Thursday, June 12, 2008

Ironman

Story: Billionaire industrialist Tony Stark builds a high-tech suit of armor and leads a double-life as the superhero, Iron Man.

Review: This is the best Marvel comic movie yet. If your looking for a fun, riveting, action pack story, look no further - "Ironman" will not disappoint. Other Marvel comic's like "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" and "Spiderman 3" are flops at best. "Ironman" has a strong story and beefy characters. I think Gwyneth Platrow's character, Pepper Potts was refreshingly different from the run of the mill leading action love interests. Tony Stark, could only be played by Robert Downey Jr. Is art imitating life or vice-a-versa? Also Jeff Bridges', portrail of power hungry Obadiah Stane, was to smooth for words. "Ironman," starts off in an unique spot and keeps us there for awhile, which I think makes the movie richer for it. If you want good quality entertaiment, "Ironman" is your best bet for action flicks right now. But who knows for how long, cause "Hulk" may give "Ironman" a run for its money.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Juno

Story: Faced with an unplanned pregnancy, an offbeat young woman makes an unusual decision regarding her unborn child.

Review: I really enjoyed this movie. The characters were genuine and a pleasure to watch. The writer was able to capture a young teen with an adult size problem, so gracefully. Instead of her family ripping her apart for getting pregnant, this movie shows us a family that's in it together. Juno, knowing her limits decides to give up the child to a couple she finds in the Penny Saver. Juno soon finds out she isn't the only one who isn't ready for baby. This movie really allows us to see another side to teenage pregnancy, that there is more than one way to deal with it. Ellen Page shines as Juno. Page captured Juno's brains, strength and maturity in ways other films have not been able to duplicate. You just can't help but be drawn in by Juno's, quick quips, sense of self and her willingness to do what's best for her and her unborn child.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Dan In Real Life

Story: Dan, a widower and father of three daughters; finds himself falling for his brother's girl at the annual family get-together.

Review: Peter Hedges, Director of "About a Boy", has crafted a delightful piece of cinema. As soon as we are introduced to the family, you immediately feel the genuine warmth and love they have for one another. It is refreshing to see a family who generally like each other. Many movies today are hyper-focused on the "shock value" instead of good quality entertainment. "Dan In Real Life," reflects a family we don't typically see on the silver screen, something we need to embrace more often. Steve Carell's character, has always put his girls needs and wants before his own. But when he falls "head over heals" in love with Marie, he finds himself yearning for a relationship he has long missed. This story moves us not because we pity Dan, but because we love him and want the best for him. It reminds us of our own loneliness and how we so desire to share our lives with someone we love.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Charlie Bartlett

Story: Charlie Bartlett has been kicked out of every private school he ever attended. And now that he's moved on to public school, he's simply getting pummeled. But when Charlie discovers that the kids who surround him--the outcast and the popular alike--are secretly in desperate need, his entrepreneurial spirit takes over.

Review: I was hoping for something different and refreshing. Not so much. It was as if, Ferris Bueller crashed into Lloyd Dobler and Charlie Bartlett was born with some hard, not to miss defects. If that is what the studio was shooting for, they missed terribly. Don't get me wrong, the movie is enjoyable to some extent, but it's no "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," or anything remotely close to it. It's also a shame to see Robert Downey, Jr. in such a sell out role. Best watched on DVD.

I Am Legend

Story: Robert Neville is a brilliant scientist, but even he could not contain the terrible manmade virus. Somehow immune, Neville is now the last human survivor in New York City. But he is not alone.

Review: "I Am Legend," wielded good performances largely because of a great story. I would think Richard Matheson, the author of the 1954 book, "I Am Legend," would be pleased by the latest movie rendition of his book, ("The Last Man On Earth" and "The Omega Man" were the other two movies). "I Am Legend," is a difficult movie to watch, but all the more rewarding in the end. A few people actually left our movie theatre in the first 45 minutes of the movie. I believe people walked out because they were uncomfortable being alone. Will Smith's character, Robert Neville, for the first 45 minutes of the movie is essentially the only human being left in NYC. He has his dog and chats with manikins, but it is painfully obvious we depend on the interaction we receive from other humans to make it through life. But, somehow Robert Neville hangs on, and is persistent in his pursuit of finding a cure for the remaining zombies. Highly recommend this movie. Four stars!

27 Dresses

Story: Jane is idealistic, romantic and completely selfless--a perennial bridesmaid whose own happy ending is nowhere in sight. But when younger sister Tess captures the heart of Jane's boss--with whom she is secretly in love--Jane begins to reexamine her "always-a-bridesmaid..." lifestyle."

Review: 27 Dresses started off well, with its main character Heigl, running back and forth between two weddings. After that it gets predictable. Nothing else worth watching really happens. So, if your looking for the same old romantic movie with a few turns (no twists) then this is a good one for you. Bottom line: It's a cute movie.

Monday, November 12, 2007

A Bee Movie

Story: Barry B. Benson, a bee who has just graduated from college, is disillusioned at his lone career choice: making honey. On a special trip outside the hive, Barry's life is saved by Vanessa, a florist in New York City. As their relationship blossoms, he discovers humans actually eat honey, and subsequently decides to sue us.

Review: A Bee Movie is not your typical Jerry Seinfeld piece. Yes it is funny and has its oddities; but surprisingly Seinfeld turns his yellow bee green. Is it Oscar worthy? No, but it is worth a second look. My expectations were to hear a bunch of zany one liners and see a cute bee story. Instead, I was pleasantly taken aback when the story turns to the issue of the recent reports of bees vanishing across our country. I didn't realize how much we depend on the honey bee. Below is a link to a NY Times article about the missing honey bee. Hopefully, little Barry B. Benson will be able to promote awareness regarding our missing honey bees, before it is too late.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/27/business/27bees.html?ei=5088&en=3aaa0148837b8977&ex=1330232400&pagewanted=all