Here are a few movies I’ve seen recently along with a 3 sentence review and letter grade:
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans – Werner Herzog humor and panache abound in this action/black-comedy romp through a post-Katrina New Orleans. Nicholas Cage really gets to shine as an unhinged cop with a heart of gold. This is one of those rare movies where the sequel is better than the original. “A”
Time Traveler’s Wife - Rachel McAdams is adorable, but Eric Bana seems distant, confused, and lacking in romantic chemistry. There is very little tension in this movie, but it is visually appealing. Watching time travel from the woman’s point of view is interesting, but ultimately the movie is a bit slow and something of a let down. “C+”
A Serious Man - Another Coen brothers masterpiece of misdirection. This movie is subtle, but not obtuse. The ultimate theme of this movie is to accept the mystery of not knowing what is coming, and enjoy every moment as it comes. “A+”
Avatar - Overrated. Overlong. Extremely lame without 3D. “C-”
The Fourth Kind - Some people call this a rip off Paranormal Activity, but in some ways it’s a superior film. The way “real” footage is interwoven with footage of mainstream actors is well done and heightens suspense. In the end however, the movie is a let down when you find all of it was fabricated. “C”
The Lovely Bones – This is a stylishly filmed fairy-tale which will sooth your fear of death. Stanley Tucci is perfectly creepy as the killer. Some of the fantasy CGI reminds me of a Claratin commercial, but this is still a well-made and suspenseful film. “B+”
xoxo
Izabael
