A group of oil company roughnecks survive a plane crash, only to find themselves stranded in the Alaskan wilderness with a pack of angry wolves.

I enjoyed this movie, and my only ‘nit-picky’ complaints are for reasons that are probably different from most movie-goers.  What worked?  Liam Neeson, as always, and the other cast members perform admirably.  Neeson is an actor who can lend dramatic weight to any subject matter, which is what helped potential drivel like Taken become highly-entertaining dramatic fare.  The director, Joe Carnahan, reaches back to his roots and crafts a movie in the vein of his first movie, Narc, while avoiding the Hollywood nonsense of his past few films (Smokin’ Aces, The A-Team).  The characters spend a good deal of time discussing their predicament in a way that is almost anti-Hollywood and pro-independent film.  These characters discuss life, family, religion, etc.  It’s refreshing.  Yes, there is man-on-wolf action, but this movie is more akin to a Western building toward a gunfight climax than it is an action movie like Predators (not the original Predator, but the stupid sequel from 2010).  Now, what didn’t work perfectly?  Well, I enjoyed the philosophical and sociological discussions, but if given the chance I would have taken them even further.  I would have held back on some of the action and went further toward full-fledged character study.  If The Grey is 60% character study/40% action film, I would have made it 75% character study/25% action film.  The characters were interesting enough and the actors talented enough to pull it off.  I know that most movie-goers would lean in the opposite direction, which is why I’m just happy the studio allowed Carnahan to make the fill he did.  Heck, the studio could have made this into a campy, nonsensical piece of crap.  But, they didn’t.  A rare treat, indeed.

Recent comparative films are Alive and The Edge, though I would probably mark The Grey as slightly better than both.

Check It Out

Directed by: Joe Carnahan
Starring: Liam Neeson, Frank Grillo, Dermot Mulroney, and Dallas Roberts

A Hollywood stuntman, who sidelines as a getaway driver, gets caught up with a woman whose husband runs afoul of the mob.

This being one of the best-reviewed films of the year (currently 93% on Rotten Tomatoes), I expected a lot.  I was completely let down and baffled by how this awkward and incomplete film could have won over so many people.  The lead character (Gosling), being the leader of a double life, could have been a very interesting character study.  Instead, the audience is treated to one of the most boring leads in the history of modern cinema.  There is no study of his character because he doesn’t seem to have any.  During most scenes, Gosling’s character sits or stands and stares at nothing while barely acknowledging the world around him.  He often reeks of awkwardness, and I found it highly unbelievable that the woman (Mulligan) would ever issue more than a pacing glance, no matter how disillusioned she is with her life or her criminal husband.  [My friend put it best – “This is the best film ever about adult autism.”]  There is very little drive (get it!) behind any of these characters’ actions.  Considering how slowly the film builds – the narrative doesn’t pick up until 45 minutes in – I am amazed at how little I learned of the characters’ lives.  I am a big fan of slow-building films that flesh out their characters before throwing them into the fire (e.g. most Westerns, the best Horror, Rocky, 2011’s Warrior), but this film doesn’t flesh anyone out.  When the narrative picks up after 45 minutes, everyone is the same dull character they were when we met them, except now there is such an insane amount of violence thrown upon everyone that things take a surreal turn into an odd area of boredom.  How can I be bored by someone getting their face crushed in by an angry man’s boot?  I’m an adult, that’s how.  Finally, for a movie about a getaway driver, this movie certainly lacks in car chases.  There are two, and they’re short and quick.  Bullitt, this is not.

Visually the film is quite interesting, and I enjoyed Winding Refn’s take on Los Angeles noir.  I also enjoyed Albert Brooks, not because his character was memorable, but because I like Brooks and enjoy seeing him in anything.  The music was also handled well.  However, I never truly understood the connection between 1980s synthetic pop and the style of the film.  I get that Gosling’s character wears an ‘80s-style jacket in most scenes, but nothing else screams ‘1980s!’, so I don’t get the connection.

The best way I can describe this film is to say that it fluctuates ineptly between unintentional hilarity and grotesque violence.  I found myself giggling at Gosling’s character and wincing at the excessive violent acts.  Not something easy to pull off and not something admirable.  I have no idea why this movie was so well reviewed, and all I can recommend is that you…

Skip This

Directed by: Nicolas Winding Refn
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Ron Perlman, and Albert Brooks

The strange tale of a pet chameleon who winds up as the sheriff of a lawless Western town.

I was charmed by everything in this film up until its ending.  The movie is an original take on the American western, comprised of tremendous cgi graphics and fantastic voice work, especially by Depp.  The movie had just the right amount of oddity to make it worthwhile for children and adults; and if forced to choose, I’d say it’s more an adult film than a kid film – it is written by the man, John Logan, who wrote Gladiator and the upcoming James Bond film Skyfall.  The ending occurred rather quickly for my liking, wrapping up a complex story in as short a time as possible.  It seemed rushed, and that is the only critique I have for this film.  Overall, the film is enjoyable and certainly worth checking out.

Check It Out

Directed by: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin, Ned Beatty, and Timothy Olyphant

An aspiring author during the civil rights movement of the 1960s writes a book detailing the African-American maid’s point-of-view on the white families for which they work, and the hardships they go through on a daily basis.

First and foremost, this film boasts a number of fantastic performances.  Truly an ensemble piece, every actress gets a chance to shine, but none over-work to outshine each other or the story.  The performances alone would be worth viewing, but this film doesn’t rest on its laurels.  Every aspect of this film is handled with care, from the direction to the writing to the costumes and set design.  I was at first surprised to learn that the film is close to two-and-one-half hours long, but the real surprise is that the film doesn’t feel long by any stretch of the imagination.  It’s perfect.  What I thought was going to be a ninety minute dramedy about the misconceptions of the South is actually a poignant tale of the struggle of those who lived during the Civil Rights era of the 1960s.  I highly recommend this film for families and anyone looking for a Saturday evening movie, and I foresee it playing on AMC and TBS for years to come.  *Just this morning, it earned a number of well-deserved Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Davis), and Best Supporting Actress (Chastain and Spencer).

Must See

Directed by: Tate Taylor
Starring: Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jessica Chastain, Allison Janney, and Sissy Spacek

A teen gang in South London defends their block from an alien invasion.

This is a visually-thrilling film with charismatic performances by a cast of young actors and fantastic, old-school special effects.  The dialogue is well-written and culturally interesting (Do people really talk this way?).  The story is a bit amateur, but the feel of the film makes me think that’s exactly what the filmmakers were going for.  I have questions about the aliens’ plans for invading Earth, but the overall confidence of the filmmakers and generosity of spirit won me over.  All in all, this is a good little action-filled romp, and the late-night movie-viewing public needs these movies.

Check It Out (late night)

Directed by: Joe Cornish
Starring: John Boyega, Jodie Whittaker, and Alex Esmail

Two hillbillies are mistaken for psychopathic killers by a group of college kids camping in the woods.

“You want a killer hillbilly; I’ll show you a killer hillbilly.”  This is a hilarious movie that came out of nowhere and surprised many a viewer, though with the talent – Tyler Labine and Alan Tudyk – involved it shouldn’t have been much of a surprise.  The script is one step ahead of clever at every turn and the acting (and purposeful over-acting) is terrific.  The film competently flips the script on the slasher genre while crafting an enjoyable film full of bloody deaths and belly laughs.  Also, there are quotable lines throughout, which is the sign of a well-written comedy performed by good actors.  “I was diggin’ a shitter, I mean, crapper.”

Check It Out

Directed by: Eli Craig
Starring: Tyler Labine, Alan Tudyk, and Katrina Bowden

This is the second in the series of reviews organized by actor.  I’m attempting to oscillate between male and female, though I must admit I have seen fewer female-dominated films, and I don’t want to waste anyone’s time with a majority of “N/A”s, so I’m choosing actresses whose films I’ve seen many of.  Let’s begin with the talented, beautiful, and eclectic Sigourney Weaver.

Alien (1979)

The crew of a deep-space salvage ship come in contact with an unknown alien that proceeds to pick them off one by one.

This film was Sigourney’s breakthrough, and she handled her with flying colors.   Though the direction, design, and effects are top-notch, much of what makes this movie great is based on Weaver’s performance, which was measured and mature.  She showed natural aptitude and confidence for carrying a movie.  This movie has received many accolades since its release, all of which are deserved.

Own This and Watch It Often

Directed by: Ridley Scott
Co-Starring: Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, Yaphet Kotto, and Ian Holm

Eyewitness (1981)

A romantically-charged odd couple (Hurt and Weaver) delve into a murder investigation in order to make the six o’clock news.

I haven’t seen this film, but considering it is directed by the director of Bullitt and Krull, Oscar-nominated Peter Yates, and co-stars William Hurt, James Woods, and Morgan Freeman, I’ll be Netflixing it soon.

N/A

Directed by: Peter Yates
Co-Starring: William Hurt, James Woods, Morgan Freeman, and Christopher Plummer

The Year of Living Dangerously (1982)

An Australian journalist (Gibson) falls in love with a British Embassy officer (Weaver) during the Indonesian Revolution of the 1960s.

Sigourney and co-stars Mel Gibson and Linda Hunt are terrific in this wonderfully-directed, impeccably-written film.  Sigourney continues to show her ability to select intriguing projects directed by masterful directors; an ability which aided her immensely in building her career.

Must See

Directed by: Peter Weir
Co-Starring: Mel Gibson and Linda Hunt

Deal of the Century (1983)

Arms dealers compete with each other to sell guns to a South American dictator.

Surprisingly, this is a comedy.  A failed comedy.  It is neither very funny nor appropriate, given the violent and callous nature of many South American dictators.  Sigourney gives the comedy her all and shines, somewhat, but co-stars Chevy Chase and Gregory Hines have seen better days on-screen; well, maybe not Gregory Hines.  Once again, Sigourney selected a project that was initially a hot property in Hollywood with an ace director, William Friedkin (The Exorcist), at the helm.  It didn’t work out this time, though.  But, kudos to her for trying.

Waste of Time / Waste of Resources

Directed by: William Friedkin
Co-Starring: Chevy Chase, Gregory Hines, and Wallace Shawn

Ghostbusters (1984)

A trio of paranormal investigators find themselves on 24-hour call when a rash of ghost sightings sends New York City into a tizzy.

A perfect film.  A quintessential classic.  Sigourney, who should have been over her head with the immense comic talent on-set, morphs from a confident NY businesswoman to a haunted victim of paranormal evil to the Gatekeeper of Gozur, all without being upstaged by Bill Murray.  That’s quite a feat.

Own This and Watch It Often

Directed by: Ivan Reitman
Co-Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Ackroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, and Rick Moranis

One Woman or Two (1985)

An archeologist (Depardieu) discovers a two-million-year-old French fossil who he is then duped into handing over to an American businesswoman (Weaver) for a capitalistic motive.

Don’t be fooled, Depardieu is one of the largest film stars the world has ever known.  It was (probably) in Sigourney’s best interest to make this film, but I’ve never seen it and I’ve never heard anything about it.  Kudos to Sigourney for stretching her acting muscles by making a French comedy.  At this point in her career, she always seems ready to try something new.

N/A

Directed by: Daniel Vigne
Co-Starring: the irreproachable Gérard Depardieu

Half Moon Street (1986)

An American woman (Weaver) living in London spends her evenings as an escort to lonely men.

Sigourney continues to spread her wings as an actress, working with a French director and mostly-British cast and crew.  I have not seen this film, but I’m sure it has something to offer as a rainy day viewing, especially with Michael Caine as the co-lead.

N/A

Directed by: Bob Swain
Co-Starring: Michael Caine

Aliens (1986)

The sequel to the 1979 hit.  A group of Marines, accompanied by a reluctant Ellen Ripley (Weaver), return to the planet where the original alien was discovered.  Chaos ensues, as an entire horde of aliens is discovered.

Considered one of the few sequels to actually surpass its predecessor, this white-knuckle action film goes full-throttle from the get-go.  Sigourney earned her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress, a rare feat for an action/sci-fi film.  It was well-deserved, as she brings a balance of motherly love and steely reserve to her character.  And, as any follower of Hollywood knows, an Oscar nomination is more a testament to a flourishing career than it is for the specific merits of any one performance.  By being nominated for this film, it was written in the Hollywood stars that Sigourney’s time as a pivotal leading lady had arrived.

Own This and Watch It Often

Directed by: James Cameron
Co-Starring: Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser, and Bill Paxton

Gorillas In The Mist (1988)

The true story of primatologist Diane Fossey, who spent her life fighting for the survival of the African mountain gorilla.

Sigourney gives a tremendous performance in this quintessential role, which led to her second Oscar nomination.  She bares acting muscles previously unrevealed and carries a film that with the wrong lead could have been wooden and uninteresting.  So far during her career, Sigourney seems to be upping the ante every few years while seamlessly moving from one genre to the next, progressing from Alien to The Year of Living Dangerously to Ghostbusters to this film.  Not only is she a talented actress, but she is a terrific businesswoman when it comes to handling her career; the latter being more important in Hollywood.

Must See

Directed by: Michael Apted
Co-Starring: Bryan Brown and Julie Harris

Working Girl (1988)

A hard-working, low-level secretary (Griffith) at a Wall Street investment bank slides into her boss’ (Weaver) shoes and proposes a merger after a skiing injury relegates her boss to missing work.

Sigourney took on a co-star role in this ‘80s classic, playing the manipulative, cannibalistic boss in this very funny movie.  Sigourney does a great job, as does Melanie Griffith in the lead and Harrison Ford in the love interest role.  This movie is charming, amusing, and enjoyable, and very ‘80s.

Check It Out

Directed by: Mike Nichols
Co-Starring: Melanie Griffith and Harrison Ford

Ghostbusters II (1989)

The Ghost Busters return, as another outbreak of ghost sightings occur after a medieval warlord comes back into existence through the presence of a haunted painting.

Not a perfect film, but also not the stinking pile of poop many fans (and Bill Murray) would have you believe it is.  There isn’t much for Sigourney to do in this one, but she can’t be held at fault for that.  Her presence alone elevates the quality of the film.

Netflixable

Directed by: Ivan Reitman
Co-Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Ackroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, and Rick Moranis

Alien 3 (1992)

Ellen Ripley (Weaver) crash-lands on a prison planet populated by hardened criminals, and finds out that they are the least of her worries.

The third film in the ever-replicating Alien franchise.  This film finds Ellen Ripley stranded on a desolate prison planet with a stowaway alien who makes quick work of the prison population.

Though the film series may be growing tiresome or stale, Sigourney is anything but.  She brings a refreshing energy to this film that elevates it above its rather mediocre concept.  It’s refreshing to see an A-list actress, which she was at the time, dig so deep for a sci-fi/horror film directed by a newcomer auteur.

Netflixable

Directed by: David Fincher
Co-Starring: Charles S. Dutton, Charles Dance, and Lance Henriksen

Dave (1993)

An idealistic everyman, who happens to look exactly like the President, is brought in for a super-secret Government assignment – to stand in for the President, who has lapsed into a coma.

It may seem like a silly idea, and it is very unrealistic, but this film is highly enjoyable and contains a number of charming characters and witty scenes.  Sigourney plays the role of the President’s wife, a woman marginalized and personally embarrassed, who discovers what she’s been lacking in life and love by way of her husband’s replacement.

Must See

Directed by: Ivan Reitman
Co-Starring: Kevin Kline, Charles Grodin, and Frank Langella

Death and the Maiden (1994)

A political activist is convinced that her guest is a man who once tortured her for the government.

Actors jump at the chance to work with Hollywood legend Roman Polanski.  This wasn’t during his most celebrated period, but his talents are nonetheless transferable to any period.  Saying that, I am sure this film is worth viewing, but I have yet to see it.  Another film to add to my Netflix queue.

N/A

Directed by: Roman Polanski
Co-Starring: Ben Kingsley

Copycat (1995)

A serial killer’s copycat causes horrific problems for the woman who caught him and the woman who defended him.

This isn’t a bad movie, but it’s also not a good movie.  I’m copping out, I know.  This is a run-of-the-mill ‘90s thriller that is worth watching if you catch it on TV during a lazy weekend (akin to Instant Watch on Netflix), but nothing worth going out of your way for.

Netflixable

Directed by: Jon Amiel
Co-Starring: Holly Hunter, Dermot Mulroney, Harry Connick, Jr., and Will Patton

The Ice Storm (1997)

Middle-class families deal with a changing world in the 1970s.

This is a slightly-moving, slightly-pretentious film with terrific performances.  Sigourney continues to go toe-to-toe with professional actors who know their craft.  Like any other true “star” actor, Sigourney always brings something that is uniquely her, and therefore irreplaceable, to every role.

Check It Out

Directed by: Ang Lee
Co-Starring: Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Jamey Sheridan, Elijah Wood, and Tobey Maguire

Alien: Resurrection (1997)

200 years after her death, Ellen Ripley (Weaver) is revived as a powerful human/Alien hybrid clone who must continue her war against the Aliens.

By far the worst of the four original Alien films, it offers a certain measure of nostalgic fun.  Sigourney once again brings her A-game to a lesser movie.  I think the worst part of this movie, and the creative decision that effectively killed the continuing saga of Ellen Ripley, was the inclusion of the human/Alien alien at the end of the film.  On-screen, it seems sillier than it probably seemed in the concept stage.

Netflixable

Directed by: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Co-Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Wincott, and Ron Perlman

A Map of the World (1999)

A woman’s life falls apart after she’s blamed for an accident on her property.

Never seen nor heard of this film.  However, Sigourney was nominated for a Golden Globe.

N/A

Directed by: Scott Elliott
Co-Starring: Julianne Moore and David Strathairn

Galaxy Quest (1999)

The cast of a Star Trek-type show are kidnapped by an alien species who mistake their fictional conquests for real-world heroics.

Sigourney once again breaks whatever “Sigourney Weaver-mold” Hollywood had created for her by fashioning a comedic character in this high-energy, big-laugh comedy hit.  I love this movie, so much.  And, I don’t think it’s lost on non-fans of Star Trek.  I’m not a big fan of Star Trek.  I’ve never watched an entire episode of any series, though I’ve enjoyed numerous of the series’ movies, including the newest one.  I can realize when a movie offers a proper homage, and, not only does this movie offer that, but it builds on the Star Trek legacy, creating an addendum to the series’ success.  In many ways, this is a beautiful movie, honoring its sci-fi past and fans, yet also yearning to create its own legacy, which I believe it does.  The best part about this film is that each actor is given his or her moment to shine, and they all relish their opportunity.

Must See

Directed by: Dean Parisot
Co-Starring: Tim Allen, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell, Justin Long, and Alan Rickman

Company Man (2000)

A high school teacher in the ‘60s becomes an international spy involved in a plot to overthrow Fidel Castro.

Once again, a film I’ve never seen nor heard of.  I don’t believe this was ever released to theaters, though it does have a nice cast.

N/A

Directed by: Peter Askin and Douglas McGrath
Co-Starring: Douglas McGrath, Ryan Phillippe, Jeffrey Jones, and Paul Guilfoyle

Tadpole (2000)

A young man, on the cusp of adulthood, falls in love with his step-mother.

This is a charming, enjoyable movie with a cast that works together nicely.  Usually, the leads in these types of coming-of-age tales annoy me with their pretentious wit (e.g. Rodger Dodger and Igby Goes Down), but I’ve always enjoyed the work of Aaron Stanford, and he brings a measure of real-world insight and insecurity that hides that fact that his character is aged well beyond his years.  Sigourney is a fine aspiration of a young man’s sexual desire, and plays her character nicely, without overwhelming the movie with her presence (though she is the only “movie star” in the picture).

Check It Out

Directed by: Gary Winick
Co-Starring: Aaron Stanford, Kate Mara, Bebe Neuwirth, and John Ritter

Heartbreakers (2001)

A mother and daughter con team scam wealthy men out of their fortunes.

This could have been an enjoyable romantic comedy, but instead feels more like a TV movie with a bland performances and a blander script.  Even star actors like Sigourney Weaver and Gene Hackman can’t save this movie.  It’s just too bland.  Go rent Dirty Rotten Scoundrels instead.

Skip This

Directed by: David Mirkin
Co-Starring: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ray Liotta, Jason Lee, and Gene Hackman

The Guys (2002)

This drama is set in the days following the attack on the World Trade Center, when a fire captain prepares the eulogies for the men he lost.

I have not seen this movie, but I am interested in viewing it to see how it handles the emotional subject matter.  Sigourney and Anthony LaPaglia can handle tough dramatic issues, I’m sure, but I don’t know much about director Jim Simpson.

N/A

Directed by: Jim Simpson
Co-Starring: Anthony LaPaglia and Irene Walsh

Holes (2003)

Based on the novel, this is the story of a wrongfully convicted boy who is sent to a juvenile detention center in the middle of the desert.

An enjoyable family film with humor and life lessons throughout.  Sigourney is a pleasant surprise in a role that suits her, but is different from her usual film persona, and I can actually say that Shia LaBeouf did not annoy me in this movie, which is something I cannot say about any other film he’s ever been in.

Check It Out

Directed by: Andrew Davis
Co-Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Tim Blake Nelson, and Jon Voight

Imaginary Heroes (2004)

The suicide of a child tears a family apart.

Surprisingly, I had never heard of this movie, but seeing that Dan Harris (screenwriter of X2: X-Men United and Superman Returns) is both writer and director, I will check it out soon.  It also doesn’t hurt that Jeff Daniels is in the movie, as I have rarely seen him give a lackluster performance.

N/A

Directed by: Dan Harris
Co-Starring: Jeff Daniels, Emile Hirsch, and Michelle Williams

The Village (2004)

The story of an isolated village that may or may not be surrounded by a mythical forest full of dangerous creatures.

Holy crap, was I disappointed by the surprise twist ending of this movie!  I enjoyed the first 90 minutes, which contained terrific acting and suspense, but as soon as the twist was revealed, I checked out and felt nothing but apathy toward the characters and director Shyamalan.  Clever ending?  Absolutely.  Necessary and warranted?  No.  It was like a giant smack to the face of the collective audience.  Every actor does their best with the material, managing to keep straight faces throughout some of Shyamalan’s worst dialogue this side of The Happening.  This movie was the beginning of the end for director Shyamalan’s burgeoning career.

This Will Make Your Brain Ache (avoid unless drinking heavily)

Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Co-Starring: William Hurt, Joaquin Phoenix, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Adrien Brody

Snow Cake (2006)

A drama focused on the friendship between a high-functioning autistic woman and a man who is traumatized after a fatal car accident.

This is a movie I will have to check out, as I love Alan Rickman.  Movies dealing with autism can be hit-or-miss, as sometimes the disease is used inappropriately to bolster the drama, but I am hoping that is not the case here.  I have hope, due to Rickman and Sigourney agreeing to do the picture, that this movie is realistic and thought-provoking.

N/A

Directed by: Marc Evans
Co-Starring: Carrie-Anne Moss and Alan Rickman

The TV Set (2006)

The story of an idealistic writer’s (Duchovny) personal project going through the process of becoming a network sitcom.

This film did not have much of a commercial release, and I caught it on Netflix years after it came out, but I was very entertained.  This is a Hollywood comedy that expertly dissects the Hollywood that we non-Hollywood-ers conceive of in our minds – that land of sex and drugs and betrayal and failed marriages…  Duchovny is as dry-witted as ever, but also touching and genuine.  But, it is Sigourney who steals the movie in the part of the network executive overseeing the project.  She is cold, calculating, flippant, and without overdoing it, hilarious.

Check It Out

Directed by: Jake Kasdan
Co-Starring: David Duchovny, Ioan Gruffudd, and Judy Greer

Infamous (2006)

Truman Capote (Jones) goes to Holcomb, Kansas to report on the murder of a farming family.

This film did not garner the commercial success of Capote (2006), starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman, nor did it win as many awards, but it is as equally entertaining and well-acted.  Sigourney has only a small role, but fits nicely into the ensemble.

Must See (along with Capote)

Directed by: Douglas McGrath
Co-Starring: Toby Jones, Sandra Bullock, Jeff Daniels, and Daniel Craig

The Girl in the Park (2007)

A mother (Weaver) who traumatically lost her young daughter spends years attempting to recuperate on her own, until she comes across a damaged young woman she believes to be her long-lost daughter.

I haven’t seen this movie, but it seems fairly interesting.

N/A

Directed by: David Auburn
Co-Starring: Kate Bosworth, Alessandro Nivola, and Keri Russell

Vantage Point (2008)

The attempted assassination of the US President is told from multiple vantage points.

This was a disappointing Hollywood “concept” movie; high-concept, poorly executed, not too interesting.  Each actor shows up to deliver the standard goods, but the whole picture adds up to very little drama or entertainment.

Skip This

Directed by: Pete Travis
Co-Starring: Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, Forest Whitaker, and William Hurt

Baby Mama (2008)

A successful, single businesswoman who dreams of having a baby discovers she is infertile and hires a working class woman to be her unlikely surrogate.

I haven’t seen this movie because I’m not a fan of Tina Fey.  That is all.

N/A

Directed by: Michael McCullers
Co-Starring: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler

Avatar (2009)

Dances with Wolves, in space.

This movie is overrated!  Big time!  This is an ok movie, with an ok story and ok acting, wrapped in millions of dollars’ worth of cgi.  This is not a ground-breaking event, unless you find 3-D cgi ground-breaking.  I found it headache-inducing and detrimental to the story.  The story is run-of-the-mill and boring; a less intelligent and dramatic re-telling of Dances with Wolves (in space).  The fact that this movie made so much money (it’s the highest-grossing film ever, not counting inflation) is a testament to marketing, not filmmaking.

Check It Out (if only because it’s the highest-grossing film of all-time, but I don’t recommend it)

Directed by: James Cameron
Co-Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Giovanni Ribisi, and Stephen

Crazy on the Outside (2010)

An ex-con returns home to a series of familial misadventures.

This kind of movie is best served to young kids and pre-teens; think Jingle All the Way.  It’s not especially interesting or humorous, but it’s made because it has semi-bankable stars and Hollywood studios have to release something every week.  Harmless and safe, but eminently skippable.  That’s my assumption, having not actually seen it.

N/A

Directed by: Tim Allen
Co-Starring: Tim Allen, Julie Bowen, and Ray Liotta

You Again (2010)

When a young woman realizes her brother is about to marry the girl who bullied her in high school, she sets out to expose the fiancée’s true colors.

I have the (un)fortunate task of watching this movie as I’m writing it’s review.  I always wanted to check it out, due to the presence of Jamie Lee Curtis and Sigourney, but I never got around to viewing it until now at 12:00am on Starz.  I’m glad I skipped it in theaters.  I truly thought this film would be stronger than it is, but it has too much dead air and too many unrealized scenes.  Kristen Bell is a comedic talent (check her out in Party Down), and Curtis and Weaver are forever solid, but the film fails in the two areas it should succeed: laughs and heart.  That’s a failing combination for a romantic comedy.  And, finally, the broken tree house bit is a ridiculous script maneuver.  Lame story-telling technique.  I will, however, give the casting director credit for the hiring of Betty White and Cloris Leachman, who makes a late-screen appearance.  Their talent carries them far beyond this movie.

Skip This

Directed by: Andy Fickman
Co-Starring: Kristen Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis, Odette       Yustman, and Betty White

Cedar Rapids (2011)

Shenanigans occur (I assume) at an insurance company convention in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

These independent, character-based, quirky dramadies usually start off terrifically, with a solid concept and dramatic energy, but they tend to run out of steam at some point and end disappointingly.  If they had a great ending (or at least were closer to a total package), they more than likely would have garnered attention from larger stars and more money would have been put into the production.  I know that’s a pessimistic way of looking at the industry, but it’s true more often than not.  That is why I skipped this movie.

N/A

Directed by: Miguel Arteta
Co-Starring: Ed Helms, Anne Heche, and John C. Reilly

Sigourney has had four other films released this year and has a slew in-production.  She’s working so often that it’s difficult to keep up.  That’s a testament to her talents as an actress and a businesswoman.  Sigourney Weaver has survived and thrived as she aged, which is a rare feat for an actress in Hollywood.  Her talent, intelligence, and spirit have allowed her to maintain a presence as both a leading lady and a supporting actress, appearing in some of the most memorable films of all-time while also lending her star power and talent to smaller, independent films.  She doesn’t appear to be slowing down either, as there are rumored roles in the upcoming potential blockbusters Avatar 2 and Ghostbusters 3 as well as a number of smaller films.  She’s one of my favorite actresses of the past thirty years, and I look forward to her future work.

A billionaire, photographer, and workingman are stranded in the Alaskan wilderness after a horrific plane crash.

This is a white-knuckle adventure film of the highest order, with a terrifically-twisted script by Hollywood veteran David Mamet and realistic performances by the entire cast.  I may have enjoyed it more in theaters when I was 16 years-old, but I just watched it the other day and it’s still fantastic.  Hopkins is especially wonderful as the billionaire with a curious streak for survival and wilderness training.  Only Hopkins can stare down the bear.  Mamet’s words through his mind and mouth make this film worthwhile.  Though, Mamet’s words are not always realistic, and don’t always arrive in a realistic order.  I wish Mamet had collaborated with a lesser known screenwriter on this picture, as it would have lent an extra measure of believability, but, as it is, I’m happy as a viewer because this film is entertaining and diverting.

It’s deceptive how beautiful Alaska is in this film, since the survivors’ path is fraught with pain and death, but this is almost a wonderful public announcement for vacationing in Alaska.  Thank goodness Tamahori and Mamet convinced Hopkins to join the cast, as he carries this film with his wonderful performance.  He is an amazing actor for telling facts and detailing events.  Baldwin is his post-leading man usual as a pompous, arrogant photographer who acts like King of 30 Rock (mixed with the Boy Scout Master from SNL).  Perrineau is fantastic, as always. Kudos to the bear for performing its tricks.

Don’t follow this movie if you want to survive bear attacks, but do…

Check It Out

Directed by: Lee Tamahori
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Alec Baldwin, and Harold Perrineau

By the way, this film makes me look forward to The Grey, starring Liam Neeson, coming out in early-2012.

In the tradition of 80s coming-of-age movies, a group of twenty-somethings get together for one final party, where they attempt to make up for past mistakes while putting their best foot forward into their respective futures.

I am usually all for 80s movies that revolve around a group of twenty-somethings figuring out their place in the world while celebrating together at one final blow-out party, but this movie struck me as both disingenuous and incoherent.  For one, instead of being based off of real-world scenarios or actual experiences, this film seems to be a mish-mash of scenes from actual 80s movies – same goes for 2010’s very disappointing Hot Tub Time Machine.  There is little original material here.  None of the characters are especially interesting and their narratives are either shallow to begin with or aborted halfway through.  Rather than getting the audience involved with the characters during the first half-hour, the movie almost instantly descends into party-mode, which stands in the way of character development.  I never got the sense that any of the characters stood on two feet in the real world.  They’re closer to sitcom characters thrown together for a pilot episode.  I didn’t find myself rooting for Topher Grace’s lead, nor did I find myself pining for Teresa Palmer’s Prom Queen Valley Girl.  I did find Chris Pratt’s jock boyfriend character to be misunderstood and misrepresented; his character’s narrative is all over the place – is he a villain, a good guy with a bad streak, or a cardboard cutout written into the story to provide the sister with something to fight against?  The writers never seem to decide what his character is there to do.  I also found Anna Faris to be completely underutilized.  I don’t know what it is about her – she has extreme comedic talent – but she is always wasted in these lousy movies.  In my opinion, she needs a new manager or agent.  The only enjoyable character in the movie was the lead’s best friend, played by Dan Fogler, who often steals scenes in every movie he’s in.

My issues with this movie range from the lack of a cohesive narrative structure to the scarcity of genuine humor to the misuse of the talented Anna Faris to the inexcusable absence of the eponymous title song.  This isn’t a good movie, but if you’re drinking some beers with friends and looking for a movie to kill two hours, then it’s…

Netflixable

Directed by: Michael Dowse
Starring: Topher Grace, Anna Faris, Teresa Palmer, and Dan Fogler

A Midwestern boy moves to Hollywood during the Depression to sell his Western novels, but finds himself hand-picked to be a B-movie cowboy.

I caught this sweet, PG-rated movie on television completely out of the blue, and I enjoyed it immensely. It has an enjoyable story with a number of intriguing characters, all of whom attempt to survive the minefields of burgeoning Hollywood during the Depression, except, of course, for the main character (Bridges), who is so naïve that he may just come out on top. The presence of Andy Griffith as the elder B-movie Western extra who guides the naïve young lead is a nice touch and adds a certain weight to the tale. All the other actors are fantastic, including a young-ish Alan Arkin, who attacks his role his gusto. Director Howard Zieff went on to direct My Girl and My Girl 2 and Private Benjamin, and if you enjoyed those light-hearted tales then…

Check It Out

Directed by: Howard Zieff
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Andy Griffith, Donald Pleasence, Blythe Danner, and Alan Arkin