Transformers: A Creation Cop Out

With Christmas coming up, I haven't had a chance to watch as many movies. Here are the few that I have gotten to, although 'Transformers' is from a while back (one I forgot to review):

Cop Out - (2 Stars)
There are plenty of buddy cop action comedies out there, including one of my favorite movies, so Cop Out already starts itself from a bad position. Add in the fact that this is the first time Kevin Smith is directing something he didn't write, and things are not looking any better. Had Smith written and directed this, it might have fared better as I've enjoyed some of Smith's previous movies, but not all of them by any means. This movie is going to be added to the "not so much enjoyed" list.

The movie starts funny enough with a good mix of visual and verbal humor from leads Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan but then nothing really happens. The story, which is never top focus in this type of movie, is pretty weak and the laughs drop off dramatically once the main arc of the story picks up. I ended up finding myself bored more than laughing. There wasn't even that much action to pick up the lack of comedy.
(107 minutes - Rated R for pervasive language including sexual references, violence and brief sexuality - 2010) (Netflix)

Creation - (2 1/2 Stars)
Paul Bettany does a wonderful job with his very emotional, human portrayal of Darwin. Most times when people think of Darwin, they focus on his theory and not on what lead Darwin to his theories. Creation instead makes an interesting focus on Darwin's religious beliefs and the conflict he felt with his newfound discovery. But, it's not without its faults. Creation is another movie that builds well, but falters near the end. Creation, like many movies that dwell in the realm of emotions, built up but never hit that perfect end note.
(108 minutes - Rated PG-13 for some intense thematic material - 2009) (Netflix)

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - (2 Stars)
After the very successful first 'Transformers' movie, it would have seemed that Michael Bay could only improve on the flawed but fun movie. Instead, like many people predicted, Bay created a mess of a sequel. There is simply too much going on for a movie that should know that it's more about giant fighting robots than complicated exposition. It's too long, too tedious and too ridiculous, and that's hard to do when you are already expecting to see giant, transforming robots.

The first entry into the Transformers series wasn't great by any means, but it was at least more than an excuse for Michael Bay to blow stuff up and overcomplicated mythology. Okay, it probably was just an excuse for Michael Bay to blow stuff up, but at least (unfortunately) it made me interested in seeing the second one. Now the only reason I want to see the third one is to see whether or not the train completely derails or gets back on track. Just don't expect me to head to the theatre to do so.
(150 minutes - Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action violence, language, some crude and sexual material, and brief drug material - 2009) (Netflix)

The Last Greenberg Apocalypse

In a move reminiscent of Christopher Nolan, I have some movie reviews that are out of chronological order with my other posts. I watched them all before I watched Inception (but I mentioned at the beginning of that review, referring to an "endless quagmire of mediocre or sub-par movies"). Nothing that stands out in this bunch, unless being very bad stands out.

The Last Song - (1 Star)
Without even putting the DVD into the player, this movie had two strikes against it: Nicholas Sparks and Miley Cyrus. Some will probably say that it's a little harsh/biased to go into a movie thinking that. Trust me, in this case, it's not. "The Last Song" is another typical Nicholas Sparks movie that includes all of his usual gimmicks. The acting gets pretty bad at some points in the movie, especially the first introduction between Miley Cyrus' character and her eventual love interest, Liam Hemsworth, where it literally felt like Miley was reading cue cards behind his head. Probably enjoyable for younger teenage girls, a demographic to which I obviously don't belong.
(107 minutes - Rated PG for thematic material, some violence, sensuality and mild language - 2010) (Netflix)

Superman/Batman: Apocalypse - (2 1/2 Stars)
A follow-up to the previous Superman/Batman: Public Enemies. As someone who has read the source comic book, I can say that it plays like a mediocre adaptation. It doesn't really change much or bring anything new to a story that was just kind of okay to begin with. Still enjoyable if you're looking for an animated superhero movie, just nothing special.
(75 minutes - Rated PG-13 for violence and brief sensuality - 2010) (Netflix)

Greenberg - (2 Stars)
Instead of being awkwardly funny or awkwardly touching it's just awkward. The film is more of a character study in that it basically follows Ben Stiller's character, Roger Greenberg, who's neurotic and often socially inept. I wasn't a fan of Noah Baumbach's previous movie, "The Squid and the Whale," but I enjoy his contributions on Wes Anderson's movies (then again, that might just be due to Anderson). Stiller does do a great job with the role, but it's not enough to make the otherwise aimless movie worth watching.
(107 minutes - Rated R for some strong sexuality, drug use, and language - 2010) (Netflix)

Due Date: Planes, No Brains and Stolen Automobiles

*See the bottom of the review for more information about the idea proposed in this month's poll.*

Due Date - (2 Stars)
The first thing I thought when I saw the preview for "Due Date" was that it looked like an updated version of the movie "Planes, Trains and Automobiles," as I'm sure many other people did. The movie was basically marketed as "Planes..." meets "The Hangover." Fans of "The Hangover" will be much more interested than fans of the "Planes..." (in fact, Todd Phillips directed both "Due Date" and "The Hangover"). Although, even they might not find it too funny. I was not particularly amused.

"Due Date" uses the tried and (usually) true method of pairing two mismatched people for comedic effect (call it an odd couple, or the "jerk and the moron" or even a variation of the straight man to the funny man). The problem is that most of the time you really don't like the "jerk" or sympathize with the "moron." I'd like to say that along the way their characters grow and get better, but they really don't.

The aspect of the movie that bothered me the most and really put me out of the movie-going experience was that "Due Date" wasn't a realistic, sincere type of comedy. Now this wouldn't be a bad thing except that it's not on the opposite end of the spectrum, a ridiculous, funny slapstick style of comedy either. The movie starts out believably enough (and enjoyably enough as well) but quickly begins veering more towards stupidity and away from being funny or believable.

One of the reasons I wanted to like this movie more than I did was that I have enjoyed Robert Downey, Jr.'s performances of late. I was more than a little disappointed when I saw that he was going to be in this movie, but held my breath that perhaps he and Galifianakis could pull it off. However, Galifianakis seems to be playing a vaguely similar character to his Hangover counterpart, who I didn't enjoy the first time around and Downey is channeling a more smarmy version of Tony Stark, his character from "Iron Man." Except where Tony Stark's character is a likable character with some personality flaws, Downey's character in "Due Date" is just completely unlikeable.


In the end, there were definitely funny parts throughout the movie, but many of them also showed up in the trailers. "Due Date" never hits any real comedic stride and really peters out by the end. In fact, as the movie went on I found myself wondering how long it was. While it officially clocks in at 100 or so minutes, it feels closer to north of 2 hours.
(100 minutes - Rated R for language, drug use and sexual content - 2010) (Netflix - February 22)




***
I'm toying with a new idea and have added a poll to see what people think. I try to keep my reviews as spoiler free as possible, but I often have more to say. What I'm thinking of doing is creating a series of posts that would be extra, spoiler-filled commentary for people to read after they have seen the movie. For example, there are several things from this movie I wanted to elaborate on but didn't want to spoil anyone as to what specifically occurs in the movie. There was also a lot in Toy Story 3 and Inception as well. Please take the poll and let me know what you think about this idea!
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Did You Hear The Young, Crazy Superman in the Air got Tenure?

This is a double week of movie reviews, although it's about the same as some of my previous week's worth. It's a modest bunch of movie, none of which truly stand out, but since it was nominated for several awards (and I enjoyed it, along with the director's previous works), I selected "Up in the Air" as my pick of the week. "Tenure" was close, but I think I need to watch it again to see where I stand on it. I also don't think it would appeal to many. Next week's movies are quite the beast. I will finally watch and review "Avatar," which I will try to do as objectively as possible (I'll also pretend I'm watching it on a big 3-D screen for full effect). But, that's next week...here are this week's movies (Side-note: I really like my title this week):

*Up in the Air – (3 ½ Stars)

George Clooney is Ryan Bingham, whose job it is to fire people when their own company doesn’t have the intestinal fortitude to do so. He spends his days literally up in the air flying from point to point on his seemingly cold-hearted endeavors. However, in an effort to save money, Ryan’s company takes the advice of its inexperienced recent hire (Anna Kendrick) and begins to implement a new means of firing people. Feeling his way of life being threatened, Ryan tries everything he can to stay in the air, which leads to Natalie (Kendrick) accompanying him on his journeys.

“Up in the Air” takes the viewer on a tough journey. Due to the nature of Ryan’s job, we are witness to a number of individuals at their lowest. But there are plenty of light moments to lift the mood as well as many funny moments. Ryan’s slow turn from the detached, disconnected (albeit charming) loner who spends most of his time on the road is engrossing and the interactions between Natalie and Ryan are often amusing and insightful.

(Netflix) (109 minutes – Rated R for Language and some sexual content – 2009)

Crazy on the Outside – (2 ½ Stars)

“Crazy on the Outside” finds Tommy (Tim Allen) released after a three year stint in jail. Fully intending to turn his life around and restart his father’s painting business, he runs into some snags in the form of his parole officer, a zany sister and his old partner in crime. Allen’s directorial debut is a well-meaning comedy with some funny moments, but it just doesn’t quite deliver what it could have.

 (Netflix) (96 minutes – Rated PG-13 for Sexual content and language – 2009)

The Young Victoria – (3 Stars)

Victoria (Emily Blunt) is the only heir to the throne of England. Unfortunately, nobody seems to really think she is fit for the job. “The Young Victoria” chronicles the early life of England’s longest serving monarch including her romance with her future husband, Prince Albert. The movie is a great looking period piece with pretty good acting all around. However, the directing leaves something to be desired. “…Victoria” shows signs of being an excellent movie and perhaps in the hands of a better director it would have been. But clunky cuts and strange transitions bring an otherwise entertaining movie down.

 (Netflix) (105 minutes – Rated PG for Some mild sensuality, a scene of violence, and brief incidental language and smoking – 2009)

Did You Hear About the Morgans? – (2 Stars)

“Did You Hear About The Morgans?” basically ended up being exactly as I had expected. Take two of the most annoying “romantic” leads in movies (Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker) and have the bicker and argue. Mix in a typical “witness protection” storyline that throws them into the middle of nowhere and you have the “big city/country” angle. There are some moments that are funny, and the movie does have a redeeming quality about it, but I just couldn’t get past most of everything else to really enjoy the movie.

 (Netflix) (103 minutes – Rated PG-13 for Some sexual references and momentary violence – 2009)

Tenure – (3 Stars)

“Tenure” stars Luke Wilson as college professor Charlie Thurber, who has never been able to gain tenure, despite being an intelligent and well-meaning guy. He seems to finally be on track to gain tenure at Gray University until a new Yale educated professor is hired into the department as direct competition. With his Bigfoot-obsessed colleague at his side (David Koechner), Charlie sets out to show that he has what it takes to earn tenure. “Tenure” is not as funny as it could have been (and this is its biggest drawback), but there are a lot of good moments throughout. Perhaps I enjoyed the movie more because I identified with Charlie’s plight, but I enjoyed tagging along on the journey.

(Netflix) (89 minutes – Rated R for Language, some sexuality and drug content – 2009)

Superman/Batman: Public Enemies – (3 Stars)

What do you do if your arch-enemy becomes the President of the United States? Based on the graphic novel by Jeph Loeb of the same name, “Superman/Batman: Public Enemies” has DC’s greatest superheroes team up to stop Lex Luthor in his latest bid to take over the world. Or has he finally turned over a new leaf? As a comic, the story works a lot better. There are certain intangibles that just don’t translate from comic to screen and this is the case with “…Public Enemies.” The movie is good, the comic is better.

 (Netflix) (75 minutes – Rated PG-13 – 2009)

Upcoming Movie Reviews:

Avatar

Invictus

Valentine's Day

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

Extraordinary Measures

The Assassination of Precious Lawrence: The Squeakquel

It would seem, after looking over the movies watched this week, that the theme is “breakout performances.” Each movie contains either a new or career-defining performance at the center of each narrative: Gabourey Sidibe in “Precious,” Peter O’Toole in “Lawrence…” and Casey Affleck in “The Assassination of Jesse James…” All three were nominated for Academy Awards. Unfortunately, however, none of them won. In all cases, they were bested by other actor’s in career-defining roles. Sidibe was beaten by Sandra Bullock in “The Blind Side.” O’Toole had the poor luck of going up against Gregory Peck in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Lastly, if you’ve seen “No Country For Old Men,” you know it would be pretty tough for Casey Affleck to get noticed in the shadow of Javier Bardem’s performance as the deranged Anton Chigurh. In any case, bad luck aside, the performances are truly amazing and should at least be rewarded with a viewing. (I guess in order to keep with the theme, we'll just consider the "Chippettes" as the break-out performance in "Alvin and the Chipminks: The Squeakquel.")

Precious: Based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire – (2 ½ Stars) – Clareece “Precious” Jones is illiterate, pregnant with her second child, and stuck with her abusive mother until an opportunity to attend an alternative school presents itself as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Newcomer Gabourey Sidibe plays Precious with an emotional intensity that makes it seem as if she has been acting for quite awhile, where in fact this is actually her first movie. Based on a true story, it’s hard to believe, let alone stomach, what happens to Precious. The movie does have an uplifting message to it, but it doesn’t shine through the rest of the grime as much as one would hope. (Netflix) (109 minutes – Rated R for Child abuse including sexual assault, and pervasive language -2009)

Lawrence of Arabia – (4 stars) – Based on the true exploits of T.E. Lawrence during World War I, “Lawrence of Arabia” is an epic that only David Lean could accomplish. Peter O’Toole, in his breakout performance, brings a full range of emotions to the conflicted Lawrence who is caught between two worlds and allegiances. As is the usual in a Lean movie, the scope and scenery of the movie are breathtaking. (Netflix) (227 minutes – Rated PG - 1962)

*The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford – (5 stars)

In general, whether intentional or not, people are always trying to classify things. Whether it’s music or movies, books or video games, everything always has to be defined. However, more often than not, we may come across media that defies conventional labeling. So, in response to this, new labels are created such as RomCom, Dramedy, Bromance and Mockumentary (to name a few). But even then sometimes our best creative inventions aren’t enough to categorize a movie. “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” is just such a movie.

Since the movie revolves around a famous outlaw and takes place in the 1800’s, most people would be quick to slap a “Western” sticker on the cover and call it a day. But, in doing so, it would be doing the movie a great injustice. I enjoy a good western every now and then, but not everyone would share my enthusiasm, and would end up putting “Jesse James” back on the shelf where they found it. I’m not going to invent a new portmanteau, but considering this movie a “character study” would probably be the best I could come up with.

Brad Pitt plays the infamous Jesse James, and is devilishly suited for the role. He plays him as both a sympathetic family and sociopathic anti-hero. James is a man of whom paranoia pervades. Casey Affleck is the Brutus to Pitt’s Caesar, playing the part of Robert Ford. Affleck plays Bob Ford perfectly awkward. Like the star-crossed kid who finally gets to spend time with his idol, but is unsure quite know what to do with himself once he meets him. Always lurking in James’ shadow, he doesn’t seem to know whether he wants to “be like [Jesse] or be [Jesse].”

The movie’s score is a haunting piece of work by the duo of Nick Cave and Warren Ellis that has quickly become one of my favorites. It manages to capture the intensity and tragedy of the situation and players involved. The direction, by relative newcomer Andrew Dominik, has the maturity of a seasoned veteran. The cinematography also manages to capture the harshness and beauty of the time period. “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Ford” has a very deliberate pacing to it as well. The viewer is given time to examine and observe each character and their actions. In the end it is this perfect combination of elements that combine to make “Jesse James” a superb piece of cinema. (Netflix) (159 minutes – Rated R for Some strong violence and brief sexual references - 2007)

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel – (2 Stars) – Alvin and company return in an all new adventure, but this time they aren’t the only singing chipmunks on the block. This movie is basically everything it is advertised to be. If you liked the first one, you will most likely enjoy this entry. If you can’t stand the sound of high-pitched pop tunes, you’re better off watching something else. No surprises here. (Netflix) (88 minutes – Rated PG for Some rude humor – 2009)

Movies for this week:

Gran Torino

Watchmen

An Education

Moon

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

The Brother’s Fantastic Sister’s Law-Abiding District Doctor

This week I have decided to institute a small change in the format by adding an expanded review for what I will dub my “Must See” pick of the week. I’ve denoted the movie* and attached a longer, more in depth review. Once again, I found a movie^ that I had previously forgotten to review, so it is included as well.

Law Abiding Citizen – (2 Stars) – After he loses his family, and the legal system fails him, a crafty engineer (Gerard Butler) decides to exact his own revenge on the killers, the legal system and the entire city. Butler chews up the scenery as the psychopathic avenger, while Jamie Foxx plays the unlikeable lawyer protagonist. Lack of believability and apathetic characters make this strictly a “popcorn movie.” (Netflix) (109 minutes - Rated R for Strong bloody brutal violence and torture, a scene of rape, and pervasive language - 2009)

The Brothers Bloom – (4 ½ Stars) – Two eccentric confidence men target an affluent recluse as their final score. The Brother’s Bloom is a wonderfully inventive con movie full of beautiful scenery and rich characters that keep you interested and invested all the way through to its conclusion. (This was the close runner-up for “Must See” Pick). (Netflix) (113 minutes - Rated PG-13 for Violence, some sensuality and brief strong language - 2008)

Doctor Zhivago – (4 Stars) – David Lean’s cinematic epic about a Doctor/Poet caught up in the Bolshevik Revolution.  Omar Sharif’s emotionally portrays Zhivago as an individual, a beacon of hope, in the harsh reality of a communist Russia. The movie also stands out in its beautiful landscapes and breathtaking cinematography.(Netflix - currently unavailable) (197 minutes - Rated PG-13 for Mature themes - 1965)

^District 9 – (3 ½ Stars) – 20 years ago an alien ship comes to a stop over Johannesburg, South Africa. On board is a race of malnourished, insect-like aliens. Now, the stranded extraterrestrials are forced to live in slum-like conditions and are seemingly not allowed to leave. The movie starts out very strongly with an intriguing premise but slowly devolves into a decent, but ordinary, action movie. The main character remains unsympathetic until the very end, and the dialogue also leaves something to be desired.(Netflix) (112 minutes - Rated R for Bloody violence and pervasive language - 2009)

My Sister’s Keeper – (2 Stars) – Anna (Abigail Breslin) was born as a “designer baby” to help combat her sister Kate’s leukemia. But as she grows older, Anna begins to have second thoughts about giving herself over to the painful procedures that help prolong her sister’s life. What could be an interesting movie that tackles relevant moral questions is reduced to a run-of-the-mill family drama that, from what I gather, is not faithful to its source material. The movie is full of unnecessary voice-overs, painfully drawn out “dramatic” moments, forced emotion, and a ridiculous amount of “inaudible dialogue.” (Netflix) (110 minutes - Rated PG-13 for Mature thematic content, some disturbing images, sensuality, language and brief teen drinking - 2009)

*Fantastic Mr. Fox  – (4 ½ Stars) –

Fantastic Mr. Fox is not your typical “family movie” in much the same way that Wes Anderson isn’t your typical director, or Roald Dahl your typical author. These quirks are what make everything work so well. The movie fits in well with the rest of Anderson’s filmography, utilizing the typical dry humor and dysfunctional family unit. It also stays very true to the heart of Dahl’s literary works.  However, Dahl and Anderson are not for everyone.

                The movie, in some cases, has been advertised as another of the yearly crop of animated (although to be fair, it’s actually stop-motion) movies that come out every summer much to the delight of kids and the dismay of parents. Despite these perceptions, (Roald Dahl is the author, after all, of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory) most children will more than likely not be as entertained by this movie. In general, the parents will in all likelihood find more they enjoy. Like the book it is based on, Fantastic Mr. Fox is for older children. That’s not to say that it contains content objectionable to young children, but rather most of what happens would probably go over their head. The movie just doesn’t have the prevalent silliness of most family movies that draws the younger crowd in.

If you are a fan of Roald Dahl or Wes Anderson, you will enjoy this movie. It is the cohesion of Dahl’s source material and Anderson’s witty filmmaking that really drives Mr. Fox to be exactly as its title denotes: fantastic. However, if you are looking for some light, family fluff…this is not it.(Netflix) (87 minutes - Rated PG for Action, smoking, and slang humor - 2009)

Movies For Next Week:

The Men Who Stare At Goats

Everybody's Fine

The Blind Side

Lawrence of Arabia

Zodiac

Where the Lying Capitalist Wild Box Things Happen - March 30th

I actually meant to post this last night, but completely forgot. This week's* batch was not quite as good as last week, but it could lead you to read some better books.

*some of these were watched earlier in the month, but I forgot to review them.

The Invention of Lying - (1 Star) - Ricky Gervais co-writes, co-directs, and stars in a movie about a place where lying has not been discovered. It's surprising how unfunny it is when people only tell the truth (and apparently whatever is in their mind at the time). Even with a very good supporting cast, this movie is just disappointing. (Netflix) (99 minutes - Rated PG-13 for Language including some sexual material and a drug reference - 2009)

Love Happens - (3  Stars) - Aaron Eckhart shines as a self-help guru who doesn't seem to take his own advice about coping with loss. Quirky, but a bit slow paced at times. Not by any means a great movie, but one that was better than expected.(Netflix) (109 minutes - Rated PG-13 for Some language including sexual references - 2009)

The Box - (2 1/2 Stars) - A morality tale of sorts that revolves around a couples' choice of whether or not to push a button that will grant them $1M dollars, but kill a person that they do not know. The movie has a creepy, foreboding atmosphere to it that fizzles as the movie drags on and meanders to its convoluted ending. The movie complicates a wonderfully simplistic short story (Button, Button) by Richard Matheson.(Netflix) (115 minutes - Rated PG-13 for Thematic elements, some violence and disturbing images - 2009)

Where The Wild Things Are - (3 Stars) - Based on the picture book by Maurice Sendak, the movie is spot on when it comes to the feel of the story. Everything visually about this movie is fantastic, however there really isn't enough substance in the source material to warrant a full length movie. Most kids will probably find it boring, as will a lot of adults.(Netflix) (94 minutes - Rated PG for Mild thematic elements, some adventure action and brief language - 2009)

Capitalism: A Love Story - (2 Stars) - The biggest problem with this movie is simply that Michael Moore is not that likable of a person. The movie brings up some interesting/unsettling information, but because of Moore's gimmicky delivery, you are left questioning the authenticity of it. Moore should take a page out of the affable Morgan Spurlock's book.(Netflix) (127 minutes - Rated R for Some language - 2009)


Movies For This Week:
Law Abiding Citizen
The Brothers Bloom
Doctor Zhivago