"Les Miserables"

Directed by Tom Hooper ("The King's Speech"), "Les Miserables" tells a story about a man, Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine"), who is imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister's child, gets freed after 19 years, but breaks parole and continues to be on the run from a relentless inspector, Javert (Russell Crowe, "The Next Three Days"). He makes an honest and respectable life for himself after a kind gesture from a priest gives him a chance to turn his life around.

Jean's run-in with a poor factory worker turned dying prostitute, Fantine (Anna Hathaway, "The Dark Knight Rises"), affects her life considerably, and he eventually becomes a protector of her daughter, Cosette (Isabelle Allen). The story extends through the years with Cosette (Amanda Seyfried, "Letters to Juliet"), now grown-up, and is experiencing her first love with a young man, Marius (Eddie Redmayne, "My Week with Marilyn"), during the turbulent post-revolutionary times in France.

It feels awkward at first when the first song is sung when it's supposed to be a dialogue, but soon it becomes almost organic. There are solitary, haunting scenes that will stay in your mind. Jackman is a seasoned stage actor and it shows, but Crowe is surprisingly impressive. Hathaway's performance is all-encompassingly heartrending. Redmayne and Seyfried give a fine performance, but Samantha Barks as impassioned Eponine, the third wheel between the star-crossed lovers, is a revealation. She emerges as the breakout performer. Aaron Tveit memorably takes on the task of being a co-leader of the rebellion, and along with a brave child, (Daniel Huttlestone), become the face of the failed uprising. Sacha Baron Cohen ("Hugo") and Helena Bonham Carter ("The King's Speech"), as a couple owning a brothel, provide a welcome respite in the grim tale. All the actors sing their hearts out (live!) and pour their souls into their performance, including all the supporting players and extras.

A spectacular musical adaptation, "Les Miserables" is a mind-boggling production. One could only imagine the herculean efforts that go into this kind of undertaking. Hooper struck gold with "The King's Speech" two years ago. Not surprisingly, this is also one of those period films that gets mentioned by the awards circuit. With over 2.5 hours, it's overlong and may test one's patience, especially those who are not into Broadway shows or musicals, but it's definitely worth seeing on the big screen.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-les-miserables/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/bcsvbmg

DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/ajmswg4

"Jack Reacher"

Adapted from Lee Child's best-selling books, Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise, "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol") is a former military investigator who has disappeared without a trace.  He only comes back to society only when he feels he's needed, to right wrongs or makes sure that justice is served.

Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film opens with an incredibly chilling sequence of sniper attack, even more disturbing in light of the recent tragedy in Newton.  The sequence is effectively shot, using the sniper's vantage point, with the rifle moving back and forth, randomly selecting its victims.  The police (David Oyelowo), predictably catches the wrong guy, James Barr (Joseph Sikora), and Reacher shows up.

Working with a defense lawyer, Helen (Rosamund Pike) with a frayed relationship with her District Attorney father (Richard Jenkins), Reacher reviews evidences, questions misinterpreted conclusions or overlooked connections.  Aside from learning the background of the suspected shooter and victims, a parking meter quarter, bar fight, auto parts store, house trap become the keys in uncovering a conspiracy.  

In Child's books, Reacher is supposed to be this hulking, 6'5" physically imposing guy.  While Cruise certainly doesn't fit the physical description, he surprisingly nails the role. On the brawn side, he fights convincingly.  On the brain aspect, he brings out the character's cool confidence (or smugness, depending on how you see it), competence, intellect, not to mention charismatic presence.  Cruise and Pike have great chemistry, although romance is kept at bay here. Robert Duvall makes quite an impression as a gun range owner.  Werner Herzog and Jai Courtney complete the supporting cast as creepy and cold-blooded bad guys.

Judging from the trailer, "Jack Reacher" may be mistaken for an action flick.  It's more like a crime thriller with a few action sequences.  While the story loses steam towards the end and the conspiracy may not be as big as one might have conjured up, it is one engaging movie.  A story-driven one with a strong and interesting protagonist, it's actually most enthralling during the investigative process in which Reacher piecing together clues.  Not only that, it is unexpectedly funny, with a lot of situational, perfectly timed comical one-liners.

The holiday season has no shortage of movie selections, including those accumulating accolades and gearing up for the primary award shows come January and February 2013.  If you're looking for an alternative flick over the holidays other than vampires, hobbits, musical or history lessons, "Jack Reacher" is a solid, whodunit mystery that will keep you entertained.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-review-jack-reacher/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/bushlvp

DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/brerqus

2012 Movies: Year in Review

182 movies, under 7 minutes.  Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

"Lincoln"

Long, laborious... yet fascinating. 

Irish-born and British actor Daniel Day-Lewis disappears and becomes a real, living, breathing Lincoln.  He truly captures the most beloved and storied American political figure, down  to the hunched posture, slight limp of gait, war-weary eyes, high-pitched voice, sunken cheeks and chin-strap beard. 

A skilled statesman and good man, Lincoln leads the country, divided by years of civil war and dark period of slavery.  He does what's necessary for the greater good - negotiating, persuading, cajoling, compromising, convincing, biding time, trading favors, bribing. 

It's one thing to read books, it's another to see history unfold onscreen.  It's almost unfathomable that there was a time in the history of this great nation where people believed that not all was created equal, that equality was merely in the eyes of the law, and progression, such as the rights to vote for certain segments of the population and women's rights, was feared and opposed. 

Day-Lewis is supported by heavy-hitters; David Strathrairn, James Spader, Tommy Lee Jones, Jackie Earle Haley, Hal Holbrook, among others.  His most powerful, emotional scenes, however, appear in individual moments with his patriotic son, Robert (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, "The Dark Knight Rises") and unstable wife, Mary (Sally Field, "The Amazing Spider Man"), over Robert's wish to join the army and the loss of their first-born son in the war. 

Authentic look into life in the late 18th century is accurately depicted through cinematography, set design, lighting, costume and makeup.  From dimly-lit and smoke-filled rooms, horse-drawn carriages and dirt-covered roads, to the stovepipe hats, boots, gloves and hoop skirts.  Two striking scenes come to mind.  One when Lincoln quietly stands by the window with his younger son, knowing that the 13th Amendment has been passed, in contrast with the cacophony on the voting floor.  And when a shell-shocked Robert Lincoln sees what war really does to soldiers; the ghastly find actually compels him even more to enlist.

Weighed by heavy dialogue, "Lincoln" may not be easy to digest, but with sustained attention, you'll get the essence.  Director Steven Spielberg picks the right moments to tell.  "Lincoln" is not a biography, but a window into the most historic time in the life of  the 16th President of the United States. 

"Lincoln" is a revealing window of the backroom political deals that go into the process of the abolition of slavery and uniting of the nation, as well as Lincoln's own personal relationships with his family.  When it boils down to it, this is Day-Lewis' picture; he's perfection.  Like Colin Firth before him in 2010's historical drama "The King's Speech," it wouldn't be a surprise if he nabs an acting nod for his presidential performance comes awards time.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/reviews-arts/movie-review-lincoln/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/csjst69

DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/d25nref

"Life of Pi"

Based on a novel written by Yann Martel and directed by Ang Lee, “Life of Pi” tells an unlikely, simple tale of an Indian boy stranded in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with a tiger.

As told by an older Pi Patel (Irrfan Khan) to a writer (Rafe Spall), the parable begins with Pi's lively childhood (Gautam Belur as a young child, Ayush Tandon as an early teen) in the French part of India, his relationship with his family who owns a zoo, and his growing interest in different kinds of religions.  One day Pi learns an honest lesson about the nature of animals in an encounter set by his father (Adil Hussain), which might just save his life later on.

Facing hard times, the family decides to sell the zoo, cross the Pacific ocean, and start a new life in Canada.  On one stormy night, raging seas sinks the ship, and as fate would have it, pushes teenage Pi (Suraj Sharma) into a lifeboat, along with several animals – zebra, orang utan, hynea, bengal tiger.  With a hungry tiger onboard, one could guess what would happen next. In order to survive, vegetarian Pi must find ways not only to feed himself, but also co-exist with a wild beast, and maintain his sanity.

Considering how the majority of the film is spent in the vast emptiness of the ocean, it's remarkable to see how natural the scenes flow and time flies.  Sharma is the heart and soul of  Pi, conveying the many facets of emotions, with no other human in sight.  “You don't know the strength of your faith until it has been tested."  And tested it has.  His survival depends on his faith, belief, hope, spirit to go on, endurance, and at some point, acceptance of what is and letting go.

The visuals and special effects are imaginatively exquisite.  Dreamlike imageries will linger in your mind.  The rough storms that wreck the ship and makeshift raft. A floating, stunned Pi underwater witnessing the capsized ship and all lives lost.  The glassy surface of the seas mirroring the sunset skies and clouds.  The crystal clear water giving glimpses of the rich marine life, aglow at nighttime against the backdrop of millions of shining stars. A glowing, jumping humpback whale and flying fishes.  The lush, mysterious meerkat-flooded islands.  A digitally rendered bengal tiger that is vividly real.

“Life of Pi,” filled by magical visuals, is an artistic achievement.  It's a fantasy fable, at the same time, somehow the story feels real and plausible.  It's a testament of its captivating storytelling and convincing acting.  When another story is revealed toward the end, the ending will let you choose which journey you'd like to believe.  Spiritual or realistic, or both - what you believe may possibly reveal more about yourself and your own belief. 

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/reviews-arts/movie-review-life-of-pi/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/bsxj8o3

DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/bt8y5fo

Upcoming Movies: December 2012

[Note: I'm behind in movie reviews again; I was out of town for Thanksgiving and been out sick.  I was planning to review "Flight" but had to skip it due to lack of time. Highly recommended!  "Life of Pi" is next.  Lots of good movies coming up for the end of the year!]

December 7

"Hyde Park on Hudson" (http://focusfeatures.com/hyde_park_on_hudson) - The story of the love affair between FDR and his distant cousin in 1939 when the King and Queen of the United Kingdom visited upstate New York.

"Deadfall" (http://www.magpictures.com/deadfall/)- A thriller that follows two siblings who decide to fend for themselves in the wake of a botched casino heist, and their unlikely reunion during another family's Thanksgiving celebration.

December 14

"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" (http://www.thehobbit.com/) - A curious Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, journeys to the mountains with a vigorous group of Dwarves to reclaim a treasure stolen from them by a dragon.

"Save the Date" - A woman begins to confront her shortcomings after she rejects her boyfriend's hasty proposal and soon finds herself in a rebound romance. Meanwhile, her sister is immersed in the details of her wedding.

December 21 

"Zero Dark Thirty" (http://zerodarkthirty-movie.com/) - A chronicle of the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the 9/11 attacks, and his death at the hands of the Navy SEAL Team 6 in May 2011.

"Jack Reacher" (http://www.jackreachermovie.com/) - A homicide investigator digs deeper into a case involving a trained military sniper who shot five random victims.

"The Impossible" (http://theimpossible-movie.com/) - An account of a family caught, with tens of thousands of strangers, in the mayhem of one of the worst natural catastrophes of our time.

"On the Road" (http://www.ontheroad-themovie.com/?lang=en) - Young writer has his life shaken by the arrival of free-spirited soul and his girl. As they travel across the country, they encounter a mix of people who each impact their journey indelibly.

December 28

"Django Unchained" (http://unchainedmovie.com/) - With the help of his mentor, a slave-turned-bounty hunter sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner.

"Les Miserables" (http://www.lesmiserablesfilm.com/) - In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by a ruthless policeman after he breaks parole, agrees to care for a factory worker daughter, Cosette. The fateful decision changes their lives forever.

See the full gallery on Posterous

"Skyfall"

Directed by Sam Mendes, "Skyfall" marks 50 years of the most enduring icon in the world of espionage. Daniel Craig ("Cowboys & Aliens") returns as James Bond after four years of hiatus.

After all the flash and flair with Pierce Brosnan, it took a lot of adjustment to get used to Craig, but with "Skyfall," he has finally made the role into his own. A different kind of Bond, Craig gives a more intense and realistic feel to the character.

With a straightforward story concerning a stolen classified list of undercover agents embedded in terrorist cells around the world, the strength of “Skyfall” lies in the relationships. Bond's relationship with M (Judi Dench) is dynamic, touching on elements of duty, betrayal, trust and loyalty. Ben Whishaw (“Cloud Atlas”) makes an interesting Q as the youngest techie in history. Javier Bardem (Silva) is most entertaining as villain, deliriously ruthless and wicked. The Bond girl, Severine (Berenice Marlohe), is a disposable plot device connected to Shiva. The introduction of Ralph Fiennes (Gareth Mallory) and Naomie Harris (Eve) makes sense and leads to a nostalgic transition, smoothly giving way to a renewed chapter of James Bond.

When it comes to gadgets, less is more in “Skyfall.” But action-wise, it's pretty packed. Relentless street and rooftop pursuit on foot, cars and motorcycles. Hard-hitting fight atop a moving train. A derailed tube plunging underground. It all climaxes with Silva's army of men closing in on a trapped M, Bond, and the gamekeeper of his family estate, Kincade (Albert Finney), while the trio also set up traps on their own.

"Skyfall" is luminously filmed, making the most of aerial views of the locales, including closeup shots of the action, or standstill moments. Its use of light, shadow, water, fire and ice is artfully beautiful, especially surprising considering that it's an action flick. Shanghai and Scotland are particularly standouts, where fight manifests in shadows against glowing light and glass walls, or an old chateau set ablaze in the vastness of a remote field in the darkness of the night. The soundtrack by Adelle memorably compliments the scenes.

Compared to “Casino Royale” and “Quantum of Solace,” "Skyfall" is the most personal installment of the superspy franchise. It's back to basic and and the best one yet.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/reviews-arts/movie-review-skyfall/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/bnav3gf

DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/buugfhm

250 Movies in 2.5 Minutes

Have 2.5 minutes?  Watch a mashup of 250 top movies of all time:

"Cloud Atlas"

“Our lives are not our own. From womb to tomb, we are bound to each other, past and present. And by each crime and every kindness, we birth our future.”

The word “epic” is often overused. “Cloud Atlas,” a global journey of lives through time and space, is the epitome of epic. Adapted from "unfilmable” novel by David Mitchell, the extraordinary efforts of the Wachowskis (“The Matrix”) and Tom Twyker embarked on possibly the most ambitious film ever made. Main characters (Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Sturgess, Doona Bae, Xun Zhou, David Gyasi, Ben Whishaw, James D'Arcy, Jim Broadbent, Susan Sarandon, Hugh Grant, Hugo Weaving) impressively embody multiple roles in different ages, races, gender and gender orientation spanning over 500 years.

Six storylines take place in 1849 Pacific Ocean, 1936 Cambridge and Edinburgh, 1973 San Francisco, 2012 London, 2144 Neo-Soul, 2321 post-apocalyptic Hawaii, creating a brilliant fusion of genres. Period drama, romance, thriller, comedy, action, sci-fi. In 1849, a young lawyer from a privileged background finds a slave stowaway in the ship. In 1936, an aspiring classical composer musters the guts to work with an elderly, temperamental maestro, while carrying a painful, private secret. In 1973, an investigative journalist risks her life to uncover a nuclear power leak conspiracy. In 2012, a publisher finds himself in a bind, on the run from debtors, and trapped in a nursing home against his will. In 2144, a fabricant (clone) discovers the truth about her fellow fabricants, falls in love with the commander of the rebel forces, rises and inspires the masses, and eventually becomes an important symbol for humankind. In 2321, after the fall of civilization, a tribesman struggles with his demon, faces constant threat from cannibal warlords, and teams up with a space traveler to survive and preserve human race.

Cinematography, production design, art direction, score, costume and makeup deserve recognition, but the most outstanding accomplishment perhaps goes to editing. What seem to be insurmountable complexity, moving forward storylines of a massive number of characters in multiple distinct eras, somehow, flawlessly flows. An act in one scene is deftly cut and continues on to the next scene in a different era. By nature, the immense scale of the film, nearly three hours in length, demands full attention and patience. About halfway through, confusion will subside and you'll find yourself immerse in the experience.

There are “forces (that) begin long before we are born and continue after we perish.” Whether or not you believe in reincarnation of souls, there will be things from the film that will stay with you long after. Some storylines may be more compelling to you than others. You'll be touched, awed, horrified, enraptured, wonder and laugh. Be it breathtaking imageries (most notably dystopian Neo-Soul) that stun or lavish the eyes, stirring score that shift emotions, fragments of profound human moments, or recurrent and universal themes through generations of civilization – kindness, love, courage, dignity, oppression, sacrifice, equality, truth, freedom, fate, free will, destiny – and interconnectivity of lives where one's choice has consequences, impacts another life and another lifetime, and reverberates through eternity.

Sit through the credit and see which actors play which roles. Some are obvious, others not so much. Some disguises push the boundaries of imagination and a treat to discover.

It's not easy to encapsulate "Cloud Atlas" into words. This daring, mind-bending soul journey is a spell-binding extravaganza. Its transcendent quality has earned its place in history and will not be forgotten.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/reviews-arts/movie-review-cloud-atlas/

DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/bszphvb

Upcoming Movies: November 2012

[Note: I'm behind in reviews; next is "Cloud Atlas."  Recommended!]

November 2

"Flight" (http://www.paramount.com/flight/) - An airline pilot saves a flight from crashing, but an investigation into the malfunctions reveals something troubling.

"Wreck-It Ralph" (http://disney.go.com/wreck-it-ralph/?cmp=wdsmp_wir_url_dcomwreckitralph) - A video game villain wants to be a hero and sets out to fulfill his dream, but his quest brings havoc to the whole arcade where he lives.

November 9

"Skyfall" (http://www.007.com/skyfall/) - Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

"Lincoln" (http://www.thelincolnmovie.com/) - As the Civil War continues to rage, America's president struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield and as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the slaves.

November 16

"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2" (http://www.breakingdawn-themovie.com/) - After the birth of Renesmee, the Cullens gather other vampire clans in order to protect the child from a false allegation that puts the family in front of the Volturi.

"Anna Karenina" (http://focusfeatures.com/anna_karenina) - Set in late-19th-century Russia high-society, the aristocrat Anna Karenina enters into a life-changing affair with the affluent Count Vronsky.

November 23

"Silver Linings Playbook" (http://silverliningsplaybookmovie.com/) - After a stint in a mental institution, a former teacher moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when he meets a mysterious girl with problems of her own.

"Life of Pi" (http://www.lifeofpimovie.com/) - The story of an Indian boy named Pi, a zookeeper's son who finds himself in the company of a hyena, zebra, orangutan, and a Bengal tiger after a shipwreck sets them adrift in the Pacific Ocean.

November 30

"Killing Them Softly" (http://killingthemsoftlymovie.com/) - A professional enforcer investigates a heist that went down during a mob-protected poker game.

See the full gallery on Posterous

"Argo"

Around this time last year, one of the best films of 2011, "The Ides of March," officially started the race for best pictures.  This time a similarly sharp political thriller-actioner, "Argo," graces the screen. 

On November 4, 1979, an angry crowd storms the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, demanding return of its deposed leader, Shah of Iran, who was granted asylum in the New York. With the rush of mobs breaking in amidst shattered glass and shots of tear gas, some of the remaining, foreign-service workers take great length to protect national security.  Classified information are shredded, hammered or incinerated during those last frenzied minutes of freedom in revolutionary Iran.

What ensues is a national ordeal where 52 people taken as hostages for 444 days.  Unbeknownst to the Iranians, six Americans (Tate Donovan, Clea Duvall, Scott McNairy, Rory Cochrane, Christopher Denham, Kerry Bishe) are able to escape through the back door and end up holing up in the abode of the Canadian's ambassador, Ken Taylor (Victor Garber), as "houseguests."  

Back in the U.S., government officials discuss extraction plans, all prove to be unworkable, such as the bike route that would require the six people cycle 300 miles to the Turkish border, or the English teachers when the English language school in Tehran has been closed months ago. 

Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck), known as an expert in "exfiltration" is brought in.  The CIA operative comes up with "the best bad idea" to execute.  Akin to a suicide mission, he leads the covert operation with an outlandish extrication plan.  Inspired by "Planet of the Apes," pose the six Americans as Canadian film crew scouting an exotic location for a couple of days for a fake sci-fi movie and then depart from the airport.   

If they couldn't withstand the scrutiny of tight airport security and their cover is blown, they would be caught as spies and face a firing squad.  But this far-fetched mission is the only thing that stands between their lives and certain, eventual execution.  The kind where their bodies might be dragged through the streets and hanged in broad daylight in public. 

In order to credibly create a faux film, Mendez goes to Hollywood and lays the groundwork.  He gets in touch with an Academy Award-winning makeup artist, John Chambers (John Goodman).  They persuade a veteran filmmaker, Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin), to form a phony production company, back it up with media promotion, and thus legitimizes the production in the eyes of the general public.  After all, "If you want to sell a lie, you get the press sell it for you."

"Argo," a rip-off of "Star Wars," is born.  With script, storyboards, poster, business cards, actors in costumes at table read, press event, it gains media recognition.  The daringly outrageous operation is underway.  Acting as producer, Agent Mendez flies out to Tehran and assigns new identities to the terrified six as director, associate producer, screenwriter, production designer, location manager and cameraman based on their appearance and background. 

The walkthrough in a crowded Tehran marketplace during the location scouting, intercutting with Iranian children meticulously piecing together paper shreds of documents and pictures, is a nerve-wracking dry-run.  Soon the Iranians would realize that six diplomats are missing. 

When American officials pull the plug on the operation at the last minute for fear of utter failure and worldwide mockery, Mendez takes it upon himself to go through with the plan.  It results in frantic attempts by his supervisor, Jack O'Donnell (Bryan Cranston), and colleagues at the CIA, along with the White House Chief of Staff (Kyle Chandler), to put things back together in the nick of time.  The hairy drive through the streets filled with demonstrators, just-in-time airport reservation check-ins and passing through immigration, tense interrogation by armed guards, dramatic tarmac pursuit, and risky run to the skies are incredibly pulse-pounding.

Not only that "Argo" is both intelligent and entertaining, it's riveting from start to finish.  Supremely-crafted script and storytelling.  Brisk pace, witty dialogue and suspenseful actions, with tonal balance between lighter humor and dour reality.  Authenticity with period costume and design, newsreels and footage from the era weaved into the story.  Human approach provides connection to the characters and care about their fate.  Solid, ensemble acting.  Arkin, Goodman and Cranston have some of the most memorable one-liners.  With critically praised "Gone Baby Gone" and "The Town," "Argo" places Affleck firmly in one of first-rate director's chairs.

Stay as the credits roll to see frames from the film juxtaposed with photos and news from the real event; they bear remarkable resemblance.  Based on a true historical story, "Argo" is stranger than fiction.  An absolute feat, it's an Oscar contender. 

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/reviews-arts/movie-review-argo/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/9y6fyj2

DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/98g9euv

Upcoming Movies: October 2012

[Note: I was out of town and under the weather and missed "Looper."  Hope to see it soon.  October looks like an interesting mix of genres]

October 5

"Taken 2" - In Istanbul, retired CIA operative and his wife are taken hostage by the father of a kidnapper he killed while rescuing his daughter.

"Frankenweenie" (http://disney.go.com/frankenweenie/) - A kid conducts a science experiment to bring his beloved dog back to life, only to face unintended, sometimes monstrous, consequences.

October 12 

"Argo" (http://argothemovie.warnerbros.com/) - As the Iranian revolution reaches a boiling point, a CIA 'exfiltration' specialist concocts a risky plan to free six Americans who have found shelter at the home of the Canadian ambassador.

"Seven Psychopaths" (http://www.sevenpsychopaths.com/) - A struggling screenwriter inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends kidnap a gangster's beloved Shih Tzu.

October 19 

"Alex Cross" - A detective is told that a member of his family has been murdered. He vows to track down the killer.

"Paranornal Activity 4" (http://www.paranormalmovie.com/) - It has been five years since the disappearance of Katie and Hunter, and a suburban family witness strange events in their neighborhood when a woman and a mysterious child move in.

October 26 

"Cloud Atlas" (http://cloudatlas.warnerbros.com/) - An exploration of how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future, as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and an act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution.

"Chasing Mavericks" - When a young surfer discovers that the mythic Mavericks surf break, one of the biggest waves on Earth, exists just miles from his home, he enlists the help of local legend to train him to survive it.

See the full gallery on Posterous

"Arbitrage"

In "Arbitrage," Richard Gere is a man in deep trouble. As Robert Miller, he's the head of a hedge-fund empire and appears to be the symbol of success. Wealth, Wall Street fame, a beautiful wife (Ellen; Susan Sarandon), son, and daughter (Brooke; Brit Marling) as likely successor.

At a glance, the corporation is doing well and in the process of being bought for massive profit. Robert seems content to step aside to pursue other interests or spend more time with family. In reality, however, the company has suffered hundreds of millions of losses due to some bad investments, and Robert has inflated the value by cooking the books and plugging the holes through a temporary loan. The buyout process, which involves a number of prolonged audits and reviews, ends with a cool ping-pong of power and deal closing over a napkin.

As if it's not complicated enough, Robert tops it off by having an affair with a French art-gallery owner, Julie Cote (Laetitia Casta) until tragedy strikes. With a detective (Det. Michael Bryer; Tim Roth) hot on his trail, he's forced to turn to an unlikely source, and a young man's life hangs in the balance as a result.

Gere still has "it." Throughout his indiscretion and predicament, he expresses a range of emotions well. And he has the charm and shrewdness to play the game of duplicity and infidelity, and layers of cover-ups that you'll almost want to root for him to beat the system and get away with all. Marling and Sarandon are strong supporting casts, although underused.

There's nothing particularly memorable about "Arbitrage," but anyone who is into crime drama would enjoy. Studios rarely makes this type of film anymore; it's a solid thriller.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/reviews-arts/movie-reviews-premium-rush-arbitrage/  

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/cxfa7af
  

Fall 2012 Movies Preview

Though the summer movie season is winding down and the holiday movie season doesn't really ramp up until Thanksgiving, there are still going to be some pretty great flicks coming out this fall, from a time-travel thriller to a high-profile presidential bio-pic to the return of everyone's favorite British spy and sparkly vampires.   

Check out 10 of the fall's most anticipated movies, including synopsis and theatrical trailers, on Yahoo! Movies:

http://tinyurl.com/cz4h5gh

"Looper," "Argo," Cloud Atlas" are my most anticipated fall 2012 films.

"Premium Rush"

'Wilee' (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, "Inception," "The Dark Knight Rises") is a law school graduate who chooses to forgo the suits for the streets. As a bike messenger, he lives on the edge and thrives on the thrill of speed and simplicity.

One afternoon an urgent delivery goes wrong. A seemingly simple task of delivering an envelope from a sender to the recipient turns into a life-and-death chase through the crowded streets of Manhattan. He gets tailed by a determined, bad cop, Bobby Monday (Michael Shannon) and equally determined, good cop on bike wheels (Christopher Place), albeit each with a different purpose. Meanwhile, competition with a fellow bike messenger, 'Manny' (Wole Parks) is also heating up, involving a girl 'Vanessa' (Dania Ramirez), also another messenger. Wylie's interactions with and pursuit from the bad and good cops generate a lot of laughter. The final escape out of the impound lot is inventive.

Alternative routes show visually interesting (not to mention incredibly hilarious!) scenarios with people flying in the air, a bystander gets run over by a truck, bike messenger gets hit by a bus or "doored" by a cab. The story is skimpy story but delivers premium thrill. This bare bones, intense bike chase flick is a late summer rush of fun!

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/reviews-arts/movie-reviews-premium-rush-arbitrage/

  DVD: http://tinyurl.com/9ohytwp
  DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/8c8wu87

Upcoming Movies: September 2012

[Note: I went to see "Premium Rush" but still don't have time to do a review.  Highly recommended!]

September 1

"Cosmopolis" (http://cosmopolisthefilm.com/en) - Riding across Manhattan in a stretch limo in order to get a haircut, a 28-year-old billionaire asset manager's day devolves into an odyssey with a cast of characters that start to tear his world apart.

September 7

"The Words" (http://www.thewordsmovie.com/) - A writer at the peak of his literary success discovers the steep price he must pay for stealing another man's work.

"The Cold Light of Day" (http://www.thecoldlightofday.com/) - After his family is kidnapped during their sailing trip in Spain, a young Wall Street trader is confronted by the people responsible: intelligence agents looking to recover a mysterious briefcase.

September 14

"Resident Evil: Retribution" (http://www.residentevil-movie.com/site/) - Alice fights alongside a resistance movement in the continuing battle against the Umbrella Corporation and the undead.

"Arbitrage" - A troubled hedge fund magnate desperate to complete the sale of his trading empire makes an error that forces him to turn to an unlikely person for help.

September 21

"Dredd" (http://dreddthemovie.com/) - In a violent, futuristic city where the police have the authority to act as judge, jury and executioner, a cop teams with a trainee to take down a gang that deals the reality-altering drug, slo-mo.

"End of Watch" - Two young officers are marked for death after confiscating a small cache of money and firearms from the members of a notorious cartel, during a routine traffic stop.

September 28

"Looper" (http://www.loopermovie.com/) - In 2072, when the mob wants to get rid of someone, the target is sent 30 years into the past, where a hired gun awaits. Someone like Joe, who one day learns the mob wants to 'close the loop' by transporting back Joe's future self.

"Hotel Transylvania" (http://www.welcometohotelt.com/) - Dracula, who operates a high-end resort away from the human world, goes into overprotective mode when a boy discovers the resort and falls for the count's teen-aged daughter.

See the full gallery on Posterous

"The Bourne Legacy"

When the Bourne series premiered over a decade ago, it's groundbreaking and made Matt Damon a bona fide action star.  It's a gritty, grounded action film.  The actions were realistically audacious.  Instead of heavily stylized, longer range shots, the hand-to-hand combat seemed realistic and performed with bravado.  The "parkouring" into compact spaces looked cool. And the chases and crashes were spectacular.   At the same time, we're also engrossed in a human story.  We had a real hero, Jason Bourne, who's not a superhero or James Bond, one that we cared about and rooted for. 

Tony Gilroy, co-writer of the Bourne trilogy, takes the helm as director (replacing Paul Greengrass) this time with "The Bourne Legacy."  While Greengrass and Damon are out of the picture, 'Legacy' has some of the look and feel of a Bourne movie. 

"There was never just one."  Jeremy Renner ("The Avengers") is Aaron Cross a super agent of "Project Outcome."  The story runs parallel to the "Bourne Ultimatum," where the powers pulling the strings behind the scene (Edward Norton and Stacey Keach), are in panic mode due to the threat of being exposed to the public, courtesy of Jason Bourne. 

There are references to Operations Blackbriar and Project Treadstone from the trilogy.  The impact of Jason's actions reverberate throughout different government agencies.  It's severe enough that a decision is made to wipe out the programs as part of the cover-up, along with its super agents and the doctors who help create them.  One of the doctors survives the massacre, Dr. Marta Shearing (Rachel Weisz, "Runaway Jury").  Once Aaron and the good doctor realize that they have a deadly target on their back, they have no choice but go on the run together.  The story starts rather slow but once the first explosion and shooting rampage begin, it maintains its tense pace till the end. 

Acting-wise, Norton is good as always.  He does the best with the material he's given.  Weisz has a couple of intense scenes that stand out.  Whereas Jason Bourne is a more appealing character, I think it's also because he's a real human being.  Aaron Cross, while still human, is genetically-altered and chemically-dependent.  He depends on "chems" or super pills to survive.  The blue and green pills are part of the regiment to maintain the enhancements to his physical abilities and stamina, such as strength and agility, and mental capabilities, such as intelligence, sensory perceptions and pain suppression.  Damon may be the only Jason Bourne, but Renner is a decent replacement.  As a programmed operative, he shows rare moments of quiet desperation and vulnerability.  And judging from his scene-stealing performance in "The Town"), Renner is capable of going further if provided with a more compelling script. 

The actions, without a doubt, are the best parts of the movie.  There are exhilarating extended sequences of foot and motorcyle chases throughout the tightly packed and frenzied streets of Manila and Bangkok, where Aaron and Marta attempt to outrun local police, SWAT team, and one particularly determined CIA super agent.  The latter is almost comical in his Terminator-like determination to pursue and kill at all cost.  Having Asia as a backdrop is a refreshing change of scenery from Europe. 

In the end nothing is resolved; the movie is clearly set up for a sequel (think "Salt" from 2010 starring Angelina Jolie).  While it may not be satisfactory, both protagonists seem to be in a good place - at least for now.  I, for one, look forward to seeing the next chapter of Aaron Cross' adventure.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/reviews-arts/bourne-legacy-movie-revie/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/9kxcrt8
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/8l99jjk

"Total Recall"

"Total Recall" (directed by Len Wiseman) made a splashy, star-studded appearance last year at Comic-Con and it's the non-superhero sci-fi flick I was most looking forward to see this year. Inspired by a short story by Phillip K. Dick "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale" and a remake of the 1990 film with the same title starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sharon Stone, its escapist concept is a dream. Who wouldn't want to go on a virtual world where all your fantasies come true?

In a dystopian future, most of the earth is uninhabitable after a global chemical warfare. Living space is the most valuable asset. The only remaining land mass are the United Federation of Britain (UFB) and the Colony. People from the Colony (the have-nots) travel daily across the globe through the earth's core to UFB (the haves) via a planetary commuter train called "The Fall."

Colin Farrell ("Fright Night") is Douglas Quaid, a factory worker from the Colony. He's married to his childhood sweetheart, Lori (Kate Beckinsale, "Whiteout"), an emergency paramedic. Restless with his mundane existence of living in a wet, dark and dingy Colony, assembling synthetic cops every day and getting passed over for a promotion, Douglas visits Rekall, a company that promises to provide the ultimate virtual vacation.

At Rekall, a visitor is implanted with a memory, containing a fantasy life that he or she always dreams of. The only caveat is the fantasy has to be just that, fantasy, it can't have any resemblance to any part of the real life or the brain would get blown out. For Douglas, his fantasy is being a spy agent. Unbeknownst to him, however, he was one, in the past. He just didn't know it since his memory was erased and implanted with a false one. Things go awry in an instant. UFB officers and robotic soldiers resembling stormtroopers from Star Wars storm in, killing everyone in sight and capturing him. To avoid capture, Douglas innately reacts and decimates the armed officers with force.

From the point of discovery, Douglas is on the run for his life. There are quiet, disorienting moments where he's trying to putting together pieces of his life and figuring out his real identity. "What is real?" "If I'm not me, then who am I?" The most nail-biting moment involves a standoff where Douglas must determine whether what he's going through is real or fantasy and he's still hooked into a machine at Rekall. Wouldn't reality is just what our brain perceives what it sees? His true identity is tied to the UFB and a key to a larger plan plotted by its chief, 'Cohaagen' (Bryan Cranston), beyond disarming a group called the Resistance, led by 'Melina' (Jessica Biel, "The A-Team") and 'Matthias' (Bill Nighy) and labeled as terrorists.

The story and characters are spoonfed quickly without much development. It's a non-stop action fest to the finish. And that's where the movie excels. The action sequences, from fierce fights to chases, crashes and shootouts through rooftops, tunnels, elevator shafts and roadways, are dizzyingly dazzling. While it's not easy to swallow Biel as a fierce fighter, Beckinsale is terrific as a ruthless assassin. The honors also go to set design and special effects. The futuristic universe include vertically stacked structures suspended in mid-air, sleek hover cars, elevated byways, gravity reversal elevator train, hand-implanted cell phone. The design of the Colony (formerly Australia) is interesting with its neon-lit Hong Kong style.

There's nothing really memorable about "Total Recall," but it fits the bill as a mindless summer blockbuster. It's a cool thrill ride.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/reviews-arts/movie-review-total-recall/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/8f5j2fh

DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/8qjbkja

Comic-Con 2012

"The Dark Knight Rises"

"The Dark Knight," proved that a superhero movie could be a critical acclaim and commercial success. I noted in my review that it's a spine-tingling spectacle. Aside from "The Avengers," "The Dark Knight Rises" is the most anticipated movie event of the year. A lot is riding on the final installment of the franchise.

The story picks up eight years after the murder of Harvey Dent, the late District Attorney (aka Two-Face) of Gotham City. Police Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) still could not bring himself to tell the truth about what happened all those years ago, except stating that Harvey's death wasn't for a naught. Organized crimes were obliterated under the Dent Act.

Having taken the fall for Harvey's death and unable to prevent the death of the woman he loved, Rachel Dawes, at the hand of the Joker, Batman hasn't been seen in Gotham since then. An older and crippled Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale), is now a recluse. He has isolated himself in the Wayne manor, and is only accompanied by his loyal butler and confidante, Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Caine). Not only has he retreated from being the caped crusader, he has also abandoned Wayne Enterprise.

Bruce seems to be destined living in this state, even as Alfred emotionally pleads with him to move on. That is, until a visionary criminal, Bane (Tom Hardy, "Inception"), first seen in a jaw-dropping mid-air escape, emerges and terrorizes the city. A resourceful rookie police, John Blake (Joseph Gordon Levitt, "Looper"), with an unexpected connection to Bruce, challenges him to return. At the same time, a masked jewel thief, Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway, "One Day"), slinks her way all over town in a black leather outfit with night vision goggles and spike heels as Catwoman. She tightly walks the rope between right and wrong. On the corporate side, Bruce faces Miranda Tate (Marion Cotillard, "Midnight in Paris"), a board member of Wayne Enterprise, who also serves as his love interest.

The gritty Gotham is not stylized here. Gotham looks like a real, 21st century city. The film explores current economic and social themes, mirroring Occupy Wall Street, and its potential implications in these anxious times. Bane's strategy is basically to divide and conquer, and it works. It plunges the society into mass chaos.

Bane holds the city hostage by staging a set of explosions and turning a fusion reactor, intended as a source for clean energy, into a nuclear bomb. He commands his underground army of mercenaries, frees up inmates, traps police officers underground, supports putting the rich on trials without due process and sends them into exile or to their death.

With the city he loves under siege, Bruce could have abandoned it, considering how they have turned their back on Batman. Yet he rises above and gives everything he has. Bale's agonizing scenes in the secretive prison deep beneath the earth are incredibly powerful. An encounter with an aging prisoner makes Bruce realize how to best utilize his anger and fear to climb out and break free. And once out, he fires up and inspires people to fight for a chance of survival.

On the gizmos side, Batwing (or simply known as the "Bat"), a jet plane, makes its appearance here and it's way cool. Even the Batcycle is more than a cool-looking motorcycle. The wheels have an effective 360 degree turn when the vehicle turns corner.

Seeing Bale, Caine and MorganFreeman (Lucius Fox) together again for the last time was bittersweet. Bale is a gifted actor capable of diverse roles, but he will always be remembered best as Batman. Caine's exchange with Bale about not wanting to bury another member of the Wayne family is very heartfelt. Levitt, initially thought of playing as a minor role, is a solid character and ends up being a significant one in the story. Hathaway is sleek, playful and dangerous. Her Catwoman is as realistic as it could be. Freeman is like an old friend, providing a steady, supporting hand. Hardy, while not as memorable as Heath Ledger's Joker, is physically imposing and poses a credible threat. Cotillard is just fine as a wildcard. Along with Bane, her character's surprising backstory provides a welcome twist and emotional punch.

Minor quibbles about the film include plot holes and occasionally choppy scenes, jumping in time and place. You'll also have to remember about the League of Shadows from the first installment, or be familiar with the comics because it's not explained as clearly in the film. The league's main purpose is to "restore environmental balance" by wiping out some of the population, which includes corruption. In this case, the Dent Act, based on a lie, has incarcerated inmates without the possibility of parole. The wealthy continues living large and leaves little for the rest.

It's hard to imagine how TDKR (or the inevitable reboot for that matter) would top TDK; it didn't. With the depth of the story, complexity and dynamics of the characters, TDK is stunningly brilliant. The intimate focus of the twisted relationships and the Joker's haunting performance carry a disturbing feel that stays with you long after. However, TDKR holds its own. The best way to describe it is that it's different.  With 2 hours and 45 minutes of running time, it's still gripping.  But because it's created in a much grander scale and covers a larger ground, it doesn't have the same level of intensity as TDK.

Director Christopher Nolan has created a perfect trilogy. "Batman Begins" drills deep into the core of Bruce Wayne's character, background, and development. "The Dark Knight" focuses on the relationships and impact on Batman. "The Dark Knight Rises" ties up loose ends and brings closure to Bruce, Batman, the city and the people he cares about. Bruce Wayne has always been a troubled soul and darker superhero, so it's good to see him in a good place in the end.

"The Dark Knight Rises" provides a satisfying ending to the superhero saga. The legend may end, but it leaves a lasting legacy.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/reviews-arts/movie-review-the-dark-knight-rises/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/bm99dr6

DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/cwkmdff

Comic-Con 2011