All in Film Reviews

Defiance

Jeff Bayer
Film Reviews

Quickcard Review Defiance

Directed by: Edward Zwick Cast: Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell Running Time: 2 hrs 15 mins Rating: R

CLICK HERE to read Nick Allen's complete Scorecard Review

Plot: Based on a true story ... In 1941, a Jew named Tuvia Bielski (Craig) and his two brothers escape the Germans in Poland and survive in the Belorussian forest. Their numbers continue to grow as they attempt to figure out how to survive.

Who’s It For? Yet another World War II story that has not been told. I'm not being sarcastic, I'm just amazing at the endless vault of tales that can be told. And if you looked at the poster (Craig in a forest, holding a gun), no you are not about to see another Bond flick. He's capable of more.

OVERALL

At the very beginning of

The Unborn

Morrow McLaughlin
Film Reviews

The Unborn Directed by: David S. Goyer Cast: Odette Yustman, Gary Oldman, Meagan Good, Cam Gigandet Running Time: 1 hr 30 min Rating: PG 13

Plot: A preposterously helpless and shrill girl in underpants is tortured by a spirit in the form of a creepy, cow-eyed boy. With stupidity and powerlessness on her side, she gets almost everyone close to her killed off.

Who’s It For? The gaggle of screaming meemees sitting behind me with the collective IQ of 77, who must lick the lead paint in their off-time.

Expectations: Good horror is so hard to find these days. I marched into this film expecting crap in a turd-shaped box, but I secretly hoped for something surprising. Although, as soon as you see previews showcasing incompetent teenagers in their underwear, game over, man.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors:

Odette Yustman as Casey

Bride Wars

Morrow McLaughlin
Film Reviews

Bride Wars Directed by: Gary Winick Cast: Anne Hathaway, Kate Hudson, Candice Bergen, Steve Howey, Chris Pratt, Bryan Greenberg Running Time: 1 hr 25 min Rating: PG

Plot: Two best friends (Hathaway, Hudson) are reduced to catty, girly warfare when their respective dream weddings are scheduled on the same day at the same, beloved venue.

Who’s It For? Non-feminists, fans of Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson, and anyone who enjoyed Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality.

Expectations: I was pretty sure I had this movie pegged. I love Anne Hathaway; I love Kate Hudson; the previews were silly and harmless—cotton candy.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors:

Anne Hathaway as Emma: Anne Hathaway is fabulous no matter what she does—drama, comedy, dramedy…for her next project, I vote highbrow horror. With her soft doe eyes and her dainty little frame, you’d expect more timidity, but

Gran Torino

Jeff Bayer
Film Reviews

Quickcard Review Gran Torino

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

CLICK HERE to read Allen's complete Scorecard Review

Plot: Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) just lost his wife, and now the Korean war veteran is knee-deep in "old curmudgeon" mode. He helps out his Hmong neighbors and becomes a sort-of father figure as they try to escape the violence of a local gang.
Who’s It For? Eastwood fans will flock and bow down to this performance. And by the crowd's reaction to this film, I am guessing most people will think it's a comedy. Eastwood really plays up his persona to please fans here.
OVERALL

If you take Eastwood out of this film it's some of the worst acting I have seen all year. But that's the thing: you can't

Revolutionary Road

Nick Allen
Film Reviews

Revolutionary Road Directed by: Sam Mendes Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Kathy Bates, Michael Shannon Running Time: 2 hrs Rating: R

Plot: A married couple (DiCaprio and Winslet) with two children try to survive the banal suburban life of the 1950's.

Who’s It For? We are all invited to experience the powerful story by Richard Yates, as envisioned by director Sam Mendes and presented by the incredible chemistry of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. But considering all of this, it's obvious that Revolutionary Road has little shame in packaging itself specifically for one shiny man named Oscar.

Expectations: A boring, one line synopsis I had read for the film intrigued me to no end. How would the chemistry between DiCaprio and Winslet create an absorbing dramatic imbalance in a simple setting that has been predominantly presented by

Revolutionary Road

Jeff Bayer
Film Reviews

Quickcard Review Revolutionary Road

Directed by: Sam Mendes Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Kathy Bates, Michael Shannon Running Time: 2 hrs Rating: R

CLICK HERE to read Nick Allen's complete Scorecard Review.

Plot: Based on a Richard Yates novel and set in the 1950s ... A married couple, Frank (DiCaprio) and April (Winslet) try to overcome the normal suburban existence and do something more with their lives, to the surprise of everyone they know.

Who’s It For? This is a slow moving, heavy drama. You shouldn't be thinking it would be fun to see the Titanic gang back together again. And with Mendes, DiCaprio and Winslet ... Oscar must be the in back of someone's mind with this period piece.

OVERALL

Yes, the gang is back together (DiCaprio, Winselt, and let's not forget Bates) but with much different results. Frank

The Spirit

Nick Allen
Film Reviews

The Spirit Directed by: Frank Miller

Cast: Gabriel Macht, Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Mendes, Scarlett Johansson

Running Time: 1 hr 50 mins

Rating: PG-13

Plot: The Spirit (Macht) is a masked vigilante in Central City, U.S.A. He must stop his arch nemesis, The Octopus (Jackson), from drinking the blood of Hercules, which offers immortality.

Who’s It For? Though this is a character created by Will Eisner, this film will be enjoyed exclusively by Frank Miller, Frank Miller, Frank Miller, Frank Miller, and Frank Miller.

Expectations: An early fan review on AICN.com said this was worse than John Travolta's suck-tacular scientology opus Battlefield Earth: A Saga of the Year 3000. Then, a user review on IMDB.com said almost the exact opposite. Plus, distributor Lionsgate was rigorously advertising it with cheesy lines like "Catch the Christmas Spirit." Was this

Indestructible

Megan Lehar
Film Reviews

Indestructible Directed by: Ben Byer Starring: Ben Byer, John Byer, Steve Byer, Oliver Sacks M.D. Time: 1 hr 50 min Rating: not rated Opening: Dec. 27 in Portland at the Hollywood Theatre

Plot: Filmmaker Ben Byer is diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's, a degenerative, fatal disease, and decides to document his life. In the process we witness his and his families' attempts to fight the disease and prolong his life.

Who's it for? Adults or mature teens, it can be emotionally intense. Anyone wanting to learn about the human face of ALS. People who don't mind watching live surgery.

Expectations: I've read some about ALS so I knew it wouldn't end well. I really like most documentaries though so I hoped to enjoy it.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Cast: Ben Byer

Valkyrie

Jeff Bayer
Film Reviews

ValkyrieDirected 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

The Wrestler

Chris De Salvo
Film Reviews

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)

Frost/Nixon

Nick Allen
Film Reviews

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

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Thomas Pardee
Film Reviews

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

Marley & Me

Morrow McLaughlin
Film Reviews

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

The Reader

Chris De Salvo
Film Reviews

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

The Wrestler

Jeff Bayer
Film Reviews

Quickcard Review The Wrestler

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

CLICK HERE to read Chris De Salvo's complete Scorecard Review

Plot: Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was a wrestling legend in the 80s, but now after 20 years, Randy is still holding on to the spotlight. He's stuck wrestling in school gyms and small venues, just scraping by in life. When he's hit with a heart problem, Randy looks around at his life and sees a stripper (Tomei) and a estranged daughter (Wood) and that's it.

Who’s It For? This is a character study, with Rourke in almost every shot. It isn't completely necessary but it sure does help if you watched wrestling in your lifetime or at least banged your head to

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Jeff Bayer
Film Reviews

Quickcard Review The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Directed by: David Fincher Cast: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Taraji P. Henson Running Time: 2 hrs 45 mins Rating: PG-13

CLICK HERE for Pardee's complete Scorecard Review

Plot: Benjamin Button (Pitt) is born a tiny old, wrinkled dying man. But Queenie (Henson) takes him in and cares for him. Then the most amazing thing happens ... he ages backwards. And along the way he falls in love with Daisy (Blanchett).

Who’s It For? You need to know it's slow. The pace of the film only has a few quick moments. So the kids will get restless, and you might too.

OVERALL

I had a hunch The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons was going to be one of my favorites this year. I mean it’s got Pitt, Blanchett and Fincher running the

Doubt

Jeff Bayer
Film Reviews

Quickcard Review Doubt

Directed by: John Patrick Shanley Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Viola Davis Running Time: 95 minutes Rating: PG-13

CLICK HERE to read Allen's full Scorecard Review Plot:John Patrick Shanley wrote the play and now the screenplay. He also directs this film about a parish in the 1960's.  A nun (Streep) accuses respected priest Father Flynn (Hoffman) of a serious crime, and she also attempts to convince another nun (Adams) that she's right, and he's guilty.   

Who’s It For? Do you like plays? Well, let me qualify this better ... do you like slow-moving, character study plays?  Then this is for you.

OVERALL

Man, Meryl Streep is evil. In fact, look closely, when she takes the stage (I mean screen) it's almost the spitting image of Darth Vader when Luke takes off the mask in Return of

The Reader

Jeff Bayer
Film Reviews

Quickcard Review The Reader

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

CLICK HERE to read De Salvo's full Scorecard Review

Plot: After World Ward II, a young man (Kross) has an affair with a quiet woman (Winslet), but when their paths cross again later in life, he must watch her go through a trial for horrific crimes.

Who’s It For?: Well, it actually is quite sexual. And if you have teenager/older woman fantasies, you'll want to step in line for this film as well. Plus, it's another film that touches on World War II, though it deals with the aftermath.

OVERALL

Complete double standard. A 15-year-old boy can have an affair and no one will be appalled. The surprising thing here is that it's a

Frost/Nixon

Jeff Bayer
Film Reviews

Quickcard Review Frost/Nixon

Directed by: Ron Howard Cast: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bacon, Sam Rockwell Running Time: 2 hrs Rating: R

Plot: Based on the true story ... Former President Richard Nixon (Langella) has just resigned from office. David Frost (Sheen), an English talk show host, is the unlikely interviewer who lands the story and chance of a lifetime.

Who’s It For? First and foremost this is for history fanatics. In an interview the real-life Frost said this film is 80 percent true. That's pretty good compared to most "based on a true story" flicks.

OVERALL

Does director Ron Howard have a style? He's a very accomplished man, but I never feel like I am watching a RON HOWARD FILM (the caps showed emphasis). It's almost like he's a chameleon director, able to craft a variety of projects

The Tale of Despereaux

Megan Lehar
Film Reviews

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

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