Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Trailer Kevin Smith's Red State
Trailer for Kevin Smith's long talked about horror movie, huge departure for the him and it looks surprisingly stylish, who knows if it'll work or just come off as a variation on Children of the Corn....
Sunday, December 26, 2010
MOVIE REVIEWS: THE TOWN
ON DVD
THE TOWN
Boston bank robber Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) falls for a woman his gang had previously taken hostage after feigning a chance meeting with her to ensure that she can't identify them in Affleck's adaptation of author Chuck Hogan's novel Prince of Thieves. The son of a tough Charlestown, MA thief, Doug passed on his chance to walk the straight and narrow in favor of becoming a career bank robber. Not only is Doug's crew one of the most ruthless in Boston, but they're also one of the best; they never leave a trace of evidence, and always make a clean break. Over the years, Doug's fearless partners in crime have become something of a surrogate family to him; Jem (Jeremy Renner), the most dangerous of the bunch, is the closest thing Doug has ever had to a brother. But a divide begins to open between the two career criminals when Jem takes bank manager Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall) hostage during a particularly tense heist, and the group subsequently discovers that she hails from their own tight-knit suburb. When Jem proposes that the gang make an effort to find out just how much Claire recalls about the crime, Doug fears that his volatile partner may do more harm than good and volunteers himself for the job. Later, Doug turns on the charm while pretending to bump into Claire by chance, and becomes convinced that she doesn't suspect him of being the same man who just robbed her bank. As the feds turn up the heat on the gang, Doug finds himself falling for Claire, and searching desperately for a means of cutting his ties to his criminal past. But with each passing day, Jem grows increasingly suspicious of Doug's true motivations. Now caught between two worlds with no chance of turning back, Doug realizes that his only hope for finding a happy future is to betray the only family he's ever known. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Ben Affleck
Cast: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively.
Release Date: Sep 17, 2010
Rated R for strong violence, pervasive language, some sexuality and drug use
Runtime: 2 hr. 5 min.
Genres: Drama
Review:
Ben Affleck’s sophomore directorial effort is a dirty gritty heist drama that’s always interesting even if the story feels predictable. Affleck has an undeniable talent to capture the feel of the area and the people who live there. Even if the plot is a bit far fetched Affleck keeps the film grounded with characters that feel lived in and world weary. In the lead role, Affleck turns in his best work in years allowing the audience to feel the character conflicted nature. While Affleck is impressively strong, Jeremy Renner is absolutely stellar in a supporting role. Renner almost disappears into his character, creating a character that’s menacing and unpredictable. Jon Hamm also delivers strong work as the pressing FBI agent. Blake Lively is appropriately grimy but her performance occasionally feels forced. Faring worse is Rebecca Hall who just seems to blend in with the scenery never making much of an impression. Chris Cooper and Pete Postlethwaite have small but important roles, they both perform well and make you wish they’d been given a bit more screen time since the characters are so intriguing. The film ends with a pulse pounding bang with a massive action set piece that’s a perfect bloody send off for a well crafted and acted film.
B+
THE TOWN
Boston bank robber Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) falls for a woman his gang had previously taken hostage after feigning a chance meeting with her to ensure that she can't identify them in Affleck's adaptation of author Chuck Hogan's novel Prince of Thieves. The son of a tough Charlestown, MA thief, Doug passed on his chance to walk the straight and narrow in favor of becoming a career bank robber. Not only is Doug's crew one of the most ruthless in Boston, but they're also one of the best; they never leave a trace of evidence, and always make a clean break. Over the years, Doug's fearless partners in crime have become something of a surrogate family to him; Jem (Jeremy Renner), the most dangerous of the bunch, is the closest thing Doug has ever had to a brother. But a divide begins to open between the two career criminals when Jem takes bank manager Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall) hostage during a particularly tense heist, and the group subsequently discovers that she hails from their own tight-knit suburb. When Jem proposes that the gang make an effort to find out just how much Claire recalls about the crime, Doug fears that his volatile partner may do more harm than good and volunteers himself for the job. Later, Doug turns on the charm while pretending to bump into Claire by chance, and becomes convinced that she doesn't suspect him of being the same man who just robbed her bank. As the feds turn up the heat on the gang, Doug finds himself falling for Claire, and searching desperately for a means of cutting his ties to his criminal past. But with each passing day, Jem grows increasingly suspicious of Doug's true motivations. Now caught between two worlds with no chance of turning back, Doug realizes that his only hope for finding a happy future is to betray the only family he's ever known. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Ben Affleck
Cast: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively.
Release Date: Sep 17, 2010
Rated R for strong violence, pervasive language, some sexuality and drug use
Runtime: 2 hr. 5 min.
Genres: Drama
Review:
Ben Affleck’s sophomore directorial effort is a dirty gritty heist drama that’s always interesting even if the story feels predictable. Affleck has an undeniable talent to capture the feel of the area and the people who live there. Even if the plot is a bit far fetched Affleck keeps the film grounded with characters that feel lived in and world weary. In the lead role, Affleck turns in his best work in years allowing the audience to feel the character conflicted nature. While Affleck is impressively strong, Jeremy Renner is absolutely stellar in a supporting role. Renner almost disappears into his character, creating a character that’s menacing and unpredictable. Jon Hamm also delivers strong work as the pressing FBI agent. Blake Lively is appropriately grimy but her performance occasionally feels forced. Faring worse is Rebecca Hall who just seems to blend in with the scenery never making much of an impression. Chris Cooper and Pete Postlethwaite have small but important roles, they both perform well and make you wish they’d been given a bit more screen time since the characters are so intriguing. The film ends with a pulse pounding bang with a massive action set piece that’s a perfect bloody send off for a well crafted and acted film.
B+
Saturday, December 25, 2010
MOVIE REVIEWS: TRUE GRIT
IN THEATERS
TRUE GRIT
14-year-old mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) joins an aging U.S. marshal (Jeff Bridges) and another lawman (Matt Damon) in tracking her father's killer into hostile Indian territory in Joel and Ethan Coen's adaptation of Charles Portis' original novel. Sticking more closely to the source material than the 1969 feature adaptation starring Western icon John Wayne, the Coens' True Grit tells the story from the young girl's perspective, and re-teams the celebrated filmmaking duo with their No Country for Old Men producing partner Scott Rudin. Josh Brolin and Barry Pepper co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Josh Brolin, Matt Damon, Barry Pepper, Dakin Matthews.
Release Date: Dec 22, 2010
Rated PG-13 for some intense sequences of western violence including disturbing images
Runtime: 2 hr. 8 min.
Genres: Drama
Review:
Being unfamiliar with the novel and John Wayne film, I came to the Coen’s brother’s True Grit a clean slate. Westerns of yesteryear had never had much appeal for me outside of the occasional spaghetti western. The most recent western I’ve found more appealing for some reason and True Grit is one of those films that perfectly personifies why. Its characters are well drawn and thoroughly complex and never disinteresting. The Coen’s have a wonderful eye and love of the wide open spaces and varied climates. They pace this film steadily and thoughtfully so you can savor ever aspect of the scene and sharp dialogue. Newcomer Hailee Steinfeld is a revelation from the outset; she gives her character a forceful strength and wisdom that demand you attention throughout. She more than comfortable onscreen with the big name talent and holds her own with ease. Jeff Bridges chews scenery from the moment his character is introduced; it’s a delightful performance that’s surprisingly multilayered and textured. Bridges and Steinfeld share excellent chemistry together, something much needed for a story like this. Matt Damon turns in solid supporting work as a Texas Ranger who appears to be more talk and vanity than substance. Damon displays strong flexibility and range here working as a solid ying to Bridge’s yang. Josh Brolin and Barry Peppers are excellent in tiny but pivotal roles.
A
TRUE GRIT
14-year-old mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) joins an aging U.S. marshal (Jeff Bridges) and another lawman (Matt Damon) in tracking her father's killer into hostile Indian territory in Joel and Ethan Coen's adaptation of Charles Portis' original novel. Sticking more closely to the source material than the 1969 feature adaptation starring Western icon John Wayne, the Coens' True Grit tells the story from the young girl's perspective, and re-teams the celebrated filmmaking duo with their No Country for Old Men producing partner Scott Rudin. Josh Brolin and Barry Pepper co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Josh Brolin, Matt Damon, Barry Pepper, Dakin Matthews.
Release Date: Dec 22, 2010
Rated PG-13 for some intense sequences of western violence including disturbing images
Runtime: 2 hr. 8 min.
Genres: Drama
Review:
Being unfamiliar with the novel and John Wayne film, I came to the Coen’s brother’s True Grit a clean slate. Westerns of yesteryear had never had much appeal for me outside of the occasional spaghetti western. The most recent western I’ve found more appealing for some reason and True Grit is one of those films that perfectly personifies why. Its characters are well drawn and thoroughly complex and never disinteresting. The Coen’s have a wonderful eye and love of the wide open spaces and varied climates. They pace this film steadily and thoughtfully so you can savor ever aspect of the scene and sharp dialogue. Newcomer Hailee Steinfeld is a revelation from the outset; she gives her character a forceful strength and wisdom that demand you attention throughout. She more than comfortable onscreen with the big name talent and holds her own with ease. Jeff Bridges chews scenery from the moment his character is introduced; it’s a delightful performance that’s surprisingly multilayered and textured. Bridges and Steinfeld share excellent chemistry together, something much needed for a story like this. Matt Damon turns in solid supporting work as a Texas Ranger who appears to be more talk and vanity than substance. Damon displays strong flexibility and range here working as a solid ying to Bridge’s yang. Josh Brolin and Barry Peppers are excellent in tiny but pivotal roles.
A
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry X-mas everyone!!!
Just wanted to wish everyone who reads my reviews a wonderful and happy X-mas and holidays.
I truly appreciate all of you guys and gals!
I truly appreciate all of you guys and gals!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
MOVIE REVIEWS: TRON: LEGACY
IN THEATERS
TRON:LEGACY 3D
The Master Control Program is booted back up in this revamped Tron continuation that sees the return of original star Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn, the brilliant computer programmer whose disappearance leads his son, Sam (Garrett Hedlund), to search for him in and out of the computer world. Original director and co-writer Steven Lisberger produces the new film, which is helmed by commercial director Joseph Kosinski. James Frain, Olivia Wilde, Beau Garrett, and Michael Sheen also star, with Bruce Boxleitner returning as Alan Bradley and Tron, the heroic protagonist of the original film. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Bruce Boxleitner, Michael Sheen.
Release Date: Dec 17, 2010
Rated: Sequences of sci-fi action violence and brief mild language
Runtime: 2 hr. 7 min.
Genres: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Review:
Tron: Legacy is very much like a jaw breaker candy, a cinematic concoction of tightly pressed sugar that’s tasty but difficult to get through and when you’re done you have nothing. That not to say it’s a horrible movie as much as it’s purely a visual experience, similar to the 1982 original. The biggest asset to this film is ascetic, they are amazing to behold especially in 3D. The digital world is a fully realized wonder that’s going to give everyone endless gee whiz moments. The battles whether disk to disk, light cycle or light planes are all thrilling and thoroughly enjoyable. The problem with this film is the script which is thoroughly complex yet incredibly basic and features characters that are thoroughly uninteresting. Rookie director Joseph Kosinski has the visual flair to make the film watchable but his inexperience shine through with the wooden performances he coxed out of his cast. Flat dialogue runs amok throughout the film with Bridges being the only one who doesn’t look like he’s acting. Garrett Hedlund is so disinteresting as the lead her that you kind of wish he’d just stay off the screen. The aforementioned Bridges seems to be having fun or at least seems a little high as he channels The Dude as the elder Flynn. As his villainous doppelganger Clu, with the creepy de-aged digital face which is far from perfect, Bridges is mostly just asked to yell a lot and not much more. Olivia Wilde seems content to pose for the camera since her character is so thinly conceived. Michael Sheen, in a small but memorable role, goes all out in a full camp mode reminding me of a flamboyant Riddler from the 60’s Batman show. Tron: Legacy is a film that follows its predecessor’s footsteps being all flash and no substance.
C-
TRON:LEGACY 3D
The Master Control Program is booted back up in this revamped Tron continuation that sees the return of original star Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn, the brilliant computer programmer whose disappearance leads his son, Sam (Garrett Hedlund), to search for him in and out of the computer world. Original director and co-writer Steven Lisberger produces the new film, which is helmed by commercial director Joseph Kosinski. James Frain, Olivia Wilde, Beau Garrett, and Michael Sheen also star, with Bruce Boxleitner returning as Alan Bradley and Tron, the heroic protagonist of the original film. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Bruce Boxleitner, Michael Sheen.
Release Date: Dec 17, 2010
Rated: Sequences of sci-fi action violence and brief mild language
Runtime: 2 hr. 7 min.
Genres: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Review:
Tron: Legacy is very much like a jaw breaker candy, a cinematic concoction of tightly pressed sugar that’s tasty but difficult to get through and when you’re done you have nothing. That not to say it’s a horrible movie as much as it’s purely a visual experience, similar to the 1982 original. The biggest asset to this film is ascetic, they are amazing to behold especially in 3D. The digital world is a fully realized wonder that’s going to give everyone endless gee whiz moments. The battles whether disk to disk, light cycle or light planes are all thrilling and thoroughly enjoyable. The problem with this film is the script which is thoroughly complex yet incredibly basic and features characters that are thoroughly uninteresting. Rookie director Joseph Kosinski has the visual flair to make the film watchable but his inexperience shine through with the wooden performances he coxed out of his cast. Flat dialogue runs amok throughout the film with Bridges being the only one who doesn’t look like he’s acting. Garrett Hedlund is so disinteresting as the lead her that you kind of wish he’d just stay off the screen. The aforementioned Bridges seems to be having fun or at least seems a little high as he channels The Dude as the elder Flynn. As his villainous doppelganger Clu, with the creepy de-aged digital face which is far from perfect, Bridges is mostly just asked to yell a lot and not much more. Olivia Wilde seems content to pose for the camera since her character is so thinly conceived. Michael Sheen, in a small but memorable role, goes all out in a full camp mode reminding me of a flamboyant Riddler from the 60’s Batman show. Tron: Legacy is a film that follows its predecessor’s footsteps being all flash and no substance.
C-
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life Trailer
Malick is one of my all time favorite directors, needless to say I'm terribly excited about his next film.....
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
MOVIE REVIEWS: BLACK SWAN
IN THEATERS
BLACK SWAN
New York City ballet dancer Nina (Natalie Portman) enters into an intense battle of wills with a talented and ambitious new arrival (Mila Kunis) who seems intent on edging her out of the spotlight in this supernatural-flavored psychological thriller from director Darren Aronofsky. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Cast: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder.
Release Date: Dec 03, 2010
Rated R for strong sexual content, disturbing violent images, language and some drug use
Runtime: 1 hr. 43 min.
Genres: Suspense/Thriller
Review:
Macabre, mystifying and absolutely engrossing, Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan is an operatic dark fair tale. Aronofsky, shooting mostly via handheld camera, creates an impressively arresting tale that has a sense of immediacy and intensity from the first frame of the film. While the actual plot is fairly simplistic, Aronofsky’s ability to take us through the throws of insanity and lunacy by showing the character’s crumbling reality elevates it’s into high art. While it stumbles on a few occasions in particular near the finale, deciding to be overly visual with the extended metaphor which leads into unintended camp. Natalie Portman shines in a meticulously measured performance. Her beautiful but emaciated figure walks and dances through the film in a detached but dedicated haze. Portman and Barbara Hershey share some excellent chemistry with forays into Nina’s disturbing homelife which display the levels of arrested development in play. Vincent Cassel is appropriately sleazy as the lothario dance director. Mila Kunis isn’t asked to do much of depth here and is mostly a one dimensional foil. Aronofsky’s Black Swan is a beautiful film that occasionally borders on high class horror.
A-
BLACK SWAN
New York City ballet dancer Nina (Natalie Portman) enters into an intense battle of wills with a talented and ambitious new arrival (Mila Kunis) who seems intent on edging her out of the spotlight in this supernatural-flavored psychological thriller from director Darren Aronofsky. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Cast: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder.
Release Date: Dec 03, 2010
Rated R for strong sexual content, disturbing violent images, language and some drug use
Runtime: 1 hr. 43 min.
Genres: Suspense/Thriller
Review:
Macabre, mystifying and absolutely engrossing, Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan is an operatic dark fair tale. Aronofsky, shooting mostly via handheld camera, creates an impressively arresting tale that has a sense of immediacy and intensity from the first frame of the film. While the actual plot is fairly simplistic, Aronofsky’s ability to take us through the throws of insanity and lunacy by showing the character’s crumbling reality elevates it’s into high art. While it stumbles on a few occasions in particular near the finale, deciding to be overly visual with the extended metaphor which leads into unintended camp. Natalie Portman shines in a meticulously measured performance. Her beautiful but emaciated figure walks and dances through the film in a detached but dedicated haze. Portman and Barbara Hershey share some excellent chemistry with forays into Nina’s disturbing homelife which display the levels of arrested development in play. Vincent Cassel is appropriately sleazy as the lothario dance director. Mila Kunis isn’t asked to do much of depth here and is mostly a one dimensional foil. Aronofsky’s Black Swan is a beautiful film that occasionally borders on high class horror.
A-
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