Red Tails

This movie is all about fighting, and not only against the Germans. The Tuskegee Airmen (named for the college where they were trained as a controversial experiment) also have to fight frustration, racism, and their own weaknesses. The story follows the four pilots (to avoid confusion, I’m sticking to their call signs): Lightning (David Oyelowo), Easy (Nate Parker), Junior (Tristan Wilds), and Joker (Elijah Kelley), plus several others, through part of 1943 and 1944.

Their commander, Colonel Bullard (Terrence Howard), is back home trying to get better assignments for them, hoping they can finally prove themselves. Their second-in-command, Major Stance (Cuba Gooding, Jr.), tells them it’s a miracle they’re flying at all — anticipating those who answer criticisms of the movie by saying at least it’s a positive story about blacks.

Gradually, the Airmen move on to escorting bomber groups and earning the respect of the white troops. They finally get new planes with, yeah, red tails. There’s a little personal drama along the way. The reckless Lightning lands in trouble more than once — but one of his crazy risks results in a successful raid on the enemy. Squad leader Easy, who’s not the straight arrow he seems, regrets some of his command decisions. But all this is secondary to the fighting that takes up much of the screen time. (We see a few scenes of Lightning with his Italian girlfriend, but though they seem to love each other, they can barely communicate — which limits the depth of the  dialogue.)

A quiet turning point comes when one Airman, captured by the Germans, is welcomed among some POW’s planning an escape because “We know you’re not a German spy — being colored and all.”

For a war movie, there’s surprisingly little swearing or brawling, and just a touch of sex (between a seriously committed couple, at that). No one questions the rightness or effectiveness of the war; no one feels that he owes his country less because it’s treated him unjustly. Despite their harrowing circumstances, the characters project a certain innocence alien to our times.

Though the dialogue can be artificial (I think it reaches its low point when a Nazi pilot says in German: “Die, foolish African!”), the performances make it work — usually. (Some of the minor players fall short.)

If you’re not expecting deep insights into character and relationships, if you’re interested in the countless aspects of either World War II or black history, or if you just enjoy a good aerial battle, Red Tails is worth seeing.

What did I like about this movie?

• The acting was well done.  I felt the pain that Albert felt when his horse was sold.
• The plot was well developed.  Not many movies make me want to yell words of encouragement; however, this movie did.
• The story was endearing.  Watching the movie, I felt the characters’ pain and happiness.
• The movie was believable.  Not once did I wonder, “Could that really happen?”

What didn’t I like about the movie?

• Again, the movie was believable.  The war scenes were realistic and, for me, hard to watch.

War Horse is well worth seeing in the theatre.  Seen on the big screen, I think it brings the movie to life.  Although the movie only has a PG-13 rating, I would consider carefully whether to bring a young teen.  The battle scenes are graphic and all too realistic.  Outside of that, this movie is a fabulous story of friendship, showing how truly powerful a human-animal relationship can be.

He Said:
Hugo isn’t the mind-blowing special effects film that the previews might convince people to expect, but the world that has been created for the film is magical and interesting. Hugo is a film that’s all about amazing story-telling and acting that can deliver the story with the realism it deserves. Once the connection in the story is made, it really does pull at the viewer emotionally and you realize the genius of the film.

My only criticism with the film is it moves really slowly in some parts. It felt as if I kept waiting to see how the story would play out. This could be aggravating for viewers that like faster paced movies. While Hugo is appropriate for children, the movie might have a difficult time holding their interest.

My Rating: While the movie is a little slow-paced, if you enjoy a good story, this is worth seeing on the big screen.

She Said:
When Hugo first began, the eye-popping cinematography immediately pulled me in. I was instantly whisked into Scorsese’s vision of 1930s Paris. I started to pull away from the film early on (within the first five minutes), irritated that I didn’t know exactly who Hugo was, what he wanted, and how he planned on getting it.

Thankfully, I caught myself trying to dissect the plot and firmly reminded myself to relax and simply let the story do what it needed to do. If there’s any piece of advice I can give to you when going to see this film, it would be along the same lines – Don’t try to figure the story out. Simply let go and open yourself up to the experience of classic story-telling. Have faith that you are in good hands with Scorsese and allow the story to unfold in its own time.

Hugo is a multi-layered story that touches on several themes, including abandonment, loneliness, hope, and faith. These themes are beautifully woven into the main premise of mending broken souls.

Since the protagonist is a young boy, the story should capture the interest of younger children; however, Hugo will most likely appeal more to older children and adults. The movie did drag a few times in the middle, so younger children may become bored quickly. Luckily, just as my attention started to drift away from the screen, I was yanked back into the story.

This movie is being heralded as one of Scorsese’s masterpieces and I couldn’t agree more. Draped around the main theme of mending a shattered soul, this movie is a visual love letter to the art of cinema. I especially love the gentle irony of the film – at one point the story takes us back to the days of early filmmaking; I love that this trip down memory lane was accomplished in one of Scorsese’s most technologically advanced films to date.

Hugo is a movie that was born out of  love for cinema. It’s a movie with tremendous heart, leaving audiences feeling as if they had been dipped in chocolate-covered joy.

My Review: Worth seeing on the big screen

The Three Musketeers

He Said:
This film felt like I was watching a cartoon using real actors. What I mean by that is, the acting was incredibly cheesy and there were some action sequences that were just too far beyond my threshold for suspension of disbelief for me to really enjoy the movie. It was getting to the point where I fully expected the Musketeers to exhibit supernatural powers to vanquish their foes, such as shooting laser beams from their eyes or using an occasional thunderclap like the Incredible Hulk. It just became too much like a cartoon where some the things that were happening couldn’t physically happen.

I will say, though, that I thought the sword fights were very well choreographed and, along with the unique camera work, were very entertaining to watch. The movie was exciting and fun, but I felt it was really targeted for a much younger audience. At a younger age, I probably would have loved it.

My Rating: This would make a great family night movie with the kids, but if you’re looking for something a little more mature, this isn’t the movie for you. Wait for DVD or TV.

She Said:
I went into The Three Musketeers with extremely low expectations. I read the original 1844 novel by Alexandre Dumas in college and have always loved the coming-of-age tale. When I found out Director Paul W.S. Anderson (Resident Evil) was turning the story into a steampunk-influenced rendition, I was skeptical. From what I read, I was having a hard time wrapping my mind around Anderson’s vision. He claims his version of The Three Musketeers is the same story, just told in a slightly different way. Yeah, okay. If slightly different includes the addition of ship zeppelins, secret vaults, and influential children dressed as royalty, then he hit the nail on the head.

Anderson’s re-imaged story is a family adventure gone awry. The biggest downfall of the movie was the casting of Logan Lerman as D’Artagnan. Lerman simply doesn’t have the charm to pull off the role. He came across as arrogant, insincere, and annoying. I would have preferred to see more of the actual Musketeers – at least they showed some promise of being interesting characters.

The movie was predictable, inconsistent, and completely unbelievable. And don’t even get me started on some of the stolen dialogue from The Princess Bride. Blasphemy!

On the positive side, the movie was visually appealing and the expertly choreographed sword fights were entertaining; too bad that wasn’t enough to make up for the cheesy dialogue, complete lack of chemistry between Lerman and the rest of the cast, and the ridiculous plot.

My Rating: Don’t Bother

He Said:

All of the Pirates of the Caribbean films are fun and entertaining to watch. This last film, On Stranger Tides, does not disappoint in that aspect as well. I consider all of the Pirates of the Caribbean films incredibly entertaining family-oriented films. For that matter, anyone interested in pirate-themed movies, these are some of the best. All of the actors consumed their roles very well and Penelope Cruz (Angelica Malon) and Ian McShane (Blackbeard) were great additions to the cast. Johnny Depp continues to be incredibly entertaining in is role as the eccentric Jack Sparrow.

My only negative criticism for this film is that it feels like more of the same. It feels similar to the previous movies. It’s another race to seek out some sacred item to obtain some incredible power or advantage that other people don’t have. Before you know it, they’ll have another film where they seek out the Holy Grail or the legendary sword Excalibur. I like all of these films, but I’m getting burnt out on the repetitive theme in the story lines.

My rating: If you’re somewhat burnt out on these movies, I’d wait until blu-ray/DVD to watch it. Otherwise, this film makes for a fun-filled night of action and laughs on the big screen.

She Said:

Johnny Depp revises his multimillion dollar iconic role as Captain Jack Sparrow in this latest installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Since Depp is the one who put the franchise on the map, it only makes sense that the story follows his character, leaving out the concluded story of Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann.Going into the movie, I didn’t expect to like it. It’s a fourth installment of a bloated franchise. How could I possibly like it? Avast me hearties! I did, in fact, like the film. Yarr! I really enjoyed the movie for what it was – riotous pirates, embellished swordfights, supernatural creatures, mystic themes, saucy humor, and a few unexpected violent twists and turns.

Penelope Cruz plays a strong female protagonist who is a perfect match for Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow. She is strong, willful, crafty and sexy – all the things I want to see from a leading lady. She can handle herself without the help of a man (I hate the weak damsel in distress stuff), but Cruz brings a vulnerability to the character, which works when she takes on the role of dutiful and loving daughter.

This movie is a great summer escape, filled with entertaining special effects, a solid story-line that doesn’t get lost or mired down in the supernatural, and fun, cheeky humor.

My rating: Spend the money to see in the theater, even if it’s just the matinee.

Arthur

Starring Russell Brand, Arthur has always relied on two things: his great fortune and his long-time nanny Hobson, played by Helen Mirren, to keep him in check. But when he has to decide between an arranged marriage that will ensure his fortunes or to risk it all for the love of his life, Naomi, played by Greta Gerwig, he must make a decision that will change his entire life.

Hanna

Starring Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana and Cate Blanchett, Hanna, played by Ronan, has been brought up to become a perfect assassin by her father, played by Eric Bana. Her ultimate test when her father sends her out on a mission in Europe. But a ruthless intelligence operative, played by Cate Blanchett, tries to stop her mission in every step. As Hanna fights it off, she is forced to face her existence and true humanity.

Your Highness

Two princes have been sent on a mission to save the heir apparent’s fiancee and their land. But while one prince is a true hero, the other one is a good-for-nothing younger brother who will do anything to avoid dragons and evil and everything in between. James Franco stars as the hero and Danny McBride plays his younger brother.

Soul Surfer

Soul Surfer is the story of teenage surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack while surfing. Bethany defies all odds and becomes a surfing champion again. Soul Surfer stars Anna Sophia Robb, Helen Hunt and Carrie Underwood, in her film acting debut.

Exodus Fall

Set in Texas in 1974, Exodus Fall follows the story of three siblings who struggle to live their lives with their abusive mother, especially after the death of their father. When one of siblings is taken away when the mother cannot cope with his autism, the other siblings make a plan to get him back and trek to their grandmother’s house to get away from their mother.

All these films open on Friday, April 8, 2011.

True Grit is the story of headstrong Mattie, a young girl with an adult wit on a mission to avenge the murder of her father by criminal Tom Chaney. She seeks out a man she hears has “true grit”– U.S. Marshall “Rooster” Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), who reluctantly agrees to pursue him. Mattie ignores the wishes of all around her and sets out to accompany Cogburn, and the duo is joined by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) who has his own beef with Chaney.

True Grit is no quiet, museum-like movie. There’s nothing stale about it. The characters are each unique and alive with such personality that you won’t forget them soon after. Bridges is exceptional as Cogburn. The amount of emotion he can convey in one single eye (due to the eye patch) is incredible. And his constantly slack-jawed mouth and self-deprecating humor make him surprisingly all the more fascinating as a character. Damon plays LaBoeuf well, with an honest and upright demeanor about him that plays off of Bridges’ rough edges. And Haillee Steinfeld surprises with not an annoying but an endearing and smart young-girl-role as Mattie. And audiences kept coming back for more: the theater was packed last Saturday, despite the fact that the movie came out back in December.

Being true to the name, the film is truly gritty. It was a tough life in that world, and they don’t try to hide it. The shrieks coming from the theater when Cogburn demonstrates his true grit and tries to pull LaBoeuf’s teeth out of his mouth definitely weren’t ones of laughter. But True Grit brings you on such an exciting ride that you enjoy it all. At its core the Western is a tell-it-like-it-is story of good versus evil, and perhaps that is why we’ll never stop being drawn to them. True Grit succeeds, drawing its audience back into this tradition.

Directed by Park Chan-Wook (Oldboy, Sympathy For A Vengeance, Mr. Vengeance), Thirst is the story of Sang-hyun, a priest who will do anything to save humanity. He agrees to participate in a secret vaccine development program designed to wipe out a deadly virus. But something goes wrong and he finds out the blood he was injected with was infected, and he turns into a vampire.

2. Shrink

Written by Thomas Moffett and directed by Jonas Pate, Shrink is the story of Henry Carter, played by Kevin Spacey, a shrink who works in Hollywood and treats A-list celebrities that have left him jaded and cynical.

3. The Answer Man

John Hindman, in his directorial debut, brings us The Answer Man. Jeff Daniels plays Arlen Faber, author of Me and God, which has touched the lives of many people. Now on its 20th anniversary, people all over continue to seek him for the answers to their questions, but he’s a recluse and has succeeded in keeping himself away from the public eye.

4. 24 City

24 City is the story of three factory workers and how their lives changed when the China State-owned munitions factory they used to work for falls into ruin and is converted into a high-rise condominium building. 24 City was nominated for Best Cinematographer and Best Composer at the 2009 Asian Film Awards and Golden Palm for the 2008 Cannes Film Festival.

5. In The Loop

A British government minister, played by Tom Hollander, makes a mistake in front of a national television audience and tries to fix it.

What do you think? Which movie do you want to watch?

The movie is told through the eyes of the little boy, Bruno. Used to living the city, discovering new things and exploring unfamiliar territory, he has a hard time adjusting to life in the country where restrictions are everywhere. He is forbidden to explore the back garden and is only allowed to wander the front yard. He discovers a nearby farm with children when he looks out his bedroom window and tries to ask permission to visit the place. He is denied by his mother, who realizes that the farm is a concentration camp.

But because of boredom and his need to explore, Bruno defies his mother’s orders and escapes to the farm, where he meets Shmuel, an 8-year-old boy who was taken to the camp with his family. They quickly form a friendship, and Bruno finds himself sneaking out almost everyday, bringing food and games for Shmuel. They developed the most unlikely friendship for that time, between a German and a Jew. But will it last?

It’s a simple story about innocence, loyalty, duty, family and friendship. Superbly acted by its lead actors, including Asa Butterfield (as Bruno) and Vera Farmiga (as Bruno’s mother, Elsa), this highly emotional drama about World War II and Hitler’s movement against the Jews will tug at the hearts of even the hardest man.

It’s a movie that one must watch at his own risk. It starts out as just an ordinary day in an ordinary city, but then the movie starts to get grim when the actions suddenly change to soldiers capturing people. We now know that the city is Berlin, and the soldiers are capturing Jews to bring to concentration camps. We see a little boy onscreen but are always aware of the dark tones of the movie’s setting. Mark Herma, who directed this film, doesn’t try to be historically accurate, only to capture the emotions of the people who had to experience it.

If you’ve decided to watch The Boy In The Striped Pajamas, good luck. It’s not going to be easy to watch. But be sure to watch it until the end because it is still one of the best movies made in cinemas today.

The Warlords is set during the corrupt rule of the Qing Dynasty in China. Because of oppression suffered by Chinese people due to corruption, a group of rebels formed the Taiping Rebellion to fight for the rights of the people. Jet Li (Brother Pang) is a defeated army general fighting the rebels when they were betrayed by their ally and left for dead. Brother Pang barely survived and was saved by a group of bandits, whom he convinces to join the Chinese army to be able to take care of his family. They agree, but he must join their brotherhood. They form a brotherhood and make a pact to free all Chinese people from oppression. However, as they succeed more and more, Brother Pang becomes hungry for more power and eventually puts their brotherhood in jeopardy.

As with any good action and war movie, the setting is very fast-paced and rarely gets boring. It was direct to the point and always exciting. It was an attempt by Peter Chan to make a beautiful movie about an ugly truth. And it did work. The movie was about two hours long, and there were times when I had to go back and wonder what had just happened. But otherwise, it was a good movie that touches on brotherhood, love and commitment. It’s not a movie that excels technically since everything was so simple, but it’s a movie that borders on good and excellent because it attempts to strike a chord in people’s hearts.

Watch The Warlords, not for the action it shows, but for the message it portrays.