The summer film season is usually the time for explosions, shoot-outs and car chases; not that there's anything wrong with a tearjerker to break things up. Well, there are plenty of tears in this film, and in this era of in vitro fertilization and stem cell debates, an important, but little discussed issue is also brought front and center. The debate that centers the film is, is it morally correct to engineer a child to be a perfect match for organic donor material for an older child with a serious illness. Sofia Vassilieva plays the older daughter Kate, and she has had leukemia from a very young age, and will soon die if she doesn't get a donor kidney from her perfect match sister Anna, played by Abigail Breslin. Anna decides that she's tired of the needles and procedures, and is also concerned that she might one day need her extra kidney. She then retains a well publicized attorney, an excellent Alec Baldwin, to sue her parents for medical emancipation. Although the story is manipulative, and in case you're wondering, virtually all movies are on a certain level; it is also entertaining and engrossing. The story is told in the present day, and via flashback, and the two modes mesh well. Cameron Diaz plays the attorney mom who will do anything to save her older daughter, including pleading her own case before the judge, played by Joan Cusack. Ms. Diaz does a fine job in this de-glammed role. This film will likely make you think a bit while providing a welcome respite from the usual summer mayhem.
Rating - 3 Stars
If you've seen the first Transformer's film, then you know exactly what to expect this go-round. Lots of explosions, giant Transformers bashing each others heads in, more explosions, and with just enough dialogue to keep the action going. Although the film does have its faults, it's entertaining enough if you want to put your brain on idle for two and a half hours. Actually, that's a big part of the problem, as this film could have used some serious editing. The final battle scene goes on way too long to the point of no explanation. The plot itself is pretty basic: The Decepticons (bad Transformers) are back, and in addition to wanting Optimus Prime (good Transformer) dead, are looking for Sam (Shia LaBeouf). It seems that Sam has become the receptacle for the knowledge contained in the all powerful AllSpark, and if this knowledge falls into the Decepticon's hands, well, let's just say that it would be bad. In addition to the explosions there are the requisite number of chase scenes, and Megan Fox, who plays the role of the "Babe". John Turturro shows up later in the film, and he's the best thing in it. He plays the former Agent Simmons, and his serio-comic heroic persona really lights up the film just when it's needed. This is a film that you'll likely forget just as soon as the credits start rolling, but shouldn't get in the way of enjoying it.
Rating - 3 Stars(Light)
Just about the only thing scarier than being in Iraq, is being the guy in Iraq whose job it is to defuse Improvised Explosive Devices. This film follows the final forty days of a tour of duty of three such men. The film takes place pre-surge, when things were ostensibly a lot worse than they are now, and there were a lot more IEDs to worry about. The team is led by Sgt. James, played by Jeremy Renner, and he's the gung-ho guy of the group; he actually seems to love his job. Sgt. Sanborn, played by Anthony Mackie is the level-headed team member who's afraid that Sgt. James' "cowboy" heroics will get them all killed. Rounding out the team is Specialist Eldridge, played by Brian Geraghty, and he's scared, and convinced that he won't live to finish his forty days. Sgt. James is the team member who actually disassembles the IEDs, and the other two team members watch over him with rifles ready to pick off any sniper who tries to prevent him from finishing his task. As Sgt. James goes about it, you realize that it's the bystanders in the apartments overlooking the bomb site who are at least as dangerous as the bomb itself. Anyone of these people armed only with a cell phone can cause the death of all involved. This film did an excellent job of putting the viewer in the middle of the action, and conveying what it might be like to fight in the war in Iraq. The fear, oppressive heat, and never-ending tension are a constant throughout. I felt this same tension just watching the film, and of course my life was never on the line. The actors all do a fine job, although Mr. Renner is a real stand-out. One thing I would have liked to see though is a little explanation as to what made these guys volunteer for this type of duty. I would think that just being in combat in Iraq would be enough of an adrenaline rush for anyone. I know that just watching it did it for me.
Rating - 3 Stars
Maya Rudolf, from SNL, and John Krasinski, of The Office, star as Verona and Burt, a live-in couple who are about to have a baby. Burt realizes that Verona is pregnant before she does, and let's just say he determines this in a way quite different from any drugstore test. When Burt's close by parents announce they'll be moving to Belgium, the kids figure they can now live anywhere since they've lost the potential babysitters anyway. Time for a road trip to pick the perfect town for them and their upcoming baby. The rest of the film is basically just a series of vignettes, as the traveling couple decide to spend time with family and friends scattered across the USA and Canada, as they try to determine who they want to live near. Actually after meeting these family and friends I wouldn't be surprised if they decided to leave the North American continent altogether. Some are out and out hysterical, such as Allison Janney, and in her small role is really quite a highlight. Some are just sad, like their friends in Canada who adopt kids faster than you can say Mia Farrow, but can't seem to make one of their own. Maggie Gyllenhaal is as annoying as she is funny as a new "agey" mom who won't use a stroller because she doesn't want to push her son "away" from her. Regardless of their attributes or faults, you wouldn't want to be too close to any of them. The two leads are both earnest and likable, and it's obvious that their commitment to each other is real. The film was directed by Sam Mendes, and he makes the best out of situations that are more than somewhat contrived. The film was enjoyable though up to a point, and since much of the story is told vignette style you may love some parts greater that the story as a whole.
Rating - 2 1/2
For someone who basically knows Richard Attenborough from his roles in Jurassic Park and The Great Escape, this film was quite a surprise; and a very pleasant one at that. Here he plays Pinkie Brown, a small time sociopathic gangster situated in the seaside resort of Brighton England. The action takes place between the two world wars, and the Brighton of this period is described as a seedy, crime ridden town. Early on, Pinkie kills someone who has wronged him, making it look like suicide. Unfortunately for him, a local entertainer, played by Hermione Baddeley, suspects it's murder and begins acting as an amateur detective in order to piece everything together. In trying to cover his tracks, Pinkie meets Rose, a local waitress, and for some reason she falls hard for him. She's a potential witness against him and he needs to keep her under his control. This film can definitely hold its own with the best of the film noir genre. It's a gripping portrait of an amoral killer who basically treats everyone like dirt, including his own gang. He controls his crew via fear; Rose, through some sort of charismatic power that he seems to have over her, and frankly is one of most, if not the most unlikeable villain I've ever seen in a film of this type. He does share something in common with Rose though, a belief in the Catholic faith and eternal damnation. I guess he doesn't believe in it hard enough. Brighton Rock should keep any interested film goer riveted to the screen, and the film is not all violence and terror as there is some poignancy as well, one scene particularly so. This film is currently playing in a very limited run, and it's unlikely that most people will be able to see it on the big screen. If you subscribe to NetFlix, you may be able to find it there. In any event, a remake is planned for release in 2010 and I only hope that they do justice to the original.Rating - 3 1/2 Stars
Easy Virtue, based on the Noel Coward play of the same name, is the story of love amidst clashing cultures. John Whittaker, played by English actor Ben Barnes, is the only son of a landed, and seemingly aristocratic English family. While traveling abroad he meets Larita, played by Jessica Biel, a brassy American "bottle blond" who races cars for a living. When he brings her back home as his wife to meet the family, the reaction is initially very chilly, and it only goes downhill from there. Mom, played perfectly by Kristen Scott Thomas is the least receptive of the bunch, and she resents the fact that Larita wants to take her son away to live in London, as opposed to them staying on the family estate. Dad, played by Colin Firth is frankly, too depressed and detached to care one way or the other, as he is still nursing some severe psychological wounds left over from World War I. This film was quite entertaining and it tells a serious story with just the right amount of humor. Ms. Biel is perfect as as the independent and plain speaking American, and she holds her own as the war of wills with the very proper Ms. Thomas heats up, and secrets are revealed. This film was very engaging from the start, and very easy to like.
Rating - 3 (Solid)
As just about anyone with any interest knows, this film is a re-make, or, more accurately a re-imagining of the original film of the same name made in 1974. I'm not going to waste any time making comparisons, or ruminating on the issue of which film is superior, or whether or not this film "needed" to be made. I believe that any film, whether based on a book, TV show, or previous film should stand on its own, and I'm very happy to report that this one does. For anyone not familiar with the story, here's a brief summary: A New York City subway car with hostages has been commandeered, and the bad guys are asking for a large ransom, which if they don't receive in an hour, will cause the death of the hostages on board. That's pretty much it, and for almost two hours it's enough to keep your undivided attention. John Travolta plays the chief bad guy, he calls himself Ryder, get it, and he plays his role with just the right amount of the sociopath. Denzel Washington plays the train dispatcher who just happens to take Ryder's call from the subway and ends up with unenviable task of trying to prevent him from killing his hostages. In the process he becomes part confessor, part analyst, and Ryder even considers him as a sort of friend. As an everyman thrust into an extraordinary situation he's simply perfect. The tension keeps building as the two leads play their psychological games leading to the climax. James Gandolfini plays the Mayor, and he looks like a Rudy Giuliani who's spent too much time at the Viennese table. He adds a little comic relief, and in his smallish role is quite good. This is an excellent "popcorn" movie, and I mean this in the most positive way. Exciting, fun, and OK, not the most realistic film you'll see, but then again, if you want realism, well, I guess you could always take the subway during the morning rush.
Rating - 3 1/2 Stars
My Life in Ruins stars Nia Vardalos as Georgia, of My Big Fat Greek Wedding fame, as a Greek-American living in Greece, who reluctantly has to take a job as a tour guide after being let go from her teaching position. She's unhappy in her new job, and love life, and is the second most popular tour guide in a company that only seems to employ two of them. She's assigned a group of tourists on a multi-day bus tour populated with a bunch of exaggerated stereotypical characters. Included in this group are the gibberish speaking Australians, thick as brick Americans, hot divorcees, and the wisecracking, and wise, older gentleman, in this case played by Richard Dreyfuss. The film has some laughs here and there, but is not anywhere up to the level of Ms. Vardalos signature film. There are also no surprises here and it's obvious pretty quickly on that Georgia will get what she's looking for in the end. Mr. Dreyfuss does fine in a part he could probably do in his sleep, and Rachel Dratch of SNL fame also adds some comedic spark as well. In the end though, the film plays like a TV movie from years ago. Ms. Vardalos has a genuine screen presence but she just needed a better script than this. Time for her to try something with a little more of an edge as she definitely has the talent to play other types of roles.
Rating - 1 1/2 Stars
The premise for The Hangover is simple enough, an impending groom, two close friends, and an impending brother-in-law head for Vegas for a final "blow-out" before the wedding. The Vegas bachelor party has become as American as apple pie so what better way to celebrate before the big day? Well, just about any other way would have worked out better for these guys. Bradley Cooper plays Phil, the de facto leader of the crew, while Justin Bartha plays Doug, the soon to be groom. We don't see too much of Doug because in the midst of the gang's alcohol induced haze he's either been lost, kidnapped or misplaced. The guys spend most of the film trying to figure out what happened to him, and them, since their hangover has not only produced the usual ailments, but amnesia as well. Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis round out the crew playing the "whipped" friend of the groom and "very special" future brother-in-law, respectively. These guys all play their well worn roles for maximum comic effect and the film works quite well as a mindless, and very funny comedy. There's a number of quite hysterical set-pieces involving Mike Tyson, a tiger, and couple of really annoyed cops, one being the very funny, and intense Rob Riggle. If you've seen the trailers you also know that Ed Helms spends most of film missing a tooth. Just learning how this happened is practically worth the price of admission. Sit back and enjoy, and go easy on the Jagermeister.
Rating - 3 (solid)
In Summer Hours, three adult children are left with the task of disposing of their deceased mother's home and possessions, which include many works of art that have great monetary, and sentimental value. Mom was the niece of a very famous French artist who she loved very dearly, and possibly romantically, although most of her collected works are by other artists. The home itself is also the repository of many happy memories, although the kids of late only got together rarely there since two of the three are living overseas. This is one of those films that has good intentions but just moves too slowly to suck you in. There is some conflict between the the three as the one living locally wants to hold onto the house and artwork for the next generation, although this makes no practical financial sense. Despite the conflict, the film has no real drama or tension, maybe because everyone is so polite and considerate, great traits to have in real life, but maybe not so great in reel life. Towards the end, a daughter of the one of the sons gets arrested for drug possession. It kind of comes from left field and really does nothing to advance the story. I'm not sure if it's the fault of bad editing, or just an attempt by the screenwriter to throw some drama into the mix. Although the film does get a little more involving as it moves along, not to the point where you're anywhere near to being engrossed. Spend your summer somewhere else.
Rating - 2 Stars
