DESPICABLE ME
The trend in animated films with quirky visual style and adult sensibilities continues with this amusing story full of delightfully mean-spirited people. The focus is on one man, who’s trying to keep his place in the pantheon of evil villains. The film blends a trio of sweet girls and a swarm of cute minions with truly funny moments and off-kilter gags. The result isn’t brilliant, but fun just the same. It does tend to drag a bit near the end, which isn’t that unusual when character development takes precedence over comedy. NOTE: Stay through the credits for some truly eye-popping 3D gags.
GET HIM TO THE GREEK
Jonah Hill plays a record company employee who’s assigned to escort a washed-up, crazy-living rock star (Russell Brand) from London to LA. Even though there’s lots of potential for riotous exploits, it’s mostly just screaming, drugging and throwing up. At every stop on the journey, we hope for a few laughs…alas, it never happened. Neither of the leads is especially funny…neither is the script.
I AM LOVE
This Italian import reminded me of Antonioni and Bertolucci films: introspective, slowly paced and full of minutiae. Tilda Swinton plays the wife/mother of a wealthy industrial family. The first hour is spent examining the fine points of her leisurely lifestyle. These small moments start to add up as her quiet life is disrupted in a mildly-involving climax. I would only recommend this to patient fans of art films.
INCEPTION
This is the most mind-blowing sci-fi film since “The Matrix” and it’s written/directed by Christopher Nolan (who also did “Memento"), so you know it’s a brain teaser. Leonardo DiCaprio plays an expert at entering people’s dreams to steal information. His latest assignment involves something more complex. The impressive effects are seamless, but not showy. Staying up with the multi-layered action will keep you glued to the screen and Nolan’s taut direction will keep you completely involved.
JOAN RIVERS: A PIECE OF WORK
Joan Rivers has had an amazing, challenging career and this documentary highlights all the ups and downs. In addition to time with Johnny Carson, Fox Network, theatre, “Celebrity Apprentice” and her husband’s suicide, we’re treated to an inside look at her current struggle to remain relevant. It’s sometimes funny and often revealing (and not always flattering), but the repetition of her desperate need, lonely despondency and obsession for work starts to drag down the pacing. Still, it’s a fascinating encounter.
KNIGHT AND DAY
Tom Cruise plays a renegade agent, who’s trying to protect a valuable device and gets an innocent Cameron Diaz involved. What unfolds is a by-the-numbers summer popcorn flick. The plot, action and repartee offer nothing new. Cruise is in comfortable territory and Diaz provides the comedy (if not sometimes overdone). “A Team” does it better.
PRINCE OF PERSIA
Jake Gyllenhaal buffs up for his bid at a big-budget franchise with this action adventure about a renegade prince in an ancient land. The plot has the sophistication and originality of a Saturday morning kiddie show. Although the action scenes are plentiful, none of them are especially exciting. This is just a noisy, by-the-numbers summer flick that is in no way special.
SALT
It’s unusual for a big summer release to be 90 minutes (unless it’s for kids), but it paid off here with non-stop action. Angelina Jolie plays a CIA operative who may be a Russian spy, which puts her on the run, roughly fighting her way through a maze of seemingly dead-end situations. While it’s well-crafted, the film is in no way memorable…just solid summer popcorn.
SEX IN THE CITY 2
Funny, slightly naughty and a fashion explosion: those are the basics. This sequel picks up with the quartet 2 years later, when their problems have, frankly, gotten pretty dull. An over-the-top gay wedding and a big trip to the Middle East are the highlights. Overall, it’s not as full of romantic charm as the first, but it’s still fun and fabulous. Just one thing: with all the post-production magic available, why couldn’t they have made Liza sound better?
SOLITARY MAN
Michael Douglas is the latest actor to play an unlikable guy, who we’re supposed to understand. Despite enduring a public scandal and losing his wealth, he still denies his mortality and seduces young women. As his world collapses around him, he remains a steadfast asshole, so why do we care? The performances are strong and the film is competently crafted, it’s just not a pleasant story.
TOY STORY 3
It’s not often that a 2nd sequel holds up, but this one is the exception. Andy is headed to college and it’s time to get rid of his beloved toys. While there’s still plenty of the quirky characters, funny one-liners and inventive situations, this one has a darker edge. It’s also about 10 minutes too long, but that doesn’t keep it from being witty, whimsical and winning! I dare you to make it through the final scene with a dry eye. BTW, did you realize that the young fans of the original movie are now college age…and still fans.
TWILIGHT: ECLIPSE
The third installment in the saga puts Bella in the middle, struggling with her love for Edward and her affection for Jacob. A group of adversary vampires is added for a taste of action, otherwise it’s one long adolescent love triangle. There’s almost nothing magical or extraordinary, just drama. The performances manage to make it bearable, but it’s not anything special.
WINTER’S BONE
A poor teenage girl is faced with losing her home and her younger siblings if she doesn’t find her father. Her bleak backwoods search takes her to a variety of sketch relatives, all of whom are are tough, grim and poorly groomed. This makes for some convincingly gritty performances. The film creates a cold atmosphere with harsh details and slow, solemn pacing. The result is a compelling look at a determined young woman and the bleak mountain community where she lives.
