Elisa's Review of "Up in the Air."
I don't think this was a "his" or a "hers" movie-I think Ben and I both were interested in watching "Up in the Air" as the reviews were very generous, the hype was good, and of course-George Clooney is the star.
George Clooney plays Ryan Bingham, a veteran employee at a corporation that specializes in terminating employees. Clooney's character has spent years traveling to small business where one person is let go, to large corporations where 20-50 people are fired. The role keeps Clooney's character busy, and constantly "Up in the Air" as he flies from one city to another. He does not own a home, is estranged from his family, and is only in a committed relationship with airline and hospitality industry loyalty perks.
And, he gets all the perks--the really good ones: Airline Club Rooms, Vip check-in at airports and hotels, complimentary rental car upgrades, everything you desire when traveling. While waiting in a hotel club room, he meets Alex. The female version of himself, their turn-ons include a one-up-game of who has the better membership cards. They quickly meet at a nearby airport hotel, fool around, and then look up available run-in dates while underwear-clad and staring into their laptops.
Back at the main office, recent college graduate, Natalie (played by Anna Kendrick) has streamlined the "firing squad." Employee termination can now be done over the internet (thanks Skype), thus grounding Clooney and his frequent-flyer aspirations.
Faced with the idea of "being grounded" Clooney begins to pounder his nomad lifestyle and relationships. The role of Clooney as a gun-for-fire and the resulting emotions displayed by those employees are fitting for the current economic times. Unemployment stretches between 9.9-19 percent accross the United States, clearly the movie hits with these uncertain times. A big plot reveal almost seems predictable while it is unfolding--but I secretly hoped it would not come true. Just as Clooney has delivered life-changing news to people throughout his career, he faces the realization that life can be unfair to him as well.
"Up in the Air" is a well written story and well-made movie. This is not an "alls well that ends well" film, but a depiction of the true realities of life. I recommend the movie--if you don't see it in a theater, most definetely check it out on DVD. It may be husband proof and definetely, is a conversation piece after viewing.
Ben’s Review of Up in the Air
Hollywood is very big on make up calls, especially in situations where it completely ignores very good films in order to make up for another very good film it missed the previous year. Up in the Air is a very good case in point. Director Jason Reitman (son of director Ivan Reitman and, basedon my Superhero Ex Girlfriend, infinitely more talented) came on to the scene a few years ago with the very clever and well performed Thank You for Smoking. Reitman followed this up with Juno, which was not quite as good as Smoking but still very well done, thanks in large part to a stellar performance by Ellen Paige. So now with Hollywood kicking itself for not paying more attention to Thank You for Smoking and Juno, it is ready to give every major award to Reitman’s latest feature Up in the Air. And with this appearing to be a very off year for critically acclaimed movies, Up in the Air may very well sweep most of the Hollwood’s major awards.
So here is the question, does this movie live up to the hype? Well…… sort of. Just like movies such as Office Space and Wag the Dog, this movie is firmly rooted in current events and will probably come off as dated if you watch it in ten years, provided we survive 2012 or robots have not taken over. George Clooney plays a corporate grim reaper who is hired to lay off employees at other corporations. If you have seen the trailers for this movie you know that George is happy with the fact that his job requires him to travel almost constantly and not really develop any long lasting relationships with anyone, including his family. Along the way, George meets a woman who appears to have the same interests: acquiring wealth; corporate and airline perks, and no definite commitments. George and her have several hook ups based on availability in eachothers schedules. George appears to be happy with his situation until he is forced to take a new protégé with him on the road in an effort to show her that in person firing is much better than being canned online. Predictably, George begins to realize, based on his sisters upcoming wedding and his protégé’s own realizations, that there might be more to life that constantly traveling and firing people.
So where does this realization take him and is the trip worth it, again well…… sort of. I was not looking for a huge payoff in this movie, but it does give you the sense that it is going somewhere and then….. sort of…. .kinda….. almost….. does. George Clooney is quickly becoming his generation’s Jimmy Stewart. Not really a character actor(with the exception of 2000’s Oh Brother Whereartthou), but he does a very good job at playing himself and really what more do you want? The story is a bit labored and in love with itself. This movie is not bad but it certainly is not extraordinary. If you can, I would wait for this to come out on DVD.
Side note, it is time for Hollywood award shows to cowboy up and start looking at movies that fall outside of the box. Because of the lack of critically acclaimed dramas, this may be the year that something like Up from Pixar gets the nod, and rightfully so. Pixar’s movies are not only cool to watch but, with the exception of Finding Nemo, are very well written and Up definitely deserves recognition beyond best animated feature. Also, for overall movie quality and originality, Inglorius Basterds and maybe even District 9 should be given some consideration. Just sayin.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
"Avatar" in 3D
Ben’s review of Avatar
After twelve years, James Cameron provides his newest feature length motion picture with Avatar. The first reservation that occurs with a movie such as Avatar is the amount of hype involved. There was a barrage of interviews, internet vignettes, product endorsements, and even a 60 Minutes piece all dedicated to celebrating Jim Cameron and his directing ability. Additionally, there has been quite a bit made about the new CGI and 3D technology being used and of course the usual statements such as “this is like nothing you have ever seen” made by the cast and crew of the movie. This kind of media blitz and self-aggrandizement usually leads to a let-down, ranging from medium (Wolverine) to colossal (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull). So this is why I was beyond thrilled when Avatar not only lived up to the hype but went above and beyond.
Avatar falls into the same category as several 70mm movies such as Lawrence of Arabia or 2001: A Space Odyssey, in that it is a visual spectacle. This is truly a movie that needs to be seen in a theatre and it needs to be seen in 3D. The viewer honestly forgets that they are watching CGI created landscapes and individuals. The aliens in this movie actually look, talk, and act like living, breathing, thinking, talking creatures. And the 3D is cool. There are not labored attempts overwhelm the viewer with objects flying toward them or John Candy trying to serve you pancakes (search youtube for Dr. Tongues 3D House of Slave Chicks). The landscape and aerial fight scenes are perfectly suited for 3D and make the extra $3 a ticket worth it.
But visual spectacle aside, is there a story to accompany all of the eye candy? Yes, and while the plot is tad bit predictable, this story of a realization of the greater good is served up in a new and interesting package. Sam Worthington, who stole the spotlight from Christian Bale earlier this year in Terminator: Salvation, plays Jake Sully, a paraplegic marine who is chosen for the Avatar program because of his DNA match to his recently deceased brother. The Avatar program clones alien DNA matches that with a human counter-part. The human then operates this clone through neuro-transmission process. Before you check out because of the sci-fi babble, there is coherent plot in the middle of all of this. Jake steps in for his brother because the military and the company funding the program, promised to fund an operation that can return Jake the use of his legs. The company is mining a unique ore that can be used in super conductors, however this ore can only be found on a planet inhabited by the aliens. The company and the marines need Jake to use his clone to convince the aliens to move out of their native area so this ore can be mined. Jake is able to befriend the aliens and soon realizes the flawed logic in moving these aliens out of their native habitat so a corporation can mine an ore. Yes you can make the Native American-rainforest analogy, however the story is fascinating and well presented. Moved along by the narration of its main character, Avatar runs almost 3 hours but you hardly notice because the pace of this movie is constant.
See this movie in an theatre and see it in 3D. You will be glad that you did.
Elisa's Review
My husband started talking about this movie weeks before I suffered through this cinematic nightmare. I felt tricked. How did I get talked into seeing another Sci-Fi movie? Especially, a Sci-Fi movie directed by "Titantic" James Cameron?
Many have people asked, if I liked the movie. And, I have an answer NO! The movie is a 3D combination of "Star Wars" meets "The Smurfs."
"Avatar" takes places on a fictional planet many light years into the future (Star Wars). The fictional planet, Pandora (NO creativity points for the name) is inhabited by natives, known as the Na'vi. Sidenote-during an HBO preview/behind the scenes special on "Avatar" it is revealed the Na'vi language spoken by the natives was "developed" by Cameron and some language specialist. Is this really necessary for a Sci-Fi film? Couldn't they just say they spoke a different language and magically understand what was being said through the magic of science-fiction?
The human race, pigs that were are, are mining a special ore found on Pandora. Due to some fancy science, and the evolution of cloning beyond Dolly the sheep, humans can transform into the Na'vi and are expected to assimilate into their culture--all for the ultimate goal of "conquer and destroy." Now,the really strange Sci-Fi part of this is, the humans stay in a device that looks like a cat-scan machine while their brains assimilate with a man-made Na'Vi body.
Did I mention the Na'vi are blue? (Smurfs) They live in the forests of Pandora (Smurfs), and have a great respect for nature (Smurfs.) It is discovered by the lead scientist played by Sigorney Weaver (what would a Sci-Fi movie be without her?) the Na'vi are somehow connected to the trees in the forest (again, Smurfs. Remember, The Great Oak?), and draw their strength and knowledge from the spirits living in the tree.
When it is revealed the humans want to destroy the planet for their own use and exploitation, the Na'vi try to fight back but are ultimately chased from their forest homes. At it's best, "Avatar" is a story of good vs. evil, cowboys vs. Indians, and Gargamel vs. Papa Smurf.
If you have to suffer through it because you watched too much HGTV or watched "The Devil Wears Prada" on DVD one too many times, at least pay to see it in 3D. The effects are somewhat interesting and make the experience a little novel.
After twelve years, James Cameron provides his newest feature length motion picture with Avatar. The first reservation that occurs with a movie such as Avatar is the amount of hype involved. There was a barrage of interviews, internet vignettes, product endorsements, and even a 60 Minutes piece all dedicated to celebrating Jim Cameron and his directing ability. Additionally, there has been quite a bit made about the new CGI and 3D technology being used and of course the usual statements such as “this is like nothing you have ever seen” made by the cast and crew of the movie. This kind of media blitz and self-aggrandizement usually leads to a let-down, ranging from medium (Wolverine) to colossal (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull). So this is why I was beyond thrilled when Avatar not only lived up to the hype but went above and beyond.
Avatar falls into the same category as several 70mm movies such as Lawrence of Arabia or 2001: A Space Odyssey, in that it is a visual spectacle. This is truly a movie that needs to be seen in a theatre and it needs to be seen in 3D. The viewer honestly forgets that they are watching CGI created landscapes and individuals. The aliens in this movie actually look, talk, and act like living, breathing, thinking, talking creatures. And the 3D is cool. There are not labored attempts overwhelm the viewer with objects flying toward them or John Candy trying to serve you pancakes (search youtube for Dr. Tongues 3D House of Slave Chicks). The landscape and aerial fight scenes are perfectly suited for 3D and make the extra $3 a ticket worth it.
But visual spectacle aside, is there a story to accompany all of the eye candy? Yes, and while the plot is tad bit predictable, this story of a realization of the greater good is served up in a new and interesting package. Sam Worthington, who stole the spotlight from Christian Bale earlier this year in Terminator: Salvation, plays Jake Sully, a paraplegic marine who is chosen for the Avatar program because of his DNA match to his recently deceased brother. The Avatar program clones alien DNA matches that with a human counter-part. The human then operates this clone through neuro-transmission process. Before you check out because of the sci-fi babble, there is coherent plot in the middle of all of this. Jake steps in for his brother because the military and the company funding the program, promised to fund an operation that can return Jake the use of his legs. The company is mining a unique ore that can be used in super conductors, however this ore can only be found on a planet inhabited by the aliens. The company and the marines need Jake to use his clone to convince the aliens to move out of their native area so this ore can be mined. Jake is able to befriend the aliens and soon realizes the flawed logic in moving these aliens out of their native habitat so a corporation can mine an ore. Yes you can make the Native American-rainforest analogy, however the story is fascinating and well presented. Moved along by the narration of its main character, Avatar runs almost 3 hours but you hardly notice because the pace of this movie is constant.
See this movie in an theatre and see it in 3D. You will be glad that you did.
Elisa's Review
My husband started talking about this movie weeks before I suffered through this cinematic nightmare. I felt tricked. How did I get talked into seeing another Sci-Fi movie? Especially, a Sci-Fi movie directed by "Titantic" James Cameron?
Many have people asked, if I liked the movie. And, I have an answer NO! The movie is a 3D combination of "Star Wars" meets "The Smurfs."
"Avatar" takes places on a fictional planet many light years into the future (Star Wars). The fictional planet, Pandora (NO creativity points for the name) is inhabited by natives, known as the Na'vi. Sidenote-during an HBO preview/behind the scenes special on "Avatar" it is revealed the Na'vi language spoken by the natives was "developed" by Cameron and some language specialist. Is this really necessary for a Sci-Fi film? Couldn't they just say they spoke a different language and magically understand what was being said through the magic of science-fiction?
The human race, pigs that were are, are mining a special ore found on Pandora. Due to some fancy science, and the evolution of cloning beyond Dolly the sheep, humans can transform into the Na'vi and are expected to assimilate into their culture--all for the ultimate goal of "conquer and destroy." Now,the really strange Sci-Fi part of this is, the humans stay in a device that looks like a cat-scan machine while their brains assimilate with a man-made Na'Vi body.
Did I mention the Na'vi are blue? (Smurfs) They live in the forests of Pandora (Smurfs), and have a great respect for nature (Smurfs.) It is discovered by the lead scientist played by Sigorney Weaver (what would a Sci-Fi movie be without her?) the Na'vi are somehow connected to the trees in the forest (again, Smurfs. Remember, The Great Oak?), and draw their strength and knowledge from the spirits living in the tree.
When it is revealed the humans want to destroy the planet for their own use and exploitation, the Na'vi try to fight back but are ultimately chased from their forest homes. At it's best, "Avatar" is a story of good vs. evil, cowboys vs. Indians, and Gargamel vs. Papa Smurf.
If you have to suffer through it because you watched too much HGTV or watched "The Devil Wears Prada" on DVD one too many times, at least pay to see it in 3D. The effects are somewhat interesting and make the experience a little novel.
"It's Complicated"
FINALLY---
After "Avatar," a new "Star Trek" and some miserable piece of cinema that involved Australia and alien-abduction, my husband went with me to a movie I wanted to see. And, after watching "It's Complicated" I may be forced to endure another weekend of NFL playoff games.
At first look, the movie almost seemed husband-proof: Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin are in it. The delivery of a new phone book has not been the same since "The Jerk." Plus, the funny guy with the long last name from "The Office" is in the movie. I thought I was safe. Meryl Streep plays the divorced and "happy about it" woman that has moved on since Alec Baldwin's character left her for a tall, thin, mid-driff baring creature to whom he married.
The divorced duo meet up with the rest of the family in New York City for their son's college graduation. Left alone while while the children plan and attend a kegger at the college brother's place, Meryl Streep decides to go it alone in the hotel restaurant. Baldwin's character is also traveling alone as the young wife's son Pedro came down with the stomach flu.
A quick scene in the hotel bar of drinks, food, drinks and drinks, leads to a bare-chested Baldwin in bed with a distraught and hung-over Streep. The affair is on! It should be noted, Alec Baldwin is looking good in this movie. Maybe even sexy. There must be up to seven scenes with him in his underwear. Expect a "Hanes" endorsement in his future.
Steve Martin appears as a recently-divorced architect hired to remodel Streep's gorgeous home. Baldwin declares he is in love with Streep. Love triangle chaos ensues.
The movie was cute, and definitely was a nice break from the Sci-Fi, bizarre cartoon, and violent film arenas. However, I was embarrassed for my husband as the middle-aged women filling the theater almost wet their pants from laughing each time a set-up occurred. There were some painful scenes involving Streep's girlfriends, to include Rita Wilson as a close friend, where cackling en masse occurred for really no reason.
Seriously, as cute as the film was, the best parts were in the trailer, and were rather predictable. It would help me out a lot, if someone could make an unpredictable chic flick.
Will I get to pick this next film? Most likely, not.
Ben‘s Review of It’s Complicated
It is always difficult finding a movie that both men and women can agree on seeing in a theatre. Unfortunately, It’s Complicated further expands this rift. Guys beware, if you have forced your wife and/or girlfriend to watch NASCAR, NFL Playoffs, of Avatar recently you may owe her an It’s Complicated. This movie is one of the worse kind of Chick-Flicks because it does not contain the usual giveaways such as casts consisting of Julie Roberts and Mathew McConaughey, trailers containing current pop cultural references, elderly people saying perverted things, or know it all children. To the untrained moviegoer, you may be fooled into seeing this movie thinking you are safe based on the cast. After all, Alec Baldwin was in Hunt for Red October, Steve Martin was in the Jerk, and Meryl Streep was in Sofie’s Choice. They are all capable of doing good work. However, from the beginning of It’s Complicated you know you have been had.
Meryl Streep falls into the usual clichéd character of the middle age woman who is sad about her fading looks and lack of social life. Alec Baldwin stars as her playboy ex-husband who years before divorced Meryl and married a younger sexier woman. The story takes shape when Alec Baldwin, in an apparent momentary loss of eye sight, ends up sleeping with Streep at one of their kid’s graduations. Steve Martin, most likely trying to avoid foreclose on his Hollywood home, is cast as the recovering from a divorce good guy. This is another chick-flick cliché which is done so the women in the theatre do not go out after the movie and randomly stab middle age men in the parking lot. Streep is inevitably caught in the middle of the Baldwin-Martin love triangle where she blows off work, smokes pot, and feels young again in a very baby boomer self involved manner. Insert a sarcastic know-it-all child and John Kransinki, who is rapidly becoming a chick-flick mainstay, and hilarity has to ensue!!!!
This movie is by no means the worse chick-flick ever made. It does have a few poignant moments including the Streep conversation with her kids regarding divorce. However, make no mistake, this flick is estrogen fueled. On my chick-flick scale, with one being Princess Bride and ten being Steel Magnolias, It’s Complicated rates a solid 5.5, better than Runaway Bride but not as good As You Can Count on Me.
As a side note, the only worse thing then having to watch a chick-flick is the audience you have to watch it with. This usually consists, of pissed off husbands and boyfriends, people owning all of the books Oprah has recommended, women who will laugh at everything, and people who have never seen a movie before.
After "Avatar," a new "Star Trek" and some miserable piece of cinema that involved Australia and alien-abduction, my husband went with me to a movie I wanted to see. And, after watching "It's Complicated" I may be forced to endure another weekend of NFL playoff games.
At first look, the movie almost seemed husband-proof: Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin are in it. The delivery of a new phone book has not been the same since "The Jerk." Plus, the funny guy with the long last name from "The Office" is in the movie. I thought I was safe. Meryl Streep plays the divorced and "happy about it" woman that has moved on since Alec Baldwin's character left her for a tall, thin, mid-driff baring creature to whom he married.
The divorced duo meet up with the rest of the family in New York City for their son's college graduation. Left alone while while the children plan and attend a kegger at the college brother's place, Meryl Streep decides to go it alone in the hotel restaurant. Baldwin's character is also traveling alone as the young wife's son Pedro came down with the stomach flu.
A quick scene in the hotel bar of drinks, food, drinks and drinks, leads to a bare-chested Baldwin in bed with a distraught and hung-over Streep. The affair is on! It should be noted, Alec Baldwin is looking good in this movie. Maybe even sexy. There must be up to seven scenes with him in his underwear. Expect a "Hanes" endorsement in his future.
Steve Martin appears as a recently-divorced architect hired to remodel Streep's gorgeous home. Baldwin declares he is in love with Streep. Love triangle chaos ensues.
The movie was cute, and definitely was a nice break from the Sci-Fi, bizarre cartoon, and violent film arenas. However, I was embarrassed for my husband as the middle-aged women filling the theater almost wet their pants from laughing each time a set-up occurred. There were some painful scenes involving Streep's girlfriends, to include Rita Wilson as a close friend, where cackling en masse occurred for really no reason.
Seriously, as cute as the film was, the best parts were in the trailer, and were rather predictable. It would help me out a lot, if someone could make an unpredictable chic flick.
Will I get to pick this next film? Most likely, not.
Ben‘s Review of It’s Complicated
It is always difficult finding a movie that both men and women can agree on seeing in a theatre. Unfortunately, It’s Complicated further expands this rift. Guys beware, if you have forced your wife and/or girlfriend to watch NASCAR, NFL Playoffs, of Avatar recently you may owe her an It’s Complicated. This movie is one of the worse kind of Chick-Flicks because it does not contain the usual giveaways such as casts consisting of Julie Roberts and Mathew McConaughey, trailers containing current pop cultural references, elderly people saying perverted things, or know it all children. To the untrained moviegoer, you may be fooled into seeing this movie thinking you are safe based on the cast. After all, Alec Baldwin was in Hunt for Red October, Steve Martin was in the Jerk, and Meryl Streep was in Sofie’s Choice. They are all capable of doing good work. However, from the beginning of It’s Complicated you know you have been had.
Meryl Streep falls into the usual clichéd character of the middle age woman who is sad about her fading looks and lack of social life. Alec Baldwin stars as her playboy ex-husband who years before divorced Meryl and married a younger sexier woman. The story takes shape when Alec Baldwin, in an apparent momentary loss of eye sight, ends up sleeping with Streep at one of their kid’s graduations. Steve Martin, most likely trying to avoid foreclose on his Hollywood home, is cast as the recovering from a divorce good guy. This is another chick-flick cliché which is done so the women in the theatre do not go out after the movie and randomly stab middle age men in the parking lot. Streep is inevitably caught in the middle of the Baldwin-Martin love triangle where she blows off work, smokes pot, and feels young again in a very baby boomer self involved manner. Insert a sarcastic know-it-all child and John Kransinki, who is rapidly becoming a chick-flick mainstay, and hilarity has to ensue!!!!
This movie is by no means the worse chick-flick ever made. It does have a few poignant moments including the Streep conversation with her kids regarding divorce. However, make no mistake, this flick is estrogen fueled. On my chick-flick scale, with one being Princess Bride and ten being Steel Magnolias, It’s Complicated rates a solid 5.5, better than Runaway Bride but not as good As You Can Count on Me.
As a side note, the only worse thing then having to watch a chick-flick is the audience you have to watch it with. This usually consists, of pissed off husbands and boyfriends, people owning all of the books Oprah has recommended, women who will laugh at everything, and people who have never seen a movie before.
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