status: 2010; on dvd
rating: * * * * * (5 out of 5 stars)
This is another perfect example of a movie I thought "eh, it could be funny, but I'm not so sure." Again, I was proven wrong. Jonah Hill, Russell Brand and Sean Combs are hilarious in this movie. Jonah Hill gets a job to bring Russell Brand, a fading rock star, to the Greek Theater for a 10 year reunion show.
The level of debauchery, drugs, and ridiculous antics that ensue is amazing. I was flat out floored by how funny it was. The movie had all the great elements of an Apatow production that fans know and love. If you like movies like Superbad, The Hangover, and even Forgetting Sarah Marshall, I'm pretty sure you will love this.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Felon
status: 2008; on dvd
rating: * * (2 out of 5 stars)
This movie follows Stephen Dorff as a family man who accidentally kills a robber and goes to jail. He meets Val Kilmer, a respected prison veteran and murderer, and the harsh realities of being under the watchful eye of Harold Perrineau Jr. There are many extreme altercations and has elements of Oz and The Last Castle.
Its entertaining, but could be much better. The acting is a little bland at times and I feel like the fact the whole movie was based on Harold Perrineau Jr.'s lust for control wasn't enough. It was interesting to see Perrineau as an officer instead of an inmate like in Oz. I think better casting might have improved it.
rating: * * (2 out of 5 stars)
This movie follows Stephen Dorff as a family man who accidentally kills a robber and goes to jail. He meets Val Kilmer, a respected prison veteran and murderer, and the harsh realities of being under the watchful eye of Harold Perrineau Jr. There are many extreme altercations and has elements of Oz and The Last Castle.
Its entertaining, but could be much better. The acting is a little bland at times and I feel like the fact the whole movie was based on Harold Perrineau Jr.'s lust for control wasn't enough. It was interesting to see Perrineau as an officer instead of an inmate like in Oz. I think better casting might have improved it.
Brooklyn's Finest
status: 2009; on dvd
rating: * * (2 out of 5 stars)
The most recent film by Antione Fuqua (Training Day, Shooter, King Arthur) starring Don Cheadle, Richard Gere, Ethan Hawke as Brooklyn cops all looking for stability. Gere as a low-end traffic cop on the verge of retiring, Hawke as an underpaid cop trying to support his large family, and Cheadle as a successful undercover cop who wants his old life back, must face some tough decisions.
The idea is ok and the cast is decent, but the film doesn't really deliver. It's kind of a stagnant cop flick with very few glimmers of excitement. Coming from the guy who did Training Day and cast like this, I expected better. I guess this just adds another mediocre film to Fuqua's collection.
rating: * * (2 out of 5 stars)
The most recent film by Antione Fuqua (Training Day, Shooter, King Arthur) starring Don Cheadle, Richard Gere, Ethan Hawke as Brooklyn cops all looking for stability. Gere as a low-end traffic cop on the verge of retiring, Hawke as an underpaid cop trying to support his large family, and Cheadle as a successful undercover cop who wants his old life back, must face some tough decisions.
The idea is ok and the cast is decent, but the film doesn't really deliver. It's kind of a stagnant cop flick with very few glimmers of excitement. Coming from the guy who did Training Day and cast like this, I expected better. I guess this just adds another mediocre film to Fuqua's collection.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Black Swan
status: 2010; in select theaters
rating: * * * * (4 out of 5 stars)
Let me start by saying, only Darren Aronofsky could make me interested in a movie about ballet. This film is nothing short of fantastic. This doesn't come as a surprise to this film-goer in the least. Black Swan stars Natalie Portman as a ballet dancer with dreams of being a star, Vincent Cassel as her coach and Mila Kunis as a fellow dancer.
The story follows Nina (Portman) in her struggle to be the best ballet dancer. She gets cast as the "Swan Queen" in a new rendition of Swan Lake. This proves to be very taxing both mentally and physically. Nina starts seeing a rash on her body, visions of a darker self, cuts on her fingers, what appear to be feathers, etc... Her inner turmoil to strive for perfection is tearing her apart. This coupled with a very touchy-feely coach (Cassel) and a potential threat to her role (Kunis), makes things all the more difficult.
Everyone's performance were incredibly believable and emotional stirring. Aronofsky's direction and the film's cinematography couldn't have been better. He has not lost his touch and this is a must see for any fan of his work.
rating: * * * * (4 out of 5 stars)
Let me start by saying, only Darren Aronofsky could make me interested in a movie about ballet. This film is nothing short of fantastic. This doesn't come as a surprise to this film-goer in the least. Black Swan stars Natalie Portman as a ballet dancer with dreams of being a star, Vincent Cassel as her coach and Mila Kunis as a fellow dancer.
The story follows Nina (Portman) in her struggle to be the best ballet dancer. She gets cast as the "Swan Queen" in a new rendition of Swan Lake. This proves to be very taxing both mentally and physically. Nina starts seeing a rash on her body, visions of a darker self, cuts on her fingers, what appear to be feathers, etc... Her inner turmoil to strive for perfection is tearing her apart. This coupled with a very touchy-feely coach (Cassel) and a potential threat to her role (Kunis), makes things all the more difficult.
Everyone's performance were incredibly believable and emotional stirring. Aronofsky's direction and the film's cinematography couldn't have been better. He has not lost his touch and this is a must see for any fan of his work.
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