Month: June 2013

THE COMPANY YOU KEEP (2012) movie review

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CompanyYouKeep_040413_1600Directed by the one and only Robert Redford, this film is a thoughtful who-dunnit from the journalist’s perspective.

Redford once made history playing the thorough journalist sniffing out sources to break the Watergate story in the 1976 film All the President’s Men co-starring Dustin Hoffman.

In this film, Redford plays the hunted, trading roles with young-un lead-on-point, Shia LaBeouf.

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Shia has skill. If directed well, he stops screeching and becomes his characters. He plays this more like the Hoffman character from ATPM (above). He is the likable hound dog with endless motivation and investigative prowess.

Beautifully acted, every scene boasts a familiar face. It’s like a Gary Marshall film, but with a well-written script. And a plot.

Watch a story that works in this film. Sure, it’s a bit slow. It’s not an action film. If action is what you want, see Fast 6. But if you crave facial expressions that speak story before the characters have to, see this film. I love a good mystery to solve. The Company You Keep does preach with political purpose, but the overarching message remains: Seek truth. Pursue it.

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MAN OF STEEL (2013) movie review

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man-steelEpic film or epic fail?

In his interview with Russell Crowe, Jimmy Fallon called Steel “…a giant film.” He’s right. The effects are phenomenal. The star power triumphant. But, the story?

My Man of Steel Report Card grade = C-

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A+  –  casting Henry Cavill.  He’s just got beautiful…uh…acting skills.
A  grade  –   performances from Russell Crowe & Kevin Costner.

F     –  for Originality. Plagiarism plagued the pages of this script. “…it’s a singularity. A black hole in space.” Then the tripod, planet-searing octoship heads through the explosive space anomoly. I was shocked that no one thought to eject the warp core and say, “I’m givin her all she’s got Captain.” Throwback? To Trek 2009? Someone obviously didn’t listen to JJ Abrams give his TED Talk and say something close to “If you’re gonna rip anything off, rip off the character. You don’t rip off the Shark from Jaws.” Steel stole the shark.man-of-steel-krypton-battle

Any other stolen bits in this our pun-titled Man of Steel? How about those metallic robot tentacle arms from outer space? They are from Avengers, yes? The ship from Prometheus buried in the mountain? Amy Adams was in a first season Smallville episode. Sadly, they should have left her there. Too cruel? Too soon? I don’t know. Even a vocal octave drop couldn’t turn Enchanted princess Amy Adams into the hard-hitting, danger-loving one-of-the-boys newshound Lois Lane.Henry-Cavill-and-Amy-Adams-in-Man-of-Steel-2013-Movie-Image

What this movie failed to steal from Supers past was some much needed Clark-Lois chemistry, purposeful action sequences, Daddy issues based on trust, Christ-figures without the pressure of perfection, and thoughtful dialogue.

So many beautiful shots do not make up for the fact that Lois found out Clark’s secret identity in a day and made a quick trip to the farm to meet Martha then into space without a hitch.man-of-steel-amy-adams-henry-cavill

My pal Steve called me today, still mad about this Superman tale gone awry. He said, “Character development between Clark and Lois was ridiculous. One moment they are strangers, the next they are having an intimate moment surrounded by a hundred soldiers waiting for the Kryptoninans to pick up Clark. Come on!!!!”

I know, Steve. I know.

THE INTERNSHIP (2013) movie review

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INTERNSHIPVaughn and Wilson reunite to play two dads to a motley family of Googlers.

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I had a joyous report on this one for the first hour plus. They had me at Quidditch. But, then they released the longest strip club montage to date.

I hate it when writers believe that it takes a sexual revolution to heal the nerd-wound. Third person Lyle cures the puns and gets the girl, lady all-talk prepares to give herself to more than manga, rebel texter chooses to put down both phone and sarcasm, and the abused perfectionist-type gets sauced (…and a few lap dances) and can suddenly conquer his fears.

This is it? We are supposed to believe that getting drunk at a club is the key to success and teamwork?

 

 

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If you’re desperate to see it, fill the void and rewatch the trailers. They use ALL of the best jokes in the trailers.