Movie Reviews

by Karin Leonard & Daniel Robin

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Fahrenheit 9/11

With Michael Moore, George W. Bush, Lila Lipscomb

Entertainment: 3 Message: 4.5 (or minus 4.5 if you are Bush supporter)

In this Bush Administration slamfest, Michael Moore reveals much about Dubya’s possible collusion in 9/11, misleading Americans into the Iraqi war, and the hidden business ties between the Bush family and the bin Laden empires. Though much of this may not be news to those who follow world politics, like Bowling for Columbine, the film mixes facts with an underrepresented voice of reason in these disturbing times. Moore does a good job of targeting the political fence sitters and delivering much food for thought with a smorgasbord of disturbing and poignant perspectives. Lets hope it has a strong influence in the results of the upcoming election (1 hr 48 min).

Failure to Launch

With Matthew McConaughey, Sarah Jessica Parker, Terry Bradshaw

Entertainment: 3 Message: 3

Even though the casting is flawless, the characters are likable, and there are some good laughs, this romantic comedy launches but never quite takes off. Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker are fun to watch, with definite sparks flying, but there is not enough here to go from merely amusing to great. A 30-something male who still lives with his parents is clearly not a substantial premise, but the star power makes this worthwhile. if you are in the mood for light entertainment, you will probably enjoy this one (1 hr 36 min).

The Family Stone

With Dermot Mulroney, Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Claire Danes, Rachel McAdams

Entertainment: 3 Message: 3

Think you have family drama? Wait until you meet this bunch of crazies … Star power lifts this script from a semi-enjoyable farce to painfully funny and touching holiday stress release. Sarah Jessica Parker does an outstanding if not excessive job of portraying an uptight New York executive thrown into the wild, eclectic family with Diane Keaton as their passionate and blunt matriarch (1 hr 42 min).

The Fantastic Four

With Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Michael Chiklis, Chris Evans

Entertainfsment: 2.5 Message: 3

Marvel’s first family of comic superheroes finally hit the big screen. Splat. Nice try, but next time, please aim more carefully, otherwise we’ll again miss the essence of what makes (some) movies great … no, not just action and dazzling special effects … try a meaningful purpose, inspired storytelling, maybe even a genuine mirror to our humanity. This effort feels more like “Superhero 101” with lots of painstaking setup, but only modest returns in the fun and entertainment department. Sure, there are moments, just not enough juice to make Four fantastic (2 hrs 3 min).

Fever Pitch

With Drew Barrymore, Jimmy Fallon

Entertainment: 2 Message: 3

Although it has its moments, this romantic comedy just doesn’t fly. Drew Barrymore is always a treat to watch, but even she can’t hit a homerun with this lukewarm script and the missing chemistry between her and Fallon as her baseball-obsessed boyfriend. It probably helps if you’re a Red Sox fan, but the sports fanaticism portrayed is so overdone that even real fans will gag on endless tacky collectables and one too many sports metaphors (1 hr 41 min).

Finding Neverland

With Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Julie Christie, Radha Mitchell, Dustin Hoffman

Entertainment: 4.5 Message: 4

This beautiful window on the imaginal realm reveals how real life events can help us recapture lost innocence, restore belief in ourselves, or create great and lasting art. The flawless cast features strong lead characters (Depp, Winslet) delivering near-perfect performances, reminding us that “Neverland” is more than just fantasy, and the imagination can be powerful, not just fake or pretend. British understatement helps to carry the magic and simplicity of the themes. This film is arguably better than the Peter Pan story is portends to capture, and is sure to become a classic to be enjoyed for generations. Though not at all edgy, the sweet interweaving of the child-within-adult-within-child dichotomy emerges between the lines to make believers out of all of us (1 hr 46 min).

Firewall

With Harrison Ford, Paul Bettany, Jimmy Bennett

Entertainment: 2 Message: 2.5

Been there, seen that – a few too many times. This formulaic, predictable thriller packs abundant clichés and has déjà vu written all over it. That said, if you enjoy this type of movie and are a committed Harrison Ford fan, at least it delivers solid action, which will make for a fine movie rental. Portraying an intense (when is Ford not intense!?) family man taking on a cruel creepy criminal. The net result: breathtaking mediocrity. Harrison Ford still rocks, even if a bit slower and tempered with time (1 hr 40 min).

First Daughter

With Katie Holmes, Marc Blucas, Michael Keaton

Entertainment: 2 Message: 2.5

Hallmark (cliché) movie, with the exact same premise as Chasing Liberty (not sure who ripped off whom, but the most recent version is inferior), has its moments, but never really goes anywhere. Despite a fine performance by “Daughter” Katie Holmes, the rest of the cast seems wooden and overall, the effort lacks depth and cohesion. Yawn (1 hr 45 min).

The Forgotten

With Julianne Moore, Dominic West, Gary Sinise

Entertainment: 3 Message: 2

Shocking elements deliver a punch, at first, in this psychological thriller. A wild plot that has you guessing “how could it be?” and wondering who is delusional … or conspiring to hide a profound truth. The result borders on silly, but supported by a fabulous cast, this B-grade concept film becomes a high quality B-grade experience (1 hr 31 min).

The 40-Year-Old Virgin

With Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd

Entertainment: 4.5 Message: 3.5 Note: explicit and raunchy sexual content

Outrageously funny but with a tender (virgin) heart, this hilarious spoof is sure to delight as long as you can handle crude jokes and endless sexual innuendos, as our virgin’s friends attempt to “fix” him. A comedy as well as a love story, it blends sidesplitting humor, heartwarmingly awkward, yet true-to-life “first love at 40,” and provides affectionate depth amidst some inspired silliness. It is a rare comedy that really works well, but this one is truly original. (Note that the outrageous chest hair waxing scene was done live, without a stunt doubleÉ ouch!) With excellent casting and a great script, its success has already sparked interest in new roles for film to address other unexplored social issues (1 hr 56 min).

Fun with Dick and Jane

With Jim Carrey, Téa Leoni, Alec Baldwin

Entertainment: 2 Message: 2

Though not great, there are some good laughs, perhaps despite the filmmaker’s attempt at showing the lighter side of an Enron-like scandal. As always, it is a pleasure to witness the goofy insanity of Jim Carrey, even in this off-the-wall remake about a couple resorting to questionable methods when he innocently takes the rap for his company’s collapse and all their funds run dry. No more Mr. ”play by the rules” Nice Guy! It’s dumb. If you’re not expecting anything deep, plausible or terribly new, you can probably have a good time (1 hr 25 min).