Cindy Prascik's 2013: A Movie Year in Review

Dearest Blog, if my count is correct, in 2013 I saw 74 movies that I hadn't seen before. Following is a list of my favorites on the year, as well as a few moments that stand out for me...for better or for worse!

Two important notes:

A film's placement on this list won't necessarily reflect its original rating, as time and repeat viewings favor some films, while others don't fare as well.

This year in particular, it seems my list is distinguished as much by the films I didn't see as the ones I did. Know that Dallas Buyers' Club, 12 Years a Slave, Inside Llewyen Davis, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and Kill Your Darlings, to name a few, are not willful omissions, but rather movies that just didn't play anywhere I could get to them.

So...without further ado... *drumroll* ...my top ten!

10. The Croods

This offering from Dreamworks Animation isn't quite How to Train Your Dragon, but it's a heartwarming family tale that is so gorgeous to look at it moved me to tears a couple times when I saw it on the big screen.

9. The Great Gatsby

The most recent film version of this literary classic is driven by yet another extraordinary turn from the always-spectacular Leonardo DiCaprio, who deserves a best actor nod here as much as for The Wolf of Wall Street. It also features some of the most stunning costumes and set pieces to be found at the cinema this year, a true feast for the eyeballs.

8. Pacific Rim

An old school monsters-versus-aliens epic, Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim was a big screen must see, distinguished by fantastic effects and a rousing performance from Idris Elba.

7. Now You See Me

Seemingly summer's only offering that wasn't a prequel, sequel, or reboot, Now You See Me is blessed with a great cast and a fun, original premise. It grabs your attention and never lets go.

6. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Upon first viewing, this was a bit of a disappointment to me, but it's grown on me enough to earn (back) a spot in my yearly best-of list. The addition of a useless female character is offset by my affection for the franchise and, especially, the magnificence of the titular dragon himself. (Disclaimer: The Hobbit has also been aided and abetted by the presence of two of my favorite screen hotties: Aidan Turner and Luke Evans! Shallow much? I know.)

5. Dead Man Down

Terrific performances from Colin Farrell and Noomi Rapace anchor a well-crafted, at times brutal, movie that's smart, deliberate, and tense from beginning to end.

4. American Hustle

The year's strongest cast delivers uniformly excellent performances in an exciting film full of twists and turns, laughs and tears.

3. Star Trek Into Darkness

With 17 big-screen viewings, the most recent installment in the Trek franchise wins 2013's "favorite obsession" award, a sequel I loved even more than its predecessor.

2. Metallica Through the Never

One of just two movies to receive a perfect nine of nine Weasleys in 2013, Through the Never is mostly just a concert film with a little extra mustard on it. What a concert film it is, though, boasting a career-spanning setlist from one of the world's top metal bands that sounds a-maz-ing in digital surround sound. Undoubtedly the most fun I had at the movies this year! *horns up*

1. The World's End

My other perfect score in 2013 went to my most-anticipated film of the year, high expectations not crippling this one as they so often do. I named The World's End my number one the minute I saw it and, frankly, nothing else ever came close to dislodging it from the top spot. I stand by each and every glowing remark in my original review of this final installment in Edgar Wright's Cornetto Trilogy, with one exception: at the time, I gave Nick Frost and Eddie Marsan credit for doing the acting heavy lifting, while Simon Pegg was the funnyman this time around. Having watched the film dozens of times since its July release, I have to amend my assessment of Pegg's work to give credit for one of the best all-around performances I saw this year, as heartbreaking as it is hilarious. It's a shame neither he nor the film is likely to be nominated for any major awards, though they're turning up on plenty of best-of lists by bloggers, magazines, and online movie sites, folks who don't get paid (or paid off) to tell you what's good and what isn't. The World's End masterfully blends comedy, drama, and sci-fi/fantasy, a perfect film that easily tops my list.

And now 2013's tidbits and also rans:

It broke my heart a little to have to cut Elysium from this list. Captain Phillips and Saving Mr. Banks also had a fair shot at making it right up to the last, but in the end I think I liked The Croods better...by a hair.

Weirdest Cinema Experience: Joseph Gordon-Levitt's porno that's not really a porno (Don Jon).

Most Criminal Waste of Fine Actors (tie): Paranoia (Gary Oldman and Harrison Ford)/The Counselor (Michael Fassbender, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, and Brad Pitt).

Best Movie You Totally Missed: Phantom. (It lasted a whole seven days at my cinema.)

Hottest Cinema Vampire: Gemma Arterton (Byzantium).

Funniest Coincidence: Peter Capaldi credited as "WHO Doctor" (World War Z) just weeks before being named the new Doctor Who.

Best/Worst Gag: Hansel (Jeremy Renner) gets Diabetes from too much candy (Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters).

Best Cameo: Backstreet Boys (This is the End). I may or may not have jumped out of my seat and *squeed* out loud!

Most Horrifying Idea Ever: Running, climbing zombies (World War Z).

Most Curious Choice That Actually Worked (Against All Odds): Gary Oldman as Elvis (Guns, Girls & Gambling).

Worst Film of 2013: Only God Forgives (but I doubt even He can forgive this mess).

So, kids, there you have it, my thoughts on the year that's ending. 2014 promises to be extra-awesome, with no less than three big-screen outings for my favorite, Mr. Leonard Gary Oldman, so I'll see you at the movies!

Until next time...



Let's Boo Boo!

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Grudge Match, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty & The Wolf of Wall Street

Dearest Blog, the holiday movie glut necessitated a cinema triple feature yesterday, consisting of Grudge Match, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and The Wolf of Wall Street.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

The schedule dictated that my likely favorite of the three, Grudge Match, be my opener.

Two aging boxing champions, whose only professional losses were to each other, face off in an unlikely rubber match 30 years after their last battle.

Grudge Match isn't out to cash in on any awards season notoriety; it's meant to be a good time at the cinema, and that's exactly what it is.

Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro are perfect foils, trading verbal and physical jabs throughout. Kevin Hart and Alan Arkin are hilarious as the fight promoter and trainer, respectively, and each scores several laugh-out-loud moments in the film. The main cast is rounded out by Kim Basinger and Jon Berenthal (that guy is everywhere these days!), both of whom are fine for as much as they're needed.

Grudge Match never veers far from its main course, and is smart enough not to overstay its welcome. There's a subplot for some depth, but the film focuses mostly on the big match. I'm not sure how well the humor would go over well with a younger crowd, but for the target older audience, this one is a bullseye.

Grudge Match runs 113 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sports action violence, sexual content, and language."

If you're exhausted from all the awards season fare and just looking for a fun day at the movies, Grudge Match is the perfect cure for what ails ya. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Grudge Match gets seven and a half.

Next on yesterday's agenda was The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

After misplacing an important item, a daydreamer with a humdrum life sets out on a series of adventures to try and recover it.

I'm entirely unfamiliar with the 1947 Walter Mitty, so this review is based only on the current version and not how it stacks up against the original. Though I make a point of avoiding others' reviews until I've written my own, I understand this isn't getting great notices, and, in its first week, it's already in the smallest room at my cinema, so I gather it's not setting the box office on fire, either. I can understand both, though I'm not necessarily on board with either.

At first glance, Walter Mitty looked to me a bit like Cloud Atlas, that is, something that seemed like sure awards bait, but somehow misstepped in the execution. To a degree that's true, mostly due to Ben Stiller's failings as a leading man. I've learned to give the guy credit where credit is due (Tropic Thunder is my funniest movie of all time!), but, from an acting standpoint, asking him to carry a film on his own shoulders is still a stretch. He's just not good or likable enough. That aside, the film has one of those absurdly inspiring storylines the Academy usually eats right up, and it's beautifully shot. Throw in critical darling Sean Penn in a small role and, well, it's sort of understandable why this might have been considered a contender in a weaker year at the cinema. For my money, I found it entertaining and--if I wasn't wildly excited by it--I wasn't bored either.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty clocks in at 114 minutes and is rated PG for "some crude comments, language, and action violence."

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is uplifting holiday fare set to some truly glorious scenery, definitely worth seeing on a big screen. Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty gets six and a half.

Finally, the closer on yesterday's slate was the Martin Scorsese film The Wolf of Wall Street.

The Wolf of Wall Street is based on (I'd guess more "inspired by" from all the disclaimers) the true story of the rise and fall of Wall Street hotshot Jordan Belfort.

Prior to seeing it, I heard a lot about the controversies surrounding The Wolf of Wall Street, specifically that it glorifies the people at the center of these scandals, and that the sex and drug content had to be seriously pared to avoid an NC17 rating. I strongly disagree that this film glorifies its subjects, as their fall is as integral to the movie as their rise (if not as time consuming). As for the sex and drugs, well, I've worked and played closely with a band and a couple hockey teams, so there's no degree of debauchery that can shock or offend me; that content had no bearing on my opinion of the film. What does shock and offend me, apparently enough to influence my enjoyment of this movie, is unmitigated greed, in particular, this brand of greed where someone feels entitled to everything he can take, regardless of morality/legality and the cost to others. I was well aware of the subject matter, but trailers led me to believe the movie would be entertaining enough to get me past it. Sadly, it doesn't quite make it.

Leonardo DiCaprio is magnificent in the lead, as always, simply one of the most watchable stars Hollywood has to offer. There's a LOT of scenery-chewing going on here, but DiCaprio can dial it up or down as necessary, and I was riveted by his every second on screen. Jonah Hill appears to be shooting for another Oscar nom with his supporting performance, but he hardly seems worth mentioning in the same breath with the brilliant DiCaprio. Jon Berenthal turns up again in this one, and, for the second weekend running, Boardwalk Empire's Shea Whigham makes an appearance in the week's biggest opening (much to my delight!).

At almost an even three hours PLUS trailers, The Wolf of Wall Street is bloated, and it might have been easier to take at two and a half. No doubt there's a lot of story to tell, and it would be unfair to say the movie is ever slow; rather the whole thing feels as frenetic as its roomful of coked-up stockbrokers. I'm not suggesting it could or should be a two-hour shot, but three hours is just too much, and there are obvious places it could have been trimmed.

The Wolf of Wall Street runs 179 minutes (you heard me!) and is rated a HARD R for "sequences of strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and language throughout, and for some violence."

The Wolf of Wall Street is a good, or maybe even a great, movie, and I was probably done in by my overly-high expectations as much as anything else. It's likely my being appalled by greed had less to do with my disappointment than the fact that I was a little bored through some of it. Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Wolf of Wall Street gets seven.

So, dear Blog, with two days left in 2013, I have three movies still at my cinema that I'd like to fit in (Frozen, Walking with Dinosaurs, and 47 Ronin), but none that are likely to affect my annual top ten...which is a work in progress as we communicate. A third Hobbit screening is top priority before my return to the real world on January 2nd, so we'll see if I can manage any or all of those other three. Stay tuned!!

Until next time...



All the awards, all the time, to you, sir!

MOVIE REVIEW: THE WOLF OF WALL STREET

Martin Scorsese reteams with Leonardo DiCaprio for this adaptation of Jordan Belfort's memoir about his exploits as a crooked banker. Terence Winter provides the screenplay. Jonah Hill and Oscar winner Jean Dujardin co-star. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

Director: Martin Scorsese

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Jean Dujardin, Matthew McConaughey, Kyle Chandler.

Release Date: Dec 25, 2013

Rated R for graphic Nudity, Drug Use, Language Throughout, Some Violence and Strong Sexual Content

Runtime: 2 hr. 59 min.

Genres: Drama

Review:

The Wolf of Wall Street is an extended journey into the depraved and debauched life of Jordan Belfort. It’s an electric film with an incredible turn by Leonardo DiCaprio which should earn him an Oscar nomination at the very least. Scorsese delivers his best film since Goodfellas while using a similar structure and energy throughout. The film clocks in at 3 hours but it’s a dizzying dive into the story which beats you into submission. DiCaprio perfectly encapsulates the sleazy charisma and charm of Belfort. The Steve Madden IPO speech is an instant classic which should have ended with a title card saying “For your Consideration.” Jonah Hill is just as impressive in a supporting role which is funny and unpredictable at the same time. The film as a whole is incredibly funny with the hilarity increasing as Belfort’s life crumbles more and more. The ending is rather interesting as it seems to point the finger back at the victims. It’s a rather interesting way to end the story but fitting at the same time.

B+

MOVIE REVIEW: GRUDGE MATCH

Two retired boxers (Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro) decide to settle a long-standing beef by heading back into the ring in this sports comedy from director Peter Segal. Back in the day, Billy "The Kid" McDonnen (De Niro) and Henry "Razor" Sharp (Stallone) were the two biggest bruisers in the Pittsburgh boxing scene. Their fierce rivalry drawing nationwide attention, Razor and The Kid were deadlocked for the title of overall champion when the former announced his retirement just before the decisive 1983 match that would have determined the supreme champion. Three decades later, enterprising boxing promoter Dante Slate Jr. (Kevin Hart) lures the aging pugilists back into the ring for the fight that everyone has been waiting for. Alan Arkin, Kim Basinger, and Jon Bernthal costar. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Peter Segal

Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro, Kim Basinger, Alan Arkin, Kevin Hart, Jon Bernthal

Release Date: Dec 25, 2013

Rated PG-13 for sports action violence, sexual content and language

Runtime: 1 hr. 53 min.

Genres: Comedy

Review:

Grudge Match is those type of film’s that’s heavy on clichés and light on surprises. It’s about as harmless as a sleeping kitten. The plot borrows liberally Rocky and Raging Bull mixed with generic family drama (lost loves and children). There are old jokes by the barrel full with plenty of room left for the most obvious ones like Ben Gay and Geritol. It’s about as vanilla a film as they come with only one real surprise. Its watch able, occasionally lots of fun and surprisingly heartfelt in spots. You’d expect the cast to phone it in but most are surprisingly engaged with Stallone and De Niro giving the whole thing a pulse. Stallone in particular delivers his most authentic performance in years. De Niro seems to be having a ball perhaps reliving old glories. He and Bernthal, who does look like he’s related to De Niro, have a nice father long lost son chemistry on screen. Alan Arkin and Kevin Hart provide harmless comedic relief which never veers into anything close to dangerous territory. Kim Basinger meanwhile seems to have thought that it was a good idea to whisper all her lines regardless of the situation. The movie moves along at a nice pace rarely lingering and almost making its 2 hour runtime seem worthwhile. Along the way you’ll get the expected training montages, reunions leading up to the big fight. The climatic fight is impressively edited, making the whole thing seem as real as possible, even if boxers in movies never seem to defend themselves but I digress. It ends on a feel good moment which feels earned even in the most generic of all films.

B-

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Saving Mr. Banks & American Hustle

Dearest Blog, yesterday I braved the holiday throngs for a couple movies I hoped would prove worth it, Saving Mr. Banks and American Hustle.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

First on my agenda was Saving Mr. Banks, the story behind the story of Mary Poppins, and of Walt Disney's struggle to bring the beloved classic to the big screen.

If ever one of my reviews required a disclaimer, it's this one, so here it is: I HATE Mary Poppins. I hate the character, I hate the story, and if you start singing one of those stupid songs within my earshot, I will pull out your vocal cords through your eye sockets. I was recently scarred by an attempt to watch I'm Not There despite the fact I despise Bob Dylan, so, if I feared my distaste for the subject matter might leave me unable to enjoy this film on its own merits, it's understandable. As it turns out, I needn't have worried.

Saving Mr. Banks is a glorious piece of filmmaking, carried squarely on the shoulders of its magnificent leads, Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks. The two so thoroughly embody P.L. Travers and Walt Disney that it's almost jarring when the old photos used in the end credits don't have their faces. Thompson makes Travers a sympathetic character, even at her stiffest and most difficult, and Hanks...well, if Mr. Disney and Captain Phillips land him two spots on the "Best Actor" lists come year end, that's fair. The supporting cast is also pretty special, with standout performances from Ruth Wilson, Colin Farrell, and Paul Giamatti.The story-within-the-story flows smoothly between flashbacks and present-day happenings, and the costumes and scenery effectively dictate the feel of each sequence and scene. "Nice" is so vanilla that it almost doesn't seem like a compliment even when it's meant as one, but Saving Mr. Banks is just a nice movie that I think pretty much anyone will enjoy. If the film is sentimental, it's in a good way, rather than the eye-rolling way of some of the unfortunate trailers running with it. I cried so much I had to sneak out the back door of the cinema because I was embarrassed to walk through the lobby! If it had that effect on someone so utterly UNsentimental about Mary Poppins, those who love the book and/or the movie had better bring a whole box of Kleenex with them!

Saving Mr. Banks runs 125 minutes and is rated PG13 for "thematic elements including some unsettling images."

Young or old, Mary Poppins fan or not, I don't think a person could help but enjoy this movie. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Saving Mr. Banks gets eight.

Next up was my birthday present from Hollywood, American Hustle.

When a pair of con-artists is busted, they're forced to work with the FBI in an attempt to hook some bigger fish.

It will come as no surprise to anyone when I say awards season movies aren't necessarily my cup of tea. That's not to say I don't often enjoy them, but my taste generally runs more summer blockbuster than Oscar bait. When I start seeing "Academy Award Nominee" and "Golden Globe Winner" before all the names in the trailers, that's exactly what I'm looking for in those movies, performances that knock my socks off. I am pleased to report American Hustle delivers more than a few of those in a fun, exciting ride that will hold your undivided attention from start to finish.

Christian Bale is terrific in the lead, the formerly cut Bruce Wayne barely recognizable as a paunchy fashion nightmare with a bad combover. Bale gained 40 pounds for the role, and, sadly, this movie makes more of a point of showing off his flabby bare belly than the last Batman did of his six pack. His performance is extraordinary, smart and subtle when it needs to be, over the top when it has to be, just all-around perfect. Bradley Cooper is terrific as the FBI agent slowly losing his grip as he tries to make his name on the case, as is my beloved Jeremy Renner as a politician trying to do the right thing in perhaps not quite the right way. On the ladies' side, Amy Adams is fantastic, but can't help be overshadowed by another stellar showing from Jennifer Lawrence. If you were harboring any inexplicable, lingering doubts as to whether Lawrence is actually the most perfect human being in existence, well, this should erase them for good. Finally, I was absolutely delighted to see two of my Boardwalk Empire favorites, Jack Huston and Shea Whigham, who are both great in smaller roles.

American Hustle begins with the warning: "Some of this actually happened." Like Pain & Gain, these people's behavior is sometimes too stupid to believe, and yet...there it is. The movie goes from serious as a heart attack to laugh-out-loud funny in the blink of an eye, the plot zigging and zagging to keep you on the edge of your seat, without getting muddled or confusing. The awesome 70s soundtrack is bound to bring back fond memories for those who remember the era, even if the hairstyles and fashions do not!

American Hustle clocks in at 138 minutes and is rated R for "pervasive language, some sexual content, and brief violence."

For all the time I spend at the cinema, I think I deserved a really great movie for my birthday and, with American Hustle, I got it. Of a possible nine Weasleys, American Hustle gets eight and a half.

So, dear Blog, that's all the news that's fit to print for now. If time and the listings cooperate, and if I can manage to make myself see something besides The Hobbit, I've got a half-dozen new releases to squeeze in over the next seven days before I can finalize my year-end top ten. Fingers crossed!

Until next time...



Would you believe me if I said these are three of Hollywood's hottest leading men??

MOVIE REVIEW AMERICAN HUSTLE

Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, and Amy Adams star in director David O. Russell's fictional period crime drama about a reckless FBI agent who recruits a con man and his alluring partner into a scheme to ensnare corrupt politicians and gangsters. Smooth-talking Irving Rosenfeld (Bale) is a hustler of the highest order. No mark is off limits for Rosenfeld, especially when his crafty partner Sydney Prosser (Adams) is by his side. When renegade FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Cooper) thrusts the deceptive duo into the treacherous world of New Jersey power players and underworld heavies, the thrill of the hunt grows too strong to resist. Meanwhile, New Jersey politician Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner) gets caught in the middle, and Rosenfeld's capricious wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) holds more power than anyone could imagine. Louis C.K. and Jack Huston costar. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: David O. Russell

Cast: Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Lawrence.

Release Date: Dec 13, 2013

Rated R for pervasive language, some sexual content and brief violence

Runtime: 2 hr. 9 min.

Genres: Drama

Review:

Who said prestige films had to be a laborious task? American Hustle is wonderfully crafted and skillfully acted film that sizzles from the opening scene. David O. Russell has been on a hot streak as of late and American Hustle may be his best yet. I’d never have imagined that Russell would have become an actor’s director after all the fall out from I Heart Huckabees but some how he’s become a master at extracting some of the finest work from his performers. American Hustle’s cast is firing on all cylinders deliver performances that are fully realized and engaging throughout while being incredibly entertaining. It’s the kind of filmmaking high wire act that incredibly hard to pull off but the cast and crew deliver in all facets. Christian Bale continues to top himself with each performance and this might be his best. Bale’s performance is a virtuoso exhibition of varying shades of gray throughout while maintaining a real sense of the character’s heart. Amy Adams, whose becoming a much more interesting actress with each role, gives her character a fiery but broken heart. Adams has more than a few moments where she just commands the screen with emotion streaming out of her eyes. Bradley Cooper is perfectly manic and unstable as the FBI agent, showing again that Russell can get him to deliver his best work. Jennifer Lawrence is equally impressive in a smaller role. Lawrence may have a limited role but her screen time and character are incredibly memorable. Jeremy Renner also delivers some of his finest work as the good hearted but misguided mayor. American Hustle is one of those films that is so well done that the 2 hours just fly by with nary a dead spot. It’s one of the year’s best which is likely to rack up nominations come award season.

A

MOVIE REVIEW: ANCHORMAN 2: THE LEGEND CONTINUES

Will Ferrell returns to the role of Ron Burgundy in Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, which finds the popular San Diego television newsman pulling up stakes with co-host Veronica (Christina Applegate), his intrepid reporter Brian (Paul Rudd), overenthusiastic sports reporter Champ (David Koechner), and imbecilic weatherman Brick (Steve Carell) in order to move to New York City and launch the first ever 24-hour news network. Adam McKay, who directed the original, returns as well to helm this comedy. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

Director: Adam McKay

Cast: Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, David Koechner, Christina Applegate

Release Date: Dec 18, 2013

Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual content, drug use, language
and comic violence

Runtime: 1 hr. 59 min.

Genres: Comedy

Review:

Let’s get this out of the way right from the start. Anchorman 2 isn’t as funny or consistent as the original. Sky high expectations from fans, like myself, left the sequel with the nearly impossible task of topping the first film. That being said, the sequel does have plenty of bright spots with certain sequences veering into outlandish hilarity especially a certain cameo filled sequence near the end. Will Ferrell loves this character, in case you didn’t notice his 5 month in character publicity tour, and I still think it’s his most complete creation. The returning cast is all fun even if some get less screen time while others get more with varying results. Kristen Wiig’s role isn’t as large as the trailers lead you to believe but she has good chemistry with Steve Carell. I do think their portions of the film will split people, some loving it and others finding it utterly stupid. Meagan Good is a solid addition to the cast and she shows off some real comedic chops throughout. The plot is fairly clever even though there are a handful of recycled sequences from the first film. The biggest issue is that the film overall is overlong. The original film was a lean hour and half comedy. The sequel clocks in at nearly 2 hours and it has too many dead spot to warrant that runtime. All in all, the sequel is like Ron Burgundy’s life, filled with hilarious peaks and so-so valleys.

B-

Cindy Prascik's Review of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Dearest Blog, if ya ever want to test your mettle at the cinema, try sitting through the same three-hour movie twice in 12 hours. Yesterday I did just that with The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

Spoiler level here will be mild-ish, nothing you wouldn't know or have guessed from the trailers. Also, I took some notes on the second go-round, but from the darkened theatre to the light of day I can't read them all, so...DKGHSKYIEKSHELDKEIX might be exactly what I think of this film!

The company of Thorin Oakenshield continues its quest to reclaim the kingdom of Erebor from the great dragon Smaug.

My first remark following the midnight screening of Smaug was that I hated it almost as much as I loved it. That wasn't really fair, as the only thing I really hated about it was that I couldn't love it with the unbridled enthusiasm I've always had for the franchise.

I'm the type of gal who likes to get her bad news out of the way first, so here goes.

Clocking in at a mammoth two hours and 41 minutes, Desolation of Smaug is too damn long. Jackson was pushing his luck stretching this little book into two normal-sized movies, and three three-hour movies is just plain stupid. Theatrical cuts of the original LOTR trilogy pressed three hours each (with director's cuts craning towards four), but I wouldn't have changed a thing. Smaug, like An Unexpected Journey before it, is the worst example of Hollywood forgetting how to edit. There are numerous, repetitive action and fight sequences that, if they'd each been trimmed by only a few minutes, could have brought this in at a much more manageable two-fifteen or so.

There's some inexcusably bad CGI, particularly in fight scenes involving Elves.

While most of the actors turn in fine performances in large and small roles, Lee Pace is cringe-worthy. Evangeline Lilly is also kinda awful, but I wasn't sure whether to blame her or the character. The only other thing in which I've ever seen Evangeline Lilly is Real Steel, and she was out-acted by the robot...but, in fairness, so was just about everyone else. Anyway, on that note...

Let's talk about Tauriel. Peter Jackson is noted for fiddling with his source material, to the point it's almost a punch line, but if I don't love his changes they generally don't bother me too much, either; unfortunately, the way this insipid woman is shoehorned into the story is obvious and jarring. Bad enough they added an unnecessary character, but, really, this warrior, this general in the guard, instantly becomes a blushing, eyelash-batting idiot when addressed by a person she might half-fancy?? In the grand scheme of an almost-three-hour film, it's a tiny thing, but I'll be damned if it didn't almost ruin it for me.

In happier news, I still love Middle Earth, and, for the most part, Peter Jackson's vision of it.

Pace and Lilly aside, there's some great acting underneath all the wigs and prosthetic noses. Particularly moving are Richard Armitage and Ken Stott, as Thorin and Balin, when the company first lays eyes on Erebor. If it's taken you 'til now to notice how good Martin Freeman is, well, you can't pretend you don't notice anymore. James Nesbitt, the hidden gem among this company, is under-used but still has some good moments. Of course I would be remiss if I didn't make special mention two of my favorite people, Luke Evans and Aidan Turner, sharing a screen for the first (and hopefully not the last) time. Evans is featured as Bard, and, now that he's getting better films, you can see what I've been telling you all along: the guy is good! Though Turner is mostly exploited for his obscenely-good looks, he has a bit more individual screen time in Smaug, which does my little black heart good.

In the runup to this movie, fans' chief concern seemed to be that the dragon not disappoint, and I am pleased to say that Smaug is magnificent. This dragon is stunning to see and chilling to hear (thanks to some terrific voice work by Benedict Cumberbatch), the undoubted highlight of the film. The movie's 3D is mostly immaterial, but it's worth the upcharge to have this glorious beast right up in your face. However else this movie pleases or disappoints, casual and die-hard fans alike are bound to be awed by Smaug.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug runs 161 minutes and is rated PG13 for "extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images."

In the long run, I'm sure I will grow to love Desolation of Smaug as an important part of something that truly matters to me. After all, The Two Towers remains the weakest link of the original series, but a strong finish to this trilogy will similarly erase the negativity I'm now feeling. Still, for the moment, I'm not sure this is going to need that spot I've been saving in my year-end top ten.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug gets seven.

Until next time...



'Member, kids...I saw him first! ;-)

MOVIE REVIEW: THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG

Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), his mighty band of dwarves, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), and wise wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) embark on a crusade to reclaim Erebor from the vicious dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch) in this sweeping fantasy adventure that picks up where the events of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey left off. Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) once again directs from a screenplay by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Guillermo del Toro. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Peter Jackson

Cast: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Benedict Cumberbatch, Evangeline Lilly.

Release Date: Dec 13, 2013 RealD 3D

Rated PG-13: Frightening Images and Fantasy Action Violence

Runtime: 2 hr. 40 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review:

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a well made film through and through. It’s wonderfully shot and acted with a fanciful story that’s engaging with characters that we’ve come to know and root for. There are massive action set pieces like the barrel escape which is a visual feast which is just as fun as it’s thrilling. All this makes for an excellent film except for the most glaring issue at play, it’s unnecessarily bloated. It’s someth I was worried about since the film was already stretched from 2 movies into 3 and here it shows. The much talked about addition, Tauriel, feels about as tacked on as possible throughout. Her character and Evangeline Lilly’s performance aren’t terrible but they are rather pointless. There are plenty of scenes that feel stretched out throughout as if Jackson has a running bet that he’ll never make Middle Earth film that’s under 2 and half hours. The cast is all solid with the new additions and returning players from LOTR series slipping easily into their roles again. The supporting dwarfs are still a tad undeveloped; fleshing them out probably would have been a better way to use the screen time. Smaug is masterful CGI creation which really needs to be seen in IMAX 3D to fully appreciate. Benedict Cumberbatch’s voice work is stellar as expected even if I kept getting random flashback to the forgotten Dennis Quaid movie Dragonheart. When Smaug finally shows up he does pick up the pace a bit but by that point your butt numbness makes you wish there wasn’t another 40 minutes to go. Since this is the middle chapter of the series there’s not resolution to look forward to either so it leaves you hanging for the next 3 hour opus which will hit theaters next year and I’ll be there again.

B-

[Trailer] Edge of Tomorrow

The new trailer for Doug Liman’s Tom Cruise led sci-fi epic looks visually impressive with a derivative plot, much like Cruise’s recent Oblivion. The idea doesn’t seem original because it feels like a hodgepodge of the Starship Troopers (book), The Forever War (book) and Groundhog Day. The oddest thing is that I found it all rather intriguing, check out the trailer below…

Cindy Prascik's Review of Out of The Furnace

Dearest Blog, yesterday I used my trip "recovery day" to catch up on the weekend's cinema. On my agenda: the locally-filmed drama Out of the Furnace.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't have learned from the trailers.

After four tours of Iraq, a soldier (Casey Affleck) returns home and gets himself in trouble with a brutal criminal (Woody Harrelson), leaving his hard-luck brother (Christian Bale) to try and sort things out.

Trailers for Out of the Furnace were promising, and--with this group of actors--how bad could it be, right? Well...

The cast is, to a person, very very good, but unfortunately a full third of the dialogue is unintelligible. It's like a whole movie full of Ennis Del Mars! I can't say the accent/diction would have been the actors' call. I can say I live near where this movie is set and was filmed, and nobody around here talks that way. It was a very poor choice and almost lost me before the film even hit its halfway point. Christian Bale gets plenty of "I never learned to read!!" Oscar-clip moments, and his co-stars don't come up short in that regard, either. Affleck has some solid moments as the veteran coming off the rails, and Harrelson is especially effective as the film's baddie. The lovely Zoe Saldana holds her own with her decorated co-stars, in a more limited role.

Out of the Furnace conveys hopelessness and despair with every frame. From the dying mill to the family's claustrophobic home to their ugly neighborhood, all of it looks like someplace you'd never want to be, which is exactly where the main characters are...not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Bale's character might well have been called "Job" for the bad luck he endures, and that seemed very contrived after a point. Much like Gravity before it, the number of things that had to go wrong to get Out of the Furnace where it's going were too unbelievable. The movie also shows its hand pretty early on, leaving little in the way of twists or surprises. The first act is painfully slow and, while the finale picks up a bit, I still lost count of how often I checked the time. In my sparsely-attended weekday screening, a couple people left and didn't come back.

Out of the Furnace clocks in at 116 minutes, which feels like about eight hours. It is rated R for "strong violence, language, and drug content."

Out of the Furnace is a hard film to rate, weighing the huge discrepancy between top-notch performances and the lack of anything else to recommend it. It definitely gets a full point deducted for making me listen to Pearl Jam, a band I despise with the fire of a thousand suns, not just once, but twice!! I suppose we'll say, of a possible nine Weasleys, Out of the Furnace gets four and a half.

Until next time...



I liked you better when you were Batman!

[Trailer] Godzilla 2014

The first teaser trailer for Gareth Edwards redux of Godzilla is out and it does its job perfectly, setting up tone and atmosphere.

We don’t get a clear view of Godzilla but it sure looks like it’ll actually be Godzilla and not some unrecognizable beast like the 1998 film, which also had an excellent teaser trailer I might add. For now, I’ll give Gareth Edward the benefit of the doubt…..

MOVIE REVIEW: RED 2

Frank (Bruce Willis), Sarah (Mary-Louise Parker), and Marvin (John Malkovich) fight an unrelenting onslaught of hired killers, heavily armed terrorists, and powerful government officials in their desperate race to prevent a missing portable nuclear device from falling into the wrong hands. Sir Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Lee Byung-hun, and Catherine Zeta Jones co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Dean Parisot

Cast: Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Mary-Louise Parker, Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren

Release Date: Jul 19, 2013

Rated PG-13 for pervasive action and violence including frenetic gunplay, and for some language and drug material.

Runtime: 1 hr. 56 min.

Review:

I’ll be upfront and say that I enjoyed Red 2 much more than I probably should have. It’s overlong somewhat predictable and incredibly stupid but it delivers the kind of mindless fun I look for occasionally. Dean Parisot direction is far from perfect but he excels with the outlandish action set pieces which are lots of fun. Unfortunately there are plenty of dead spots throughout, the film could have easily been trimmed by a good half hour. By the end of the film even the action pieces start to drag on because the film just seems to go on forever. Still, the cast is clearly enjoying themselves with expanded roles for Mary-Louise Parker and Helen Mirren which I consider a positive. Anthony Hopkins and Lee Byung-hun inject some good energy while Catherine Zeta Jones isn’t nearly as effective as you’d expect. Bruce Willis is on cruise control letting the supporting players do the heavy lifting. Red 2 is a film that’s easy to watch and just as easy to forget.

C+

MOVIE REVIEW WE’RE THE MILLERS

A low-level pot dealer poses as a family man in order to pay back a debt to his supplier in this comedy starring Saturday Night Live alumni Jason Sudeikis. When David attempts to perform a good deed and gets robbed in the process, however, his supplier Brad (Ed Helms) is none too happy. Now, in order to pay Brad back before the hammer drops, David must retrieve a big drug shipment from Mexico and sneak back across the border undetected. It's a risky job for sure, but with the help of a few neighbors David might just pull it off. With sardonic stripper Rose (Jennifer Aniston) assuming the role of housewife, teenage misfit Kenny (Will Poulter) posing as the awkward son, and rebellious Casey (Emma Roberts) filling in as his sister, David slips on some khakis, and starts heading south. Nick Offerman, Kathryn Hahn, and Ken Marino co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber

Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis, Will Poulter, Emma Roberts, Ed Helms

Release Date: Aug 07, 2013

Rated R for crude sexual content, pervasive language, drug material and brief graphic nudity.

Runtime: 1 hr. 50 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Comedy

Review:

We’re the Millers is fun raunchy little romp of movie with cartoonish characters in cartoonish situations. It’s well aware of the type of film it is but for some reason it wants to tack on a redemptive ending for some generally bad characters. Personally I’ve never understood why raunchy comedies feel the need to teach its characters a lesson especially when it doesn’t make sense. Jason Sudeikis’s character is more or less jerk, albeit a funny one, throughout until he has his A-HA moment in an eye rolling moment. I know I’ve probably belabored the point about the ending but it does kind of leave a WTF taste in your mouth. Regardless, the better portion of the film is consistently funny while remaining fairly harmless for an R rated film. Aniston, who I can’t stand for some reason, is solid throughout even though her chemistry with Sudeikis is extremely forced. Will Poulter is lots of fun while Emma Roberts comes across as nondescript in an underwritten role. We’re The Millers isn’t going to be considered a classic but it’s the perfect kind of comedy for a lazy afternoon.

B-

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Homefront & Enough Said

Dearest Blog, over the long weekend I was fortunate to make two trips to two different cinemas. Thanks to the busy weekend, I'm only just posting my reviews. Apologies for the delay.

Spoiler level here will be mild-ish, I guess.

Thanks to my benevolent employer dismissing at noon on Wednesday, I spent my afternoon enjoying Jason Statham's latest flick, Homefront.

A former DEA agent moves with his daughter to a small town, which proves less peaceful than expected when he has to face off with the local meth dealer.

Statham Disclaimer (yes, he has his own disclaimer): Jason Statham is one of my favorite people who makes movies, and he almost unerringly makes movies I like. Opening weekend isn't good enough for Statham movies; I'm willing to burn vacation time to see them opening day. I am perfectly capable of loving a terrible movie just because Jason Statham in it (though that's not always the case).

I think Homefront would have been a good enough movie with or without Statham, but for Statham fans there's no denying it's a happy return to form after the drudgery of Redemption (a.k.a. Hummingbird).

Homefront does a nice job of maintaining tension throughout, and really kept me on the edge of my seat. There's not only the obvious good guy versus bad guy plot, but also the more relatable theme of trying to fit in...an idea that probably terrifies me more than the prospect of a firefight with the local drug lord! As you would expect in any movie that involves drug dealers, there's a fair bit of gun violence and things blowing up, but, for the most part we get to see Statham in hand-to-hand combat, which is definitely where he shines. It's all the more entertaining for knowing he insists on doing as much of his own stunt-work as the insurance will allow!

James Franco serves as an oddly-perfect foil to Statham's tough guy, and (to me, anyway) the character was enjoyable despite being a generally horrible person. Kate Bosworth is freakishly accurate as Franco's druggie sister, and Winona Ryder looks born to play the role of a meth-head prostitute. It was nice to see Omar Benson Miller again, too, reminding me how much I actually miss the idiotic glory of CSI: Miami.

Homefront runs 100 minutes and is rated R for "strong violence, pervasive language, drug content, and brief sexuality."

Come awards season, Homefront won't make anyone's lists, but, for my money, it was one of the more enjoyable afternoons I've passed at the cinema this year. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Homefront gets seven.

On Saturday, my Mother, who normally wouldn't sit through a movie if someone demanded it at gunpoint, got in her head that she wanted to see the flick playing at our tiny local theatre, which shows some smaller and indie releases when it isn't hosting live performances from our local theatre troupe. As my luck would have it, the film they were showing last weekend was the Julia Louis-Dreyfuss/James Gandolfini rom-com, Enough Said. (I must have crossed paths with a black cat or broken a mirror or something.)

Eva (Louis-Dreyfuss) and Albert (Gandolfini) meet at a party and get romantically involved...but another party guest may ruin the relationship.

I don't think I need to tell anyone that, of all the genres in all of cinema, the romantic comedy is my least favorite by a mile. The only way I'll consider a rom-com is if it stars someone I absolutely can't miss, or if I get pressganged into it. (Read: Mother wants to go to the local movie house on Small Business Saturday.) That's not to say I can't be won over by such a film if it's cute or the characters are likable enough, but unfortunately Enough Said embodies absolutely everything I hate about romantic comedies and then some.

Enough Said is a criminal waste of its two stellar leads, who manage to turn in nice performances while reciting some of the dopiest dialogue I've ever heard outside a Twilight movie. I understand that, to some degree, it's meant to convey the discomfort of getting used to someone new, but too much of it is just bad. Both characters are divorced with daughters about to head off to college, and the kids are so vile I wanted to bang their heads together. (As my sister says, "I don't understand how anyone decides to have kids once they've met a teenager.") The rancid icing on this putrid cake was having to look at my least-favorite actress, Toni Collette, who had more screen time than anyone other than the two main characters. That woman makes me want to throw a shoe at the screen! (If you were wondering, I didn't.)

Enough Said sells those tired, old rom-com principles: there's someone for everyone, nice people should give even the most awful people a second chance, and everyone deserves a happy ending, all of which are less believable to me than anything I've ever seen in a Marvel film or Claymation Christmas special. With the exception of Albert, I found every single character so unlikable that the movie's brief runtime felt like about six hours, and I left thinking they all deserved to die alone and miserable.

Enough Said clocks in at 93 minutes. It is rated PG13 for "crude and sexual content, comic violence, language, and partial nudity." Its impressive IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes ratings tell me I'm in the minority, but I hated nearly every minute. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Enough Said gets three.

Finally, though it relates to neither of this week's films, I want to acknowledge the unexpected passing of Paul Walker over the weekend. When I first I saw the news, I spent the next hour refreshing the screen and hoping someone would prove it a hoax, until his reps officially confirmed via his official Facebook and Twitter. Walker seemed like a genuinely decent guy who was universally well-loved, particularly by his Fast & Furious family and fans, and I am having a hard time shaking off the blues over this one. So, rest peacefully, Paul Walker, and thanks for all the fun times at the movies.

Until next time...

Cindy Prascik's The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Dearest Blog, today I was off to the cinema with every single teenager on Earth to catch the latest Hunger Games installment, Catching Fire.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

Following her victory in the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen becomes a symbol of hope to the people of Panem, sparking a rebellion against the Capitol.

I haven't read The Hunger Games series and therefore shall take no side in the age-old books vs. movies debate.

Catching Fire is, like its predecessor, a very good movie, and not something only the die-hard fandom can appreciate. If you're looking for a well-written, well-acted, nail-biter of a film, Catching Fire is the one for you.

That's not to say the Hunger Games movies are always an easy or pleasant watch; on the contrary, these are the Game of Thrones of the big screen. Don't go getting too attached to anyone, ya hear? What's important is any unpleasantness feels organic and absolutely integral to moving the story along, nothing is done just for shock value.

Jennifer Lawrence is as fantastic as ever in the lead. I could be accused of some bias there, and the accusation would be fair, but the young lady is a treasure. There's truthfully not a weak link among the cast, though Woody Harrelson is once again my favorite. Can't say having Philip Seymour Hoffman around ever hurt a movie, either.

Catching Fire gets full marks for costumes and set design, the lavish ridiculousness of the Capitol standing in stark contrast to the desolation of the other districts.

Catching Fire runs a slightly overlong 146 minutes and is rated PG13 for "intense sequences of violence and action, some frightening images, thematic elements, a suggestive situation, and language."

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is an outstanding film from start to finish. It features sharp writing, a terrific cast, and will leave you on the edge of your seat until The Hunger Games: Mockingjay is released next Thansgiving.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire gets seven and a half.

Next week we get a new Statham flick, so I'm sure I don't need to tell anyone where to find me!!

Until next time...



Oh, hai...just having some folks over to watch the game...

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE

The Hunger Games saga continues in this sequel that finds a revolution brewing as Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) take a "Victor's Tour" of the districts, and President Snow (Donald Sutherland) plots their downfall during preparations for The Quarter Quell, which only occurs every 25 years in celebration of the Capitol's victory over the districts. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Francis Lawrence

Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Jena Malone, Woody Harrelson

Release Date: Nov 22, 2013

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some
frightening images, thematic elements, a suggestive situation and language.

Runtime: 2 hr. 26 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure

Review:

The 2nd film in a major film franchise is typically the most difficult. It has to deal with heightened expectations first and foremost with most films failing to match the energy that made the first entry successful. Thankfully The Hunger Games: Catching Fire isn’t one of those films. Catching Fire does everything you want a 2nd entry in a big budget franchise to do, it corrects chemistry and story problems from the 1st film while expanding the world, while delivering a deeper exploration of the themes at play. It’s an impressive feat accomplished by the cast and crew. Francis Lawrence’s direction is steady and capable making the 2 and ½ hour run seem necessary with rarely a wasted scene in the whole film. Lawrence moves the film at a steady pace, giving the audience enough time to digest the events on screen but never lingering. The first two acts in particular are quite impressive mainly because with a lesser director, cast and script it’d be a laborious slog through exposition. Instead the first act serves nicely as an epilogue/entry point for the new film as it shows the after effects of the first film. The 2nd act starts the main plot in earnest even though we do start to run into some retread moments with slightly different spins with the 3rd act leaving you with an overwhelming sense of déjà vu. It’s not a major fault but it does feel very familiar until the last 15 minutes change up the entire game. The cast lead by Jennifer Lawrence, providing even more depth to the reluctant rebel, is excellent throughout. Lawrence is the center of the film providing it with heart and strength while maintaining a tangible vulnerability. Thankfully, Josh Hutcherson’s character and performance in this entry is stronger overall even if he does seem to suffer from damsel in distress syndrome quite a bit. The returning cast member, Harrelson and Banks in particular, are given a bit more to chew on, fleshing out their characters into living breathing human beings. Sam Claflin and Jena Malone are both welcome additions to the cast even if Malone tends to oversell her performance from time to time. When you add it all up, Catching Fire really delivers on nearly all counts, stumbling slightly in the 3rd act which can get a little repetitive before an interesting turn and cliffhanger.

B+

[Trailer] Noah

The first trailer for the upcoming religious epic is finally out and we get 2 tonally different trailer. The American trailer seems to hit more traditional beats playing up the religious angle more so than the International trailer which plays more like a traditional FX event film. Honestly, if Darren Aronofsky and Russell Crowe weren’t attached to this project I probably would have ignored it.

With Aronofsky in the director’s chair it leaves the door open to all kinds of possibilities, just think about his underrated film The Fountain. Both trailers look intriguing if a tad safe, either way I’m interested enough to mark this one on my calendar.

Official Trailer


International Trailer

Cindy Prascik’s review of Thor: The Dark World

Dearest Blog, yesterday I was off to the cinema with the masses to worship at the altar of the mighty Thor.
Spoiler level here will be mild, almost nothing you didn't see in a trailer somewhere.

Disclaimer: This review is being written through a haze of cold meds...and I think I accidentally may have taken the nighttime stuff instead of the daytime stuff. (Didn't the nighttime stuff used to be green??) Reader discretion is advised.
As the Nine Realms align, they are threatened by an enemy so powerful that Thor must make an unlikely alliance to save them.

Getting the requisite shallowness out of the way, the first thing you'll notice about Thor is that it looks terrific, and I mean across the board. The sets and effects are spectacular, the costumes are gorgeous, and most of the cast is hurt-your-eyes good looking. (Tiny spoiler alert) Chris Hemsworth has an early shirtless scene and the reaction across my theatre was so ridiculous it was like when an extra-hot person walks into a sitcom.

If the Marvel cinematic universe is noted for being a good time, in my opinion, the two Thor films represent the best time of all the Marvel properties. The Dark World does, of course, have its serious moments (with the universe at risk and all!), but there are one-liners aplenty, and almost all of them hit their marks. The action is huge and keeps things moving along nicely, though I did feel the first hour maybe could have been trimmed a bit. Performances are terrific across the board, with Tom Hiddleston's Loki again the standout.

I ended up in a 3D showing because I'm apparently too chemically addled to correctly read movie listings, and I wouldn't say the 3D was worth much. There's maybe a bit of added depth here and there, but Idris Elba never actually landed in my lap, so I'd suggest you go ahead and hang onto that extra three bucks.

Thor: The Dark World is everything I want in a superhero flick. The action and effects are huge and the cast has great chemistry, just a great time all around.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Thor: The Dark World gets eight.

Until next time...

Cindy Prascik’s Review of CBGB

Dearest Blog, it is customary for a number of good little (and not so little) films to pass my 'burb right on by. Evidence: Neither of my local cinemas is showing 12 Years a Slave, Dallas Buyers Club, The Fifth Estate, or About Time...but by golly we could see Grown Ups 2 on the big screen right up through the Thursday before it was released on DVD. *sigh*

It was disappointing, but not surprising, when one of my most-anticipated movies of 2013, CBGB, never played locally. Thankfully, XFinity On Demand was around to save the day!

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from a trailer if you happened to see one.

Rebounding from two failed attempts to run a club, Hilly Kristal rents a dump in the Bowery section of New York City and becomes the man who launched a thousand careers.

Dear Blog, it would be dishonest in the extreme if I didn't admit that I was bound to love this movie. The subject matter is so near to my heart that, handled with anything but absolute malice, CBGB had to rank among my favorite films of the year. That being said, the movie has its pros and cons.

The filmmakers elected to go with a very light tone that, while it makes for a quick and engaging movie, I daresay it barely touches what living in that environment every day must have been like.

Even when you know you're a part of something monumental, slogging through the day-to-day in filth and poverty is no fun, but CBGB mostly plays the negatives for laughs. Smashing roaches and stepping in dog poo are running gags...and if you've got a weak stomach, you're going to want to turn away from the kitchen scenes entirely!

Introductions and transitions are handled via comic-book panels. The movie gets away with it because it's consistent, and because, all these years later, all's well that ends well, eh?

Performances range from terrific to so-so to poor. Alan Rickman is, of course, fantastic as the good hearted but sometimes unrealistic Kristal. Ashley Greene is great as his loyal but frustrated daughter, and Donal Logue and Freddie Rodriguez are both entertaining as Kristal's partners/employees/co-horts at the club. Of the folks tackling the difficult task of mimicking the familiar, Joel David Moore and Julian Acosta are especially good as the ever-battling Joey and Johnny Ramone, and Mickey Sumner does a great job as Patti Smith. I don't think folks will have a hard time forgetting Ron Weasley once they've seen Rupert Grint's turn as Dead Boy Cheetah Chrome! Justin Bartha and Malin Akerman are merely okay as Stiv Bators (my favorite of the lot) and Debbie Harry, and Taylor Hawkins (who, in fairness, isn't really an actor) and Kyle Gallner are sadly underwhelming as Iggy Pop and Lou Reed, respectively. The real Cheetah Chrome has an amusing cameo that you won't want to miss!

It's fair to say a person's enjoyment of CBGB probably will be commensurate with his or her nostalgia for the club and the bands. I don't imagine it's a great enough piece of filmmaking to win over folks to whom this music means nothing, but if the movie barely scratches the surface of real events, it's an entertaining enough couple hours.

Thanks in no small part to my own affection for the subject matter, I loved it.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, CBGB gets eight.

Until next time...



Thanks for the memories!

MOVIE REVIEW THOR: THE DARK WORLD

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) returns to do battle with Malekith (Christopher Eccleston), the vengeful leader of a primordial race that seeks to destroy the Nine Realms, in this big-budget comic-book adventure set after the events of Marvel's The Avengers. With even Odin (Anthony Hopkins) unable to protect Asgard from the approaching darkness, the god of thunder reunites with Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to save the world from certain destruction. Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Idris Elba, and Tadanobu Asano co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Alan Taylor

Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Idris Elba, Anthony Hopkins

Release Date: Nov 08, 2013

Rated PG-13 for some Suggestive Content and Intense Sci-Fi Action/Violence

Runtime: 1 hr. 51 min.

Genres: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review:

Thor: The Dark World is a strong sequel that expands the scope of everything while bringing a slightly different flavor than the original. Alan Taylor takes over the directing reigns from Kenneth Branagan, delivering a grittier and occasionally darker take on this character and his world. It’s a welcome change of pace, aided by some incredibly choreographed actions sequences, the final act being the most fun, which really up the spectacle quotient. Some of these sequences feels more like a Star Wars prequel/sequel, one you’d actually want to watch, than the original’s straightforward fantasy slant. Thor: The Dark World hop scotches across from genres, moving freely between fantasy, sci-fi and back to superhero. The strange thing is that these changes are rarely jarring with the film hitting its mark more times than not. There are a few minor quibbles though. The film occasionally gets bogged down with its plot, giving us too much exposition when it isn’t needed, killing some of its forward momentum. Those moments pale in comparison to the Earth based scenes which stick out even more than they did the first time around. Natalie Portman still feels terribly out of place and her obnoxious plucky character is mostly obnoxiously plucky. Kat Dennings and Stellan Skarsgård are given very little to do in supporting roles, mostly serving as comic relief. Thankfully Hemsworth and Hiddleston once again deliver the goods. Hemsworth was born to play a superhero and here he’s given just enough meat to make his performance interesting. Hiddleston deftly moves back into Loki’s skin giving us another taste of his dynamic and multifaceted frienemy. Christopher Eccleston is underused and underwritten as the primary villain. He isn’t given much to work with; his character is nothing more than a plot device and a forgettable one at that. Issues aside there is plenty to enjoy for the devout fanboys (Marvel cameos and post credit scenes) and causal fan (Chris Hemsworth without a shirt in 3D) alike. In the end, it delivers the kind of spectacle, action while maintaining a strong sense of fun.

B+

MOVIE REVIEW: 12 YEARS A SLAVE

Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave stars Chiwetel Ejifor as Solomon Northup, a free black man in 1840s America. He makes his living as a fiddle player, and his wife is a teacher. He is shanghaied by a pair of nefarious white men, and soon finds himself on a ship headed to New Orleans where he is informed he will be called Platt and is sold into slavery by an unscrupulous businessman (Paul Giamatti). Solomon bides his time, attempts to preserve a modicum of self-respect, and waits for the chance to reclaim his rightful name as well as his family. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

Director: Steve McQueen

Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Paul Giamatti, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o, Alfre Woodard

Release Date: Oct 18, 2013

Rated R for violence/cruelty, some nudity and brief sexuality

Runtime: 2 hr. 14 min.

Genres: Drama

Review:

When you are watching a movie there occasionally comes a sense that you are watching a classic piece of filmmaking. It’s rare especially in modern cinema but it does happen. Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave is majestic journey through America’s “peculiar institution”. McQueen direction and visuals are beautiful, unflinching and incredibly moving. It’s a powerful movie centered by a powerful performance from Chiwetel Ejiofor. I’ve always found Ejiofor incredibly interesting as an actor and it was really impressive watching him flex in considerable acting muscles here. Ejiofor has a quiet strength about himself which suits the character very well. Ejiofor’s talent shines through during those moments when he doesn’t say anything. His pain and anguish is readily apparent through his eyes and face, its spectacular piece of acting. The supporting actors are a who’s who of A list actors with Michael Fassbender getting the beefiest role. Fassbender continues to impress me which his range. Personally, I didn’t know if he’d be able to pull off a plantation owner but he delivers in spades. Lesser known actress Lupita Nyong'o has a small role as a fellow slave but it’s a stunningly effective and tragic performance, it wouldn’t surprise me if she was nominated for a supporting acting nod come awards season. That same can be said of the film as a whole. It’s a prestige through and through with everyone’s talents on full display in this modern day classic.

A

[Trailer] X-Men: Days of Future Past

That nerd screech you heard earlier today was just a normal reaction to the next big comic book movie on the horizon. After being revitalized by prequel/reboot X-Men: First Class, the franchise suddenly had some interesting avenues it could explore but most were surprised when it was announced they’d tackle the legendary Days of Future Past storyline helmed by Bryan Singer and mixing the old cast with the new one.

Personally, I think this might be a more daunting task than The Avengers because of how established the characters are in the old and new iterations. This first trailer gives us a glimpse into the ominous storyline with plenty of glimpse at the returning cast members, more so than the more recent incarnations. It’s not heavy on effects, most aren’t ready, which actually benefits the trailer getting me even more intrigued, check it out below…

Cindy Prascik's Review of The Counselor

Dearest Blog, despite early whispers of its absurdity, it was with great excitement that I headed to the cinema today to see The Counselor.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

A lawyer (Michael Fassbender) lands in deep trouble when he attempts to cure his money woes doing business with drug dealers.

So, dear Blog, when I see a film with Fassbender, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, and Brad Pitt, my thought is "How bad can it be?" Well...........

The Counselor kicks off with an awkward sex scene that sets the tone for the whole film: you just want to laugh, however aware you are that you're not supposed to. The stellar cast isn't to blame for the movie's shortcomings, and, while it could be said they don't save it either, I would suggest it's beyond saving.

All the performances are solid, and Pitt is notably better than the material.

However, twists that aim for shocking reveals land, instead, in a muddled mess. Forget subtle foreshadowing, the movie knocks you over the head with everything.

There are gross-outs aplenty, and I don't just mean the bloody ones you expect in any movie about drug dealers. When I wasn't trying to stifle inappropriate laughter, I was struggling mightily to stay awake.

Now, dear Blog, never let it be said I don't look for the positive. The Counselor takes first prize on an important "all-time" movie list: Best snot rocket ever.

Like, seriously, puts Gimli's "I will be dead before I see the ring in the hands of an elf!" to shame. Readers, I know you look to this blog for the serious skinny on flicks, so there it is.

This weekend, The Counselor is probably in a pretty tight race for "Funniest New Release" with Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa, but, unfortunately, only one was an intentional entry.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Counselor gets three...AND CAN I PLEASE JUST HAVE THOR ALREADY??

Until next time...



You! Yes, you! Fire your agent now!!

MOVIE REVIEW: JACKASS PRESENTS: BAD GRANDPA

86 year-old Irving Zisman is on a journey across America with the most unlikely companion, his 8 year-old Grandson Billy in "Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa.” The signature Jackass character Irving Zisman (Johnny Knoxville) and Billy (Jackson Nicoll) will take movie audiences along for the most insane hidden camera road trip ever captured on camera. Real people in unreal situations, making for one really messed up comedy.

Director: Jeff Tremaine

Cast: Johnny Knoxville, Jackson Nicoll

Release Date: Oct 25, 2013

Rated R for strong crude and sexual content throughout, language, some graphic nudity and brief drug use

Runtime: 1 hr. 32 min.

Genres: Comedy

Review:

About 5 minutes into the movie “Irving Zisman” has his testicles stuck in a vending machine as confused and shocked bystanders walk by. If this type of candid camera humor doesn’t fit your palette then you’d probably want to stay as far as way from Bad Granpa as possible. It’s not quite as inspired as Borat but Knoxville and his crew create some great set ups, the high point occurring in a male strip club, framed by the slightest of a plot. Knoxville, who’s always willing to put himself out there, is a lot of fun as the Zisman. Thankfully this installment removes a lot of the gross out, self injury humor which was a big part of the previous Jackass series and films. As a result, this is probably the most accessible film of the franchise. Part of the credit for its accessibility has to go to Jackson Nicoll who is just an adorable child actor. Still this is a Jackass film so there are plenty of explicit scenes greeted with lots of confused, angry and shocked reactions.

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: THE COUNSELOR

Cormac McCarthy provides his first original screenplay with this Ridley Scott-directed thriller starring Michael Fassbender as a lawyer who dabbles in trafficking drugs only to realize just how dangerous a situation he's gotten himself into. Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem, and Cameron Diaz head up the rest of the starring cast. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

Director: Ridley Scott

Cast: Michael Fassbender, Penelope Cruz, Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem, Cameron Diaz

Release Date: Oct 25, 2013

Rated R for graphic violence, some grisly images, strong sexual content and language.

Runtime: 1 hr. 57 min.

Genres: Drama, Suspense/Thriller

Review:

A top notch cast with an A list director boosted by a Cormac McCarthy script should be a slam dunk. And for about half of the film’s runtime, filled with whisperings about nefarious doings and ramifications, it kind of confuses you into thinking it might be a quality film. Mainly due to the fact that you don’t know what the hell is actually going. Once the film lays its cards out on the table, it’s fairly pedestrian. The story plays out in a straightforward manner while we’re subjected to long winded discussions all while displaying a noticeable and angry misogynism. The cast delivers fairly solid work with the exemption of Diaz who’s so far out of her league that her performance is nearly laughable. Ridley Scott shoots a nice clean film but the film’s main problem is its story and characters. None of the characters are particularly engaging or interesting. They are just bad people in a bad situation headed towards gloom and destruction. One character in particular is a walking talking metaphor. Its greatest drawback though is its smugness and overbearing self importance. It thinks it’s an important film talking about large important themes but it really isn’t. Instead, its lasting image maybe Cameron Diaz humping a car.

C

[Trailers] Captain America: The Winter Soldier & Anchorman 2 US and International

A couple of new trailers have hit the interwebs over the last few days so let’s dig right in.

First up is the trailer, which looks surprisingly impressive, for the Captain America sequel. There’s a noticeable tonal shift from the first film which I never loved or hated. This one seems more like an international flavored action thriller with superheroes in the mix. Lots of familiar faces pop up along with plenty of new ones, check it out….



Earlier this week a couple of new Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues trailers hit. The 2nd US trailer showcases plenty of new footage. If that didn’t wet your appetite check out the international trailer which has even more new footage. I’m a huge Will Ferrell so I can’t wait for this, check them out below…

2nd US Trailer….



International Trailer….

Cindy Prascik’s Reviews of Captain Phillips & Escape Plan

Dearest Blog, yesterday it was off to the cinema for a pair of testosterone-fueled flicks, Captain Phillips and Escape Plan.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

First I set sail with Captain Phillips.

An American cargo ship is hijacked by Somali pirates, and its captain taken hostage.

I'll be straight with ya, readers, I expected Captain Phillips to be a slow, overlong movie redeemed by yet another Oscar-worthy turn from Tom Hanks. Instead it's the second film this month (the first being Gravity), to have been a very pleasant surprise.

Captain Phillips does feature an incredible performance by the always-reliable Hanks.

The supporting cast, most notably Barkhad Abdi as the pirates' leader, is no less remarkable for being less well known. Captain Phillips does a terrific job of sustaining tension, to the point that I won't even complain about the 15 minutes or so that easily could have been shaved off the runtime. (See what I did there?)

There's an air of claustrophobia about the movie's second half that literally sucks the air out of the theatre...or maybe I was just holding my breath? The film begins with some of the most insipid movie dialogue I've ever heard (remember, I own that My Bloody Valentine remake!), but not to worry, from the time we board the Alabama, Captain Phillips is absolutely riveting.

Captain Phillips runs 134 minutes and is rated PG13 for, "sustained intense sequences of menace, some violence with bloody images, and for substance use." It's a great film spearheaded by another magnificent Tom Hanks performance, for my money, a "must see."

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Captain Phillips gets seven and a half.

Next on my agenda was the Sylvester Stallone/Arnold Schwarzenegger action flick, Escape Plan.

Okay, dear Blog, from the first trailer, I felt like Escape Plan had been made expressly with me in mind. Even though I've never met Sly and Arnie, the movie does nothing to dispel the notion.

A guy who breaks out of prisons for a living faces his biggest challenge yet.

While Escape Plan doesn't quite have the "oomph" of that first Expendables movie, I can't imagine anyone who enjoys the genre wouldn't have a good time with it. Stallone and Schwarzenegger are on point, trading barbs and punches while plotting to escape their maximum-security hell.

The dashing Jim Caviezel brings the crazy as the power-mad warden. The rest of the supporting cast was mostly, "Um...I remember that guy played a thug in..........." The plot features a couple solid twists, and I was very impressed with the film's overall appearance, in particular that first full look at the supposedly escape-proof facility.

I see most movies in an empty or nearly-empty theatre (by design), but I had company for this one and the crowd's response was extremely positive.

Escape Plan clocks in at 116 minutes and is rated R for "violence and language throughout." If you're looking for a fun time at the movies, it doesn't get better than this.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Escape Plan also gets seven and a half.

Until next time...



Escape Plan: puts hair on your chest!