Frozen (2010)
Directed by Adam Green
Length: 93 minutes
Rated for some disturbing images and language
The state of horror movies is in shambles. Where are the modern classics? It seems the genre reached its peak back in the 1970s with The Exorcist and Jaws, etc. A genre reduced to shitty reboots (Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th), the latest PG-13 crapfest, or outlandish movies aiming for the gross-out factor (Saw, The Human Centipede, Rubber). Thankfully, Frozen is a fresh idea that is well executed. Though not a horror film in the traditional sense, the type of scary found here is the most frightening of all, because it could really happen.
Emma Bell (The Walking Dead, Final Destination 5), Shawn Ashmore (Mother's Day, The Mariachi Gringo), and Kevin Zegers (Gossip Girl, The Entitled) play a group of college students looking to escape the troubles of school by spending the day skiing at a local resort. When the group finds itself short on cash for lift tickets, they bribe the lift operator into letting them ride. As the sun begins to set, the group sets out for one last ride. That's when the fun begins - the lift is shut down with the group trapped midway up the mountain with no lights, an incoming storm, and no expected help for at least a week. Will help arrive to save the trapped group, or will they have to find a way out on their own?
Though the film does a good job of walking the line between believable and non, several scenes are still quite gruesome. Let's just say compound fractures are not a fun thing to witness. The actors do a good job of avoiding the pitfall of overacting, as so often happens in horror. While not scary, the tension created in several key scenes is amazing. You will find yourself cheering on the group as they fight impending death.
While not the instant classic we all clamor for, Frozen is the breath of fresh air Hollywood needs, not just the horror genre. Too often, both film and television rely on past ideas for the latest offerings. That is why it is so important for you, the viewer, to support the new and original. Frozen may not be your cup of tea; I'll admit I initially found the trailer to be quite ludicrous - something I had to see, if not just to make fun of it. But, instead, I found a solid film that is well executed. Don't be afraid to give it a try: unless you plan on skiing anytime soon.
Final Rating: 3 out 5 stars
Favorite Quote:
[Parker lights a cigarette and begins smoking. Joe sniffing the air, exaggerated.]
Joe Lynch: "Hmmm, smell that mountain air. You know what it smells like? ...Cancer."
Morning Glory (2010)
Directed by Roger Michell
Length: 102 minutes
Rated PG-13 for some sexual content including dialogue, language, and brief drug references
Before you say it, allow me a chance to defend myself. Rushmore Movies did not sell out. My core movie principles and expectations were not compromised by seeing a "chick flick." In fact, even though it may appear to be a chick flick, Morning Glory is actually light on the romance and heavy on the laughs in this fun comedy. Instant classic? Not even close. But this is the kind of "fluffy" film you have to appreciate; I mean they can't all be Citizen Kane.
Rachel McAdams (Midnight in Paris, The Vow) plays Becky Fuller, the spunky, ambitious, yet klutzy producer for a local New Jersey morning show. After being fired, Becky finds herself a new job in the big city as the producer for New York's worst rated morning program. Charged with raising viewership, Becky begins her seemingly insurmountable climb towards redeeming the morning show, Daybreak. Initially, I felt McAdam's character was over-the-top until she finds her stride towards the middle. Though McAdams is touted as the protagonist of the film, I found the film to be a stronger group effort and more centrally focused on the character of Mike Pomeroy, the surly new co-host of Daybreak. I consider myself a fan of McAdams, possibly more for her good looks and girl-next-door charm, but this isn't my favorite performance from her.
Diane Keaton (Tilda, Darling Companion) as Colleen Peck and Harrison Ford (Cowboys & Aliens, Extraordinary Measures) as Mike Pomeroy play the unlikely hosts of Daybreak - unlikely in the sense that they could not be more opposite. Colleen represents the morning television natural, more at home talking about cooking recipes and kissing frogs than reporting on the latest in Afghanistan, while Mike is the award winning reporter forced to honor his contract and co-host Daybreak. Though the duo work well together on screen, Keaton's Colleen is forgettable in comparison to Ford's Pomeroy. Ford has long enjoyed a great career, and it is refreshing to see him in a lighter role. His snarling demeanor and prima donna mentality provide some of the best laughs throughout the movie.
Yes, the film is ultimately more of the same saccharin that typically plagues America's movie theaters. But it is refreshing to find a film that avoids the typical pitfalls of a film heavily geared towards a female audience. Not only is the film very funny, it feels accessible to all. Every good "bromance" deserves a "chickedy" (I'm coining the term to mean chick comedy) that can overcome the promos to reach a wider audience. Definitely be sure to check out this fun film!
Final Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote:
Mike Pomeroy: "Where are my God damn eggs!"
Predators (2010)
Directed by Nimród Antal
Length: 107 minutes
Rated R for strong creature violence and gore, and pervasive language
Another science-fiction film, another disappointment. Understandably, the sci-fi/horror genre has long been known for the campy B-movies, Saturday night Syfy special, adolescent scripts, bad acting, etc. But for every Inception, it seems we get twenty films like Predators - a snoozer of a story, type-cast acting, and a sorry ending that leaves you feeling used and unfulfilled.
Featuring the alien hunters made famous in the Arnold Schwarzenegger 1987 classic Predator, Predators is an attempt to return to what made the original so popular - focusing on a highly skilled group of soldiers being hunted in the jungle by an advanced and efficient killing machine. The film begins with eight strangers awakening to find themselves stranded on a mysterious planet. But something is hunting them, threatening to kill them if they don't work together.
However, instead of featuring an endearing group to root for, we are left with the United Nations squad of type-casting: a Mexican drug enforcer, a Japanese Yakuza, a Russian soldier, an African death squad member, etc. Leading our merry band of misfits? The guy who peaked on his first movie (The Pianist), Adrien Brody (The Experiment, Splice) as Royce, the rugged mercenary who speaks in the Batman voice. Make no mistake, Brody is a talented actor; he just needs a new agent who doesn't pick every shitty sci-fi/horror film in production. Regardless of who the actors are, it ultimately makes no difference. The dialogue consist of the general action movie bravado and low-brow testosterone fodder that plagues so many action films today.
While I found the concept intriguing, the delivery falls flat. How can you have a movie called Predators and not show a single alien until thirty minutes have passed? Additionally, the death scenes are relatively anti-climatic, and the final showdown is predictable and underwhelming. As a fan of the Alien/Predator saga, I was quite excited when I heard Robert Rodriguez, the genius behind Planet Terror (of Grindhouse) and Sin City, was developing a script for a new Predator movie. Unfortunately, any fanboy sentiment was quickly eradicated upon pressing play on my DVD player.
The film is not very good, and honestly I never expected it to be. But it would have been nice to have a decent return to a cherished sci-fi franchise. Unfortunately, it seems that would be asking too much. Cool concepts alone cannot save a film when the more important elements like a decent ending, engaging dialogue, decent acting, etc. are all lacking. Hopefully Ridley Scott's Alien prequel will redeem the franchises. If you are in the mood for a mindless action flick, you could do worse. Just expect to be a stoic zombie for an hour and a half.
Final Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote:
Nothing worth remembering
Due Date (2010)
Directed by Todd Phillips
Length: 100 minutes
Rated R for language, drug use, and sexual content
Due Date will and has been compared to the John Hughes comedy classic Planes, Trains, and Automobiles; but of course, this being a Todd Phillips comedy, you should expect the intensity to be about 100 times higher. High-strung architect and expecting father Peter Highman, the great Robert Downey, Jr. (Sherlock Holmes 2, The Avengers), is forced to travel across country with aspiring actor and walking disaster Ethan Tremblay, Zach Galifianakis (Bored to Death, The Hangover 2), after being placed on the no-fly list. Gunshots, Mexican federales, crippled Iraq war veterans, and a masturbating dog all lead to some insane hi-jinks in this modern travel comedy.
Both RDJ and Galifianakis are at their best in their respective roles. Downey, Jr. as the on-edge and determined traveler works well with the oblivious and borderline insane character of Galifianakis. Both actors have expressed a desire to work together in the future, and I for one would love to see this pair together again. Though it could be argued Galifianakis is simply rehashing his character from The Hangover (and there is some validity to this point), Ethan is a much more vulnerable and wounded character that makes the audience love him in spite of his idiocy. Additionally, seeing an edgier side of Downey, Jr. is a refreshing change of pace from his Mr. Cool roles as of late (i.e. Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes).
Concerning the various scenarios both Peter and Ethan find themselves in, let's just say it gets to be a bit much. By the time you get to Peter being shot (a scene from the trailer), you will be wondering what else these two could possibly endure. But what makes the film fun also begins to edge towards detrimental after a while. Thankfully, Phillips ends the movie at the right moment, perfectly maxing out the audience's tolerance and patience.
To get the comparison out of the way, The Hangover is better; but Due Date exceeded my expectations brought on by the negative ratings from the likes of Rotten Tomatoes and various others. I left the theater entertained and satisfied, having enjoyed several good laughs. The film squarely focuses on the unlikely partnership of RDJ and Galifianakis, and I celebrate the pairing by highly recommending this movie. Not to mention, the film boasts a great soundtrack heavy on some of my favorite indie bands. Be sure to see this one sooner than later!
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote:
Ethan Tremblay: "Dad...you were like a father to me."
Get Him to the Greek (2010)Directed by Nicholas Stoller
Length: 109 minutes
Rated R for strong sexual content and drug use throughout, and pervasive language
*Writer's note: The following review is an open letter addressed to any member of the Judd Apatow crew.*
Dear Mr. Apatow and your crew of actors, writers, etc.:
Let me start by saying I am a huge fan of your work. From your canceled-too-soon television programs Freaks and Geeks and Undeclared, to your more recent mainstream successes such as The 40-year Old Virgin and Knocked Up, I eagerly anticipate and support any film by you or any of your crew (i.e. Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, Paul Rudd, etc.). Unfortunately, it seems that as of late, the quality of the films deemed "Apatow comedies" has fallen dramatically. I understand the pressures of Hollywood to release one after the other in order to capitalize on the brand name, but I feel you may be jeopardizing your future films if you continue down this path.
Consider one of the latest efforts, Get Him to the Greek. Is the film funny? Certainly! I found myself laughing hysterically on several occasions. But I also feel the film does not come close to capturing the immortal status some of your past gems did. Every film may not be the best comedy ever, but over-reliance on dick and fart jokes can lower the quality quickly.
Get Him to the Greek continues the story of the great Aldous Snow, as played by Russell Brand (Arthur, Despicable Me). The British rock god continues on his quest of lust for smack and snatch as lowly record intern Aaron Green, my man crush Jonah Hill (Megamind, Moneyball), is charged with getting Snow back to Los Angeles for a ten-year anniversary concert. Yes, I love Jonah Hill, and Aldous Snow was one of the best characters from the great Forgetting Sarah Marshall. However, this film falls a bit flat. Both the first third and last third of the film seem forced and just strange. Let's just say the three-way and anything involving P. Diddy are simply bizarre.
There isn't much to same about the film. Is it funny? Sure. Is it memorable? Unfortunately, no. I have come to expect more than mediocre comedies and lame jokes from you and your crew. I will recommend this film to anyone looking for a solid rental, but Get Him to the Greek falls well short of some of your more classic films. Here's to hoping you and your boys regain the glory of past days.
Always your adoring fan,
Devon
Final Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote:
Sergio Roma: "This is what all pussy looked like in the 70s [in reference to the furry wall]."
Robin Hood (2010)
Directed by Ridley Scott
Length:140 minutes
Rated PG-13 for violence including intense sequences of warfare, and some sexual content
I have voiced my frustrations with director Ridley Scott's films in past blogs (see Body of Lies), mainly over his lack of consistency. For every great film Scott directs, he delivers one to two terrible films. I will admit, my initial perception of Robin Hood was DOA, especially considering the tremendous amount of turmoil and turnover encountered during production. But I wanted to give one of Hollywood's legends the benefit of the doubt. While the film certainly does not reach the heights of success reached by classics like Alien or Gladiator, Scott's latest effort is a decent medieval war epic with a fresh perspective on a classic tale.
If you aren't familiar with your 13th century English history as well as the basic Robin Hood tale, you may be a bit lost. Scott's rendition of the noble thief takes a much different turn than any previous attempt. Russell Crowe (The Next Three Days, State of Play) plays the titular hero, an English archer named Robin Longstride. Longstride? I thought Robin was usually Robin of Loxley from Nottingham? And this is where the differences begin. Without going into too much backstory, Robin assumes the identity of Robert Loxley of Nottingham, a noble, in order to gain passage back home from the Crusades. Soon Robin is pretending to be Sir Robert amongst the people of Nottingham, even taking Robert's widowed wife Maid Marion, played by the always talented Cate Blanchett (The Last Time I Saw Michael Gregg, Hanna). You may be wondering how someone could simply assume another's identity, but the movie will do a better job of explaining this detail than I can. Soon Robin is caught up in the potential battle between the French and newly crowned King John who faces potential civil war at the hands of his barons.
The film covers a lot of ground and can admittedly be a bit hard to follow at times. Understanding the political power plays between King John of England and King Phillip of France can be a bit confusing; but if you have some semblance of a working knowledge of European history, you should be okay. Additionally, the Robin Hood tale may be tweaked, but the traditionally important characters are still present - Little John, Friar Tuck, etc. The film does add a few too many layers to the mix by adding a group of orphan boys (a la Peter Pan) that raid Nottingham. The inconsistent stories or confusing plot could be attributed to the fact the screenplay was changed mid-filming on several occasions.
The battle scenes are the true strength of the film. Scott's talent as a director is on full display as epic battles between the English and French consisting of archers, horse fighting, and swordplay all capture the carnage of the battlefield. The fights feel well rehearsed and flow smoothly, truly creating the perfect vibe needed for a film of this type. The actors also do a solid job of supplementing the action with their performances, blending dialects and mannerisms appropriate to the times.
If not for the twisting attempt at a history lesson, Robin Hood may have outperformed expectations. Ultimately, however, the film falls a bit flat. The action is solid and the acting decent, but a confusing story dooms the film to mediocrity. While I can't say I hate the film, I certainly don't love it. Robin Hood is worthy of a rental, but anything beyond a single viewing is simply a waste.
Final Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote:
Friar Tuck: "So why do they call you Little John?"
Little John: "What are you tryin' to get at? I'm proportionate (in reference to his penis)!"
