Sanctum (2011)

'Sanctum' is the latest brainchild of James Cameron, who produced the film. In a "man vs. nature" theme similar to 'Avatar', 'Sanctum' follows a group of cave explorers in their quest to find an ocean exit to a cave in Papua New Guinea. When their only known exit is blocked during a violent rainstorm, the small group must go deeper into the cave in hopes of finding a way out. Friend turns against friend in this 'Poseidon'-like adventure, and in the end, you know not everyone will make it out alive. The low-point of the film is the acting, as well as the characterization, making for an agonizingly slow first 45 minutes. If you can survive the action-less scenes in the beginning, than the second half will be worth your time. The film is incredibly intense, gory, and suspenseful. In fact, I cannot recall another film that has left me on the edge of my seat as much as 'Sanctum'. I felt the need to gasp for air in several scenes along with the explorers, which explains how intense the film becomes. It makes '127 Hours' look like kids' stuff. On another note, the film clearly did not have the same budget as 'Avatar', and the special effects suffered for it. However, this didn't ruin the credibility of the film and I was pretty blown away during the second half. If you can stomach the intensity, then I think you would enjoy it. 6 out of 10 stars.

Midnight in Paris

Woody Allen is still a puzzle to me. He has created some of the strangest, most interesting films that are typically appreciated by the critics (the director/writer/actor has 21 Oscar nominations) yet fail at the box office. When it comes to his movies, I either REALLY enjoy it (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) or REALLY hate it (Matchpoint). However, "Midnight in Paris" is the first of his films where I am on the fence. Gil (Owen Wilson) is a screenplay writer on vacation with his fiancé Inez (Rachel McAdams) and her parents in Paris. Gil is attempting to write his first novel (with little support from Inez and her family) and is lacking inspiration. When he goes on a midnight stroll through the streets of Paris, he finds himself transported back to the 1920's era of Paris, where he encounters various American writers such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, as well as Gertrude Stein (Kathy Bates), who agrees to review his novel for him. Each night, Gil returns at midnight to relive the magic, and Inez begins to believe he is crazy. He also meets Pablo Picasso, his mistress Adriana (Marion Cotillard) and briefly Salvador Dalí (Adrien Brody). The storyline is immensely intriguing to begin, and any American Literature buff would really appreciate the history, yet as with many of Allen's films, the actors are given a lot of freedom in their characters, and in this case the movie suffers for it. Owen Wilson is slightly less irritating in this film than others, but his performance still wasn't quite as spectacular as it could have been, and I spent much of the film contemplating other actors who could play the role of Gil. The film has many entertaining moments, yet a mediocre leading actor and a rushed and sudden ending left me feeling a bit under-whelmed. Perhaps worth a rental. 6 out of 10 stars.

Eat, Pray, Love (2010)

One for the ladies- Eat, Pray, Love, released in 2010, is a comedy-drama based on Elizabeth Gilbert's best-selling memoir which was published in 2006. Directed by Ryan Murphey, Julia Roberts plays the role of the protagonist, Elizabeth, a 32-year-old with a successful writing career. However, Elizabeth undergoes a difficult divorce and is quick to initiate a rebound relationship, and she is wrought with devastation when it doesn't work, finding herself single and lonely, an experience foreign to her. Elizabeth is left contemplating her life and its values and comes to decide to embark on an over-seas adventure, a dream she has long held close to her heart. Her trip is divided into the three key words of the title; 'Eat' in Italy, where she relaxes and enjoys the (consumable) sweet things of life, free of guilt; 'Pray' in India, where she gets in touch with her previously hidden spirituality; and 'Love', in Indonesia, where, via meditation and counseling from a local advisor, Elizabeth seeks to understand and apply balance in life. The film offers a fascinating insight into a woman's quest to seek satisfaction from life. Ryan Murphey's incredible directing skills are displayed with scenes captured in many beautiful locations dispersed over 3 continents, making the film a cinematographic wonder along with an intriguing storyline. Truly a chick flick, this Aussie broad gives it 4 stars.

Casey's quick opinion: I like it too, though maybe we're biased because we both have spent time in Italy as exchange students.

The Help

If any film has the potential to win an Oscar or two this year, it's "The Help". Emma Stone plays Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan, a recent college-grad who has returned to her home in Jackson, Mississippi to become a writer. After some personal experiences, Skeeter decides to write a book about African-American maids working in white homes, giving them a voice and an opportunity to share their own experiences. She first enlists Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis) to share her stories with her. As the setting is the early 1960's, many of the maids are afraid to talk, for fear that they might be killed like many other African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. However, after receiving too much abuse from white employers, the maids agree to share their tales. The film is beautifully done, with several outstanding performances from Allison Jane, Bryce Dallas Howard, and especially newcomer Jessica Chastain, who I imagine will become a more familiar face in the near-future. However, the true standout performances come from Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer, and above all, Viola Davis, who played her role as a maid who has suffered much in her life. Look for the three names last mentioned when awards season comes around in January. See this movie now, before it receives an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. 8 out of 10 stars.

Spotlight On... August 2011

Spotlight On... Emma Stone

Emma Stone has played supporting roles in several successful movies, including "Superbad", "The House Bunny", and "Zombieland". Last year "Easy A" was released, her first starring role, earning her a Golden Globe nomination. This summer, she stars in both "Crazy, Stupid, Love" and "The Help". "Crazy, Stupid, Love" is just another romantic comedy, but "The Help" sets her apart from many other young actresses. The film is her first dramatic role, a dangerous yet necessary risk for any actor trying to avoid typecast roles. She succeeds wonderfully, playing a young writer trying to help African-American maids find a voice during the Civil Rights Movement. The film has been incredibly well-received, and is sure to help Emma Stone's reputation as an actress who is not afraid to take on a difficult role. She's a rising star to keep an eye on, and you can expect an award nomination or two for her performance in her latest film.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Is "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" just another remake of the classic "Planet of the Apes" film series? Not hardly. This film differs from the original and the 2001 re-boot in many ways, the most obvious being the use of CGI apes instead of actors in make-up. This version of the tale explores the beginning of the age of the apes, as well as the causes for which humans lost their dominance in the world. Scientist Will Rodman (James Franco) is researching a cure for Alzheimer's using apes as lab rats. He searches for a cure with the personal motive of saving his father (John Lithgow), who has suffered with the disease for a long period. When a breakthrough comes with Caesar, a young chimpanzee, Will uses the drug on his own father, who recovers completely the next day. However, Caesar continues to become smarter and smarter, learning to read and sign, as well as understand English. In the process, he begins to question his own identity as a chimpanzee and becomes confused (and dangerous). He becomes smart enough to realize that he can give this miracle drug to other apes, and does so, hoping to build his own colony in the Redwood Forest. There are many twists and turns in the film that I obviously won't spoil, and overall the story is very original and plausible, with many allusions to the original films. On the other hand, the special effects underwhelmed and I never connected to the apes because they appeared so unrealistic. The film ran a bit too long and only regained interest of the audience within the last 15 minutes or so. The film also stars Freida Pinto and Draco Malfoy... I mean Tom Felton... who did not quite master the American accent in time for filming. I would recommend this as a rental if you enjoyed the original films. 5 out of 10 stars.

Crazy, Stupid, Love

"Crazy, Stupid, Love" is one of those movies that had a lot going for it: a great cast and a cute story line. Steve Carell plays Cal, a man recently separated from his wife (Julianne Moore). Believing that his wife has left him because he has lost his manhood, he seeks the advice of Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling), a young, handsome womanizer who spends his days picking up women at a bar. Jacob is obliging and spends much of his time helping out Cal. In a seemingly unrelated storyline, a young girl named Hannah (Emma Stone) has reached a point in her life where she has lost sight of what she wants, and falls for Jacob's charm. Cal begins meeting other women including Kate, played by Marisa Tomei. Though he enjoys being attractive again, Cal's only desire is to win back his wife. The film is an ideal romantic comedy with many humorous moments (Steve Carell and Marisa Tomei are hilarious as usual), yet many elements of the film were slow and unnecessary. The first half was top-notch, while the second part failed to maintain the humor and sympathy for the characters. Though I didn't hate the film, I expected a lot more from such a talented cast... perhaps worth a rental. 6 out of 10 stars.

The Turning Point (1977)

"The Turning Point" is the original "Black Swan", minus the "psychological thriller" elements. Instead, the film focuses on two women past their prime, one still a ballerina, the other, a former dancer who gave up her career to have a family. Emma (Anne Bancroft), has reached a point as a dancer when choreographers no longer want her. DeeDee (Shirley MacLaine) has two children who both want to dance professionally like their parents. When her daughter Emilia gets an opportunity to dance in New York, DeeDee packs up for the summer and heads to the city with her daughter, only to have to face the life that she gave up. Both DeeDee and Emma must face the future while also dealing with personal regrets. The film holds the record for most Oscar nominations without a win (11). Despite this not-so-coveted record, the film is still relevant, as everyone deals with age and life regrets. Another high point of the film was the fact that many of the actors are dancers before actors, something that "Black Swan" lacked, making for some incredible dance scenes. The film received four acting nominations, one for Bancroft, and one for MacLaine, who are both remarkable in the film, and two for Russian prodigy Mikhail Baryshnikov and Leslie Browne, both in supporting roles. Both are exceptional dancers, but terrible actors. Where did those Oscar nominations come from? Aside from this, the movie has aged well and is still an enjoyable film for those who enjoy dance. 7 out of 10 stars.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

Where do I begin with a review of this movie? If you're interested in seeing one of the strangest films in existence, then this movie is right up your alley. Jeff Lebowski (The "Dude") (Jeff Bridges) is a slacker living in L.A. who spends his days bowling with his friends Theodore (Steve Buscemi) and Walter (John Goodman). One day he returns home and is beaten up by two men and one of them urinates on his carpet. He discovers that they are looking for Bunny Lebowski, the wife of another man named Lebowski, and he is involved in a case of mistaken identity. The real Mr. Lebowski, a millionaire, hires "the Dude" to bring the ransom money to the kidnappers. Other mysteries arise when they discover that Bunny may have kidnapped herself. "The Dude" gets further input from Maude Lebowski (Julianne Moore), daughter of the millionaire Lebowski, a bizzare feminist artist. After watching several Coen brother films, I expected the unexpected. This film is the definition of unconventional. I watched it twice, and must admit that I laughed uncontrollably the second time around. The film is not for everyone, but if you enjoyed "Fargo", then you stand a chance of enjoying this movie. 5 out of 10 stars.

Big (1988)

'Big' is recognized as the film that launched Tom Hanks' career, a box office success, as well as a critical success, earning Tom Hanks his first of five Oscar nominations. Josh Baskin (Hanks) is a thirteen-year-old who, after getting embarrassed by being denied a ride on the roller coaster due to his height, wishes on a Zoltar machine to be older. His wish is granted and he becomes 30 years old. After his mother believes that he is lying about becoming 30 overnight and demands to know where her son is, Josh runs away to New York City, where he works at a toy company playing with new products and giving suggestions. He falls in love and feels conflicted between returning to his real age and living in his new life, which he greatly enjoys. 'Big' is a classic romantic comedy that features a young Tom Hanks' trademark voice and humor. If you're a Tom Hanks fan, along with the rest of the world, than you will certainly enjoy 'Big'. 6 out of 10 stars.

Poll Results

Which is your favorite James Franco film?

After two months of voting, the winners for the favorite James Franco film were "Tristan and Isolde" and "127 Hours".

My Cousin Vinny (1992)

"There have been many courtroom dramas that have glorified The Great American Legal System. This is not one of them". The film's tagline really defines the movie. This certainly doesn't mean the film is not worth watching. Marisa Tomei alone makes the movie worth watching, yet Joe Pesci along with a great screenplay make it really worth the time to sit and enjoy. The film follows the story of two boys, Bill and Stan, who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time during a murder investigation. Bill, with no money, calls his cousin Vinny (Joe Pesci), a "lawyer" who has recently passed the bar exam after five previous fails. Vinny and his girlfriend Mona Lisa Vito (Tomei) drive down to Alabama to defend the boys, despite Vinny never having attended a trial, let alone defending a murder suspect. Tomei steals the film as the intelligent, beautiful, and sassy fiancé of cousin Vinny, a role for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (My biological clock is ticking like this!!!). Watch this movie... you will not regret it. 7 out of 10 stars.