MOVIE REVIEW: SUPER

ON VIDEO

SUPER



An average guy reacts to the frustration of losing his wife by adopting a crime-fighting persona known as the "Crimson Bolt," and targeting any criminal who crosses his path -- no matter how minor their infraction may be. Frank (Rainn Wilson) is husband to former alcoholic and drug addict Sarah (Liv Tyler), and he loves her with all his heart. Their wedding day was one of but two perfect moments in this Frank's life, but when Sarah runs away with charismatic drug dealer Jacques (Kevin Bacon), the loss was just too much for her mild-mannered husband to take. Subsequently transforming himself into the Crimson Bolt, Frank reasons that if he can take down Jacques along with the rest of the city's scum, his beloved wife will soon come running back. With his homemade suit and his handy pipe wrench, Frank goes to work cleaning up the streets and starts making headlines. But just as the Crimson Bolt becomes the talk of the town, sociopathic comic-store clerk Libby (Ellen Page) reinvents herself as "Boltie," and makes a play to become the controversial street hero's trusted sidekick. Perhaps by working together, the Crimson Bolt and Boltie can make an example of Jacques, and keep the streets safe for average citizens. But real life isn't like comic books, and sometimes when an average person tries to be a superhero, things can go very bad, very fast. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: James Gunn

Cast: Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon, Michael Rooker

Release Date: Apr 01, 2011

Rated R for strong bloody violence, pervasive language, sexual content
& drug use

Runtime: 1 hr. 36 min.

Genres: Art House, Comedy, Superhero

REVIEW:

James Gunn has shown a talent for a twisted sort of humor and a love for fanboy genres. His 2006 film Slither was a wonderful homage to classic 80’s creature features that people like me just loved. Super tries something similar with superheroes, it suffers from a variety of issues first and foremost Kick Ass having recently and successfully traversed the same path beforehand. At this point it’s almost impossible to avoid the comparisons. Still taken on its own merits Super just misses more than it doesn’t. You get the sense the heart of a good strong idea is in there somewhere but it never comes to fruition. The film just lacks any sense of rhythm or cohesion. It’s a real shame because there’s a strong cast assembled and everybody seems game. Rainn Wilson turns in a believable performance throughout. Ellen Page is mildly unhinged and kind of fun in limited screen time. Kevin Bacon and Nathan Fillion are criminally underused, a shame since more screen time for both of their characters might have helped the film. Liv Tyler and Michael Rooker show up but aren’t really asked to do much. While I’m sure Gunn’s heart was in the right place Super just feels like a massive misfire.

C-

MOVIE REVIEW: INCEPTION

IN THEATERS

INCEPTION



Visionary filmmaker Christopher Nolan (Memento, The Dark Knight) writes and directs this psychological sci-fi action film about a thief who possesses the power to enter into the dreams of others. Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) doesn't steal things, he steals ideas. By projecting himself deep into the subconscious of his targets, he can glean information that even the best computer hackers can't get to. In the world of corporate espionage, Cobb is the ultimate weapon. But even weapons have their weakness, and when Cobb loses everything, he's forced to embark on one final mission in a desperate quest for redemption. This time, Cobb won't be harvesting an idea, but sowing one. Should he and his team of specialists succeed, they will have discovered a new frontier in the art of psychic espionage. They've planned everything to perfection, and they have all the tools to get the job done. Their mission is complicated, however, by the sudden appearance of a malevolent foe that seems to know exactly what they're up to, and precisely how to stop them. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Director: Christopher Nolan

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Ellen Page

Release Date: Jul 16, 2010

Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and sequences of action

Runtime: 2 hr. 22 min.

Genres: Suspense/Thriller

Review:

Christopher Nolan’s Inception is like watching someone play make-believe on an epic scale. Everything is large about this film, heady themes mixed with aggressive visual and multilayered story arcs crisscrossing about that one could easily be lost by sneaking out to a quick bathroom break. Nolan’s persistent dedication to playing with the audiences perceptions is very much at play here in this sci-fi thriller that is a really a heist movie at its heart. While Nolan crafts an impressively complex and intriguing storyline it’s also one that bears a lot of hallmarks of previous films, clearly showing Nolan’s inspirations for this endeavor. Sadly, this makes certain aspects of the film fairly predictable. It’s original and derivative at the same type, perhaps a purposely imposed paradox from Nolan. The cast is all in fine form and each make the most of their roles regardless of how limited it maybe in some cases. Leonardo DiCaprio is appropriately dour and determined throughout. He doesn’t quiet let this character breathe as much as he should making his realization at the end come off as a tad artificial. Marion Cotillard is clearly having the most fun in the entire film as she gets top play varied versions of the same person throughout. Her performance runs the gamut of tender and heartfelt to mildly terrifying and selfish. She commands the screen every time she’s on it and makes the strongest impression throughout. Ellen Page gives the smart ass shtick a break and plays her character well with a nice sense of wonder and discovery. Joseph Gordon Levitt, Ken Watanabe and Tom Hardy are all quiet strong in supporting roles each giving their characters recognizable traits in limited screen time. Cillian Murphy isn’t given much too do outside of looking like a mark. As a whole this is another win for Nolan’s increasingly impressive resume, even if he couldn’t resist an open ended finale.

A-

Bluray quality; Video is nearly perfect showcasing the wonderful visuals throughout; Sound mix is impressive across the board, extremely active.

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.