The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

The prequel to The Lord of the Ring trilogy....

So the book The Fellowship of the Ring is 398 pages long. The book The Two Towers is 327 pages and the book Return of the King is 412 pages long. Each of these books were adapted into an award winning film of some length --178 minutes, 179 minutes, and 201 minutes respectively.

Having presented this information, please explain, why the book The Hobbit, that is only 310 pages long was adapted into 169 minute picture that only covered the first third of the book?

That's right ***spoiler alert*** there are going to be two more. The Hobbit: The Quest for More Money and The Hobbit: Enough Already!

Although the special effects are spectacular the movie itself presents the audience with about 30 minutes of information divided up by 139 minutes worth of battles and landscapes.

For those that are devout fans of the epic stories it is a must see, but for those that are barely enthusiasts. Ehhh.

** 3/4 Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for intense violence and frightening images)

Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock searches for his next project. Upon deciding on a horror film, the studio's quickly turn their back on him, leaving him to produce the picture all on his own. The stress of the project not only threatens his career but also his marriage. Determined to prove everyone wrong and see his movie through it's a wonder he didn't go Psycho.

So much fun! Anyone that has seen a Hitchcock film will appreciate this picture. It was creative, crafty, and offered up great homage to the greatest movie of Hitchcock's illustrious career.

Helen Mirren is absolutely amazing as Mrs. Hitchcock, Alma Reville and somewhat overshadows Anthony Hopkins who still gives a spectacular performance.

**** Oscar Worthy

Rated PG-13 (for language, sexual content, and violent images)

Silver Linings Playbook

A man that has been imprisoned for beating up his wife's lover is released from a mental institute into the custody of his parents.  His  delusional efforts to win back his estranged wife lead him to meet Tiffany, a woman with emotional troubles of her own.

An unexpected delight. Very sundancesque in that this is a total character piece. Slow at times and very methodical the story gently unfolds the crazy in everyone on screen.

Fun dialogue and odd ball characters help create this uncomfortable world that everyone hears about but is rarely witnessed.

*** Must See

Rated R (for language and brief nudity)

Rise of the Guardians

Legends unite to protect the children of the world from Pitch, an evil nightmare that hopes to rule the world by keeping children from dreaming and believing.

This was a very creative and clever twist on traditional legendary characters. Santa Claus is a Russian mafioso type, while the Easter Bunny is a rugged Aussie.

They dispose of very time honored myths as well, i.e. the elves are pretty much useless and it is the yetis that do all of the actual toy making and the tooth fairy has an army of little pixies that do her collecting.

It also introduces old characters that children today may have never heard of.  The villain is done very well and is extremely creepy.

Again a very refreshing take on our classic holiday hero's, nevertheless, as inventive as this film is it goes on for about 45 minutes too long. The story dwindles towards the end and most of the audience could be seen checking their watches.

** 1/2 Rentable

Rated PG (thematic elements)

Lincoln

President Abraham Lincoln has just been re-elected to a second term. As the death toll of the Civil War continues to climb, he faces yet another seemingly impossible challenge, to pass the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

I must admit I was somewhat surprised by this movie. I went in expecting a Braveheart type epic film depicting the life and presidency of the 16th President of the United States and was capriciously presented with something more along the lines of Mr. Smith goes to Washington.

This movie was adapted from the book, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln and covers the last four months of his life.  Having never read the book myself, I assume it is a decent adaptation, however along those lines, the movie may have been more appropriately titled "The 13th Amendment" as it covers more of what was going on in congress than the history and life of 'Honest Abe'.

Nevertheless, the movie was brilliantly cast, superbly acted, and surprisingly comical, showing, how then, as it is now,  it's almost impossible to get congress to agree to anything and the fact that we somehow manage to create new laws is a miracle in and of itself. Also its interesting how perhaps with all the current worries of the media and the need to be "politically correct" congress has taken a step backwards -- the scenes, during sessions in which the congressmen insult each other and call each other names, are particularly funny and delightfully satisfying.

Certain to be nominated for several academy awards, although unexpected and perhaps mistitled, very well done.

**** Oscar Worthy

Rated PG-13 (for violence and language)

Wreck-It Ralph

Burnt out and under-appreciated, a classic 80's arcade game villain decides to leave his game and prove his worth in a new role; hero.  In the unpredictable and sometimes dangerous worlds of his neighboring arcade games he encounters a "glitch" that helps him to see his true worth.

This is definitely an enjoyable movie.  The first third is very engaging and clever, as the inside world of video games and the corresponding rules are set up.  There's lots of fun cameos and nods to classic video games, from the 80's to today.  The varying video game worlds are beautifully realized.  The use of well planned 8-bit animation and top notch 3D animation are cleverly mixed throughout the entire movie, subtly reminding you that you are in a video game.  This ended up being needed because of the lack of time we get to spend in different video game worlds.  Most of the film is spent in a Candy-land type racing game.  Although that world is beautifully designed and well thought out, I found myself wanting Ralph to explore more of the different video game worlds.  Overall it's entertaining, clever and heartwarming enough to keep you rooting for the characters throughout.  Although, Mandy is right, there is a surprising amount of crude humor for a Disney animated feature.

Worth a trip to the theater, *** out of 4.

Skyfall

When a mission goes horribly wrong and 007 is presumed dead by all, MI6 is violently attacked forcing M to relocate the entire secret service underground.

Welcome back Bond. Although this story is weak and the plot line muddled up a bit in unwarranted sentimentality, this film has most certainly presented itself as a gateway to the old 007 formula. The movie as a whole, however is so so and the length is questionable, nevertheless there are several moments that are great fun and remind us all why we flock to the theatre each November.

Much homage is paid to the old films throughout this one so keep your eyes pealed. It seems as though the antiquated cold war Bond will be back as the franchise continues forward.

Can't wait!

** 1/2 Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for language, violence and sexual content)

Wreck-It Ralph

A video game villain feels ostracized by the other characters in his game. In an attempt to win their friendship he abandons his post to prove his worth. In doing so he meets a "glitch" in a neighboring  game and finds out what real hero's are made of.

This isn't quite up to Pixar standards in terms of story development but it is very clever.  The setting will appeal most to those familiar with the video games of the late '80's and early '90's. The humor is oddly crude for a Disney movie, perhaps aimed at the tweens more so than young children, but then the little ones may be distracted enough by the bright colors and loud noises that they won't care.

Cute, but forgettable.

** 1/2 Rentable

Rated PG (for some rude humor)

Seven Psychopaths

A screenwriter struggling to get his story onto paper is inspired by newspaper snippets and stories about crazy people.  While his own world begins to collapse he gets caught up in the psychotic world of his best friend.

This is an extremely odd and gratuitously violent dark comedy.  In its own attempt to be innovative and complex it becomes predictable and routine.

It's somewhat disturbing and not in a thought provoking way.

*1/2 Rentable

Rated R (for violence, gruesome images, some nudity and excessive language)

Argo

A CIA agent turns to Hollywood to help him go undercover as a film producer in a hopeless attempt to help six Americans escape from Iran.

Based on a true story, this is easily one of the best movies of the year.  Set in the late '70's, the casting was great and the screenplay was spectacular.

The subtle humor that the characters bring to the film eases the tension while still creating a sense of realism.

The fact that this actually happened makes the story all the more unbelievable. Ben Affleck stars in and directs this film in such a way that regardless of the fact that you may already know the outcome you are still on the edge of you seat. Very well done.


**** Oscar Worthy

Rated R (for language)

Pitch Perfect

A resistant college student ends up in a'cappella group with an eccentric collection of girls competing for the national championship.

This was an unexpected delight. The characters are peculiar and obscure, very Napoleon Dynamitesque. The story, although cliche, is entertaining enough to keep the audience laughing.

The random side kicks really make this movie memorable. They are the best part actually, as that is where all of the humor comes from.

Totally random but worth a peek.

*** Must See

Rated PG-13 (for language and sexual content)

Trouble with the Curve

An aging baseball scout finds himself on a recruiting trip with his estranged daughter.

This movie was absolutely horrid.  Like painfully, horrid.  Eastwood is perfect as the angry old man, but other than the lucky casting the whole thing is just a waste.  The story is so completely predictable, the characters are tragically one dimensional, and the whole product is just a let down.

Don't.

* Not-A-Chance

Rated PG-13 (for language and sexual content)

The Odd Life of Timothy Green

A childless couple finds a young boy has mysteriously grown from their garden.  He comes with a designed list of quirks and talents that were tailor made for his new family, including some greenery.

This movie was weird, and odd, and disappointing.  I kind of suspected all of this going in and yet I saw it anyway.  I suppose I was hoping it would surprise me and be a bittersweet mix of Pollyanna and Steel Magnolia's.

Nope. Not even close.

It was more like The Buttercream Gang meets On Our Own. (yes, you read that correctly) Horrifically cheesy and frantically annoying.  Young children may like it, but the story itself is really slow and they too might loose interest.

* Not-A-Chance

Rated PG (for language)

Hope Springs

After 30 years of marriage a couple finds themselves in need of some counseling. They head off to Main to spend a week in intense therapy that may be the end of their marriage.

Ummmmmmm..... can we say awkward?!?!?! OK so there are some very funny parts in this movie.  However, having said that, there are also some very uncomfortable moments.

Bottom line this movie should be rated NC-50.  I was clearly one of the youngest audience members and that in and of itself should have been a sign that this movie wasn't for me.  This is a flick for the fifty and older crowd, believe me, if you are younger than 50 and opt to see this movie be prepared to feel as though you are watching your parents having (or attempting to have) sex.

Awkward!

** Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for language and sexual content and mature themes)

The Bourne Legacy

A CIA agent and a research scientist both escape government assassination attempts. They now must depend on each other to survive.

It should come as no surprise as to how much fun and entertaining this was. Like the original movie in character development, content, and plot, it is action packed and lives up to it's predecessors without the obnoxious camera work.

The beginning of the movie is a tad complicated and confusing but give it a chance as the set up is slow. Nevertheless it picks up the pace and races to the end, leaving the audience a little shell shocked themselves.

The storyline is fun and leaves a huge opening not only for continued sequels, but for Matt Damon to return at any time. Edward Norton is amazing and Jeremy Renner does a spectacular job stepping into a role that is tough to compete with and makes it his own.

*** Must See

Rated PG-13 (for violence and language)

To Rome With Love

A police officer introduces six vignettes about romance while in Rome.

Oh this was such a waste of time! I was so terribly disappointed. I went in expecting something as charming as Midnight in Paris and was left with a collection of intercut Woody Allen shorts, none of which connected to the other and some which made absolutely no sense at all.

I understand it is based on a book and perhaps if I was someone that was actually well read I would have enjoyed it, as it turns out, not so much.

* - Not A Chance

Rated R (for language and sexual content)

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

British retirees all from different circumstances and backgrounds head off to India to spend their golden years in luxury.  Upon arrival they quickly find it to be less than expected.

I loved this movie. I truly did. It was such a cute and charismatic film.  Kind of like an elderly Sex in the City, only far more clever and the characters much more endearing.  The actors were splendid and the dialogue is just fun and captivating.

There were a few unexpected twists that only add to the depth of the story not to mention the individuals as they are each charmingly relatable in their own way.

Absolutely enchanting.

*** Must See


Rated PG-13 (for language) 

The Dark Knight Rises

It has been eight years since Batman took the fall for the crimes of Two-Face, Harvey Dent. Gotham City has been relatively crime free during Batman's hiatus, however now terrorism and cat burglars force him to return and save the city once again.

The whole thing has an odd feeling to it. First, it feels more like an episode of Die Hard than Batman. I get that the producers have continually gone for a darker take on the comic book series, nevertheless, in doing so they have all but lost the fun that comes with it. Second, in light of the tragic shootings in Colorado, the audience may find itself slightly uncomfortable each time Bane, the nemesis de jour, walks into a public place and without warning starts shooting innocent bystanders. It will be noticeably awkward in the theatre. Third, it has a complicated and convoluted plot that doesn't need to be so, any sophisticated movie goer -- even the common masses, for that matter, will have figured out the plot WAY before the two hour and forty five minute flick is over, leaving everyone to wonder, why it took Batman so long to figure it out?

Over all it was semi-entertaining. It wrapped up nicely and I was pleasantly surprised by the supporting cast. Anne Hathaway, whom I didn't think had enough sex appeal to pull of Cat Woman, took the character into a more street savvy, smart-ass direction that really worked for her.  Joseph Gordon-Levitt was also a nice surprise and pulls his weight through out the show.  Tom Hardy was cruel and merciless as Bane and made the audience jump on several occasions.  Christian Bale, whom I have never been a fan of as the Caped Crusader, still disappoints with his demon voice attempt.  Having said that, any comic fan will likely drink this in as a delightful installment of Christopher Nolan's version of Batman.

** 3/4 Must See (for the devout)


Rated PG-13 (for language and violence)

Moonrise Kingdom

During the summer of '65, two twelve year old children fall in love and run away together to an island off the coast of New England.  A search party consisting of local police, social services, and a scout troop set out to find them and bring them in.

This was very reminiscent of The Royal Tenenbaums, not quite as good, but very entertaining, especially, if you like the dry humor of Wes Anderson.

Extremely quirky with bizarre characters, absurd sets and very interesting music. The story is sweet and surprisingly engaging. As with all of Wes Anderson's stuff this is a tad slow and takes a bit for the story to get going, but there are enough oddities to keep the audience amused along the way.

*** Must See


Rated PG-13 (for language)

The Amazing Spider-Man

Peter Parker finds his father's brief case in his Aunt and Uncles basement. Within the case is a file that has clues he hope will lead him to understanding the disappearance of his parents years ago.

I was never a fan of the Toby Maguire Spider-Man's and went into this version slightly jaded and with no expectations.  I was pleasantly surprised as I found this adaptation much more fun, the characters far more likable not to mention believable, and like the recent Batman series, is not the basic model.

This edition is not as campy as the former installments. Nor is it annoying like the last three (they were so disappointing)  It is also a lot darker. Not, The Dark Knight dark, but still more serious than the previous cycle.

As I am only slightly familiar with the comic books, I have been informed that this follows a different storyline as the love interest is not Mary Jane but Gwen Stacy who later becomes the love interest of the villain Venom, so it seems that we are being set up for the sequel that has been announced as a May 2, 2014 release date. So sit back and prepare yourself for the new Spider-Man.

Hint: stay for the credits.

*** Must See


Rated PG-13 (for violence and language)

Men In Black III

The Men in Black are back in a third installment of the "aliens amongst us" comedy. An alien criminal has escaped from prison and traveled back in time to prevent "K" from making the original arrest. "J" follows him and runs into his younger partner.  Together they must find the criminal to save the future of the world.

So I have absolutely no memory of Men in Black II, and I found that it doesn't matter in the least -- Apparently most people don't. This was a fun sequel that far surpassed part two.  Great comedic moments and all though it was still completely forgettable, Josh Brolin is amazing as a young Tommy Lee Jones.

Fine summer fun.


** 1/2 Rentable


Rated PG-13 (for language and violence)

Brave

A young Scottish princess battles against tradition, her countrymen, and most trying of all, her mother. As she struggles to understand her own role and what is required of her she comes to the realization of what is most important.

This was cute. Not Pixar's best, nor their worst, nevertheless I was not expecting the story at hand. I went in ready to see a Scottish version of Mulan and ended up with a sort of Beauty and the Beast meets Brother Bear. Yeah, weird right? Anyway as I said before, it was cute. The characters are well developed and take fun liberties with the Scottish culture.

This could be a tad scary for the wee ones while there are several intense fight scenes. Also it may not be able to hold a captive audience, young or old, as it does kind drag in the third act.

Overall fine family fun.

*** Must See
Rated PG (for violence)

The Avengers

Hello! I am back from the dead.... long story.

Marvel's heroes come together to save the world.

So if you haven't seen this movie yet, you should. It is probably the most fun of the Marvel comic series since the original Iron Man.

They do a great job of bringing all the characters together and not focusing on just a few, but really making all of them as a group "the main character."

The Hulk was surprisingly my favorite and I was amazed at how much I preferred Mark Ruffelo to Edward Norton, I know shocking!

This was actually really fun and well done, if I had any complaints it would just be that they spend too much time re-introducing each character to S.H.E.I.L.D. as we all stayed till the end of the credits on each of the preceding films, right? Speaking of, this one is no different. Wait it out... all they way to the very end.  It's awesome!

*** Must See


Rated PG-13 (for language and violence)

The Pirates! Band of Misfits

A peculiar crew of Pirates seek out fame and fortune, in hopes that their own Captain will win Pirate of the Year.  Along the way they run into several obstacles including a vengeful Queen Victoria and a determined Charles Darwin.

Although this contained very clever dialogue the story itself was terribly weak and a bit boring. I wanted so badly to like the story and to care about the characters, as I am a huge fan of Chicken Run, nevertheless, the skillful quips are somewhat lost on the audience due to the on screen over kill. The claymation is, as always, amazing.


** Rentable


Rated PG (for mild rude humor)

Chimpanzee

A documentary following the remarkable story of a young orphaned chimp and his community.

So I kind of have a complaint when it comes to Disney Nature.  Chimpanzee, like its predecessors, is overly fraught with human emotion. This comes from the over use of narration. I get that perhaps they feel this is necessary in order to appeal to children and keep them entertained, but they are wrong.  I grew up watching nature programs, ones that had very limited narration and also didn't edit out the natural drama that comes from the wild.

The footage that they had for this movie is amazing.  The story of this little three year old chimpanzee that is orphaned and then cared for by the alpha-male is unheard of.  In fact scientists say that it is common for males to kill orphaned young, not to play nurse maid.

The story is sweet and cute, the nature part is however, I hate to say it -- "disneyfied", thus taking something away from the actual spectacle.

Nevertheless I took a six and four year old to it, and they were entertained. The four year old lost interest about an hour in, and again I attribute that to too much narration and not enough nature.

** 1/2 -- Its fun to see on the big screen


Rated G

Bully

A documentary that follows the stories of five children and their personal experiences with being taunted, teased, emotionally and physically abused by their peers.

This is a very sad, very interesting story about the effects of bullying.  It is more than just the simple story of teenage angst or the horror we know as Jr. High or Middle School.  It is about community and how important the "golden rule" really is.  How being kind to others, particularly children, changes lives. In turn how being cruel can destroy them.

I saw this weeks ago while it still carried a "Not Rated" status. My understanding is that it went to the MPAA and received an R rating, due to content and language.  As this film is trying to reach out to the teenage demographic, it is being or has been re-edited to obtain a PG-13 rating.  Take your kids!

*** Must See


Currently "Not Rated" but should be re-released as PG-13 (for language and content matter)

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

A very stiff upper lipped Salmon expert is forced into helping a millionaire Sheik introduce Salmon to the Yemen.

This is a very predictable, very sweet, very slow indy flick.  If you are a fan of either Emily Blunt or Ewan McGregor you will no doubt be charmed by this movie.

It is neither here nor there really.  The story is pretty basic and airtight. The acting is decent. The dialogue is fun and witty. And the view is pretty. Again totally forgettable.


** Rentable


Rated PG-13 (for language and sexual content)

Mirror Mirror

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs... with a little twist.

This was a creative, although, dissapointing attempt to throw new life into a classic fairy tale. Julia Roberts is funny as the evil queen, who also acts as the narrator, trying to tell the story from her point of view -- another piece that doesn't quite work.

It is altogether somewhat of a flop that was not unique enough to be new nor traditional enough to be nostalgic. Not to mention that there is a horrific "Bollywood" type ending that comes out of no where.

It tries to be family friendly but does have a lot of oddly placed sexual innuendos, but kids may find it funny enough to like it.


* 1/2 -- Perhaps rentable


Rated PG (for violence and rude humor)

The Hunger Games

A young girl volunteers as a tribute to represent her district in a fight to the death reality television program that is sponsored and forced upon the people by the reigning government.

OK so I think I may be one of four people on the planet that didn't read this book, so I am reviewing this purely as a movie goer....

I went to the mid-night screening in LA -- the Director, Gary Ross, and the young cast members, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Alexander Ludwig were all there, along with most of the production crew.  It was fun to be amongst the excited and over eager crowd.

Again as a non-reader, I was pleasantly surprised and delightfully engaged by the story, although at the same time horrifically disturbed at the concept in general.  The acting was great and I particularly liked Woody Harrelson, who I heard was a disappointing casting choice by the readers, but I thought he was great.  As I had zero expectations, I suppose I am less critical of the story, not knowing what was left out. Nevertheless, as a film, it worked well and was entertaining.

*** Must See (especially for the pop-culture followers)


Rated PG-13 (for language and violence)

A Separation

A couple separates in preparation to divorce in a tumultuous culture and community. With multiple personal issues at stake, their choices seem to effect the entire world around them.

This was a very, very well made movie. It is a bit slowly paced, but that really only adds to the anxiety of the story itself. There are huge issues of frustration and/or misunderstandings that one would think could be easily fixed but are only made more complicated because of the country that they live in and the dynamics of religion and government.

Again a tad slow, but eye opening and thought provoking.


**** Oscar Worthy


Rated PG-13 (for language)

Gone With The Wind

So this was playing for one day only and I went and saw it.  It was the first time I had ever seen it on the big screen and I just have to say... it was fabulous!

If you ever get the chance to go and see this movie in an actual movie theatre -- do it! You will be reminded of why it is such a classic and still holds its own even by today's standards.

The characters are amazing, the story is fantastic, and the acting is brilliant. It is also somewhat poignant to realize how beautiful the men and women in this film were -- no airbrushing, truly classic movie stars grace the screen.

**** Oscar Worthy (and worth the repeat!)


Rated PG  

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

A young boy trying to deal with the death of his father combs the city of New York in search of clues to a random key that he believes his father left behind for him to find.

This was extremely long and incredibly boring! I get that I did not read the book and to those of you that did perhaps you had a different take on this flick, but this was BORING!! Long and boring.

The antagonist is annoying and hard to relate to. You find that the stories around him are more intriguing and yet they never are fleshed out. Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks who are both great still aren't enough to make this movie interesting.

And this was nominated for Best Picture!?!?! Terrible.

* 1/2 -- If you are having trouble sleeping, perhaps its rentable.


Rated PG-13 (language)

Chronicle

A socially awkward teenager chronicles his daily life on his video camera, when he and two others become randomly endowed with inexplicable powers, true natures and intents are reveled leaving them at odds with those around them and eventually each other.

Although presumptuous in the way that it is filmed this is actually quite entertaining and disturbingly realistic as to what the world would be like if there were actual "super-hero's" amongst us.

There is a somewhat interesting twist that creates empathy and fear. It is at times uncomfortably violent but that adds to the realism that the docu-style, albeit irritating, filming takes away from -- did that make sense?


*** Worth Seeing


Rated PG-13 (for language, sexual content, violence)

Soooooo......

It would seem that I have fallen a tad behind in my reviews, but you see it was Oscar season, and then I went to Italy for two weeks, and then I was whisked off to Spring Training with the Angels, and then I went to Disneyland for a couple of days, but I am back, focused and ready to work...

Reviews will be posted shortly.....

The Iron Lady

An intimate look at Margaret Thatcher, the first and only female Prime Minister of The United Kingdom.

Meryl Streep is amazing.  She is to Margaret Thatcher as Helen Mirren in to the Queen of England.  Such a magnificent job. Not only Meryl Streep but the entire cast really stepped up and owns their characters. Jim Broadbent and Harry Lloyd are both fabulous in their own right.

The story overall is fascinating and historically accurate, however much like that of J. Edgar it is told in flash backs and flash forwards and still slightly drags. If told as a linear story it would have been extremely boring.  Still the acting alone makes it worth seeing.

*** Must See


Rated PG-13 (language and some violence)

Hugo

Hugo Cabret is an orphan, living within the walls of a Parisian train station.  His job there is to wind the clocks, but his obsession is to solve a mystery that his late father left behind.

I was delightfully surprised that this Martin Scorsese flick was sweet, entertaining and not excessively long.  In fact at two hours and six minutes, it is possibly Scorsese's shortest movie.

This was fun and children friendly while historically charming.  A magical film based on a true story.


*** Must See


Rated PG (for mild action)

War Horse

A horse named Joey is drafted into the British army during World War One.  Joey's journey takes him to occupied France. There he has an impact on many lives from German soldiers to French children.

This was an attempt at an epic drama. It failed miserably. This is not The Black Stallion nor is it Lawrence of Arabia. There is a lack of connection with the main characters or the horse itself.  It is the length of an epic drama, but lacks the depth or story of one.  This is clearly made for children and yet isn't interesting enough for kids or adults.

Great cinematography but certainly not Oscar worthy and was nominated for sentimental reasons alone.

** Rentable


Rated PG-13 (for war violence and language)

The Artist

A movie stars marketability is threatened when sound is introduced to film in the late 1920's. As his star fades a new one is found in the young actress that he has fallen for.

Like A Star is Born meets Singing in the Rain -- all without sound, this movie was kind of like watching a Tom and Jerry cartoon.  Interesting in the beginning the story drags on a tad long. However they do a magnificent job of developing character without the help of dialogue.

This was interesting and I am glad I saw it, I can't say that I would ever want to sit through it again. I am somewhat surprised it was nominated for Oscars as it is a bit cliche, reverting back to black and white, no sound, and title cards.  As Hollywood seems to have moved past this, I would assume audiences have as well.

** Rentable


Rated PG-13 (for a suicide attempt)

Shame

Brandon is a porn addict. With the unexpected arrival of his sister his world begins to spin out of his control as his addiction is now seeping into every aspect of his life.

Although all about sex, there is nothing sexy about this movie. It is a very dark and realistic portrayal of a porn addict.  The story is very well developed as we fall down the spiral of shame that true porn addicts experience, from prostitutes to chronic masterbation, to the inability to perform or be satisfied by women and eventually men. This is a scary and horrifying glimpse at how pornography completely desensitizes the human mind and body, making one incapable of real relationships or love.

This is obviously not for everyone, but frankly all teenage boys should watch this movie and learn what porn does to the human mind. Very well done and cruelly honest.

*** Must See


Rated NC-17 (for explicit sexual content, nudity and language)

My Week with Marilyn

A young intern ends up on the set of the "The Prince and the Showgirl" starring Sir Laurence Olivier and the one and only Marilyn Monroe.  As production on the film continues, tempers fly and the tension builds due to the starlets peculiar and unprofessional way of working.  The intern seems to be Marilyn's only friend and the one she turns to during the final week of filming.

This is an interesting movie.  The historical elements are fascinating but the drama was a tad boring. To see the difficulty that this bombshell brought to the set of almost every film she was on is amazing. However, Michelle Williams who is beautiful in her own right, is not stunning enough to pull off the sultry and hypnotizing looks of Marilyn Monroe.

Slow and deliberate, interesting and frustrating.

** Rentable


Rated R (for language)

A Dangerous Method

A Russian woman arrives at a clinic in Austria to be treated for hysteria.  Her treatment contributes to some of the greatest strides in psychiatry, however unethical they might seem today.

This is a semi-interesting look at the history between Carl Jung, Sabina Speilrein, and Sigmund Freud, all great contributors in the field of psychiatry.  It's faults are that it is way too slow and drawn out.  In an attempt to create drama, there are lengthy scenes of conversation with voiced over narrative.

Meh. When it is all said and done this was not spectacular or really very entertaining.

* 1/2 Barely Rentable


Rated R (for sexual content and language)

Carnage

Two sets of parents get together to work out the differences that have exploded on the playground between their two sons.

This is a Roman Polanski flick, many people are off put by him as a director or better yet a person. Nevertheless, this is an amazingly entertaining movie. Based on a play, to see two sets of parents that come from completely different backgrounds as well as different parenting styles forced together for eighty seven minutes in an attempt to work out a solution for their un-present children. The escalation is hilarious and the ending a tad unpredictable.

*** Must See


Rated R (for language)

We Bought a Zoo

After the death of his wife a young journalist tries to redefine the life that he and his children lead by moving. With the purchase of his new home comes along a few obstacles.  A Zoo.

This was sweet and cheery.  It was extremely predictable but still managed to develop the characters just enough that it doesn't become boring.

The real star of this flick is Maggie Elizabeth Jones, she plays Rosie, the daughter of Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon).  She steals every scene she is in.

The rest of the cast is mediocre, and really doesn't seem invested in the script. Nevertheless this isn't an amazing movie. Just something kind of sweet, and forgettable.


** Rentable


Rated PG (for language)

The Adventures of Tintin

A young reporter and his dog get caught up in a unsolved mystery that is generations old. After they are kidnapped they set off around the globe to gather clues with the help of the drunken Captain Haddock.

This was such an unexpected surprise! I was absolutely in awe of how fun and entertaining this movie was.  In general I am not a fan of motion capture films, however, this was really well done.

Not only were the special effects well done, but the story was fantastic. It was like Raiders of the Lost Ark meets Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.  Really, really fun and exciting.


I would say that its' PG rating is a tad off.  It is a bit violent and a tad bloody. So I would be cautious with the little ones. However for anyone over the age of 8 -- loads of fun!


*** 1/2 - Must See


Rated PG (for violence and language) 

Sundance!

It's the greatest time of year! The annual pilgrimage home to the great state of Utah. There for ten blessed days the Sundance Film Festival comes to life and the screenings begin!

This year I was fortunate enough to be asked to be on a screenwriters panel as well as be a judge for some short films -- it was amazing!!

So here is the list of films that I saw:

Robot and Frank
The Queen of Versailles
Celeste and Jesse Forever
Red Lights
Lay the Favorite
Fungus
Your Sister's Sister
Goats
Hilary's Straws
The Other Dream Team
That's What She Said
Scarfobia
Fate
One
Dream
Speech
Fight
Leach
Hellion
My Best Day
The First Time
Bear
Safety Not Guaranteed
Don't Hug Me I'm Scared
Kid-Thing
Bachelorette
Four Suns
The End of Love
Wuthering Heights
Smashed
LUV
The Words
2 Days in New York
Save the Date
Ethel
Liberal Arts
For A Good Time, Call...

Reviews to come shortly!

MOVIE MARATHON 2012!!!

Happy New Year!!!

Here is the schedule for this year:

• We Bought a Zoo
• Carnage
• A Dangerous Method
• My Week With Marilyn
• Shame

Reviews to come shortly!!!