MOVIE REVIEW: COWBOYS AND ALIENS

IN THEATERS

COWBOYS AND ALIENS



Based on the graphic novel by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, Cowboys & Aliens starts in 1800s Arizona, where the local cowboys, headed by gunslinger Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig), and the indigenous Apache tribe have been feuding fiercely for quite a while. Their skirmish is interrupted, however, by the appearance of a spaceship, commanded by an alien creature that's bent on enslaving the human race. It's time for a six-gun shoot-out between these cattle rustlers and space invaders, and there might even be a temporary peace between the cowboys and Indians as they both take aim at these extraterrestrial uninvited guests. Jon Favreau directs from a script by Star Trek scribes Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, with help from Lost's Damon Lindelof. Olivia Wilde, Harrison Ford, and Sam Rockwell fill out the headlining cast. ~ Cammila Albertson, Rovi

Director: Jon Favreau

Cast: Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde, Harrison Ford, Sam Rockwell, Paul Dano

Release Date: Jul 29, 2011

Rated PG-13 for Intense sequences of western and sci-fi action and violence, some partial nudity and a brief crude reference

Runtime: 1 hr. 58 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Suspense/Thriller

Review:

Cowboys and Aliens is the type of film that should just reek of fun. A galloping mash up of genres that keeps you excited and thrilled throughout. Instead, Jon Favreau delivers a dour film that rarely thrills and occasionally falls into motionless boredom. As a film, it’s mostly inert moving forward only because it must. The characters are all variations of classic film characters and there’s not much of a twist brought to them here. There’s nothing interesting about any of the characters or particularly deep. This would be entirely forgivable if the spectacle of it all was rousing and exciting. The cast assembled is an impressive collection stars and stellar character actors. Daniel Craig is a sight in his full cowboy get up but he’s not asked to do much but pose and occasionally say something. Harrison Ford seems barely interested in the film or role. His lines are delivered like he’s in a hurry to get off the set. Olivia Wilde isn’t asked to do much but look out of place and then really be out of place in the latter half of the film. Sam Rockwell, Paul Dano, Adam Beach, Keith Carradine, Walton Goggins and David O’Hara would all make a hell of a film in their own right but here’s they’re mostly wasted in pointless bit parts that could have been filled by mannequins. With the assembled talent behind and in front of the camera you’d expect a somewhat passable film by default. Sadly this overlong comic adaptation is devoid of any fun or originality.

D

MOVIE REVIEW: THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU

ON DVD/BLURAY

THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU



The budding romance between a rising U.S. congressman and a gifted ballet dancer is unexpectedly complicated by otherworldly forces seeking to drive them apart by altering the very fabric of reality in this high-concept sci-fi thriller based on a story by famed author Philip K. Dick. David Norris (Matt Damon) is a rising New York congressmen whose everyman charisma has earned him a loyal following among locals. One night, after suffering a crushing political defeat, David is rehearsing his concession speech in a hotel bathroom when out of a stall wanders Elise (Emily Blunt), who was hiding out from security guards after crashing a wedding. The chemistry between David and Elise is instant and electric. But as fast as she appeared, Elise has vanished, leaving David to wonder if he will ever see her again. A few days later, as if by chance, David is boarding a bus for work when he spots Elise in a window seat. Though he manages to get her number this time, David is terrified when he arrives at his new job and discovers a mysterious group of men performing an unusual procedure on his paralyzed co-workers. Informed by the imposing and sharp-dressed Richardson (John Slattery) that he has just seen behind a curtain that few will ever know even exists, David agrees never to tell anyone of their encounter or talk to Elise again lest his entire memory be completely erased. But three years later, when David spots Elise walking down the street from the window of a city bus, he can't resist the urge to rekindle their romance. Unfortunately for the two young lovers, the mysterious agents at the Adjustment Bureau are determined to keep them apart at all costs in order to ensure there is no deviation from the master plan drawn up by "The Chairman" for the future of all humankind. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: George Nolfi

Cast: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Anthony Mackie, Michael Kelly, Terence Stamp, John Slattery

Release Date: Mar 04, 2011

Rated PG-13 for Brief strong language, some sexuality and a violent image

Runtime: 1 hr. 39 min.

Genres: Romance, Suspense/Thriller

Review:

The Adjustment Bureau is a high concept film that’s wonderfully shot that tries to be a lot of things all at once. First time director George Nolfi seems unable to focus his film. It’s as if we are watching his mind visually being projected on to the screen. The film takes so many thematic turns that’s it’s hard to get an actual feel for it. Nolfi’s heart is in the right place and there are plenty of high concepts rumblings at work, freewill vs. destiny, in the story here but he can’t seem to decide how to address it. As a result we get a shotgun approach. This film could easily be called a romance, Sci-fi, thriller, and even spiritual film. I don’t think anyone can question Nolfi’s eye behind the camera, he give his film a wonderful Kafkaesque feel to the whole proceedings while framing some shots with impressive talent. Matt Damon delivers a strong performance here but he really shines when he shares screen time with his costar. He and Emily Blunt have such wonderful chemistry on screen, their interactions are so strong and authentic that it really breathes life into the film. John Slattery and Terence Stamp, who apparently replace each other half way through the film, do fine work as the fedora wearing master planners. I would have liked to get a bit more from the characters but they aren’t really written that way, they merely serve the story. Anthony Mackie is given a bit more to work with and he’s enjoyable in the limited screen time he has, mostly in the last act. The last act feels a tad rush and not only because it becomes a chase film. Sadly, the finale feel artificial, removing any pop the story might have had if it’d finished on a more ambiguous tone. It’s a shame because there are parts of this film that work so well but it never quite reaches the heights of something like Dark City.

C

MOVIE REVIEW: SOURCE CODE

ON DVD/BLURAY

SOURCE CODE



Jake Gyllenhaal headlines this sci-fi time-travel thriller directed by Moon's Duncan Jones from a script by Ben Ripley and Billy Ray. A bomb explodes on a Chicago train, derailing the locomotive and killing hundreds. In an attempt to identify the bomber and prevent another, larger attack on downtown Chicago, Captain Colter Stevens (Gyllenhaal) agrees to take part in a clandestine government experiment dubbed "Source Code," which allows him to enter the body of a male passenger during the eight minutes before the man is killed. But during his first trip back, Capt. Stevens fails to gather enough clues to prevent the second attack. With time quickly running out, he repeats the mission ad nauseam in a desperate race to head off one of the most deadly terrorist attacks ever to take place on American soil. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Duncan Jones

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright, Michael Arden

Release Date: Apr 01, 2011

Rated PG-13 for Some violence including disturbing images, and for language

Runtime: 1 hr. 33 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Suspense/Thriller

Review:

Duncan Jones is an interesting filmmaker to say the least; with Moon he crafted a perfectly claustrophobic mind bending meditation on freewill. With Source Code he broaches the same subject matter from a different point of view, various actually. Using a conceit that’d be familiar to any Star Trek or comic book nerd, alternate realties/multi-verse, Jones creates an impressively engaging Sci-fi tome that has headier themes going on in the background. Jones finds a nice balance by never having these themes overpower his film allowing viewers to enjoy it simply as a thriller with a Sci-fi slant. Jones has a wonderful eye for his film and here his talent is readily apparent as he makes the same scenes interesting throughout even with the amount of repetition. Jake Gyllenhaal is tasked with carrying the film and he does an admirable job. His character is manic, confused and occasionally slightly unhinged. The character serves as a good stand in for the audience as they get their footing with the story and concept. Sadly, the rest of the cast is given very little to do. Michelle Monaghan does what she can with her character and she does bring a nice sincerity to her but it can only be developed so far in the confines of the story. Vera Farmiga is stuck being a talking head on a video screen for the better part of the film. Jeffrey Wright gives one of his hammiest performances in memory, he plays his character in such a stereotypical fashion that it’s kind of distracting, very strange choice for a talented actor. Source Code does have a plot holes throughout and leaves lingering questions even after the film closes. Regardless, this hybrid of Groundhog Day and Johnny Got His Gun will please any Sci-fi fan.

B

[Trailer] Tucker and Dale vs. Evil

Hilariously gory and right up any horror fans ally, Tucker and Dale vs. Evil feels like a hilarious satirical mash up of Final Destination and any Red Neck Horror movie.

I’m a big fan of Tyler Labine and Alan Tudyk’s comedic talent so this can’t come soon enough for me!

Check out the Red Band trailer for a peek at the bloody fun….

More Tucker %26 Dale vs. Evil Videos

[Trailer] KNIGHTS OF BADASSDOM

Pretty sure I’m late to the party, mainly because of all the trailer news from last week, on this one but I finally gave it a look.

Trailer seems to scream that this looks squarely aimed at nerd fanboys with a cast cherry picked from various nerd-rific sources.

It looks funny enough but then again so did the trailers for Your Highness…..

MOVIE REVIEW: CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER 3D

IN THEATERS

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER 3D



Director: Joe Johnston

Cast: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Sebastian Stan, Tommy Lee Jones, Hayley Atwell

Release Date: Jul 22, 2011

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action

Runtime: 2 hr. 4 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure

Review:

Captain America was among the list of superhero films that worried me going into this summer. It’s the type of property that’s hard to pull off because so much of the characters soul is trapped in a by gone time that might not translate to the big screen. Joe Johnston’s luckily was given a script that firmly places this origin story in its proper time and place. Shooting it with the look and feel of a WW2 propaganda film, Johnston captures so much of what makes the character and what he stands for without being overly jingoistic. Johnston paces his film methodically; taking his time with the characters and allows them to breathe. As a result, Chris Evan’s is given ample time to flesh out the scrawny runt Steve Rogers by giving him an earnestness that carries over to the Captain America version of Rogers. Hugo Weaving is good fun as the sinister Red Skull, even if the characters written a bit broad for my taste. Thanks to Johnston’s patience, secondary characters played by the likes of Tommy Lee Jones, having a ball, Hayley Atwell, Stanley Tucci and Dominic Cooper don’t come off as one dimensional as they could have. Johnston also has to be given a lot of credit for well staged action sequences which keep pepper the 2nd half of the film, some of the larger set pieces giving a decidedly Raiders of the Lost Ark to them somehow. The 3D, if you those like me who enjoy the novelty, is effectively used for effect but some of the action sequence can sort of bombard your eyes with information.

B+

[Trailer] Paranormal Activity 3

While some hate this franchise and the genre in general, I don’t. I’ve always been a fan of the “found footage” films.

Paranormal Activity and its sequel were impressive outings and I’ve felt they’ve been quite clever in their approach to the story. 2nd one was a prequel meshed with action from the original.

This one looks like an overall prequel to the story as a whole, going back to the sister’s childhood, something referenced in the 2nd one.

Directed by Catfish Henry Joost & Ariel Schulman, who know a bit about blurring the line between the real world, it should be an interesting entry into the horror franchise….

[Trailer] The Amazing Spiderman HD - Official

After all the bootlegs running around as of late, it looks like Sony has just done the smart thing and just release the teaser for the Spiderman reboot officially.

I’ll have to be honest, Spiderman has never been my favorite character and the Sam Raimi films, the first 2, were enjoyable but never did much for me.

Considering this whole story has just been done 10 years ago, I can’t say I’m looking forward to this and after watching it, I’m fairly underwhelmed.

I like the cast a lot but it just doesn’t peak my interest very much, of course I’ll still watch it when it comes out next year….

[Trailer] The Avengers

After last weeks The Dark Knight Rises bootleg now it looks like another bootleg of a hotly anticipated comic book film has hit the internet.

The teaser to The Avengers, which is going to play before Captain America, is out and kind of cool looking, at least from what little I could see, quality is pretty shoddy and will probably be pulled down sooner than later…….

I’ll post the official one as soon as it’s out…..

MOVIE REVIEW: HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2

IN THEATERS

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2



The final adventure in the Harry Potter film series follows Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) as they prepare for a final battle with Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), who is determined to destroy Harry once and for all. In order to defeat the powerful wizard, they must find and destroy Voldemort's last and most elusive Horcrux -- that is, the enchanted piece of soul allowing him to remain immortal -- before his nefarious plans come to fruition. David Yates directs. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi

Director: David Yates

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes

Release Date: Jul 15, 2011

Rated: Some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images

Runtime: 2 hr. 5 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Family, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review:

Finishing a series a series I originally thought would end up like some kind of cinematic fad is a strange thing. I’m one of those folks that’s never read one chapter of the novels, never been a big fantasy fan in any medium, so I started the cinematic versions as a chore. The first few films I found light and mostly dismissible, I kept with it and slowly but surely the films and character matured. The films became more complete works as a cinematic experience even if some of the jargon still sounds like some alternate version of Star Trek tech speak. In all honesty, I became found of the characters but can’t say I ever adored them. Radcliffe’s Potter has all the calling cards of a typical hero’s journey and coming of age story. This finale completes both sides of these plot threads with wonderful vigor. Radcliffe brings earnestness to the character that just transcends the screen. His ability to ably display quiet strength and growing maturity is an underrated talent. It’s really something incredible to witness, with Radcliffe starting as a green child actor to an impressive performer who can carry the weight of this monolith sized story. Rupert Grint and Emma Watson each show similar growth and are able to reach a similar level of achievement, even if they do kind of fall into the background here more than in Part 1. The film is filled with character moments for series favorites some making sacrifices while other rise to surprising heights. Ralph Fiennes who’s held a restrained check on his character’s evilness is finally allowed to spread his wings and he does so with fantastic results. Director David Yates deserves an untold amount of credit as he’s steered the franchise for the better part of its trek. Here, Yates maintains a strong pace filled with impressively lavish and dour set pieces that impress throughout. He’s fine tuned everything by this point that’s it’s easy to enjoy and easier to overlook how incredibly difficult Yates job was. While I still felt like it might have help to have a scorecard to keep track of some of the secondary and third level characters are, it’s the kind of finale a franchise of this size deserves.

A-

MOVIE REVIEW: HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN

MOVIE REVIEW: HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN



A train rolls into its final stop. From one of the freight cars jumps a weary-eyed transient with dreams of a fresh start in a new town. Instead, he lands smack-dab in the middle of an urban hellhole, a place where the cops are crooked and the underprivileged masses are treated like insignificant animals. This is a city where crime reigns supreme, and the man pulling the strings is known only as "The Drake." Along with his two cold-blooded and sadistic sons, Ivan and Slick, he rules with an iron fist, and nobody dares fuck with The Drake, especially not some hobo.Director Jason Eisener’s blood-soaked return to the Sundance Film Festival is more than just a nod to the grindhouse flicks of the 1970s and ’80s; he ups the ante in a major way, and Rutger Hauer’s performance is a legendary display of brutal ass-kicking and meticulous name-taking that is not to be missed.
Director: Jason Eisener

Cast: Rutger Hauer

Release Date: May 06, 2011

Unrated

Runtime: 1 hr. 26 min.

Genres: Action / Grindhouse

REVIEW:

Hobo with a Shotgun is a fun little film, far from perfect but not fatally flawed. Jason Eisener’s first major film, after winning a faux trailer contest, is full of impressive promise and style. Eisener clearly loves the genre he’s emulating and he shoots his film like a Technicolor nightmare that’s occasionally kind of beautiful. He’s got a keen eye and knows how to frame shots with a keen precision. His casting of Rutger Hauer is also a major bonus to the film. Hauer is clearly committed to the role which is over the top but heartfelt and honest at the same time. He does most of the heavy lifting here, probably with good reason, and the performance alone is worth watching this film. Sadly, the film as a whole does have its issues, the script does seem kind of thrown together which considering the film’s genesis isn’t a huge shock. My biggest issue with it is that it leaves too many dead zones in between the crazy blood spurting mayhem everybody came to see. It’s strange to say this but I kind of felt they didn’t go far enough with some of the insanity, leaving a choppy feel to the flow of the film. The final battle with some nicely designed armored killers is fun but just kind of ends, just like the movie shortly there after. Not quite the quality of something like Machete or Grindhouse but still lots of fun for fans of the genre.

C+

[Trailer] The Thing (2011)

Finally a proper trailer for this prequel has arrived. After some bootleg footage last year we hadn’t heard a whisper about this project outside of it getting moved back and back.

The Thing is my favorite Carpenter film and one of my favorite horror films in general.

While this trailer is for a prequel, the Norwegian camp’s story, to the original it sure does feel like a remake, lots of shots of things familiar to fans.

Not sure it’ll work just feel like something attempting to be the real thing……

[Trailer] John Carter of Mars

I have to admit I know very little about the Edgar Rice Burroughs’ series this is based on, so this trailer for the new film is a tad confusing.

That being said it does kind of peak my interest with it’s epic scope, and fine production values, so it'll probably be something right up my ally.

[Trailer] The Dark Knight Rises - OFFICIAL

Poor quality bootleg verison of the teaser trailer for those of you who can't wait like myself.

I'll put up the offical version of the trailer as soon as I have it.

7/18/11 - OFFICIAL VERSION NOW UP...

[Trailer] SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHAWDOWS

Trailer for the second Sherlock Holmes film directed by Guy Ritchie, trailer gives off that good fun feel of the first.

Hopefully the plot will be better than the first but the chemistry between Downey and Law is still worth the price of admission.

Noomi Rapace and Jared Harris coming on board should make for an interest cast and an all around fun film.

MOVIE REVIEW: HORRIBLE BOSSES

IN THEATERS

HORRIBLE BOSSES



Colin Farrell, Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, and Charlie Day star in this workplace comedy about three frustrated employees who hatch a plan to kill their micromanaging bosses, only to find their murderous plot snowballing into disaster. Seth Gordon (The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters) directs a screenplay written by Michael Markowitz, Jonathan Goldstein, and John Francis Daley. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Seth Gordon

Cast: Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day, Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey

Release Date: Jul 08, 2011

Rated: Crude and sexual content, pervasive language and some drug material

Runtime: 1 hr. 40 min.

Genres: Comedy

Review:

Horrible Bosses isn’t perfect but ultimately it’s a fairly good time, a testament to the strong cast assembled. Seth Gordon sloppily directs this film. His biggest fault is never finding a steady rhythm to the proceedings, after a strong start he just seems disinterested as he’s more than happy to leave all the heavy lifting to the cast. Luckily the cast is game. Bateman, Sudeikis and Day have wonderful chemistry together. They breathe life into a mediocre script. All three bring a certain kind of energy to the film and it works very well. The trio’s energy keeps the film alive throughout with Charlie Day being the real standout of the group. His manic energy is really something to behold, no shock to fans of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Colin Farrell has more of a cameo than an actual role. Kevin Spacey the primary antagonist here and he’s clearly having a ball. Jennifer Aniston delivers dirty lines with the conviction of a 3rd grader but she’s limited to a small role. Most of the jokes are fairly pedestrian which is kind of surprising considering the subject matter but it does find a solid footing in the second half but I don’t think it’s the kind of comedy that’ll hold up after repeat viewings as it never reaches the heights of 80’s film 9 to 5.

C+

Bluray quality; Video soft but sharp ; Sound is decent but unimpressive.

I was hand-selected to be a member of Blu-ray Elite, a beta program from Warner Home Video which has graciously sent me this free Blu-ray disc.

TV SHOW REVIEW: GAME OF THRONES SEASON 1

Synopsis: Kings, queens, knights and renegades use schemes and swords to battle for the The Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms.

Cast: Lena Headey, Jack Gleeson, Sean Bean, Michelle Fairley, Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Mark Addy, Jason Momoa

I’ve never been much of a fantasy fan so it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that I’d never heard of the “A Song of Ice and Fire” fantasy book series. In all honesty I came to Game of Thrones, the HBO series, as green as you could possibly come. I was aware of it simply because I’d heard other people talking about but never quite knew what it was actually about. I watched the first episode and I was still fairly confused as to what it was all about, not to mention being bombarded with family names, locations and story mythology. If you come to this series as green as I did then don’t be surprised if you feel like you are already trying to catch up with what’s going on right from the start. That being said, once you get a better handle of story’s dynamics, 2 to 3 episodes in for me, Game of Thrones just drags you into it’s gritty devilishly delicious story of intrigue and backstabbing. It’s the type of series that wonderfully produced, acted and executed. The plot contains enough twist and turns to leave you in knots after major events; this is especially true in the final episodes of season 1. The cast is filled with top notch actors and actress working off strong scripts that really pack some punch. Multiple intertwined storyline create an epic scope that’s incredibly engrossing. As I mentioned earlier the cast is top notch, so much so that attempting to explain how each actor impresses would read like some sort of shipping manifest. Sean Bean stars and he’s more than capable as the honor bound Ned Stark. Other truly impressive performances are turned in by Emilia Clarke, Maisie Williams, Aidan Gillen and Mark Addy. Peter Dinklage truly shines as Tyrion “The Imp” Lannister, he’s simply magnetic anytime he’s on screen. As a whole, the first season is a perfect hook and one that’s sure to leave you wanting more after you watch the open ended season finale.

A

TV SHOW REVIEW: CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL: THE COMPLETE FIRST AND SECOND SEASONS DVD

TV SHOW REVIEW: CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL: THE COMPLETE FIRST AND SECOND SEASONS DVD



Synopsis: Short parodies of medical dramas.

Cast: Rob Corddry, Rob Huebel, Megan Mullally, Erinn Hayes, Ken Marino, Michael Cera, Lake Bell, Henry Winkler, Malin Akerman, Zandy Hartig, Nick Offerman

Review:

Children’s Hospital is an incredibly funny rapid fire show. First season is comprised of the 4-5 minute “episodes” which shoot medical drama parody jokes at you at an amazing rate. It’s hilarious for the most part, when it doesn’t quite hit the mark it helped by its format because nothing ever lingers too much on screen. The 2nd season offers up longer 11 minute “episodes” which still have the same effect but occasionally linger a tad to long when a joke isn’t working. The cast is a collection of wonderful comedians who are all in throughout. Nothing is off-limits and they aren’t afraid to go for the cheapest laughs while setting higher concept laughs either (such as mocking every type of behinds the scenes, live shows, TV show deaths, etc..). There’s a very loosely connected overall plot but its sparse and fairly unnecessary since it’s not really the point. Satire and parody are the name of the game here and its down quite well.

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON

IN THEATERS

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON



The interstellar war between the Autobots and Decepticons shifts into overdrive following the discovery of Sentinel Prime (voice of Leonard Nimoy) in this sequel from director Michael Bay. Only a precious handful of officials in the government and military realize that the 1969 moon mission was the result of an event that threatened profound repercussions for the entire human race. When the Apollo 11 astronauts discover the wrecked remains of Sentinel Prime on the surface of our natural satellite, they bring him back to planet Earth. But Sentinel Prime wasn't the only alien object on the moon, and when a malevolent new enemy makes its presence known, only the Autobots can save humankind from certain destruction. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Michael Bay

Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, John Turturro, John Malkovich, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Release Date: Jun 29, 2011

Rated PG-13 for intense prolonged sequences of sci-fi action violence, mayhem and destruction, and for language, some sexuality and innuendo

Runtime: 2 hr. 37 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure

Review:

A literal orgy of action, Transformers Dark of the Moon shows that Michael Bay can adjust his style, to a certain extent at least. Dark of the Moon doesn’t correct a lot of the issues that over took Revenge of the Fallen as much as he just limits them a bit. He’s still Bay and there’s never much subtlety in anything he does. Michael Bay has always been an action maestro but the human element has always been lacking. The first third of Dark of the Moon is mostly a dreary trek through Sam’s struggle finding a job which is incredibly boring especially since you are just waiting all hell to break loose. Shia LaBeouf delivers a performance that look like it was sponsored by cocaine; he’s manic and unhinged throughout. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is a Victoria Secret model and Bay treats her as such, her acting is comprised of pervy shots of her thighs and her lower portions. She also blessed with more costume changes than a Lady Gaga concert, apocalypse be damned! John Malkovich has an interesting cameo part but is gone as soon as he shows up. John Turturro, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson and Alan Tudyk all show up for small roles each reminding you they are in fact alive. Of course this is all pointless; Dark of the Moon is about robot on robot action. In stunning 3D the carnage that is the last act of the film is truly impressive. A couple of the set pieces, the building collapse in particular, are insanity to the nth degree. Bay doesn’t even bother moving the story forward anymore; he just stops it to film all this madness. It’s a feast for the eyes and Bay is smart enough to move back the camera enough so that you’re always aware of what’s happening, a major change up from Revenge of the Fallen. Unfortunately it just end, the narrative just kind of stops. Credit roll but it doesn’t feel like there’s a sufficient wrap up for the level of stakes posed throughout the movie. It’s a bit of shame but not enough to detract from it all.

B-

TV SHOW REVIEW: LOUIE: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON DVD / BLURAY

Synopsis: Louis C.K. as a successful stand-up comedian and newly single father raising two daughters in New York.

Cast: Louis C.K., Hadley Delany and Ursula Parker

REVIEW:

If you haven’t seen any of Louie C.K.’s stand up, I’d recommend it first and foremost. That way you’ll have a solid understanding of the type of humor C.K. offers up. Personally, I find his stand up hilarious and I’m hardly in the minority as Louie C.K. is considered one of the best stand up comedians in the biz. He’s had bit roles here and there in films and TV shows but this show is entirely him. He writes and directs every episode so this is firmly his vision. While I expected the show to be funny, which it is more so than not, it’s also incredibly elegant and even poignant at times. The episodes are written and directed with a deft hand really highlighting the level of talent that C.K. posses. It’s simplistic but complex at the same time. The show is a mixture of his stand up and narrative parts which are semi autobiographical. The show stays grounded in reality most of the time but occasionally it’ll drift into the reaches of fantasy and visual hyperbole. It’s wonderfully done and even though there are some big tonal shifts throughout the season but it never fails to surprise, impress and crack you up all at once.

A