Stone: "A Tragic, Disheartening Abuse of Star Power"

Rating:

*

By: Da’Mon Guy

      Stone is a ridiculously dismal abuse of star power. This perplexing tragedy is an incestuous, meaningless waste of anyone’s time. This miserable calamity is the second movie to unite the talents of Robert DeNiro (Little Fockers) and Edward Norton (The Incredible Hulk). It also features Mila Jovovich (Resident Evil: Afterlife), and Francis Conroy (New In Town)

      An aging parole officer Jack Mabry (De Niro) has only a few weeks left before retirement and wishes to finish out the cases he's been assigned. One such case is that of Gerald "Stone" Creeson (Norton), a convicted arsonist who is up for parole. Jack is initially reluctant to indulge Stone in the coarse banter he wishes to pursue and feels little sympathy for the prisoner's pleads for an early release. Seeing little hope in convincing Jack himself, Stone arranges for his wife Lucetta (Jovovich) to seduce the officer, but motives and intentions steadily blur amidst the passions and buried secrets of the corrupted players in this deadly game of deception. (Imdb.com)

      Stone is supposed to be a thought provoking movie. The tagline associated with the film, “Some People Tell Lies. Others Live Them”, does more than just tells about the story within the film. The tagline is a precursor about this heartbreaking tragedy that warns viewers about the film being a malicious fraud. The film is about the consequences of life choices. It showcases four individuals that are trapped in the mundane unhappiness of their lives. Each of the characters are imprisoned, physically and metaphysically, and each of them are seeking some release or sense of meaning in their otherwise mediocre dreary life. The film illicitly details how our life’s choices can turn our lives into a prison. However, the movie is a jumbled mishap that just rambles and worsens by the second.

  

 Stone has a multitude of detractors but the biggest is that the movie never gives any semblance of satisfaction. The film begins with a really good set up but it quickly lingers and never builds on the intensity of the opening scene. The movie never clearly defines anything about any of the characters. All of the characters begin one way and never progress or show their motivations for anything. The movie just goes on and on with no character resolution.

      The film is comprised of three really good actors that the makers of the film use to attract the audience to it. Robert DeNiro, Edward Norton and Mila Jovovich are headlined in a film that does nothing but discredit each of their body of work in the movie industry that each of them has established. In spite of the film being a disgraceful catastrophe, Edward Norton and Robert DeNiro’s on screen rivalry is as impressive as ever. The two of them recapture some of the magic from their prior collaboration, The Score. However this ridiculous charade misuses the pair. Edward Norton’s performance of the conflicted but devious Stone was commendable as it was the lone bright spot is this pitiful debacle.

      Stone is a tragic ordeal that exemplifies how a film uses actors to seduce movie lovers. The film is a literally is a pointless story that serves no purpose. It is a testament to anyone’s intestinal fortitude if you can make it through the film in its entirety. Stone isn’t just bad, it’s ridiculously awful. The only thing worse then the film, is the end of the movie. This is an insane absurdity compiled with an incredibly stupid anti-climatic ending. This was one of the worse film’s that I have ever seen. I want to break the ankles of each person involved in the creation of this movie and then back the biggest truck that I can find over them.

Eastern Promises: "An Entertaining, Insightful Peak into a Very Taboo Subject"

Rating:

**** 

By: Da’Mon Guy

      Eastern Promises is an engaging, attention-grabbing story about the unfortunate, disheartening exploitation of young girls in Europe. The film gives some keen insight into the obscure world of the Russian mob. The film addresses the use of prostitution that takes place in eastern Europe. This fascinating showcase stars Viggo Mortensen (The Road), Naomi Watts (The Ring 1 &2), Vincent Cassel (The Black Swan), and Armin Mueller-Stahl (Angels & Demons).

      A teenage prostitute dies while giving birth, the midwife who aids in the birth of the baby, tries to find the family. As she searches for the family of the child, she quickly becomes intertwined into the world of the Russian mafia in Europe.

     

      Eastern Promises premiered in 2007. It’s a compelling story that utilizes and explicitly gives some insight into a very taboo and under publicized subject matter. The film addresses the abduction and use of European Young girls that are forced into prostitution. The title of the movie, on one level, refers to promises made to young women in Russia, luring them to the West, where the Mob enslaves them as prostitutes.

      The film is a slow paced tale of suspense that meticulously envelopes the audience into the dark subject matter of the film. As we follow Anna’s (Watts) journey, we insightfully introduced to the into the world of the Russian mob where we are shown the inner workings of a Russian crime family.

      The film does a fantastic job incorporating intricate details to establish the level of realism. Eastern Promises is explicitly true to life in order to divulge the little known and violent lifestyle of the Russian mafia. That is one of its greatest strengths. The movie goes through painstaking lengths to make it realistic. The film contains an extremely violent scene but it is also extremely realistic.

      The movie contains a multitude of small subplots within the bigger plot of the film. All of them are excellent as they support and supplement the main plot of the film. The many smaller plots such as the Kirll’s (Cassell) questionable sexuality and his estranged relationship with his father add to the richness of the main plot.

      All of the major characters in the film are depicted well as each actor’s performance enriches the story. However, at the heart of the movie is a duo of outstanding performances. Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts both deliver two very powerful yet underappreciated character depictions. The two of the use very different approaches in the delivery of their craft. Watts gives a subtle but emotional portrayal of Anna. Her drive and passion are conveyed through facial expressions or a some silent but emotional display such as a single tear. She really embodied the essence of the story. Mortensen’s depiction of Nikolai is also very subtle but he does it more with his body language. He appropriately displays all of the mannerism of the Russian Henchman and his accent was fantastic. This was clearly one of his best performances to date.

      Eastern Promises is an excellent film. This is not a usual happy Hollywood film. The movie is an eye opening story that has only one downfall, the ending. The movie has an unsatisfying, anti-climatic conclusion certainly strays away from your classic Hollywood “everything works out” happy ending. It strays away from it so much that it is almost a disservice to the movie to a point. The film is so good that the ending will shock you leaving you with an attitude. That was the only detractor to an otherwise great story that everyone should see.
　
　

Black Swan: "An Entertaining, Twisted, Drug Ride of a Movie"

Rating:

***1/2

By: Da’Mon Guy

      Black Swan is a bizarre, intriguing but muddled tale of obsession, desire, sacrifice, passion, and most of all a fixation with perfection. The movie features an impressive performance by Natalie Portman (Brothers) and some high-quality supporting performances by Vincent Cassell (Eastern Promises), Mila Kunis (The Book of Eli), Winona Rider (Star Trek 2009) and Barbara Hershey (Falling Down).

      Black Swan is a multi layered materialization of a young woman’s obsession. It’s an emotional journey of a young woman chasing a lifelong passion that has become fanatical. The movie aptly illustrates the struggles within herself and the immense amount of pressures that are placed on her which causes her to lose touch with reality in her neurotic pursuit of becoming the lead in a Broadway ballet.

  
       The movie is one of the weirdest films that you’ll ever see however, it is a touching, engaging story that aptly exemplifies the degree that ballerinas go through to achieve a childhood dream that often becomes a life long passion. Black Swan opens with a great scene illustrating the detailed, painstaking process of preparation. It contains multiple scenes showing her feet that are filled with scars, cuts, and bruises to accentuate the sacrifices that ballet dancers are forced to overcome in their surrender to their craft.

      Natalie Portman gives a riveting performance as she portrays Nina, a repressed, shy, little girl trapped in a woman’s body. She has been emotionally repressed because of her overbearing mother, who constantly treats her like a little girl. Nina is terrified of her mother, after being forced to chase her mother dream, having been made to feel guilty because she birthed her at the age of 28 and sacrifice her dancing career. Nina constantly seeks her approval just like a teenager. Portman delivers an extremely convincing depiction of a young woman with an neurotic obsession with perfection. The eloquent portrayal of her character’s gambit of emotions is very impressive. Nina develops a dual personality because of a number of influences. The pressures of the pursuit of perfection, the fact that she scars herself in order the alter her perfect appearance, and the constant inner battle to keep her inhibitions in check. This causes her to repress her personality. Another impressive aspect to Portman’s performance is the fact that she does most of the ballet dancing herself. Mila Kunis adds a good performance as Lily, the uninhibited newcomer, that threatens to upstage Nina. Vincent Cassell also supplies a commendable performance as Thomas, the promiscuous director of the Ballet.

      The film does a great undertaking at trying to connect the audience with Nina’s level of psychosis. She is unstable emotionally and the movie goes through great lengths to try to get the audience in her head. The cinematography and soundtrack of Black Swan is excellent. They both enhance the film very well. It’s visuals are excellent and has dual purpose. Much of the cinematography is used to convey her feelings. Nearly every scene in the movie is used to convey her emotional state within the movie. Multiple camera angles are used to resemble her emotion state. One angle in particular that is used is from behind Nina. Many of the scenes are from behind Nina, this allows the audience to share Nina’s feeling of her instability and her level of insecurity. The final ballet scenes were terrific as Nina dances transforming from the White Swan into the Black Swan was impressive. The soundtrack was equally impressive as it plays just like a ballet, especially in the most tense moments. The music raises and lowers highlighting the action of the film giving the true feel of a ballet.

        
       Black Swan is extremely dark. Almost twisted in nature. The movie is actually pretty decent but it an exceedingly hard film to watch. Too much of the film plays out like you are on drugs, It’s all over the place. This was the only detractor from the movie. It’s truly difficult to discern what is actually the reality of the film and when it’s Nina twisted perception of reality. The movie never makes it clear. It constantly flip flops between the two and you are constantly trying to make sense of what is going on. This lack of clarity is the only extreme hindrance of what is a good movie but could’ve become a great one.

Little Fockers: "Somebody "Focked" this one up"

Rating:

***

By: Da’Mon Guy

     Little Fockers is a moderately amusing, obsessively raunchy film that abuses the PG-13 rating and it doesn’t measure up to the two previous fims. This is the third installment to feature this collection of stars. The film reunites Ben Stiller (Tropic Thunder), Robert DeNiro (Machete), Terri Polo (The Hole), Blythe Danner (Waiting for Forever), Dustin Hoffman (Stranger Than Fiction), Barbara Streisand (Meet the Fockers), and Owen Wilson (Marley & Me ) who all reprise their roles from the two prior “Focker” movies. The film also introduces Jessica Alba (Valentine‘s Day), Kevin Hart (Death at a Funeral), Laura Dern (Tenderness), Harvey Keitel (National Treasure 2), Daisy Tahan (The Other Woman), and Colin Baiocchi (Couples Retreat) to the Focker universe.

     Greg Focker (Stiller) returns again trying to overcome the scrutiny and win the approval of his overbearing father in law, Jack Byrnes (DeNiro). Gregg now a father of twins, tries to measure up to the task of being the head of the Byrnes/Focker family.

     Little Fockers is a fairly amusing comedy that continues the story of the Gregg (Gaylord) Focker, attempting to garner the approval of his Father in Law, Jack Byrnes. The film is fairly entertaining but it has a multitude of issues that hinder the movie from equaling the quality of the two previous movies. The rating of the film, the lack of focus on the other characters, the misuse of the children, the lack of progression in the Gregg/Jack dynamic. These are just a few of the issues that impede the movie from measuring up to the two prior films in the trilogy.

     The most prevalent detractor from the movie is that most of the humor in the movie is really sexually based. The movie that really pushes the envelope of its PG-13 rating. Who Rated this? I don’t know how or who rated this film but it should not have been rated PG-13, it should have been R rated. There isn’t that much of a difference from 13-16. But there is a big difference between 10-13. PG-13 usually indicates some level of family friendly or at least a film that is tolerable for the entire family and this clearly was not. I really thought movies were rated for a reason.

     The film opens with Jack’s concerns about the family, having discovered that one of his two son in laws, had an affair and this sets the tone for the entire film. The film really focuses too much on sexual themed jokes to keep the movie going. There was some sexual reference or some sexual innuendo nearly every ten minutes. The movie opens, continues and ends with it.

     Little Fockers features the return of the great collection of Hollywood star power that graced the two previous movies and it even introduces a few more into the Focker family of films. Conversely, this film doesn’t really use them other than as a side show for the Jack vs. Gregg rivalry. The movie spends way too much time focusing on the rivalry between Jack and Gregg, ignoring the other members of the two families. In the two prior films, especially the last movie, the other members of the two families all had some opportunity to add to the story. This film allows no room for that. Even Ben Stiller wasn’t the Ben Stiller we are accustomed to. We never got the classic “Stiller” zapping out.

     This movie is a prime example of how much a director means to a movie. Little Fockers was director by Paul Weitz and the other two movie were directed by Jay Roach. The changing of directors was clearly detractor for this movie. In the two prior films the title indicated a level of progression in the Byrnes/Focker story. The first film introduced to the character, Gregg Focker in particular, as it is aptly entitled Meet the Parents, the second film Meet the Fockers, introduced to the Focker side of the family as it highlighted Gregg’s parents. This film is entitled Little Fockers. The title of the film would indicate move of a focus on the children. The kids are in the movie but they are only minor details of the story as most of the movie isn’t really about them nor do they get enough screen time. The lack of the Focker in laws in this film hurt it as well. In additon, Owen Wilson’s character had too much screen time in this version. He was overused, unneeded, and unwanted.

     The movie does have its moments in spite of the many detractors. The Jack vs. Gregg rivalry was still extremely entertaining. This film mishandles it but Stiller and DeNiro still maintain the intensity that makes the series work. Jessica Alba was amusing as the ditzy drug rep, Harvey Keitel makes a brief but humorous appearance.

     The comedy in Little Fockers is adult based in nature. It’s hit or miss with no middle ground. Either you’ll like it and laugh or you’ll sit there and wonder why are you watching this. The Focker films have always been about family and the bond/ commitment of marriage. This film is about them but it skews its theme as it focuses too much on the cheating and sexual aspects of marriage. The movie has its short-lived comic moments but not to the high standards set by the previous two. This one was a disappointing addition to two great comedic films.

Grown Ups: "A Lackluster Mishandling of Comedic Talent that is Still Entertains"

Rating:

***

By: Da’Mon Guy

      Grown Ups is a light hearted, moderately humorous, family friendly experience that comically highlights the generational differences between the children of today and those of the previous generation. The film intermingles a quintet of today’s top comedic talent that includes Adam Sandler (Bedtime Stories), David Spade (The Benchwarmers), Kevin James (The Dilemma), Chris Rock (Death at a Funeral), and Rob Schneider (Deuce Bigalow: 1&2 ). The movie also features Selma Hayek (Frida), Mario Bello (The Mummy: the Tomb of the Dragon Emperor), Mya Randolph (MacGrubber), Tim Meadows (The Ladies Man) and Steve Buscemi (Youth in Revolt).

      Grown Ups is a collection of witty banter and comedic scenes that focuses on a group of childhood friends that reunite to spend the forth of July holiday together after a 30 year separation. The friends and their families try to have a session of family bonding to renew their friendship.
It comically addresses the differences of growing up in to 70’s as opposed to the technologically obsessed generation of today.

      The film’s biggest asset is the camaraderie between the friends that all of it’s stars portray extremely well. All five of the stars intermingle and interact extremely well which makes the friendships within the movie appear more genuine. The jokes are well timed as each of the actors chime in add their own mark to each series of ridicule between them.

      One of its best attribute of Grown Ups is how it comically addresses the generational differences between the parents and their children. The film gives great comedic instances that cite the technological obsession of today’s youth as opposed to the more creative and simplistic childhood recreation of the prior generation.

      Grown Ups has a couple of major flaws that hinder the success of the movie. The film’s biggest asset is also its greatest detractor. The movie is a lackluster use of the assemblage of actors that comprises it. It does entertain but it isn’t “knock you socks off funny” as you may expect. The film is just an exchange of jokes between the quintet of actors and then the next scene filled with another exchange of jokes. Not enough dialogue or anything to enhance the plot of the film. It was enjoyable for the comedic aspect of the film but it does nothing for the story, this is a movie after all and not a stand up comedic free for all.

      The second is that there is a distinct lack of background of the five childhood friends. We never get any flashbacks of their childhood other than the championship game. The film only uses the basketball experience that the five friends had together as the only childhood flashbacks for the friends. It only makes a few verbal references to their childhood after that. This takes away from the credibility of the strength of their friendship.

      The final detractor is not as considerable as the other two flaws but it hurt the film none the less. There was also a lack of screen time for Chris Rock. Rock is as talented as anyone of the other of the stars and his character for whatever reason was the least shown of the five friends. He had the least amount of screen time and was barely involved in many of the fivesome’s comedic interchanges.

      In spite of its deficiencies, Grown Ups has a really warm message imbedded within its humor. The movie speaks volumes about the importance of family, friendship, and the simple moments that make life worth living. The theme of the movie is about family and how you should never lose touch with the ones that you love. A prime example is how the Feders (Sandler and Hayek) are wealthy and have lost touch with most everyday family occurrences while working to establish their careers. The film shows how life is not about how much wealth and material possessions you attain. It is a great example of how you must maintain a simple ideology in one’s pursuit of career and wealth but never lose touch of the more simplistic ideals that make life valuable.

      Grown Ups is fairly enjoyable but no where the movie that it should be. The majority of movie goes would have assumed that it would have been hilarious based upon the stars that contained. The end result, however, is a convening of comedic talent that fails to maximize the potential of its stars. The movie is humorous but no where near as funny as one may expect. In the end, the film is a slight disappointment but it has enough to make for a good family DVD night.
　

Tron Legacy: "An Enjoyable, Long Overdue Sequel That Compliments the Original"

Rating:

****

By: Da’Mon Guy

      Tron: Legacy is an extremely entertaining, visually captivating, long overdue sequel to a great sci fi classic. The movie stars Jeff Bridges (The Men Who Stare at Goats), Garrett Hedlund (Death Sentence), Olivia Wilde (The Next Three Days), Bruce Boxleitner (Tron), Michael Sheen (Underworld: Rise of the Lycans), and Beau Garrett (Turistas)

      Sam Flynn, the tech-savvy 27-year-old son of Kevin Flynn, looks into his father's disappearance and finds himself pulled into the same world of fierce programs and gladiatorial games where his father has been living for 20 years. Along with Kevin's loyal confidant, father and son embark on a life-and-death journey across a visually-stunning cyber universe that has become far more advanced and exceedingly dangerous. (Imdb.com)

      Tron: Legacy is a great follow up to the 1982 Disney ground breaking film. The movie is a fantastic visual spectacle much in the same way that the original film was. The first Tron featured innovative visuals that took audiences breaths away and the new film meets and exceeds the bar that was set by its predecessor.

The cinematography of this film adds a great tone the picture as this Tron‘s theme is much darker and more sinister than the first movie. It is a great follow up to the original as it aptly explains the progression of the story and the development of the Tron universe. The first Tron’s universe mirrored the video games of the time as it was filled with bright colors. This film uses more dark tones highlighted by colors to help emphasize the darker tone of the film.

      Tron: Legacy has a very good plot that compliments the original film but it has a universal appeal so that those who never saw the first film can enjoy just as well. The story is very plausible and has very little flaws. The main flaw of the story is the subtracted role of one of its main stars from the original Tron movie, Tron himself. Tron was a warrior program that championed for the users in the first film. He led the revolution against the Master Control Program. The character in the lastest Tron film is more of a henchman and is barely seen. This was huge subtraction.

      The movie is a visually stunning marvel with a multitude of underlying themes about parenting, and family embedded within the larger than life sci fi fantasy. Tron: Legacy is really about family and the legacy that all parents want to leave their children. It is a really good illustration of the obsession with career that many parents chase and in the process they often miss time or ignore the real legacy of them which is their children.

      Tron: Legacy is not about performances. Conversely, the film does contain some notable ones however. The main characters in the movie are portrayed very well. Jeff Bridges, in particular, gives a enjoyable performance as Kevin Flynn. He adds a feel of nostalgia as he uses many phrases like “far out,” “way cool” or other proverbial sayings from the 1980’s to emphasize the character’s lack of progression while being trapped in the computer. Garrett Hedlund does an admirable job as Sam Flynn. The main detractor to his performance was the combat/gladiatorial games that Sam was too proficient at. He too easily defeated everyone in the games. I found it extremely hard to believe the level of ease that he had in defeating some of the more experienced fighters in the games. In the first Tron, Flynn needed the help of Tron to survive the games. In this version, Sam easily takes them out until he faces Tron. Michael Sheen was extremely entertaining in his over the top performance of Zeus. His portrayal of the excessively exuberant Zeus added some color and a great relief to the more serious performances in the film.

       The original Tron was a good story highlighted by ground breaking visual effects that captured everyone attention and it was way ahead of its time with is cinematography. Tron: Legacy is not a performance driven movie. Nearly everyone that goes to see this movie will go to see it for one of two reasons. The visuals or the fans of the original film or both. The movie is equally satisfying in both of those areas as well as enhancing the original story in almost every way. Considering those two factors then Tron:Legacy is an excellent sequel to the classic.

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps: Another Less Than Average Follow Up to an 80's Classic

Rating:

***

By: Da’Mon Guy

      Hollywood’s love affair with reinventing 80’s movies continues as Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps is a mildly entertaining follow up to the movie Wall Street that was released in 1987. The film stars Shia Labeouf (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen), Michael Douglass (Ghosts of Girlfriends Past), Josh Brolin (Jonah Hex), Carey Mulligan (An Education), Susan Sarandon (The Lovely Bones), and Frank Langella (The Box).

      Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps is the sequel to the 1987 movie, Wall Street. It uses the fact based financial crash of 2008 as a back story for the plot of the film. This fact based back story adds to the creditability of the film. This movie is much in the same as the first movie. The sequel follows the same formula as the original and focuses on a young, up and coming, stock broker who falls prey to the manipulative ways of Gekko. The movie opens with Gordon Gekko’s release from prison in 2001as a result of insider trading and then fast forwards to 2008 and Gekko is now a public speaker talking about the evil of the economy . The story picks up and follows the life of Jake Moore (Labeouf), a young stock trader. He seemingly has it all until his boss and mentor commits suicide after he is pressured to sell his investment firm. Jake discovers that another investor at a rival firm, Britton James (Brolin), was indirectly responsible for his mentor’s death. Jake then seeks revenge against James.

      The film features some commendable performances. Shia Labeouf, Michael Douglass, and Josh Brolin. The Wall Street universe revolves around Gordon Gekko. Let’s face it, The original Wall Street only became what is was because of that character and Michael Douglass’s depiction of him. Douglass reprises his Academy Award winning and one of his better know roles, Gordon Gekko. Douglass picks right up where he left off in his masterful portrayal of Gekko. He is as manipulative and cunning as ever. He masterfully uses Jake to exact revenge and re-establish a relationship with his estranged daughter. The movie is carried by Shia Labeouf’s performance as the driven Jake Moore and by Josh Brolin’s Britton James. The two play very good rivals in spite of the distinct age difference. Carey Mulligan gives an adequate performance as emotionally withdrawn, estranged girlfriend and daughter of Gordon Gekko. Charlie Sheen also makes a cameo returning as Bud Fox from the first film.

      This film is hindered by a couple of problems. The first is Shia Lebeouf’s character’s motivations are never truly clear. In the beginning of the film, he is apparently motivated by money. Next, he’s campaigng to get money to support a fusion energy investment. Then he’s out for revenge, all the while he’s all about his girlfriend. The character’s true desires are extremely muddled. The second is the pace of the movie. The film moves at a snail’s pace to anyone who isn’t familiar with the knowledge of the stock world. The middle of the film is filled with a lot of information involving the financial crash of 2008 that makes the film credible but it also makes it somewhat difficult to follow. It was extremely hard to relate to as someone isn’t extremely familiar with the investment world.

      The original Wall Street wasn’t that great of a film as it is more known for a character and details of it as opposed to how good the movie actually was. The film featured one of that decades great movie characters, Gordon Gekko. It was forever immortalized by Gekko’s “Winner takes all approach to the corporate world and his famous quote “Greed is Good” as it became one of the truly iconic phases from a film. Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps was a let down for me. The film had a lot of potential based upon the stars, the story, and the director but just flops. The original movie wasn’t that great but this one didn’t even measure up to that one. The first film is about money, power and greed, but it is a film about human relationships and redemption. The movie moves very slow and Gekko’s sublte character change at the end wasn’t anywhere close to being slightly convincing. The film message that love is more powerful than money was unbelievable because the characters or the story didn’t persuade the audience to accept it. A mishandled movie that truly disappoints based on all that it had going for it. A lackluster following to a cult classic that becomes extremely mundane and run of the mill.

Knight and Day: "An Extremely

Rating:

****

By: Da’Mon Guy

      Knight and Day is an extremely enjoyable, terrific intermingling of action and comedy. It’s an action packed film that never bores and is easily one of the most entertaining movies of 2010. This the second film to unite the duo of Tom Cruise (Mission Impossible trilogy), and Cameron Diaz (The Box). The film also features Peter Sarsgaard (Orphan), Viola Davis (Eat Pray Love), Jordi Molla (Bad Boys 2), and Maggie Grace (Faster).

      On the way to her sister’s wedding in Boston, a woman has a chance meeting with a man who turns out to be a rouge agent and turns her life upside down.

      Knight and Day is a very entertaining film. The film aptly intertwines action and comedy superbly. The movie has an extremely light hearted nature that enhances the comedic aspect of the film but it doesn’t detract from the seriousness of it either. It’s a rarity that occurs in these types of film. Knight and Day eloquently handles the delicate balance of the two, merging the two of them very well to present a very enjoyable movie.

      Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz are at their best in this film that is one hundred times better than the last movie that they teamed up to do (Vanilla Sky). The chemistry between Cruise and Diaz is magnificent as every scene that the two of them are in sparkles. Tom Cruise still has the charisma to make the movie work with his dialogue and the physicality to make this movie work as well as he his with his prior action performances. Diaz was in top form as the reluctant side kick, June Havens. Her smile still captivates and as well as her “Valley Girl” personality. Cruise stars as Roy Miller, an apparently rouge agent with a penchant for being unspeakably calm no matter the situations. Cruise’s comedic timing was impeccable. Roy’s repeated greeting of “Hi June” to Diaz‘s character was terrifically well timed and very amusing. The film takes off right after Roy and June's chance meeting, or so it appears. From there, the movie takes off and never stops. The action of the movie is terrific.

      Knight and Day has a really sweet love story submerged within the comedy and the action. The movie is really about a chance encounter between two individuals who are a point in their lives where they both are seeking to satisfy unfilled opportunities and desires. Their first conversation exhibit’s the longing the two of them have for that special someone as they share their “bucket list.”

      The film uses the initial flirtatious encounter between Roy and June as a basis for their romance and never moves it too fast. The budding romance between Roy and June isn’t forced or over the top. It had a more genuine feel to it. The movie makes the focus of their romance on what it may become and not on the immediate. Their attraction to one another was key for much of the movie and this perspective adds to the mysterious nature of Roy’s character. It breaks the usual “James Bond” jump into the bed with the spy cliché. It slowly develops their attraction throughout the film, allowing it to cultivate between them as opposed to many films that force the situation for some quick illicit sex scene. It never goes too far as it always borders flirtation. This approach gives the audience a more satisfying conclusion to the movie.

      I don’t know why Knight and Day got such a bad rap over the summer. This a fun movie to watch. You’ll enjoy this film throughout just as I did. The film is full of action and the comedy is well placed. No aspect of this film will disappoint. It was easily one of the better films of 2010. This was ten times better than the other couple spy movie (Killers) that come out earlier this year. Knight and Day is a movie that will only get better the more times you see it.

Chloe: "A New, Entertaining Perspective on the Story of Obssession"

Rating:

 

***½

By: Da’Mon Guy

      Chloe is a fascinating, suspense story filled with manipulation, deception, mistrust, lust, and obsession. It’s a incredibly intimate tale that explores the lengths that desire can drive someone. The film showcases the talents of Julianne Moore (Blindness), Liam Neeson (The A-Team), and Amanda Seyfried (Jennifer’s Body).

      A woman, Catherine Stewart (Moore), a very successful gynocologist, seemingly has it all. She’s attractive, has a thriving practice, and a on the surface, a perfect family. But Catherine’s family life is anything but perfect. Catherine has started to feel the affects of age, loneliness and slightly disconnected from her family. She has a teenage son that she can no longer relate to and husband that she has loss touch with. Catherine’s emotional instability and insecurities lead her to suspect that her husband of infidelity. She then hires a prostitute to seduce him in order to validate her suspicions.

      Chloe is a story of seduction in the style of Fatal Attraction. The movie is a slow paced erotic thriller of deception, mistrust, and love. The movie opens with a brief dialogue by Chloe about her profession that gives some insight into the movie. Deception is the overriding theme of the film as the movie itself seduces the audience by leading us to believe that it’s about one point but in actuality it’s something other than what the audience is led to believe from the onset. Chloe manipulates the details of the story that creates a misleading plot in order to build anticipation for the real core of the story. It exquisitely gives you a slow build up influencing the audience to believe that it is the usual, well chronicled, unfaithful husband movie but then it quickly changes to all together different.

      Chloe uses some really close camera shots to establish a level of intimacy. Many of the shots of the actors in the beginning are close shots of their face as we are able to discern the emotion that each actor is going through. This use of cinematography establishes a feeling of intimacy as it draws the audience close into the story. This establishes a level of personal connection between the audience and the main characters of the movie.

      The film offers some really good quality performances, headlined by Amanda Seyfried as Chloe. This film is Seyfried's best to date as she portrays the obsessed Chloe. She depicts the scheming, emotionally unstable, prostitute to perfection. This was easily the best performance of the film as she manipulates Catherine in her pursuit of her affections. Chloe’s calculated manipulation of Catherine‘s insecurities was a treat to watch as this exhibits how things aren't always as they appear. This movie was also one of the better performances for Julianne Moore. Her character of Catherine was the focus of the movie as most of the movie revolved around Moore being able to convince the audience of Catherine’s insecurities, desires, and the emotional disconnection from her family. Moore does it admirably Liam Neeson gives a nice performance as the David Stewart. It was nothing special but it complimented the movie well.

      Chloe was a very interesting movie. The movie is a slightly different twist the usual obsession perspective. This approach made for some very good viewing. The characters were well portrayed and I really liked the twist taking the story in a new direction as opposed to the overused cheating husband story. Not an outstanding movie but a good one nonetheless. It is more than satisfying enough to entertain.

The Other Guys: "A Tragic Misuse of Talent"

Rating:

**1/2

By Da’Mon Guy

      The Other Guys is a depressing flirtation with comedy that abuses the fans base of the actors who star in the movie. The film is a faintly amusing disappointment that does not live up to the star power that it contains. The movie is filled with an plethora of talent that is led by Will Ferrell (Step Brothers) and Mark Wahlberg (The Lovely Bones). The film also features Eva Mendes (The Women), Samuel L. Jackson (Lakeview Terrace), Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson (Faster), Michael Keaton (Post Grad), Ray Stevenson (Punisher: War Zone), Anne Heche (Spread), Rob Riggle (The Hangover), Steve Coogan (Hamlet 2) and Damon Wayans, Jr. (Dance Flick).

      The two top police officers in New York city die in the line of duty leaving a need for someone to replace them. A mismatched duo of officers then attempt to replace them and solve the big case.

      The Other Guys an extremely disappointing attempt at comedy. The film delivers a few fleeting moments of humor that evaporate quickly. It is a brief tease with being humorous but not enough to entertain even the most devote fan of Will Ferrell. The movie is no where near as funny as it should’ve have been. The Other Guys has a number of really good comedic scenes but they are quickly drowned out by the next unfunny one.

      The film has a great collection of stars and it simply misuses the entire cast. Samuel L. Jackson and Dwayne Johnson were the best cop duo in the film. Their brief appearance of the film stole every scene that they were in. The film’s value quickly dropped once their characters left the movie. The other buddy cop duos in the film didn’t measure up to Jackson and Johnson in the story or with their performance. Wayans, Jr and Ripple as or the focus of the story Ferrell and Walhberg.

      The movie has a few brief moments of comedic genius. Some of the comedic scenes are extremely funny such as Alan’s (Ferrell) irritating humming of SWAT’s theme song while doing paperwork to irritate Terry (Walhberg), Terry’s accidental shooting of Derek Jeter, the wooden gun that Alan is forced to carry, the scene where the explosion knocks both of them to the ground, Terry’s openly disrespectful obsession with Alan’s wife, Alan’s college persona of the pimp, “Gator.” The Other Guys does have its great moments but they are more overshadowed by the multitude of bad ones.

      I think my expectations for this movie were too high which led to my level of disappointment in this movie. I really love Will Ferrell’s movies, I am one of his biggest supporters. However, The Other Guys is a disastrous catastrophy that has literally shaken my faith in Will Ferrell’s comedic ability. The film is slightly amusing and contains a few good moments of comedy but none of them are nearly enough to drown my disappointment of this calamity.

State of Play: "An Exceptional Politcal Thriller that Never Bores"

Rating:

****1/2

By: Da’Mon Guy

      State of Play is a captivating political thriller stockpiled with deception, subterfuge, and betrayal. This is a motion picture adaptation of a six part BBC television series. The film is constructed of a talented cast that is highlighted by a trio of first rate performances by Russell Crowe (Robin Hood), Ben Affleck (The Town), and Rachel McAdams (The Time Traveler‘s Wife). It also features great supporting performances by Hellen Mirren (Red), Robin Wright (New York, I Love You), Jeff Daniels (Traitor), and Jason Bateman (Couples Retreat).

      A team of investigative reporters work alongside a police detective to try to solve the murder of a congressman's mistress. A petty thief is gunned down in an alley and a Congressman's assistant falls in front of a subway - two seemingly unrelated deaths. But not to wisecracking, brash newspaper reporter Cal McAffrey who spies a conspiracy waiting to be uncovered. With a turbulent past connected to the Congressman and the aid of ambitious young rookie writer Della Frye, Cal begins uprooting clues that lead him to a corporate cover-up full of insiders, informants, and assassins. But as he draws closer to the truth, the relentless journalist must decide if it's worth risking his life and selling his soul to get the ultimate story. (Imdb.com)

      State of Play is a exceptional suspense story that never bores. The movie’s mystery begins immediately from the opening minute. The film is well played out as the events of the story has many twists. The twist and changes in the film quickly build anticipation for the next twist in the story which enhances the suspense of the movie. The film is a multilayered story that speaks volumes about today‘s society. In one breath, it aptly exhibit’s the lengths that people will go for financial and sexual rewards. Then, it shows the character and passion of the people who dedicate themselves seeking the truth.

      State of Play is packed with a number of high-quality performances. Every role is played exquisitely. Crowe, McAdams, Affleck, Mirren, Wright, Daniels, and Bateman are all on the top of their game in order to deliver a top caliber whodunit. Crowe’s portrayal of the driven reporter, Cal McCaffery, is done exceptionally well. Rachel McAdams as Della Frye, is an excellent supporting character to McCaffery. Ben Affleck delivers one of his best portrayals and it is also one of the best performances in a film filled with superb acting. Affleck’s outstanding depiction of Congressman Collins is at the core of the film as his character is one of the driving forces of it.
The film contains a number of excellent aspects intertwined into the story that increases the enjoyment of Cal McCaffery‘s pursuit of the truth. The back story to the relationship between he and the Collins, both Stephen and Anne was a terrific dynamic to the story.

      State of Play took me by surprise. I assumed that it would be good but no where near as enjoyable as it turned out to be. State of Play is as good as it gets when it comes to mysteries. This is a first rate whodunit that will have you guessing until the end. The story is deliciously well written as the plot will delectably twist and turn. It will take hold of you and have you in suspense waiting for the next turn. The characters of the story are aptly well portrayed. This is a brilliant suspense thriller in the mode of an Alfred Hitchcock type mystery. The movie is a must see and you will love every minute of it.
　
　

DC Comics Showcase presents Superman vs Shazam: The Return of the Black Adam: "An Entertaining Updating of a Classic Charater's Origin"

Rating:

***½

By: Da’Mon Guy

Memorable Quote:
“I fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.”

     
       DC comics Showcase presents Superman vs. Shazam: the Return of the Black Adam is a enjoyable, very entertaining animated feature that showcases three of the most powerful characters in the DC comics universe. It’s the latest animated feature from DC direct. The Return of the Black Adam features the voice talents of Zach Collison (Hanna Montana, Tv series), George Newbern (Saw VI), Jerry O’ Connell (Obsessed), Arnold Vosolo (The Mummy series), and James Gardner (The Notebook)

      The Return of the Black Adam is an extremely enjoyable animated short that updates of one of DC comics lesser known heroes, Captain Marvel. This latest animated feature modernizes his origins. The short is also a first-class showcase for another of DC comics lesser known characters, the formidable villian, The Black Adam. Superman makes a guest appearance in order to bring a mainstream audience’s attention to the animated feature. Billy Batson acquires his powers from the wizard, Shazam. Young Batson transforms into the mighty Captain Marvel when he speaks the name of the wizard who gave him his powers, Shazam. The Wizard's name "Shazam" - is an acronym from the initials of the deities who gave the protectors their powers. For Billy Batson the gods are Solomon (wisdom), Hercules (strength), Atlas (stamina), Zeus (power), Achilles (courage) and Mercury (speed); and for Black Adam it's the Egyptian gods Shu (stamina), Heru (speed), Amon (strength), Zehuti (wisdom), Aton (power) and Mehen (courage).

      The Return of the Black Adam is very exciting as the action begins almost as soon as the story does. The Black Adam boldly leaps into the narrative as he tries to kill his would be replacement, Billy Batson. The battles quickly ensue as the Man of Steel swoops in to thwart his efforts. The physical confrontations are big and bold as you witness the limitless physical abilities of all three combatants. The all powerful combatants clash using their immense power to clash, using the entire city and the air above it as their battlefield.

      The short exquisitely blends the child like feel of Captain Marvel’s alter ego, Billy Batson, into the progression of the story. The child like innocence of his personality is present throughout the animated feature as it adds enhances the story giving it a light hearted approach. It also very human element into the story and is a great contrast to Superman’s more serious character.
The dvd is comprised of a list of shorts highlighted by this one. The others contained on the disc are Jonah Hex (previously released with Batman: Under the Red Hood), Green Arrow (previously released with Superman/ Batman: Apocalypse) and The Spectre (previously released with Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths).

      I really enjoyed DC comics Showcase presents Superman vs. Shazam: the Return of the Black Adam. This short was better than the last animated feature, Superman/ Batman: Apocalypse. The short’s length is a its biggest detractor. The short appeals to all ages as it has an appealing story. It’s also stockpiled with enough action to keep any adrenaline junkie satisfied. The length of it is a real tease as it is only one of a collection of shorts. I would readily recommend this as it is very good viewing but not to buy at the price. It’s not worth the $20 that it costs and the other shorts are already released on other DC animated features. However, if you haven’t seen the others then the DVD is definitely worth the money as all of the shorts are very good.

Lottery Ticket: "A disappointing callaboration of African American star power"

Rating:

**1/2

By Da’Mon Guy

      Lottery Ticket is a slightly humorous movie that faintly teeters above mediocrity. The movie is highlighted by an all star African American cast. The film’s cast is comprised of Lil’ Bow Wow (The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift), Brandon T. Jackson (Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief), Loretta Devine (For Colored Girls), Naturi Naughton (Fame), Ice Cube (First Sunday). The movie features appearances by Charlie Murphy (Our Family Wedding), Mike Epps (Next Day Air), Keith David (Death at a Funeral), Terry Crews (The Expendables), T-Pain, and Bill Belamy (The Brothers).

      A young man, Kevin Carson (Bow Wow), wins the Lotto and must survive the pressures and temptations of his urban neighbor for three days during the forth of July weekend until he can cash the ticket in.

      Lottery Ticket is a movie that has a lot of duality with it. It‘s almost like two sides to a coin. Let’s examine the film as heads and tales. On one side (Heads), it’s a predictable, stereotypical film that supports the negative perception of African Americans. Then on the other side (Tails), it’s a somewhat humorous movie that entertains with a warm hearted good message.

      Lottery Ticket tries to evoke nostalgia for old school neighborhood-centric comedies like Friday. The film echoes Friday from the opening scenes but it fails miserably as this just doesn’t have the same level of appeal as the Friday movies. Many of the scenes and characters are very reminiscent of those films as it pessimistically does not measure up. Nearly all of the relevant roles from Craig to Smokey to Deebo are included. Lottery Ticket fails in every way that the first Friday succeeded.

      The duo of Bow Wow and Brandon Jackson cannot compare to the duos of Ice Cube and Chris Tucker or Ice Cube and Mike Epps. Bow Wow was mostly unimpressive in this movie. His range of acting is quickly becoming very limited as this role was indifferent than many of the roles that he has portrayed in most of his films to date. His depiction of Kevin Carson, was very typical and boring. He literally brought nothing to this role. He was barely funny and when he finally had a change of character, I didn’t care. Brandon T. Jackson was amusing as Benny. He had the best performance in the film. He easily out played everyone else in the film. The film is crammed with guest appearances by a number of top quality African American actors. Each of them making some slightly humorous cameo. In spite of the abundance of talent, the supporting cast as well as the comedic value of the movie was less than impressive. The film was way too predictable. Not allowing for anything special from any of the actors.

      Lottery ticket is a billboard for creating/maintaining false perception about African Americans. The film is a showcase for stereotypical perceptions of inner city African Americans. The movie has a few fleeting moments of comedy but they are quickly forgotten as the film embraces every stereotype that you can name for a “hood movie.” This is a film that glorifies the misfortunes of those living in impoverished areas. It increases the deformation of lower and working class African Americans. The film hinders the positive perception of African Americans and at the same time it increases the already negative perceptions of African Americans.

      In spite of all of the negativity within Lottery Ticket, it does have good intentions. The film utilizes a really light hearted approach to it and it has an extremely warm message embedded within it. The movie spoke volumes about true friendship, not allowing money to corrupt someone, giving back to the community, and the belief in one’s self.

      Lottery Ticket is supposed to be funny. It’s contains some brief flashes of humor but not enough to substantiate the production of it. It does more harm to African Americans that in does to entertain. I liked some of it but not enough of it to endorse. After watching Friday, this just seems like a cheap rip off.

Centurion: "A multi-layered Blood and Guts treat."

Rating:

***

By Da’Mon Guy

      Centurion is a little known, enjoyable, action packed fictitious tale based on the historical events that surrounded the disappearance of the Roman 9^th legion. The film premiered in limited release in August of 2010. Centurion stars Michael Fassbender (Inglorious Bastards), Dominic West (Punisher: War Zone), Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace) David Morrissey (Basic Instinct 2), and Axelle Carolyn (Doomsday).
     
      Britain, A.D. 117. Quintus Dias, the sole survivor of a Pict raid on a Roman frontier fort, marches north with General Virilus' legendary Ninth Legion, under orders to wipe the Picts from the face of the Earth and destroy their leader, Gorlacon. (Imdb.com)
      The movie is an enjoyable fable set in the time of the Roman empire. The subplot of the main story is the Roman’s attempted conquest of a nomadic people known as the Picts. The main story surrounds the remaining soldiers of the Roman 9^th legion that try to return to Rome after a failed confrontation with the Picts. The remaining group of seven men then try to escape the land of the Picts. They attempt to trek back to Roman territory but in the process they are then hunted by the Picts. The movie is really simplistic in nature, a chase film. The Picts led by Etan (Kurylenko) are on a blood hunt chasing after Dias (Fassbender) and his remaining Roman soldiers after one of them killed the Pict king’s son.

      The film is a multi layered story. On the surface, it’s an action movie, but beneath the blood, guts, and gore, it’s a film that is filled with deception, mistrust, betrayal, loyalty, and the need to find one’s true place in the world. The movie does a good job at showing the more barbaric nature of both sides of the conflict as the Romans attempt to conquer the seemingly barbaric Picts but the Romans are equally as uncivilized, just in a different way. The movie also shows in detail how both races of people are not oblivious to persecution of their own kind. From one another and from within. Both cultures turn on their own people for the sake of its beliefs. The Romans for glory and the Picts for religion.

      Centurion is filled with action and is graphically violent. This is not a film for the weak stomached, the conflict is brutal but fitting. The cinematography and action sequences are very well shot. The fight scenes are swift, bloody and violent. A good representation of the time of the movie. The film contains one of the better confrontation scenes that I’ve seen in a period based film as the Picts commenced a surprise attack of the 9^th legion. The film is has a really good look in spite of a lack of budget.
      The film is carried by a duo of commendable performances. Micheal Fassbender, and Olga Kurylenko both give entertaining performances. Fassbender and Kurylenko’s characters are the central focus of the film. Fassbender as Quintus Dias is compelling. Kurylenko is equally good as the mute Pict, Etan. Usually known for her looks more than her acting Kurylenko gives a decent performance as the driven female barbarian. She is very convincing as she doesn’t contain any line within the film. Dominic West made an very brief but confusing performance as the Roman general. The character was initially portrayed as a “bad ass” but was quickly dismissed as he was captured and killed. The character’s only relevance was to serve as motivation for Fassbender’s character, Dias.

      Centurion is a mildly enjoyable movie. The film will be more entertaining for fans of period based films. However, the story is simplistic and enjoyable. The movie isn’t a must see but it is more than adequate enough to satisfy a boring night at home.

The Warrior's Way: "The Greatest Trick Ever Played"

Rating:

**½

By: Da’Mon Guy

      The Warrior’s Way is a trav-sham-mockery! This film is the biggest swindle that I have ever witnessed by a movie. This misleading debacle is an unsatisfying story in the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon mold. The Warrior’s Way stars Jang Dong Gun (The Promise), Kate Bosworth (Superman: Returns), Geoffrey Rush (Pirates of the Caribbean), Danny Huston (X-Men Origins: Wolverine) and Tony Cox (Disaster Movie).
 
       After refusing to kill a baby, who is the last member of his clan’s 500 year war. A samurai-assassin, known as Yang (Dong Gun), becomes hunted by his own clan. Rescuing the baby and then escaping to America, he is befriended by a wild west circus.

     
      The Warrior’s Way is a trav-sham-mockery! (Travesty, Shamble, Mockery) What that means is that this movie is most certainly not what it promoted to be when looking at the trailer. The movie’s first 10 minutes and the movie’s last 30 min are all of the kung fu that it contains. This movie is the best example of how trailers can sell movies tickets. The film is fairly entertaining but it is no where near the martial arts spectacle that it is advertised to be.
 
      The film is visually captivating. It’s a visual delight filled with excellent cinematography. The movie has a look and feel of the style of 300. The action sequences of the film look just like they are jumping off of the pages of a comic book. This look enhances the look and feel of the movie as it quickly absorbs the audience into the fight sequences.
     
      There really isn’t any performances to highlight the movie. Dang Gun as Yang is likeable and looks good in his martial arts scenes. His character doesn’t speak much in the film. He looks uncomfortable in most of his normal scenes but he’s in the film for his martial arts and he does a first rate job with those scenes. Kate Bosworth was mildly entertaining in her performance of Lynne. Her bogus country accent was terrible and extremely irritating. The rest of her performance wasn’t unbearable as her character’s back story was a good addition to the main plot of Yang’s. Geoffrey Rush, Tony Cox, and Danny Huston all give commendable performances in a lackluster movie.
 
       The opening of the film establishes an brilliant pretense for a martial arts film as the hoax begins. The opening fighting scene is fantastic and to the point. It’s visually engrossing as initial confrontation ensues. Yang is one step away from completing his dual purposed quest to become the world’s greatest swordsmen and eliminate all of the members of the opposing clan. He quickly executes them. He then becomes the world greatest swordsmen. The swordsmen are samurai and as all great samurai confrontations should go, it was quick and to the point. A terrific illustration of his level of swordsmanship. The movie brilliantly encompasses what the art of Bushido and Kendo is all about.

     
      The Warrior’s Way biggest downfall is that this is advertised as a martial arts extravaganza. The trailers and everything shown seduces movie goers to come to the movies to see a kung fu film and this is more of a story of sympathy than it is of action. The movie has it’s good points but none of them are enough to garner the ticket price or enduring the less than satisfying back story. The movie was advertised as a martial arts movie and that’s what most people are going to go to see this with that expectation and The Warrior’s Way absolutely murders that preconception. The movie’s final scene was fantastic but it was no where near worth having to sit through the hour that it took to build up to it. The first 10 minutes and the last 30 minutes are exceptional and what the audience came to see. It’s a shame that the fighting is very limited because it is first rate and the easily the best part of the movie. More of it and the film could’ve been great. HEED MY WARNING, WAIT FOR THE DVD. Then you can watch the first ten minutes and the hit the skip so that you can watch the last 30 minutes and have the martial arts showcase that the trailer sold us on.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: "This is Possibly the Dumbest Movie Ever"

Rating:
*½
By: Da’Mon Guy

     
      Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is a brainless catastrophe that is easily one of the worse movies that I have seen to date. This dim witted debacle is the latest film to star the unendurable Michael Cera (Youth in Revolt). The movie also features Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Live Free or Die Hard), Allison Pill (Dan in Real Life), Mark Webber (Snow Day), Johnnie Simmons (Jennifer’s Body), Ellen Wong (Unnatural History, TV series), and Kieran Culkin (The Cider House Rules) The movie contains a number of guest appearances by some good Hollywood talent. Brandon Routh (Superman Returns), Clifton Collins, Jr. (The Experiment), Thomas Jane (The Mist), Chris Evans (The Losers) all show up in this debauchery.

       In order to date the girl of his dreams, A young man, Scott Pilgrim (Cera), must fight her seven former ex’s to the death in order to be with her.
     
      There is very little to be positive about in this ludicrous depravity. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World has only two aspects of this calamity worth mentioning, one of them is the movie’s special effects. The visuals of the movie are top-quality. They are cutting edge and state of the art. From the opening credits, the movie unfolds just like a video game. Many of the bleeps and quips from old 80’s video games are added to the film to give an old school Nintendo feel. This particular aspect was very impressive. Most of it was excessive to the point of exasperation. However, it was very innovative, giving the movie a lot of originality. The battles were also a pleasure to watch in spite of the ridiculous nature of them. The fights were remarkable and well choreographed.
     
      The second positive aspect of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is that it has a very warm message embedded within its absurdity. The film teeters the line of idiocy but if you can look past the ridiculousness nature of it then one can discern that it really has good intentions. It speaks volumes about overcoming and look past someone’s faults and or shortcomings in order to be with them. The movie is also about overcoming the obstacles for someone that you potentially love. Ignoring the past and look forward to building with them for the future. The film also does a good job at addressing the nature of breaking up with someone. It shows how one should overcoming bad feelings and then make penance for wronging others.
     
      The only thing worse than watching Michael Cera in a movie is watching THIS movie with movie with Michael Cera as the star. Cera’s comic style of incisive babbling is intolerable enough when he is in a good movie. Paired with this misfortune, It was as bad as getting a route canal.

       There isn’t any reason in Scott Pilgrim vs. The World to even remotely suggest that it is worth viewing. It easily one of the stupidest movies that I have seen in some time. The plot of the story is dumb and the movie’s delivery of it is simply idiotic. The movie is utterly senseless to the point of being unwatchable. This was an almost unbearable hour plus. The only reason that I finished watching it was to be able to warn as many people as I could of this ludicrous disaster. I feel like someone stole an hour and forty two minutes from my life. I would love use everyone responsible for the creation of this film for target practice with a large caliber assault weapon.

The Experiment: "A Little Known Secret that Needs to be Shared"

Rating:
****

By: Da’Mon Guy

     
      The Experiment is an engaging, thought provoking, psychological thriller that examines the destructive nature of man. The movie exhibits the talents of Forrest Whitaker (Repo Men), Adrien Brody (Predators), Cam Gigandet (Pandorum), and Clifton Collins, Jr. (Extract).

      The Experiment is a direct to video remake adapted from a German movie called Das Experiment that was released in 2001. Both films are based on a book that was inspired by the real-life events that occurred at a Stanford University’s study of a prison experiment in 1971. A group of 26 men volunteer for a two week behavioral psychological experiment. The Experiment involves study of aggressive behavior in a closed environment that quickly escalates to the point of being out of control.

     The movie begins very slowly but it quickly gets better once the experiment begins. At the beginning of the examination, all of the men are taking away into an isolated facility. Upon their arrival, they are made aware of the guidelines for the test, and that because of the nature of it, some of them may lose their civil rights during the experiment. The participants agree to the experiment and are divided into two parties, the prisoners and the guards. Both of the groups are advised that there is no violence of any form is allowed in the study or it will end by a red light buzzing. They are also informed that if the experiment ends then no one gets paid. The Guards, however, are given a second set of rules that they are supposed to use to govern the prisoner without the use of violence. They are also told that they must maintain order or the experiment ends and no one gets paid.

      The film contains a very solid story that is highlighted by a quartet of really quality performances. Forrest Whitaker, Adrien Brody, Clifton Collins, and Cam Gigandet all give solid performances in the movie. Forrest Whitaker’s portrayal of Burris is the best of the movie. His depiction of the power drunken Burris Whitaker’s dark transformation of Burris is the driving force of the movie. Whitaker did a first rate job at convincing the audience of Burris. Burris power trip was complete when he got an erection after his first taste of power as he handcuffed and humiliated Travis. Gigandet’s twisted portrayal of Chase was manipulative and his cruelty matched Burris’s as he was the one to first embellish the role of power inciting the other would be guards to do the same. Brody’s character of Travis was an excellent off set to Whitaker’s Burris. Brody did a first rate job at conveying Travis’s multitude of emotions and the constant battle he had within himself as he tried to avoid a violent response to being constantly degraded and continually tested. Clifton Collins, Jr adds a good performance in his limited appearances as the ex-con Arian, Nix.

      The film is very entertaining but it does have some shortcomings. The biggest problem is the lack of details about the main characters. The movie barely reveals enough about Travis (Brody), Burris (Whitaker), and Chase (Gigandet). Nix (Collins) never has anything revealed about his background accept for a quick verbal assessment by Travis who notices his tattoos. We get a scene or two about them and maybe a line or so in dialogue about each them. The movie never discloses enough about the main characters to help to understand what motivates the rapid behavior changes that each man, especially the guards, undergoes during the experiment. The second is the experiment itself. The film never explains why the experiment was being conducted. This would make more sense if we knew why some corporation was willing to pay these mean an obscene amount of money, $14, 000 each, to watch them kill one another. The third shortcoming is the scientist themselves are never shown. One is shown at the beginning of the movie and before the men enter the experiment begins and then he’s never seen again. Not even at the end of the movie. That exclusion hurts the climax of the movie.

      The Experiment is violent and very graphic. It is also a very good movie that questions one’s moral compass and human nature. The film is filled with some really good acting. I really enjoyed this movie. I absolutely loved watching Forest Whitaker as his dark performance drove the movie. The movie had a lot of inconsistency but not enough to hinder the enjoyment of the movie. The end of the movie was a little unsatisfying as too many details were left out which made lose value. In spite of that, The Experiment is a definite watch for anyone who enjoys a good movie.

Youth in Revolt

Rating:

***

By: Da’Mon Guy

      Youth in Revolt  is a mediocre, slightly entertaining, comedic coming of age story. The film assembles a talented ensemble cast that is headlined by Michael Cera and features Portia Doubleday (The Wheelerboys), Jean Smart (Sweet Home Alabama) Zack Galifiankis (The Hangover), Justin Long (He’s Just Not That Into You), Steve Buschemi (Grown Ups), Fred Willard (Anchorman) and Ray Liotta (Date Night).

      Nick Twisp (Cera) is a young teen who finds his first love but has no way to stay with her. He devises an alter ego to become the rebel that he needs to become in order to aid in his goal to fulfill his desires and lose his virginity.

      Youth in Revolt is a comedic take on the coming of age story that fits into the usual coming of age boy meets girl archetype. The film contains a plot that is not too different than most. It contains many of the stereotypical elements as in most of the stories of this nature. Youth in Revolt, however, adds a really enjoyable twist to break free of the usual archetype. It breathes a lot of originality into the usual coming of age story of horny teenage boys trying to lose their virginity. The addition of the dual identity of Nick Twisp. This character gives the story a unique perspective that allows every teenager to visually live vicariously though Nick’s double identity of Francois Dellinger.

      The movie features the agonizing performance of Michael Cera. Conversely, Cera actually portrays two roles in the film. Nick Twisp, is his usual whiny, loquacious, portrayal and then there's Dillinger. Dillinger is Nick’s exact opposite and the exact opposite of every other excruciating performance of Cera to this point. He’s straight to the point and more devious than anything Cera has portrayed to this point. Dellinger has no moral boundaries as he is willing to all of the bad things that teens dream of, without hesitation or fear discipline. It was a welcome change to being subjected to another one of the insufferable, over verbose performances by Michael Cera.
   
      Youth In Revolt is full of humorus scenes. Many of them are the usual stereotypical teenage rebellion scenes but this movie slightly different approach breathes fresh life into them. The film’s terrific supporting cast is the only thing that even began to make this painstaking process of spending an hour and a half with Cera bearable. Each of the supporting actors Long, Galfinikas, Buschemi, Willard, and Liotta enrich many of the scenes with good quality humor make it comical.

     
      Youth is Revolt is a pretty good movie in spite of Michael Cera. I would have liked this movie much better if someone else where the star. Where it really suffers is it’s star. I think that Michael Cera hinders this picture. Cera’s brand of talkative, obsessively wordy approach to comedy makes my skin crawl. I literally hate this guy. However, the movie is actually slightly entertaining. It's somewhat funny so it's humorous enough to satisfy a boring night at home.