In a world where many people use Facebook, email and Twitter to relate to their fellow earth inhabitants, it's not so much of a leap to assume that one day we would have little use for our own physical bodies. In Surrogates, such a world exists, where people go about their daily lives via their android selves, which they control safely from home via an electronic hook-up. These remote stations resemble high-tech lounging chairs, that people rarely have to move from. The android selves are perfect versions of their masters, or, look nothing like them at all; in fact, they can even look like Bruce Willis with blond hair. Surrogates is an example of a great idea, with mediocre execution. Instead of seriously addressing issues that such a technology would naturally raise, the film quickly turns into nothing more than a routine police procedural with cardboard characters; there are some twists, but nothing all that surprising or exciting. Too bad, since this area has a lot of potential for some interesting film making.
Rating - 2 Stars
This is the type of movie that I would have never expected to see, but, at the insistence of my better half, I played the "good husband" and went along for the ride. Surprisingly enough, I totally enjoyed this film. For those who don't already know, the film chronicles the inner workings of Vogue magazine, that iconic fashion bible, and the making of it's September, or showcase, issue. Coming from someone whose interest and knowledge of fashion begins with Old, and ends with Navy, I was as surprised as anyone that what I thought would be an endurance test, turned out to be quite an enjoyable hour and a half. Anna Wintour, Vogue's iconic editor is ostensibly the star of the film, but it's Grace Coddington, Vogue's creative director, who's actually the most engrossing character profiled. Grace has an interesting back story, which I won't give away: which makes her quite a sympathetic character. Not that Ms. Wintour is shown in a bad light, on the contrary, she is shown as being fair-minded, and willing to delegate, but make no mistake about it: she always gets her way. The conflict between between Anna and Grace is a major story line throughout, and makes for some excellent drama. If you love fashion this film is a must see. If not, well you just might be pleasantly surprised.
Rating - 3 Stars
The Informant is a lighthearted take on the price fixing scandal that ended up sending a number Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) executives to prison in the 90's. Matt Damon is Mark Whitacre, an ADM executive, who is seemingly outraged by ADM's practices, and as a result, goes to the FBI, where he becomes the "informant" of the title. As the story unfolds, it becomes obvious that Whitacre is a lot more complex than the wide eyed innocent that he seems to be. The film is quite funny in parts, especially when Whitacre muses to himself on various mundane matters or when he makes official announcements into the wire that he's wearing. It also drags at times too, due to an uneven script. The film, directed by Steven Soderbergh, also employs some unique music, at times almost carnival in nature; it works well within the context of the film, and adds much to it. Maybe this film would have been better if they decided to treat a serious subject seriously, instead of going the comic route. As it is, the film is only a partial success.
Rating - 2 1/2 Stars
Gamer tries to send a message about a society that increasingly devalues face to face interaction in favor of electronic and anonymous forms of communication. Okay, the message has been sent; now if only the messenger had been better. Gerard Butler, who shot to fame in 300, again plays a sweaty super warrior, although this time he's being controlled via a brain implant by a teenage gamer. He's in prison for life, unless of course he manages to survive 30 military style battles against other lifers, in which case he'll be paroled. We all know how these films work, he'll never really be paroled because it's not in the best interests of some evil behind the scenes power: in this film, that guy is played by Michael C. Hall: in full "ham" mode. He's the guy who invented this new game technology and he's as rich as he is bad. Kyra Sedgwick plays a smarmy talk show host, and she's basically just collecting a salary. The film has a couple of minor high points; the action scenes aren't bad, and Michael C. Hall is fun to watch, but, if I were you, I'd just stick with my Wii.
Rating - 2 Stars
Loosely based on the mid-teen years of actor George Hamilton, My One and Only tells the story of his strong willed mother (Renee Zellweger), after she walks out on her band leader husband (Kevin Bacon). You really can't blame her, since she catches him at home with another woman, and after yanking her kids immediately out of school, heads off on a road trip in search of a new husband. She's sweet, and means well, but mom of the year she's not. Along the way she reconnects with some old relationships, and regardless of what happens, always emerges the stronger for it. Ms. Zellweger, who with her blond wig looks something like Marilyn Monroe, is somewhat of an enigma; at the same time she's looking for a husband to keep her, she also rejects all financial support from her ex-husband. Considering that she has kids in tow, maybe not the smartest move, but she's proud and independent, and feels that she's doing the best for herself and her two sons. This film was both funny and poignant, and quite enjoyable from start to finish. The performances from Ms. Zellweger, Logan Lerman (George), and Mark Rendall as her older son Robbie were all excellent. Mr. Bacon also does his usual fine job in his small caddish role, and despite his dalliances, and lacking as a father, always manages to engender sympathy for himself. Who would ever think that that the early life of a lightweight actor would make such an interesting and enjoyable film? See it, and be as surprised as I was.
Rating - 3 1/2 Stars
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt is a remake of a 1956 film noir; it's a film I haven't seen, although I'm sure that it's better than this incarnation. Not that this film doesn't have some entertainment value, although you'll have to put your suspension of disbelief skills in fifth gear in order to really enjoy it. Michael Douglas, in an extended cameo, plays a corrupt Louisiana DA who seems to be planting DNA evidence to gain convictions. His goal is the Governor's mansion, and based on his record as DA, he's the favorite. Jesse Metcalfe plays an investigative reporter for a local TV station who suspects what he's doing, and he sets out to prove it by framing himself for murder. Yes, you read that right, anything for a story. Amber Tamblyn plays a young assistant DA who's involved with Mr. Metcalfe's character, and since love is obviously more important to her than job security, she eventually decides to help him. Mr. Douglas does his usual professional job in his small role, and actually isn't onscreen enough to make a real impact. The rest of of the actors do a serviceable job, and honestly, I did "get into" the story as it moved on. In any event it's no surprise that this film was released in the "dumping ground" that usually follows close after Labor Day.
Rating - 2 Stars
In The Goods, Jeremy Piven leads a group of gonzo mercenary car salesmen who traipse around the country rescuing floundering dealerships. His current stop is in the small town of Temecula, where he hopes to save Ben Selleck's (James Brolin) dealership from bankruptcy with a three day July 4th sales blow-out. As Don Ready, he's all confidence and swagger as he doesn't hesitate to use any method he can think of to sell cars; this includes, but is not limited to, lying about Ben having cancer in order to generate sympathy. He's assisted by his most able, as well as morally compromised team, consisting of Ving Rhames, David Koechner and Kathryn Hahn. This film is as funny as it is politically incorrect; racial and ethnic epithets are liberally sprinkled throughout, and Ms. Hahn even makes a play for Ben's ten year old son. Okay, the ten year old (Rob Riggle) has a pituitary problem so he's actually a ten year old in the body of a grown man so I guess that makes it just fine; it's certainly hysterical though to watch her put the moves on this man-child who's more interested in his action figures than in actually getting some. Mr. Piven and the cast all do well with some solid material, and Will Ferrell, who produced also has a great cameo.
Rating - 3 Stars
Mike Judge, the writer/director of the cult classic Office Space has created another highly entertaining workplace comedy in Extract. Jason Bateman stars as Joel, the owner of a food flavoring factory who has the unenviable task of dealing with some of the most unmotivated and dullest workers imaginable. If they're truly representative of the American labor force then it's no wonder that this country produces very little anymore. To add to his troubles, his best worker lost one of his testicles in an industrial accident, and as a result has a big lawsuit looming over his head. His home life is not much better. His wife Suzie ( a perfect Kristen Wiig) is bored and has seemingly no interest in having sex with him, and he's constantly being annoyed by his clinging neighbor (David Koechner). He wants to have an an affair, but in order to assuage his guilt he arranges for a gigolo to approach Suzie: if she takes the bait he'll make his move on Cindy (Mila Kunis), a hot temp at the factory, who also steals and cons whenever she gets the chance.
Although not quite as outright hilarious as Office Space, this film is quite funny. Jason Bateman has made a nice career for himself playing "dry", and in Extract, he's in excellent form as the put upon good guy. Ben Affleck also does well in a supporting role as Joel's best friend Dean, a stoner and ad hoc pimp. Dustin Milligan is hysterical as Brad the gigolo, and he's as thick as he is handsome, and almost steals the film. In spite of all the cynicism on display, the film still has an optimism about it that belies the actions of the individual characters: yes, this is a feel-good film in spite of itself.
Rating - 3 Stars
