Movie reviews from Tyler Wilson, film critic at the Coeur d’Alene Press.
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 »
Perhaps it’s unreasonable to expect anything but “more of the same” from any Hollywood sequel. In the cases of “Kung Fu Panda 2” and “The HangoverPart II,” both technically deliver more of what made the original films successful with audiences. The difference is the execution. Where “Panda” works hard to bring something fresh and energetic to the screen, “The Hangover” falls flat retracing its own steps.
Tale of two sequels: ‘Panda’ delivers while ‘Hangover’ crashes Read More »
Back in 2003, the concept of a theme park ride turning into a multi-billion dollar movie franchise sounded ridiculous to every sane person on the planet. Yet, “Pirates of the Caribbean” continues to dominate the box office. Most of the credit has rightfully gone to star Johnny Depp, who has played the mischievous Captain Jack Sparrow through four installments, including
A partial defense of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ sequels Read More »
First, the bad news: Liam Neeson beats up fewer people in “Unknown” than he did in his 2009 hit “Taken.” Even with the smaller bodycount, the 58-year-old Neeson proves his unlikely stint as action hero is no fluke. “Unknown” may borrow heavily from better thrillers, but it has enough suspense and smarts to keep an
Action hero Liam Neeson? ‘Unknown’ is proof Read More »
The concept of Seth Rogen as a superhero in “The Green Hornet” isn’t so far fetched once you realize he wrote the script for himself. Together with his “Superbad” writing partner Evan Goldberg, Rogen drafts “The Green Hornet” much like his previous star-vehicles — the lead character is a pop-culture nerd/drunken man-child who rambles on
Relentless chatter stings ‘Green Hornet’ Read More »
Years from now, esteemed film scholars will decide the true great films from 2010. Until then, critics’ awards and Top 10 lists only give us an impulsive view of cinema in the past year. A Best-of list so soon after the new year can only be a gut feeling. With limited time and opportunity for
Best Movies of 2010 (First edition) Read More »
Big acting talent, unfortunately, doesn’t always transfer into quality entertainment. “Little Fockers,” the third installment in the popular comedy franchise, takes a once-fresh idea and smothers it to death. After eight years, Robert De Niro still questions Ben Stiller’s position in the Byrnes Family Circle of Trust. He spends most of the film “watching” poor
“Little Fockers” is focking stupid Read More »
Known for quirky comedies (“The Big Lebowski”), dark dramas (“No Country for Old Men”), and sometimes both combined (“Fargo”), the Coen Brothers have crafted “True Grit” as their most straightforward and mainstream film to date. It’s an entertaining yarn that executes all the classic Western elements and adds distinct Coen dialogue alongside a trio of
Coens do Western right with “True Grit;” performances power “The Fighter” Read More »
