Sleight of Film

Today’s quick review: Sunshine Cleaning. Rose (Amy Adams) and Nora (Emily Blunt), two sisters with dead-end jobs, decide to go into business for themselves as Sunshine Cleaning, a cleaning service specializing in crime scenes and hazardous waste. As the sisters learn the ropes of their new business, Rose works to raise her son with the help of her father (Alan Arkin), while Nora grieves for the mother she lost as a child.

Sunshine Cleaning is a slice-of-life comedy with an unusual premise and a poignant tone. The film follows Rose and Nora in the daily struggles of their lives, from Rose’s affair with Mac (Steve Zahn), an old flame who married someone else, to Nora’s attempts to connect with Lynn (Mary Lynn Rajskub), the daughter of a woman who passed away. In spite of their setbacks and disappointments, the movie never loses its sense of quiet optimism.

Sunshine Cleaning’s greatest strength is its characters. Rose and Nora are fleshed out in considerable detail, a pair of sisters with complementary personalities and realistic issues. Rose is the responsible older sister, preoccupied with finding work, managing her personal relationships, and raising her son. Nora is her younger sister, a free spirit who has difficulty holding down a job and lingering scars from her mother’s death years before.

Sunshine Cleaning has little in the way of plot. Instead, the story has the undirected ebb and flow of real life. Rose and Nora experience the same mixture of success and failure as anyone else, and the film follows them through the twists and turns in the various aspects of their lives. The benefit of this approach is a grounded story and relatable characters. However, the story lacks the fixed direction and tidy arcs of other fiction.

Sunshine Cleaning also has little in the way of overt humor. Its comedy arises naturally from the quirks of its characters and their interactions. Instead of canned punchlines, Sunshine Cleaning focuses on cultivating a light, sentimental tone. The sisters’ business gives them an intimate look at the lives of strangers, but the film does a skillful job of tempering drama with comedy and tragedy with hope.

Give Sunshine Cleaning a watch if you’re interested in an understated comedy with well-drawn characters and plenty of heart. Sunshine Cleaning misses out on the payoffs afforded by sharper humor and a richer plot, but its charm lets it carve out a worthwhile niche for itself for the right viewer. For a more elaborate comedy with a similar tone, check out Little Miss Sunshine. For a comedy from Wes Anderson with similar themes, try The Darjeeling Limited.

6.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for rich characters and a satisfying blend of levity and meaning.

Today’s quick review: U-571. During World War II, a crippled German U-boat presents the Allies with a rare shot at one of the Enigma machines used to encrypt German radio transmissions. An American submarine commanded by Mike Dahlgren (Bill Paxton) is sent to capture the German sub and retrieve the Enigma device. The success of the mission depends on Andy Tyler (Matthew McConaughey), a young lieutenant eager for his first command.

U-571 is a naval thriller that depicts the American efforts to capture the Enigma machine during World War II. The uncertain nature of submarine warfare lends itself well to the film’s tense naval battles, where bravery, resourcefulness, and a hefty dose of luck are required to survive. Dahlgren and Tyler are forced into a series of ploys and desperate measures when their mission doesn’t go as smoothly as planned.

Apart from its climactic battles, U-571 also tries to capture the personal side of war. Andy Tyler wants command but is unprepared for the difficult choices it requires. His men are young and ill-equipped for the close-quarters fighting their mission requires. The magnitude of what they are trying to do and the tenuous nature of the success are driven home by the script itself and a fairly capable dramatic cast.

However, U-571 falls short of its ambitions. The drama it sets up has potential, but the film never quite figures out how to cash in on it. Rather than complement each other, the plot and the characters fight for the same screen time. What should be rich character arcs are merely sketched out, depriving the story of some of its emotional payoff. The plot also has pacing issues brought about by its long setup and sharp twists.

As a result, U-571 is a competent thriller that does not rise to the level of its peers. U-571 has enough to offer in terms of drama and tension to make for a satisfying watch. Fans of war movies or naval combat should give it a watch for its story and its action alike. But those hoping for a fuller realization of its potential may be more impressed with The Hunt for Red October, Dunkirk, or Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.

6.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for a tense plot and solid acting, lacking the depth and cohesion of other war movies.

Today’s quick review: The Thin Man. When a scientist goes missing, his daughter Dorothy (Maureen O’Sullivan) implores Nick Charles (William Powell), a retired detective and a friend of the familiy, to locate him. Nick refuses at first, preferring to spend his retirement entertaing with his wife Nora (Myrna Loy). But when the missing scientist’s secretary is murdered, casting suspicion on him, Nick agrees to take the case.

The Thin Man is a classic crime comedy based on a novel by Dashiell Hammett. The film is a murder mystery with a comedic twist: Nick and Nora Charles are a pair of easygoing socialites who treat the case with the same nonchalance as everything else. William Powell and Myrna Loy make a fantastic couple, and their perpetual banter forms the core of the movie. They are backed by a witty script and a fairly involved mystery for a plot.

The Thin Man’s greatest draw is its leads. Nick and Nora Charles have a unique dynamic that makes them a delight to watch. Their relationship is built on booze, wit, and an unshakable, if largely unspoken, foundation of love and trust. Their friendly ribbing is the highlight of the film, a thoroughly enjoyable mixture of verbal sparring and cooperation. Their supporting cast complements them well, filling out the more serious roles in the plot.

The mystery side of the movie is generally satisfying, but it has a few drawbacks. Dorothy’s missing father makes for a strong plot hook, and his family and associates makes for a long list of suspects when the murdering starts. However, the film’s pacing is peculiar. Nick and Nora themselves are late to the party, and while the investigation goes through several stages, there are fewer twists than the lengthy setup would suggest.

The Thin Man is a refreshing blend of comedy and mystery, ably written and excellently performed. Its plot is a little less substantial than the usual noir fare, and its setup, though interesting, delays the arrival of its stars. But these factors are easy to overlook in favor of the movie’s substantial strengths, making The Thin Man a worthwhile watch for any fan of the classics. Skip it if you’re looking for blunt comedy, slapstick, or a tense thriller.

8.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for a good plot and a phenomenal pair of leads.

Today’s quick review: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. While spending the afternoon in detention, four teenagers—Spencer (Dwayne Johnson), Fridge (Kevin Hart), Martha (Karen Gillan), and Bethany (Jack Black)—start up Jumanji, a cursed video game, only to find themselves trapped in the game world. To escape the game, they must brave a jungle full of dangerous animals and ruthless treasure hunters to return a stolen gemstone to its rightful place.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a comedy action adventure and a loose sequel to the original Jumanji. Welcome to the Jungle opts for a lighter tone than its predecessor, with less personal drama, more cartoonish peril, and more overt humor. The movie features a great cast and a sensible script that has just the right amount of humor, character development, and action. The result is an unusually well-rounded popcorn flick that makes for a fun watch.

The glue that holds the movie together is a set of stellar performances from its cast. Jumanji transports four teens into the bodies of the characters they chose for the game, as played by Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black. All four actors are cast against type and clearly having fun with their roles. Subtle touches help sell the cast as teenagers in adult bodies, and their performances the give movie a solid comedy core.

Their performances are backed by a script that makes good on the film’s premise. The plot itself is a linear, video game-style quest, but the script does a good job of entertaining along the way. The gags are consistently funny, usually playing on the characters’ new bodies, video game conventions, or the perils of the jungle. The movie also manages its characters well, giving everyone a chance to grow without delving into heavy drama.

Give Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle a watch when you’re in the mood for pure, unadulterated popcorn. There’s not much in the way of depth or nuance, but its humor holds broad appeal, its characters are handled well, and it delivers just enough action to keep the film exciting. Skip it if you’re looking for hardcore action, truly outstanding comedy, or a direct sequel to Jumanji.

7.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it the same for good humor, a decent amount of action, and surprisingly entertaining performances.

Today’s quick review: Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Guided by a vision from God, King Arthur of Camelot (Graham Chapman) and his Knights of the Round Table (John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin) seek the Holy Grail. Their quest takes them across Britain and pits them against a variety of challenges, from fiery enchanters and deadly monsters to vituperative Frenchmen and buxom maidens.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a comedy that spoofs Arthurian legend. The film’s humor consists of Monty Python’s usual blend of non sequiturs, petty bickering, anachronisms, and general absurdity. The plot follows Arthur and his knights as they search for the Holy Grail, but the format of the story more closely resembles sketch comedy with recurring characters, a series of disconnected episodes rather than a cohesive story.

Where Monty Python and the Holy Grail excels is in its comedy. The movie parodies everything from witch hunts to knightly heroics, with plenty of tangents along the way. Its scenes are unpredictable and frequently hilarious, and its jokes are among the most quotable in cinema history. The clever writing is backed by a host of outrageous performances by an experienced comedy troupe.

Try Monty Python and the Holy Grail if you are a fan of ridiculous comedy. Not everyone will appreciate its explicit gore, however cartoonish, and its plot leaves something to be desired, but its goofy humor and creativity are enough to make it an excellent watch for the right viewer. For a similar historical comedy with a more cohesive plot, check out The Life of Brian.

8.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for surreal but hilarious humor.

Today’s quick review: The Hunt for Red October. Captain Marko Ramius (Sean Connery), a respected Soviet submarine commander, causes a global panic when he steals the Red October, an experimental Soviet submarine that’s all but invisible to sonar. Only Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin), a naval analyst for the CIA, guesses his true purpose: to defect to the United States. Ryan must prove his hunch and secure Ramius before the Soviet fleet can catch the Red October.

The Hunt for Red October is a naval thriller based on the novel by Tom Clancy. The Hunt for Red October is a solidly crafted movie that depicts a Cold War-era cat-and-mouse game between a crafty Soviet commander and the combined navies of the USA and USSR. Jack Ryan must use the scant information at his disposal to guess Ramius’ true intentions and figure out a way for Ramius to defect cleanly, all while Ramius wages his own war aboard the Red October.

The Hunt for Red October has a taut plot and a keen eye for technical detail. The film does an excellent job of maintaining tension. The uncertain nature of submarine warfare lends itself to close calls and blind decisions, while the mystery of just what Ramius has planned strings the viewer along right to the very end. Sean Connery delivers an impressive performance as Marko Ramius, but the plot weaves in an extended supporting cast with ease.

Give The Hunt for Red October a shot if you are any sort of fan of the thriller genre. Its race against time is a shade less immediate and a shade less direct than the typical action thriller, but what it lacks in gunplay and spectacle, it makes up for with smart, tense plot. Skip it if you are in the mood for a simpler watch. For a war thriller with a similar sense of tension but a bleaker story, try Enemy at the Gates.

7.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for a great plot and strong execution.

Today’s quick review: Hard Rain. Torrential rains and extreme flooding have forced the evacuation of Huntingburg, and Sheriff Mike (Randy Quaid) and his men have their hands full rounding up the last stragglers. Saving the bank’s cash falls to Tom (Christian Slater), a mouthy security guard. But when his armored car is attacked by Jim (Morgan Freeman) and his gang, Tom must flee through the flooded town to protect the money and his life.

Hard Rain is an action thriller set in a town that’s rapidly filling with water. The rising water level is a constant threat to Tom and the others, one that the film puts to use in a variety of ways. Apart from its rain-soaked premise, Hard Rain is standard thriller fare. Tom attempts to outrun and outwit Jim using the limited resources at his disposal. The film offers a decent plot and a smattering of action, but little in the way of memorability.

Hard Rain’s one distinguishing feature, apart from the rain, is the ordinariness of its cast. Jim, though smart, is far from a criminal mastermind, and his men are clearly part-timers. Tom is tough and resourceful, but he’s not an unstoppable force like most action heroes. None of this stops the movie from indulging in gunplay, boat chases, and explosions, but it does gives the character interactions some nuance, as no one is larger than life.

Give Hard Rain a shot when you’re in the mood for a no-frills action thriller with a unique angle. The film never really distinguishes itself in terms of its characters or dialogue, but its winding plot and aquatic action are enough to make it an entertaining watch. For a more iconic action movie with better characters, check out Die Hard. For a crime movie with more action, check out U.S. Marshals.

5.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for decent plot and action but little more.

Today’s quick review: Batman: Gotham by Gaslight. In the Gotham of the 19th century, a serial killer dubbed “Jack the Ripper” butchers women in the streets. Bruce Wayne (Bruce Greenwood), a wealthy philanthropist, dons the mantle of Batman to track down the killer. His investigation also brings him closer to Selina Kyle (Jennifer Carpenter), a strong-willed entertainer who wants to catch Jack to protect the women under her care.

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight is an animated superhero movie from DC. Gotham by Gaslight reimagines the story of Batman in an alternate, Victorian-era Gotham where the streets are unforgiving and modern technology is just beginning to develop. The film benefits from a unique premise and the high production values of DC’s animated features. However, slow pacing, a thin plot, and lack of flair keep it from living up to its full potential.

Gotham by Gaslight changes Batman’s established character dynamics in subtle ways. The film’s version of Bruce Wayne is less established than his other incarnations, with fewer gadgets and less of an edge over his enemies. Batman’s inexperience introduces an element of challenge to his investigation, but it robs him of his larger-than-life qualities. Selina Kyle also takes on a more important role, bonding with Bruce over their shared protective streak.

As far as story is concerned, Gotham by Gaslight is a murder mystery with superhero elements. The plot sneaks in one or two good twists, but the underdeveloped cast and lack of clues make the mystery feel empty. The film packs in a fair bit of action, but without Batman’s bag of tricks or a true supervillain, the fights are less spectacular than usual. Gotham by Gaslight also gets off to a slow start, although it rallies for the final fight.

Gotham by Gaslight suffers from an unusual problem: the mapping to the Victorian era is too perfect for the movie’s own good. Barring the antiquated setting and the dearth of gadgets or powers, Gotham by Gaslight could easily be mistaken for a modern Batman story. The crucial parts of the character and the setting carry over almost without alteration: Batman is a shadowy vigilante, Bruce Wayne is a socialite, and Gotham is a city ridden with crime.

The result is a competent movie that has trouble distinguishing itself from other animated Batman offerings. Those who are intrigued by the premise should give Batman: Gotham by Gaslight a shot. Its unique premise and solid craftsmanship make it a worthwhile experiment. Just be warned that the movie is neither as exciting nor as distinctive as it first appears. For alternatives, try Son of Batman or the Guy Ritchie adaptation of Sherlock Holmes.

6.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for decent execution of a premise that could have supported a much richer story.

Today’s quick review: Game Over, Man!. Alexxx (Adam DeVine), Darren (Anders Holm), and Joel (Blake Anderson) are three underachieving housekeepers at a luxury hotel. When Bey Awadi of Tunisia (Utkarsh Ambudkar) visits the hotel for a party, they see it as an opportunity to get funding for their planned video game. But Conrad (Neal McDonough) and his terrorists take the Bey and his guests hostage, the trio become the hostages’ only hope for survival.

Game Over, Man! is a raunchy comedy that spoofs action thrillers like Die Hard. Alexxx, Darren, and Joel make an unlikely trio of heroes, dim-witted cleaners who spend their days slacking, taking drugs, and daydreaming about wealth. Their bumbling interactions, the terrorists’ mishaps, and bursts of extreme violence form the bulk of the movie’s humor. However, its explicit content and lowbrow humor greatly limit its appeal.

How much you enjoy Game Over, Man! will depend heavily on your taste. The jokes include drug use, gory slapstick, and explicit sexual content. The film does manage a few funny moments, particularly on the occasions when the lead trio’s misguided ingenuity pays off. But by and large, Game Over, Man! has unlikable characters and crude punchlines. Its name is also misleading: its video game influences only appear in one or two places.

Fans of comedies like Your Highness or This Is the End will get the most out of Game Over, Man!. The film is a partial success that hits the target it aims at, but it has only niche appeal and has little to recommend it over other comedies. Most viewers would be better off with a Guy Ritchie crime comedy for punchier humor and a richer story, or else a flat-out action parody like Hot Shots! Part Deux.

5.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 5.0 for crude but occasionally funny comedy.

Today’s quick review: Big Fish. On his deathbed, Edward Bloom (Albert Finney) recounts his improbable life story to his son William (Billy Crudup). Beginning with his unusual childhood in small-town Alabama, Edward shares the many adventures he had as a young man (Ewan McGregor), each one more incredible than the last. With only weeks left with his father, William tries to get to the bottom of his tall tales and uncover the true story of his life.

Big Fish is a comedy, drama, and romance from director Tim Burton. Big Fish tells the larger-than-life story of Edward Bloom, a lifelong fabulist with a tall tale for every occasion, as well as the more grounded story of William, a son searching for the truth about his father. The film features polished presentation, a sentimental tone, and a supporting cast that includes Steve Buscemi, Danny DeVito, Helena Bonham Carter, and Marion Cotillard.

Big Fish manages its tone expertly. Tim Burton eschews his typical horror in favor of wonder. Edward’s tales have the surreal logic of folklore. They are peculiar but not unsettling, and even at their most exaggerated, they never lose their grounding in reality. Big Fish paints a mature yet optimistic picture of life. Though it touches on romance and tragedy, the film’s comedy is what shines through the strongest, making it a moving and fulfilling watch.

Watch Big Fish when you’re in the mood for a father-son story with a rich sense of wonder. Its mixture of loose biography and Americana won’t appeal to everyone, but those it catches the right way will find Big Fish to be an uncommonly rewarding experience. For a simpler tall tale, try Secondhand Lions. For a comedic American epic, try O Brother, Where Art Thou?. For a con man comedy that blurs the line between fiction and reality, try The Brothers Bloom.

8.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it the same for telling a great story and telling it well.