Blog Archives
Flash Movie Review: The Possession
In a new marketing twist, Hollywood is going from remaking previous movies to converting their religion now. In this suspenseful thriller, the movie studio took the story from the film The Exorcist and changed the religion to the Jewish faith. They could easily have called this movie The Yiddish Exorcist. I do not know if it has to do with society’s short attention span or whether we have become desensitized to violence in general; but, I did not find this movie that suspenseful. It needed a longer build up of tension to achieve true apprehension. With the coming attractions being shown, I was already prepared for some of the scenes, which took away the excitement for me. There were a few scenes that worked well, but I felt it was due to the well honed actors. Divorced parents Clyde and Stephanie, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Losers, Watchmen) and Kyra Sedgwick (Gamer, The Closer-TV) work together to save their youngest daughter Em, played by Natasha Calis (Donovan’s Echo, Sharp as Marbles) from an ancient evil spirit. This was not an original idea, but I really liked the matching up of Jeffrey and Kyra; they added emotional heft to the film’s story. Another plus to the movie was the avoidance of a cliched soundtrack, letting the scenes handle the build up of an impending terror. I gave this scary film a passing grade; however, I hope this is not an example of what we can expect a suspenseful film to be in the future. Personally, it does not matter to me what religion is used; I just hope the movie studios work on what is needed to build up the tension, in what is supposed to be a scary movie. Scenes with blood.
2 1/3 stars
Flash Movie Review: Inkheart
Based on the popular fantasy book trilogy, this story came to life in this fun movie. I actually read the book Inkheart and thought it was a wonderfully creative story. Only if you have read the book, would you be disappointed with this movie. But on the bright side; if you have not read the books, then you would be comfortable seeing this magical tale filled with action, drama and thrills. What made a big difference for me was the great cast. Brendan Fraser (Crash, Furry Vengeance) is the perfect go to guy for these types of roles–fatherly in a large teddy bear way with cartoonish facial expressions. Playing Mortimer aka Mo, he was believable as the gifted reader who could bring characters to life. Let me rephrase that: when Mo reads from a book, the characters really materialize in person. There is a down side to this special talent, however. Someone living in the current world has to take the story book character’s place. Mo with his daughter Meggie, played by Eliza Bennett (Nanny McPhee, Perfect Life) has been searching for the book he read years ago that trapped his wife into its story. With the addition of Paul Bettany (Margin Call, Legion) as Dustfinger and Helen Mirren (The Debt, The Last Station) as Elinor, the actors made this pleasant movie more exciting. I just wish the film had followed the book’s story better. Having said that, I would not have paid full price to see this film in the theaters; but on DVD, it was an enjoyable time.
2 1/3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Safe
Finally, here is someone who I am sure could open up those absolute, awful hard plastic clamshells used in packaging merchandise. He could do it all; at least in this movie. What can I say about Jason Statham (The Bank Job, The Transporter) that would make you think he would be any different in this movie? I cannot think of anything and to his credit, what he does in movies tends to be consistent–his fighting abilities. In this action thriller Jason played ex-cage fighter Luke Wright. He became involved with a special 12 year old girl, who was being chased by some of the same villians that had killed his wife. What I like about Jason is his ordinary looks. He looks like an average Joe instead of a souped up, steroid pumped action hero. This movie had plenty of fight scenes as Jason tried to protect the girl Mei, played by Catherine Chan (Aftershock), from the Russian mob, the Chinese mob along with corrupt police officers. Mr. Statham took them all on, in this fight fest film. Though the story was confusing, it won’t matter. The hook was not only Jason’s battles but that they were being used to protect an innocent little girl. Doesn’t that just grab you in the heart? This was a typical Jason Statham movie; as long as you know that from the start, you will not be disappointed. One only goes to see him kick the crap out of the bad guys.
2 1/3 stars
Flash Movie Review: The Five-Year Engagement
A relationship cannot survive without communication. Already aware of this, the point was enforced further as I watched this film. There has to be a willingness to compromise with the person you love. I would also add: being able to handle the things that test you. For example, if you cannot stand seeing dirty dishes left out by your partner, can you find peace of mind; instead of picking a fight with them? These were some of the issues Violet and Tom needed to deal with in this romantic comedy. Played by Emily Blunt (The Young Victoria, The Adjustment Bureau) and Jason Segel (Jeff, Who Lives at Home; The Muppets), Tom Solomon proposed to Violet Barnes on their one year anniversary. Their planned short engagement had to be extended when Violet was accepted into a doctoral program at the University of Michigan. Tom would have to quit his job and move with Violet from San Francisco to Ann Arbor. There were parts of the film that dealt with the couple’s transitions with honesty along with touches of humor and sadness. The story needed some editing, for it dragged in parts. Also, I did not find Jason’s performance convincing, especially his outdoorsman phase. There were several bright spots to what was otherwise a long movie about a long engagement.
2 1/3 stars
Flash Movie Review: Footloose
I was all set for this DVD; even had my dance shoes with me. However, instead of dancing up a storm with the movie, I only wound up tapping my feet. What was right on the beat were the dance numbers. It only stood to reason when the lead roles were filled with dancers Julianne Hough (Burlesque) as Ariel Moore and Kenny Wormald (Center Stage: Turn it Up) as Ren McCormack. Out of the two, Julianne offered better acting skills, along with a better screen presence. As for the music and updated songs from the original film, they were off the mark. In my head I was hearing the original artists’ version, not the drab ones spilling out of my speakers. If you never saw the original Footloose, I do not think you would mind seeing this movie, about a town that outlawed dancing along with rock and roll music. Just don’t plan on working up a sweat from it.
2 1/3 stars — DVD
moviejoltz 