The Scorecard Review

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Valkyrie
Directed by: Bryan Singer
Cast: Tom Cruise, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Kenneth Branagh, Terence Stamp
Running Time: 2 hrs
Rating: PG-13

Plot: Based on the true story, a proud German military man, Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Cruise), is loyal to his country before his allegiance to Adolf Hitler (David Bamper). He along with other German politicians and soldiers look to use Hilter’s own emergency plan–known as Operation Valkyrie–to assassinate Hitler and seize control of Berlin.

Who’s It For? First and foremost, it’s a war movie, with enough well-crafted suspense. There isn’t much violence, only one important woman’s role and it also should be in contention for end of the year awards.

Expectations: Tom Cruise tries to kill Hilter while wearing an eye patch. That might be a tough sell. Look, I don’t care what you think ... Continue Reading

The Wrestler

Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Cast: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood
Running Time: 1 hr 45 mins
Rating: R

Plot: Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) morphs into a fractured, middle-aged version of the world famous professional wrestler he was in the 80s. Desperately seeking to reinvigorate the high of his heyday, “The Ram” fumbles through a series of eye-opening experiences that may lead him off the beaten (literally) path for good.

Who’s It For? This is from the director of both Pi, and Requiem for a Dream, and let me be the first to say this film may not fit into a category anywhere similar to these brilliant predecessors. This is a fresh perspective on how being washed up doesn’t necessarily mean you’re completely hung out to dry.

Expectations: Rourke (a former boxer) ... Continue Reading

Frost/Nixon

Directed by: Ron Howard

Cast: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bacon, Sam Rockwell

Running Time: 2 hrs

Rating: R

Plot: Because of the Watergate scandal, Richard Nixon (Langella) was the first American president to resign from office. David Frost, an Australian talk show host, was the unlikely interviewer who sought to uncover the truth about Nixon’s business with the event of Watergate.

Who’s It For? Film-buffs, history-buffs and even Nixon-buffs. Anyone intrigued will be reasonably satisfied with this engaging film.

Expectations: Frost/Nixon had an incredible trailer that ignited excitement way back in September. With writer Peter Morgan, director Ron Howard, and a great ensemble cast, this looked to be one of the year’s best.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors:
Frank Langella as Richard Nixon: Langella won a Tony award for playing Nixon in this story’s original stage format. His remarkable embodiment ... Continue Reading

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Directed by: David Fincher

Cast: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett

Running Time: 2 hrs 45 mins

Rating: PG-13

Plot: After being born to an affluent New Orleans family and abandoned minutes later due to his disturbing appearance, young Benjamin Button seems anything but — his skin is wrinkly, his hair is white, his bones are arthritic and his eyes are spotted with cataracts. But that doesn’t stop Queenie (Taraji P. Henson), who manages a nursing home, from adopting him as her own. As time passes, Benjamin seems to be getting healthier, stronger and younger with each passing day. It isn’t long before he meets Daisy (Cate Blanchett), then a young girl, who changes his very strange life forever.

As time passes, and Benjamin gets younger, his loved ones get older. Each ... Continue Reading

Marley & Me

Directed by: David Frankel

Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Owen Wilson, Alan Arkin, Eric Dane, Kathleen Turner

Time: 2 hr 5 min

Rating: PG

Plot: A family is both cursed and blessed by the most hyperactive, naughty, and nuerotic dog that ever lived.

Who’s It For? Dog lovers and fans of the book.

Expectations: The previews were funny and I really enjoy both Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston. I was expecting cute and light and funny.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors:
Owen Wilson as John Grogan: Owen Wilson, like Vince Vaughn, is at his strongest when he is given room to adlib. In Marley & Me he is stymied by his lack of wiggle room, which probably stems from the fact that he is playing an actual person. Wilson is always adorable, but his performance feels somewhat restrained and, at times ... Continue Reading

The Reader

Directed by: Stephen Daldry
Cast: Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross, Hannah Herzsprung
Running Time: 2 hrs, 2 mins
Rating: R

Plot: The story of a young man’s affair with a retired SS Guard, and how time and consequence can tear apart pair of unlikely lovers.

Who’s It For?: For people who can get past the inaccuracy with which modern filmmakers egocentrically depict foreign countries. Didn’t Germans speak, you know, German in the 1950s? Just wondering.

Expectations: There has been a lot of Oscar talk regarding Kate Winslet’s performance in this film. Though she’s great, it’s in a very traditional sense. This is her period piece tragedy. All great actresses are granted the opportunity to star in one of these and it usually earns them at least one nomination. This is all well and good ... Continue Reading

The Tale of Despereaux

Directed by: Sam Fell and Robert Stevenhagen
Cast: (voices) Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Watson, Tracey Ullman
Running Time: 1 hr 35 mins
Rating: G

Plot: On Soup Day, the Kingdom of Dor loses its Queen in a terrible rat-related accident. Subsequently, the King of Dor forbids both rats and soup. This depresses the residents of Dor who love soup (they seem ok with the rats being banned), including Princess Pea (Watson). When a little mouse named Despereaux (Broderick) learns about Pea’s sadness, he sets out to restore happiness to Dor with the help of a Roscuro (Hoffman), a rat looking to make amends.

Who’s It For? Children and their parents. It may be a little frightening to very young children, but not too bad. But again ... Continue Reading

Gran Torino

Directed by: Clint Eastwood
Cast: Clint Eastwood, Sue Lor, Bee Vang
Running Time: 2 hrs
Rating: R

Plot: A retired and newly widowed Korean war veteran becomes a grand father-figure to two neighboring Hmong teenagers trying to escape the violence of a local gang.

Who’s It For? Fans of Eastwood’s magnetism need to see this. The film’s genuine quality is open to anyone, particularly those who want to feel refreshed by an award worthy experience that isn’t adapted from some previous literary form.

Expectations: Less than a year ago, the title Gran Torino was rumored to be that of a new Dirty Harry sequel. But when a trailer for this film was finally released, it appeared this film would be something more important.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors:
Clint Eastwood as Walt Kowalski: Is this character the penultimate of Eastwood? ... Continue Reading

Yes Man

Directed by: Peyton Reed
Cast: Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper, Rhys Darby
Running Time: 1 hr, 44 minutes
Rating: PG-13

Plot: Carl Allen is a pensive, heartbroken nobody who avoids all contact with the outside world. Though his friends insist he burst out from a cocoon of stymieing depression, Allen doesn’t see the worth of “getting back out there.” When a free spirited friend from his past arrives, he introduces Carl to a world in which all questions are answered with “yes.”

Who’s It For?: Fans of an emerging genre of comedy that attempts to transcend all facets of human emotion. When Judd Apatow ushered in “raunchy, thinking man’s humor,” it was just the beginning. Now, each time a new director sets out to create something funny, he also tries to get his ... Continue Reading

Seven Pounds
Directed by: Gabriele Muccino
Cast: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Barry Pepper
Running Time: 2 hours
Rating: PG-13

Plot: An IRS agent named Ben Thomas (Smith) has a secret and embarks on a journey to change the lives of seven strangers, while looking for his own path of redemption.

Who’s It For? Smith won over audiences last year with The Pursuit of Happyness and it’s the same type of powerful tale. There’s a little mystery involved here but otherwise, it’s pulling at the heart strings.

Expectations: Just like everyone else, I like Smith. It’s hard not to. Though, it’s funny, looking over his most recent films like I, Robot, Hitch, I Am Legend and Hancock … Pursuit is the only good one in the bunch.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors:
Will Smith as Ben Thomas: At first Ben almost ... Continue Reading

The Day the Earth Stood Still

Directed by: Scott Derrickson
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Jaden Smith, Kathy Bates, John Cleese
Running Time: 1 hr 50 mins
Rating: PG-13

Plot: Klaatu (Reeves) is an alien who visits Earth with his large robot counterpart. He is here on a mission and scientist Helen Benson (Connelly) is out to understand why, but so is the U.S. government led by the Secretary of Defense (Bates).

Who’s It For? I can’t say teens, because it’s kind of boring. And I can’t say intelligent adults, because it’s not really that thought provoking. I was hoping for a little humor with the fish (alien) out of water (outer space), but it just didn’t happen.

Expectations: I never saw the original 1951 version of The Day the Earth Stood Still. But from what I ... Continue Reading

Doubt

Directed by: John Patrick Shanley
Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Viola Davis
Running Time: 95 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Opens: Dec. 12th in Chicago at Landmark Century Cinema and AMC River East

Plot: Based on his own play, John Patrick Shanley writes and directs a film about a Bronx parish in the 1960’s that faces inner turmoil when a respected priest’s (Hoffman) good nature is questioned by two nuns (Streep and Adams).

Who’s It For? Those willing to experience a slowly paced, dramatic exploration into universal themes like leadership as told in a setting timely to the church’s own problems in recent years.

Expectations: Very curious was the mixed reaction Doubt received when it first screened in New York. Where could this Oscar-baiting film have gone wrong? ... Continue Reading

How About You?

Directed by: Anthony Byrne
Cast: Brenda Fricker, Vanessa Redgrave, Hayley Atwell, Imelda Staunton, Joss Ackland
Running Time: 1 hr 20 min
Rating: R
Opens: Dec. 12 in Portland at Hollywood Theatre

Plot: A young, irresponsible woman (Hayley Atwell) is left in charge of her sister’s retirement home, where she has to deal with the antics of four damaged and irascible seniors.

Who’s It For? Anyone who’s lost the will to continue looking for the remote control (it’s in the icebox—Doh!).

Expectations: I had zero ideas about this movie and sometimes that’s a very good thing (The Full Monty, The Fall, Below), and sometimes it leaves you feeling blindfolded and disoriented. Obviously, I hoped for the former.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Hayley Atwell as Ellie: She’s gorgeous and talented, but the character development feels like it didn’t even make it ... Continue Reading

Nothing Like The Holidays

Directed by: Alfredo De Villa
Cast: Freddy Rodriguez, Elisabeth Pena, John Leguizamo, Luis Guzman, Debra Messing
Running Time: 1 hr 40 mins
Rating: PG-13

Plot: An eccentric Latin-American family living in the Puerto Rican area of Chicago celebrates Christmas and various life lessons that enhance the holiday spirit.

Who’s It For?: Properly, this film isn’t limited to an audience of a particular background. However, if you’ve already got a favorite family Christmas movie, (mine’s National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation) there are slim chances that this will be any type of a replacement.

Expectations: I always like to see how Chicago is captured in films. But would there be anything to truly Like about another holiday film that reminds me once again, in so many words, that “family is the best gift of all?”

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors:

Freddy ... Continue Reading

I Can’t Think Straight

Directed by: Shamim Sharif
Cast: Lisa Ray, Sheetal Sheth, Antonia Frering, Rez Kempton
Running Time: 1 hr 30 min
Rating: PG-13
Opens: 12/12 in Portland at The Living Room Theaters

Plot: Tala (Lisa Ray), a Christian Jordanian from a wealthy family, becomes engaged and returns to London to meet with friends before her wedding. There she meets Leyla (Sheetal Sheth), the girlfriend of her best friend Ali. After a tenuous courtship, the two women end up involved in a secret romantic relationship. With Tala’s impending nuptials, the women must make a choice, to live a lie or come out and be who they are, together.

Who’s It For? Do you ever watch romantic comedies and think, if only the two were both women and really hot? Then this is ... Continue Reading

Moving Midway

Directed/Written by: Godfrey Cheshire
Cast: Charles Hinton, Elizabeth Silver Cheshire, Al Hinton, Dena Williams Silver
Running Time: 1 hr 38 min
Rating: Unrated

Plot: New York filmmaker and critic Godfrey Cheshire juxtaposes the enduring myth and romance of the antebellum Southern plantation against his brother’s attempts to physically move the actual house, Midway, to a less urban location.

Who’s It For? Civil War buffs and anyone who feels connected to the Southern identity.

Expectations: I always expect to enjoy documentaries.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Cast: The people in the film are like people you’ve had a brief introduction to at a picnic. They are likable, but you forget their names immediately afterward and you spend the rest of the afternoon referring to them as “whathisname over there…no, the guy eating the pickle.” Further convoluting the problem is that some ... Continue Reading

Cadillac Records

Directed by: Darnell Martin
Cast: Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, Columbus Short, Beyonce Knowles
Running Time: 1 hr 50 mins
Rating: R

Plot: The story of record producer Leonard Chess (Brody) and the blues musicians he made famous with his Chicago based company Chess Records.

Who’s It For? Music fans, particularly those of Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Etta James etc., would be better off reading a book, or hell, even a Wikipedia page. Beyonce fans will get a kick out of seeing one of their Dreamgirls ham it up once again. But falling into a sad realm of forget-ability will be Wright’s noteworthy portrayal of Muddy Waters.

Expectations: Music movies tend to clone themselves as much as sports films. Considering this, would a music movie with more musicians than usual have even more cliches? And unlike ... Continue Reading

Nobel Son

Directed by: Randall Miller
Cast: Alan Rickman, Bryan Greenberg, Shawn Hatosy, Mary Steenburgen
Running Time: 1 hr 42 minutes
Rating: R

Plot: When Barkley Michaelson’s father is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, it begins a series of events that turns his directionless life around. An oft-troubled kid who has been pursuing his PhD in the study of cannibalism, Barkley get tangled up in an unorthodox love-triangle where nothing (and I mean nothing) is as it seems.

Who’s It For?: Fans of film-noir. Director Randall Miller undoubtedly studied at Tarantino Film School, so be prepared for a slew of quick cuts, harsh editing, and a soundtrack custom made for pretentious art students. But seriously, this is a film that tries hard to prove its level of coolness to a crowd not quite hip enough to ... Continue Reading

Punisher: War Zone

Directed by: Lexi Alexander
Cast: Ray Stevenson, Dominic West, and Julie Benz
Running Time: 1 hr 47 mins
Rating: R

Plot: Waging his one-man war on the world of organized crime, ruthless vigilante-hero Frank Castle (Stevenson) sets his sights on overeager mob boss, Billy Russoti (West). After Russoti is left horribly disfigured by Castle, he sets out for vengeance under his new alias … Jigsaw.

Who’s It For? Anyone who can’t be talked out of this being the Punisher film worth seeing. Maybe you didn’t know, but this is the third Punisher film that Hollywood has tried. They need to stop. And kids should not see this bloody mess (just like they shouldn’t play ultra-violent video games).

Expectations: I know better going to these films. All I was looking for was mindless action.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors:

Ray ... Continue Reading

My Name is Bruce

Directed by: Bruce Campbell
Cast: Bruce Campbell, Ted Raimi, Grace Thorsen, Taylor Sharpe
Running Time: 1 hr 26 mins
Rating: R

Plot: When an unexplained supernatural yeti-monster wreaks havoc on a rural Oregon town, the community requires desperate measures to save themselves. When a naïve super-fan believes Bruce Campbell is the only one who can help, he kidnaps his hero to thwart the evil that has invaded his beloved community.

Who’s It For?. Bruce Campbell fans, only. If you have no knowledge of the man or his films, steer clear. This film is made along the same lines as the Evil Dead series. If you’re a fan however, get in line.

Expectations: It’s easy to be swept up in the relative hype of this film. What’s easy to forget is that none of ... Continue Reading

Australia

Directed by: Baz Luhrmann
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Brandon Walters, David Wenham
Running Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Rating: PG-13

Plot: This is Luhrmann’s epic romance action adventure ode to Australia. Set just before and during World War II comes the story of an English aristocrat (Kidman) joining forces with a rough local (Jackman) for a cattle drive and much more.

Who’s It For? Look at the running time again. Is it for you? It’s not completely action packed, but there aren’t many dull moments in this crowd pleaser.

Expectations: I was completely and utterly on the fence with this film. Love Luhrmann, but Jackman and Kidman only occasionally put a smile on my face. Plus, the previews make this look just like another take on Far and Away.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors:
Nicole Kidman as Lady Sarah ... Continue Reading

Four Christmases

Directed by: Seth Gordon
Cast: Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Mary Steenburgen
Running Time: 1 hr 22 mins
Rating: PG-13

Plot: An evasive couple attempts to forgo sharing Christmas with their slew of family members, but are caught in the act (on national television). Faced with the unthinkable reality of having to withstand four Christmas gatherings, fun-loving Brad [Vince Vaughn] and Kate [Reese Witherspoon] are reminded how powerful the “holiday spirit” is.

Who’s It For? Those who haven’t grown tired of watching Vince Vaughn candidly play himself for the umpteenth time, and those who have sincerely believed Ms. Witherspoon can’t “bring the funny.”

Expectations: Relatively speaking, Seth Gordon is “merely (a) freshman,” when it comes to film making. This the sixth time he’s taken a seat in the director’s chair, and the first time ... Continue Reading

Transporter 3

Directed by: Olivier Megaton
Cast: Jason Statham, Natalya Rudakova, Robert Knepper
Running Time: 1 hr 40 mins
Rating: PG-13

Plot: Personal driver Frank Martin (Statham) is hired to transport a Ukrainian minister’s daughter (Rudakova) who has been kidnapped by an evil American (Knepper) that is attempting to bribe the European country with toxic waste. However, an explosive device attached to Martin restricts him from being any more than 75 feet away from his car.

Who’s It For? People who don’t own DVD players and a type of membership to some form of movie rental business. Seriously, if you’re really revved up for Transporter action, just rent the previous two.

Expectations: I’m always down for some butt kicking, especially when Jason Statham’s involved. Fully aware of the reality-defying thrills in the trilogy’s previous two films, I ... Continue Reading

Milk

Directed by: Gus Van Sant
Cast: Sean Penn, James Franco, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Diego Luna
Running Time: 2 hrs 8 mins
Rating: R

Plot: Sean Penn is gay-rights activist Harvey Milk. Set in the 1970s, Milk became the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in America. This film tells the story of his rise to power and his tragic end.

Who’s It For? This is a story that isn’t told that much. We still live in an insanely divided country … just look at the horrendous decision to reverse gay marriage rights in California, of all places. There is an insanely talented cast and a very important story to be told here.

Expectations: Thanks to my wife the history major, I knew just a hint of this story. But I think ... Continue Reading

Twilight
Directed by: Catherine Hardwicke
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli
Running Time: 2 hrs
Rating: PG-13

I READ THIS BOOK … if you are looking for a review that didn’t click here for Thomas Pardee’s review.

Plot: Based on the best-seller by Stephanie Meyer comes the story of Bella (Stewart), an awkward teen who moves to Forks, Washington to be with her dad. She’s immediately drawn to the mysterious Edward Cullen (Pattinson) who turns out to be much more than she ever thought possible.

Who’s It For? There is a huge following from the books. It’s probably the most anticipated adaptation since Harry Potter. And that’s exactly who this is for, and teenage girls won’t mind staring at Edward for a couple of hours either.

Expectations: I read the first book and ... Continue Reading

Bolt

Directed by: Byron Howard, Chris Williams
Cast (voices): John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman, Mark Walton
Running Time: 1 hr 30 min
Rating: PG

Plot: This animated movie has Bolt (Travolta) the dog as the star of the biggest television show, but he doesn’t understand that none of it is real. When he believes his television owner, Penny (Cyrus), has been kidnapped, he escapes from his handlers and ends up alone, and without his special effects powers, on the streets of New York.

Who’s It For? Kids who don’t scare easily. It’s mildly enjoyable for adults, but, honestly, it might give young children nightmares.

Expectations: From the previews, I thought I was going to really like this movie. I have a weakness for smart animation with subverted veins of adult humor.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors:
John Travolta as Bolt: Travolta ... Continue Reading

Twilight

Directed by: Catherine Hardwicke
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson
Running Time: 2 hrs.
Rating: PG-13

I DIDN’T READ THIS BOOK … if you want to read a review from someone who did — click here for Jeff Bayer’s review.

Plot: Bella Swan (Stewart) is forced to trade her teenage life in the desert of Phoenix for the cold, rainy woods of Washington when she moves back in with her lonely father. Here she finds a new set of friends and an inconvenient attraction to the mysterious Edward Cullen (Pattinson), whose intensity both scares and fascinates her. Slowly, Bella and Edward’s paths entangle, their relationship heats up, and the terrifying truth comes out—Edward is a vampire, and he would like nothing more than to suck Bella’s blood. But, he’s also a good guy, and though ... Continue Reading

Quantum of Solace

Directed by: Marc Forster
Cast: Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko, Judi Dench, Mathieu Amalric, Jeffrey Wright
Running Time: 1 hr 40 mins
Rating: PG-13

Plot: James Bond (Daniel Craig) picks up right where he left off … kicking arse. Still seeking revenge for the death of his true love Vesper (who betrayed him), Bond encounters Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), an environmentalist who has sinister motives.

Who’s It For? Action fans will flock. No romance this time … and if all you care about is gadgets and villains … take a deep breath, you aren’t getting your fill here.

Expectations: I am one of the few who thought Casino Royale was just average. I have unusually high expectations for Bond films. But Casino was just simply too long on a romance I never believed in and ... Continue Reading

Dear Zachary

Directed/Written/Produced/Edited by: Kurt Kuenne
Running Time: 95 mins
Rating: Documentary, unrated
Opens: In Portland on November 15 at the Hollywood Theatre

“Law is mind without reason.” ~ Aristotle

I am desensitized. How can you tell? Here’s the test:

What is your first reaction when you see extremely realistic gore in the movies?

1. “Gross! I can see his spleen!”
2. “Wow! Great special effects!”
3. “Ha-ha! That guy was eaten by his own poodle! The irony!”
4. All of the above

When you’re desensitized, by virtue of the very word, things don’t bother you as much. Yes, things upset me, but I tend to get over that quickly. If I’m not able to repress or forget something fast enough, I bury myself in escapism, like books and movies and video games. Soon enough, due to my 21st Century attention span ... Continue Reading

JCVD

Directed by: Mabrouk El Mechri
Cast: Jean-Claude Van Damme, François Damiens, Zinedine Soualem, Karim Belkhadra
RunningTime: 1 hr 36 mins
Rating: R
Opens: In Chicago on Nov. 14 at Piper’s Alley

Plot: A self-conscious Jean-Claude Van Damme stars in a film about a self-conscious big screen star (himself) whose life has unraveled. As if losing custody of his child, and compiling a long list of tax problems weren’t enough, when our hero ventures into a bank for a loan, he’s offered another scary addition to his list of problems.

Who’s It For? Only life-long Van Damme fans will get the laundry-list of inside jokes only diehards would find amusing. Though we’re all aware of the action-star’s existence, his twenty-plus year career has been largely ignored. He’s never had a critical hit, nor any mainstream cred outside ... Continue Reading

Let the Right One In … Låt Den Rätte Komma In

Directed by: Tomas Alfredson
Cast: Kare Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar, Patrik Rydmark
Running Time: 1 hr 45 min
Rating: R

Plot: Oskar (Kare Hedebrant), a 12 year old boy, is unhappily resigned to a lonely life of friendlessness and a wicked trio of school bullies. When a mysterious girl named Eli (Lina Leandersson) moves into the apartment next door, the two outcasts form a deep connection. The dark and beautiful Eli is actually a 200 year old vampire, struggling for discretion and survival on a day-to-day basis.

Who’s It For? Horror fans. Wait, allow me to clarify–discriminating horror fans with taste and sophistication. Låt Den Rätte Komma In is a Swedish film, so go in expecting subtitles. If you like those brainless, sexist, and ... Continue Reading

Slumdog Millionaire

Directed by: Danny Boyle
Cast: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Madhur Mittal
Running Time: 1 hr, 50 mins
Rating: PG-13

Plot: The success story of a poor Indian boy (Patel) is coincidentally told through the questions he must answer while on India’s own “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”.

Who’s It For? This is for anyone who likes a little “twist” on their Dickensian rags to riches stories. Slumdog shares the same arc as many tales before it, but is unlike nearly every movie of its kind. It is worth the adventurous view.

Expectations: Other than Darren Aronofsky’s < ;b>The Wrester, Slumdog Millionaire was apparently the other critical winner at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors:
Dev Patel as Jamal Malik: Patel is actually British, but plays the innocent Mumbai born and raised Jamal with great conviction ... Continue Reading

Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa

Directed by: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath
Cast: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith, David Schwimmer, Sacha Baron Cohen, Cedric the Entertainer, Bernie Mac, Alec Baldwin
Running Time: 1 hr 20 min
Rating: PG

Plot: Alex the lion (Ben Stiller), Marty the zebra (Chris Rock), Gloria the hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith), and Melman the giraffe (David Schwimmer) are finally leaving Madagascar and returning to New York City. With the help of King Julien (Sacha Baron Cohen) and the penguin special forces (voices-Tom McGrath, Chris Miller, Christopher Knights), the original Madagascar gang hopes to fly a makeshift plane back to the Big Apple. The problem is, they’ve just crash landed in Africa…

Who’s It For? Anyone and everyone. The kids will love it, because it’s goofy and fun; the adults ... Continue Reading

Soul Men

Directed by: Malcom D. Lee

Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Bernie Mac

Running Time: 1 hr 43 mins

Rating: R

Plot:

Two estranged and aging former soul singers, Louis and Floyd (Jackson and Mac), are forced to reunite after the death of their former band mate Marcus (real-life crooner John Legend) has his managers clawing for a “Real Deal” reunion tribute concert. It’s up to Floyd to convince Louis to pull himself out of the dumpy L.A. apartment he calls home and make his way to New York City, where the tribute is set to take place.

Trouble starts soon after the two hit the road, and as they make their way from state to state –making stops along the way way to brush up on their rusty stagecraft and reunite with a young woman who ... Continue Reading

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Directed by: Mark Herman
Cast: Asa Butterfield, Vera Farmiga, David Thewlis, Jack Scanlon
Running Time: 1 hr 35 mins
Rating: PG-13

Opens in Chicago on November 7. Opens in Portland on November 14.

Plot: Based on the John Boyne novel, and set during World War II, this is the story of Bruno (Butterfield), an 8-year-old and son of the commander in charge of a concentration camp. Bruno secretly explores the area and finds a friendship with a Jewish boy (Scanlon) who is inside the camp.

Who’s It For? I looked it up … and there are officially infinity different films about WWII. Just amazing. What’s more impressive is that this is another original way to tell the horrendous story. If you are looking for a way to introduce your ... Continue Reading

Synecdoche, New York

Directed by: Charlie Kaufman
Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Samantha Morton, Catherine Keener, Michelle Williams
Time: 2 hrs 4 mins
Rating: R

Plot: When suburban theater director Caden Cotard’s life begins to unravel in a very unconventional way, his ambitions to create an original work arise. This is the story of a man whose self-consciousness and self-awareness are constantly playing tug of war. As a result, he attempts to stage a large-scale production of the brutality honest living provides. The lens through which we see his deteriorating world is nuanced by none other than the eccentric Charlie Kaufman.

Who’s It For? People with patience. People who allow directors to present inexplicable realities that merge with reality. If you liked Being John Malkovich, but you weren’t sure what it was about, this is probably the film for you. Kaufman has a talent to make you care about something you may not understand. Those who prefer a linear tale with a Hollywood ending should find any other two-hour excursion. ... Continue Reading

Role Models

Directed by: David Wain
Cast: Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bobb’e J. Thompson
Time: 1 hr 35 min
Rating: R

Plot: Two energy drink reps (Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott) get into trouble with the law, and they agree to spend time with troubled kids in order to avoid 30 days in jail. Danny Donahue (Rudd) is assigned to the D&D worshipping Augie (Christoper Mintz-Plasse) and Wheeler (Scott) is assigned to pint-sized terror Ronnie (Bobb’e J. Thompson).

Who’s It For? Anyone over 18 years old with the emotional maturity of a 15 year old, such as myself. There are adult themes throughout, including nudity and language—most notably the f-bomb, which is dropped with cheerful frequency.

Expectations: Low, low, and lower still. I went in expecting another lame, diluted attempt at Superbad, and then ... Continue Reading

Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Directed by: Kevin Smith
Cast: Seth Rogan, Elizabeth Banks, Craig Robinson
Time: approx 1 hr, 40 mins
Rating: R

Plot: Two platonic, twenty-something roommates (Rogen and Banks) emerge from their 10-year high school reunion with dead-end jobs, a stack of unpaid bills and not-so-sterling reputations as the dregs of their generation. But, in a stroke of genius, they decide to produce their very own porno flick to help get the lights and water back on. What they don’t expect is that inconvenient sexual tension, stemming from feelings they’ve been avoiding all their lives, to come bubbling to the surface. And I wish I meant “bubbling” metaphorically.

Who’s It For? Teens will love it, if only because Rogen is the star. But it depicts a lack of post-high school career trajectory ... Continue Reading

Changeling

Directed by: Clint Eastwood
Cast: Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Jeffrey Donovan, Jason Butler Harner
Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Rating: R

Plot: In the late 1920’s, a mother (Jolie) battles uphill against a manipulative Los Angeles police department when the missing son returned to her is not actually her child.

Who’s It For? Anyone familiar with recent Eastwood films like Mystic River or Letters From Iwo Jima should be aware of Changeling’s oncoming sentimentality and rewarding quality. But for some, the emotional intensity of Changeling might be similar to be whipped by a wet towel that has been soaked in tears.

Expectations: Clint Eastwood. The films he has directed in the past have been as powerful as the Smith & Wesson Model 29 that he used to fire off during his Dirty Harry days.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors:
Angelina Jolie ... Continue Reading

Happy-Go-Lucky
Directed by: Mike Leigh
Cast: Sally Hawkins, Eddie Marsan, Alexis Zegerman, Samuel Roukin
Time: 2 hrs
Rating: R

Plot: Poppy (Hawkins) is a woman who is always wearing a smile on her face. She walks through life always looking for the positive spin on things in North London with her friends.

Who’s It For? Are you convinced that sunshine always beats rain? This is a film that will test the theory. It’s actually tough to say if this is for people who can’t stand the annoying over-talker in the group, or for those who have no idea they are the one who just can’t shut up.

Expectations: I have been a fan of Leigh but it comes down to one film: Topsy-Turvy. Otherwise Secrets & Lies and Career Girls underperformed for me. ... Continue Reading

Pride & Glory

Directed by: Gavin O’Connor
Cast: Colin Farrell, Edward North, Jon Voight, Noah Emmerich
Time: 2 hrs 5 mins
Rating: R

Plot: The Tierney family has been a part of the New York Police Department for two generations and their pride is thicker than the blood that binds them. When Ray (Edward Norton) uncovers a controversial case involving the corruption of the men in blue, the bond that has tied his family together begins to unravel in more ways than one.

Who’s It For?. Fans of shoot-em-ups with a backbone. Edward Norton doesn’t take roles that he could just phone in. You may want to tune in if you don’t mind being left in the dark without having your questions overshadow the thrilling good guy v. bad guy story.

Expectations: On paper, this film has got everything: an exceptional cast, a riveting story, and a gifted filmmaker. With a line up this impressive, it’s difficult to see how it could miss as a critical success. Though there were rumors as to why it wasn’t released in March as originally planned, this is the quintessential buzz film. ... Continue Reading

High School Musical 3: Senior Year
Directed by: Kenny Ortega
Cast: Zac Efron, Vanessa Anne Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman
Time: 1 hr 45 mins
Rating: G

Plot: It’s senior year at East High School, and the original gang from High School Musical 1 and 2 come together to create one last musical before graduation and inevitable adulthood (hang on, kids! Don’t do it!).

Who’s It For? Anyone who likes musicals, anyone who has kids, or even anyone with a soul. Vampires need not apply.

Expectations: I had high expectations based on the extreme popularity of the first two movies and the crazy hype of the third. If you get millions of kids that excited and then let them down, you’re liable to find yourself on the wrong end of an angry mob ... Continue Reading

Quickcard Review

W.
Directed by: Oliver Stone
Cast: Josh Brolin, James Cromwell, Richard Dreyfuss, Elizabeth Banks
Time: 2 hrs 9 mins
Rating: PG-13

Plot: The life and time of George W. Bush (Brolin) — from the time he was in college to his current position as President of the United States.

Who’s it For? Liberal minded folks with flock to this film for a chance to laugh at our current President. But I am vastly more interested in people who still respect/admire/follow our current Commander-in-Chief, what will they make us this? The focus is not as mean as I was prepared for, I think there are only two f-bombs and it doesn’t talk about George W. Bush’s cocaine use.

CLICK HERE to read De Salvo’s full Scorecard Review

OVERALL
It’s always good, never great. It’s an amazing time ... Continue Reading

Max Payne
Directed by: John Moore
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Beau Bridges, Chris O’Donnell, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges
Time: 1 hr 50 mins
Rating: PG-13

Plot: Based on the popular shoot-em-up video game comes the story of DEA agent Max Payne ( Mark Wahlberg) who now works the cold cases in an attempt to solve (and avenge) his wife and daughter’s murder. Max begins to piece together a conspiracy with the help of an assassin (Mila Kunis).

Who’s It For? Max Payne gamers and fans of Mark Wahlberg. Wahlberg is always fun to watch and he unfailingly respects the role and his audience, even if Hollywood does not.

Expectations: I am a gamer. One of those rabid gamers. Actually, I’m about three inches from dressing up as Lara Croft and heading off to the nearest convention. Therefore ... Continue Reading

Sex Drive
Directed by: Sean Anders
Cast: Josh Zuckerman, Amanda Crew, Clark Duke, James Marsden
Time: 1 hr 45 mins
Rating: R

Plot: Clumsy high school senior Ian (Zuckerman) steals his older brother’s prized ‘69 Judge across the country to lose his virginity to online hottie Ms. Tasty (Katrina Bowden).

Who’s It For? Not a far cry from last year’s Superbad, Sex Drive is intended for a more mature teenage to young adult audience. Definitely leave the kids at home on this one to avoid a slew of uncomfortable moments.

Expectations: It’s billed as the next teen gross-out flick, so it’s easy to imagine that excessive profanity, over-the-top nudity and lots of sex jokes will be part of the equation. With all that debauchery, any actual storytelling would be a pleasant surprise.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors:
Josh Zuckerman as Ian: Though ... Continue Reading

The Secret Life of Bees
Directed by: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Cast: Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo, Paul Bettany
Time: 1 hr 50 mins
Rating: PG-13

Plot: Based on the novel by Sue Monk Kidd, Lilly (Fanning) is haunted by her past and at the age of 14, and she set’s off with her nanny Rosaleen (Hudson) to look for a better life and finds a honey maker (Latifah) who opens her home.

Who’s It For? Fans of the book, and people who need to learn how to love themselves will appreciate this film. It is set in 1964 during the civil rights movement. There is racial tension throughout the film and occasional violence.

Expectations: It’s a great cast and a very popular book, though I had not read it. The previews didn’t give me much faith that this film would have an emotional impact on me.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors:
Dakota Fanning as Lily Owens: Wow, Lily has baggage. Tons of it. ... Continue Reading

Sex Drive

Directed by: Sean Anders
Cast: Josh Zuckerman, Amanda Crew, Clark Duke, James Marsden
Time: 1 hr 45 min
Rating: R

Plot: A sweet, virginal nerd (Josh Zuckerman) and his silver-tongued best friend (Clark Duke) steals his brother’s (James Marsden) 1969 GTO to meet a girl he met on the internet, and (hopefully) get some tail.

Who’s It For? Primarily, teenagers. The film won’t have mass appeal for an older crowd, unless the older crowd in question has absolutely nothing else to do and unusually low expectations.

Expectations: Based solely on the charm of the previews, I thought this film could be a little comedic gem, which is why you don’t base your judgment on previews. I promise to get help before I start slavishly believing all commercials and everything I read. That being said, I’m off to buy some Clearasil, so I don’t die alone. ... Continue Reading

What Just Happened?
Directed by: Barry Levinson
Cast: Robert De Niro, John Turturro, Bruce Willis, Stanley Tucci
Time: 1 hr 53 mins
Rating: R

Plot: Robert De Niro stars as a once prominent Hollywood producer whose life is spiraling out of control while his career similarly falls from grace. We spend two weeks with him as things go from bad to worse, to better… one too many times.

Who’s It For? Those of you with a sweet tooth for ironic Hollywood satire, made by the same people their particular film is poking fun at, will love the punches What Just Happened? lands throughout.

Expectations: While De Niro’s career has been on a much-talked-about downslide, it seems to be the perfect vehicle to resurrect his own recent shortcomings. Perhaps a film as self aware as this one can ... Continue Reading

Body of Lies
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Mark Strong, Golshifteh Farahani
Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Rating: R

Plot: Roger Ferris (DiCaprio) and Ed Hoffman (Crowe) work to outsmart and defuse an effective terrorist cell.

Who’s It For? DiCaprio and Crowe fans, and anyone else who likes fast-paced espionage films.

Expectations: With the alchemical combination of DiCaprio, Crowe and director Ridley Scott, the film has to be rewarding on multiple levels. Scott would have to put a lot of effort into failing.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors:

Leonardo DiCaprio as Roger Ferris: DiCaprio is a fine actor, and he has his strong moments in Body of Lies. At the same time ... Continue Reading

City of Ember
Directed by: Gil Kenan
Cast: Harry Treadaway, Saoirse Ronan, Bill Murray, Tim Robbins, Martin Landau
Time: 1 hr 35 mins
Rating: PG

Plot: The people of Ember have been in a wondrous underground city of years, but now it is starting to fall apart and it’s city lights are beginning to flicker. It’s up to two kids to try and figure out a way to solve the problem and find a way out of Ember. Based on the novel by Jeanne Duprau.

Who’s It For? The whole family. I know I sound like a billboard, but this genuinely is a film that will keep both kids and parents interested. The violence is minimal, mainly coming from a giant mole, and even if your little one is afraid of the dark, this film won’t traumatize them for life.

Expectations: I am always hopeful that a kids/family movie will do something beyond talking dogs (I’m looking at you Beverly Hills Chihuahua). ... Continue Reading