Author Archives: moviejoltz
Flash Movie Review: Real Steel
This movie threw me a sucker punch! For me, everything about it appeared to be a nondescript science fiction movie. Then how come by the end of it, I was cheering with a tear in my eye? Let me start with Hugh Jackman (X-Men franchise, Australia) playing deadbeat dad Charlie Kenton, a former boxer. Hugh is such an affable guy, even having rotten to nonexistent parenting skills, one cannot help but like him. When his son’s mother dies, the mother’s sister and husband want to take custody of the boy Max, played by Dakota Goyo (Thor, Resurrecting the Champ). Charlie cuts a deal with the husband to take the boy for the summer, for a lump sum of cash, before turning him over to the couple. Max knows his father was paid and from that point on, a hate/love tug of war ensues, as their love of boxing robots is the only common denominator between them. There is nothing great nor nothing sour about this film. It is a simple story that cannot help but give a little tug at your heart. A movie that is good for the whole family. And for those of you who remember, you may want to pull out the old Rock em Sock Em Robots that are stored up in your attic.
2 2/3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Sunshine Cleaning
Is there really such a thing as a normal family? Every family has its quirks and drama. In fact, I have attended or been part of many family dysfunctions. So picture this family: Father Joe Lorkowski, played by Alan Arkin (Get Smart, Little Miss Sunshine), sisters Rose and Norah, played by Amy Adams (Enchanted, The Fighter) and Emily Blunt (The Young Victoria, The Adjustment Bureau), respectively. Combine this wonderful cast with a good director, an original writer and what you get is a movie that has the flavor of an independent film, without falling into a mundane comedy. You may not necessary bust out with guffaws; but you certainly will be amused as you chuckle through the comedic levels into a deeper, darker base of drama. A well done movie about single parent Norah, a former head cheerleader, needing to raise money to send her son to private school, by attempting to start a biohazard removal/crime scene clean-up service with her unemployed sister. As the sisters clean up after the dead, they soon begin to delve into issues that have been buried deep inside themselves. This non-typical comedy is pretty special and well worth watching.
3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: The Great Debaters
My 7th grade teacher told me I would “amount to nothing,” when I told her I wanted to be a writer. I have since had a couple of stories published. In high school I flunked physical education class twice. Presently I am a yoga, cycle and group fitness instructor. My point is this: when you have a belief, follow it. Isn’t it better to have tried to accomplish something instead of wondering, “What if…?” It is that internal strength that resonated with me as I watched this movie; based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, played by Denzel Washington (Training Day, American Gangster), who was a professor at Wiley College Texas in the 1930’s. This man inspired his students to form a debate team, which would later surprise the country. As you may have guessed, I root for the underdogs. In my case, I had to deal with people’s prejudices. However, I did not fear for my life as some of the characters had to do in this film. This movie was a clear inspiration, which left me feeling as if I could accomplish anything I put my heart and mind to. What a well done movie about an historical time.
3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Hunger
When under harsh conditions, I am always in awe of the mind’s strong power. To watch what some say was Michael Fassbender’s (A Dangerous Method, Shame) breakout role as Bobby Sands, was exceptional but painful. Based on true events, this beautiful yet brutal movie grabbed hold of me, forcing me to watch each and every frame. The year was 1981 in Belfast’s Maze prison and a group of Irish Republican prisoners’ demands, to be treated as political prisoners, were not being met. Instead, they were being abused by the guards, under inhumane conditions. A group of the inmates decided they would go on a hunger strike. When I tell you this was tough to watch, it really was and some of you may not be able to handle some of the scenes. However, this directorial debut by visual artist Steve McQueen stands out as a masterful visual experience. Fassbender was incredible in this movie; reminding me of the same physical transformation Christian Bale went through in The Machinist. I advise you to view the trailer, to get an idea of the intensity in this film.
3 1/4 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Bridesmaids
With every job I have had, it has been inevitable that I would catch wind about the women’s bathroom, from my female co-workers. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard how disgusting their bathrooms are. Does this movie finally explain the reason? If it does, I missed it since I was laughing so hard; I had tears in my eyes. This movie is not meant to be hight art or make a political statement. All it is meant to do is give women the chance to be the stars in a stupid, goofy comedy; showing men that they can be just as raunchy (well, maybe not as much), crazy and funny. Kristen Wiig (Whip It, MacGruber) plays Annie Walker, best friend and maid of honor to Lillian, played by Maya Rudolph (Idiocracy, Grown Ups). Friction quickly grows between Annie and fellow bridesmaid, Helen Harris, played by Rose Byrne (Get Him to the Greek, X-Men: First Class), setting off a competition to outdo each other, in planning the bridal shower and helping with the wedding. Though the story is predictable, kudos to the women for doing a fine job with the physical comedy. Also, congratulations are in order for the movie’s Oscar nominations.
2 3/4 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Let the Right One In
Having been the recipient of bullying in my past, I tend to bond with the underdog character in a movie. With this film, I felt right in synch with 12 year old Oskar, played by Kare Hedebrant (Cupid’s Balls). Seeing his fear, hiding from his tormentors, brought back some unpleasant memories. But, I do not wish to turn this review into a therapy session. I was enthralled with the story of Oskar befriending the mysterious girl, Eli played by Lina Leandersson (Nyhetsmorgan-TV), who recently moved next door. She only comes out at night, hates food and will not enter his home without being asked. However, she quickly is attuned to his emotional state, helping him to gain confidence, to stand up to his tormentors. An unusual bond begins to form between the two as they unite in their sense of being the outsiders. Some of you may be familiar with the American version of this movie; however, I prefer this original Swedish version, finding it more artistic in the way it was filmed. For example, the use of light and dark, going from a dull palette of gray to a splash of color, all was fascinating to me. Please bear in mind there are bloody scenes in this thrilling movie. Swedish with English subtitles.
3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
I have to say a more apt title would have been, “Extremely Long & Incredibly Annoying.” The main character Oskar Schell, played by Thomas Horn (Jeopardy-TV), was so annoying, it was a distraction for me. I would be curious if the young boy was just as irritating in the book. The story revolved around 9 year old Oskar ‘s search through New York City, for a lock that matched a mysterious key left behind by his father, who died in the World Trade Center on 9/11/01. With a lack of drama and decent script, the searching for this lock became boring for me. Interspersed throughout the movie were flashbacks of Oskar interacting with his Dad, played by Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump, The Green Mile). For me, the writers tried to do their best to manipulate us into feeling emotions for these lifeless characters. On some level I think the story, in the hands of better writers and director, could have been an interesting tale of perseverance after tragedy.
1 2/3 stars
Flash Movie Review: The Illusionist
For those of you who wish to have an extra serving of magic, gaze upon this movie review. A rich, sumptuous film that continuously teases the viewer with doses of drama, mystery and excitement. The time is the early 1900’s in Vienna and Eisenheim, played by Edward Norton (Fight Club, The Incredible Hulk) settles into a small theater, to enchant the ever increasing patrons with amazing magical feats. Ah, but the illusionist becomes enchanted with Sophie, played by Jessica Biel (Valentine’s Day, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry), who is engaged to a crown prince. What begins is an intricate cat and mouse game, as the amazing Eisenheim uses his skilled abilities, with the hope of succeeding in mastering the ultimate dream. Beautifully filmed as if with a velvet brush and earthly palette, I was enthralled with this wonderful, creative movie.
3 1/2 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Frozen River
How far would you go, using desparate measures, if you knew you only had a short time, before you could lose everything? As bitter as the winter season, with hope becoming as frosted as the St. Lawrence River, Ray Eddy, played by Melissa Leo (21 Grams, The Fighter), has no choice in her decision: become a smuggler of illegal immigrants. As the title of the movie implies, she does this by driving over the St. Lawrence River when frozen, bringing the hidden immigrants in from Canada through the Mohawk reservation, which reaches into Quebec from New York. When one hears about crossing the border, most people think of the southern border of the United States with Mexico. It was fascinating to have the location in a small northern town instead. Melissa’s raw presentation was incredible. One could feel the despair coming out of her. It was an amazing performance worth watching. Even Trooper Finnerty, played by Michael O’Keefe (Michael Clayton, Too Big to Fail) can sense her turmoil, though he is bound to uphold the law. A bitter, cold observation of a woman in crisis, this movie has to be seen–even if it means you have to wear a sweater to do so.
3 1/2 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Pina
I will not pretend to be a dance critic for this review. And I need to say, I am not a huge fan of the avant-garde style of modern dance. With no idea who Philippina “Pina” Bausch was, I ventured to this movie solely on the coming attractions for it. Pina was a dancer, choreographer, dance teacher and artistic director; who was a leading influence, since the 1970’s, of modern dance. Her style was unique, blending movement with different sounds, elaborate sets and what some may consider, unusual props. Philippina would allow her dancers to participate in the creative process of a dance piece to such an extent, that it became known as a style called “Tanztheater.” This film is a tribute to Pina Bausch, since she died only a few days before filming was to begin. Her dancers from Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch (formerly Wuppertal Opera Ballet) perform her works in this 3D presentation. The settings went from the starkness of a bare stage to the rim of a canyon. A variety of props, such as a wheelbarrow of dirt, to a pool of water were incorporated into what may be considered more theatrical pieces than dance numbers. For me, with piece after piece, some of the movements blurred together, leaving me slightly bored. Maybe the director wanted the different dance numbers filmed to teach the viewer about Pina; however, I did not get it. On the other hand, I have always been fascinated with the way the body moves and can appreciate the physicality of the dancers, including the older ones. But I left the theater wishing there was more substance to this movie.
2 2/3 stars
moviejoltz 