Amy Adams and Meryl Streep star as the two title characters in this twin biographical piece, which tries to juxtapose the story of Julia Child's early rise along with the modern day tale of super-fan Julie Powell. Meryl Streep gives her usual bravura performance, as we learn about Julia's early days in France as a diplomat's wife, her adventures as a student at the Le Cordon Bleu: leading up of course to the publication of her highly influential tome, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Meanwhile, Julie Powell takes on the daunting task of preparing all 524 recipes in Ms. Child's book within one year while posting a Blog detailing her adventures in doing so. This was a good film that could have been great, if only the powers that be had decided that Julia's story was enough to carry the whole film. Of course demographics play a huge role in getting films made so obviously the "studio suits" felt that Julia without Julie was as marketable as Garfunkel without Simon. Not that Ms. Adams didn't do a fine job in the role; it's just that frankly, her story of a bored government employee who cooks and blogs didn't have quite the personality of Ms. Child's. Although I enjoyed the film, I was always waiting for the story to shift back to Julia whenever the focus was on Julie.
Rating - 3 Stars
There are people out there who'll be put off by this film because they'll assume that it's just another goofy Adam Sandler vehicle; unfortunately what they'll be missing is an excellent piece of cinema. The film, although directed by Judd Apatow is not in the same realm as The 40 Year Old Virgin or Knocked Up. Don't get me wrong, it's plenty funny, with both the numerous stand-up routines sprinkled throughout, and the abundant situational humor: but with a serious vein running throughout. Mr. Sandler plays George Simmons, a famous and successful comic actor who is loosely based on himself. Seth Rogen plays Ira, a struggling stand-up as George obviously once was, and who is hired by him to write jokes and serve as his assistant. When George finds out early on that he's very sick, he's encouraged by Ira to reconnect with friends and family: including his once true love Laura, played by Leslie Mann. The film melds its serious and comedic elements seamlessly together, and in many scenes you'll both laugh, hate, and feel sorry for the same character at the same time. Mr. Sandler gives what seems to be an effortless outstanding performance: no doubt helped by the fine script and direction as provided by Mr. Apatow. I never thought I would ever think, let alone mention OSCAR and Adam Sandler film in the same breath but I do believe that Funny People is best picture material. Don't miss it.Rating 4 Stars
In Bruno, Sasha Baron Cohen exploits stereotypes and examines the nature of celebrity; at the same time making us laugh, hysterically so. The film doesn't have quite the same shock value as Borat because this time we know the formula, but that doesn't change the fact that this is quite a funny film. After losing his Austrian talk show (it'll remind you of the old SNL skit Sprockets), Bruno decides to come to America to become a star. If you know anything about the character then you know that he's flamboyantly gay, and he uses this persona to shock and anger some seemingly innocent "victims". Like Borat, the film contains many vignettes where Bruno does his best to elicit reactions from various people, including Congressman Ron Paul, Paula Abdul, a martial arts instructor, and some "good Ol' boys" on a camp out. There are others, but you get the idea. Some people are obviously in on the joke, but most are not, and you'll likely know which is which. On the camping trip, he was pushing it to the point where I thought that one of the guys might get physical with him, and I'm not talking about the fun type of physical. This is the type of film where you hope that the people watching, "get" the joke. He goes about it in such an exaggerated way that you would think anyone would, but of course, that's no guarantee; at the very least you'll experience some guilty laughs, but you will laugh throughout the ninety minute running time.
Rating - 3 1/2
Unlike most modern criminals who do their best to avoid the camera when arrested, John Dillinger was a man who reveled in his criminal celebrity. If he committed his crimes in our own era, the cable news stations would likely devote countless hours to his exploits, and Dillinger himself would be its number one fan. Public Enemies tries to capture the essence of the man, and succeeds to a degree. The film depicts him as both charming and brutal, and if he was ever viewed as a kind of "folk hero", then it's likely that the "folk" were unaware of exactly how brutal he really was. His bank robberies always began with bursts of extreme violence, and I guess he knew what he was doing because it certainly did the trick in cowing the bank employees. Johnny Depp plays Dillinger with all the skill that we've come to expect from this extremely talented actor. Chistian Bale plays Melvin Purvis, who relentlessly pursues Dillinger, along with some other infamous criminals of the era. Although enjoyable, the film at times seems nothing more that a collection of violent set pieces, between which Dillinger is portrayed as nothing more than a charming rogue. He uses this charm to win over his girlfriend (OSCAR winner Marion Cotillard), and her love and devotion to him does her no good. Billy Crudup plays a young J. Edgar Hoover, and in this small role he almost steals the film. In one scene you see him testifying before Congress trying to cajole more money for his pre-FBI federal investigatory force. The film could have used more of this. Considering the actors, subject matter, and director (Michael Mann), this was a film that I expected to love, and am disappointed that I only liked it. Rating 3 (Light)
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)
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
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)
