The Dream Team - 7 stars out of 10

The Dream Team - 7 stars out of 10

"The Dream Team" is comic gold!  This film follows four loonies on a day-trip to Yankee Stadium that becomes a night on the town.  Films about mental patients typically involve at least one character who severely snaps and commits a murder (a la "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest") but this lighthearted film takes a different approach.  All of these characters are good-natured and the film focuses on how they build each other up instead of tearing each other apart.  The previous sentence makes the film sound horribly cheesy but it's actually quite entertaining.  The film is completely character-driven and each character is written so well that it is just as interesting to unravel the layers of each character as it is to unravel the resolution of the plot.  Michael Keaton plays the street-smart leader of the group and while he is edgy, I was always rooting for him.  Christopher Lloyd is probably the most impressive actor in the film as he undergoes the greatest transformation.  I love the way that his character is introduced at the beginning of the film before the truth is slowly revealed.  Peter Boyle is hilarious, believing himself to be the Messiah and getting into several awkward (and nude) situations.  Stephen Furst plays the straight man (in a sense) if there can be such a thing in a film like this.  Unlike a typical comedy, I call him the "straight man" because the quirks of the other characters cause all of the havoc and Furst is just the innocent character that meanders through it.  "The Dream Team" is just one of those late-80's comedies that needs to be on your list if you didn't catch it the first time around.

Death at a Funeral (2007) - 8 stars out of 10

Death at a Funeral (2007) - 8 stars out of 10

“Death at a Funeral” (the original British version) is a hysterical character-driven black comedy.  Even though I only have vague familiarity with a few of these actors, the script is so well written that the characters make the actors funny, not vice versa (as attempted by the American remake).  The script brings this group of connected characters to a wedding where a combination of secrets, grief, and drugs results in a lot of dark humor.  Black comedies usually are not my cup of tea but this one is so good that you can’t help but laugh.  Andy Nyman has a truly inspired performance as Howard, the unfortunate recipient of some mislabeled drugs.  His mannerisms and unseen hallucinations are convincing while always remaining comedic instead of dramatic.  My favorite character is Justin, the sleezy guy who just can’t take a hint and stop bothering his former one-night stand (who is now engaged to the naked Howard on the roof).  The best part of Justin is the revelation that causes him to give up.  Matthew MacFadyen actually delivers a pretty awesome dramatic/emotional performance amidst all of the chaos while Peter Vaughan is just plain hilarious in the role of Uncle Alfie.  “Death at a Funeral” is off-the-wall, unpredictable, and often inappropriate, but something about it is irresistible and worth watching.

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians - 1 stars out of 10

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians - 1 stars out of 10

…how does this movie even exist?  I am still trying to figure out at what developmental level one’s brain could actually see this as “good.”  “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” is a 1964 sci-fi film that you will simply have to see to believe.  I will give the writers credit for being completely original as the plot involves Martians that abduct Santa Claus in order to help the children of Mars develop individuality by having fun.  I will also give the writers credit for writing one of the stupidest stories in the history of Earth.  You don’t have to look very far to see the stupidity with the unoriginal names of the Martians (Momar = Mom Martian, Girmar = Girl Martian).  Add cheesy dialogue and overacting to enhance the horrible plot, but the thing that makes this film so enjoyable is its campiness.  A robot whose motions are clearly an uncoordinated man in a flimsy costume, actors that can’t stop shaking after being struck by a freeze ray, and a machine that creates toys… but you can see the hands of the crew pushing the toys out through the slots.  Add in a jolly Santa whose jokes bring a response of delayed, forced laughter from the actors but somehow manage to put a twinkle in the eye of robots and Martians.  Really the only interesting aspect of this film is that the “good Martians” are the ones that kidnapped Santa while the “bad Martians” want to kill Santa to keep the Martian children from being corrupted with Christmas cheer.  Yes, it is as ridiculous as it sounds.  It only grows worse when Dropo, a dimwitted Martian, dons a Santa suit and starts running around shouting “Ho ho ho.”  This film should only be approached by moviegoers who love painfully bad films and even then, be very cautious of the Santy Claus song at the end that may plague your mind forever.

Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol - 9 stars out of 10

Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol - 9 stars out of 10
Merry Christmas 

I don’t think that Charles Dickens ever envisioned his story this way, but Mr. Magoo has interpreted the “Christmas Carol” in a way that is entertaining, musical, and easily relatable to children.  In addition to its entertainment value, “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol” is historically significant as it is the animated holiday television special that inspired all of the classics that have become family Christmas traditions all over the world.  The film itself features a Broadway production of the classic Christmas tale, starring Mr. Magoo as Ebenezer Scrooge.  The script pays respect to Dickens by keeping the story intact with a few alterations to fit the 1-hour tv spot, staying true to the original language, and avoiding the expected Magoo catastrophes (with the exception of the beginning and end, of course).  Scrooge’s nephew Fred is written out of the film and a few scenes are combined, but it works.  Jim Backus provides the voice for Magoo with other famous voice actors sprinkled throughout the film, including Jack Cassidy as Bob Cratchit, Morey Amsterdam as James and Brady, and the famous Disney actor Paul Frees (Ghost Host in the Haunted Mansion, the “Dead men tell no tales” voice in Pirates of the Caribbean) speaking several roles.  If you haven’t seen this one, add it to your Christmas movie list.  You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and the songs will be running through your mind until next Christmas!

A Walt Disney Christmas - 8 stars out of 10

A Walt Disney Christmas - 8 stars out of 10

No Christmas celebration is complete without these Disney animated shorts from the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s.  Unlike “Saludos Amigos” and “The Three Caballeros,” this compilation does not try to tie the cartoons together with a story; instead, the winter theme is enough to relate one short to the next.  A few highlights include:
Santa’s Workshop - An incredibly jolly Santa prepares for Christmas with his elves to the tune of Schubert’s “March Militaire.”  The clever rhymes on Santa’s list and machine-like assembling of the toys is everything that you could want from a 1930’s cartoon.
Pluto’s Christmas Tree - Mickey and Pluto put up a Christmas tree while Chip and Dale tear it down.  Classic.
The Night Before Christmas - Another classic 1930’s take on a traditional Santa Clause tale.
Donald’s Snow Fight - This is one of the greatest Disney shorts of all-time, punctuated with great sight gags as Donald engages in an epic snowball battle with Huey, Dewey, and Louie.

The other films (“Once Upon a Wintertime” and “On Ice”) aren’t as memorable but still give that magical Disney feel.  With a running time of 42 minutes, this film is the perfect addition to your traditional Christmas line-up.

Saving Mr. Banks - 10 stars out of 10

Saving Mr. Banks - 10 stars out of 10

“Saving Mr. Banks” is as awesome as anticipated, but in a completely unexpected way.  What appears to be “The Making of Mary Poppins” is actually an intricate series of parallels between the “Mary Poppins” characters, the script negotiations, and the childhood of P. L. Travers.  Magical moments like Disney taking Travers to Disneyland and the Sherman brothers composing the iconic Poppins songs are contrasted by heartbreaking flashbacks to Travers’ childhood.  Even though the film must be classified as a drama, comic relief is perfectly punctuated throughout the film to maintain a lighthearted and uplifting feel.  The script deserves an Oscar nomination for maintaining this balance and simultaneously transporting us into the rehearsal room at Walt Disney Studios and the childhood of Travers.  You knew that the film was going to be fantastic from the moment that you saw the movie poster with the shadows of Disney and Travers taking the form of Mickey Mouse and Mary Poppins.  The poster and previews make the film irresistible and the final product lives up to every expectation of excellence.   Disney Studios ensured that this untold story would turn heads through its casting.  With two two-time Oscar winners in the lead roles, the film moves beyond acting in order to recreate real life.  Tom Hanks is the first actor to portray Walt Disney and has set the bar very high through his accent and overall appearance.  Emma Thompson’s portrayal of P. L. Travers is incredibly deep and refined as she concurrently must be stubborn on the outside, angry on the inside, and lonely at her core.  I had my doubts about Colin Farrell (especially after watching “In Bruges” the night before) but he struck the perfect balance between endearing and irresponsible.  Even with the Oscar-winners headlining the film, my favorite performance came from Paul Giamatti.  His character could have been completely static but his interpretive line delivery and subtlety in his emotional scene created a great connection.  It was also fun to see the Sherman brothers and their process come to life through Jason Schwartzman and B. J. Novak.  It’s easy to forget about Annie Rose Buckley because she plays the role of young  P. L. Travers so perfectly that you assume that it is a real flashback.  When you combine these amazing performances with an excellent script and a Thomas Newman soundtrack that highlights the music from “Mary Poppins” while bringing out the emotions of each scene, “Saving Mr. Banks” deserves a place on everybody’s Top Ten for 2013.

In Bruges - 4 stars out of 10

In Bruges - 4 stars out of 10

“In Bruges” is crass, gory, but surprisingly entertaining.  I’m pretty sure that the opening dialogue of the film contains more swear words than non-swear words but something in me decided to give it a chance.  The synopsis led me to believe that this was an action film and my false expectation could be the source of my disappointment.  Black comedies are not really my thing and I probably would have passed on this one had I done my research.  Viewing it as a serious film, the language and graphic violence are completely over the top and often unnecessary, but this film is anything but serious.  Even though I approached the film from the wrong perspective, I can still accurately comment on the acting.  Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleason have great chemistry and deliver the script well, but Clémence Poésy kind of killed the momentum of the film.  Her character (and her performance) were bland, disinteresting, and distracted from the good performances of the other actors.  As far as its Oscar-nominated screenplay, it is difficult to discern where the nomination came from.  The story and twists were clever but the dialogue itself was rather trite.  It wasn’t a bad script, but certainly not deserving of an Oscar nomination.  I don’t recommend this film if you are not a fan of black comedies but, if it is your cup of tea, perhaps you will spot the genius that is eluding me.

Mercury Rising - 3 stars out of 10

Mercury Rising - 3 stars out of 10

"Mercury Rising" looked so great from its synopsis... but the synopsis was just vague enough to completely mislead me.  In an ode to "WarGames," a young boy accidentally deciphers a secret government code.  To heighten the interest of the film, the boy is autistic.  At this point, one would expect the film to explore the discovery of the code and show how it is used for good or for evil; instead, it turns the film into "Die Hard" with an autistic kid.  Let's see which will draw audiences in better: "An autistic 9-year-old boy cracks the U.S. government's top-secret code when an unapproved test matrix gets published in a crossword magazine" OR "Bruce Willis plays typical heroic character while protecting a kid from assassins for two hours."  Well played, Universal.  Movie #1 interested me while I never would have given Movie #2 a chance.  Even though the plot stinks, this could have been a great vehicle for Miko Hughes to have his Rainman role, but he doesn't.  His portrayal of autism is more offensive than it is empathetic.  Meanwhile, Alec Baldwin doesn't do much of anything and Bruce Willis is about 30% shy of being John McClane.  The film has a few interesting plot twists with several characters unsuspectingly killed off but it isn't enough to make up for the weak acting performances and the bland script.

Mulan - 10 stars out of 10

Mulan - 10 stars out of 10

"Mulan" is a masterpiece.  It operates on a deeper level than many Disney films as it tackles heavy thematic material in a way that will still appeal to children.  Like Simba from "The Lion King," this film's main character operates on two levels: a fun character that kids enjoy and an internally conflicted character whose trials resonate better with adults than children.  Her character is much deeper than the warrior depicted on the DVD cover, trapped in an identity crisis.  The song "Reflection" is incredible, drawing the parallel between Mulan's sense of responsibility to abandon who she is in order to find a suitor and her self-sacrifice to dress up as a warrior in order to save her father's life.  She questions: "Why is my reflection someone I don't know?" and this film is her journey to discover who is in that reflection.  Honor is an overtone throughout the film as the dishonor that she brings on her family through her failures becomes honor through her heroic actions.  Beyond the themes of self-identity and honor lies the importance of family, which will strike you on an intrinsic level once you've grown up and watch the film again.  This story challenges us to examine ourselves and understand how we became who we are.  While "Mulan" is often underrated, I believe that it deserves a spot toward the top of the Disney pyramid.  The characters are great (Eddie Murphy is hilarious as Mushu), the music is amazing (particularly Donny Osmond singing "I'll Make A Man Out of You"), the humor is tasteful but knows exactly how far to go without crossing the line, and some of the visuals are just perfectly pieced together (like Mulan's reflection in the sword).  One of my only criticisms of the film is that Mushu creates comic relief at some of the worst moments.  His funniest moment of the entire film is the look on his face when the rocket explodes from the wagon and yet, one of the most intense battle scenes in the movie occurs seconds later, making the humor seem misplaced.  Outside of that, there are very few flaws in the armor of this film.  In true Disney fashion, the writers know precisely how to put tears in our eyes with one simple line that warms your heart and sums up the entire film: "The greatest gift and honor is having you for a daughter."

The Experiment (2010) - 3 stars out of 10

The Experiment (2010) - 3 stars out of 10

"The Experiment" is an interesting story that lacks one important factor: "Why?"  I understand that the writers felt that the evolving human behavior would better be on display if the reason for this experiment was enshrouded in mystery, but by the end of the film it would be so much more satisfying to know why these men had to endure this test.  They hint at why but without a satisfactory answer in the end, it just feels like a waste of time.  If nothing else, this film gave me a good excuse to research the 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment.  This movie is very farfetched but it was a lot more interesting with supplementary YouTube clips that relate this to what actually happened in 1971.  Forest Whitaker's acting is incredibly refined and he builds a lot of passive intensity through his transformation, but he is hindered by his character (who isn't very interesting).  I know what this film was going for but the "Twelve Angry Men anonymity" falls flat when the human element of the experiment escalates too fast for our emotions to keep up.

What's Eating Gilbert Grape - 8 stars out of 10

What's Eating Gilbert Grape - 8 stars out of 10

I have been hearing about "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" for years but this was far from what I expected.  This is a very honest film about the trials of a dysfunctional family who cannot escape their tiny Iowa town.  Johnny Depp plays the titular role and serves as the hub around which the subplots connect.  The story is interesting in that Gilbert could escape his circumstances and take care of any one of his burdens, but it is the combination of these issues that keeps him tied down.  The setting is pretty bland (as it needs to be) so the empathy for Depp is what creates an emotional attachment to the story.  The main hardship is his mentally retarded brother, Arnie.  Gilbert is the only one that can actually control Arnie and the burden of being his main caretaker makes it difficult for Gilbert to have his own life.  Arnie is played by Leonardo DiCaprio in an absolutely inspired performance.  We rave about DiCaprio's acting today but this makes it easy to see that his masterful acting is nothing new.  His Oscar-nominated performance (which really should have been a win) is reason enough to see this film.  His tics and speech are precise and chilling, almost difficult to watch at times because they are so realistic.  The second issue is his mother, morbidly obese and requiring constant care from her children.  Like DiCaprio, she is difficult to watch at times, especially when kids dare each other to look into her window to get a look at her and subsequently mock her.  Next is Gilbert's loyalty to his job at a family-run grocery store that is being put out of business by a chain store.  This is one of the only sources of comedy, along with John C. Reilly's obsession with the soon-to-arrive "Burger Barn."  As if this wasn't enough, he falls in love with a girl who is temporarily stranded in the town and will leave soon.  This is one of the only instances in film history where the actor (Depp) looks amazing with long hair and his love interest (Juliette Lewis) looks amazing with a butch cut.  You could shave Depp's head and make a wig for Lewis, but it wouldn't look nearly as good.  The final issue is the older woman who is trying to have an affair with Gilbert.  I always enjoy Mary Steenburgen and she looks great in this film, but it was a little disturbing to see her in this role.  The film is a lot of drama and doesn't have a lot of feel-good content, not even at the end.  But the story, a snapshot of hardship, ends with perseverance and leaves a sense of hope for the future.

Saturday Night Fever - 4 stars out of 10

Saturday Night Fever - 4 stars out of 10

“Saturday Night Fever” is an important film.  Not because the story is particularly interesting or the characters are particularly deep, but because it chronicles the dance style and subculture of the 1970’s.  It is a time machine that transports us to this vivid period in American history and allows us to experience a true piece of Americana.  Unfortunately, the excessive strong language and rape-content ruined the film for me.  Admittedly, I did not live through this era so maybe the questionable content of this film is necessary to painting an accurate picture but from my modern perspective, it just seems like the writers were just trying to add some grit to make this dance film more macho.  Everything that is dance is great.  Everything that isn’t… isn’t.  I love the BeeGee’s music and especially the disco arrangements of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Night on Bare Mountain and the dance sequences are stunning.  At a few points, you have to question whether it is legal for anybody onscreen to be a better dancer than John Travolta because he is just that impressive.  In spite of its high points, the plot becomes tiresome when people bark like dogs in restaurants and there are awkward arguments around the dinner table.  It is as if I understand the statement that the writers were trying to make but there is too great of a schism between dance mania and pointless existence.  The final few scenes sealed this film's fate for me as the movie undergoes a complete depart from the dance/love story and focus on drugs, rape, and a cheesy ending that portrays this serious subject matter in a way that merely turns into melodrama.

Ghost Dad - 2 stars out of 10

Ghost Dad - 2 stars out of 10

"Ghost Dad" has been hated by many and loved by few, but I didn't think that it was all that bad.  It wasn't good, but it wasn't all that bad.  Bill Cosby's name doesn't exactly line up with the term "dark comedy" but, aside from the taxi ride that awkwardly combines a sinister Satanist with jokey dialogue, Cosby's comedy managed to work in this unusual setting.  My largest complaint is that the film doesn't have a target audience.  It is difficult to justify this being a family film with some of its frightening elements and brief strong language but it definitely would not be the first choice for a young couple's date night.  The other thing that bothered me was the casting of the eldest daughter, Diane.  When she first appears onscreen, it is difficult to distinguish whether she is his wife or his high school-age daughter.  Upon further investigation, Kimberly Russell was 25 years old when she played this role so this makes sense.  I'm torn on the choice because she puts forth the most enjoyable performance in the film, but she was not a believable 17-year-old.  The entire Sir Edith subplot also bothered me, never explaining how Cosby ended up in London or how he was sent back, or why this guy has the power to control that, or how he eventually finds them, or how this is relevant to the story aside from explaining what happens when he began to flicker... As I write this review, my rating for the film is progressively dropping.  While we're at it, why does Diane suddenly decide that she wants to be a ghost?  And why didn't they develop the plot with his love interest at all?  And how does the Satanist survive the car crash?  My goodness, this movie IS terrible!  Some of the special effects and the humor in the life insurance physical sequence save this film from receiving my lowest rating, but I didn't realize how awful this was until I finally started to dissect it.  Even the taglines of the movie posters should have been a giveaway: "America's Favorite Dad in a SPIRITED Comedy!" and "Bill Cosby as you've never seen him before... invisible."  My childhood memories of this film have been dashed - it really is all that bad!

Love Actually - 9 stars out of 10

Love Actually - 9 stars out of 10

"Love Actually" is a great romantic movie whose concept of intertwining stories has often been imitated ("Valentine's Day", "New Year's Eve") but rarely executed with this much success.  It is a perfect blend of comedy, drama, cute moments, and valuable lessons.  These ten London love stories are separated enough that they are believable but related loosely enough that they can all believably culminate in the end.  This film is unique because each love story displays a different side of love.  Whether it is love at first sight, an unspoken love from a distance, the love between a father and his son, the love for a departed spouse, lust over a younger woman, or a sister taking care of her sick brother, every facet of love is explored.  The ensemble cast was perfectly distributed.  Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, Billy Nighy, Laura Linney, LIAM NEESON - need I say more?  Lúcia Moniz and Martine McCutcheon are the perfect love interests (and make it easy to pick my two favorite love stories), while Rowan Atkinson is the perfect comic relief in a cameo that brilliantly suits his personality.  Meanwhile, Emma Thompson taps into an emotional side beyond any of the other all stars.  "Love Actually" has those moments that you'll never forget, like when Andrew Lincoln shows Keira Knightley the wedding video or silently explains everything with his signs and when everything works out to the Beach Boy's "God Only Knows," you will surely have chills (and maybe a few tears of happiness).  I love that the film's opening narrative about seeing love in an airport terminal becomes unexpectedly significant at the end in an "Oh yeah!!!!" sort of way.  The film has some trashy stuff (nudity and some f-words) but if you can get past those, this will become a great "watch whenever I'm lonely" movie.

Birdmen: The Original Dream of Flight - 6 stars out of 10

Birdmen: The Original Dream of Flight - 6 stars out of 10 

“Birdmen: The Original Dream of Flight” is a visual experience that brings the first-person perspective of BASE jumping to those of us who will never be brave enough (or willing to risk our lives) to experience it.  The documentary provides a decent history of man’s attempts to fly but quickly gets to wingsuit flyers.  Most interesting is the dedication of these BASE jumpers and their acknowledgement that every jump could easily end in death.  While the content was not anything earth-shattering, the first-person views of the jumps along the sides of mountains, over towns, and through canyons make it worth watching.

Parker (2013) - 4 stars out of 10

Parker (2013) - 4 stars out of 10 

“Parker” is pretty much what you expect from a Jason Statham action film.  His character is really cool, he’s being pursued by a hott girl, and he kicks butt in the end.  Probably the best part of the film comes early on when Statham is introduced as a nice guy who only steals from those who can afford it, but will destroy anyone that does not do what he says.  The story kept me interested enough to keep watching and find out what happened in the end, but some of the acting was so bad (particularly the gang that he’s hunting down) that it was tough to stomach at times.  I was glad to see that this was more than a “save the victim, kill the bad guys” film, with a fairly complex heist plot (times two) that was well thought out.  It isn’t “Ocean’s Eleven,” but it created an interesting subplot to Statham’s killing spree.  The blood was a bit overdone, particularly the knife through the hand and several injuries that characters unreasonably survived.  Jennifer Lopez, she was pretty unacceptable.  With performances like “Selina” on her resume, this was a large step down.  I am annoyed that they found some lame excuse to make her strip down to her underwear (just because she’s J-Lo) and the only thing that she added to the story was that dumb character that spoils the hero’s plan by doing some boneheaded thing at the end.  “Parker” is a below-average action film that is fun to watch but won’t do much for your absorption of good film content.

A Borrowed Life (Final Sale) - 4 stars out of 10

A Borrowed Life (Final Sale) - 4 stars out of 10 

“A Borrowed Life” is an interesting story but very much has the feel of a made-for-tv movie. It all seems very low-budget and the acting is sometimes a bit overdramatic.  ...And upon further investigation, this IS a Lifetime Original Movie.  When your movie features Robert Carradine (the father from Lizzy McGuire), you know that something is up.  It definitely isn’t as bad as what typically comes to mind when I think of the “Lifetime” brand but it just can’t compete with “real” movies.  The film strikes an interesting dynamic as the main character must fight against the very thing that saved her life.  It is an interesting concept but would have been more effective with different actors and a different script.

The Giant Mechanical Man - 8 stars out of 10

The Giant Mechanical Man - 8 stars out of 10

"The Giant Mechanical Man" is completely charming.  This slice of real life feels completely natural through its simple language, unique settings, and wonderful acting.  It is the definition of an indie film, using its small cast to bring this heart-felt story to life.  The highlight of the film is Jenna Fischer, who harnesses the character traits of Pam from “The Office” and uses them to create this amiable-but-timid character who can’t find her way.  Chris Messina surpasses his average performance in films like “Argo” and “Devil.”  His character is interesting because he is devoted to something larger than himself and does so with a craft that has rarely been explored on screen, but more importantly, Messina really nails embodies this message through his emotion and non-emotion.  The effectiveness of Fischer and Messina comes from their relatability to just about every audience member, presenting a nice message about finding your place in the world.  Topher Grace is pretty annoying (as his character needs to be for the story to be effective), but it sometimes made me too aware that I was watching an indie film.  The script is great, guaranteeing a few laughs (like the guy poking the monkey) and a few tears (like the meet-cute at the end).  I also appreciate the amount of language that was left out.  It was nice to be reminded of how effective plain, simple language can be.  “The Giant Mechanical Man” easily earns an A and a spot on my list of “must-see underappreciated indie films.”

If a Man Answers - 6 stars out of 10

If a Man Answers - 6 stars out of 10 

“If a Man Answers” is a classic story with witty dialogue and lots of humor… but the story is much better suited for the stage as this movie does not do it justice.  The acting is fine and the script is great, but the addition of fog horn sound effects, narration over unnecessary cartoon depictions, and other annoying elements kill the comedy.  This film screams “overly-cheesy 1960’s comedy” and, in spite of great performances by Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin, it is tough to enjoy the story at times.  The twists (particularly the book and the arrival of Robert Swan) are deliciously clever and, while the story does not go where you expect, it finds the perfect ending.  For a comedy, the characters are rather deep and the situations really strike a chord with relationship conflicts that we have all faced.  I believe that it is easy to enjoy this story because we can all relate to it in one way or another.  I absolutely recommend seeing “If a Man Answers”… on stage rather than on the screen.

The Place Beyond the Pines - 8 stars out of 10

The Place Beyond the Pines - 8 stars out of 10 

"The Place Beyond the Pines" went in every direction but the ones that I expected.  This three-fold story is one of intensity, injustice, and important connections between characters that alter their lives.  The film is truly three movies in one: 1. An intense series of bank robberies, 2. An unjust murder and the guilt//quid pro quo/emotional scars that result, 3. The baggage inherited by the children of these guilty parties and the connections that occur as their paths cross.  All of the acting is top notch and the compartmentalized writing allows us to experience the emotions of Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes, and the two teenage boys.  Gosling achieves a sick amount of finesse as this despicable loose cannon, quite a contrast from his roles in "The Notebook" and "Fracture."  His character has the most depth and, even though the other stories create more interest, it is a result of the strong foundation that he sets for the rest of the film.  I love Cooper's segment as he tries to do the right thing while the pressures around him pull him in different directions, and everything is perfectly tied together by the unexpected chance meeting of their children.  This is just an all-around great film whose only disappointments are its excessive language and (in a good way) the intensely depressing subject matter that will surely leave a pit in your stomach, especially during the final few scenes.

Gravity (2013) - 10 stars out of 10

Gravity (2013) - 10 stars out of 10 

How do you write a movie review for something that is more than just a movie?  “Gravity” is a cinematic experience that is unlike any other film out there.  Its artistic approach to space as a relentlessly malicious antagonist puts the film into a league of its own.  Even “Apollo 13” was man vs. machine but this film is purely man vs. space.  It will unquestionably win the Oscar for Best Visual Effects and yet, “Gravity” goes far beyond its stunning depictions of Earth and space.  When Sandra Bullock won her Oscar for “The Blindside,” it seemed to be the pinnacle of her career but she somehow manages to supersede that performance with this one-woman-show.  The only thing that it can be compared to is Tom Hanks’ performance in “Castaway,” except that this film thrives on heart-pounding tension instead of drama.  The concept may seem gimmicky but it goes far beyond the expected with a subtle script that reveals an emotional layer to develop the main character.  I never expected to cry at this movie, let alone two times!  The first time was a result of Bullock’s acting, the second time was directly tied to Steven Price’s musical score which is subtle (and nearly non-existent) in the space sequences but heroic and overwhelming at all of the right times.  Alfonso Cuarón really wrote/directed/produced a blockbuster with this irresistible sci-fi space film.  George Clooney must also be included in any discussion of this film.  His character’s personality eventually becomes a key factor in the furthering of the plot and, though I won’t give anything away, what seemed at first like insanity on the part of the script writers were at first insane eventually grows into the genius in the use of his character’s fate.  You can kiss your childhood dream of travelling to space goodbye when you see the terror that exists in this breathless, soundless place.  It must be seen in 3D to gather the whole experience but I simply cannot wait to see it again.  And again.  And again.  My heart is pounding just thinking about “Gravity.”

The Exorcist - 9 stars out of 10

The Exorcist - 9 stars out of 10
Happy Halloween!
 
I give “The Exorcist” a high rating because it is an important film in the horror genre and reveals a chilling look into the world of demon possession.  That being said, I do not recommend this film to anybody who has not emotionally come to terms with the real-world horror of demon possession.  Before watching, there is a legitimate need to prepare yourself for the things that you are about to see. In spite of the nightmares that inevitably follow this film, one must respect the place that this movie holds in cinematic history.  The special effects are outdated but the raw adrenaline that runs through your veins for the final 30 minutes of this film makes this one of the most intense films ever.  This movie is not for the faint of heart and one truly should consider whether he is prepared to "experience" demon possession in the grotesque manner presented by this movie.  I know that it will be a long time before I face this one again.

World War Z - 7 stars out of 10

World War Z - 7 stars out of 10

In the midst of the "Walking Dead generation" or horror films, "World War Z" brings a fresh spin to the zombie genre.  I love "Dawn of the Dead" and "Quarantine," but the plot device of zombies-chasing-a-group-of-people-as-each-victim-begins-to-hunt-their-loved-ones has turned into an easily predictable equation.  Max Brooks' story breaks away from the survivalist mentality of most zombie films and addresses the issues that are avoided by other writers: "Are these zombie attacks occurring elsewhere?" and "How do we prevent this from being the end of human society?"  The film has just enough survivalist scenes to satisfy that horror movie junkie urge to see a group of people being chased by zombies (with only a few surviving) while taking a realistic and intellectual approach to the societal issues caused by the extinction of mankind.  This isn't the type of film that I expect Brad Pitt to align himself with but his good acting is what keeps the story believable.  It was clever to center the plot's resolution around discovering the origin of the zombie outbreak, but allowing a different temporarily solution to resolve the story while leaving the origin of the outbreak as a mystery to be revealed in the sequel(s).  I personally prefer the classic zombie films but welcome a fresh concept to a genre that is growing very tired.

Barefoot in the Park - 8 stars out of 10

Barefoot in the Park - 8 stars out of 10

Classic and cute, "Barefoot in the Park" is one of those chick flicks that will make you love all of the little quirks about your significant other.  Based on Neil Simon's play, the stereotypical tiny apartment of a young couple getting their start in New York City becomes the center of conflict, confrontation, and conversion.  I think that this film is so fun to watch because we can all see a little of ourselves in Corie and Paul, and see a little of our significant other in whichever one we are not relating to at the moment.  The quaint quality of this film comes from the transformation of Paul into Corie and vice versa.  Jane Fonda is absolutely adorable and plays perfectly off of Robert Redford.  Sometimes she is that picture-perfect girl that every male desires and other times, she is that high-high-maintenance girlfriend whose neck we have all wanted to wring.  The comedy is clever, my favorite sequence being the stream of guests who enter the apartment out of breath due to the five flights of stairs that they must conquer before arriving.  For all of its great moments, the ending is way too cheesy and sudden, though I suppose that it is better than having the "wrong" ending; regardless, "Barefoot in the Park" is a film that I look forward to enjoying over and over again, even if it is just as an excuse to tease my significant other.

Mallrats - 6 stars out of 10

Mallrats - 6 stars out of 10

"Mallrats" is the second film in Kevin Smith's "View Askewniverse" canon and is much more successful than "Clerks" at being entertaining from start to finish.  Like its predecessor, it is a true homage to monotony but manages to avoid boring moments.  The film also has a higher visual quality because of its obviously higher budget.  It is great in all of its 90's glory.  Not as glorious as "Clueless," but it still takes you back to that era.  It is so dumb but still so entertaining.  My favorite part of the entire film is Ethan Suplee staring at the 3D picture.  Every time that it cuts back to him at that picture, it gets funnier.  I enjoyed his inclusion with future "My Name Is Earl" co-star Jason Lee.  I love all of the Star Wars references, and Jason Lee's obsession with the kid on the escalator.  This is easily the best role that I have ever seen Lee in, melding coolness with over-the-top stupidity.  Shannen Doherty delivers my favorite dialogue of the film with incredible spunk when she screams at Lee on the elevator.  It is worth watching the entire film for that single moment.  Let's not forget how amazing Claire Forlani and Joey Lauren Adams looked.  I didn't expect to encounter so many great characters, though I did anticipate bumping into Jay and Silent Bob again.  They are just too hilarious.  Even Renee Humphrey as "Trish the Dish" was great in her sassy-ness.  Even though there are a ton of small characters in this film, few of them receive more than 10 minutes of screen time and yet each is memorable and adds to the story.  Ben Affleck is the only one that didn't add anything.  He couldn't even act back then and is just as annoying as ever.  While I love the characters and the story, there is just way too much language in this film.  I would much prefer to watch this on tv as the language and intense sexual content in the dialogue become way too much after a while.  I really did not enjoy the fortune telling scene, but the film is worth watching if you skip past the nudity.  You definitely have to be in a certain mood to enjoy these films, so get into that goofy mood and you'll just laugh through the entire film, regardless of how stupid it gets.

Clerks - 4 stars out of 10

Clerks - 4 stars out of 10

I was very frustrated with this film until the final 12 minutes, when suddenly everything came together.  It isn't one of those clever films where you are viewing random, seemingly unrelated events only to see how they all connect to each other in the very end; instead, the events ARE random (not to mention mundane and inherently boring), but necessary to an ending in which the characters transition from perpetually stupid to philosophical.  I'm torn on this, because I really did not enjoy the first 70 minutes of the film but understand their necessity to the proper ending.  I'm not going to give "Clerks" a high rating, but will still recommend it because of the entertainment provided by the final 12 minutes of dialogue.  In fact, I think that the annoyed feeling that you develop toward the stupidity of the characters is what makes their transition to a philosophical group so entertaining.  I have to compliment SOME of the dialogue of the film.  Although I was annoyed with more than 50% of the dialogue because they just talked about sex way too much for me to enjoy it, the other percentage felt like a very natural conversation.  The highlight of the film for me is Marilyn Ghigliotti's final monologue in the convenience store.  I just sat in astonishment.  She was my favorite character for the majority of the film, but she sealed her spot in my heart with the fire in her eyes.  She is basically unknown outside of this film but her performance simply blew my mind.  I did enjoy the chemistry between Brian O'Halloran and Jeff Anderson though neither is a fantastic actor.  Still, O'Halloran deserves a prize for wearing a Penguin jersey during the roof hockey scene.  Although so much of this film is just dumb and pointless, one aspect of the script lends itself perfectly to dump and pointless: Ladies and Gentlemen, I present you with Jay and Silent Bob.  They are so entertaining and I'm glad that they became more of a focus as Kevin Smith's series progressed.  To be honest, now that I have seen the entire film and understand the endpoint of this film., I think that I might actually enjoy the first 3/4 of it the next time that I watch it.  Although much of this film is pointless (and should probably only be half-watched while doing something else), it is a great start to the "View Askewniverse" that has a unique place in the world of cinema.

Cadet Kelly - 2 stars out of 10

Cadet Kelly - 2 stars out of 10

...You never realize how cheesy these Disney Channel Original Movies are until you rewatch them as an adult.  Even just looking at the DVD cover, I should have known better.  The film does precisely what it was designed to do: It is a family-friendly film with plenty of cheesy laughs and a stepping stone for Hilary Duff toward the big screen.  I'm still trying to figure out who thought it was a good idea to make Gary Cole ("Office Space") into a military general, though I suppose that all common sense gets thrown out the window when creating a made-for-tv movie.  Regardless of the acting, the story literally induced my gag reflex on a few occasions.  The story sets itself up to be cheesy but the characters could have developed through realistic circumstances.  There is no need for the typical “father is trapped on the side of a cliff so the main character has to use everything that she has learned throughout the film to rescue him” routine.  The ending also goes an unnecessary distance beyond “reasonable cheese,” leaving that sense of wasted time as the credits role.  I love Hilary Duff but I much prefer her “real movies” over this hogwash.

Oblivion (2013) - 3 stars out of 10

Oblivion (2013) - 3 stars out of 10

I wanted to love "Oblivion," but I just couldn't.  While I love post-apocalyptic settings, this film was more sci-fi than I expected and it just went in the wrong direction for me.  I would really like to revisit this one with a new expectation but for now, poor rating.  This story has some very interesting twists as we navigate its many layers but I can't help but feel that the screenplay could have told this story in a less confusing manner.  Additionally, there was not enough Morgan Freeman.  I realize that there is NEVER enough Morgan Freeman, but his 20 minutes on screen wasn't enough to justify putting him on the film poster and using him as bait to lure us into the theater.  Tom Cruise has a pretty typical performance and Olga Kurylenko brought the perfect amount of mystery into the film.  I have no problem recommending this film - it's an average sci-fi film but can at least give you a new concept to wrap your head around.

Caddyshack - 6 stars out of 10

Caddyshack - 6 stars out of 10

Before there was “Happy Gilmore,” there was the original screwball golf comedy: “Caddyshack.”  This film is incredibly dumb, but that's what makes it great. The antics of Ted Knight, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, and Rodney Dangerfield combine to create some of the greatest movie moments from the 80's. The interesting thing about this film is that these characters rarely interact with each other; instead, Michael O’Keefe serves as the pivot point that ties together the individual stories of the other characters.  While there isn't anything special about him, he facilitates the comedy of the stars. Even though there are moments when Dangerfield is downright annoying, I find myself constantly looking forward to his next appearance.  We could definitely use more of Murray but I think that this restraint of his screentime is what makes each of his moments so classic.  From Murray's imaginary golf commentary to the Babe Ruth in the pool, "Caddyshack" is one that you won’t want to miss!

Charlotte's Web (2006) - 8 stars out of 10

Charlotte's Web (2006) - 8 stars out of 10

"Charlotte's Web" may be the best story about friendship that I have ever seen.  This family-friendly film is a breathe of fresh air between the extremes of "way inappropriate" and "painfully cheesy."  The all-star cast of voices does not disappoint, from Julia Roberts as Charlotte to Steve Buscemi as Templeton.  I feel that E.B. White would have been proud of this live-action interpretation of his story.  Unlike the cute cartoon Charlotte in the 1973 animated film, this rendition of Charlotte is realistic and kind of creepy-looking to effectively drive home the point that Wilbur is able to see past the skin (uh, do spiders have skin?) and into the heart of this well-meaning friend.  Whether you are six or sixty, everyone can take a few lessons from this film.  From amidst the great voices of John Cleese, Oprah, Kathy Bates, and Robert Redford comes another enchanting performance by Dakota Fanning.  She'll melt your heart with every subtle mannerism.  Beau Bridges is also great, but my favorite part of the film is definitely the crows, voiced by Thomas Haden Church and Andre Benjamin.  They are absolutely hysterical, particularly their dialogue about the scarecrow.  Even though the humor breaks up the sentimentality exactly when it needs to, be prepared to get choked up.  Whether it's the actual events of the story or that childhood attachment to these characters (like when "Some Pig" makes its first appearance), this movie will transport you back to a time of innocence.  Something about the cinematography and music combine to give the film a great "nostalgia factor" and you will just want to watch it over and over again.

A Good Day to Die Hard - 1 star out of 10

A Good Day to Die Hard - 1 star out of 10

“A Good Day to Die Hard” is one long eye-roll.  The entire film is so over the top that even “Die Hard” fans must have a tough time stomaching this one.  I love this franchise for its intricate plots and unexpected twists but this film is unoriginal and trite.  I can just picture the writers sitting around a big table tossing out ideas.  “Hey, didn’t John McClane have a son?” [writers scratch heads]  “Maybe in the first film, but he was completely insignificant and hasn’t appeared since.”  “Oh… LET’S BRING HIM BACK!!!!!!”  “But isn’t that the exact same thing that we did in the last film with his daughter that nobody knew existed?”  “Yes, but now THE SON IS BACK!!!!”  “And what about his daughter that appeared in the last film?  Shouldn’t we continue building on that plotline?”  “Good point… we’ll put her in the first and last scenes and hopefully the audience will forget about her because THE SON IS BACK!!!!”  “But how do we explain the son’s absence for the past 20-some years?”  “Duh, he was estranged from his family and is now an undercover CIA agent who is infiltrating a terrorist organization.”  “That.  Is.  GENIUS!!!!!”  I mean seriously, when did the writers give up on the story in an attempt to turn the franchise into “The Expendables”?  This is the “Crystal Skull” of film franchises.  It has completely lost the aura of the original films and effectively left a sour taste in my mouth towards the “Die Hard” films.  Bring back the incredible villains like Jeremy Irons, the comedy of Samuel L. Jackson, and the edge-of-your-seat thrills while you hold your breath as the plot veers off-course.  “A Good Day to Die Hard” is 75% over-the-top action sequences, 13% cheesy family moments (which are meaningless because we didn’t even know that this kid exists), 8% John McClane battling a terrorist regime on his own, 3% twist that is a feeble attempt to make it seem like the story matters, and 1% clever catch phrase (“Yippee Ki-Yay Mother Russia”).  In fact, I’m pretty sure that they started with the catch phrase and adapted the story around it.  This film is absolute rubbish.

Nature: My Life as a Turkey - 10 stars out of 10

Nature: My Life as a Turkey - 10 stars out of 10

“My Life as a Turkey” is an incredibly unexpected surprise.  What sounds like a five-dollar bin Halloween-themed film is actually a touching story about a man who gets to experience nature from the other side.  His journey begins as he watches over several turkey eggs until they hatch and then establishes himself as the “mother-figure” to these turkey.  The main character is just as surprised as us when all of nature opens a hidden door to him as it views him as another bird.  The story will certainly create a new appreciation for these creatures and change your perspective of Thanksgiving.  Outside of the unique story, the film is a masterpiece of cinematography.  There are so many beautiful and fascinating shots that will make you say “How on earth did they do that?”  This series from PBS always impresses with its visionary approach to nature, but this one is truly a vision.  From its story to its cinematographic exploration of nature, the Emmy-winning “My Life as a Turkey” is a must-see.

Hotel Rwanda - 9 stars out of 10

Hotel Rwanda - 9 stars out of 10

"Hotel Rwanda" is a true story and, although it is difficult to watch at times, its bold statements about war and its theme of selflessness are incredibly rewarding.  This powerful portrayal of this dark chapter of world history has led to it being called the "African Schindler's List."  This Rwandan Genocide occurred when my generation was very young and I am glad that this film has opened my eyes up to these events.  Don Cheadle was the perfect choice for the film's hero, Paul Rusesabagina.  His accent is incredibly convincing and his acting captures the intense emotion that this character must endure as he saves thousands.  The other big names do not really get a chance to shine but add a lot of character to the film, from Nick Nolte's frustration with the U.N. to Jean Reno's sense of duty to these helpless victims and Joaquin Phoenix's compassion as he witnesses the slaughter of countless Rwandans.  These characters do not stand out but their polarizing emotions engage the sympathy of the audience.  Regardless of the acting, cinematography, and violence, the script is what creates the potent sensation of anguish that creates a connection between the characters onscreen and the people sitting in the audience.  It develops the perfect equation of getting to know the characters, interpolating historic fact with fiction, and showing the right amount of violence that is bearable to watch but difficult to stomach.  "Hotel Rwanda" may not be on my list of favorites but it is simply a great film.

Olympus Has Fallen - 4 stars out of 10

Olympus Has Fallen - 4 stars out of 10

Explosions fill the screen as Gerard Butler tortures and kills a bunch of people in the bloodiest manner possible.  Believe it or not, this is not a review for "Law Abiding Citizen."  There was a lot of potential for cool action sequences and special effects as Washington D.C. gets destroyed by terrorists, but the writers tried to do too much with the story once the terrorists invaded the White House.  There were a few amazing moments of high anxiety as hostages are killed and the writers really had my emotions completely invested into this plot.  The concept of taking hostages in the White House to force an end to the Korean civil war was actually pretty clever – why did we need more than that?  Unfortunately, as the hostages seem hopeless and we are relying on our kick-butt hero to save them, the story goes beyond its limits by adding in the terrorist’s attempt to blow up all of the nuclear missiles in their silos and turn the United States into a nuclear wasteland.  This is a clear case of a “bigger is better” attitude rather than relying on character development and plot to drive the film to an exciting conclusion.  In fact, I did not feel an attachment to a single character in this film.  It lacks an amazing villain like Die Hard III and things just fall flat.  I would say that the plot of the White House being attacked was an original one for this summer but... "White House Down"...  The acting is good for an action movie with Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, and Melissa Leo topping the cast list.  In fact, there wasn’t nearly enough Ashley Judd or Morgan Freeman.  You can never have enough Morgan Freeman, but he was underutilized in this film. These big names gave me the hopes that this would be more of a thriller (a la "Runaway Jury") but it is pure action and these quality actors actually lower their performances accordingly.  Butler was pretty cool but again, I would’ve much rather watched him rescue hostages than implausibly save the country from being blown up by nuclear missiles with two seconds to spare. In the end, there are just too many women being beaten and execution-style murders.  I would give the CGI an 85% and, while it's cool to see a lot of our landmarks blown up, Hollywood needs to find a new strategy to engage our emotions.

The Company You Keep - 8 stars out of 10

The Company You Keep - 8 stars out of 10

"The Company You Keep" is really good but still can't live up to the expectation for such an incredible cast.  The story is gripping as this political thriller demands that each of its characters undergo an enormous transformation (literally and figuratively).  I wouldn't consider this star-studded cast list to be an ensemble cast; rather, they are a group of actors that wanted to be a part of something awesome so they signed on to play roles that only appear in 3 scenes.  We have to start with Shia LaBeouf.  This polarizing actor has been given more great acting opportunities than he probably deserves (much like the good fortune of his character) and, while he can't keep up with the stars around him, his performance is adequate.  Robert Redford is at his finest as he directs and acts with finesse and precision.  Susan Sarandon's couple of scenes are magic, particularly her interview in prison with LaBeouf.  The spotlight can't help but shine on Pittsburgh native Jack Evancho.  She is enchanting as Redford's daughter and is responsible for 90% of our emotional attachment to him.  Anna Kendrick has rapidly become one of my favorites and leaves an impression after a mere few minutes of screentime.  Other big names include Stanley Tucci, Richard Jenkins, Terrence Howard, Nick Nolte, Julie Christie, Brendan Gleeson, and Chris Cooper.  The most enjoyable part of this film was actually watching the trailer as my jaw dropped farther and farther as each actor appeared on-screen.  The film really is good but cannot live up to the firepower of its actors.  Even without a huge twist, this thriller will keep you in suspense and make you glad that you had the chance to experience such a unique story.

Mud (2013) - 5 stars out of 10

Mud (2013) - 5 stars out of 10

The critics loved "Mud" but I didn't.  While it exceeds the expectations of a Matthew McConaughey film, it is still completely unmemorable.  The story itself is fine, exploring the mysterious back rivers of Mississippi.  As a coming-of-age film, it succeeds in teaching two young boys some important lessons about growing up; and yet, there isn't much to latch on to.  None of the characters are particularly likable.  The actors masterfully deliver their lines with a southern drawl but it doesn't matter much if we don't like their characters.  Reese Witherspoon was particularly disappointing.  You could tell that she was trying to put a lot of heart into it but with her character receiving so little screen time and this being so far off of the roles that have brought her success, this one won't be making her highlight reel.  McConaughey isn't terrible but he isn't much better than "average."  The real reason to watch this film is for the strong performance by Tye Sheridan as Ellis, carrying the film on his shoulders with realistic acting and line delivery.  As far as its marketability as "a film that families can watch together," I think that there is far too much strong language for most parents to comfortably watch this with their children.  There isn't really anything wrong with "Mud."  It tells a fairly interesting story but I wouldn't see it again or really recommend it to anybody else.

Amour (Love) - 9 stars out of 10

Amour (Love) - 9 stars out of 10
950th review

"Amour" taps into an emotional area that is not often explored for fear of failure.  But this film, in all of its darkness, tells a story of loving devotion unlike any other.  This French film highlighted awards ceremonies in 2013, most notably winning the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, several César Awards, and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film with a nomination for Emmanuelle Riva as Best Actress.  There is no denying the impact of this film through its raw, realistic acting.  The film takes place as a long string of vignettes tied together by the rapid deterioration of Anne's health.  Sometimes the vignette lasts a minute longer than we think that it should, driving home the exhausting monotony of Georges' life as he must keep his promise and be his wife's caregiver.  It is only a matter of minutes before Anne's health begins to fail but it is just enough time for us to fall in love with this elderly couple and for our emotions to be engaged when things start to go wrong.  By the time that they begin explaining to the husband how to change her diapers, it becomes incredibly upsetting and yet somehow magical.  There is not much to the script of this film.  There are no flashy sets or special effects; instead, it is the pure talent of Riva that drives the entire film.  She is Robert DeNiro in "Awakenings" and Dustin Hoffman in "Rain Man," transforming herself into an invalid with sounds and mannerisms that force us to believe that she is actually suffering throughout this entire production.  Jean-Louis Trintignant has not been celebrated nearly enough as he transforms just as much as Riva does, only in a subtle emotional way.  By the time the film reaches its climax, your jaw will drop and the only thing left to do is cry, as this husband devotes his life to his wife's final wishes.  "Amour" is more than a movie.  It moves slow at points, but so does life.  And that's precisely what this film is.  Life.

American Beauty - 8 stars out of 10

American Beauty - 8 stars out of 10

"American Beauty" is one of a kind.  Is it drama?  Comedy?  Creepy?  Sentimental?  All that I know is that it is good.  This dark portrayal of the average American family explores the midlife crisis of a man who fights to take control of his life.  The thing that makes "American Beauty" so special is the extremity of its characters.  There is no such thing as subtle as Sam Mendes coaxes strong emotions and reactions from his actors.  Kevin Spacey earned his Oscar as Lester Burnham, tapping into an apathy that explodes into catastrophe.  He is an incredibly underrated actor and I'm glad that this (along with his Oscar for "The Usual Suspects") can serve as a remind that he is a master at manipulating the screen.  Annette Bening steps out of her typical roles to become this amazing control freak and Wes Bentley is someone that we can all root for (a little weird but a nice guy).  Mena Suvari is the perfect choice for Lester's obsession, glamorous enough to catch our eyes but typical enough to make the character realistic in the end.  The Oscar-winning script creates several iconic moments, like the beauty of the plastic bag blowing around in the wind (ever wonder where the opening lyrics to Katy Perry's "Firework" come from?) and of course the bathtub filled with roses.  Some of the content is uncomfortable to watch at points, but this content is what resonates to make the film so memorable.  This film goes beyond normal and enters the realm of things that people don't like to talk about out loud.  The story also creates a perfect mysterious setup to keep us wondering who will eventually kill Lester (that is not a spoiler, we know from the onset of the film that Lester will die).  It took me weeks to write this review and I still can't put this film into words - you just have to see it, but not until you are mature enough to handle and understand the strong content.

Bullied (2010) - 2 stars out of 10

Bullied (2010) - 2 stars out of 10

School bullying is an important topic that needs to be addressed but it seems as if "Bullied" has a secondary agenda that shines through a bit too strong.  This documentary is the story of Jamie Nabozny, a homosexual high school student who was bullied and abused by several of his peers.  Using flashbacks, it recreates his suffering throughout middle and high school and tells the story of his suicide attempt, psychological breakdown, and running away from home.  While effectively strikes a nerve with anybody who has ever been bullied or witnessed this cruelty, it just comes off as an attack on the public education system.  First of all, it sends the wrong message to kids by mistaking Jamie's perseverance for success.  We should not be teaching our children that running away from home and suing your school district is a measure of success; rather, this film should stress that Jamie persevered and anybody can.  The antagonists of the film are not the bullies.  Instead, the fault is placed on a few school teachers who handled the situation incorrectly (if we can trust the witnesses that testified and the information shared by the film editors).  These "bad guys" are turned into a representation of the public school system.  This subject matter strikes close to home since I am an educator, but I was offended at the inference that this story is representative of all public schools.

The Aristocats - 9 stars out of 10

The Aristocats - 9 stars out of 10

"The Aristocats" is a hidden gem amidst the Disney Canon.  I never expected to love this film as much as I did but I anticipate going back to it many times over the years.  It has that classic Disney look with the 1970's animation that defines a great era in Disney's history.  The high quality of this film is a direct reflection of the four years that it took to produce and the classic look is the workmanship of five of Walt Disney's "Nine Old Men" (the famed group of animators who drew all of the early Disney films).  It is the style that we see in "Robin Hood" and "Jungle Book," focused on creating  realistic character movements instead of being flashy.  It is fun to see Paris brought to life, but not nearly as fun as it is to see the cats moving exactly like, well, cats!  The characters are not iconic like Simba or Sebastian but they are incredibly lovable.  The innocence of Duchess combines with the smooth operation of Thomas O'Malley for great chemistry while the kittens are just so adorable that you can't help smiling.  Even Edgar, the villain, is lovable in a bumbling sort of way!  One might say that the lack of a sinister villain like Jafar or Ursula is a shortfall of the film, but I think that it allows the film to focus on the love story while Edgar creates conflict but does not dominate the storyline.  Regardless, the greatest part of "The Aristocats" is its line-up of voice actors.  Many of the greatest voices in Disney animation appear in this film, perhaps as a tribute to Walt since this was the first Disney film made after his death.  When you get together Phil Harris (Baloo) as Thomas, Sterling Holloway (Pooh) as Roquefort, Eva Gabor (Miss Bianca in The Rescuers) as Duchess, Pat Buttram (Chief in Fox and the Hound) as Napoleon, George Lindsey (Trigger in Robin Hood) as Lafayette, Monica Evans (Maid Marian) as Abigail, Carole Shelley (Lady Cluck from Robin Hood) as Amelia), Bill Thompson (Mr. Smee/White Rabbit) as Uncle Waldo, and cameos by Thurl Ravenscroft (too many roles to list) as Russian Cat and Paul Winchell (Tigger) as Chinese Cat, you will be jumping out of your seat as you hear all of these beloved Disney voices reunited.  And these are all mixed in with other incredible actors of the time.  This film is a joy to listen to.  The music is not the most memorable but it all perfectly fits the film, highlighted by Scatman Crothers in "Everybody Want to Be a Cat"!  I expected a cheesy, kid-focused cartoon but instead, I found a sophisticated work of art.  While we each have our favorite Disney film from our childhood, "The Aristocats" is unfamiliar enough that it will catch you by surprise and make you fall in love with Disney all over again.

Obsessed (2009) - 6 stars out of 10

Obsessed (2009) - 6 stars out of 10

Obviously inspired by "Fatal Attraction," this new twist on the "creepy stalker at work" story certainly delivered.  Props to the director for casting Ali Larter as Lisa - If I had to choose a smoking hott temptress to drive the plot of this film, I'd definitely go for the looks and acting ability of Larter.  Idris Elba's acting was also very believable and you'll feel terrible for him as his world is turned upside down, at no fault of his own.  Even though there are moments where you'll be saying "Don't do that, she'll become OBSESSED," I still feel like every action between the two is reasonable and realistic in an office situation leading to Larter's obsession.  Though I was skeptical toward this movie and thought it'd be cheesy after the previews, I'm glad that I experienced this one.  Let's be realistic, it still has its eye rolling moments but it was definitely better than I expected and is surprisingly entertaining.