2 Paws
Seen recently at Rave Motion Pictures Westroads 14
Great hats, great building architecture, great chemistry between the two leads. Not so great - the hokey plot (I would have preferred magic beans as a transport device), the hokey performance by the guy from Mad Men (who also dated Carrie Bradshaw in several Sex in the City episodes - he's the one who wanted Carrie to, well, relieve herself on him), the hokey ending. I'd like to see Matt Damon and Emily Blunt meet again in a better film. Better yet, I'd like to see Nebraska produce a political candidate with the brashness and honesty of Damon's David Norris. He or she would get my vote.
Bonus Bones: 0
No dogs? In a city of more than eight million? I don't think so.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Cedar Rapids
3 Paws
Seen March 12 @ Rave Motion Pictures Westroads 14
Aaaaaaah, Cedar Rapids. I think I went to a party there once when I was in college, but the details are a bit sketchy now. With a film title like this, I was prepared for a series of sight and sound gags based on the usual Midwestern stereotypes - we dress funny, we're confounded by the miracle of modern transportation, we view the world as black or white, no in-between hues allowed.
Truth be told, there was a bit of that. But it didn't matter, thanks to a cast of characters that make you feel better about the world and your place in it. It was like "Rudy" minus the football stuff. You just don't get any better than John C. Reilly, who can gross you out, make you laugh and get you all verklempt in the same scene. I dare you not to love Ed Helm's Tim Lippe, and Isiah Whitlock Jr.'s Ronald Wilkes is a scene stealer - look for him when they retrieve Tim from (insert stereotypic redneck accent here) one a' them dangerous backwoods Iowa house parties. The film was filled with lots of great one-liners - I'll be using the "I'm from Omygod, Nebraska" one from here on out. Chalk one up for the rubes.
Bonus Bones: 0
People without dogs in the Midwest? Nah.
Seen March 12 @ Rave Motion Pictures Westroads 14
Aaaaaaah, Cedar Rapids. I think I went to a party there once when I was in college, but the details are a bit sketchy now. With a film title like this, I was prepared for a series of sight and sound gags based on the usual Midwestern stereotypes - we dress funny, we're confounded by the miracle of modern transportation, we view the world as black or white, no in-between hues allowed.
Truth be told, there was a bit of that. But it didn't matter, thanks to a cast of characters that make you feel better about the world and your place in it. It was like "Rudy" minus the football stuff. You just don't get any better than John C. Reilly, who can gross you out, make you laugh and get you all verklempt in the same scene. I dare you not to love Ed Helm's Tim Lippe, and Isiah Whitlock Jr.'s Ronald Wilkes is a scene stealer - look for him when they retrieve Tim from (insert stereotypic redneck accent here) one a' them dangerous backwoods Iowa house parties. The film was filled with lots of great one-liners - I'll be using the "I'm from Omygod, Nebraska" one from here on out. Chalk one up for the rubes.
Bonus Bones: 0
People without dogs in the Midwest? Nah.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Unknown
2 Paws
Seen Feb. 25 @ Marcus Midtown Cinema
I've been in Liam Neeson's corner ever since his turn as a homeless deaf mute accused of murder in "Suspect" (which stars Cher and a young Dennis Quaid - worth a rainy Saturday afternoon viewing.) In my advancing years, I like the fact that an older, smarter guy kicks ass and takes names, which Neeson's character - Dr. Martin Harris - most certainly does from beginning to end. It's not the type of film that holds up to serious scrutiny after leaving the theater, as the plot is more than a bit Austin Powers-like. But it sure is fun to watch in the moment.
Neeson's co-star, Diane Kruger of "Inglourious Bastards" fame, is endearing as an illegal who does what she can to make a buck and better her situation. Bruno Ganz is mesmerizing in his few moments on screen as an investigator with an interesting past who helps Neeson get to the bottom of who he really is. January Jones wears clothes well, but she turns in another Fembot performance as Neeson's partner - perhaps that's what she was going for.
Bonus Bones: 1
If you're really paying attention, you'll notice someone walking a black dog when Dr. Harris tries to check into a rather seedy-looking hotel his first night after leaving the hospital.
Seen Feb. 25 @ Marcus Midtown Cinema
I've been in Liam Neeson's corner ever since his turn as a homeless deaf mute accused of murder in "Suspect" (which stars Cher and a young Dennis Quaid - worth a rainy Saturday afternoon viewing.) In my advancing years, I like the fact that an older, smarter guy kicks ass and takes names, which Neeson's character - Dr. Martin Harris - most certainly does from beginning to end. It's not the type of film that holds up to serious scrutiny after leaving the theater, as the plot is more than a bit Austin Powers-like. But it sure is fun to watch in the moment.
Neeson's co-star, Diane Kruger of "Inglourious Bastards" fame, is endearing as an illegal who does what she can to make a buck and better her situation. Bruno Ganz is mesmerizing in his few moments on screen as an investigator with an interesting past who helps Neeson get to the bottom of who he really is. January Jones wears clothes well, but she turns in another Fembot performance as Neeson's partner - perhaps that's what she was going for.
Bonus Bones: 1
If you're really paying attention, you'll notice someone walking a black dog when Dr. Harris tries to check into a rather seedy-looking hotel his first night after leaving the hospital.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Barney's Version
3 Paws
Seen Feb. 18 @ AMC Oakview Plaza 24
This is an odd little movie that's hard to pidgeonhole. Once I stopped trying to figure out what I was watching, I was totally sucked in by Paul Giamatti's performance. If you really love (or loved) your dad, despite any shortcomings you think he may have (or have had), you'll be moved by the depth of Barney's love for his father, played by Dustin Hoffman in one of his best supporting roles to date. Fans of the television show "Felicity" (come on, I admit it, and I know there are others out there like me) may recognize Boogie - played by Scott Speedman - as an older, drugged out version of Ben, the guy Felicity follows to NYC to college. I'll pretty much follow Giamatti down any film road he takes, but I'd really like him to be a ruthless badass some day soon.
Bonus Bones: 3
Three dogs make the briefest of street appearances, one when Barney picks up a strung-out Boogie in the city before the two head for Barney's country house so Boogie can dry out, and two when Barney and Miriam are enjoying a walk through Central Park.
Seen Feb. 18 @ AMC Oakview Plaza 24
This is an odd little movie that's hard to pidgeonhole. Once I stopped trying to figure out what I was watching, I was totally sucked in by Paul Giamatti's performance. If you really love (or loved) your dad, despite any shortcomings you think he may have (or have had), you'll be moved by the depth of Barney's love for his father, played by Dustin Hoffman in one of his best supporting roles to date. Fans of the television show "Felicity" (come on, I admit it, and I know there are others out there like me) may recognize Boogie - played by Scott Speedman - as an older, drugged out version of Ben, the guy Felicity follows to NYC to college. I'll pretty much follow Giamatti down any film road he takes, but I'd really like him to be a ruthless badass some day soon.
Bonus Bones: 3
Three dogs make the briefest of street appearances, one when Barney picks up a strung-out Boogie in the city before the two head for Barney's country house so Boogie can dry out, and two when Barney and Miriam are enjoying a walk through Central Park.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Somewhere
2 Paws
Seen Feb. 11 at Film Streams
It's hard to feel sorry for a rich celebrity with relationship issues, especially when he exhibits the type of behavior we've come to associate with Charlie Sheen. I didn't much care for Stephen Dorff's Johnny Marco, although it was fun to watch him stumble through the bizarre activities that are the norm for Hollywood types. (I want one of those giant cat statues from the Italian awards ceremony.) Things got much better with the appearance of Cleo, Johnny's daughter. Elle Fanning is part muppet, part princess, part puppy - who wouldn't want her around to make their day better?
I was expecting a greater emphasis on the hotel itself - the place that's been home to artists, writers and actors for decades - the place where John Belushi died. The Benicio del Toro cameo was nice, but I wanted more. The open ending - the kind intellectuals like because they can interpret it for you - was abrupt and unsatisfying. Nice try, Sofia, but it made me want to power up Netflix and watch "Lost in Translation."
Bonus Bones: 1
A cute puppy - perhaps a yellow lab or golden retriever - makes a brief appearance during the pool scene. Note to Johnny: dogs make great companions, buddy.
Seen Feb. 11 at Film Streams
It's hard to feel sorry for a rich celebrity with relationship issues, especially when he exhibits the type of behavior we've come to associate with Charlie Sheen. I didn't much care for Stephen Dorff's Johnny Marco, although it was fun to watch him stumble through the bizarre activities that are the norm for Hollywood types. (I want one of those giant cat statues from the Italian awards ceremony.) Things got much better with the appearance of Cleo, Johnny's daughter. Elle Fanning is part muppet, part princess, part puppy - who wouldn't want her around to make their day better?
I was expecting a greater emphasis on the hotel itself - the place that's been home to artists, writers and actors for decades - the place where John Belushi died. The Benicio del Toro cameo was nice, but I wanted more. The open ending - the kind intellectuals like because they can interpret it for you - was abrupt and unsatisfying. Nice try, Sofia, but it made me want to power up Netflix and watch "Lost in Translation."
Bonus Bones: 1
A cute puppy - perhaps a yellow lab or golden retriever - makes a brief appearance during the pool scene. Note to Johnny: dogs make great companions, buddy.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
127 Hours
3 Paws
Seen Feb. 4 at Aksarben Cinema
I try to avoid gore at all costs, in life and in the theater. That's why, despite how much I like the work of James Franco, I passed on seeing this film right away when it came out. Peer pressure and a bunch of Oscar nominations eventually changed my mind, and I convinced myself I could cover my face with my hands when it came time for Aron Ralston to, well, you know.
Ooof. I can't say I enjoyed it, but I'm glad I went. Interestingly enough, I was more creeped out by the claustrophobic nature of the canyon walls than I was by the amputation itself. Franco did Ralston proud, especially in the sequences where he's filming 'goodbye and thank you' messages for his family and friends. If I ever go hiking in Moab, I'm taking an engineer with me.
Bonus Bones: 0
Plenty of desert critters, but not a dog to be found. Strange - doesn't every outdoor type from Colorado have a four-footed friend to share adventures with?
Thursday, February 3, 2011
I Love You Phillip Morris
2 Paws
Seen Jan. 29 at Film Streams
I have to admit I'm not a huge Jim Carrey fan. His constant mugging, jarring movements and shout-speak are a bit too much for my delicate sensibilities. All three were present in Carrey's version of con man Steven Russell, although he also attempted to pull off some quieter moments - not sure they worked, though. I think I would rather have seen a documentary on Russell - it was hard to get past the star power of Carrey and Ewan McGregor to focus on the unbelievable story. Watch for the reference to former President George W. Bush in the closing text - it should make all Democrats snicker a bit.
Bonus Bones: 2
Two different sets of Miniature Pinschers (this breed guess is based on my home school learnin' via the annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show broadcast each February) make brief appearances after Russell moves to Florida to start his new life. If I'm wrong on the breed, please let me know.
Seen Jan. 29 at Film Streams
I have to admit I'm not a huge Jim Carrey fan. His constant mugging, jarring movements and shout-speak are a bit too much for my delicate sensibilities. All three were present in Carrey's version of con man Steven Russell, although he also attempted to pull off some quieter moments - not sure they worked, though. I think I would rather have seen a documentary on Russell - it was hard to get past the star power of Carrey and Ewan McGregor to focus on the unbelievable story. Watch for the reference to former President George W. Bush in the closing text - it should make all Democrats snicker a bit.
Bonus Bones: 2
Two different sets of Miniature Pinschers (this breed guess is based on my home school learnin' via the annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show broadcast each February) make brief appearances after Russell moves to Florida to start his new life. If I'm wrong on the breed, please let me know.
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