Flawless - 3 smiles

“Flawless,” starring Michael Caine and Demi Moore, is a typical heist caper with a twist at the end. Director Michael Radford takes his audience through the planning, execution and consequences of a diamond theft in 1960 London. Although “Flawless” lacks adrenalin-pumping action, Michael Caine’s solid acting makes this a better movie than most of its genre. However, because it is currently available on pay-per-view cable television, you might want to skip the movie theater and watch it at home.

The London Diamond Company has cornered the market in diamonds with roughly 2 tons of uncut stones sitting openly on tables in a huge vault. Even though Laura Quinn (Moore), the only female manager with this company, has had to work harder than any of her male counterparts, it looks like she is about to be fired. A janitor named Hobbs (Caine) decides that the embittered Laura will agree to provide the information he needs to pull off the perfect crime. Unfortunately, Laura doesn’t realize that Hobbs has more on his agenda than stealing a few million pounds worth of diamonds. “Flawless” provides solid acting and a script that thoroughly enjoys seeing a clever plan come together. (3/27/08)

Run, Fat Boy, Run - 2 smiles

The major problem with “Run, Fat Boy, Run” is that you’re supposed to root for the protagonist. Unfortunately, in this case, the protagonist is Dennis (Simon Pegg), a slobbish slacker who left his pregnant bride Libby (Thandie Newton) at the alter 5 years previously. Dennis is such a loser that it’s hard to root for him let alone want him to regain Libby’s affection. In fact, for two-thirds of the movie I was rooting for Whit (Hank Azaria), a man who is everything Dennis is not. But obvious machinations of the script ultimately tip the scales in Dennis’ favor.

“Run, Fat Boy, Run,” is a mixture of three genres, comedy, drama and sports movie, and the transition from one to the other isn’t always smooth. The broad comedy (a blister the size of a golf ball on the bottom of Dennis’ foot which pops and squirts a slimy goo) seems out of place with the serious issue of a son running away. And the last third of the movie focuses on the marathon that Dennis and Whit have entered to run.

Although Dennis is supposed to be Everyman, his character is not developed enough to establish that in the minds of the audience. And the other characters in this movie seem to be stereotypes: the sweet girlfriend who still loves the protagonist, the new boyfriend who is really a jerk, and the best friend who is only interested in gambling.

According to director David Schwimmer, “Run, Fat Boy, Run” was originally supposed to be an American movie, set around the New York Marathon. However, when the funding came from a British source and Schwimmer was told to make a British comedy, Simon Pegg did a rewrite of Michael Ian Black’s script. “Run, Fat Boy, Run” is marginally funny, with Schwimmer showing promise as a director. (3/26/08)

Priceless - 3 smiles

“Priceless” is a throwback to the Hollywood romantic comedies that were popular in the 50s and 60s and worth seeing because of its luminous star, Audrey Tautou. Irene (Tautou) is an adventuress and gold digger. She is determined to have the good life and the way to do it is to snare a rich husband. While on a holiday with her rich older boyfriend, Irene mistakes Jean (Gad Elmaleh) for a millionaire rather than an employee of the hotel. When she discovers her error, she drops Jean, but her boyfriend dumps her. Ever resourceful, she is determined to find another sugar daddy, but the lovesick Jean gets in the way. A game of one-upsmanship ensues as Irene and Jean both attract rich older lovers. And as Irene tutors Jean on how to get the most from his wealthy patron, she finds herself falling in love. Tautou is reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and the designer dresses and gorgeous interiors only serve to enhance her beauty. “Priceless” is pure escapism and part of the pleasure of watching this movie is knowing that true love will win in the end. Subtitles. (3/12/08)

21 - 3 smiles

“21,” starring Kevin Spacey, Jim Sturgess and Laurence Fishburne, is about a group of college students who develop a system to win big money in Las Vegas. Based on the book “Bringing Down the House” by Ben Mezrich, “21” chronicles the exploits of five MIT students and their professor/mentor. Ben Campbell (Sturgess) has been accepted to Harvard Medical School but lacks the funds to attend. Because he is gifted with a mind for numbers, he is invited to join a small group of students led by professor Micky Rosa (Spacey) as they prepare to ‘beat the house.’ At first Ben is reluctant to join, but because he needs $300,000 for med school, he agrees. Soon greed combines with the bright Vegas lights to compromise Ben’s principles and he becomes a little too cocky. Not only does he alienate himself from his friends, but more importantly, he must outwit Cole Williams (Fishburne), a ruthless casino consultant who is not above beating a hapless player caught counting cards.

“21” is a departure for director Robert Luketic, whose best known films include “Legally Blonde” and “Monster-in-Law.” Luketic does an effective job of contrasting a cold, sterile Boston with a warm, pulsing, highly alluring place like Las Vegas. And he elicits genuine performances from his cast, especially from Sturgess and Spacey, who ultimately provide the film’s conflict. Kate Bosworth, who plays Ben’s love interest and starred with Spacey in “Beyond the Sea,” doesn’t have a role that calls for much acting, but she and Sturgess have adequate on-screen chemistry. Fishburne is excellent as a man who seems to have a strong moral code, but really doesn’t.

The MGM Grand lost $450,000 in one night to students from MIT. Of course their story makes for an interesting movie. I’m betting you’ll feel the same. (3/19/08)

Never Back Down - 2 smiles

Do you remember “The Karate Kid”? “Never Back Down” is an updated version of that movie and it brings nothing new to the plot. Jake Tyler (Sean Faris) has anger issues (which really means guilt issues) surrounding his alcoholic father’s death in a car accident. Jake is angry all of the time and quick to use his fists. He moves from Iowa to Florida with his mother and tennis-prodigy younger brother. Unfortunately for Jake, his reputation precedes him and the school’s BMOC/bully, Ryan McCarthy (Cam Gigandet) wants to teach him a lesson by beating him up in front of half of the school. Jake’s new friend Max (Evan Peters) talks him into joining a mixed martial arts gym under the tutelage of Jean Roqua (Djimon Honsou). If you know “The Karate Kid,” you know what to expect from the rest of the movie. Sean Faris has the look of a young Tom Cruise so it’s not hard to watch him. Djimon Honsou, the stand-in for Mr. Miyagi, is too good of an actor to be doing this kind of movie although both Faris and Honsou get to show off their amazing physiques so that might be some consolation. Nonetheless, you don't have to rush out to see this highly derivative movie. (3/24/08)

Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns - 2 1/2 smiles

Tyler Perry, writer, director and producer, combines love, family, and religion in a somewhat heart-warming (but not always coherent) story. Brenda Brown, portrayed by the beautifully expressive Angela Bassett, is a single mother encountering hard times as she tries to care for her three children. When the father she never knew dies, Brenda and her children travel from Chicago to a small town in Georgia to attend the funeral. There she meets members of her extended family: L.B. (Frankie Faison), now the head of the Brown family, his sensible wife Sarah (Margaret Avery), L.B.’s clownish brother Leroy (David Mann), and their waspish sister Vera (Jennifer Lewis). Brenda also meets Harry (Rick Fox), a basketball coach who takes an interest in her son’s basketball career and who is a possible love interest. Perry has a solid fan-base, which is probably why he threw in a cameo appearance by Medea (Perry in drag). Unfortunately, Medea’s appearance has nothing to do with Brenda’s story. And Perry allows David Mann, who is a walking sight gag with his outlandish outfits and high-pitched voice, to have too much screen time. Perry obviously believes in the benefits of family and friends, but this movie devolves into too much melodrama to have a solid recommendation. (3/23/08)

Under the Same Moon - 3 1/2 smiles

“Under the Same Moon” is a heartwarming story about the Mexican immigrant experience told from the viewpoint of a mother and her son. And the movie’s underlying theme, the importance of family and love, is revealed through the effective performance of twelve-year-old Adrian Alonso. Rosario (Kate del Castillo) has left her son Carlitos (Alonso) under the care of her mother and is working in Los Angeles as a maid. Although the money she sends home provides Carlitos with many things his friends don’t have, he cannot understand why she has abandoned him. For four long years, the only communication they have had is their Sunday phone conversations, where Rosario paints verbal pictures of the area around her phone booth: the Domino’s pizza place, the laundromat, the colorful murals on the walls. When Carlitos’ grandmother dies in her sleep, Carlitos is determined to cross the border and find his mother.

According to screenwriter Ligiah Villalobos, she wanted to tell a story about abandoned children, those left behind when loving family members move north to earn enough money to send home. So part of the story focuses on Carlitos and it is Alonso’s skill and dramatic range as an actor that has him confidently interacting with various adults as he makes his way to Los Angeles. The second part of the story is about Rosario and we see how her white employers take advantage of her. We share her loneliness for her son and her fear when she learns he has run away.

Granted, “Under the Same Moon” tends to put a positive spin on experiences that could have been dark and harrowing. But there are documentaries if you’re looking for depressing stories. “Under the Same Moon” frames a story about family, love, and the persistence of a young boy, illustrating that we have more in common than we have differences. (3/5/08)

Doomsday - 1/2 smile

“Doomsday” is pretty bad. No, let’s clarify that. “Doomsday” is awful. I can hear the ‘pitch’ now: Let’s make a movie that mixes “The Road Warrior” with “I Am Legend,” but we’ll have a female protagonist. Maybe that sounded good in the discussion stages, but the actual movie leaves a lot to be desired. In fact, the US distributor, Rogue Pictures, didn’t make “Doomsday” available for the usual Friday newspaper reviews. That says it all. I’m not sure this movie is even worth renting from Netflix. (3/17/08)

The Other Boleyn Girl - 2 1/2 smiles

The problem with a good number of historical dramas is that you already know what happens in the end. So it is with “The Other Boleyn Girl:” Anne marries Henry and then is beheaded. What is more interesting, however, is that Anne had a sister, Mary, who was King Henry’s mistress before her sister married him. Interesting, too, is the portrayal of Anne and Mary’s father and uncle as willing pimps to keep the good will of an inconstant monarch. And because Anne’s story is intertwined with Mary’s, some of the pleasure of watching new material is diluted. Perhaps that’s why this tale of two sisters comes across as high melodrama.

Scarlett Johanssonn is effective as the kind, good-hearted Mary who obeys her father and becomes the king’s mistress. You are supposed to sympathize with Anne (Natalie Portman), but her flaw of excessive ambition and shrewish behavior makes it difficult to feel sorry for her when she has to face the consequences her scheming. Eric Bana is much too handsome (and thin) to play Henry VIII if historical pictures are accurate. And the script calls for him to be too easily manipulated. The production values for this movie, cinematography, costumes, set design, acting, are all top notch. Too bad the same can’t be said for the plot. (3/16/08)

The Counterfeiters - 3 smiles

Generally speaking, US movie studios tend to regard January, February, and March as a dumping ground for films they anticipate will not do well at the box office. So if you are looking for a quality film, you should seek out foreign films. That holds true for “Under the Same Moon” from Mexico (opening March 21), “Priceless” from France (opening March 28), and “The Counterfeiters” from Austrian writer/director Stefan Ruzowitzky (in theaters now). Of these three films, “The Counterfeiters” deals with the heaviest subject matter: Is it wrong to help the Nazis in return for an easier life?

Based on a true story, “The Counterfeiters” is about Salomon Sorowitsch (Karl Markovics), a Russian Jew and the world’s greatest counterfeiter. ‘Sally’ is captured in Berlin and sent to a labor camp where his artistic ability earns him food in return for painting portraits. Later, Herzog, the man who captured Sally, now a Nazi officer, has Sally shipped to his camp, where he has amassed a crew to counterfeit the British pound and American dollar. In return for their efforts, these men are given soft beds, good meals, acceptable working conditions and the chance for a longer life. Sally grabs this opportunity, but one of his fellow prisoners, Adolf Burger, says that they should resist any effort to help the Nazis, even if it means their death. Sally is caught in a moral dilemma. His main goal is to stay alive, but he also has a conscience. This is a dark story, depicting the brutal life in a Nazi concentration camp and clearly illustrating that even when the prisoners are freed from the camp, the emotional scars remain. Nonetheless, “The Counterfeiters” is worth seeing. (3/13/08)

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day - 3 smiles

“Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day” succeeds because of the ingenious paring of Amy Adams and Frances McDormand. Part fairy tale and part buddy movie, “Miss Pettigrew” is set in the late 1930s just before England enters World War II. The outspoken Miss Guinevere Pettigrew (McDormand) has just lost her job as a governess and her employment agency offers her no hope of another one. Knowing that the soup kitchen is the only way she will get a meal without employment, Guinevere steals a referral only to discover that American singer Delysia Lafosse (Amy Adams) does not need a governess but a social secretary. You see, Delysia is juggling three boyfriends and she needs Guinevere’s help. There’s Nick (Mark Strong), the man who owns the flat where she lives; Phil (Tom Payne), the producer of a West End production in which she wants the lead role; and Michael (Lee Pace), a penniless piano player and it’s quite obvious who Prince Charming is. As Guinevere efficiently starts rearranging Delysia’s life, Delysia becomes Guinevere’s fairy godmother and provides a make-over. Suddenly Guinevere finds herself in the middle of her own romance.

Although the events in this movie take place in one day (the title is, after all, “Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day”), these women take to each other like long lost friends. They are two sides of the same coin. Delysia is not as silly and superficial as she appears and Guinevere is not above making decisions she later regrets. The casting of Amy Adams and Frances McDormand is perfect, with Adams’ infectious smile and winsome innocence an ideal foil to McDormand’s perspective and common-sense attitude. 3/9/08

10,000 B.C - 2 1/2 smiles

You can’t tell me that you would see a Roland Emmerich movie and expect historical accuracy, extensive character development, and a quality script. Look at some of his previous movies: “The Day After Tomorrow,” “The Thirteenth Floor,” “Godzilla,” and Independence Day.” You go to see a Roland Emmerich movie for action, adventure, special effects, and, of course, popcorn. And that’s the reason to see “10,000 B.C.,” which gleefully tosses into the Mesolithic Period (way before their time): horses, ships, a large urban city, and slaves building a pyramid. Not to mention a saber tooth tiger, bird-like raptors, and tribes that look like they belong in Africa. Of course, there’s some pretty hokey stuff, too, but that’s called ‘willing suspension of disbelief.’ Just go with the movie’s premise and you might even enjoy it.

D’Leh (Steven Strait) must rescue Evolet (Camilla Belle), the woman he loves and other members of his clan from marauding slavers on horseback. His journey takes him to several tribes that have suffered similar losses at the hands of the slavers. Now the leader of a huge army, D’Leh must first find Evolet, devise a plan to overcome greater odds, and then execute the plan with minimal loss of life. (3/9/08)

Bank Job - 2 Smiles

Based on a true event that happened in London in 1971, “Bank Job” should not be such a chore to watch, but it is. There is minimal character development and, at times, a very muddied plot, which includes too many characters. “The Baker Street Bank Job” or “The Walkie-Talkie Robbery” made headlines until MI5 made a D notice request that censored further press coverage on the grounds that it created a danger to national security. So the real events surrounding the heist are speculative at best. Black activist Michael X (Peter de Jersey) has in his possession incriminating photos of Princess Margaret, which allows him to blackmail British authorities. MI5 is determined to retrieve these photos, but cannot do so openly. Enter ex-model Martine (Saffron Barrows) who talks her former boyfriend Terry (Jason Statham) into rounding up some of his buddies for an easy heist of several hundred safe deposit boxes in a Bond Street bank. While the heist is going down, Terry posts a lookout outside on a rooftop and a ham radio operator picks up their walkie-talkie conversation. Alerted, the police rush around London trying to find the bank that is being robbed. Terry and his friends are after as much money and jewels as they can grab, but Martine is after the contents in one specific box. To further complicate things, another safe deposit box yields pornographic photos of some of Britain’s political figures and a ledger listing bribes paid to various policemen. It’s too bad the director Roger Donaldson wasn’t able to create a more engaging story around the original source material. Instead he resorts to tossing in a large number of characters, nudity and an unnecessary torture scene. See “Bank Job” if you’re a Jason Statham fan (like I am). (3/7/08)

Movie Rating

A good friend thought that I should have some kind of rating system for my movie comments. I guess if people prefer the bottom line, a movie rating would certainly provide a faster read. So here’s what I’ve come up with so far:

4 smiles: Must see
3 smiles: Worth seeing
2 smiles: See it if you must
1 smile: Wait for cable/Get it from Netflix
1 frown: Skip it

Does something like this enhance understanding? What do you think? 3/8/08

Married Life

The premise for “Married Life,” which boasts a stellar cast, sounds promising: Fiftyish Harry (Chris Cooper) has fallen for Kay (Rachel McAdams), a much younger woman. Because he wants to save his wife, Pat (Particia Clarkson), from the pain of divorce, he decides to kill her so she won’t suffer. This has the makings of a wonderful film noir, with a beautiful femme fatale and a double-crossing best friend, Richard (Pierce Brosnan). Unfortunately, what develops is a film too sincere for its own good. You see, Kay isn’t a femme fatale and while Richard maneuvers to win Kay’s heart, he’s also concerned about Harry and Pat. And Harry – does he really want to kill Pat? Cooper’s Harry is a little too low key and colorless, but Brosnan and Clarkson seem to be enjoying their roles. We don’t really know enough about Kay, but McAdams plays her with heartfelt earnestness.

Director Ira Sachs has said that he wanted to make a movie about people who love and want to be loved, which, at first glance, doesn’t match the premise. Once you’ve seen the movie, however, you can see that “Married Life” matches Sachs’ intent perfectly. Nonetheless, what you expect is not what you get and the movie is weaker because of this. I’d wait and rent it from Netflix. (3/5/08)

In Bruges

“In Bruges” is an interesting character study for two-thirds of the movie. Then director Martin McDonagh resorts to implausible actions and a lot of blood to resolve the conflict. The most absorbing aspect of the plot is the setting and the interaction between hitman Ken (Brendan Gleeson) and his young protégée Ray (Colin Farell). Ray has just botched a hit, resulting in collateral damage and boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes) has sent both of them to Bruges, a historic city in Belgium. While they wait for Harry’s phone call, Ken wants to take advantage of their time to sightsee and soak up the culture while Ray, comparing Bruges to hell, is antsy and eager to leave. It is clear that Ken and Ray are friends despite the fact that Ken may have an ulterior motive for mentoring Ray. Characterization is developed gradually and humorously, with the more mature Ken keeping a firm hand on Ray’s impulsiveness. (And the plot gets a little surreal when Ray encounters a beautiful woman and dwarf involved in making a movie.) However, the tone changes when a volatile Harry, with every other word out of his mouth being the f-word, arrives on the scene. The movie absolutely falls apart when the shooting starts. The acting is first-rate although Colin Farrell is not my favorite. And Fiennes plays a creepy character similar to his more famous villain: Voldemort in the Harry Potter series. As a travel film promoting Bruges, “In Bruges” is successful. As a dramatic movie, it is less so. (3/2/08)