Overall rating from 1 to 100: 71
O Masterpiece (100)
X Excellent (75-99)
O Rental (60-74)
O OK (50-59)
O Mediocrity (30-49)
O Avoid (1-29)
Mini Review by Jason Pyles / November 10, 2007
“The Darjeeling Limited” consists of two parts: Part 1 is a short film called “Hotel Chavelier.” It is only marginally relevant but mostly unnecessary to its following Part 2, which is the whole feature film itself. You’ve probably already heard, the most noteworthy thing about this otherwise unmemorable prelude is we are shown a different side of Natalie Portman, namely her backside, which I’ve heard from “reliable Irish sources” she reportedly now regrets. (My concern from the scene was primarily anorexia.)
But don’t see “The Darjeeling Limited” for Natalie Portman. If you’re a fan of hers and want to see her true acting prowess, watch the opening of “Free Zone” (2005), a film where the camera holds a close-up of her face while she weeps heavily for eight minutes. That may be the most difficult acting feat I’ve ever seen executed on film.
I digress. “The Darjeeling Limited” is an atypical (albeit recognizable) Wes Anderson film that leans more upon the serious than the silly (which is not to say that there isn’t silliness). Three brothers played by Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman meet on a train in India to embark on “a spiritual journey.”
This arty film is interesting to watch, easy to look at, creative and whimsical but not overly engaging. There are a couple of humorous moments, and even some poignant moments, but the sum loses something that the individual parts have on their own.
Certainly, “The Darjeeling Limited” is a must-see for any Wes Anderson fan, and probably even required viewing for any lover of film; but if you want to be solely entertained in the escapist’s sense, see something else.
Directed by Wes Anderson
Owen Wilson / Adrien Brody / Jason Schwartzman
91 min. Comedy / Adventure
MPPA: R (for language)
Copyright 2007. 207
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
Overall rating from 1 to 100: 94
O Masterpiece (100)
X Excellent (75-99)
O Rental (60-74)
O OK (50-59)
O Mediocrity (30-49)
O Avoid (1-29)
Mini Review by Jason Pyles / November 10, 2007
"Lars and the Real Girl" is the sweetest movie of the year, no doubt about it. But more importantly, this film illustrates Christ-like principles more than any other movie of recent years, and it does this without being overtly religious. “Lars and the Real Girl” simply exudes purity and goodness.
You wouldn’t think it, though, considering that Lars (Ryan Gosling) orders a sex doll that he seems to think is a real person. But this movie isn’t about sex dolls, despite an occasional mild joke about it sprinkled here and there.
I walked into the theater, and much to my surprise, I didn’t really feel like seeing a movie. But Ryan Gosling’s Lars character obtains our undivided attention and curiosity almost immediately. Lars’ caring sister-in-law seems obsessed with figuring him out, and we can relate. But his oddity rises to a whole new level when he begins introducing “Bianca” to everyone.
“Lars and the Real Girl” is one of those movies where, if you had to leave the theater and miss the ending for some reason, you’d probably lose your mind. It intrigues us to ask questions that we must have answered. And thankfully, “Lars and the Real Girl” gives us all we need to know.
Directed by Craig Gillespie
Ryan Gosling / Emily Mortimer / Paul Schneider
106 min. Drama
MPPA: PG-13 (for some sex-related content)
Copyright 2007. 206
O Masterpiece (100)
X Excellent (75-99)
O Rental (60-74)
O OK (50-59)
O Mediocrity (30-49)
O Avoid (1-29)
Mini Review by Jason Pyles / November 10, 2007
"Lars and the Real Girl" is the sweetest movie of the year, no doubt about it. But more importantly, this film illustrates Christ-like principles more than any other movie of recent years, and it does this without being overtly religious. “Lars and the Real Girl” simply exudes purity and goodness.
You wouldn’t think it, though, considering that Lars (Ryan Gosling) orders a sex doll that he seems to think is a real person. But this movie isn’t about sex dolls, despite an occasional mild joke about it sprinkled here and there.
I walked into the theater, and much to my surprise, I didn’t really feel like seeing a movie. But Ryan Gosling’s Lars character obtains our undivided attention and curiosity almost immediately. Lars’ caring sister-in-law seems obsessed with figuring him out, and we can relate. But his oddity rises to a whole new level when he begins introducing “Bianca” to everyone.
“Lars and the Real Girl” is one of those movies where, if you had to leave the theater and miss the ending for some reason, you’d probably lose your mind. It intrigues us to ask questions that we must have answered. And thankfully, “Lars and the Real Girl” gives us all we need to know.
Directed by Craig Gillespie
Ryan Gosling / Emily Mortimer / Paul Schneider
106 min. Drama
MPPA: PG-13 (for some sex-related content)
Copyright 2007. 206
Michael Clayton (2007)
Overall rating from 1 to 100: 86
O Masterpiece (100)
X Excellent (75-99)
O Rental (60-74)
O OK (50-59)
O Mediocrity (30-49)
O Avoid (1-29)
Mini Review by Jason Pyles / November 10, 2007
A good story can go a long way. Exhibit A: “Michael Clayton.” Often, filmmakers mistakenly assume that special effects can compensate for a poor story. Heresy. Exhibit B: “D-War.”
“Michael Clayton” has few noticeable special effects and is still exceptional entertainment thanks to its story’s quality.
If it’s not evident by the aforementioned exhibits, “Michael Clayton” is a thriller involving high-powered attorneys, corporate litigation and an exhibitionist.
Thankfully, this movie spares us the overused courtroom-drama sequences for more exciting, behind-the-scenes finagling, giving it inherent intrigue, despite its unconvincing, unappealing trailer. Exhibit C: “Do I look like I’m negotiating?”
Notably, notwithstanding Exhibit C, the film is worth seeing for George Clooney’s title-role performance. Watch him closely during scenes with his character’s son; or, when he holds his composure during a very long close-up of his face.
So, what is the overall verdict on whether to watch this movie? See Exhibit A.
Directed by Tony Gilroy
George Clooney / Tom Wilkinson / Tilda Swinton
119 min. Drama / Crime
MPPA: R (for language including some sexual dialogue)
Copyright 2007. 199
O Masterpiece (100)
X Excellent (75-99)
O Rental (60-74)
O OK (50-59)
O Mediocrity (30-49)
O Avoid (1-29)
Mini Review by Jason Pyles / November 10, 2007
A good story can go a long way. Exhibit A: “Michael Clayton.” Often, filmmakers mistakenly assume that special effects can compensate for a poor story. Heresy. Exhibit B: “D-War.”
“Michael Clayton” has few noticeable special effects and is still exceptional entertainment thanks to its story’s quality.
If it’s not evident by the aforementioned exhibits, “Michael Clayton” is a thriller involving high-powered attorneys, corporate litigation and an exhibitionist.
Thankfully, this movie spares us the overused courtroom-drama sequences for more exciting, behind-the-scenes finagling, giving it inherent intrigue, despite its unconvincing, unappealing trailer. Exhibit C: “Do I look like I’m negotiating?”
Notably, notwithstanding Exhibit C, the film is worth seeing for George Clooney’s title-role performance. Watch him closely during scenes with his character’s son; or, when he holds his composure during a very long close-up of his face.
So, what is the overall verdict on whether to watch this movie? See Exhibit A.
Directed by Tony Gilroy
George Clooney / Tom Wilkinson / Tilda Swinton
119 min. Drama / Crime
MPPA: R (for language including some sexual dialogue)
Copyright 2007. 199
We Own the Night (2007)
Overall rating from 1 to 100: 73
O Masterpiece (100)
O Excellent (75-99)
X Rental (60-74)
O OK (50-59)
O Mediocrity (30-49)
O Avoid (1-29)
Mini Review by Jason Pyles / November 10, 2007
The time is 1988. The place is Brooklyn, N.Y. Robert Duvall plays an NYPD police chief and the father of two sons, Bobby (Joaquin Phoenix) and Joseph (Mark Wahlberg).
Joseph is the good son and an exceptional, decorated police officer; while Bobby is the black sheep who manages a popular nightclub where he associates with shady people of the underworld, natural enemies of his brother and father.
The movie’s primary conflict revolves around Bobby’s having to choose between his friends and his family (a choice that’s tougher than it sounds), and then trying to live with that choice.
“We Own the Night” is unmistakably contrived, but at the same time it takes some unconventional turns that pleasantly surprise us and defy our expectations of the genre. It’s not a perfect movie, but it’s definitely worth checking out.
Directed by James Gray
Joaquin Phoenix / Mark Wahlberg / Robert Duvall
117 min. Action / Crime
MPPA: R (for strong violence, drug material, language, some sexual content and brief nudity)
Copyright 2007. 200
O Masterpiece (100)
O Excellent (75-99)
X Rental (60-74)
O OK (50-59)
O Mediocrity (30-49)
O Avoid (1-29)
Mini Review by Jason Pyles / November 10, 2007
The time is 1988. The place is Brooklyn, N.Y. Robert Duvall plays an NYPD police chief and the father of two sons, Bobby (Joaquin Phoenix) and Joseph (Mark Wahlberg).
Joseph is the good son and an exceptional, decorated police officer; while Bobby is the black sheep who manages a popular nightclub where he associates with shady people of the underworld, natural enemies of his brother and father.
The movie’s primary conflict revolves around Bobby’s having to choose between his friends and his family (a choice that’s tougher than it sounds), and then trying to live with that choice.
“We Own the Night” is unmistakably contrived, but at the same time it takes some unconventional turns that pleasantly surprise us and defy our expectations of the genre. It’s not a perfect movie, but it’s definitely worth checking out.
Directed by James Gray
Joaquin Phoenix / Mark Wahlberg / Robert Duvall
117 min. Action / Crime
MPPA: R (for strong violence, drug material, language, some sexual content and brief nudity)
Copyright 2007. 200
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Overall rating from 1 to 100: 71
O Masterpiece (100)
O Excellent (75-99)
X Rental (60-74)
O OK (50-59)
O Mediocrity (30-49)
O Avoid (1-29)
Mini Review by Jason Pyles / November 10, 2007
Adapted from a Ron Hansen novel, “Jesse James” defies the shoot-‘em-up western genre to deliver a biographical drama starring Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck.
Those who seek the gun fighting of a rootin’, tootin’ western will be happier seeing this year’s “3:10 to Yuma.”
An oddly quiet and poetic film, “Jesse James” depicts the downtime between events, and usually not the events themselves, which are occasionally shown later. Uncommonly yet admirably, action is incidental.
Complaints abound accusing “Jesse James” of dragging, but the film’s lackadaisical pacing isn’t the problem: A movie this slow shouldn’t run this long (or vice versa). Indeed, the only thing that exceeds the 160-minute runtime of “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” is the movie’s title.
All in all, the film is well made and memorable, with lines like “Poetry don’t work on whores,” which could also be said of westerns.
Directed by Andrew Dominik
Brad Pitt / Casey Affleck / Paul Schneider
160 min. Drama / Western
MPPA: R (for some strong violence and brief sexual references)
Copyright 2007. 198
O Masterpiece (100)
O Excellent (75-99)
X Rental (60-74)
O OK (50-59)
O Mediocrity (30-49)
O Avoid (1-29)
Mini Review by Jason Pyles / November 10, 2007
Adapted from a Ron Hansen novel, “Jesse James” defies the shoot-‘em-up western genre to deliver a biographical drama starring Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck.
Those who seek the gun fighting of a rootin’, tootin’ western will be happier seeing this year’s “3:10 to Yuma.”
An oddly quiet and poetic film, “Jesse James” depicts the downtime between events, and usually not the events themselves, which are occasionally shown later. Uncommonly yet admirably, action is incidental.
Complaints abound accusing “Jesse James” of dragging, but the film’s lackadaisical pacing isn’t the problem: A movie this slow shouldn’t run this long (or vice versa). Indeed, the only thing that exceeds the 160-minute runtime of “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” is the movie’s title.
All in all, the film is well made and memorable, with lines like “Poetry don’t work on whores,” which could also be said of westerns.
Directed by Andrew Dominik
Brad Pitt / Casey Affleck / Paul Schneider
160 min. Drama / Western
MPPA: R (for some strong violence and brief sexual references)
Copyright 2007. 198
In the Valley of Elah (2007)
Overall rating from 1 to 100: 95
O Masterpiece (100)
X Excellent (75-99)
O Rental (60-74)
O OK (50-59)
O Mediocrity (30-49)
O Avoid (1-29)
Mini Review by Jason Pyles / November 10, 2007
"In the Valley of Elah" is a mystery, specifically a police procedural, whose commentary on the Iraq War is stirring and memorable, regardless of your political position. But above all, this is an exceptional film, and without question, one of the year's best.
"Inspired by actual events," the film begins in 2004 when Hank Deerfield (Tommy Lee Jones) receives a phone call from the U.S. Army, informing him that his son who recently returned from the war in Iraq is AWOL, and presumably somewhere in New Mexico. This inciting incident initiates the retired military-police sergeant’s search for his missing son.
Sadly, a mini review doesn’t permit me the space to adequately emphasize the excellence of this film. But to name one example, many scenes are shot with Jones behind glass, usually a truck window. Thanks to his MP experience, Deerfield can see things the investigative detectives cannot. But because he’s just a civilian, the sergeant isn’t permitted to act directly (hence the recurring image of seeing clearly from behind glass). Watch what happens, however, during the scene where the window is rolled halfway down.
The viewer who pays close attention to the film’s subtle set-ups, will reap rich rewards from its pay-offs.
Directed by Paul Haggis
Tommy Lee Jones / Charlize Theron / Susan Sarandon
124 min. Mystery / Drama
MPAA: R (for violent and disturbing content, language and some sexuality/nudity)
Copyright 2007. 197
O Masterpiece (100)
X Excellent (75-99)
O Rental (60-74)
O OK (50-59)
O Mediocrity (30-49)
O Avoid (1-29)
Mini Review by Jason Pyles / November 10, 2007
"In the Valley of Elah" is a mystery, specifically a police procedural, whose commentary on the Iraq War is stirring and memorable, regardless of your political position. But above all, this is an exceptional film, and without question, one of the year's best.
"Inspired by actual events," the film begins in 2004 when Hank Deerfield (Tommy Lee Jones) receives a phone call from the U.S. Army, informing him that his son who recently returned from the war in Iraq is AWOL, and presumably somewhere in New Mexico. This inciting incident initiates the retired military-police sergeant’s search for his missing son.
Sadly, a mini review doesn’t permit me the space to adequately emphasize the excellence of this film. But to name one example, many scenes are shot with Jones behind glass, usually a truck window. Thanks to his MP experience, Deerfield can see things the investigative detectives cannot. But because he’s just a civilian, the sergeant isn’t permitted to act directly (hence the recurring image of seeing clearly from behind glass). Watch what happens, however, during the scene where the window is rolled halfway down.
The viewer who pays close attention to the film’s subtle set-ups, will reap rich rewards from its pay-offs.
Directed by Paul Haggis
Tommy Lee Jones / Charlize Theron / Susan Sarandon
124 min. Mystery / Drama
MPAA: R (for violent and disturbing content, language and some sexuality/nudity)
Copyright 2007. 197
3:10 to Yuma (2007)
Overall rating from 1 to 100: 94
O Masterpiece (100)
X Excellent (75-99)
O Rental (60-74)
O OK (50-59)
O Mediocrity (30-49)
O Avoid (1-29)
Mini Review by Jason Pyles / November 10, 2007
If “3:10 to Yuma” can’t revive the western genre, nothing can. Another noteworthy attempt at resuscitation was made back in 1992 with Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven,” also an exceptional film that won Best Picture. But honestly, I don’t know that I could tell you the better film between the two, unless we had them duel.
This film is actually a remake of an earlier film by the same name (unseen by me), so I couldn’t really tell you how closely this movie follows its predecessor. But if the first film was about “doin’ the right thing” and “cowboying up,” then I’d say it holds true where it counts.
Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) is a bad, bad man, an outlaw and a killer who’s notoriously ruthless and profoundly deadly. (Yes, “profoundly” is the right word. You’ll see.)
When Wade is captured and needs to be on the 3:10 train to Yuma for his court date, the short-handed law men agree to pay poor Dan Evans (Christian Bale) to help transport the prisoner, keeping him from being sprung by his fellow bandits.
“3:10 to Yuma” has excellent dialogue. In fact, it has the best line I’ve ever heard in a western, though I won’t recite it here in case you’re one of the lucky ones who haven’t heard it from the trailers. But I will tell you this: “3:10 to Yuma” proudly ranks among the top five films of 2007.
Directed by James Mangold
Russell Crowe / Christian Bale / Peter Fonda
117 min. Western
MPPA: R (for violence and some language)
Copyright 2007. 187
O Masterpiece (100)
X Excellent (75-99)
O Rental (60-74)
O OK (50-59)
O Mediocrity (30-49)
O Avoid (1-29)
Mini Review by Jason Pyles / November 10, 2007
If “3:10 to Yuma” can’t revive the western genre, nothing can. Another noteworthy attempt at resuscitation was made back in 1992 with Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven,” also an exceptional film that won Best Picture. But honestly, I don’t know that I could tell you the better film between the two, unless we had them duel.
This film is actually a remake of an earlier film by the same name (unseen by me), so I couldn’t really tell you how closely this movie follows its predecessor. But if the first film was about “doin’ the right thing” and “cowboying up,” then I’d say it holds true where it counts.
Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) is a bad, bad man, an outlaw and a killer who’s notoriously ruthless and profoundly deadly. (Yes, “profoundly” is the right word. You’ll see.)
When Wade is captured and needs to be on the 3:10 train to Yuma for his court date, the short-handed law men agree to pay poor Dan Evans (Christian Bale) to help transport the prisoner, keeping him from being sprung by his fellow bandits.
“3:10 to Yuma” has excellent dialogue. In fact, it has the best line I’ve ever heard in a western, though I won’t recite it here in case you’re one of the lucky ones who haven’t heard it from the trailers. But I will tell you this: “3:10 to Yuma” proudly ranks among the top five films of 2007.
Directed by James Mangold
Russell Crowe / Christian Bale / Peter Fonda
117 min. Western
MPPA: R (for violence and some language)
Copyright 2007. 187
Resurrecting the Champ (2007)
Overall rating from 1 to 100: 86
O Masterpiece (100)
X Excellent (75-99)
O Rental (60-74)
O OK (50-59)
O Mediocrity (30-49)
O Avoid (1-29)
Mini Review by Jason Pyles / November 10, 2007
Sometimes movies that were “inspired by a true story,” such as “Catch a Fire” (2006), tell a story that’s not really worth telling. Other films like “Resurrecting the Champ” have a narrative worthy of our attention.
Unfortunately, “Resurrecting the Champ” is going to go down as one of those underrated, underappreciated, unknown films, ironically enough. But trust me: You should check out this movie.
As cryptic as this may sound, “Resurrecting the Champ” is about being what you wanted to be, regardless of not getting to be what you wanted to be. I know, maddening. But that is the greatness that is the concept of this movie. “Resurrecting the Champ” will also be of interest to sports fans, journalists, fathers and sons.
Erik Kernan (Josh Hartnett) is a sports writer who is struggling to live up to the journalistic greatness of his father. But when he discovers a former boxing champion (Samuel L. Jackson) who is now a homeless person, the young writer has the boxer’s incredible story to tell.
And that’s all I can tell you. The less you know about the film, the better. But be prepared for Samuel L. Jackson’s character’s voice: You’ll either love it, or you’ll hate it; but either way, you should appreciate his ability to maintain such a high pitch.
Directed by Rod Lurie
Samuel L. Jackson / Josh Hartnett / Alan Alda
111 min. Drama
MPPA: PG-13 (for some violence and brief language)
Copyright 2007. 185
O Masterpiece (100)
X Excellent (75-99)
O Rental (60-74)
O OK (50-59)
O Mediocrity (30-49)
O Avoid (1-29)
Mini Review by Jason Pyles / November 10, 2007
Sometimes movies that were “inspired by a true story,” such as “Catch a Fire” (2006), tell a story that’s not really worth telling. Other films like “Resurrecting the Champ” have a narrative worthy of our attention.
Unfortunately, “Resurrecting the Champ” is going to go down as one of those underrated, underappreciated, unknown films, ironically enough. But trust me: You should check out this movie.
As cryptic as this may sound, “Resurrecting the Champ” is about being what you wanted to be, regardless of not getting to be what you wanted to be. I know, maddening. But that is the greatness that is the concept of this movie. “Resurrecting the Champ” will also be of interest to sports fans, journalists, fathers and sons.
Erik Kernan (Josh Hartnett) is a sports writer who is struggling to live up to the journalistic greatness of his father. But when he discovers a former boxing champion (Samuel L. Jackson) who is now a homeless person, the young writer has the boxer’s incredible story to tell.
And that’s all I can tell you. The less you know about the film, the better. But be prepared for Samuel L. Jackson’s character’s voice: You’ll either love it, or you’ll hate it; but either way, you should appreciate his ability to maintain such a high pitch.
Directed by Rod Lurie
Samuel L. Jackson / Josh Hartnett / Alan Alda
111 min. Drama
MPPA: PG-13 (for some violence and brief language)
Copyright 2007. 185
The Last Legion (2007)
Overall rating from 1 to 100: 53
O Masterpiece (100)
O Excellent (75-99)
O Rental (60-74)
X OK (50-59)
O Mediocrity (30-49)
O Avoid (1-29)
Mini Review by Jason Pyles / November 10, 2007
My good friend and esteemed fellow movie critic, Luke Hickman, told me he walked into the theater during this film, stayed for 15 minutes, and laughed the whole time. So why did I see it? Because the film I was planning to see wasn’t playing (for some reason), and this was my only option. Poor movie critic me, I know. Tough job.
Let’s take a moment to notice that my rating scale doesn’t go down to zero, the lowest it gets is 1. That’s because, it seems to me, that the wonder of the motion picture, no matter how detestable its images, should at least register on the scale.
“The Last Legion” isn’t hideously horrible; in fact, it clocks in at a 53, which is better than half and translates to “OK.” But the worst movie of 2007 is easily “Delta Farce,” which received an 8. Avoid that puppy at all costs.
I mention all of this to simply say that I’d watch “The Last Legion” 100 times in a row before subjecting myself, once again, to the likes of “D-War” or “Daddy Day Camp” or “Delta Farce.” My laughing friend, Luke, obviously has yet to experience the pains of those “D” movies, if he’s so amused by “The Last Legion.” Which reminds me ... in my college cafeteria once, I saw “all-purpose meat” boxes which read, “Grade D but edible.” The same cannot be said of those films.
Truly, it is a testament to the talents of Colin Firth and Ben Kingsley (who carry this entire film) that they are able to carry this entire film. Yes, I know I wrote that twice. Young Thomas Sangster, who plays the last Caesar, also does a fair job with his performance.
But what harms this sword-in-the-stone/Camelot rendition is its low-budget look. The lead actors are fine, the story is tried and true (obviously, since it’s been retold 41 million times), but it all falls apart because we cannot take “The Last Legion” seriously.
But, alas, any eight- to 10-year-old boys would probably love it. My buddy, Luke, sure got a kick out of it.
Directed by Doug Lefler
Colin Firth / Ben Kingsley / Thomas Sangster
110 min. Action / Adventure
MPPA: PG-13 (for sequences of intense action violence)
Copyright 2007. 184
O Masterpiece (100)
O Excellent (75-99)
O Rental (60-74)
X OK (50-59)
O Mediocrity (30-49)
O Avoid (1-29)
Mini Review by Jason Pyles / November 10, 2007
My good friend and esteemed fellow movie critic, Luke Hickman, told me he walked into the theater during this film, stayed for 15 minutes, and laughed the whole time. So why did I see it? Because the film I was planning to see wasn’t playing (for some reason), and this was my only option. Poor movie critic me, I know. Tough job.
Let’s take a moment to notice that my rating scale doesn’t go down to zero, the lowest it gets is 1. That’s because, it seems to me, that the wonder of the motion picture, no matter how detestable its images, should at least register on the scale.
“The Last Legion” isn’t hideously horrible; in fact, it clocks in at a 53, which is better than half and translates to “OK.” But the worst movie of 2007 is easily “Delta Farce,” which received an 8. Avoid that puppy at all costs.
I mention all of this to simply say that I’d watch “The Last Legion” 100 times in a row before subjecting myself, once again, to the likes of “D-War” or “Daddy Day Camp” or “Delta Farce.” My laughing friend, Luke, obviously has yet to experience the pains of those “D” movies, if he’s so amused by “The Last Legion.” Which reminds me ... in my college cafeteria once, I saw “all-purpose meat” boxes which read, “Grade D but edible.” The same cannot be said of those films.
Truly, it is a testament to the talents of Colin Firth and Ben Kingsley (who carry this entire film) that they are able to carry this entire film. Yes, I know I wrote that twice. Young Thomas Sangster, who plays the last Caesar, also does a fair job with his performance.
But what harms this sword-in-the-stone/Camelot rendition is its low-budget look. The lead actors are fine, the story is tried and true (obviously, since it’s been retold 41 million times), but it all falls apart because we cannot take “The Last Legion” seriously.
But, alas, any eight- to 10-year-old boys would probably love it. My buddy, Luke, sure got a kick out of it.
Directed by Doug Lefler
Colin Firth / Ben Kingsley / Thomas Sangster
110 min. Action / Adventure
MPPA: PG-13 (for sequences of intense action violence)
Copyright 2007. 184
Friday, November 2, 2007
Dan in Real Life (2007)
Overall rating from 1 to 100: 85
O Masterpiece (100)
X Excellent (75-99)
O Rental (60-74)
O OK (50-59)
O Mediocrity (30-49)
O Avoid (1-29)
Review by Jason Pyles / November 2, 2007
Since “Lars and the Real Girl” is the sweetest movie of the year, “Dan in Real Life” can safely be called the happiest, feel-good movie of 2007.
Remember how the end of “Little Miss Sunshine” (2006) and “Hitch” (2005) brought feelings of self-consciousness, for fear of potential Amelies in the theater looking back at us to see our gleeful, smiling faces? “Dan in Real Life” has similar good vibrations.
Dan Burns (Steve Carell) is a newspaper advice columnist, an author, a widower, father of three girls and a good man. Annually, Dan's extended family gathers at a cabin in Rhode Island. While visiting the New England town, the lonely bachelor meets Annie (Juliette Binoche), the perfect woman. But it turns out that Dan's brother, Mitch (Dane Cook), is already dating Dan's new dream girl.
“Dan in Real Life” is fun because Dan and Annie's affinity for each other is a secret. And Dan is torn between being a loyal brother and pursuing such an evident "keeper."
What makes this comedy particularly enjoyable is that we are genuinely intrigued by not knowing how this mess could ever be untangled. We have suspicions, sure, but resolution seems impossible.
The dynamics and exchanges among the family members are humorous, making “Dan in Real Life” reminiscent of “The Family Stone” (2005), which is another "bring the new gal to meet the whole fam" farce.
There's something about this film's quality and substance that places it higher than a typical, hollow, romantic comedy. It almost feels like a tame Wes Anderson project or a Sundance indie film.
“Dan in Real Life” has some pitch-perfect moments of playful revenge, genuine humor and touching sincerity. There's even a brief spell where Steve Carell gets to evoke the obnoxiousness of his “Office” persona, Michael Scott.
“Dan in Real Life” is delightful, quaint and a great option for a date movie.
Directed by Peter Hedges
Steve Carell / Dane Cook / Juliette Binoche
95 min. Comedy / Romance
MPPA: PG-13 (for some innuendo)
Copyright 2007. 205
O Masterpiece (100)
X Excellent (75-99)
O Rental (60-74)
O OK (50-59)
O Mediocrity (30-49)
O Avoid (1-29)
Review by Jason Pyles / November 2, 2007
Since “Lars and the Real Girl” is the sweetest movie of the year, “Dan in Real Life” can safely be called the happiest, feel-good movie of 2007.
Remember how the end of “Little Miss Sunshine” (2006) and “Hitch” (2005) brought feelings of self-consciousness, for fear of potential Amelies in the theater looking back at us to see our gleeful, smiling faces? “Dan in Real Life” has similar good vibrations.
Dan Burns (Steve Carell) is a newspaper advice columnist, an author, a widower, father of three girls and a good man. Annually, Dan's extended family gathers at a cabin in Rhode Island. While visiting the New England town, the lonely bachelor meets Annie (Juliette Binoche), the perfect woman. But it turns out that Dan's brother, Mitch (Dane Cook), is already dating Dan's new dream girl.
“Dan in Real Life” is fun because Dan and Annie's affinity for each other is a secret. And Dan is torn between being a loyal brother and pursuing such an evident "keeper."
What makes this comedy particularly enjoyable is that we are genuinely intrigued by not knowing how this mess could ever be untangled. We have suspicions, sure, but resolution seems impossible.
The dynamics and exchanges among the family members are humorous, making “Dan in Real Life” reminiscent of “The Family Stone” (2005), which is another "bring the new gal to meet the whole fam" farce.
There's something about this film's quality and substance that places it higher than a typical, hollow, romantic comedy. It almost feels like a tame Wes Anderson project or a Sundance indie film.
“Dan in Real Life” has some pitch-perfect moments of playful revenge, genuine humor and touching sincerity. There's even a brief spell where Steve Carell gets to evoke the obnoxiousness of his “Office” persona, Michael Scott.
“Dan in Real Life” is delightful, quaint and a great option for a date movie.
Directed by Peter Hedges
Steve Carell / Dane Cook / Juliette Binoche
95 min. Comedy / Romance
MPPA: PG-13 (for some innuendo)
Copyright 2007. 205
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