Author: Stan

Today’s quick review: Money Talks. Ticket scalper Franklin Hatchett (Chris Tucker) has a good racket going, at least until investigative reporter James Russell (Charlie Sheen) puts him behind bars. But when fellow prisoner Raymond Villard (Gerard Ismael) stages a breakout, Franklin is swept along with it and ends up as a wanted fugitive. Now Franklin must seek James’ help to clear his name and avoid the cops and criminals who want him dead.

Money Talks is a crime comedy about an unlikely pair of allies. Chris Tucker stars as Franklin Hatchett, a small-time criminal whose fast tongue gets him in trouble as often as it gets him out of it. Charlie Sheen plays opposite him as James Russell, a reporter in desparate need of a scoop. Talented leads and a few good comedy bits make Money Talks a light, entertaining watch. However, its premise and execution both lack the impact they could have.

Money Talks is primarily a vehicle for Chris Tucker. His fast patter and comedic energy drive the comedy and the plot alike, as Franklin searches for a way out of a situation that could end with him dead. Charlie Sheen acts as his straight man, toning down his own comedic style to better foil Tucker’s antics. The duo never clicks the way the strongest buddy pairings do, but they do work well enough together to keep the comedy coming.

The main thing Money Talks is missing is a strong hook. Franklin and James don’t have a compelling reason to stick together, and the script doesn’t invest enough effort into getting them to see eye to eye. The plot is a jumble of loosely connected elements, from Villard’s schemes to the police manhunt for Franklin to James’ pending wedding. The result is a comedy that has some funny moments but isn’t as satisfying as it could be.

Money Talks is a decent pick for those in the mood for a quick, light comedy. A decent setup, a madcap story, and the energy Chris Tucker brings to the role are enough to earn some laughs. But its premise, its execution, and the chemistry of its leads all leave something to be desired, leaving it outclassed by more memorable buddy films. Those who dislike Tucker’s hyperactive style will also want to steer clear.

For an even funnier action comedy starring Chris Tucker and directed by Brett Ratner, try Rush Hour. For a buddy cop crime comedy with a similar plot, try Starsky & Hutch. For another offbeat comedic pairing, try The In-Laws. For a similar comedy duo, try Ride Along.

6.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for fun but not especially memorable comedy.

Today’s quick review: Mad City. Local reporter Max Brackett (Dustin Hoffman) lands the story of his career when ex-security guard Sam Baily (John Travolta) takes hostages at the museum Max is doing a story on. Max covers the standoff from the inside, even going so far as to help Sam get favorable press coverage and make sure no one gets hurt. But as the situation escalates, Max finds himself torn between his profession and his conscience.

Mad City is a crime drama about a working man pushed to the brink, the media firestorm his actions kick off, and the reporter caught in the middle of it all. Dustin Hoffman stars as Max, a new professional who sees Sam’s breakdown as his ticket back to the national stage. John Travolta plays opposite him as Sam, a frustrated man caught in a hostage negotiation he never wanted. Strong character work and pointed commentary on the media ensue.

The heart of the film is the relationship between Max and Sam. What begins as a cynical ploy to boost Max’s ratings gradually morphs into something resembling a real friendship. Sam comes to rely on Max for advice, while Max begins to take Sam’s side in the standoff. The characters are well-cast and draw on their actors’ respective strengths. The movie also ensures that their relationship has depth; it is never simple or unconflicted.

The other side of Mad City is its perspective on the media. Max Brackett is neck-deep in network politics, angling for the kind of sensational coverage that will boost his career back to its former heights. Human sympathy comes second, at least until his time with Sam shows him just how damaging the hunt for ratings can be. Mad City shows up close the damage that can be caused by a fickle public and a news media that’s eager for blood.

Mad City brings something unique to the table with its nuanced main characters and detailed breakdown of the media’s response to a crisis. It won’t appeal to fans of conventional crime dramas, since Sam’s criminal actions are almost accidental. It’s also missing some of the weight that the best real-life crime stories have. But those who are interested in something thoughtful and character-focused should give it a shot.

For an even more dramatic hostage situation with a similarly sympathetic protagonist, try Dog Day Afternoon.

6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for well-drawn characters and an interesting premise.

Today’s quick review: National Treasure: Book of Secrets. When Mitch Wilkinson (Ed Harris) publicizes evidence that Benjamin Gates’ (Nicolas Cage) ancestor was involved in the assassination of President Lincoln, Gates sets out to solve a centuries-old mystery and clear his family’s name. Reuniting with Dr. Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger) and Riley Poole (Justin Bartha), Gates searches for the proof he needs: the fabled City of Gold.

National Treasure: Book of Secrets is a light adventure movie about a secret treasure connected to some of the most important figures in American history. Nicolas Cage reprises his role as Benjamin Gates, a resourceful historiain with a knack for uncovering secrets. Book of Secrets has many of the same strengths as the first film: an engaging plot, likable characters, and a touch of action. However, its setup is not quite as solid.

Book of Secrets makes for a serviceable adventure. The plot dips into a new era of American history, the Civil War, for its clues and connections. The story covers enough ground to make good on its premise, and although it echoes the beats of the first movie, it shuffles enough of the details around to feel new. Benjamin, Abigail, and Riley continue to be the heart of the movie, and their interactions fuel its comedy as well as its plot.

The key difference from the original is that Gates’ motivations this time are wholly personal. Where in the first movie Gates had to break the law for the greater good, Book of Secrets has him trespassing and stealing just to clear his ancestor’s name. The change isn’t enough to dampen the film’s sense of adventure, but it does give the sequel a slightly shakier foundation than the original, which took pains to set up the stakes of its conflict.

Minor flaws notwithstanding, National Treasure: Book of Secrets is a worthy sequel to the first movie. It is a slight step down in terms of coherence and originality, but it otherwise retains the first movie’s charm. Those in the mood for an adventure with sound execution and a family-friendly tone should look no further. Those who want something deeper, more ambitious, or simply different form the first film may want to skip it.

For an action movie starring Nicolas Cage and Ed Harris, try The Rock. For a heist with sharper writing and more comedy, try Ocean’s Eleven. For a treasure-hunting adventure with more attitude, try Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.

6.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for good characters and a decent plot.

Today’s quick review: National Treasure. Historian Benjamin Gates (Nicolas Cage) has spent his life hunting for a legendary treasure hidden by the Founding Fathers and protected by a series of cryptic clues. Now with the help of financier Ian Howe (Sean Bean), Gates is on the verge of finding it. But when Howe betrays him, Gates has no choice but steal the next clue to keep it out of Howe’s hands: the Declaration of Independence itself.

National Treasure is a light adventure movie about an ancient treasure hidden at America’s founding. Nicolas Cage stars as Benjamin Gates, a firm believer in the existence of the treasure and one of the few people with the historical knowledge to find it. National Treasure spins this premise into an entertaining plot that touches on some of the most iconic parts of America’s history, seasoning its story with comedy and a dash of action.

National Treasure hits a sweet spot with its story. The premise has enough in common with movies like Indiana Jones or The Da Vinci Code to feel familiar, but its lighter tone and emphasis on American history give it a unique niche. The plot is well-paced, well-structured, and hides interesting clues in America’s national symbols and landmarks. More generally, National Treasure scopes its story well and doesn’t skimp on character or detail.

National Treasure scores another hit with its characters. Benjamin Gates is joined in his hunt for the treasure by Dr. Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger), a caretaker of the Declaration of Independence, and Riley Poole (Justin Bartha), a hacker hired by Benjamin. The characters are distinct, likable, and play off each other well. The movie also puts them to good use, giving each one an important role to play while letting Benjamin take the lead.

National Treasure is a family-friendly adventure with surprisingly solid execution. National Treasure doesn’t break the mold in terms of concept or execution, but strong storytelling fundamentals, good chemistry within its cast, and a clear love for its subjet matter make it an enjoyable watch. Steer clear if you’re looking for all-out action or a truly cerebral plot.

For a historical conspiracy thriller with a darker tone, try The Da Vinci Code or Angels & Demons. For globe-trotting, action-oriented adventure, try the Indiana Jones movies. For a fantasy adventure with the same director and stary, try The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

6.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for simple, feel-good adventure.

Today’s quick review: The Runner. In the wake of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Congressman Colin Pryce (Nicolas Cage) catapults onto the national stage thanks to his impassioned defense of Louisiana and its residents. However, his newfound fame backfires when he’s caught cheating on his wife Deborah (Connie Nielsen). Now Pryce must repair his damaged reputation in order to help lead the cleanup efforts and salvage his planned Senate run.

The Runner is a political drama about an idealistic politician searching for redemption in the wake of a scandal. The movie puts Congressman Pryce’s principles to the test during the worst crisis of his career, forcing him to choose between the people of Louisiana and his own future in poitics. The Runner is a case study about the pressures and compromises of politics, but it lacks the gripping plot or emotional resonance to be an effective story.

The Runner’s chief failing is that it’s a dry watch. The centerpiece of the film is the character of Colin Pryce, and to the film’s credit, it does a reasonable job of capturing his earnest ideals and his human weaknesses. But the work it puts into Pryce never translates into effective drama. For all his suffering, Pryce only ever comes across as mildly sympathetic, while the stakes are oddly low given the story’s significant political backdrop.

As such, The Runner will primarily appeal to viewers who are interested in the political process for its own sake, and even these will find its plot too shallow to get much enjoyment from. The Runner has decent character work and serves as an unusually believable look into the world of politics, but its ideas never cash out into dramatic tension or pathos. Those hoping for a deep, insightful, or moving story should give it a pass.

For a thriller that puts Nicolas Cage on the opposite side of the moral spectrum, try Snake Eyes. For a farther-reaching look at the dark side of the oil industry, try Syriana. For a more engrossing look at a real-world political crisis, try Magin Call or The Big Short. For a thriller about a politician coping with a similar scandal, try State of Play.

4.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 5.5 for an interesting moral conundrum without the heart to make it work.

“A ghost is taking over Billie’s body like some sort of hermit crab?” —Mike

Today’s quick review: Between Worlds. Joe (Nicolas Cage), a trucker who lost his wife and daughter to a fire, finds new meaning in life when he meets Julie (Franka Potente), a single mother with the power to briefly visit the afterlife. Julie uses her power to revive her teenage daughter Billie (Penelope Mitchell) after a motorcycle accident. But as Billie recovers from her injuries, it becomes clear that something within her has changed.

Between Worlds is a drama with fantasy and thriller elements. The movie follows Joe as he tries to help Julie and Billie recover from their ordeal, only to find that Billie knows close-kept secrets about his past. Between Worlds aims to be a steamy, haunting tale about the dangers of meddling in the supernatural. However, due to its slow pacing, lackluster acting, and poor sense of suspense, the movie falls well short of its goal.

Between Worlds does a poor job of building on what could have been an interesting premise. Julie’s power is taken for granted by the characters and the script, with no real attempt to explore where it comes from or what it means. Billie’s arc takes nearly half the movie to pick up any momentum; by the time her secret is revealed, nearly all the tension surrounding it is gone. The cinematography suffers from awkward cuts and peculiar camera placement.

Another mark against the movie is its acting. Nicolas Cage turns in a sloppy performance as Joe, with bluntly delivered lines and little emotional consistency. Franka Potente makes an honest effort as Julie, but her performance comes across as too detached and she lacks chemistry with Cage. Of the main cast, Penelope Mitchell fares better, easing into her role more as the film goes on, but her character still isn’t put to very good use.

Between Worlds ends up being a supernatural thriller that’s neither thrilling nor has much to say about its supernatural aspects. Sharp flaws in its writing, acting, and direction keep it from capitalizing on its premise, leaving it to coast on a nebulous sense of menace and uncomfortable sexual tension. Between Worlds holds marginal value for those interested in its ideas, but most viewers will find that it has little to hook their interest.

For a much more effective treatment of similar themes, try The Sixth Sense. For a more touching romantic fantasy from Nicolas Cage, try City of Angels. For another uncoventional romantic entanglement, try Stone or Internal Affairs. For a budget drama with even shakier quality and more heart, try The Room.

4.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 3.5 for a flawed and relatively lifeless execution of an interesting premise.

Today’s quick review: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. For centuries, Balthazar (Nicolas Cage) has searched for the Prime Merlinean, the sorcerer destined to destroy the evil Morgana (Alice Krige). He finally finds a likely candidate in Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel), a physics student with a sharp mind and poor social skills. But Dave immediately gets into trouble when Horvath (Alfred Molina), Morgana’s greatest servant, tries to free her from her prison.

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is a fantasy action adventure about a young man chosen to inherit the power of Merlin. The story revolves around Dave’s attempts to master his magic, impress Becky (Teresa Palmer), and prevent Horvath from freeing Morgana. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice has some interesting action and backs it up with decent special effects and storytelling. The result isn’t especially unique or memorable, but it is enjoyable while it lasts.

The greatest strength of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is its magic. The movie hits a sweet spot with its spells: ideas that are easy to understand and play well on the screen without entirely breaking the logic of the plot. No single spell stands out from the rest, but the tricks that Balthazar and Horvath throw at one another are enough to keep the action varied and engaging, a medley of levitation, transformations, and illusions.

On the story side, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice sticks to the basics but handles them well. The plot is typical for a youth fantasy story but makes enough minor changes to the formula to have its own identity. Nicolas Cage is an easy fit for the role of Balthazar, a mentor who’s strict but not heartless. Alfred Molina matches him well as Horvath. Jay Baruchel is a mixed bag as Dave, with awkwardness that can be amusing or grating depending on the scene.

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is a decent pick for younger viewers and fans of the fantasy genre. The movie isn’t quite original or distinctive enough to stand out from its field, but it’s a credible execution of a classic formula. It also scores consistent, minor wins with its creative magic and character interactions, making it a fairly fun pick for the right viewer. Those looking for something groundbreaking should steer clear.

For a fantasy adventure with even more mind-bending magic, try Doctor Strange. For a slightly darker fantasy adventure with a similar premise, try The Seventh Son. For youth fantasy with better characters and a more elaborate plot, try the Harry Potter series. For a superhero fantasy adventure with a similar plot, try Shazam!. For a more teen-oriented take on a secret magical world, try The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.

6.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for a serviceable plot and some creative magic.

Today’s quick review: Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. After signing a deal with the devil Roarke (Ciaran Hinds), Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage) becomes possessed by the Ghost Rider, a terrifying spirit that punishes the wicked. Unable to control his power, Johnny flees to Europe, where he finds new purpose protecting Nadya (Violante Placido) and her son Danny (Fergus Riordan) from Roarke, who needs the boy to complete a powerful ritual.

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance is an action horror superhero movie based on the Marvel Comics character. Spirit of Vengeance is an ambiguous sequel to the first Ghost Rider film, picking up with a Johnny Blaze who’s increasingly uncomfortable with the spirit possessing him. The movie features a darker, more aggressive tone with bigger stunts and freer use of the Rider’s powers. However, its mediocre plot and lack of heart hold it back.

Spirit of Vengeance takes a very different approach than its predecessor. The movie plays up the alien nature of the Rider, a sadistic demon that loves toying with its prey. Its erratic movements, darker color scheme, and unstoppable power make it an effective centerpiece of the movie. The action scenes take full advantage of this, showing off the Rider’s powers alongside a variety of heavy weaponry.

The price of the improved action is a weaker story and supporting cast. The movie keeps in the minimum amount of character development for Johnny and Danny and strips out the rest. The plot consists almost exclusively of the hunt for Danny, with no other subplots and barely any preamble. This choice does make Spirit of Vengeance faster-paced and cranks up the ratio of action, but it makes it less rewarding to invest in the story and characters.

For sheer spectacle, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance is an enjoyable if schlocky pick. The movie finds itself outclassed by bigger-budget superhero flicks, but it carves out a niche for itself with its unique hero and sense of excess. However, those looking for a better balance of story and action, or simply a more likable hero, will want to steer clear. For a sci-fi movie with a similar plot, try Babylon A.D. For a dark superhero movie, try Venom.

4.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for vivid action with shaky fundamentals.

“We’re big on irony around here.” —The Caretaker

Today’s quick review: Ghost Rider. As a young man, Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage) sells his soul to the Devil (Peter Fonda) to save his dying father. Years later, Johnny has a successful career as a motorcycle daredevil but remains haunted by his choice. Finally, when he is about to rekindle his relationship with Roxy Simpson (Eva Mendes), the Devil comes to collect, transforming Johnny into his skeletal bounty hunter: the Ghost Rider.

Ghost Rider is an action horror superhero movie based on the Marvel comics. Nicolas Cage stars as Johnny Blaze, a possessed biker tasked with keeping the Devil’s renegade son Blackheart (Wes Bentley) from claiming a contract that will grant him unlimited power. Ghost Rider makes for a respectable origin story, with a surprisingly robust script and a fair amount of action. However, it is outclassed by other superhero films that reach farther.

Ghost Rider gets the basics right. It spends enough time with Johnny and Roxy for them to feel like real characters. Peter Fonda and Sam Elliott are great additions to the supporting cast. The plot ties together neatly, avoiding any major twists but making sure every idea that’s introduced has a role to play. The dialogue is a cut above the typical action movie. Finally, the action scenes give Ghost Rider himself a chance to shine.

Still, Ghost Rider has a few clear limitations. The CGI is a mixed bag. The action scenes are short by modern standards and tend to be more about showing off Ghost Rider’s powers than delivering all-out brawls. The directing doesn’t make any major mistakes, but it’s missing a certain amount of subtlety. And while the movie makes Nicolas Cage’s offbeat performance work in its favor, it still won’t appeal to all viewers.

Ghost Rider is a solid pick for fans of the darker side of the superhero genre. In terms of structure and execution, it’s a typical origin story that doesn’t stand out from the crowd. But it has enough to offer to be worth a watch for anyone interested in the character.

For a superhero movie with a similar premise and blacker comedy, try Venom. For a horror comic book adaptation with a richer world, try Constantine. For one with a similar tone and sharper flaws, try Jonah Hex.

5.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for solid writing and decent action.

Today’s quick review: Pandorum. Years into a deep space mission to colonize a new planet, Corporal Bower (Ben Foster) wakes up from hypersleep to find the ship in shambles, the crew dead or missing, and the corridors overrun by savage creatures. Working with Lieutenant Payton (Dennis Quaid), the only other surviving member of the flight crew, Bower journeys into the bowels of the ship to repair the damaged reactor before it shuts down for good.

Pandorum is a sci-fi survival horror movie about an interplanetary journey gone horribly wrong. Pandorum follows Bower, an engineer with amnesia, as he attempts to decipher what happened to the mission, survive the horrors infesting the ship, and salvage the ship’s systems before it’s too late. The movie features a twisting plot, a tense atmosphere, and decent fundamentals. However, a few misplays keep it from reaching its full potential.

Pandorum’s greatest strength ends up being its plot. The movie drops Bower into a situation as dire as it is mysterious, with clear threats that have no ready explanation. To Pandorum’s credit, it plays out its mystery well. Bower’s journey through the ship gives him a steady trickle of answers—a hint here, a revelation there—until the full story is revealed. Along the way, Pandorum juggles a couple of major plot twists that all feel worthwhile.

Pandorum backs up its plot with a horror atmosphere. The dark, claustrophobic environment of the ship is a natural fit for the types of horror Pandorum dabbles in. Limited resources, a stressful situation, and the lingering psychological effects of hypersleep lead to an unnerving journey for Bower. The catch is that Pandorum doesn’t innovate much. It assembles its building blocks in a workmanlike way without truly surprising the viewer.

Pandorum also misplays its hand with some of its other aspects. The creatures inhabiting the ship are a missed opportunity. They fill a specific role in the plot, but their designs are neither menacing nor memorable. More generally, the movie has a love-hate relationship with action, slipping into action scenes every now and then seemingly out of habit. The action isn’t bad on its own, but it does undercut the film’s oppressive atmosphere.

Overall, Pandorum will appeal to fans of the darker side of the science fiction genre. The movie gets surprisingly good mileage out of its plot, and its horror atmosphere serves it well. Those who come in with high expectations will be disappointed: neither its story nor its thrills match the greats of the genre. But sci-fi fans who like a healthy mixture of plot, tension, and action will find Pandorum to be a worthy popcorn pick.

For another tale of peril and madness in space, try Sunshine. For a much more subtle and iconic take on a similar premise, try Alien. For a sci-fi horror movie with vivid special effects and an even greater focus on horror, try The Thing. For a dark sci-fi action movie with a similar setup and more attitude, try Pitch Black.

6.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for well-handled tension and an engrossing mystery.