Ruby Sparks - 8 stars out of 10

Ruby Sparks - 8 stars out of 10

“Ruby Sparks” is the last movie that I expected to teach me so much about myself.  This twist on the classic “Be careful what you wish for” series of events creates a deep representation of the dangers of trying to change someone who is already everything that you ever wanted.  It is amazing how quickly love can become miserable when contentment gives way to selfishness and insecurity, and this concept is so vivid that these writers must have experienced it.   This clever script is filled with simple, perfect dialogue.  The only shame is that this dialogue is generally followed by one form of profanity or another.  I really wish that there was a PG version of this film because the story and beautiful dialogue are cheapened by all of the f-words.  I am so happy that Paul Dano’s career has not been defined by his role in “The Girl Next Door.”  He shows a lot of finesse in his acting and possesses a very likeable persona.  Zoe Kazan is perfect as Ruby, radiant with an inexplicable charm that draws your attention just as much as it draws the main character.  Also, props to Elliott Gould in the role of the therapist.  This film is not the cutesy love story that it appears to be on the surface; rather, it presents strong thematic statements about the dangers of manipulation and total reliance on one person.  It seems that “Ruby Sparks” was swept under the rug after its trailer came out (I didn’t even know that it had been in theaters or came out on DVD) but you will be missing out if you don’t make a point to experience the beautiful romantic dialogue and unpredictable story contained within.

The Seven Year Itch - 5 stars out of 10

The Seven Year Itch - 5 stars out of 10

To me, "The Seven Year Itch" is the epitome of average.  It has a cute script and several clever plot devices, but it just sort of comes and goes without leaving much of an impression.  The largest impression is left by Marilyn Monroe, who tends to be unforgettable no matter what the circumstance.  This film contains her most iconic moment as the air from a subway grate blows her dress up as she holds it down.  Other than that scene and Monroe's lovably air-headed dialogue, the rest seemed to drag on as I just wasn't charmed by Tom Ewell's nervous actions and fantasy scenes; in fact, I spent most of the movie waiting for Monroe to reappear.  I did love the incorporation of Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto into the plot, as I can relate to being moved by the beauty of this piece while others just don't seem to get it.  I think that "The Seven Year Itch" is one of those films that every film fan has to see because of Monroe's iconic moment, but outside of that you shouldn't have a very high expectation.

Paul - 4 stars out of 10

Paul - 4 stars out of 10

“Paul” started with so much potential... and did not get much farther than that.  While it cleverly pays homage to many of the great alien movies (the “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” music, giving advice to Steven Spielberg on the phone), it fails to establish itself as an alien movie in its own rite.  In fact, each f-word diminished my desire to continue watching.  I love Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz,” but this movie sacrificed smart humor for crude language.  Just because the alien uses the f-word over and over again, he does not become more likeable.  Outside of the unnecessary language, Seth Rogan was a great pick for the voice of Paul.  I also enjoyed Jason Bateman in this small role (particularly because his character name is Lorenzo Zoil, hilarious).  The story is actually rather clever but again, so much unnecessary language and strong atheistic themes.  The CGI is darn impressive as Paul interacts with all of the characters on screen and I love the seemingly endless barrage of sci-fi references (Sigourney Weaver even makes an appearance!), but this film simply is not worth enduring the constant flow of profanity.

Moonrise Kingdom - 7 stars out of 10

Moonrise Kingdom - 7 stars out of 10

"Moonrise Kingdom" is a fun lesson in absurdity and a reminder that films sometimes take themselves too seriously.  Wes Anderson's script places several of Hollywood's greatest actors into an over-the-top comedic world.  It is so much fun to watch all of these serious actors portray such ridiculous roles, particularly Ed Norton.  Other big names include Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, and Harvey Keitel.  The 1965 setting has a unique fantasy atmosphere to it, almost like "Leave It To Beaver meets Alice In Wonderland."  The film is filled with fun details, from the raccoons on the boat and camping uniform to the use of colors throughout the film.  I loved the use of Benjamin Britten's "Young Musician's Guide to the Orchestra" during the opening credits and then Alexandre Desplat's incredibly clever imitation during the closing credits to highlight his own orchestration of the film.  I have never been so fascinated by the music during the closing credits.  Desplat's entire score is wonderful, fun and whimsical, and he still manages to play homage to several other important historical musical pieces (such as Saint-Saens' "Carnival of the Animals").  "Moonrise Kingdom" isn't a life-changing film but it's a nice vacation from critically-acclaimed dramas and bonehead comedies that dominate the theater line-up.

Flight (2012) - 8 stars out of 10

Flight (2012) - 8 stars out of 10

"Flight" has little to do with airplanes and everything to do with alcoholism.  Denzel Washington's portrayal of an alcoholic living in denial is chilling and raw.  While he is surrounded by good actors and a fresh script, this film is all about Denzel.  The progression of his alcoholic state from start to finish is nothing short of impressive.  Director Robert Zemeckis steps out of his comfort zone with this edgy drama.  Realistically, the only thing in this film that would indicate "Zemeckis" to me is his name on the closing credits and the choice of Alan Silvestri to write the film score.  To his credit, the film has some incredible moments, the least of which is the vivid portrayal of the plane crash.  That scene grew so intense and real that it brought me to tears as the flight attendant spoke into the black box.  Also, the camera angles during the mini bar scene blew me away.  John Goodman brings some much-needed comic relief, although I didn't appreciate drug usage being portrayed with such levity.  Don Cheadle was okay while Melissa Leo really stuck out during her limited 10 minutes of screen time.  "Flight" my not be the greatest drama out there but it is definitely worth watching and rewatching, particularly for Denzel's raw acting skill.

JFK - 10 stars out of 10

JFK - 10 stars out of 10

A thousand puzzle pieces come together to paint a perspective-altering image of the integrity of our American government, the power held by its officials, and what goes on behind the scenes.  The well-written roles in "JFK" played by Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland, Kevin Bacon, Joe Pesci, Jay Sanders, Gary Oldman, Ed Asner, Wayne Knight, and Walter Matthau are all pulled together by Kevin Costner in a riveting performance.  Though my attention wandered due to the sheer length of the film (I could only get a hold of the special edition extended by 17 minutes), there is a driving intensity that makes the time fly by - particularly in the courtroom scene which lasts for over 1/2-hour but seems to be over in a snap.  You have to see this portrayal of one of our country's most significant tragedies brought to life.

ParaNorman - 4 stars out of 10

ParaNorman - 4 stars out of 10

"ParaNorman" was a let-down.  More than anything, this movie helped me appreciate how awesome "Frankenweenie" was.  Not only are the story and characters considerably less interesting, but the animation can't even compare.  It had so much jerkiness that it felt like a stop-motion picture from 15 years ago.  Probably the best visual aspect of the film was the CGI effects added to the zombies and that's not a compliment since we're talking about a stop-motion film.  The voice acting is fine but the story is very bland.  Well, the zombies chase the kids.  Then they chase the kids.  And then, oh!  They chase the kids some more.  This story doesn't have nearly as much depth as "Frankenweenie" and throws in unnecessary language (even though this is obviously intended for kids).  It wasn't even very funny.  Animation company Laika (who also created "Coraline") is like the equivalent of Don Bluth's films when compared to the Disney renaissance during the 90's.  It's good but it just can't compare to what others are doing in the same field.  I applaud any stop-motion film for the tedious effort that it takes to bring one of these films to life, but "ParaNorman" is just a disappointment when compared to Tim Burton's impressive output.