War Horse: Though it's definitely flawed with it's jumpy and not always coherent narrative, War Horse is able to get by on how effective it is at conveying emotion. The relationship between Albert and Joey (the horse) is so emotionally strong that it carries this otherwise mediocre film to being a decent one. The visuals are also stunning and it's Oscar nod for cinematography was well-deserved. The acting is so-so outside of Joey Irvine as Albert and at times it's really cheesy and boring, but it's still a watchable movie because of it's visuals and the heart-warming relationship between a boy and his horse.
3/5 Stars
Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer: Just wasn't my cup of tea. I'm sure the target audience loved it and became very enthralled in Judy's misadventures, but I found myself just checking the time on my phone. The jokes just didn't land and Judy came off more annoying than cute. At least Heather Graham looked really hot and I got great enjoyment out of a scene where Urkel plays a banjo (I shit you not, I almost pissed myself laughing).
1.5/5 Stars
The Big Year: Despite a super talented cast including Steve Martin, Jack Black, Owen Wilson, Rashida Jones, and Joel McHale, The Big Year misfires. It has a really uninteresting story (I mean bird-watching isn't a particularly thrilling subject to begin with, but they could of done better than this) and an awkward combination of comedy/drama. The acting is pretty much the only saving grace this movie has. Steve Martin in particular, does the best with the pretty weak material they were given. The Big Year is on-par with The Dillemma for biggest waste of talent for 2011 films.
2/5
The Help: Definitely overrated, but it's still a good movie and provides an interesting look at the world of maids in the early 1960's when the civil rights movement was on the rise. The characters could've been better developed and it does gloss over some important, racial-driven plot points, but the performances are so strong and there is such a sincere and powerful message behind the film that it cancels out. Octavia Spencer was good and see why see won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, but Viola Davis and Jessica Chastain steal the show. Davis gives a powerful performance as Aibileen, the first maid to agree to tell Skeeter (Emma Stone) her story for Skeeter's book exposing the true life of maids in Jackson, Mississippi. Chastain, in somewhat limited screen time, shines as the somewhat oblivious, but good-hearted and genuinely nice Celia Foote who hires Minnie (Spencer) to help her learn how to cook. The Help is a powerful and overall good film, but I didn't think it lived up to the hype that surrounded it.
3.5/5 Stars
We Bought A Zoo: Very uplifting and sweet story that even won a cold bastard like myself over. Matt Damon does a great job in the lead and he has an outstanding chemistry with his on-screen kids (especially his daughter, who is adorable). Much better than I expected to it be and one of the best surprises out of all the 2011 movies I've seen.
3.5/5 Stars
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close: This movie swings for the fences, but comes up way short. This could've been a heartfelt, emotional powerhouse of a movie in telling the story of a kid who's father passed away in the World Trade Center in the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. Instead what we get is a dull story that lacks any form of emotional power. Thomas Horn's Oskar is such an annoying, know-it all brat that you really can't feel any sympathy for his character despite the horrible tragedy that he just endured. Oskar is honestly one of the most annoying characters in recent cinema history. Save for a subtle and great performance from Max von Sydow as his mute grandfather, this movie has next to nothing to offer. Very poorly handled and unsatisfying movie.
2/5 Stars
No comments:
Post a Comment