Mini Reviews

Inception - By far, the best movie of the year so far. I haven't seen anything this radically original since probably Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. There aren't many fresh ideas out there these days so thank goodness Christopher Nolan has a few. The cast, the story, the effects - everything is just plain incredible. Leonardo DiCaprio gives his second amazing performance of the year (working out some crazy dead wife drama - AGAIN). Also, that epic hallway scene with Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a blissfully long way from 3rd Rock From the Sun.
Grade - A

The Other Guys - At times, laugh out loud funny. However, there are times when it's also extremely plodding. It's too long, for sure and the plot could be a lot tighter. However, it's still quite funny and Will Ferrell isn't nearly as annoying as he usually is. Michael Keaton is nothing short of a scene stealer. Worth a watch but not the funniest movie of the year.
Grade - C+

The Runaways - Parts of this movie are far better than they need to be. But then it becomes a typical cliche movie. The movie drags along forever at some points but then seemingly skips a lot of very important parts. In the end, it's kind of a wash out. Kristen Stewart, who looks a hell of a lot like Joan Jett, can't seem to shake that awkwardness that she's so famous for. Dakota Fanning is pretty impressive as Cherie Curry. However, the movie belongs to Michael Shannon as The Runaways diabolical and hilarious manager Kim Fowley. He steals the entire movie and is, at times, the only reason worth watching. I want a spin off about his character!
Grade - C-

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Sweden) - I can see why they are having such a difficult time casting the role of Lisbeth Salander, the tough as nails, tattooed, bad ass computer hacker, for the U.S. remake. The part is not going to be a walk in the park but Noomi Rapace rocks the role so hard. She's a revelation in this complicated story about a disgraced journalist trying to solve a 40 year old murder. Beautiful filmmaking, a great script and solid performances make this a damn good movie.
Grade - B+

Step Up 3D - All my life, I've always wanted to know what it would be like to have someone break dance on my face. Thanks to Step Up 3D, now I know! Sure, it's not going to win any awards and it's not the most amazing film of all time or anything. But it is a hell of a lot of fun. As you are probably aware, urban dance movies are my guilty pleasure and some of the dance sequences are so enjoyable. It's such a fun movie!
Grade - C+

The Kids Are All Right - The indie sensation of the year is definitely worth the buzz. It's got a solid script and some very good filmmaking but it's the performances that make the movie worth it. Mark Ruffalo and Mia Wasikowska give amazing supporting roles as a man in his late 30s struggling to grow up and an 18 year old struggling to become an adult, respectively. But it's the all out war for acting supremacy between leads Julianne Moore and Annette Bening that is most engaging. It's a tough call as to who out acts whom. My vote goes for Moore and her delightfully hilarious ex-stoner who is actively making a mess out of her lovely life.
Grade - B+


Coming soon - reviews of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and Eat Pray Love.