Crocodile Dundee - 6 stars out of 10

Crocodile Dundee - 6 stars out of 10

“Crocodile Dundee” is an iconic 80’s film that isn’t anything special but still manages to be irresistible to every audience.  I think it is the fact that Paul Hogan’s titular character is so cool that you can’t help but like him.  His outback grit is perfectly contrasted by his big city naïvety, and he never does anything that would give us reason dislike him.  Films like “George of the Jungle” and “Jungle 2 Jungle” have mimicked this concept with good-hearted, naïve natives, but the rough edges of Mick Dundee help him to be realistic in an uncomfortable situation instead of comically clueless.  The setting also sets this film apart from most other films, exploring the tribes and creatures of the Outback and then transporting a piece of the Outback into our own backyard.  The film definitely has some cheesy 80’s moments, but Hogan’s chemistry with Linda Kozlowski, funny interactions with girls on the “corner,” and the great one-liner below make this a classic.

[Pictured: "That's not a knife.  THAT'S a knife!"]

Mogambo - 2 stars out of 10

Mogambo - 2 stars out of 10

“Mogambo” is significantly less exciting that the Kilimanjaro Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  I approached this film with high expectations due to its three shining Hollywood stars, two Oscar nominations in acting, and being Grace Kelly’s first film.  …I should have done more research.  While the critics loved its star power, I found the film to be boring (as evidenced by my falling asleep within the first half-hour on both nights that I attempted to watch it).  Most of the dialogue is unnecessary to the furthering of the plot and it seemed like film should be about a gorilla hunt or a love triangle, not both.  The nature footage is quite stunning, particularly the apes, but this footage would've fared better as a nature documentary.  It is painfully obvious that the apes and actors were filmed in completely different places, but that doesn't really matter since it has very little to do with the love story anyways.  A mid-afternoon third attempt at watching the film allowed me to finish it.  Barely.  I’m glad that I finished it just so that I could get to the climactic scene but, other than those five minutes of movie magic, I don’t see any point in enduring “Mogambo.”

[Pictured: Not as good as you would think.]

Phone Booth - 7 stars out of 10

Phone Booth - 7 stars out of 10

“Phone Booth” is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that unravels in real time.  The concept is fantastic – a manipulative liar enters a phone booth to partake in his daily infidelity when a sniper contacts him and forces him to confess his sins at distant gunpoint.  While you might be thinking “How much could possibly happen if the entire thing takes place in a phone booth?”, the script is written in a way that constantly builds momentum and introduces characters into the story throughout.  It begins a little slow, but that is necessary so that the situation can begin subtly and then escalate.  The reason that this film works is the acting.  Colin Farrell plays his character in a way that we hate him and then pity him.  His emotions drive the plot and create a shift in our emotions (the way that he talks to his assistant, the mean things that he has to say to the police captain, his heartfelt confession to his wife).  Forest Whitaker is the other key to this story, allowing us to differentiate between the information that the characters know and the information that the audience knows.  And probably the most important part of the film is Kiefer Sutherland’s voice.  The way that he delivers the sniper’s dialogue makes us see him with disgust without ever seeing him.  Add in an amazing twist at the end and this strange concept becomes a worthwhile cinematic experience.  Could it have been done better?  Probably.  But “Phone Booth” is good enough that they don’t need to try.  Next time, just trap them on a ski lift or buried in the ground.

[Pictured: It is amazing how much action can occur in one phone booth.]

True Women - 7 stars out of 10

True Women - 7 stars out of 10

“True Women” is really impressive for a miniseries.  The acting of Dana Delany alone makes the three hours worthwhile.  She breathes life into Sara McClure, the strong-willed redhead that keeps her family strong throughout the many trials and heartaches of this story.  The script, based on the novel of the same name by Janice Woods Windle, is a clever web that intertwines three women’s lives around five decades of southern US history.  The characters are very well written as each possesses different beliefs and backgrounds that create conflict at times and unite them at other times.  I cannot say enough about the intelligent design behind the childhood friendship, slave ownership, and Native American blood.  From the Texas Revolution to the Civil War and Reconstruction, every event is made more significant through these characters’ attributes.  Everything is introduced early on with its significance being revealed far into the story.  The acting is very effective, creating strong emotions of anger toward Native Americans at some points, northerners at other points, and even our own government.  Annabeth Gish plays Euphemia with a lot of heart and, while this is Angelina Jolie’s best role (see “Girl, Interrupted” if you want to know what she really can do), she does a good job of portraying the bratty and mature sides of Georgia.  The downfall of this movie is its final few scenes.  I know that the filmmakers can’t exactly change the ending of the book, but there are a few overly-cheesy, not-believable moments that take away from the realism that makes this miniseries so good.  “True Women” exceeded my expectations.  It has amazing acting, a very poignant story, and several moments that will make you sit back and say “Wow, THAT is a true woman.”

[Pictured: Dana Delany, definitely the highlight of this film]

Breaking and Entering (2010) - 5 stars out of 10

Breaking and Entering (2010) - 5 stars out of 10

“Breaking and Entering” is an interesting chronicle of several everyday people in their pursuit to earn a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.   Some of the records, such as the World’s Largest Hula Hoop, do not require any sort of skill.  Other records require training and a life-long commitment.  The format of the documentary takes us alongside a joggler, a stationary cyclist, and a grape catcher as they plan, prepare, and execute their record-breaking attempts.  Their stories are interspersed with other record holders who reflect on their own experiences.  At first, it seems unlikely that these characters could become heroes and the subject matter does not seem to be very dramatic; however, as the film unfolds, you will find yourself cheering for these everyday people and the surprising twists that appear in their stories.  George Hood is the most amazing of the featured men as he rides a stationary bike for 111 hours without sleep.  His sheer willpower as he fights through the pain is incredible.  Michal Kapral brings a different perspective of record-setting as he duels against another joggler in pursuit of the world record.  Since you probably don’t know, joggling is juggling three balls while running a marathon.  Ridiculous.  The most impressive part is that these guys are amongst the top finishers of each marathon even though they are juggling!  The Grape Guy brings unintended comic relief as he is reminiscent of a character in a Christopher Guest mockumentary.  You wouldn’t expect it, but “Breaking and Entering” is full of comedy, drama, and flat-out impressive record holders.

[Pictured: Joggler Michal Kapral can outrun all of us... while juggling]

Muppets Most Wanted - 4 stars out of 10

Muppets Most Wanted - 4 stars out of 10

After an amazing return to the big screen with “The Muppets” in 2011, the latest installment is a letdown.  Something about Kermit the Frog in the Hannibal Lecter mask just isn't appealing.  The bar was set really high with the last film by recreating scenes from the old days, but I guess that you can’t do that every time.  The plot was pretty original but it was a little dark for Jim Henson's characters.  The songs weren't as fun or catchy, and some of the jokes missed their mark.  That being said, this film had its bright moments.  Tina Fay was an awesome choice to compliment the zany muppets and she may have been the best part of the film.  The whole Gulag 38B variety show aspect of the film was clever and the fact that Constantine’s voice is nothing like Kermit is funny from start to finish.  Not to mention the mole gags and interactions between Ty Burrell and Sam Eagle.  One of my disappointments was the cameos, which seemed way too forced and unimaginative.  Except for Usher.  That may be the funniest cameo that I have ever seen.  Oh yeah, and Josh Groban was equally hilarious but I won’t spoil it.  It is just genius when you recognized who the voice belonged to.  Okay, so maybe some of the cameos were imaginative.  But this film just didn't have the pizzazz of the last one.  I didn't walk away singing the songs or telling others that they should see it.  In spite of my rating, I still think that this is an important film that we should all support.  The next generation is blessed to have an opportunity to experience the muppets the way that we have.  It may not be the best film in the series, but its release, positive critical reception, and profit should result in another muppet feature that will hopefully eclipse this one.

[Pictured: Amazing how nobody recognized Kermit once he has that mole...]

The Vow (2012) - 5 stars out of 10

The Vow (2012) - 5 stars out of 10

“The Vow” is exactly what you would expect from a chick flick released on Valentine’s Day.  It is cute, an appropriate amount of cheesiness, and full of romantic moments that will make your wife say “Why can’t you say nice things like that to me?”  While it isn't my favorite chick flick, it certainly gets bonus points for being based on a true story, as unbelievable as it may seem.  Rachel McAdams is the perfect choice to play Paige, both for her track record of starring in chick flicks and the quality of acting that she brings to the screen.  Channing Tatum does about the best job that he can, but he was probably picked more for his looks (which ironically caused girls to guilt their boyfriends into seeing this on Valentine’s Day) than for his dramatic acting.  Even though both of these actors are in their thirties, they almost seemed to useful to be taken seriously as a married couple.  Their chemistry is nice but I think that the make-up and costume artists portrayed them a bit too young.  The story itself is interesting but often fills us with disdain for the characters instead of making us love them.  “The Vow” is a great date-night film but falls short of the “Oscar-Worthy Love Story” category.

[Pictured: McAdams and Tatum have great on-screen chemistry]