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Need to see a good movie over the holiday?
I present some of your options for holiday viewing in the next few days.
In theaters:
Australia
I didn’t get to see it yet. I’ll let you know when I do.
Bolt
Disney’s latest animated movie turns out to be one of its best in years, with this cross between The Truman Show and Toy Story. A TV star dog (John Travolta) doesn’t realize he’s not actually a superhero when he sets out to rescue his owner co-star Penny (Miley Cyrus). Filled with many great sight gags and endearing characters, this movie shows Disney is on its way back to greatness.
GRADE: A-
Changeling
Clint Eastwood powerfully directs this tale of a woman (Angelina Jolie) whose son disappears during the 1920s, at the height of Los Angeles police corruption. When an imposter appears claiming to be her son, that’s not even half the story. The dramatics occasionally feel overheated, but the story stokes so many emotions and covers so much ground, it’s fascinating and gripping.
GRADE: B+
Four Christmases
Full review here.
High School Musical: Senior Year
No, it’s not exactly blazingly original, and I didn’t come out humming the tunes, but I enjoyed the big-screen version of Disney’s insanely popular franchise more than I expected to. Young girls may spend much of their time squealing at Zac Efron, but the adoration is justified. The actor is genuine talent and the only member of the cast to play anything resembling palpable emotion. The story is standard-issue hokum, but it goes down easily.
GRADE: B-
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
The sequel with the wayward zoo animals fails to improve on its predecessor. The movie deserves some credit for at least trying to have some heart by telling the story of how Alex the lion (Ben Stiller) was separated from his parents, but there’s still too much emphasis on pop culture gags. Even the penguins, the saving grace of the first movie, aren’t very funny this time.
GRADE: C
Quantum of Solace
James Bond returns but disappoints in this muddled follow-up to Casino Royale. The gritty low-key story is a nice change of pace, both new Bond girls are appealing and Daniel Craig remains excellent as 007. Unfortunately, the action scenes are incoherent, making it impossible to tell who is doing what to whom. When the action scenes don’t work, you don’t have a Bond film. It’s that simple.
GRADE: C+
Twilight
Vampire chick-lit isn’t exactly my vial of blood, but this adaptation of the intensely loved romance series by Stephenie Meyer delivers, thanks to director Catherine Hardwicke’s gifts for working with young actors. The movie has many lines worth of an eye roll, but leads Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart sell them convincingly enough.
GRADE: B
Zack and Miri Make a Porno
Don’t let the P-word frighten you - this is actually a touching romantic comedy with a coat of raunchy humor, not unlike Knocked Up. It’s Kevin Smith’s best film since Chasing Amy. Seth Rogen and especially Elizabeth Banks are ideal as platonic friends who turn to porn to make ends meet. Many of Smith’s jokes are gleefully crude, but most of them are hilarious.
GRADE A-
For a look at what’s on the small screen, hit the jump:
On TV:
Far too many to list in this space. Click here for the holiday movie schedule.
On DVD
Fred Claus: This sour, cynical concoction, with Vince Vaughn as Santa’s sibling, tries to have it both ways by deflating the holiday most of the way through and then embracing it at the end. I didn’t buy it. It goes on the naughty list. GRADE: D+
Get Smart: This TV-to-movie upgrade has its share of obvious jokes, and the action scenes are a blurry mess, but the stars, including Steve Carell and Anne Hathway, make the movie solidly entertainng. GRADE: B
Hancock: It’s a great idea executed not too sharply, especially when the movie falls apart in the last act. Still, Will Smith sells the concept of a superhero who couldn’t care. GRADE: B
Hellboy II: The Golden Army: Infinitely superior to the first, with director Guilliermo del Toro really letting his imagination run wild. GRADE: A-
Kung Fu Panda: One of DreamWorks’ very best animated efforts, if not their best. Great fun. GRADE: A-
Tropic Thunder: Ben Stiller’s comedy about a movie shoot gone horribly wrong is inconsistent, but when it hits, it’s hilarious. Robert Downey Jr. earned much-deserved praise as the actor who gets a little too into his character, but Tom Cruise was just as funny playing a megalomaniac producer. GRADE: B+
Vicky Cristina Barcelona: One of Woody Allen’s better efforts in awhile is a romantic quadrangle with Javier Barden, Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson and Rebecca Hall. Their very strong performances help make up for the sometimes distracting narration. GRADE: B+
WALL-E: The best movie of the year, hand down. Essential viewing. GRADE: A+
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: In Area Theaters, Movies on TV, Reviews
Comments
By Rick
December 1, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
These reviews seem all over the place. Movies which have been getting good reviews are getting C and D on this list. A more reliable review list, which aggrigates reviews can be found at: http://www.rottentomatoes.comBy Serge
November 26, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
I’d like inform you that Scarlett Johansson (actress)actually is a clone from original person,who has nothing with acting career.Clone was created illegally using stolen biomaterial.Original Scarlett Galabekian last name is nice, CHRISTIAN young lady.I’ll tell more,those clones(it’s not only 1)made in GERMANY-world leader manufacturer of humans clones,it’s in Ludwigshafen am Rhein,Rhineland-Palatinate,Mr.Helmut Kohl home town.You can’t even imaging the scale of the cloning activity.But warning,H.Kohl staff strictly controlling their clones spreading around the world,they’re NAZI type disciplined and mind controlled,be careful get close with clones you will be controlled too.Original family didn’t authorize any activity with stolen biomaterials,no matter what form it was created in,it’s all need to be back to original family control in Cedars-Sinai MedicalCenter in LA.Controlling clones is US military operation.Original Scarlett never was engaged,by the wayBy Allie D.
November 25, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
I’m thinking we might take the kids to see Bolt on Saturday. I’d like to see Australia or Changeling for myself, however. :)