Extraordinary Measures - 8 stars out of 10
"Extraordinary Measures" is a clean-cut drama sporting Fraser's best performance since "School Ties." Through a lot of highs and lows, it is very inspiring to realize that this is a true story. Harrison Ford plays another gritty role (perfect for his personality) and Keri Russell brings a lot of emotion to the screen. This awesome film shows that dramas do not need language and sex to draw in an audience and keep you on the edge of your seat.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Grumpy Old Men - 8 stars out of 10
Grumpy Old Men - 8 stars out of 10
How could anybody resist this classic comedy? There are few things in life more entertaining than two old guys picking on each other for an hour and 45 minutes. In addition to the masterful acting of Matthau and Lemmon, Ann-Margret is the perfect temptation to increase their feuding and Burgess Meredith is hilarious as Grandpa Gustafson. The entire film is very well written, never taking the pranks to the point that we feel bad for a character but keeping things edgy enough to catch us off-guard, even up to the final scene.
How could anybody resist this classic comedy? There are few things in life more entertaining than two old guys picking on each other for an hour and 45 minutes. In addition to the masterful acting of Matthau and Lemmon, Ann-Margret is the perfect temptation to increase their feuding and Burgess Meredith is hilarious as Grandpa Gustafson. The entire film is very well written, never taking the pranks to the point that we feel bad for a character but keeping things edgy enough to catch us off-guard, even up to the final scene.
Green Zone - 5 stars out of 10
Green Zone - 5 stars out of 10
It is not The Bourne trilogy but manages deliver some decent action sequences; however, "Green Zone" just turns out to be another attempt to make our country's administration look devious and corrupt. While its plot is fictional, several characters are based on real political personalities. I agree with the critics' negative response to this film. The story is okay and the action is excellent, but it does not make it worth the attempt to empathize with static characters.
It is not The Bourne trilogy but manages deliver some decent action sequences; however, "Green Zone" just turns out to be another attempt to make our country's administration look devious and corrupt. While its plot is fictional, several characters are based on real political personalities. I agree with the critics' negative response to this film. The story is okay and the action is excellent, but it does not make it worth the attempt to empathize with static characters.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time - 2 stars out of 10
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time - 2 stars out of 10
"Prince of Persia" was less than adequate and definitely a step down for Disney. They have found incredible success in the Action/Adventure genre with the Pirates of the Caribbean and National Treasure series', but this is like a cheaper version of these films. While the action sequences are enjoyable, the story did not live up to the Disney label. An occasional twist is a great thing, but you can't change the story every 4 minutes. It just showed a lack of vision with a sense of "How can we further advance the plot?" I could tell that the film was based on a video game because it consistently moves the plot in a new direction, as if its target audience is an 11-year-old boy with ADHD. The action sequences were really good but those sequences were not a suitable substitute for a logical storyline. Outside of the story, the acting should have been better with Ben Kingsley and Alfred Molina in its cast. I typically dislike Jake Gyllenhaal in any role, but this fantasy role was the worst. I know that a lot of people liked it but this film disappointed me even more than its previews.
"Prince of Persia" was less than adequate and definitely a step down for Disney. They have found incredible success in the Action/Adventure genre with the Pirates of the Caribbean and National Treasure series', but this is like a cheaper version of these films. While the action sequences are enjoyable, the story did not live up to the Disney label. An occasional twist is a great thing, but you can't change the story every 4 minutes. It just showed a lack of vision with a sense of "How can we further advance the plot?" I could tell that the film was based on a video game because it consistently moves the plot in a new direction, as if its target audience is an 11-year-old boy with ADHD. The action sequences were really good but those sequences were not a suitable substitute for a logical storyline. Outside of the story, the acting should have been better with Ben Kingsley and Alfred Molina in its cast. I typically dislike Jake Gyllenhaal in any role, but this fantasy role was the worst. I know that a lot of people liked it but this film disappointed me even more than its previews.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
She's Out of My League - 9 stars out of 10
She's Out of My League - 9 stars out of 10
I love this movie, and not just because it takes place in Pittsburgh and they went to a Penguin game... it's so nice to see an average guy get a great girl in the end (maybe this is me feeling a sense of hope?) "She's Out of My League" is dirty, but not like "The Hangover" where they overused smut for shock value. Instead, the writers use the dirtiness to recreate real-world conversations. The movie is filled with memorable quirkiness, from the disgruntled family to the logic between the 4 friends and their point system. P.S. -2 points for playing Chelsea Dagger at the Penguin game since it's the Blackhawks goal/win song BUT +8 points for the mean girl getting screwed over in the end.
I love this movie, and not just because it takes place in Pittsburgh and they went to a Penguin game... it's so nice to see an average guy get a great girl in the end (maybe this is me feeling a sense of hope?) "She's Out of My League" is dirty, but not like "The Hangover" where they overused smut for shock value. Instead, the writers use the dirtiness to recreate real-world conversations. The movie is filled with memorable quirkiness, from the disgruntled family to the logic between the 4 friends and their point system. P.S. -2 points for playing Chelsea Dagger at the Penguin game since it's the Blackhawks goal/win song BUT +8 points for the mean girl getting screwed over in the end.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Let the Right One In - 7 stars out of 10
Let the Right One In - 7 stars out of 10
"Let the Right One In" is a Swedish film about the power of friendship and love. I hesitate to call this a vampire film because it will automatically draw comparisons to "Twilight" and this is on a completely different level. The film focuses on a complex relationship and survival instead of the typical "I want to suck your blood" Dracula storyline. Although I really enjoyed this film, I believe that the American remake, "Let Me In," is far superior. It probably has to do with the fact that I saw the English version first and therefore experienced the surprises of the story through that film, though I also feel that the remake worked very hard to improve each aspect of the story, particularly the girl's relationship with her "father" and subtle improvements to many of the scenes. Without question, Chloe Grace Moretz (from the remake) was a much more convincing vampire than Lina Leandersson as she has a younger, more innocent quality compared to the more mature voice of Leandersson. The film score isn't as good as Michael Giacchino's in the remake and most of all, I loved that the American version brought vampires into a realistic context, making it seem as if any person with whom you interact could be a vampire; however, since this film is set in a foreign place with a different culture, it lost a bit of that effect. I typically prefer an original version to a remake, even if I have to watch it with subtitles, but I would not have a problem with someone foregoing this version in lieu of its more impressive American counterpart.
To read my review on the American remake, "Let Me In," click below:
http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2011/03/let-me-in-9-stars-out-of-10.html
"Let the Right One In" is a Swedish film about the power of friendship and love. I hesitate to call this a vampire film because it will automatically draw comparisons to "Twilight" and this is on a completely different level. The film focuses on a complex relationship and survival instead of the typical "I want to suck your blood" Dracula storyline. Although I really enjoyed this film, I believe that the American remake, "Let Me In," is far superior. It probably has to do with the fact that I saw the English version first and therefore experienced the surprises of the story through that film, though I also feel that the remake worked very hard to improve each aspect of the story, particularly the girl's relationship with her "father" and subtle improvements to many of the scenes. Without question, Chloe Grace Moretz (from the remake) was a much more convincing vampire than Lina Leandersson as she has a younger, more innocent quality compared to the more mature voice of Leandersson. The film score isn't as good as Michael Giacchino's in the remake and most of all, I loved that the American version brought vampires into a realistic context, making it seem as if any person with whom you interact could be a vampire; however, since this film is set in a foreign place with a different culture, it lost a bit of that effect. I typically prefer an original version to a remake, even if I have to watch it with subtitles, but I would not have a problem with someone foregoing this version in lieu of its more impressive American counterpart.
To read my review on the American remake, "Let Me In," click below:
http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2011/03/let-me-in-9-stars-out-of-10.html
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery - 8 stars out of 10
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery - 8 stars out of 10
Often immitated, rarely matched, "Austin Powers" changed the face of comedy films for an entire generation. It was the biggest film done in the SNL style since "Wayne's World" and its title character somehow became more of an American Icon than Wayne and Garth. Its plethora of memorable characters will keep you laughing from start to finish. Austin Powers and Dr. Evil are absolute opposite personalities but Mike Myers somehow plays each one to perfection. Although Myers is the highlight (x2) in this film, he gets a lot of support from Robert Wagner as Number Two, Elizabeth Hurley as Austin's gorgeous counterpart, Minda Sterling as Frau Farbissina, and Will Ferrell's cameo as Mustafa. Between the potty humor, non-stop visual gags, extensive scenes of hiding private parts behind unexpected objects, and a million memorable quotes ("Who does Number Two work for?" "They're always after me Lucky Charms," "You shot me! You shot me right in the arm!"), the amusement never slows down. I don't know that Mike Myers could have ever expected this film to become so huge but it is truly something that has defined his career and (unfortunately) made every other role of his seem inadequate.
Often immitated, rarely matched, "Austin Powers" changed the face of comedy films for an entire generation. It was the biggest film done in the SNL style since "Wayne's World" and its title character somehow became more of an American Icon than Wayne and Garth. Its plethora of memorable characters will keep you laughing from start to finish. Austin Powers and Dr. Evil are absolute opposite personalities but Mike Myers somehow plays each one to perfection. Although Myers is the highlight (x2) in this film, he gets a lot of support from Robert Wagner as Number Two, Elizabeth Hurley as Austin's gorgeous counterpart, Minda Sterling as Frau Farbissina, and Will Ferrell's cameo as Mustafa. Between the potty humor, non-stop visual gags, extensive scenes of hiding private parts behind unexpected objects, and a million memorable quotes ("Who does Number Two work for?" "They're always after me Lucky Charms," "You shot me! You shot me right in the arm!"), the amusement never slows down. I don't know that Mike Myers could have ever expected this film to become so huge but it is truly something that has defined his career and (unfortunately) made every other role of his seem inadequate.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)