When the plot unravels like bandages on a mummy, a group of researchers are stuck in THE PYRAMID and all smell some...

STEVE CARELL & CHANNING TATUM WRESTLE AGAINST TYPE IN FOXCATCHER

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JN0XZRVGrx2d25ETrA4kFq98_Nf1T4ClvRtTkZtLatIJWVJMKG1LGu5bj7A5B0z7_DWuOoLMpZKFcB1GxK_COyJol-pymsJHdCbsXaVvQC0J_1JgeEAB9ir0u8D_KFXIClJeXQl__8E/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JN0XZRVGrx2d25ETrA4kFq98_Nf1T4ClvRtTkZtLatIJWVJMKG1LGu5bj7A5B0z7_DWuOoLMpZKFcB1GxK_COyJol-pymsJHdCbsXaVvQC0J_1JgeEAB9ir0u8D_KFXIClJeXQl__8E/s320/1.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">year: 2014 rating: **</td></tr> </tbody></table> If uncomfortable silence merited how good a film is, then FOXCATCHER… based on philanthropist Jon du Pont and Olympic Wrestling Gold Medalist brothers Mark and David Schultz… would be superior to THE GODFATHER and CITIZEN KANE, combined… <br /> <br /> But too much prolonged awkward silence, backed by a melancholy piano score, leaves a lot to be desired: especially with such an intriguing true crime origin. <br /> <br /> In the co-lead role is Steve Carell who, with a distracting prosthetic nose and a few extra pounds, portrays Jon du Pont with such anti-social behavior it’s difficult to spot an actual human being. Much of the film is a morbid seduction between the reclusive "coach" and Channing Tatum’s Mark Schultz. Du Pont takes in the lonely wrestler for his Foxcatcher team, living on the grounds of his plush, historic estate while training for the upcoming 1988 Seoul Olympics. Besides wrestling they travel and… snort cocaine. And while polar opposites physically, the odd couple has something in common…<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_L68pl_veCbdYAXc1lxUtaaMTe0e7aP-gWVzx47066BIpIM3VJzdkisBoMQCraCQZlb7AnjO8rvo2Y-x0C5C86m7r0Rof3vUrf6hAtFx_dM2rnvJnZzdGzCqt8dM0CtHl_jrR2FHZg4/s1600/foxcatcher-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_L68pl_veCbdYAXc1lxUtaaMTe0e7aP-gWVzx47066BIpIM3VJzdkisBoMQCraCQZlb7AnjO8rvo2Y-x0C5C86m7r0Rof3vUrf6hAtFx_dM2rnvJnZzdGzCqt8dM0CtHl_jrR2FHZg4/s200/foxcatcher-poster.jpg" width="162" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poster Art</td></tr> </tbody></table> While du Pont can’t please his mother, Mark, with a perpetual chip on his shoulder, lives under the shadow of his more talented brother. And Channing Tatum proves that Carell’s not the only actor playing eerie to the hilt…<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPl7BLwx-4B5kE6B779zcvIR71XY_OiFLabnMCQLioLdgOGgkCCKjzwnOwMWbUrZQN-w08neAEBeQ2eS2s1i0rXaAgkuiddzJEdnGjB9f068Y8FeTNxoGP6kz6Gn51wV2OAN6VK6LgvQQ/s1600/CTFoxCannes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPl7BLwx-4B5kE6B779zcvIR71XY_OiFLabnMCQLioLdgOGgkCCKjzwnOwMWbUrZQN-w08neAEBeQ2eS2s1i0rXaAgkuiddzJEdnGjB9f068Y8FeTNxoGP6kz6Gn51wV2OAN6VK6LgvQQ/s320/CTFoxCannes.jpg" width="181" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Channing Tatum</td></tr> </tbody></table> In many ways, Tatum's performance is equally bizarre and uncomfortable. With the cadence of a hunkered ape and the personality of an ice block, the mainstream superstar definitely vanishes into this unique indie role. Unfortunately, the film never provides the right amount of tension to stretch beyond dazed reactions to both coaches controlling his psyche: the millionaire and the older brother...<br /> <br /> Enter Mark Ruffalo’s doomed David Schultz, the most interesting performer on board – finally, someone with an actual pulse! He loves his wife, plays with his children, listens to The Grateful Dead during picnics, and becomes suspicious of what the audience already knows. And yet, within the story, he remains peripheral to his brother's downward spiral, supposedly caused by du Pont's creepy mentoring...<br /> <br /> Thus, in a film promoted as a coach obsessed with an athlete, given the tragic turnout we were obviously centered on the wrong pair.  

2014, bio, channing tatum, mark ruffalo, sport, steve carell

STEVE CARELL & CHANNING TATUM WRESTLE AGAINST TYPE IN FOXCATCHER

year: 2014 rating: ** If uncomfortable silence merited how good a film is, then FOXCATCHER… based on philanthropist Jon du Pont and Olym...

JASON BATEMAN & COMPANY RETURN FOR HORRIBLE BOSSES 2

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3ef7uW0YEjQ3SbWxQlzII7Ajerl7VrGmsLWo14EF5szQ8RhxnK1wO52ktO70LNCaA_rWkrRenexRPPU3ldgNHGSLPwsTs_yjR4uGlXShm5az-ZpEZ2amuzYC7OlfkNgELj454bbHS-0/s1600/MV5BNzU4OTEzNzAwN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMTgwODAwMzE@._V1_SX214_AL_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3ef7uW0YEjQ3SbWxQlzII7Ajerl7VrGmsLWo14EF5szQ8RhxnK1wO52ktO70LNCaA_rWkrRenexRPPU3ldgNHGSLPwsTs_yjR4uGlXShm5az-ZpEZ2amuzYC7OlfkNgELj454bbHS-0/s320/MV5BNzU4OTEzNzAwN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMTgwODAwMzE@._V1_SX214_AL_.jpg" width="216" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 rating: ***</td></tr> </tbody></table> Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day as working wrecks Nick, Kurt and Dale were the GoBots to The Hangover’s Transformers, but now they’re basically channeling The Three Stooges. And instead of poking fingers into another person's eyeballs, the ever-flustered Nick constantly rolls his own since his buddies are ten times goofier and inept – even with a business idea that finally makes them their very own bosses.<br /> <br /> But the American Dream ends quickly after being ripped off by corporate jerk Bert, played by Quentin Tarantino regular Christoph Waltz. Thus a kidnapping scheme is born involving Bert’s even jerkier son, Rex...<br /> <br /> As an eventual fourth banana, Chris Pine – while pretty great as a serious Captain Kirk – seems downright awkward in a comedy film. The trio fare better on their own: the best scenes involving the two going back and forth while the one shakes his head, never quite grasping that he's in another (and another and another) fine mess. Meanwhile, the returning Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Aniston and Kevin Spacey seem like special guest stars at a reunion special.  <br /> <br /> While the first movie spent half the time explaining why and how the characters loathed their bosses, this breezier and funnier follow-up (a plot combining 9 TO 5 with RUTHLESS PEOPLE) is an instant platform for the bantering hijinkx. A good thing since these guys were always better than their revenge-driven concept. 

2014, chris pine, christoph waltz, comedy, jamie foxx, jason bateman, jason sudeikis

JASON BATEMAN & COMPANY RETURN FOR HORRIBLE BOSSES 2

2014 rating: *** Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day as working wrecks Nick, Kurt and Dale were the GoBots to The Hangover’s T...

REVIEW OF THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQGmbmcblwdHKeXMpN2i5ZFsOjJ1-ywqv16u4dfBGt6fQq4iY300hwY8FJbu4KJxcHuNXbxG31Y1kKYXlonnYXY9uo5ccioYf4fcFM6_zrEwJVTIP5rHUogqOb-NXkvs_1Mgli_Q356E/s1600/hunger_games__mockingjay_part_1_movie_poster_by_triggerhappy039-d7iav0c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQGmbmcblwdHKeXMpN2i5ZFsOjJ1-ywqv16u4dfBGt6fQq4iY300hwY8FJbu4KJxcHuNXbxG31Y1kKYXlonnYXY9uo5ccioYf4fcFM6_zrEwJVTIP5rHUogqOb-NXkvs_1Mgli_Q356E/s320/hunger_games__mockingjay_part_1_movie_poster_by_triggerhappy039-d7iav0c.jpg" width="221" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">year: 2014 rating: ***1/2</td></tr> </tbody></table> Once again, Woody Harrelson receives most of the giggles, but it was nice hearing the late Philip Seymour Hoffman get the first real laugh… <br /> <br /> When Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen erupts with angry passion about her captive soulmate, Peeta... who spends most of the film <i>being</i> filmed far away from the underground compound where the rebellion resides... Hoffman’s Plutarch Heavensbee points at Katniss and shouts something like “That’s it” with genuine heartfelt emotion: for now they’ve found the perfect commercial girl for propaganda…<br /> <br /> Propos, for short, are broadcasts to inform districts that still aren't aware of President Snow’s villainy, thus catapulting the masses into hopeful revolution. To explain the backstory would be a waste of time: if you haven’t seen THE HUNGER GAMES or CATCHING FIRE, maybe you should. And despite being a means to an end, this is the most fulfilling episode for a reason...<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibr2cS1xb8XTg2ZypGZCXFKyIeahOh0OPi7szYztrdUTWw210r_DTWddcI6umNol4co1aJHUGQlhBi9SLJjYK_32HLT1yIMPlVglxKS_9k7OI5LGckAX_c-cEwJG_yCpbQioJ1OCX4q7w/s1600/mockingjay.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibr2cS1xb8XTg2ZypGZCXFKyIeahOh0OPi7szYztrdUTWw210r_DTWddcI6umNol4co1aJHUGQlhBi9SLJjYK_32HLT1yIMPlVglxKS_9k7OI5LGckAX_c-cEwJG_yCpbQioJ1OCX4q7w/s1600/mockingjay.jpg" width="193" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A posthumous Hoffman</td></tr> </tbody></table> From covert operations to code breaking to air raids to city ruins to dams being blown to bits, MOCKINGJAY PART 1 is a bonafide 100% good old fashion war movie. Taking a while to get rolling, the pace is intentionally slow until, as Katniss finds true motivation in battle, the action scenes occur but never without reason.  <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: right;"> </div> Winning an Oscar isn’t the only proof of Jennifer Lawrence’s talent as an actress... The fact she pulls off being a terrible one during the first of several propos auditions is something that takes an experienced performer to achieve… Check out an intentionally monotone Julianne Moore in one BOOGIE NIGHTS scene and you’ll get the idea...<br /> <br /> Speaking of whom, Moore is cast as the underground leader bringing the eclectic lot together. And the only real downer is exactly what the teenage target audience needs most… Romance!<br /> <br /> During weepy moments where Katniss has second thoughts while brooding over Peeta, grownup viewers may wish they’d leave Romeo and Juliet for the last (upcoming) installment... Which, gladly enough, <i>is</i> the case here... And not without a strange last-minute twist that could blast PART 2 into melodrama overdrive. But that's another bridge to cross. Let's hope it doesn't go <i>too far!</i>

2014, action, franchise, jennifer lawrence, julianne moore, philip seymour hoffman, sequel, war, woody harrelson

REVIEW OF THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1

year: 2014 rating: ***1/2 Once again, Woody Harrelson receives most of the giggles, but it was nice hearing the late Philip Seymour Hoff...