Watching Tom Hanks' character of Robert Langdon in Angels & Demons is almost like watching Jack Bauer in action, minus the threats and torture of course. He's called into action because the Vatican, as well as much of the surrounding area itself is under imminent threat of being destroyed by a powerful explosive device, and he has less than 24 hours to figure it out. In addition to that, the bad guys have threatened to brand and kill four preeminent Cardinals just before a new Pope is to be elected. These four also just happen to be the top candidates to become the new Pope. Before Professor Langdon even arrives in the Vatican he has a pretty good idea who's behind the threat, the Illuminati, now he just has to figure out where the bomb is before it goes off. Helping him do this, in addition to various law enforcement figures is Israeli actress Ayelet Zurer, who essentially plays the same role that Audrey Tautou played in The DaVinci Code. I found this film to be an entertaining thriller, and did feel the tension of the situation for most of the film. There is one significant plot flaw, the mentioning of which would be giving too much away. It did take something away from the film, but as pure entertainment, the film still basically works. In addition to the two leads there are a number of quality performances in the film, from Stellan Skarsgard, Armin Mueller-Stahl and Ewan McGregor, which only add to the enjoyment. The film also manages to throw in some discussion of religion vs. science, although thankfully no one suggested teaching creationism as a "science". The film, as you would expect is very similar in structure to The DaVinci Code, and if you liked that, then you'll likely feel the same about this one.
Rating - 3 Stars
Michael Caine has been a major motion picture star for about 45 years, and after seeing his performance in Is Anybody There?, it's easy to see why. Mr.Caine plays Clarence, an old and regretful retired magician who is forced to spend his remaining time on earth in a small old age home. There, he meets Edward, the young son of the proprietors, who is extremely resentful that he must share his home with a bunch of old and decrepit seniors, not to mention the fact that he has to vacate his room for Clarence. The two start out disliking each other, but after Edward saves Clarence's life they bond. The fact that they both love magic and matters supernatural also helps, not to mention their mutual unhappiness over how life has been treating them. In addition to Mr. Caine's performance, Bill Milner, a young English actor also does an excellent job. The supporting players, including Rosemary Harris, also add much to the film with their small, sometimes funny, sometimes poignant subplots. Also, since the film takes place in the 80's you'll enjoy looking at some real funny haircuts. This is definitely a film to see for the performances, not to say that the film itself isn't enjoyable, although it did start a little slowly. If you stay with it you'll be both rewarded and uplifted.
Rating - 3 (Light)
The Star Trek series consists of eleven films of varying quality, and this one is up there with the best of them. The film is a prequel of sorts to the original TV show, as we learn how Kirk, Spock, Bones, and the rest of gang all met and bonded. Chris Pine plays the yet to be Captain Kirk with all the brashness that you would expect of the young Kirk, although unlike the TV show, when he fights, his shirt manages to stay on. Zachary Quinto is quite good as the young Spock and Leonard Nimoy should be proud that his creation is in such able hands. The Romulans are the designated bad guys in this film, and they are represented by Captain Nero, played by Eric Bana. The Captain blames the federation for a disaster that has befallen his home planet, and he is out for some payback. The plot also brings in time travel, which allows Leonard Nimoy to make an extended cameo, while his younger self is still coming to grips with his emotions. The plot while important, isn't necessarily the main draw of the film, as it's the chance to see old friends in a different perspective, while adding to the legend that many of us love. There's a lot of fun in the film along with the action, and the scriptwriters made sure that all of the main characters spouted a "signature" line at least once, and the audience responded with respectful applause to every one of them. You'll want to beam up for this one.
Rating - 3 1/2 Stars
Wolverine, as the stand-out character in the hugely popular X-Men series is certainly deserving of his own origins tale, and this one does him justice. In this film, in addition to Wolverine, played by Hugh Jackman of course, we also meet Victor Creed, Wolverine's brother, and possessed of similar powers. Both these guys have enough testosterone in them to keep the Yankees in sluggers for years, and while they fight wars together, they eventually part ways in anger. Their enmity towards each other forms one of the basic themes of the film, and it drives the narrative forward. The film does a good job in showing "who he is and how he came to be", as they used to say in the comic books of an earlier age. Origins tales are important when we're talking about our more popular super-heroes and villains, in that once we form an attachment, we want to know more about them. This film does just that, all the way back to mid 1800's. Victor Creed, played by Liev Schreiber makes an excellent counterpoint to Wolverine, and in actuality they are closer than Wolverine would like to admit. Danny Huston plays Colonel Stryker, and he plays his bad guy role with black hat firmly in place. If you enjoyed the X-Men films then I'm sure you'll enjoy this addition to the series. Rating - 3 (Solid)
Like many young men in the poverty stricken Dominican Republic, Miguel "Sugar" Santos dreams of using baseball as a pathway to fame, riches, and respect. He's playing for a local team affiliated with the Kansas City Knights, a fictional major league team, when he's invited to spring training, and a chance to fulfill his dream. He impresses the powers that be, enough, to be assigned to a single-A minor league team located in Bridgetown Iowa, and this town may well have been another planet for all the culture shock that this move entails. Unlike many parts of the USA, this town's first, second, and third language is English, and its only diversity on display is hair color. You sympathize with Sugar as he sinks deeper and deeper into isolation, and his portrayal by newcomer Algenis Perez Soto is both moving and effective. One scene in particular where he tries to order breakfast in his limited English is both comical and sad, and pretty much sums up his experience in this small rural town. This is an excellent film with some great performances. The baseball scenes are quite realistic, and the film movingly portrays the hope and longing that all minor league ballplayers must experience. Eventually Sugar realizes his ultimate motivation for playing the game, and like the film itself, it's a joy to behold.Rating - 3 1/2 Stars
I'm not sure if an underground fighting circuit actually does exist in New York, although I suspect it doesn't, but if it does I'm sure that no one who looks like Shawn MacArthur, as played by Channing Tatum is part of it. Shawn is a small town kid who barely gets by selling counterfeit Harry Potter books on the streets. Someone should have told him that the fake Cartier watches do much better in New York. When Harvey Boarden, played by Terrence Howard, spots him defending his wares from thieves, he decides that he has a future as a fighter. Harvey is a down on his luck street hustler, and he sees a white, good looking fighter like Shawn as a ticket to some big bucks. Although the film may seem improbable at times, it was entertaining. The fight scenes are nothing like the ones depicted in the Rocky movies, as anything goes, and they're exciting to watch. Mr. Howard is by far the main reason to see this film, as he skillfully imbues his role with just the right amount of pathos, kindness and menace. He adds a level of class to what is basically just a popcorn movie. Also, the film takes place, and is shot in New York City, and like all such films the city becomes a character itself. Basically, an enjoyable film with some good performances, and one really fine one.
Rating - 3 Stars (Light)
American Violet is the true story of racial injustice in Texas, and it's almost hard to believe that the story takes place in the very recent past and not in the pre-civil rights era south. Michael O'Keefe plays the local District Attorney, who authorizes commando-like drug raids, almost exclusively against African-Americans, and based on the flimsiest of evidence. He plays his role as if a more polite version of Bull Connor was inhabiting his body. Excellent newcomer Nicole Beharie plays Dee Roberts, a young unwed mother of four kids who's arrested as a result of one of these raids. Unlike virtually everyone else in her situation, she decides to fight back by not copping a plea. The ACLU also convinces her to front a lawsuit against the local DA in order to break the corrupt and racist system of arrests and prosecutions. The principle actors, including Alfre Woodard, Will Patton and Tim Blake Nelson all do a fine job. Malcolm Barrett, as another attorney on the ACLU team has a small but important role, and he really grabs your attention when he takes the stage. The film takes place from late 2000 into 2001 and it jumps numerous times to TV accounts of the 2000 presidential election and its controversial aftermath. They were obviously trying to do more than set the time-frame with this device and I thought it was a little heavy-handed. After a couple of these scenes I said to myself, "OK, I get it". In spite of this, I felt that the film told its story simply and well, and to employ an overused phrase, it's an important film. If you're paying attention you'll be be both angry, and entertained at the same time.Rating - 3 Stars (Solid)
