DAN IN REAL LIFE - ***
I really enjoyed this film. I've been fan of Steve Carell's since I first saw him on "The Daily Show" back in 1999 or 2000 yet didn't have Comedy Central at the time so I only caught glimpses of his work, yet I always singled him out as terrific in "Bruce Almighty" and "Anchorman." These brief encounters with his career has robbed me of watching him bloom into a terrific 'Hollywood' actor which usually isn't the case considering how well I can spot talent long before they're A List actors (yes, Tom Hanks, I was a "Bosom Buddies" fan from day one at age 11 and Jim Carrey, I could not stop quoting you all through college after watching each Sunday's episode of "In Living Color" which I started watching because I recognized you from "The Duck Factory" years earlier when I was 13). Steve has so many great moments in this film. No words, no sweeping camera movements and no scrolling banner that said "Oscar.... Oscar.... Oscar...." -- you can see what he's thinking, something he does so well as Michael on "The Office." The scene where he performed "Let Me Love Open the Door" broke my heart. I cannot wait for him to be recognized as a genuine, real actor and not just a comedic performer.
The entire cast here is a joy to watch and the script and direction really make this 'Hollywood' film feel like an indie but without shouting it from the rooftops, "Look at us! A big cast with no special effects! We're a smart, funny and audience-friendly film!" Where was this film during awards season?! I know it was a strong year for films, but this should have been included, esp. Steve Carell.
ENCHANTED - ***1/2
I didn't want to like this film. I know it's biased to think that, but I think Disney has been phoning their animated films in since "Aladdin". The only reason I was willing to screen this was because of Amy Adams, who, in the rare case, actually *earned* her Oscar nomination for this film. Kristin Chenoweth is the only other actress I would have cast here. I fell in love with Amy after seeing "Catch Me If You Can" and was happy for her attention a couple years ago for her role in "Junebug" (note to self, you've had the movie for 3 years... maybe we should watch it?!?!)
I'm off track, I know. This film manages to combine so many elements: comedy, romance, music, huge production numbers, special effects and a wonderful cast. I haven't jumped on the "Grey's Anatomy" bandwagon, but I've been a fan of Patrick Dempsey's since "Can't Buy Me Love" and was disappointed that he ran into a career slump toward the end of the 80's. I think his appearance on "Will and Grace" was the turning point in his comeback. Track... me... not on... right. Just watch this film, it's fantastic and, regarding the music, I didn't think the songs were so great after hearing them on the Oscars but they work much better here and I'm now humming them all the time.
I AM LEGEND - **1/2
Will Smith carries this film well, but it's basically "Cast Away" in Manhattan with some zombies. The film has some great cinematography and special effects but it's a long 101 minutes where as "Cast Away" feels like a quick 143 minutes.
SHOOT 'EM UP - **1/2
No real story here and it's all action. But I liked it. It's like an audition tape for some more meaty material, obviously the director is a fan of graphic novels and video games. Much less stylized but similar enough to be an extension of Clive Owen's character of Dwight from "Sin City." It's over the top in every way and if that's what you're in the mood for, it's highly satisfying.
THERE WILL BE BLOOD - **1/2
Much like "No Country for Old Men" I just don't get all the hype over this film. Daniel Day Lewis is really good, but he's always really good. I did like this film as it had a good story, cast and production. But overall they were just good, not great. Definitely not my favorite Paul Thomas Anderson film ("Magnolia" still carries that trophy). Maybe I should have seen it before all the hype, maybe not many people watched their screener of "Atonement" or maybe I should give it some time to sink in and not watch 5 movies in 2 days.
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