The American -- Review

It has been a while since I have spent any real quality time in a darkened theater entertained by the moving pictures that a playing out before my eyes, and this however was not the welcome I was expecting. 

The American is a slow moving and depressing story unlike any of Clooney's "traditional" films and expected abilities.  With little to no dialog the passing of time feels as though it takes hours rather than the 105 minutes it actually takes.  The audience is dropped dead smack in the middle of a story with no way to tell which end is up.  I struggled for the first half hour just to try and figure out why I should even care for Clooney's character, and yet the remaining 75 minutes were no better.  With only a handful of minutes throughout the entire film that seemed to have any significance, I neither cared nor wanted to care for any of the "characters" in the story and I use the the term loosely because I still couldn't tell you who any of the characters were or what their point was for the story. 

Yes Clooney is usually able to carry any story easily on his back, but this ones weight was more than even he could bare.  Other than being the only American in the entire film and the name of the story, there appeared to be no other connection and no reason to even try to decipher the significance.  But who was he? Who was he working for? Why was he being hunted? And why should any of us even care?  I wish I had answers or even a hint of an answer, but unfortunately I have none and worse the film offered none.  I wasted the majority of my afternoon trying to convence myself just to stick it out and hope something would happen.  But NOTHING happened. 

The American is pointlessly depressing and drags on FOREVER.  I have never said this before but I am yelling it to the heavens.... This is THE WORST Clooney film EVER!  Do yourself a favor and pass on this film.  It truly isn't even worth your time or money once it's released on DVD.  I'm so disappointed with the film I cannot even rate it as right now I'm just hoping to forget all about it.

I'm sorry Silver Fox but The American was a bad decision on your part. 

Up In The Air -- Review

Traveling during the holidays is always an activity that I dread. The long lines, the screaming children, the hungry children, the fighting couples, the obstinate teens. And then once you are on the plane, train and/or automobile you find yourself stuck next to the crying baby sitting in front of a child throwing a temper tantrum who finds it entertaining to repeatedly kick the back of your seat. Yes we have all had the luxury of traveling "in style", giving dirty looks to those with their rewards cards who get to jump the line, with their business or first class status. Yes, we give them the evil eye as they walk past us without a care in the world because they will be the ones riding comfortably to their destination. Well, we may start looking at those people a little
differently now.
Up in the Air is a film that rides a thin line between comedy and drama. It is an adaptation of the Walter Kirn novel of the same name, but tells the story of Ryan Bingham in a slightly different aspect. In the film George Clooney play his usual "swave guy" in the film, however he works for a company that fires people so there is a bit of a love hate relationship that is felt for his character. Watching him play "the lonely man" is also a slightly new thing. Now granted there is a love interest for him, but the twists and turns that he must go through in this discovery may actually shock you by the end of the film. Playing along side Clooney is the beautiful Vera Farmiga who's quick wit will have you laughing over the use of double entendres during her conversations regarding elite statuses with Clooney's character. Anna Kendrick, who most will know from the Twilight Saga, plays the young co-worker Natalie Keener. Many may not know that she comes from a background on Broadway, including even being one of the youngest nominated for a Tony Award, which I believe has given her a leg up in the acting world. She easily gave Clooney a run for his money when they were on screen together because I was never able to take my eyes off the young actress. Having only really seen her in the Twilight films, I wasn't sure how she was going to hold up, but damn was she impressive.
Up in the Air keeps you grounded in what is happening today. Updating the 2001 novel to fit in with the economic world we are currently facing and some times making the film feel rather depressing because only recently did we, being that you or someone you know, who recently was let go from their job. Amidst the lay-offs we get humor and "real life people". We get to watch them as they go through the normal ups and downs of life. We also see things that some of us are blind to noticing. But in the end the film has true spirit. It touches us in the same way that our friends and family do, reminding us that if times get tough we do have someone there that can help us make it through.

So if you want to brave the skies above check out the film. George Clooney and Anna Kendrick are fun to watch on screen, and the bit part played by comedic actor Jason Bateman will only add to the fun of this film. Also be on the look out for cameo appearances by Zach Galifianakis and Sam Elliott. So go redeem some of your sky miles and check out this film.

November Releases To Be Excited For

As November has just begun I feel the need to share a few trailers for films to keep your eyes out for.

DARE
Let's start with an unusual indie film about high school seniors and what it means to be finally completing that one stage in your life and the unexpected things that happen before you take your first steps in the next stage of life.


Men Who Stare At Goats
The next generation of military weapons has come... in the form of 'psychic soldiers'?? With an amazing cast one can only hope that it brings as many laughs to the rest of the film as the trailer shares.


The Messenger
The story of a soldier who just returned home from Iraq and is assigned to the Army’s Casualty Notification service. Looks like it could be a powerful story.


Planet 51
We've all heard of Area 51, but have you heard of Planet 51. What looks like it could be a fun family film that brings a new look to an alien planet. So let's see who the real alien is... them... or us. Also, enjoy the dog that looks like a mini Xenomorph. For those Alien fans out there, I'm sure you'll get a few good laughs out of that.


Me and Orsen Wells
We all know who Orsen Wells is. We've all seen at least one of his films. This November release tells the story from a slightly different side and yet still brings back that feel of classic filmmaking that only existed during the times when Orsen Wells was a man behind the camera. This period piece shows a different side to the actors we have watched grow into skilled performers, but never have we seen them in a film quite like this.


Old Dogs
In the spirit of Wild Hogs comes the next chapter of what it is to be getting old and have life throw a curve ball right at you. John Travolta and Robin Williams team up for what can only be a film that will make you laugh til you cry.


and just because I love penguins so much. here's a second trailer to prove everyone says 'aw' when they see the little guys who are always dressed to impress for a night out anyway in their permanent tux.


Princess and the Frog
Disney takes a trip down memory lane and brings us a new film made in the traditional style of previous Disney classics is the story of the Princess and the Frog. Have you ever wondered what happened to the princess that kissed the frog? We are about to find out.