Movie Review – X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

Starring – Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber
Director – Gavin Hood
Domestic Gross – $99,152,810 (as of May 6)
Running Time – 107 minutes

Let me preface everything by saying that I do not know the comic book plotline for Wolverine and watched this simply as a fan of the character from the previous three films.

Origins? That’s what the title says, right? So, where the hell did Wolverine come from? Why does he have claws? Sure, they tell us how his skeleton was transformed to adamantium, but nobody tells us why he was a mutant in the first place. The movie starts pre-Civil War and a child is shown with bones that will extend from the knuckles like claws. He also heals extremely quickly. He and his brother are then immediately in their 30’s and fighting in war after war (as shown in the trailer). So, what I want to know is why were they mutants to begin with? The previous movies make these mutations out to be a somewhat recent historical occurrence… not 200 years in the past. Then somebody tell me why he’s a kid and then 35, but then never ages again. Remove my logical questions and it’s just an entertaining Summer film. Good times and crazy action. Plus, Taylor Kitsch is pretty baddass as Gambit. Go in looking for a good time and you’ll enjoy it… Just don’t try to find an origin in the story.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Movie Review – The Express (2008)

Starring – Rob Brown, Dennis Quaid
Director – Gary Fleder
Domestic Gross – $9,793,406
Running Time – 129 minutes

"The Express" is the story of the greatest running back you’ve probably never heard of… Ernie Davis. Davis followed Jim Brown at Syracuse and became the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. Ernie Davis faced tremendous racism en route to a stellar career at Syracuse and dealt with it with class (see Jackie Robinson) thereby paving the way for all those to follow. Unfortunately, Davis never had a chance to play in the NFL due to serious health issues that resulted in his life ending all too soon. I have been a football fan all my life and prior to this movie had never heard of Ernie Davis. This is the best kind of biopic. It tells a poignant and entertaining story of someone you should have heard of, but may never had. At over 2 hours you could make the case that it’s a little too long, but I never found myself looking at the clock. Definitely check this one out, but expect it to get dusty in the end like Brian’s Song.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Movie Review – Star Trek - IMAX (2009)

Starring – Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana
Director – JJ Abrams
Domestic Gross – $79,204,289 (as of 5/10/09)
Running Time – 126 minutes

Prior to going to Star Trek I heard some terrifying words from friends and reviewers… “alternate timeline”. That’s usually a cheap way to mess with history and is generally done poorly. Not the case with Abrams’ Star Trek. This was a well done reboot and is now less geeky sci-fi then kickass space action movie. See this movie within the next 10 days while it is still at IMAX. I grew up watching the original Trek movies and loved Next Generation. My fiancé hates roughly all things sci-fi. So, having brought her I think I got a good read on the film from a fan (me) and a hater (her). We both walked out loving it. The timeline thing can get a little confusing, but they took a second here and there to explain. Pine is perfect to play the young Kirk constantly womanizing and jumping in to action before realizing consequences. Quinto was fantastic as a young Spock. I always thought Spock would have been a little more reckless in his youth and Quinto nailed it. In any case I’m looking forward to their next effort tentatively scheduled for 2011. I remember the geek-filled excitement the first time I saw the new Trek trailer almost a year ago where they were working on Enterprise in a dry-dock so I guess the best compliment I can give to this is that it lived up to that excitement for all 126 minutes.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Movie Review – Cadillac Records (2008)

Starring – Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, Gabrielle Union, Columbus Short
Director – Darnell Martin
Domestic Gross – $8,195,551
Running Time – 108 minutes

Cadillac Records attempts to tell the story of Chess Records in an entertaining fashion. The subject matter is there. Chess Records was to Blues what Atlantic was to R&B with a stable of musicians that included Etta James, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and Bo Diddley among others. Unfortunately the film starred Adrien Brody as Leonard Chess and he just mailed it in playing sleezy more than anything. They completely ignored the existence of Bo Diddley. Now, the good. The music was done extremely well. Beyonce really nailed Etta James in her version of At Last. To boil it down though this would have been better as a tribute concert than a movie. Don’t bother. Just check out the soundtrack instead.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Movie Review – I Love You, Man (2009)

Starring – Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Rashida Jones
Director – John Hamburg
Domestic Gross – $68,570,273
Running Time – 110 minutes

Absolutely hilarious! I get that it’s manufactured to capitalize on the “bromance” movement in pop culture, but anytime you put Rudd and Segel on screen they are going to find the funny. Rudd is excellent as the straight man with Segel being more overtly funny. Rashida Jones is great as the open girlfriend as well. In their bit roles Andy Samberg and JK Simmons are hysterical. As for the plot Peter (Rudd) is a man that gets a little too wrapped up in his relationships to the point that he has no guy friends. When it comes time to pick a wedding party he is hit with this realization and decides to pursue making friends. In that effort he meets Sydney and they bond over their love of Rush. Hilarity ensues. I wouldn’t say it’s on the level with Role Models, but it’s a great date movie that you both can enjoy.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Movie Review – Synecdoche, New York (2009)

Starring – Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Samantha Morton
Director – Charlie Kaufman
Domestic Gross – $3,083,538
Running Time – 124 minutes

Charlie Kaufman is bat shit crazy. I just sat here for about 5 minutes considering leaving that as my entire review. All the reviews online of this film describe it as “difficult, but genius” or “a true allegory”. What that says to me is that this movie is nonsense and nobody wants to be the one to admit that they didn’t get it. Well, I didn’t get it. There was a house perpetually on fire and minuscule art as well as a to scale set of New York City. I could not have been more confused or less entertained. In conclusion... Charlie Kaufman is bat shit crazy.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.

Movie Review – Bedtime Stories (2008)

Starring – Adam Sandler, Keri Russell, Russell Brand, Courtney Cox
Director – Adam Shankman
Domestic Gross – $110,101,975
Running Time – 95 minutes

Bedtime Stories is a Sandler vehicle for kids. Like any Adam Sandler movie the plot is secondary to the funny. In this one the irresponsible Skeeter Bronson (Sandler) has to babysit his niece and nephew while their mom (Courtney Cox) is out of town. Together they spin these crazy tales at bedtime that begin coming true. Unfortunately for Skeeter only what the kid’s come up with comes true. It’s a ridiculous fun romp that is probably fantastic for kids under 10 and reasonably entertaining for those over. Russell Brand is hilarious in his bit part as Skeeter’s best friend with narcolepsy and night terrors. Beyond that it’s just another ridiculous kid’s movie that is easily forgotten within a week.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.