Movie Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" is a 2014 reboot of the cartoon/comic/movies of the 90's.  April O'Neil (Megan Fox) is a reporter with a nose for news but stuck making fluff pieces when she lands on the trail of some secret vigilantes who are protecting New York City from a clan of thieves.  April's persistence leads her to a startling discovery - a connection between her deceased father's lab and the vigilantes who are really teenage mutant ninja turtles.  Also stars Will Arnett and look for Whoopi Goldberg in a small part as April's boss.


Fans of the original series might enjoy this film for the nostalgia.  There are some fun moments and some action sequences but overall this film isn't much to recommend.  At some points even Megan Fox seemed a bit bored with it all.

This is okay but nothing to run out to see - C

Movie Review: He's Way More Famous Than You (2013)

"He's Way More Famous Than You" is a quirky comedy written by and staring Halley Feiffer as herself.  Halley is a washed-up drunken mess of an actress years after her brush with fame in an indie movie.  After losing her boyfriend, Halley decides it's time to get her career back in gear and the way to do that is to get as famous as possible.  Halley's master plan involves making a short film about her newly broken relationship and including as many famous people in it and involved in it as possible (expect some cameos here like Ben Stiller, Michael Urie, Jessie Eisenberg, and more).

This isn't the typical comedy but there's some laughs here.  Halley really nails her part as the washed-up, drunken, fame-obsessed actress.  Her character is totally crude and not likeable one minute and then the next minute she's funny and worthy of my compassion.  In today's reality tv/fame-obsessed society this film isn't too far off the mark in terms of what some will do for fame and fame as a goal in of itself.

Quirky and sometime crude, this is a different comedy that's a bit more on point than some of us want to admit - solid B.

Movie Review: Better Living Through Chemistry (2014)

"Better Living Through Chemistry" follows a small-town pharmacist named Doug Varney (Sam Rockwell), who lives an uneventful life and is constantly over-ruled by his wife Kara (Michelle Monaghen) and her father (Ken Howard).  Doug's life changes dramatically one fateful night when he makes a delivery to the home of Elizabeth Roberts (Olivia Wilde), a bored trophy wife.  A whirlwind of sex, drugs, and possibly murder follows.  Jane Fonda narrates.

This film is more of the quirky comedy than a laugh-out-loud obvious type but it's enjoyable.  Rockwell, Monaghen, and Wilde are good here as well as Ray Liotta in a small role as Elizabeth's husband.  Decent script as there are some twists here and Fonda's narration is a plus. The story isn't really a new idea or a fresh telling but the film has charm thanks to the cast and some good moments that make it watchable.

Not anything new but good cast - B

Movie Review: Last Vegas (2013)

Last Vegas (2013) is a comedy starring Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Kline as a group of childhood friends in their senior years reuniting in Las Vegas for a bachelor party for Billy (Douglas), who is set to marry a much younger woman. It's not all a celebration, however, because old tensions still exist between Billy and Paddy (De Niro). Meanwhile, Sam (Kline) has a "weekend pass" from his wife and Archie (Freeman) is avoiding his over-protective adult son. The group befriends a lovely lounge singer, Diana (Mary Steenburgen), who seems to create more tension between Billy and Archie.

The jokes and story here are a bit stale - expect every old man joke possible. What saves this film is the chemistry among the main actors, who appear to really enjoy each other. That's what makes this watchable and a bit of a fun romp senior-style through Las Vegas. Steenburgen adds to the boys' fun and she is a joy to watch. Look for a cameo by rapper 50 Cent.

Overall, this is fun and they are a fun group but there's nothing new here - C+

Movie Review: In a World (2013)

"In a World" focuses on Carol (Lake Bell), who lives in the shadow of her father, Sam (Fred Melamed). Sam is the king of voice-overs and is promoting Gustev (Ken Marino) as his heir apparent in the male-dominated field. Sam kicks Carol out of his home so he can focus on his much younger wife, Jaime (Alexandra Holden). Carol ends up crashing with sister Dani (Michela Watkins) and her husband Moe (Rob Corddry), who have their own problems when Dani is flattered by someone at work. Meanwhile Carol’s career heats up in the voice-over business when she starts getting gigs meant for Gustev and is suddenly the front-runner for a highly coveted job that will bring back the classic voice-over phrase “In a World.” Carol soon finds she is competing with both her father and Gustev, a short-term love interest, for the job.

This movie is particularly interesting because Bell wrote, directed, and starred so it's a real female-driven film and beneath the comic surface is a real tale of female empowerment.  Though the theme of a woman breaking through barriers is there, there's also an interesting look at the power struggles between daughter and father and the bond between sisters there too.  I liked the multiple layers within the story and had plenty of laughs too.  Don't miss small appearances by Eva Longoria, Cameron Diaz, and Geena Davis.  

Don't overlook this gem - A-

Movie Review: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" is the 2nd adaptation of the short-story with the same name by James Thurber.  Walter (Ben Stiller) leads a very uneventful life though he frequently lapses into quite vivid and exciting daydreams, which often feature his office crush Cheryl (Kristen Wiig).  Major changes at the magazine "Life," where Walter is the long-term employee in charge of photographs, throw Walter's life in turmoil especially when it appears that he has lost the negative that will be the magazine's final cover.  Walter decides to track down the globe-trotting photographer, Sean (Sean Penn), in search for the missing negative.

Having read Thurber's story years ago, I watched this film with some expectations.  Overall I thought the film gives a good try at bringing the story to the big-screen with a lot of exciting visuals and beautiful scenery.  I also liked how Walter's loved ones and Cheryl in the film treat him given his obvious zoning out.   Adam Scott, who plays Walter's boss/bad guy, makes the most of his role as the foil.  However, I didn't like how disjointed the film feels - there seems to be a pull towards action, drama, romance, and comedy all within the film and the result is that there are moments and key scenes that feel really out of place. Also there is a lot of product placement within the film and this also adds to the disjointed feeling particularly when the characters seem to go out of their way to mention a product (ahem, Papa John's and e-Harmony).

Overall, there's not the charm or bite from the original story in the film and the commercial feel to it and disjointed writing/directing distract from some beautiful scenery - B-.

Movie Review: The Bling Ring (2013)

"The Bling Ring" is Sofia Coppola's (director, writer, producer) take on the infamous real-life Bling Ring, a group of Los Angeles area teenagers who robbed A-list Hollywood stars' homes.  Based on actual events, the film follows the group of teens who come together and commit these crimes together seemingly in order to get closer to the celebrities they idolize like Paris Hilton and Lindsey Lohan.

First, I really like the casting in this film .  Coppola put together an ensemble cast of relative unknowns with the addition of Emma Watson in a supporting role.  I liked Watson in this film as well as Israel Broussard (lead actor), Katie Chang (lead actress), and Claire Julien.  Look for a small part from Leslie Mann as a clueless mother of two of the Bling Ringers.

One thing that really works for the film, which is based on a group of criminals obsessed with celebrity, is the inclusion of celebrities.  Coppola has cameos by Paris Hilton and Kirsten Dunst as well as others who appear in archival footage.  The biggest cameo, however, is Hilton's home, which she allowed Coppola to film the scenes that depict the break-ins that occurred there.  These cameos and particularly the scenes in Hilton's own home add credibility to the film.  I also liked the direction and thought the film was well staged.  I think the Bling Ring members are not depicted in a sympathetic light here, but rather there's a possible explanation put forth - the obsession with fame and celebrity.

If you rent this one don't miss the DVD extras.  There is an extra on the real-like Bling Ring, one on making the film, and one featuring Paris Hilton.  All are interesting but the one where Hilton, the biggest victim of the crime-spree, takes the cameras through her home and talks about participating in a film made about crimes against her, is especially intriguing.

Interesting rental especially with the bonus content - solid B

Movie Review: Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)

"Safety Not Guaranteed" is an indie about a disillusioned intern at a magazine named Darius (Aubrey Plaza), who is asked to assist one of the magazine's writers, Jeff (Jake Johnson) investigate a mysterious newspaper ad asking for a companion to travel back in time.  Jeff, Darius, and another intern (Karan Soni) travel to a seaside town and attempt to make contact with the person behind the ad, who turns out to be Kenneth (Mark Duplass), a grocery store clerk.  Kenneth is turned off by Jeff's direct approach so Jeff sends Darius in to befriend Kenneth, gain his trust, and get the story.

There's so much to like about this quirky little film.  First, the story and dialogue are great.  No dragging here - the story flows.  Second, Plaza and Duplass were great in their roles and had good chemistry.  Both of their characters were well-developed and I felt like as a viewer I felt for them.  Third, I really like Johnson is this supporting role as he added a lot of levity to the film.   Watch for a small cameo by Kristen Bell as Duplass' character's former flame.

Overall I thought this was a well-written and well-acted quirky little drama/comedy.  Take a chance on this one if you like small films - A-

Movie Review: Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding (2011)

"Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding" is a comedy-drama with a simple story but a big cast.  Diane (Catherine Keener) is a high-powered lawyer blind-sided when her husband (Kyle MacLachlan) asks for a divorce.  Diane flees to her estranged hippie mother Grace (Jane Fonda) and drags her kids Zoe (Elizabeth Olsen) and Jake (Nat Wolff) with her.  The family is overwhelmed with the hippie/free-spirit lifestyle that Grace and her friends are part of but soon each find love (Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Chace Crawford) and maybe what they're missing.

I admit that overall the script here is filled with stereotypes and predictability, but the cast really took the material and made the most of it.  Jane Fonda, for example, seemed to have fun with her over-the-top hippie role as Grace and I thought she had nice chemistry with Catherine Keener in their mother-daughter roles.  Elizabeth Olsen and Nat Wolff also have good performances too and I was surprised to find I liked the Olsen/Crawford romantic pairing. Watch for small appearances by Rosanna Arquette and Katharine McPhee.  The themes here are trite and a bit tired ("leave the big town to find love in the small town" and "find love where you least expect it") I thought the theme about accepting failed parents as people to actually be effective and moving.

Don't expect a lot new here but enjoy the cast and performances - B

Movie Review: The Intouchables (2011)

France's "The Intouchables" is based on a true story and the story is told in flashback.  Driss is down on his luck and not seriously looking to get the job when he applies to be a live-in caregiver for Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic.  Driss is shocked to be given a trial for the job but quickly earns Philippe's trust even when a friend reveals Driss' checkered past.  Philippe appreciates that Driss doesn't treat him with pity but rather as an equal.  The two develop a special friendship that is sure to inspire.

While it is a bit predictable, I felt that the cast sold this story and made it into something beyond what it might have been.  There have been other films made over the years about friendship, even between caretaker/patient, but there's a chemistry among the actors and a script that manages to be both touching and funny at points.  This is a case where script, acting, direction, and cinematography seem to be on point and come together to create a film that is a really good product. 

Good, touching, and heart-warming: A-

Movie Review: Playing for Keeps (2012)

"Playing for Keeps" stars Gerard Butler as George, a former professional soccer player who is struggling to find a lucrative post-playing job.  George has a son named Lewis with his ex-wife Stacie (Jessica Biel) and due to his absence, he has a spotty relationship with his son and Stacie has moved on to become engaged to another man.  George attempts to spend time with Lewis by watching his soccer practice but soon becomes the team's coach.  This leads to him getting more time with both Lewis and Stacie but brings trouble in the form of unwanted attention from some of the other kids' moms (played by Judy Greer, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Uma Thurman) as well as a father who bribes him (played by Dennis Quaid).  As George makes progress building a relationship with Lewis and repairing one with Stacie, he gets help from one of the mothers (Zeta-Jones) in starting a sportscasting career, which could take him away from Lewis and Stacie.  Stacie's impending marriage also presents a problem.

This film is really one I'd recommend avoiding.  Though Butler is largely likable in his role, there isn't a lot here to recommend.  There's such a great cast of big name actors/actresses that it's hard to believe that the finished product is something so unfocused, predictable, and unbelievable.  It's just not enjoyable to watch at all and I found myself looking forward to the predictable ending that was coming (though not fast enough for my taste).  

Avoid this film, it's just not worth the time to watch - D-

Movie Review: To Rome with Love (2012)

"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-

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-

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

Movie Review: Pitch Perfect (2012)

Like "Glee?"  Then this might be the movie for you!  "Pitch Perfect" is a bit like "Glee" but it's the college competitive a cappella scene rather than high school.  The film centers on freshman Becca (Anna Kendrick), who joins an all-female a cappella group on campus in order to show her father she has tried to engage in college.  The group, the Bellas, is ruled by seniors Aubrey (Anna Camp) and Chloe (Brittany Snow) but the new girls, like Becca, want to shake things up with more unconventional songs/choreography like the all male group, the Treble Makers, and win a national championship. 

Though it's a bit predictable, there's laughs and heart to this film not to mention some good music.  Rebel Wilson really stands out as "Fat Amy," an Australian student who also joins the Bellas.  Wilson is one to watch as she has natural comedic timing.  I like Anna Kendrick in this one but not as much as I did in "Up in the Air."  Brittany Snow is enjoyable.  Some of the writing is a bit awkward (like why do Chloe and Becca have to have a long conversation about Becca joining the Bellas in the shower?) but I think overall this movie's parts overcome the problems with the whole.

It's a C+ for me because the music is enjoyable and there's some good laughs (mostly thanks to Wilson).

Movie Review: Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012)

"Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" stars Steve Carell as "Dodge," who the film follows during the final 3 weeks before an asteroid will collide with earth.  Dodge is dealing with the sudden departure of his wife while all around him people are going crazy with drugs, sex, and in some cases suicide.  A chance encounter with neighbor Penny (Keira Knightley) leads to Dodge finding out that his wife was cheating on him and that his long-lost high school love Olivia felt he was the love of her life.  A riot breaks out and Dodge ends up fleeing town with Penny.  Penny agrees to drive Dodge to see Olivia if he takes her to a pilot he thinks will fly Penny to be with her family in England.  An interesting rode trip ensues that is complicated by the pending doom of the asteroid but also the unlikely pairing of Dodge and Penny.

This film got really mixed reviews and I think it's because fans of Carell's more typical fare will be disappointed that this film is more dark.  There danger the characters are facing, the end of the world, is real and creates tension as if there's this huge clock counting down the minutes left that the characters have till it's over.  There's only so long to make things right and be with those who matter but perhaps a new friend can make those final moments worthwhile.  At first I liked this movie but thought that Carell and Knightley just didn't make sense as a couple - maybe as friends but not as a couple.  Perhaps the end of the world makes the impossible seem much more likely in terms of couples?  I did like the casting in this film other than Carell/Knightley as a romantic pair.  Connie Britton shines in a small supporting role. 

The bottom line is that this is a great fatalistic romance/drama about people coming together in light of impending doom.  It's not typical Carell-fare and probably should be avoided by many of his fans.  Solid B for me and great flick for those days when you're worried about Mayan calendars.

Movie Review: The Campaign (2012)

"The Campaign" stars Will Ferrell and Zach Galifanakis as opponents for a House of Representatives seat in North Carolina.  Ferrell is the long-time Congressman Cam Brady, who has run unopposed for four terms but after a public blunder (he leaves a sexually explicit message meant for his mistress on a family's answering machine by mistake) corrupt business men named the Moch brothers (played by John Lithgow and Dan Aykroyd) see an opportunity to beat Cam.  Enter political newcomer Marty Huggins (Galifanakis).  Cam's dirty tactics overwhelm the more innocent Marty at first but the Moch brothers send in a seedy campaign manager (Dylan McDermont) to help him more effectively compete in what becomes an ugly race.

There is some good supporting work here by Sarah Baker and Katherine LaNasa as the wives of the candidates and expect some cameos from famous political talkers like Chris Matthews, Joe Scarborough, and Mika Brzezinski.  However, I wanted to like this movie, but unfortunately I couldn't.  There were a few laughs, though many were in the promos for the film, but overall I just thought the requisite raunchy jokes and adult language were too much.  What I really wanted was more of the biting commentary/parody of American politics, though there was some of that.  I think fans of Ferrell and Galifanakis, as well as Jason Sudeikis, in terms of their typical work will like this film, while those looking for more than the typical R-rated comedy (like me) will probably be better off passing on this one.  D+

Movie Review: The Five Year Engagement (2012)

"The Five Year Engagement" is a romantic comedy following Tom (Jason Segal) and Violet (Emily Blunt) who become engaged a year after they started dating.  As they begin to plan their wedding, the couple face set backs that keep them extending the engagement and putting off the wedding.  One major obstacle is that Violet's academic career has the couple move from San Francisco to Ann Arbor, Michigan.  The move puts considerable strain on their relationship when Violet flourishes in her post-doctoral position and grows close to her boss (Rhys Ifans) while Tom is unhappy with his lack of career opportunities in Michigan. 

As far as "romantic comedies" and "R-rated comedies" go, I have to give this film some credit.  I thought Segal and Blunt had believable chemistry and did a good job with the material.  There's clearly some unintentional awkward spots in the movie and what seems to be the expected raunchy material and adult language though it's minimal.  The film seems to run a bit too long, which makes me wonder how it would've played without some of the awkward places in the writing.  Overall though I liked that the film showed a couple going through normal problems and just as in real life these problems aren't solved easily.  There's also some real great supporting acting in this film from Ifans along with Alison Brie. 

While there's some uneven spots in the writing and it feels a little long, this movie is still pretty good especially for the "R-rated comedy" genre.  B-

Movie Review: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012)

"The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" is a British comedy/drama about a group of British seniors (Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson, Ronald Pickup, & Celia Imrie) who decide to move to India in order to stretch their retirement savings.   The problem is that the Marigold Hotel, where they move, is not exactly in the shape they thought it would be - the hotel is a work in progress under the direction of Sonny (Dev Patel) the ambitious young hotel manager.  The film becomes a fish-out-of-water story as members of the group of seniors attempt to deal with living in the hotel and living in India.  Some members readily adapt to their new surroundings while others not so much. 

This film is really a treat especially in terms of the casting and acting.  It's hard to imagine a better cast for the film and I thought they had good chemistry as a cast.  It's a good story with excellent character development.  I like that even when the characters are behaving badly, such as racist behavior, it's not glossed over but fully developed.  This is really a well-done mature film with beautiful scenery and a good message.  It's never too late to step out of one's comfort zone and what's really nice is the film demonstrates this theme through the older characters as well as the younger.  It's not about age but rather attitude.

I think that overall this is a well-crafted film in terms of casting, acting, writing, and production.  It's not a typical comedy but more of a drama.  B+

Movie Review: Damsels in Distress (2011)

Two words I'd choose to describe "Damsels in Distress" are "quirky" and "different."  This film is definitely not for everyone because it's off-beat for sure.  The film is directed by Whit Stillman and though I'm not familiar with his other work, apparently off-beat is his style.  The film centers on a liberal arts college where a clique of girls attempt to better their campus with some seemingly different tactics.  The group is led by Violet (Greta Gerwig) and her side-kicks are Rose (Megalyn Echikunwoke) and Heather (Carrie MacLemore).  The girls recruit transfer student Lily (Analeigh Tipton) based on her name but she proves to be a voice that questions the group's shared beliefs.  The group attempts to stop students from committing suicide with doughnuts, coffee, dance, and aromatherapy.  Problems arise for the group members themselves testing their sanity when they branch out to date some of the male students including a smooth-talking Adrian Brody as Charlie. 

The comedy in this movie is not of the obvious variety but it's there in the whole premise.  The girls seem to live in a bubble or fantasy of their own making, which creates humorous situations.  I really liked Gerwig in this movie as she's carrying most of the humor.  It's interesting but not a real plot so I can see where this film would get tedious and maybe frustrating for some viewers.  I'd recommend this one to someone who likes Wes Anderson's films or in the mood for high-brow humor.  Solid B for me because I like different and bought into the fantasy.