The Scorecard Review

The DuchessDirected by: Saul Dibb Cast: Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes, Dominic Cooper, Hayley Atwell Time: 1 hr 50 mins Rating: PG-13

Plot: The Duchess of Devonshire, Georgiana Spencer (Knightley), was the original "it girl." This film chronicles the life of the 18th century Duchess and her stormy relationship with the Duke (Fiennes).

Who’s It For? This is for all of you who want to feel the pain of a woman in a loveless marriage in the 1700s.

Expectations: Knightley and Fiennes in a period piece ... Is this a rerun? Sure feels like it, and as for the director, I hadn't seen a Dibb film yet, so this was my first.

SCORECARD (1-10)

Actors: Kiera Knightley as The Duchess of Devonshire, Georgiana Spencer: Her name is long, and this performance drags as well. Here's something we need to explain

Sep 25
Sep 25 Eagle Eye

Thomas Pardee

Narrative Review Eagle Eye Directed by: D.J. Caruso Cast: Shia LeBouf, Michelle Monaghan, Billy-Bob Thornton Time: 1 hr 58 mins Rating: PG-13

Newly-minted Hollywood bad boy Shia LaBeouf can add another action-packed feather to his cap. This week's high-octane release Eagle Eye may not feature the most original plot, but it secures LaBeouf's place as one of young Hollywood's most promising action tickets.

Following up on recent hits Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, as well as last year's Transformers, LaBeouf re-teams with director D.J. Caruso (who also helmed 2007's Disturbia) for a newer, shallower and much more manic retelling of a story we've heard before (and will be hearing again).

LaBeouf plays Jerry Shaw, an average guy who hates

Sep 25
Sep 25 Eagle Eye

David Pohl

Eagle EyeDirected by: D. J. Caruso Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Billy Bob Thornton, Michael Chiklis, Rosario Dawson Time: 2 hours Rating: PG-13

Plot: Two strangers, Jerry Shaw (LaBeouf) and Rachel Holloman (Monaghan) meet after receiving mysterious phone calls from a woman they have never met. Tracking them with everyday technology the caller threatens their lives and forces them to complete a series of tasks that turn them into fugitives on the run. The unlikely pair work together to discover what is happening and why they are involved.

Who’s It For? If you enjoy fast action and chase scenes this one is for you. You'll appreciate it more if you can suspend rational thinking for a couple hours.

Expectations: This reminds me of a couple movies I enjoyed like Enemy of the State and Live Free

Sep 25
Sep 25 Miracle at St. Anna

Narrative Review Miracle at St. Anna Directed by: Spike Lee Cast: Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonso, Omar Benson Miller Time: 2 hours and 40 mins Rating: R

It’s nearly impossible to make a great film. Making a really good film is a different story. The main difference is great films rarely stray too far from the story being told. While they do contain series of subplots, each tangent is an essential addition to the film. They provide a nice layering that pads the story into a visual novel.

Spike Lee is an excellent cinematic storyteller. This is a fact you cannot dispute. That being said, even great storytellers don’t always make great films. Miracle at St. Anna is an ambitious rehashing of James McBride’s novel about the 92nd Infantry Division’s involvement in the Italian campaign during the closing years of World War II. Where other directors may have pointed fingers, and gotten preachy by over generalizing the large-scale segregation of America’s African American troops of the era, Lee simply tells a specified story of four soldier’s whose lives came together amidst these vexing conditions.

We begin in the present day (okay, 1983), following a mild-mannered man whose job as a post-office employee funds a relatively trouble-free life in New York City. He’s quiet, loves John Wayne-starring war films, and God. It’s when he blows a pasty, European man away in cold blood (seemingly unprovoked), the questions flood the audience as quickly as he wielded the gun: Why? Did he know that guy? Is he crazy?

Sep 25
Sep 25 The Lucky Ones

Narrative Review The Lucky Ones Directed by: Neil Burger Cast: Rachel McAdams, Michael Pena, Tim Robbins Time: 1 hr 51 mins Rating: R

Imagine a world in which free will does not exist. Sucks, doesn’t it? Now imagine that a free world does exist, but you have no access to it. For 111 grueling minutes, three lost souls find themselves amidst a slew of situational reminders that though they may not be traditionally free, it’s their choices that decide whether or not they will one day know what it feels like to decide for themselves.

Plotting a course not too dissimilar from that taken in Stop Loss, Neil Burger’s The Lucky Ones is a tale of three soldiers (McAdams, Pena, Robbins) whose luck has all but run out. Stuck fighting a war that few still believe in, they are unable to break free, and despite attaining wounds on the field of battle, are granted a mere 30 days to regroup for yet another tour of duty. Burger’s vision isn’t so much to cinematically trash-talk the war as it is to satirize the people who blindly judge those who fight it. It’s an interesting angle that he pulls off in subtle visual comedic moments, and once involving a cameo from John Heard that’s too deliciously funny a scene to spoil with explanation.

This is a story about three different people in very similar predicaments. Tim Robbins nails his role as Cheever, a middle-aged veteran whose patience with the longevity of military life has reached the end of the road, only to realize life as a civilian can toss you just as many curves. By dumbing down her innate wit and masking the grace that stole hearts in both The Notebook and Wedding Crashers, Rachel McAdams plays Colee, a wounded soldier whose simpleton naivety is sincerely depicted to a T of unfailing diligence, and heartbreaking innocence. The real story in this film is Pena.

Sep 25
Sep 25 Box Office Preview - September 26, 2008

Opening this weekend: Eagle Eye Fireproof Miracle at St. Anna Nights in Rodanthe Choke Forever Strong The Lucky Ones

And we have plenty of reviews this week. Three for Eagle Eye (trying something new with a plethora of opinions), two for Miracle at St. Anna, and then we also review The Lucky Ones, Choke, and Nights in Rodanthe.

This was my week of high hopes. I was expecting big things out of Spike Lee, Shia LaBeouf and Sam Rockwell. I guess I'll wait until next time.

And now it's time for everyone's (or at least 12 people's) favorite new game ... Here's how it works, just decide the order. Points are awarded as such ... #1 at the box office = 5 points 2 = 4 points 3 = 3 points 4 = 2 points 5 = 1 point

Your goal: Try to beat us. Our

Sep 25
Sep 25 TOP 7 Sam Rockwell Roles

Top 7

We start the Top 7. You finish the Top 10. Sam Rockwell is an enigmatic Hollywood leading man. Why? Well, it’s difficult to assert that he’s actually reached that esteemed level. Despite attaining an admirable resume throughout his eclectic career, his versatility as an actor has been overshadowed by our inability to efficiently classify what it is he brings to the big screen that makes him so good.

With the looming premiere of Choke the 39-year-old may be on the verge of the break through many of his fans have been waiting for. Though their collective patience may be wearing thin, there are a slew of roles in which Rockwell has shown his promise of one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors. While he may have yet to find the niche most actors

Sep 22
Sep 22 Neil Burger - director of The Lucky Ones

Interviews

Sep 22
Sep 22 Box Office Review - September 21, 2008

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, SEPTEMBER 19-21, 2008 1. Lakeview Terrace - $15.6 million 2. Burn After Reading - $11.3 million 3. My Best Friend's Girl - $8.3 million 4. Igor - $8.0 million 5. Righteous Kill - $7.7 million

Well, I was right. But unfortunately it was only once. Lakeview Terrace claimed the number one spot. Here's how the Box Office Preview game played out for Sept. 19...

Bayer, Pohl and Pardee tie. No winners (for the staff) again this week. But Kyle comes out of nowhere and proves sun shines on a dog's arse every once in a while. Well done Kyle, almost perfect nailing the first four spots for a total of 14 points. Feel free to talk all the trash you want.

Sep 18
Sep 18 Ghost Town

Ghost TownDirected by: David Koepp Cast: Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear, Téa Leoni Time: 1 hr 40 mins Rating: PG-13

Plot: Bertram Pincus is a dentist (Gervais) who would rather be left alone. After a near-death experience, he can see dead people in New York City. He is stuck helping the very dead Frank (Kinnear) attempt to separate his widowed wife (Leoni) with her new fiance (Billy Campbell).

Who’s It For? This is a light comedy with not enough of anything to fall in love with or hate. It's the perfect no-brain renter if you can appreciate the snarky humor coming from Gervais.

Expectations: I like all three of the leads here so I was willing, but they are in the hands the screenwriter behind Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull in Koepp (director of Secret Window) and this was his first attempt at directing a comedy.

Sep 18
Sep 18 Lakeview Terrace

David Pohl

Lakeview TerraceDirected by: Neil LaBute Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Patrick Wilson, Kerry Washington Time: 1 hr 45 mins Rating: PG-13

Plot: An interracial newlywed couple (Wilson and Washington) move into their dream home and soon realize they have issues with their neighbor. A disapproving Los Angeles police officer (Jackson) harasses his new neighbors until things go too far.

Who’s It For? If you want to see this one with your lady friend and hope she will cling to you because she's scared, you might be disappointed. This is more of a psychological thriller than anything else. Surprisingly, there is as much humor as there is suspense.

Expectations: I am hoping the edge of the seats has good cushioning. I'm waiting for Samuel L. Jackson to pop out from behind a door or the

Sep 18
Sep 18 Box Office Preview - September 19, 2008

The new films getting wide release this week are: Lakeview Terrace - 6/10, reviewed by Pohl Igor - I've seen the trailer, and I'm not impressed with the animation, yet another Cusack miss My Best Friend's Girl - no screening in Portland, that smells like a stinker Ghost Town - 4/10, reviewed by Bayer

Let's play a game. We attempted this last week, but we're calling that the preseason. It's time to predict the Top 5 at the box office this weekend. Here's how it works, just decide the order. Points are awarded as such ...

#1 at the box office = 5 points 2 = 4 points 3 = 3 points 4 = 2 points 5 = 1 point

Your goal: Try to beat us. Our goal: Prove our dominance.

Just add your predictions below, and yes, it's kind of cheating if

Sep 16
Sep 16 October '08 Monthly Movie Preview

Articles

With leaves changing, the weather cooling and football fully caked into the air (and weekend plans) it's time to start thinking ahead of the spend your time in the theaters. Here's a quick guide to October movies, but before we get to that, let's talk about the biggest disappointment this fall. "Saturday Night Live." Currently 0-2, with Michael Phelps and James Franco hosting the first two episodes there has been one great sketch (Tina Fey as Sarah Palin), and one great idea (James Franco as Agent 420). That's it. How could they not spend the entire summer thinking and planning? If nothing else every single season premiere should have a sketch of all the things they missed making fun of during the summer.

The good news ... Anna Faris is hosting 9/28

Sep 14
Sep 14 Box Office Review - September, 14, 2008

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, SEPTEMBER 12-14, 2008 Rank. Movie Title (Distributor) Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. Burn After Reading (Focus Features) $19.4 million | 2,651 | $19.4 million | 1

2. Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys (Lionsgate) $18.0 million | 2,070 | $18.0 million | 1

3. Righteous Kill (Overture Films) $16.5 million | 3,152 | $16.5 million | 1

4. The Women (2008) (Picturehouse) $10.1 million | 2,962 | $10.1 million | 1

5. The House Bunny (Sony / Columbia) $4.3 million | 2,763 | $42.2 million | 4

Source: Box Office Mojo (www.boxofficemojo.com)

Wow, what happened to Tropic Thunder -- it dropped out of the top 5. Oh well, guess it was time to go with so many new films opening this weekend.

And we have a new competition here on TSR. Staff

Sep 13
Sep 13 TOP 7 Chick Flicks of the Past 20 Years

Thomas Pardee

Top 7

We start the Top 7. You finish the Top 10. When it comes to movies, ladies rule.

Some of the world's biggest stars have been born on Hollywood sound stages, and the most unforgettable of them have been women. We're fascinated by them—whether that fascination is born from admiration, repulsion or lust, the moments that made them icons stay with us.

Today, the stories women tell on screen appeal mostly to… well, other women. Girls drag reluctant dates into "Legally Blonde" or "Devine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood," and whether they'll admit it or not, guys secretly enjoy it in spite of themselves. New romance classics like "A Walk to Remember" and "Moulin Rouge" seem to have a similar appeal, and thus also earn the bittersweet designation of "chick flick."

With films like "The Women" and "Sex and the City: The Movie" bringing ladies back into the center of attention (where they belong) this year, it's time to take a look at the Top 7 Chick Flicks of the past 20 years.

Sep 11
Sep 11 Burn After Reading

Burn After ReadingDirected by: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen Cast: George Clooney, Frances McDormand, Brad Pitt, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton Time: 1 hr 35 mins Rating: R

Plot: CIA analyst Osborne Cox (Malkovich) is let go from his job and two gym employees (McDormand and Pitt) stumble upon a disk containing his memoirs. The two attempt to sell it to anyone who will listen.

Who’s It For? It's goofball, oddity humor that reminds me of a mix between Raising Arizona and Blood Simple. The film keeps you uneasy with some violence and it's not a straight forward comedy.

Expectations: I was pumped, it's a great cast and a chance to see the Coen's attack comedy with killing after the very strong No Country for Old Men.

SCORECARD (1-10)

Actors: George Clooney as Harry Pfarrer: He's had the full beard

Sep 11
Sep 11 Righteous Kill

Righteous KillDirected by: Jon Avnet Cast: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Curtis Jackson (50 Cent), Carla Gugino Time: 1 hr 45 mins Rating: R

Plot: A pair of veteran New York City police detectives (De Niro and Pacino) are on the trail of a vigilante serial killer, which may turn out to be one of New York City's finest.

Who’s It For? It's hard to overlook the star power behind this film, so I won't. The names De Niro and Pacino will put people in the seats. There is violence and one blurred over rape scene.

Expectations: It's funny, I wasn't hearing any buzz, good or bad. The only thing I knew about this film was that Pacino's character was originally written for a young actor, De Niro showed it to him, and

Sep 11
Sep 11 The Women

The WomenDirected by: Diane English Cast: Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett Smith, Eva Mendes Time: 1 hr 55 mins Rating: PG-13

Plot: Mary (Ryan) discovers her husband is having an affair. Her friends come to her aid and confront the shop girl (Mendes) who has her clutches in Mary's man.

Who’s It For? If you are going through a divorce maybe this will help you gain perspective, or perhaps you are worried that you're the worst parent.

Expectations: I was hoping that The Women would be able to embrace the difficult, delicate subject of beauty in America or at least be more entertaining then Sex and the City: The Movie. It doesn't, but there is a documentary out

Sep 11
Sep 11 Burn After Reading