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04 Jan

Ocean’s 13

Grade: B

The Oceans crew is back – and they’re at their best when they’re bouncing off of each other.  These guys have the best onscreen chemistry for a group of men to come around in a long time.  It’s really like they’re being themselves – and sometimes it’s hard to delineate between the actor and the character, they’re so easy and charming in their roles.  In this story, they’re out for revenge against casino boss Al Pacino – and his sidekick Ellen Barkin.  George Clooney rallies his troups, and they all fall into their familiar places.  How they do what they do requires a lot of exposition, but that’s ok delivered in the melodious tones of the Clooney baritone.  There are a lot of little “inside” moments – like George crying during an Oprah episode, and telling Brad Pitt he needs to settle down, “have some kids.”  It’s fun to watch, an entertaining night out.  No rocket science here, no big messages.  It’s like Vegas, the city the crew calls home; not a lot of substance, but they put on a good show.
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04 Jan

Now You See Me

Grade: A-

I love a movie that surprises me.  And Now You See Me definitely did that!  Mark Ruffalo plays a Las Vegas cop trying to figure out how 4 magicians managed to rob a bank in Paris while on stage in Vegas.  Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher and Dave Franco play the 4 illusionists who are brought together by some unknown mastermind.  It’s a mystery for everyone, including the magicians.  The movie involves some cool action sequences, comedy, romance, intrigue – it’s got something for everyone.

This will definitely be a summer hit – lots of fun
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04 Jan

Notes on a Scandal

Grade: B

Expect to see acting nominations for both Judi Densch and Cate Blanchett for their performances in “Notes on a Scandal.”  Individually they are each amazing, but the best scenes are when they are together – they have a rare chemistry.  The story is about a new art teacher (Blanchett) who arrives at a high school and in trying to find her way becomes friends with a veteran teacher (Densch) with questionable motives.  Blanchett is married with children, but ends up having an affair with a student.  Densch, lonely and sad, finds out, and uses the information to get closer to her. We get clues all along the way as to what is really going on, and it’s scandalous!  The movie is riveting.  Not for everyone, it gets a little uncomfortable, but it’s definitely original.
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04 Jan

No Strings Attached

Grade: B

No Strings Attached is a romantic comedy that is rated R for strong language and sex.  And we get to see Ashton Kutcher’s bum.  Ashton stars with Natalie Portman.  The two play childhood friends all grown up who embark on a “no strings attached” relationship out of convenience.  Of course, they end up growing closer, and the conflict begins.  This is another in a growing trend of films where the traditional guy and girl roles are reversed.  In this one, Natalie is the one who has commitment issues.  Light, fun, a nice alternative to some of the heavier movies that are out this time of year.  The two leads are delightful, and the supporting cast has some of the best lines.
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04 Jan

No Reservations

Grade: B

No Reservations stars Catherine Zeta-Jones, Aaron Eckhardt, and Abigail Breslin.  It’s based on the movie Mostly Martha, which I saw and loved years ago.  Mostly Martha I think was a German movie, and starred Gerard Depardieu in Aaron Eckhardt’s part.  This time Martha is named Kate, and she’s played by Catherine Zeta-Jones.  Kate is a workaholic, a chef in a high pressure upscale restaurant.  She’s intense – her work is her life.  Until her sister dies and her niece comes to live with her.  Of course this turns her life upside down, and she struggles to find that something within her to make it all good for this little girl.  At just the same time as she feels out of control of things, in walks her new sous-chef, who is everything she’s not.  He’s spontaneous, light-hearted, and a people person.  The two challenge each other – and of course, sparks fly.  Stir in some conflict, add a little comedy, and you’ve got a recipe for a really sweet date movie.
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04 Jan

No Country For Old Men

Grade: B-

No Country For Old Men is kind of beyond description.  It is definitely an original.  And it’s not for everyone’s tastes, this is not a “mainstream” movie.  It’s not just violent, it’s about violence – and the world that it is set in is a very violent world.  The cast is amazing – Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones, Woody Harrelson, Javier Bardem.  It’s hard to tell who is crazy and who is sane, who is “good” and who is “bad” – everyone has an agenda, and everyone has a gun.  Josh Brolin plays a guy who happens upon a drug deal gone bad, dead bodies, drugs, and a bunch of money.  He takes the money, then makes the mistake of returning to the scene right when some other bad guys come back.  This set into motion a crazy chase that goes on for much of the movie.  Javier Bardem is the worst, craziest, scariest one – he treats the whole thing like a game.

The tone is very dark, no music, very sparse settings and dialogue.  Interesting, creative, and  disturbing all at the same time.
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04 Jan

Never Let Me Go

Grade: A-

Never Let Me Go is dark, haunting and mysterious – you can tell that even just by the previews.  You’re not really sure what it’s about, or what is going to happen.  But in this case, that’s a good thing!  The movie is kind of science fiction/drama/romance.  The cast is amazing.  Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley and Andrew Garfield star.  There really should be an Oscar category for casting directors. There are a set of younger actors that play the same characters as kids at school, and they are spot on, each one of them.

I don’t want to give too much away, because that’s the best part about the movie, guessing how it’s going to unfold.  Just know that it’s really worth seeing.  Beautiful performances, utterly original.
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04 Jan

Nebraska

Grade: C+

An aging, booze-addled father (Bruce Dern) makes the trip from Montana to Nebraska with his estranged son (Will Forte) in order to claim a million-dollar Mega Sweepstakes Marketing prize. This is a father-son road trip with some surprises along the way, and a few heartfelt moments. June Squib and Bruce Dern were both nominated for Academy Awards for their performances.  Stacey Keach plays an old nemesis who stirs things back up again.  Well written, nice messages about family and what’s really important in life. Shot in black and white. A bit slow going, but charming.
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04 Jan

National Treasure 2

Grade: A-

I think I like this sequel better than the original!  It’s a romp – pure adventure, lots of fun.  The whole cast reprise their roles.  Nicholas Cage is Ben Franklin Gates, Treasure Hunter and Historian.  Jon voight is his dad.  This time Helen Mirren comes in, (love her!) as his mom.  Diana Kruger is his wife, maybe soon to be ex.  Ed Harris is the bad guy.  They all have a lot of fun together.  Reminiscent of Indiana Jones.  Oh, and Bruce Greenwood is the president – isn’t he ALWAYS the president?  In this one they’re solving who shot Lincoln and they travel to England and France and Mt. Rushmore to do it.  Wonderful locations!
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04 Jan

National Treasure

Grade: A-

This is one of those fun movies that the whole family will enjoy! I just loved it. It’s an old-fashioned adventure movie, with a hero (played Nicolas Cage) who has his heart in the right place. It reminded me a little of Indiana Jones. There’s never a dull moment, you’re along for the ride all the way. It’s got some light, clean humor to it, which is very refreshing! Some warm messages about family, too. Take the kids. You’ll have a good time!
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