If we were to go with a basketball metaphor, Queen Latifah (Chigaco) is the go-to girl on this team. If a scene starts to go a little wobbly, pass her the ball and she’ll clear the net. There are other great players on this team, Paula Patton (Precious), Common (Date Night), James Pickens Jr. (Grey’s Anatomy), Pam Grier (Jackie Brown) and Phylicia Rashad (The Cosby Show), but Queen Latifah is the star. She puts the butts in the seats. She is the points leader.
As far as romantic comedies go, this one has your basic formula. Queen Latifah is a skilled physical therapist and a major basketball fan. Her cousin, the flashy and attractive Paula Patton is going to the games for another reason. Her goal is to nab herself a NBA player and marry him, gaining all the perks and privileges that go with it. When Latifah accidently meets the Nets star player at a gas-station, she manages to score an invitation to his birthday party. But when she takes her gold-digging cousin with her, she loses Scott McKnight’s attention and walks away defeated. Leslie Wright is no match for her cousin Morgan’s NBA marriage plan.
Scott McKnight falls right into the trap and Leslie never points out or reveals her cousin’s manipulations. Morgan is not unlike other NBA wives and the two deserve each other. But when Scott gets hurt and his career is threatened, Leslie moves in and becomes his full-time therapist. While getting to know the real him, she begins to worry that her cousin will let him down and right on cue, she leaves him. Leslie is left to pick up the pieces and rebuild the career of the man she has learned to love.
What is unusual about this film is that it is nice. There are no fights, disparaging remarks or ugly confrontations. Everyone is very adult. Even Scott’s mother, who sees right through Morgan, allows him to make his own decisions. There is no scheming, no back-stabbing, just a lot of loving support. And as nice as this is, it does remove some of the heat. The love scenes are not very steaming. If anything this film is about confidence and believing in yourself. If you like yourself and present your best to others, they will like you too. A little tame for a romantic comedy, but nice. And nice is okay with me.
Rating: Second Run A nice romantic comedy
About Me
- Melanie Wilson
- My Reviewer's Philosophy: I believe that every film has its audience. One man’s Citizen Kane is another man’s Texas Chain Saw Massacre. My purpose is to help you spend your entertainment dollars wisely. A bad review never kept me from going to a film I wanted to see, but a good review will sometimes get me to a film I never considered. As a movie lover I want you to go to the movies. When more people go to the movies, the more movies get made. But, I also believe that if you enjoy the films you see, you naturally will be inclined to go more often. So join me in supporting our film industry by going to a movie today. Hopefully I can steer you towards a good one. See you at the movies. Melanie Wilson
Friday, May 28, 2010
Princess Ka’iulani
Hawaii has such a fascinating history and a sad one too. Princess Ka’iulani tells the story of one of Hawaii’s last Royals and how this young girl worked diligently to restore the rights of her people. Q’orianka Kilcher (The New World) portrays the young princess who was swept off the islands by her Scottish father to protect her from the violence of insurrection. Given an English education she later returns to her island to fight the current government who has stripped her people of their rights including the right to vote.
Growing up in England, Princess Ka’iulani knew what it was to face prejudice, racism, and gross misconceptions. Her brown skin separated her easily from her classmates. But she was also exposed to many of the great thinkers of the day including Robert Louis Stevenson and painters such as Joseph Dwight Strong. Her education was extensive and she excelled in math, history and languages. She was quite the athlete as well.
Before returning home to her beloved islands she visited the United States and started a public relations tour. Charming politicians and citizens alike, her goal was to open American eyes to the injustices going on across the ocean. Her political opponent, Lorrin Thurston, a Hawaiian Cabinet Minister was campaigning for the annexation of Hawaii by the United States. Her mission was to expose the overthrow of her people and to protect their rights.
As much as I enjoyed the historical aspect of this movie I was frustrated by its lack of momentum. Every time it started to get exciting, the movie would shift to walks on the beach, pensive reflections, or melancholy flashbacks. The film also chose to focus a great deal of its time on the romance between the princess and a young man who was the son of her benefactor, Shaun Evan (Being Julia). I would have preferred to have seen more of her development as a young woman, how her mother’s early death impacted her, and how hobnobbing with the intellectuals of her day shaped her character. She was a very intelligent young women who made an impression on two sitting presidents and who wrapped the media around her finger. This is much more interesting than a boy who was more concerned with what he was giving up than what he was getting.
I found the story of Princess Ka’iulani fascinating, but the film left me wanting. Barry Pepper (The Green Mile) did an excellent job portraying Thurston, a driven man who felt that he was building a new Hawaii. And Will Patton (The Forth Kind) was heartfelt as Sanford B. Dole who was sympathetic to the native’s plight. Unfortunately they were pushed into the background in favor of a love story that wasn’t as compelling. I hope that one day someone will tell her story again. This beautiful young heroine deserves a closer look.
Rating: Second Run The beautiful princess deserves a closer look
Growing up in England, Princess Ka’iulani knew what it was to face prejudice, racism, and gross misconceptions. Her brown skin separated her easily from her classmates. But she was also exposed to many of the great thinkers of the day including Robert Louis Stevenson and painters such as Joseph Dwight Strong. Her education was extensive and she excelled in math, history and languages. She was quite the athlete as well.
Before returning home to her beloved islands she visited the United States and started a public relations tour. Charming politicians and citizens alike, her goal was to open American eyes to the injustices going on across the ocean. Her political opponent, Lorrin Thurston, a Hawaiian Cabinet Minister was campaigning for the annexation of Hawaii by the United States. Her mission was to expose the overthrow of her people and to protect their rights.
As much as I enjoyed the historical aspect of this movie I was frustrated by its lack of momentum. Every time it started to get exciting, the movie would shift to walks on the beach, pensive reflections, or melancholy flashbacks. The film also chose to focus a great deal of its time on the romance between the princess and a young man who was the son of her benefactor, Shaun Evan (Being Julia). I would have preferred to have seen more of her development as a young woman, how her mother’s early death impacted her, and how hobnobbing with the intellectuals of her day shaped her character. She was a very intelligent young women who made an impression on two sitting presidents and who wrapped the media around her finger. This is much more interesting than a boy who was more concerned with what he was giving up than what he was getting.
I found the story of Princess Ka’iulani fascinating, but the film left me wanting. Barry Pepper (The Green Mile) did an excellent job portraying Thurston, a driven man who felt that he was building a new Hawaii. And Will Patton (The Forth Kind) was heartfelt as Sanford B. Dole who was sympathetic to the native’s plight. Unfortunately they were pushed into the background in favor of a love story that wasn’t as compelling. I hope that one day someone will tell her story again. This beautiful young heroine deserves a closer look.
Rating: Second Run The beautiful princess deserves a closer look
Robin Hood
Sometimes a film may not meet your expectations, but still be a good film. When Ridley Scott (Gladiator) decided to tackle the legend of Robin Hood, he completely went against all clichés. Gone is the archery contest to flush Robin out, gone is the battle between Robin Hood and Friar Tuck, gone is the secret life of the Merry Men living in the forest. This Robin, Russell Crowe (Gladiator) is Robin Longstride, an archer in King Richard’s army who assumes the identity of Robin of Loxley at the request of Sir Walter, Loxley’s father. This Robin is the Robin before the legend. A war weary veteran who has returned home, only to find his own country in ruins, a country ravished by greed, unjust taxation, and poor leadership. This Robin sounds a little too close to home.
In Ridley Scott’s version of Robin Hood, Robin is played as an older wiser man. Abandoned at the age of six, he somehow managed to arrive at manhood will a strong sense of ethics. This is not a cocky, sarcastic, witty Robin, trading barbs with his friends and enemies. Crowe’s Robin is a tortured man who has seen injustice. And when circumstances sets him outside the law, then he will work lawlessly to put things right. This is a man with a mission.
I have to admit that I have enjoyed previous versions of Robin Hood as action-adventure films. I appreciate jocularity and I find male bonding and camaraderie an attractive thing to watch. And as far as Robin Hoods go the 1938 sword-fighting scene between Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone still thrills 72 years later. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for other interpretations.
What I enjoyed the most about Ridley Scott’s vision was the relationship between Robin and Marion. Cate Blanchett (Aviator) portrayed a fierce Marion. Abandoned after a week of marriage, she was left behind to manage a 5,000-acre estate and a blind father-in-law. This Marion was not a lady in waiting, imprisoned in the society of court, but rather a woman who was waiting for her man to get home and trying her best to give him a home to come back too. This Marion was a perfect match for Russell Crowe’s Robin and their chemistry was palatable. In my opinion this was the best part in the film.
As a director, Ridley Scott is a master of warfare, grand battles at epic proportions. But I felt that this seemed a little out of place. I always imagined Robin as a close fighter, or an archer. More like an Indian fighter, attack and retreat. But I did perk up at the sight of Russell Crowe charging on a white horse. Crowe is an expert horseman and it was thrilling to watch him handle his mount. But as inspiring as that was, it didn’t feel like Robin Hood. I guess I’m still bound by my expectations.
If this character was not named Robin Hood, we’d probably be singing the praises of this film and citing its authenticity. But because we all grew up will our own preconceptions of who Robin Hood is, it’s hard to let go of our fancies. Whether it is the athletic devil-may-care Douglas Fairbanks, the roguish Errol Flynn, the driven Kevin Costner or the stuttering Daffy Duck, everyone is free to his own interpretation. Every generation puts their own stamp on the legend and Ridley Scott is obliged to do the same. The only question we should be asking is, is the film entertaining? I think it is. I wouldn’t call it the definitive Robin Hood, but I would call it provocative. And any film with Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett is a plus in my book, especially Russell Crowe on a horse.
Rating: First Run Robin Hood takes up a cause
In Ridley Scott’s version of Robin Hood, Robin is played as an older wiser man. Abandoned at the age of six, he somehow managed to arrive at manhood will a strong sense of ethics. This is not a cocky, sarcastic, witty Robin, trading barbs with his friends and enemies. Crowe’s Robin is a tortured man who has seen injustice. And when circumstances sets him outside the law, then he will work lawlessly to put things right. This is a man with a mission.
I have to admit that I have enjoyed previous versions of Robin Hood as action-adventure films. I appreciate jocularity and I find male bonding and camaraderie an attractive thing to watch. And as far as Robin Hoods go the 1938 sword-fighting scene between Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone still thrills 72 years later. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for other interpretations.
What I enjoyed the most about Ridley Scott’s vision was the relationship between Robin and Marion. Cate Blanchett (Aviator) portrayed a fierce Marion. Abandoned after a week of marriage, she was left behind to manage a 5,000-acre estate and a blind father-in-law. This Marion was not a lady in waiting, imprisoned in the society of court, but rather a woman who was waiting for her man to get home and trying her best to give him a home to come back too. This Marion was a perfect match for Russell Crowe’s Robin and their chemistry was palatable. In my opinion this was the best part in the film.
As a director, Ridley Scott is a master of warfare, grand battles at epic proportions. But I felt that this seemed a little out of place. I always imagined Robin as a close fighter, or an archer. More like an Indian fighter, attack and retreat. But I did perk up at the sight of Russell Crowe charging on a white horse. Crowe is an expert horseman and it was thrilling to watch him handle his mount. But as inspiring as that was, it didn’t feel like Robin Hood. I guess I’m still bound by my expectations.
If this character was not named Robin Hood, we’d probably be singing the praises of this film and citing its authenticity. But because we all grew up will our own preconceptions of who Robin Hood is, it’s hard to let go of our fancies. Whether it is the athletic devil-may-care Douglas Fairbanks, the roguish Errol Flynn, the driven Kevin Costner or the stuttering Daffy Duck, everyone is free to his own interpretation. Every generation puts their own stamp on the legend and Ridley Scott is obliged to do the same. The only question we should be asking is, is the film entertaining? I think it is. I wouldn’t call it the definitive Robin Hood, but I would call it provocative. And any film with Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett is a plus in my book, especially Russell Crowe on a horse.
Rating: First Run Robin Hood takes up a cause
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Everyone Else
A brilliant, innovative young architect is on holiday at his parent’s Italian vacation villa. With him is his girl friend Gitti, Bridget Minichmayr (Perfume: The Story of a Murderer) who works in the music business. Chris, Lars Eidinger (Wanna Be) is up for an architectural award and he is anxiously awaiting the announcement. On the island they run into a fellow architect and Chris has invited them to dinner. On their last meeting, Gitti embarrassed him by speaking her mind and becoming confrontational. Tonight she has promised to be on her best behavior. She has even volunteered to cook.
Chris is an idealist, and so far he has been uncompromising with his vision, but as he continues to lose one project after another because people don’t understand his intricate design concepts, he is beginning to lose his confidence. Gitti fell in love with the artistic side of Chris. For her, success is staying true to your self.
Because this film is in German, I may have missed a lot of small details. In a movie about relationships, every facial muscle gives you a clue, so it was hard to read the subtitles and still watch faces. But for me the most telling scene is when Chris is waiting for his guests to arrive. As a statement, or a joke, Chris has set the table with all his mother’s vegetable dish ware. A pitcher that looks like a giant stalk of asparagus, humongous cabbage serving bowls, plates that look like lettuce leaves, dishes that look like peppers and tomatoes. The table appears like Thanksgiving after a nuclear event. But as he stares at his display, waiting for his guests to arrive, he starts to second-guess himself. He begins to doubt whether they will appreciate the humor. Suddenly, he gets up and proceeds to remove the ridiculous items. Gitti protests, she thinks it’s funny and she likes it. But he pushes her away. This is the beginning of the end.
Everyone Else (Alle Anderen) is a film about relationships and how couples may masquerade for long periods of time before finally reveling their true selves. It explores the ideas of compatibility, honesty, and compromise. It is a difficult film to watch, especially if you don’t speak German, so much is lost in translation. But the film is thought provoking and intriguing. It would be an interesting film to discuss with a mate. But be careful, leave a little mystery. Never admit to too much. This film teaches us to be an onion not a walnut. Reveal yourself a little at a time.
Rating: Second Run An interesting study of relationships.
Chris is an idealist, and so far he has been uncompromising with his vision, but as he continues to lose one project after another because people don’t understand his intricate design concepts, he is beginning to lose his confidence. Gitti fell in love with the artistic side of Chris. For her, success is staying true to your self.
Because this film is in German, I may have missed a lot of small details. In a movie about relationships, every facial muscle gives you a clue, so it was hard to read the subtitles and still watch faces. But for me the most telling scene is when Chris is waiting for his guests to arrive. As a statement, or a joke, Chris has set the table with all his mother’s vegetable dish ware. A pitcher that looks like a giant stalk of asparagus, humongous cabbage serving bowls, plates that look like lettuce leaves, dishes that look like peppers and tomatoes. The table appears like Thanksgiving after a nuclear event. But as he stares at his display, waiting for his guests to arrive, he starts to second-guess himself. He begins to doubt whether they will appreciate the humor. Suddenly, he gets up and proceeds to remove the ridiculous items. Gitti protests, she thinks it’s funny and she likes it. But he pushes her away. This is the beginning of the end.
Everyone Else (Alle Anderen) is a film about relationships and how couples may masquerade for long periods of time before finally reveling their true selves. It explores the ideas of compatibility, honesty, and compromise. It is a difficult film to watch, especially if you don’t speak German, so much is lost in translation. But the film is thought provoking and intriguing. It would be an interesting film to discuss with a mate. But be careful, leave a little mystery. Never admit to too much. This film teaches us to be an onion not a walnut. Reveal yourself a little at a time.
Rating: Second Run An interesting study of relationships.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Letters To Juliet
In a season of summer blockbusters and action films, a chick flick can be very refreshing, acting like an antidote to all the violence and gunpowder we’ve previously ingested. What was particularly nice about Letters To Juliet is that it avoided most of the contrivances of your average romantic comedy. This is a story that could have happened.
Amanda Seyfried (Mama Mia) plays Sophie, a young fact checker for the New Yorker magazine. She longs to break out of her thankless job and actually contribute to the magazine as a writer, but she is too afraid to ask her boss. Before getting married, she and her fiance Victor, Gael Garcia Bernal (Fidel) go to Italy for a pre-wedding vacation. Victor is a chef and he is opening a new Italian restaurant in New York. Many of his suppliers hail from Italy and he’s looking for further inspiration and connections. Sophie is interested in a little relaxation and some romantic time with her boyfriend. They soon come to cross purposes.
Once in Italy, Victor becomes so distracted visiting wineries and meeting his suppliers that he begins to ignore his bride to be. Loathe to visit one more farm, Sophie begs to be left behind to do a little sight seeing on her own. Being located in the city of Verona, Sophie comes across a tourist attraction called Juliet’s Balcony. Here, love lorn women for centuries had been writing letters to Shakespeare's Juliet and have been leaving them on the wall.
It is now the end of the day and Sophie notices a woman who appears with a basket. She begins to pluck all the letters from the wall and then walks away. Curious about what happens next, Sophie follows her back to a villa where she meets some other women known as the Secretaries of Juliet. This group of ladies, employed by the city of Verona actually read the letters and answer them as Juliet. Sophie is intrigued.
When Sophie’s boyfriend abandons her once more to attend an exclusive wine auction, she is invited to return and take part in the whole letter writing process. Sophie agrees imagining that the experience would make an excellent article for her magazine.
So far this story is completely plausible. A girl wants to be a writer, she goes on vacation with her fiance, he becomes distracted with work and ignores her and she becomes romantically confused and wistful. She stumbles upon Juliet’s Balcony, gets caught up in the romance of it, and decides that it would make a great article. Everything up to this part is totally believable.
The next part of the story is a little less likely but still in the realm of possibility. This is what makes Letters To Juliet unlike most romantic comedies. Sophie accompanies one of Juliet’s secretaries to the wall and accidently dislodges a stone that reveals a letter that has been undiscovered for fifty years. Sophie writes the woman back, and Claire, Vanessa Redgrave (Julia) is still alive and living in the family home. The late reply to her letter inspires her to return to Italy in search of her lost love. When Sophie learns of Claire’s arrival she asks to participate in Claire’s search. Documenting her journey would be a wonderful addition to her article. Driving them around Italy is Claire’s grandson Charlie, Christopher Egan (Resident Evil: Extinction). He is not happy about his grandmother’s adventure. He is afraid that she’ll be disappointed or hurt. He is completely opposed to the whole ordeal.
Letters To Juliet is a straightforward story that doesn’t insult you with ridiculous devices. It’s sweet, gentle and has no annoying girlfriends. In addition, the boyfriend is not made out to be a jerk. He’s just a little egocentric and excited about his new venture. His dream of owning a restaurant is finally coming true. Unfortunately Sophie doesn’t share his passion for food. In this case, she is the one who needed to be a little more understanding.
Letters To Juliet is a film about romantic timing. It shows that when you meet someone is just as important as how you feel when you meet them. It also teaches us that love can be timeless and enduring if allowed to grow. When love is cut short it can smolder beneath the surface for years waiting for a little hope and encouragement. Once given, love can spring anew and blossom into a new relationship. All it needs is the blessing of good timing.
Rating: First Run When it comes to love, timing is everything
Amanda Seyfried (Mama Mia) plays Sophie, a young fact checker for the New Yorker magazine. She longs to break out of her thankless job and actually contribute to the magazine as a writer, but she is too afraid to ask her boss. Before getting married, she and her fiance Victor, Gael Garcia Bernal (Fidel) go to Italy for a pre-wedding vacation. Victor is a chef and he is opening a new Italian restaurant in New York. Many of his suppliers hail from Italy and he’s looking for further inspiration and connections. Sophie is interested in a little relaxation and some romantic time with her boyfriend. They soon come to cross purposes.
Once in Italy, Victor becomes so distracted visiting wineries and meeting his suppliers that he begins to ignore his bride to be. Loathe to visit one more farm, Sophie begs to be left behind to do a little sight seeing on her own. Being located in the city of Verona, Sophie comes across a tourist attraction called Juliet’s Balcony. Here, love lorn women for centuries had been writing letters to Shakespeare's Juliet and have been leaving them on the wall.
It is now the end of the day and Sophie notices a woman who appears with a basket. She begins to pluck all the letters from the wall and then walks away. Curious about what happens next, Sophie follows her back to a villa where she meets some other women known as the Secretaries of Juliet. This group of ladies, employed by the city of Verona actually read the letters and answer them as Juliet. Sophie is intrigued.
When Sophie’s boyfriend abandons her once more to attend an exclusive wine auction, she is invited to return and take part in the whole letter writing process. Sophie agrees imagining that the experience would make an excellent article for her magazine.
So far this story is completely plausible. A girl wants to be a writer, she goes on vacation with her fiance, he becomes distracted with work and ignores her and she becomes romantically confused and wistful. She stumbles upon Juliet’s Balcony, gets caught up in the romance of it, and decides that it would make a great article. Everything up to this part is totally believable.
The next part of the story is a little less likely but still in the realm of possibility. This is what makes Letters To Juliet unlike most romantic comedies. Sophie accompanies one of Juliet’s secretaries to the wall and accidently dislodges a stone that reveals a letter that has been undiscovered for fifty years. Sophie writes the woman back, and Claire, Vanessa Redgrave (Julia) is still alive and living in the family home. The late reply to her letter inspires her to return to Italy in search of her lost love. When Sophie learns of Claire’s arrival she asks to participate in Claire’s search. Documenting her journey would be a wonderful addition to her article. Driving them around Italy is Claire’s grandson Charlie, Christopher Egan (Resident Evil: Extinction). He is not happy about his grandmother’s adventure. He is afraid that she’ll be disappointed or hurt. He is completely opposed to the whole ordeal.
Letters To Juliet is a straightforward story that doesn’t insult you with ridiculous devices. It’s sweet, gentle and has no annoying girlfriends. In addition, the boyfriend is not made out to be a jerk. He’s just a little egocentric and excited about his new venture. His dream of owning a restaurant is finally coming true. Unfortunately Sophie doesn’t share his passion for food. In this case, she is the one who needed to be a little more understanding.
Letters To Juliet is a film about romantic timing. It shows that when you meet someone is just as important as how you feel when you meet them. It also teaches us that love can be timeless and enduring if allowed to grow. When love is cut short it can smolder beneath the surface for years waiting for a little hope and encouragement. Once given, love can spring anew and blossom into a new relationship. All it needs is the blessing of good timing.
Rating: First Run When it comes to love, timing is everything
Friday, May 7, 2010
Iron Man 2
According to weapons manufacturer Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) size does matter and in Iron Man 2 we get more suits and even bigger action. The very technology that saved Tony Stark’s life (Robert Downey Jr.) is now killing him. And as Tony tries to find a less toxic power source, the American government is attempting to take his inventions away citing national security.
As Tony’s health continues to deteriorate he becomes even more self-destructive than usual. So much so that his best friend Lt. Col. James Rhodes (Don Cheadle), steals one of his auxiliary suits and uses it against him. This leads to a very satisfying mano e mano iron man fight that nearly destroys them both. Also fed up with his behavior, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Platrow) begins to pull away from him as she tries desperately to keep his business running. This allows a mysterious woman played by Scarlett Johansson to infiltrate Stark Industries as a new personal assistant. Her beauty gets her in the door, but her talents make her invaluable.
The American government distrusts Tony Stark and demands that he hands over his technology because they fear his power and the possibility of imitators. Meanwhile in Russia Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke) is creating his own weaponized suit, only he’s not copying the Tony Stark version. He’s got his hands on the original power source. Vanko’s father worked for Howard Stark (John Slattery) and left his son the initial blueprints. Vanko’s father had his work taken from him and then was deported back to Russia. Ivan Vanko grew up brilliant and bitter with a hatred of Stark Industries. This is not a good combination to have for an enemy.
The special effects in this film are more ambitious than the first one and some of the explosions and fight scenes are especially gratifying. But what I liked the most about the original Iron Man was the relationships and the flippant behavior of Tony Stark. In Iron Man 2 he lets the world in on his no longer secret identity and struts around like a peacock. He antagonizes his dissenters and crows about his contribution to world peace. He is losing his perspective and he’s living each day like it’s his last. His impending death is impacting him and his friends don’t know why. This super hero is super flawed and Robert Downey Jr. plays him with irreverent gusto.
I found Iron Man 2 a lot of fun and look forward to the next installment. Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) is planting the seeds for his new super group Avengers and Scarlett Johansson really proved herself as an action star so I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of her. Director Jon Favreau reprised his role as Happy Hogan. It will be interesting to see where his road takes him as the Iron Man saga continues. This film is a great way to kick off the summer movie season, but it’s best special effect is Robert Downey Jr.
Rating: First Run The Summer Movie Season has begun
As Tony’s health continues to deteriorate he becomes even more self-destructive than usual. So much so that his best friend Lt. Col. James Rhodes (Don Cheadle), steals one of his auxiliary suits and uses it against him. This leads to a very satisfying mano e mano iron man fight that nearly destroys them both. Also fed up with his behavior, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Platrow) begins to pull away from him as she tries desperately to keep his business running. This allows a mysterious woman played by Scarlett Johansson to infiltrate Stark Industries as a new personal assistant. Her beauty gets her in the door, but her talents make her invaluable.
The American government distrusts Tony Stark and demands that he hands over his technology because they fear his power and the possibility of imitators. Meanwhile in Russia Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke) is creating his own weaponized suit, only he’s not copying the Tony Stark version. He’s got his hands on the original power source. Vanko’s father worked for Howard Stark (John Slattery) and left his son the initial blueprints. Vanko’s father had his work taken from him and then was deported back to Russia. Ivan Vanko grew up brilliant and bitter with a hatred of Stark Industries. This is not a good combination to have for an enemy.
The special effects in this film are more ambitious than the first one and some of the explosions and fight scenes are especially gratifying. But what I liked the most about the original Iron Man was the relationships and the flippant behavior of Tony Stark. In Iron Man 2 he lets the world in on his no longer secret identity and struts around like a peacock. He antagonizes his dissenters and crows about his contribution to world peace. He is losing his perspective and he’s living each day like it’s his last. His impending death is impacting him and his friends don’t know why. This super hero is super flawed and Robert Downey Jr. plays him with irreverent gusto.
I found Iron Man 2 a lot of fun and look forward to the next installment. Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) is planting the seeds for his new super group Avengers and Scarlett Johansson really proved herself as an action star so I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of her. Director Jon Favreau reprised his role as Happy Hogan. It will be interesting to see where his road takes him as the Iron Man saga continues. This film is a great way to kick off the summer movie season, but it’s best special effect is Robert Downey Jr.
Rating: First Run The Summer Movie Season has begun
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Babies
Babies are fascinating and Babies is mesmerizing. For an hour and nineteen minutes you’ll find yourself enthralled. Documentary filmmaker Thomas Balmes (Damages) follows the lives of four children from birth until they are able to walk. The first baby is Ponijao of Namibia, Africa. Next we have Bayar of Mongolia. Then, we have Hattie of San Francisco. And lastly, we have Mari of Tokyo, Japan.
It is so interesting watching the contrast between how these babies are brought up. We see them play, interact with animals, fight with other children and witness them being nurtured and educated by their parents. It is a wonderful thing to see. We have more things in common than we realize.
There is no narrative in this film, nor is there very much dialogue. It is pure observation, much like watching a nature documentary. The beauty in this film is the photography and the masterly way it was edited. I’m sure that finding the pace and the unspoken narrative was the most difficult part. They’ve done an excellent job though and Babies keeps your attention throughout. You’ll find yourself charmed, entertained and filled with affirmation. This really is a lovely film.
Rating: Must See Sure to give you baby fever
It is so interesting watching the contrast between how these babies are brought up. We see them play, interact with animals, fight with other children and witness them being nurtured and educated by their parents. It is a wonderful thing to see. We have more things in common than we realize.
There is no narrative in this film, nor is there very much dialogue. It is pure observation, much like watching a nature documentary. The beauty in this film is the photography and the masterly way it was edited. I’m sure that finding the pace and the unspoken narrative was the most difficult part. They’ve done an excellent job though and Babies keeps your attention throughout. You’ll find yourself charmed, entertained and filled with affirmation. This really is a lovely film.
Rating: Must See Sure to give you baby fever
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
City Island
Corrections Officer Vince Rizzo, Andy Garcia (Ocean’s Eleven) has a secret. He’s keeping it from his wife, he’s keeping it from his children, he’s even keeping it from the guys at work. Every Monday night when he says he’s playing poker, he crosses the bridge into Manhattan and takes an acting class. His hidden desire, all his life, is to be an actor.
One night Vince receives an acting assignment from his teacher Alan Arkin (Little Miss Sunshine) and he is given a partner. Their task together is to share their deepest darkest secret and to use their experience to create a monologue. Vince is paired with Emily Mortier (Match Point) and at first he believes that his biggest concealment is his acting classes, but as he gets to know Molly over the week an even bigger secret emerges. The problem now is how to tell his wife.
Back home on City Island, an old fishing community in The Bronx, his wife and children have their secrets too. Julianna Margulies (Snakes on a Plane), Dominik Garcia-Lorido (The Lost City), and Ezra Miller (Afterschool) all have things that they are keeping from each other. But when Vince brings home one of his convicts, Steven Straight ( Stop-Loss) in protective custody to help him finish a home improvement project, all secrets are revealed to hilarious affect. This comedy is sweet, humorous and a lot of fun. It shows how people can be divided when they stop being honest with each other. Sometimes a stranger can give you a fresh look and bring the darkness to light. This film is a secret that must get out.
Rating: First Run This secret comedy must be revealed
One night Vince receives an acting assignment from his teacher Alan Arkin (Little Miss Sunshine) and he is given a partner. Their task together is to share their deepest darkest secret and to use their experience to create a monologue. Vince is paired with Emily Mortier (Match Point) and at first he believes that his biggest concealment is his acting classes, but as he gets to know Molly over the week an even bigger secret emerges. The problem now is how to tell his wife.
Back home on City Island, an old fishing community in The Bronx, his wife and children have their secrets too. Julianna Margulies (Snakes on a Plane), Dominik Garcia-Lorido (The Lost City), and Ezra Miller (Afterschool) all have things that they are keeping from each other. But when Vince brings home one of his convicts, Steven Straight ( Stop-Loss) in protective custody to help him finish a home improvement project, all secrets are revealed to hilarious affect. This comedy is sweet, humorous and a lot of fun. It shows how people can be divided when they stop being honest with each other. Sometimes a stranger can give you a fresh look and bring the darkness to light. This film is a secret that must get out.
Rating: First Run This secret comedy must be revealed
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