Grade: B+
| Sci-fi fans will love Looper, a futuristic thriller that is completely original. Joseph Gordon Leavitt and Bruce Willis star as the same character at different stages of his life – and when they end up in the same time and space, worlds collide. There are some big moral statements – as assassins who are raised and trained to be almost robotic learn what it means to be human. Lots of action sequences, chase scenes, and stunts. Definitely worth seeing. |
Grade: B
| Bruce Willis is back! I don’t even know what number this would be in the Die Hard series… 4 maybe? It’s been a long time between movies. But for Bruce it seems like only yesterday – he’s as cool as ever. There’s lots of humor in this movie, most of it aimed at Bruce’s age, and he plays it off really well. This is a guys movie – I couldn’t even tell you how many explosions or chase scenes there were – it was a little ridiculous. And it got to be silly how many times Bruce falls from the sky and comes out unscathed – but you just have to go with it – he’s the man, after all!
The plot is all about a former government employee’s plot to take over the world via the internet. Justin Long is the computer geek who starts out as Bruce’s assignment and ends up being his sidekick. They’re a cute team. Fun movie, a little over the top, a little loud, but a good night’s entertainment. |
Grade: Loved it! What can I say? I haven’t laughed so much in a movie in a
| Loved it! What can I say? I haven’t laughed so much in a movie in a long time. Wonderful script, brilliant characters, so much charm and warmth – and fabulous acting! What more could you ask for? Everyone who has a family will be able to recognize at least one of these characters. The title “Little Miss Sunshine” refers to the beauty pageant that little Olive has gotten herself a place in as a contestant. To get there, the family must take a road trip, driving from Albuquerque to Redondo Beach in their run down VW bus. It would seem like spending so much “quality” time trapped together would be enough to drive them over the edge, but in this case it’s just what they need. There are some painful realities that must be faced, but as they do so they learn a lot about themselves, and each other. Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Steve Carell. |
Grade: B
| The movie may be called “Little Children” but it is definitely a very adult film. It’s more melodrama than drama, really tragic. At the end it’s hard to say which character you feel worse for, there’s no happy ending. Kate Winslet is nominated for an Academy Award for her role as Sarah, a bored housewife who befriends a lonely househusband, Brad, played by Patrick Wilson. Their relationship turns serious when they begin an affair, and we see the repercussions played out in each household.
The simultaneous storyline is about a pedophile who has served his time and now lives in the neighborhood with his mother. Jackie Earle Haley is nominated for his performance in that role. He’s the town pariah, and he knows it, and yet he is not equipped with the tools to better himself or his situation. There’s no good guy in this movie, and no bad guy. The whole set-up is tragic from the start, the only bright light being the little children everyone is so desperate to protect. Dark, and thought-provoking. For adults only. |
Grade: C+
| Robert Redford directs Lions for Lambs, and stars as a University of California Political Science Professor. Meryl Streep is a political reporter for a CNN like station. Tom Cruise is the senator who is pegged as the Republican’s future leader. Michael Pe�a and Derek Luke are young soldiers who have faith in our country and plans to make it better.
Three storylines intersect to comment on the current war situation. The professor brings in a student for a chat – the student is disillusioned and unmotivated, but the professor sees something in him and wants him to achieve more, to step up and care more. He tells the story of two of his students who did just that, by going against his advice and signing up to serve in the army. At the same time, the two soldiers are off to fight this new, secret mission, the bright idea of Cruise’s senator. The soldiers fall out of a helicopter and are left to fend for themselves in enemy territory. And simultaneously, the senator is pitching his “save the world” strategy with the reporter, asking for her help in getting the word out that this idea is viable, and the solution that has been long sought to end the war. Redford doesn’t have to work too hard on the acting end, he’s mentoring, which comes naturally. As the senator, Cruise is smug, snarkily so, not winning over any fans with his transparent smile. Not much of a stretch. Meryl Streep stands out, conflicted over her part in this sham, feeling guilty, and used. Michael Pe�a and Derek Luke are amazing – look for leading men roles for both of them in the future. The movie is very dialogue heavy – lots and lots of talking. Some war violence. |
Grade: B
| Daniel Day Lewis has the title role of Abraham Lincoln in this period drama from director Steven Spielberg. Lincoln was a remarkable man, with an incredible life – this film looks at one window of time when Lincoln was able to make slavery illegal. It’s an interesting history lesson. Even though we know the outcome, all the little stories, and obstacles, along the way are compelling. The actors are all very good – but sometimes when there are so many famous faces it takes the audience outside the story. Tommy Lee Jones was fantastic, but I kept seeing him as Tommy Lee Jones. Same with Sally Field, who plays Mary Lincoln. There’s a lot of dialogue. It would be great to show this film to high school history classes across the country. |
Grade: B
| Bradley Cooper stars in Limitless – his character is a slacker writer who happens upon a mysterious pill that manages to magically increase his intelligence and productivity. While his career soars, he starts to see side-effects. Then things start happening around him that he can’t explain. He even comes into contact with Robert DeNiro, who wants to harness these powers and use them for his own gain. Intriguing story, and a powerful ending. Well done. |
Grade: C+
| Like Dandelion Dust is a small independent film based on Karen Kingsbury’s novel of the same name. It stars Mira Sorvino as an abused wife who turns her husband in. While the husband is in jail, she gives birth and puts the baby up for adoption. Fast forward to 7 years later, the couple is back together again and they want their baby back. The boy is now living a happy life with his new parents. Lots of heartache, tears, hard choices. But luckily a happy ending after all the suffering. |
Grade: A-
| Director Ang Lee’s adaptation of Yann Martel’s novel “Life of Pi” is nothing short of magnificent.
The cinematography is beautiful, and it stands out even more so in 3D. It’s a simple story, really, and told so well. Utterly original, and deeply moving. I loved it! |
Grade: C
| License to Wed is a goofy romantic comedy. Robin Williams is the antagonist, he’s the priest who is supposed to conduct the ceremony for our two lovebird, played by Mandy Moore and John Krazinski. John Krazinski is best known for his role in the TV show “The Office” and 3 of his co-stars show up in this movie – it’s fun to see them all interact in these new parts.
Weddings are a popular backdrop for romantic comedies, and in any good comedy, you need conflict. That’s where Robin Williiams, or Reverend Frank, comes in. His course on marriage is a requirement to a wedding at his church, so the young couple goes along with it. Of course, mayhem ensues, there’s the misunderstandings, the over-the-top physical comedy, the misinterpreted intentions – the total formula. Throw in a few robot babies and poop jokes and you’ve pretty much got the idea. Of course, the requisite happy ending makes it all worth it. |
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