Mini movie review round-up
While working on my personal Best & Worst Movies of 2010 list, I discovered there were several films released during the second half of the year that I watched but never actually got around to reviewing. So before 2010 wraps, here are my summarised thoughts on these movies.
Going the Distance - An appealing romantic comedy starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long as a couple trying to sustain a long distance relationship. There's enough raunchiness and frankness to make this one watchable for guys and girls alike, and although it never touches on the miscommunication that can result from tonally ambiguous online chat communications and text messages, most of the other long distance pitfalls are present. With a very funny supporting cast and a very topical, reality-based focus, Going the Distance is one of the best romcoms of the year. I'd happily add it to my DVD collection.
The Other Guys - The plot is absolute nonsense but The Other Guys is the most sublimely ridiculous, quotable comedy of the year along with Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg are mismatched partners and laughing stocks of the police force. When the department's two top cops (Samuel L. Jackson and Dwayne Johnson) are taken out of action, it's up to these morons to protect the city. Taking the mickey out of action buddy cop movies like Lethal Weapon, perhaps the most surprising thing about The Other Guys is just how funny Wahlberg is when poking fun at his "agitated cop" on-screen persona. Beware though - The Other Guys is only recommended if you got a chuckle out of other Ferrell comedies like Anchorman, Blades of Glory and Talledega Nights.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice - I was expecting the absolute worst from this Disney fantasy adventure, which comes from the same creative team responsible for the National Treasure series. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The Sorcerer's Apprentice is riddled with clichés, is forgettable for the most part and largely wastes a talented supporting cast that includes Alfred Molina, Monica Bellucci and South Africa's own Alice Krige. This said, Nicolas Cage keeps his exuberant weirdness in check and is likeably subdued as a centuries' old sorcerer who has to help science geek (and "Chosen One") Jay Baruchel harness his magical abilities in order to save the world. It also doesn't hurt the film that it features a catchy theme song by OneRepublic and a entertaining sequence that pays tribute to the Fantasia segment that inspired it. The Sorcerer's Apprentice is therefore solid, undemanding family entertainment.
Spud - I watched Spud having never read John van de Ruit's bestselling novel on which this South African coming-of-age tale is based. Still, I was impressed by this locally made, polished adaptation, which centres on the life education gained by weedy outsider John "Spud" Milton (Troye Sivan) during his first year at an exclusive, boys only boarding school in the Natal Midlands. Spud: The Movie is more gently amusing than laugh out loud hilarious, and, as a typical "highlights package" adaptation, bounces from issue to issue (suicide, white guilt, friendship, teacher-pupil affairs, Betty-Veronica love triangles) without exploring a single topic in any depth. This said, Spud contains one of John Cleese's finest, most touching performances as a teacher who challenges John to resist expectations.
For the record Spud is also probably the most distinctly Natal-ian movie ever made, filmed on location at Michaelhouse and in Durban, and featuring plenty of the region's best acting talent. As a local the film therefore had an additional enjoyable element of recognition for me. I just have to wonder though how much a viewer would get out of Spud if they have no familiarity with boarding and/or single sex high schools?
Megamind - Despite a very underwhelming trailer, DreamWorks latest CGI-animated movie, Megamind is a quick-witted and surprisingly entertaining twist on superhero conventions... particularly the Superman myth. However, in Megamind the film’s focus is not on the cape wearing golden boy (voiced by Brad Pitt). Megamind centres on the villain, and title character (Will Ferrell) – a blue skinned outsider with a genius IQ and a flamboyant sense of style. Megamind is reminiscent of Pixar's The Incredibles, but isn't as heartfelt. In terms of other recent DreamWorks animated films, Megamind can best be described as less How to Train Your Dragon and more Monsters Vs. Aliens (in fact Tina Fey's TV reporter looks remarkably similar to MvA's Susan). Accommodating older children, teens and adults more than the little ones, Megamind is brisk, feather-light and stylish, and the action scenes, with their aerial combat focus, are wonderfully choreographed and engaging whether you watch them in 3D or not.
Faster - Dwayne Johnson is finally back in badass action territory after years of making insipid family movies. In Faster the former wrestling star portrays a grim, scarred man released from prison after 10 years, and who immediately embarks on a quest for revenge - slaughtering the men who betrayed him and murdered his brother. Johnson is pursued by Billy Bob Thornton's heroin addicted cop and Oliver Jackson-Cohen's impossibly beautiful, over-achieving millionaire who accepts jobs as a hitman for kicks. Faster is a mix of the expected and unexpected. Crime/cop clichés abound but at the same time the film is a surprisingly dark tale - a major theme is how men experience Hell's punishments for their sins in life instead of after death - that splits screen time evenly between the three male leads... however much you actually care about the others. Also, the cold blooded violence and occasional one liner doesn't always sit comfortably together. Faster is a much better retro revenge action movie than The Expendables for example, but it's certainly got its flaws, including a twist ending that is quite lame.
Tron: Legacy - I will write a full Tron review in the coming days, but I have to say I was disappointed with Legacy. I was expecting it to be 2010's Avatar, immersing the audience in an awe-inducing universe despite a derivative plot. Instead all we got is a neon tinted, largely nonsensical hybrid of Star Wars Episodes I through III and The Matrix Reloaded. For the record, I don't have any nostalgic feelings for the original Tron. Legacy has its moments, and the visual effects (especially during the gladiator games) and soundtrack are fantastic. However, it's completely uninvolving and there are way too many inconsistencies. I just don't "get" the Tron world the same way that I feel comfortable with the digital construct that is the Matrix.
Going the Distance - An appealing romantic comedy starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long as a couple trying to sustain a long distance relationship. There's enough raunchiness and frankness to make this one watchable for guys and girls alike, and although it never touches on the miscommunication that can result from tonally ambiguous online chat communications and text messages, most of the other long distance pitfalls are present. With a very funny supporting cast and a very topical, reality-based focus, Going the Distance is one of the best romcoms of the year. I'd happily add it to my DVD collection.
The Other Guys - The plot is absolute nonsense but The Other Guys is the most sublimely ridiculous, quotable comedy of the year along with Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg are mismatched partners and laughing stocks of the police force. When the department's two top cops (Samuel L. Jackson and Dwayne Johnson) are taken out of action, it's up to these morons to protect the city. Taking the mickey out of action buddy cop movies like Lethal Weapon, perhaps the most surprising thing about The Other Guys is just how funny Wahlberg is when poking fun at his "agitated cop" on-screen persona. Beware though - The Other Guys is only recommended if you got a chuckle out of other Ferrell comedies like Anchorman, Blades of Glory and Talledega Nights.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice - I was expecting the absolute worst from this Disney fantasy adventure, which comes from the same creative team responsible for the National Treasure series. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The Sorcerer's Apprentice is riddled with clichés, is forgettable for the most part and largely wastes a talented supporting cast that includes Alfred Molina, Monica Bellucci and South Africa's own Alice Krige. This said, Nicolas Cage keeps his exuberant weirdness in check and is likeably subdued as a centuries' old sorcerer who has to help science geek (and "Chosen One") Jay Baruchel harness his magical abilities in order to save the world. It also doesn't hurt the film that it features a catchy theme song by OneRepublic and a entertaining sequence that pays tribute to the Fantasia segment that inspired it. The Sorcerer's Apprentice is therefore solid, undemanding family entertainment.
Spud - I watched Spud having never read John van de Ruit's bestselling novel on which this South African coming-of-age tale is based. Still, I was impressed by this locally made, polished adaptation, which centres on the life education gained by weedy outsider John "Spud" Milton (Troye Sivan) during his first year at an exclusive, boys only boarding school in the Natal Midlands. Spud: The Movie is more gently amusing than laugh out loud hilarious, and, as a typical "highlights package" adaptation, bounces from issue to issue (suicide, white guilt, friendship, teacher-pupil affairs, Betty-Veronica love triangles) without exploring a single topic in any depth. This said, Spud contains one of John Cleese's finest, most touching performances as a teacher who challenges John to resist expectations.
For the record Spud is also probably the most distinctly Natal-ian movie ever made, filmed on location at Michaelhouse and in Durban, and featuring plenty of the region's best acting talent. As a local the film therefore had an additional enjoyable element of recognition for me. I just have to wonder though how much a viewer would get out of Spud if they have no familiarity with boarding and/or single sex high schools?
Megamind - Despite a very underwhelming trailer, DreamWorks latest CGI-animated movie, Megamind is a quick-witted and surprisingly entertaining twist on superhero conventions... particularly the Superman myth. However, in Megamind the film’s focus is not on the cape wearing golden boy (voiced by Brad Pitt). Megamind centres on the villain, and title character (Will Ferrell) – a blue skinned outsider with a genius IQ and a flamboyant sense of style. Megamind is reminiscent of Pixar's The Incredibles, but isn't as heartfelt. In terms of other recent DreamWorks animated films, Megamind can best be described as less How to Train Your Dragon and more Monsters Vs. Aliens (in fact Tina Fey's TV reporter looks remarkably similar to MvA's Susan). Accommodating older children, teens and adults more than the little ones, Megamind is brisk, feather-light and stylish, and the action scenes, with their aerial combat focus, are wonderfully choreographed and engaging whether you watch them in 3D or not.
Faster - Dwayne Johnson is finally back in badass action territory after years of making insipid family movies. In Faster the former wrestling star portrays a grim, scarred man released from prison after 10 years, and who immediately embarks on a quest for revenge - slaughtering the men who betrayed him and murdered his brother. Johnson is pursued by Billy Bob Thornton's heroin addicted cop and Oliver Jackson-Cohen's impossibly beautiful, over-achieving millionaire who accepts jobs as a hitman for kicks. Faster is a mix of the expected and unexpected. Crime/cop clichés abound but at the same time the film is a surprisingly dark tale - a major theme is how men experience Hell's punishments for their sins in life instead of after death - that splits screen time evenly between the three male leads... however much you actually care about the others. Also, the cold blooded violence and occasional one liner doesn't always sit comfortably together. Faster is a much better retro revenge action movie than The Expendables for example, but it's certainly got its flaws, including a twist ending that is quite lame.
Tron: Legacy - I will write a full Tron review in the coming days, but I have to say I was disappointed with Legacy. I was expecting it to be 2010's Avatar, immersing the audience in an awe-inducing universe despite a derivative plot. Instead all we got is a neon tinted, largely nonsensical hybrid of Star Wars Episodes I through III and The Matrix Reloaded. For the record, I don't have any nostalgic feelings for the original Tron. Legacy has its moments, and the visual effects (especially during the gladiator games) and soundtrack are fantastic. However, it's completely uninvolving and there are way too many inconsistencies. I just don't "get" the Tron world the same way that I feel comfortable with the digital construct that is the Matrix.
Comments
@Pfangirl: I agree on The Sorcerer's Apprentice. I wasn't expecting the best of fantasy meets real world movies, but this blended pretty good. I enjoyed the movie more than I thought I would, and the VFX was good enough to get me inspired :)
I haven't seen Megamind, but I just saw the trailer, and would like to see it. I'm quite the animation movie fan, though some are too Disney for my liking, most come through for the young and mature. Megamind seems like one I'd enjoy :)
About Tron: Legacy... Yes, disappointed! With all the hype and sneak peaks, it's far less than what I expected it to be. The grid is cool and all that, but they didn't make me feel a part of it like Matrix did. It's believable in a sense, but that's where it ended... pretty graphics, awesome style and imaginative, but no X-factor :(
If they plan on a second Tron movie, hopefully they'll blow us away to make up for this one :P
Megamind definitely isn't a Disney animated movie. It's targeting older kids and adults with its sometimes intense action, and mature sense of humour, so I think you'll enjoy it.
As for Tron, I don't even think I'd bother watching next movie if/when they make it. Having watched the original and the new movie, and felt nothing both times, I think Tron is a franchise that I just don't "get." It leaves me cold.