Sleight of Film

Today’s quick review: No Country For Old Men. When a hunter in Texas (Josh Brolin) stumbles upon the scene of a drug deal gone bad, he walks away with a suitcase containing $2 million. But there were witnesses to his getaway, and he finds himself pursued by the Mexican gangsters who were on one side of the deal, the American businessman who was on the other, and an emotionless serial killer who is in it for himself (Javier Bardem). The only person not out to kill him is the local sheriff (Tommy Lee Jones), who follows the chase by the bodies left behind. The hunter must use every trick at his disposal if he is going to escape with the money and his life.

No Country For Old Men is a gritty crime drama from the Coen Brothers. Based on the book by Cormac McCarthy, No Country For Old Men features a strong dramatic cast, an unpredictable plot, and a bleak, violent tone. The characters are memorable not as movie characters but as part of a grim, self-consistent world that has all the capriciousness of real life. Their names and faces are less important than their roles in a compelling series of events. Similarly, the story follows no set arc but twists and turns in ways that are hard to predict. The effect of these choices is to remove the filter that storytelling normally uses, presenting a grittier version of our world without the emotional crutches we normally rely on.

No Country For Old Men is a well-executed, gripping film that fans of craft in cinema will enjoy. The Coen Brothers eschew their usual flair in favor of clean, principled direction. Fans of their work should note that No Country For Old Men is as far on the dramatic end of their spectrum as O Brother, Where Art Thou? is on the comedic. Those who are sensitive to violence, who prefer storybook stories, or who are just looking for something lighter should look elsewhere. No Country For Old Men is a unique film with craftsmanship to spare, but it is bleak, violent, and not entirely satisfying. Plan accordingly.

8.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it 7.5 to 8.0 for quality.

Today’s quick review: Paycheck. Michael Jennings (Ben Affleck) is one of the world’s best engineers. His work for major companies nets him seven-figure paychecks and a lifestyle to match. The only catch is that his work is top secret, so much so that his employers wipe his memory at the end of each job. Jennings wakes up from a 3-year job expecting $90 million and an early retirement. Instead he finds that the money is gone, the FBI wants him for questioning, and his boss (Aaron Eckhart) has betrayed him. His only clue is an envelope of knick-knacks he mailed to himself weeks ago. With the help of his best friend (Paul Giamatti) and a woman from his missing years (Uma Thurman), Jennings must stay alive long enough to solve the mystery he left for himself.

Paycheck is a sci-fi action thriller based on a story by Philip K. Dick and directed by John Woo. Despite a strong premise, the movie does not live up to its potential. Paycheck had all the makings of a tense psychological thriller: amnesia, mystery, a fugitive protagonist, and an intriguing low sci-fi hook. Instead the movie veers in the action direction, with all the flashy cuts, shallow characters, and gratuitous chase scenes of a budget action flick. Its impressive cast is given little to do, and the tone of wealth and power early in the movie gives way to cookie cutter action movie tone later on.

Apart from its missed potential, Paycheck is still a fun, interesting movie. Much of its appeal lies in Jennings’ McGyver-esque escapes, using ordinary objects in extraordinary ways. None of the action is groundbreaking, but it helps keep the later stages of the film moving. And for all its action trappings, Paycheck is built around a good mystery that is satisfying at all stages of the film.

Watch Paycheck if you enjoy action films with sci-fi elements, are intrigued by the premise, and don’t mind a little shlock. Skip it if you are looking for a thoughtful take on the premise or a film with depth.

6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for a great premise held back by generic action movie execution.

Today’s quick review: The Music Man. Professor Harold Hill (Matthew Broderick) is a traveling con man who sells band instruments on the false promise of forming a boys’ marching band for the town he is visiting. On a whim, he sets his sights on River City, Iowa, a stubborn town where he hopes to stir up a moral panic that only a marching band can cure. But for his scheme to succeed, he’ll have to persuade Marion (Kristin Chenoweth), the town’s willful librarian, and keep the charade going long enough to grab the money and run.

The Music Man is a remake of the classic musical. Packed to the gills with iconic songs, The Music Man in one of its incarnations is a must-see for any fan of the genre. This edition of the film casts Matthew Broderick as the lead. Broderick certainly has the singing and dancing skills for the part, but his mannerisms give Harold Hill a different flavor than Robert Preston’s. Broderick handles the warmer parts of the role very well, coming across as personable where Preston was stiff, but his patter is lacking. Hill is supposed to be a fast-talking con man, but his sharp lines feel unnatural coming from the more personable Broderick.

The rest of the film compares to the original in similar ways: slight changes that are not strictly worse but change the flavor of the film in noticeable ways. The musical numbers have a little more of a sing-song quality to them than before. A few changes in emphasis clarify the relationship between Harold and Marion earlier in the movie. A few important lines are downplayed. Smaller changes help the film move along better. Any preference between the two versions will ultimately come down to taste: a refined Hill versus an amiable one, nuanced musical numbers versus more theatrical numbers, deliberate pacing versus something with a little more energy.

The Music Man is a delightful musical with an excellent collection of songs, a sweet plot, and good execution. While the original is probably a cleaner execution of the same material, Matthew Broderick brings a charm to the role of Harold Hill that makes this version a worthy substitute. Watch The Music Man if you are in the mood for a light musical with plenty of music. Skip it if you dislike the genre or if you are an ardent fan of the original.

6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for a good take on great source material.

Today’s quick review: The Producers. Max Bialystock (Nathan Lane) is an unscrupulous Broadway producer whose latest flop has reduced him to schmoozing old ladies for their money. But his fortunes turn around when his accountant, Leo Bloom (Matthew Broderick), comes up with a way to make more money off a failed play than a successful one. After a bit of persuasion, Leo agrees to come aboard as a producer, and the duo set about producing the most spectacular flop in Broadway history. With a screenplay by an impassioned Nazi (Will Ferrell) and a flamboyant director who doesn’t understand drama (Gary Beach), their play seems destined for failure. But if it succeeds, its producers will owe more money to their investors than they can possibly pay.

The Producers is a musical remake of the classic comedy by Mel Brooks. Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick take on the roles pioneered by Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder, and they rise to the challenge with color and energy. Nathan Lane plays the selfish and manipulative Max Bialystock, a producer looking for a quick buch to make up for his tarnished reputation. Matthew Broderick plays the nervous and by-the-book Leo Bloom, an accountant who is dragged from his meager life by Max’s visions of riches and glory. The leads are cast well, with all the exaggerated mannerisms the parts deserve.

Compared to its predecessor, the musical version of The Producer hangs together much better. Although none of the songs are particularly memorable, the addition of musical numbers gives the film a bit of pizazz that the original was lacking. The plot also has several small changes that make it much more cohesive and satisfying. For example, Ulla (Uma Thurman), the boys’ secretary, is an actress who shows up early for her audition, rather than being an offscreen hire by Max.

The result of these changes is a film that delivers on the promise of the original with a cast nearly as distinguished. As a kicker, Mel Brooks writes most of the songs and has a hand in the screenplay, so the changes are a genuine revision of the original rather than an imposition by a third party. Watch The Producers if you are into Broadway-style musicals or comedies. Fans of the original may not appreciate the exaggerated nature of the remake, but those who were looking for a little more in the original should try the remake on for size. While not a smash hit, The Producers is a light, pleasant watch that fans of the genre are sure to enjoy.

6.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for decent songs, good comedy, and great performances.

Today’s quick review: The Mechanic. Arthur Bishop (Jason Statham) is a successful assassin who specializes in making his murders look like accidents. One day, he is assigned to kill Harry McKenna (Donald Sutherland), his best friend and mentor, for betraying their agency. After Harry’s death, Steve (Ben Foster), Harry’s disappointment of a son, persuades Arthur to take him on as an apprentice. But as Steve settles into the life of an assassin, he comes closer to discovering who really killed his father.

The Mechanic is an action film about a hitman, his protege, and the shady company for which they work. Jason Statham drives the movie as the detached, methodical Arthur, who earns his kills through careful preparation. But the mindset that makes him an effective killer also makes his life empty, filling the void only with his records, his car, and a girlfriend who doesn’t even know his name. Ben Foster plays against him as the hotheaded, discontent Steve. Steve takes to his training well, but his temper often gets the best of him, and Arthur spends his time imparting what wisdom he can while keeping Steve from getting the two of them killed.

The action is credible but not outstanding, with enough shootouts to qualify as an action movie but no distinctive style. Where The Mechanic sets itself apart is in the quality of its missions and the dynamic between Arthur and Steve. Arthur’s infiltration techniques are creative and interesting, while the fact that Steve does not know who killed his father adds some nice tension to the plot.

Watch The Mechanic if you enjoy action movies, simple crime dramas, or Jason Statham. While the movie is not groundbreaking, it is a solid entry into the genre that emphasizes the meticulous side of assassination and uses a mentor-student relationship for some good drama. Skip it if you are looking for a more comedic action film, a deeper crime drama, or a great movie rather than a good one.

6.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it 7.0 for decent execution with a couple of nice touches.

Today’s quick review: Major League. When the Cleveland Indians’ new owner (Margaret Whitton) gets an offer to move the team to Miami, she sets about ensuring that the team has a bad enough season that she can justify the move. She hires a grizzled coach (James Gammon) to guide the team to what she hopes will be a spectacular string of losses. The new roster includes a washed-up catcher with bad knees (Tom Berenger), a hotheaded convict with a killer fastball (Charlie Sheen), a heavy hitter with an unorthodox set of beliefs (Dennis Haysbert), a lively sprinter who talks his way onto the team (Wesley Snipes), and a vain free agent with a bad attitude (Corbin Bernsen). But when the team begins to get its act together, the owner ramps up her sabotage to ensure that the Indians remain a team of losers.

Major League is an underdog sports comedy with an ensemble cast. The team that the coach puts together is full of untapped talent. Charlie Sheen plays Ricky Vaughn, a delinquent picther with a powerful arm but little control. Wesley Snipes plays Willie Mays Hayes, a sprinter who is top-notch at stealing bases but who can only hit fly balls. Tom Berenger plays Jake Taylor, a veteran catcher whose wants one last season of success to win back his old girlfriend. Corbin Bernsen plays Roger Dorn, a skilled player whose ego gets in the way of his teamwork. The colorful characters are a joy to watch through failures and successes.

Major League has a persistent, character-based humor that makes it a light and interesting watch. Each character has a brief arc to go through, and their travails individually and as a team are the source of much of the movie’s humor. No one joke is outrageous, but the culmination of individual quirks and an underdog plot is enough to bring a big smile to the viewer’s face. Watch it when you’re in the mood for a fun, well-executed comedy. Skip it if you’re looking for something a little meatier.

7.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it 7.0 to 7.5 for enjoyable humor.

Today’s quick review: Iron Man. Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.), a billionaire industrialist who made his fortune by selling advanced weapons, gets a taste of his own medicine when his convoy is attacked by insurrgents in Afghanistan. Gravely wounded by a Stark Industries missile, Tony is taken to a cave and forced to work on weapons for the terrorists. But rather than give into their demands, Tony designs a new weapon: a suit of armor that allows him to break free of his captors. Returning to the America, Tony reclaims his corporate empire and sets it on a new course, one of energy rather than weaponry. But Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges), Tony’s right hand and mentor, opposes the change in direction and will do anything to keep Stark Industries the way it was.

Iron Man is the first movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel’s successful attempt to bring some of their most popular comic book heroes to life. Iron Man is a high-caliber action movie with a rich special effects, a tight plot, and an excellent cast. Robert Downey, Jr. offers a fresh take on Tony Stark, playing him as a brash, egotistical genius whose pride and luxurious lifestyle keep his good heart from shining through. Tony’s experience at the receiving end of his own weaponry gives him a new perspective on life and a new sense of responsibility. His sharp wit and easygoing attitude are still intact, but he resolves to put his genius to better use.

Playing opposite him, Jeff Bridges nails the role of Obadiah Stane, Tony’s surrogate father and the outward representation of his past. Unlike Tony, Stane is unmoved by how Stark Industries weapons are being used. He simply sees it as business and looks down on Tony for his weakness. Bridges brings an avuncular charm and calm dominance to the character that plays well off of Downey, Jr.’s impulsivity. Together they form the core of a strong plot of responsibility, redemption, and conflicting views of the world.

Layered on top of this plot is a smorgasbord of special effects and superhero action. Tony’s Mark I armor is a breakthrough for him, and he quickly sets about designing a sleeker replacement from the comfort of his Malibu home. His design and testing of the armor are a delight to watch, from his stumbling first steps to the joys of supersonic flight. The technology is compelling, the action is fun, and the world is one that Marvel has successfully grown into a massive franchise.

Those who prefer their movies a little more down to earth should skip Iron Man, as ultimately it is a comic book movie. Everyone else who enjoys action movies, science fiction, or superheroes should give Iron Man a watch. It is a well-crafted, engaging film that kicks off a very impressive franchise.

7.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it an 8.0 for solid craftsmanship, great acting, and a nice blend of action, drama, and comedy.

Today’s quick review: Brave. Merida (Kelly Macdonald), the hotheaded daughter of a Scottish chief, detests her station in life. For the good of her clan, she must act like a lady, keep a level head, and marry the prince of a neighboring clan to maintain the clans’ alliances. Instead she would rather live life like her father, riding horses, exploring the forest, and practicing archery. She rebels against her family and seeks the aid of a witch, but her selfish deed places a curse on her family. To save her family from a terrible fate, Merida must put aside her ego, reconcile with them, and become worthy of her position.

Brave is a family film from Disney that deals with freedom, responsibility, and forgiveness. High-quality CG animation brings the forests of Scotland to life, while touches of Celtic mythology add a haunted, mystical quality to the setting. The production values are high as always, and the film earns a few good laughs from Merida’s bombastic father and her rascally younger brothers.

Where Brave suffers is that Merida is ultimately in the wrong. Brave is nominally a movie about meeting one’s parents halfway, but the restrictions imposed by Merida’s mother are portrayed as unfair burdens rather than necessary parts of leading a clan. Merida’s desire for more freedom is sympathetic, but her unwillingness to accept any responsibility causes needless problems throughout the movie. As such, even when Merida grows from her experiences, she comes across as selfish and short-sighted for having made those mistakes in the first place.

Brave is a solid, enjoyable family film that does not distinguish itself from Disney’s other entries. Your enjoyment of the film will be proportionate to how much you sympathize with Merida. If you believe she is right to rebel and justified, if overzealous, in her actions, you will get a lot out of Brave’s story. If you believe she is irresponsible and inconsiderate, you will find the plot to be frustrating. Beyond that, the quality of the film is high but not exceptional. Brave is worth a watch, but only after you have worked through Disney’s other CGI offerings.

7.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for decent execution of a disappointing plot.

Today’s quick review: The Truman Show. Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey) is an ordinary man leading a charmed life. He has a wonderful wife, a pleasant neighborhood, and a sunny disposition. But as the incongruities of his life pile up, Truman begins to question the world he is presented with. A studio light falls from a clear sky. Traffic disappears the second he leaves the road. His wife promotes a particular brand of coffee during breakfast. As Truman finds more and more wrong with his world, he comes closer to discovering the astonishing truth: his life is a 24/7 reality show overseen by a visionary producer (Ed Harris).

The Truman Show is a dramatically powerful comedy about life, reality, and television. Jim Carrey tunes down his normal, over-the-top acting style to make Truman a sympathetic, human protagonist. Truman has a sweet, innocent personality that fits his artificial life quite well, making his gradual awakening both funny and painful. The drama of the film skirts a fine line between the low-stakes, absurd drama of a man trying to escape the world’s cushiest prison and the existential, personal drama of a man discovering that his world and everything important to him is a lie. From the outside, The Truman Show is an amusing comedy about the grandest reality show ever conceived. From the inside, The Truman Show is a bittersweet tale about finding reality.

The Truman Show is a unique film that mixes comedy and drama to produce a surprisingly powerful story. While not as philosophically deep as the premise might imply, The Truman Show is an emotionally rich and satisfying film. Watch it when you are in the mood for something odd, charming, and a little sad. Skip it if you are looking for unadulterated comedy or realistic drama.

8.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it an 8.0 for a strong blend of comedy and drama.

Today’s quick review: The Naked Gun. Lt. Frank Drebin (Leslie Nielsen) is one of the top detectives of the Los Angeles Police Squad. When his partner Nordberg (O.J. Simpson) is hospitalized on an investigation, Drebin leaps into action, uncovering a plot to assassinate the Queen of England during her visit to Los Angeles. His investigation leads him to Vincent Ludwig (Ricardo Montalban), a sinister businessman, and Jane Spencer (Priscilla Presley), his gorgeous secretary. But with Police Squad disgraced by a string of public failures, Drebin must fight to stay on the case long enough to save the Queen’s life.

The Naked Gun is a goofy comedy from the creators of Airplane!. Based on the short-lived TV series Police Squad!, The Naked Gun is a lighthearted spoof of the crime genre that is packed full of sight gags, puns, and slapstick. Leslie Nielsen does a masterful job as Frank Drebin, who is as straight-faced as any TV detective yet as clumsy as any stooge. The other actors follow a similar pattern, using thinly dramatic acting as cover for ridiculous gags and silly situations. The plot is an excuse for Drebin to bungle things in ever-more-spectacular ways, providing ample opportunity for humor along the way.

The Naked Gun is a must-see for lovers of silly, Airplane!-style humor. It is one of the finest entries into the genre, with the best jokes and the best acting. The Naked Gun is a perfect choice for when you are in the mood for something light, quick, and hilarious. Skip it if you dislike slapstick or sight gags, but otherwise make sure to check it out.

7.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for excellent, silly humor.