Inside Llewyn Davis

          The Coen Brother make perfect films. They are not always great films but they are crafted with such precision and attention, that whatever the genre, they are perfect. Sometimes they are perfect in failure but more often in triumph.

           This new film reaches for greatness but falls a bit short. It takes place during the folk scene of New York in 1961.  Rather than explore that period in a wider scope, the Coen's focus on one particular fictional musician, Llewyn Davis. Davis is played by Oscar Isaac and he is a revelation. His character is very complex, a talented artist but a difficult person. He cares more for his art than commercial success yet he chases the success that eludes him anyway.

            The film also features Cary Mulligan and Justin Timberlake as a successful folk duo, John Goodman as a jazz musician Llewyn meets on a road trip, and F. Murray Abraham as a promoter in Chicago. Most of the actors drift in and out of the movie as it revolves around Llewyn. Besides Mr. Isaac, no one else has any sustained screen time. There is a standout scene involving a recording session with Mr. Isaac, Mr. Timberlake and Adam Driver, but the film really belongs heart and soul to Mr. Isaac. The trick the Coen's pull off is that you keep rooting for Llewyn no matter how abrasive and unlikable he becomes.

            While the film has its flaws (even in it's perfection), the music is terrific so credit executive producer T. Bone Burnett for an outstanding folk soundtrack performed by the actors.

And of course, the cinematography and the visuals in general are outstanding.

              "Inside Llewyn Davis" is a perfectly good film that could have been great, ironically much like the title character.

Don Jon

       This new film, written and directed by and starring Joseph Gordon Levitt is a spiritual cousin to "Saturday Night Fever". The big difference here is unlike dancing, Jon's obsession is internet porn. It's romantic and comedic but far from a romantic comedy.

       Jon is a New Jersey native that lives by a code of eight things. They are going to the gym, his spotless apartment, his car, his family, church, his boys, his girls, and his porn. When he thinks he's met the girl of his dreams, Barbara (played wonderfully by Scarlett Johansson), his life and his code are turned upside down.

        The twist here is that another woman, Ester (played by Julianne Moore) has an even greater impact on Jon that he never sees coming. Mr. Gordon Levitt keeps things light and fun but still makes his point about human connections. And while we see plenty of skin in the countless porn videos he watches, the camera work is subtle and the film easily avoids an X rating (although it does deserve it's R ).

         His family is played by Glenne Headley, Tony Danza, and Brie Larson.  It's a stereotypical Italian family in many ways but there is honesty in the script that keeps the characters interesting. The film is very funny and surprisingly touching.

We're The Millers

  Hoping to recapture the magic of the hysterically funny "Horrible Bosses", this time out, Jennifer Aniston and Jason Sudeikis fall short. "The Millers" is funny in a few spots but mostly just crude and rude, predicable and dare I say it...boring.

    Ms. Aniston plays a stripper with a heart posing as a soccer mom along side Mr. Sudeikis, a drug dealer posing as a nerd dad. It's Mr,. Sudeikis's idea to get a fake family in order to smuggle tons of marijuana  across the border from Mexico, stashed in an RV. He also enlists Emma Roberts as a runaway street kid and Will Poulter as the nerd teen next door to pose as "the kids".

      Much of the humor is at the expense of Kenny, Mr. Poulter's punching bag of a character. Ms. Aniston tries to recapture her bad girl image from "Horrible Bosses" (which she did very well and was very funny) but lightning doesn't strike twice and her inevitable strip tease looks more like an ad for a gym than sexy. I will give her credit for being in great shape. Mr. Sudeikis seems trapped in a typically bad "Saturday Night Live" skit that goes on much too long. Even Ed Helms looks embarrassed to play a natty criminal who sends Mr. Sudeikis down to Mexico.

       Considering the price of movie tickets these days, catch it on cable when there's nothing else on.

Short Term 12

     This new Indie drama is a star turn for Brie Larson. It's a powerful story about a young counselor in a temporary housing facility for troubled teens. Ms. Larson is probably best known for playing Toni Collette's daughter on Showtime's "The United States of Tara" but she takes center stage here and is remarkable in a multi-layered performance.

       Ms. Larson's character Grace is very good at her job. She connects easily with her troubled charges, having come from a troubled past herself. When a new girl (Kaitlin Dever) arrives with a similar history, Grace's own demons come back to haunt her, further complicating a new situation.

        Ms. Larson radiates raw honesty and emotion in a complex character. It is an award winning performance. Ms. Dever shows skills beyond her years as she bonds with Ms. Larson. Co-starring is John Gallagher Jr. as Manson, another counselor and Grace's boyfriend. Mr. Gallagher Jr.'s performance is not a far stretch from his character on the HBO series "The Newsroom" but he is adapt at "likable boy next door" roles and he brings much warmth to his role. Rami Malek adds some comic relief as a new counselor learning how to understand the kids. The other actors portraying the residents of "Short Term 12" are all very good but as they are written, the standout performances go to Kevin Hernandez and Keith Stanfield.

          This is a small but powerful drama that deserves an audience. it should garner many nominations for "Independent Spirit" awards.

The World's End

       Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are back to save the world. Working together with writer/director Edgar Wright (Mr. Frost also co-wrote the script), the same team that brought us "Shaun of The Dead" and "Hot Fuzz" return with a new comedy that's two films in one.

        "The World's End" starts out as a buddy comedy, when five childhood friends reunite to finish a pub crawl that they had started years ago as teens. They have all gone in different directions but Mr. Pegg's character, Gary King rounds them all up for one night of camaraderie and lots of drinking. 

           The friends are played by Mr. Frost, Martin Freeman, Eddie Marsdan, and Paddy Considine. Roseamund Pike co-stars as Mr. Freeman's sister, Samantha. It's a top notch ensemble cast in what begins as a comedy with heart but dramatically shifts gears in the second half of the film into an all out science fiction romp.

            There are many terrific one-liners and funny moments but when the film shifts, it loses focus and falls apart. It's as if Mr. Wright and Mr. Frost ran out of story and decided that alien pod people and total chaos would provide a good cover masking the fact they didn't know how to finish what they started. If you have a few pints yourself before seeing the film, that won't make much difference and it will probably all seem hysterically funny right to the credits.

Elysium

      This is the new film from writer/director Neill Blomkamp, who's first film, "District 9"  was a breath of fresh air in in the science fiction genre. "Elysium" doesn't have the same impact but is still an an enjoyable sci-fi adventure.

       The film is set in the not to distant future where the Earth has been reduced to polluted rubble for millions and the elite class live off world in a giant orbiting space station known as "Elysium". It's a man-made paradise where disease has been eradicated by special machines.

        Matt Damon stars as "Max", a former criminal now trying to build a meager life on Earth until an accident at work gives him a reason to find a quick way to "Elysium". Jodie Foster also stars as the cold blooded head of security on the space station. The film features Diego Luna as Max's best friend, and Sharlto Copley as a ruthless mercenary working for Ms. Foster.  The acting is about what you would expect. Mr. Damon is a strong lead, Ms. Foster doesn't really work too hard and Mr. Copley makes a fine villain (a change from his starring role in "District 9").

         The sets on earth look leftover from "District 9" but the robots and spacecraft effects are well done. The story is familiar, class struggle, but Mr. Damon's motives begin selfishly and he becomes a reluctant hero for the masses.

          The film is being shown in IMAX 3-D which is totally unnecessary in order to enjoy it. Save your extra money and see the regular version. 

Only God Forgives

      And I thought "Drive" was bad. This new film from writer/director Nicolas Winding Refn makes his last film look like an Academy Award winner. What was star Ryan Gosling thinking? For that matter what was co-star Kristin Scott Thomas thinking? Right now, this has to be the top candidate for worst movie of the year.

      Odd artsy lighting, little dialog, long slow scenes where nothing happens and then random acts of gory violence...about sums up the film. What passes for a plot involves Mr. Gosling's character, Julian who is involved in the criminal underbelly of Bangkok. When his brother is murdered, his foul mouthed mother ( Ms. Scott Thomas) shows up looking for revenge. There is also a sword wielding cop who likes to sing in a nightclub. He haunts Julian in his dreams and then there is an actual confrontation.

       You can't say Mr. Gosling acts in this film. He barely moves or strings two sentences together. Ms. Scott Thomas is so far against type, she comes off absolutely ridiculous in an unbelievable role. I can't think of anything in this film worthy of a positive comment.

       The title is appropriate as only God would probably forgive Mr. Winding Refn for this waste of 90 minutes.

Blue Jasmine

      Woody Allen continues a hot streak with this drama based in San Francisco.  As usual, the film is written and directed by Mr. Allen and he has created still another in a long line of strong roles for women.  

       "Blue Jasmine" is bound to get star Cate Blanchett an Oscar nomination. She stars as Jasmine, a rich society wife who becomes penniless and is forced to move cross country and live with her sister in very unfamiliar surroundings. The film grows from an idea based loosely on the Bernie Madoff scandal and borrows heavily from "A Streetcar Named Desire" but it's still has the Woody Allen pedigree.

         All the roles in the film have been cast perfectly. Besides a wonderful performance from Ms. Blanchett, Alec Baldwin is terrific as her husband Hal, and Sally Hawkins does great work as her sister, Ginger. The film also features Bobby Cannavale, Peter Sarsgaard, Louis C. K., Michael Stulhbarg and a surprisingly good Andrew Dice Clay. Mr. Allen always seems to bring out the best in his actors and this ensemble is no different. The film, however, belongs to Ms. Blanchett, who moves through so many emotional twists and turns, it's hard to keep up. She is just brilliant.

           As usual, the cinematography is excellent as is the soundtrack. Filming outside of New York for his last few films seems to have rejuvenated Mr. Allen. Familiar yet fresh, the film is dramatic with some light moments. You may prefer a different ending but that will always be debatable. Go for the acting. It's perfection and should get Mr. Allen an Oscar nod as well for direction.

The Heat

 After a promising '70s style credit sequence, this new film from Director Paul Feig quickly falls into a stereotypical, mismatched buddy comedy with a standard formula. The lazy plot and direction are only saved by the great chemistry of Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy.

     Ms. Bullock plays the buttoned-up, smug, FBI agent, Sarah Ashburn and Ms. McCarthy plays the sloppy, foul mouthed but street smart detective, Shannon Mullins. Its standard buddy comedy 101 where each character ends up a better person for working together.

      The film takes place in Boston and there is ample opportunity to make fun of Detective Mullins's stereotyped Irish family. Most of the laughs come from Ms. McCarthy foul mouth and the film doesn't hide from plenty of gutter humor. But I must admit, there is plenty of very funny dialogue in the film.

        Ms. Bullock is a fine actress, playing comedy as well as drama and she always seems to elevate the material but here she doesn't even try and instead lets go and just has fun playing off Ms. McCarthy.

          This one has sequel written all over it, which, with a stronger plot will probably make an even better film. I can see it now..."The Heat 2: Even Hotter"

The Attack

Written and directed by Zaid Doueiri,  this controversial new drama asks difficult questions with no easy answers.

Ali Suliman plays Dr. Amin Jaafari, a successful, Israeli Palestinian surgeon living in Tel Aviv. He has a good job, a loving wife but his world is turned upside down when it is revealed that his wife, Siham, has detonated a suicide bomb in a crowded restaurant killing herself and many others.

Coming as a complete shock, Dr. Jaafari at first, refuses to believe his wife could be capable of such an act but when facts reveal themselves, he sets out to discover how and why this could happen. He leaves Tel Aviv and sets out for the Palestinian territories in an attempt to discover the truth.

This is a thoughtful moving drama that puts the viewer inside Dr. Jaafari's world, feeling his grief and confusion about a person he only thought he knew. Mr Suliman acts with great conviction and it is easy to sympathize with him. There is no tidy Hollywood ending here but Mr. Doueiri tells a powerful story.

Fruitvale Station

Written and directed by Ryan Coogler, "Fruitvale Station" retraces the last day in the life of Oscar Grant before he was detained and killed by police in the Fruitvale BART station in Oakland California. The film is based on real events that were captured on video by other passengers on the train. 

The film opens with one of those videos and then in flashback, we learn how Mr. Grant spent his last day, New Years Eve 2009. Some of the events of the day are obviously accurate, preparing for his mothers birthday dinner, going out with his friends to celebrate New Year's Eve but scenes of Mr. Grant alone can only be assumed by Mr. Coogler.

We see, that while he had a minimal criminal past, he was trying to turn his life around for himself, his girlfriend and small daughter. He is not portrayed as a saint but an average guy trying to get by in a difficult life. As imagined by Mr. Coogler, the day presents some challenges but is fairly uneventful until the tragic circumstances at Fruitvale.

Mr. Grant is played by Michael B. Jordan and he is excellent in the part. He has a very natural way about him and is very engaging. His girlfriend is played by Melonie Diaz and their scenes together have an authentic tenderness about them. Octavia Spencer plays his mother, Wanda and she at her most powerful in scenes just after the shooting.

This is Mr. Coogler's first feature film and it has created a deserving buzz. He doesn't try to manipulate the audience with cheap sympathies. He presents a portrait of a man, through an objective lens and lets the audience draw their own conclusions from a horribly tragic moment.

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.