Monthly Archives: June 2013

World War Z

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Director: Marc Forster

Writer: Matthew Michael Carnahan, Drew Goddard, Damon Lindelof

Based On: Novel (World War Z) by Max Brooks

Starring: Brad Pitt, Daniella Kertesz

Tomatometer: 67/71/86 (all critics, top critics, audience)

Spoiler-free Summary: Brad Pitt’s family witnesses the beginning of the zombie apocalypse.  Luckily, Brad used to be a secret agent for the UN, so his family is rescued by the Navy.  Of course, there’s a catch.  Brad must help the government track down the source of the outbreak and develop a cure.  Brad is extremely good-looking, throughout.

Two Cents: As is stated in Ecclesiastes 1:9, there is nothing new in the zombie genre.  That’s a direct quote.

If I told you I were writing a zombie movie, you’d know the plot before I finished my sente.  There are zombies, they’re eating humans, humans need a cure, and someone finds a cure.  Warm Bodies added new life (pun intended) to the genre by telling the story from a zombie’s point of view, but that’s about all the innovation we’ve seen in some time.

Sadly, World War Z, doesn’t break the mold.  Yes, there’s some superb action, and the zombies are more terrifying than those in many other movies, but the overall product is far from unique.  That being said, it’s still an entertaining movie, and Pitt’s Gerry is a likable (though, slightly bland) character.

Forster has done a better job than most at showing the zombie apocalypse on a global scale.  Gerry does quite a bit of traveling, finding new clues and helpers along the way.  Forster also gives plenty of well-deserved props to female Israeli soldiers, the paradigm of human badassery.

Should I/Shouldn’t I: Of this year’s highly anticipated blockbusters, World War Z is one of the best, so far.  The zombies are scary, the action is solid, and there’s enough suspense to keep you entertained for 115 minutes.  If you’re looking for something groundbreaking, you won’t find it.  However, you will appreciate the care and skill that went into making one of the most entertaining and visually stunning zombie films.

Sundae Rating: Two scoops with whipped cream

Man of Steel

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Director: Zack Snyder

Writer: David S. Goyer, Christopher Nolan (Story)

Starring:  Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Russell Crowe

Tomatometer: 56/54/82 (all critics, top critics, audience)

Spoiler-free Summary: You already know the story.  Krypton, a planet in a distant galaxy, is on the brink of destruction.  Jor-El, a scientist, puts his son, Kal, in a spaceship and sends him to Earth.  Kal grows up to become Clark Kent, a superhuman farm boy ostracized by his peers.  Meanwhile, General Zod, Krypton’s military chief, attempts to track down Kal, in hopes of furthering the Kryptonian race.

Two Cents: Man of Steel is nowhere near the class of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, but the presence of Nolan’s input is clear.  This is a dark and gritty version of a story that’s been told many times.  Cavill plays a mysterious, nomadic version of Clark Kent, not dissimilar to Christian Bale’s Bruce Wayne.  Although he spends most of the movie punching bad guys, Clark’s real battle takes place inside his head.  He struggles with the fact that Earth is not ready to accept an alien as its savior and the knowledge that he is Earth’s only hope against its enemies.  That’s pretty much the exact same conflict that Nolan weaved into his Batman movies, and it’s becoming quite common in superhero movies, in general.

As the director of 300, Snyder took cinematic violence and gore to an unprecedented level.  In Man of Steel, however, he leaves quite a bit to be desired.  The Krypton scenes are cheesy, the weapons and spacecrafts look absurd, and the fights are mostly compilations of grunts and extremely loud “thwacks”.  Everything in this film feels like a cheap knock-off of something we’ve seen in other comic book-inspired movies.  Superman’s suit is nicely updated and badassified, but even that alteration wreaks of plagiarism, as it’s just a dark gray, armor-covered version of the famous red, blue, and yellow costume.  Sound like anything else you’ve seen?

Henry Cavill does a fine job as Clark Kent, but that may have something to do with the fact that he never says anything.  The few times when Cavill starts to show some personality, he comes off as awkward.  Of course, that’s a function of the total lack of chemistry between Cavill and Amy Adams, who plays Lois Lane.  They seem uncomfortable around each other, and the mild romance between the two characters is completely forced.  Snyder works so hard to portray Clark as a modern day Jesus that the idea of various female characters seeing him as a sex symbol is rather disturbing.  Adams is a terrific actress, but for chemistry’s sake, a change of lead actresses might benefit this series, and Nolan has been known to make such a move (though, Maggie Gyllenhaal is one of the few actresses who can be considered a downgrade from Katie Holmes).

Michael Shannon is a superb bad guy.  He may be the best bad guy actor in Hollywood, right now.  His costume is a joke, but he does a fantastic job as General Zod.  This movie is greatly improved by the quality of its supporting cast.  Kevin Costner, Laurence Fishburne, Christopher Meloni, and Russell Crowe all make the most of their respective small roles.  Without such quality performances from these actors, the movie might have fallen off its rails.  Diane Lane is fine as Clark’s mother, but her character is wasted.  Snyder had a real opportunity to make Superman’s mother a strong and wise influence on her son, but Snyder left all that up to Clark’s dad, which doesn’t work out well for anyone.

Should I/Shouldn’t I: Thanks to low expectations (reviews have been mediocre, at best) and the horridness of the last Superman reboot, I was pleasantly surprised by this movie.  It’s mostly a rip-off of various predecessors, but it’s rather entertaining.  Snyder (or whomever might replace him) has a long way to go, if he hopes to make the next installment in the series a truly great superhero movie, but this is a decent start for a character who sorely needed a new look.

Sundae Rating: Two scoops

This is the End

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Director: Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen

Writer: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg

Starring:  Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, James Franco, Craig Robinson, Jonah Hill, Danny McBride

Tomatometer: 84/82/89 (all critics, top critics, audience)

Spoiler-free Summary: Jay hates Los Angeles, but he comes to town to visit Seth, his best pal.  Although Jay is hoping to spend his vacation with Seth by his side, Seth drags him to a party at James Franco’s new house.  The party is a star-gazer’s dream, but Hollywood stars are the very people Jay tries to avoid.  Sadly, Jay gets stuck in the house, along with his rivals, as they witness the apocalypse, just outside James Franco’s front door.

Two Cents: The general rule states as follows: When greater than four, the number of famous people in a movie is inversely proportional to the quality of the movie.  In simpler terms, the more celebrities, the worse the movie.

Exhibit A: Valentine’s Day

Exhibit B: New Year’s Eve

Exhibit C: Mars Attacks!

I could go on, but you get the point.  When I saw the trailer for This is the End, I threw up in my mouth.  How could so many of my favorite comedic actors sink to such a level?  Do I really need to watch a bunch of rich, famous, lucky bastards who “made it” sit around discussing how great they are?  Hell, no!  Besides, hasn’t the world gotten over Seth Rogen by now?

Then came the reviews.  To my surprise, days before its release, This is the End was piling up rave reviews from film critics, the most pretentious naysayers on Earth!  (I don’t consider myself a film critic, as I’m not nearly qualified to be one, but you should feel free to form your own opinion about my pretentiousness.)  Obviously, I had to see what all the fuss was about.

This movie blew me away.  No joke.  I was extremely impressed.  I don’t think it was a fantastic movie, but I do commend Rogen, Goldberg, and their pals for putting together a raunchy and hilarious interpretation of the Bible’s description of Armageddon.  Not only do they poke more than enough fun at themselves, but they tear down all pretenses about Hollywood, in general.  Although many of the characters are exaggerated (or completely falsified) versions of the actors playing them, the filmmakers make it crystal clear that they are truthfully depicting the young Hollywood lifestyle.  It’s a douchebag-infested swamp of undeservedly inflated egos, faux friendship, and debauchery, and it will be Satan’s first stop when he does destroy humanity.  Still, it’s pretty darn fun.

As much as I dislike his acting (although, I loved him in The 40-Year-Old Virgin), I greatly admire Seth Rogen as a writer.  He possesses the remarkable ability to write scenes that are simultaneously vulgar, funny, and heartfelt.  He knows who his friends are, and he knows their skills, bringing out the best of each one in every single scene.  His obsession with abnormally gigantic penises (which first surfaced in Superbad) is something he should share with a therapist, but it is still funny.  (Next time, it probably won’t be.)

Of the main cast, James Franco has compiled the most impressive résumé.  However, he seems most comfortable when surrounded by this crew.  He’s definitely here for the experience, and not for the paycheck.  Jonah Hill has followed in Franco’s footsteps, in some ways, even notching an Oscar nomination for his work in Moneyball.  He’s got plenty of skill, but he’s the least interesting character in this film.  Normally the one on whom a film relies for comic relief, here, Hill pales in comparison to Danny McBride.  One of the more vulgar actors working these days, McBride is responsible for some intense laughs as an even-more-ridiculous version of his famous Kenny Powers character.  Jay Baruchel is likable, and just the right amount of irritating, as the Woody Allen of the group, and Craig Robinson’s clean-ish comedy is a much-needed chaser to offset the movie’s overall crudeness.

Altogether, Rogen and Goldberg have managed to turn one of the most debated portions of the Bible into a bona fide comedic revelation, while still delivering a powerful message.  The cast is superb, and the cameos only add to it.  Rogen and Goldberg’s shared ability to control the cast, focus on plot, and avoid getting carried away with improvised bits is staggering.  Most of all, their description of heaven is precisely in line with what I’ve always hoped the real thing would be.

Of course, rules are made to be broken, and this ensemble cast delivered when I doubted them.  However, let’s hope no other groups of Hollywood pals decide to follow in their footsteps.  I can’t think of many (if any) crews that possess as much talent and self-control as does this one.

Should I/Shouldn’t I: If you’ve been waiting for a legitimately good comedy to hit theaters in 2013, This is the End is a must-see.  You won’t be knocking Tommy Boy or Caddyshack off your list of all-time favorite comedies, but you’ll easily satisfy your humor quota for the week.  

Sundae Rating: Two scoops with whipped cream

The Kings of Summer

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Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts

Writer: Chris Galletta

Starring:  Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso, Moises Arias, Nick Offerman, Erin Moriarty

Tomatometer: 72/61/83 (all critics, top critics, audience)

Spoiler-free Summary: Sick of living with his miserable father, and hoping to impress his sweetheart, Kelly, Joe decides to run away from home and live in the woods.  He is joined by his best pal, Patrick, who is desperate to escape the claws of his own overbearing and unbearably annoying parents.  Somehow, Biaggio, a peculiar neighborhood kid, winds up on the team, as well.

Two Cents: Some movies are summer movies because they are released during the summer.  Others are summer movies because they celebrate the most wonderful blessing ever bestowed on a child – summer!  Not summer in terms of weather and Earth’s position in the galaxy, but summer in terms of vacation from school.  The Kings of Summer, as you may have surmised from its title, is in the latter category.

In this exquisite ode to the freedom and exploration (of nature and self) that are synonymous with summer vacation, three teenagers cause widespread panic as they courageously escape their mundane lives.  The only sad part of the movie is the fact that the main characters are so sheltered, they’ve never even heard of sleep-away camp, a modern and popular alternative to running away from home.  Sad as that may be, Joe, Patrick, and Biaggio make the most of their summer break by building a sweet “tree house” in the woods.  While living there, they encounter all the problems one might expect to befall a suburban teenager living on his own – lack of funds, lack of survival skills, and, most importantly, lack of deodorant.

Although the main characters seek freedom from their parents, that freedom is symbolic.  Not only do these kids live outside of their homes, but they live outside the pressures of teenage social life.  An athlete, a nerd, and a complete nut job become family, much like in The Breakfast Club, simply because they are together, and no one else is watching.  It’s a classic theme in teen movies, and Vogt-Roberts handles it beautifully.  I often remind myself that, were there no one on Earth but we two, Brad Pitt would consider me his best friend.

Robinson, Basso, and Arias are all solid in this film, but none stands out as a future star.  Arias is the most interesting, as he takes awkwardness to new heights, but his act probably isn’t sustainable.  Moriarty does a nice job as Joe’s love interest, but she may not end up being yours.  Nick Offerman is the real star of the movie, delivering his classic mean-spirited, dry sarcasm with incredible touch.  Megan Mullally puts her famously shrill voice to good use as Patrick’s insufferable mother.

Should I/Shouldn’t I: The Kings of Summer is the kind of movie that makes you long for your childhood.  If you’re not seduced by all the billboards and commercials hawking blockbusters this summer, find some time to see this indie.  It won’t be playing in many theaters, and it might not be out for very long, so get on your horse!

Sundae Rating: Two scoops with whipped cream

Now You See Me

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Director: Louis Leterrier

Writer: Ed Solomon, Boaz Yakin, Edward Ricourt

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Mélanie Laurent

Tomatometer: 47/26/75 (all critics, top critics, audience)

Spoiler-free Summary: Jesse, Woody, Isla, and Dave are all middling street magicians.  A mysterious person in a Zuckerbergian hoodie recruits the four of them to perform as a team.  After a year of preparation, the Four Horsemen open their act in Las Vegas.  For their final trick of opening night, the group magically robs a bank, setting off an FBI-led manhunt and a slew of high-profile crimes.

Two Cents: Like many who saw its trailer, I could not wait for this movie.  Boasting a stellar cast and the combination of a classic film genre (bank robbery) with another that has long been under-appreciated (magic), this movie had “summer fun” written all over it.  Sadly, those words were written with one of these.

The first half of the movie is actually quite entertaining.  Some of the tricks are extremely cool (keep telling yourself they’re not just cheap cinematography tricks), and the story moves with the pace of a Formula-1 car.  However, the movie loses steam toward the end of Act II, as it turns into a game of “Who’s playing whom?”.

Let me be the first to diagnose director Leterrier with Shyamalonosis.  Now You See Me is doomed by Leterrier’s obsession with forcing a shocking twist at the expense of the rest of his film.  Like Shyamalan almost always does, Leterrier fails miserably in his quest, completely wasting a promising build-up and decent performances from Eisenberg, Harrelson, and Ruffalo.  A twist only works when it is supported by that which comes before it, and this movie’s not-so-big twist could be easily debunked by any of the scenes that precedes it.  That’s not a twist, it’s a lie.  (Out of respect for those who have yet to see Now You See Me, I’ll refrain from saying anything that might be considered a spoiler.)  M. Night would be proud of you, Louis, but he’s probably the only one.  Even your own mother thinks you stink.

It was great to see Dave Franco in another big release.  He had a respectable role in last year’s 21 Jump Street, but he has yet to reach the notoriety of his brother James.  He is a gifted comedic actor, and I’m sure we’ll be seeing much more if him in the future.  Isla Fisher must be an awesome person to count as a friend.  She’s married to Sacha Baron Cohen, and she seems to be a ton of fun.  However, even with the world’s greatest push-up bra, she’s completely wasted in this movie.  She’s not a great actress, but she can be entertaining and funny when given the opportunity.  Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine should have saved on airfare and sent cardboard cutouts of themselves to the set.  They could not have seemed more uninterested in this movie.  Mélanie Laurent (Shosanna from Inglourious Basterds) is pretty darn close to mesmerizing, but Leterrier did not get out of her what he could or should have.

Should I/Shouldn’t I: Don’t view the title of this movie as an obligation.  Now You See Me (or, maybe, you don’t) is a fun movie, but it doesn’t nearly reach its potential.  You won’t hate it, but you’ll most likely be disappointed.  With so many blockbusters coming out this summer, you’d be better off letting this one slip through the cracks and catching it on HBO next winter.  If you forget to DVR it, feel free to save two hours and just ask me what happens at the end.

Sundae Rating: One scoop

The East

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Director: Zal Batmanglij

Writer: Zal Batmanglij, Brit Marling

Starring: Brit Marling, Alexander Skarsgård, Ellen Page, Toby Kebbell, Patricia Clarkson

Tomatometer: 74/65/76 (all critics, top critics, audience)

Spoiler-free Summary: A former FBI agent, now working for a private investigation firm, attempts to infiltrate a reclusive group of eco-friendly terrorists.

Two Cents: I see a lot of movies.  I also watch a boatload of trailers.  Still, every once in a while, I am pleasantly surprised with a new release of which I had never heard.  This past weekend, I was devastated to find that critics were none too thrilled about Now You See Me, to which I was looking forward.  My backup choice, After Earth (the preview for which looked horrendous), was also getting ripped to shreds by critics.  (Note to millionaires, studios, and corporations: Do not give your money to M. Night Shyamalan.  You’ll get better returns from investing in a dating site for pet owners.)  So, I searched showtimes around the city for something I may have missed.  Sure enough, I stumbled on The East.  Lucky me.

One theme behind which any moviegoer can get is the classic David vs. Goliath struggle.  Mix in a bit of cancer, and you’ve got a winning plot.  The East takes movies like Edge of Darkness and The Rainmaker a step further.  As the movie unfolds, director Batmanglij puts the viewer inside the minds of terrorists, and actually makes the viewer agree with the terrorists.  (It’s an impressive achievement, but I doubt anything is particularly difficult for someone who has “Batman” in his name.)  All of the main characters are deep, and they are continually developed throughout the movie.  Each serves his own purpose in clarifying some of the mentalities and motivations behind terrorism and counterculture.  It’s not Homeland, but it’s got plenty of insight to offer.

Brit Marling is a rising star.  She seems to feel more comfortable in the indie world, so we might not see her in many blockbusters, but she’s definitely got skills.  Skarsgård, who will be returning as Eric Northman in True Blood in two weeks, continues to build up a noteworthy résumé.  Between Disconnect and The East, he’s already appeared in two of the better movies of the year.  Plus, he’s rumored to be playing Tarzan in an upcoming adaptation of the classic Edgar Rice Burroughs tale.  Toby Kebbell did a decent job as one of the terrorists, and I’m surprised we haven’t seen more of him.  Ellen Page is a mystery to me.  She’s such a talented actress, but she seems to be stuck in type-casting hell.  She doesn’t do many movies (whether by choice or lack thereof) and, therefore, hasn’t done much in the way of branching out.  I’m looking forward to seeing how well she performs in next year’s X-Men: Days of Future Past.  

Should I/Shouldn’t I: Summer is a busy movie season, so no one can blame you for passing up small-budget indies for big-budget blockbusters. However, if you’re only heading to the theater for superhero movies this summer, you’re cheating yourself out of some quality films.  The East is not a must-see, but it is certainly a should-see.  If you’re passionate about environmental conservation (I know one of my loyal reader’s makes his living off it), this film will force you to reevaluate (though, not necessarily change) your opinion about the line between necessary evil and plain old evil.

Sundae Rating: Two scoops with whipped cream