Showing posts with label crime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crime. Show all posts
The Town
9.27.2010
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: September 17, 2010
DVD Release Date: TBD
Plot 411: Four townies rob banks for a living until one of them falls for their hostage.
Review: Doug (Ben Affleck) and his crew, which includes Jim (Jeremy Renner), Gloansy (Slaine) and Desmond (Owen Burke), are bank robbers from Charlestown. Just as their fathers before them, these boys are part of the community's continuous wave of criminals. Due to a mess up during their latest robbery, they are forced to take a hostage - the bank manager named Claire (Rebecca Hall). They let her go unharmed, but Doug volunteers to watch her to make sure she doesn't provide info to the cops. However, Doug doesn't only watch her. He ends up dating her, which puts his crew in additional danger. Even with the constant heat from the FBI (Jon Hamm), the boys continue their crime spree and may be pushing their luck one time too many. I really admire the fact that Affleck gives back to his home state by bringing Hollywood to the east coast. I love that he doesn't shy away from the grittier sides of Boston (in this movie and in Gone Baby Gone). He chooses to represent them as they are - flaws and all - and is able to capture the atmosphere to vividly. I think The Town could just be Affleck's come-back movie. He hasn't had many great roles recently. It seems that he's got to create his own roles in order to be cast in them. Renner was also good in his role as the badder of the two friends. I don't think he achieved the same kind of greatness as he did in The Hurt Locker, but at least his character was memorable. The other two thugs were almost non-existent in this movie. Despite having essential skills to carry out the jobs (one had NASCAR skills and the other knew how to work the electrical systems), they were really just props for the relationship between Affleck and Renner's characters. Also putting in a great performance is former The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants actress Blake Lively.
Watch It: For another good realistic thriller written and directed by Affleck.
Skip It: If whacks to the head make you turn your head.
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Takers
9.21.2010
Rating: PG-13
Movie Release Date: August 27, 2010
DVD Release Date: TBD
Plot 411: A con reunites with his crew after serving four years and wants in on the game one more time.
Review: This movie tries to lure in its audience with the ensemble cast of beefcakes. From Paul Walker (John) to Idris Elba (Gordon), Hayden Christensen (A.J.) to Chris Brown (Jesse), there's gotta be a bad boy for you. Even the cops are notable heartthrobs - Matt Dillon (Jack) and Jay Hernandez (Eddie). However, even this isn't enough star power to rock this movie. Oh, it was okay for a shoot 'em up flick, but it didn't have the same charisma as Ocean's Eleven. There was just no style or clever humor in this one. I don't think anyone, even Elba, could command a stage like George Clooney. The movie opens when Ghost (T.I.) is released from prison after serving his time for a robbery. He immediately contacts his boys and offers up an armored car job he's been planning since prison. The crew is hesitant, but the money is good (isn't it always?). They decide to risk it because that's what they do their entire lives. There's some great hand-to-hand action by Christensen (during which time I realized how thin he is). Chris Brown also does a good parkour act as he evades capture. But, some of the acting is really bad. The lines are pretty stilted. I mean, you can't necessarily blame T.I. for this because he's a newbie and all, but what excuse can the others give?
Watch It: For some ramped up action toward the end.
Skip It: Because despite the big names there are other movies of this ilk that are more exceptional.
Movie Release Date: August 27, 2010
DVD Release Date: TBD
Plot 411: A con reunites with his crew after serving four years and wants in on the game one more time.
Review: This movie tries to lure in its audience with the ensemble cast of beefcakes. From Paul Walker (John) to Idris Elba (Gordon), Hayden Christensen (A.J.) to Chris Brown (Jesse), there's gotta be a bad boy for you. Even the cops are notable heartthrobs - Matt Dillon (Jack) and Jay Hernandez (Eddie). However, even this isn't enough star power to rock this movie. Oh, it was okay for a shoot 'em up flick, but it didn't have the same charisma as Ocean's Eleven. There was just no style or clever humor in this one. I don't think anyone, even Elba, could command a stage like George Clooney. The movie opens when Ghost (T.I.) is released from prison after serving his time for a robbery. He immediately contacts his boys and offers up an armored car job he's been planning since prison. The crew is hesitant, but the money is good (isn't it always?). They decide to risk it because that's what they do their entire lives. There's some great hand-to-hand action by Christensen (during which time I realized how thin he is). Chris Brown also does a good parkour act as he evades capture. But, some of the acting is really bad. The lines are pretty stilted. I mean, you can't necessarily blame T.I. for this because he's a newbie and all, but what excuse can the others give?
Watch It: For some ramped up action toward the end.
Skip It: Because despite the big names there are other movies of this ilk that are more exceptional.
Armored
9.06.2010
Rating: PG-13
Movie Release Date: December 4, 2009
DVD Release Date: May 4, 2010
Plot 411: A group of armored car drivers plot to steal $42 million dollars.
Review: With his parents dead, the responsibility to raise his younger brother falls on Ty's (Columbus Short) shoulders. After an honorable discharge from the military, he takes a job as an armored car driver with his godfather Mike (Matt Dillon). After passing Ty passes his probation, Mike lets him in on a plan that he and his team have been plotting to steal one of their loads. At first Ty refuses to be involved, but with the bank ready to take their house and child welfare knocking on his door, he feels he has no choice but to snag some of that money. Surprisingly, this was better than I thought it'd be (though far from a good heist film). The quality of actors used in this movie was surprising. Besides Dillon, there was Jean Reno and Laurence Fishburne and a small part by Fred Ward. Younger actors included Amaury Nolasco, Milo Ventimiglia and Skeet Ulrich. Unfortunately, they weren't really able to sell me on the plot. There were a lot of sequences that weren't believable, actions that just didn't fit. Also, they introduce Ventimiglia's character only to use him as a human prop. They completely wasted him. The movie didn't go too much into detail regarding the motive behind this heist. I guess as the audience we're just supposed to think that the money is enough. Only Ty had a real reason for needing the money. I guess the others can be summed up with plain old greed.
Watch It: If you're okay with a mediocre turn out by some top-notched actors.
Skip It: And go with one of the Ocean's flicks. Much more entertaining.
Movie Release Date: December 4, 2009
DVD Release Date: May 4, 2010
Plot 411: A group of armored car drivers plot to steal $42 million dollars.
Review: With his parents dead, the responsibility to raise his younger brother falls on Ty's (Columbus Short) shoulders. After an honorable discharge from the military, he takes a job as an armored car driver with his godfather Mike (Matt Dillon). After passing Ty passes his probation, Mike lets him in on a plan that he and his team have been plotting to steal one of their loads. At first Ty refuses to be involved, but with the bank ready to take their house and child welfare knocking on his door, he feels he has no choice but to snag some of that money. Surprisingly, this was better than I thought it'd be (though far from a good heist film). The quality of actors used in this movie was surprising. Besides Dillon, there was Jean Reno and Laurence Fishburne and a small part by Fred Ward. Younger actors included Amaury Nolasco, Milo Ventimiglia and Skeet Ulrich. Unfortunately, they weren't really able to sell me on the plot. There were a lot of sequences that weren't believable, actions that just didn't fit. Also, they introduce Ventimiglia's character only to use him as a human prop. They completely wasted him. The movie didn't go too much into detail regarding the motive behind this heist. I guess as the audience we're just supposed to think that the money is enough. Only Ty had a real reason for needing the money. I guess the others can be summed up with plain old greed.
Watch It: If you're okay with a mediocre turn out by some top-notched actors.
Skip It: And go with one of the Ocean's flicks. Much more entertaining.
American Gangster
8.23.2010
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: November 2, 2007
DVD Release Date: February 18, 2008
Plot 411: An honest cop goes after one of New York's most infamous drug dealers.
Review: Originally from the south but living and working up north as the right-hand man for a major drug lord, Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) quickly learns the ins and outs of running an illegal empire. When his boss dies, he decides to take over the territory and has no qualms about killing anyone in his way. He soon grows his empire by purchasing heroin directly from the source, something no one has done before, and marketing the product as blue magic. His product is cheaper and better than his competitors and he soon holds the largest market share. His nemisis in this movie is Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), who is an honest cop in a sea of corruption. Despite his failing marriage, undercover work and lack of popularity on the force due to his Boy Scout ways, he manages to be promoted and put in charge of stopping the spread of drugs in New York. This is a movie based on true life, which already makes it a lot more interesting than some other flicks. Washington and Crowe are like to seasoned heavy weights going at it. Even though they lead separate lives for much of the film, you can still see how they are connected. I love how the filmmakers contrast good and evil, right and wrong thoughout the movie. It makes you see that people are complex beings and cannot only be judged from one perspective. Also in this film are Josh Brolin, Chewetel Ejiofor, Ted Levine, Carla Gugino, Cuba Gooding Jr, Armand Assante and Idris Elba.
Movie Release Date: November 2, 2007
DVD Release Date: February 18, 2008
Plot 411: An honest cop goes after one of New York's most infamous drug dealers.
Review: Originally from the south but living and working up north as the right-hand man for a major drug lord, Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) quickly learns the ins and outs of running an illegal empire. When his boss dies, he decides to take over the territory and has no qualms about killing anyone in his way. He soon grows his empire by purchasing heroin directly from the source, something no one has done before, and marketing the product as blue magic. His product is cheaper and better than his competitors and he soon holds the largest market share. His nemisis in this movie is Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), who is an honest cop in a sea of corruption. Despite his failing marriage, undercover work and lack of popularity on the force due to his Boy Scout ways, he manages to be promoted and put in charge of stopping the spread of drugs in New York. This is a movie based on true life, which already makes it a lot more interesting than some other flicks. Washington and Crowe are like to seasoned heavy weights going at it. Even though they lead separate lives for much of the film, you can still see how they are connected. I love how the filmmakers contrast good and evil, right and wrong thoughout the movie. It makes you see that people are complex beings and cannot only be judged from one perspective. Also in this film are Josh Brolin, Chewetel Ejiofor, Ted Levine, Carla Gugino, Cuba Gooding Jr, Armand Assante and Idris Elba.
Watch It: For a gritty, noir-like film about drugs, corrupt cops and capitalism.
Skip It: And its unapologetic violence.
Death Note: L Change The World
7.27.2010
Rating: Not Rated
Movie Release Date: February 9, 2008 (Japan)
DVD Release Date: August 18, 2009
Plot 411: L must stop a biomedical plot to destroy mankind.
Review: This is my favorite movie of the three Death Note flicks. It is less about the death notebook and more about the character named L (Kenichi Matsuyama). This movie is a 23-day excerpt of his life in which he is called upon to save the world from a lethal virus. An environmental group has developed a virus that will wipe out populations. Their motive? Humans are overpopulating the world and a balance is needed within nature. This movie is great because it elaborates on an interesting character by giving us a closer look at who he is. We watch as he relates to others in a more intimate way, thus proving he is changing and growing as a person. L becomes especially close to two children - Maki (Mayuko Fukuda) and Boy/Near (Narushi Fukuda). They are both intelligent and alone, something to which L can relate.
Movie Release Date: February 9, 2008 (Japan)
DVD Release Date: August 18, 2009
Plot 411: L must stop a biomedical plot to destroy mankind.
Review: This is my favorite movie of the three Death Note flicks. It is less about the death notebook and more about the character named L (Kenichi Matsuyama). This movie is a 23-day excerpt of his life in which he is called upon to save the world from a lethal virus. An environmental group has developed a virus that will wipe out populations. Their motive? Humans are overpopulating the world and a balance is needed within nature. This movie is great because it elaborates on an interesting character by giving us a closer look at who he is. We watch as he relates to others in a more intimate way, thus proving he is changing and growing as a person. L becomes especially close to two children - Maki (Mayuko Fukuda) and Boy/Near (Narushi Fukuda). They are both intelligent and alone, something to which L can relate.
Watch It: If you were really drawn to L in the other movies.
Skip It: If you've never seen the first two Death Notes. I feel like it's essential that you watch the first two before this one as you'll get a more complete picture of who L is by being able to contrast the two. Also, this movie includes spoilers of the other two.
Death Note: The Last Name
7.22.2010
Rating: Not Rated
Movie Release Date: November 3, 2006 (Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan) / May 20, 2008 (USA)
DVD Release Date: February 10, 2009
Plot 411: The battle of minds continues in this Death Note sequel.
Review: In this movie, Light (Tatsuya Fujiwara) and L (Kenichi Matsuyama) face off to capture the notorious Kira (I like how that sounds like "killer" in English). The battle between these two geniuses is intense and you never feel bored. Again, the cops in this show, including Light's father (Takeshi Kaga), are extremely useless. New characters are introduced that create a twist here or there. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It's interesting that the Japanese are still making movies about the powers of good and evil, yet they're doing it in new ways that will capture modern audiences. I also love how there is humor despite the serious nature of the show. The constant cat and mouse game played by Light and L is great and keeps you wanting more. The CGI could use more work. If this is a style they're going for, I just don't get it. I like how the topic of justice is still being argued with both sides of the issue coming up with logical and relevent reasons to support their views. Is a world with less crime worth the sacrifices being made and the relinquishing of human rights? Does ever human, good or bad, deserve a chance? What happens when obviously guilty criminals are released due to faulty justice systems? Is it wrong for them to pay for their crimes in an eye for an eye way? These are all pretty serious questions to be generated from a movie (and previously a manga).
Watch It: If you liked the first movie. This one continues the story and seals the deal.
Skip It: If stereotypes of Japanese girls annoy you. This one girl Misa (Erika Toda) was just so annoying with her whining and little girl tantrums.
Movie Release Date: November 3, 2006 (Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan) / May 20, 2008 (USA)
DVD Release Date: February 10, 2009
Plot 411: The battle of minds continues in this Death Note sequel.
Review: In this movie, Light (Tatsuya Fujiwara) and L (Kenichi Matsuyama) face off to capture the notorious Kira (I like how that sounds like "killer" in English). The battle between these two geniuses is intense and you never feel bored. Again, the cops in this show, including Light's father (Takeshi Kaga), are extremely useless. New characters are introduced that create a twist here or there. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It's interesting that the Japanese are still making movies about the powers of good and evil, yet they're doing it in new ways that will capture modern audiences. I also love how there is humor despite the serious nature of the show. The constant cat and mouse game played by Light and L is great and keeps you wanting more. The CGI could use more work. If this is a style they're going for, I just don't get it. I like how the topic of justice is still being argued with both sides of the issue coming up with logical and relevent reasons to support their views. Is a world with less crime worth the sacrifices being made and the relinquishing of human rights? Does ever human, good or bad, deserve a chance? What happens when obviously guilty criminals are released due to faulty justice systems? Is it wrong for them to pay for their crimes in an eye for an eye way? These are all pretty serious questions to be generated from a movie (and previously a manga).
Watch It: If you liked the first movie. This one continues the story and seals the deal.
Skip It: If stereotypes of Japanese girls annoy you. This one girl Misa (Erika Toda) was just so annoying with her whining and little girl tantrums.
Death Note / Desu Nooto
7.19.2010
Rating: Not Rated
Movie Release Date: June 17, 2006 (Japan)
DVD Release Date: September 16, 2008
Plot 411: A college student finds a magical book that gives him the power to kill anyone just by writing their name inside it.
Review: This movie is based on a manga of the same name and stars Tatsuya Fujiwara as Light, the son of a police officer. He is a law student who wants to work in the police force, but he is jaded when he discovers that many criminals do not receive the punishment they deserve. One night he finds a book that has been dropped by the god of death. By writing in this book, Light learns that he can kill all the bad people in the world who escape the hand of justice. Soon he is killing people around the world in the name of bettering humanity, and his father is put on a taskforce to find the killer (aka Kira). His father collaborates with the mysterious L (Kenichi Matsuyama), who is a genius at uncovering mysteries. This movie is a great crime thriller, despite the cheesy animation used to portray the god of death. I mean, c'mon. The main actor looks like he stepped out of an anime, but they can't make the one animation in the film look legit? What's wrong with that picture? This was a good movie because it was essentially a match of wits and the smartest man will walk out as the winner. It played out that age-old saying: "Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Watch It: For an interesting foreign flick that visually looks a lot like an anime but is really live action.
Skip It: Because how can the Japanese get the animation so wrong? How?
Movie Release Date: June 17, 2006 (Japan)
DVD Release Date: September 16, 2008
Plot 411: A college student finds a magical book that gives him the power to kill anyone just by writing their name inside it.
Review: This movie is based on a manga of the same name and stars Tatsuya Fujiwara as Light, the son of a police officer. He is a law student who wants to work in the police force, but he is jaded when he discovers that many criminals do not receive the punishment they deserve. One night he finds a book that has been dropped by the god of death. By writing in this book, Light learns that he can kill all the bad people in the world who escape the hand of justice. Soon he is killing people around the world in the name of bettering humanity, and his father is put on a taskforce to find the killer (aka Kira). His father collaborates with the mysterious L (Kenichi Matsuyama), who is a genius at uncovering mysteries. This movie is a great crime thriller, despite the cheesy animation used to portray the god of death. I mean, c'mon. The main actor looks like he stepped out of an anime, but they can't make the one animation in the film look legit? What's wrong with that picture? This was a good movie because it was essentially a match of wits and the smartest man will walk out as the winner. It played out that age-old saying: "Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Watch It: For an interesting foreign flick that visually looks a lot like an anime but is really live action.
Skip It: Because how can the Japanese get the animation so wrong? How?
Blood Work
7.12.2010
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: August 9, 2002
DVD Release Date: December 27, 2002
Plot 411: A heart transplant recipient investigates the circumstances in which his donor was killed.
Review: Clint Eastwood stars as FBI agent Terry McCaleb, who has a heart attack while chasing a suspect down an alley. Two years later, he receives a transplant and is recovering well when his donor's sister visits him on his boat. Graciella (Wanda de Jesus) implores McCaleb to help her get answers about her sister's death. As McCaleb digs deeper into the case, he ruffles the feathers of local law enforcement officers, played by Paul Rodriguez and Dylan Walsh. He also gets a hand from a former colleague, played by Tina Lifford. Anjelica Houston makes a couple of brief appearances as McCaleb's heart doctor and Jeff Daniels is his neighbor. This movie seemed like every other run-of-the-mill cop thriller and wasn't enhanced in any way by Eastwood's star credentials. I didn't realize it was only made in 2002. Instead, I thought it was one of Eastwood's earlier works. This, I suppose, is due in part to the lackluster production quality and special effects. It could've been an '80s classic rather than a turn-of-the-century effort. The pacing was also less than perfect, which made the movie drag for me.
Watch It: To see old Clint in action just like the good old days.
Skip It: Because the requisite love scene was totally unnecessary and came out of no where, in my opinion.
Movie Release Date: August 9, 2002
DVD Release Date: December 27, 2002
Plot 411: A heart transplant recipient investigates the circumstances in which his donor was killed.
Review: Clint Eastwood stars as FBI agent Terry McCaleb, who has a heart attack while chasing a suspect down an alley. Two years later, he receives a transplant and is recovering well when his donor's sister visits him on his boat. Graciella (Wanda de Jesus) implores McCaleb to help her get answers about her sister's death. As McCaleb digs deeper into the case, he ruffles the feathers of local law enforcement officers, played by Paul Rodriguez and Dylan Walsh. He also gets a hand from a former colleague, played by Tina Lifford. Anjelica Houston makes a couple of brief appearances as McCaleb's heart doctor and Jeff Daniels is his neighbor. This movie seemed like every other run-of-the-mill cop thriller and wasn't enhanced in any way by Eastwood's star credentials. I didn't realize it was only made in 2002. Instead, I thought it was one of Eastwood's earlier works. This, I suppose, is due in part to the lackluster production quality and special effects. It could've been an '80s classic rather than a turn-of-the-century effort. The pacing was also less than perfect, which made the movie drag for me.
Watch It: To see old Clint in action just like the good old days.
Skip It: Because the requisite love scene was totally unnecessary and came out of no where, in my opinion.
From Paris With Love
7.08.2010
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: February 5, 2010
DVD Release Date: June 8, 2010
Plot 411: An intelligence operative gets activated for his first real field assignment and is partnered with an unorthodox cowboy of a spy.
Review: James Reece (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is a young spy who moonlights as the American ambassador to Paris' personal aide. In addition to his duties as an aide, he spends time working small jobs that assist other field agents. However, when he is tasked with getting a senior agent named Wax (John Travolta) out of customs, he is quickly schooled in the ways of international spydom. Travolta and Meyers play well off each other and are able to portray their characters in believable and likeable ways. Wax is incredibly free-spirited and dead bodies pile up fast around him. You can't say he isn't effective. Reece's inexperience reflects the audienece's shock at Wax's method. In an almost carefree manner, Wax shoots up an entire room without flinching. Together Travolta and Meyers are a pretty entertaining comedic duo. The movie's pace was slow going at first as it's trying to establish the scene, but it quickly got into gear. The combination of direcctor Peter Morel and writer Luc Besson worked well in my opinion. When the action blew up, it reall went for it. There were multiple gunfights in close quarters and some decent action sequences.
Movie Release Date: February 5, 2010
DVD Release Date: June 8, 2010
Plot 411: An intelligence operative gets activated for his first real field assignment and is partnered with an unorthodox cowboy of a spy.
Review: James Reece (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is a young spy who moonlights as the American ambassador to Paris' personal aide. In addition to his duties as an aide, he spends time working small jobs that assist other field agents. However, when he is tasked with getting a senior agent named Wax (John Travolta) out of customs, he is quickly schooled in the ways of international spydom. Travolta and Meyers play well off each other and are able to portray their characters in believable and likeable ways. Wax is incredibly free-spirited and dead bodies pile up fast around him. You can't say he isn't effective. Reece's inexperience reflects the audienece's shock at Wax's method. In an almost carefree manner, Wax shoots up an entire room without flinching. Together Travolta and Meyers are a pretty entertaining comedic duo. The movie's pace was slow going at first as it's trying to establish the scene, but it quickly got into gear. The combination of direcctor Peter Morel and writer Luc Besson worked well in my opinion. When the action blew up, it reall went for it. There were multiple gunfights in close quarters and some decent action sequences.
Watch It: Because it's pretty entertaining and there's a cool scene where Travolta slides down a pole upside down. Wonder where he learned that trick? Carmen Electra's pole dancing video?
Skip It: Because it's probably highly inaccurate as far as the special ops world is concerned. The body count keeps rising and no one blinks an eye.
The Death And Life Of Bobby Z
7.07.2010
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: November 17, 2007 (Japan)
DVD Release Date: June 13, 2007 (Poland) / September 4, 2007 (USA)
Plot 411: A convict is offered a deal that will give him his freedom if he impersonates a drug dealer.
Movie Release Date: November 17, 2007 (Japan)
DVD Release Date: June 13, 2007 (Poland) / September 4, 2007 (USA)
Plot 411: A convict is offered a deal that will give him his freedom if he impersonates a drug dealer.
Review: Paul Walker stars as Tim, a con who is serving time after a series of unfortunate circumstances. Gruzsa (Laurence Fishburne), a DEA agent, offers Tim a deal: pretend he is high-flying drug dealer Bobby Z (Jason Lewis) in order to swap places with a DEA agent being held hostage. However, at the exchange site things begin to unravel and alliances are questioned. Tim must continue the charade if he wants to live. But who can he trust? This is a grade B action flick that Walker and Fishburne should've passed on. Maybe times were tough and a gig is a gig? However, I seriously doubt that this movie helped either career. Walker is still toting his surfer boy accent, which is actually getting a bit irritating 10 years after Meet The Deedles. I'm just waiting for him to remake Point Break, which I do believe he would be perfect in. He can't be much worse than Keanu Reeves now can he?
Watch It: If you want to see cameos by some UFC fighters.
Skip It: Because Chuck Liddell is wasted way too fast.
Law Abiding Citizen
7.03.2010
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: October 6, 2009
DVD Release Date: February 16, 2010
Plot 411: When justice doesn't prevail for a man's family, he plots to teach the justice system a lesson.
Review: Gerard Butler stars as Clyde, a man who lives while his wife and daughter die as a result of a brutal home invasion. A year later, his lawyer Nick (Jamie Foxx) takes a plea bargain deal that allows one murder to get off relatively easily. Clyde is let down by the government's justice system and spends the next 10 years plotting to right the wrong. This is an interesting look at the faults of our justice system, a system in which killers are set free given the right legal song and dance. It comments on the kinds of ethics lawyers (and people in general) may or may not possess. It points out what may be lacking in your life when status and ego begin to take precedence. It asks you to question the rights and wrongs of the characters' actions and philosophy. For me, the pace started off a bit slow even if the movie opened with a big bang. However, once it started going I found myself thoroughly engrossed in it. This is a thinking person's type of film as Clyde is a thinking man. The way he is able to stay two steps ahead of the authorities is shockingly easy. I'm not sure if that demonstrates his brilliance or the ineptitude of law enforcement. Also in this film are Colin Meaney, Bruce McGill and Leslie Bibb.
Watch It: For a good cop thriller with decent performances from both Butler and Foxx.
Skip It: If Butler's ever-changing accent gets on your nerves.
Movie Release Date: October 6, 2009
DVD Release Date: February 16, 2010
Plot 411: When justice doesn't prevail for a man's family, he plots to teach the justice system a lesson.
Review: Gerard Butler stars as Clyde, a man who lives while his wife and daughter die as a result of a brutal home invasion. A year later, his lawyer Nick (Jamie Foxx) takes a plea bargain deal that allows one murder to get off relatively easily. Clyde is let down by the government's justice system and spends the next 10 years plotting to right the wrong. This is an interesting look at the faults of our justice system, a system in which killers are set free given the right legal song and dance. It comments on the kinds of ethics lawyers (and people in general) may or may not possess. It points out what may be lacking in your life when status and ego begin to take precedence. It asks you to question the rights and wrongs of the characters' actions and philosophy. For me, the pace started off a bit slow even if the movie opened with a big bang. However, once it started going I found myself thoroughly engrossed in it. This is a thinking person's type of film as Clyde is a thinking man. The way he is able to stay two steps ahead of the authorities is shockingly easy. I'm not sure if that demonstrates his brilliance or the ineptitude of law enforcement. Also in this film are Colin Meaney, Bruce McGill and Leslie Bibb.
Watch It: For a good cop thriller with decent performances from both Butler and Foxx.
Skip It: If Butler's ever-changing accent gets on your nerves.
Running Scared
6.30.2010
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: February 24, 2006
DVD Release Date: June 6, 2006
Plot 411: A gun is stolen and a family's life is threatened.
Review: Joey (Paul Walker) runs with some rough guys. He's in charge of clean up when things go bad. While it's decent money, it's also dangerous. When a gun Joey's holding for insurance goes missing, he knows he's in big trouble. He needs to track the gun down and keep it from resurfacing because this gun has seen things. It's done things. And it's killed a cop. I gotta say that this is Walker's best performance ever. The intensely gritty role gives us a different look at this California surfer dude. It's tough to escape the type casting, especially if your first real role is in something like Meet The Deedles. I had high hopes for this guy to step into the role of the next big action/thriller star. Unfortunately, he's been a disappointment for the most part, but he's still hot. In this movie, he stretched his acting muscles and proved to be both believable and likeable despite toeing the line between good and bad. I also liked the pacing of this film because it always kept you interested. There never seemed to be a dull moment. Also in this movie are Chaz Palminteri, Vera Farmiga, Cameron Bright and Johnny Messner.
Watch It: For some good action sequences.
Skip It: If you're more into Guy Ritchie's style of storytelling.
Movie Release Date: February 24, 2006
DVD Release Date: June 6, 2006
Plot 411: A gun is stolen and a family's life is threatened.
Review: Joey (Paul Walker) runs with some rough guys. He's in charge of clean up when things go bad. While it's decent money, it's also dangerous. When a gun Joey's holding for insurance goes missing, he knows he's in big trouble. He needs to track the gun down and keep it from resurfacing because this gun has seen things. It's done things. And it's killed a cop. I gotta say that this is Walker's best performance ever. The intensely gritty role gives us a different look at this California surfer dude. It's tough to escape the type casting, especially if your first real role is in something like Meet The Deedles. I had high hopes for this guy to step into the role of the next big action/thriller star. Unfortunately, he's been a disappointment for the most part, but he's still hot. In this movie, he stretched his acting muscles and proved to be both believable and likeable despite toeing the line between good and bad. I also liked the pacing of this film because it always kept you interested. There never seemed to be a dull moment. Also in this movie are Chaz Palminteri, Vera Farmiga, Cameron Bright and Johnny Messner.
Watch It: For some good action sequences.
Skip It: If you're more into Guy Ritchie's style of storytelling.
American Gigolo
6.24.2010
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: February 8, 1980
DVD Release Date: May 23, 2000
Plot 411: A male prostitute is suspected of murdering one of his clients.
Review: Julian Kaye (Richard Gere) is a handsome and successful male prostitute who services elite clients in the L.A. area. His popularity and sexual prowess provide him with a luxurious lifestyle. At one of his jobs, he is asked to beat up and then have sex with a woman while her husband watches. Later, the woman is found dead and Julian becomes the prime suspect in the case led by Sunday (Hector Elizondo). Despite being with Michelle (Lauren Hutton), a client who is married to a political figure, he cannot provide himself with an alibi and she refuses to come forward. Doing so would damage her husband's career and bring unwanted publicity to them. For a 1980s film, I thought this was pretty progressive. I don't know if that's true or not. I found Julian to be a highly unlikeable character because he just seemed to be so arrogant. He walks around like he's a god among men, but maybe that's what happens when a guy's in such high demand? Even when he's framed, I didn't feel much sympathy for him and found myself wondering when the movie would end. Julian's gradual decline in the film reflects his descent in society and is an obvious physical indicator of the follies of gigolohood. Not so subtle huh?
Watch It: For the hype?
Skip It: Because I didn't really think it lived up to it.
Movie Release Date: February 8, 1980
DVD Release Date: May 23, 2000
Plot 411: A male prostitute is suspected of murdering one of his clients.
Review: Julian Kaye (Richard Gere) is a handsome and successful male prostitute who services elite clients in the L.A. area. His popularity and sexual prowess provide him with a luxurious lifestyle. At one of his jobs, he is asked to beat up and then have sex with a woman while her husband watches. Later, the woman is found dead and Julian becomes the prime suspect in the case led by Sunday (Hector Elizondo). Despite being with Michelle (Lauren Hutton), a client who is married to a political figure, he cannot provide himself with an alibi and she refuses to come forward. Doing so would damage her husband's career and bring unwanted publicity to them. For a 1980s film, I thought this was pretty progressive. I don't know if that's true or not. I found Julian to be a highly unlikeable character because he just seemed to be so arrogant. He walks around like he's a god among men, but maybe that's what happens when a guy's in such high demand? Even when he's framed, I didn't feel much sympathy for him and found myself wondering when the movie would end. Julian's gradual decline in the film reflects his descent in society and is an obvious physical indicator of the follies of gigolohood. Not so subtle huh?
Watch It: For the hype?
Skip It: Because I didn't really think it lived up to it.
Pride And Glory
6.21.2010
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: October 24, 2008
DVD Release Date: January 27, 2009
Plot 411: A family of cops are threatened when one of them turns dirty.
Review: This movie is about a family that is fully entrenched in the NYPD and are forced to question their loyalties when one of them crosses the line of the law. From a patriarch (Jon Voight) and his sons (Noah Emmerich and Ed Norton) to in-laws (Colin Farrell), the Tierney family has been involved and highly visible in the police force. Crime has decreased with them running the show because they've allowed their men to take matters into their own hands. But when does it become too much? When do the ends not justify the means? While I thought the subject matter was interesting - ideas of family, loyalty and code of honor - the execution was pretty bad. For a long time it's not clear who these people are in relation to the story and to each other. Which characters are brothers by blood and which are brothers through the force? I found myself getting frustrated and probably ended up missing important clues because I couldn't easily identify the people. This made the rest of the story become irrelevant. Also, a lot of the characters' motives were sketchy to say the least and were not reinforced at the end of the film. There was no real foundation for their behavior.
Movie Release Date: October 24, 2008
DVD Release Date: January 27, 2009
Plot 411: A family of cops are threatened when one of them turns dirty.
Review: This movie is about a family that is fully entrenched in the NYPD and are forced to question their loyalties when one of them crosses the line of the law. From a patriarch (Jon Voight) and his sons (Noah Emmerich and Ed Norton) to in-laws (Colin Farrell), the Tierney family has been involved and highly visible in the police force. Crime has decreased with them running the show because they've allowed their men to take matters into their own hands. But when does it become too much? When do the ends not justify the means? While I thought the subject matter was interesting - ideas of family, loyalty and code of honor - the execution was pretty bad. For a long time it's not clear who these people are in relation to the story and to each other. Which characters are brothers by blood and which are brothers through the force? I found myself getting frustrated and probably ended up missing important clues because I couldn't easily identify the people. This made the rest of the story become irrelevant. Also, a lot of the characters' motives were sketchy to say the least and were not reinforced at the end of the film. There was no real foundation for their behavior.
Watch It: If you like yourself a good cop thriller.
Skip It: Because it's one of those instances where less is definitely more and there was just too much going on in this movie.
The Air I Breathe
5.30.2010
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: December 13, 2007 (Greece) / January 25, 2008 (USA)
DVD Release Date: May 20, 2008
Plot 411: A vignette of four interwoven lives based on the principles of happiness, pleasure, sorrow and love.
Review: This movie is a drama that tells the story of four people by interlocking their fates. The first part is about a stockbroker (Forest Whitaker) who doesn't take any risks. When he finally bets on the horses, he loses a ton of money and the bookie (Andy Garcia) has only given him two weeks before he collects. Playing the collection agent is Brendan Fraser, whose character can see the future through visions. However, because of his gift he feels numb to the world. He is neither able to change the future nor avoid it. When his gift fails him for the first time, he meets a singer (Sarah Michelle Gellar) whom the bookie now owns. Deciding for the first time to attempt to make a difference, he tries to help her escape from the bookie. Another character (Kevin Bacon) is a doctor who throws caution to the wind in order to save the woman he loves (Julie Delpy). I enjoyed this movie because it questioned our ideas of happiness, pleasure, sorrow and love. it poked holes in the stereotypes of each emotion and allowed us to see them from a different perspective. Is happiness merely being rich? Or is it being free to feel alive? Is pleasure all about the physical aspects of a relationship? Or maybe it's being surprised by what you thought was mundane. Is sorrow death? Or is it the knowledge that what you've finally found is gone? Does love mean that you live happily ever after? Or does it mean that you're happy to stand on the sidelines to watch others be happy? Also in this movie are Emile Hirsch and Kelly Hu.
Watch It: For the different truths that are revealed and ponder how they may relate to your own life.
Skip It: Because its multiple layers may not be what you're looking for in what appears to be a crime drama.
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