Archive for March, 2009

The movie is funny enough, and an enjoyable ride overall, and most importantly evokes those familiar nostalgic feelings that get you looking over old camp photos one random night. That patina of memory takes away a little from the realism that characterizes a bit of IAdventurelandI; even when the movie delves into sadness or some genuinely raw emotions, it mostly gets swept under the banner of that one crazy summer.

An action film can no longer seem to exist without the following ingredients: an elevator shaft (probably, but not definitely, the site of a death), a rooftop (most frequently involves shooting and running), a helicopter (which, by definition, must have a character on the outside of it at one point), and of course, large explosions. These are the bread and butter of a modern action film. 12 Rounds by no means falls short in any of these categories. If you are looking to see a solid action movie, 12 Rounds is the one to see. However, do not delve for something deeper than the face value of this film. It is what it is, an action film. No more, no less.

The basic plot is actually fairly simple. When Detective Danny Fisher foils criminal Miles Jackson’s multi-million-dollar heist, Jackson’s girlfriend is killed in the process. A year later, when Jackson escapes from prison, he wants revenge and kidnaps Fisher’s girlfriend. An eye for an eye. Jackson (Aidan Gillen) forces Fisher to “play” 12 rounds of a game he has created for Fisher, if Fisher wants his girlfriend back. Each round presents a near-impossible task for Fisher to accomplish. Certainly, this guarantees the viewers some intense action scenes with fast cars and far falls. Actor John Cena (character Danny Fisher), formerly a wrestling star, plays his part well, mainly because the film does not ask much from him. He is a solid figure, taking in stride the pain and puzzles thrown relentlessly at him. I am impressed.

It is important to note that while the film is rated PG-13, it is quite a few notches below many other films with the same rating. The sole reason it is given such a rating is for scenes of intense action, but unlike most films, the actual blood and gore is very minimal.

If you are looking for an action film that meets all the standard expectations, I highly encourage 12 Rounds. As long as you are not looking for this film to do anything more than to entertain and temporarily satisfy your cravings for action, bon appetite and happy viewing!

RATING: (POLITE APPLAUSE) "Midsomer Murders" is the British rural version of Dick Wolf's "Law & Order" series: It hit on a tried-and-true formula in 1997 and hasn't budged from it in all those years. That's why both shows just keep on going. Like Wolf's...

RATING: (POLITE APPLAUSE) Ahh, the good old days, when it was possible to watch a documentary called "The Great Depression" without picturing yourself on a breadline. This four-part A&E series originally aired in 1998, but it's going into release...

Leading up to the events of X-Men, X-Men Origins: Wolverine tells the story of Wolverines epically violent and romantic past, his complex relationship with Victor Creed, and the ominous Weapon X program. Along the way, Wolverine encounters many mutants, both familiar and new, including surprise appearances by several legends of the X-Men universe whose appearances in the film series have long been anticipated.

Set in futuristic Metro City, iAstro Boyi is about a young robot with incredible powers created by a brilliant scientist. Powered by positive blue energy, Astro Boy is endowed with super strength, x-ray vision, unbelievable speed and the ability to fly. Embarking on a journey in search of acceptance, Astro Boy learns the joys and emotions of being human, and gains the strength to embrace his destiny.

Oscar winner Russell Crowe leads an all-star cast in a blistering thriller about a rising congressman and an investigative journalist embroiled in an case of seemingly unrelated, brutal murders. Crowe plays D.C. reporter Cal McAffrey, whose street smarts lead him to untangle a mystery of murder and collusion among some of the nations most promising political and corporate figures in iState of Playi, from acclaimed director Kevin Macdonald The Last King of Scotland. brbr Handsome, unflappable U.S. Congressman Stephen Collins Ben Affleck is the future of his political party: an honorable appointee who serves as the chairman of a committee overseeing defense spending. All eyes are upon the rising star to be his partys contender for the upcoming presidential race. Until his research assistantmistress is brutally murdered and buried secrets come tumbling out. brbr McAffrey has the dubious fortune of both an old friendship with Collins and a ruthless editor, Cameron Oscar winner Helen Mirren, who has assigned him to investigate. As he and partner Della Rachel McAdams try to uncover the killers identity, McAffrey steps into a cover-up that threatens to shake the nations power structures. And in a town of spin-doctors and wealthy politicos, he will discover one truth: when billions are at stake, no ones integrity, love or life is ever safe.

When high-powered book editor Margaret SANDRA BULLOCK faces deportation to her native Canada, the quick-thinking exec declares that shes actually engaged to her unsuspecting put-upon assistant Andrew RYAN REYNOLDS, who shes tormented for years. He agrees to participate in the charade, but with a few conditions of his own. The unlikely couple heads to Alaska to meet his quirky family MARY STEENBURGEN, CRAIG T. NELSON, BETTY WHITE and the always-in-control city girl finds herself in one comedic fish-out-of-water situation after another.

A lot of the action involves car chases and crashes, as Fisher attempts to quickly get from one location to another or stop a reckless car, trolly car, and helicopter. As a result, at one point in the movie I realized I was finally watching the perfect video game movie. With the short term missions Fisher is given, and the amount of vehicular carnage the movie unleashes, this might as well have been called IGrand Theft Auto: the Moviei

A slight twist on the old horror flick is it schizophrenic hallucinations or tortured ghosts terrorizing a sick child staple, IThe Haunting In ConnecticutI is an irritating mass grave of surprisingly poignant moments, better than expected acting turns and puzzling unnecessary clichs. Its the type of movie you really want to like for a modicum of reasons but ultimately cannot because it so overtly settles on the easy way out.