Movie Reviews: Two Visually Impressive Documentaries

What better way to celebrate Earth Day than with a couple of stunning documentaries from different perspectives -- one from the greatest depths of our oceans -- and one from the far reaches of space.


Oceans

Nearly three-quarters of the Earth is covered by water -- so it was no small task that this film features underwater scenes from all over the globe. The cast is an awesome mix of familiar sea life -- and wonderful beings that possibly have never been filmed before. The awe-inspiring imagery takes center stage -- with a surprisingly lighter than expected environmental message woven into tales of nature.

The new French-American documentary film by Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud is distributed in the United States by Disneynature – and narrated by Pierce Brosnan. In true Disney fashion, we can't escape the obligatory scenes of death -- but hey, that's nature for you. It just seemed like those killer scenes were a bit too heavily weighted. But overall, a spectacular visual experience. [Rated G; opens today]

Grade: B+


Hubble 3D

On my trip earlier this month to the Kennedy Space Center, I was lucky enough to see this fascinating 3D documentary – where you actually feel like you’re in the middle of the action. With our planet as a backdrop, you’re catapulted to faraway galaxies -- right beside our space shuttle astronauts.

The 3D is top-notch – at times the space-walking astronauts appear right in front of you as they take on the daunting task of repairing the ill-functioning Hubble telescope. Along the way, you’ll see mind-blowing images like you've never seen before -- and you’ll also learn the incredible true story of how early disappointments were turned into high-reaching triumphs thanks to the bravery of a special team of men and women.

My only complaint is that narrator Leonardo DiCaprio is a bit monotone -- so grab that giant caffeine drink at the concession stand before you take your seat -- and enjoy this journey produced and directed by Toni Myers. [Rated G; in select IMAX theaters now]

Grade: A-


Note:

• An alphabetical archive of other film reviews can be found by clicking on the icon in the left menu.

Movie Reviews: Two Visually Impressive Documentaries

What better way to celebrate Earth Day than with a couple of stunning documentaries from different perspectives -- one from the greatest depths of our oceans -- and one from the far reaches of space.


Oceans

Nearly three-quarters of the Earth is covered by water -- so it was no small task that this film features underwater scenes from all over the globe. The cast is an awesome mix of familiar sea life -- and wonderful beings that possibly have never been filmed before. The awe-inspiring imagery takes center stage -- with a surprisingly lighter than expected environmental message woven into tales of nature.

The new French-American documentary film by Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud is distributed in the United States by Disneynature – and narrated by Pierce Brosnan. In true Disney fashion, we can't escape the obligatory scenes of death -- but hey, that's nature for you. It just seemed like those killer scenes were a bit too heavily weighted. But overall, a spectacular visual experience. [Rated G; opens today]

Grade: B+


Hubble 3D

On my trip earlier this month to the Kennedy Space Center, I was lucky enough to see this fascinating 3D documentary – where you actually feel like you’re in the middle of the action. With our planet as a backdrop, you’re catapulted to faraway galaxies -- right beside our space shuttle astronauts.

The 3D is top-notch – at times the space-walking astronauts appear right in front of you as they take on the daunting task of repairing the ill-functioning Hubble telescope. Along the way, you’ll see mind-blowing images like you've never seen before -- and you’ll also learn the incredible true story of how early disappointments were turned into high-reaching triumphs thanks to the bravery of a special team of men and women.

My only complaint is that narrator Leonardo DiCaprio is a bit monotone -- so grab that giant caffeine drink at the concession stand before you take your seat -- and enjoy this journey produced and directed by Toni Myers. [Rated G; in select IMAX theaters now]

Grade: A-


Note:

• An alphabetical archive of other film reviews can be found by clicking on the icon in the left menu.

DVD Reviews: One Documentary, Two Dramas

Capitalism: A Love Story

The latest political documentary from Michael Moore examines the impact of corporate dominance on the everyday lives of Americans (and by default, the rest of the world). The film moves from middle America, to the halls of power in Washington, to the global financial capital of Manhattan. Although ultimately not as strong as Moore's past triumphs (Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 9/11), the filmmaker still excels at telling an important story with both humor and outrage. And before you attack Moore for being a liberal, I think you may be surprised that he challenges both Republicans AND Democrats here. This balanced view caught me by surprise -- and reminds us that Americans need to ease the bi-partisanship and focus on what's best for the country overall.

What is the price that America pays for its love of capitalism? Families pay the price with their jobs, their homes and their savings. Moore goes into the homes of ordinary people whose lives have been turned upside down; and he goes looking for explanations in DC and elsewhere. What he finds are the all-too-familiar symptoms of a love affair gone astray: lies, abuse, betrayal. Some of the vignettes work better than others -- as Moore wanders from the big picture a bit. However, the detours -- such as one highlighting a child care scandal in Pennsylvania -- are still fascinating. Extras: bonus features include the usual -- deleted scenes, extended interviews and theatrical trailers. [Rated R; released on DVD today]

Grade: B

Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire

Precious won two Academy Awards on Sunday -- Best Supporting Actress for Mo'Nique's incredible performance and Best Adapted Screenplay for Geoffrey Fletcher's heart-wrenching script. It earned the other four nominations it received as well -- including one for Best Picture. It truly was one of the best films of last year. Here is my original review of the theatrical release. [Rated R; released on DVD today]


Up in the Air

Although it received six Oscar nominations, Up in the Air was shut out on Sunday. But it still was one of the best films of 2009. Here is my original review of the theatrical release. [Rated R; released on DVD today]

DVD Reviews: One Documentary, Two Dramas

Capitalism: A Love Story

The latest political documentary from Michael Moore examines the impact of corporate dominance on the everyday lives of Americans (and by default, the rest of the world). The film moves from middle America, to the halls of power in Washington, to the global financial capital of Manhattan. Although ultimately not as strong as Moore's past triumphs (Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 9/11), the filmmaker still excels at telling an important story with both humor and outrage. And before you attack Moore for being a liberal, I think you may be surprised that he challenges both Republicans AND Democrats here. This balanced view caught me by surprise -- and reminds us that Americans need to ease the bi-partisanship and focus on what's best for the country overall.

What is the price that America pays for its love of capitalism? Families pay the price with their jobs, their homes and their savings. Moore goes into the homes of ordinary people whose lives have been turned upside down; and he goes looking for explanations in DC and elsewhere. What he finds are the all-too-familiar symptoms of a love affair gone astray: lies, abuse, betrayal. Some of the vignettes work better than others -- as Moore wanders from the big picture a bit. However, the detours -- such as one highlighting a child care scandal in Pennsylvania -- are still fascinating. Extras: bonus features include the usual -- deleted scenes, extended interviews and theatrical trailers. [Rated R; released on DVD today]

Grade: B

Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire

Precious won two Academy Awards on Sunday -- Best Supporting Actress for Mo'Nique's incredible performance and Best Adapted Screenplay for Geoffrey Fletcher's heart-wrenching script. It earned the other four nominations it received as well -- including one for Best Picture. It truly was one of the best films of last year. Here is my original review of the theatrical release. [Rated R; released on DVD today]


Up in the Air

Although it received six Oscar nominations, Up in the Air was shut out on Sunday. But it still was one of the best films of 2009. Here is my original review of the theatrical release. [Rated R; released on DVD today]

Movie Reviews: Oscar Nominees

As reported yesterday, I played some catch-up since the Oscar nominations were announced last month. Here are my mini reviews of six films that completed my goal to see all 10 best picture nominations, all 10 nominated screenplays and all 20 nominated performances before the big night.

Avatar

The highest-grossing film of all-time also tied for the most Oscar nominations this year (nine; along with The Hurt Locker) -- including best picture. Nominated again for best director, James Cameron (Titanic) has brought the cinema to an entirely different level by transporting us to the beautifully-lush planet of Pandora in the year 2154. Sam Worthington (Terminator Salvation) plays Jake Sully, a paraplegic war veteran who is brought to the planet inhabited by the Na'vi, a humanoid race with their own language and culture. The film's title refers to the genetically engineered Na'vi bodies used by Jake and several other humans to interact with the natives of Pandora.

Jake soon learns that a greedy businessman has joined forces with the military to use the avatar system to help drive the natives out of their homeland -- in order to mine a valuable mineral. But Jake falls in love with Neytiri -- a Na'vi (excellently played by Zoe Saldana) -- and her culture and homeland. What results is an epic battle to save the planet.

Visually, the film is a sci-fi masterpiece -- especially in 3D -- and earns all its technical Oscar nominations. And don't get hung up on all the thinking that there's not much of a story here -- or that the plot steals from others (including Pocahantas). There's more than enough originality in the story -- and plenty to keep you captivated from beginning to end. Also stars Giovanni Ribisi, Sigourney Weaver and Michelle Rodriguez (TV's Lost). [Rated PG-13, in theaters now]

Grade: A-


The Blind Side

This family film tells the story of Big Mike, a homeless African-American teen from a broken home, taken in by a well-to-do Southern white family who help him fulfill his potential. At the same time, Big Mike's presence in the family's lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own. Based on the true story of the NFL's Michael Oher, some may find the film a bit too schmaltzy. But although the tear-jerking feels forced at times, there's nothing wrong with being a feel-good movie with a great message. Sandra Bullock (The Proposal) is terrific in her Oscar-nominated role as Big Mike's tough surrogate mother with a heart of gold. Also Oscar-nominated for best picture, the sports drama stars Tim McGraw, Kathy Bates, Quinton Aaron and Jae Head. Directed by John Lee Hancock (The Alamo). [Rated PG-13; in theaters now; on DVD March 23]

Grade: B+


An Education

Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan (Brothers) is a revelation as a teenager living outside London in the early 1960s. Although her parents' have set the path for her to work hard in her studies to get accepted to Oxford, everything changes when she is romanced by a mysterious older man (Peter Sarsgaard). Soon blinded by love, she gets mixed up in some shady business that may sidetrack her education plans -- for good. The drama, also Oscar-nominated for best picture and best adapted screenplay, does an incredible job at capturing the times. And it reminds us that the best education is often not learned in the classroom -- but in actually living life itself. From Danish director Lone Scherfig, the film also stars Emma Thompson and Alfred Molina -- who was wrongly overlooked for a nomination of his own. [Rated PG-13; in theaters now; on DVD March 30]

Grade: A-


In the Loop

This British political satire was the surprise entry in the Oscar race for best adapted screenplay. The film picks up as the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom are looking to launch a war in the Middle East. The plot follows government officials and advisers from both sides of the Atlantic in their behind-the-scenes efforts either to promote the war or prevent it. Directed and co-written by Armando Iannucci, the film is a spinoff from his BBC TV series The Thick of It. And there-in lies some of the problem -- it plays like some chatty and full-of-itself TV drama. Although the cast is sharp -- and the writing is intelligent and witty -- the plot meanders, the camera and story jump around too much, and I was left dizzy and uninterested very early. Stars Tom Hollander, Mimi Kennedy, James Gandolfini (Where the Wild Things Are), Chris Addison, Peter Capaldi, a grown-up Anna Chlumsky (My Girl), Steve Coogan and David Rasche. [Rated R; on DVD now]

Grade: C+


Inglourious Basterds

Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction), in his familiar style of several chapters that evenutally overlap, the film has been nominated for eight Oscars -- including best picture and original screenplay. The drama opens in Nazi-occupied France, where a young Jewish refugee witnesses the murder of her family by an evil colonel (Christoph Waltz). Narrowly escaping with her life, she plots her revenge several years later when a German war hero takes an interest in her and arranges a premiere of a propaganda film at the theater she now runs. With the promise of every major Nazi officer in attendance -- including Hitler -- the event catches the attention of the "Basterds," a group of Jewish-American guerrilla soldiers led by a ruthless redneck lieutenant (Brad Pitt). As the relentless executioners advance and the conspiring young girl's plans are set in motion, their paths cross for a fateful evening that could shake the very annals of history.

Waltz is a lock for the best supporting actor Oscar category -- as he achieves the impossible -- pulling off being both charming and vile at the same time. And kudos go to Tarantino for creating a fictional film that is so well-done, you'll surely get caught up in the "what if" it only were true and history was re-written. My only complaint? On DVD, it's a bit difficult to read the subtitles that accompany the German, French and Italian-speaking sections. Also stars Diane Kruger and Mélanie Laurent. [Rated R; on DVD now]

Grade: A-


Invictus

This film reunites director Clint Eastwood with his Million Dollar Baby co-star Morgan Freeman -- who plays Nelson Mandela. The drama is a look at the life of Mandela after the fall of apartheid in South Africa -- and during his term as president. Mandela campaigns to host the 1995 Rugby World Cup event as an opportunity to unite his divided county. The title comes from the fact that Mandela had the "Invictus" poem written on a scrap of paper on his prison cell while he was incarcerated. In the movie, Mandela gives the inspirational short poem (written by the English poet William Ernest Henley) to national rugby team's captain Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon) before the start of the tournament (in reality, Mandela provided Pienaar with an extract from Theodore Roosevelt's "The Man in the Arena" speech).

Freeman does a sensational job capturing Mandela -- and earned yet another Oscar nomination. Meanwhile, Damon's supporting nomination is not as worthy -- and maybe he should have been nominated for his lead role in The Informant! instead. Ultimately, the film is a good history lesson -- but just a mildly-entertaining sports drama. [Rated PG-13; in theaters now]

Grade: B


The Last Station

This drama explores the turbulent final year in the life of the Russian writer and philosopher Leo Tolstoy and his troubled marriage. Helen Mirren (The Queen) and Christopher Plummer (Up) are both exceptional in their Oscar-nominated roles as the battling Tolstoys. James McAvoy (Atonement) and Paul Giamatti (Cold Souls) are also excellent in supporting roles as Tolstoy followers. But although we learn about Tolstoy's struggle to balance fame and wealth with his commitment to a life devoid of material things, we're left wanting more clarity on the history of his marriage. Written and directed by Michael Hoffman (A Midsummer Night's Dream). [Rated R; in theaters now]

Grade: B


Notes:

• A complete list of the 82nd Academy Award nominations can be found here.
• Reviews for the other best picture nominations, nominated screenplays and films carrying nominated performance can be found by clicking the Film Reviews icon in the upper left sidebar.
• There's also still time to vote in the Oscar poll at left.
• Check back tomorrow morning for my predictions in the major categories.
  

Movie Reviews: Oscar Nominees

As reported yesterday, I played some catch-up since the Oscar nominations were announced last month. Here are my mini reviews of six films that completed my goal to see all 10 best picture nominations, all 10 nominated screenplays and all 20 nominated performances before the big night.

Avatar

The highest-grossing film of all-time also tied for the most Oscar nominations this year (nine; along with The Hurt Locker) -- including best picture. Nominated again for best director, James Cameron (Titanic) has brought the cinema to an entirely different level by transporting us to the beautifully-lush planet of Pandora in the year 2154. Sam Worthington (Terminator Salvation) plays Jake Sully, a paraplegic war veteran who is brought to the planet inhabited by the Na'vi, a humanoid race with their own language and culture. The film's title refers to the genetically engineered Na'vi bodies used by Jake and several other humans to interact with the natives of Pandora.

Jake soon learns that a greedy businessman has joined forces with the military to use the avatar system to help drive the natives out of their homeland -- in order to mine a valuable mineral. But Jake falls in love with Neytiri -- a Na'vi (excellently played by Zoe Saldana) -- and her culture and homeland. What results is an epic battle to save the planet.

Visually, the film is a sci-fi masterpiece -- especially in 3D -- and earns all its technical Oscar nominations. And don't get hung up on all the thinking that there's not much of a story here -- or that the plot steals from others (including Pocahantas). There's more than enough originality in the story -- and plenty to keep you captivated from beginning to end. Also stars Giovanni Ribisi, Sigourney Weaver and Michelle Rodriguez (TV's Lost). [Rated PG-13, in theaters now]

Grade: A-


The Blind Side

This family film tells the story of Big Mike, a homeless African-American teen from a broken home, taken in by a well-to-do Southern white family who help him fulfill his potential. At the same time, Big Mike's presence in the family's lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own. Based on the true story of the NFL's Michael Oher, some may find the film a bit too schmaltzy. But although the tear-jerking feels forced at times, there's nothing wrong with being a feel-good movie with a great message. Sandra Bullock (The Proposal) is terrific in her Oscar-nominated role as Big Mike's tough surrogate mother with a heart of gold. Also Oscar-nominated for best picture, the sports drama stars Tim McGraw, Kathy Bates, Quinton Aaron and Jae Head. Directed by John Lee Hancock (The Alamo). [Rated PG-13; in theaters now; on DVD March 23]

Grade: B+


An Education

Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan (Brothers) is a revelation as a teenager living outside London in the early 1960s. Although her parents' have set the path for her to work hard in her studies to get accepted to Oxford, everything changes when she is romanced by a mysterious older man (Peter Sarsgaard). Soon blinded by love, she gets mixed up in some shady business that may sidetrack her education plans -- for good. The drama, also Oscar-nominated for best picture and best adapted screenplay, does an incredible job at capturing the times. And it reminds us that the best education is often not learned in the classroom -- but in actually living life itself. From Danish director Lone Scherfig, the film also stars Emma Thompson and Alfred Molina -- who was wrongly overlooked for a nomination of his own. [Rated PG-13; in theaters now; on DVD March 30]

Grade: A-


In the Loop

This British political satire was the surprise entry in the Oscar race for best adapted screenplay. The film picks up as the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom are looking to launch a war in the Middle East. The plot follows government officials and advisers from both sides of the Atlantic in their behind-the-scenes efforts either to promote the war or prevent it. Directed and co-written by Armando Iannucci, the film is a spinoff from his BBC TV series The Thick of It. And there-in lies some of the problem -- it plays like some chatty and full-of-itself TV drama. Although the cast is sharp -- and the writing is intelligent and witty -- the plot meanders, the camera and story jump around too much, and I was left dizzy and uninterested very early. Stars Tom Hollander, Mimi Kennedy, James Gandolfini (Where the Wild Things Are), Chris Addison, Peter Capaldi, a grown-up Anna Chlumsky (My Girl), Steve Coogan and David Rasche. [Rated R; on DVD now]

Grade: C+


Inglourious Basterds

Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction), in his familiar style of several chapters that evenutally overlap, the film has been nominated for eight Oscars -- including best picture and original screenplay. The drama opens in Nazi-occupied France, where a young Jewish refugee witnesses the murder of her family by an evil colonel (Christoph Waltz). Narrowly escaping with her life, she plots her revenge several years later when a German war hero takes an interest in her and arranges a premiere of a propaganda film at the theater she now runs. With the promise of every major Nazi officer in attendance -- including Hitler -- the event catches the attention of the "Basterds," a group of Jewish-American guerrilla soldiers led by a ruthless redneck lieutenant (Brad Pitt). As the relentless executioners advance and the conspiring young girl's plans are set in motion, their paths cross for a fateful evening that could shake the very annals of history.

Waltz is a lock for the best supporting actor Oscar category -- as he achieves the impossible -- pulling off being both charming and vile at the same time. And kudos go to Tarantino for creating a fictional film that is so well-done, you'll surely get caught up in the "what if" it only were true and history was re-written. My only complaint? On DVD, it's a bit difficult to read the subtitles that accompany the German, French and Italian-speaking sections. Also stars Diane Kruger and Mélanie Laurent. [Rated R; on DVD now]

Grade: A-


Invictus

This film reunites director Clint Eastwood with his Million Dollar Baby co-star Morgan Freeman -- who plays Nelson Mandela. The drama is a look at the life of Mandela after the fall of apartheid in South Africa -- and during his term as president. Mandela campaigns to host the 1995 Rugby World Cup event as an opportunity to unite his divided county. The title comes from the fact that Mandela had the "Invictus" poem written on a scrap of paper on his prison cell while he was incarcerated. In the movie, Mandela gives the inspirational short poem (written by the English poet William Ernest Henley) to national rugby team's captain Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon) before the start of the tournament (in reality, Mandela provided Pienaar with an extract from Theodore Roosevelt's "The Man in the Arena" speech).

Freeman does a sensational job capturing Mandela -- and earned yet another Oscar nomination. Meanwhile, Damon's supporting nomination is not as worthy -- and maybe he should have been nominated for his lead role in The Informant! instead. Ultimately, the film is a good history lesson -- but just a mildly-entertaining sports drama. [Rated PG-13; in theaters now]

Grade: B


The Last Station

This drama explores the turbulent final year in the life of the Russian writer and philosopher Leo Tolstoy and his troubled marriage. Helen Mirren (The Queen) and Christopher Plummer (Up) are both exceptional in their Oscar-nominated roles as the battling Tolstoys. James McAvoy (Atonement) and Paul Giamatti (Cold Souls) are also excellent in supporting roles as Tolstoy followers. But although we learn about Tolstoy's struggle to balance fame and wealth with his commitment to a life devoid of material things, we're left wanting more clarity on the history of his marriage. Written and directed by Michael Hoffman (A Midsummer Night's Dream). [Rated R; in theaters now]

Grade: B


Notes:

• A complete list of the 82nd Academy Award nominations can be found here.
• Reviews for the other best picture nominations, nominated screenplays and films carrying nominated performance can be found by clicking the Film Reviews icon in the upper left sidebar.
• There's also still time to vote in the Oscar poll at left.
• Check back tomorrow morning for my predictions in the major categories.
  

TGIF Movie Reviews

Crazy Heart

Jeff Bridges plays Bad Blake, an alcoholic singer/songwriter who was once a major star of country music. Now he barely manages to keep things together -- playing small venues in the Southwest while mostly living on the road out of his old pickup truck. With several failed marriages behind him, he meets Jean (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a much younger journalist who re-awakens his spirit. Jean is a single mother with a young son -- who has a history of failed relationships of her own. She and her son become the catalyst for Bad getting his life back on track.

Bridges (Fearless, The Big Lebowski) is amazingly convincing as the washed-up musician -- every ounce of his performance rings true. After seeing all the front-runners in this year's awards season, he's the most worthy of the accolades for Best Actor. Gyllenhaal (Secretary, Away We Go) is also terrific. Robert Duvall has a small role as a bartender friend of Bad's -- maybe he was drawn to participate because the film was reminiscent of his own Oscar-winning turn as a washed-up, alcoholic country singer in 1983's Tender Mercies.

About the only negative I could find is the odd casting of Irish actor Colin Farrell (In Bruges) as Tommy Sweet, a popular and successful country music star Bad once mentored and to whom he finally renews a professional relationship. Farrell manages to do an okay job in the role, but was still a distraction. Singer/songwriter Ryan Bingham also appears -- and performs his Golden Globe nominated "The Weary Kind." Although I do not consider myself a country music fan, I was totally blown away by the country rock score. In a solid directorial debut, Scott Cooper has also written a compelling script. [Rated R; opens wider today]

Grade: A-


The Lovely Bones

Based on Alice Sebold's best-selling 2002 novel of the same name, The Lovely Bones is the story of a 14-year-old girl who is murdered in a quiet suburban town in late 1973. Saoirse Ronan (Atonement) plays the murdered girl Susie, who finds herself in 'the in-between' - an almost-Heaven place, observing her family as they grieve for her. She also watches her killer (Stanely Tucci from Julie & Julia) who, having covered his tracks successfully, is preparing to murder again. Her father Jack (Mark Wahlberg) becomes obsessed with his daughter's murder, while her mother Abigail (Rachel Weisz) moves away to numb the pain. Susie struggles to balance her desire for vengeance on her killer and her desire to have her family -- which includes two younger siblings -- recover from their loss.

Director and co-writer Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) delivers mixed results. He goes overboard in his use of CGI-effects while in 'the in-between' -- some of it works, some of it doesn't. But most importantly, the overuse makes the movie drag. Jackson should have had a better editing eye to trim the movie back from its two hour and fifteen minute run time. However, he does succeed in capturing the early 1970s back on Earth -- and we have to give him credit for the strong performances by his stars -- the captivating Ronan and a creepy turn by Golden Globe nominee Tucci. The parental roles are less fleshed out -- and Susan Sarandon's role as the goofy drunk grandmother seems an odd inclusion. But for the performances of Ronan and Tucci -- and an interesting, yet somewhat poorly executed story -- I give the film a mild recommendation.

Grade: B-


Notes:

• Fox Searchlight has staggered the release of Crazy Heart. Click here to find out when the film opens in your area.
• The Lovely Bones stays true to Sebold's setting outside of Philadelphia. Jackson filmed it in the suburb of Willistown Township, PA -- near the Main Line. Click here for The Philadelphia Inquirer photo gallery of the film's 2007 shoot.
• Check back here next week for a review of Extraordinary Measures.
• Click on the film reviews icon at left for an archive of all film reviews.
  

TGIF Movie Reviews

Crazy Heart

Jeff Bridges plays Bad Blake, an alcoholic singer/songwriter who was once a major star of country music. Now he barely manages to keep things together -- playing small venues in the Southwest while mostly living on the road out of his old pickup truck. With several failed marriages behind him, he meets Jean (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a much younger journalist who re-awakens his spirit. Jean is a single mother with a young son -- who has a history of failed relationships of her own. She and her son become the catalyst for Bad getting his life back on track.

Bridges (Fearless, The Big Lebowski) is amazingly convincing as the washed-up musician -- every ounce of his performance rings true. After seeing all the front-runners in this year's awards season, he's the most worthy of the accolades for Best Actor. Gyllenhaal (Secretary, Away We Go) is also terrific. Robert Duvall has a small role as a bartender friend of Bad's -- maybe he was drawn to participate because the film was reminiscent of his own Oscar-winning turn as a washed-up, alcoholic country singer in 1983's Tender Mercies.

About the only negative I could find is the odd casting of Irish actor Colin Farrell (In Bruges) as Tommy Sweet, a popular and successful country music star Bad once mentored and to whom he finally renews a professional relationship. Farrell manages to do an okay job in the role, but was still a distraction. Singer/songwriter Ryan Bingham also appears -- and performs his Golden Globe nominated "The Weary Kind." Although I do not consider myself a country music fan, I was totally blown away by the country rock score. In a solid directorial debut, Scott Cooper has also written a compelling script. [Rated R; opens wider today]

Grade: A-


The Lovely Bones

Based on Alice Sebold's best-selling 2002 novel of the same name, The Lovely Bones is the story of a 14-year-old girl who is murdered in a quiet suburban town in late 1973. Saoirse Ronan (Atonement) plays the murdered girl Susie, who finds herself in 'the in-between' - an almost-Heaven place, observing her family as they grieve for her. She also watches her killer (Stanely Tucci from Julie & Julia) who, having covered his tracks successfully, is preparing to murder again. Her father Jack (Mark Wahlberg) becomes obsessed with his daughter's murder, while her mother Abigail (Rachel Weisz) moves away to numb the pain. Susie struggles to balance her desire for vengeance on her killer and her desire to have her family -- which includes two younger siblings -- recover from their loss.

Director and co-writer Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) delivers mixed results. He goes overboard in his use of CGI-effects while in 'the in-between' -- some of it works, some of it doesn't. But most importantly, the overuse makes the movie drag. Jackson should have had a better editing eye to trim the movie back from its two hour and fifteen minute run time. However, he does succeed in capturing the early 1970s back on Earth -- and we have to give him credit for the strong performances by his stars -- the captivating Ronan and a creepy turn by Golden Globe nominee Tucci. The parental roles are less fleshed out -- and Susan Sarandon's role as the goofy drunk grandmother seems an odd inclusion. But for the performances of Ronan and Tucci -- and an interesting, yet somewhat poorly executed story -- I give the film a mild recommendation.

Grade: B-


Notes:

• Fox Searchlight has staggered the release of Crazy Heart. Click here to find out when the film opens in your area.
• The Lovely Bones stays true to Sebold's setting outside of Philadelphia. Jackson filmed it in the suburb of Willistown Township, PA -- near the Main Line. Click here for The Philadelphia Inquirer photo gallery of the film's 2007 shoot.
• Check back here next week for a review of Extraordinary Measures.
• Click on the film reviews icon at left for an archive of all film reviews.
  

Three Movie Reviews -- Catching Up!

It may seem like I get to see all movies before their actual release dates, but that isn't always the case. I spent the last couple of weeks catching up on a few movies I missed -- and now I'm finally getting to the reviews here. And it's a good time to catch up because each of these movies play a part in the competition known as the Golden Globe Awards this coming Sunday night!

Nine

Director Rob Marshall (Chicago) returns with an all-star musical to re-tell the story played out before on stage, in book and even on screen (all incarnations were based on Federico Fellini's semi-autobiographical film 8½). And wow -- what a cast -- including Academy Award winners Daniel Day-Lewis, Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard, Penélope Cruz, Sophia Loren, Academy award nominee and Golden Globe winner Kate Hudson, and Grammy Award winner Fergie.

Day-Lewis plays Guido, a famed Italian film director who is facing a mid-life crisis that is stifling his creativity and leading him into a variety of complicated romantic involvements. As he struggles to even start his latest film, he's forced to balance the numerous formative women in his life, including his wife (Cotillard), his mistress (Cruz), his film star muse (Kidman), his confidante and costume designer (Dench), an American fashion journalist (Hudson), a prostitute from his youth (Fergie), and his mother (Loren).

Nine has received five Golden Globe nominations -- including Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) and nods for Day-Lewis, Cotillard and Cruz. But is it a great movie? No. For me, the music wasn't that interesting. And shouldn't that make or break a musical? Other than the memorable "Be Italian" (Fergie), the other songs seemed repetitive. I got tired of hearing 'Guido this' and 'Guido that.' Luckily the story kept my interest, the cast was impressive and the setting of mid-1960s Italy was breathtaking. So overall, it's not a great musical, but still a mildly entertaining film. [Rated PG-13; in theaters now]

Grade: B


Brothers

Directed by Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot, In the Name of the Father), Brothers is a remake of the 2004 Danish film, Brødre. Tobey Maguire (Spiderman) plays Sam, a devoted family man and U.S. Marine who leaves his wife (Natalie Portman) and two young daughters behind for yet another tour of duty. Before he leaves for Afghanistan, his troubled brother Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal) is released from jail after serving time for an armed robbery.

In combat, Sam's helicopter crashes and he is presumed dead. Back home, Tommy finally grows up and helps his sister-in-law Grace cope with their loss. Months pass and they grow closer -- but unbeknownst to them, Sam is still alive -- captured along with a fellow member of his unit, Joe (Patrick Flueger). Sam and Joe endure unspeakable torture -- and yes, some of the scenes are horrific and quite difficult to watch. But Sam survives the ordeal -- and returns home to the shock of his family. But he's a changed man -- deeply traumatized and consumed by paranoid thoughts that Tommy and Grace have slept together. And you guessed it -- Sam finally snaps and all hell breaks loose.

All three leads are excellent -- with Maguire truly deserving of his Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. Rounding out the cast is Sam Shepard, Mare Winningham, Clifton Collins, Jr. (Sunshine Cleaning, Extract) -- and two wonderful young actresses who play the daughters --

Bailee Madison and Taylor Grace Geare. [Rated R; in theaters now]

Grade: B+


A Single Man

Set in 1962 Los Angeles, A Single Man is the story of George Falconer (Colin Firth), a closeted middle-aged British college professor who has struggled to find meaning in life since the sudden death eight months earlier of his longtime younger partner (Matthew Goode of Leap Year). Over the course of one (at times, slow-moving) day -- he reminisces with his fellow Brit friend (Julianne Moore) and has encounters with two young men that awaken his spirit. But is it enough to keep him going?

In his directorial debut, fashion designer Tom Ford has shot a beautiful film -- with a deeply elegant style. Based on a novel by Christopher Isherwood, Ford also co-wrote the script with David Scearce. Firth (Bridget Jones's Diary) is brilliant in a quiet, but moving Golden Globe nominated performance (Best Actor). And although Moore's role is much smaller, she is riveting as always -- earning yet another nomination of her own (Best Supporting Actress). [Rated R; in theaters now]

Grade: A-


Note:

• A full list of nominations for Sunday's 67th Golden Globe Awards can be found here.
• An alphabetical archive of other film reviews can be found by clicking on the icon in the left menu.
• Reviews of The Lovely Bones, Crazy Heart and Extraordinary Measures are coming soon.

Three Movie Reviews -- Catching Up!

It may seem like I get to see all movies before their actual release dates, but that isn't always the case. I spent the last couple of weeks catching up on a few movies I missed -- and now I'm finally getting to the reviews here. And it's a good time to catch up because each of these movies play a part in the competition known as the Golden Globe Awards this coming Sunday night!

Nine

Director Rob Marshall (Chicago) returns with an all-star musical to re-tell the story played out before on stage, in book and even on screen (all incarnations were based on Federico Fellini's semi-autobiographical film 8½). And wow -- what a cast -- including Academy Award winners Daniel Day-Lewis, Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard, Penélope Cruz, Sophia Loren, Academy award nominee and Golden Globe winner Kate Hudson, and Grammy Award winner Fergie.

Day-Lewis plays Guido, a famed Italian film director who is facing a mid-life crisis that is stifling his creativity and leading him into a variety of complicated romantic involvements. As he struggles to even start his latest film, he's forced to balance the numerous formative women in his life, including his wife (Cotillard), his mistress (Cruz), his film star muse (Kidman), his confidante and costume designer (Dench), an American fashion journalist (Hudson), a prostitute from his youth (Fergie), and his mother (Loren).

Nine has received five Golden Globe nominations -- including Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) and nods for Day-Lewis, Cotillard and Cruz. But is it a great movie? No. For me, the music wasn't that interesting. And shouldn't that make or break a musical? Other than the memorable "Be Italian" (Fergie), the other songs seemed repetitive. I got tired of hearing 'Guido this' and 'Guido that.' Luckily the story kept my interest, the cast was impressive and the setting of mid-1960s Italy was breathtaking. So overall, it's not a great musical, but still a mildly entertaining film. [Rated PG-13; in theaters now]

Grade: B


Brothers

Directed by Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot, In the Name of the Father), Brothers is a remake of the 2004 Danish film, Brødre. Tobey Maguire (Spiderman) plays Sam, a devoted family man and U.S. Marine who leaves his wife (Natalie Portman) and two young daughters behind for yet another tour of duty. Before he leaves for Afghanistan, his troubled brother Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal) is released from jail after serving time for an armed robbery.

In combat, Sam's helicopter crashes and he is presumed dead. Back home, Tommy finally grows up and helps his sister-in-law Grace cope with their loss. Months pass and they grow closer -- but unbeknownst to them, Sam is still alive -- captured along with a fellow member of his unit, Joe (Patrick Flueger). Sam and Joe endure unspeakable torture -- and yes, some of the scenes are horrific and quite difficult to watch. But Sam survives the ordeal -- and returns home to the shock of his family. But he's a changed man -- deeply traumatized and consumed by paranoid thoughts that Tommy and Grace have slept together. And you guessed it -- Sam finally snaps and all hell breaks loose.

All three leads are excellent -- with Maguire truly deserving of his Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. Rounding out the cast is Sam Shepard, Mare Winningham, Clifton Collins, Jr. (Sunshine Cleaning, Extract) -- and two wonderful young actresses who play the daughters --

Bailee Madison and Taylor Grace Geare. [Rated R; in theaters now]

Grade: B+


A Single Man

Set in 1962 Los Angeles, A Single Man is the story of George Falconer (Colin Firth), a closeted middle-aged British college professor who has struggled to find meaning in life since the sudden death eight months earlier of his longtime younger partner (Matthew Goode of Leap Year). Over the course of one (at times, slow-moving) day -- he reminisces with his fellow Brit friend (Julianne Moore) and has encounters with two young men that awaken his spirit. But is it enough to keep him going?

In his directorial debut, fashion designer Tom Ford has shot a beautiful film -- with a deeply elegant style. Based on a novel by Christopher Isherwood, Ford also co-wrote the script with David Scearce. Firth (Bridget Jones's Diary) is brilliant in a quiet, but moving Golden Globe nominated performance (Best Actor). And although Moore's role is much smaller, she is riveting as always -- earning yet another nomination of her own (Best Supporting Actress). [Rated R; in theaters now]

Grade: A-


Note:

• A full list of nominations for Sunday's 67th Golden Globe Awards can be found here.
• An alphabetical archive of other film reviews can be found by clicking on the icon in the left menu.
• Reviews of The Lovely Bones, Crazy Heart and Extraordinary Measures are coming soon.

Christmas Movie Reviews

It's Complicated

Writer/producer/director Nancy Meyers (The Holiday, Something's Gotta Give) brings us another film geared to the middle-aged female audience. Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia) plays Jane, a self-reliant divorcee with three grown children and a successful bakery business. Ten years after her divorce, she finally has a good relationship with her ex-husband Jake (Lymelife's Alec Baldwin), a successful attorney who has remarried a much-younger woman. While attending their son's college graduation, Jane and Jake end up having a fun-filled dinner --just the two of them. And this leads to an affair between the two, making Jane "the other woman" for a change. Complicating matters is Adam (Steve Martin), an architect Jane hires to remodel her house. Adam is healing from a divorce of his own, but has begun to fall in love with Jane.

I wanted to like this movie so much more than I actually did. Streep, Baldwin and Martin are great actors who deserved a better script. John Krasinski (Away We Go), who plays the fiance of Jane and Jake's oldest daughter, was the only supporting actor who stood out. Unfortunately, the actors playing the three adult children were a bit flat. And scenes with Streep and her girlfriends were painful. Two of these girlfriends were played by Alexandra Wentworth and Rita Wilson -- mediocre actresses at best. If you're going to cast Meryl Streep -- you better surround her with better actors. Alas, I can only slightly recommend this movie -- and only because Streep, Baldwin, Martin and Krasinski manage to bring just enough laughs to predictable storytelling. [Rated R; opens today]

Grade: B-


Sherlock Holmes

Director Guy Ritchie (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch) resurrects Arthur Conan Doyle's famous sleuth and sidekick, Dr. John Watson. Purists will complain that this action-oriented retelling is a bit out of character for Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.) and Watson (Jude Law), but the action sequences are fun. So, too, are the great sets and costumes that transport you back to 1891 London.

Downey (The Soloist) and Law (The Talented Mr. Ripley) are perfectly cast -- and have great chemistry together. But the scriptwriters failed to fully capitalize on that great chemistry. The writing team of Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham and Simon Kinberg had the opportunity to bring more humor to the relationship -- and the story overall, but fall short. The plot centers on a conspiracy to destroy Great Britain. The film opens with Holmes apprehending the murderous cult leader Lord Henry Blackwood (Mark Strong), who promises he will return from the dead and exact his revenge as he is being led to the gallows. Along for the ride is Rachel McAdams (The Time Traveler's Wife) who plays a femme fatale who once outwitted Holmes -- and is back for more deceit.

Sadly, McAdams' character is never fully-developed -- and she is mostly wasted. And the Lord Blackwood plot is at times simplistic, predictable and dare I say, even boring. Luckily, Downey and Law fill the screen with plenty of fun to carry the film. If you have high expectations for this film, you may leave disappointed. But my expectations were low, so I left happy enough. [Rated PG-13, opens today]

Grade: B

Note:

• Click the film reviews icon in the upper left column for a full alphabetical archive of other movies reviewed this year.

Christmas Movie Reviews

It's Complicated

Writer/producer/director Nancy Meyers (The Holiday, Something's Gotta Give) brings us another film geared to the middle-aged female audience. Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia) plays Jane, a self-reliant divorcee with three grown children and a successful bakery business. Ten years after her divorce, she finally has a good relationship with her ex-husband Jake (Lymelife's Alec Baldwin), a successful attorney who has remarried a much-younger woman. While attending their son's college graduation, Jane and Jake end up having a fun-filled dinner --just the two of them. And this leads to an affair between the two, making Jane "the other woman" for a change. Complicating matters is Adam (Steve Martin), an architect Jane hires to remodel her house. Adam is healing from a divorce of his own, but has begun to fall in love with Jane.

I wanted to like this movie so much more than I actually did. Streep, Baldwin and Martin are great actors who deserved a better script. John Krasinski (Away We Go), who plays the fiance of Jane and Jake's oldest daughter, was the only supporting actor who stood out. Unfortunately, the actors playing the three adult children were a bit flat. And scenes with Streep and her girlfriends were painful. Two of these girlfriends were played by Alexandra Wentworth and Rita Wilson -- mediocre actresses at best. If you're going to cast Meryl Streep -- you better surround her with better actors. Alas, I can only slightly recommend this movie -- and only because Streep, Baldwin, Martin and Krasinski manage to bring just enough laughs to predictable storytelling. [Rated R; opens today]

Grade: B-


Sherlock Holmes

Director Guy Ritchie (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch) resurrects Arthur Conan Doyle's famous sleuth and sidekick, Dr. John Watson. Purists will complain that this action-oriented retelling is a bit out of character for Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.) and Watson (Jude Law), but the action sequences are fun. So, too, are the great sets and costumes that transport you back to 1891 London.

Downey (The Soloist) and Law (The Talented Mr. Ripley) are perfectly cast -- and have great chemistry together. But the scriptwriters failed to fully capitalize on that great chemistry. The writing team of Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham and Simon Kinberg had the opportunity to bring more humor to the relationship -- and the story overall, but fall short. The plot centers on a conspiracy to destroy Great Britain. The film opens with Holmes apprehending the murderous cult leader Lord Henry Blackwood (Mark Strong), who promises he will return from the dead and exact his revenge as he is being led to the gallows. Along for the ride is Rachel McAdams (The Time Traveler's Wife) who plays a femme fatale who once outwitted Holmes -- and is back for more deceit.

Sadly, McAdams' character is never fully-developed -- and she is mostly wasted. And the Lord Blackwood plot is at times simplistic, predictable and dare I say, even boring. Luckily, Downey and Law fill the screen with plenty of fun to carry the film. If you have high expectations for this film, you may leave disappointed. But my expectations were low, so I left happy enough. [Rated PG-13, opens today]

Grade: B

Note:

• Click the film reviews icon in the upper left column for a full alphabetical archive of other movies reviewed this year.

Movie Reviews -- Three to See!

There's a common thread in today's three movie reviews -- all center on delivering bad news. The good news is -- the films all do a terrific job with the difficult topic. And what do you know -- all get strong recommendations today -- especially due to powerhouse acting by the lead actors.


Everybody's Fine

In this new drama from director/writer Kirk Jones (Waking Ned), Robert De Niro plays Frank, a recent widower trying to re-connect with his adult children. When the children one-by-one pull out of a planned visit to the family home, Frank decides on a whim to take a road trip to visit them -- unaware that they've been avoiding him because they're unsure how to deal with telling him some bad news. Along the way, Frank discovers that the lives of his grown children are far from perfect -- nor is his. Although he was a great family provider, Frank learns that he wasn't exactly emotionally attached. As one of his daughters points out, "
Mom was a good listener, you were a good talker."

Don't be fooled by the studio's mis-marketing of the film as a warm and fuzzy holiday movie. It's actually quite depressing and certainly a tear-jerker. But the reward is in witnessing the top-notch, understated performance by De Niro -- you'll be reminded again why one the greatest actors of our time has two Oscars on his mantle (The Godfather Part II, Raging Bull). Drew Barrymore (Whip It), Kate Beckinsale (Whiteout) and Sam Rockwell (Moon) are also very good as the adult children. The cast is further strengthened by a group of young actors -- some of who play the children in revealing -- and ingeniously-shot "flashbacks." Look out for a small role by last year's Oscar nominee Melissa Leo (Frozen River) -- someone please give this fine actress another meaty role! [Rated PG-13; opens today]

Grade: B+


Up in the Air

In this timely film, George Clooney plays Ryan, a man who travels around the country to terminate corporate employees. In these recessionary times, companies don't want to deal with the heavy task, so they use Ryan's outsourced firm to deliver the bad news to the cut employees. We learn that in the past year, Ryan has spent 322 nights on the road -- er, up in the air. For most of us, this time away from home would be unbearable. But Ryan thrives on his life away from home. In fact, his shell of a small apartment in Omaha is far from a home. And he's even distanced himself from what else makes up a home -- his family -- which consists of two sisters.

Clooney (Syriana) is excellent as a detached, but happy soul -- whose only goal seems to be reaching the unfathomable ten million mile frequent flier mark. Things start to change when his firm hires recent grad Natalie (of Twilight fame), who develops a method of video conferencing that will allow termination without ever leaving the office -- essentially threatening the existence Ryan so cherishes. But Ryan insists that firings still must be dealt with in person, so he takes Natalie on one of his cross country firing expeditions -- where both unexpectedly discover the downfalls of this career choice. Further complicating his neatly set life, Ryan falls for Alex, another frequent flier (The Departed's Vera Farmiga) -- can either stay content with just scheduling brief (and literal) layovers?

Just yesterday, The National Board of Review named Up in the Air the best film of the year. Although I agree it's one of the year's best, I don't think it's THE best. In fact, I liked George Clooney's last film, the animated Fantastic Mr. Fox more! This film got bogged down a bit towards its close -- as a family scene drags on a bit too long. But this is in no way meant to diminish Jason Reitman's huge success in only his third feature film (after Thank You for Smoking and Juno). Reitman does a masterful job helming an intelligent and witty film. I especially appreciated how he weaved in actual real-life folks who share their thoughts about their recent unemployment status. And the irony in showing how some people are rewarded for years of hotel stays, air travel and car rentals -- while so many others are so easily dismissed after putting in years of dedicated work service -- well, it's simply brilliant. Also stars Jason Bateman (Juno, Extract). [Rated R; opens in limited release today, wider December 23]

Grade: A-


The Messenger

It's not too late to catch a movie that's been out for a couple of weeks, but not gaining as much attention as it deserves -- probably due to its tough subject matter. Like Up in the Air, this film is another timely example of those responsible for delivering bad news. Ben Foster plays Will Montgomery, a U.S. Army officer who has recently returned from a tour in Iraq and is re-assigned as a casualty notification officer. He is partnered with fellow officer Tony Stone (Woody Harrelson), who trains his younger counterpart in the unbearable role of relaying bad news to the loved ones of fallen soldiers. Things are bad enough for Montgomery, who initially wants nothing to do with the job, but now faces more difficulty when he becomes involved with a widow of a fallen officer (played by Samantha Morton).

Director/co-writer Oren Moverman, also the co-screenwriter of Todd Haynes' I'm Not There, was born and raised in Israel, where he served in the army. That military experience surely makes up for his inexperience in directing. Moverman opens your eyes to a part of our wars you don't usually consider -- and probably would rather ignore due to its painful nature. But surprisingly, he softens the grief with some humor -- and gives us a moving and rewarding film.

Foster (Alpha Dog) does an excellent job conveying the complex ethical dilemma he is faced with -- while also juggling an unconventional friendship with his mentor. After a fun turn in Zombieland (and a bright spot in the dismal 2012), Harrelson is back in fine dramatic form. He delivers a powerfully emotional performance as a tough-as-nails officer full of pent-up sadness and emptiness. Morton (Minority Report, Sweet and Lowdown) is superb as always. Also stars Jena Malone and Steve Buscemi in smaller roles. [Rated R; in theaters now]

Grade: B+


Note:

• Click the film reviews icon in the upper left column for a full alphabetical archive of other movies reviewed this year.