Big Miracle

Title: Big Miracle

Directed by: Ken Kwapis

Starring: Drew Barrymore, John Krasinski, Dermot Mulroney, Kristen Bell, Tim Blake Nelson, Vinessa Shaw

Genres: Adaptation, Drama, Family

Running Time: 1 hour. 47 minutes

Release Date: February 3rd, 2012

MPAA Rating: PG

Review: 'Big Miracle' is a family film, based on the true story of a small town news reporter and a Greenpeace volunteer who join forces with some unlikely allies to save a family of gray whales trapped by rapidly forming ice in Alaska. It has a great story, a great cast (Hello, Kristen Bell, Drew Barrymore, and John Krasinski!), and some really funny moments. It's not called 'Big Miracle' for nothing.

All things considered, 'Big Miracle' is a heartwarming family film, suitable for kids and adults alike. And while it does occasionally tug at the heart strings, and might even well up an eye or two here and there, it is not a sad story overall. I will admit to having shed a couple of tears, but I'm pretty soft-hearted, particularly when it pertains to animals, and I still left the theater uplifted. I would recommend seeing 'Big Miracle', and if you don't in the theaters, definitely see it on DVD.

P.s. Do not walk out as soon as the credits start rolling, or you will miss the side-by-side comparison of the real deal versus the film, which was quite entertaining.

Grade: 7.5

Chronicle

Title: Chronicle

Directed by: Joshua Trank

Starring: Dane Dehaan, Michael B. Jordan, Ashley Hinshaw, Michael Kelly

Genres: Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller, Drama

Running Time: 1 hour. 24 minutes

Release Date: February 3rd, 2012

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: I saw 'Chronicle' yesterday. It tells the story of 3 teenage boys who develop unique abilities after being exposed to some mystery item. What follows is their exploration of their new power while documenting everything with their video camera. Having the story told Blairewitch Project-style really suited the story, but depending if you like that style of film or not, it might be a deal breaker.

The backdrop of the story is the pre-power teenage lives of these boys. High school, popularity, bullying, parental abuse, parental alcoholism, and a very sick mom. You can clearly see how each of their backgrounds really influenced how they handle their new power. The reaction of the boys was actually one of the strongest parts of the film. They are irresponsible, childish, careless and full of hybris. The troubled kid, well portrayed by Dane DeHaan, drives the film, and his reactions were particular realistic and believable. DeHaan kind of reminded me of a young DiCaprio.

Personally, I found 'Chronicle' extremely depressing.

The target audience of this flick is of course teenage kids, as it should be. I find it unlikely anyone else would actually like this film. I recommend passing on this one, unless you are in fact part of that target market.

Grade: 6

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Title: Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Directed by: David Fincher

Starring: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgård, Elodie Yung

Genres: Adaptation, Drama, Thriller

Running Time: 2 hours. 40 minutes

Release Date: December 21st, 2011

MPAA Rating: R

Review: I loved the books, as well as the original Swedish movie adaptation (read my review here), so it was with some trepidation that I watched the Hollywood-ized adaptation.

And Fincher's version of 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo' is good. The script has been altered quite a bit, some for the better, and some for the worse. I did really enjoy the fact that they still filmed it in Sweden (which happens to be my home country), but that may be my own bias, since several people I went with specifically mentioned this as one thing they didn't like.

Personally, my biggest gripe with the remake is Lisbeth herself. In the Swedish version, this character is brought to life in one of the most authentic performance I've seen in a while. Noomi Rapace climbed into this fictional character, and basically lived as Lisbeth Salander for 3 years, while filming the trilogy. She IS Lisbeth.

Here, we get to see the Hollywood version of Lisbeth, and it is a stark contrast. While they look very similar, this Lisbeth is more surface, less substance. Instead of showing us who she is, she tells us. Instead of the quiet threat of Rapace's Lisbeth, we here have a Lisbeth who screams in people's faces to show her aggression. At the same time, the fragile vulnerability of Rapace's Lisbeth is absent in Mara's Lisbeth, and the space left behind is stuffed with stereotypical clichés. While the Swedish Lisbeth would never care if Michael sees someone else, the Hollywood Lisbeth is miffed and jealous, something that doesn't quite gel with this emotionally detached character. Furthermore, I wish the dragon would have been left alone. I much preferred it when it ripped it's way out of Lisbeth's entire body, instead of the small dragon on her shoulder we see here. The change is quite telling.

That is not to say that Mara's version is weak. Far from it. If hers was the only portrayal of this character, it would be a very strong performance. However, as it is, the original portrayal was better. I do hope, as the remake trilogy continues, that Mara brings some more substance to her version of Lisbeth.

The strength of the American version, much to my surprise, is Daniel Craig. His performance as Mikael Blomqvist is excellent. It's one of, if not the, best performance of his career. I find myself looking forward to where he will take this role in the following two films. Well done, Mr. Craig.

The Swedish films are raw, with a typically Swedish starkness, and every scene brings the story forward. The Hollywood version is more jagged, at some moments very much so. Some bits of the story have been scrambled for "movie making reasons", so fans of the book series will be surprised here and there. While it may be unfair to judge a remake film against its predecessor, so is the life of a remake. All in all, though, this version is a good film, and definitely worth a watch.

Grade: 7.5

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1

Title: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1

Directed by: Bill Condon

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Jackson Rathbone, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser

Genres: Drama, Romance, Sequel, Adaptation

Running Time: 1 hour. 57 minutes

Release Date: November 18th, 2011

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: Once again, I find myself in the midst of Twi-hard mania at midnight on a Thursday night, waiting for the squeals of delight to begin. This being fourth film in the series, the level of frenzy has been building with each installment, and now, almost at the conclusion of the story, the theater is literary vibrating with excitement. Breaking Dawn is the thickest book in the series, and it's packed, so I understand the decision to make it into two films. However, holding off on the second part for another year, might constitute torture for some die hard fans.

The film itself is quite true to the book, and fairly well made (especially compared to the first horrible flick). The special effects have improved exponentially, from crazy road-runner-esque and throughly hilarious home-video quality of effects, to the amazing work we see in this installment. I'm particularly referring to Bella's transformation in this film, which is very well done, and leaves quite a strong impression. The wolves are visually satisfactory, although the portrayal of the pack-mind leaves a little something to be desired. I literary laughed out loud in the theater (not something that was very well received) the first time the pack-mind came on the screen.

The supporting cast of Bella's school friends, although having a very small part in this film, bring their usual funny quips, which got some laughs. We also do get to see a bit more of Bella's new family vampire members, which has been largely missing from the previous films. As in any film adaptation, quite a bit is missing "for movie making reasons", and what we do get to see is alright. I would have liked to have more. The film is not exceedingly long, and I do think they could have included a bit more.

All in all, Part 1 does won't disappoint fans, at least not very much. The wedding is beautiful, the dress is very Bella, Isle Esme is actually just as advertised, and everything that follows is a fairly accurate adaptation of the book. One guaranteed disappointment is the anticlimactic wedding night sex, which due to the MPPA rating was down grated to a mild make-out session, and then skips to the next morning. Although, that is of course exactly as in the book, and the one detail they should have changed in Hollywood. If you haven't read the book, you might find yourself a bit confused, not to mentioned floored by the crazy turn the story takes after the Honeymoon.

Grade: 8.5

The Descendants

Title: The Descendants

Directed by: Alexander Payne

Starring: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Mary Birdsong, Nick Krause, Jude Greer

Genres: Drama, Comedy, Adaptation

Running Time: 1 hour. 55 minutes

Release Date: November 18th, 2011 (limited)

MPAA Rating: R

Review: 'The Descendants' is one of the best films of 2011, one of the few movies that qualified to be on the Must-See List of this year.

'The Descendants' is a well made film. It is very well casted, and the entire crew puts in very strong performances. George Clooney's pulls off one of the absolute best performances of his career. He is strong, vulnerable, angry, grieving, lost, and confused, all at the same time, and he really makes the audience care for him. And this is what makes this film so good, the real struggles these characters face, an how they deal with those struggles. It's all in here, the mistakes and the triumphs.

Do yourself a favor, and do not miss 'The Descendants'.

Grade: 8.5

The Ides of March

Title: The Ides of March

Directed by: George Clooney

Starring: George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Even Rachel Wood

Genres: Drama, Adaptation

Running Time: 1 hour. 42 minutes

Release Date: October 7th, 2011

MPAA Rating: R

Review: Having heard great things about 'The Ides of March', I had high hopes walking into this film. And it does not disappoint.

'The Ides of March' is one of those films where quality parts have been put together to make a great product. Casting, and acting are great, as are the story, the writing and directorial work. The pace is quite slow, but charged with tension, which avoids the audience getting bored. Well done, Mr. Clooney, well done!

'The Ides of March' is one of the best films this year. Period. Do not miss this one.

Grade: 8

Moneyball

Title: Moneyball

Directed by: Bennet Miller

Starring: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Robin Wright, Philip Seymour Hoffman

Genres: Biopic, Drama, Sports

Running Time: 2 hours. 6 minutes

Release Date: September 23rd, 2011

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: I am not usually a big fan for sports movies. At least not the typical garden variety of sports films, filled with cliches, and predictably triumphant endings. 'Moneyball' is not one of those films. 'Moneyball' is a film about people, more than it is about sports. It is also one of the best films of the year.

The story is good, the casting fantastic, and the performances brilliant. Brad Pitt is great as the GM of the Oakland A's, Philip Seymour Hoffman's does epic grumpy as only he can, and Jonah Hill shows us he can actually do more than be funny; he can act.

If the typical underdog-to-thriumph story is your thing, you might be disappointed with this film. You'd be crazy, but you know, "to each their own". For everyone else, catch 'Moneyball', because it's one of the few really great films so far this year. I know, this year suffers from severe good-film-drought, so that doesn't say a lot. However, even compared to a year with an epic film crop, 'Moneyball' would be one of the best.

Grade: 9

Abduction

Title: Abduction

Directed by: John Singleton

Starring: Taylor Lautner, Lily Collins, Alfred Molina, Sigourney Weaver, Maria Bello, Jason Isaac

Genres: Drama, Action/Adventure

Running Time: 1 hour. 36 minutes

Release Date: September 23rd, 2011

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: I will say, this is not the typical cheesy action plot, however, a good movie, it is not. Our young hero, Taylor Lautner, and Lily Collins, who plays his love interest, have the chemistry of two paper bags, and the acting chops to match. The acting of the entire cast is actually laughably poor throughout 'Abduction', which I found somewhat surprising given a supporting cast consisting of Maria Bello and Sigourney Weaver.

Overall, 'Abduction' can safely be missed. In fact, save your pennies and your time and skip this one.

Grade: 5.5

The Debt

Title: The Debt

Directed by: John Madden

Starring: Helen Mirren, Jessica Chastain, Ciaran Hinds, Tom Wilkinson

Genres: Drama, Thriller, Suspense

Running Time: 1 hour. 54 minutes

Release Date: August 31st, 2011

MPAA Rating: R

Review: 'The Debt' is a well casted, well acted film, telling an interesting story. It is the English language remake of the Israeli thriller 'Ha-Hov', which centers on three Mossad agents on a mission to identify and apprehend Josef Mengele, the Nazi doctor nicknamed the Angel of Death for his experiments on Auschwitz inmates, now suspected of living and practicing medicine in 1966 Berlin. Of course, the mission goes sideways, and 'The Debt' tells of the events that follows that failed mission, which has far-reaching consequences, all the way to current time.

At times, 'The Debt' is a mix of white-knuckle tension, and the slow pace of stale memories, long-kept secrets and regret. The subject is meaningful, at times even gripping, the performances are solid, but somehow 'The Debt' fails to reach its full potential.

Grade: 6.5

The Help

Title: The Help

Directed by: Tate Taylor
Starring: Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer, Jessica Chastain, Ahna O Reilly
Genres: Drama, Adaptation
Running Time: 2 hours. 17 minutes
Release Date: August 10th, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: After having thoroughly enjoyed the book, I was really looking forward to seeing the movie adaptation of 'The Help'. And it didn't disappoint. The movie was solid, well casted and well acted, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it mentioned again around award season.

Viola Davis, is wonderful in this film, as are most of the cast, and I feel they did capture the essence of the book, even though it is not a perfect word-for-word adaptation, but when is it ever?

I enjoyed how the movie-version of some of the really funny scenes of the book, the toilet scene, in particular, as well as how the movie portrayed the varying scenes of sadness from the book.

Overall, a good, solid film that I would recommend, although not as highly as the book.

If you liked 'The Secret Lives of Bees', this one will be right up your alley.

Grade: 8

The Whistleblower

Title: The Whistleblower

Directed by: Larysa Kondracki

Starring: Rachel Weisz, Vanessa Redgrave, Monica Bellucci, David Strathairn

Genres: Drama, Thriller, Biography

Running Time: 1 hour. 52 minutes

Release Date: August 5th, 2011

MPAA Rating: R

Review: 'The Whistleblower', a drama based on the experiences of a police officer from Nebraska, Kathryn Bolkovac, who served as a peacekeeper in post-war Bosnia. During her mission, she uncovered a human trafficking ring involving the UN. However, I would not call it a drama, I would call it a thriller.

A thriller in which we get to follow Ms. Bolkovac as she comes in contact with the girls who are being/have been sold into a lifetime of sex slavery, and what happens when she tries to ring the alarm through her work channels at the UN. It's a horrifying look into the life of these girls, especially considering that this is not dreamt up by some Hollywood writer, looking for the next big blockbuster; it based on the truth. As are the government efforts going into keeping Ms. Bolkovak quiet. Interesting, indeed.

This film is brutal, hearth wrenching, even horrifying at times. And most frightening of all, very real. Rachel Weisz is great as Kathryn Bolkovac, and the rest of the cast, mostly unknown to me previously, also impressed with the authenticity of their portrayals. All in all, a film worth seeing, if for no other reason than to bring attention to the issues it represents.

Grade: 9

Crazy, Stupid Love

Title: Crazy, Stupid Love

Directed by: Glenn Ficarra and John Requa

Starring: Steve Carrell, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Julianne Moore, Kevin Bacon, Crystal Reed, Marisa Tomei, Joey King

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Running Time: 1 hour. 47 minutes

Release Date: July 29th, 2011

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: First off, while I rarely watch, and even more rarely enjoy rom-coms, this cast was too good to pass up. I have a special place in my awkward-loving heart for Steve Carrell and Emma Stone, and who doesn't like Ryan Gosling? Well, I didn't before this film, with could be knows under the alternative title "Ryan Gosling Haters Converted to Ryan Gosling Lovers", and thus I have now joined the masses who worship this exemplary male specimen, which actually can act, as it turns out. Regardless, I walked into this one with no expectations to enjoy it, and was very surprised to find that I did.

As always, Steve Carrell portrays the "awkward, lost, confused grown man" extremely well, the man has a gift, and while the subject of divorce is a total bummer, the film turns out to be very heartwarming and, as always with Steve Carrell, quite funny. Furthermore, the chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone is perfect, and their part of the story has several epic scenes making fun of the usual rom-com fare, without coming across as parody. This film is sweet, and doesn't rely on either raunchy jokes or snark to get by. I surprised to say that I highly recommend it.

Grade: 8.5

Water For Elephants

Title: Water For Elephants

Directed by: Francis Lawrence

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Christoph Waltz

Genres: Drama

Running Time: 2 hour. 1 minutes

Release Date: April 22nd, 2011

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: Water for Elephants, while I wouldn't call it a great, I can't deny that it is a very pretty film. However, it lacks in substance. Furthermore, the chemistry between Witherspoon and Pattinson is nonexistent. Waltz does a great bad guy, as always, and the elephant is adorable.

Grade: 6

Hanna

Title: Hanna

Directed by: Joe Wright

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, Niels Arestrup, Cate Blanchett, Jason Flemyng, Tom Hollander

Genres: Drama, Thriller

Running Time: 1 hour. X minutes

Release Date: APril 8th, 2011

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: I am a huge fan of Cate Blanchett, and she is a big reason I went to see this film. Another is the trailer, which made 'Hanna' look like a really interesting, great film. And if you judge it on acting alone, 'Hanna' wouldn't be a bad movie. Unfortunately, is a bad movie.

The cast is brilliant, the acting pretty good. It's the story that is the problem here. The filming technique was interesting, different, but not better, and it left me annoyed more than anything. This one is a pass.

Grade: 5

The Lincoln Lawyer

Title: The Lincoln Lawyer

Directed by: Brad Furman

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe, William H. Macy, Michael Pena, Trace Adkins

Genres: Crime, Drama,

Running Time: 1 hour. 59 minutes

Release Date: March 18th, 2011

MPAA Rating: R

Review: Matthew McConaughey is a very unreliable actor. Every now and again, he delivers a performance like his work in 'A Right to Kill', and then there is a lot of 'Surfer, Dude' in between. 'The Lincoln Lawyer' is, surprisingly, thankfully, more "A Right to Kill' than "Surfer, Dude'. It is actually a good film. I might even admit to having my expectations blown out of the water on this one.

The rest of the cast all give great performances as well. Ryan Phillippe, in particular, does a very convincing, and thoroughly creepy portrayal of the nightmare legal client.

'The Lincoln Lawyer' is a solid film, I would definitely recommend seeing it. If you don't feel the need to catch it in the theaters, definitely see it at home.

Grade: 7.5

Unknown

Title: Unknown

Directed by: Jaume Collet-Serra

Starring: Liam Neeson, January Jones, Diane Kruger, Frank Langella, Aidan Quinn, Bruno Ganz

Genres: Suspense, Thriller, Drama

Running Time: 1 hour. 39 minutes

Release Date: February 18th, 2011

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: 'Unknown' relies on a derivative of the popular Hollywood "fish out of water" premise, in which Neeson's character wakes up in the hospital in a foreign country, after an accident, with amnesia. The only things he knows are his name, and the fact that he was in the country for a Biotech conference. Upon finding his way back to his hotel, he recognizes his wife, only to have her deny that he is her husband. Since he has no ID, he has no way to prove his identity.

What carries this film is Neeson, and while it won't win any Oscars, it is not a bad movie. On the contrary, it is an entertaining action drama, with some twists and turn you may not expect. All in all, a good time at the movies.

Grade: 6.5

The Mechanic

Title: The Mechanic

Directed by: Simon West

Starring: Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Donald Sutherland, Christa Campbell, Jeff Chase, Beau Brasso

Genres: Drama, Action, Remake

Running Time: 1 hour. 40 minutes

Release Date: January 28, 2011

MPAA Rating: R

Review: 'The Mechanic', which is a remake of a 1972 film with the same name, tells the story of a professional assassin, played by Jason Stratham. Stratham follows a strict code to do his job, and he is the best in his business. After the death of his mentor, he take on his mentor's son, played by Ben Foster, as his apprentice, to teach him the code and the job.

It is a typical Stratham action flick of hard hits, splattering blood, strong language. We don't get to see a lot of Stratham's usual banter, which is a bummer, since he sometimes bring some humor to his roles. If you can forget about the [huge] holes in the plot, the generic nature of the story, and you're into by popcorn action flicks, you'll find this one acceptable for some light entertainment. Leave your common sense and logic by the door, though.

Grade: 6.5

Black Swan

Title: Black Swan

Directed by: Darren Aronofsky

Starring: Natalie Portman, Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder, Toby Hemingway

Genres: Drama, Thriller

Running Time: 1 hour. 43 minutes

Release Date: December 3rd, 2010

MPAA Rating: R

Review: This is an epic, shocking, over the top, absolutely mad film, portraying the professional life of a dancer at the New York City Ballet, played by Natalie Portman. 'Black Swan' is brilliant, albeit quite rough in its deliver at times. The audible gasps were plentiful in the theater, and I would be amiss if I pretended one or two of those shocked intakes of breath didn't come from me.

It really is Portman who makes this film. The other parts are great, don't get me wrong, but Natalie Portman is epic. Her performance alone makes this film worths it's minutes. Do not miss 'Black Swan'. As Ms. Portman sprouts feathers through her skin, 'Black Swan' will get under yours.

Grade: 9

Eat, Pray, Love

Title: Eat, Pray, Love

Directed by: Ryan Murphy

Starring: Julia Roberts, James Franco, Viola Davis, Billy Crudup, Javier Bardem

Genres: Romance, Drama, Adaptation

Running Time: 2 hours. 13 minutes

Release Date: August 13th, 2010

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: After having read, and enjoyed, the book, I went and watched this film by myself (I know, shocking since it is a romantic film). I didn't enjoy the film half as much as the book, and literary sat there thinking "this is a terrible adaptation" throughout the film. However, as it ended, I was surprised to actually leave the theater with somewhat of a positive impression. Although most of what connected me to the story as a reader is missing, some parts of the "follow your heart, go your own way, make yourself happy" takeaway was still there, however hard you have to look for it through the Hollywood-ized popcorn film this story has been turned into. The idea of this journey of self-discovery is still accessible, and the scenery is lovely. Further more, some of the supporting performances are quite nice, and Julia is always Julia.

If you enjoy dime-a-dozen Julia romance flicks you should catch this one. If you would like a great story, stick to the book.

Grade: 6

Salt

Title: Salt
Directed by: Phillip Noyce
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Andre Braugher
Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama, Thriller
Running Time: 1 hour. 39 minutes
Release Date: July 23rd, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG-13


Review: Jolie is gorgeous, of course, that goes without saying. She does just as well as a lead action hero as any other Hollywood star, and the same goes for her ass-kicking skills. Her foreign language abilities are better then most (Daniel Craig in 'Defiance', anyone?), and she has the "if looks could kill" stare down pat. In fact, I prefer her stare down to a lot of other Hollywood actors. In fact, I would have her stare me down all day long, if I never had to see Gerard Butler try "the look" ever again. So what is the problem?

Well, the problem lies not with Jolie, nor with the rest of the cast. They are all doing their jobs well. The problem is the plot itself, as it is very weak. To pick on anything else, such as the ridiculous twists or the play with the laws of physics would be unfair. After all, this is a Hollywood blockbuster action flick. The ridiculousness comes with the territory.

If you are looking for action, things getting blown to pieces, death defying stunt sequences, and lots of combat, you've come to the right place. If you are looking for a grounded, realistic plot with well developed characters, and even the smallest hint of common sense, you really should not be looking to Hollywood for that, should you?

Grade: 6