Movie reviews from Tyler Wilson, film critic at the Coeur d’Alene Press.
Typically known for his methodical pacing and intimate scope, director Clint Eastwood begins his latest effort, “Hereafter,” with a terrifying action sequence. French journalist Marie (Cecile de France) is caught in a devastating tsunami. She dies, experiences something extraordinary, then is miraculously revived. Don’t fret. Eastwood hasn’t totally abandoned his filmmaking style. The rest of […]
‘Hereafter’ tedious look at afterlife Read More »
Old-timer CIA agents (Retired: Extremely Dangerous division) find themselves on the run from younger colleagues in “Red,” the action-comedy based on a lesser-known DC Comics series. Bruce Willis leads the group of retirees, which include Morgan Freeman, Brian Cox, and most memorably, Helen Mirren and John Malkovich. That premise, however, is deceptive, as much of
Old-timer heroes in ‘Red’ need an aspirin Read More »
Computer programmer isn’t the typical occupation of Hollywood’s heroes and villains. All the more reason “The Social Network” goes out of its way to blur the truth about the creation of Facebook. In what seems like an impossible feat for even the most talented filmmakers, director David Fincher (“Fight Club,” “Zodiac”) and “West Wing” writer
Truth unnecessary in gripping ‘Social Network’ Read More »
With his slick hair and gigantic cell phone, the Gordon Gekko of Oliver Stone’s original “Wall Street” was the villain who made it OK to think Greed is Good. Out of the slammer and plopped back into New York just a few months before the financial meltdown of 2008, the Gordon Gekko of Stone’s sequel
‘Wall Street’ sequel no match against original Read More »
Just like “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” the high school comedy “Easy A” has a random musical number with no real connection to the plot. There’s a lot of borrowing from other coming-of-age movies too, from “Say Anything” and “Sixteen Candles” to “Clueless” and even “Mean Girls.” The theft pays off because of “Superbad” alum Emma
Classic high school comedies an inspiration to ‘Easy A’ Read More »
Ben Affleck knows how to make gritty crime dramas about Boston. And how to pull fine performances out of established actors and newcomers with Boston accents. Maybe it’s just Boston, or maybe the star of “Gigli” really is an excellent filmmaker. After a sensational debut in 2007 with “Gone Baby Gone,” Affleck is back in
Ben Affleck is a great director. “The Town” proves it Read More »
The indie drama “Winter’s Bone” could induce chills in 100 degree heat. In an Oscar-worthy performance, newcomer Jennifer Lawrence stars as Ree, a desperate, hardworking teen living in the back-country and struggling to take care of her young siblings and mentally-disturbed mother. One day a police officer knocks on the door inquiring about her absent
‘Winter’s Bone’ led by engrossing Jennifer Lawrence Read More »
A romantic comedy like “The Switch” needs a fresh spin to survive the doldrums of late August. Accidental sperm donation, sadly, just isn’t enough. Jason Bateman stars as Wally, a likable hypochondriac who has long felt romantic feelings for best friend Kassie, played by Jennifer Aniston. Unlucky-in-love Kassie decides to have a baby by way
‘The Switch’ a pleasantly mediocre sperm movie Read More »
The gore. Oh my God, the gore. “Piranha 3D” is one of the bloodiest, most disgusting horror films ever made, and that’s saying something in the age of “Saw,” “Hostel” and the numerous other exploitative 80s-era remakes. “Piranha” is also, of course, presented in 3D, with various severed body parts constantly being tossed at the
‘Piranha 3D’ is bloody entertaining. Really. Read More »
Get to know the name Edgar Wright. He’s a cinema genius, and not enough people are seeing his movies. The British director has brilliantly skewered the zombie and buddy-cop genres with 2004’s “Shaun of the Dead” and 2007’s “Hot Fuzz,” respectively. His latest, “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” is a wildly inventive, funny and action-packed
‘Scott Pilgrim’ the first inventive comic book movie in years Read More »
