Sleight of Film

Today’s quick review: The Illusionist. Eisenheim the Illusionist (Edward Norton), an accomplished stage magician, returns to Vienna after years abroad. His act catches the attention of Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), as well as his fiance Sophie (Jessica Biel), the magician’s lost love. As Sophie and Eisenheim secretly rekindle their relationship, the Prince sets Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti) to investigate the mysterious man.

The Illusionist is a romantic mystery with a historical setting and a magical twist. The Illusionist features a cerebral plot, skilled acting, and a well-crafted, dramatic portrayal of its characters and time period. The movie uses Eisenheim’s illusions to good effect in both constructing its plot and establishing its sense of mystery. However, various imperfections in its mystery and romance keep it from reaching greater heights.

The Illusionist’s greatest strength is its plot. The movie sets up a clever, engaging mystery that’s tied directly to Eisenheim’s magic and the Prince’s ego. Inspector Uhl plays a central role as the man trying to decipher Eisenheim’s schemes. The mystery has a nice sense of progression and moves its pieces into place skillfully. However, it lets a few details slip too early, and it’s one twist shy of cementing itself as a truly masterful tale.

As far as acting goes, Paul Giamatti is the glue that holds the movie together. His Inspector Uhl is a nuanced character, a fundamentally honest man who is yet beholden to the prince. Rufus Sewell is an elegant complement to him as Leopold, a sharp, proud man whose outward humanity conceals a much darker side. For their part, Edward Norton and Jessica Biel do fine work individually, but their chemistry together is lacking.

The movie does have weaknesses that keep it from reaching all of its considerable potential. The mystery tips its hand a little too early. Although the viewer’s guess is not likely to be completely accurate, the film doesn’t take advantage of the suspicions it plants in the viewer’s mind. The Illusionist also mishandles its romance. The romance is central to the story, but it’s more important for the drama it inspires than the love and loss along the way.

The Illusionist also handles its magic in a way that not all viewers will appreciate. Those hoping for concrete answers will have to content themselves with conjecture: few of Eisenheim’s tricks are explained, and several defy logic completely. The Illusionist never quite makes the jump into fantasy, but it takes for granted that Eisenheim is capable of feats that the movie cannot explain. The core mystery receives answers, but the ancillary ones do not.

Give The Illusionist a shot when you’re in the mood for a well-executed, cerebral drama. The Illusionist does have a few flaws that set it back, but they are subjective in nature, and it has enough quality to be worth the watch regardless. For a magic-based mystery with a tighter, more intricate plot, check out The Prestige. For a livelier, more comedic mystery set in a similar time period, check out the Guy Ritchie version of Sherlock Holmes.

7.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for a strong plot and cast, kept from its fullest potential by slight misplays.

Today’s quick review: Bubba Ho-Tep. An aging Elvis Presley (Bruce Campbell) now lives in a nursing home in Texas, having traded places with an impersonator years before. When the occupants of the nursing home begin to die under mysterious circumstances, Elvis and his friend Jack (Ossie Davis), an old man who claims to be the real JFK, discover that their friends are being preyed on by a soul-sucking Egyptian mummy.

Bubba Ho-Tep is a horror comedy with a low budget and an indulgent premise. Tapping into the conspiracy theories surrounding Elvis’ death, Bubba Ho-Tep offers a low-stakes, humorous take on the typical monster movie formula. Bruce Campbell delivers as a convincing performance as the geriatric Elvis, and he’s backed by an effective partner in Ossie Davis. The movie is short, straightforward, and genuinely creative.

Even ignoring its absurd premise, Bubba Ho-Tep has an odd flavor to it. The pall of aging hangs heavily over the movie, especially its first half. Elvis’ struggles are just dramatic enough to be credible, heightening the film’s comedy by contrast but pushing its tone in an unexpectedly serious direction. The humor can be crude, but it has a few gems mixed in. However, the jokes don’t come hard or fast enough to win over reluctant viewers.

Give Bubba Ho-Tep a shot if you’re interested in the silly side of the horror genre. Though a little short on substance, Bubba Ho-Tep is a one-of-a-kind watch that has a peculiar nobility to it. Skip it if you’re looking for credible horror or harder-hitting comedy. Also give it a pass if you’re sensitive to horror; as tame and tacky as its scares are, it still has the atmosphere of a horror flick.

7.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for a fun premise and decent execution, with the potential for a much higher score for the right viewer.

Today’s quick review: The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Rick (Brendan Fraser) and Evelyn (Maria Bello) O’Connell are drawn from retirement when their son Alex (Luke Ford), now an archaeologist in his own right, unearths the Dragon Emperor (Jet Li), an ancient Chinese emperor cursed by the witch Zi Yuan (Michelle Yeoh) for his treachery. The family must stop the Emperor before he can be restored to his full power and raise his army of terracotta soldiers.

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is a fantasy adventure comedy. The third Mummy movie with Brendan Fraser, Tomb of the Dragon Emperor charts new territory for the franchise, eschewing the tombs of Ancient Egypt for those of China. Like its predecessors, the movie offers fantasy-infused action and a pervasive sense of humor. However, its flawed writing and mismanaged tone keep it from reaching its full potential.

If The Mummy Returns stays too close to the original, Tomb of the Dragon Emperor veers too far in the opposite direction. The new ideas have potential, but the movie struggles to find its voice. The script lacks the clever, feel-good humor of the original. The plot sets up plenty of action, but its pieces do not fit together as well as they could. The result is a film that feels much more generic than its predecessors.

Many of the movie’s problems stem from its use of its cast. Brendan Fraser is missing much of his old flair, leaving a hole at the heart of the movie. Maria Bello is a lackluster substitute for Rachel Weisz and lacks the spirit Evelyn needs. Newcomer Luke Ford never really sells the character of Alex. Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh do get a fair amount of screen time, but their martial arts skills are overshadowed by the film’s fantasy elements.

Tomb of the Dragon Emperor does make for a fine popcorn flick. Its action sequences are fanciful, CGI-driven affairs that take advantage of the story’s magic. Neither the CGI nor the fight choreography are outstandings, but they do get the job done. The humor is a step down from the previous movies, but it does keep the movie light. The movie also drops the series’ horror elements, opting for more palatable but less distinctive fantasy instead.

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor works best when viewed as a fantasy action movie with decent production values. Fans of the series will be disappointed by its departures from the original and its gambles that don’t pay off, but it’s still an enjoyable watch for action fans. Skip it if you’re looking for something unique or memorable. For a Chinese fantasy action movie in a similar vein, check out The Great Wall.

5.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for decent action and comedy, held back by weak writing and poor use of its cast.

Today’s quick review: The Mummy Returns. Now married with a son, Rick (Brendan Fraser) and Evelyn (Rachel Weisz) O’Connell unearth the Bracelet of Anubis, the key to unlocking the Army of Anubis and wresting control of it from the Scorpion King (Dwayne Johnson). But when a mysterious woman (Patricia Velasquez) revives the Egyptian priest Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), the O’Connells must stop him before he can claim the Army for himself.

The Mummy Returns is an adventure comedy with horror elements. The sequel to The Mummy, The Mummy Returns delivers the same effortless blend of action and humor as its predecessor. The movie has an entertaining cast, fast pacing, and a healthy sense of adventure. However, The Mummy Returns lacks the tact and patience of the original, resulting in a looser plot, cheaper thrills, and derivative moments.

Many of the strengths of the first movie carry over to the sequel. Writer and director Stephen Sommers returns, as do most of the original cast. Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz make for an enjoyable pair of heroes. Their son Alex (Freddie Boath) serves as a fun partner for comic relief Jonathan (John Hannah), Evelyn’s brother. The moment-to-moment action is handled well, and it’s threaded with enough humor to make for a capable popcorn flick.

But The Mummy Returns is not as careful with its story as it should be. Where The Mummy deliberately set up its world, its characters, and the rules of its conflict, The Mummy Returns flies by the seat of its pants. Imhotep returns with little ceremony, accompanied by new characters that are shoehorned into the existing canon. The story dispatches with much of the original’s build-up, and so the payoff is less satisfying.

The Mummy Returns has other, lesser foibles. The plot borrows heavily from the original, all the way down to specific moments. It does so with a wink and a nod, but the comparison does not favor the sequel. Dwayne Johnson is a strong pick for the Scorpion King, but he barely gets any screen time. Rounding out the changes, the scares have been diluted by the film’s faster pace, tipping the tone towards action-adventure and away from horror.

In spite of these shortcomings, The Mummy Returns makes for an enjoyable watch. Those who appreciated the original’s action and sense of humor will enjoy the sequel’s as well. Just be prepared for an inferior story that doesn’t manage its ideas as well as the original did. For an adventure in a similar vein, check out the Indiana Jones series or the Librarian series. For more Dwayne Johnson, check out the spinoff The Scorpion King.

6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for fine comedy and adventure hurt by a loose story.

Today’s quick review: The Mummy. Spotting an opportunity, Evelyn (Rachel Weisz), a librarian specializing in Egyptian history, recruits Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser), a washed-up ex-soldier, to take her to the mythical city of Hamunaptra. Along with Evelyn’s brother Jonathan (John Hannah), the adventurers unwittingly release Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), an Ancient Egyptian priest cursed to an eternity of undeath.

The Mummy is an adventure comedy with horror elements. The movie pits a ragtag team of explorers against an ancient corpse with otherworldly powers. The Mummy offers a satisfying blend of gun-toting action, well-judged comedy, and CGI-driven horror. The movie makes for a competent, enjoyable adventure that delivers exactly what it promises. However, its straightforward plot and focus on moment-to-moment entertainment keep it from achieving anything more.

The Mummy has solid craftsmanship and a strong understanding of what it’s trying to do. The script is surprisingly engaging: it presents the important information clearly and gives its characters plenty to do. The plot is simple enough to follow and eventful enough to fill out the movie. The characters are lively, and their interactions are consistently amusing. The omnipresent bits of comedy mesh organically with the adventure proper.

The Mummy does have its limitations. The CGI, though functional, is dated. The horror coating gives the film an edge that not all viewers will appreciate. The style of magic is consistent but its rules are arbitrary. The Mummy also takes a while to put its pieces on the board. The opening section of the film has plenty of action and moves along at a brisk pace, but the actual mummy doesn’t appear for forty-five minutes.

Give The Mummy a watch when you are in the mood for a fun adventure with plenty of action. Gruesome images and the occasional scare make The Mummy a slightly harder watch than similar offerings, but those who don’t mind a touch of horror will be rewarded with a thoroughly entertaining popcorn flick. For more adventure in a similar style, check out the Indiana Jones series or the Librarian series.

7.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it the same for good humor, plentiful action, and overall solid execution.

“Matt Damon.” —Matt Damon

Today’s quick review: Team America: World Police. Gary Johnston (Trey Parker), a successful Broadway actor, is recruited to join Team America, an elite counter-terrorism task force, for an important undercover mission. Gary must use all of his acting ability to infiltrate a terrorist cell and stop a global terrorist threat. But the team is torn apart from within when Gary admits his feelings for his teammate Lisa (Kristen Miller).

Team America: World Police is a puppet-based action comedy that spoofs the War on Terror. Packed with crude humor and violence, Team America is an action movie run amok. Mustering all the false drama it can, the movie presents even the most absurd situations with a straight face. Its gags range from tasteless to brilliant, and its story manages to satsify in spite of its deliberately shallow plot and characters.

Team America’s puppetry serves a crucial role in the movie. The use of puppets puts an extra buffer between the movie and its subject matter, allowing it to maintain a light tone in the face of exaggerated violence and biting social commentary. The entire endeavor feels like Trey Parker playing with his toys. The puppets are also used to comedic effect: the movie has a number of subtle jokes about the diminished scale of its characters.

Though the film is a political satire, it’s more silly than incisive. The over-the-top patriotism and bravado of Team America is shown as destructive, but it’s never seriously condemned. The film takes shots at the entire political spectrum, and it can be enjoyed as an action parody without drawing any serious conclusions from it. Its pop culture references have become dated, but a cursory knowledge of the early 2000s is enough to make them click.

Team America’s most divisive quality is its vulgarity. Team America has bursts of violence and sexual humor that are at the far end of the rating spectrum. The portions of the movie between these spikes are almost tame by comparison. The movie also features rampant swearing and pervasive use of stereotypes. These are effective sources of humor for the movie, but they are enough to turn off any sensitive viewers.

Try Team America: World Police if you’re in the mood for something excessive and ridiculous. Its mature content makes it a poor choice for polite company, but those willing to put up with its less tasteful gags will find the movie to be a rewarding trove of comedy. For a somewhat less vulgar comedy in a similar vein, check out Tropic Thunder, Kung Pow: Enter the Fist, or Hot Shots!.

7.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for raunchy but effective humor.

Today’s quick review: Snakes on a Plane. FBI agent Neville Flynn (Samuel L. Jackson) must escort Sean Jones (Nathan Phillips), the witness to a mob murder, from Hawaii to Los Angeles so he can testify. But their flight becomes a fight for survival when the plane is flooded with hundreds of deadly snakes, smuggled aboard to kill Sean. The survivors turn every item at their disposal into weapons to beat back the snakes.

Snakes on a Plane is an action thriller with a straightforward premise. The film promises action, excess, and a slew of exotic kills. However, its thin cast and mediocre execution cause it to fall somewhat flat. Samuel L. Jackson is the film’s only real draw; the supporting cast, script, and snake CGI all feel like they belong to a film with a much lower budget. The result is a passable but unexceptional watch that falls short of its potential.

Snakes on a Plane’s main problem is that it never really achieves the attitude it aims for. Snakes on a Plane wants to be an over-the-top movie with a defiant attitude, one that embraces the absurdity of its premise and pushes it even farther. But that vision shows through only rarely. Instead, the movie plays out like a conventional disaster film, distinguished from countless others only by the specific nature of the threat.

There are other issues with the movie that are subtler. The snake encounters are necessarily brief, ending almost immediately with a bit human or a dead snake. The supporting actors are generally fine, but the film has a noticeable lack of talent outside Jackson himself. The kills are plentiful and verge on horror. Sensitive viewers will find them excessive, but those unfazed by gruesome snakebites will do just fine.

Give Snakes on a Plane a watch when you’re in the mood for a gory thriller with a healthy amount of action and a shallow plot. Snakes on a Plane is missing the extra punch it needs to make good on its promise, but it fits in comfortably with other films of its ilk. For a schlockier, gorier, and more entertaining film in the same vein, check out Sharknado. For a more conventional thriller set on an airplane, check out Non-Stop.

5.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for modest enjoyability.

Today’s quick review: Brigsby Bear. James (Kyle Mooney) is a lifelong devotee of Brigsby Bear, a long-running sci-fi kids’ show. When the police raid the bunker where he lives, James learns that his life is a lie: his parents actually abducted him as a child, and his father (Mark Hamill) created Brigsby Bear. As James tries to adapt to the outside world, he embarks on a project to film a Brigsby Bear movie and give the series a proper sendoff.

Brigsby Bear is a heartfelt comedy about a naive young man’s dream to bring his favorite show to the world. Brigsby Bear features an unusual premise, a fascinating lead, and an understated sense of humor. The film draws on the campy charm of old television shows, the positive aspects of fandom, the uncertainty of the creative process, and the unexamined strangeness of daily life to form a satisfying, oddly cohesive story.

Much of the movie’s humor comes from James’s skewed perspective on the world. His unusual upbringing has left him with a blurred line between reality and fiction, as well as basic misunderstandings about how the world works. Kyle Mooney fits the part perfectly, making James just odd enough to distance him from his real family without alienating him completely. His pure motives and forgiving nature make him a likable protagonist.

Brigsby Bear also does an admirable job of balancing its tone. Between its peculiar premise, its themes of maladjustment, and the subtly warped kids’ show at its core, the movie has all the ingredients it needs for a disturbing horror movie. But Brigsby Bear carefully maintains the trust that it builds up. Even at its weirdest, the film never goes too far, and the optimism it conveys is genuine and unsullied.

The movie does have its tradeoffs. Its particular sense of humor may not appeal to those used to more outrageous jokes. Its plot isn’t very elaborate, although it’s fulfilling enough for anyone who invests in it. Brigsby Bear also depends heavily on James; viewers who don’t like him as a character simply won’t get much out of the movie. More subtly, the movie puts the needs of its story first, so its most interesting ideas aren’t explored to their fullest.

Give Brigsby Bear a watch if you’re in the mood for something sweet, amusing, and experimental. It’s one or two steps removed from traditional comedies, but its acting and writing are enough to make good on its promise. For a more overt comedy with similar themes, check out Be Kind Rewind. For another upside-down perspective on reality, check out The Truman Show.

7.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for a unique perspective, good humor, and plenty of heart.

“You’ve never been a gopher.” —Beast Boy

Today’s quick review: Teen Titans: The Judas Contract. The Teen Titans, a team of young superheroes, are going through changes. As they work on tracking down Brother Blood (Gregg Henry) and his cult, Nightwing (Sean Maher) rejoins the team, rekindling his relationship with its current leader Starfire (Kari Wahlgren). Meanwhile, the younger heroes try to help Terra (Christina Ricci), their newest member, feel welcome.

Teen Titans: The Judas Contract is an animated superhero movie based on characters from DC Comics. Teen Titans: The Judas Contract is a loose sequel to Justice League vs. Teen Titans. The story further fleshes out the Titans and their history while pitting them against a new foe. The movie offers DC’s usual quality: polished animation, an entertaining script, and plenty of superpowered fighting.

The Judas Contract has solid fundamentals. The cast of characters is fun, a varied group of teens drawn in simple, effective strokes. The plot isn’t too elaborate, but it’s well-paced and keeps the action coming. The film is peppered with humor, enough to keep the tone light without being a distraction. These basics are enough to make The Judas Contract a satisfying watch for anyone interested in the genre.

Give Teen Titans: The Judas Contract a shot if you’re a superhero fan looking for something quick, well-constructed, and self-contained. Though not groundbreaking, The Judas Contract is another solid addition to DC’s animated offerings. Those looking to be impressed would be better off starting off with Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox or Son of Batman.

7.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it the same for good characters, a decent plot, and a fair amount of superhero action.

Today’s quick review: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. Prince Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal), the adopted son of the King of Persia, helps his brothers invade a holy city, only to be betrayed and framed for his father’s murder. To clear his name, Dastan must uncover the secrets of a dagger that can control the flow of time, as well as those of Princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton), the dagger’s willful guardian.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is an action adventure movie with fantasy elements. Set at the height of the Persian Empire, Prince of Persia mixes a lavish, fictionalized historical setting with a hefty dose of action. Though not groundbreaking, its action does get the job done. But in terms of storytelling, Prince of Persia has weaknesses that keep it from achieving its ambitions.

Prince of Persia aims for a particular flavor of action. Based on the Prince of Persia video game franchise, the film sends the Prince running, dodging, and climbing his way through crowded Middle Eastern cities with the help of a time-altering dagger. The film delivers a steady stream of action. No one stunt is all that impressive, but the quantity is enough to make Prince of Persia a viable popcorn flick.

However, Prince of Persia struggles when it comes to its story and tone. The plot, though competent enough, feels too familiar, and the Prince’s dagger isn’t used well enough to set the movie apart. The movie shows flickers of Pirates of the Caribbean-style comedic adventure, but it takes itself too seriously to let that part of it grow. The result is a workmanlike film that never really hits its stride.

The characters suffer from similar issues. Jake Gyllenhaal is a mixed bag. He puts in decent work as the noble Dastan, but he’s missing the roguish charm that the character needs. The same goes for the rest of the cast: adequate performances that never quite fit into a cohesive whole. Prince of Persia also misses an opportunity by pairing Jake Gyllenhaal and Gemma Arterton, who lack the chemistry that would make the film pop.

Give Prince of Persia a shot if you’re an action fan with a hankering for bows and swords. Its value is limited by flaws in its story and characters, but Prince of Persia has enough going on to be worth a watch for the curious. Skip it if you’re looking for a dramatic epic or a rollicking adventure. For a schlockier, more entertaining take on a similar premise, check out The Scorpion King. For ancient action with more polish, check out Gladiator.

6.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for fine action, a decent plot, and missed potential when it comes to character and attitude.