Year One

Director Harold Ramis tries for a "Blazing Saddles" vibe in this new comedy but completely misses the mark. By combining contemporary language and references in an early historical setting, Mr. Ramis expects big laughs. It just doesn't work.

To begin with, the story is a mess. It's starts with what appears to be cavemen, played by Jack Black and Michael Cera banned from their tribe and turns into biblical skits that fall short of laughs and ends in Roman times in the city of Sodom (which I'm not sure is historically correct either). What really kills any hope of a coherent film is the terrible editing. Multiple scenes literally stop in their tracks leaving the viewer to wonder what happened next.

Mr. Black doesn't bother with acting and relies heavily on his frat boy shtick. If you're a fan of his style of humor, this film is for you. Mr. Cera fares somewhat better, actually eliciting laughs with his timing and deadpan humor. However, he deserves far better than having to urinate on his own face for laughs.

The film co-stars Oliver Platt (in the most embarrassing role of his career) as a gay high priest and David Cross as "Cain" who serves as a plot device to further the lame story.

If you want to laugh, watch the trailer and skip the movie.

The Taking of Pelham 123

There is no mistaking a Tony Scott film. They are all built for speed and "Pelham" literally fits the bill. Not exactly a remake but based on the 1974 film of the same name, "Pelham" is about a hijacked subway train and the interplay between the criminal and the transit worker who answers his call.

The original starred Walter Matthau as the transit worker and Robert Shaw as the ringleader. It was a tense game of cat & mouse between the two that turned on a clever plot point. The new version stars Denzel Washington as the transit worker and John Travolta as the hijacker. The intelligent interplay of the original is lost here, replaced by 21st century secrets and motives.

The two actors are very effective in their roles. Mr. Washington, in particular, is quite believable as the dispatcher with a secret of his own. Mr. Travolta is menacing enough but takes his part over the top, at times chewing up all the scenery. The film also stars James Gandolfini as the "Mike Bloomberg" mayor of New York and John Turturro as a hostage negotiator.

Everything about the new film is ramped up for speed. Much of the early part of the film is dialog between the leads and even that is short snappy patter. The "beat the clock" race through the streets is exciting enough but dumb. As one character suggest in the film, "why not take a helicopter". Why indeed?
And as a native New York, it bothers me no end when chase scenes through the streets of New York make no sense geographically. If you look closely, the runaway train passes Shea Stadium which is nowhere near where the train is supposed to be (and that's just one visual gaffe).

The film is decent summer entertainment but for an intelligent and tense thriller, rent the original.

Away We Go

An indie charmer from director Sam Mendes. This is the story of an expectant couple, Burt & Verona, who set out on a road trip across America to define their life and put down roots for their new family.

Starring as the 30 something couple are Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski. They are wonderful together (although the character of Burt could easily be related to Jim, the character Mr. Krasinski plays on "The Office"). As they travel from state to state, they meet friends and family who provide different directions their life together may take.

The film co-stars many familiar actors such as Catherine O'Hara, Jeff Daniels, Allison Janey, Jim Gaffigan, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Paul Schneider. Representing the people that Burt & Verona meet along their journey, their respective roles amount to cameos during various points in the film. Burt & Verona are the glue that holds the film together (exemplified by a pancake & syrup metaphor) and the one constant throughout.

The soundtrack is comprised of songs by Alexi Murdoch, a singer/songwriter in the Cat Stevens vein. His songs form a sweet backdrop as the couple follow their odyssey.

Written by Dave Eggers and Veldela Vida, this is a comic drama about a really nice couple that you will enjoy spending time with and will probably miss them when you leave the theater.

The Hangover

The raunchy buddy comedy gets a welcome makeover in this very humorous film. The premise sounds familiar when four friends decide to take a road trip for a bachelor party in Las Vegas but writers Scott Moore and Jon Lucas take a fresh approach by adding a bit of mystery to the plot. Think "Memento" as an "R" rated comedy.

Rather than follow a linear storyline, "The Hangover" really starts the "morning after" in Las Vegas when three friends try to piece together what happened the night before and why the groom is missing. When they wake in their trashed suite, Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, and Ed Helms have no memory of what transpired and spend the majority of the film piecing it all together. The three actors have wonderful chemistry and that makes the film's sum greater than it's parts. It's a very funny ensemble piece.

Director Todd Phillips keeps things moving at a brisk pace and never lingers too long on a joke. The film contains some great lines and even better visuals as we see Las Vegas in a familiar yet fresh way. Mike Tyson has a cameo that would have been funnier had it not been shown in the trailer but it's still pretty funny.

There is even more to laugh about during the credits so don't leave too early.

Up

Pixar does it again. The track record for this studio is simply amazing. I never expected the emotional impact of "Wall-E" and I never would have believed an animated film starring and old man and a boy would be such a touching and emotional thrill ride.

Up is an original story with so many adult themes, you can't simply dismiss this as a kid's film. Realizing one's dreams, dealing with loss, reconnection, love, faith, friendship, and the importance of a strong garden hose all come together in one man's quest to fulfill a dream.

The opening montage that sets up the story is beautifully written and very emotional. It will, however, go way over the heads of small children like the thousands of colorful balloons that carry our hero, Carl Fredrickson off on his adventure. The emotional plot continues as a genuine and touching relationship develops between Carl and his accidental guest, Russell.

Besides the emotion, "Up" is filled with exciting chases and many funny moments (provided by in large by "Dug" the dog and "Kevin" the bird). The menacing dogs may frighten young kids but the lighter moments of the film more than make up for it.

And I can't say enough about the animation. I saw the film in 3-D and the effect is not used for cheap visual gags but rather to enhance the colors, depth and detail of this wonderful film.

"Up" will not let you down.

The Brothers Bloom

Adrian Brody and Mark Ruffalo star as con artist brothers in this low key quirky comedy. The basic idea is a familiar one, one brother wants out and the other convinces him to do one last con. Their final mark is a wealthy young woman played by Rachel Weisz. Rinko Kikuchi as co-stars as "Bang Bang", an almost silent accomplice to the brothers.

Of course things do not go as planned and Ms. Weisz becomes the most interesting character in the film. Just who is conning whom becomes the central plot, along with exploring the strained relationship between the brothers.

The film takes us on a world tour from New Jersey to Greece with many other exotic stops along the way. There is a certain charm to the story as it unfolds with a fairytale-like quality. Mr.. Ruffalo, Ms. Kikcuchi and Ms. Weisz are all fun to watch, especially Ms. Weisz, who seems to be really enjoying herself. Mr. Brody on the other hand plays his usual brooding self and is rather a bore.

The highlight of the film is the opening sequence depicting the brothers as youngsters perpetrating their first con on the neighborhood kids, narrated by Ricky Jay. I would have really enjoyed the film more if it hadn't jumped to 25 years later.

Terminator:Salvation

Director McG reboots the system with this 4th entry in the Terminator series. Christian Bale stars as John Conner and Anton Yelchin co-stars as Kyle Reese. If these characters mean nothing to you, this is not the film for you.

For the fans, it's an action heavy glimpse at the world post "Judgment Day" and while plenty of things blow up (including a great sequence on a bridge), there are moments of humanity that poke through all the twisted metal.

Mr. Bale is in full "Batman-like" intensity as the leader of the resistance while Mr. Yelchin (who seems to be everywhere these days) does an admirable job as John Conner's father to be. The nice surprise is Sam Worthington as Marcus Wright, a mystery man who holds his own against Mr. Bale and provides the emotional center . Dallas Bryce Howard and Moon Bloodgood also co-star to balance the testosterone.

McG pays his respect to the original film in a few surprising ways which I won't spoil here and if you are a fan, you will enjoy the metal carnage in this cross between "Terminator 2-Judgment Day" and "The Road Warrior".

Night At The Museum 2: Battle For The Smithsonian

Some fun special effects and a perky job of acting by Amy Adams (as Amelia Earhart) save this overblown sequel from total disaster. As usual, Hollywood takes a winning formula and decides bigger will be better for the second time around.

Ben Stiller remains perfectly cast as the straight man to even more historical characters brought to life in this second go-round. If one monkey slapping him in the first film is funny, let's get two monkeys to slap him around in the second film...yawn. Steve Coogan reprises his role as a Roman soldier and his finest moment comes astride a squirrel. Say it ain't so, Steve! Owen Wilson also reprises his role as the plucky cowboy who is reduced to spending most of the film drowning in an hourglass. There are many other characters from the first film that are nothing more than cameos for the thin new plot.

Upping the ante at the Smithsonian is a great concept. Introducing new historical characters and bringing inanimate art to life make for visual treats and clever one liners but overdoing it exposes the weak story. Only Ms. Adams, Mr. Stiller and Hank Azaria have any depth to their characters. Ms. Adams, in particular, elevates the entire film simply by actually acting rather than picking up a paycheck.

Kids will enjoy all the PG mayhem but adults will have settle for the aforementioned visuals and the talented Ms. Adams.

The Soloist

The trailer for this film has been in theaters for almost a year. When a picture's been on the shelf that long, you have to approach with caution. If it wasn't for the star power of Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx, this would have been a pass altogether.

Unfortunately good acting by Mr. Foxx and Mr. Downey Jr. can't save the melodramatic script, even though it's based on a true story. The film tries too hard to be many things. It tackles mental illness, the homeless, and the powers of music and friendship.

As much as Mr. Ayers (Jamie Foxx) is a fascinating subject, the film never truly engages the viewer and the subplot of Mr. Downey Jr. and his ex-wife (Catherine Keener) is confusing and unnecessary. Steve Lopez (Mr. Downey Jr.) is a writer for the Los Angeles Times. Finding Mr. Ayers on the street, befriending him and then telling his story was a worthy task. But you do have to ask yourself, just how much of this "friendship" becomes exploitive, considering the countless newspaper articles, book deal and movie rights that have ensued.

Star Trek

Simply awesome! Director J.J. Abrams and writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman deliver a terrific film completely reenergizing the Star Trek machine. The beauty of the new film is that you need not be steeped in Star Trek lore to understand the story or the characters. As for those who are long time fans, I can't imagine they will be disappointed either.

By taking the characters full circle back to their origins in Star Fleet, we can appreciate them from the beginning and watch their relationships take shape even in the face of certain disaster. The casting couldn't be more perfect. Chris Pine as a young James T. Kirk captures the impulsiveness, budding authority, and sex appeal of a young William Shatner. Zachary Quinto is incredibly believable as a young Spock and the rest of the crew works perfectly as the younger versions of iconic characters. Eric Bana, under much makeup, is a very credible villain and Bruce Greenwood, Wynona Rider, and Ben Cross all perform admirably in their supporting roles.

The plot works on all levels and the action moves at warp speed. Familiar lines and one terrific cameo will please the fans and even those new to this universe will enjoy themselves. Star Trek is back and I can't wait for the sequel.

Wolverine

All style and little substance, this X-Men origin story is strictly for Hugh Jackman fans or hard core X-Men fanatics. Mr. Jackman does a good job carrying the load, appearing in almost every scene but the flimsy story can't hold the weight of his metal claws.

Liev Schrieber, a fine classic actor, finds his inner animal and has fun with the role of Victor Creed, Wolverine's brother. Unfortunately the three times the brothers clash, it's like someone pressed rewind and by the third fight, boredom is setting in. Danny Houston replaces Brian Cox as Col. Stryker and falls short of Mr. Cox's commanding presence.

Ryan Reynolds co-stars as Wade Wilson and the screenplay totally messes with his character deviating from the Marvel Comics universe. As a fan of Mr. Wilson's "Deadpool" character, I was very disappointed by this story line but that aside, Wolverine's origin pretty much stays the course.

The climatic fight at the end is pretty well done but the actual end fizzles out weakly to the credits. The credits themselves are always worth reading as it takes a small army to create a film and everyone deserves some recognition but the extra footage post credits is disappointing compared to previous marvel films.

State of Play

Featuring a pedigree cast, this is a pretty enjoyable thriller that may remind some of the paranoid political thrillers of the '70s. Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Helen Mirren, Robin Wright Penn, and Jeff Daniels all play their parts effectively to solve the murder of a congressman's aide.

Mr. Crowe plays the grizzled old world Washington Post reporter who teams up with Ms. McAdams, the Internet blogger for the paper and the film mergers the old and new guard effectively while editor Helen Mirren goes on about, "its not about the story but the need to sell more papers."

The plot gets a bit muddied and there is the requisite twist at the end but the film will hold your attention and is a good intellectual alternative to most films out right now.

Adventureland

Fading quickly from theaters is the new coming of age comedy, "Adventureland". This film had "summer flick" written all over it and the studio releases it in March? Well, the good news is the DVD will be out in time for a hot summer night.

From the director of "Superbad", comes this really sweet coming of age story that takes place in the summer of 1987 at an amusement park called obviously, "Adventureland". The period is captured beautifully by the clothes, makeup, attitude and great '80's soundtrack. Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart star and are both completely natural in their roles. The film also features Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig from Saturday Night Live and while they are always fun to watch, they are both wasted in underwritten roles. Ryan Reynolds also co-stars as the "hunk" employee with a secret.

The film doesn't have the same madcap moments of "Superbad" but it does capture the friendships and natural rhythms of its young cast in a comedy that will probably evoke memories of your own summer loves and low end jobs.

Sugar

Baseball movies have been around almost as long as the game itself. Always filled with emotion, they never fail to bring a tear or raise your spirit. Now comes a baseball movie that avoids the Hollywood clichés. "Sugar" is a fictionalized story of a young pitcher in the Dominican Republic who dreams of making it in the American big leagues and that's where the Hollywood version would start. However, that where it really ends.

The film takes you into the world of farm teams, A, double A, and triple A baseball. This is the harsh road leading to the majors littered with castoff hopefuls and wannabe superstars. We see the world through the eyes of Miguel "Sugar" Santos as he gets the call and gets his chance at American baseball.

Arriving in America, speaking barely any English, Santos might as well be on an alien planet. All he knows is baseball and like every other kid, dreams of playing one day in Yankee Stadium. The film takes us through the highs and lows of farm team baseball and shows the harsh realities for boys like Santos who dream big. It's an emotional journey with unexpected twists and turns. Algenis Perez Soto is excellent as Sugar. The camera constantly studies his bewildered face as he navigates through this foreign landscape.

This is a very different kind of baseball film. No big stars and certainly no big Hollywood ending. It will make you think the next time you consider the poor play of a major leaguer when you realize just how good he had to be to get to the big time. While "Sugar" may be a fictional character, his story is all too real.

Knowing

You "know" it's Spring when films like this can stay in the top 5 for weeks. "Knowing" is a weak script thrown in a blender with so many plot points from other movies that it comes out smooth but very bland.

Nicholas Cage stars in this "thriller" as an astro-physicist who figures out the end of the world when his son is handed a seemingly random page of numbers. The scribbled page was written and buried in a time capsule fifty years ago by a little girl who "heard" voices in her head. Without "knowing" too much, the film drags on with "X-Files" dialogue, a very disturbing plane crash, and some creepy men in raincoats.

Mr. Cage, along with Rose Byrne( both playing very serious) jump through the plot holes until the big reveal at the end. There are a few more disturbing scenes of catastrophe spaced throughout the film and it all adds up to nothing original.

Kudos to the film's composer as the soundtrack succeeds in sustaining a reasonable amount of suspense. What does it say when the music drives the film, rather than the plot? "Knowing" what happens only left me with more questions.

Sunshine Cleaning

"Sunshine Cleaning" may remind you at first, of "Little Miss Sunshine". Alan Arkin plays a very similar character in both films. Both contain a cute child, and both explore the dysfunctional family theme. However, with a darkly comic plot device and strong acting by Amy Adams and Emily Blunt, "Sunshine Cleaning" is an original experience. This comic drama is a perfect tale for these hard economic times.

Ms. Adams and Ms. Blunt play very believable sisters who couldn't be more different. Both have grown up dealing with their mother's suicide in their own way. Rose (Ms. Adams) is the more sensible one trying to make a living for herself and her young son. Nora (Ms. Blunt) is more of a wild child who matures through the course of the film when they go into business together.

The sister start a cleaning business for crime scene cleansing. This plot device allows for some strong drama as well as some unexpected comedy. Both women shine in their respective roles and are a pleasure to watch. Mr. Arkin plays their curmudgeon of a father always looking for a quick buck. The film also stars Clifton Collins Jr. in a role very different from his usual staple of villainous characters. Steve Zahn also plays against type as a married policeman having an affair with Rose.

This is an enjoyable and touching story, well played by it's strong cast.

The Great Buck Howard

Loosely based on the "amazing" Kreskin, a famous mentalist from the '60 & '70's, "Buck Howard" is a star vehicle for John Malkovich. As the fading star who's claim to fame is 61 appearances on the "Tonight Show with Johnny Carson", Mr. Malkovich brings both swagger and pathos to the character. In many ways, this film runs parallel to "The Wrestler", both portraying stars past their prime still working the circuit and looking for one more shot of glory.

Buck's much maligned road manager, Troy, is played by Colin Hanks, who also serves as the film's narrator. Also co-starring are Ricky Jay as Buck's long time manager, Emily Blunt as a publicist and in smaller roles, Deborah Monk and Steve Zahn. There are also many real life cameos of talk show hosts and fading stars of TV and film. In a bit of inspired casting, Tom Hanks plays Troy's father in a small cameo.

This "indie" film is an obvious labor of love for writer/director Sean McGinly and is a must see for any fans of Mr. Malkovich.

Duplicity

Writer/Director Tony Gilroy newest effort is a cross between his own "Michael Clayton", "Ocean's 11", and any Bourne film. The film stars Julia Roberts and Clive Owen as corporate spies duping each other and their respective companies. Unfortunately, it's the audience that ultimately gets duped.

It's a simple story made very complicated by the multiple flashbacks and various scamming going on. The story zigzags across the globe in "Bourne" fashion and has great locations. It's just difficult to follow the timelines. It's like watching a single episode of "Lost" if it was about corporate espionage. On a positive
note, it's a refreshing spy story without guns or car chases that makes you think how far pharmaceutical companies will go to protect a secret formula.

Ms Roberts and Mr. Owen have proven chemistry between them but the games they play and all the mistrust they project loses their credibility with the audience. Paul Giamatti and Tom Wilkinson co-star as the heads of the rival companies locked in a corporate power struggle. Mr. Wilkinson is credible but Mr. Giamatti chews the scenery and is miscast as a company CEO.

There's a final twist to the story that still leaves questions but by that point, you probably won't care anymore. It's all much ado about nothing.

Watchmen

An extremely different and very cool "superhero" movie. I understand fans of the graphic novel have issues with the film but having not read the story, I found it original and very entertaining. Director Zack Synder has found his niche, first with "300" and now "Watchmen".

These "superheroes" don't have powers (except one) and rely on weapons and fighting skills to get the job done. Many of the group are not even likeable. They live among us in an "alternate" 1985 where Richard Nixon is still president and we've won the Vietnam War. When one of them is killed, it sets off a chain of events that have repercussions on the fate of mankind.

The visuals are stunning (especially in IMAX) and the acting is what you'd expect when your character walks around in a heavy rubber or spandex costume. Jackie Earle Haley steals the film as "Rorschach", the "watchman" who narrates the story and seems to be having the most fun with his dark role. He also has the best line in the film, which I understand is a direct quote from the novel. The film also features Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Patrick Wilson, Carla Gugino, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, and Malin Akerman.

You may be confused at first if you are unfamiliar with the story, but it all comes together in a spectacular way. It's a trippy fun time at the movies. And I'd be remiss to not point out the terrific opening credit sequence and the excellent soundtrack.

Gomorrah

A pseudo documentary about the criminal activities of the Camora, street level mafia gangs that populate the area around Naples, Italy. The film focuses on six different characters in four main subplots that rotate throughout the film. This is not linear storytelling and won't appeal to the average film fan. If you are a fan of the HBO show, "The Wire", this film may appeal to you.

There are no heroes or heroines and actually, no redeeming characters at all. All the characters are caught up in the violent way of life and it's just a matter of who lives and who dies by the end of the film. The subplots introduce us to characters of all ages from the young boy making a dangerous life decision to the old man looking for a way out of the only life he's known.

This is not the Hollywood idea of the "Mafia". This is a grim, realistic portrait of a brutal life and while not a film to enjoy, it is certainly a fascinating two hour glimpse into this very real existence.