Catching Fire

Katniss is back and she does not disappoint!  Jennifer Lawrence has given us a female heroine we can get behind. She is, to borrow a line from Catching Fire, our mockingjay. 

After devouring the Suzanne Collins novels, I was excited to learn the books were being adapted for the big screen. After The Hunger Games, I was pleased with what I felt was a faithful and entertaining adaptation.  Though The Hunger Games was a solid movie, Lionsgate, the film's production company, brought in a new director and two new screenwriters for the sequel.  And it paid off in spades!! Francis Lawrence, who has done some suspect work in the past (Constantine anyone?), did a fantastic job with Catching Fire!

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is better than its predecessor. Filmed in IMAX, it is truly an immersive experience that pulls you into the gritty action with fierce intimacy and keeps you engaged with a beautifully shot and brilliantly produced juggernaut. This film is far more emotionally compelling and less clunky than the first, and delivers as one of the best I've seen this year.

At almost 2 1/2 hours, Catching Fire still feels like it was shortened in order to accommodate theater audiences.  Massively entertaining, this film could have easily been 3 hours in length and probably would have been better for it.  Though done well, there is simply too much going on in the original story to efficiently put it on the screen.  Kudos to Lawrence (Francis, not Jennifer) who does an amazing job in telling the story in a way that feels complete.

As you all know, however, the story is far from complete.  With two films yet to go, we are only half way through Katniss's epic story. Fans of the story will be pleased with the ending of Catching Fire. Those of you who are coming to the party late may need a little help understanding what's going on, so let me encourage you to go back and read the books.

Bottom Line: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is great.  I really enjoyed it!! If you can, pay the extra cash to see it IMAX.   Parents beware, however. The movie is rated PG-13 for a reason. Though the film does not contain large amounts of language or gore, the subject matter is simply too disturbing for young children who will not understand the social and political themes that serve as the story's foundation.  

Thor 2: The Dark World

This pains me to write because I had relatively high expectations for another installment in the epic Marvel catalog. Maybe I was not in the mood or something, but this film simply fell flat for me. Perhaps it was just me, but I've read numerous reviews by folks who make statements like, "The best movie of the year!" and "Way better than the first!". My first thought is that those people were stoned. The best part of the film was a 15 second clip featuring Captain America. Yes, the Dark Elves were way cool and quite menacing. but the story was uninspired and left me unfulfilled.

I'm not going to completely blame this on director Alan Taylor, but this is his first attempt at a major action film. And you can tell. Though the film gets decidedly better in the second half, it can't seem to overcome its murky beginning.  Here's a piece of advice: Superhero films DO NOT have to rely SO HEAVILY on CGI.  There's a lot to be said for real character development, dramatic acting, and storytelling.  Too bad Taylor didn't follow my advice.

Other than the perfect Tom Hiddleston as Loki, the rest of the cast ranges between good and lackluster. Hemsworth is obviously great as Thor but he has absolutely no chemistry with Natalie Portman. Stellan Skarsgard provides some hilarious moments and Jaimie Alexander looks good in Asgard attire.

Overall, Thor has never been my favorite Marvel character so it's no surprise that I don't love this franchise. However, I really enjoyed the first film as well as Thor's contribution to The Avengers. The Dark World just didn't quite capture my full attention.

If you're looking for something to take your teenage son to see, this is a good choice. It was entertaining, don't get me wrong. Just don't expect to be awed.   Oh...and I almost forgot!  Make sure to stay for BOTH of the extra scenes!!

Looking for Something to Rent?

Ever find yourself standing at the RedBox with a confused look on your face? Do you spend an hour staring blankly at the Netflix list with no idea what to put in your queue? Well, have no fear! Chris is here!! Able to shorten your DVD decision time with a single ordinary opinion!  I've done all the hard work for you. No more wasting your valuable time or money with a poor rental decision.

Now, what you're about to read is not my typical film review. In fact, for more in depth analysis, you'll have to message me or give me a call. Instead, I'm about to drop some knowledge on you with a few down and dirty opinions of some current releases. So, get ready! Grab and pencil and take some notes.

 

The East
Really interesting story about corporate espionage and environmental terrorism. I enjoyed this film on the flight from Atlanta to Quito, Ecuador. It features a great cast, highlighted by Alexander Skarsgard and Ellen Page. Definitely worth your time.





Hangover 3
Much like Hangover 2, if you were able to make a montage of all of the Zach Galifianakis lines and just watch those, it would be a hilarious 15 minutes of your day. Otherwise, don't bother.

The Internship
If you liked Wedding Crashers, you'll be disappointed with this. It features the magical tandem of Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson so The Intersnhip looks promising. But it's like setting up a hot date with a beautiful girl on Match.com only to find out when you meet her at the restaurant that she is actually a tranny with a fetish for unicorns.
 
 
The Purge
Great premise with awesome potential to explore some difficult questions about the human condition, society, civic responsibility and the political and economic factors that influence them. This movie addresses none of those. Absolutely terrible. Seldom has a movie had such an intriguing and compelling concept and fallen so far short of its possibilities.




This is the End
With the exception of a few funny moments from various members of this epic ensemble cast, this movie is terrible. In fact, the only thing that kept running through my mind during this crap fest was, "WHEN is the end?!?"
                                 

 
Tyrannosaur
Certainly not everyone's cup of tea, but if you can hang in there through the language and THICK British accents, you'll find a powerful film about the weight and consequences of our human weakness. This film is brilliantly acted and expertly directed. Desperation, fear, jealously, rage, hope and redemption are woven together to result in an overlooked but must-see film.



White House Down
This is the most realistic film about a terrorist attack on the White House that you will ever see.  Just kidding. This version makes the Gerard Butler version of the SAME MOVIE look like a documentary.  It's funny and entertaining, with Channing Tatum making another solid stride toward becoming the Schwarzenegger of the modern age. (And that's a good thing!) But it's a little too long and because of it's too often reliance on comic relief, falls short of it's more dramatic cousin.

Disconnect





Somewhere between the production of this film and its reception by massive numbers of people, there was a disconnect. And that is huge shame! Screened at both Venice and Toronto Film Festivals, Disconnect is one of the best films of the year! And no one has seen it!

Directed by Henry Alex Rubin, this timely film intertwines three stories where the characters collide in a web of choices and consquences. Disconnect is unashamedly provocative and emotionally powerful as it immerses you in a world driven and controlled by technology and the potential dangers that accompany it. In a world chracterized by greater access, flimsy relationships, and little accountability, Disconnect strikes a chord that cannot be ignored.

The cast is superb, the soundtrack is perfectly complimentary, the script is solid, the characters are believable...the list goes on and on.

Disconnect is an absolute MUST-SEE, especially if you have children. If you feel they are mature enough to handle the subject matter, watch it with them. Disconnect will promote meaningful and needed converation for families looking to protect themselves from such dangers. NOTE: This film is rated R and features adult language, nudity, drug use, and disturbing scenes. Just because I encouraged you to watch it with your kids, I didn't want you to confuse it with a family film.

Scenic Route

For a film that many critics slammed, Scenic Route was well worth the trip to the Redbox. (See what I did there?) Josh Duhamel and Dan Fogler team up to bring us the story of two long-time, but recently distant friends stranded in the desert with a brewing schism of their relationship looming over the horizon. With fledging directors Kevin and Michael Goetz at the helm, Scenic Route offers solid lead performances and a thoughtful script that poses weighty questions about life and the choices that shape our journey. For a film that most people will overlook, I was pleasantly surprised.

Josh Duhamel, whose career has been all over the map, delivers an emotional haymaker in what could be his best performance yet. Dan Fogler, who has made a decent living as a voice actor, comes through with a compelling reason for us to forget the horrible Balls of Fury.

Unsettling and relentless in nature, Scenic Route forcefully pushes you along a road of brutal self-discovery and examines the thin line between humanity and the instinct to survive. Where does this road lead? Salvation? Damnation? You’ll have to see it to find out!

Prisoners

I've often said that if anyone ever harmed one of my children I could easily end up in prison. The only thing keeping me from savage revenge would be the fact that my remaining family would still need me to be a father. This film forces you to consider what you would do. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Prisoners  is a forcefully paced thriller that grabs around the throat and drags you to its stunning conclusion.

The stakes of this film could not be higher. When two young girls go missing, Keller Dover (Jackman) takes matters into his own hands when he feels the police are not doing enough to bring them home.  As time passes and the police continue to be puzzled by the girls' disappearance, the desperation mounts. Challenging the audience to consider its own response to such a traumatic reality, Dover pushes the limits as he searches for answers.

At times, this film is difficult to watch, but you will be compelled to hang in there until its riveting final moments.  Well-written, chilling, and ruthless in its emotional content, Prisoners  brings together a wonderful cast, with Hugh Jackman clubbing you over the head with a stunningly powerful performance.

Prisoners  is an absolute must-see. It is quite possibly Hugh Jackman's best performance to date. It certainly puts Villeneuve on the map as a director to watch.  Take a Xanax and go see this! Then go home and hug your children!

The Iceman

 

Based on real life events spanning 20 years, The Iceman details the story of Richard Kuklinski who leaves his job as a film lab technician to become a notorious contract killer for the mafia. For years, Kuklinski builds a reputation for his brutal cold blooded professionalism, all the while raising an adoring family who are kept in the dark about his true career and identity. Though Kuklinski desperately tries to keep his two lives separate, circumstances propel those disparate lives toward a terrible but inevitable collision as the consequences of his life's choices finally catch up to him.

Screened at the Venice, Telluride, and Toronto Film Festivals, The Iceman was received in limited release in US theaters. And though it made a horrible showing in terms of box office receipts, don’t let its lack of commercial success keep you from a magnificently acted film.

Michael Shannon, whom you will recognize from the recent Man of Steel, is simply great. His unnerving, chilling depiction of Kuklinski is riveting. Shannon’s cold dedication to his heinous craft is matched only by his intense commitment to and love for his family. Chris Evans, Ray Liotta, Winona Ryder, James Franco, and Stephen Dorff all serve admirably in supporting roles.

Directed by Ariel Vromen, The Iceman poses a difficult question that an examination of many of history’s monsters force us to consider: Are some men beyond redemption? Or is there a redemptive quality alive in everyone?

Mud

If you’re like me, you missed this when it came to the theater. (Due to its limited release, it might not have even come to your theater at all.) Mud, written and directed by newcomer Jeff Nichols, received some acclaim from both the Cannes and Sundance Film Festivals but never got much love from American movie-goers. What a shame!

Though it’s not a film I think a ton of people will love, I believe those who are willing to set aside their penchant for constant explosions and special effects will appreciate this little secret. Mud features a heavy sense of place that covers you like an old memory, giving you the feeling that you’ve seen these places before. Kudos to Nichols has given us a well-written drama with a Tom Sawyer-esque vibe that powerfully pulls you towards its emotional conclusion.

Mud churns and flows along like the Mississippi River on which it is set, featuring a wonderful cast whose performances are spot-on. So many times, films set in Southern culture are grossly overdone, leaving us with cardboard caricatures rather than genuine characters that we want to know more about. Not so with Mud. Matthew McConaughey leads a fantastic ensemble with Tye Sheridan, Sam Shepard, Reese Witherspoon, and Michael Shannon in supporting roles. The performances are effortless and noteworthy, especially that of Sheridan who I GUARANTEE you will see in future roles.

With themes of family, sacrifice, hard-won wisdom, and the consequences of choices, Mud delivers as a gritty, soulful, and smoldering film which is one of the most overlooked and under-appreciated of the year.

2 Guns

Honestly, 2 Guns  has gotten very little publicity, almost sneaking into theaters following last week's much anticipated The Wolverine. But here's an ordinary opinion you might find interesting. It's just as good...maybe even better than the testosterone-fueled mutant-fest. 



In 2 Guns, the always great Denzel Washington teams up with Mark Wahlberg to rob a bank, but get WAY more than they bargained for.  Do yourself a favor and try NOT to learn anything else about the film before plopping your butt in your theater seat. Trust me. Just go in blind and enjoy the ride.

Wahlberg and Washington have amazing chemistry! How have they never done a movie together until now?!  And they almost didn't make this one. In fact, they accidentally ran into each other at brunch and talked about working together. I'm glad they did. And you will be too.

This movie is a lot of fun!  It's loaded with explosive action and balanced with playful humor, terrific pacing, and a solid script!  The plot is a little bit difficult to swallow and is not well-developed, but it's not really all that critical. While it will never win an Oscar, it's fun and entertaining.

2 Guns is directed by Baltasar Kormákur who has worked with Wahlberg before. (Remember last year's Contraband?)  And while 2 Guns is not as smart and emotionally charged as that film, it still delivers on one the best "buddy films" in the last couple of years.

The Wolverine

 

Ok, we get it! Hugh Jackman looks great without a shirt! For some of you, that’s all you will need to know about The Wolverine.  Tell your spouse or girlfriend that Hugh spends half of the movie naked from the waist up, and I promise she’ll agree to go see this with you.

 

Seriously though, The Wolverine has a lot going for it: evil Samurai, ninja warriors, witty dialogue, beautiful women, girls with swords, sexy cars (can you say Audi corporate sponsorship?) and a heavy dose of muscle-rippling, face-scowling action sequences.

 

What it lacks , however, is a tightly-written, fiercely compelling story.  Maybe it was just me, but the story failed to gel in way that left me wondering if I had missed something critical when I went to the restroom.  Don’t get me wrong…the story is not terrible, but To Kill A Mockingbird it is not.

 

The best thing about The Wolverine is that we get to see Logan come to terms with who he is. (Maybe now, his nightmares will end.) For years, we’ve seen Logan struggle with his identity, his purpose, and his immortality. This movie does in two hours what the original comic book took years to accomplish…finally giving the Wolverine some clarity in these areas. "I'm a soldier," he finally declares. "I've been hiding too long."

 

Here’s a few more things to note about The Wolverine:  With the exception of Viper, who sucks the life out of every scene she’s in, the cast is great.  Yukio, who first appears in the Wolverine #1 comic book, is played by Rila Fukushima and is terrific!  The visual effects are solid, the script is good, and the action is violent, but not overly bloody. 

 

Special Bonus for Reading This Blog:  Make sure to stay in your seat through the credits. As with a lot of the superhero films these days, we are rewarded with a bonus scene that sets us up for X-Men: Days of Future Past which is due out next year.

 

I love the Wolverine character and I have for 27 years.  If you are a fan of the X-Men franchise, you will enjoy this latest installment.  It’s not as good as Iron Man 3, but in my ordinary opinion it's well worth the price of admission.

 

Anniversary Date Night - Antico Pizza Napoletana

It's been 1 year since I met Handsome - woot, woot!! It was a combo of right time, right place, with a dash of divine intervention, when I met this guy one year ago...and it has truly been THE BEST year of my life. Ever. Period.

So in honor of our 1 year of dating bliss, we decided to celebrate with a quiet, romantic, candlelit dinner for two...errr, I mean, a loud, florescent light-lit dinner with a hundred of our closest strangers eating pizza.  But not just any pizza, Antico Pizza Napoletano.

**Warning - this is a long post - this place is social experiential eating so there is a LOT to tell!

Antico Pizza Napoletano is a little pizza joint on the west side of the Georgia Tech campus that serves delicious Neopolitan style pizza.  Now, pizza may not sound like a very creative, splashy choice for such a special event (and this is a special event, I mean he's tolerated me for a year now :), but it is truly one of our favorite foods.  Chris claims to be able to eat it daily - that's a bit gluttonous for me, but I could come close if you twisted my arm.

Now, this restaurant isn't something we just stumbled upon, friends of ours recommended we try it - they STRONGLY recommended it, while we were eating at a local pizza joint, coincidentally.  Funny how that happened.  Anywho, we Googled it, and really, the only things we learned about it were:
1. expect a long wait
2. you sit at communal tables
3. the pizza is amazing


When we arrived, a "bouncer" (who is the owner I think) greeted us at the door and sternly, but politely directed us to the end of the line of about 10 people, to wait...TO ENTER THE RESTAURANT!  I mean, wow, were we at a club?!  How special is this place?  After only about 5 minutes of waiting though, he motioned for us all to enter, and WAIT INSIDE.  In line.  To order.  Again, I'm thinking, this better be good and worth the waits (yes, waits is plural at this place).

While waiting, we scoped the place out.  The entrance to the restaurant is a narrow "hallway" with glass on one side were you can see into the first of two rooms, and through the door to the back room where they cook the pizza.  We noticed two things while waiting, there was  a very varied assortment of adult beverages people were consuming, and there was definitely a communal atmosphere with pizzas just laid out on the tables.  Interesting.

When we got to the front of the line, we perused the menu board - and had no idea what most of the options were.  Call us uneducated, call us wanna-be foodies, but don't call us unadventurous, cuz we just picked one off the menu and had no idea what most of the toppings were.  We ordered the Divola pizza.  Now the pizzas are pricey, from 19-24 smackeroos for one pie, but one pie can feed 2-4 people, depending on how polite, hungry, or a pizza fanatic you are.  Chris and I ate an entire pie ourselves, and had the food babies to prove it.  We also ordered 2 soft drinks - 8.5 oz over priced Cokes - that's about 1 cup and a sip, or 4 gulps.  They also have overpriced water, wine and one brand of beer on offer.

So here comes lesson #1: BYOB: bring your own beverage.  Now, I don't know how they feel about non-alcoholic drinks being brought in, but you can DEFINITELY bring in your own alcohol.  There is no corking fee, and they will also open your bottle for you, and provide plastic tumblers.  Score!!! Some crazy people even brought their own glass wine glasses - which I find pretentious and a bit silly personally.  We didn't know this, but a group of lovely young women shared two glasses of their wine with us, so sweet. Love me some wine with my pizza, or really, just whenever.


Once we ordered, it became a game of figuring out what to do next.  Where do we go?  How do we get our pizza?  Where will we sit?  We moseyed around in the front room, pretty table, lighting and stools - too full.  Then to the back room...warehouse style, florescent lighting, long tables with benches, and the kitchen right there, within reach, no glass separating, nothing.  Just right in the mix with the tables and diners. We stood with a group of people, scoping the joint for an open seat or two.  Then we noticed the "waitresses" carrying pizzas on giant rimmed-baking sheets. Yup, no pizza rounds here, just giant cookie sheets.

Here comes lesson #2:  As the "waitresses" come around calling our your order number, if you don't have a seat already, they will help you find a place.  ANY PLACE.  Anywhere they can set your pizza down, where you can gather around it, they will.  This could be a lovely seat at one of the tables, OR it could be gathered around a stack of boxes in the kitchen, or as Chris and I got, a spot at one of the kitchen "islands" just steps from the giant, wood fired ovens.

Now, here's a big tip - if you have a personal bubble not to be intruded, this place is NOT for you.  Cuz your rubbing elbows with perfect strangers for dinner.  Literally.  Also, if you like quiet, intimate conversations, again, not for you.  But if you enjoy a vibrant, albeit loud, atmosphere, this may be the ticket.

When our pizza was delivered, we were escorted to an island like I said, just steps from the oven and kitchen staff.  As a matter of fact, I think Chris actually was in the kitchen while he ate.  Because we were at an island, we stood.  Sounds bad, but it was kind of fun, as we got to see the kitchen staff at work, and see the rest of the restaurant while eating. 

Lesson #3:  Nothing you order here is bad.  Truly!  The pizza was scrumptious. Ours had a spicy cured salami on it with sweet (and kinda spicy, just like me) red peppers in a vinegar brine, and fresh bufalo mozzerella. The hand-tossed/stretched dough makes a crust that is slightly/lightly charred when cooked, just like they advertise, and with a nice chew to it - not crispy, and not floppy.  Just right.  And they have a fun little "toppings" bar, too. So cool.

And they manage to get this good of a pie by flying in fresh ingredients from Naples - weekly!!!  That means all the deliciousness on that pie is not only fresh and made to order, but truly authentic Neapolitan pizza.  And to add to the authenticity, they cook the pizzas in wood-fired ovens flown in from Naples.  Boom! Now that's the way to make a pizza!

There are more details I could share about our dining adventure, but I should stop here and encourage you to have your own.  Antico Pizza is definitely worth the drive, the effort to find a seat, and the cost.  Dare I say this is my favorite pizza...ever?  But that's just my opinion.

Asparagus, Peas, and Sausage - Oh my!

Hey all!!! I'm back!  I took a bit of a hiatus (aka, was a bit lazy) from posting, but I'm still here and eating my way through new recipes and restaurants.  Below is an adaptation of a recipe I saw in a magazine.  So here's what happened - I was gettin' my hair did, reading a trashy mag, and in it was a recipe I wanted to try...I couldn't take the magazine with me, couldn't tear out the page, and the fumes from my hair potions prevented me from using common sense and taking a photo of the page with my phone....

So I ended up making this recipe from memory.  I don't remember the magazine so I can't point you in the direction of the true recipe, but below is my version.  It was pretty tasty, and Handsome really enjoyed it. Went for seconds AND thirds!  Now that's a compliment - even think there was a burp in true thanks for my efforts. ;)  I'm calling it - Asparagus, Peas, Sausage with Buitoni Ravioli.  Creative, I know.

Asparagus, Peas and Sausage with Buitoni Ravioli
1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2 in pieces
1/2 bag frozen peas
1/2 package polska kielbasa sausage (we used turkey kielbasa), cut into 1/4 inch, bite-sized rounds
1 pkg Buitoni Wild Mushroom Agnolotti
1 pkg spinach, or my fave, a mix of spinach and arugula
1-2 tbsp lemon zest, reserve lemon for juice if desired
shaved parmesan cheese (or use grated, we did cuz I had it)

In a large pot, boil water to cook pasta according to package directions.  Meanwhile, heat a skillet and saute the asparagus with a little olive oil, salt and pepper.  When the asparagus is done, remove from the skillet and add the kielbasa.  Saute until heated through and slightly brown/crispy. 

Add the pasta to the water, cook to package directions.  In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the peas to the pot to cook.  When pasta and peas are done, drain into a colander.  Let cool slightly.  I cut the pasta because it is kinda big, and I prefer a one bite kinda pasta. 

On a plate, arrange lettuce, dress with a bit of lemon juice, olive oil and salt/pepper.  Top with asparagus, peas, pasta, kielbasa, lemon zest and parmesan.  Et voila!  Dinner is served!  It's soooooo yummy, but that's just my opinion.

The Conjuring

The Conjuring has gotten a lot of favorable press thus far and has already more than doubled its production budget at the box office with more than $50 million in ticket sales. Obviously people love to go to the theater to be scared!  And this film certainly delivers on the fright factor!! In case you don't know anything about it, The Conjuring tells the story of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren who work to help a family terrorized by an evil presence in their Rhode Island home. When forced to confront the demonic force, the Warrens find themselves involved in the most terrifying case of their careers.  The Conjuring is based on real events and Lorraine Warren even consulted on the film.

Here's the issue with this film...James Wan, director of Saw and Insidious, has directed a PG-13 film that received an R rating from the MPAA.  Though Wan gives us a pretty frightening film, it falls a bit short of its potential.  If the crew had expected to receive an R rating, they might not have pulled some punches and could have truly delivered a more impactful movie. It just doesn't quite get there.

Despite its shortcomings, The Conjuring does a great job of scaring you with creepy sound effects, dramatic camera angles, pulse-pounding music, and the actors' performances rather than relying on the spectacular CGI and gore that so many modern horror films resort to these days.  The Conjuring, playing to its strengths of suspense and tension, slowly builds toward the finish with the highlight of the film coming in the final 15 minutes with an admittedly disturbing, heart-in-the-throat exorcism scene.

The Conjuring does not pack the punch and unforgettable experience of The Exorcist. Nor does it carry the emotional weight and terror of The Amityville Horror, which curiously enough the Warrens were also involed in investigating. (There's even a clever nod to the 1979 classic.)  However, if you're a fan of the genre, you will probably enjoy it. Grab some popcorn, curl up next to someone, and prepare to jump out of your seat.  In my ordinary opinion, it's one the best horror films to hit the silver screen in the last few years.

In case You Missed It

Just in case you missed the debut of the stunningly awful, but utterly lovable Sharknado on the SyFY network last night (and I’m guessing you did) you might be searching for something to watch this weekend. Well, let me help you out.  Here are a few down and dirty reviews for three movies that might fit the bill for you. 

Identity Thief

This is funny…quite funny. And the cast is terrific. Jason Bateman is simply great.  I defy you to not like him.  And then there is Melissa McCarthy who is best known for her roles in Mike and Molly, Bridesmaids and The Heat (the new movie with Sandra Bullock).  If you liked Horrible Bosses, rent this. It’s directed by the same guy, Seth Gordon.  Caution: The language is quite vulgar, so make sure the kids are not home or fast asleep.

                                        

                                            The Call

In this pulse-quickening thriller, Halle Berry plays a 911 operator who finds herself in the midst of a kidnapping scenario.  I found this one to unexpectedly fun. I had not heard much buzz about it, but I was glad I watched it.  If realism is what you’re after, this one jumps the shark about three quarters of the way through. However, if it’s adrenaline and entertainment you’re seeking, then this is for you! You might need to pop a Xanax before sliding this one into the DVD player!  It’s quite intense. 

                                                 

       

                                               

                                                    Side Effects

You might find this one a little slow at times, but if you stick with it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.  Now, this is directed by local Atlantan Steven Soderbergh, which might raise a red flag for some of you. In my humble opinion, Soderbergh is all over the map. He’s put out some total crap, but he’s got some awesome films under his belt too. (Ocean’s Eleven and Traffic just to name a couple!)  This is not at all what I was expecting!  If you’re in the mood for a cerebral drama, this is definitely for you! 

The Lone Ranger

What do you get when Verbinski and Bruckheimer get together?  A rowdy, rollicking good time!  (The only thing that can make the return of Jesus better would be if Gore Verbinski and Jerry Bruckheimer film it and show it in theaters!)

First, don't pay attention to the so-called professional movie critics out there. The Lone Ranger is being crushed by many of the big names in the industry, but they are flat out wrong.  Disney has delivered a fun, re-imagined adventure of truly epic scale. If you're a fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, you will certainly enjoy this.  Raiders of the Lost Ark this is not, but it definitely brings a boisterous big bang to the screen!

Warning: The Lone Ranger is LONG and at times feels like it. But the sprawling story is quite good and the film moves along at a compelling pace that keeps you wondering what will happen next.

Now for the obvious...Johnny Depp is great...again.  And he manages to pull it off with very little dialogue. He has a history of these types of roles and performs them exceedingly well.  Armie Hammer, as John Reid AKA the Lone Ranger, was better than expected and actually brought the reluctant hero to life.

Look for another Lone Ranger film in the near future if this one performs well, but the jury is still out as to whether it will be gunned down or ride off into the sunset as the gallant hero at the box office. My advice...Go have fun with this one! 

Man of Steel

Admittedly, I've never been a big fan of Superman.  I can't quite figure out why. I've just never loved the character. The1978 version was a solid film, but Christopher Reeve was just lame. (Stop it...I meant as an actor.)  And Superman Returns...well.


So when I saw the very first trailer for Man of Steel, I was immediately struck by the seemingly different feel. Of course having Zack Snyder at the helm never hurts. (If the name Zack Snyder doesn't ring a bell, stop reading this right now and go watch 300, Sucker Punch, Watchmen, and Dawn of the Dead.)

Bottom line...this is a good movie. It's certainly one you should see on the big screen. The story is told creatively, it features some clever scripting, and the film is visually compelling. Oh...and the grandiose action!

Two words adequately describe the action sequences: property damage. A lot of crap gets destroyed in these 2 1/2 hours! I mean...A LOT!  If I have one criticism about the film, it's that the action sequences are so frenzied that they're often difficult to follow.

And finally, they got the casting right!  Henry Cavill is able to be the fresh-faced, slightly awkward innocent with All-American good looks, but also the rough and tough superhero who is able to intimidate you with both a look and a bulging physique.  And the rest of the cast is pretty darn good too.  Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Russell Crowe, Michael Shannon, and Laurence Fishburne fill out the ensemble with Diane Lane excelling as Clark's mother.

If you're a fan of the hero genre and looking for a fun summer movie, you'll be glad you saw this one.

World War Z

 

When it comes to much-anticipated blockbusters, I have a tendency to get my hopes up too high. However, with all of the turmoil and rumor flying around the World War Z  project, I was able to go into this one with a fairly realistic expectation.  And I'm glad I did.  First, let me start by saying I did enjoy the movie. It's got good production value, solid SFX, a strong cast, a decent script, and more than a few terrific scenes. It's not the best zombie film ever, but it's good.

 

Considering the fact that the makers of WWZ re-shot a massive 40 minute section of the film, it's rather comically appropriate that Brad Pitt's production company is named Plan B.  Though I enjoyed it, I'm left feeling like I was slightly cheated out of something that could have been really fantastic.

 

WWZ feels a lot like the 2011 film Contagion, with a hint of 28 Days Later. While the film is well-paced and intense, it suffers from a lack of emotional punch. With a PG-13 rating, much of the film's potential power is neutered to suit a younger audience. With a PG-13 rating, the director could have focused on creating a more emotionally gripping story. Only once do we see any character show real visceral emotion regarding the fact that the entire world is in crisis. Only ONCE!  Considering the topic, I would expect to walk out of this film emotionally wrung out. That simply didn't happen.

 

One of the brightest spots of World War Z is Mireille Enos, whom you might recognize from AMC's The Killing. She's a flat-out star. Enos plays Pitt's wife in the film but unfortunately, doesn't really get the opportunity to demonstrate her superb acting chops. Again, in view of the fact that a deadly zombie plague has been unleashed upon the entire globe, one might expect a mother of two to have a bigger response. Sadly, we never see it.

 

While watching, if you think World War Z feels like it could be someone's first attempt at a legit blockbuster, you're pretty much right on the money. WWZ is directed by Marc Forster, best known for Monster's Ball and the much-maligned Quantum of Solace.  Bringing this behemoth of a project to the big screen might have been a little out of his depth.

 

Now, before you run out to the theater, here's a bit of advice to improve your WWZ experience. First, forget the book exists if you hope to enjoy this movie. Repeat after me, "What book?"  Seriously...if I hear one person say, "The book is better..." I might gouge my eyes out. (And theirs.)  Secondly, DO NOT spend the money to see this in 3D!  Period.  The frenetic pacing of the action sequences are quite enough on their own.

 

Whether World War Z will eclipse the $200+ million they spent to make it is yet to be seen. As for me, I was glad to contribute my fair share.  See you at the theater!