Secret Life of Bees is based on the bestselling novel of the same name written by Sue Monk Kidd.  The plot of this movie is somewhat predictable and sometimes the characters are unrealistic.  Gina Prince-Bythewood did double duty on this film as both screenplay writer and director.  There is nothing much to say about her work.  Her direction is adequate.  There is nothing that exceeds expectations about it, but the plot manages to flow from beginning to end.  The real saving grace of this film is the cast.  Dakota Fanning delivers on her performance as Lily Owens.  She depicts the despair and heartache of her character with integrity that is rarely seen in an actress her age.  She has a devotion to the craft that comes through in every line she delivers.  Queen Latifah proves with this film that she is not just a niche actress and that her Academy Award nominated role in Chicago was not just a fluke.  She is the Queen bee of the Boatwright household and the steady performance that does its best to anchor some of the other characters to reality.  Jennifer Hudson does her part to the best of her characters limited personality.  Her character seemed underdeveloped to me.  This doesn’t have any reflection on how Hudson played the role I just believe the script did not adequately conceive her persona.  Alicia Keys makes a smoother than expected transition from musician to actress than I had anticipated.  She plays June Boatwright, the cynical sister, who is the only one opposed to taking in Lily and Rosaleen.  Through the course of the film you can see her character growing and with it the credibility that Alicia Keys has as a true actress.  Sophie Okonedo plays May Boatwright, the tragically emotional sister who feel “the pain of the entire world”.  Sophie Okonedo is an extremely talented actress, which is evident in her Academy Award nominated role in Hotel Rwanda.  Even with such credentials, she can’t seem to make her over-the-top character realistic.

                The lackluster plot of Secret Life of Bees is made tolerable by the extremely talented cast, but not even they can save it from mediocrity.  The film is predictable from start to finish and its feeble attempts at tear jerking are only plausible because of the delivery.  The characters are undeveloped and the direction is lacking.  I can safely say that you will not be missing out on to much if you let this one slide by, at least until it’s on DVD.

Grade: C

secret life of bees movie poster

                Eagle Eye has a lot going for it right out of the gate.  The complicated plot of Eagle Eye is the brain-child of the visionary producer Steven Speilberg.  The director, DJ Caruso, worked with Speilberg and Labeouf on the hit film Disturbia.  Caruso does a good job of balancing entertainment and plausibility within this film.  It would be easy for an inexperienced director to take this plot to far but, DJ Caruso walks that fine line with skill.  The main complaint that I have with Caruso is that he never really seems to be doing an original piece of work.  He is constantly taking ideas from the legendary Alfred Hitchcock.  With Disturbia I was able to overlook this transgression because, at least to some extent, it was stated that Disturbia was a re-working of Rear Window.  In Eagle Eye however, there was no such acknowledgment and with scenes that might as well have been cut and pasted out of the North by Northwest it becomes impossible to overlook. 

I think that Shia LaBeouf has the potential to be one of the finest and most versatile actors of our generation, but in order for this to occur he needs to stop playing slightly varied versions of the same character.  It is logical to say that if you thought he was good in any of his previous movies then you will also like him in Eagle Eye.  He continues to plays the role of the quick-talking smartass; honestly, it is time for him to try something new.  He does exactly what is asked of him in this particular film and he does the job credibly.  Personally, I am tired of seeing him do the same thing over and over again.  The potential for success is there, but so too is the potential for typecasting and with a sequel of Transformers already in the works the latter seems to be the most probable outcome. 

Overall, Eagle Eye is a strong film that is made to feel stale because of the receptiveness of both Caruso and LaBeouf.  I admit that the plot is not entirely groundbreaking either, but it has enough relevance in today’s culture that it could have worked if it was given the right components.  The special effects in this film combined with an imaginative storyline make it worthy of rental.

Grade: C+

Eagle Eye

Nick frequents New York’s indie rock scene nursing a broken heart and playing the bass with his queercore band, The Jerk Offs. Norah is questioning pretty much all of her assumptions about the world. Though they have nothing in common except for their taste in music, their chance encounter leads to an all-night quest to find a legendary band’s secret show and ends up becoming a first date that could change both their lives.

Nick is played by Michael Cera who has sharpened his comedic acting talents on such films as Superbad and Juno.  He has perfected the shy awkward encounter that seems to make up every conversation he is a part of.  I am a huge fan of his work thus far, but I fear that he is in the process of becoming the staple of this genre of film and nothing more.  I think that it is time for him to try his hand at another kind of movie.  I would love to see him playing a supporting role in a dramatic Independent movie opposite an established and respected counterpart.  His character in this movie is a lot like every other character I have seen him play.  He does the part exceptionally well, but I want to see if there is more to him than humor.  Kat Dennings plays Norah the rich yet out of touch romantic interest of the film.  Kat is a virtual newcomer to acting, at least in leading roles.  She holds her own with the more experienced Cera and even manages to convey sincerity on camera.

The film is a depiction of a cutting edge sub culture lifestyle that I don’t believe many teenagers actually live in.  Apart from the fact that Norah is suppose to be a rich daughter of a famous music executive there are a lot of other unbelievable parts to this story.  I don’t think that there really is a huge number of Alternative punk rock high school student with the means to prowl around the streets of New York City hopping from club to club with their entourage of eccentric peers.  Even with these flaws Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist manages to entertain.  Even though it is difficult to relate to it kind of makes you wish that you could.  It has the feel of a modern day cult classic in the making.  I think this film will be very enjoyable for a certain breed of audience and only mediocre for the rest.  I would say it is worth checking out and deciding which category you are a part of.

Nick and Norah

                At the heart of this rugged western we find a lot of emotions. Appaloosa is essentially a tail of friendship between two tough gunmen played flawlessly by Ed Harris (who also directed) and Viggo Mortensen.  The somewhat predictable plot has enough twists to keep you interested, but it is the chemistry between Harris and Mortensen that makes this movie memorable.  I have never been a fan of westerns until recently with the release of the remake of 3:10 to Yuma.  Appaloosa has the same kind of gritty filmmaking that is juxtaposed with witty and realistic dialogue.  The backhanded humor that is delivered between the two gunmen is enough to keep a modern feel to the old time tale.  Harris is excellent as the aging lawmen who is torn between settling down and continuing the only life he has ever known as a gunmen.  The most surprising thing about Harris however, is his directing.  He takes a simplistic approach to filmmaking that really works for this genre.  The minimalistic environment of Appaloosa that he has created goes along nicely with the desolate landscape surrounding it.  Mortensen also delivers in this film.  He is humorous, tough, and intelligent as Everett.  The supporting cast, if you could even call two multiple Academy Award nominees supporting, is equally impressive.  Jeremy Irons is stellar as the renegade rancher.  He adds a menacing air to every scene that he is in.  Renee Zellweger is also exceptional in this movie.  It is probably the first time that I have seen her play a character that has absolutely no redeeming qualities and I love the fact that she was willing to take such a chance.

                It is not saying a lot that Appaloosa is one of my favorite westerns, but the fact remains.  It was a well written, directed, and acted film that exceeded all expectations that I had for it.    It is understandable that the slow pace might be a drawback for some audiences, but with that in mind; if you go in willing to be surprised than I bet you will be.  There is little in the form of action that will be lost in transition from theatre to DVD so I would recommend renting this one as soon as it comes out.

Grade: B

Appaloosa movie poster

Danny and Wheeler, played by Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott, are two salesmen who trash a company truck on an energy drink-fueled bender. Upon their arrest, the court gives them a choice: do hard time or spend 150 service hours with a mentorship program. After one day with the kids, however, jail doesn’t look half bad. Surrounded by annoying do-gooders, Danny struggles with his every neurotic impulse to guide Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) through the trials of becoming a man. Unfortunately, the guy just dumped by his girlfriend has only sarcasm to offer a bashful 16-year-old obsessed with medieval role play. Meanwhile, Wheeler tries to trade in an addiction to partying and women to assist a fifth-grader named Ronnie (Bobb’e J. Thompson) in redirecting his foul-mouthed ways. It would probably help if Ronnie’s new mentor wasn’t an overgrown adolescent whose idea of quality time includes keggers in Venice Beach. Once the center’s ex-con director gives them an ultimatum, Danny and Wheeler are forced to tailor their brand of immature wisdom to their charges. And if they can just make it through probation without getting thrown in jail, the world’s worst role models will prove that, sometimes, it takes a village idiot to raise a child.

       Role models was a bit of a surprise for me.  The familiar cast that seems to be floating between every comedy made in the past few years had a lot to prove.  Paul Rudd played a down on his luck energy drink salesmen who is trying to relate to a 16-year-old social outcast. There inevitable connection is both funny and hart warming to watch.  The same can be said about Seann William Scott.  With Scott it is either hit or miss for me.  His range as an actor is very limited, but he is excellent at playing the perpetual frat guy with a heart.  Luckily, that is exactly what his character calls for in this film and he pulls it off well.  Christopher Mintz-Plasse plays Augie, the painfully awkward pariah that is assigned to Paul Rudd’s character.  Christopher is absolutely perfect for the role of Augie and his brand of out of place teenage angst manages to come off as endearing rather than annoying.  It is difficult to see Christopher having much of an extended career in Hollywood, but he is riding the wave of success and buzz caused by his performance in Superbad to the best of his abilities.  Relative newcomer Bobb’e J. Thompson plays the smart-mouthed fifth-grade tough guy that is assigned to Seann William Scott.  Their chemistry together is palpable from their first meeting.  Thompson is a little guy with big attitude and he manages to keep pace with the older actors in this film. 

                Role Models has a predictable plot line that is easily forgiven due to the funny and touching relationships formed along the way.  The acting is never exceptional, but it is up to the standards that a script of this nature would necessitate.  At times this film is truly funny and other times it is unexpectedly poignant, but it is entertaining all the time.  I got a lot more from this movie than I thought I would.  I would definitely suggest watching this one.  It is a pleasurable, well paced, and well meaning affair that would easily fill that free Sunday afternoon.

role models

 

 

 

Zack and Miri make a Porno plays on the same themes as 40 year old virgin, but takes it a step further.  This film has a lot of nudity that is not necessary and some scenes that are truly disgusting to watch.  Kevin Smith is the writer and director of this film and he had to petition the MPAA to lower the rating of this film from X to R so that it would get a wide release.  I think that the MPAA should have stuck with the X rating.  I am a huge fan of the new R rated comedies like, 40 year old virgin, Knocked up, and Superbad.  I believe that the crudeness of these films was in correlation to its rating and even though there was a lot of questionable material in them they always balanced humor and obscenities very delicately.  I do not think that Zack and Miri Make a Porno was of the same caliber as these other films.  Seth Rogen was enjoyable as the main character Zack and I really appreciate the fact that Hollywood is taking a more realistic approach to the leading man, but even he was not as humors in this movie.  The best part of this film to me was Elizabeth Banks as Miri.  She was the only person in the film that impressed me.  She showed a certain range in her emotions that gave her character likeability even while she was performing questionable acts like, making a porno.  Other than a minor role in 40 year old virgin  I had never really seen her before, but after being the only redeeming quality about this film I understand why she has been in such high demand this year (she also plays in W.  and Role Models). 

                Zack and Miri Make a Porno is a completely forgettable film that made me uncomfortable more than it made me laugh.  I think that any success that it will have is due only to it connections to the R rated comedies that I have already mentioned.  It brings nothing new to the table that is of any value what-so-ever.  I would venture to say that you might be better letting this one pass you by on its way to obscurity. 

Grade: D

zack and miri

 

 

Twilight is based on the bestselling book of the same name written by Stephenie Meyer.  The film adaptation is directed by Catherine Hardwicke and staring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson.  The film is interestingly shot for the blockbuster genre in which it has found itself.  The film was made on a modest budget by a cast that has had little commercial success prior to this movie.  Catherine Hardwicke shot this film just as she did the more independent minded and critic friendly Thirteen and Lords of Dogtown.  The excessive use of Close-ups becomes a little tiring by the end of this two-hour movie, but the dark and yet beautiful lighting and overall atmosphere of the film makes it work.  Kristen Stewart, who plays Bella, was last seen in the underperforming yet critically praised film Into the Wild.  Her character is supposed to be an every-girl archetype; someone that the mass legion of devoted teenage girls who are fans of the series can interchange themselves with.  I think that she pulls this character off well.  At times you can see the tendency of overacting reflected in her constantly quivering lip or unabashed eye batting, but she manages to keep the melodramatic below the surface.  She pulls off vulnerability with a hint of silent strength surprisingly well.  Robert Pattinson is most remembered for playing Cedric Digory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.  It was his task to bring to life Edward Cullen, a character that is described as being the most beautiful person in the world and the perfect man.  As a fan of the book series, I knew it would be virtually impossible to cast such a role; let lone act the part.  Robert Pattinson made the very wise choice of ignoring these descriptions to a certain extent.  He plays Edward as a very flawed character who apart from his beauty could only be seen as perfect through the eyes of Bella.  There is a certain isolation and self loathing in his portrayal that is perfect for the part and gives Edward a level of depth that is believable and endearing. 

I found this film to be a more than satisfactory adaptation of the novel.  Being a fan of the series there is of course things that I wish hadn’t been lost in the translation to the screen but, all of the major points are there.  The mediocre budget for the film is not seen in the end production.  There were a few places where the special effects were not as good as they could have been, but these minor flaws are easily overlooked.  Twilight will be well received by its target audience of teenage girls and it has enough action that it will also appeal to their boyfriends as well, although they may be a little embarrassed to admit it.

Grade: B+

The cast of Twilight

 

 

The movie has several things going for it.  The story itself is incredible and the struggles and tribulations that Christine Collins is put through are on the verge of being truly unbelievable, but the slow pace of the film is at times daunting and seems to drag out longer than the 2 hours and 20 minute run time.   Angelina Jolie delivers a solid performance as Christine Collins, but there is something about the character that distanced her from likability for me.  I think this has to do with the fact that Angelina’s rough and tough persona did not mesh as well as it could have with the constantly crying character she portrayed.  We know from movies like A Mighty Heart and Girl Interrupted that Jolie has the ability to reach such emotions, but in this particular film the tears seemed slightly forced at times.  Clint Eastwood is another proven entity that benefits this film.  His directorial credits include Million Dollar Baby, Mystic River, Flags of our Fathers, and Letters from Iwo Jima all of which have won academy awards.  His usual meticulously perfect style of directing seemed tedious at times in this film.  There were several scenes that existed solely for the purpose of allowing Angelina Jolie to portray some form of emotional turmoil that did not progress the plot in any other manner.   Regardless of this fact, Changeling was still beautifully shot.   The scenes of the court trial and the rally of protestors outside emanated a feeling of grandeur without seeming overbearing.  The execution scene was also extremely poignant; so much so that I actually felt myself becoming uncomfortable watching it. 

In the end Changeling, despite missing some qualities that could have made it exceptional, presents itself with style and beauty above and beyond what the average cinema experience offers.  Angelina Jolie proves once again why she is one of the most highly paid and highly sought after actresses alive today.  Clint Eastwood delivers yet another Oscar contender that is both entertaining and emotionally inspiring.  The film meets expectations that you would have for the work of such masters of the craft, but does not exceed them.   If you happen to find yourself with the time to spare I would suggest trying to catch this movie instead of letting it slide off your radar.  It is worth the price of a ticket just so you will know what everyone is talking about come awards season.  

Film Grade:  B+

Clint Eastwood and Angelina Jolie