The Bling Ring

     Written and directed by Sofia Coppola, this new film is based on real events and is Ms. Coppola's most "mainstream" film yet.
 
       The plot is based on an article in Vanity Fair magazine about a band of California teens that robbed the home of various celebrities. I can't decide what was worse, the stupidity of these kids or the stupidity of the celebrities that left doors open with little security. Yes, Paris Hilton, I'm talking about you. There is little motivation for the break-ins other than boredom and a desire for designer clothes, shoes and jewelry without buying it. Cash and drugs are a bonus.
 
        Katie Chang is the ringleader, Rebecca and her "gang" consists of Emma Watson as Nikki, Israel Broussard as Marc, and Taissa Farmiga as Sam. Ms. Chang plays Rebecca as a bored sociopath and she is scary good in the part. Ms. Watson's Nikki is an airhead who can't buy a clue and Ms. Watson is terrific against type, shattering her previous image from the Harry Potter films. Mr. Broussard garners sympathy as Marc, the boy looking to fit in and enjoying his new found status even as it leads him down a self destructive path. Ms. Farmiga gets off easy with not much to do except go along for the ride.
 
         It's straight forward storytelling with flourishes of Ms. Coppola's signature style. There are long tracking shots, scenes with little dialog  that still move the story and one wonderful long shot of a robbery taking place in a glass house lit up against the L.A. night. The cinematography is terrific and the musical choices on the soundtrack work perfectly. 
 
          The film is a sad commentary on life as a disaffected youth in Los Angeles. You know these kids will eventually be caught  because they are sloppy amateurs. They flaunt their escapades on Facebook and brag to their friends. All the parents in the film are portrayed as either divorced, uncaring, or clueless themselves. It's a story that has to be seen to be believed.

The Conjuring

        I've waited many years for a horror film to scare me again the way "Poltergeist" or "The Omen" did back in the pre-digital days. Finally the wait is over. I can happily say that "The Conjuring" produces real goosebumps and plenty of "jump" moments. The film genuinely scares.

        Based on an actual case from the files of Ed and Lorraine Warren (true life ghost hunters), the film is about the Perron Family and the spirits that haunted their home in the early seventies. How much of the film is actually true doesn't really matter. What does however, is that it makes good on its promises to give you the chills on a hot summer night.

        The Warrens are played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. They are both excellent and one can easily see a franchise developed of films from their case studies. This film even starts with some scary moments from an earlier case that spills over into the current story in a very creepy way. The Perrons are played by Lili Taylor and Ron Livingston. Its great to see Ms. Taylor back in film and well cast in a very demanding role. As the mother of five daughters living in a haunted house, she is a major focus of the plot and most of the thrills and chills involve her character. Mr. Livingston does a good job as the caring husband trying to protect his family.

          Besides the strong acting, so much credit must be given to director James Wan. Having directed the original "Saw" and "Insidious", Mr. Wan knows a thing or two about scary movies. Here, he goes "old school" and scares without the "torture porn" or gory bloodletting of so many films today that pass for "horror". His lightning, pacing, music choices, and editing all contribute to the success of the film. 

         "The Conjuring" owes an obvious nod to "Poltergeist" with a little "Exorcist" thrown in for good measure. Mr. Wan has one misstep with "The Birds" scene which was unnecessary and seemed forced. Everything else works however and if you are a fan of scary movies, "The Conjuring" will definitely not disappoint. I also have to give credit to whomever edited the trailer as they don't give away everything and save plenty of shocks for the film.

Fill the Void

 A story of quiet beauty that takes place in a community of Orthodox Israeli Hasidim. Written and directed by Rama Burstein, a rookie filmmaker and Orthodox Jewish women herself, "Fill the Void" tells the story of Shira, an 18 year old girl facing a difficult decision when her older sister dies in childbirth.

     It is a fascinating look into a world bound by it's own laws and traditions but involving a situation that could be found in any close community that honors family and tradition.  Difficult choices have to be made. Blessings must be given and life changing decisions are at stake.

     The cinematography draws the viewer in with tight, close shots of the actors. Hadas Yaron plays Shira and she is a natural wonder. Her widowed brother-in-law is played by Yiftach Klein and their scenes together are gentle yet powerful under the surface.

      The editing is a little sloppy at times but can be forgiven by the strength and honesty of the film. Everything feels so real you'll forget you're watching actors speaking scripted words. If you are looking for something different from the usual summer fare, immerse yourself in this universal story of the ties that bind.

The Way, Way Back

 This new comedy/drama is a critics darling. It's entertaining and enjoyable but not quite deserving of all the accolades it's received.

  It's a coming of age film filled with stereotypical characters and plot situations you've seen a thousand times. What saves it from failing is the wonderful cast working their hardest to deliver the story and entertain the audience. The film stars Toni Collette, Steve Carrell, Sam Rockwell, Allison Janney, Maya Rudolph, Rob Corddry, Amanda Peet, Liam James and AnnaSophia Robb.

  Allison Janney is very funny as the boozy sister of Mr. Carrell's character who lives next door to his summer beach house. Mr. Carrell is excellent against type as the bully boyfriend of Ms. Collette. Mr. Corddry and Ms. Peet are Mr. Carrell's close friends and Liam James is the featured character, Duncan, Ms. Collette's brooding teenager who hates her boyfriend.

  The story plays out in a beach town with one attraction, a water park run by Sam Rockwell with help from Maya Rudolph. Mr. Rockwell's character, Owen helps Duncan come into his own over the course of the summer. While Mr. Rockwell is the comic centerpiece of the film, he tries too hard to be quirky and funny. It's his least natural performance.

  Nat Faxon and Jim Rash wrote and directed the film together. They also have secondary comedic roles. The film is a nice effort, sunny and breezy like a day at the beach. But like a summer fling, it's soon forgotten and you're ready to move on.

World War Z

The new thriller from director Marc Forster stars Brad Pitt as a former U.N. troubleshooter forced back into action to solve the zombie apocalpyse. The film opens on Mr. Pitt and his co-star, Mireille Enos as they prepare breakfast for their two daughters. It isn't long before they are stuck in traffic and then their world changes forever.

We learn very quickly that there is a zombie worldwide infestation and no one is safe. Mr. Pitt is called on to locate the source of the plague to help find answers on how to eradicate it. The film moves through various countries and stressful situations as the zombie population continues to grow. Ms. Enos, so good on the AMC show "The Killing" is forced into the sterotypic "wife left behind" role with very little to do except worry about Mr. Pitt.

Mr. Pitt is a very charismatic actor and fun to watch in this film. There are plenty of exciting sequences and those who are expecting zombies like the ones on "The Walking Dead" will be very surprised. Granted there are some dead (no pun intended) spots as well but after the alleged multiple ending rewrites, it looks like they got it right

The special effects are pretty seamless and the rest of the cast take their roles very seriously which helps to keep the tension high. While the film can be suspenseful, I never found it particularly scary, nor is it particularly gory. "The Walking Dead is far more liberal with blood and guts.

The film is playing both in 2-D and 3-D. I don't think paying extra for 3-D will make much of a difference. I saw it in 2-D and found it a perfectly acceptable viewing experience.

Man of Steel

Superman gets another reboot in this new darker version, directed by Zack Snyder. Mr. Synder strives for the gravitas of "The Dark Knight" but never quite gets there and loses all the warmth and humor that came through in the Christopher Reeves version.

Russel Crowe makes a fine Jor-El, the biological father of Ka-El (Superman). He even gets to flex his muscles in an early fight sequence. His subsequent appearances grow heavy though and even Michael Shannon as evil General Zod gets fed up with him. Superman is played by Henry Cavill and he bears an uncanny resemblance to Mr. Reeves. What he lacks however, is any of the humor Mr. Reeves slipped into the role.

Amy Adams co-stars as Lois Lane and Lawrence Fishbourne plays Perry White. For this version, there is very little "Daily Planet" interaction and they've skipped over Jimmy Olsen completely. The version of Lois Lane here is more action hero than reporter in distress and the romance between her and Superman is almost an afterthought. The best acting in the film belongs to Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as Jonathan and Martha Kent, Superman's adopted parents. They contribute real feelings and emotions in their scenes, told mostly in flashback.

The action sequences are basically repeated fights between Superman and Zod and they become tiresome. By the time they battle it out in Metropolis, half the city is destroyed and yet a character proclaims "he saved us", but does anyone look around and say "at what cost?".

 I saw the film in IMAX 3-D and I don't recommend it. The sound is deafening, especially when buildings start coming down and any action sequence gets blurry the faster it moves on screen.

This Man of Steal stole my twenty one dollars. Maybe The Dark Knight can get it back for me.

White House Down

First Hollywood gave us "Olympus has Fallen" (and couldn't get up) and now thinking, a bigger director and more bankable stars, lets do it again and this time it will work. Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, shame on you. This is the biggest White House disaster since Gerald Ford (ok that was a cheap shot but you get my point).

The fim stars Channing Tatum as a wannabe secret service agent and Jamie Foxx as the President of The United States. When the "bad guys" storm the White House (pretty easily I might add), Mr. Tatum springs into action protecting the President along with his "too adorable and smart for her own good", daughter. An early plot point convieniently puts them both inside the White House at the time it's invaded

Mr. Tatum has his legion of fans and is growing into a fine action hero but here he is just doing his impression of Bruce Willis in "Die Hard". Mr. Foxx, while a credible actor, here plays a very uncredible President. Maggie Gyllenhaal has the female lead but her character is poorly written (as are most of the characters). Jason Clarke, fresh off "Zero Dark thirty", plays the heavy in a very stereotypic role. The one actor worth watching is the always reliable JamesWoods, who plays an important part in the film. Nice to have you back, Mr. Woods. Watching you chew up the scenery was my favorite part of the film.

The film is directd by this century's Irwin Allen, Roland Emmerich who has a great track record for high concept disaster films. Here he falls as flat as his actors with poor effects and wooden acting. He even has a character name check his best effort just to remind the audience how exciting he can be (unfortunately not here).

"White House Down", regardless of the administration, doesn't get my vote.

This Is The End

Written and directed by Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg, this is a very funny but uneven comedy about the end of the world. The film stars a who's who of todays's top comic actors basically playing exaggerated versions of themselves.

Besides Mr. Rogan, the film stars James Franco, Jonah Hill, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, Jay Barruchel with featured cameos from Michael Cera, Emma Watson, Paul Rudd and Aziz Ansari. Even Rhianna has a cameo.

What passs for a story takes place at a party thrown by Mr. Franco. Once the heavens open up and the devil appears on earth, most of the characters disappear from the story one way or another, leaving the six principal stars to fend for themselves, barracaded inside Mr. Franco's home. Its a comic tale of survival among vain actors. Much of the humor is sophmoric, which is what you'd expect from this group.

When the jokes work, the film is hysterical but there are too many dead moments to sustain the laughs. It's probably a lot funnier if you see it in an altered state of mind but even sober, there are enough laughs to enjoy it.

Much Ado About Nothing

   Director Joss Whedon takes a break from superheroes to adapt a Shakespearean classic comedy. Using his own home for a set and employing many of his acting friends, Mr. Whedon sets the film in contemporary times but utilizes Shakespeare's original text.

     Filming in black and white is a bold move that pays off. The cinematography is crisp and clear and looks beautiful. The acting, while professional, is loose and light. Standouts in the film are Amy Acker as Beatrice, Alexis Denisof as Benedick and Reed Diamond as Don Pedro. The film also stars Clark Gregg as Leonato, Fran Kranz as Claudio and in a smaller but fun role, Nathan Fillion as Dogberry.

      It's a great introduction to Shakespeare as the story is not that difficult to follow if you are unfamiliar with the play. Everyone in the film seems to be having a good time. There is much drinking, dancing and carousing a midst the intrigue. Obviously Shakespeare never envisioned his play featuring ipods and iphones but everything works in this fun, modern version.

Now You See Me

   A movie about grand illusions that is really not very grand. It does however, give the illusion of entertainment. The tag line of "the closer you look, the less you see" could not be more apropos.

    Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher,Woody Harrelson, and Dave Franco star as magicians, a mentalist  and a street con artist brought together under mysterious circumstances to perform grand illusions that are not what the seem. The film also stars Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Melanie Laurent, Mark Ruffalo, and  Common. Its a strong cast having fun in a no brainer that will entertain and amuse you if you don't think too hard.

    If you're the type to analyze everything, you will be disappointed by the reveals and the "twist" ending you saw coming, if you followed the clues. One reveal, in particular, is so complex that it completely defies logic. The expense, timing and control of the environment is impossible. But you accept it if you are invested in the story.  Of course films like this always throw in "red herrings" to keep you guessing and they do help keep things interesting.

    After the final "twist", the ending really disappoints. It's like watching air escape from a balloon that just goes flat. I suppose they do leave an opening for a sequel if the film does well, but that would be the biggest trick of all.

Frances Ha

    Written by Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig, directed by Noah Baumbach and starring Greta Gerwig, this charming Indie could easily have been the love child of Woody Allen and Lena Dunham. 

     Beautifully shot in black & white, with a wonderful score and soundtrack, the film brings to mind the mid-career cerebral comedies of Mr. Allen. It's story of a mid-twenties single woman struggling to find her way in New York will also bring to mind Ms. Dunham's HBO darling, "Girls". Regardless of the two comparisons, Mr. Baumbach and Ms. Gerwig find their own rhythm and originality in their interpretation of young adult life in New York. 

     What also sets it apart is the appeal of Ms. Gerwig character, Frances, who remains ever the optimist, despite life's little setbacks. Co-starring as Frances's best friend Sophie is Mickey Sumner (daughter of musician, Sting). Their relationship is the backbone of the film and it supports the story with strength and honesty.  Also in supporting roles are Adam Driver and Grace Gummer, both enhancing their Indie credibility. 

     The film is funny and sweet and a refreshing change from the onslaught of summer blockbusters.

Fast & Furious 6

If you are an action junkie with a need for speed, this is the film for you. Returning once again to the original crew, the creative team behind this series has found a way to up the ante with spectacular stunt sequences and pretty much non-stop action.

 Vin Diesel returns as Dom, along with Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson, "Ludicris", Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang and of course Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Joining them this time out is MMA star Gina Carano as a federal agent. Of course Michelle Rodriguez's character Letty is supposed to have died but the screenwriters find a convenient way to bring her back as they needed a motivating plot point.

The basic plot is nothing new but the stunts along the way are mind blowing. Whether or not they are real or CGI (or a combination of both) doesn't matter, everything blends seamlessly and looks incredibly real.

Even the fight sequences are bone crunching and there are plenty of those to go along with the explosions, car crashes and flying bullets. The much needed comedy relief is provided by the wise-cracking Ludicris and Tyrese.  There is an interesting clip from "Tokyo Drift" which sets up Fast & Furious 7 during the end credits so don't be in a hurry to leave.

The film is the very definition of summer popcorn fun. Check your logic at the door, put in your ear plugs and enjoy the ride.

Pain & Gain

 Director Michael Bay tones it down just a notch for this comedic look at a crime gone bad. The movie is based on a true story about three losers who decide to kidnap a wealthy businessman to get all his money and property. The premise is pretty ridiculous but amazingly it's all true.

      Mark Walhberg stars as Daniel Lugo, the "mastermind" who works in a gym and decides to kidnap one of his clients, played by Tony Shalhoub. This fitness freak enlists the help of his best friend, dimwitted Adrian Dorbal, played by Anthony Mackie to help him pull off the kidnapping. Deciding they need a third person for the job, they convince Paul Doyle, played by Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) to help them. These are the three dumbest criminals in history and what happens next is unbelievable, but as we are literally reminded, its a true story. 

      Mr. Bay shows a little restraint behind the camera but can't help show off his signature flourishes.  Stop action, slow-motion and excess violence all contribute to the ensuing mayhem. While the kidnapping turns violent, the movie is still very funny. The three leads all play dumb so well. Mr. Johnson, in particular is terrific as Paul Doyle. The film is definitely played for laughs with help from a supporting cast of Rebel Wilson and Rob Corddry.

          You will laugh a lot at the stupidity but probably feel a little disturbed if you stop to think this all really happened. After all, the story involves torture and murder. It's a smart movie about really stupid people. 

Stark Trek: Into Darkness

Director J.J. Adams continues his reboot of Star Trek with a worthy sequel. The best thing to be said of "Into Darkness" is that you will feel like you're watching a TV episode of the original Star Trek on the big screen.

Writers Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Damon Lindelof and J.J. Adams treat their material with such love and respect for the original series that combined with the perfect casting, everything fits perfectly to recreate the world of Star Trek. There are the requisite verbal and sight gags that reference the original and yet, at the same time, this group make the film their own. The story borrows a major character from the past and gives him the back story he deserves.

The same cast returns and fill their respective roles admirably. Chris Pine is growing on me but he still has some work to do inhabiting the role that made William Shatner a star.  Zackary Quinto is a fine Spock and Karl Urban does a dead on Dr. McCoy with all his verbal nuances intact. Simon Pegg also returns as "Scotty, along with John Cho as Sulu, Anton Yelchin as Chekov, and Zoe Salanda as Uhura. The villain of the story is played by Benedict Cumberbatch who usually plays good guys and here, makes a truly ruthless villain.

There's plenty of action that plays well on the big screen, even in 2-D and I'm sure even more impressive in IMAX format and 3-D (although I was very satisfied without it). May the inevitable sequels live long and prosper. 

The Great Gatsby

       Director Baz Lurmann brings his over the top creativity to the forefront in this new version of "The Great Gatsby". It is more style than substance... but oh what style.

        Leonardo DiCaprio and Cary Mulligan star as the lovelorn Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan. For Mr. Lurmann's vision, they are perfectly cast. Mr. DiCaprio inhabits the role with snap and polish and a glimmer of danger. Ms. Mulligan brings a luminescence and vulnerability to Daisy. Through Mr. Lurmann's lens, every scene they are in together elevates their very presence.

 Co-starring in this lavish production is Toby Maguire as Nick Carraway and Joel Edgerton as Tom Buchanan. Mr. Maguire is miscast as Nick. His goofy grin and wide eyed response to everything going on around him becomes increasingly annoying as the film goes on. His purpose as narrator would have been better served had he stayed off camera throughout. Mr Edgerton, on the other hand, is well cast as Tom and brings a strong and menacing aura to the role. Isla Fisher and Jason Clarke have the small but pivotal roles as Myrtle and George Wilson. 

 The fashions, party scenes, and every excess of the period is heightened and unfortunately, lost in this vision is the story. Every nuance of the novel that has been dissected and examined in English classes through the years is lost in the visual excess.

 As with all of Mr. Lurmann's films, you will be swept away by his visual style, strengthened by the chemistry between Mr. DiCaprio and Ms. Mulligan. But to understand what makes this a story for the ages, read the novel.

Mud

      This new Indie drama starring Matthew McConaughey (in a low key performance) is a kind of modern day "Huck Finn". Beside Mr. McConaughey in the title role, the film features a stellar cast including Sarah Paulson, Michael Shannon, Ray McKinnon, Sam Shepard, Paul Sparks and Reese Witherspoon. There is even a cameo from Joe Don Baker.

       While the film is filled with big stars from the Indie film world, two of it's biggest stars are a a pair of young teenage boys, Ty Sheridan as Ellis and Jacob Lofland as Neckbone. It is Ellis and Neckbone that discover Mud hiding out on a small Island on the Mississippi River. Mud, we come to find out is a wanted man trying to reunite with his girlfriend. Ellis is a hopeless romantic and Jacob is a realist but both take a liking to Mud and want to help him for their own reasons.

        It's an original story that meanders its way like the river where it takes place. There are triumphs and disappointments along the way. The acting is first rate but it's Mr. Sheridan in particular that really stands out. He has a long career ahead of him. Mr. McConaughey continues to shine in off kilter roles (see "Killer Joe").  He, along with the film itself, is filled with Southern charm.

Iron Man 3

      Thankfully better than "Iron Man 2" but no comparison to the first film in the series, this third outing is fun for the casual moviegoer but a disappointment for those well read in Iron Man mythology.

       Robert Downey Jr. returns as Tony Stark aka Iron Man, along with Gwyneth Paltrow, Jon Favreau and Don Cheadle all reprising their roles from the earlier films.  Mr. Favreau is also the executive producer and makes sure his character has a bit more to do in this installment.  As for the villains this time out, we have Sir Ben Kingsley and Guy Pearce. Sir Kingsley plays the infamous Mandarin from the pages of Iron Man and for the purists, they will be disappointed in the character's interpretation. He is terrific as always but not in the way you would expect.

       There are excessive jokes, excessive explosions, and literally excessive Iron Men. The film is overstuffed to fulfill it's blockbuster status.  It also features too much Tony Stark and not enough Iron Man.  Many will probably prefer it this way. Director Shane Black has worked with Mr. Downey before and makes the most of his humor and personality.  I would go as far as to categorize the film as a comedy with some heavy duty action sequences thrown in.

        If you've seen the trailers (and how can you miss them), you pretty much know what gets blown up but there are still some surprises in store, so grab your popcorn and settle in for a decent start to the summer movie season.

Disconnect

    This new ensemble drama loosely connects individual stories of characters unable or unwilling to connect in the new millennium. Cell phones, iPads, laptops and the internet all play important characters in director Henry Alex Rubin's cautionary tale.

   The film stars Jason Bateman (serious for a change), Hope Davis, Paula Patton, Alexander Skarsgard, Andrea Riseborough, Frank Grillo, Michael Nyqvist and Max Thieriot. Everyone is excellent in their roles, whether they are parents dealing with disaffected teens, a reporter who oversteps her boundaries to get a story, or a couple trying to cope with the loss of their child.

  Mr. Rubin is heavy handed in making his point. The movie is filled with internet chat superimposed on the side of the screen or text messages going back and forth. Facebook pages reveal more emotion than characters can express in person.

Everything going wrong in our society today is consolidated by this microcosm of disconnected people. It's a serious drama that can leave you depressed. However, there is a glimmer of hope at the end that reminds you it's not to late to change the way we live our lives in the 21st century.

Deceptive Practices: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay

 "Sleight of hand" master and magic historian, Ricky Jay is profiled in this new documentary by Alan Edelstein and Molly Bernstein. Not only is it a wonderful peek into the world and mind of Mr. Jay but it is a fascinating look at the magicians who influenced him.

  We learn a little bit about his childhood including his desire to perform magic at the age of four.  Also his love for his grandfather, who encouraged him and introduced him to some of his early mentors. We learn about Slydini, Cardini, Dai Vernon (The Professor) as well as many more colorful characters and master magicians.

    Mr. Jay does not do "stage" magic like David Copperfield or Doug Henning but rather is a master at cards and "close-up" magic. In addition to the fantastic history lesson, we are treated to many of the effects, illusions and sleight of hand that have made him famous. Through archival footage (some of it quite old), we we also get to experience some of the illusions by the masters.

    There is quite a bit of video footage of Mr. Jay as well performing through the years and also interviews with fans and friends, such as David Mamet (Mr. Jay has acted in many of his films). It's a wonderful ninety minutes that I could have easily watched for ninety more. It also made me immediately want to see "The Spanish Prisoner" again. A wonderful and surprising film in it's own right.

Oblivion

       What an appropriate title for the latest Tom Cruise snooze fest. This new sci-fi adventure is like instant hot cereal. Just add elements from other classic sci-fi films, add Tom, heat and serve.

        The first hour could be best summed up as watching "Top Gun" if it took place way in the future as Mr. Cruise flies around in a cool helicopter, shooting flying copies of R2D2. Earth, we come to find out has been destroyed. Mr. Cruise and his co-star, Andrea Riseborough spend their days making sure all of the planet's water is siphoned off safely to holding tanks for Earth's survivors on Titan.  We are basically watching a remake of "Wall-E" with live actors.

         Things pick up in the second hour with the introduction of a mysterious earth woman (Olga Kurylenko) and the ubiquitous appearance of Morgan Freeman. The special effects are well done but why do we always see remnants of The Statue of Liberty, The Washington Monument, The Brooklyn Bridge, and The Empire State building in every disaster movie? Aren't there other recognizable landmarks to choose from?

          For some strange reason, Melissa Leo thought appearing in this mess was a good idea. She dos play it safe though as she filmed her scenes from home using Facetime on an iPad.

          Of course if you are the type of person who enjoys watching Mr. Cruise grimace, square his jaw and shoot things for two hours, then "Oblivion" is for you.