The World's End

When Shaun of the Dead came out, it was a pleasant surprise. Hot Fuzz followed with a complex and very funny plot. So the third film in the “Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy,” The World’s End, had some hype to live up to. The trilogy has three separate stories that share common actors and themes. The World’s End stars Simon Pegg as a man who has never quite moved on from high school. In an attempt to recreate the greatest night of his life, he gets his friends back together to retrace their hometown’s epic pub crawl. But things don’t go as planned when they discover that the town has been taken over by aliens.

Since Shaun of the Dead was released in 2004, the stocks for stars Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and director Edgar Wright have risen significantly. But throughout the first two thirds of the film, the same oddball humor is present. Pegg carries the story easily with a performance that suits his annoying character without subsequently alienating the audience. The supporting players led by Frost are a fun group to watch too. They are all given their fair share of screen time and the actors make it count.

But with all the positives, there are issues in the film’s last act. Subtle sci-fi elements are replaced with full blown digital effects that leave something to be desired. I would even say that the resolution is disappointing given how strongly the film begins. Fans of the trilogy will enjoy connecting the dots between the films with so many acting connections between them. But the main draw is definitely the brand of humor that is rare in American comedies. Having the British film released in the busy summer season shows the potential draw the studio saw in the film. The World’s End definitely delivers.

Each film earns either zero, a half or a full arrow in five categories. The categories are Acting, Writing/Directing, Emotion, Innovation and Overall Impression. The arrows are added up to equal the full score.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

As a movie based on a book that appears in the “teen paranormal romance” section at Barnes and Noble, my expectations were limited when heading into The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. The film follows Clary, played by Lily Collins, whose normal teenage life goes crazy when she learns that she is a shadow hunter, a long hidden group that fights demons. To follow the Twilight trend, Clary becomes the subject of a love triangle with her friend Simon (Robert Sheehan) and shadow hunter, Jace (Jamie Campbell Bowyer). Fighting with demons and vampires and such ensues.

More action oriented than your usual young adult adaptation, City of Bones is presented as a logical bridge between Twilight and The Hunger Games. But it falls flat with the character interactions and dialogue. The overall concept is interesting, but with almost the entire movie playing out as exposition, elements of character development get lost in the shuffle. First we have to explain that this world exists, then Clary’s involvement, the cup’s involvement, the bad guy’s deal and so on. It’s just too much. Simplify it. I also have to say that calling non-magical people “mundanes” is a lazy knock off of Harry Potter’s muggles. The nerve of them.

The film is not entirely unenjoyable however. The concept is interesting and the rune tattoos have potential. For the most part they just look like bad frat boy tattoos though. As the mysterious villain, Jonathon Rhys Meyers provides a spark when the movie desperately needs one. He only has a handful of scenes, which may mean he’s only being established in this chapter. But with a sequel pick-up questionable, the film would do better presenting the strong actor in the forefront. Since his henchmen have about double the screen time he does, it wouldn’t be that hard to work Meyers in there more. I guess we should file City of Bones away with the other young adult adaptations that didn’t quite hit the mark.

Each film earns either zero, a half or a full arrow in five categories. The categories are Acting, Writing/Directing, Emotion, Innovation and Overall Impression. The arrows are added up to equal the full score.

Kick Ass 2

Since Jim Carrey came out against the movie he was starring in, Kick Ass 2 has found itself as part of the violence in movies debate. Does Kick Ass 2 glorify violence? No, actually. It makes it look like it hurts really, really bad. The film has Kick Ass, the costumed crime fighter with no superpowers joining a team of like-minded individuals to clean up the city streets. But things get complicated when a new mysterious villain starts causing chaos. Hint, hint, it’s someone from Kick Ass’ past. Carrey plays the leader of the team Justice Forever, Colonel Stars and Stripes.

Since the previous film, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who plays Kick Ass and his alter ego Dave, has become a more refined actor with turns in art house movies like “Anna Karenina.” So I had my doubts that he could come back to the action blockbuster business. But he does extremely well. His strong acting abilities shine through while balancing emotionally heavy moments and the awkwardness of a teenage boy in heat. Carrey is great as Colonel Stars and Stripes acting as an indirect replacement to Nicholas Cage’s character that died in the first film. The actor’s transformation is great. It’s a shame he isn’t proud of the role. Talking about acting, Chloe Moretz also has to be mentioned. Hit Girl has become an iconic role for her and the two best performances of her young career.

With an attempt to up the stakes in the sequel, the playful approach that made the first “Kick Ass” a cult hit goes missing for a large portion of number two. Christopher Mintz Plasse’s villain, The M-F-er (I abbreviated) is funny until he starts committing really gruesome crimes that are difficult to watch. With such a strong lead ensemble, it’s almost disappointing that the script deals with the new supporting heroes so much. When the comedy is mixed in with the over-the-top action, the film achieves the entertainment value fans of the comic book would expect. But it doesn’t occur as often as necessary to be a full on success.

Each film earns either zero, a half or a full arrow in five categories. The categories are Acting, Writing/Directing, Emotion, Innovation and Overall Impression. The arrows are added up to equal the full score.

Paranoia

I’m going to tell you right here why Paranoia didn’t succeed at the box office. It is because accompanying big names like Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman and Liam Hemsworth was a title that no one in the world associated with this movie. Boring titles are an epidemic that is costing studios a lot of money at the box office. What would I have called the movie? Han Solo vs. Sirius Black or Starwarts (Star Wars + Hogwarts). Okay enough of this tangent. Paranoia (ugh) has a young tech employee (Hemsworth) caught up in a chess game between old rival big business executives (Ford and Oldman).

The plot is compelling from start to finish. Hemsworth character is likeable while showing enough flaws to appear authentic. Then when Ford and Oldman are on screen they command the scenes in the way one would expect them to. The other lead, Amber Heard, who plays Hemsworth love interest, is more than arm candy too. The character is presented as intelligent and well-rounded even if she flips flops from skanky mean person to likeable independent woman awfully quickly. The technology being discussed is vague enough to avoid dull details but believable enough for the corporate espionage going on. The best way to describe the film is solid and enjoyable, but the title isn’t the only problem.

There is very little that happens in the movie that can be considered memorable. Maybe some exchanges with the legendary lead actors, but ultimately they fall way flat compared to their historic roles. Instead the movie is a talker that spends most of its time in offices. We learn about corporate security, parties in the Hamptons and other things that have been done before. If you’re looking for some relatively smart entertainment, Paranoia fits, but otherwise you won’t remember it in a few weeks.

Each film earns either zero, a half or a full arrow in five categories. The categories are Acting, Writing/Directing, Emotion, Innovation and Overall Impression. The arrows are added up to equal the full score.

Elysium

High expectations were not something director Neil Blomkamp had to deal with his directorial debut, 2009’s District 9. But the movie was a surprise hit even earning an Oscar nomination for best picture. So with his long-awaited follow-up, Elysium, the anticipation level is high. Throw in a big star like Matt Damon as your lead and you have a summer blockbuster on your hands. Damon plays a reformed criminal on an Earth where only the poor live. The wealthy are up on a space station called Elysium. After a life-threatening accident, Damon’s character takes a job that could alter the divide between wealthy and poor.

The film has a very similar desolate look to District 9, but that shouldn’t be too surprising since both Blomkamp’s films deal with class division as their main themes. There are moments where the film gets preachy in an attempt to connect it to current real-life conditions. In fact I would say that these moments subtract from the strength of the film. The level of creativity with the sci-fi elements is so interesting that it’s odd to spend so much time on political issues that are easily agreed with in the film’s context. But even with the conspicuous themes, the film is balanced well between story and action.

Blomkamp seems to have mastered the ability to make gritty sci-fi, and with a talent like Damon, the film is exciting and complex. The actor is steady and likeable in the lead role, but the scene stealer is Sharlto Copley, who plays a creepy mercenary. His exchanges with the shady secretary of defense, played by Jodie Foster are great. The balance of star power and lesser known actors gives enough weight to the movie so it doesn’t hang solely on Damon’s shoulders. Now why did we have to wait four years for this director’s second effort? I hope the next one will be quicker.

Each film earns either zero, a half or a full arrow in five categories. The categories are Acting, Writing/Directing, Emotion, Innovation and Overall Impression. The arrows are added up to equal the full score.

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters

The first Percy Jackson movie was a bit crazy. Director Chris Columbus replicated his success in casting well known characters by choosing Logan Lerman and Brandon T. Jackson as leads. After all, this is the guy who cast the Harry Potter trio as well as the Hogwarts staff. You know, the ones who went on to gross a gazillion dollars. But The Lightning Thief changed a good deal of the book’s plot. The result was a video game like mission that had only moderate success at the box office. That was 2010, now we have received a sequel that was a surprise when it was announced. Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters has the crew trying to find the mythical golden fleece that will save the human/tree who guards Camp Half Blood.

Since we last saw Percy, Lerman’s stock has risen significantly with his performance in Perks of Being a Wallflower. It seems his acting has also improved since the first movie. While not a particularly challenging role, he maneuvers the film effortlessly. Also Jake Abel, who plays the villainous Luke, had a successful turn in the boring Twilight-esque The Host earlier this year. He does well playing the main antagonist doing antagonistic things like playing chess alone and owning a yacht fit for a Bond villain. To be honest, most of the cast is strong. Jackson (Brandon not Percy), Nathan Fillion, Stanley Tucci, Leven Rambin, they’re a surprisingly strong ensemble for a young adult film. Imagine how much better Twilight would have been with these guys.

Being familiar with the Percy Jackson books, I know that many of the issues with the plot are consistent with those that hold the books back. The presence of a prophecy says that Percy will live to at least 18, which means he can go crazy with no risk of death. Even though there is drama it is adolescent in nature, so the entertainment comes from the concepts and performances. Percy Jackson is heavy on its Greek mythology, but the movie moves quickly to the point that children wouldn’t even catch the connection between the film’s events and the legends they’re based on. But this is a summer movie, not history class. It’s the Percy Jackson movie fans have been looking for, fun and exciting.

Each film earns either zero, a half or a full arrow in five categories. The categories are Acting, Writing/Directing, Emotion, Innovation and Overall Impression. The arrows are added up to equal the full score.

The Smurfs 2

Going into The Smurfs two years ago, I had some level of nostalgia for the cartoon from my youth. Going into the second one, I had nothing but a hope that Neil Patrick Harris and Hank Azaria could possibly be entertaining enough to keep my interest. I think the only thing that could have saved the movie would be if $100 bills shot out of the screen and into my pockets. The plot has the Smurfs and their human friends going to Paris to try and rescue Smurfette from Gargamel, (Azaria) who has become a famous magician. Sigh.

After a short time in the Smurf village, it’s clear that the Smurfs are now basically a large population of blue versions of the seven dwarfs. We have Grumpy, Grouchy, Jokey and countless others. But so many are thrown at the audience in succession, there’s no point even mentioning them. Tell me why it was necessary to pay Shaq to play Smooth Smurf and Shawn White to play Clueless Smurf? Just hire some random guy off the street to say the one line the character has. It will save you some money. As for the human cast, Brandon Gleeson, who plays Harris’ character’s step-dad, provides a bit of fresh humor to the story. But other than him, the human cast provides very little. Having a funny guy like Harris playing the straight-laced stick in the mud is odd and I can’t help but think the writers really missed an opportunity with Harris for both films.

The plot is incredibly basic. In a summer where there is no shortage of animated fare, it seems The Smurfs 2 is either intended for younger children or just has less faith in their ability to digest a layered story. There actually was one moment where I laughed out loud. When it happened, I realized that the theater was noticeably void of laughter for most of the film. If kids aren’t laughing, then obviously something is lacking. My suggestion, next time make a better movie.

Each film earns either zero, a half or a full arrow in five categories. The categories are Acting, Writing/Directing, Emotion, Innovation and Overall Impression. The arrows are added up to equal the full score.

We're The Millers

Wondering who worked behind the scenes on We’re The Millers, I wasn’t expecting to see the big cheese behind the Harry Potter series, David Heyman listed as an executive producer. But maybe that’s why the movie is just so magical. Okay, magical definitely isn’t the most appropriate word, but it is funny. The film follows Jason Sudekis, a pot dealer, who must smuggle marijuana from Mexico to the US in order to square a debt with his distributor (Ed Helms). He enlists his neighbors to play his fake family so that he doesn’t look suspicious crossing the border. Jennifer Aniston plays the fake wife, a stripper. Emma Roberts, the fake daughter, a homeless teenager. Then Will Poulter plays the fake son, a “loser.”

The whole plot of the movie comes together rather quickly. It’s not entirely believable that the neighbors would jump into an RV with Sudekis’ shady character. It’s basically just one step above him luring them in with candy, but it’s a comedy so we’ll buy it. The cast works very well together. There are no weak links among the group. But we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the hilarious moments provided by the most unknown member of the cast, Poulter. This is a very different performance than the one we saw from him in the third Narnia film. There weren’t any spider bitten genitals in that. Unfortunately not as strong is the completely uninteresting Ed Helms. The fellow supporting players Nick Offerman and Kathryn Hahn are funny, but there is a sense that Helms is out of his comedic depth.

We’re The Millers has everything necessary to make it an often quoted fan favorite. The memorable scenes keep coming with a plot that advances on its simple premise. Having just left Saturday Night Live after a long stint, it’s clear that Sudekis is ready to take on lead roles on the regular. In this instance, he carries the movie even though the veteran Aniston is also featured. With that being said, all of the leads give noteworthy performances that belong at, or near the top, of their filmographies.

Each film earns either zero, a half or a full arrow in five categories. The categories are Acting, Writing/Directing, Emotion, Innovation and Overall Impression. The arrows are added up to equal the full score.

2 Guns

Reteaming Contraband director Baltasar Kormakur and Mark Wahlberg, 2 Guns has Wahlberg and Denzel Washington starring as a naval officer and a DEA agent respectively. When their separate undercover attempt to bring down a drug cartel hit a snag, both are forced to square off against the cartel, and their own agencies. The film uses Wahlberg’s comedic chops well to balance the cool factor presented by Washington. Even with the two big leads, I thought this movie was a bit out of place in the summer blockbuster season. But Wahlberg’s character is written in a way that deserves to be seen by as many people as possible.

The story has number of dramatic twists and turns, but since the whole plot is one double cross and lie after another, nothing is that shocking. Well okay, Bill Paxton’s slightly crazy character is surprising. He turns in a great performance. The action concentrates heavily on gun fights with some hand to hand combat mixed in. Most of the action proves compelling, but I can’t help but feel that this movie lacks any kind of innovation or interesting hook that will make it memorable. That seems to be the issue with most of Denzel Washington’s action movies lately. Safe House and Unstoppable are two recent examples.

The film keeps a steady pace splitting its time between witty comedy and violent action. Supporting actors like James Marsden and Paula Patton are under-utilized even though their characters are pretty important. I suppose when a movie has Washington and Wahlberg, they should dominate most of the screen time, which they do. 2 Guns has the look of a modern day western. The fact that the majority of the scenes take place in the desert only reinforces that. Now I wonder what they would call a sequel in the unlikely event that would happen. 3 Guns? That’s just confusing.

Each film earns either zero, a half or a full arrow in five categories. The categories are Acting, Writing/Directing, Emotion, Innovation and Overall Impression. The arrows are added up to equal the full score.