A children's movie that is probably too intense and violent for little kids; just what you'd expect from the director of "300". The themes are small-fry versions of every mythic tale from Star Wars ("Use the force" becomes "Use your gizzard") to Lord of the Rings to the Bible to whatever. How you respond to … Continue reading LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS: The Owls of Ga’Hoole
Month: September 2010
WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS
Money never sleeps, but the audience sure does in this godawful sequel that clocks in at a murderous 2 hours 9. It's as exciting as an Economics 101 lecture -- but without the laughs. It's good actors giving bad performances in one-dimensional roles, including at least two clearly Jewish bankers whose tics and cadences are … Continue reading WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS
SHREK FOREVER AFTER
In the Pixar era, we have gotten spoiled with what they can do with animated films (Toy Story, Finding Nemo, etc). That may be why there was so much venom directed at the latest and final Shrek film. While it does not hold a candle to those and other Pixar classics, Shrek is still an … Continue reading SHREK FOREVER AFTER
EASY A
Every now and then there's a movie with side performances away from the main action that are so spectacular, they alone are worth the admission price. I defy anyone to name a funnier, more lovable, more perfectly pitched comic duo than the actors who play Emma Stone's parents, Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci. Every moment … Continue reading EASY A
ON NOT DRINKING THE KOOL-AID
I never read a review before I post my own here. And the truth is, when I then check out what critics are saying, I kvell a bit when their opinions echo mine. (Alan's and Stormy's as much as any of the "Cream of the Croppers"). So it's a bit flummoxing, those times when I'm … Continue reading ON NOT DRINKING THE KOOL-AID
DEVIL
For as long as it stays in the cramped confines of a stuck elevator car, this Shyamalan-produced thriller has a nifty, scary-story-by-the- campfire feel. Then it morphs into a morality play, and it's here where M. Night's loftier pretensions keep the movie from being simply a great cheesy scare. TV actor Geoffrey Arend makes the … Continue reading DEVIL
THE TOWN
It's set in the Boston neighborhood of Charlestown, but they could have named it Dullsville. Nothing in this thrice-told tale will seem unfamiliar; it's one more go-round for the criminal-trying-to-get-out- of-The-Life story. And since the trailer provides the entire set-up, all that's left during the movie itself is to watch unfold what you already know … Continue reading THE TOWN
"FLAMINGO" BY BRANDON FLOWERS
There is a tendency for music critics to categorize. This one swaggers and prances like Jagger. That one is outrageous like Madonna. If a songwriter tells stories about young people trying to escape their working class lives, taking to the road in search of a better existence, they are immediately compared to a young Springsteen. … Continue reading "FLAMINGO" BY BRANDON FLOWERS
"HURLEY" BY WEEZER
People have criticized Rivers Cuomo for writing hook-filled pop songs. The question is "what's wrong with that?". The answer is NOTHING!! Weezer's latest, "Hurley" is pop art. Every song has an infectious hook and the clever lyrics that Cuomo is famous for. Take "Ruling Me" for example. The second verse begins "We first met in … Continue reading "HURLEY" BY WEEZER
THE TOWN
Say what you will about Ben Affleck as an actor but, as a director there is no doubt, the man has definite talent. Ben first demonstrated his ability in the under-appreciated "Gone Baby Gone". He grows and expands on that in THE TOWN. Affleck has a definite talent for story telling. To prepare for this … Continue reading THE TOWN
Hollywood and whine 