The Odd Couple (1968) - 5 stars out of 10

The Odd Couple (1968) - 5 stars out of 10

I had very high expectations for "The Odd Couple," both because of my enjoyment of the tv show and the incredible "Grumpy Old Men" movies, but this film failed to match my expectations.  I don't know how the first 35 minutes managed to be so boring.  I was more entertained by John Fiedler's voice (a.k.a. Piglet from "Winnie the Pooh") that I was by any of the dialogue or characterization.  The movie picked up some pace in the restaurant with Jack Lemmon's obnoxious attempts to clear the fluids from his ears.  At that point, the rest of the film was great.  But does a movie that was only 2/3 good deserve a great rating?  There are a lot of moments that will make you shake your head (in a good way) as Felix (Lemmon) slowly drives Oscar (Walter Matthau) to insanity, particularly during the triple play and once the sisters come over for dinner.  I would definitely recommend "Grumpy Old Men" over this film if you're looking for a comedy, but any fan of the tv show will likely enjoy this film for the sole fact that it gives an excuse to watch those two loveable characters on the screen.

Real Steel - 7 stars out of 10

Real Steel - 7 stars out of 10

It may have its cheesy moments, but "Real Steel" packs a powerful special effect punch.  Between the actual robots used in production, motion capture technology, and CGI effects, these effects are SLIGHTLY more advanced than "Pete's Dragon."  Dakota Goyo isn't the best actor but his interactions with the robot are top notch.  This film is a shoe-in for the Best Special Effects Oscar - the outdoor training session where the camera is panning around Hugh Jackman and Atom is so good that it's baffling.  I am still trying to figure out how a film about robot boxing managed to be a lot more believable than "Warrior" - it doesn't take much to buy into this story.  Paired with Danny Elfman's beautiful score, this story even managed to get a few tears out of me.  "I want you to fight for me.  That's all I ever wanted."  Incredible cinematic moments come in the least expected places.  "Real Steel" may not be "Rocky" or "The Fighter," but this special effects eye candy delivers in both storytelling and creativy to tell a fine underdog story.

Brubaker - 4 stars out of 10

Brubaker - 4 stars out of 10

"Brubaker" is a slow-moving and brutal look at corruption in the prison system.  It leaves nothing to the imagination and just didn't make for an enjoyable viewing experience.  It is hard to believe that the corruption in this story is based on the events of a real prison but the realization that it is true did not help me to justify the graphic brutality.  Unlike "Shawshank," the crimes of the inmates are of no consequence.  Instead, this film focuses on the treatment of inmates regardless of crime.  Henry Brubaker is an awesome character and Robert Redford acts the role with expertise, particularly through the emotions in his eyes during the final scene; however, great acting can only do so much when you keep falling asleep because it moves at a snail's pace.  The real reason to watch this film is for an early appearance by Morgan Freeman.  I was legitimately frightened by his unstable state of mind and, though it only lasted for 5 minutes, it was the most worthwhile part of this film.  I also enjoyed M. Emmett Walsh's short appearance.  The film has its moments of greatness but there are not enough of them to make it worth sitting through the torture of these prisoners.

War Horse - 8 stars out of 10

War Horse - 8 stars out of 10

"War Horse," while giving the impression of being a children's movie (particularly since it is based on a children's book) actually moonlights as an impressive depiction of World War I.  The story seamlessly weaves together the perspectives of many of the countries involved in this war, all connected by the journey of a strong-willed horse named Joey.  It doesn't matter if you guess the ending - this film is about the journey and not the result, although there are a few unexpected twists along the way.  The thing that will always stick with me is the graphic portrayal of no-man's land.  We've all read about it in history textbooks but this brings the brutality and hopelessness of trench warfare to life.  And the barbed wire sequence will definitely imprint itself in your memory forever, first horrific and concluding with a resolution that creates a wonderful statement about our internal connection throughout humanity.  The artistic vision of this film is amazing.  My favorite shot of the entire film is the execution of the two German soldiers, blocked by the rotation of the windmill.  Not only does this save children from having to see a graphic shooting, but it makes the brutal action into a beautiful image (I know that it's twisted but it's so amazing to watch).  One shortcoming of the film is the difficulty to latch on to any of the characters (aside from Joey).  With the film taking place in several different chapters, each focusing on a different character's ownership of Joey, it is difficult to see much character development.  The two characters that I did latch onto were Albert (obviously) and Emilie, but most of the others were forgotten when their chapter was complete.  Albert's friendship with the horse is developed well enough that the "horse identification scene" (don't worry, no spoilers) has a deep emotional impact - that's when the tears began to flow.  The beautiful cinematography of the closing sequence paired with John Williams' Oscar-nominated score makes for the perfect ending.  "War Horse" isn't the greatest film I've ever seen, but the artistic and creative portrayal of WWI through the eyes of one horse makes this into a moving cinematic experience.

Absolute Power - 9 stars out of 10

Absolute Power - 9 stars out of 10

Clint Eastwood plays his most comfortable (and greatest) role - a loner with a personal vendetta to make a change for the greater good.  Though he has played this role countless times, Eastwood is so intense that it does not even matter: "You heartless whore... I'm not about to run from you." - enough said.  He drives this film all the way through, though he has an incredible supporting cast to help push it to the next level.  Ed Harris - perfectly cast, Dennis Haysbert - perfectly cast and totally B.A., Laura Linney - charming and perfectly cast, Gene Hackman - perfectly cast and SUCH a jerk!  It was purely enjoyable to watch "Absolute Power" because of these actors.  Add in an emotionally shocking 25-minute opening to this movie and a strong plot and you will not be able to tear your eyes from the screen.

Bridesmaids - 5 stars out of 10

Bridesmaids - 5 stars out of 10

"Bridesmaids" was surprisingly good.  I enjoyed the film but am still struggling to get over the fact that it is often dirty for the sake of being dirty.  The prime example is the film's unnecessarily explicit opening sex scene.  I was on the verge of turning it off but Melissa McCarthy's Oscar nomination made me curious enough to leave the film on.  Once the characters establish themselves (without needing sex scenes to do so), they deliver a ton of laughs.  Even though everything goes wrong for Kristen Wiig (a la "The Hangover"), it is never so bad that the viewing experience becomes unpleasant.  Rose Byrne is beautiful and the two sides of her character (Helen)'s personality give the necessary amount of redemption to make her lovable in the end.  The Academy got it right by choosing McCarthy as the stand-out member of this cast.  She is hilarious and full of surprises, though some of that credit is due to the writers.  The story follows a logical pattern, doesn't go too far (though you might argue otherwise after the hysterical bathroom scene), and somehow avoids all predictability.  While it constantly borders on "too dirty" with its language, the characters and slapstick moments of "Bridesmaids" make it actually worth watching if you fast-forward the opening sequence.

All the Right Moves - 4 stars out of 10

All the Right Moves - 4 stars out of 10

A nice little coming-of-age film about a high school boy that transforms from irresponsible, selfish football player to compassionate, goal-oriented man.  Tom Cruise and Lea Thompson have a nice chemistry throughout the movie.  Unfortunately, there were several "this actually happens in high school?" moments and the end seems to come to a screeching halt.  There is nothing earth-shattering about this film but it makes a nice one-time watch.