Wrath of the Titans - 1 1/2 smiles

“Wrath of the Titans” has a better storyline than its predecessor, Clash of the Titans, but that’s not really saying much and don't expect anything close to the mythology you studied in school. Although there’s no character development, there are a lot of explosions and special effects and director Jonathan Liebesman keeps the action hot and heavy. So you’re pretty involved as long as you’re watching it. Once you leave the theater, you realize the whole thing is pretty shallow. “Wrath” takes place several years after Clash of the Titans and Perseus (Sam Worthington) is living as a fisherman and raising his son, Helius (John Bell). But things are about to change when Zeus (Liam Neeson) asks for Perseus’ help. Apparently, humanity no longer worships the gods as much and the pantheon is in danger of losing its immortality. Plus Ares (Edgar Ramirez), who hates his father, Zeus, has joined Hades (Ralph Fiennes) to free the leader of the titans, Cronos. Of course, the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

Along with the return of the impressive cast from the first movie, there’s Rosamund Pike, who plays spirited warrior queen Andromeda and Bill Nighy joins the cast as Hephaestus, a fallen god who created the gods’ weapons. He brings much-needed comic relief. As for our hero, Sam Worthington seems to be the action flavor of the month. However, his Perseus broods a little too much and for much of the movie, he gets punched, beaten and pummeled. Lucky for him he’s half god otherwise he’d not survive. Skip the 3D and wait for “Wrath of the Titans” on cable. 3/31/12

Bully - 4 smiles

You have to wonder why “Hunger Games,” a movie about children killing children (and a movie I really liked) received a PG-13 rating from the Motion Picture Association of America while “Bully,” a documentary, received an R because of the use of profanity. This clearly illustrates that the MPAA’s system is too rigid and out of touch and loses sight of the bigger picture that “Bully” is attempting to address. Ask any child about profanity and he or she will tell you that it’s heard at school, on the playground, in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, profanity is a part of the real world whether we like it or not and using the number of times the F word is used to create a rating for “Bully” will prevent a large number of people, including teens/preteens, from seeing it. “Bully” is certainly difficult to watch. It shows real kids in real situations trying to cope with others that pick on them and hurt them, both physically and emotionally.

Director Lee Hirsch’s documentary presents five interwoven stories. The main story, which takes place in Sioux City, Iowa, focuses on 12-year-old Alex Libby, whose appearance is that of a typical ‘geek.’ He’s a timid loner whose biggest problems occur on the bus trips to and from school. He has become so accustomed to the bullying that he says, ‘It’s not that bad.’ His parents make repeated attempts to force the school to take action, but the vice principal is shockingly out of touch with the situation, believing that bullying can be fixed by getting the victim and the perpetrator to shake hands. Another story involves Kelby Johnson, a 16-year-old lesbian in Tuttle, Oklahoma, who has become an outcast since coming out. In a town where the Bible is of utmost importance, she has become the object of taunts and silent hostility. Ja’Meya Jackson, a 14 year old living in Yazoo County, Mississippi, has been bullied for so long that she finally brandishes a loaded handgun on a school bus to scare her bullies.

The other two stories involve the families of boys who killed themselves as a result of bullying. In October 2009, 17-year-old Tyler long hung himself in his bedroom. Following his death, his parents, Tina and David vowed to make speaking out against bullying their crusade. Not long after Tyler’s death, 11-year-old Ty Smalley of Oklahoma committed suicide and his parents, Laura and Kirk started an on-line anti-bullying organization. As this film shows, bullying is commonplace and the results are painful and sometimes deadly. However, bullies rarely recognize that they are part of the problem and it’s too easy for adults to say that it’s just kids being kids. The movie also illustrates the lack of understanding often exhibited by school officials and their willingness to coddle bullies rather than provide tangible consequences for a bully's actions. “Bully” provides an opportunity to gain a little first-person experience, provide opportunities for discussion and, perhaps, ways to solve a pervasive problem. For additional information, go to http://thebullyproject.com or see Featured Links below, right. 3/30/12

Jiro Dreams of Sushi - 3 1/2 smiles

David Gelb’s wonderful documentary, “Jiro Dreams of Sushi,” explores one man’s pursuit of perfection. Every day, Jiro Ono, prepares simple trays of raw fish and rice in Sukiyabashi Jiro, his 10-seat sushi bar, tucked away in a Tokyo subway concourse. ‘You have to fall in love with your job,’ Ono says. ‘You must dedicate your life to mastering your skill.’ One would think that earning three Michelin stars, the guide’s highest rating and first ever for a sushi-only establishment, would be enough for this 85-year-old chef. But Jiro literally dreams of better ways to serve his eel, tuna and octopus. And he expects his apprentices to serve ten years with him before he deems them sufficiently prepared to create sushi. In fact, one apprentice recalls cooking eggs 200 times before getting Jiro’s approval. That’s when he cried with gratitude. Jiro’s tiny bar is booked solid months ahead of time despite its daunting prices ($300 or more for a dinner).

Director Gelb also explores the relationship between Jiro and his two sons. The elder Yoshikazu has worked at Sukiyabashi for decades (he’s in his 50s now) and is expected to succeed his father when he eventually steps down or dies. Takashi, the younger son, apprenticed with his father and then opened his own sushi bar. Takashi seems less burdened by expectations and happy to be out from under his father’s shadow. “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” is a meditation on work, on finding one’s path in life and then walking that path with love and purpose. 3/22/12

The Hunger Games - 4 smiles

Because I’m a fan of Suzanne Collin’s young adult trilogy, I eagerly anticipated seeing “The Hunger Games” and I wasn’t disappointed. Set in an unspecified, post-apocalyptic future, “The Hunger Games” takes place in Panem, a nation constructed out of the ruins of North America and consisting of mostly impoverished districts and the prosperous Capitol. As punishment for an earlier uprising, and as a reminder of its complete control over its citizens, the Capitol demands that one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 from each district be selected via annual lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Now in its 74^th edition, this televised pageant of nonstop violence documents the 24 randomly selected teenagers killing each other until only one victor remains. This year’s female ‘tribute’ from District 12, a coal-mining center located in the former Appalachia, is Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), a 16-year-old who volunteers so that her beloved younger sister, whose name has just been called, will be spared. The male ‘tribute,’ Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) has had a crush on Katniss since childhood, unless, as Katniss suspects, that’s just a ruse designed to win favor from spectators of the Games. Katniss and Peeta are whisked off to the luxurious, sinister Capitol, where a candy-colored fashionista-type world hides the Fascist structure of the government. As Katniss and Peeta wend their way through the Capitol and prepare for the Games, they are assisted by Games chaperone Effie Trinkett (Elizabeth Banks), a blithering pink-wigged hypocrite whose job it is to shepherd them to their probable inevitable slaughter and their District 12 mentor, Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson), a former Games champion and a bitter alcoholic.

Two years ago, Lawrence played a similar character set in present-day Ozarks in Winter’s Bone. This association enhances Lawrence’s role here and she is believable as a young woman forced by circumstance to assume wisdom beyond her years. As Katniss, a tough loner who is strong but sympathetic, Lawrence shines and the movie is a success largely because of her skill. Director Gary Ross effectively walks a fine line between bringing The Games to the screen while avoiding much of the voyeuristic spectacle the story is supposed to be condemning. And the contrast between the wealth of the wildly privileged people living in the Capitol with the poor, Depression-like conditions of District 12 is a visual hit. And kudos to a strong supporting cast: Stanley Tucci is excellent as Caesar Flickerman, the lead announcer and MC of The Hunger Games. He’s both helpful to the tributes (making them sympathetic in their murderous quest) while still standing as a symbol for everything that’s wrong with Panem. Josh Hutcherson, last seen in The Kids are All Right, does a terrific job of playing the lovelorn Peeta. Lenny Kravitz is also effective as Cinna, Katniss’ stylist, a man who clearly understands the politics of the Games and uses this knowledge to benefit Katniss and Peeta. Liam Hemsworth appears briefly as Katniss’s best friend Gale, but you’ll see more of him in the next two installments. “The Hunger Games” tells a compelling story with a strong central character. You should read the books first, but you’ll certainly enjoy the movie if you haven’t. 4/23/12

21 Jump Street - 3 smiles

Who would have guessed that a remake of a 80s TV show and the pairing of the unlikely duo of Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum would result in an enjoyable movie. But that’s what you get with “21 Jump Street,” a self-aware goofy comedy. How self-aware? Early in the film, a surly police captain played by Ice Cube tells two new recruits that the force has resurrected a defunct program from 30 years ago that sent undercover cops into high schools. ‘It’s about recycling [stuff] from the past and expecting everyone not to notice,’ he says sourly. Schmidt (Hill) and Jenko (Tatum) are bumbling nerd and good-looking dullard, respectively, who were enemies in high school but have become best buds since going through the police academy together. When they are assigned to a high school to bust a drug ring, each seizes the opportunity, Schmidt to heal four years of rejection and Jenko to relive his past glory. What results is a role-reversal comedy full of jokes and sight gags when Jenko, instead of getting the ‘jock’ schedule, is enrolled in AP Chemistry and Schmidt ends up in drama.

Co-written and produced by Jonah Hill, it’s clear the “21 Jump Street” has obvious affection for teen genres and for teenagers. And although this movie is supposed to be an action-comedy with car chases and gun fights (which it does have), the movie works best as a commentary on the always baffling rules of youth culture and the odd-couple chemistry between Hill and Tatum. And Tatum is quite funny in a role that focuses on more than his pecs. Plus, Johnny Depp, who starred in the original TV show, has a cameo. Although “21 Jump Street” does have stupid comedy moments, it also has a genuine heart. However, it’s better if you see it with low expectations. Then you’ll be surprised like I was. 3/16/12

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen - 3 smiles

“Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” is a delightful comedy about love, life, faith and the courage to go against the flow. And the movie works because of the charm of the three leads: Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt and Kristin Scott Thomas. McGregor plays Dr. Fred Jones, a fish expert with Asperger’s whose marriage to Mary (Rachael Stirling) has grown stale. Blunt is Harriet Chetwode-Talbot, the British representative of a very rich sheik (Amr Waked) and the girlfriend of a British officer (Tom Mison) who has been declared MIA in Afghanistan. Scott Thomas is Bridget Maxwell, the P.M.’s publicity officer, who can turn any opportunity into a media event. Fred and Harriet are thrown together when they are recruited to work on the sheik’s dream project of importing salmon fishing to Yemen. Fred, while admitting it’s ‘theoretically’ possible, doesn’t really believe it can happen. Nevertheless, he is intrigued enough that he accepts project management for the massive £50-million endeavor. Along the way, Fred and Harriet fall I love, but, needless to say, their relationship is full of difficulties.

The film’s central relationship between the shy, awkward Fred and the optimistic Harriet is engaging and McGregor and Blunt make a most appealing couple. An added incentive is Kristin Scott Thomas, whose performance as a top-notch spin-doctor is pointedly on target and funny. Director Lasse Hallstrom balances both the dry logistics of getting salmon fishing to the Yemen as well as the emotional pull between Fred and Harriet. “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” will not disappoint. You’re sure to like it. 3/9/12

John Carter - 3 smiles

Contrary to most critics who panned “John Carter,” I really enjoyed it. I liked the pacing, the humor and depth of story. I liked the action sequences, the characters and, most of all, I liked Woola, a six-legged Martian hound who sort of resembles a bulldog. While some of the concepts are familiar (e.g., a visitor to an alien world who gets involved in the local politics, the inhabitants of an alien world resembling the residents of Earth, etc.), as seen in Avatar, Star Wars or the Star Trek, the first installment of the John Carter saga, upon which the movie is loosely based, was penned by Edgar Rice Burroughs in 1911. The film starts on Mars with a seemingly random action sequence before switching to 1868 America and John Carter (Taylor Kitsch) as an ex-confederate soldier who is searching for gold in Arizona when he is unexpectedly transported to Mars, called Barsoom by its inhabitants. A war is taking place between two cities with heavily tattooed human-like people: Helium (the good guys, devoted to peace and science) and Zodanga (the bad guys devoted to destruction and conquest). What neither side knows is that both are being manipulated by a race of immortal beings called Therns, who thrive on conflict. Meanwhile, John Carter finds himself captive of the Tharks, primitive martial creatures with green skin, four arms and tusks. Luckily for him, he discovers that, due to the weaker gravity on Mars, he has superhuman strength and the ability to jump great distances. Of course, John Carter becomes the catalyst to settle the raging war with the assistance of the Tharks.

This is director Andrew Stanton’s first live-action feature and his resume includes writing and directing Finding Nemo and Wall-E. His use of special effects is impressive as is the alien look of Mars. As the lead, Taylor Kitsch doesn’t disappoint, doing a more than adequate job as the reluctant hero. He is ably supported by Lynn Collins as the Martian princess John Collins helps, Dominic West as the sneering warlord of Zodanga, Mark Strong as the quietly malevolent leader of the Therns and Willem Dafoe who gives voice to Tars Tarkas, the Thark chieftain. Of course, the best performance goes to Woola and any movie that has a dog in it, even if it is a Martian dog, has my vote. 3/11/12

The Lorax - 2 smiles

Despicable Me co-directors Chris Renaud and Kyle Balda have inflated Dr. Seuss’ story about conservation into one stuffed with young love, action sequences and cute bear-like critters that expands the story but adds nothing to it. In the plastic city of Thneedville, people happily drive bulging SUVs and inflate plastic foliage in their front yards. And bottled fresh air is sold by the greedy tycoon O’Hare (Rob Riggle). Then one day, 12-year-old Ted (Zac Efron) vows to locate a real tree to impress his cute neighbor Audrey (Taylor Swift). The reclusive Once-ler (Ed Helms) agrees to help him, but not before launching into a lengthy narrative that includes how all he cut down the forest to make ‘thneeds,’ ugly multipurpose garments that ‘everyone needs.’ The Lorax (Danny DeVito) enters, explaining that he is nature’s defender and no one needs thneeds.

DeVito is a natural as the gruff, grumpy Lorax and he’s the only good thing about this movie. Yes, there are cute parts from a trio of harmonizing fish to the spunky grandma voiced by Betty White. Nonetheless, efforts to jazz things up with Ted zooming around on his scooter, the O’Hare subplot and even the addition of Audrey (Taylor Swift doesn’t even sing) merely make “The Lorax” longer than it needs to be. Seuss’s timeless eco-fable has relevance enough. Older children will enjoy this, but not adults. There were a couple of screaming little ones in the theater who didn’t care about “The Lorax” either. 3/6/12

Being Flynn - 1 smile

How entertaining can a movie be if both of the central characters are unlikeable? Robert De Niro plays Jonathan Flynn, a miserable guy with delusions of grandeur and no redeeming qualities. And rather than develop this character, De Niro gives us bombastic over-acting, which is odd given that the film is based on playwright/poet Nick Flynn’s 2004 memoir and adapted by director Paul Weitz. Nick (Paul Dano) is shaken when his long-absent father, Jonathan, casually reappears in his life. Brimming with narcissism and bigotry, Jonathan has little to offer in the way of fatherly affection and he continually brags to his son about a masterpiece he claims to be writing. But you never really learn why Jonathan is so egotistical and cruel to his son. Alcohol is involved, and probably mental illness, but there is no back story to know for sure. And neither is it clear why Nick’s loving mother (Julianne Moore seen in flashbacks) inexplicably commits suicide. No doubt there are more details in Flynn’s memoir, but Weitz neglects to include them. And Nick, a twenty-something, seems content to drift along, eventually taking a job at a homeless shelter, where he encounters his long-absent father. Added to Nick’s pain is the fear that he’s becoming like his father as he grapples with his own addiction problems. “Being Flynn” dishes out plenty of misery and by the time events conclude, you’re happy the movie is over. 2/15/12