Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona are hardly missed in “Puss in Boots,” the “Shrek” spin-off featuring Antonio Banderas as the cunning feline hero. It doesn’t match the wit of the first two “Shrek” movies, but there’s enough fresh humor and colorful action for it to overtake “Shrek the Third” and “Shrek Forever After” in the […]
‘Puss In Boots’ joins competitive Animated Feature Oscar race Read More »
Reclusive filmmaker Terrence Malick tries to explain the meaning of all existence in “The Tree of Life,” a sprawling, non-linear drama now available on Blu-ray and DVD (but not on Netflix or Redbox until Nov. 8). The film enthralled some and frustrated more with its fragmented storytelling, minimalist dialogue and lengthy sequences in space and
Making sense of ‘The Tree of Life’ Read More »
In politics, loyalty is more important than doing the right thing. So says “The Ides of March,” the political thriller directed, co-written and co-starring George Clooney. Set during a Democratic presidential primary race, “Ides of March” doesn’t have a positive opinion on the business of politicking. Even the players who work with a self-established ethical
Beware of great acting in ‘The Ides of March’ Read More »
There are two halves to “50/50” that wouldn’t be very entertaining if they each expanded into its own full-length movie. A movie about fighting a rare form of cancer isn’t many people’s idea of escapist entertainment. And watching Seth Rogen laugh through yet another raunchy stoner comedy wouldn’t be so annoying had he not already
Cancer comedy ’50/50′ has humor and heart Read More »
Any movie that makes villains out of the New York Yankees is good in my book. “Moneyball” is about much more than baseball, though the central premise is excellent movie fodder: A small-market baseball team finds a unique way to compete against the high-payroll juggernauts of the league. Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane (Brad
‘Moneyball’ makes a thriller out of baseball statistics Read More »
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 »
