FILM REVIEW: WIN WIN (2011)

Director: Thomas McCarthy
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Jeffrey Tambor, Alex Shaffer

4.75 out of 5 stars

Michael Flahtery (Giamatti) is a small town lawyer and high school wrestling coach along with Stephen Vigman (Tambor). Mike lives with his stay at home wife (Ryan) and two daughters. An elderly man, Leo Poplar (Burt Young) who Mike represents is deemed incompetent and instead of the state taking control, Mike volunteers for the role of caregiver with a $1500/month reward.

Things change course when the elderly man's grandson Kyle (new comer Alex Shaffer) has runaway from his addict mother, Cindy (Melaine Lynskey) and the Flahtery's take him in. As if fate stepped in, Kyle is actually good at wrestling and starts school, joins the team and is included as a part of the family. Things get complicated when Kyle's mom who is recovering, shows up and is ready to take Leo, Kyle and the monthly payment back to Ohio.

One of the better films I've seen in a while, "Win Win" is genuine. At the beginning of the movie, a little girls' stained glass window figure breaks and the 9yr old says "Shit." From then on you know this a real comedy, comparable to "Little Miss Sunshine" or "Juno." Drama is also real with having a runaway teen who has a druggie mother and also of the money issues that Mike has to deal with.

Acting is phenomenal with all actors giving 110%. Relationships are real and enjoyable to watch. Not mentioned above is Mike's friend, Terry (Bobby Cannavale) who is hilarious in all of his scenes. I'm also calling it now that Amy Ryan will be nominated for a Best Actress Oscar. She absolutely deserves it.

Such an awesomely awesome film. I would not hesitate seeing it again. Go see it when it comes to your area or "you will fucking die." Highly, highly recommended.

FILM REVIEW: JURASSIC PARK (1993)

Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Sam Neil, Laura Dern, Richard Attenborough, Jeff Goldblum

4.5 out of 5

Scientists Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neil), Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) and Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldbum) are invited by billionaire John Hammond (Richard Attenbourugh) to preview his new theme park, Jurassic Park. But before the scientist can give the ok for the park to open, they must survive the main attractions.

I saw this film over 15 years ago for the first time and it's been about 3 years since I watched it. Films tend to lose its luster over time. Not Jurassic Park.

Every actor is wonderful and interactions lead to some of the best quotes in film history thanks to the late author, Michael Crichton and screenwriter, David Koepp.

Cinematography done by Dean Cundey captures perfect moments in time. Also, his job being harder because some of the dinosaurs weren't there because they were created using Computer Generated Imagaery (CGI). And who doesn't remember the slow push into the water in the cup with the ripples created by the T-Rex.

Music done by the master, John Williams. That's all I need to.say about that.

The CGI looks just a little dated but still good for now and sometimes better than some I've seen recently.

My one beef with the movie is the "happy ending." It's not a deal breaker but maybe just a tad annoying.

I highly recommend Jurassic Park.

Sound Tracks: Airplane!

Thought I'd do a little weekly feature that showcases the best of film scores.

We'll start with a film that perhaps isn't known for it's music but it's silly and hilarious antics.

Written by Elmer Bernstein, this is the End Credits from the movie, Airplane!

I've always enjoyed the love theme in the middle.

FILM REVIEW: SUCKER PUNCH (2011)

Director: Zack Snyder
Cast: Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Vanessa Hudgens, Jena Malone

2.5 out of 5

A young orphaned girl is put into an asylum and through reality and fantasy, needs to find 5 items to help her and her friends escape.

I give props to Mr. Snyder for thinking of an original story that at first, I thought was based off of a graphic novel.

The graphics were good. Didn't like the monster villains to be CGI but oh well. 30% of the movie had to be in slow motion and that did not go well for me.

Acting was ok, considering there was no character development. Costumes were good. Stunts and action were well done and shot well.

Now, the pacing and events were putting me to sleep. Baby Doll (Emily Browning) would need to do her seductive dance to distract whoever had the item they were seeking. The girls were then transported in to their fantasy world to defeat the villains. It became repititous and wore on me.

If you like graphic novels or Zach Snyder's vision, you will probably love it. I unfortunately did not and still feel like I've been sucker punched half an hour afterwards.

Yes. I Cry At the Movies.

There. I said it. I'll go one further. You're not a man if you can't cry during a movie.

I'm not saying you have to bawl at the end of "Sleepless in Seattle" or "Beaches."

But when Bambi's mother dies or Ray Kinsella asks his deceased father to have a catch, perspiration best be forming in your peepers.

It is a perfectly normal and healthy reaction to let a movie move you.

However there is a line. You don't need to be hyperventilating, tears rushing, yelling "HE HAD HER AT HELLO."

Especially not good for a date but we'll save "Perfect Date Films" for another post.

Everytime I watch "The Land Before Time" and "UP", multiple tears exit the canal.

The end of "ET" when the music is building as the ships door closes then there is a 2 sec silence with a close up of Henry Thomas, I'm overwhelmed and perhaps a couple tears.

Hell, I even got emotional from "Inception" during the hallway corridor fight but that is more a film makers sensory overload.

And why haven't you seen "Inception"?

Ok. Your turn. When have you guys and gals cried? Your answers will be kept safe on the internet.

Comment here or on the Twitter @moviemorty

Local Film Events

Here are some of the local movie events that are happening for the remainder of the week.

MOVIE TAVERN

The Terminator - 03/24/11 @ 9:30PM

GATEWAY FILM CENTER

Jurassic Park - 03/25-26/11 @ 12:00AM

I'll be going to Jurassic for sure.

Also, the Cleveland International Film Festival starts today and runs through April 3, 2011.

If you know of a film or event that you'd like to have included, please comment or tweet me @moviemorty

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Seriously?

It has always been really hard for me to admit that even though I love and live for movies, I have not seen anything.

To prove my point, hrere is a list from the the Top 25 IMDB films I've never seen.

1. The Shawshank Redemption
2 & 3. The Godfather I and II
4. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
11. Star Wars: Episode V
12. LOTR: Return of the King
13. Seven Samurai
15. Goodfellas
17. Casablanca
18. City of God
20. Once Upon A Time in the West
25. The Usual Suspects

I knew I was bad. Didn't know it was this bad. NetFlix and I are going to be spending some more time together.

Also I am sorry for the lack of posts and less glitzyness. The computer is on the fritz so I am using my phone. Will make due.

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TRAILER: THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD

Morgan Spurlock has done it again.

The director of the wonderful "Super Size Me," Spurlock this time around takes us into the world of product placement by filming his search for a sponsor of the film you are seeing.

It looks brilliant and as of now, has a limited release on April 22. (Fingers crossed Columbus)

1 out of 24FPS

First, a lesson on film making.

FPS stands for Frames Per Second.

For most films, 24 pictures are taken in 1 second. Some tv shows use a faster rate, that's why Full House looks different from Family Matters. Think about it.

My point being is that I'm sure all of us can pick out one frame that will be embeded in our brains till the day we die.

For some, it could be an archaeologist in a cavern, escaping a huge round boulder.

Or maybe it's a Death Star exploding after the kid and the Rebel Alliance get off a perfect shot.

Probably for most guys it's the perfect girl next door, just out of the pool, slow motion, unhooking her bikini top and exposing...anyway.

Mine, a boy and his new found friend sweeping across the crisp night sky, in front of a fully lit moon.

So. What do you got? What 1 out of 24FPS do you have burned into your head?

Comment here or on the Tweet thingy. @MovieMorty

FILM REVIEW: FIERCE CREATURES (1997)

Directors: Robert Young, Fred Schepisi
Cast: John Cheese, Kevin Kline, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Palin

2.5 out of 5

In this farce, the cast from the hilarious "A Fish Called Wanda" reunite as maintainers of a zoo that will close if it doesn't make a profit. As my wife said, "it's not a sequel, it's an equal."

It actually isn't par with "Wanda." Probably a triple bogey. It had it's funny moments but couldn't make up for the dreadful character interactions and horrid storyline towards the end.

The main actors alone did a nice job portraying their parts alone. But, relationships are not thought through and are muddled.

I felt like Universal said "Hey, Wanda was such a hit, let's get those guys back together and we'll have another hit." The day the execs realize story first, the rest later will be a happy day. I mean look at Pixar for Pete's sake.

As for a recommendation, I can't whole heartedly recommend it.

Happy Birthday Michael Caine

Well, belated birthday. Mr. Caine turned 78 on Monday.

I've always enjoyed every part he has played but I think my favorite would have to be as Sidney Bruhl in "Deathtrap."

Anywho, here's Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon from the BBC2 series, "The Trip."

FILM REVIEW: THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU (2011)

Director: George Nolfi
Cast: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, John Slattery, Terence Stamp, Anthony Mackie

4 out of 5

Based on the short story, "Adjustment Team" by Phillip K. Dick, it's a simple story of a up and coming congressman (Matt Damon) and a gifted ballet dancer (Emily Blunt) and what happens when they try to deviate from the plan, set by the "chairman."

Clocking in at 1 Hr, 39 min, the pacing was never slow. Action is well filmed and edited. The effects used support the story and don't make up for story. Music done by Thomas Newman (American Beauty, Road to Perdition) was good but not great.

Chemistry between all actors was wonderful. Happy to see Terrence Stamp still working.

Highly recommended.

BEST FILM TRACK EVER

Hey Guys. I'm doing a semi-short post tonight since it's late.

I have spent my life watching and studying movies. Along with that, comes listening to a lot of music, in and out of the movie. My CD collection (yes, I still have them) is full of Motion Picture Score discs.

Goldsmith, Horner, Newman, Zimmer and Shaiman are among my favorite but the one that stands above the rest is John Williams.

This year, Mr. Williams will celebrate over 55 years in the business. His music is known around the world and I tried to count his works on IMDB and couldn't so here's the link

I've had many years to decide my favorite piece ever written and here it is. Titled "Leaving Home," it is from "Superman: The Movie." While it is all good, the best starts at 1:31. Enjoy

NEW SUPER 8 TRAILER

I have been waiting a long time for this movie. I remember when I saw the first teaser trailer of the truck colliding with the train. So after websites popped up dedicated to the movie, analyzing every detail, which led to "fake" websites and computer software for the viral campaign.

Then the longer more detailed Super Bowl version was aired and I felt like a little kid watching some of Spielberg's most famous films as a kid.

I have faith in J.J Abrams. He is written and produced some of the best shows on television and did a wonderful directing job with "Mission: Impossible 3" and "Star Trek"

Here you go. The really new trailer for this summer's blockbuster, "Super 8."

FILM REVIEW: A FISH CALLED WANDA (1988)

Director: Charles Crichton
Cast: John Cleese, Kevin Kline, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Palin

4 out of 5

"A Fish Called Wanda" is about 4 con artists involved with a jewel heist but are they coning each other?

A really funny movie. The acting is great from the four principles. I especial enjoyed Kevin Kline's role. Also, I don't care what anyone says, I think Jamie Lee Curtis is beautiful and wonderful. It's also no surprise that the film is a comic hit considering John Cleese wrote it. With both American and British humor, it's the best of both worlds.

Many unforgettable scenes, full of cat and mouse antics, wonderful dialogue and great performances all around, I recommended "A Fish Called Wanda."

Weekly Local Events

I'll probably have this be a feature on Sundays for the week ahead. Sorry to those that are not in the Columbus/Central Ohio/Ohio area but you can always check in your area for special film events.

Movie Tavern

Ghostbusters on 03/08/11 @ 7PM

Army of Darkness on 03/10/11 @ 9:30PM

Gateway Film Center

Godzilla (1956) on 03/11/11 & 03/12/11 @ Midnight

Also, tickets for the 35th Cleveland International Film Festival will go on sale to the public on Fri, March 11, 2011 @ 10AM

If there are any films you'd like on this list, post them in the comments. Thanks.

FILM REVIEW: MAC AND ME (1988)

Director: Stewart Raffill
Cast: Christine Ebersole, Jonathon Ward, Tina Caspary, Lauren Stanley, Jade Calegory

2 out of 5

Mac and Me is the story of " Mysterious Alien Creature" and his family accidently taken to earth. The youngest is separated and befriends four kids.

This movie did have high hopes in the beginning. Never mind the fact that it is an E.T. ripoff down to the singing of "The Twilight Zone" theme and I believe the same neighborhood. Also, put aside that this is a brand whore's dream. Here's a list products I noticed (by noticed, I mean clearly seen, 3 secs or more of screen time):

Dos Equis
Skittles
Coke-a-Cola
United Moving
Chicago Cubs
LA Dodgers
Avia Shoes
Sears (character who worked there)
Coors
McDonald's (which had a birthday party, group of rehearsed dancers in the parking lot and inside, a character who worked there and Ronald frickin McDonald.)

The alien creatures for the most part are latex suits with actors inside. Nothing to be proud about. Some special effects were good. Others were really bad.

Acting wasn't terrible. Some of Michael's (Jonathon Ward) lines and emotions seemed forced. I enjoyed Christine Ebersole as the mom and am now happy to know where I've known her from.

 I was surprised to see that a musical idol of mine, Alan Silvestri, had scored the film. This is not his best. Far from it. My guess is the producers didn't want to pay him because he had already had success with "Back to the Future" and "Romancing the Stone." Or perhaps he was spread thin considering "Mac and Me", "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" and "My Stepmother is an Alien," which he all scored came out in 1988 (we know the winner of the three).

Now, the biggest reason for the bad rating...the ending. I'm not going to tell you what happens. You'll just have to watch it or for some, like me, watch it again after a long period of absence.

I only recommend "Mac and Me" really to those that haven't seen it in a while. You'll probably will come out of it dissapointed if you have not viewed it. Also, note to parents with younger children, some of the scenes towards the end are scary. So much that I'd say horrific so over the age of 8 or 9.

LENNY (1974)

DIRECTOR: Bob Fosse
CAST: Dustin Hoffman, Valerie Perrine

3.5 out of 5

"Lenny" is about the life and downfall of the controversial stand-up comedian, Lenny Bruce. It received 6 Oscar nominations.

Filmed in a quasi-documentary style, I found myself not being able to get comfortable with it. Handheld shots are mixed with stationary. I however, did like the use of the gritty B&W for the film.

What makes this film so good is the performance by Dustin Hoffman who takes on the title character. Within the first few words, I knew that unlike some actors, I had not seen Mr. Hoffman perform this one. Playing his wife was the then up and coming Valerie Perrine, who didn't necessarily wow me but I was not disappointed at all by her performance.

If you want a gritty, sometimes funny and very adult oriented movie (nudity, language, drug use) with a wonderful Dustin Hoffman performance, I recommend "Lenny."

First and only?

Hey everyone out there. By the title, you should deduce that this is my first blog out of a hopeful many.

You'll see a lot of film reviews, personal stories, local events mainly pertaining to entertainment and possible rambling-ons.

Little about me. Video Production student at Columbus State Community College in Columbus, Ohio. Married to Sarah for 1 1/2 years out of 6 years together. We have a young daughter. Full-time slave in the front store of a pharmacy.

Hope you enjoy. Feel free to discuss, argue, send money, etc.