The review of 'Rambo' is being provided by guest critic - Holmes.
In 1982, 'First Blood', starring Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna and Brian Dennehy, introduced movie goers worldwide to John Rambo, a disenfranchised Vietnam War hero battling a local sheriff and deputies over a simple walk across a bridge. In 1985, at a time when sequels were still relatively few and non-formulaic, a second movie was released and cemented John Rambo and ergo, Sylvester Stallone in movie lore. Three years later, another movie was released and unfortunately, seemed to take some of the luster and mystique from the Rambo character.
On January 25th, 2008, 'Rambo' was released in theaters starring a buffed, geriactric Sylvester Stallone. This time, a further withdrawn Rambo plays a snake handler who is begrudgingly hired to transport missionaries into the war torn jungles of Burma to deliver aid and care to embattled and terrified inhabitants. Challenged to face his own demons, John Rambo assists mercenaries in rescuing said missionaries from the sadistic Burmese 'Army' after they are taken hostage in a murderous attack in an ongoing civil war, where no one is safe.
In the manner of 'Saving Private Ryan', viewers see the result of what happens when bullets and shrapnel meet flesh. While not reaching the moral and philosophical depth of SPR, you might see some of the moral struggles exhibited in SPR if you forget that you are watching the fourth in a series of movies.
This movie is violent and very gory and is not for the weak of heart.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Atonement
Have you come across something that you completely enjoyed or you know that it is truly a work of art but you simply are at a loss of words in how to describe it? That has been my problem in writing my review of this film. For more than a week now I have been pondering my thoughts and have tried to come up with something brilliant to say about a completely brilliant film. I realized walking through the grocery last night that there is pretty much nothing that I can say that could do this film justice.
A typewriter, a benign noisy tool of communication that has long gone by the wayside, is the catalyst for the movie adaptation of Ian McEwan's epic novel Atonement. The equivalent of modern day email, the typewritten note is the method of communication that is instrumental in creating the conflict in which the story revolves.
Each of us at some point in our lives has done something that was wrong, but at the time of the act it was not clearly wrong. Then later, (sometimes sooner than later), we have realized how wrong it was. Most of us can come up with that one thing almost immediately. However for most our actions do not result in someone going to prison and later being sent off to a horrible war.
Atonement was filmed throughout England covering the quaint and beautiful countryside and the not so lovely row houses in the tenements of the early 1940's. The story spans seven decades of time of the Tallis sisters, Cecilia (Keira Knightley) and Briony (Saoirse Ronan and Romola Garai). The story begins pre-World War II and concludes in present day.
With several flashback sequences and imaginative moments the viewer must allow the the story to engulf them. There are some movies in which you can just sit, watch, take a nap, steal a smooch from your partner, this is not one of those movies. You must watch intently or you could become very lost very fast.
This is absolutely a full price film.
A typewriter, a benign noisy tool of communication that has long gone by the wayside, is the catalyst for the movie adaptation of Ian McEwan's epic novel Atonement. The equivalent of modern day email, the typewritten note is the method of communication that is instrumental in creating the conflict in which the story revolves.
Each of us at some point in our lives has done something that was wrong, but at the time of the act it was not clearly wrong. Then later, (sometimes sooner than later), we have realized how wrong it was. Most of us can come up with that one thing almost immediately. However for most our actions do not result in someone going to prison and later being sent off to a horrible war.
Atonement was filmed throughout England covering the quaint and beautiful countryside and the not so lovely row houses in the tenements of the early 1940's. The story spans seven decades of time of the Tallis sisters, Cecilia (Keira Knightley) and Briony (Saoirse Ronan and Romola Garai). The story begins pre-World War II and concludes in present day.
With several flashback sequences and imaginative moments the viewer must allow the the story to engulf them. There are some movies in which you can just sit, watch, take a nap, steal a smooch from your partner, this is not one of those movies. You must watch intently or you could become very lost very fast.
This is absolutely a full price film.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Golden Globe Awards
Well, the Golden Globe Awards are another casualty of the Writers Strike. Based on those awarded tonight, the show itself was not the only casualty.
I am sure that everyone who won was certainly deserving. However I have one big bone to pick with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. The winner in the Best Actress in a musical or comedy was Marion Cotillard. Who is that you ask....I am sure that you are not alone in that question.
Marion Cotillard was nominated against Ellen Page for Juno who was amazingly funny, Helena Bonham Carter, in her first musical, gave a musical performance that seemed to be as natural to her as walking. Then there is the brand new, bigger than life, Nikki Blonksy with her a golden voice and infectious enthusiasm who completely stole the show from a very seasoned and established cast. Lastly, Amy Adams who was able to completely make you believe that she was a princess from far far away land.
I am certain that Marion Cotillard is a very talented actress but I simply cannot believe that she was better than Ellen Page or Helena Bonham Carter. It simply should have been a tie between these two actresses.
I am sure that everyone who won was certainly deserving. However I have one big bone to pick with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. The winner in the Best Actress in a musical or comedy was Marion Cotillard. Who is that you ask....I am sure that you are not alone in that question.
Marion Cotillard was nominated against Ellen Page for Juno who was amazingly funny, Helena Bonham Carter, in her first musical, gave a musical performance that seemed to be as natural to her as walking. Then there is the brand new, bigger than life, Nikki Blonksy with her a golden voice and infectious enthusiasm who completely stole the show from a very seasoned and established cast. Lastly, Amy Adams who was able to completely make you believe that she was a princess from far far away land.
I am certain that Marion Cotillard is a very talented actress but I simply cannot believe that she was better than Ellen Page or Helena Bonham Carter. It simply should have been a tie between these two actresses.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Tim Burton has done it again! He went out on a limb and created another cinemagraphic piece of art. If you like Burton's style or not, he is always a good conversation piece simply because he creates films like no one else in the industry.
In this adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's Musical, which won a Tony award in 1979, Burton makes a horror film in the style of the old horror flicks that were over the top in gore, and created a romantic horror movie musical.
I initially thought that this was going to be an extremely gory movie, however with the gallons and gallons of fake blood per victim, the gore is simply not gory.
Johnny Depp stars in the film as the singing serial killer barber, hellbent on revenge for loosing his wife and daughter to the corrupt Judge Turpin (Alan Rickman). Yes, I said singing... Johnny Depp sings throughout - along with the rest of the stellar cast. I do not always enjoy Johnny Depp's films, however, I am always amazed in the versatility in role and the brilliant skill he excecutes each character. As different as Depp's roles are (Capt. Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands, Willy Wonka), The consistent threads that run through all roles is that each one is always sexy (sometimes oddly so) and extremely eccentric. Sweeney Todd is no exception.
There is a young man that plays a very strong supporting role as Toby, a house boy, Mr. Ed Sanders. He has very little film roles to his credit, however his singing voice and acting skill say Mr. Sanders has a very bright future on stage and screen. I look forward to seeing him in upcoming productions.
Sweeney Todd is probably going to be in the mix for the Oscars. The one category that I truly believe it is worthy of an Oscar is for Costume Design and Adapted Screenplay. The best actor and actress categories are going to be tough this year, but I think Depp and Carter are both worthy of the honor.
Is this a full price film - if you like movie musicals absolutely yes. If not, it is worth the watch from the comforts of home.
My Personal Opinion Side Note: Movie adaptations of Broadway Musicals are never as good as the theatrical production: RENT, Grease, Jesus Christ Superstar just to name a few.
Support the musical theatre!
In this adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's Musical, which won a Tony award in 1979, Burton makes a horror film in the style of the old horror flicks that were over the top in gore, and created a romantic horror movie musical.
I initially thought that this was going to be an extremely gory movie, however with the gallons and gallons of fake blood per victim, the gore is simply not gory.
Johnny Depp stars in the film as the singing serial killer barber, hellbent on revenge for loosing his wife and daughter to the corrupt Judge Turpin (Alan Rickman). Yes, I said singing... Johnny Depp sings throughout - along with the rest of the stellar cast. I do not always enjoy Johnny Depp's films, however, I am always amazed in the versatility in role and the brilliant skill he excecutes each character. As different as Depp's roles are (Capt. Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands, Willy Wonka), The consistent threads that run through all roles is that each one is always sexy (sometimes oddly so) and extremely eccentric. Sweeney Todd is no exception.
There is a young man that plays a very strong supporting role as Toby, a house boy, Mr. Ed Sanders. He has very little film roles to his credit, however his singing voice and acting skill say Mr. Sanders has a very bright future on stage and screen. I look forward to seeing him in upcoming productions.
Sweeney Todd is probably going to be in the mix for the Oscars. The one category that I truly believe it is worthy of an Oscar is for Costume Design and Adapted Screenplay. The best actor and actress categories are going to be tough this year, but I think Depp and Carter are both worthy of the honor.
Is this a full price film - if you like movie musicals absolutely yes. If not, it is worth the watch from the comforts of home.
My Personal Opinion Side Note: Movie adaptations of Broadway Musicals are never as good as the theatrical production: RENT, Grease, Jesus Christ Superstar just to name a few.
Support the musical theatre!
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep
The Water Horse is a beautiful flowing film with many small stories woven into one full tale. Set primarily during World War II, the central storyline centers around a melancholy young boy, Angus MacMarrow. The film opens with Angus sitting on the banks of the a loch near his village, lamenting the fact that his father has left to fight the war. Early in the film an artillery unit of the Royal Army takes over his home and a new handyman moves into his father's workshop. These events turn young Angus' world upside down.
Angus is much too young to be so sad and serious. Slowly his sadness lifts as he cares for the mysterious animal that he finds on the shores of the Loch. Throughout the story, the Water Horse creates many a problem for Angus, his sister, and their new friend. Through these problems happiness creeps into Angus' life.
There are beautiful panoramic scenes showing the amazing countryside of Scotland, (which I think is actually New Zealand - where the film was shot), this is what makes this a must see on the big screen. I simply do not think a home television will do this cinematography justice.
The only criticism that I have of this film is of the people whom were cast as the twenty something American tourists. Fortunately, they are rarely seen in the film. Their acting appears to be very forced and incredibly unnatural - they will make you you wonder who's mother/father got them their jobs.
Anyone who has ever had a friend or pet who loved them unconditionally, will thoroughly enjoy this movie.
Angus is much too young to be so sad and serious. Slowly his sadness lifts as he cares for the mysterious animal that he finds on the shores of the Loch. Throughout the story, the Water Horse creates many a problem for Angus, his sister, and their new friend. Through these problems happiness creeps into Angus' life.
There are beautiful panoramic scenes showing the amazing countryside of Scotland, (which I think is actually New Zealand - where the film was shot), this is what makes this a must see on the big screen. I simply do not think a home television will do this cinematography justice.
The only criticism that I have of this film is of the people whom were cast as the twenty something American tourists. Fortunately, they are rarely seen in the film. Their acting appears to be very forced and incredibly unnatural - they will make you you wonder who's mother/father got them their jobs.
Anyone who has ever had a friend or pet who loved them unconditionally, will thoroughly enjoy this movie.
Friday, January 4, 2008
JUNO
What a delightful surprise this movie was for me to watch. Based on the previews I had determined that this was going to be at the most - a matinee movie but a friend of mine wanted to see it - so I hit the Friday afternoon matinee with her. I knew enjoying this film was going to be a hard stretch for me - a movie about teenage pregnancy that was funny. OH MY GOSH this movie was friggin' hilarious.
Before I go any further, let me give this disclaimer.... this movie takes a very serious subject and creates a dark comedy. There is nothing funny about teenage pregnancy and it is a very serious social problem and unlike this movie, most teenage pregnancies don't have happy ever afters.
Juno is all about one very smart, incredibly sarcastic, wise beyond her years, 16 year old girl, Juno MacGruff, (Ellen Page), and her life during her very unplanned and unwanted pregnancy. What makes this film so damn funny is the the incredible writing of Diablo Cody. Cody's words conveyed by the amazingly talented Ellen Page definitely make this film a contended for the Oscars.
Here's a brief synopsis: Juno has sex with her best friend Bleeker and gets pregnant. After much thought and a brief conversation with her parents, Juno finds an adoptive family - the Loring's (Jennifer Garner & Jason Bateman). Here the synopsis will end as not to spoil the film and its ending for you but I leave you with one phrase in the movie that made me laugh and still makes me giggle when I think about it .... "Pork Swords."
The Golden Globes are January 13th and Juno is nominated for best comedy, Ellen Page for best actress in a Comedy and Diablo Cody for best screen play. All three nominations are warranted and if the awards are given each would be well deserved.
This is a fantastic film - one I want to see again.
Before I go any further, let me give this disclaimer.... this movie takes a very serious subject and creates a dark comedy. There is nothing funny about teenage pregnancy and it is a very serious social problem and unlike this movie, most teenage pregnancies don't have happy ever afters.
Juno is all about one very smart, incredibly sarcastic, wise beyond her years, 16 year old girl, Juno MacGruff, (Ellen Page), and her life during her very unplanned and unwanted pregnancy. What makes this film so damn funny is the the incredible writing of Diablo Cody. Cody's words conveyed by the amazingly talented Ellen Page definitely make this film a contended for the Oscars.
Here's a brief synopsis: Juno has sex with her best friend Bleeker and gets pregnant. After much thought and a brief conversation with her parents, Juno finds an adoptive family - the Loring's (Jennifer Garner & Jason Bateman). Here the synopsis will end as not to spoil the film and its ending for you but I leave you with one phrase in the movie that made me laugh and still makes me giggle when I think about it .... "Pork Swords."
The Golden Globes are January 13th and Juno is nominated for best comedy, Ellen Page for best actress in a Comedy and Diablo Cody for best screen play. All three nominations are warranted and if the awards are given each would be well deserved.
This is a fantastic film - one I want to see again.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Red Box Movie Rental
Oh do I have a new favorite thing! Here in Louisville, Kentucky our McDonald's Restaurants have these wonderful little gadgets - they are called the Red Box. They are a self service movie rental store. Stored inside of each of these boxes is a plethora of movie choices. The greatest thing about the Red Box is the rental price for each movie.....$1.00 per movie. The movies are recent rental releases and they are cheaper than the pay per view on the satellite.
I really hope you have a Red Box in your neighborhood!
I really hope you have a Red Box in your neighborhood!
Dan In Real Life
I first saw Dan In Real Life opening weekend (Halloween), however I have had a difficult time writing my review of this movie.
The movie plot is pretty simple, easy to follow and relatively predictable. Is this an Oscar winner - no way! But let me say Steve Carrell could very easily win a people's choice award for best actor for his portrayal of a widowed single dad raising three daughters. This role really demonstrates Steve's vast acting talent. We have seen him as the moronic Michael Scott (The Office), the depressed eccentric gay professor (Little Miss Sunshine), and Andy Stitzer in the 40 Year Old Virgin (no character description needed). But here we have Dan Burns just a normal everyday man living a normal everyday life and is absolutely believable.
Steve Carrell is the best thing about Dan In Real Life. Overall, the movie is cute, entertaining and predictable. It is the perfect example of the romantic comedy/drama hybrid.
It is a good matinee or discount theatre movie, but it will be a better home rental.
The movie plot is pretty simple, easy to follow and relatively predictable. Is this an Oscar winner - no way! But let me say Steve Carrell could very easily win a people's choice award for best actor for his portrayal of a widowed single dad raising three daughters. This role really demonstrates Steve's vast acting talent. We have seen him as the moronic Michael Scott (The Office), the depressed eccentric gay professor (Little Miss Sunshine), and Andy Stitzer in the 40 Year Old Virgin (no character description needed). But here we have Dan Burns just a normal everyday man living a normal everyday life and is absolutely believable.
Steve Carrell is the best thing about Dan In Real Life. Overall, the movie is cute, entertaining and predictable. It is the perfect example of the romantic comedy/drama hybrid.
It is a good matinee or discount theatre movie, but it will be a better home rental.