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Flash Movie Review: Shoot ‘Em Up
With the feel of a cartoon rivalry like the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote or Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd, this movie was an over the top thriller. From the imaginative fight scenes–delivering a baby in the middle of a gun fight–I was buzzed from this film. Clive Owen (Children of Men, The Bourne Identity), as the cool Mr. Smith, becomes involved with a gang of thugs, when they cross his path, chasing a pregnant woman. From a single act of kindness to protect the woman, a battle of wits ensues between Smith and Hertz, the leader of the gang, played by Paul Giamatti (Sideways, The Illusionist). Hellbent on stealing the baby, Paul does such a good job with his character, having been given some of the best lines from the writers. Now I have to tell you, check out your logic and common sense before viewing this crazy thriller. This film knows it is displaying everything to the max, including blood and violence, but not taking itself to seriously. Simply enjoy the rush as the story reveals more than you might have thought there would be, with such a movie title.
2 2/3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked
Why is it I can still sit down and watch an “old style” cartoon such as Bugs Bunny or Woody Woodpecker and be amused by it? I find the humor to be fun with a touch of sophistication. And I think that is the issue I had with this movie. This trend of taking cartoon characters and building a movie around them is just a cheap way to milk more money out of them, in my opinion. The movie felt like a reality show to me–fluff with no substance. Thank heavens the chipmunks and chipettes are underage; I could not imagine if they were doing shots! I was bored for a majority of this cartoonish film, as Alvin and his furry friends went from one scene to another, filled with either chaos or humorless jokes. To tell you the truth, I would rather they had just ran a string of music videos of what the chipmunks were singing. Due to Alvin disobeying Dave (Jason Lee), the chipettes and chipmunks got stranded from their cruise ship. Until the last 30 minutes did we get any action and excitement out of this tired story. Would children like this movie? I suppose so, maybe just to hear the high pitched voiced chipmunks and see their antics. Unfortunately, the parents would have to put on their happy faces and endure this film.
1 1/2 stars
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