Some Movie Reviews....

I had a free preview of HBO a few weeks ago, and I took advantage by DVR-ing anything that looked mildly interesting. Some of these are from that preview, and some are from Netflix, as usual.

*Gran Torino (2009)

I have already debated with some about this movie, but I'd like to get the opinions of those I haven't heard from yet. I honestly didn't like this film. There are some elements I can ultimately live with, but as a whole, I felt it was sloppy, poorly written, and horribly acted. Let me preface my following comments by saying, I love Clint Eastwood, but even he has some imperfections (see: Every Which Way But Loose, Pink Cadillac and Space Cowboys). Add this one to the list.

The film isn't offensively bad, but it is a film that enjoyed a ton of hype, and did not come close to delivering. I mean, moving the plot along by talking to your dog? C'mon Clint, you're better than that! Eastwood's character is grossly inconsistent, and I got tired of his one-liner's, followed by an attempt to spit on the ground in anger. I think he did that at least three times in the movie. There are a few scenes where Eastwood is trying to teach his Korean friend how to talk to a man, and it's SO painful to listen to. I couldn't believe what I was watching.

Aside from this, the movie is ultimately predictable, and there are some interesting characters and relationships that are wasted (his two sons, and the priest (even though that whole thing was hard to believe as well)). Certainly not one of Eastwood's best at all. Watch Million Dollar Baby for his acting, and Mystic River for his directing. 1.5 Stars.


*The Hammer (2007)

Adam Carolla pimped this movie HARD on his radio program for months before and after its release. It makes sense; he wrote, produced, and starred in this film that got limited theatrical release, but picked up some ground after it came out on video. It was an independent film with a shoestring budget. Carolla isn't every body's cup of tea but he can can sling some good, acidic one-liner's with the best of them. I mean, there's no way around it, either you like Carolla or you don't. If you don't, you won't like the movie, so don't waste your time. I like him. I find him funny. I'm not so myopic to think that everything he does is gold, but I really liked The Hammer. A 40 year old, fired from his construction job, Carolla decides he'd like to resurrect his amateur boxing days, so he decides to take a crack at making the Olympic boxing team. I found myself rolling my eyes at some of the cliches, but for the most part, its a light comedy that is comfortable in its identity. Its not trying to be anything its not. Light, good-natured fun. 3 Stars.

Here are some really short ones:

*Reservation Road (2007)

Great acting (Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Connelly and Joaquin Phoenix) saves this movie from utter failure. The story is pretty good, but the acting is superb. We've all seen movies like this. So often, actors are merely pawns reciting memorized words, but this film has some excellent scenes. See it for that alone. 2.5 Stars.

*In America (2002)

See this film. See it and love it. It's damn good. 4 Stars.

*Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Good movie. Not great. Certainly not "Best Movie" caliber. Then again, 2008 was not a good year for movies (Benjamin Button, Milk, The Reader, Frost/Nixon). The story is kind of cool, but the footage of the inner-Indian cities was really impressive. I recommend it, just don't expect to be wowed. 3 Stars.