Bolt - 3 smiles

“Bolt,” with strong supporting characters and appealing narrative, makes for an enjoyable movie-going experience, especially if you are a dog lover. Bolt (voiced by John Travolta) is the unwitting star of a hit TV show built around a variety of Hollywood-created powers, including heat vision, super strength and speed, and a ‘super bark’ that can stop a speeding car. When he is accidentally shipped to New York, Bolt sets off on a cross-country journey back to Penny (Miley Cyrus), his human. Bolt eventually learns that he is not a super dog, but he misses Penny, the only person he feels has loved him. So with the help of two unlikely traveling companions – a cynical housecat named Mittens (Susie Essman) and a TV-obsessed hamster named Rhino (Mark Walton), he heads west, discovering a lot about himself in the process.

The movie opens with a portion of the television show, giving co-directors Chris Williams and Byron Howard opportunity to stage some wild action scenes. However, the heart of the movie lies in the contrasting personalities of Mittens and Rhino that serve as humorous foils for Bolt and their growing friendship. Susie Essman hits just the right notes as a cat angry and bewildered that she has been abandoned. But it’s Mark Walton, Disney’s own in-house story artist and part-time voice actor who really steals the show. “I’ll snap his neck,” Rhino gleefully says as he and Bolt decide how to rescue Mittens from the guard at the animal shelter. You can’t go wrong with a Disney canine movie and “Bolt” has solid animation and plenty of heart. 11/21/08

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa - 1 1/2 smiles

“Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” is the uninspired sequel to “Madagascar.” That it made so much money its opening weekend only goes to show how starved people are for family entertainment. Children will love the cute animals and eye-popping colors, but adults will be bored with the plot. And any good movie must start with an engaging narrative. Unfortunately, “Madagascar 2” is a rehash of the first film. This time around, Alex the performing lion (voiced by Ben Stiller), Marty the acerbic zebra (Chris Rock), Melman the gloomy giraffe (David Schwimmer), and Gloria the happy hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith) are hoping to return to New York. Their makeshift plane crashes after takeoff and they find themselves stranded in Africa. This detour reunites Alex with his father, Zuba (the late Bernie Mac), strains Melman’s hopes of winning Gloria’s affections and introduces Marty to others who look just like him. Eventually it’s up to the quartet to discover why the watering hole on the animal preserve has dried up.

The voice work of Chris Rock and especially Jada Pinkett Smith is outstanding. As with the first movie, the wisecracking penguins steal the show. It’s hard to generate much enthusiasm for “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.” Children will love it, but it doesn’t offer much for adults. 11/20/08

Role Models - 2 1/2 smiles

“Role Models,” for all its profanity and nudity, is, surprisingly, a heart-warming story. You have to wonder why the director felt the need to add such raunchiness. Does he have so little faith in his audience or is he mainly appealing to an age group that might ignore a movie that doesn’t boast vulgar language and topless women? If so, he’s limiting the range and underestimating the intelligence of his audience. On paper, the story appears derivative: a story of adults bonding with children and learning important life lessons in the process. What makes “Role Models” more is the quality of the cast. Wheeler (Seann William Scott) and Danny (Paul Rudd) are representatives for a company that manufactures a high-energy drink. They travel from school to school promoting the drink as a ‘healthy’ alternative to drugs. One a day when everything falls apart, they find themselves on the wrong side of the law. To avoid going to jail, they agree to serve 150 hours of community service by acting as big brothers to troubled kids. Danny is assigned to Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), a teen addicted to medieval role playing and Wheeler gets Ronnie (Bobb’e J. Thompson), a youngster as fond of swearing as he is of staring at women’s breasts.

The top-notch cast elevates the material in “Role Models.” Rudd, who brings his own brand of dry wit, adds depth to a man who has become disappointed with his life. Scott plays the immature Wheeler with undisguised glee and Jane Lynch is entertaining as the no nonsense, reformed coke addict head of the child-mentoring group, Sturdy Wings. Mintz-Plasse brings an authenticity to his role as an outsider who gradually understands the importance of friends. And Bobb’e is heart breaking as a young boy who craves attention, even if it’s the negative variety. And one note about ‘the Kiss Factor’: there’s a wonderful connection between the rock band and Kiss-My-Anthia. You have to see it to appreciate it. So if you can overlook the profanity and nudity, you’re sure to enjoy “Role Models.” 11/16/08

The Duchess - 2 1/2 smiles

If you like period pieces, you’ll like “The Duchess,” starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes. Set in 18th century England, “The Duchess” plays like a Masterpiece Theater production, boasting superior acting, sets and costumes. If only it had a superior story to tell as well. Anyone familiar with historical romances knows that men make the rules and women, who have no rights, are obliged to follow them. So as the story unfolds, it has a been-there-seen-that feel. Georgiana Spencer (Knightley), the Duchess of Devonshire, is married to the Duke (Ralph Fiennes) before the age of 18. She becomes a favorite of London high society (dubbed ‘The Empress of Fashion’) and uses her celebrity status to advance the political programs of the Whig party. Unfortunately, Georgiana’s personal life is not as bright. She has presented the Duke with two daughters, not the son he wants. He rarely speaks to her and he has turned her best friend (Hayley Atwell) into his mistress. When Georgiana takes Charles Grey (Dominic Cooper) as her lover, she learns that in the male world of the 1780s, her options are much more limited than her husband's.

Even though the story is derivative, the acting is above reproach. Keira Knightley, comfortable in historical dramas, imbues Georgiana with spirit and charm. Ralph Fiennes brings a depth of feeling to a man so tightly repressed that he is unable to talk. Hayley Atwell has the most difficult role as her character balances between betrayal of a friend and staunch ally to that same friend. The sets are lavish and authentic looking and the costumes beautiful. This is the kind of movie that the Academy likes to recognize as Best Picture. And they might if they’re willing to ignore a story that lacks originality. 11/15/08

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - 2 smiles

“The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” should be heartbreaking, but it’s not. It’s a story that takes place in the middle of Nazi Germany, in Auschwitz, to be specific. It’s about man’s inhumanity to man. It’s about people who feel superior to other people. It’s about one of the most tragic events in history. And it’s about a little boy who really doesn’t understand what’s happening. So why isn’t “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” more distressing? Based on the young adult novel by John Boyne, director Mark Herman’s script tells its story through the eyes of eight-year old Bruno. And it is this perspective that gives the movie an artificial, storybook quality that undermines the seriousness of the subject matter. The conclusion shocks, to be sure, but more because of the story, not because of the horrors of Auschwitz.

Bruno (Asa Butterfield) is living a charmed life in Berlin as the son of a high-ranking Nazi soldier, when his father (David Thewlis) is suddenly transferred to a job in the country. Bruno and his sister and mother (Vera Farmiga) must join him at this new post. Bruno doesn’t understand why he can’t wander the grounds or play at a nearby farm. When Bruno sneaks away, he meets Shmuel (Jack Scanlon), who is also eight. Troubling to Bruno is why Shmuel can’t play with him and why he’s wearing striped pajamas. Worse, Bruno has begun to question his beliefs about his father being a hero. When he learns that Shmuel’s father is missing, the two concoct an outrageous plan that culminates in a devastating conclusion. The acting is strong - Farmiga and Thewlis are effective as are Butterfield and Scanlon. The perspective of the film requires that the images not be too startling and this results in the film’s biggest weakness. The oversimplification and muted quality make “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” no more than a minor tale set in a major historical event. 11/13/08

Captain Abu Raed - 4 smiles

Touted as the first Jordanian independent film to show in the West, “Captain Abu Raed” is a beguiling story of dreams, friendship, forgiveness, and sacrifice. Its strength is its simple story and well-developed protagonist. Abu Raed is a janitor at Amman’s International Airport, who one day finds an old pilot’s hat in the trash. The neighborhood children immediately assume that he’s a world-traveling pilot when they see him wearing the hat. Enjoying the children’s awe, Abu Raed begins to tell them stories of places he’s only read about. However, one boy, Murad (Houssein Al-Sous), who resents the sense of hope Abu Raed instills in the children, soon exposes the Captain as a fraud. Meanwhile, Abu Raed’s friendship with Nour (Rana Sultan), a real pilot, begins to grow as she deals with her own set of pressures.

The details of Abu Raed’s life are noteworthy. We follow him as he performs his daily tasks at work, takes the bus home, talks with his deceased wife, and reads before going to bed. We also observe his solitary rooftop tea sessions, and his humorous interactions with his peers at the airport. We become fully immersed in Abu Raed’s life and the movie is richer for it. Sawalha invests dignity and humor in his simple character, a man who cannot resist trying to help others in need. And Jordanian TV host Rana Sultan is effective in her film debut. “Captain Abu Raed” is a touching movie, with a compelling story and powerful performances. It ran one week for Academy consideration and I hope it will be in theaters in January or February. If not, I highly recommend a DVD rental. Subtitles 11/13/08

Quantum of Solace - 2 smiles

To say I was disappointed with “Quantum of Solace” is putting it mildly. I didn’t like anything about this latest James Bond effort and that’s sad because, as a fan, I was looking forward to this one. With Daniel Craig as the new James Bond in “Casino Royale,” the word went out that Bond was going back to his roots, going back to Ian Fleming’s conception of 007. No verbal quips, no gadgets, no indestructible super spy and while it worked in “Casino Royale,” it doesn’t here.

“Quantum of Solace,” for all its chases, escapes, fights, explosions, has a plot that’s nothing more than an angry spy out to get revenge. And this version of 007 is definitely one-dimensional – he’s a killing machine, quietly believable in his anger, but where’s the charm, the charisma, the fun? And without any of the creative Bond gadgets, director Marc Forster relies on his action sequences, which, unfortunately, are delivered in such a familiar fashion that it feels like you’ve stumbled into a Bourne movie, especially the chase across rooftops. (Although you do get one of each: a car chase, a boat chase, and an airplane chase with requisite explosions.) As the film’s chief villain Dominic Greene, Mathieu Amalric is unimpressive. Despite a creepy sneer, Greene is neither frightening nor intimidating. Model-turned-actress Olga Kurylenko is a perfect Bond girl – sexy and capable. She is a forceful screen presence and holds her own with Craig. Judi Dench returns as M. Ultimately, “Quantum of Solace” is the least satisfying Bond movie with the worst opening song of all time. 11/14/08

Passengers - 2 smiles

“Passengers” is a movie that relies on a twist ending and how well the narrative supports that conclusion is questionable. The movie’s saving grace is its cast. After a plane crash, a young therapist, Claire (Anne Hathaway), is assigned to counsel the flight’s five survivors. As they share their recollections of the crash, some include an explosion that the airline claims never happened. Claire becomes involved with Eric (Patrick Wilson), the most secretive of the passengers. And when the passengers start disappearing, Claire is determined to find out what’s going on.

Now, I agree the plot summary sounds intriguing, but it hinges on a twist at the end that creates more disappointment than pleasure. Hathaway is an accomplished actress and she effectively conveys Claire’s fear and determination and she and Wilson have believable chemistry. David Morse, as an employee of the airline who wants Claire to stop meddling, is menacing and Diane Wiest as Claire’s neighbor is downright creepy. “Passengers” would make a good DVD rental, but I wouldn’t rush out to the theaters to see it. 11/2/08

Slumdog Millionaire - 4 smiles

With “Slumdog Millionaire,” Director Danny Boyle has created a movie that is both engaging and highly original, producing a sense of time and place that is so fluid that you don’t notice when he shifts from one time period to another. And at its heart, this movie is a love story, but it’s also a mystery and a thriller. It’s hard to believe that a film that begins with such violence can end up being as enriching and enjoyable as this one. Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) is a poor boy from the slums of Mumbai who becomes a contestant on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Surprisingly, Jamal is able to answer question after question correctly, earning 10 million rupees just as time for the episode runs out. The next day he will return with a chance at the biggest prize. However, right after the show ends, the police take Jamal in for questioning, certain that he cheated. After being tortured, he explains how he knew the answer to every question. The result is a flashback-tour of Jamal’s life and we meet the two most important people in Jamal’s life: his violent brother Salim (Madhur Mittal) and the girl he loves, Latkia (Freida Pinto). As the story progresses, it becomes clear that “Slumdog Millionaire” is not about Jamal’s success on the quiz show, but whether there will be a happy ending.

“Slumdog Millionaire” has all of the elements that make it a dark horse Oscar contender. It has a wonderful story that vibrates with life, it’s superbly acted, and it’s full of the sights and sounds of exotic India. It pulls you into a fast-moving, engaging narrative that has its moments of heartbreak and tragedy, but is ultimately uplifiting and joyous. And the movie ends with a grand Bollywood song-and-dance number dares you to leave the theater in anything but a good mood. 11/5/08

The Changeling – 3 1/2 smiles

According to writer J. Michael Straczynski, the more he researched into the life of Christine Collins, the more he came to admire her courage, strength and perseverance. However, researching her story also led to “The Wineville Chicken Coop Murders.” And although he ended up with close to 6,000 pages of information, he wrote the script in 11 days.

Director Clint Eastwood delivers a revelatory drama and taut thriller with “The Changeling,” which chronicles Christine Collins’ (Angelina Jolie) search for her missing 9-year-old son, Walter. After five agonizing months, the police deliver a boy they claim is Walter. And they continue to ignore Christine’s pleas to continue looking for her son because the one they delivered is not Walter. You see, her son is not circumcised and is three inches taller. In addition, dental records and Walter’s teacher prove that the boy residing in Christine’s home is an imposter. When Christine tries to press her cause by questioning the police with the help of a powerful Presbyterian minister, Gustav Briegleb (John Malkovich), she is scooped up and sent to a mental asylum. The intent is to shut her up, but this backfires, especially when the story expands to include an investigation into Gordon Northcott (Jason Butler Harner), a serial killer linked to the deaths of 20 children.

The acting is superb, especially Jolie who grabs our attention and holds it throughout the film. As the detective who cracks the Northcott case, Michael Kelly is outstanding as is Jeffrey Donovan, who plays the corrupt LAPD captain who does everything he can to make Christine go away. Christine Collins’ story is remarkable, not just because of her brave fight for justice but because it reveals a blatant abuse of public trust. Much of what happens to Christine could not happen today; we’ve become much more cynical. Nonetheless, “The Changeling” is riveting. 10/23/08

RocknRolla – 3 smiles

Director Guy Ritchie’s movies are always about the inhabitants of London’s underworld and “RocknRolla” is no exception. However, “RocknRolla” is also a ridiculously fun movie, beginning with its energetic story, a crazily complicated tale of double and triplecrosses that involves Lenny, a mob boss (Tom Wilkinson), his drug-addict rock star stepson (Toby Kebbell), a Russian mobster (Karel Roden), his fruadulent accountant (Thandie Newton) and an assortment of low-ranking foot soldiers (including Gerard Butler and Idris Elba). Ritchie does not allow his plot to devolve into incomprehensibility although it could have. There’s a pair of American record executives, a valuable painting, some Russian thugs who are hard to kill, and a hilarious chase sequence where the participants eventually end up walking. And although the characters are not well developed, Ritchie invests them with enough humanity that they are real people and we care what happens to them. One note of interest is actor Mark Strong, who has a prominent role in “Body of Lies.” In “RocknRolla,” he plays Archie, second in command to Lenny and the film’s clever narrator. “RocknRolla” is a pleasurable way to spend a rainy afternoon – or a sunny one, for that matter. 11/1/08

What Just Happened – 2 smiles

“What Just Happened?” directed by Barry Levinson and written by Art Linson and based on his memoir, is a satirical jab at Hollywood. Unfortunately, it’s also one long in-joke and if you’re not on the inside, you don’t really find the events in this movie all that interesting or entertaining. Nor do you really care what happens to Ben (Robert De Niro), an A-list producer. You see, Ben is riding a tide of bad luck. Not only is his film ‘Fiercely’ in trouble – it shows a dog being shot in the head – the director doesn’t want to change it and studio head Lou Tarnow (Katherine Keener) is threatening to pull it from Cannes and cut it herself. His next picture might not get off the ground because star Bruce Willis has shown up overweight and sporting a beard and Willis has made it clear that he is not about to lose weight or shave. In addition, Ben is having trouble letting go of his ex-wife Kelly (Robin Wright Penn).

While much of what happens in this film – egos, backstabbing, box office vs. art – seems to be what happens behind the scenes of making a movie, the narrative is a series of vignettes and not interesting ones either. The cast, though, is top notch with De Niro playing not a tough guy, but a stressed out producer who is intimidated by an aggressive Willis. Sean Penn and Willis play exaggerated versions of their tabloid personas while Stanley Tucci, John Turturro, and Catherine Keener are effective in their small roles. Unfortunately, solid acting is not enough to make “What Just Happened?” an engaging movie. In fact, I’m betting you’ll be bored. 10/30/08