By adminPublished: July 30, 2010Posted in: UncategorizedTags:
Review by Lucia Santiago Dantes
“Dinner for Schmucks” was a very nice surprise, cute and fun. It is also, a well-balanced movie dealing with comedy and romance. The onstage comedy couple made by Paul Rudd and Steve Carrell simply works. Not so slapstick comedy but also with a heart.
Tim (Rudd) is an executive looking for a promotion in the firm he works. He has it all to go up in the ladder: good attitude, focused, motivated and he’s good at work. In order to get his promotion Tim’s boss invited him to a very peculiar dinner where everyone has to bring an special guest with an “out of the ordinary” characteristic that will make him or her peculiar, the more ridiculous, the better (in other words an idiot). When Tim’s girlfriend, Julie (Stephanie Szostak) knows about this dinner she’s appalled. The same day, Tim meets literally by accident Barry (Steve Carrell) a man so strange that captures Tim’s attention and invites him to the infamous dinner. Little he knew, Barry is a walking disaster creating chaos and disaster on Tim’s personal life.
What I loved the most about Dinner for Schmucks was the whole visual concept surrounding Barry’s character: scale models made with mice recreating idyllic scenes or famous painting. This is actually the first sequence of the film where a couple of mice staged in several romantic moments of their life enjoy the moment together.
The story is very light and it has its moments and it’s the remake of the 1998 french movie “The Dinner Game” (Le dîner de cons)
By adminPublished: July 20, 2010Posted in: Film, Film ReviewsTags:
Review by Lucia Santiago Dantes
INCEPTION
One of my top ten movies of 2010, so far. Directed by Christopher Nolan better known for directing “The Dark Knight(2008)”, “Insomnia(2002)” and “Memento(2000)”. With all these movies under his belt, it would be extremely rare that “Inception” (opening this Friday) wouldn’t be an interesting movie to watch.
What I liked the most about Inception is how the film explores the possibilities of inserting ideas into people’s minds. This is one of those movies where all those CGI special effects actually help to tell a story to the point they’re all justified and even better, you don’t seem to mind because you’re completely absorbed in the story.
So, what’s the story about? In a world where technology allows it, Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is some sort of thief who specializes on stealing ideas from other people’s minds while sleeping. This procedure requires a special machine where you’re plugged in and several people can share the same dream. Cobb has other coworkers Arthur (Joseph Gordon Levitt) and Earnes (Tom Hardy). The story starts with a failed operation where the target is Saito (Ken Watanabe) who was aware about Cobbs intentions to steal information from his dreams. Saito was in fact auditioning the team for a more sophisticated job, instead of stealing an idea, he wants to insert an idea into someone. Cobbs hasn’t done that yet, but gets very interested when offered the possibility of returning to the US after leaving the country under suspicions of a crime. Saito’s target is Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy) the son of his industrial competitor; to whom he wants to insert the idea of dismantling his father’s emporium. Cobbs agrees to take the job in exchange of erasing all his charges in the U.S. and gets and new member for his team: Ariadne (Ellen Page) a young Architect who discover some issues in Cobbs’ mind regarding his deceased wife.
Inception is a very sophisticated movie that will make you question about the concept of reality. There are a very few movies that will actually achieve this concept but none so detailed as Inception. Several points that kept my mind wondering were: the subjective mind, surrealism and dreams, the questioning of reality… what is reality? What if we live in a dream? Concept suggested many years Ago by Pedro Calderon de la Barca on his play “Life is a Dream” where the protagonist, Segismundo, a prince who lived in captivity and made believe part of what he lived was a dream questions reality claiming:
“What is life? A frenzy.
What is life? A fiction,
A shadow, an illusion,
And the greatest profit is small;
For all of life is a dream,
And dreams, are nothing but dreams.
What puzzled me the most during INCEPTION is not only the concept of how ideas are created, stole or erased. Is the concept of how you can navigate under the subconscious of a person’s mind through dreams and dreams inside your dreams. Just a few times in my life I’ve had dreams inside my dreams, but for sure it is possible As well as to be aware that you’re dreaming while in a dream. Also it is remarkable how Christopher Nolan plays with the power of manipulate and create buildings and objects at caprice in dreams to help you manipulate the subconscious mind but also to guide you inside your dream and be aware that you’re actually dreaming.
After so many jobs while dreaming you might think it is also possible to lose contact with reality and that’s when Nolan offers us another interesting solution: a totem, an object that helps you realize if you’re inside a dream or not.
There are so many interesting ideas on Inception, that probably you’ll have to watch it several times and each time you will come up with more ideas to think about.
It also made me think of other movies that brilliantly plays with the concept of manipulating dreams, memories and the human mind: The Matrix trilogy directed by the Wachoski brothers and Michael Gondri’s “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”.
The third season of FRINGE already shooting in Vancouver, BC Currently on location outside the Vancouver Public Art Gallery. in Downtown. Photos taken Monday July 12, 2010.
Oliva Durham (Anna Torv) and Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble), showring arms only)
Oliva Durham (Anna Torv) and Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble)
Oliva Durham (Anna Torv) and Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson)
Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble) taken break on the set of FRINGE.
By adminPublished: July 11, 2010Posted in: UncategorizedTags:
(G) * * *
Loveable Lout!
By ROBERT WALDMAN
Losers come in all shapes and sizes. Universal Studios seems to have latched onto a winner with Despicable Me, the latest comedy causing chaos at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking, Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City cites around B.C.
Yet another movie joins the 3-D bandwagon and once again we’re blessed with an animated treat. Smart writing and a winning way shines bright as we “track’ the weird and wonderful life of a guy named Gru. Hot comic Steve Carell (Get Smart) lets loose with a Russian accent and a devilish plan as a mad scientist of sorts with a criminal bent out to take over the world. Our Gru thinks he’s tough and has been responsible for one of the biggest crimes of the century. New targets are hard to come by and he faces constant challenges by pretenders to the throne. Little does Gru know that a trio of little ladies may put a dent in that outer nasty streak.
Shot for fun and full of outlandish characters Despicable Me is a wondrous affair that little kids in particular will fall in love with. So silly are the scenes, the contraptions and a group of pint-sized elves with squeaky voices that you’re easily pulled in. Audiences will get pulled in by the weirdness of the whole experience and there’s a telling moral added in just for good measure. Our big question is whether a tough guy can show a more human side and this is the true thrust of Despicable Me.
Played completely for laughs the 3-D effects here aren’t really that evident or necessary. Here it’s the charming writing and seeing Gru grow as a person and change over time that’s the real treasure. A series of big name comics including Russell Brand,Jason Segel and Julie Andrews lend their voice talent to these uproarious characters. 95 minutes sails by with no bumps in the road thanks to the free-styling level headed ways of joint directors Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud. Insertion of some pop tune classics further ramps up the levity of the whole experience. Vibrant colours, great comical scenes and an ability to make the ordinary seem extraordinary turns Despicable Me into a fun fest for all ages.
Despicable Me again shows the multifaceted talents of Steve Carell who proves he can fire up audiences in any language.
Read more reviews by Robert at www.moviereviewssite.com
By adminPublished: July 11, 2010Posted in: Film, Film Reviews, RobertTags:
Growing Pains!
By ROBERT WALDMAN
Mixed relationships provide lots of food for fodder in The Kids Are All Right, a fresh look at family turmoils now unraveling at the Fifth Avenue Cinemas. Smart dialogue abounds in this Alliance Films release that’s sure to garner lots of acclaim come Oscar time next year.
Modern families come in all shapes and sizes. Gay lifestyles today are in vogue in some areas while despised in others. Personal values and choices play a big part in the make-up of a California family headed by two women. Ten years has been a good decade for Jules and Nic. Julianne Moore (Hannibal) and Annette Bening (Bugsy) play the female lovers who are “blessed” with having two children Bright beyond their years are Joni and Laser now undergoing the usual tough transition as teens. Young stars Mia Wasikowska (Defiance) and Josh Hutcherson (Fragments) shine bright as the children to these strong women.
Lots of child rearing issues face the women of the house along with one other “minor” dilemma. When the kids decide its time to meet their father they learn that this mystery man is a sperm donor who gave them life. Many people in the same predicament try to find out about their past and often their quests go unfulfilled. Not so here. Soul searching yields results and the kids end up meeting Paul. Efforts to convey the emotions of a sperm donor can be hard at the best of times to pull off but under the masterful conveyance of Mark Ruffalo (In The Cut) you get to feel the connection.
Once the elder women meet up with Paul things go a bit off the rails. Cleavages develop in the household which leads to major drama. Build-ups of tension happen often in films but seldom have the impact as what transpires in The Kids Are All Right. Guidance to the pressures all family members face here are expertly acted on all counts. Doing justice to the gay lifestyle is hard at the best of times but both Annette Bening and Julianne Moore are outstanding as the battling bitches who wear their hearts on their sleeves.
Not everything in this 104 minute drama is a battle of the sexes or a battle between the sexes. Here the whole family dynamic is wonderfully developed through a very witty, timely and insightful script from director Lisa Cholodenko (Laurel Canyon). Told from a female perspective The Kids Are All Right deftly explores modern relationships that aren’t always conventional. Choices are everything in life and here we get to see two women struggle with all the pain and emotion something new can precipitate.
The Kids Are All Right will make some cry, others laugh and cause much time to pause and discuss the most innerpersonal of all issues. Smart, sophisticated and witty The Kids Are All Right turns out to be one of the most emotional films of the year and a roller coaster ride of turmoil inspired by change.
By adminPublished: July 11, 2010Posted in: Film, Film Reviews, RobertTags:Adrien Brody
(PG) * * * *
Kill Zone!
By ROBERT WALDMAN
Prepare to be taken on the ultimate thrill ride in Predators. A remake of sorts to the Arnold Schwarzenegger hit of the 80s the 2010 version of this cult classic comes out of the 20th Century Fox canon. Guilty pleasure seekers will be left sweating bullets while this 106 minute suspense ordeal unfolds at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking), Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City cites across B.C.
No, it doesn’t matter if you saw the first Predators to understand what’s going on here. Put simply seven people at random wind up in a jungle in the middle of nowhere. Hold onto your seats as it’s a fight for survival with some mysterious force out to get the “humans.”
Tension abounds in this movie that starts off with an unexpected bang. Everything here happens in the thick fauna of a jungle. Once we meet up with these strangers they have to bond to survive. Director Nimrod Antal (Armoured) has chosen his cast wisely as it’s a good representation of various ethnicities that populate our world. Too bad for them they’ve been let loose in a territory that’s anything but common on Earth.
Friction abounds in Predators. Whether it’s the humans not trusting one another and getting itchy trigger fingers or some monster or monsters on the loose you can’t help but get caught up in the ordeal. To survive it helps if you have a leader and tough guy Royce seems a good candidate for the job. Going a bit against type Adrien Brody (Cadillac Records) proves he’s got the macho thing down pat as the gung ho warrior trying to make sense out of the predicament this group has found themselves in. Along with Royce are a rag tag team of low lives who all have particular talents they bring to the party. Each one of the men and women are tested to the limit as one by one they fall prey to this evil force.
Smart writing and excellent special effects makes these monsters real scary. Good thrillers need no advance warnings of what’s going to come next and Predators achieves this high level of suspense. Tension engulfs this gripping tale of desperate people trying to stay alive while fighting some unbelievable (and some would say unworldly) enemy.
Part of the rag tag team of humans in survive mode include Alice Braga (Crossing Over) as a woman on a mission, Topher Grace (Spider-Man 3) as a medical man and Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix) as a late arrival. Atmosphere plays a big role in the believability of these type of movies and director Antal does a good job showing the elements arrayed against the humans. Quick thinking and a bit of luck are needed by the good guys (and gal) to stay alive and their instincts prove invaluable to weather the inevitable storm of terror about to descend on them.
Grown up scares don’t happen too often in most modern movies. Predators delivers the goods with chilling performances from Brody and co and some evil alien monsters sure to go down good with science fiction fans and thrill seekers ready for a little warfare on screen.
By adminPublished: July 5, 2010Posted in: Film, Film Reviews, RobertTags:
(PG) * * * *
Group Hug!
By ROBERT WALDMAN
Affairs of the heart can be tricky matters. Fox Searchlight Films unleashes Cyrus, a telling tale of emotion and struggle that’s now unraveling at the Fifth Avenue Cinemas.
Smart films don’t happen that often. Small casts can make big impacts on a film if the story is fresh and invigorating. Standout acting turns Cyrus into a must see film that boasts terrific performances from those who you’d least expect.
Been there done that is a common thread in relationships and in life in general. Take the case of John. Funnyman John C. Reilly (Step Brothers) leaves the humour behind to play a cast-off lover now at wit’s end. Married once upon a time to Jamie our man John is in the doldrums. Catherine Keener (The 40 Year Old Virgin) has a habit of coming across as warm and caring in all her performances and here is no exception. Often former spouses are at each other’s throats as bad feelings from a break-up can linger for an eternity. In Cyrus there still is a connection between John and Jamie though it now falls into the “feeling sorry” category.
Now that Jamie has her life together she feels sad that John is not getting on with his life. Being alone is no good for anyone so finally John gets out and at a party meets a new woman named Molly. Opposites can attract and Academy Award winning actress Marisa Tomei (In theBedroom) struggles with her new found friend.
Being able to connect with someone is not easy and the relationship between John and Mary is all the more complicated because of Cyrus, Jamie’s grown son. Hot off his starring role in Get Me To The Greek Jonah Hill (Superbad) gets to explore his darker side as a mama’s boy not too thrilled with the new man of the house.
True to form, Cyrus is a very clever tale about how people adapt to new surroundings and getting to know potential partners. Joint directors/writers Jay Duplass and Mark Duplass first made a stir in the film world with the different and raucous Baghead. Producer Ridley Scott clearly liked their work as do scores of fans to make that previous film and likely this one a hit on the independent film circuit.
Expect the unexpected doesn’t happen too often when you go to see a movie. Hollywood films are notorious for being mainly formulaic. Not here. Outside the box thinking is what you get in Cyrus that has pitch perfect acting. Here you see the characters grow and search out new experiences leaving you with a sense of discovery. Both Hill and Reilly are perfect as sparring men in a house of love with Marisa Tomei dazzling as a confused, caught in the middle female figure also at her wit’s end.
Struggle, pain and uncertainty all rise to the fore in Cyrus, a telling tale of love, family and bitter rivalry. Dark in tone, strong in emotion Cyrus turns out to be one of the best dramas of the year. Crisp writing and not knowing what will happen next makes Cyrus highly entertaining and serious/realistic drama at its best.
Read more reviews by Robert at www.moviereviewssite.com
By adminPublished: July 5, 2010Posted in: Film Reviews, RobertTags:
Deep Roots!
By ROBERT WALDMAN
Almost a decade ago a little known company called Pixar started doing animation. Today this firm is at the top of the field and continues their winning tradition with Toy Story 3. Smart Disney Pictures distributes Pixar product in North American and lucky British Columbians can get in on the fun at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking), the Park Theatre, the Esplanade 6, Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City cites around B.C.
Landmark films derive from great stories. John Lasseter and his team at Pixar have again surpassed themselves in this third in the famed children’s series. Check that: the appeal of the Toy Story movies, like those of the original Shrek, largely came by way of a witty script and quality animation. Much superior to this year’s rather tepid Shrek affair Toy Story 3 is smart from start to finish.
A team of thousands bare their creative souls and technical talents to send Woody and friends on another whimsical adventure. Now older, original toy owner Andy is off to college so the big question becomes what to do with all those loveable toys he played with as a child and we’re used to from the first two Toy Story movies. Should they stay or should they go becomes the cause célèbre as these loveable characters encounter all sort of angst as to their final destination. Comparisons between problems people face are neatly transcribed on these child playthings. The results are nothing short of fantastic.
While Andy makes his way to college the rest of his “friends” get shipped off to a day care centre. Once in their new home all is not as it appears as the new arrivals become “trapped” in a deadly power trip engineered by a renegade toy out to control the neighbourhood. Whether Woody can come to the rescue is an open-ended question as both the toys and audience alike are put through the ringer in this hilarious 106 minute movie. Preceded by a funny short Toy Story 3 is buoyant, original, clever and non-stop fun.
You have to hand it to both the writers of Toy Story 3 and the technical wizards who bring all these daffy characters to life. It truly is uncanny how the creators of this series have been able to use playthings we once used as kids and give them human-like characteristics that we all can relate to. Nostalgia is big here and it all works flawlessly. To put you in the right frame of mind there’s an opening sequence that’s as good as anything done before. That opening reminds one an animated version of Spielberg’s classic Raiders of the Lost Ark entry, only done entirely differently. It’s that good and things just keep on getting better and better. Expect this film to walk away with scores of Oscars in a range of categories.
Again the familiar voices from the past are brought back with a vengeance. Main leads Tom Hanks (Catch Me If You Can) and Tim Allen (The Santa Clause) return as best friends Woody and Buzz Lightyear with funnyman Don Rickles hilarious as Mr. Potato Head. New to the fold are Michael Keaton (Batman) and former James Bond star Timothy Dalton (License to Kill). Teens will get a big charge out of some romantic elements added on that take you back in time through the decades to get your groove on.
Just the right pacing gives Toy Story both an air of finality and a sense of danger. You care about the plight of these action figures and will get caught up in their plight. If you are looking for a movie that’s uplifting with creative flair and humour Toy Story 3 can’t be beat. Shot in 3-D it’s hard to see any of the jazzed up effects which are subtle and not the jump at you
By adminPublished: July 5, 2010Posted in: Film, Film Reviews, RobertTags:
Review by Robert Waldman
Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky (PG) * * *
Creative Cleavage!
By ROBERT WALDMAN
Artists can be fickle at times. So can be corporate types. A chance meeting between two up and coming trendsetters sets of turbulence in Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky, an eye-popping expose from Mongrel Media now courting your favour at the Ridge Theatre.
French is in for some reason, especially as it relates to Coco Chanel. Just a year or so ago North American audiences saw the first big screen portrait of this fashion icon and, I’m told, a smart look at her career made inroads on cable T.V. Now we learn more about this dynamic woman in Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky. This time we get to see up close and personal the French diva’s relationship with a visiting Russian conductor.
Igor Stravinsky in 1920 was the toast of Russian music. Brought to audiences here by way of top Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Royale) you can sense the nobility of this perfectionist. Meanwhile, this Russian pianist extraordinaire is married to a woman with a string of children. Igor gets literally “taken in” by Madame Chanel who is robustly portrayed in an award winning performance by Anna Mouglalis.
Director Jan Kounen here has crafted a beautiful biographical portrait of two rather strained lovers. Being able to conceal an affair from one’s spouse is no easy task but our man Mads does his best to keep the secret going. Pity his poor wife who has to “take” it. Impressive is the take no prisoner’s attitude by Ms. Mouglalis who runs with the part of this domineering woman who runs roughshod over all who come her way. That sense of elegance is well presented here along with the rather revering behaviour all who comes Coco’s way seem to get caught up with.
Beautiful music, as could be expected, fits both lifestyles of these two larger than life figures. Once inside the Chanel mansion you see all the trappings of success that this woman clearly enjoyed. Only the start of this movie seems a bit flat as it lingers. You do, however get a sense of the passion thee two had for each other and their particular diverse pursuits.
Told in French with English subtitles Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinskyshows a side of two 20th century cultural/business giants in a light few have likely seen before. 120 minutes slides by with a certain foreboding.
Read more reviews by Robert at www.moviereviewssite.com
By adminPublished: July 5, 2010Posted in: Film, Film Reviews, RobertTags:
Review by Robert Waldman
Love among the ruins provides a fitting backdrop for an amazing struggle in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. Get set for behemoth line-ups at the Oakridge Empire Cinemas, Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City Cites across the world. Lucky audiences won’t have to pay extra dollars to see this film in 3-D as a superior story makes this film superb entertainment without resorting to those extra sensory gimmicks.
It helps, but it’s not essential to have seen the first two Twilight flicks to experience the third in the series. Smart producers have wisely chosen consummate director David Slade to direct this installment. In case you’re not familiar with Mr. Slade’s work he pulled off a dynamic movie a few years back called Hard Candy which was one of the greatest power house dramas of the decade. Inner turmoil was a theme in that unsettling classic and a similar plot runs through The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Taken from the pages of the bestselling Stephenie Meyer novels again we come face to face with vampires tangling with werewolves. Caught in the midst of this power play is all human girl Bella Swan. Once again Kristen Stewart (Adventureland) weighs in as a young woman in turmoil. Bella is in love with vampire in hiding Edward Cullen. Teen age girls will have loads of time to fawn over Robert Pattinson (Little Ashes) and again get to pant whenever his pouting face is on screen. Shots of the hormones raging between Bella and Edward are subdued but the dialogue given these two and the other love interest in the story is realistic, gripping, and fun to listen to. Truth be told we bear witness to an epic love story as one woman needs to choose between two potential suitors. Lover number two, or is that number one, is Jacob Black. Gasps will be heard whenever Taylor Lautner (Cheaper by the Dozen 2) appears on screen, whether shirtless or fully clothed. Tongue in cheek humour abounds in this movie that also emphasizes various Aboriginal roots that further make the whole adventure even more compelling. Oh, and while Bella dilly dallies to show her true feelings there’s a small little matter of an impending war that sees those vampires and werewolves go at it hot and heavy.
Set in Seattle Washington The Twilight Saga: Eclipse is major rollicking entertainment that truly works on all levels. Even the flashback scenes that show the roots of some of the characters is fun and those period set pieces, though corny, are a hoot. Most of the cast from the first two Twilight encounters reappear. Teens and parents will surely be able to relate to some of the angst Bella encounters as she’s living with her dad and the broken family theme is something many people today experience. Charlie Swan, Bella’s law abiding father, offers some stern advice and is well enunciated by Bellingham born Billy Burke (Fracture).
Part of the fun in the Twilight series is the actual transformations into wolves and vampires. Here the special effects are strong as the chases through the forest are intoxicating. Good pacing at 124 minutes keeps viewers intrigued throughout. One small downfall to the film are those European vampires who are part of the central plot to the story but seem to have lost their way and back off just as things should be heating up. Maybe they’re saving most of their firepower for the fourth installment which you can bet will be inevitable.
Made in British Columbia The Twilight Saga: Eclipse shows just how our natural beauty can catapult a timeless tale of romance to the stratosphere.
Read more reviews by Alan at www.moviereviewssite.com
The Dead Weather "Hustle and Cuss"
(Live from Third Man Records)
Damn Good!
This is the best group Jack White has had since The White Stripes" Hell Yeah! this is pure Rock!
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