Nathan Drake and his wisecracking partner Victor "Sully" Sullivan embark on a dangerous quest to find the greatest treasure never found while also tracking clues that may lead to Nate's long-lost brother.
Director:Ruben Fleischer
Cast: Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg, Sophia Ali, Tati Gabrielle, Antonio Banderas
Release Date: February 18, 2022
Genre: Action, Adventure
Rated PG-13 for violence/action and language
Runtime:1h 56m
Review:
The Uncharted video game franchise is known for it's cinematic style and plotting so its rather baffling to see the live action take hit the big screen in such a bland vehicle. I will say that I only have a passing familiarity with the game series but it does seem like a perfect franchise to make the jump to the big screen successfully. Sadly, the film that ends up on screen feels like a copy of a copy as it delivers retreads of better action adventure films but never delivering anything new or exciting. Ruben Fleisher's film feels like it's been through multiple focus groups resulting in the most generic action and characters. The script doesn't help much since it's content with following the path of least resistance leaving very little mystery since you can see every turn coming. Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg do the best they can with the material but neither can be accused of elevating any of it. Their central relationship never really works the way it should even though some of the interactions are fun. Sophia Ali and Tati Gabrielle do more with limited screen time but both of their characters are woefully underdeveloped. Antonio Banderas is criminally underused as the film's main villain even though he seems game to ham it up. Uncharted isn't the worst video game adaptation out there but it could have been much better and more memorable.
Well, hey there. Remember me? It's been awhile. As yet another weekend has gone by without time for a visit to my poor, neglected local cinema, I decided to give the Netflix original Spenser Confidential a try, just so I'd have something for you — yes, YOU, dearest reader(s) - to read about.
Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailer.
Upon his release from prison, a disgraced ex-cop steps right into a mystery that threatens not only his freedom, but his life.
Spenser Confidential is hardly gritty realism, but it's not quite as comical as I expected, either. Neither keeps it from being an entertaining ride, but sometimes it feels a bit tonally unsettled.
Mark Wahlberg is perfectly capable in the lead, as well he should be; this is basically the same not-as-dumb-as-he-looks tough guy he's played dozens of times before. No surprises, no complaints. Winston Duke is a treat as his more subdued sidekick, and the movie is, of course, better for having the brilliant Alan Arkin.
Spenser Confidential kicks off to the strains of Boston's Foreplay/Longtime, in what may be the most effective use of a dinosaur rock classic in a film since Kingsman's Freebird church massacre. Following are some fisticuffs, a chase scene or two, the standard troubled love affair, and a decent number of excuses for Wahlberg and Duke to appear shirtless. The movie gets funnier as it goes along, building to a ridiculous climax that starts out a little like a poor man's Fast & Furious. Ultimately, Spenser Confidential is the film equivalent of comfort food: it's pretty basic and not at all challenging, but you won't mind because it's exactly what you want and expect.
Spenser Confidential clocks in at 111 minutes and is rated R for "violence, language throughout, and sexual content."
If you're tired of worrying about everything going on in the real world right now, Netflix' Spenser Confidential is a great escape. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Spenser Confidential gets six.
Until next time...let's hope there is a next time.
Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas to close out the busy movie week with All the Money in the World and The Greatest Showman.
Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.
First up: All the Money in the World.
Inspired-by-true-events tale of the kidnapping of JP Getty, III, and his mother's desperate attempts to secure his release.
Let's see, dear reader(s), where do we start with this one? Well, I was pretty young at the time of the Getty kidnapping, so I remember enough to have known the outcome, but not enough to say how many liberties are taken along the way in this telling of the story. I'm not sure if being aware of the ending contributed to the movie's seeming rather long and slow, but long and slow it certainly does seem. It's never dull, but I was still pretty happy when it finally cruised to its conclusion. The eldest JP Getty appears, at least from this depiction, to be so loathsome an individual that it hardly would have been a disservice to him to have allowed his portrayal by a sexual predator to remain in the film, though of course it would have been a great disservice to everyone else. The movie suffers no ill effects from hasty re-shoots necessitated by the Kevin Spacey controversy; on the contrary, Christopher Plummer's solid turn as as the cantankerous old billionaire is woven seamlessly into the picture. Charlie Plummer (no relation) is also great as the young victim, but it's Michelle Williams who carries this movie with such extraordinary skill that you'll scarcely be able to take your eyes off her. Mark Wahlberg seems miscast as Getty's right-hand man/security expert (spoiler alert: putting glasses on a guy doesn't actually make him seem smart), but he's a likable enough actor that I didn't mind. As mentioned, the movie is deliberately paced and somewhat overlong, but the the kidnapping and surrounding events are nerve-wracking enough that I doubt anyone could be bored with it. There's a bit of up-close and personal violence/gore that may be a little much for some viewers.
Daniel Pemberton's subdued score and cinematography by the brilliant Dariusz Wolski set an appropriately somber tone for this sad and scary story.
All the Money in the World clocks in at 132 minutes and is rated R for "language, some violence, disturbing images, and brief drug content." I can't say it's something I'd ever watch again, but All the Money in the World is a riveting tale bolstered by exceptional performances.
Of a possible nine Weasleys, All the Money in the World gets six.
Next on the agenda: The Greatest Showman.
A heavily-fictionalized musical account of the rise of PT Barnum.
Yet again I found myself with a bit too much time between flicks yesterday, and happened upon a negative article beating up on The Greatest Showman for its rose-colored-glasses version of Barnum.
It was difficult putting it from my mind once the movie started, but movie's sunny demeanor and lively tunes ultimately won the day.
Hugh Jackman is a treasure unmatched in 2017 Hollywood. Top-notch at acting, singing, and dancing, no picture ever has to make allowances for his weaknesses; he doesn't have any. The Greatest Showman is a lightweight film that doesn't remotely tax his skills, but it's thanks to him the movie is elevated from entertaining-but-forgettable to something special. Zac Efron continues to surprise with each new role, a gifted and eminently watchable young talent. If I was dazzled by Michelle Williams in All the Money in the World, The Greatest Showman was quick to remind me why I usually loathe her; her simpering smiles and silly twirling wear thin very quickly. The "circus" players do a fine job and all seem to be having great fun with their limited screen time, and the remaining supporting cast is peppered with familiar faces that are more than up to what little the film asks of them. La La Land composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul have again provided tunes lacking any real flair, but The Greatest Showman's musical numbers make an impact with interesting choreography and eye-popping costumes, hair, and makeup, along with Jackman's irrepressible charisma. The story is hokey at times, as many great old-school musicals are, but if this version of PT Barnum is an upgrade from the real deal, the film itself keeps pace with a positive, inclusive tone that is more than welcome at the end of a divisive, difficult year. The Greatest Showman is pure joy onscreen, the very definition of can't-miss cinema.
The Greatest Showman runs a quick 105 minutes and is rated PG for "thematic elements, including a brawl."
The Greatest Showman’s opening number includes the line, "All that was real is left behind," a perfect setup for the most magical bit of movie humbug I've seen all year.
Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Greatest Showman gets eight and a half.
Fangirl points: Will Swensen! Byron Jennings! Frederic Lehne!
Another weekend, another double feature at the local theater! First I was off to see Murder on the Orient Express followed by Daddy's Home 2.
Murder on the Orient Express, my review:
Directed by Kenneth Branagh
starring: Kenneth Branagh, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Judi Dench, Justin Gad, Daisy Ridley, Penelope Cruz and Willem Dafoe
Murder on the Orient Express is a straight forward retelling of the Agatha Christie classic. Branagh takes the reins both in front of and behind the camera as he both stars and directs. Murder on the Orient Express clocks in at 1 hour and 54 minutes. That was at least 20 minutes too long. I found myself checking my clock several times as this murder mystery lumbered on toward it's conclusion.
There are some great things to see here. Branagh seems to be incapable of putting in a bad performance. His portrayal here of the titular Poirot is the best use of facial hair since the 1st Hunger Games movie. Poirot is the world famous detective who lands squarely in the middle of a who dun it on the world's most posh passenger train.
The cast is all putting in solid work here. Michelle Pfeiffer is a national treasure and I remain her biggest fan. However, the movie as a whole left me....wanting more. There is not one specific thing, other than maybe needing a trim time wise, that I can point to as a reason to not enjoy this. However, I also can't really point to any real reason to go out of your way to make time for this either.
There is nothing new here. No Earth shattering performances. No breath taking scenery. As much as I wanted to fall in love...I just never managed it. I would skip this one in theaters and wait for the rental. A very “meh” 2 out of 5 stars is my rating, I'm afraid.
Trying to dust off my disappointment..I head into Daddy's Home 2. Full disclosure here...I did not see the 1st Daddy's Home movie but I wanted to give this one a try anyway.
Daddy's Home 2, my review:
Directed by Sean Anders
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Will Farrell, Mel Gibson, John Lithgow, Linda Cardellini, Alessandra Ambrosio and John Cena
Daddy's Home 2 picks up the continuing story of a blended family consisting of biological Dad Dusty (Wahlberg) and stepdad Brad (Farrell) and Mom Sara (Cardellini). It's time for the holidays and that means they're respective Dads are coming to town to visit. We have a super simple, extremely affectionate Don (Lithgow) playing Brad's Dad and brass, unapologetic, absentee Dad to Dusty, Kurt (Gibson) thrown into the mix. Kurt is inexplicably dismayed by the healthy coparenting that is happening to his grandchildren and decides to try to make things far more toxic by attempting to break the relationship between Dusty and Brad. Setting aside the incredibly toxic masculinity, we find that the straight man/physical comedy combo of Wahlberg and Farrell really seem to work here. Wahlberg's Dusty has a familiar every man feeling to him. And even this self professed Farrell hater found herself laughing along with Brad's antics.
This is a fun, competent flick that doesn't take itself too seriously at all. I enjoyed it FAR more than I expected I would. Daddy's Home 2 clocks in at a pretty enjoyable 1 hour and 40 minutes. I give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars.
Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for Transformers: The Last Knight.
Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing that hasn't been revealed already by trailers and clips.
Humans have set themselves against all Transformers, making outlaws of anyone who continues to be their allies, but Earthlings are forced to reconsider that position when the planet is threatened.
The latest Transformers movie is taking a critical beating, not unlike those that came before it. It's pretty much exactly as advertised, however, so anyone with reasonable expectations shouldn't be disappointed.
Since I actually liked the movie, let's get the negatives out of the way first, beginning with the obvious: a two-and-a-half hour runtime. Ninety minutes, an hour and forty-five at most, would have made The Last Knight a great summer popcorn flick, but even the biggest, best effects and action wear thin at two and a half hours, nevermind the muddled backstory does nothing to earn such an excessive runtime. Then there's the "humor." With only the genuinely amusing bits, the film would have been plenty light enough, but instead it constantly oversells juvenile, annoying one-liners. That's the bad news. The good news is there's actually a great deal of good news. Transformers is all about huge effects and, as such, is one of my very favorite franchises to revisit on the big screen. This outing is no exception, with visuals that are massive-times-ten and sound that shakes the floor. Cool action sequences never seem to drag on, despite the bloated whole, and when the jokes hit the mark, the movie is actually very funny. In what he's declared his final Transformers outing, Mark Wahlberg remains more watchable that Shia LeBeouf ever was, and Anthony Hopkins appears to be having the time of his life, never demeaning the material despite the fact it's clearly beneath him. For my money, it should be easy for anyone to have at least as much fun with this movie as Anthony Hopkins does.
Transformers: The Last Knight clocks in at a whopping 149 minutes and is rated PG13 for "violence and intense sequences of sci-fi action, language, and some innuendo."
Transformers: The Last Knight is big, dopey fun that fills a summer weekend quite nicely. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Transformers: The Last Knight gets six.
Fangirl points: Mitch Pileggi! Steve Buscemi! SANTIAGO CABRERA! *heart-eyes emoji*
Humans are at war with the Transformers, and
Optimus Prime is gone. The key to saving the future lies buried in the secrets
of the past and the hidden history of Transformers on Earth. Now, it's up to
the unlikely alliance of Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg), Bumblebee, an English
lord (Anthony Hopkins) and an Oxford professor (Laura Haddock) to save the world. Director: MichaelBay Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Anthony Hopkins, Josh
Duhamel, Laura Haddock, Stanley
Tucci
Release Date: Jun 21, 2017
Genres: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rated PG-13 for violence and intense
sequences of sci-fi action, language, and some innuendo
Review:
I’ve always been forgiving of MichaelBay’s live action series because the cartoon will always be a fond part of
my childhood.I’ve always found plenty
to like in movies even if they’ve been far from perfect.I’d actually enjoyed the last installment
because Bay finally seemed to figure out that it helps the series if you give
the Transformers some personality and make them the center piece.I’d hoped it was something that’d be
continued in The Last Knight.Sadly, Bay
decides to put the Transformers in the background, Optimus Prime barely has 30
minutes of screentime, leaving us with Mark Wahlberg and Laura Haddock’s
pillowly lips.The plot is an overly
complex mess that seems to find the most complicated way to do everything.There are a bevy of new human characters
including a plucky child, played by Isabela Moner, who’s introduced and
forgotten for the majority of the film only to be reintroduced in the final
act.The saving grace of it all is
Anthony Hopkins who’s clearly enjoying himself in the unrelenting madness going
on around him.Hopkins and his robot
butler provide the majority of the laughs and enjoyment in the film.The biggest issue is simply making a movie
called Transformers and leaving the titular robots on the sideline while
haphazardly throwing famous characters from Transformers lore around like
undercooked pasta. It’s a real shame
because the series could be a fun sci-fi series if it could stay focused on its
actual stars, the robots.
Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for a double-bill of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and Deepwater Horizon.
Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers or perhaps the news.
First up: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.
Some characters straight out of his grandfather's bedtime stories turn a young man's ordinary existence upside-down.
It goes without saying that a story with "peculiar" in the title is ideally suited to director Tim Burton. All of Burton's more recent projects have earned critical ire (mostly deserved), and, if Miss Peregrine isn't quite the Burton of old, at least it seems to be a step in the right direction.
The film boasts glorious production design, some lovely set pieces, and stunning locations; Burton has not lost his ability to find beauty in even the strangest and most macabre things. Colleen Atwood's costumes and a wonderful score by Michael Higham and Matthew Margeson perfectly compliment the eerie atmosphere.
Unfortunately, though the story is compelling, the movie seems to crawl along at a snail's pace. There's too little of the stellar Eva Green (who was born for this role), and too much of the bland child cast.
Asa Butterfield is perfectly dreadful in the lead; he might as well have been reading from cards. Nothing points to 3D being a worthwhile investment on this one, aside from the fact that, in 2D, the movie's often too dark to see what's happening.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children clocks in at 127 minutes and is rated PG13 for "intense sequences of fantasty action/violence, and peril."
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is visually impressive enough to earn your big-screen dollars, but, sadly it's also something no idea so magical should ever be: kinda boring.
Of a possible nine Weasleys, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar children gets five.
Fangirl points: Keep your eyes open for a rare and delightful Tim Burton cameo!
Next up, the based-on-true-events tale of Deepwater Horizon.
An explosion on a free-floating offshore drilling rig has disastrous consequences.
Dear reader(s), Deepwater Horizon is one of those movies whose trailer was so ubiquitous and irritating that I worried the movie wouldn't have a chance of overcoming it, but I'm pleased to report my concern was mostly unfounded.
Mark Wahlberg stars as Mike Williams, a technician on the rig who is central to this telling of the story. We're introduced to his insufferably cutesy wife and daughter (Kate Hudson and Stella Allen), then to most of the rig's crew through his eyes, giving viewers just enough of each person to make sure they'll be acceptably sad for the unlucky ones.
The supporting cast has a fair few familiar faces: Kurt Russell, John Malkovich, and my celebrity boyfriend (per a super-scientific Buzzfeed quiz) Dylan O'Brien. There's enough setup to make it clear who're the Good Guys and the Bad Guys, and then--BOOM!--disaster.
The film doesn't waste too much time getting there and, to its credit, moves along nicely throughout. The bulk of the picture plays out as the rig's situation deteriorates and crew members try to save themselves and others. Deepwater Horizon does a perfect 180 from its advertising, showing individuals behaving heroically, minus the frustrating chest-thumping vibe of the trailer.
The movie's disaster effects are spectacular, with sound mixing and editing in particular deserving full marks. It's a bit dark and jiggly at times, but that only adds to viewers' ability to share the terror the folks aboard that rig must have felt.
Two small and random quibbles: Did Williams' wife really take time to do her nails over the course of these harrowing hours?
They're pink the whole movie, then a French manicure when she and their daughter reconnect with him at the hotel following the rescue. Also, looking at photos of the crew next to the actors portraying them, I'm thinking my wish to have Beyonce star in the story of my life isn't so unrealistic after all.
Deepwater Horizon runs 107 minutes and is rated PG13 for "prolonged, intense disaster sequences and related disturbing images, and brief strong language."
Deepwater Horizon might have been better suited to summer's action season than to awards season, but it's an edge-of-your-seat tale that hopefully will make the world more cautious and aware going forward.
Of a possible nine Weasleys, Deepwater Horizon gets six.
A mild-mannered radio executive strives to become the best stepfather to his
wife's two children, but complications ensue when their freewheeling biological
father arrives, forcing him to compete for the affection of the children.
Director: Sean Anders
Cast: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini, Thomas
Haden Church,
Hannibal Buress
Release Date: Dec
25, 2015
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, crude and suggestive
content, and for language
Runtime: 1 hr. 36 min.
Genres: Comedy
Review:
Daddy’s Home is a comedy that keeps you entertained enough
to give it some time to find its footing.Unfortunately it’ never really does.It’s funny in parts and on rare occasions laugh out funny but it never
does either consistently.It’s a shame
considering the strong comedic chemistry Ferrell and Wahlberg share on
screen.They are both game to roll with
the punches but the film’s script and direction prefers to play it safe for the
better part of the film.As such, most
of the plot plays out in a predictable manner with some bright spots here and
there such as Thomas Haden
Church and Hannibal Buress adding a
bit of life to the proceedings.Sadly it
starts to drag towards the end, feeling much longer than its sparse runtime, never
a good sign for a comedy.
Ted (voice of Seth MacFarlane) ties the knot with Tami-Lynn (Jessica Barth),
and recruits his best friend John (Mark Wahlberg) as a sperm donor in order to
start a family in this sequel to the comedy hit about a teddy bear come to
life. Later, when the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts demands that Ted
appear before a judge to prove he's a real person, the frisky bear and his pal
vow to fight for their civil rights. Morgan Freeman and Amanda Seyfried
co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Seth MacFarlane
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Seth MacFarlane, Amanda Seyfried,
Jessica Barth, Morgan Freeman.
Release Date: Jun 26, 2015
Rated: R for crude and Sexual Content, Pervasive
Language, and Some Drug Use
Runtime: 1 hr. 55 min.
Genres: Comedy
Review:
Ted 2 is a perfect example of diminishing returns on comedy
sequels.That’s not to say that it’s not
funny, it’s laugh out loud in parts, but it’s just not nearly as consistent as
the original.Seth MacFarlane seems to
sense that the novelty of a hard drinking, cussing teddy bear might be wearing
thin so he tries to expound on the idea with the civil rights angle.I appreciate the attempt but it doesn’t work
since the character is basically a living cartoon.As a result, there are lots of dead spots
trying to flesh out the concept leaving the comedy on the side for a good
portion of the ride.It’s a shame
because if he stuck to what worked in the first film, it might have made for a
funnier overall film.As is, Ted 2 is an
overlong comedy sequel that’s quickly forgettable.
In this remake of the James Caan 1974 vehicle The Gambler, an English
professor (Mark Wahlberg) who is also a compulsive gambler finds that the only
people who will have anything to do with him are those to whom he owes money. ~
Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Brie Larson, Jessica Lange, John
Goodman, Emory Cohen
Release Date: Dec
25, 2014
Rated R for some Sexuality/Nudity and Language
Throughout
Runtime: 1 hr. 51 min.
Genres: Drama, Suspense/Thriller
Review:
The Gambler is a film that’s trying very hard to be
something special.Rupert Wyatt gives
the film a glossy sheen, driving it through its narrative with noticeable
energy.Mark Walhberg is doing his best
Christian Bale impression by losing a massive amount of weight and looking
generally disheveled.John Goodman does
excellent work in a supporting role as Mafioso. Typically all this would make for an excellent
film but the results here are mixed.I
respect Walhberg’s attempts to take his craft seriously but he’s seriously
miscast here as the worlds most aggressive English professor.He gives it his best try but it doesn’t work,
it’s just never believable.It’s always
good to see Brie Larson get some work but she’s saddled with a nonsensical love
interest role.We’re told she’s a genius
early on but her actions throughout the rest of the film tell us otherwise.
John Goodman does give us an excellent supporting turn, creating an extremely
intimidating character in limited scenes.All in all The Gambler feels like a missed opportunity because there
seems to be a better film in there somewhere.
Dearest Blog, after dodging the bullet last weekend, yesterday I
decided to suck it up and see Transformers: Age of Extinction. It would
be less than forthright not to admit that I went mostly because I'd
heard Luke Evans' Dracula trailer was running before it, and because I
wanted to see Jersey Boys again and don't like begging a ride for less
than a double-feature.
Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.
A down-on-his-luck mechanic lands in hot water when he buys a beat up old truck that's not quite what it seems.
I
love Transformers and was genuinely excited for this sequel...until I
heard it was over two and a half hours long. Despite almost universally
negative reviews, I think Age of Extinction would have been quite a lot
of fun at 90 minutes or even an hour and 45, but it does nothing to earn
its Middle Earthy runtime.
A cast of familiar faces is
unremarkable to either the good or the bad, though Mark Wahlberg is a
definite improvement over the unlikable Shia LaBeouf, and I, personally,
am always delighted to see Titus Welliver in a movie that does good
business. The storyline doesn't hold any real surprises, and the
dialogue is almost impressively stupid at times. Let's face it, though,
dear reader(s), a Transformers movie is never gonna be about the people
or the script, am I right?
It's about giant alien robots and big loud
effects and maximum destruction. Age of Extinction does pretty well on
all those counts, and, even at my most drowsy, I was utterly caught up
in the big machines, if not so much in the daddy/daughter drama.
I
elected to see this in 2D, not wanting to waste any more money on it
than I had to, but it left me no doubt the 3D would be worth it.
Transformers:
Age of Extinction clocks in at a very bloated 165 minutes and is rated
PG13 for "intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, language, and
brief innuendo."
It has all the components for a great summer
blockbuster, but instead it proves that the only thing that's really
extinct in Hollywood is the art of editing.
Of a possible nine Weasleys, Transformers: Age of Extinction gets four and a half.
Until next time...
PS: No Dracula trailer. Curse you, cinema gods, for depriving me of big-screen Luke!
PPS: If you haven't seen Jersey Boys yet, go see it. If you have seen it, see it again!
The Transformers film series continues with this fourth entry from director Michael
Bay and executive producer Steven
Spielberg. Mark Wahlberg and Jack Reynor star. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
Director: Michael
Bay
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, Stanley
Tucci, Ken Watanabe, Peter Cullen
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi
violence and action, language
Release Date: Jun
27, 2014
Run Time.
2 hrs. 37 min
Genres: Action/Adventure
Review:
Transformers: Age of Extinction is going to have a lot of
batred shot it’s way most of well deserved.It’s an over bloated mess that’s got way too many storylines at play to
make any of it cohesive.Had it stuck
with the most interesting angle, secret government agency taking out all
Transformers, it probably would have been one Bay’s better films.As is, it’s a absurdly log slog through
action set piece in between bits of story with more story followed by action
set pieces and more story etc… So is it even worth your time?Sort of.As a superfan of the cartoon, I’ve found plenty to like in the previous
efforts even the Revenge of the Fallen.The frustrating part about Extinction is that it fixes a lot of issues
from the previous films.The human side of
the story is actually bearable thanks to the addition of Wahlberg, Tucci and
Grammer.Mark Wahlberg is solid as the
lead even if it stretches the imagination that he’s some sort of genius
inventor.Kelsey Grammer is fairly solid
as the human villain, he poses a creditable threat throughout.Stanley Tucci proves why he’s a great actor;
taking a silly role and making it work.Another
aspect that’s much improved is that the transformers villain, Lockdown, is
actually interesting this go around, something they failed to do over 3 films
with Megatron.Additionally, the Autobots
at Prime’s side have some characterization that makes them likable and makes
this feel the closest to the animated series and any child of the 80s will get
chills when the dinobots makes their appearance.It’s the Bay oddity that this is probably his
best Transformers film even though it’s filled with the worse he has to
offer.Sadly, the animated Transformers
The Movie is still the best cinematic entry.
So, apparently, the rules have changed. Considering the new poster and trailer for the 4th Michael Bay directed Transformers film I have to think he's referring to the addition by subtraction of Shia LaBeouf's from this and future installments.
As for the trailer itself it's typical Bay, love him or hate him. There isn't much in terms of Transformers action on display we didn't see during the Super Bowl teaser but with LaBeouf out, I'm sure the human portion of these films will be much more bearable.....
Contraband director Baltasar Kormákur and star Mark Wahlberg reteam for this all-star thriller centered on the fragile alliance between two operatives from rival bureaus, neither of whom realize that the other is working undercover. For the past year, U.S. naval intelligence officer Marcus Stigman (Wahlberg) and DEA agent Bobby Trench (Denzel Washington) have been on a covert mission to infiltrate a powerful narcotics syndicate. In the criminal underworld, trust comes in short supply. Bill Paxton, Edward James Olmos, Paula Patton, and James Marsden co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Baltasar Kormákur
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Denzel Washington, Paula Patton, Bill Paxton, Fred Ward
Release Date: Aug 02, 2013
Rated R for violence throughout, language and brief nudity.
Runtime: 1 hr. 49 min.
Genres: Action/Adventure, Suspense/Thriller
Review:
2 Guns is an incredibly fun film which takes advantage of its 2 stars talents which is helped by a whip cracking script. Baltasar directs a brisk film which doesn’t take itself overly seriously. A solid sense of fun is established right from the start with Washington and Wahlberg shooting back and forth with each other. They have wonderful screen chemistry together making it a joy to watch them onscreen. Both seem to be having a blast working together. The supporting cast is solid throughout with Paula Patton and Edward James Olmos doing yeoman’s work in limited roles. Bill Paxton chews up the screen every minute he’s on it but in a good way. The action is big loud and violent. All of it choreographed perfectly making each action set piece more fun than the last. After a crash em up sequence between Wahlberg’s Stigman and Washington’s Trench, Wahlberg ask him to admit that was a lot of fun. I’d have to agree.
Dearest Blog, yesterday I took advantage of my employer's benevolence and used my afternoon off for an early screening of the Denzel Washington/Mark Wahlberg buddy action flick 2 Guns.
Spoiler level here will be mild, only things divulged by the trailers. I must call out the film on one specific scene, but I won't mention any details.
Nothing is what it seems in the fallout of two law enforcement agents' attempt to infiltrate a Mexican drug cartel.
If we're being honest, chances of my not liking 2 Guns were slim to none, as I knew from the first trailer that it's exactly my kind of movie: action heavy, with two great male leads and nary a chick in sight. Booyah! Fortunately, the movie does not disappoint.
Though 2 Guns is obviously not short on gun battles and explosions, it also tells a great story full of interesting twists. Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg have terrific chemistry, and Washington commands the screen as only he can. If he just stood there reading the TV Guide, it'd easily be worth the price of admission. The supporting cast boasts standouts Edward James Olmos, Bill Paxton, and Fred Ward, as well as the lovely Paula Patton and James Marsden.
2 Guns is a very violent film, including one unnecessary and inexcusable scene of animal cruelty early on, but it also has a fair bit of humor. I laughed out loud several times, was engaged from start to finish, and can happily say I loved it every bit as much as I expected to.
2 Guns clocks in at 109 minutes and is rated R for "violence throughout, language, and brief nudity." If not for the awful animal-abuse scene, it might well have had my first perfect rating of the year, but, even so, of a possible nine Weasleys, 2 Guns easily earns eight.
Until next time...
Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, and it's raining money? Where do I sign up???
Dearest Blog, hot on the heels of a great concert, the movies seemed like a poor substitute for the thing I really love. Still, it's Saturday, so off to the cinema I went to see Pain & Gain.
Three muscle-bound meatheads hatch a risky plot to relieve a Miami mogul of his considerable wealth.
Spoiler level here will be mild.
There's really no reason Pain & Gain should be a funny story. Three idiots ruin their own lives and several others, just because they think life owes them more than they've got. However, the sheer stupidity of our terrible trio--brilliantly played by Mark Wahlberg, Anthony Mackie, and Dwayne Johnson--makes this the funniest movie I've seen in at least a year.
I've never held with people who believe dramatic acting is more credible than comedy. Wahlberg, Mackie, and Johnson are absolutely fantastic in Pain & Gain, and Ed Harris nearly steals the show when he turns up to take on the bumbling criminals. It's to both writers' and actors' credit that the leads are enjoyable, yet it's
always clear they're bad guys, and you won't feel sorry for them if things go sideways.
Pain & Gain is loaded with brutal violence, bad language, and drug use, with some boobies thrown in for good measure...pretty much offensive across the board. If you're sensitive about such things, this isn't the movie for you. If, for whatever reason, you can get a laugh out of some horrible and inappropriate scenarios, well...you're in the right place! My only complaint is that the movie's somewhat longer than it needs to be.
Pain & Gain clocks in at 130 minutes and is rated R for "bloody violence, crude sexual content, nudity, language throughout, and drug use." I thoroughly enjoyed it, laughing out loud for most of the two hours. Of a possible nine Weaselys, Pain & Gain gets seven and a half.
Until next
Daniel Lugo (Mark Wahlberg) is a regular bodybuilder who works at the Sun Gym along with his friend Adrian Doorbal (Anthony Mackie). Sick of living the poor life, Lugo concocts a plan to kidnap Victor Kershaw (Tony Shalhoub), a regular at the gym and a rich, spoiled businessman, and extort money from him by means of torture. With the help of recently released criminal Paul Doyle (Dwayne Johnson), the "Sun Gym Gang" successfully gets Kershaw to sign over all his finances. But when Kershaw survives an attempted murder by the gang, he hires private investigator Ed Du Bois (Ed Harris) to catch the criminals after the Miami Police Department fails to do so.
Director: Michael Bay
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Anthony Mackie, Tony Shalhoub, Ed Harris
Release Date: Apr 26, 2013
Rated R for crude Sexual Content, Bloody Violence, Drug Use, Language Throughout and Nudity
Runtime: 2 hr. 9 min.
Genres: Action/Adventure, Comedy
Review:
I’ve been a bit of a Michael Bay apologist over the years. Not because I believe he’s a mad genius but because I think he’s actually a solid action director whose becoming a whipping boy admittedly due to some of his really bad films. He creates the type of bombastic popcorn movies that are easily digestible and would rot your teeth if you consumed them regularly. Like all indulgences it should be done in moderation which is ironic since Bay doesn’t know anything about moderation. Pain & Gain is a bulging muscle flexing with veins popping out everywhere. Its first act is the type of caffeinated movie going experience that feels like somebody’s poured cocaine into your eyeballs. A bulging Mark Wahlberg is focused and dedicated to his role. He’s clearly enjoying himself throughout and keeps a bug eyed energy alive through the better part of the film. Equally game Dwayne Johnson, looking bigger than I’ve ever seen him, and Anthony Mackie match him throughout. Their interplay is great comedy especially as things get more ridiculous and out of control. Having the story change from point of during the story allows us to get into these morons minds and see what’s leading them down the incredibly slippery slope towards disaster. Tony Shalhoub delivers an extra salty performance in a limited role. Sadly Ed Harris and Rebel Wilson are mostly marginalized in thankless roles. Pain and Gain’s major faults are really a reflection of Bay’s. The characters, all of them, are caricatures of people; none of them feel real in anyway. They’re Bay mutated version of what real people are. Additionally, Bay never knows too much of a good thing. The first 2 acts are crisp and energetic but the last act drags on. It’s not terrible but it could have been streamlined. Bay would have been better served if he remembered its ok not to flex all the time.
A man wrestles with the lingering consequences of a childhood wish in this live-action comedy from Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane. As a young boy, John Bennett wanted nothing more than for his beloved teddy bear Ted (voice of MacFarlane) to come to life. Incredibly, that wish was granted. But now that John (Mark Wahlberg) is all grown up, his boyhood dream has become a nightmare nuisance. Mila Kunis, Joel McHale, and Giovanni Ribisi co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Seth MacFarlane
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Seth MacFarlane, Joel McHale, Giovanni Ribisi.
Release Date: Jun 29, 2012
Rated R for some Drug Use, Pervasive Language and Crude and Sexual Content
Runtime: 1 hr. 46 min.
Genres: Comedy
Review:
If you are familiar with Seth MacFarlane’s brand of humor from Family Guy, American Dad etc… then you’ll know what to expect in his first feature film. It’s very much in keeping with those way lengths, even teetering closely into full crossover with Ted sounding very much like Peter Griffin. MacFarlane transposes a standard rom-com plot; annoying friend comes between couple, and mixes it up with a foul mouthed CGI bear. It’s raucous vulgar and generally a lot of fun. MacFarlane is allowed to go balls to the wall without having to worry about TV censors and it’s pretty much what you’d expect, frat boy humor gone wild. Along the way a certain 80’s cult movie star shows up during a crazy party scene and one of the most hilarious fights I’ve sat through since Borat. It’s all utterly silly and stupid and it never takes itself too seriously. The cast is all game with each actor and actress hitting their marks around an impressively realized CGI star voiced with great gusto by MacFarlane. A few hiccups come in the form of the aforementioned well worn plot and kind of unnecessary subplot that adds an extra 15 minutes to the film that could have been excised without much issue. Regardless, Ted is the kind of comedy that’ll end up on many a shelf when it hits video.
A desk-jockey detective and his tough-talking partner get their moment to shine in this buddy police comedy starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, and directed by Adam McKay (Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby). New York City detective Allen Gamble (Ferrell) is more comfortable pushing pencils than busting bad guys. A meticulous forensic accountant, his numbers are never off. Detective Terry Hoitz (Wahlberg) is Gamble's reluctant partner. Try as Detective Hoitz might to get back on the streets, an embarrassing encounter with Derek Jeter has left a sizable black mark on his permanent record. Detectives Danson (Dwayne Johnson) and Highsmith (Samuel L. Jackson) are the complete opposites of Gamble and Hoitz: unwaveringly confident, they always get their man, and they do it with style to spare. When the time comes for Gamble and Hoitz to prove their mettle and save the day, their incompetence becomes the stuff of legend. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Adam McKay
Cast: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes, Michael Keaton, Dwayne Johnson.
Release Date: Aug 06, 2010
Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual content, violence, some drug material and language
Runtime: 1 hr. 47 min.
Genres: Action/Adventure, Comedy
Review:
Adam McKay and Will Ferrell are usually comedic gold and they have the absurdist resume to prove it. The Other Guys is another strong comedic outing for the pair this time bringing Mark Wahlberg into the fold who’s finally having a little fun with himself by playing a parody of his typical character. McKay set the table with a ridiculous and entertaining opening action sequence involving Sam Jackson and Dwayne Johnson, both who are more just around for what amounts to an extended cameo, as your usual super cops. From the there, McKay introduces Ferrell and Wahlberg’s characters and keeps the film moving at a steady pace, throwing jokes left and right with great effect as both actors share palpable comedic chemistry onscreen. They play off each other extremely well throughout. Ferrell bounces back after last summer abysmal Land of the Lost by doing what he does best, creating likable weirdos who are more layered than you’d think. His character is like a more thoroughly realized SNL character complete with a “tragic” past. Wahlberg is well at ease playing a tongue in cheek version of the type of role he usually plays. He’s believable and only occasionally borders on caricature. Michael Keaton, Steve Coogan and Eva Mendes are all strong in supporting roles and it’s always good to see Rome’s Ray Stevenson large productions. McKay had something close to a classic on his hands till the 3rd act nearly brings the film to a dead stop as the convoluted plot gets in the way and it kind of saps the life out of the film.
This action comedy tells the tale of mild-mannered married couple Phil (Steve Carell) and Claire (Tina Fey) who fear their relationship may be falling into a stale rut. During their weekly date night, they impetuously steal a dinner reservation, which leads to a case of mistaken identity. Turns out the reservation was for a pair of thieves, and now a number of unsavory characters want Phil and Claire killed. If they can survive a wacky life-threatening night, they may just rediscover the passion missing from their marriage. Directed by Shawn Levy. Mark Wahlberg, James Franco, and Kristen Wiig co-star. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
Directed by Shawn Levy
Cast: Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Mark Wahlberg, Taraji P. Henson, Jimmi Simpson.
Release Date: Apr 09, 2010
Rated PG-13 for sexual and crude content throughout, language, some violence and a drug reference
Runtime: 1 hr. 28 min.
Genres: Comedy
Review:
Date Night is unapologetically broad in its laughs and if it weren’t for the excellent comedic talents of Tina Fey and Steve Carell it’d probably be kind of unbearable. Shawn Levy has made a career of making broad easy to consume comedies and he doesn’t change his stripes here. The jokes and situations are mostly paint by the numbers. Its fun light entertainment that keeps you mostly entertained with only occasional moments of tedium. Carell and Fey keep you interested with their strong dynamic and experienced talents. Carell brings a tenderness and earnestness to his character along with the expected goofiness. Fey is sharp and quick witted always keeping the interplay lively and energetic even in clichéd segments. Mark Wahlburg, James Franco, Mila Kunis, William Fichtner and Ray Liotta all have fun little cameos with characters that are goofy send ups of their usual roles. Date Night is the kind of movie that easily forgettable but never terrible. Considering Carell and Fey strong chemistry it would be nice to see them work with a more talent director and concept. For the time being this little nugget will work well as an appetizer.
C+
ON DVD
THE FOURTH KIND
Set in the fall of 2000 and purportedly based on actual events, The Fourth Kind stars Milla Jovovich as Dr. Abigail Tyler, a Nome, Alaska-based psychotherapist whose videotaped sessions with her patients offer the most compelling evidence of alien abduction ever documented. Elias Koteas and Will Patton co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Directed by Olatunde Osunsanmi
Cast: Milla Jovovich, Elias Koteas, Will Patton, Hakeem Kae-Kazim.
Release Date: Nov 06, 2009
Rated PG-13 for violent/disturbing images, some terror, thematic elements and brief sexuality
Runtime: 1 hr. 38 min.
Genres: Thriller
Review:
The Fourth Kind is the type of film that has an interesting approach to what is a fairly well worn genre. Sadly, director Olatunde Osunsanmi shows his inexperience throughout and presently he doesn’t have the talent to make the concept a cohesive believable whole. It’s a shame because he has an interesting style that’s aggressively interesting and he does have a few inspired moments which impress. Unfortunately, those moments are few and far between and he fails to achieve the most important thing necessary here, credibility. The film, it starts with Milla Jovovich telling you this is based on true events, demands that you have some level of belief in the proceedings for it to effectively creep you out. Instead everything comes off as fake and manufactured especially the purported “real” footage. The cast across the board is stiff and unconvincing the reenactments never feel any better than old Unsolved Mysteries shorts. It’s all kind of a uneven hodgepodge of ideas that never reach the mark. Films like Communion and Fire in the Sky do a better job with this genre. Not a great sign when the latter is a fairly laughable Walken vehicle.
D
FANTASTIC MR. FOX
A wily fox uses his formidable cunning to outsmart three feeble-minded farmers, who resort to extreme tactics to protect their chickens in director Wes Anderson's animated adaptation of the popular Roald Dahl children's book. For 12 years, Mr. and Mrs. Fox (voices of George Clooney and Meryl Streep) have lived a peaceful life in the wilderness with their son, Ash (voice of Jason Schwartzman). Shortly after their young nephew Kristofferson (voice of Eric Anderson) arrives for a visit, Mr. Fox's long-suppressed animal instincts begin to take over and the faithful family man resorts back to his old ways as a cunning chicken thief, endangering not only his family but the entire animal community as well. When evil farmers Boggis, Bunce, and Bean force the animals underground in a desperate attempt to capture the audacious Mr. Fox, dwindling food supplies force the frightened animals to band together in one last attempt to fight for the land that is rightfully theirs. Bill Murray, Michael Gambon, Willem Dafoe, and Owen Wilson provide additional
Director: Wes Anderson
Cast: George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Wallace Wolodarsky.
Release Date: Nov 13, 2009..
Rated: for action, smoking and slang humor
Runtime: 1 hr. 27 min.
Genres: Comedy
Review:
It’s rare that you find such a charming piece of filmmaking that keeps you smiling throughout via its wittiness and emotional highpoints. There is something incredibly quirky and heartfelt in all of Wes Anderson’s films and this stop motion isn’t any different. Proving that he can work his magic on stop motion dolls as effectively as his live actors, Anderson breathes life into these characters and plot almost from the instant they hit the screen. It’s no small task and he makes it seem utterly effortless throughout. The A list voice cast is up to task as well. Clooney provides just as much as charisma and sentiment as he did in Up in the Air. Meryl Streep’s work is graceful as ever providing Clooney’s titular character his moral center. Jason Schwartzman is wonderfully understated and heartfelt. The story, adapted from Roald Dahl’s children’s book, is just as smart as it should be, something the will give both adults and children something to enjoy. Fantastic Mr. Fox is a stellar achievement in film making and something that should be enjoyed by all.
