This would have made a good stand-alone episode of the series. As a feature, it fails to deliver anything on a cinematic scale (although, I did like the cinematography). It was shot in Canada with lots of real snow and cold. No sound stages and cotton lined roof tops here.
Gillian Anderson does a great job of bringing Dana Scully back to life, but Duchovny seems to be coasting with his return as Fox Mulder. I always appreciated David's extremely dry delivery on the show and that humor is missing throughout this film. (If you screen the DVD, be sure to watch the gag reel and you'll know what I mean.)
I really enjoyed this film in the theater, before I read any of the books and it actually inspired me to seek them out. After reading the first book, I feel this is an extremely faithful adaptation and succeeds on many levels: performances, cinematography, costume & make-up and visual effects. I hope it's not forgotten come awards season.
Prometheus - **1/2
This film is very visual and it's unfortunate if you view it on a small screen. However, there isn't much new brought to the table in this over-hyped sci-fi entry. Charlize Theron (who had a good summer with this role and the evil queen in "Snow White and the Huntsman") has fun being the cold corporate representative on the journey. Michael Fassbender is also very good but saying why may involve a few spoilers, It's moderately paced and may be appreciated more when viewed with its follow-up film(s). It definitely feels like a Part 1 to at least two more.
Jack and Jill - **1/2
This film represents the best of what I like about most Adam Sandler films: Adam's character is relatively 'normal' to almost the bad guy, the film lets others get big laughs, there is potty humor yet also genuine sentiment. It has kids, but is not a "kids" movie. the bonus here is you get Adam playing two characters who gets big laughs by trying to be her normal self (yes, her...it's Adam in drag). I'm still unsure if Al Pacino is being a mild caricature of himself or doing a comedian's stereotypical impersonation of Pacino the actor. Either way, it worked for me.
I wish Sandler would give his movie wives something more to do than look pretty. Yes, Tea Leoni is his best movie-wife so far ("Spanglish"), but that was a James Brooks script.
Dracula's Daughter - **1/2
Not a bad sequel, but not near as stylistic as Tod Browning's original.
Son of Dracula - **
Okay, I know I watched this, but even after only a few weeks have gone by, I can't remember anything about it. I'll have to start with these lessor popular titles next year and take notes.
House of Dracula - **
I remember even less of this one. Jeez.
Dracula (1992) - **1/2
The first half of this film is quite a faithful adaptation and looks gorgeous. Beautiful costumes, detailed sets, wonderfully creative cinematography (it had to inspire Baz Luhrman in his vision that would become "Moulin Rouge") and a score that grabs you and doesn't let go. The second half, becomes schmaltzy romance and it loses me. Gary Oldman seems to be taking the role far too seriously but is effective in that first 1/3 of the film. Keanu Reeves belongs in this film as much as Charlie Brown belongs in a porn. In my opinion, Sadie Frost and Anthony Hopkins are the only ones who seem to understand that it's not drama, but also not campy horror and find the right balance.
The Wolfman (2010) - ***
Certainly better in the Universal Horror Series than the "Van Helsing" offering which preceded it, and far more atmospheric. Director Joe Johnston seems to fully understand the differences between horror (mood) and slasher films (gore) and balances them perfectly with great action sequences. Not sure why we need Anthony Hopkins here. I know it was 18 years prior when he was Van Helsing in "Dracula" (the film that kicked off the Universal remakes) but if you then watch them as a series, it will be odd that Van Helsing is now the Wolfman's father.
The Pink Panther - *
Awful. Just embarrassingly awful. Dumb story, awful acting (Kevin Kline's accent(?) changes mid-sentence) and boring direction. Do not bother!
The Pink Panther 2 - **1/2
Why would I screen this, moments after seeing the first film? Let's blame my OCD and move on. Actually, this film was about as good as I had hoped the first one would be with just the right amount of silly. Martin is miscast, yet no one would have satisfied me (not even my life-long devotion to Steve) other than Sacha Baron Cohen in the role of the bumbling detective.
Bernard and Doris - **1/2
Moderately paced and likable film with two great performances by Fiennes & Sarandon. Not surprising as director Bob Balaban is an actor also. I could have used some titles to show passage of time. Sometimes it's mentioned in the narration but I was lost as to whether 5 weeks or months had gone by. Also, Doris Duke was 81 when she passed yet Sarandon seemed to age about 10 years total and looked mid-50's when the film starts. It was definitely distracting. Fiennes' transformation from beginning to end is far more fluid and rewarding regarding a story arc to follow. Sets and costumes were quite detailed.
Baby Mama - **1/2
A long 99 minutes of not very funny material and wastes too much time on Tiny Fey's character and not the relationship and comedic scenarios possible between these two gifted comedians. The real surprise was Amy Poehler's genuine dramatic ability. I would never have been able to place her in a drama pre-"Parks and Recreation." and give credit to writer/director Michael McCullers for getting a broad-ranged performance from her. A shout-out to Dax Shepard for getting most of my laughs, probably through improv.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (Unrated) - ***
Hilarious movie. I like Will Ferrell best in small doses but this is a truly amazing character and more is more in this instance. Wisely, director Adam McKay wrangles a trio of comedic talent in Paul Rudd, Steve Carell and Christina Applegate to compliment Ferrell's outlandishness. An original script full of great one-liners, often which will only make sense if you've seen the film ("Milk was a bad choice.") add to the greatness of this movie. I can't wait for the sequel.
The Adventures of Tintin - ***
This film is classic Spielbergian and is a joy to watch on the big screen. Colorful animation, swooping camera movements and a story full of treasure hunting and globe-trotting adventure--Spielberg seems to have rediscovered some of his child-like joy in film making again and this film is proof.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter - ***
I really enjoyed this film from beginning to end. It handles tone much like Joss Whedon did for his 'Buffy' series; the premise is ridiculous so have fun with it, but treat the material seriously. Lead Benjamin Walker is a dead ringer for a young Liam Neeson (and indeed played the younger version of Neesom's 'Kinsey') and is certainly a talent to watch in the future. I may actually try and find this as a used DVD and add it to my collection. Director Timur Bekmambetov has a wonderful command of the camera and I wouldn't be surprised if he's handed something in the super-hero genre soon.
Winnie the Pooh - ***
I am so glad I saw this in the theater when it was originally released as the animation is superb. The film itself is short, funny, has great songs and completely beautiful. This is a children's film to be enjoyed by all ages and worth many repeat viewings to enjoy that gorgeous animation. I'm in shock that it doesn't get much recognition.
The Big Year - **1/2
Given the cast (Martin, Wilson and Black), I expected more laughs, of which there were a few, but was surprised at the genuine sentiment the film delivered. I watched the "Expanded Edition" and it was a bit long so maybe the theatrical version is timed better. All three leads are good here but the film doesn't really deliver anything worth remembering.
The King and I (1956) - ***
I've been waiting for years to see a 'enhanced for widescreen TV's' version of this film as my LaserDisc looks awful when projected and the original DVD released looks just as bad and sounds worse. This film is too big for even 100" projected and needs to be in a movie palace to be appreciated. So many of the costumes and set detail gets lost. Thankfully, Yul Brenner's performance could be enjoyed on even an iPod Shuffle. Truly one of the greatest creations in all of theater.
Brigadoon - *1/2
Truly escapist entertainment; the kind where you have to provide the imagination as the sets will not convince you that you're anywhere but in a sound stage with actors lip-syncing. An incredibly simplistic premise with near-insulting characterizations, which may have been enjoyable as a 'dream-sequence' in another film but when stretched out to feature-length it's just boring. Gene Kelley does his best to take you away, but after viewing I'd have much preferred to not go at all.
Wanderlust - ***
Paul Rudd makes me laugh like others only wish they could. I don't want to describe much of it at all, other than to recommend it and to be sure to watch the special features on the DVD. Paul Rudd has a scene where he has to 'talk dirty' and I had to pause the film as I was laughing so much. Malin Akerman should have gotten an Oscar just from withholding her laughter during this scene. (PS - Paul, I like you even more with short hair)
Seeking A friend for the End of the World - ***1/2
I don't want to give any of this film away so just see it. Just see it. Wonderfully unique story and terrific performances directed with loving care. I really hope this gets a Best Picture Nomination as it's easily my favorite so far this year.
Newsies - **1/2
Batman sings! It's "Annie" with a boys cast. Ambitious with some good song and dance numbers.
Adam - **1/2
Moderate love story between a young teacher and a young man with Asperger's Syndrome. I had hoped from watching the trailer that it would have been less Lifetime-y. Rose Byrne is good, as is Hugh Dancy but certain things happen in the story which made me go, "huh?" too many times.
Underworld: Awakening - **
Why do I keep getting my hopes up that any of these films will be good. There is starting to be very little difference between the caliber of this series and those 'throw together' rip-offs they air on SyFy on Friday nights.
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance - **
Not awful, but disappointing as I like the first entry into this franchise and had higher hopes.
The Three Stooges - **1/2
The three leads do an admirable job, especially Chris Diamantopoulos. Some decent laughs and would be more enjoyable in 10 min shorts, but as a "Farrelly Brothers" movie...? Come on, boys. Go back to adult humor with unique characters. You are (were?) better than this.
Rock of Ages - ***
This was fun. I bet seeing a production live would be more fun. It's a hairband themed episode of "Glee" (when it's good) but with some pretty big names. Great balance of camp, sentiment, comedy and hokey sincerity. I appreciate the casting of Alec Baldwin but he's out of his element here while Cruise really stands out. I really love when he takes chances (i.e., "Tropic Thunder").
That's My Boy - ***
Too long, but genuinely funny. That said, I could have done without Adam's ultra-thick Boston accent as I find him less funny when he does 'a voice' (save for "Bobby Boucher, Jr." a/k/a "The Waterboy"). They're fine for 3 minutes sketches but get extremely annoying when forced to hear for any extended period (i.e., "Little Nicky"). One of the better "non-Dugan" directed Sandler films.
Tower Heist - **
A real waste of some good comedic talent and a premise full of comedic promise. The cast all work in a hotel (except Eddie Murphy) so why not give them some funny stuff to do at the hotel? Nope, the film wastes most of its time showing how goofy planning a robbery can be. I'll spare you, it's not goofy or clever or funny. Danny Ocean is embarrassed for all of you.
Snow White and the Huntsman - **1/2
Charlize Theron is terrific and the film really lags when she's not onscreen. Kristen Stewart still acts like the lead in a high school production. Regarding the action, it's one thing to look epic and another to look like extra's playing with plastic swords.
Anything Goes - **1/2
Entertaining, but nothing special, save for Donald O'Connor's routine with the kids ("Bounce Right Back"). Amazing. Why isn't it featured in any Hollywood retrospectives? It's only slightly less brilliant than "Make 'Em Laugh."
Adam's Rib - ***1/2
I love me some Tracy/Hepburn!
Wrath of the Titans - **
This film is like a cool video game--epic battles, fun effects and loud monsters--that you sit and watch while your friend has all the fun. To me, that gets old after 10 minutes. A film of this genre needs more theatricality and character,not endless battles and constant violence.
Rosemund Pike is a standout while Ralph Fiennes and Liam Neeson seem to enjoy their limited screen time (and presumably big paychecks) while I barely understood a word Sam Worthington said.
I would love to see a story-heavy origin of the Gods prequel called, "Birth of the Titans." With lots of British theater vets.
