Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Hot Tub Time Machine

Hot Tub Time Machine is a fun film with easy laughs. Best description I've heard is a cross between The Hangover and Back to the Future. Not quite as good as either film, but pretty funny and pretty raunchy. I really liked the ending.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Sex and Sleuths in DVD

Out in DVD this week is one of the better films from 2009. An Education is a strong drama with interesting characters and situations. Sherlock Holmes is an all star turn on the classic characters. Both worth a look.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Greenberg

The first strong drama of the year has come to theaters. Greenberg is the story of Roger Greenberg after his release from a mental institution. He travels from NYC to LA to watch his brother's house while the brother goes away on vacation. His brother's personal assistant becomes the object of his affection. He reconnects with an old friend, he must exhibit a certain amount of responsibility toward the family dog and his niece presents a challenge he's not equipped to handle. Greenberg is intense, well intentioned, misdirected and intriguing. This drama is well written, well structured and the performances are impressive. Greenberg is well worth a look.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Hasbro Children's Radiothon 2010

A break from films here, for a very good cause. Hasbro Children's Hospital is an amazing resource here in southern New England. A state of the art hospital, designed to address the health needs of children. It is one of the top 30 hospitals in the country. Community support is important. Every year there is a Radiothon to raise money to support the work that goes on there. My friends at 92ProFM, and other local radio stations, spend two days telling the stories of the children and families that have benefited from the care and expertise of this fine facility. I have spent my share of time in hospitals with my own children and grandson for accidents and surgeries. I can't imagine having to deal with the ugly disease of cancer. Hasbro does amazing work on all fronts. Times are tough, but if you can help the kids, please do. To donate, you can call 877-719-5437 or click here to help the kids, donate now! Thanks!!!!

Friday Flick Picks 3/26/10

In a turn of the tides, new movies to theaters actually look decent this week. How to Train Your Dragon is enjoying a big thumbs up from critics. Think I'm going to pass on the 3D and see it in 2D after reading that the story is the film's strong suit. John Cusack is the big draw for me in Hot Tub Time Machine. This is a movie folks are saying is quite funny. Surprisingly, Greenberg is already in RI at the Avon. Another one getting good reviews across the board. Also in RI theaters, Alice in Wonderland, Green Zone, Shutter Island and The Ghost Writer are all decent.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Family, Faith and Foxes in DVD

One of the most talked about films of the year is released to DVD this week. The Blind Side posted record box office numbers, won award after award and did we mention it's a damn fine film? The Men Who Stare at Goats and Brothers arrive in DVD as well. Finally, The Fantastic Mr. Fox is the one DVD out this week that I will probably buy. Bottle Rocket is the natural companion film for this one. Both charming and funny. In my queue? The Box arrives at Netflix this week. Good week for home viewing, enjoy!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

The Ghost Writer

When a ghost writer is brought in to complete the memoirs of a past prime minister, secrets are revealed, danger and suspense ensue. The Ghost Writer is a well written, well acted and well crafted film. The suspense works to maximum dramatic effect. Much of which is created with camera shots and lighting. This film is well worth a look.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Friday Flick Picks 3/19/10

Could new releases suck any harder? Bounty Hunter? Diary of a Wimpy Kid? (a maybe for me) Repo Men? Really? The Ghost Writer has arrived in RI theaters, so that will probably get my movie dollar this weekend. Other than that the choices are mediocre, Alice in Wonderland, Avatar, Green Zone, Shutter Island. Oh well, at least the weather here will be nice for the arrival of spring. 70 degrees, enjoy!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Melodrama, Music and Marriage in DVD

Oh Twihards, get out your twenty bucks, New Moon is released to DVD this week. A better bang for your buck is Disney's The Princess and the Frog. If you love Penelope Cruz and a tragic love story Broken Embraces fills the bill. In my que? Did You Hear About the Morgans? and Wonderful World.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Green Zone

In Green Zone we experience the frustration of the unknown in Iraq circa 2003. Bad intelligence, lies and chaos make it difficult for people to make effective decisions. This film has a dark, in-the-moment vibe and does not make you want to know much more about the early situation in the Iraq War. The weak part of this story is that one man takes the fall for a lot of bad decisions. An OK film that cold wait to be seen in DVD.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Alice in Wonderland

To begin, the 3D of Alice in Wonderland was unimpressive to me. I took my glasses off at one point and kinda liked it better. That said, Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland is not for little ones. I'd say it's tough for kids under 6. The little boy sitting behind me (maybe 5 years old) begged to leave after 20 minutes. You must already have a knowledge of the characters in Wonderland. In this film it is portrayed as a gray, depressing Underland. Alice is 19, contemplating an obligatory marriage to a fop and follows the rabbit down the hole again. This story is dark, abstract and disjointed. It was OK, but definitely more caught up in the visuals and special effects, than the story or characters.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Friday Flick Picks 3/12/10

I haven't been in a theater for 2 weeks so I've got some serious catching up to do. Oh yeah, it's winter, I haven't missed much. Still want to see Alice in Wonderland, Cop Out and The Crazies. Also, the Green Zone has arrived in RI theaters. A Prophet is at the Avon and may get my attention. Miss the Oscar nominees? The Patriot Cinema's got a bunch, great deal for $1.99. Crazy Heart, An Education, The Last Station, Sherlock Holmes and Shutter Island all worth a look.