"To Rome with Love" is Woody Allen's latest directorial and written effort as well as acting. Set in Rome, the film is made up of four separate stories that do not have a connection to each other. There's a clerk who wakes up to find himself a celebrity, an architect who takes a trip to his old neighborhood, a honeymooning couple caught up in a case of mistaken identity, and a funeral director with a hidden talent for singing but only in the shower.
I like this film overall but felt that it's uneven in that some of the storylines and acting make some parts stronger than others. The result is that the film comes across as a little disjointed. For example, I really enjoyed the clerk-turned-celebrity story because the talented Roberto Benigni is our lucky clerk. Benigni really shines and makes the most of every moment on camera. The honeymooning couple story is a little dull though Penelope Cruz steals that story with her role as Anna, a call girl. The architect story is a little confusing as it appears that John (Alec Baldwin) is revisiting his past and reliving events he regrets as Jack (Jesse Eisenberg) falls for his girlfriend's friend (Ellen Paige). The casting of Paige in this role as the seductive Monica, who always makes men fall for her and bewitches Jack, is an interesting choice by Allen given that Paige has never played this type of role before and usually presents herself as much more girl-next-door.
Though some parts and actors/actresses are better than others, the film has some good moments for Allen fans. B-
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Movie Review: Ted (2012)
"Ted" is an R-rated comedy following the antics of a stuffed teddy bear come to life after a lonely child wishes on a falling star. Ted (voiced by Seth McFarland) briefly becomes a celebrity but never forgets his best friend, John (Mark Wahlburg). Fast forward twenty-seven years and Ted and John are still best pals. Their friendship interferes with John's job as well as his relationship with Jamie (Mila Kunis). Further problems arise when Jamie's boss (Joel McHale) tries to steal her away and an obsessed stalker (Giovanni Ribisi) is intent on stealing Ted.
I wanted to like this movie based on the promos but it just didn't happen for me. It seemed for me the funniest parts where in the promos and the rest of the film was just made up of over-the-top raunchy material and language. It's an interesting premise by pitting the bromance of Ted and John against the romance of Jamie and John but just not really developed at the expense of the gags. I would've loved to have seen both McHale and Ribisi have more screen time but their characters were really afterthoughts.
This film could've been much better than just a foul-mouth bear and raunchy gags - D-
I wanted to like this movie based on the promos but it just didn't happen for me. It seemed for me the funniest parts where in the promos and the rest of the film was just made up of over-the-top raunchy material and language. It's an interesting premise by pitting the bromance of Ted and John against the romance of Jamie and John but just not really developed at the expense of the gags. I would've loved to have seen both McHale and Ribisi have more screen time but their characters were really afterthoughts.
This film could've been much better than just a foul-mouth bear and raunchy gags - D-
Movie Review: Alex Cross (2012)
"Alex Cross" is based on the popular books by James Patterson and staring Tyler Perry in the title role. Cross is on the hunt for Picasso (Matthew Fox), a twisted assassin who likes to inflict pain on his victims. The chase takes a turn for the personal when Picasso targets the loved ones of both Cross and his sidekick Tommy Kane (Edward Burns). With revenge on his mind, Cross must keep his wits and his integrity about himself while pursuing a madman.
While this film didn't get the best reviews, I did enjoy it. I thought Perry made a great Alex Cross in that he plays the character with intellect and toughness but also a tenderness as well. I also liked Fox in the villain role as the sadistic killer. Burns is one of my favorite actors and I like him in this film as the sidekick but can't help but wish he had more meat to his character. The problem with the film is the writing because there's some definite lags and awkwardness to the script. The actors do their best with the material but perhaps the adaptation of bestselling novels just didn't fully translate. Still, with good acting and casting, this film's not a complete loss.
A good thriller on a cold day - B-
While this film didn't get the best reviews, I did enjoy it. I thought Perry made a great Alex Cross in that he plays the character with intellect and toughness but also a tenderness as well. I also liked Fox in the villain role as the sadistic killer. Burns is one of my favorite actors and I like him in this film as the sidekick but can't help but wish he had more meat to his character. The problem with the film is the writing because there's some definite lags and awkwardness to the script. The actors do their best with the material but perhaps the adaptation of bestselling novels just didn't fully translate. Still, with good acting and casting, this film's not a complete loss.
A good thriller on a cold day - B-
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Movie Review: Celeste and Jesse Forever (2012)
"Celeste and Jesse Forever" is not your typical rom-com (romantic comedy). This is much more of a drama because though the title characters Celeste (Rashida Jones) and Jesse (Adam Samberg) seem like the perfect couple, they are actually a married couple going through a divorce. They were friends practically their whole lives and transitioned into an early marriage but while the romance has faded the friendship is still alive and well. This friendship is severely tested when Jesse begins to move on with someone else and Celeste begins to question her decisions.
There's a lot to like in this film. First of all, it's better written than most films in its genre and features a very well-developed female character (Celeste). The audience sees a very complicated relationship in this film and the characters have tough decisions to make and sometimes question. I think this film really gives a boost to Jones as a real actress with depth and to films that offer more than just superficial romantic storylines that we've seen a thousand times. Again, it's not perfect (like why is Elijah Woods wasted in his tiny role as Celeste's business partner and what's with Emma Roberts' character) but there's a lot to like here.
If you're a Rashida Jones fan, then run out to rent this one. Samberg fans, maybe not because he's not the standard funny-guy here. This one will be a hit for those seeking something other than the typical "rom-com" - B
There's a lot to like in this film. First of all, it's better written than most films in its genre and features a very well-developed female character (Celeste). The audience sees a very complicated relationship in this film and the characters have tough decisions to make and sometimes question. I think this film really gives a boost to Jones as a real actress with depth and to films that offer more than just superficial romantic storylines that we've seen a thousand times. Again, it's not perfect (like why is Elijah Woods wasted in his tiny role as Celeste's business partner and what's with Emma Roberts' character) but there's a lot to like here.
If you're a Rashida Jones fan, then run out to rent this one. Samberg fans, maybe not because he's not the standard funny-guy here. This one will be a hit for those seeking something other than the typical "rom-com" - B
Movie Review: Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
"Searching for Sugar Man" is a Swedish/British documentary about the efforts of two South African fans of American musician Rodriguiz to uncover what became of their favorite musician. Rodriguiz became a huge star in South Africa but not much was known about him. Rumors abound about the fate of the musician who seemed to have all the right makings of a star but didn't make it big in America.
This film is simply amazing. The soundtrack, Rodriguiz's music, made a fan out of me. I thought the editing and cinematography were great. The interviews and clips really pull the audience in and made me feel like I was along on this journey to find Rodriguiz along with his fans. I don't want to spoil the movie's secrets but I think that there is a lot to enjoy here. From start to finish, this is a musical journey that you will love being on!
Rent this one today! A+ for me and I'm still listening to Rodriguiz weeks later
This film is simply amazing. The soundtrack, Rodriguiz's music, made a fan out of me. I thought the editing and cinematography were great. The interviews and clips really pull the audience in and made me feel like I was along on this journey to find Rodriguiz along with his fans. I don't want to spoil the movie's secrets but I think that there is a lot to enjoy here. From start to finish, this is a musical journey that you will love being on!
Rent this one today! A+ for me and I'm still listening to Rodriguiz weeks later
Movie Review: Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey (2011)
"Being Elmo" is a documentary about the early years and rise to fame of puppeteer Kevin Clash, who is most famous for voicing and creating Elmo on Sesame Street. The film follows a young Clash as he practices creating and making his first puppets and then becomes inspired by the work of Jim Hensen and Frank Oz. Later Clash meets Hensen and Oz, who recognize his talent and mentor him. Clash flourishes into a successful puppeteer and seeks to carry on the Hensen tradition of puppeteering and to mentor the next generation.
This film is really a good background piece on Clash's early life and how he became the man behind Elmo, a much beloved character. Not knowing anything about puppeteering, this film is interesting as kind of a behind the scenes look at what goes into making puppets, creating characters, and performing with puppets. Overall it's a well-done piece though the more recent allegations about Clash regarding sexual misconduct with minors put a bit of a damper on my enjoyment. Though I want to judge this film as a stand-alone piece, there is the obvious question about where these allegations fit into Clash's story. The film does not touch much on Clash's personal life other than his relationship with his daughter from his previous marriage.
Aside from the misconduct allegations, this film is a winner. It's enjoyable and shows that behind the scenes information in an engaging format. For the film alone, I give it A- but I understand why some will be put off from the film based on the serious nature of the allegations against Clash.
This film is really a good background piece on Clash's early life and how he became the man behind Elmo, a much beloved character. Not knowing anything about puppeteering, this film is interesting as kind of a behind the scenes look at what goes into making puppets, creating characters, and performing with puppets. Overall it's a well-done piece though the more recent allegations about Clash regarding sexual misconduct with minors put a bit of a damper on my enjoyment. Though I want to judge this film as a stand-alone piece, there is the obvious question about where these allegations fit into Clash's story. The film does not touch much on Clash's personal life other than his relationship with his daughter from his previous marriage.
Aside from the misconduct allegations, this film is a winner. It's enjoyable and shows that behind the scenes information in an engaging format. For the film alone, I give it A- but I understand why some will be put off from the film based on the serious nature of the allegations against Clash.
Movie Review: Bully (2011)
"Bully" (2011) is a documentary follows three US public school students who are bullied daily and also two families who lost sons to suicide after enduring bullying. Filmed during the 2009-10 school year, the audience sees the students enduring bullying and talking about how bullying effects their lives.
While difficult to watch, this movie is a must-see. The film lays bare what way too many students endure on a daily basis in American schools: bullies. While bullying is not a new concept, I've never seen it depicted in such a raw fashion, for example, when the cameras follow a then 12 year-old Alex on the school bus where he is treated as a human punching bag by the kids he desperately wants to be accepted by. In fact, the violence against Alex reaches a level where the filmmakers feel they must show the evidence to school administrators and Alex's parents. The interviews with the families of the deceased students who were victims of bullying are just heartrenching - there's no other way to describe it. Luckily there is some hope in the form of activism by these families, which is picked up by other students including some bullied themselves.
While tough to watch, please watch this film! A- for me for tackling a very difficult subject and hopefully influencing much-needed dialogue about bullying
While difficult to watch, this movie is a must-see. The film lays bare what way too many students endure on a daily basis in American schools: bullies. While bullying is not a new concept, I've never seen it depicted in such a raw fashion, for example, when the cameras follow a then 12 year-old Alex on the school bus where he is treated as a human punching bag by the kids he desperately wants to be accepted by. In fact, the violence against Alex reaches a level where the filmmakers feel they must show the evidence to school administrators and Alex's parents. The interviews with the families of the deceased students who were victims of bullying are just heartrenching - there's no other way to describe it. Luckily there is some hope in the form of activism by these families, which is picked up by other students including some bullied themselves.
While tough to watch, please watch this film! A- for me for tackling a very difficult subject and hopefully influencing much-needed dialogue about bullying
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