Rated R, 121 minutes
"A Most Wanted Man" another tense, intelligent le Carre spy outing
"Tinker Tailor Solider Spy" and "The Constant Gardner" are among the many classic spy novels from legendary author John le Carre, and another of his books gets the big-screen treatment with the involving new spy thriller "A Most Wanted Man." Well-acted and sublimely executed, "A Most Wanted Man" is a solid, worthy film though not on the level of the power "Tinker." When a half-Chechen, half-Russian, brutally tortured immigrant turns up
in Hamburg's Islamic community, laying claim to his father's ill-gotten
fortune, both German and US security agencies (including Philip Seymour Hoffman in one of his last roles, Rachel McAdams, Willem Dafoe, Daniel Bruhe and Robin Wright) take a close interest: as
the clock ticks down and the stakes rise, the race is on to establish
this most wanted man's true identity - oppressed victim or
destruction-bent extremist? Directed by Anton Corbijn ("The American") and written by Andrew Bovell ("Edge of Darkness") and based on le Carre's best-seller, like most of le Carre's works, it's a powerful, tense and even thoughtful ride. The films based on le Carre's books are usually very good, as this one, though the action is often so well-spoken and leisurely paced that you often have to pay good attention to what's going on, or you'll miss something (in other words, go to the restroom before seeing the movie), not to mention you must stay until the very end to see everything. Hoffman, in one of his final roles before his untimely death earlier this year, is very believable, with a sturdy German accent that's likely to rival Meryl Streep's; McAdams and Dafoe are also strong here in roles central to the script. The only miscasting in my opinion seemed to be Robin Wright, a fine actress but here given an ill-fitting black wig to wear that is most distracting, especially in her scenes with Hoffman, who gives the movie's most intelligent performance. You generally can't go wrong with le Carre's books, and the movie is an easy sell for his large fanbase. A serviceably intense, intelligent spy thriller with a mostly satisfying payoff, "A Most Wanted Man" is worth your time and far less simplistic than most contemporary spy fare.
Wes's Grade: B
movies
Friday, July 25, 2014
And So It Goes - C
Rated PG-13, 97 minutes
Cast is charming, but Reiner's comedy "And So It Goes" feels stale
It's hard to see talented actors going through the motions in second-rate material that doesn't genuinely use their talents well. That is the case with the new Rob Reiner ("When Harry Met Sally") comedy "And So It Goes," starring Oscar-winners Michael Douglas and Diane Keaton. Seeing them together on screen for the first time is a treat, though the well-worn material and stale comedy is beneath their talents. Douglas is obnoxious veteran realtor and widower Oren Little, who wants nothing more than to sell one last house and retire in peace and quiet -- until his estranged son suddenly drops off a granddaughter (Sterling Jerins) to take care of for a few months. Clueless in caring for a sweet nine-year-old, he pawns her off on his sweet neighbor Leah (Keaton) trying to resume life uninterrupted. But little by little, Oren stubbornly learns to open his heart - to his family, to Leah, and to life itself. Charming but way too predictable and overly sentimental, "And So It Goes" seems like a revisionist "When Harry Met Sally" crossed with "As Good As It Gets" (which itself is unsurprising, given that the writer of this film, Mark Andrus, wrote that film too). The odd-couple type dramedy feels forced and too contrived to be believable, in spite of two great actors in Douglas and Keaton, who admittedly make for a charming pairing. Reiner himself has a small part in his own mediocre outing, but the most memorable of all the cast is veteran actress Frances Sternhagen, as the wise-cracking, chain-smoking elderly assistant to Douglas's character. She walks off with the movie, and her one-liners are the most memorable (a waitress tells her to put out a cigarette in a restaurant she says "good for you, honey, you don't need to smoke"). If only the rest of the movie were as good as Sternhagen, then we'd have a nice little summer treat. But as it is "And So It Goes" feels like that stale Cheeto at the bottom of the bag. You may reach for it, but later on you'll wish you hadn't. Unmemorable at best.
Wes's Grade: C
Cast is charming, but Reiner's comedy "And So It Goes" feels stale
It's hard to see talented actors going through the motions in second-rate material that doesn't genuinely use their talents well. That is the case with the new Rob Reiner ("When Harry Met Sally") comedy "And So It Goes," starring Oscar-winners Michael Douglas and Diane Keaton. Seeing them together on screen for the first time is a treat, though the well-worn material and stale comedy is beneath their talents. Douglas is obnoxious veteran realtor and widower Oren Little, who wants nothing more than to sell one last house and retire in peace and quiet -- until his estranged son suddenly drops off a granddaughter (Sterling Jerins) to take care of for a few months. Clueless in caring for a sweet nine-year-old, he pawns her off on his sweet neighbor Leah (Keaton) trying to resume life uninterrupted. But little by little, Oren stubbornly learns to open his heart - to his family, to Leah, and to life itself. Charming but way too predictable and overly sentimental, "And So It Goes" seems like a revisionist "When Harry Met Sally" crossed with "As Good As It Gets" (which itself is unsurprising, given that the writer of this film, Mark Andrus, wrote that film too). The odd-couple type dramedy feels forced and too contrived to be believable, in spite of two great actors in Douglas and Keaton, who admittedly make for a charming pairing. Reiner himself has a small part in his own mediocre outing, but the most memorable of all the cast is veteran actress Frances Sternhagen, as the wise-cracking, chain-smoking elderly assistant to Douglas's character. She walks off with the movie, and her one-liners are the most memorable (a waitress tells her to put out a cigarette in a restaurant she says "good for you, honey, you don't need to smoke"). If only the rest of the movie were as good as Sternhagen, then we'd have a nice little summer treat. But as it is "And So It Goes" feels like that stale Cheeto at the bottom of the bag. You may reach for it, but later on you'll wish you hadn't. Unmemorable at best.
Wes's Grade: C
The Fluffy Movie - B-
Rated PG-13, 101 minutes
There's plenty to laugh at in Iglesias' concert movie "The Fluffy Movie"
If you've seen and enjoy any of standup comedian Gabriel Iglesias' TV, then you'll also laugh heartily at his new concert movie, "The Fluffy Movie." The film, which was shot over a couple of different performances in San Francisco last year, is little more than an extension of Iglesias' comedy specials, as he riffs on a variety of different issues, including his weight, family, relationship issues and traveling in foreign countries, among other things. Iglesias is a skilled comedian and voice artist - his impressions are a highlight - though his humor often he relies too heavily on stereotypes to make a point. Still, he is genuinely funny, he doesn't profanity much and there are some solid laugh-out moments, particularly when he discusses his weight ("You can call me Buffy" in reference to his weight loss) or talks about the traffic while traveling in India. Iglesias doesn't expound on anything revelatory outside his specials, and you may even be better off watching some of those rather than seeing this, but you'll still leave with a smile bigger than Iglesias himself. Mainly for Iglesias' fan base, but still enjoyable nonetheless.
Wes's Grade: B-
There's plenty to laugh at in Iglesias' concert movie "The Fluffy Movie"
If you've seen and enjoy any of standup comedian Gabriel Iglesias' TV, then you'll also laugh heartily at his new concert movie, "The Fluffy Movie." The film, which was shot over a couple of different performances in San Francisco last year, is little more than an extension of Iglesias' comedy specials, as he riffs on a variety of different issues, including his weight, family, relationship issues and traveling in foreign countries, among other things. Iglesias is a skilled comedian and voice artist - his impressions are a highlight - though his humor often he relies too heavily on stereotypes to make a point. Still, he is genuinely funny, he doesn't profanity much and there are some solid laugh-out moments, particularly when he discusses his weight ("You can call me Buffy" in reference to his weight loss) or talks about the traffic while traveling in India. Iglesias doesn't expound on anything revelatory outside his specials, and you may even be better off watching some of those rather than seeing this, but you'll still leave with a smile bigger than Iglesias himself. Mainly for Iglesias' fan base, but still enjoyable nonetheless.
Wes's Grade: B-
Planes: Fire and Rescue - C+
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| Dusty |
Silly "Planes: Fire and Rescue" isn't much, but kids will still enjoy it
The new Pixar animated sequel "Planes: Fire and Rescue" channels one classic Disney character: Goofy. The thin, threadbare story is all too-familiar, but it's cute, goofy and colorful enough the young set will still enjoy it. When world famous air racer Dusty Crophopper (voice of Dane Cook) learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of wildfire air attack. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger (voice of Ed Harris) and his courageous air attack team, including spirited super sooper Lil' Dipper (voice of Julie Bowen) and learns the meaning of being a true hero."Planes: Fire and Rescue" is a sequel to the 2013 Pixar surprise hit "Planes" and if you saw that film (or either of the "Cars" films), you've pretty much seen this one too. The clean, crisp and bright CG animation is the most memorable thing about "Planes: Fire and Rescue," not to mention the bevy of familiar voices, many from the first film (including Brad Garrett, Stacy Keach, Teri Hatcher and Cedric the Entertainer, among others), some new ones (Julie Bowen, Ed Harris) and some downright fun ones (Jerry Stiller, Fred Willard, Anne Meara). Like the first film, this film's goofy sensibility and humor ("I'm gonna kick your Aston Martin" among them) carries the film past its leisurely plot, which involves putting out fires and becoming a hero. There's nothing wrong with any of that, except that was done with the first "Planes" film (and along with that film, could've easily made the transition to video and reach a wider audience, just saying). However, the kids will still be satisfied most, and if you have young ones, that can be very important.
Wes's Grade: C+
Lucy - B-
Rated R, 89 minute
Besson's "Lucy" a wild, preposterously entertaining ride
It's "The Matrix" mixed with "La Femme Nikita" with a little bit of Superman. That may not be the best description for Luc Besson's over-the-top, wildly uneven yet never dull new action thriller "Lucy," that proposes what would happen if a human ever gained 100% use of their brain. In a world run by the mob, street gangs, drug addicts, and corrupt cops, Lucy (Scarlett Johansson) is a woman living in Taiwan who is forced to work as a drug mule for the mob. An artificial super-drug implanted in her body inadvertently leaks into her system, which allows her to use more than the normal 10% of her brain's capacity, turning her into a superhuman. Directed and written by Besson, who's ground some classic crime thrillers, including the aforementioned "Nikita," "The Professional" and "The Fifth Element," it's a wild mish-mash of violent crime, sci-fi and action. Thematically, it's a little all-over-the-place; realistically, it's preposterous; as entertainment, it's far from dull. "Lucy" is certainly a wild ride but filled with some of Besson's usual touches of stylistic, bloody violence and fast-paced action that keep it moving nicely. The film works great until the unnecessarily violent final act, when it really doesn't know what to do with Lucy's 100% brain usage and it essentially becomes a bloodbath. Johansson is inspired casting for the title role: she carries the film with the combination of her good looks, vulnerability and intelligence, though I wanted to see more scenes with Morgan Freeman, who also receives top billing but whose role is strictly supporting, he really has just a couple of brief scenes with Johansson at the end. "Lucy" is terrific fun in the right frame of mind (no pun intended), though for a movie about brain usage, it's fairly mindless. Like most of Besson's films, "Lucy" is flawed but enjoyable and worth seeing.
Wes's Grade: B-
Besson's "Lucy" a wild, preposterously entertaining ride
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| Scarlett Johansson |
Wes's Grade: B-
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Hercules - C
Rated PG-13, 98 minutes
"Hercules" is a mess, but still entertaining
Sometimes having fun at the movies is what is most important, and the new action film "Hercules," a revisionist tale starring The Rock in the title, underscores that statement perfectly. It's mindless summer fun filled with loads violence and battles with The Rock his usual charming self. Having completed his legendary twelve labours, Greek demigod Hercules (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) has his life as a sword-for-hire tested when the King Cotys (John Hurt) of Thrace and his daughter seek his aid in defeating a tyrannical warlord. Directed by Brett Ratner of "Rush Hour" fame, "Hercules" is shallow fun: one endless battle yet also one big mess. Little to speak of in plot, character or acting, admittedly it's far from dull and should please the crowds the weekend before Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy" sets in. The Rock is completely likable, but then he usually is, and he's well-supported by a bevy of decent, respected actors including Joseph Fiennes, John Hurt (in the Anthony Hopkins role), Rufus Sewell and of course Ian McShane, who steals the movie with his character's longing to die a legendary death. And to its credit, "Hercules" moves by quickly and efficiently, from one battle to the next, though after about the third or fourth one I lost track of why they were even fighting. But is that really important here? Director Ratner, one hardly known for subtlety, plays this as a ridiculous, revisionist affair, filled with lots of violence and battles (that certainly push the PG-13 rating), muscles and skimpy leather loincloths. You'll have fun, and many people may turn out this weekend to see it, but it'll be a fading memory once Marvel and "Guardians" arrives next weekend.
Wes's Grade: C
"Hercules" is a mess, but still entertaining
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| The Rock as Hercules |
Wes's Grade: C
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Wish I Was Here - C+
Rated R, 114 minutes
Braff's charming but overly familiar "Wish I Was Here"
I've always liked Zach Braff, from his days on the TV sitcom "Scrubs" even through his well-received (but overrated, in my opinion) feature "Garden State." He directs, stars and writes in the sweet new comedy "Wish I Was Here" (which was partially funded through Kickstarter), which is more or less a likably reflective, revisionist follow-up to "Garden State" though it's quirky, sitcomy feel to it makes it seem a little shallow. In other words, if you've seen "Garden State" or "Scrubs," you've also seen "Wish I Was Here." The movie tells the story of Aidan Bloom (Braff), a struggling actor, father and husband to Sarah (Kate Hudson), who at 35 is still trying to find his identity; a purpose for his life. He winds up trying to home school his two children (Joey King and Pierce Gagnon) when his father (Mandy Patinkin) can no longer afford to pay for private education and the only available public school is on its last legs, and is forced to learn about fatherhood and his own spirituality, among other things. The enjoyable but unmemorable "Wish I Was Here" may make you feel you were somewhere else: it's a likable film about likable people struggling with some unlikable things. The quirks and some of the one-liners will remind you of Braff's long-running sitcom "Scrubs" (watch for a cameo from his co-star Donald Faison), while the wistful indie-acoustic tunes will remind of "Garden State" as Braff's character very leisurely learns about being a great father and role model. "Homeland's" Patinkin steals the movie in his brief scenes as the wise and wise-cracking father; he and Hudson share one particularly affecting scene mid-film as they discuss the impact Patinkin's character had on the family. Yet, even those death-bed scenes go on too long, as Braff really wants to tug on those heart strings or make you laugh instead of delving into the issues he presents with some real substance. I really liked "Wish I Was Here" but that doesn't necessarily mean it was great, either. I had already seen it with Braff's previous efforts, and while the film has some affecting moments, it's a hardly revelatory examination of mid-life struggles.
Wes's Grade: C+
Braff's charming but overly familiar "Wish I Was Here"
I've always liked Zach Braff, from his days on the TV sitcom "Scrubs" even through his well-received (but overrated, in my opinion) feature "Garden State." He directs, stars and writes in the sweet new comedy "Wish I Was Here" (which was partially funded through Kickstarter), which is more or less a likably reflective, revisionist follow-up to "Garden State" though it's quirky, sitcomy feel to it makes it seem a little shallow. In other words, if you've seen "Garden State" or "Scrubs," you've also seen "Wish I Was Here." The movie tells the story of Aidan Bloom (Braff), a struggling actor, father and husband to Sarah (Kate Hudson), who at 35 is still trying to find his identity; a purpose for his life. He winds up trying to home school his two children (Joey King and Pierce Gagnon) when his father (Mandy Patinkin) can no longer afford to pay for private education and the only available public school is on its last legs, and is forced to learn about fatherhood and his own spirituality, among other things. The enjoyable but unmemorable "Wish I Was Here" may make you feel you were somewhere else: it's a likable film about likable people struggling with some unlikable things. The quirks and some of the one-liners will remind you of Braff's long-running sitcom "Scrubs" (watch for a cameo from his co-star Donald Faison), while the wistful indie-acoustic tunes will remind of "Garden State" as Braff's character very leisurely learns about being a great father and role model. "Homeland's" Patinkin steals the movie in his brief scenes as the wise and wise-cracking father; he and Hudson share one particularly affecting scene mid-film as they discuss the impact Patinkin's character had on the family. Yet, even those death-bed scenes go on too long, as Braff really wants to tug on those heart strings or make you laugh instead of delving into the issues he presents with some real substance. I really liked "Wish I Was Here" but that doesn't necessarily mean it was great, either. I had already seen it with Braff's previous efforts, and while the film has some affecting moments, it's a hardly revelatory examination of mid-life struggles.
Wes's Grade: C+
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