Cindy Prascik's The Lego Movie & The Monuments Men

Dearest Blog, yesterday it was off to the cinema for two flicks about which I'd been very excited: The Lego Movie and The Monuments Men.

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

So, dear Blog, you may ask WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING going to the Lego Movie on a Saturday afternoon that was nice enough for people to GET out, but not nice enough for people to BE out, thus ensuring I'd be sharing the experience with a roomful of kids? I suppose my answer would be: No. Earthly. Idea.

The Lego Movie follows an ordinary Lego guy on his adventure as he tries to save the universe from an evil Lego tyrant...with a little help from some familiar Lego faces.

The Lego Movie was, indeed, packed wall-to-wall with young 'uns (including two birthday parties, if my eavesdropping skills are accurate). They talked, they ran around, they slammed into my seat, and one little boy directly in front of me stood, hand on hip, waving his drink at his mother and yelling, "There's no straw!" until I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only one considering stuffing him in the bin. That being said, they didn't ruin the movie for me, which can mean only one thing: it's a damn good movie.

The Lego Movie is, first and foremost, a unique experience; the art and animation are extraordinary. This is a movie that grabs your attention in the first minute and never lets go, and I think that would be the case even if nobody ever said a word. Luckily, the little Lego people do say words, and they're funny words at that. The Lego Movie is "family entertainment" that really does entertain the whole family and, while my 200 kidlets brought down the house over pantsless Lego people, there were plenty of jokes for the grownups, too. The cast is comprised of notable folks that, even if you don't know their names, you'll surely know their voices. Will Arnett is particularly effective as a grumpy, Bale-esque Batman, and Charlie Day's spastic 80s robot is a treat. The movie smartly doesn't wear out its welcome, and I think I speak for the 200 kids when I say it left us all wanting more.

The Lego Movie clocks in at 100 minutes and is rated PG for "mild action and rude humor."

Though 2014's Oscars haven't even been handed out yet, it's hard for me to imagine something that's going to beat this as Best Animated Feature at 2015's. (Disclaimer: With How to Train Your Dragon 2 on the way this year, I fully anticipate having to eat those words.) Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Lego Movie gets seven and a half.

The second half of yesterday's double-feature was George Clooney's The Monuments Men, based on the true story of a group of unlikely soldiers tasked with saving stolen art from the Nazis and returning it to its rightful owners.

When I first started seeing trailers for The Monuments Men, the cast and the subject matter had me thinking it would be an awards-season favorite. The release date and the Internet (which never lies, right?) tell me that's not the case, and for the life of me, I just don't get why not.

While it may be about as historically accurate as Argo, The Monuments Men does its job as a movie; it presents a relevant, interesting story in an entertaining way. The film moves at a good pace, holds your attention for the duration, and reinforces a message that's important even 70 years later. In addition to Clooney (who also handled directing and co-writing duties), the terrific cast includes Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin (that's "dude from The Artist that I'm still mad at for stealing Gary Oldman's Oscar," in case anyone didn't know), Hugh Bonneville, and Bob Balaban. It's a smart, moving, and, yes, sometimes funny look at a not-at-all-funny historical event, and the reaction around my theatre tells me I'm not the only one who thinks it's getting shortchanged by critics.

The Monuments Men runs 118 minutes and is rated PG13 for "some images of war violence and historical smoking." (Is that really a thing..."historical smoking??")

While it may not be setting the world on fire like the Oscar-hopeful it once seemed, for my money, The Monuments Men is a total success, no less entertaining for having an important point. Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Monuments Men gets seven.

So, dear Blog, that's all the news that's fit to print for now. Next weekend brings the year's first Gary Oldman Cinema Experience, so there will be swooning a-plenty on this front.

Until next time...



Your efforts are futile in the face of my box-office prowess!

MOVIE REVIEW: RIDE ALONG

A motor-mouthed high-school security guard joins his prospective brother-in-law, a decorated police detective, on a shift along the mean streets of Atlanta and learns that life on the force is no picnic in this action comedy from director Tim Story (Fantastic Four, Think Like a Man). Ben (Kevin Hart) longs to marry his gorgeous girlfriend Angela (Tika Sumpter), but before he can propose he must first get the approval of her tough-as-nails brother James (Ice Cube), a top detective in the Atlanta Police Department. John Leguizamo and Laurence Fishburne co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Tim Story

Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, John Leguizamo, Bruce McGill, Bryan Callen

Release Date: Jan 17, 2014

Rated PG-13 Sequences of violence, sexual content and brief strong language.

Runtime: 1 hr. 39 min

Genres: Action/Adventure, Comedy

Review:

I went into Ride Along willing to give it a fair shot and off the strength of a funny trailer I was slightly hopeful. Personally I like Kevin Hart and Ice Cube has done some funny movies, even if we a few decades removed from them. On the good side, Hart is funny is spots and shares good chemistry with Cube. The biggest problem is that the movie is incredibly lazy in every way possible. The script is full of hackneyed tropes and jokes at every stop with Ice Cube winking at the camera while making some incredibly unfunny meta jokes, unwittingly at his own expensive. Kevin Hart, aka that squirrel on a Red Bull IV, is talented enough to pull some laughs out of a bone dry script. Saying that John Leguizamo and Laurence Fishburne are slumming it doesn’t even begin to cover their appearance in this film. At a little over an hour and a half, it’s the kind of movie that you’ll be seeing none stop on TBS or FX followed by another Cube classic Are We There Yet.

C-

Cindy Prascik’s Review of I, Frankenstein

Dearest Blog, with the possibility of snow-derailed plans hanging over my Saturday, I hopped out to the movies on opening night for I, Frankenstein. I'd been looking forward to it far too much for far too long to risk a weather delay. (You can stop laughing anytime.) Never worry, though, dear reader(s), I was on my way OUT as the Friday-night teens were on their way IN.

Spoiler level here will be mild-ish, nothing you wouldn't know or have guessed from the trailers.

In the present day, Victor Frankenstein's creation lands in the middle of a centuries-old war between supernatural species.
If you were online for three minutes before happening upon this blog, you've probably already seen an item or two saying how terrible this movie is, or how ridiculous...or probably both. Here I shall provide you the counterpoint.

Yes, I, Frankenstein is cheesy and offers one of the most obvious reveals in the history of movie reveals, but it's also got a likable, recognizable cast, some groovy effects, and one especially well-choreographed fight scene that I'll probably watch ten times in a row as soon as I put my hands on the DVD. Typically for this sort of film, there's a Randomly Hot Dude I've never seen before who has two lines and dies in the first 20 minutes...but now I have a crush and have to spend $100 picking up all his terrible old movies on Amazon. It also has the occasional nod to the title character's iconic nature, and, unlike your friendly neighborhood Best Picture nominee, is smart enough not to wear out its welcome.

Aaron Eckhart has long since proved himself capable, and he's an easy watch in the lead. If the movie takes an extra moment to linger gratuitously on his perfectly sculpted abs, well...no complaints here! It goes without saying Bill Nighy is overqualified for his role, but he's supremely entertaining and the movie is better for having him. (Somehow I couldn't stop picturing his and Gary Oldman's agents fistfighting over these easy-money parts...Gary gets Robocop, Bill gets Frankenstein!) Miranda Otto and Yvonne Strahovski are fine in predictable female roles. Best surprise was the delicious Aden Young turning up in a small but important part.

I, Frankenstein clocks in at a tight 93 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sequences of intense fantasy action and violence throughout."

I will respectfully but emphatically disagree with anyone who trashes this movie. It's a terrific bit of escapism from the so-bad-it's-good school, and, for my money, is destined to become a cult classic. Of a possible nine Weasleys, I, Frankenstein gets seven.

Until next time...



Hey, Doc, next time you're making these, don't forget mine, m-kay?

Cindy Prascik's Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, Dallas Buyers Club & 12 Years a Slave

Dearest Blog, in a weekend where my cinema rolled out all the awards nominees at once and I should have seen six movies, I feel pretty good about the fact that I managed three: Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, Dallas Buyers Club, and 12 Years a Slave. Though most of the world has probably already seen at least two of those, we'll keep spoilers to a minimum, nothing you wouldn't know or guess from the trailers.

First on the weekend's agenda was the new release Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit.

Newly-minted agent Jack Ryan gets himself in hot water after discovering a terrorist threat from Russia.

First, dear Blog, let me say how comforting it is to have good ol' Mother Russia back to her cinematically villainous ways. I'm a child of the Cold War, and I have to admit I'm just not feelin' more recent threats like North Korea and the Taliban.

In his first outing as the iconic Ryan, Chris Pine is younger and less polished than his predecessors, but no less entertaining. He's a good fit for the role, and I won't mind if he's the new face of a(nother) franchise. Kenneth Branagh is a bit over the top, but enjoyable, as the big baddie, but, sadly, Kiera Knightly is a casting misstep as Ryan's fiance. She's flat, unsympathetic, and her generic American accent is awful.

Good action sequences and interesting (if dubious) technology keep Shadow Recruit moving at a nice pace, and it doesn't overstay its welcome.

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit runs 105 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sequences of violence and intense action, and brief strong language."

Especially in this glittering awards season, there's nothing special or memorable about Shadow Recruit, but if you're looking for a couple hours of fun escapism at the movies, don't let snotty reviewers talk you out of this one.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit gets six.

Number two on my weekend's agenda was the much-anticipated Dallas Buyers Club.

After discovering he has HIV, a Texas rodeo rider challenges the law and his own prejudices in his attempts to find treatment.

With Golden Globes, Critics' Choice, and SAG awards already under Matthew McConaughey's and Jared Leto's belts, nobody needs this blog to reassure them of the quality of performances in Dallas Buyers Club; it goes without saying they are simply amazing. The supporting cast, including Denis O'Hare and Jennifer Garner, also does a fine job.

The story is at times sad and difficult to watch, but never miserable just for effect. It doesn't bog down and engages from the first second to the last.

Dallas Buyer's Club clocks in at 117 minutes and is rated R for "pervasive language, some strong sexual content, nudity, and drug use."

Reviews say as much about the reviewer as they do about the subject, and when it comes to this year's awards contenders, Dallas Buyers Club is the one telling the story that matters to me, personally. I'm grateful the people telling it have done such an extraordinary job.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Dallas Buyers Club gets eight and a half.

The final installment in my weekend triple-header was the lauded drama 12 Years a Slave.

A free black man is torn from his life in New York and sold into slavery in the south.

Again, any plaudits I can heap on this film are pretty redundant at this point. It's cleaning up at the major awards shows and, while it's not my personal best picture, I wouldn't say doesn't deserve the accolades, either.

The cast, awards-acknowledged (Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong'o) and not (Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Fassbender, Alfre Woodard, Brad Pitt, Garrett Dillahunt, and especially Paul Dano), is extraordinary, and the story is as fascinating as it is disturbing. For my money, the movie occasionally over-does it, dragging some shots and scenes on longer than necessary. There's no denying that it works at times to set a mood or maintain tension, but other times it just made me look at the clock. In the end, it's a small flaw to forgive in what's otherwise a truly special picture.

12 Years a Slave runs 134 minutes and is rated R for "violence/cruelty, some nudity, and brief sexuality."

Tough as it is to watch, 12 Years a Slave should be mandatory viewing for everyone, period. It's just that important.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, 12 Years a Slave gets eight.

Now I've done my duty with awards nominees and have to get out to see The Hobbit again one day this week! Until next time...



When "Chris Pine on a motorcycle" is an option, you didn't think I'd pick a photo from one of those other movies, did you?

MOVIE REVIEW: HER

A sensitive and soulful man earns a living by writing personal letters for other people. Left heartbroken after a long love affair ends, Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) becomes fascinated with a new operating system which reportedly develops into an intuitive and unique entity in its own right. He starts the program and meets "Samantha" (Scarlett Johansson), whose bright voice reveals a sensitive, playful personality. Though "friends" initially, the relationship soon deepens into love.. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Spike Jonze

Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, Rooney Mara, Amy Adams

Release Date: Dec 18, 2013

Rated R for language, Brief Graphic Nudity and Sexual Content

Runtime: 1 hr. 59 min.

Genres: Romance

Review:

Spike Jonze Her is a beautifully told love story that’s about as dense as week old muffins. Jonze’s, who also wrote the script, film is set in the hipster populated near future where a lonely man falls in love with a sentience operating system but it’s all a proxy for a myriad of themes and ideas. It’s delicate and harsh at the same time with the emotional journey ringing true throughout. You could say this film is about increasingly detached world or about journey we go through in relationships or the evolution of a person as they grow and learn. Any one of those would be correct in my opinion and there are still other thematic elements at play throughout. Joaquin Phoenix turns in an awards caliber performance, especially when you consider the fact that he was acting by himself for the better part of the film only with Johansson’s voice to work with. It’s an impressive turn from the start were we sense the character’s loneliness and the emotional journey he goes through. It maybe his best work to date. Johansson’s voice work is equally impressive. She creates a tangible character with emotional weight which is quite a trick since she’s just a disembodied voice. They both have a discernable rapport together which makes the emotions feel real. It’s a strangely impressive feat for the film. There are some issues albeit minor ones. The allegory does occasionally veer into pretentious territory by taking things into silly extremes. Additionally, the story is overlong, needlessly meandering for portions of the 2nd act before moving to its inevitable conclusion.

A-

MOVIE REVIEW: PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE MARKED ONES

A young California Latino named Jesse (Andrew Jacobs) is designated for possession by the same malevolent demon who previously claimed Kristi and Katie. Christopher Landon (son of Highway to Heaven actor Michael Landon) wrote and directed this spin-off/sequel produced by Oren Peli and Jason Blum. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Christopher Landon

Cast: Andrew Jacobs, Jorge Diaz, Gabrielle Walsh, Gloria Sandoval

Release Date: Jan 03, 2014

Rated R for pervasive Language, Graphic Nudity, Some Drug Use and Some Violence

Runtime: 1 hr. 24 min.

Genres: Horror

Review:

If you’ve paid to see Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, the new spin off but not direct sequel, to the continuing found footage horror series chances are that you’ve enjoyed the series in some form or fashion. If you haven’t this entry won’t change your mind about the series. The general plot points are the same even though they get a Hispanic spin. The Hispanic spin is a bit heavy handed with just about every cliché thrown in you can think. Thankfully it’s a solid set up from the 4th film which was a lazy waste of time. The Marked Ones does deliver some interesting little scares even if they are cheap. The story is rather brisk and it rarely lingers too long on anything too long to bother you. The character and actors are fairly likeable with a surprisingly funny first act. As the film progresses it does reach a certain point of silliness ending with a climax that involves gang bangers and witches. It’s a fun cheap little horror film which is as enjoyable as it is predictable.

B-