MOVIE REVIEWS: THE FIGHTER

IN THEATERS

THE FIGHTER

Mark Wahlberg stars in Paramount Pictures' inspirational docudrama exploring the remarkable rise of Massachusetts-born, junior welterweight title winner "Irish" Micky Ward. A determined pugilist whose career in the ring was shepherded by his loyal half-brother, Dicky (Christian Bale) -- a hard-living boxer-turned-trainer whose own career in the ring was nearly sent down for the count due to drugs and crime -- perennial underdog Irish Micky rebounded from a disheartening series of defeats to win both the WBU Intercontinental Lightweight title and the WBU Light Welterweight title thanks to a fierce combination of determination and hard work. David O. Russell directs from a script by 8 Mile's Scott Silver and Paul Attanasio (The Bourne Ultimatum). ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: David O. Russell

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, Jack McGee

Release Date: Dec 17, 2010

Rated R for some violence, sexuality, language throughout and drug content

Runtime: 1 hr. 54 min.

Genres: Documentary, Drama

Review:

Films based on sports stories always have inherent obstacles to clear to make an impression. Those obstacles are simple in that the plots are all identical, underdog rises get to the big game fight etc., and the faux sports never feels truly authentic. As a result this genre always has to work a bit harder than most. The Fighter works as a true life Rocky story because it’s a thoroughly compelling story about family and dysfunction with the sports aspect almost an afterthought. David Russell delivers a film that engaging from the moment it begins. It features some of the best all around acting from its stellar cast. Mark Wahlberg is soft spoken and heartfelt throughout, he tends to blend in to the background from time to time. It’s not really because of anything Wahlberg does but the other parts are meatier roles. Case in point, Christine Bale’s amazing performance as Mickey’s crack addict / trainer Dicky. Bale is a method actor through and through and here he’s manipulated his body to another extreme similar to what he did in The Machinist. His appearance and mannerism are just spot on throughout especially when you see footage of the real person. Bale has shown incredible versatility over the past couple of years and this role should give him the accolades and Oscar he’s deserved. Amy Adams is also impressive playing against type and does it extremely well. Melissa Leo reeks of authenticity as Mickey’s mother and manager. As a whole the cast share fantastic believable chemistry that boosts the story’s emotional center making everything ring true.
A-

Trailer Kevin Smith's Red State

Trailer for Kevin Smith's long talked about horror movie, huge departure for the him and it looks surprisingly stylish, who knows if it'll work or just come off as a variation on Children of the Corn....

MOVIE REVIEWS: THE TOWN

ON DVD

THE TOWN



Boston bank robber Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) falls for a woman his gang had previously taken hostage after feigning a chance meeting with her to ensure that she can't identify them in Affleck's adaptation of author Chuck Hogan's novel Prince of Thieves. The son of a tough Charlestown, MA thief, Doug passed on his chance to walk the straight and narrow in favor of becoming a career bank robber. Not only is Doug's crew one of the most ruthless in Boston, but they're also one of the best; they never leave a trace of evidence, and always make a clean break. Over the years, Doug's fearless partners in crime have become something of a surrogate family to him; Jem (Jeremy Renner), the most dangerous of the bunch, is the closest thing Doug has ever had to a brother. But a divide begins to open between the two career criminals when Jem takes bank manager Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall) hostage during a particularly tense heist, and the group subsequently discovers that she hails from their own tight-knit suburb. When Jem proposes that the gang make an effort to find out just how much Claire recalls about the crime, Doug fears that his volatile partner may do more harm than good and volunteers himself for the job. Later, Doug turns on the charm while pretending to bump into Claire by chance, and becomes convinced that she doesn't suspect him of being the same man who just robbed her bank. As the feds turn up the heat on the gang, Doug finds himself falling for Claire, and searching desperately for a means of cutting his ties to his criminal past. But with each passing day, Jem grows increasingly suspicious of Doug's true motivations. Now caught between two worlds with no chance of turning back, Doug realizes that his only hope for finding a happy future is to betray the only family he's ever known. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Ben Affleck

Cast: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively.

Release Date: Sep 17, 2010

Rated R for strong violence, pervasive language, some sexuality and drug use

Runtime: 2 hr. 5 min.

Genres: Drama

Review:

Ben Affleck’s sophomore directorial effort is a dirty gritty heist drama that’s always interesting even if the story feels predictable. Affleck has an undeniable talent to capture the feel of the area and the people who live there. Even if the plot is a bit far fetched Affleck keeps the film grounded with characters that feel lived in and world weary. In the lead role, Affleck turns in his best work in years allowing the audience to feel the character conflicted nature. While Affleck is impressively strong, Jeremy Renner is absolutely stellar in a supporting role. Renner almost disappears into his character, creating a character that’s menacing and unpredictable. Jon Hamm also delivers strong work as the pressing FBI agent. Blake Lively is appropriately grimy but her performance occasionally feels forced. Faring worse is Rebecca Hall who just seems to blend in with the scenery never making much of an impression. Chris Cooper and Pete Postlethwaite have small but important roles, they both perform well and make you wish they’d been given a bit more screen time since the characters are so intriguing. The film ends with a pulse pounding bang with a massive action set piece that’s a perfect bloody send off for a well crafted and acted film.

B+

MOVIE REVIEWS: TRUE GRIT

IN THEATERS

TRUE GRIT



14-year-old mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) joins an aging U.S. marshal (Jeff Bridges) and another lawman (Matt Damon) in tracking her father's killer into hostile Indian territory in Joel and Ethan Coen's adaptation of Charles Portis' original novel. Sticking more closely to the source material than the 1969 feature adaptation starring Western icon John Wayne, the Coens' True Grit tells the story from the young girl's perspective, and re-teams the celebrated filmmaking duo with their No Country for Old Men producing partner Scott Rudin. Josh Brolin and Barry Pepper co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Cast: Jeff Bridges, Josh Brolin, Matt Damon, Barry Pepper, Dakin Matthews.

Release Date: Dec 22, 2010

Rated PG-13 for some intense sequences of western violence including disturbing images

Runtime: 2 hr. 8 min.

Genres: Drama

Review:

Being unfamiliar with the novel and John Wayne film, I came to the Coen’s brother’s True Grit a clean slate. Westerns of yesteryear had never had much appeal for me outside of the occasional spaghetti western. The most recent western I’ve found more appealing for some reason and True Grit is one of those films that perfectly personifies why. Its characters are well drawn and thoroughly complex and never disinteresting. The Coen’s have a wonderful eye and love of the wide open spaces and varied climates. They pace this film steadily and thoughtfully so you can savor ever aspect of the scene and sharp dialogue. Newcomer Hailee Steinfeld is a revelation from the outset; she gives her character a forceful strength and wisdom that demand you attention throughout. She more than comfortable onscreen with the big name talent and holds her own with ease. Jeff Bridges chews scenery from the moment his character is introduced; it’s a delightful performance that’s surprisingly multilayered and textured. Bridges and Steinfeld share excellent chemistry together, something much needed for a story like this. Matt Damon turns in solid supporting work as a Texas Ranger who appears to be more talk and vanity than substance. Damon displays strong flexibility and range here working as a solid ying to Bridge’s yang. Josh Brolin and Barry Peppers are excellent in tiny but pivotal roles.

A

Merry X-mas everyone!!!

Just wanted to wish everyone who reads my reviews a wonderful and happy X-mas and holidays.





I truly appreciate all of you guys and gals!

MOVIE REVIEWS: TRON: LEGACY

IN THEATERS

TRON:LEGACY 3D



The Master Control Program is booted back up in this revamped Tron continuation that sees the return of original star Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn, the brilliant computer programmer whose disappearance leads his son, Sam (Garrett Hedlund), to search for him in and out of the computer world. Original director and co-writer Steven Lisberger produces the new film, which is helmed by commercial director Joseph Kosinski. James Frain, Olivia Wilde, Beau Garrett, and Michael Sheen also star, with Bruce Boxleitner returning as Alan Bradley and Tron, the heroic protagonist of the original film. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Cast: Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Bruce Boxleitner, Michael Sheen.

Release Date: Dec 17, 2010

Rated: Sequences of sci-fi action violence and brief mild language

Runtime: 2 hr. 7 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review:

Tron: Legacy is very much like a jaw breaker candy, a cinematic concoction of tightly pressed sugar that’s tasty but difficult to get through and when you’re done you have nothing. That not to say it’s a horrible movie as much as it’s purely a visual experience, similar to the 1982 original. The biggest asset to this film is ascetic, they are amazing to behold especially in 3D. The digital world is a fully realized wonder that’s going to give everyone endless gee whiz moments. The battles whether disk to disk, light cycle or light planes are all thrilling and thoroughly enjoyable. The problem with this film is the script which is thoroughly complex yet incredibly basic and features characters that are thoroughly uninteresting. Rookie director Joseph Kosinski has the visual flair to make the film watchable but his inexperience shine through with the wooden performances he coxed out of his cast. Flat dialogue runs amok throughout the film with Bridges being the only one who doesn’t look like he’s acting. Garrett Hedlund is so disinteresting as the lead her that you kind of wish he’d just stay off the screen. The aforementioned Bridges seems to be having fun or at least seems a little high as he channels The Dude as the elder Flynn. As his villainous doppelganger Clu, with the creepy de-aged digital face which is far from perfect, Bridges is mostly just asked to yell a lot and not much more. Olivia Wilde seems content to pose for the camera since her character is so thinly conceived. Michael Sheen, in a small but memorable role, goes all out in a full camp mode reminding me of a flamboyant Riddler from the 60’s Batman show. Tron: Legacy is a film that follows its predecessor’s footsteps being all flash and no substance.

C-