The rewrite on an old script: The Change-UP

So, two people testify out loud that each one wished they had the others life and abracadabra, let's pee in a wishing well together.... Really?   That's Tinseltown for you; 2011 version :)

It's a shame, but Jason Bateman (Principle Character) even confessed he thought "its gonna suck"!  Wait, I can't be that hard on the movie because I kinda liked it.   It was much better than Horrible Bosses and Bad Teacher (the characters were more believable) but, I did get a bit worried during the diaper changing scene.  I was afraid the writers might push it too far with the "shock" value.  Overall the movie was o.k..

You might want to save your cha-ching.

This one is better as a DVD option.



Actors:  Jason Bateman, Ryan Reynolds, Olivia Wilde and Leslie Mann
Director:  David Dobkin  (Wedding Crashers)
2.5  Reels

ReelChick

Rise of the Apes!

I thought it would be more interesting than it was.   Maybe, I wasn't in the mood to watch a bunch of swinging apes going crazy.  At any rate, the movie was slow and a bit boring.  The CG work got better later in the movie.   James Franco not so much :(


Sometimes, the Hollywood  box office translation don't work as well as it should.   I'm not sure if Pierre Boulle (writer of the 1963 French Novel Planet of the Apes)  would approve of this one.

Save the cha-ching,  DVD is a better option.

Actor:  James Franco
Director:  Rupert Wyatt (Escapist)
2.5 Reels


ReelChick-

Hello Again!

For those of you who have read my blog, sorry for the absence.  I had been doing most of my work from FB.  I'm back.

TY
ReelChick

Hangover Part II

Their back!   Out Memorial Day!   Watch the exclusive trailer.


http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/wb/thehangoverpart2/

Independent Movie: Barney's Version

 http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/sony/barneysversion/


Many of you may never hear about this indie flick.  It's another independent jewel that is rarely mentioned in the mainstream market.  Richard J. Lewis director and producer of the popular C.S.I. television series ends his long hiatus from film directing.   Lewis, brings to life the cinema adaption of Mordecai Richler's 1997 novel Barney's Version. The film, which spans three decades, chronicles a very relatable story of one man's personal journey.

 Paul Giamatti (Duplicity)  plays a somewhat self-absorbed man who muddles through his days with bits of anger and disdain. He finds himself getting caught up with the wrong women until he meets the woman of his dreams on his wedding day and it's not the bride!  
 
The film follows Barney Panofsky through a series of relationships which include his friends, family and lovers told through his point of view.  In the end, the depth of this man is truly revealed.  The acting is great and from what I've heard, without the film lasting three hours, the writers do a sound job with this novel's storyline.

Finally,  I should absolutely mention Dustin Hoffman, who plays Barney's father.  Mr. Hoffman looks comfortable and relaxed as Izzy Panofsky.  He is fantastic and brings into existence a very witty and charming man, who we'd all wish was in our family.  Well worth the money.  

Main Actors:  Paul Giamatti (Duplicity) Rosamund Pike (Pride and Prejudice) Minnie Driver (Conviction) Dustin Hoffman(Little Fockers)

 

Reel Chick gives this film four reels=4



Just a note:   Barney's son is play by Dustin Hoffman's real son, Jake Hoffman.   

     

Hall Pass- Barely Passes!

The Farrelly Brothers...what can I say?   The Directors of Me, Myself and Irene, Shallow Hal and Dumb and Dumber decided to walk off the ledge in what I'm labeling a "shock-com".  This a typical "men will be boys" themed movie. So, if you're not between the ages of 18-40 and male, you'll probably won't think Hall Pass was worth the time.

So, let me do my civic duty and say "Guys, this is NOT a Saturday night date movie"!!!  Your date could go seriously wrong watching this one.  Especially, if she catches you laughing at all during the movie (hint.hint.).

Yes, the movie can be funny at times but, I'm tired of movies thinking that "shock" is comedy.  It isn't; And like Jason Sudeikis character, its old school and worn out.  I really could have done without the scene of "big man vs wee man".   So do yourself a favor and save your money.  Unless, you like repeated references and imagery of  human feces, cunnilingus, and men behaving badly.

Main Actors in the movie:  Jason Sudeikis (SNL), Owen Wilson, Christina Applegate and Jenna Fischer (The Office).



Reel Chick gives this crazy shock-com two reels=2. 


Don't say I didn't warn you!  And, don't be crazy and think its o.k. to take your kids to see this one; even if they are in High School, really.

Unknown! This one won't go unknown for long.

This review will be short.  Why, because if I say too much it will spoil the movie.   Here is the cast;  Liam Neeson ( The A-Team), January Jones (Mad Men), Diane Kruger (Inglourious Basterds).  I started my research and found that between the writers and director, it seems the cast has more experience in films.  So, you might think that could be a recipe for disaster.  You know, great acting but, the movie sucked.  Well,  I have to hand it to the writers for pulling off a really good storyline.  Most of the time you can figure out the plot or twist before the movie ends, this one left the surprise til the end.   So much so that I was accusing the movie as being slightly far fitched, but later it all made sense.   Good one!   All I'm going to say about the plot is the character played by Liam Neeson, Dr. Martin Harris, wakes up from a coma and it takes off from there.  You've gotta watch this movie for it make sense.  You won't even figure it out by watching the trailer.  This movie is rated pg-13 but, I caution you.  I'm a little old school and it has violence and a highly suggestive shower scene,  so I'm not sure if I adventure taking my 13 year old kid to this one.  But,  as my husband pointed out its nothing they haven't seen already on t.v. or video games.  


ReelChick gives this movie 4 reels for having a good storyline and good acting.  Worth seeing.

Reels=4  (pretty good)




http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/wb/unknown/