"The Avengers"

Ben's Avengers Review After five movies, two casting changes, and a whole lot of speculation, the Avengers is finally here in 2D and 3D. That’s right the very ambitious culmination of the Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America has hit theatres. But how could such an endeavor ever be pulled off and is the Avengers worth the $13 bucks? The Avengers begins where Thor and Captain America left off. Thor’s jealous sibling Loki (played brilliantly once again by Tom Hiddleton), has disguised himself and returned to Earth to steal the _____, an energy producing cube that has the power to enslave the world. Loki steals the cube from Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and SHIELD and is trying to use it to enslave Earth with an army from an unknown neatherelm. Fury, knowing he is outgunned against Loki, decides he must enact the coincidentally titled “Avenger Initiative”. This results in the bringing together of Earth’s mightiest heros: Captain America, Ironman, Incredible Hulk, Thor, Black Widow, and Hawkeye. Some of these heros are ready and willing to step up to the plate i.e. Captain America (Chris Evans), Blackwidow (Scarlet Johasson) , and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner). Some of them need some convincing such as Tony Stark aka Ironman (reprise by Robert Downey), Thor (beefcaked by Chris Hemsworth), and the Bruce Banner, aka Incredible Hulk (taken over by Mark Ruffalo). Stark, still upset that he was originally thought to be too self centered to actually be on the Avengers, reluctantly agrees to help. Bruce Banner, always trying to avoid stressful situations, wants to help but only in a clinical role. Thor simply wants to take Loki back to Asgard. Of course Loki is not going to sit around and let the Avengers simply capture him. This coupled with Avengers’ problems working together make for quite a bit of Comic book drama. Will Loki prevail? Will the Avengers learn to get along? Would characters receive screen time and development or would the whole movie implode into something that resembles Mystery Men or Leonard Part Six? Was Joss Whedon of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly fame up for the task of directing such a feature? Would my wife divorce me after I made her stand in line on opening night and wear 3D glasses in room full dateless adult men and poorly supervised children? Well…. Yes. For those of us who sat through the other five movies and even those who did not, this movie was pretty darn good. This movie did a lot of things well. First, this script gives all major players ample screen time without appearing to do so. The story line is well developed and can be followed. Mark Ruffalo may have been the best Bruce Banner yet, and all of the characters play very well off of one another. The other thing that is appealing about the Avengers is that it has a sense of humor without being goofy. Where movies like Kick Ass came off too dark and Green Latern too comic bookie, the Avengers is serious enough to make want to follow the story but lighthearted enough to make you laugh. Beware, if you want to really enjoy this movie, you may want to review Thor and Captain America just so some of the technical jargon is not lost on you. Otherwise this was worth the money and a very good time at the movie theatre. Just a side note, make sure and stay for the whole movie, end credits and all. I give this movie 4.25 Mjolnir out five. *Something Extra- Iron Man 3 is set for next summer, Thor 2 is out next Thanksgiving, and Captain America 2 is set for 2014, just in case you were worried that there would not be more of these movies. Thanks Disney. Elisa's Avenger Review Well, it happened. I went to another comic-book- movie, “The Avengers.” In 3D. My husband reminded me every day for two weeks it was being released and to be ready. By ready, the husband meant that I would get tickets during lunch, and we would stand in line no later than one hour prior to the start of the movie to make certain we would have good seats. “The Avengers” is the ultimate in comic-book movie coolness. Marvel Comics Heros: The Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, and Thor join forces to fight the Norse god Loki. Much of the plot is based off the “Thor” movie released last Summer. You may recognize Loki as Thor’s brother, or from the Target commercial promoting superhero wares. Upset that he was banned from his Norse home, Loki has teamed up with some alien-type creature to take his revenge on Earth and his god-of-Thunder-brother Thor. In order to exact his revenge, Loki plots to take back the Tesseract. The Tesseract is a shiny crystal box with magical powers, specifically, it allows travel from space to Earth. Loki and the aliens take the shiny box from a super-secret military location causing death in destruction in the process. The only way to stop a Norse god and aliens is with superheroes. Nick Furry, acted by Samuel Jackson calls to action The Avengers to stop the total destruction of Earth. Tony Stark—Iron Man, is approached first at his recently constructed and self-titled Stark Tower. Scarlett Johansson’s spy/superhero character is sent off to bring in Bruce Banner—The Hulk. Captain America’s sense of patriotism is called upon and the group of superheroes is sent into action. The next few scenes of the movie are every comic nerd’s dream come true: A fight scene between Thor against Captain America and Iron Man in a Bavarian Forrest. Thor versus Loki all over Earth and Space. The Hulk and everybody, everywhere. The movie is really cool. It was pretty fun to watch The Hulk in action and hear the roar of nerds and little kids laughter. I was not a comic book reading Tomboy. I was a Barbie loving girly girl—and I have to admit the movie was fun, and gasp—the special effects, “were really cool.” The movie was filmed in 3D, not converted after the fact. We paid the premium price of $13 per person for the 3D and it was really fun. In fact, the whole movie is just really cool and really fun. Movies I Watch with My Husband....: "The Avengers"

50/50

Ben’s Review of 50/50
Once and a while you have to be willing to look outside of the box to find new and different ways of presenting a subject or type of movie. To do this a studio has to take a gamble on actors, directors, and even writers that are not the usually Hollywood fare. Enter Seth Rogen and his infamous writing partner Evan Goldberg, as well as a former writing partner Will Reiser, all three which met while writing for Sasha Baren Cohen on the Ali G show. Thus far Seth and Evan have brought us the teenage quest for alcohol epic, Super Bad, and the stoner-on-the-run buddy flick Pineapple Express. Both movies were met with mixed reviews and both have gone on to become cult classics. This time around, Rogen and company decided to take on subject matter that is a little less light hearted, cancer. This movie is loosely based on the real life events surrounding Will’s own battle with cancer. But can the Ali G gang take on a very serious subject matter in a manner that is light hearted but respectful of the subject matter?
50/50’s main character is Adam Lerner, played by Joseph Gordon Levitt. Adam resides in Seattle and lives with his aspiring artist girlfriend, played by Bryce Dallas Howard. Adam along with his slacker buddy Kyle, played by Seth Rogen, work for Seattle Public Radio. One day while jogging, Adam notices he has lower back pain. Worried about the lower back pain, Adam goes to his doctor for a check-up where he is told that he has a rare form of cancer. Adam is extremely puzzled by this because, up to this point, he has lived a very clean and vice free lifestyle to the point that he does not drive because of the danger that activity imposes. Adam’s girlfriend somewhat reluctantly states that she is there for him. Kyle also tells Adam that he will be fine and tries to help Adam, and himself, use the diagnosis to pick up women. Adam also has to tell his mother, played by Anjelica Houston, who immediately wants to move in with Adam but is talked out of doing so by Adam with assurance that his girlfriend will care for him. Adam begins meeting with a therapist, played by Anna Kendrick, who is currently working on her doctorate and Adam discovers he is only her third patient. Along the way Adam meets other chemotherapy recipients who he becomes friendly with as they show him the tricks of how to deal with cancer. The story follows Adam as he endures the trauma of Chemotherapy and learns who his friends are really and who cannot deal with his situation. So, was this foray into the serious a worthwhile gamble for Rogen and company?
Movies like 50/50 need to be view by everyone. Anyone who has dealt with cancer, either as a patient or someone who has known someone with cancer, can relate. 50/50 treats this serious subject matter in a fresh, respectful, humorous, and not overly dramatic matter. This movie is real and does not feel the need to be gratuitously sappy or gruesome, as so many other movies dealing with cancer have been in the past. This movie feels real because you not only see how Adam deals with this situation but also how his friends and family personalize Adam’s cancer. The acting flows and the script is extremely smart because it is not filled with heavy dialogue but instead contains natural speak. All the characters fit very well including the rare Matt Frewer sighting (Mr. Frewer is a renowned comedy writer and also the creator and start of Max Headroom). If the academy really wants to prove that it is in touch and is looking at being more than Hollywood throw back dramafest, then it needs to give a movie this well done consideration.
I give 50/50 4.75 macaroons out of 5.
*Something Extra- Joseph Gordon Levitt was not the original star of this movie. James Mcavoy actually began this movie and then had to leave because of “family” issues. Levitt stepped in with only one days notice.



Elisa’s Review of 50/50
After a Summer with what seemed to be an impossible amount of comic-book movies and an unfortunate turn of events with the best-named movie ever—“Cowboys and Aliens,” it is nice to get back into a thinking and feeling movie. Even if that movie has a 50/50 chance you will cry before the film finishes.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars alongside Seth Rogen in this true-life story of a 27-year-old battling cancer, a horrible girlfriend, fear of driving and a crazy mother, played by Anjelica Houston. Filmed in Seattle, those familiar with the Emerald City will enjoy spotting some favorite neighborhoods and hangouts throughout the film.
Adam, played by Levitt, and Rogen’s Character Kyle work for Seattle Public Radio. Adam, is the responsible employee, conscious about being on time to work, recycles, and in the opening scene waits on an abandoned street for a crosswalk sign to change before jogging to the next block. Kyle is the best friend who picks him up from work, and is the loud jackass at work. Adam’s wanna-be artist girlfriend Rachel, is played by Dallas Bryce-Howard. From the minute she speaks, the audience gets the feel that something is not right about her, and no love for her character is ever formed—rightfully so.
A healthy 27-year-old, Leavitt goes to the doctor for a remedy to recent back pain, he attributes to jogging. Instead, he is coldly told he has a large tumor growing along his spinal column. With no driver’s license, or wife, Leavitt rides the bus home to tell the news to Rachel. Next, he reports to Kyle, and then his mother. Played perfectly by Angelica Houston, you wonder why isn’t she is more current films? Evidently, unlike Steve Martin, she saved her money from the 80’s.
Adam is not mad at the world, and takes on the business of chemotherapy and cancer survival. When his very cold Oncologist only speaks into a dictation machine and uses Latin terms, he suggests Adam visit with a psychologist. Adam meets Katherine, played by Anna Kendrick—or that chick from “Up in the Air” (the George Clooney movie about the recession and people losing jobs). Adam discovers he is Katherine’s third patient. Ever. Kind of-- She is finishing her doctorate thesis and ultimately, he will be part of her research piece.
The cancer tormenting Adam is not the villain in this movie. Instead, Rachel, the artist/girlfriend becomes the person everyone hates. She is three-hours late picking Adam up from Chemo. She stays in bed asleep as he runs to the toilet to throw-up. She is out late at gallery openings, as he waits for her, bald and asleep on the sofa.
Kyle, who hated Rachel before the audience did, catches her making out with another artist type. He races to Adam’s home, and waits for Rachel to come home. Then he pounces on her with the IPhone evidence of her cheating heart. It may be one of the funniest “you are cheating on your boyfriend who has cancer” moments of all-time.
While Adam’s cancer certainly is the reason for the film: The film is not about cancer. The film is about the relationships, old and new surrounding Adam. His over-bearing mother wants to move in; Kyle wanting to use the cancer as a way for him and Adam to meet ladies and get lucky. The friendship formed with two other guys at Chemo over Marijuana-laced-Macaroons. His frustration with the cancer and his developing realization that everything may not be okay.
I do not want to give away the ending. There are gasp-for-air moments when you think you know how it is going to end. Several times during the movies, whether it is watching Adam wait in the rain for the bus after a Chemo treatment, or you watch his Alzheimer father not recognize Adam as he sits in the hospital, the movie does make you realize that life is not fair.
Whether you ball your eyes out has nothing to do with whether Adam lives or dies. The most touching male-on-male friendship scene since Jonah Hill carries Michael Cera as they runaway from the police in Super Bad happens in Kyle’s bathroom as Adam finds a book about dealing with cancer. The pages are dog-eared and portions underlined. You realize Kyle is the great friend, who does more than provide Adam with medical grade marijuana.
On a political side, it is interesting the movie so easily discussed the use and delivery of medical marijuana, as if controversy on the topic did not exist. In comparison, the word insurance was never mentioned in the film. We have no idea whether Adam was provided covered after taking a leave of absence from Seattle Public Radio, if he was receiving medical coupons, or if his cancer treatment would leave him bankrupt.

Super 8

Ben’s Review of Super 8
JJ Abrams may very well be his generation’s Steven Speilberg. He was able to provide a fresh take on the Monster movie in Cloverfield and reboot the Star Trek franchise in a way that even non-Trekkie fans could enjoy. So obviously the next step would be to collaborate with Steven Spielberg to give his take on an alien movie. This is not only a good move for Abrams but, judging from the last Indian Jones movie, a great move for Spielberg. With quite a bit of mystery, Abrams backed by Spielberg, brings Super 8 to try and go 3 for 3 on the sci-fi front. But can Abrams pay homage to Spielberg without outright copying him?
Set in 1979 Ohio, Super 8 opens with a funeral for the main character, Joe (played by newcomer Joel Courtney), mother. Joe takes solace with his friends who are filming a zombie movie for the Cleveland amateur movie festival on a Super 8 film camera. Charles, Joe’s friend and director of the Zombie film (played by another newcomer Riley Griffith), reads that movies need more plot to stand out in film festivals. Charles decides to bring in a girl, Alice placed by Dakota Fanning sister Ella, to play the love interest for the zombie hunting lead character. Even though she is not old enough to drive, Alice takes her father’s car sneaks out at midnight with Charles, Joe and the rest of the gang to film a climatic good bye scene at a train station when an actual train comes by. Eager to catch the footage of the train, the kids set up and start filming when a pickup truck drives head first into the train causing a derailment. The kids narrowly escape the train derailment and agree not to speak out the incident. However, strange incidents start happening around town including people disappearing and all the dogs in town running away. Soon the military comes in to investigate and contain the train wreck. Joes father Jackson, played by Friday Night Lights Kyle Chandler, is a deputy police officer who is left in charge when the police chief goes missing. The military is not telling Jackson anything and more and more people go missing. Things really take a strange turn when kids develop the film from the train derailment and catch a glimpse of something very alarming. What is causing the disappearance? Do the dogs comeback? Does the mystery get solved and is worth the wait?
As you may have already heard, this movie has been billed as the new E.T. This movie is much more of homage to Close Encounters of the Third Kind, down to the setting and the time of the movie. This movie is set up for disaster because it revolves around mystery and not letting the public know much of anything before they see it. Additionally, the movie relies heavily on the acting ability of children which, if you have seen anything made by Disney in the past 40 years, you know sarcastic overacting scene stealing children can destroy a film. Fortunately, J.J. Abrams knows what he is doing. The movie is believable because the story is the focus. It has quite a bit of heart without beating you to death sappy scenes. The mystery is very cool and pays off. Additionally, the kids in this movie are funny, quirky, and, most importantly, do not over do it. They swear, goof on each other, and act like kids. The special effects and the actors move this story along. While this movie may not quite rise to the same level of Close Encounters, it is good and a lot of fun to watch.
This movie gets three and a half reeses peeces out of five.
* Something Extra- The next Star Trek script is done and filming is set to begin shooting later this year with J.J. Abrams at the helm.


Elisa’s Review of Super 8
Well, another science fiction movie has come and gone, and I am just thankful it was a movie that was not based on a comic book. JJ Abrams of Alias fame and the ability to make Star Trek tolerable collaborated with Steven Speilberg as director to produce a sci-fi version of “Stand by Me.”
The film is rotten with special effects: huge train derailment scene and about 10 monster-people chases too many. Sans the green screen, the heart of the movie centers around a group of guys who are just trying to get through the late 70’s in middle America. Joe, whose mother just died in a warehouse mis-hap is looking for structure and love from his Police Officer Father. He spends a lot of time at the “Leave-it-to-Beaver” home of his friend Charlie, who is fascinated with producing/directing/writing a Super 8 movie for the Super 8 festival.
Super 8 refers to a type of movie camera used at some point before camcorders arrived. Joe, Charlie and their buddies set about making a zombie movie with a love story. Needing a girl to play a love interest, they seek out Alice, played by Elle Dakota, sister to Dakota. Alice is somewhat of a loaner, drives her father’s car, even though she does not have a license, and has acting ability beyond basic zombie attack skills.
Setting up to film a scene at an abandoned train stop just out of town, the group is filming when an approaching train is derailed by a wild-driving truck racing down the tracks. Train cars go flying, explosions abound, track comes flying off, in the most unrealistic, crazy use of special effects I have ever, I have watched in the last two weeks.
After the train derailment, the Army moves into town and tries to quietly detain whatever was in the train. The audience knows it is something bad, because the Army guys do not smile and are not friendly to Joe, Charlie and his buddies. Curfews are imposed, buildings are locked down, and people are removed from their homes. Similar to the United States Government evacuation of White Bluffs in Eastern Washington during World War II, the town is decimated before the end.
Super 8 is a great date-night movie Monsters and special effects for him, and well-written story of friendship, love and growing up for her. Did I need to see this movie in a theater? Probably not. The special effects seemed over-kill and unnecessary to the actual story line. Although, it is refreshing to sit through a move with a story line. Could I have lived my life without watching this movie? Maybe. The themes of friendship, laughs, teenage angst, and child versus adult reminded me of so many movies I loved growing up, “Goonies,” “Stand by Me,” “Emperor of the Sun” and “E.T.” that I must think “Super 8” is a movie that will hold its own against green screen effects over time.

Hangover II

Ben’s Review of Hangover II
If the first movie is good then why not try duplicating it again. If you bring back the exact same cast, director, and writer then you simply cannot lose. This was most likely the thinking behind the Hangover II. And why wouldn’t a movie studio think this? The original Hangover is the highest grossing rated R comedy of all time and the best selling comedy DVD of all time. This movie also jump started the movie careers of Bradley Cooper, Zack Galifinakis, and Ed Helms into hyper drive. With all of these accolades and a beloved cast, a sequel was merely academic. So a hilarious sequel is guaranteed right? Well….
The Hangover II begins with the revelation that everyone’s favorite Hooker marrying Dentist, Stu once again played by Ed Helms, is getting married in Thailand. Coincidentally, all of his friends from the Wolf Pac are invited, except for Alan, reprised by Zack Galifiinakis. Through some very tough convincing, Stu relents and invites Alan to the nuptials. So the gang goes to Thailand to marry off Stu. Stu, aware of the problems that can be caused by a bachelor party, refuses to partake in any pre-wedding festivities except for a beer with the guys on the beach and, of course, this is when everything goes wrong. The wolf pack wakes up in Bangkok with no recollection as to how they arrived there and must once again piece together the previous night’s activities and find the missing party member, this time Stu’s future brother in law. The three musketeers of debauchery once again have to check their pockets and rely on locals figure to learn the whereabouts of Stu’s brother-in-law. So is the Wolf Pac in Thailand a can’t miss premise?
(CAUTION SPOILERS FOLLOW) The original Hangover was a very original and well put together movie. It was truly hilarious because it had surprise after surprise which kept the audience riveted to their seats to see what would happen next. The problem is that the Hangover II does not offer anything new. It is literally the exact same premise and plot in everyway. Not only were almost all the gags the same but they occurred in the same order as the first movie. There were no real surprises just more of everything. The loan bright spot was a whole lot more Mr. Chow played by Ken Jeong The only real difference between the two movies is that the disturbing events that happen to the characters are truly disturbing to the point where they almost lose the humor.
I truly wanted to like this move but it came across as uninspired and just plain lazy. I give it two roofies out of five.

Elisa's Review of the Hangover II

"The Citizen Cane" of bachelor party movies touted "Rollingstone" magazine, in its review of the original "Hangover." When I meet people who have never watched the movie, I become so jealous that soon they are going to watch and experience each scene and laugh that full-body wet-their-pants laugh that only a first-time viewing provides. I can watch the same scenes, over and over on HBO--Is there anyone who doesn't want to experience Alan asking the clerk at Ceasar's "is there a phone bank in the hotel" for the first time again?
It was this built-up adoration for the antics Ed Helms, Zach Galifan...whatever, and Cooper Bradley, that provided the excitement for the sequel. Could these guys be as funny again? Could Sin City be replaced with Zen-City Bangkok? The answer, I am sad to report, is a solid, and loud, "NO."
It wasn't funny. I laughed in one part out of sheer exhaustion from holding in my cheer for 45 minutes. And, I am pretty sure what I laughed at was a complex penis joke, or a gay sex joke. It was a stretch. It was..not funny.
The studio, actors and writers cannot be blamed. Clearly, large wads of money were thrown at them to make this piece of cinema garbage. It is important to know two of the original writers, out of a team of three, did not participate in the sequel. Evidently, they were the clever and smart duo of the oringal threesome. They should receive an Oscar for "Best Decision Ever made."
The movie is so stagnant and boring, it seems as though the writers went scene-by-scene from the original outlining the movie. Or, it is possible they pulled up the original screen play and did a "Find/Replace" search finding "Las Vegas" and replacing it with "Bangkok." Finding "Tiger" and replacing with "monkey." Replacing "stripper" with "tranvestite hooker."
While the movie feels stagnant and boring, the plot is simultaneously rushed. There is no development as to when/where/how/why the boys are in Bangkok. There is no blury wake-up. It is a fast panic. Face Tatoo? Not that funny. They needed Liam Neason.
The story is canned and the laughs are cheap. Wait to rent it, HBO it, or watch the edited-for-TV version and save your tears. Hopefully, "The Hangover" franchise will not follow the four-peat sequels of another hilarious sleeper hit "Meatballs." There does not need to be a Zach Galifanik..whatever scene with Joan Rivers.

"THOR"

Ben’s Review of Thor

It’s summer movie time and starting off this season of 3D, popcorn based, quadrophonic, cinematic, enormity is Thor. This ode to Val Halla stars relatively unknown Chris Hemsworth as Thor the arrogant but soon to be humbled God of Thunder, Anthony Hopkins as Odin King of the Gods, Natalie Portman (this year’s winner for best actress in a porno/weirdass ballet film) as Thor’s love interest Jane, a foppy british guy as Loci Thor’s strange brother, Stellan Skarsgaard as an underutilized actor, and that snotty girl from the 40 Year Old Virgin as Natalie Portman’s side kick. Mix this cast of characters with Thor’s loyal army composed of three other actors and you have very well rounded cast… for a popcorn movie.
The movie opens with Jane and her intern investigating an atmospheric disturbance in the New Mexico desert. Upon investigation, they run over Thor, but how did he get there? Flashback to Thor about to named king of wherever he is from by his father King Odin. However, before Thor can receive the crown, the ice people try to break in to steal an ancient relic that is also the source of the ice peoples’ power. Thor wants vengeance for this attempted break in but his father tells him to calm down. Thor’s brother Loci also tries to calm him down however, Thor being Thor, decides to attack the ice people anyway. After battling to a draw, King Odin takes Thor and Loki back to his kingdom and banishes Thor for his arrogance to the one place where he cannot cause trouble, Earth. Unfortunately, Thor’s banishment was part of an evil plot to take over the kingdom. Can Thor get home? Is the kingdom doomed? Are the parallels between this movie and He-Man as apparent to everyone else?
This movie has a very troublesome start in that it appears to be heading the way of Dungeons and Dragons or the Last Airbender where there is way too much to know about Thor’s home world and the magic and fantasy that goes along with it. But the movie very quickly delves into a somewhat believeable explanation as to how Thor’s world intersects with Earth. More importantly, this movie does not dumb down the action and never becomes goofy. Because of the fanciful nature of the movie, it does not rise to the level of the Dark Knight however not every superhero movie needs to be. This movie is well acted, very well paced, and most importantly, you do not need to know anything about the comic to follow the story. It is on the same level as the original Ironman and the most recent Star Trek.
I give this movie three and a half Val Hallas out of five.
*Something extra- Chris Hemsworth earned this role for making a 5 minute appearance in Star Trek and Captain Kirk’s father.



Elisa's Review of "Thor."

Clearly, “Thor” was not my movie selection. We take turns. I agreed to see “Thor” for two reasons: Ben would have to agree to see a chick-flick movie of my choice; and I was secretely hoping “Thor” was the sequel to the classic 80's movie, “Adventures in Babysitting.”
Ten minutes into the movie, I realized Elizabeth Shue was not reinventing her career in this Marvel comic movie. Also, I thought I made a huge misjudgment in agreeing to sit through ANOTHER comic book movie, as most chic-flick movies are not interesting enough to be a trade for the misery I was suffering. However, I settled down and actually enjoyed the movie.
Ladies, this is a comic book movie that is tolerable. The title character, Thor is the son of a famous Nordic God with an evil brother. Thor is set to inherit the kingdom his father reigns over, but instead, is banned to Earth as punishment. On Earth, he meets Natalie Portman’s character who is some type of graduate student studying astronomy or night-time tornados. Side note—Natalie Portman is MUCH better in her role as the graduate student then she was in the soft-porn and HIGHLY overrated “Black Swan.”
Predictably, Thor and Portman’s character have some type of weirdo comic-book character/human attraction and he ends up fighting to help her graduate student cause against the government. Then he gets to go back to his Nordic planet.
The story and movie is well-presented. The scenes of the Nordic land and Earth alternate and presented in an interesting and logical pattern. Thor is played by an Australian actor who resembles the character “Smith” from “Sex and the City” fame. Anthony Hopkins acts the role of the Nordic god very well. Rene Russo does a nice job in a very few scenes in the role of Thor’s mother—sustaining my belief that she blew through her “Lethal Weapon” money and lost the rest of her cash in the Mel Gibson pyramid scheme. 

The Town

Elisa's Review of "The Town"

I love a movie that makes me think while I am watching it, a replays over and over in my head afterwards. Naïve’ reviewers have made several comparisons to “Good Will Hunting” most obviously because of the involvement of Ben Affleck and Boston in both. While GWH was a brilliant film set in the academia worlds of Harvard and MIT, “The Town” was adapted from Chuck Hogan’s novel “The Prince of Thieves,” and
is an old-fashion, shoot ‘em up bank robber film. There are no modern-day “Hacker” heroes” downloading shift schedules, bank accounts, and reprogramming surveillance cameras. Instead, this is a movie about the struggles and acceptance of life-long friends who grew up in drug-infested, crime-ridden Charlestown. However, Charlestown is more to the storyline of “The Town” than just a place. The Boston neighborhood is a character in the movie: A place where bank robbery is handed-down through generations, drug addiction is rampant, and the ice rink is only used for kick-ball.
An IN SHAPE Affleck is joined by Jeremy Renner, known for his break-out role in the 2010 Oscar-wining film “The Hurt Locker.” Renner’s role, as James “Jem” Coughlin. Life-long friends. Dough Mackay play by Affleck and Jem are the “leaders” of an efficient, and experienced bank robbing team who are sent and jobs by the “Mob Boss” of Charlestown, “The Florist.”
The Florist, who actually has a flower shop in Charlestown, is an old time “Townie” who picks the take and demands a cut of every “job” the team takes.
Masked, the group commits a brief and quick robbery at a bank across the river. A young bank teller played by Rebecca Hall is selected to open the vault. Unable to collect herself to remember the combination, Affleck takes her hand and reassures her she will be fine if she remains calm. After emptying the vault, the bank teller is ordered to the ground with everyone else, using her toe, she sets off an alarm during the heist. She is taken as a hostage, blindfolded and is rushed across the river and back to Charlestown, where she is released on the shore of the Charles River.
One day after the successful heist, the group meets up at a defunct ice-rink to discuss the job. Jem produces the young teller’s identification card, only to inform the group her address is in Charlestown, increasing the possibility she could see one of the thieves on the streets and recognize them. Concerned Jem’s method of taking care of the teller is final, Affleck volunteers to watch her. And he does—creating a sweet and unlikely romance between the innocent bank teller and the doomed bank robber.
It is hard not to love Affleck’s Bostonian accent and his portrayal of a drug-addicted, bad-Irish boy turned good. The relationships between Affleck’s character, his friend Jem, and his ties to Charlestown, keep the viewer engaged in his compelling struggle. The bank robberies and chase scenes will have you holding your breath as you hope the bad guys somehow will become the good guys, to fight the bigger bad guys running Charlestown.

Ben's Review of "The Town"

With the success of "The Departed" there has seemingly been an influx of Boston based movies within the past five years, and with movies such as "The Fighter" set to hit theatres in December, is it possible for Ben Affeck to sneak in with some Beantown success? Well do not forget that Ben Affleck and Matt Damon effectively started the Boston movie trend with their break out hit "Good Will Hunting." Affleck admitted to doing movies only for the economic return in the early and mid 2000s and, since the success of his first directorial debut, 2006’s dark and fascinating child abduction caper "Gone Baby Gone," he has largely stayed out of acting, appearing only in cameos and bit parts such as "Clerks II," "Smokin Aces," and "He’s Just Not that Into You." So part of the allure of "The Town" is whether or not Affleck can direct and star in a movie without it turning into a vanity piece. More importantly is the movie worse seeing?
"The Town" is set in the Boston neighborhood of Charlestown which is notorious for housing the majority of Boston’s bank robbers. Affleck plays Doug, the very calculated and quick thinking architect for a crew of bank robbers. During one of their routine robberies, they are forced to take a bank manager Claire, played very well by Rebecca Hall, hostage. After dropping the hostage off the crew discovers that Claire actually lives in Charlestown. The crew’s muscleman James, played by Jeremy Renner, volunteers to “take care of it”. Knowing James’ pension for killing without remorse, Doug says he will handle the matter and begins trailing Claire to insure that she does not engage in any action that may result in the crew being reported to the FBI. One night while following Claire into a laundry mat, Doug inadvertently engages in a conversation with Claire and realizes that she probably will not give any leads to the FBI. Having been quite taken with Claire, Doug asks her out and they begin dating. The problem is the FBI, headed by Adam Fawley, played by John Hamm, is still trying to find the bank robbers and is still following and questioning Claire.
The crew continues to rob banks but Doug begins to grow tired of the stress involved with planning these heists as well as the unpredictability of James’ actions and temper. Doug makes a plan to get out but complications involving his on again off again girlfriend, the FBI, and the crime boss who finds the bank jobs all make leaving his life in Charlestown far more difficult than he imagined. So can Doug get out? Will Claire discover who really is? Will Matt Damon receive producing credits?
The genre of Heist movies is always ripe for clichés such as the “one last job scenario”, the “I am going to be found out at any point” issue, and of course the “loose cannon crazy gunman”. The beauty of The Town is that it contains all of these clichés but presents them in a very refreshing way. The movie’s main character does not set out to do one job and get outs scenario but comes to this realization very organically. The tension of being found out by the FBI and Claire is done by setting very believable events in motion in motion. Renner’s muscleman character is not over the top and is given a back story as to why he is not bothered by having to hurt other people. While comparisons could be made to "Heat," "The Town" truly stands apart because its pacing is well done and the back story and characters do not over complicate or over simplify the story. There are very strong, albeit small, performances by Chris Cooper as Doug’s imprisoned father, Pete Postelthwaite as the Irish crime boss, and a surprising Blake Lively as the drug addict girl friend. Additionally, and don’t let this get out, Affleck can act. If you have seen "Good Will Hunting," "Dazed and Confused," or even "Sum of All Fears" he can be a very convincing actor. Affleck is now proving that, with right director, he is not too bad at making movies.

4.25 die packs out of 5 and worth seeing in a theatre.

Inception

Ben’s Review of Inception

Chris Nolan has been on a major role since bursting onto the scene with 2001’swonderfully twisted story in reverse, Momento. Since Momento, Nolan has put together film noir blockbuster with Insomnia, Batman Begins, The Prestige, and of course the second highest grossing movie of all time and major league Oscar snub The Dark Knight. All of these movies are well written, well acted, and well paced. Most important, all these movies adhere to my number one rule in fictional story telling, they take the unbelievable and make it believable. So, like any pessimistic person I have to wonder how long can Chris Nolan maintain this streak. Even Steven Spielberg has done movies like Hook and 1941.
Inception is Chris Nolan’s most ambitious endeavor to date. Leonardo Dicaprio stars as Dom Cobb, a person who has perfected the art of what is known as “Extraction”. This is the ability to share in another person’s dream and steal that person’s secrets. Cobb is joined by his team of fellow extractors who each play a role in helping steal the various secrets of each victim. Cobb mainly works in corporate espionage extracting secrets for various clients. Extractions are typically elaborately set traps in which one extractor, known as the “Architect” designs a maze to lure the victim in to revealing the secret. Additionally, there are dangers involved such as once a person’s subconscious realizes that they are sharing a dream it attempts to kill the extractor. Additionally, if a person is killed in a dream typically they wake up unless the sedative that extractor takes is too strong, in which case you lose your mind. Also, it is possible to extract from a dream within a dream.
Cobb has gained a reputation for being a very good extractor but he is carrying a lot person of baggage based on past events. One of these past events prevents Cobb from returning to the United States and seeing his children. Another is the death of his wife. Cobb is presented with an opportunity to do one last job with the payoff being his ability to return to the United States. However this job is different, instead of extracting an idea, Cobb is hired to plant or incept an idea into the head of a victim. Cobb’s team does not believe it can be done but they are willing to try. This type of task requires planting a dream inside a dream inside a dream inside a dream. So, can this inception be done? Can a concept this complicated be made believable? Can anyone with an IQ under 340 follow this plot?
Inception takes a concept like a dream inside a dream inside a dream inside a dream and makes it work. This crazy seemingly unbelievable concept of being able to share someone’s dream and deal with the various rules and boundaries is one hell of task. Inception makes this concept work and does it without bombarding the audience with CGI effects or overly dramatic acting and scenes of various characters staring in awe. This movie is not the Matrix or Avatar and what makes it absolutely great is that it does not try to be. Its concept is original and occurs organically thus making it fascinating to watch. Additionally, Chris Nolan’s refusal to cram in needless special effects and use live action sequences greatly adds to the believability of this movie. A case in point is the now famous Joseph Gordon Levitt’s zero gravity fight during a sequence where one dream is being affected by the physics of another. Also, I can honestly say that I think I understood most of this move as it occurred. There are solid and not overly done acting performance from the aforementioned Dicaprio and Levit, as well Ellen Page, Ken Wantabe, Michael Cane, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, and a dark Marion Cotilard. This movie may be worth catching a second time just to see what is missed.
I give it 4.75 sedatives out of 5 and recommend that potential moviegoers not be intimidated and enjoy the ride.
Something extra: this movie contains two up and coming actors that are ready to get the due each deserves. The first is Tom Hardy. If you have not seen last year’s Bronson make time to so. It is an acting clinic and something that most actors simply are not capable of pulling off. The second is Joseph Gordon Levitt. Forget about 500 Days of Summer. 2007’s the Lookout is and outstanding crime caper and is anchored by Levitt’s lead performance. Also, if you are looking for great modern day noir, 2006’s The Brick is as twisty and turny as it gets. Both these actors have quite bright futures ahead of them.

Elisa's Review of Inception

I think it is pretty clear by now that I am not a huge science-fiction fan, my suspension of disbelief is fairly limited and special effects do not really turn me on. The green-screen phenomena seems like cheating. Considering this, I was not too excited about Ben’s obsession with seeing the heavy-with-effects Inception. However, after watching an HBO “Behind the Scenes” special showing the director’s use of real-life effects and lack of green-screen explaining the real-life processes involving to be create the effects sans green screen, I was game.
Leonard Dicaprio (known to me as the guy that replaced aging Kirk Cameron on Growing Pains) leads a gorgeous nearly all-male cast the includes Joseph Gordon Levitt, of Third Rock from the Sun fame, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, and Michael Cane. Instead of the stereotypical tall blonde femme fatale, Ellen Page of Juno is cast as an intelligent and imaginative architect.
Working as an ensemble cast, the group employs themselves as real-life dreamweavers, aka Extractors. Typically hired by Fortune 500 executives to extract trade secrets and the like, from the subconscious of the mark as he or she sleeps—dreams.
Hiding out after a turn of bad luck with an Asian chemical company, Don Cobb played by Dicaprio is approached with a new and creative job. The client, the CEO of the aforementioned chemical company, wants an idea be planted—incepted into the subconscious on the heir to the CEO’s largest competitor. He wants the “heir to the throne” to inherit his father’s global assets, and then break apart the business for the CEO to purchase. Cobb balks at the idea, as inception is impossible, the CEO insists Cobb take the job, promising a big payday---financially and personally.
Willing to risk it all, Cobb reunites his Extractor Team and outlines a plan: A dream-within-a-dream, within-a-dream blue-print is planned and put into action.
Inception is a brilliant and original story. It is a movie that should be viewed on the big screen to get the full glory of the scenes. Be advised, this is a thinking movie—with a great cliffhanger. So, if you are confused by the game “Bingo,” need directions playing “Tic-Tac-Toe” or think the objective in “Hangman” is to draw a body, this is probably not going to be an enjoyable experience. Otherwise, it is a must-see and undoubtedly a future classic.