The Croods (2013)

An avant garde adventure of caricature cavemen that we can enjoy without taking them too seriously!

20^th Century Fox in association with DreamWorks Animation present…

Kirk DeMicco (Space Chimps) bumps head with Chris Sanders (How to train your Dragon) to co-write and direct this latest animated feature from DreamWorks! Originally title “Crood Awakening” (not bad with the pun) which was going to be featured by Aardman Animations a company that helped made clay animation films come to life like “Wallace and Gromit” and “Chicken Run”.

Set in the pre-historic times, a family of Neanderthals drastically tries to evade extinction from being stomped by mammoths, stung by giant mosquitoes, being eaten by any carnivorous living organism or being struck by the common cold which becomes overkill when you’re living in the age of pre-decongestant era!

The cast is lead by Nicholas Cage (Knowing) as the over protective father Grug who tries his best to salvage his family even just from their daily routines while his loving wife Catherine Keener (The 40 Year Old Virgin) who seems to step away from the lime light trying just to simply convey motherhood by being more open-minded and just reactive to what’s going on with the brady bunch!

The ever alluring even in this primordial age, Emma Stone (Easy A) is their eldest daughter Eep, the curious and adventurous sibling who brings constant dismay to her father. While the middle child is portrayed by Clark Duke (Kick-Ass) as the brainless Thunk, who gives just another supporting role to compensate and complete the interactivity between the brew. Randy Thom (The Incredibles) an Award Winning Sound Designer who compensates really well the younger daughter Ugga with her underdeveloped speech impediments!

Now, here is something that can be elaborated further! Ryan Reynolds (Safe House) plays fully-aware and inventor genius Guy with his side-kick pal a Sloth who is coincidentally named Belt! His character has the shared screen time to portray the love interest for Eep, to give the second act a bit more leverage and for the premise to move on to make good use of his God given talent. The once sought out comedian actor has been recently in the decline especially with his live action stints which turned for worst when he was casted as ill-fated “Green Lantern”. At least his animation projects are stepping off the bat (Turbo is coming soon) to make things more profitable for his acting career.

The cast was intended to be cohesive as possible but with others with a status quo of being well-known, the spotlight sharing was easily refined to have each character to be unique while others to have more screen time making the story more free flowing especially with Nicholas, Emma and Ryan. The main thing we can discuss here is it was simply a family entertainment, some comedic instances that was purely coincidental with its “well-thought” off script and screenplay. Although it never got out of the box when it comes to presenting an era as they were trying  to incorporate gimmickry in which one example was finding food to eat like “breakfast eggball”! (Ice Age anyone?)

As we can expect from animated film making, there are always ways and means to ante-up the game and although DreamWorks was able to instil a new franchise in the making, competition could never have been better with so much CGI being incorporated in animated and live action films today! To add, with Pixar from Walt Disney Studios, Blue Sky Studios anchors on 20^th Century Fox and Illumination Entertainment holds up the globe with Universal Studios. All of these companies have great influence in the market when it comes to providing certified hits in the box-office, although there should still be a need for a game changer that allows more elbow room in the closet (as pertained in my first paragraph).

With all its fan service goofy moments and aesthetically colorful and unique landscapes there is still something about The Croods that makes them successful in the movie going public, they do promote cohesiveness, the love-hate between parent and children dynamic was evident and the will to survive against all odds in spite of the trials a typical family from the pre-historic ages has to go through, The Croods seeks out other adventures as they ride -off into the sunset!

The A-Team (2010)

20^th Century Fox in association with Dune Entertainment, Top Cow Productions, Big Screen Productions, Stephen J. Cannell Productions, Ingenious Film Partners, Phoenix Film Partners and Scott Free Productions present…

As part of my military movie marathon, I found this story penchant in the field of soldier tactics, gallantry and hardware!!! Filled with action, thrills and comedy that makes it worth watching all over again!

Now, the film was based in an 80’s TV series that spawned so many fans in their 5 series in 4 years! I loved the show, it was like MacGyver but it’s 4 of them, from building new weapons, strategizing offensive and defensive parameters for the villains and maintaining that crazy camaraderie! It was centred on soldiers of fortune on the run from the government and helping those people who are being oppressed and in need.

Crossing paths was just the beginning of a bigger plan as Col. Hannibal Smith puts it! Making it more contemporary this was based on the Iraq war that occurred in the 90’s. The characters are all different signifying a specialization that contributes to the objectives of the mission taken.

Directed and providing Screenplay is Joe Carnahan (Smokin’ Aces) while Produced by cinema making legends Ridley Scott (G.I. Jane) and Tony Scott (Enemy of the State) and with Stephen J. Cannell who co –created the team with Frank Lupo. He was able to provide audiences well known hit TV series in the 80’s and 90’s like “The Greatest American Hero”, “Riptide”, “21 Jump Street”, “The Renegade” and my personal favourite “The Hat Squad”!

Let’s tackle the team…

The guy who still has a “hangover” with a former flame Bradley Cooper (Hangover) aka Lt. Templeton “Faceman” Peck for me was the breakout character, he was second in command, loves the excitement of given missions, covert ops and he knows what his doing, definitely more confident, aggressive and in spite of all that, still have his arms full of women (even if she has a girlfriend tormenting them).  Bradley is slowly making his was to be the next Hollywood star to look at having the potential to be the next leading man with the likes of George Clooney, Tom Cruise and even with Tom Hanks. Well diversed in every given role he plays, in the film he makes it easy playing a soldier that can be wild with his cohorts, drama in one corner with the love of his life (right!) and action all around is all in the days work!

Former MMA player Rampage Jackson’s (Midnight Meat Train) portrayal of the Corporal Bosco “BA” Baracus was mediocre, though he still managed to give the character justification being a tough guy with a lot of heart! He was struggling to take on arms or be at peace which he reflected more into Ghandi’s way of life but in the end he found his mojo (Mohawk) back! Anything that is mechanical he can make it work and he lives by the creed of pitying anyone who needs to know a little better!

The man who was supposed to wait for three years to get himself cured, newcomer Sharlto Copley (District 9) the most entertaining from the bunch, he is still the “Howling Mad” Murdock. A Captain with superb pilot skills, a genius (at least in his own right) and keeps the team knocking their heads off, especially with BA who he had stepped on the wrong foot to begin with! He gives life to the team whether through one sided jokes or just straight up annoyance.

One of film industry’s finest actors, Liam Neeson (Kingdom of Heaven) has always been a fan favorite talent that defines direction, very instinctive and with charisma. He takes care of his boys and making sure they are out of trouble. I’m just not crazy about his lines being repeated all the time. There was this scene where Hannibal Smith keeps on calling Lynch in a cargo container; I still kept on hearing Peyton Westlake aka “Darkman” which he played in the first film of the trilogy. That was weird and the same time funny surreal!

I find their screen dynamic very credible not just being soldiers at arms but rather as brothers looking out for each other. The film gives audiences the feeling of inconsistencies but not leaving behind its intended purpose of getting the mission done and as well as being entertained.

The supporting casts such as Jessica Biel (Stealth) was very much underrated but for me, both were exceptionally profound in the delivery of their characters! They were able to act it with admonition given the levity of the situation, more so Patrick Wilson (Little Children) more so Patrick Wilson (Little Children) a CIA Top Dog who is pompous prick and a spoiled brat who gets what he wants where he wants it, still being a villain was well accepted!

There were times that certain sequences were over the top (tank from the sky and cargo containers) but still were executed very well (thanks to CGI and Green Screen). It was well-paced, entertaining, funny and action oriented like the way it was planned!

Unfortunately that’s not how fans and movie goers reacted, stating that the film only earned 176 M worldwide with 110 M budget that speaks a lot for any upcoming sequels that could have been! Critics also were not helpful given that the premise was convoluted and without regard for character development. Seriously, what do these people want from an action film that is even derivative from the original series. I do understand how Dirk Benedict (Battlestar Galactica) reaction how he just cut from the film for about a few seconds emphasizing on no respect!

It would not be much of a concern because Col. Smith always takes the plan into consideration and nothing makes him happier than a plan that comes together!

The Lone Ranger (2013)

Hi-Yo White Spirit Horse take us away to the next reboot!

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures in association with Walt Disney Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Infinitum Nihil and Blind Wink present…

I could still remember my Father promising me to watch the film but became too tired and went to sleep while my Mother and Auntie absconded me to the cinema to watch the 1981 film “The Legend of the Lone Ranger”. Although I have not fully understood what the film was all about, the sense of a masked man with his side kick hunting bad guys has inclined me to believe that there were heroes who will save the day (and return from the dead) no matter the cost!

The prologue was set in 1933 where a child in a cowboy suit enters a miniature museum in a circus, the curious fellow actually awakens a seeming mannequin who was actually a worn out American Comanche Indian whose life has turned to the worst while reminiscing his adventures with his partner in crime fighting, as he tells the young boy that he was really hungry and to”never take off the mask”…

The legend of the law man from the west originated from a radio series who was created by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker that eventually spawned tv series both in live action and in animated form, films and even in comic books which also went through a handful of publishers from Dell Comics, Gold Key Comics, Hemmet’s Journal and Topps Comics were working to get the theme right but Dynamite Entertainment changed all that even giving The Texas Ranger an Eisner Award nomination in 2007. From so many reincarnations, Director Gore Verbinski (The Mexican) who also from the same minds who brought us the Academy Award Winner “Rango” unfortunately overused plots and ran out of steam from the seeming potential summer blockbuster!

You can actually see and feel the director’s penchant for comedic bantering between the protagonists let alone the action sequences that actually involves a follow through predicament after the other. More so, with all the ruckus, how could anyone survive being thrown hundreds of meters from a runaway freight train?

The western genre has been on a lockdown with lazy stories that incorporates vigilantism, supernatural stigma, futuristic hypocrisy and absurd technological advancements where studios and writers should rather focus on actual premises that validates historical accounts, to the men and women who contributed to building communities into states through developing business and partnerships while instilling the political as well as social responsibilities which made Americans known to the world even in this unforgiving era.

For a lead actor who hides in the shadows of his “supposed” sidekick, Armie Hammer (The Social Network) as John Reid, a lawyer turned spiritually ambiguous “Kemosabe” also known as “wrong brother”, the actor reminds me so much of Jason Segel and Brendan Fraser who are underrated in terms of delivering real, genuine acting and the thing is, I don’t question their comedy but I can only just see them as one trick ponies!

Armie had only a few films under his belt and so far he had not shown any improvement with his acting let alone his good looks and stature in which he was able to land the part of playing Batman in an unfinished Justice League movie. Same goes with his current role but without any backbone to give some it a little more levity with the audience. As stated earlier, his comedy is subpar let alone his delivery of characters being portrayed because I can still recall that The Lone Ranger is a class act with nerves of steel unlike his nephew’s great grandson!

The ever evolving and unorthodox Johnny Depp (The Pirates of the Caribbean) is Tonto the “foolish one”! The reliable actor who actually the only reason I watched this film but tagging along with Armie gets his mojos sober who reminds me of dumb super heroes that has better associates like “The Green Hornet” who by the way has the same last name. Johnny has always been a box-office magnet especially in his projects with Tim Burton but it had the same effect with Gore which only brings into presumption that the Western films are dried out of ideas.

While jumping the on the band wagon, long time collaborator Helena Bonham Carter (The King’s Speech) keeps her close working ties with Johnny and adding to the cast is veteran actor Tom Wilkinson (Batman Begins) as rich man Latham Cole who were just there for support nothing more. At least William Fichtner (The Longest Yard) playing heartless, cold blooded villain Butch Cavendish put up more of a fight when it comes to delivering the goods.

From the start, the film had continuous delays in terms of ownership, lead casts finishing their respective projects and production problems in shooting. There was even a crew member who died while making it worse, chickenpox spread at one point. But not all were on a negative stand point, while traversing west side states, with Cinematographer Bojan Bazelli (The Sorcerer’s Apprentice), he was able to at least give the film’s epic landscapes with much definition and authenticity from Utah down to New Mexico (you can learn from here…I’m looking at you Jon Favreau).

With all the depravity and unfortunate circumstances it may have generally affected the viewing public’s interest in spite of tagging it with the hugely successful “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise along with the director and one of the main characters. It was complete in a sense of making it entertaining for the whole family but with all the ideas being thrown in to make it a constructive output, it deteriorated further with its typical proclivities of a western actioner while delving into clichéd plot of hijacking, locomotive train wrecks, quick draws and the appeal of no one is above the law with the exception of masked vigilantes (and people who wears dead birds on their heads and incite it as fashion statement).

In the end, it had funny moments courtesy of Johnny and that was it! There was no sense of direction on how to deliver the story, it was confusing and a lot of unnecessary segments that makes the predetermined film too long while adding insult was the cast (not all of them) who were not actually needed since it was all about the redemption and seeking justice aspect that clouded everyone even for the spirit that miraculously shows itself out of nowhere…

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

“The Law of Celestial Mechanics dictates that when two objects collide, there is always damage of a collateral nature.”

Warner Bros. Pictures in association with Silver Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures present…

From the continuing saga of the “World’s Greatest Detective” comes the sequel A Game of Shadows! Based on the popular works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the film was derived extensively from the story “The Final Problem” where the Author had to finally end the adventures of his fictional super sleuth and focus on his day job! Instead, with the public’s clamor and his mother’s strong advice…thankfully the game is still afoot!

One of British’s finest Directors is Guy Ritchie (Rock N Rolla) who makes a fantastic comeback not just for the characters but also in providing a well-written juxtaposed continuity! Guy gives it a bigger and better plot sending the “original” dynamic duo to save Monarchs and their countries from coercion to start a war! He maximizes his entire repertoire to give the audience all the amenities of action, comedy, drama and mystery! For the latter, not that much comparing from the first film but it helps to send the message across the border that someone with wealth, power and a whole new level of intelligence asserts himself to entangle the whole world in utter chaos!

Storytelling were given insight by both husband and wife Kieran (Paperman) and Michele Mulroney, they were able to set the tone to further access the life of the Detective also, to target specific the anti-thesis that elaborates the story in a grander scale! Mixing the right type of dialogue, the Writers were able to deliver the unsuspected “oxygen contraption” in the nick of time!

Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) and Jude Law (Repomen) returns to the big screen from their 2009 blockbuster hit Sherlock Holmes! They reprise their roles as the eccentric Consulting Detective and the always loyal Dr. Watson. Their off-put chemistry seems to be the tagline for the story to be conceived only as “brotherly love” not to be detrimental; it works on a given layer (as long as it stays there!)

Robert makes his portrayal so easy, his wit and comedy never falls flat in delivery and to his overall performance! Another strong asset was his understanding of Baritsu, the self-defence martial arts captured in its best form from a camera’s point of view to the viewer! Jude on the other hand, has given the “side-kick” persona into the well received Doctor, inexplicably fascinated with Sherlock both as a partner in crime fighting and as a friend! On a side note, it comes to a point in time where one has to get married while the other will have so solve crimes on his own…or so it seems!

Professor James Moriarty, an enigmatic and ruthless criminal mastermind, a math genius and dubbed by Holmes as the “Napoleon of Crime”! He was born and raised with wealth which gave him the best education, derived from Scotland Yard’s own notorious criminal files, his name was Adam Worth and to another malicious Astronomer Simon Newcomb who likes to destroy other scientists’ reputation for his own benefit!

You would really despise Jared Harris (To the Ends of the Earth)as he is absolutely demented, he gives life to the “would be world conqueror” having spun the enormity of his web of diabolical proportions has made him “interested “ with his recent endeavors for the Detective’s mind to keep busy!

A little tit-for-tat with the thief for hire Irene Adler played by the always alluring Rachel McAdams (The Time Traveller’s Wife) which jumpstarted the premise and sets it in motion! Other supporting casts were extraordinary even for Stanley the Butler! Stephen Fry (V for Vendetta) is the aloof elder brother Mycroft Holmes, an indispensable chap from the British Government who Sherlock says has far more intellect than he is but rather being stagnant leaving his younger brother to always do the leg work while Moriarty’s ace assassin Col. Sebastian Moran played by Paul Anderson (A Lonely Place to Die) the best sniper in the British Army who served in Afghanistan and was given a dishonorable discharge which was not disclosed as of the moment!

The film was entertaining but got lesser approval ratings on its dragging back-story and escapades, which should have been focused on the “bigger fish to fry”! I can say it’s a let go seeing that there were instances that was not necessary to linger on; one example would be the lost brother segment and the gypsy encampment scenes! It had an intriguing start that gave emphasis on what was going on between countries on the verge of conflict and culminating it to a very profound, gasping for air ending!

From the original standpoint of the Author’s “Final Problem” narrative, it says that Holmes was attacked a few times which correspond to the movie’s sequences from the thugs getting beaten by Holmes, one of them was carrying a cosh or in modern times is called a nightstick and another was the cannon fired which brought down a wall and bricks which flung all over the place including to Holmes and Watson’s direction. The shoot out and mortar heavy scenes in the forest were amazing using slow motion capture to visualize the veracity of ballistics toring up trees and flesh makes the word “incoming” better suited to be left unsaid…and just run for your lives!

An inquiry or better yet a statement cannot be set aside seeing that both protagonists at the Switzerland Peace Summit were “dancing” together! Why would the Director and Writer’s imply on something that was not even mandated giving the film more speculation on the “bromance” of the two! Are they pouring more gasoline into the fire?

Cinematography was handled once more by French 1992 Academy Awards and BAFTA Winner Philippe Rousselot (The Big Fish) where he incorporates a hands down pivotal screen shots from Greenwich, London to Strasbourg, France that invigorates the senses while fan favorite 2008 Academy Award Winner Hans Zimmer (Batman Begins) brings in his usual bespoke sound combining the fancy saloon piano while giving it a “kick” through an upbeat tempo from the string section! Making it fast paced with a mystery being hefty on the background!

Recently, I concluded the two outstanding series of Sherlock on BBC TV which they have made it so seamlessly written and unique in its own way! Showing how Writers Mark Gatiss and Stephen Moffat pictured the powerful and moving climax of Moriarty and Holmes in the episode “The Reichenbach Falls” while Director Guy Ritchie version made it direct and personal coming from the original work.

It got me applauding even when a chess game being played suddenly been inclined into a verbal stand-off while preparing for the inevitable “physical prowess” between the rivalry of the greatest minds on the planet! I didn’t realize how they would be able to encapsulate the fight scenes with so much detail and excitement which makes it so palpable!

Garnering more than $440 million worldwide is a genuine feat to accomplish seeing that it presents a certified blockbuster coming from the recent winter holidays! After this, there were two significant stories that culminate the pre and post hiatus of Sherlock Holmes death which should be tackled in the coming sequels… a Hound and an Empty House wouldn’t you agree?

 

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

“Never theorize before you have data. Invariably, you end up twisting facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.”

Warner Bros. Pictures in association with Silver Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures present…

Based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s work on what transpired to be as the “World’s Greatest Detective”! Eccentric, true! Unconventional, absolutely! But most of all, one of the brilliant minds of his time! His character was given birth coming from idle days at the Author’s clinic located at Portsmouth, while waiting for customers; he would scribe his creation’s adventures and misadventures to pass the time!

His mentor from the university Joseph Bell was the progenitor, the image which Sir Arthur was trying to emulate for his new found hobby, having the same demeanor for intuition, deduction and inference and thus Sherlock Holmes was born to solve mysteries and fight crime as a Consulting Detective!

Running as if there was no tomorrow, Sherlock’s fleeting feet moves ahead from the Scotland Yard Police with two stern faced individuals who shows utmost concern on what they are up against! Yes, Sherlock Holmes is on the case! He needs to prevent a cult leader and practitioner of the paranormal from taking another victim but there is more to this mere supernatural forces alone…

Always full of energy, wit, courage and determination Sherlock Holmes is brought to life by Robert Downey Jr. (Zodiac) his portrayal could not have been taken better by another actor, he is passionate with his work  more so to his objective as a performer to his audience!  While the fast paced movements compliments the slow motion capture of “kicking ass 101” applying Baritsu to a given number of opponents, Robert’s fantastic display of choreography and understanding of the art has made these scenes flagrant and unforgettable!

His partner in “crime solving” is Dr. John Watson a former soldier who served in Afghanistan has made so much testimony for his roommate, friend and brother at arms! Jude Law (Contagion) provides not just bantering humor with his colleague but also pieces of advice and at times reprimanding for his unusual lifestyle!

Full of spectacular fight scenes and funny moments not just from the two protagonists but through the escapades they go to and the anonymities they need to solve before everything is too late! Having said, the performances of these two main protagonists were exceptional seeing that how someone like Holmes coming from his Bohemian lifestyle, vagrant and absurd has been changed into society’s respectable (almost) figures and this is thanks to the Doctor who seem undeterred to find a way (die trying) to at least sway the sleuth from living like a tramp and to add, avoid him from further experimenting on their dog!

No denying that he is one of the most sought out actors of this generation specifically playing the villainy of every hero, thwarting their efforts to seize the day until they all crash down to his will. Mark Strong (Robin Hood) does so impeccably his heinous crimes using both intellect and the dark arts of demonic rituals.

A thief, a friend and a lover Irene Adler is portrayed by Rachel McAdams (The Notebook) she has a penchant for stealing things even the heart of the Detective which makes him absolutely fascinated or even more, enamored by the young lass! Rachel exudes charisma, style and wit while trying to be a sincere while still acts as a double agent for a very influential figure.

The set-up in terms of timeline was very adequate, precise and concomitant from attire, manners not being flumped up in a narrowed down studio where a specific shot is just taken over and over again from the same stage. Even the Tower Bridge scenes were fantastic. Academy Award and BAFTA Winner Cinematographer Philippe Rousselot (The Tailor of Panama) has proven yet again to provide the audience sweeping scenes of the era while making it more appealing through seamless shots of old London!

It may seem farfetched seeing that it still did not contend to be the highest grossing films in the domestic front but it sure was a blockbuster in the box office upon reaching international shores reaching $524 million in its worldwide receipts. Surely a sequel is in waiting or rather someone is still not finished playing “games” with the Detective unless proven he is far better having the greatest mind in the world…or so it would seem!

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Why settle in being a hero for a day when we could live it for the rest of our lives?

Summit Entertainment and Mr. Mudd present…

The coming of age film was based on the epistolary novel by Stephen Chbosky with the same title. His book was published by MTV on February 1, 1999 and finally was able to acquire a go signal for the big screen with the help of Mr. Mudd a production company courtesy of its owners the multi-faceted John Malkovich, Lianne Halfon and Russell Smith that gave us the award winning “Juno” in 2007.

Stephen brought in the whole nine yards by not just being the Author of the book but also in terms of Directing and writing the Script which was great since it is very rare for an adapted screenplay to be handled personally by those who made the original piece. He was able to make extraordinarily intimate and carefree characters that blended well with the actual premise.

The story revolves around a boy who keeps track of his journal, expressing his thoughts and daily solitude to a certain anonymous friend. Meet Charlie Kelmeckis, a freshman who technically does have certain issues to settle and surviving his first year in high school was just the tip of the iceberg but will get into that in next pit stop. He is played by Logan Lerman (3:10 to Yuma) the actor and musician had a few minor roles before getting a break for stardom in “Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief”. I was ambivalent at first when I saw this newbie being given the spotlight from the aforementioned film which was mediocre written and worse it had pedestrian performances knowing the producers had high hopes with their so called “poor man’s Harry Potter”!

Logan rose up to the occasion as the soft spoken boy who only wanted was to be recognized of who he was, noting that he is exceptionally gifted in terms of his academics as well as a loving son and brother to his siblings. Still, while we graciously accept his timid demeanor and at times his gullibility, he does make amends in taking care of his family and protecting his friends. Even better is the triumvirate of co-stars manages to captivate audiences with the narrative that acts as a backdrop to its clear cut dialogue that is spontaneously human in all aspects.

Speaking of young talents, finally we can have a fresh air to breathe for the protagonists of the “Harry Potter” franchise! For them to have a different type of project and explore more their potential as Emma Watson (My Week with Marilyn) moves away from wands and magic spells to place her current leading man Charlie under her charms! As the groovy high school senior exhibits her acting prowess as Sam promiscuously  beautiful as she is ambitious living her life to the fullest especially with her half-brother Patrick played by Ezra Miller (We Need to Talk About Kevin) who has a knack for watching football games while still trying to graduate due to a bottleneck with Mr. Callahan’s class. Another “diamond in the rough” coming from his unforgettable portrayal of Kevin who massacred high school students is his previous film.

While juggling high school and extra-curricular theatre plays, it gets even a little crazier at times due to unavoidable circumstances where you try to hide the skeletons in your closet and yet it would not be a hindrance to cope if you know who your true friends are and this is where we change gears and see the actual lives of these adolescents come into fruition!

Supporting casts like Kate Walsh (Under the Tuscan Sun) and Dylan McDermott (Three to Tango) plays Charlie’s parents who were brought in just to fill in the roles nothing much was considered for the part except that they were utterly supportive, generous and caring (except the swearing after saying grace). While out of the blue is comedian Paul Rudd (I Love You, Man) as Mr. Anderson (not the chosen one) who provide a little more encouragement to Charlie’s intellect and “student to his teacher” affection.

Though not included in this year’s concluded awards, it still deserves to be in this month’s review.    I consider this as an amalgamation of sorts with award winning films like “Dead Poets Society”, “With Honors”, “Scent of a Woman” and even “Patch Adams” which were all about learning not just from school undertakings but from life’s experiences, finding a place in this world where people are bounded by family issues, peer pressure, dealing with relationships, sex, drugs and alcohol that we encounter growing up and the happiness that everyone longs for at the end of every journey! The principal casts: Logan together with Emma and Ezra were truly all commendable providing genuinely crafted portrayals which interestingly had all the elements that make it really worth watching and as it starts to be a certified cult phenomenon that will be remembered for the years to come.

Goon (2011)

Hi, my name is Doug, it was nice to beat you…up!

No Trace Camping, Caramel Film, Inferno Pictures Inc., Don Carmody Productions in association with Magnet Releasing present…

To get the sports adrenaline running for the Winter, we start off with this “knock-out” comedy hit that will get the “slap” out of you and you’ll still laugh while bleeding incessantly! (now wipe your nose)!

Everyone loves sports and for Canada its Ice Hockey!

Distribution and Studio owners Todd Wagner and Mark Cuban who is also the owner of the 2011 NBA World Champions Dallas Mavericks lend their financial capacities to get the this show on the road! This film was even poured in literally by actual Canadians from the Director, its writer and actors as well. It’s like a Canadian Mob ring here!

Directed by Michael Dowse (It’s All Gone Pete Tong) with Writers Jay Baruchel (The Sorcerer’s Apprentice) and Evan Goldberg (Superbad) gives the film a piece of everything (even drama) but seriously it was overbearing to say the least the cursing used and the violence while instilling the laughs courtesy of Seann and the gang!

Coming from a long line of comedy flicks, Seann William Scott (Dude, Where’s my Car?) known for his crazy antics and trying his best to get laid in the successful film franchise American Pie! His name is Doug “The Thug” Glatt and everyone wants to be somebody but with this guy, anything he would gladly accept wholeheartedly as long as he’s appreciated…even just for a little bit! A Bouncer trying to live his life to the fullest and to at least give some positive impression for his parents especially to his Father who is a Doctor while hurting more his ego is his brother who is also in the same field of expertise!

One of the best in the business, He’s a Singer, Writer, Producer, Musician, Director and an all around comedian! Eugene Levy (Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd) is another Father figure to a “trying hard son” while he is also an alumni for the American Pie films his working relationship with Seann could never be better! People may never get the anticipation for this actor just to pop up in the film just to humiliate the kids while trying his best to make them look good even makes them more reason to be embarrassed!

Theatre Actress Alison Courtney Pill (Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen) is the kind hearted Eva who sees Doug more than the meets the eye! She makes his life easier in spite of all the heartbreak from the man who just wants to be accepted and loved.

On the other hand, the man brings in his animosity (ahhh, Sabretooth!) to his opponents in the ice making himself an “Enforcer” to reckon with! So does his moniker, “The Boss” seemed fitting to his visceral psyche for violence! Adrenaline rush, that is what he provides to his fans and he would not want it any other way, Liev Schrieber (Defiance) plays Ross “The Boss” Rhea the toughest, meanest, dirtiest player who ever stepped in the ice rink! Liev has been in a number of films that provokes genuine, well rounded performances, noteworthy and diverse! From action thrillers, war and psychological dramas which brings a certain kind of talent to become so low and go down…

The sport was described to be “full contact” under to no circumstances players will be setting on the ice without the proper gear to receive the blows intended or not intended!  Rules and calls were continuously changed to adjust on how the game is played in contrast to how the game should be officiated!

Definitely this is not for your typical “teenager” who supported the “Mighty Ducks” series! Cursing was always part of the dialogue thanks to Mr. Buchanan! Almost every scene in the rink involves “vulgar display of power” coming from Pantera’s classic album! Alcohol, Drugs, Sex and a piss hole was also thrown in! While the story permeates comedy with all the rough housing but with a bit of drama and tainted with the blood of every pummeled individual who cross paths with “Mr. Nice Guy” and a so called “Boss”!

Seriously what do you get from this film? Simple, guys like Doug don’t have a life…they literally fight their way to get out of their rotting hell hole. The worst part is when no one else is going to back you up not even from your family who sees you only as a failure and a disgrace. The onset of making the film entice the audience from both genders while combining sports with performers having issues even more it gets the ladies to jump in because of the sentimentalism effect brought in! A guy who just needs to be understood and accepted!

Rango (2011)

A green reluctant hero…but he’s sometimes orange, purple, yellow or blue. But no matter what color he’s in, he’s definitely the one who will light the way in our darkest hour!

Paramount Pictures in association with Blind Wink Productions, Industrial Light & Magic, GK Films and Nickelodeon Movies present…

People are talking, discussing, debating on what great films are in for the week, they even mentioned a certain superhero in Green…

Calling the Owl Amigos…music please!

Introducing Rango!!!

The film starts off with Rango with friends (ehem!) doing a play or whatever fills his void, floats his boat! His monologue of his adventures was one of the best I’ve seen, until the accident gave him the real adventure he was looking for! While trying to stay alive and conversing with an old armadillo named Roadkill voiced by Alfred Molina (Nothing Like the Holidays), he wanders off to the desert searching for his destiny.

Funny thing it was raining, water from the sky to cool down the drenched, dried out town called Dirt! A town where everyone believes his stories and truly adores him. Now, after recently defeating his “fearful” adversary he was assigned as top dog and guard the security of the town…little does he know what he’s in for!

I was even rewinding the film from the first parts since I was bellowing in laughter from the scenes where he first met the Predator! I even find its antics and facial expressions so funny while running after its meal! Mind blowing action sequences it even gives the real feel of the Wild West, bad guys taking over the town, a hesitant hero trying to blend in and saving the day!

Truly a chameleon, Johnny Depp (Alice in Wonderland) exudes with brilliant performance as always, truly he belongs to the A list in the acting business. He portrays Rango, a light hearted, witty, unwavering and the unluckiest (luckiest for my two cents) reptile that I’ve seen in my entire life! He’s so funny and he’s not even trying and that’s the best part! I only did find it a bit odd his voice resembled to another green character…a frog that is. Forget about that, he’s an “actor” and he loves the adulation of the masses!

A round of applause for the supporting cast indeed! Ned Beatty (Shooter) as the scrupulous and malevolent Mayor, Isla Fisher (Confessions of a Shopaholic) plays Beans, the damsel in distress, Timothy Olyphant (Hitman) plays Clint Eastwood… I meant the Spirit of the West, a small part but gives more meaning to Rango’s mission and epiphany.

I also find it unlikely for him in doing voice acting in animation but hey everybody jumps in the wagon one of these days and fan favorite Bill Nighy (Underworld) plays Rattle Snake Jake whose villainy and legend is outclassed only by the town’s swashbuckling Sheriff.

Music was dead spot on courtesy of the ever spontaneous Hans Zimmer (Black Hawk Down) invigorating and complimentary in every scene in the film! I even liked the “Valkyrie” moments knowing who will die and survive will be for the bats to decide!

Directed, Produced and Co-written by Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean) and soon The Lone Ranger, talk about a one man show! Very detailed, fluid and barrels of laughs and action! There was never a dull moment, great animation, great cast and delivery and most especially worth watching over and over again!

Amazing animation! I really thought the weather ruined my day or was it luck after all that I was able to watch one of animation’s greats for a long time running! Of course who can forget the Owl Amigos (that’s how I call them), I do recall the same music theatrics dynamic from a previous film “There’s Something About Mary”! But hey, the show must go on what can I say.

Oh, by the way, this fellow doesn’t even need a ring to illuminate himself to become a hero! He does not even have a name but deep down he knows who he is, definitely a hero in my books!

Puss in Boots (2011)

You had me with “meow”…well, almost!

Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Animation present…

As we grew up following tales of nursery rhymes and creatures from far, far away, here is an animated comedy adventure that branches off from the film franchise which obviously got the best of the ambivalent Ogre! By the way, after all that has been said and done, Shrek who? Directed by Christopher Miller (Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas) A DreamWorks mainstay who actually got into very single project that the studio released! Seeing that most of them were blockbuster certified however, this latest project still had more claws to show besides its undeniable cuteness!

The “Dance to the Death” as if these two weren’t doing the “tango” and the “cha cha” years ago! It was nice to see them back working together again! Salma Hayek (Desperado) she did sound different with a deeper voice just to compensate her alluring charm. She provided the voice for Kitty Softpaws a thief who has the uncanny ability to take away anything without you noticing it and that’s because she has no claws! While the swashbuckler as he is, Antonio Banderas (The Legend of Zorro) as the protagonist of this misdirected adventure, introducing Puss in Boots! His wit and dashing adds already to his fervor antics and you’ll never go wrong with this cat whose “lives” had been lost due to his orphaned life and treacherous origins! His journey will make him the hero that he was meant to be while trying to get away from a former life that he wants to redeem for the longest time! Both of the main performers were easy on the eyes since they have this dynamic chemistry already but anyone can still be buried by a poor script which is not only one dimensional but at the same time has a slow pacing that keeps the story dry.

The story was quite predictable to say the least seeing that “what comes around goes around”! It really had a simple premise leading to the climactic duel, but it was the delivery of Antonio and Salma synchronized with the movements, gestures and expressions of the two leading kitty cats that made it stand out as a film! While both have their attributes since he has a superpower which can make you do whatever he pleases, but all heroes have their weaknesses which is until someone shines a mirror on a wall to easily give in to his playful yearnings!

Here comes the very annoying Zach Galifianakis (Hangover) again he sounded different here just like Salma did! Stereotyped to make any portrayals that he accepts to do to be the same old nuisance as repeatedly done over and over again in his previous films. The cat had me going for the first 30 minutes but when Mr. Egghead came in, all came falling down! The character he portrayed felt like he was just there to insult Puss and not just for the leading characters but also for the whole plot of the film. You don’t get his intentions whether he is bad or good, betrayed or guilt ridden it was his own fault so he does need to let it go of the past!

So from here we introduce Billy Bob Thornton (Eagle Eye) and Amy Sedaris (Jennifer’s Body) as a pig loving couple (literally) who does get the “magic beans” long sought out by the oblong quasi-villain. Their performances were absolutely forgettable, pathetic and there was no actual reason why they were still needed to be on the film. Humpty Dumpty should have been the main villain if weren’t for his conscience kicking him in! They were there just to deliver the package and that’s it!

On the Production end, the animation was partly done in India where DreamWorks the “Mother Goose” company where it cites that outsourcing was cheaper and also to compensate for the lack of people doing a number of films for the year. Not that it’s bad since it does help gain access to the growing sector of animators and seek out still the best in the field.

It doesn’t need to exacerbate the whole storytelling since it was really hilarious watching a cat do his little things and still save the day! It even became more inclined with an action paced setting that had to be dragged for so long just to get the things going. The film does have its moments considering that it was nominated for Best Animated Picture in the Academy Awards while garnering blockbuster receipts with a worldwide total of 554 million! Chris and Executive Producer Guillermo Del Toro (The Hobbit) has already planned drafting scripts for a sequel which can easily be one of the go-getters for the children to be excited about.

Well, the same goes with this types of animation, you have a hero, a woman to love (well not all are damsels in distress), a villain and an epiphany that comes along with his crusade for justice and a half glass of milk…

Now quit staring at me with those puppy eyes…you silly Pussy Catto!

We’re the Millers (2013)

While the comedy hurts rock bottom the family values remain “high”!

Warner Bros. Pictures in association with New Line Cinema, Newman/Tooley Films, Slap Happy Productions, Heyday Films, Vincent Newman Entertainment and Benderspink present…

Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber (The Mysteries of Pittsburgh) with Screenplay and Story from Bob Fisher and Steve Faber of the infamous “Wedding Crashers”! The Director can do only so much and even with huge pool of talent in his backyard the film was only able to provide moments of chaos, ostensible adlibbed script and a premise that was forceful and forgettable! With the two “cohesive” writers add so much color to their work in giving a very delectable script that focuses on excessive sexual innuendo, lots of cursing and worse, in-depth drugs and illegal immigrant concerns from the south of the border where they actually serve as humor for everyone to see!

As on-going collaborations do count for hype purposes especially from great talent can be infectious and for the Miller’s I was really expecting this film to be another comedy hit since it reunites the critically panned but a box-office success “Horrible Bosses”! With stars like Jason and Jennifer at the forefront this time around and hauling two juvenile delinquents to cover their tracks as a squeaky clean family then you’re in for a treat or not depending on your preference!

When I saw the trailer, I thought this is going to be a riot since it always does show good parts but it tends to ruin it on the long run where there is just a limited amount of gags or punch lines just to entice the movie going public.  So without further ado…here are The Millers!

A fully pledged small time drug dealer Jason Sudeikis (Horrible Bosses) topbills this comedy flick as David Clark who runs out of luck when his apartment was mugged of his “stash and cash” and now needs to repay his filthy rich “Orca” owning double crosser and supplier Brad Gurdinger played by Ed Helms (The Hangover) by going to Mexico and bring back to the United States a ton load of marijuana!

So what do you do? You bump in to your neighbor who is actually a professional stripper and so you ask her to be your lawfully wedded wife, just kidding people no harm in dreaming! You try to convince her to get you out of a pickle by “pretending” to be the love of your life. Jennifer Aniston (The Good Girl) portrays Sarah O’Reily who coincidently gets evicted by her landlord and needs some extra dough or she’ll end up living in the streets like our next star…

With kids like Emma Roberts (It’s Kind of a Funny Story) and Will Poulter (The Son of Rambow) you’ll never have to worry about bad parenting! Emma has gone a long way and with genes running through her veins from well renowned Father Eric Roberts and his sister Julia Roberts what more can you ask for? She already has a very nice resume coming on her own to be distinguished as one of today’s rising stars, she can never go wrong well at least for the projects that she chooses from here on.

Her role was to play a runaway homeless teenager who has more guts than the boy who lives next door but everyone still needs food and shelter to survive this cruel world! While her right off the mill “brother” gets on the band wagon just because he’s the nicest kid on the block well, until he learned to count from one to three! The fabulous four come into terms just to get out of their own respective predicaments and find a way to survive their road trek ordeal.

But wait there’s more, it’s not enough that Pablo Chacon a Mexican Drug Lord played by Tomer Sisley (Sleepless Night) chases his “supply” around with his one eyed friend. The Millers also tailgates an obnoxious couple Nick Offerman (The Kings of Summer) and Kathryn Hahn (Step Brothers) plus their endearing daughter played by “Supergirl” Molly Quinn (The First Time) and you have the Fitzgeralds’ Don, Edie and Melissa! A kind family that is composed of a DEA Officer, an over eager Mother and a daughter who just wants to fit in a society where you can be called normal!

Jason still lights up that flair as he always have giving some levity to the dynamic between characters and for being the “padre de familia” with Jennifer by her side, she still needs to prove some box-office worth given in the last few years she has not been into a lucrative motion picture deal that the audience wants to talk about at least for the next twelve months or so! She kind of gotten stiff with all those years being wit h “Friends” and with whole lot of rom-coms that actually didn’t work makes it more interesting for her to find some form of life in her acting career! Emma on the other hand gives little credit for her role which she has done dozens of times before using brains and sarcasm to win her day and finally, for Will who by the way steals the show in his own sort of way by being in every ludicrous scenario which were either awkward, laugh out loud funny and genuinely sincere (awww!).

So verdicts says, it had its absurd with over the top shoehorned moments that just needs to be there to fill up character interactivity. To add more insult, it had a star studded ensemble that was wasted with its thinly written script and jokes that has a “been there done that” convolutedness. But on the “greener” side of things, it had good intentions to finish off the film in spite of not being officially off the hook when the primary cast was last seen to be seemingly having a happy life in a family oriented neighborhood for the next three to six months! Here’s mud in your eye…