Qs Reviews – May 14, 2012
Dark Shadows. When Johnny Depp and Tim Burton get together, we expect something special. Unfortunately this vampire escapade is rather pedestrian. Depp’s Captain Jack Swagger with pasty make-up and fangs just never catches fire. He should have gone for high camp, but plays it almost straight. The real scene stealer is Eva Green as the evil witch, Angelique. She just oozes sexy danger. The cast is amazing with Michelle Pfeiffer and Helena Bonham Carter; with even Alice Cooper and Christopher Lee. But alas, their talents are largely wasted. Since Depp’s vampire arises from his grave in 1972, the film’s music from that time is cleverly used to punctuate the fun when it happens. Rated PG-13 for comic violence and some adult content.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. A bunch of Brits go looking for adventure in retirement. When they are seduced by a bargain and an exotic location in India they decide to outsource their retirement. They all first meet on the flight to India to begin their new lives at the Marigold Hotel. What they discover is a dilapidated old hotel run by an enthusiastic young man with promises for a brighter future and loads of Indian double talk. What the film is really about is the shared experiences these transplanted Brits in the chaos that is known as India. Old romances are rekindled. Couples learn the truth about themselves. Others learn that there is still a lot of life to live. A widow takes her first job and a spinster takes over the hotel. India provides the catalyst to begin again and breathe. The cast is amazing. We feel as if we have known these folks for a lifetime and want to continue to be part of their lives. Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton, Celia Imrie and Dev Patel make this is a special film. Rated PG-13 for adult content. It is a Peggy’s Pick.
Qs Reviews – May 7, 2012
The Pirates! Band of Misfits. A bit of animated whimsy that is a cut above the rest. With an inspired bit of casting – Queen Victoria as the Villain – a rag tag bunch of Pirates seek the ultimate prize for their Captain, Pirate of the Year. Against all odds and all sensibility the Captain has to overcome his rivals Black Bellamy and Cutlass Liz in his quest for the prize. From the bounding mane, through foggy Victorian London to Blood Island (more like Coney Island) the Captain and his crew battle the evil Queen Vicky who really just wants the Captain’s pet Dodo bird. The intrepid band careens from one adventure to the next, as all good pirates do. The film will be a joy to children and will keep the oldsters engaged as puns and double entendres are a plenty. Rated PG for rude humor and a bit of violence.
The Avengers. Hollywood has pulled out all of the stops and delivered a first rate summer blockbuster. Take Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Black Widow, The Hulk, Hawkeye and Nick Fury and give them a common enemy, Loki, and these superheroes will become The Avengers with the combined power to overcome all that the dark forces can throw at them and Earth. The film’s dialogue is quite clever as the superheroes tell their back stories and learn how to cooperate in the face of total destruction from Loki and his evil army of creatures and robots. The Avengers’ quirky personalities are fun and seem to get in their way as an effective team, but when they gel – the real fun begins. The special effects are amazing as an aircraft carrier becomes airborne, as Manhattan is badly damaged and as the battles rage between good and evil. This is Hollywood at its best. Enjoy in IMAX 3D if you can and stay until the very end of the credits. Rated PG-13 for intense violence. It is a Peggy’s Pick.
The Headhunters. Who thought the Norwegians could make a clever crime caper thriller with more than enough tension and blood for a lifetime. Roger Brown is a corporate headhunter with an all too blonde and all too tall trophy wife. He supplements his income as a clever art thief so he can keep up appearances. When Clas comes to him for a job opening, Roger walks into a game of violence and intrigue that he could not imagine. As bullets fly and knives plunge, the body count rises and none of it makes too much sense except that Roger is a survivor. He begins to piece together the real story and extracts a clever revenge. This film engages from the first scenes and does not lose its grip until the credits roll. Rated R for extreme violence, gore and disturbing images.
Qs Reviews – April 30, 2012
The Five Year Engagement. Take two very likeable stars (Jason Segal and Emily Blunt) and have them play two even more likeable characters Tom (a chef) and Violet (a post doctoral psych student) and have them fall in love in San Francisco and there should be a good movie. Alas not, they have to spend a few winters in Ann Arbor, Michigan where Violet pursues an advanced degree and gets seduced by her creepy professor/mentor. The film goes weird in Michigan as their love wanes only to be rekindled in a food truck back in San Francisco. There are some very funny moments and bits, but the core romance does not work because of the insipid set-up to the big confrontation that leads to redemption. With a large dose of editing and a tighter script, this would have been much better. Rated R for language and adult content.
The Hunter. Willem Dafoe gives us yet another example of why he is one of our greatest actors. He is Martin, a trained assassin and the ultimate hunter. He goes into the wilds of Tasmania looking for a Tasmanian Tiger. Allegedly extinct in 1936, rumors and sightings are that they may still exist. He is hired by a shadowy corporation that wants the tiger’s genetic material and then to be sure the tiger is really extinct. Martin’s search for the Tiger becomes a search for his soul. He bunks with a family of tree huggers as his base camp and sees their love for one another and for their environment. They have a magic about them that seduces his hard edge. The film’s pace and scenery are marvelous as we see Martin transform himself and use his skills and training to overcome unforeseen dangers and conflicts. The elusive Tiger maybe just a metaphor for a lost soul, but is it? A different and enjoyable film from down under. Rated R for language and brief but intense violence.
Qs Reviews – April 23, 2012
Chimpanzee. The folks at Disney have created a beautiful film of the lives of a pack of Chimpanzees living in the rain forest. The photography is stunning as we are allowed to get up close and personal with these wild creatures in their natural element. But the tendency to anthropomorphize is irresistible and the Chimps’ lives become a drama, bordering on soap opera. The young Oscar loses his mother to a predator and would be lost too except for the Alpha Male, Freddie, takes on his care. An adjoining band of marauding chimps is led by the dangerous, Scar. He attempts an invasion but is vanquished by Freddie and his clever leadership. The film continues the Disney tradition of fabulous nature photography, I just wish for a more natural drama. Rated G but does include elements of danger and violence.
Goon. Some folks think Ice Hockey is the national sport of Canada. They are wrong, the blood sport of bare knuckle, fist fighting is the Canuck’s national sport. Sean William Scott is Doug Glatt, a self proclaimed stupid guy who can take a punch and will deliver a ferocious beating. Seeing his talent for brawling he is recruited by a minor league hockey coach to join the team as the “muscle.” Glatt cannot even skate, but he gives it a go and instantly becomes a local hero despite the fact he can’t play hockey, but can he fight, he is their “goon”. The league’s reigning but soon to retire goon (Liev Schreiber) must go out in a blaze of glory and a blood match between these two is inevitable. They meet on center ice and beat one another to a pulp. Despite all of the violence, Doug is a sweet guy at heart and knows his place in the world. He even gets the girl. This film is not for everyone, but its scrappy heart is fun to see. Rated R for profane non-stop trash talk and violence.
The Lucky One. The ultimate chick flick. Another Nicholas Sparks formula film is one (or two or three) too many. It is cloyingly sweet and filled with artificial intrigue. The set up is engineered and we can see what’s coming. It has all of the Sparks elements – the mysterious Iraqi War Veteran (Zac Efron); the blond and luminous Southern Gal (Taylor Schilling) with an all too cute son; the abusive ex-husband; and an irascible but quite wise grandmother (Blythe Danner). Beautifully photographed on the bayou, we just wait for the set-up to explode into an unneeded confrontation so that everyone can profess their love for one another and live happily ever after. Rated PG-13 for violence and adult content. It is a Peggy’s Chick Flick Pick.
Think Like a Man. Steve Harvey’s dating guide, “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man” is brought to the big screen with loads of laughs and heart. The cast is wonderful. All of the women are beautiful and the men all need to grow up and realize what these women can add to their lives. Everyone has labels. There is “The Player”, the “90 Day Girl”, “the Dreamer”, “The Ring Girl”, “Mama’s Boy” and the “Non Committer”. All of these roles are silly, but the film’s humor uses stereotypes to make us laugh and to make its points. The stories just keep coming as the film’s pace is part of its fun. Rated PG-13 for crude humor and sexual content. It is a Peggy’s Pick.
World Premiere. James Albert Quillinan was born April 18, 2012. He is our first grandson and fourth grandchild. In 26 months we have been blessed with four beautiful grandchildren. Can’t wait until they are old enough to go to the movies.
Qs Reviews – April 16, 2012
The Three Stooges. If you are a fan of the original masters of slapstick and silliness, then you will get a kick out of this faithful update of the old gags. If the Stooges leave you cold, then find something else to do. Larry, Moe and Curly Joe are raised in an orphanage by a bunch of nuns. In an inspired bit of casting, Larry David plays taunting Sister Mary Mengele. Otherwise, the nuns are a good lot who look out for the boys. The boys grow up poking, slapping and abusing one another non-stop. But they have good hearts and when the orphanage needs $830,000 to stay open they leave the orphanage to earn the money in the big, bad world. The run into crooks and are double crossed, but with childish pranks and zany escapades they vanquish the crooks and save the orphanage. The film is a homage to the original Stooges in a modern setting. Check it out if you want a few nyuks. Rated PG so kids can see and laugh a lot.
Bully. This documentary takes a hard look at bullying among school age children. The film follows real life kids as they experience severe bullying and looks at the effects on them, their families and their communities. Some victims of bullying are so desperate that they take their own lives. The film indicts some school officials for their indifference to the situation. “Boys will be boys” and “they will toughen up” are common responses to the problem. We follow two families that have faced tragedy with the deaths of their sons who then take on the issue with a crusade to change attitudes. The film is hard hitting and beams a strong light on this issue. But it leaves out the biggest issue – bullies are not born but trained in the home. The schools and public officials are not the cause; they have to handle the effects of bullies. Another documentary needs to be made. Unfortunately the people who should see this film, won’t. Rated PG-13 for language and violence. It is Peggy’s Pick.
Cirque du Soleil. The magic and marvel of the Cirque continues with their latest traveling show, Totem. Against a background of water the evolution of life is followed as acrobats swing from the sky and celebrate our world in all of its variations. From Chinese girls on unicycles, Russians on tall poles, spinning ladies, crazy clowns, space age juggling, a sensual duo on a trapeze, acrobats on rings flying through the air, fabulous music and even native roller skaters all make the experience thrilling. The show is completely amazing and leaves you wanting more. Be sure to see this show as it travels the United States. It is about to open in San Diego, CA. It is a Peggy’s Pick.
The Cabin in the Woods. A spoof of all horror genres that aspires to high satire but falls short. It instead delivers a skewering of horror film clichés from the redneck harbinger, the basement full of horrors, see through mirrors, the dangers of the deep, the blond gets killed first, Latin verse will raise the dead, zombies can be fun, the good die young and my favorite, pot protects you from evil. The film is loads of fun with unexpected twists and turns and modern techno tricks. The big reveal is pretty stupid, but it leads to loads of gore and spurting blood, so whaddya expect? The film just flies by as we can’t wait for the next gag. Rated R for language, horrific violence and sexual content.
Monsieur Lazhar. A wintery school day in Quebec starts like any other as young Simon excitedly takes milk cartons to his class. It is an honor to have this chore, but as he gets to the classroom he sees his teacher, Martine, hanging from the ceiling having committed suicide. His classmate Alice is close behind and she too sees the teacher dangling from the end of a rope. The film tackles issues of grief and the “why” would someone commit suicide in this manner with a quiet dignity and at times, a light hearted touch. The teachers and the parents dance around the subject, but it is eating at the kids until it boils over and must be addressed. The catalyst for these transformative events is the new teacher for Martine’s class, Monsieur Lazhar. He is a recent immigrant from Algeria whose love of the French language is only surpassed by his love for the kids in his class. Lazhar has his own issues but his true heart and affection for children delivers a message and leaves us wondering “where have we gone astray in our relationship with our children”. This Academy Award nominated foreign film packs a wallop and should be seen. Rated PG-13 for adult themes. In French with English subtitles. It is a Peggy’s Pick.
Qs Reviews – April 9, 2012
American Reunion. It’s been 13 years since the seminal High School Raunchy Comedy, “American Pie”, so it’s time for a reunion. What high school class has a 13th Reunion? Triskaidekaphobia aside, this number does not bode well. The whole cast from the prior films is back along with a few new characters. This exercise in nostalgia does not work well and the humor just goes flat. Stifler’s Mom and Jim’s Dad hook up. Jim and Michelle try to rekindle the pizzazz and it’s quite awkward. Stifler causes grief wherever he goes. Finch’s mom makes an appearance and Stifler takes his revenge. Oz has all of the girls and eventually makes the right choice. There are a few yucks and chortles, but the shock and punch of the original is not captured. We can only be teenagers once and that is a good thing. Rated R for language, nudity, crude humor and drug use.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi. Jiro is considered the best sushi chef in the world. His small, 10 seat counter, restaurant is in the Tokyo subway. It takes months to get a reservation in his sushi palace. Jiro is 85 years old and still has a passion for his job and the pursuit of perfection in the creation of sushi. His fish is carefully selected, his rice is custom grown and prepared and his staff requires years of training. Through Jiro we learn that happiness is achieved by determining our role in life and then dedicating our entire life to achieving perfection in that role. We will never achieve perfection, but the effort is what matters. Jiro’s simple approach has made him the renowned chef he is. This documentary fascinates as the world of sushi is explored with passion and openness. Rated PG for some language. It is a Peggy’s Pick.
Jeff Who Lives at Home. A very idiosyncratic look at contemporary life. Jeff is a 30 something slob (Jason Segal) who still lives at home with his mom (Susan Sarandon). He is consumed with the movie “Signs” which he is sure is the key to life and will show him the path to his future. On his way to the store to buy wood glue, Jeff sees signs directing him to a Kevin. As a result he gets mugged and into all sorts of trouble. Jeff’s brother Pat (Ed Helms) is having marital problems and thinks a new Porsche will bring marital bliss. Jeff and Pat connect for a series of misadventures that are both hilarious and pathetic. Meanwhile, their mother has a secret admirer she is trying to unmask while directing her two sons to some degree of normalcy. The film’s crazy events and crossed paths all build to a crescendo that does bring meaning to life and the universe becomes understandable. Jeff even gets the wood glue. A fascinating film that film buffs will enjoy. Rated R for language and adult content.
The Salt of Life. A wonderful look at contemporary Italian life through the eyes of a wannabe dirty old man. Almost documentary in nature, we get to see the swirl of Italian life through the eyes of Gianni. Gianni is in his early sixties. His aged mother won’t die and won’t stop spending his inheritance. He is a pensioner but does not want to be. Everywhere he looks he sees beautiful women and fantasies about being with them. He is bored with his life even though he has a loving wife. He does not understand his outspoken daughter and her boyfriend. He travels around Rome as his mother’s errand boy. He flirts with the girls but alas his charms have aged. Gianni sees his buddies having trysts and thinks why not me? But it is not to be, Gianni is a good man who is content with affairs of the mind. But who knows, the film leaves us wondering where Gianni may go next. In Italian with English subtitles. Not rated but would be R for language and adult content. The real name of this move in Italian is “Gianni e le Donne” which means Gianni and The Women which is a better name.
Qs Reviews – April 2, 2012
Mirror Mirror. A sumptuous reinvention of the Snow White tale. Julia Roberts clearly has fun as the Evil Queen. Newcomer Lily Collins is the beautiful Snow White now known simply as Snow. She has an edge to her and takes up sword fighting. Armie Hammer is Prince Charming who has boyish charm and it is he who needs to be kissed to break the spell. The Seven Dwarfs are now highwaymen who steal for their own benefit and have names like Grimm, Wolf, Butcher, etc. They bounce around the forest on stilts and provide most of the film’s humor. The film starts out slowly and seems to lack direction, but eventually comes together in a swirl of color and action. The costumes and sets are amazing, so while the plot lags, check out the scenery. Rated PG for action violence.
The Deep Blue Sea. It is 1950 in war weary London. Against a back drop of bombed out buildings and post war deprivation a young woman experiences deep passion that she mistakes for love. Rachel Weisz in an Oscar worthy performance is the young Hester. Her older husband is a Lord and a judge. He loves her desperately in a very correct way. She is looking for the height of passion and finds it in Freddie, a heroic RAF pilot who is really just a boy in man’s clothing. Their affair becomes ugly when Hester attempts suicide as she feels all is lost. But just like the Brits, Hester is tougher than she thinks. Even though the film ends ambiguously, we know she will be all right. The film is a marvelous character study that uses mood and discomfort to tell a story of strong emotions. Film lovers seek this one out. Rated R for sexual content.
Footnote. Hard to imagine, but Talmudic Scholarship and rivalry can be the basis of an engaging film. Eliezer (the father) and Uriel (the son) are both professors who are consumed with the Talmud. Eliezer is a fundamentalist and is compulsive about his recognition in one footnote in a highly regarded Talmudic treatise. Uriel is like the rock star of Talmudic studies. Eliezer has been passed over for 20 years in his quest for the prestigious Israel Prize. When Eliezer gets a call that he is to be awarded the Prize his fundamentalism starts to give way to a bit of vanity. But it is all a mistake, the prize is meant for the son and the Minister called the wrong professor. The film then lets us see behind the curtain of academic rivalries and pettiness as the son has to figure whether to let his father get the Prize or tell him the truth. Will personal glory trump familial commitment? The film lets us decide. Rated PG for adult themes. In Hebrew with English subtitles.
The Caretaker. Harold Pinter’s 1960 play is considered his masterpiece. The play is very hard to grasp as it unfolds before you, but if the author’s purpose was to cause a lot of controversy and conversation, he succeeded. Everyone seems to have a take on the experience and wants to talk about it. The play is about three characters, all delusional in their own way. Davies is an old tramp who if he could just get his act together would reclaim his papers and his dignity. Aston lives in utter clutter in his brother’s house. Aston cannot complete a project as he tries to fix an electrical plug and obsesses about building a shed, two projects that will never be done. Mick is the more capable brother, but he too has big ideaS about building a dream home that will never happen. Davies makes the mistake of coming between the two brothers and is banished. The play is humorous at times, absurd at others. The three characters are really all quite lonely and ultimately quite sad. They all have wonderful monologues about their plights which are what make the play. Lovers of Pinter will rejoice, others will flee. Peggy had a nice nap. At the Curran in San Francisco through April 22, 2012. Jonathan Pryce stars as Davies which is a treat to see him on the stage.
