Nova: Mystery of Easter Island - 7 stars out of 10

Nova: Mystery of Easter Island - 7 stars out of 10

This documentary does not examine the history or meaning behind the mysterious Easter Island heads; instead, this edition of Nova challenges the previous notions on how these enormous structures were moved.  This team of archaeologists and volunteers create a scaled down version of the moai and try to figure out how the natives would have used a rope system to move them down a road, since the wheel was not yet discovered.  I cannot find any fault with this documentary.  The subject matter is interesting, the visual shots of the moai are very cool, and I just feel much more informed about these icons.  This is especially great to watch  if you ever have an opportunity to see one of these in the British Museum, the Louvre, or the Smithsonian.  "Mystery of Easter Island" isn't flashy or dramatic.  It does precisely what it sets out to do: create an awareness of the famous moai and challenge the manner in which they were transported to their current positions on Easter Island.

Wild Target - 8 stars out of 10

Wild Target - 8 stars out of 10

"Wild Target" may not have thrilled the critics but it is wildly entertaining.  This cheeky British action comedy is the perfect blend of humor, violence, and love story.  “Knight and Day” should take some notes.  The writers constantly poke fun at assassin movies, taking seemingly serious thematic material and creating utter absurdity.  The true key to this film's success is the chemistry between Bill Nighty, Emily Blunt, and Rupert Grint.  The three opposing personalities (stuffy/non-emotional, uninhibited/sly, nervous/dimwitted) constantly enhance each other.  The plot is nothing too special but serves as a vehicle to let these personalities shine.  The story uses irony and clever dialogue to create one long amusement which keeps you wanting more.  If you've been to London, you'll love the sights (especially inside of the National Gallery).  The film ends with a less-than-clever-but-appropriate conclusion that wraps the entire story up.  "Wild Target" isn't the best comedy or the most innovative, but it will make you laugh out loud as these likeable characters move from point A to point B.

Upside Down - 6 stars out of 10

Upside Down - 6 stars out of 10

"Upside Down" may be the coolest movie concept that I have ever encountered, but it doesn't get very far beyond conception.  Throughout the film, it often feels like the story gets in the way of the awesome atmosphere instead of enhancing it.  This is apparent from the very start when a voice-over (that lasts at least five minutes) explains the concept in documentary form, rather than allowing the audience to discover the physics of these planets through the storytelling.  The film often hints at being an action film but keeps coming back to a romantic story which only allows for a few brief chase scenes (one of which is suddenly cut short when the main character ducks into a stairwell and his escape is unexplained).  Jim Sturgess doesn't give his greatest performance but he is good, Kirsten Dunst is alright, but the biggest surprise is Timothy Spall.  He steals the show as Bob, a secondary character that exists only to extend the plot.  Even though he has very little screen time, he is the character that I looked most forward to coming back each scene.  The special effects are absolutely stunning throughout the film, from the low camera angles that show a character with an upside-down world where the sky belongs, to the scene when Sturgess sheds his weights and falls through the sky from one atmosphere to the other.  "Upside Down" could have done many things better, particularly the development of the love story and the ending, but it will still be one of the coolest visual experiences of your life.

The Ides of March - 8 stars out of 10

The Ides of March - 8 stars out of 10

Politics have never seemed as interesting as they do in “The Ides of March”!  George Clooney and his writers have struck gold with this excellent story and I absolutely agree with its Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.  This exposition of the dark side of political campaigns focuses on the Democratic primary and its no-nonsense players.  The talented ensemble cast makes it difficult to decide who are the good guys and who are the bad guys as both sides deceive and back stab in order to win a few more votes.  Ryan Gosling steals the screen from his peers as he varies between compassionate and cutthroat.  The film offers equally impressive performances from Paul Giamatti and Philip Seymour Hoffman as the brains behind the opposing campaigns.  Director, Producer, and Writer George Clooney also stars as the unsavory Democratic candidate who relies on his team to keep him looking infallible.  The story takes several interesting turns that continually keep you guessing and, despite the dry nature of politics, has the “thriller”-type feel to it.  I walked into this one with skepticism but walked out realizing that it is a must-see.  Don’t stay home - cast your ballot for “The Ides of March”!