It's Complicated -- Review

I have always thought my parents were a bit strange. Always fun, but definitely out there. But let's be honest, who hasn't thought that about their parents and/or family. Having grown up and moved out of the house I now find myself thinking back to when I was still living under the rules of the house and the traditions my family fell into. Truth is, no matter how frustrated I get with phone calls about computer issues or TV problems because the remote won't work, there are some very good memories that I have begun to miss. Sitting in a theater full of movie go-ers who fit the forty and older bracket I should have felt out of place as the majority of them had at least 20 years on me, however it reminded me of what it felt like when I was back home and my parents and I would go out to the movies, or even just sitting in the living room watching movies.

It's Complicated is a romantic comedy for those married, divorced, and even the children of the married and/or divorced. I cannot believe I am about to say this.... But it is a film that reminds us that even our parents need to have fun, be happy, and... get laid. Yep, there I said it. That one thing that no child ever wants to think about, have knowledge of, or ever consider, but this films shines a light on the soul of what it is to be an adult in today's hectic and crazy world. I might even say that it might just be the ultimate romantic comedy.

Wow. Even for myself that sounds a bit over the top. I mean, I am not a fan of Alec Baldwin by any stretch of the imagination, but watching the chemistry between him and Meryl Streep, and you throw in a mix of hilarity with Steve Martin and you have a film that brings laughs and smiles from start to end. I feel that today we can no longer have the "fairy tale ending" as it doesn't exist in the way that it used to. Little girls and older women no longer look for their Prince Charming or Knight in Shining Armor, instead we are looking for "Mr. Right Now" because everyone is in such a rush to find that other someone. It's Complicated is a more mature romantic comedy that I feel is the type of happiness all little girls should be dreaming of when it comes to a relationship in the 'happily ever after' caliber. Corny I know. But the Cinderella stories no longer ring true to the "real world". Things are messy, complicated, and full of the love and love/hate relationships that we must get through before we find that happy ending... whatever it may be. It's Complicated shares a fun filled story of a divorcee who finds her place in the world and her happiness with the help of her children, and even her ex-husband. With jokes, a little scandal, some "wild sex", and a little weed these characters are grounded in what very well could be "the real world". As I sat and enjoyed the film the only thing I missed was being able to joke with my parents about the crazy things the characters was doing.

It's Complicated is a fun pile of laughs that will make you look at your parents in a whole new light. No matter what your age is, or your parents age, this film is the perfect holiday release because it reminds you of what it truly is to be a family through the good, the bad and the ugly. If you are a fan of 30 Rock you will enjoy the comedic performance by Alec Baldwin, however I found that John Krasinski's (The Office) performance as the soon-to-be son-in-law out shone the other comedians each time they were on the screen.

The Lovely Bones - Review

Death is a funny thing. Well, not really. I guess what I'm trying to say is that sometimes the way people, living people, think about death may not leave you with the best taste in your mouth for what your thoughts might be on the subject. I do not mean this in a suicidal way, but from a creative stand point. Take film and literature. Storytellers in both mediums have been telling various stories about life and death for hundreds of years. We have stories about the after life, stories about those places in between, stories about hell, and some that just leave us scratching our heads. Over the last month, I myself have been considering death and what that experience might be like. I recently finished a book I have been working on, and my main character has to go through that very experience. I have read many versions of what death is like for things like supernatural creatures such as vampires. We of course are in a vampire whirl wind romance at the moment and love reading and watching what it is like for that specific creature to go through, and if we are lucky enough to be shown what their death was like sometimes we can catch a glimps of what the author finds important or interesting about living. At least that seems to be where my thinking currently stands. But what happens when we write about "real people" and death. Murder mysteries, serial killer stories, thrillers, and things of that nature. What happens when we take away the supernatural and fantasy? What are we left with then? Truth -- Unknown....

The Lovely Bones is ultimately the story of a young girl that is murdered, and her time spent in "the in-between" from the time of her death until the point at which she lets go of her earthly ties. I have not read the book and although the story is compelling, I walked out of the theater confused. I couldn't quite figure out what it was I had just watched. I understood the concepts and storylines, but the "in-between" left me with a odd after taste in my mouth that I just couldn't seem to get rid of.

Having a director with such an amazing reputation, I am not sure if it was simply because it did not feel like a "typical" Peter Jackson film, or if because I had not read the novel that there was something missing that the film adaptation just could not grasp. Visually the film was amazing. The "blue horizon" where our main character is telling the story from truly is a place of beauty that would put any haven to shame. However, the merging of the worlds was hard for me to follow. I kept getting distracted by my own wondering thoughts and ideas, that her "in-between" no longer felt realistic for me. Maybe I had gone into the film expecting something, and not having those expectations fulfilled has left me with a sour taste for this film. Or maybe there was just too much for me to feel comfortable with.

The story that takes place in real time and real space was by far my favorite part of the film. You would have edited the entire "heaven" concept out of the story and The Lovely Bones would stand strong on its own two feet. Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, and Stanley Tucci drive the ball out of the park the entire 135 minutes of the film. Even Rose McIver, who plays Lindsay the main character's younger sister, gave a great performance. I could not stop myself from cringing when she took it upon herself to find the proof that the cops had given up on that would finally put away her sister's murderer. And since I do not want to give away too much of the story I will say that the end of the film will leave you with a feeling as though your skin is crawling. But it would not be fair if I were to leave out Saoirse Ronan. She gives a great performance and my heart went out to her each time she appeared on screen. I just would have been happier if the film had kept her naration for her story, but left the film in real time and real space. The "in-between" or heaven that was portrayed for me just did not leave me believing.

All in all, the film was about a 3 out of 5 stars in my opinion. Peter Jackson, you better deliver the next time around.

Armored -- Review

Every few years a heist film hits theaters that has the potential to go in two different directions. Sometimes we are wowed like with The Inside Man, and other times we are sadly disappointed like The Thomas Crown Affair. This holiday season we are given a taste of what could potentially be seen as not only an action packed film, but also a collaborative piece of cinematic excellence in image, story telling, and talent. Nimrod Antal gives us a thrill ride from start to finish. I sat on the edge of my from the second the action started right through to the end credits, but I had to admit that with such talented actors portraying the roles of the armored truck guards it is no wonder the film is a must see. With seasoned actors such as Jean Reno, Laurence Fishburne, Fred Ward and Matt Dillon I could not stop thinking that they are like a fine bottle of wine, each growing better as the years go on. It was even fun seeing Skeet Ulrich, who after the first Scream film I almost though had disappeared from the acting scene, up there on the big screen again playing along and keeping up with the amazing talent he was surrounded by. Even the brief appearance of Milo Ventimiglia were bring those Heros fans yelling and screaming to the theater.

If you are looking for some action packed adventures this weekend I would suggest checking out this film. The cast will bring you to your feet and give you all of your heist film needs. It will even get your heart racing during the armored truck chase scene. You will never be able to look at an armored vehicle the same after seeing this film.I look forward to Nimrod Antal's next project Predators to hit theaters next year.

The Stepfather

Being a semi-fan of Gossip Girl, and having fallen in love with the character of Dr. Sean McNamara on Nip/Tuck I had built up an expectation for The Stepfather that just plain didn't do it for me. Dylan Walsh has a unique look that can play the part of the stepfather, but some of the scenes and dialog were almost too cheesy or cliche. The only thing that made me believe he could be the serial killing stepfather was his blank expression and piercing blue eyes which just gave me the creeps. Penn Badgley does a decent job, although a good majority of the film feels like nothing more than an opportunity to see him shirtless and his girlfriend, played by Amber Heard, in a bikni. Unfortunately I felt tempted to check the time several times throught the film, but the only thing stopping me was knowing that security would escort me out of the theater if they saw my cell phone light during the early screening.

I wish that hollywood did not feel compelled to remake every 80's film. Please leave the 80's horror/suspence genre alone. It was great the way it was. I do not believe that Dylan Walsh is able to "one-up" Terry O'Quinn, who played the origina; Stepfather in the 1987 film, as well as the stepfather in the 1989 sequeal Stepfather II. Just watch the original trailer and you will see that originals should be left alone.



Nothing beats Locke playing a psychotic serial killer. And even the opening scene is bloodier than the 2009 remake.