"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-
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
Movie Review: First Position (2011)
"First Position" is a documentary following six young dancers preparing for the Youth America Grand Prix in New York, which is an annual dance competition showcasing elite young dancers. Dancers compete for scholarships to dance schools or contracts with dance companies depending on the dancer's age.
I feel that this film does what a great documentary should do - draw the viewer into a world he/she is not a part of and make that viewer care about the subjects. "First Position" does just that by bringing the viewer into the world of the six young dancers, all of whom are under 19 years old. The level of talent among the film's subjects is just amazing but more than their obvious talent the film also delves into their personal commitment to dance and especially in the case of the youngest ones their families' commitment too. Beautifully done this film dazzles with top-notch dance but shows the kids behind the talent too.
Anyone who loves dance should run out to rent this one but also consider if you like a well-done documentary - solid A
I feel that this film does what a great documentary should do - draw the viewer into a world he/she is not a part of and make that viewer care about the subjects. "First Position" does just that by bringing the viewer into the world of the six young dancers, all of whom are under 19 years old. The level of talent among the film's subjects is just amazing but more than their obvious talent the film also delves into their personal commitment to dance and especially in the case of the youngest ones their families' commitment too. Beautifully done this film dazzles with top-notch dance but shows the kids behind the talent too.
Anyone who loves dance should run out to rent this one but also consider if you like a well-done documentary - solid A
Movie Review: Burning Man (2011)
"Burning Man" is an Australian film about a chef named Tom (Matthew Goode) who is burning with anger and pain almost literally. His emotions get the better of him in many situations including ones at work and with family and friends. The storyline is presented with scenes completely out of order so the audience sees many of Tom's struggles and blow-ups before having enough information to piece together the source of the character's pain.
This film has some beautiful moments and I liked the artistic choice of telling the story out of order. Goode does his best with the material while Bojana Novakovic did a beautiful job in her supporting role as well. The film is bogged down by all the sex and language in it but more than that it's an issue with the development of the main character. Even once I figured out the real story, I still had trouble with "Tom" because he's written so over the top that it's difficult to feel the level of empathy that I feel I should have.
This one could've been better though it does have some bright spots - C-
This film has some beautiful moments and I liked the artistic choice of telling the story out of order. Goode does his best with the material while Bojana Novakovic did a beautiful job in her supporting role as well. The film is bogged down by all the sex and language in it but more than that it's an issue with the development of the main character. Even once I figured out the real story, I still had trouble with "Tom" because he's written so over the top that it's difficult to feel the level of empathy that I feel I should have.
This one could've been better though it does have some bright spots - C-
Sunday, February 17, 2013
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-
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-
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
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