Takers

Rappers seem to enjoy being in movies these days. Though, I must say, it doesn’t always instill a great amount of promise in the project before hand. I mean Chris Brown was pretty good back in his three-episode arch on The O.C, but come on. Takers stars a combination of actors and rappers in an old fashioned heist movie. The group comes of their biggest heist yet only to be thrown into another job when their former colleague is released from jail. As expected, things to don’t go as expected.

Sandwiched in between a promising opening sequence and explosive ending, is an incredibly slow story. The character development is half-cocked because of the number of lead characters involved. Interesting parts played by well-known actors, like Zoe Saldana and Hayden Chrisensen, are completely one-dimensional with no real attempt at making them more than place fillers. That’s not to say the actors would have been able to carry any kind of complex storyline to the bank anyway. Idris Elba and Matt Dillion would be two of only a few players I can fairly say gave strong performances. The others ranged from pretty good (Jay Hernandez) to laughable (T.I).

In addition to the acting and script flubs, Takers Suffers from thinking they’re more epic than the parts. I shall exclude any spoilers but the “down in a blaze of glory” type ending is too much for the audience’s connection to the characters. While a slight emotional connection is drawn, this isn’t a three-film epic. It’s actually just a 90-minute movie with some bank robbing and a ton of plotting and planning, and then some scheming after that. The familiar names will most likely bring an audience to the theater. A good number of them probably won’t be disappointed. I was just a little bored. Takers will be a nice addition to everyone’s Paul Walker collection. Hey, we all have one. (6.5 out of 10)

The Expendables

The concept for The Expendables sounded much better during the early casting stages. The prospect of teaming up some of the biggest action stars in film history is a fun idea. There was the issue of multiple big names turning down roles and then being replaced by low-level actors. For example, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Steven Seagal and Kurt Russell all turned down roles. The part played by Terry Crews was intended for Wesley Snipes. The list goes on and on. Those big names that did appear in the film are as advertised, but some of others only have one or two lines and that is too many.

The story follows a team of mercenaries who try to overthrow a dictator to help a Latin American community. The majority of the film follows the two leaders of the team played by Jason Statham and Sylvester Stallone, who also wrote and directed the film. The pair had good chemistry, and with Statham being one of the more modern actors in the group, the story developed well, with a bunch funny moments. Jet Li also receives top billing on the project but is terribly underutilized. In his few moments to shine, the script has him being continually beaten by gun toting thugs. The movie doesn’t worry about being realistic in any other aspect, so I wanted some classic Jet Li fight sequences.

Excluding the cameos from Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, the rest of the group is fairly unimpressive when it comes time for any sort of acting. Some of the fight sequences are strong but not as strong as the classic action films. The Expendables is like a less muddy Rambo movie. With that being said, it does what is advertised. There’s action at every turn with different styles being represented. Stallone’s machine gun slaughter, with Statham’s British street fighting and Li’s martial arts offer a variety rarely seen on the big screen. It is an action movie at its finest, bad acting and big explosions. (8.2 out of 10)

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

Really, another comic book movie? Well, yeah, but it’s not a Marvel movie its one of those weird comics that the general public doesn’t know exists. I actually love comic book movies so I’m not complaining. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is a graphic novel story told in the motion picture format with a strong video game influence. Let’s dissect that a little bit. The film is based on the six part graphic novel series about Scott Pilgrim and his quest to win the opportunity to date the girl of his dreams. First he must defeat her seven evil ex’s in a series of death matches.

Scott is played by eternal teenage geek, Michael Cera. This time around he was actually able to expand a little bit on the role he plays in every single one of his movies. Able to build on the quirkiness of his supporting cast, Cera expands his usually one-dimensional persona into a strong lead character. There are also some contributions from some other established actors that take the pressure off the lead. Brandon Routh (Superman Returns), and Chris Evans (Fantastic Four) play two of the evil ex’s and create two of the funnier sequences in the film.

Then there’s the film’s unique twist. The insertion of video game themes, graphics and sound effects seems shallow in the trailers and the films opening scenes. Though as the plot develops, and the references become more frequent, they actually contribute in the same way music can. But don’t fret if you’re as bad at video games as I am. The references are generic enough to be relevant to most demographics (excluding the elderly and infants). Now the originality of the script really pointed Scott Pilgrim in the right direction. If some of those moments that try to convey the superiority of the indie music scene were toned down, this movie could have ranked among the summers best. I guess I’m just not cool enough to understand. (8.9 out of 10)

Step Up 3D

I am brave enough to admit that the trailer for Step Up 3D got me very pumped for its release. I didn’t necessarily think it would be a good film but the dancing looked, what’s the phrase? “Dope.” Saw I went and even threw down the extra five bucks, or so, for the 3D specs. I usually pass on that scam but this time I felt compelled to “experience” this motion picture event.

Pretty much everything that I expected from the movie came true in the end. First, there is the obvious strength, the dancing. I am no professional but I’ve watched enough dancing shows to know that break dancing is pretty incredible. The use of professional dancers as opposed to actors in the majority of the roles makes the battles and random acts of dancing quite impressive.

Then throw in that aforementioned money making tool known as 3D and I can genuinely say that Step Up 3D is the best utilization of the 3D method in a motion picture I have seen to date. That, of course, does not include the cool Disney World attractions. I wasn’t even that impressed with Avatar in 3D. I apologize to all the ‘Avatar-ds’ who take this as sacrilege. Step Up 3D actually has things pop out at the audience. It may be shallow and it contributes very little to the effectiveness of the film but if I’m paying for the stupid glasses I want some actual 3D happening.

Now to bring this review back to reality a bit. The acting is terrible. The best moments of dialogue are jokes, where the audience is distracted, and those aren’t that funny. None of the actors are terribly unlikeable but none have the ability to carry a successful film. Then when the main premise of your movie revolves around a group of dancers who live together in an abandoned factory and seem to lack jobs and an understanding of the outside world, the chances of Oscar worthy performances tend to be unlikely. Step Up 4 should just be a 90-minute dance-off and my score for it will be much higher than this. (6.7 out of 10)

The Other Guys

For whatever reason, Will Ferrell has become an enigma of the comedy world. His films range everywhere from instant classics (Step Brothers) to bitter disappointments (Semi-Pro). Cue director, Adam McKay, who worked with Ferrell on SNL, Step Brothers and a number of other projects. The Other Guys uses the pair’s ability to push the boundaries of a realistic situation into something that just wouldn’t happen. The result is hilarity.

Ferrell plays a sheltered cop, weary of actually participating in police calls. His partner, played by Mark Wahlberg is out of favor in his precinct. Then in an attempt to earn back their respect as cops, they embark on a big case that they constantly screw up. They also get to know each other and build an odd couple type of respect.

This is not the sort of film where inspired acting performances are necessary. With that being said, Wahlberg seesaws between likeable and over the top but is funnier in the straight man role than other regulars, like Paul Rudd. While Ferrell’s movies are not always a sure thing, his performances tend to be solid and when the jokes are funny he’s even better.

There’s no way to know if The Other Guys will be added to the heavily quoted cannon of Will Ferrell’s incredibly successful career. After first viewing, I imagine it will be. Outshining the other comedies of the summer, this film has a combination of funny and quality actors and a story line that actually has a plot underneath the jokes. Personally, I always love a good Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson cameo… and he’s side by side with Samuel L. Jackson. It doesn’t get much more badass than that. (9.0 out of 10)

Salt

I read an article in an established film magazine that claimed Angelina Jolie had the acting ability to play a female James Bond. Now I will let you tally off the many problems with that statement. But how many women do you know named James? I can’t think of any that I know of. With her performance in Salt, I don’t think she channeled the Bond films but instead showed she has the ability to be a, sort of, Ethan Hunt/ Tom Cruise international thriller type, without the dimples.

The film starts strong, introducing a far-fetched plot too crazy to be true. Jolie’s character, Evelyn Salt, is a federal agent accused by a defector of being a Russian spy. Though in an attempt to find her husband, she runs from government custody. The majority of the film’s front end is a spectacular chase scene. I couldn’t help but wonder how many tractor-trailers a person can leap on before they fall onto the freeway. But hey, if anyone can do it a blonde Jolie can. After the chase winds down, a maze of conspiracy and hairpin turns make for one tense result. The cast was solid throughout. One of the main strengths was the film’s willingness to let Jolie be ugly, dirty, and beat down. It was kind of unexpected to see the glamorous lead look so disheveled. In addition to her, I always expect good things from Liev Schreiber. However in this case, the more dynamic Chiwetel Ejiofor overshadowed him in the federal agent role.

The main issue with Salt is one that many in this genre encounter. The heart-pounding events cross the thin line between amazing and ridiculous. An army of Jedi would have a difficult time completing the tasks that Salt completes with hardly a hiccup. Plus, I like to believe that our federal agents and police officers, here in the U.S, would be able to prevent such incidents. But it is a movie and I understand that. I wonder if the sequel will be called “Salt & Pepper”… Har, har, har. (7.7 out of 10)

Dinner for Schmucks

As I learn time and time again, funny actors and interesting concepts don’t always make a movie successful. The first issue came when I learned the film is based on a French film, Dinner for Dolts. European humor is not the same as American and if this film defines what the U.S finds funny then I’m embarrassed. From the mean-spirited ridicule to the cringe worthy situations I was saddened more than I was entertained.

Schmucks stars Paul Rudd who plays Tim, a businessman who strives for a promotion in order to impress his girlfriend. His boss then invites him to a dinner where each person brings an “idiot” with them and the group proceeds to make fun of them. He then meets Barry, played by Steve Carrell, who creates detailed dioramas using dead mice dressed as people. A gut-wrenchingly sad story ensues in the build up to the dinner party where the audience learns about Barry’s loneliness, and witnesses Tim’s relationship go down in flames. It completely disgusts me how the packed movie theater was laughing hysterically as these characters suffered.

I understand the desire to create sympathetic characters but in this context it just made me pity them. America knows that Carell can play awkward and his Schmucks performance is a less confident Michael Scott with a psychological disorder. Keeping with that similarity to his persona on The Office, Barry flip flops between unfortunate and infuriating. Rudd continues his reign as the straight man of modern comedy. He has found a niche there and does well playing average, and likeable protagonists. The ability of the actors was not the issue in Dinner for Schmucks. Zach Galifianakis and Jermaine Clement also gave strong performances in support.

When the film finally gets to the dinner some of the discomfort is replaced with laughs but there aren’t enough. While the characters preach understanding and respecting the talents of others, it subtly covers shallow knocks meant to get chuckles out of the callous members of the audience. Movies are intended to showcase different perspectives to broad demographics of people. That does not mean they should insult the people filling up theaters by assuming they enjoy laughing at the misfortune of others to make themselves feel superior. I may be ending with a cheesy resolve but it might as well be called ‘Movie for Schmucks.’ (4.0 out of 10)