Movie Reviews

by Karin Leonard & Daniel Robin

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The Pacifier

Entertainment: 2.5 Message: 3

Yeah, Vin Diesel as babysitter! Where do we sign up? Although he does come in handy when you’re under attack… this film is neither interesting nor hilarious, it does have its moments and attempts to show a humane side of Diesel’s previous one-dimensional characters. Nice try (1 hr 31 min).

Peaceful Warrior

With Scott Mechlowicz, Amy Smart, Nick Nolte

Entertainment: 3.5 Message: 4.5

Though the story and messages may seem familiar, the impact of the timeless “Peaceful Warrior” principles are no less worthwhile and enjoyable. Even if (especially if?) you did not read the classic book by Dan Millman, this all-star cast makes explicit some of the more important life lessons of our time. The film, like Millman’s writing, is magnificently clear, and it works. When the book was first introduced, it was then a template for many of the sports and coming-of-age films that followed, so that by now, the story line may seem less than original. Millman’s story is based on true life events, grounded and solid, and Nick Nolte is unassuming and perfect as teacher and mentor, “Socrates” … go see it! (2 hrs 0 min)

The Pink Panther

With Steve Martin, Kevin Kline, Jean Reno, Emily Mortimer, Beyoncé Knowles

Entertainment: 3 Message: Think Pink

Steve Martin takes on a huge challenge, trying to follow in the infamous pink footsteps of the original Inspector Jacques Clouseau portrayed by filmmaker Blake Edwards and the late Peter Seller from 1964 onward. Despite lame-looking previews and flat directing, Martin actually pulls it off with a consistent Clouseau all his own, doing as well as anyone else could… these are humongous shoes to fill. Even for Sellers fans, there are some excellent foolish moments here. Though not as sad, desperate or edgy as Sellers’ Clouseau, Martin’s masterful physical comedy and outrageous French accent deliver some good surface giggles (1 hr 32 min).

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

With Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Jack Davenport, Bill Nighy

Entertainment: 3 Message: 2

This Johnny Depp-driven sequel definitely works for the box office, but may leave fans of the initial installment wondering what all the ruckus is about? Sure, some good summer fun, with mostly the same characters and familiar Disneyland themes. There's simply no way this film will live up to expectations. Imagine a theme park ride with cool characters and special effects. Much of the initial originality and charm has worn off, and what was clever and cool last summer seems like the same ship with a new coat of paint. Johnny Depp is still a genius with his "Keith Richards" inspired version of Captain Jack Sparrow, and aye, with another bottle of rum, and a decent plot, the rest of the fare would go down smooth enough (2 hrs 31 min).

Poseidon

With Josh Lucas, Kurt Russell, Jacinda Barrett, Richard Dreyfuss

Entertainment: 3 Message: 3.5

If it wasn’t for disaster flicks like this, our regular lives would seem so, well, regular. Modern society doesn’t usually involve being on a ship that gets broadsided by a tsunami, but then again, stranger things have happened in real life. Just not to us. Lately. This remake is an improvement on the original both in terms of the cast and the special effects, but it still turns disaster into a spectator sport. Far less poetic than Titanic, but just as traumatizing, with non-stop action and situational heroism that are quite engaging. How about allowing the ladies a few courageous acts? Assuredly not a disaster in search of an audience (1 hr 40 min).

The Polar Express

With Tom Hanks, Daryl Sabara, Eddie Deezen, Nona Gaye, Michael Jeter

Entertainment: 4 Message: 4

Believing in Santa Claus isn't easy when all of your friends and family insist he's just make-believe. A boy's faith is restored one Christmas Eve when he's awakened by a steam train that pulls up in front of his house and takes him and other children to the North Pole to meet Santa in person. Engineered with innovative CGI (Computer Generated Images), based upon live-action motion-capture actors, with Hanks skillfully playing most of the characters, this is a beautiful rendition of the popular children’s book by the same name. The result is Christmas magic at its best – bring the whole family for a Holiday treat. (1 hr 32 min).

Pooh's Heffalump Movie

Entertainment: 3 Message: 4

This latest installment in the Pooh series won’t disappoint. So what’s a Heffalump? The Heffalump is a species of big purple -- beastie that spreads love and cheer to all who encounter it….you’ll just have to go find out for yourself! If it wasn’t so charming, it would be nauseating, but younger children (ages 2 and 6) and many so-called adults will be entranced, as the messages of tolerance, friendship, and non-adversarial cooperation prevail (1 hr 8 min).

A Prairie Home Companion

With Woody Harrelson, Lily Tomlin, Tommy Lee Jones, Meryl Streep, Garrison Keillor

Entertainment: 4 Message: 3.5

For the legions of fans of 32-consecutive years of radio’s A Prairie Home Companion variety show, making fun and celebrating everything important in Lake Wobegon, Minnesota, the film fulfills one’s expectations perfectly and with great wandering Altman flair. The cast is so good, in fact, it seems a bit more Prime Time than necessary, with big name stars smeared across the canvas to further draw you in. Even if you’ve never experienced the radio show, you’ll find delight in Garrison Keillor’s creative genius as a satirist and commentator on our human condition, politics, making it intensely personal. The emphasis is a bit more on music and musical comedy than the traditional comforts of story telling, mid-western style, which works quite well in film (here the film is the story). Altman’s adaptation blends behind-the-scenes perspectives that illuminate, add ironic humor, realism and depth to the show-within-the-show. It is at once imaginative, a bit droll and quirky, but lovable through and through (1 hr 40 min).

Princess Diaries 2: The Royal Engagement

With Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, Callum Blue, Hector Elizondo, Heather Matarazzo

Entertainment: 3 Message: 3.5

Yes it’s a stereotyped, “dream-come-true,” predictable fairytale, complete with every conceivable cliché. Still, we are not ashamed to admit that we enjoyed it. This is charming, clean family fun with many laughs and touching moments as the Princess faces an arranged marriage. Kids of all ages (including grown ones with royal tendencies) will delight in this enchanted if not contrived G-rated Disney comedy (1 hr 55 min).

The Producers

With Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Will Ferrell, Uma Thurman, Gary Beach

Entertainment: 3.5 Message: 2.5

This Broadway classic works great on the screen, brimming with life, and irreverent, boisterous and laugh-out-loud hilarious! Nathan Lane outdoes himself, and Uma Thurman is stunning as a gorgeous, imposingly tall Swede. True to the post-Burlesque and Vaudeville style of stage productions, it plays way off color, tongue firmly in cheek, and a bit clunky (but elegantly staged). It is flawed and dated, but if you appreciate Mel Brooks’ outrageous sense of humor, don’t miss it (2 hrs 14 min).