By Gerald Wright
*More film reviews by Gerald Wright on http://www.hdfest.com/ (Movie Reviews), http://www.rottentomatoes.com/user/203953/blogs/ (Film Reviews) & http://www.criticalwomen.net/ (He Said-She Said Reviews)
FILM RATINGS ranging from "A" - "D"
"BRUNO"
Directed by: Dan Mazer
Running time: 83 minutes
Release date: July, 10, 2009
Genre: Comedy
Distributor: Universal Pictures
MPAA Rating: R
Sacha Baron Cohen portrays Bruno, a gay fashionista from a German speaking country. His mission is to become the biggest Austrian celebrity since Adolf Hitler. His strategy is to crisscross the globe in the hopes of finding fame and love.
This is another stinging dose of sociopolitical satire in this comedy that finds him assumming the persona of gay fashionmonger Bruno, the self-proclaimed "voice of the gay Austrian fashionable youth".
This film is to push the limits of humor, however the majority of the jokes fall flat. Cohen's character Bruno takes on interviews with celebrities to place them in uncomfortable situations. In some cases the pranks did raise a laugh, however in other scenes I found it to be banal.
His sidekick in this farce is Lutz (Gustaf Hammarsten) who is the straight-man in the joke sequences and a gay admirer of Bruno. Hammarsten and Cohen lack comedic timing in many scenes which prevents this movie to take an upward direction. Unfortunately, the plot tumbles downhill in too many scenes.
This is a film to see the flamboyant Bruno take his show to America, however he missed his landing by a few miles.
FILM RATING (C)
"DEAD SNOW"
Directed by: Tommy Wirkola
Running time: 91 minutes
Release date: June 19, 2009 (NY), June 26, 2009 (LA)
Genre: Art Foreign, Horror and Thriller in Norwegian with English subtitles
Distributor: IFC Films
MPAA Rating: N/R
Co-writer Tommy Wirkola puts emphysis on the good old slasher flicks where the viewers are prompt to jump in their seats and scream.
In this gore fest flick a group of friends are off on a Easter vacation to a cabin with skis, snowmobile, tobaggan, copious amounts of beer and a fertile mix of sexes. Martin, Roy, Hanna, Vegard, Liv, Erland and Chris certainly had anticipated not returning home live. However, the Nazi-zombie battalion is haunting the snowy mountains and in an old concentration camp named Oksfjord they are lurking and waiting for humans.
A shady wanderer tells the vacationers the story of how in 1945 the townspeople were attacked by the German soldiers. The soldiers raped and pillaged with sadistic zeal, until the people got tired of it and armed themselves and rid the Germans from their homes. All but, Colonel Herzog and some of his men who escape into the mountains where they became the frozen death or in this case frozen living dead.
This is classic gore gallore and chiller thrills.
FILM RATING (B)
"UP"
Directed by: Pete Docter & Bob Peterson (co-director)
Running time: 104 minutes
Release date: May 29, 2009
Genre: Computer-animated 3D
Distributor: Pixar/Walt Disney Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG
Carl Fredrickson (voice of Edward Asner) spent his entire life dreaming of exploring along with his wife Ellie (voice of Elizabeth Doctor - director's daughter). Now retired and living with the death of his wife the 78 year old retired balloon salesman sees life passing him by. Until one day he meets a persistent 8 year old Junior Wilderness Explorer named Russell (voice of Jordan Nagai). He accompanies Carl in a flying house in order to assist the ederly to earn his merit badge.
The two are the most unlikely companions, however in this spectacular animated film in the family of Pixar's movie hits of Ratatouille, Wall E, Cars and Toy Story, the Pixar's first feature 3D Carl and Russell go on a action adventure that is a marvel to the eyes. Supporting cast voices include Christopher Plummer, John Ratzenberger, Delroy Lindo and Jerome Rauft.
This is a possible early Oscar nominee.
FILM RATING (A+)
"DRAG ME TO HELL"
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Running time: 96 minutes
Release date: May 29, 2009
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Thriller
Distributor: Universal Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director Raimi best known for the Spider-Man triology and the Evil Dead series brings a disturbingly scary tale of a woman's desperate quest to break an evil curse.
Christine Brown played brilliantly by Alison Lohman is an ambitious L.A. loan officer at a local bank where she competes feverously for an assistant manager position. She finds comfort with her charming boyfriend, professor Clay Dalton (Justin Long). Life is good until the mysterious Mrs. Ganush (Lorna Raver) arrives at the bank to beg for an extension on her home loan. Christine wanting to impress her boss Mr. Jacks (David Paymer) denies the loan and shames the bizarre Mrs. Ganush.
In retaliation the old woman places a powerful curse of the Lamia on Christine, transforming her life into a living hell. The rest of the plot is a great amount eerie sequences that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. With the addition of a mystical psychic named Rham Jas (Dileep Rao) the film takes on a venture of evil forces and a path of breaking free of the curse.
This is good stuff.
FILM RATNG (B+)
"BIG MAN JAPAN"
Directed by: Hitoshi Matsumoto
Running time: 113 minutes
Release date: May 15, 2009
Genre: Art/Foreign, Comedy, Action/Adventure, Horror, Science Fiction, Animation and Fantasy (Japanese with English subtitles)
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG-13
In this alternative comedy with a mixture of horror, science fiction, horror and animation Magnet Releasing's Six Shooter Film Series is from the vanguard of quality Asian cinema.
As a spoof with throwback scenes of the 1950's giant monster flicks, this story is about a middle-aged slacker living in a rundown, graffiti-ridden slum, Daisata's (Hitoshi Matsumoto) job involves being shocked by bolts of electricity that transform him into a stocky, stick-weilding giant several stories high who is entrusted with defending Japan from a host of bizarre monsters. while his predecessors were national heroes, he is a pariah among the citizens he protects, who bitterly complain about the noise and destruction of property he causes.
What adds the silliness to this spoof is the problems Daisato has with an media agent sponsoring him with advertisements, an Alzheimer afflicted grandfather who transforms into a giant superhero (in dirty underwear) and a family who is embarrassed by his often cowardly exploits.
When thinking of "off the hook" movies - this is it.
FILM RATING (B+)
"JERICHOW"
Directed by: Christian Petzold
Running time: 89 minutes
Release date: May 15, 2009 (NYC & LA)
Genre: Art/Foreign, Drama and Romance (German with English subtitles)
Distributor: The Cinema Guild
MPAA Rating: Not rated
This is a subtle yet poignant film with opening scenes that resemble a character study. However the story develops into a strong ensemble plot of three characters.
Jerichow is a small town in northeastern Germany. It is an impoverished region where few jobs are to be had, an area of crisscrossing highways, deep forests, and cliffs that fall sharply into the sea.
Following his mother's death, Thomas (Benno Furmann), a former soldier who has been dishonorably discharged from the army, returns to his hometown. He has inherited his mother's house and plans to renovate it and look for a job.
One night, Thomas meets Ali (Hilmi Sozer), a Turkish immigrant who owns a chain of snackbars in the area. Ali is suspicious of the people who work for him, however he takes an unusual liking to Thomas. Ali offers Thomas as job as his driver and assistant. The problem is Ali's attractive German wife, Laura (Nina Hoss) who treats Thomas with disdain. Thomas notices the strained relationship of Ali and Laura and predictably a situation arises when Thomas and Laura begin an affair.
This may sound like a simple story of adultery, but it is not. The brilliant performances by the ensemble masterfully puts together an intriguing story that has a challenging finale.
FILM RATING (A)
"THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT"
Directed by: Peter Cornwell
Running time: 92 minutes
Release date: March 27, 2009
Genre: Horror and Thriller
Distributor: Lionsgate/Gold Circle Films
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Reminiscent of the Elm Street film series The Haunting in Connecticut is based on a a chilling true story that charts one's family's terrifying, real-life encounter with dark forces of the supernatural.
When the Campbell family to an upstate Connecticut home, they soon learn that their Victorian house has a disturbing history. The Campbells consist of the father Peter (Martin Donovan) a recovering alcoholic, Sara (Virginia Madsen) the mother, Matt (Kyle Gallner) a teenage son suffering from cancer, younger son Billy (Ty Wood), older teenage cousin Wendy (Amanda Crew) and her younger sister Mary (Sophi Knight).
The family finds out that this house is a transformed funeral parlor where inconceivable acts occurred such as meetings of the owner's clairvoyant son Jonah (Erik Berg) served as a demonic messenger, providing a gateway for spiritual entities to crossover. However, ghostly Jonah now wants to communicate with the unsuspecting Campbells.
With slow plot development and a standard horror theme Virginia Madsen should have turned this part down. The scare scenes barely gave any shocks or chills, however it is just a horror film that is what an immature audience would enjoy. I found it predictable and boring.
FILM RATING (D)
"MADEA GOES TO JAIL"
Directed by: Tyler Perrry
Running time: 103 minutes
Release date: February 20, 2009
Genre: Comedy and Drama
Distributor: LionsGate Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG-13
In this multi-genre movie Tyler Perry portrays three characters (Madea, Joe and Brian). In the episode of the irreverent hell raising grandma gets arrested and must take anger management classes. After failing her class she is placed in jail and lobbies for her freedom.
The dramatic plot is led by Derek Luke as an A.D.A. Hardaway (asst. district atty.) who is on the fast track to career success. But Hardaway lands a case too personal to handle - defending a prostitute and former drug addict Candance Washington (Keshia Knight Pulliam) - and asks his fiancee' and fellow ADA Linda Holmes (Ion Overman) to fill in on his behalf. However, jealousy falls into play and Candance goes to jail and meets Madea.
With the unrealistic scenarios along with the substandard humor and dialogue this movie isn't worth the price of a ticket. The lame predictable plot lacked any sort of developement which left me watching a bad film.
This troublesome and thoughtless flick is not worth the time.
FILM RATING (C)
"PUSH"
Directed by: Paul McGuigan
Running time: 111 minutes
Release date: February 6, 2009
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy and Thriller
Distributor: Summit Entertainment
MPAA Rating: PG-13
The premise of PUSH is a world in which ordinary people capable of astonishing acts of clairvoyance, telekinesis and telepathy are teted and controlled by a secretive government agency.
The Division, a shadowy government agecy, is genetically transforming citizens into an army of psychic warriors and disposing of those unwilling to participate. The film gives a backstory of this originating during 1945 Nazi Germany's experiment camps to develop psychic warriors to beat the Americans and Soviets. Soon after the CIA picked up where the Nazis left off.
One young man Nick Grant (Chris Evans) is a second generation "mover" who could transport objects through space with his mind. He is hiding out in Hong Kong from the Division since the murder of his father more than a decade earlier. He has found sanctuary in this city where many possessing psychic talents, until he is found by 13 year old Cassie (Dakota Fanning) a "watcher" who has the ability to see the future. She details her visions on drawing pads and seeks help in finding Kira (Camilla Belle) an escaped "pusher" who is far more advanced than mere telepaths. Kira can plant ideas so powerful in a subjects mind that it is impossible to distinguishfrom actual thoughts and memories. However Kira is being sought by the Division's villianous super agent Carver (Djimon Honsou), who the man who killed Nick's father. This problem of everyone looking for Kira causes Nick and Cassie to go on the run.
The film is a basic chase thriller with rogue psychics helping Nick and Cassie while Carver and his band of agents close behind them. While in Hong Kong the Asian Mob want a piece of the action which gives the movie some flare. However, I could not get past the fact that Dakota Fanning who is a gifted actress seemed awkward at this age in her career. Similar to Shirley Temple making her transition from child star to teenage actress.
The intense sequences gave the film little excitement, but as a whole it is has a minimal amount of substance to entertain.
FILM RATING (C)
"MEMORIAL DAY"
Directed by: Josh Fox
Running time: 94 minutes
Release date: February 4, 2009
Genre: Documentary
Distributor: Artist Public Domain/International WOW Company
MPAA Rating: Not rated
This a film shot in an experimental format exposing those service people who pride themselves as "being all they could be". U.S. Army personnel (soldiers) who are a disgrace to their uniforms on and off duty during the War in Iraq.
A wild Memorial Day weekend takes an unexpected turn in this brutally thrilling roller coaster ride through over-exposed national obsessions. Watching this ferocious ensemble is reminiscent of a Spring Break.
Beginning as a rowdy beach weekend video, this weekend's twists and turns find the dark hearts of young Americans who live to tape their most debauched adventures. The characters are caught on camera as they create a sphere of provocation wherever they go. The 8 men and 3 women soldiers take on wild motel parties and disgraceful sexual acts. Intimidation of female soldiers to provoke sex with male counterparts is a norm.
When the group of soldiers return to duty in Iraq as Military Police, the film examines the cruel and demeaning treatment that they enjoyed placing on the so-call Iraqi prisoners in Abu Ghraib.
This is an incredibly compelling film experience, however not making a statement, but more of a portrait of American soldiers displaying deplorable acts against themselves and humanity.
FILM RATING (C+)
"THE UNINVITED"
Directed by: The Guard Brothers
Running time: 87 minutes
Release date: January 30, 2009
Genre: Suspense/Horror and Remake
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG-13
In this remake of the 2003 Korean horror thriller Changhwa Hongryon by Kim Jee-woon, Hollywood gives a superficial version of a young suffering from psychological problems and the death of her mother.
This film also known as, "A Tale of Two Sisters", Anna (Emily Browning) returns home after spending time in a psychiatric facility following the horrific fire caused death of her mother. All is not pleasant with her return home when she finds out that her mother's former nurse Rachel (Elizabeth Banks) is her father's fiancee'. Anna's father Steven (David Stratham) tries to be a good father, however it's difficult when his older daughter Alex (Arielle Kebbel) shows a dislike for Rachel. When Rachel tries to connect with the girls, the resentment turns to hate as Rachel tries to erase all traces of the family's past life. Past life brings out the ghost of Anna's mother who haunts her concerning the issues of her fire related death.
The subplot in this generic scare flick is the premise that everything is not want it appears to be, however the lack of inventiveness in this remake doesn't measure up to the original. Veteran actor David Stratham gives his all in this movie, but the ensemble's performances are as good as a Sci-Fi cable movie's calibre of performance.
I find it disgraceful for Hollywood to take good Asian Horror genre films and turn them into formula type "scare flicks". If it isn't broken - don't fix it. Please leave well enough alone.
FILM RATING (C-)
"TAKEN"
Directed by: Pierre Morel
Running time: 90 minutes
Release date: January 30, 2009
Genre: Drama, Action/Adventure, Art/Foreign and Thriller
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Espionage and the spy game is the plot in this emerging narrative. In the contemporary setting of the world, former government operative Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) begins the longest 96 hours of his life - - and hunts for the fearsome sex trade organization that has taken his daughter.
Mills had only given up his spy career to be near his daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) who lives with his ex-wife Lenore (Famke Janssen) and her new wealthy husband. Reconnecting with his daughter is difficult, however he's determined to win the affection of his now 17 year old little girl. However, Kim doesn't consider herself a little girl when plans a Paris vacation with her best friend Amanda Katie Cassidy). Mills is reluctant to give his permission to a minor to travel abroad, but gives in to her wishes with certain restrictions.
This film turns instantly turns into a Liam Neeson action vehicle as he hears by cell phone the abduction of his daughter from a Parisian hotel room by sex slavers. I could not get enough of the "over the top" car chase, martial arts, pistol shoot-out action scenes he goes through in retrieving his daughter. It is as if I was watching an older Jason Bourne's using all of his black ops training.
Supporting cast members Leland Orser, Jon Gries and Holly Valance seemed to be just added as background props in this film. They performed well in their limited roles, but the plot only allowed Liam Neeson's character to dominate the screen. His portrayal of a once special ops agent is a challenging role and he gives a terrific performance, however it's hard to grasp the idea that this older man can kick a much younger man's butt - or in this case many young men's butts at the same time. But that's Hollywood.
FILM RATING (C+)
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