The moody, violent “Drive” begins with the best single sequence on film in 2011. Ryan Gosling plays an unnamed driver for hire on what is, for him, a routine evening of evading police helicopters and squad cars. This isn’t a fast cutting car chase out of the “Bourne” franchise. The Driver takes the most logical […]
Stylish direction makes for a propulsive ‘Drive’ Read More »
After a summer of sequels and 3D adventures, fall is finally here and moviegoers will be treated to… more sequels and 3D adventures. Continuing franchises include “Sherlock Holmes,” “Mission: Impossible” and yet another “Alvin and the Chipmunks” nightmare, and everybody and their dog is experimenting with 3D technology, including directing greats like Martin Scorsese (“Hugo”)
Fall 2011 Movie Preview Read More »
So much for 3D being the savior of Hollywood. The major trend of summer 2011 has been the decreasing impact of the third dimension. Most every major release available in 3D this summer actually made more money from 2D presentations. Movie tickets aren’t so cheap anymore, and the added price of 3D isn’t exactly a
Summer 2011 recap: The death of 3D Read More »
Considering the “Planet of the Apes” franchise basically fizzled immediately following the 1968 original (then hit rock bottom 10 years ago with that atrocious Marky Mark remake), I was expecting “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” to be this summer’s most colossal bomb. Color me surprised. The new “Apes” film, technically a prequel to the original film, is one of the season’s most compelling spectacles. Using its special effects to compliment a story rather
‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ a pleasant surprise Read More »
You definitely get cowboys and aliens in the science-fiction/Western mash-up “Cowboys & Aliens.” You just don’t get much else. Despite a promising nighttime alien attack in the opening act, the movie stumbles into the dullest cliches of both genres. Harrison Ford, at least, brings his towering charisma to the proceedings.
‘Cowboys & Aliens’ can’t advance beyond its simple premise Read More »
After “Thor,” “X-Men: First Class” and Green Lantern” this summer, moviegoers might be experiencing a bit of superhero fatigue. Understandable, but “Captain America: The First Avenger” provides a fresh enough take on the genre to make one more trip to the big screen worthwhile this summer. Set during World War II and doused with the
‘Captain America’ is old-fashioned fun Read More »
In comedy, chemistry matters as much as the script. The dark comedy, “Horrible Bosses” has a the kind of thin, broad premise that wouldn’t work without the right group of actors. Luckily, comedy team-ups don’t get much better than Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day. “Bosses” focuses on three horrific boss-employee relationships. Nick (Bateman)
‘Horrible Bosses’ dark, crude and funny Read More »
The majority of “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” is an incoherent mess. Plot strands and characters (both human and robotic) are dangled on the screen for 90+ minutes, only to come together for a propulsive hourlong battle. The last hour, powered with excellent 3D special effects, is undeniably spectacular. Your patience for nonsense will be
Robots and logic collide in ‘Transformers’ sequel Read More »
As much as it pains me to say it, “Cars 2” isn’t up to the caliber of previous Pixar efforts. It’s their first feature film in 12 to cut corners in storytelling and character development. “Cars 2” will still satisfy kids and parents in need of a swift big screen adventure, and Pixar continues to render gorgeous visuals. Just don’t
‘Cars 2’ is Pixar-lite Read More »
J.J. Abrams, master of creating twisty television (“Lost,” “Alias”) and rebooting exhausted franchises (“Star Trek,” “Mission: Impossible III”) has now delivered the must-see blockbuster of the summer. “Super 8” delivers moments of spectacle and suspense but never forgets the fuel of any good movie – rich character detail. The 1970s-set story includes a spectacular train
Character, story and thrills: ‘Super 8’ does it all Read More »
