Looking for glossy-but-formula Hollywood product that evaporates even before you leave the theatre? It's yours for THE TAKING...OF PELHAM 1 2 3. This new version of the middling 70's thriller gets a jolt of Tony Scott's adrenaline, a fine performance by Denzel, and psycho Travolta in Broken Arrow mode -- but the screeching-for-the-sake-of-noise car race, … Continue reading THE TAKING OF PELHAM 1 2 3
Month: August 2009
TAKING WOODSTOCK
TAKING WOODSTOCK is like a pleasant buzz from good weed. It makes you feel good. It makes you feel calm. It's not a powerful high, but one you'll remember long after its worn off. Martin, Stanton & Schreiber shine among a cast that is off the charts great. Funny, sweet & touching without being saccharine. … Continue reading TAKING WOODSTOCK
DISTRICT 9
I expected the dark flip side of Close Encounters -- and got Rambo instead. The noisy, leaden DISTRICT 9 owes more to Michael Bay than to its real producer Peter Jackson, right down to the Transformers-style finale, by which time I'd lost interest. Screaming action and frenetic editing don't energize the sluggish pace. And there's … Continue reading DISTRICT 9
IT MIGHT GET LOUD
Imagine if you could gather three people who are legends, the best at what they do, and listened in on their conversation. You'd gain remarkable insight. That Is exactly what you get in IT MIGHT GET LOUD. Jimmy Page, The Edge & Jack White talk about their passion for the guitar & music. Any fan … Continue reading IT MIGHT GET LOUD
IN THE LOOP
Rejoice! Celebrate! Laugh your ass off! If you want to be IN THE LOOP, see this brilliant political satire asap. Screamingly funny for almost every one of its 107 minutes, this lampoon of the run-up to the Iraq war has a dream cast that includes the performance of David Rasche's career, a scary-hilarious Peter Capaldi, … Continue reading IN THE LOOP
MAD MEN SEASON 3: OUT OF TOWN
At one point in the opener to MAD MEN: SEASON 3, Don Draper uses an advertising campaign as a metaphor to warn Salvatore about his personal life. The writing is as brilliant and effective as that earlier Mad Men high point, the Kodak Carousel pitch -- proof that this show is still firing (and the … Continue reading MAD MEN SEASON 3: OUT OF TOWN
OBSESSED
As Kramer would say, "C-c-c-catfight!" It's nothing to become OBSESSED about, but this efficient little thriller is the very definition of a decent rental. Solidly acted (why isn't Ali Larter a bigger star?) this psycho stalker tale would play nicely alongside Enough. -- Jeff Schultz Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
COLD SOULS
COLD SOULS will fly under the radar, but is worth some critical heat . Some truly hilarious scenes. It also makes you think about the true nature of a soul. Giamatti is one great actor Strathairn is solid as kind of a mad professor. The Russian cast is very good. Sophie Barthes shows true potential … Continue reading COLD SOULS
NOBLE SON
Sometimes you find yourself enjoying a movie even though you KNOW you shouldn't! That's what happened with Nobel Son, a twisty thriller-mystery-comedy that Hits "ludicrous speed" about halfway through...but is really fun! Alan Rickman sets the tone playing a total ass and the rest of the cast follow. If you accept The twists as being … Continue reading NOBLE SON
BEING HUMAN
A ghost, a werewolf, and a vampire share an apartment in the UK. No, not a setup to a joke, the premise of the new BBC series BEING HUMAN. A surprisingly well Done series that is in one word great. BBC has once again taken a risky idea and given it a chance and the … Continue reading BEING HUMAN