funlovincritic's stats
- Review count53
- Helpfulness votes3
- First reviewNovember 25, 2008
- Last reviewMarch 17, 2010
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.2
Overall rating
3
/
5
Pablum For the Masses
PostedAugust 26, 2009
It's basically a "coming of age" movie, where the overachiever gets her comeuppance when she sees that she isn't "all that", and then learns a lesson about life and love.
The quirky family isn't new, but may be the best thing about this film. Michael Keaton steals the show, and it's nice to see this small comeback. Carol Burnett has some nice bits, also - - she hasn't lost a bit of her comic timing. Sadly, the newcomer lead seems to have mailed in her performance.
At best, this is a pleasant film. You could certainly do worse...
FYI - if i could, my rating would be 2 3/4 stars.
The quirky family isn't new, but may be the best thing about this film. Michael Keaton steals the show, and it's nice to see this small comeback. Carol Burnett has some nice bits, also - - she hasn't lost a bit of her comic timing. Sadly, the newcomer lead seems to have mailed in her performance.
At best, this is a pleasant film. You could certainly do worse...
FYI - if i could, my rating would be 2 3/4 stars.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
Pablum For the Masses
PostedAugust 26, 2009
It's basically a "coming of age" movie, where the overachiever gets her comeuppance when she sees that she isn't "all that", and then learns a lesson about life and love.
The quirky family isn't new, but may be the best thing about this film. Michael Keaton steals the show, and it's nice to see this small comeback. Carol Burnett has some nice bits, also - - she hasn't lost a bit of her comic timing. Sadly, the newcomer lead seems to have mailed in her performance.
At best, this is a pleasant film. You could certainly do worse...
The quirky family isn't new, but may be the best thing about this film. Michael Keaton steals the show, and it's nice to see this small comeback. Carol Burnett has some nice bits, also - - she hasn't lost a bit of her comic timing. Sadly, the newcomer lead seems to have mailed in her performance.
At best, this is a pleasant film. You could certainly do worse...
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Soul-Searching "Light"
PostedAugust 26, 2009
This is really a 3 1/2 stars film. It's engaging in the first half, then lags, as it reaches a totally predictable "moral" or conclusion, then proceeds to lose much of the low-key humor that kept the beginning going.
One of my big problems is the lack of character development of the lead. Giamatti gives a fine performance, but the reason for removing his soul is unidimensional and, as such, required a serious suspension of disbelief. Who would give up their soul because of performance anxiety alone? Are we meant to think actors are THAT shallow? Maybe they are...
Good (mostly unknown) supporting cast, lovely cinematography, and a nice soundtrack which tries WAY too hard (kinda like being force fed).
FWIW - I like chickpeas. : )
One of my big problems is the lack of character development of the lead. Giamatti gives a fine performance, but the reason for removing his soul is unidimensional and, as such, required a serious suspension of disbelief. Who would give up their soul because of performance anxiety alone? Are we meant to think actors are THAT shallow? Maybe they are...
Good (mostly unknown) supporting cast, lovely cinematography, and a nice soundtrack which tries WAY too hard (kinda like being force fed).
FWIW - I like chickpeas. : )
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Wry Brit Wit
PostedAugust 26, 2009
There are some very good lines, and several moments that had the whole theater guffawing.
The performances are good, overall, although the characters themselves are basically stereotypes. But, isn't that the crux of the politician's curse? The plot is a bit light, although it was fun to watch some of the maneuvering, particularly the coup de grace at the end.
The performances are good, overall, although the characters themselves are basically stereotypes. But, isn't that the crux of the politician's curse? The plot is a bit light, although it was fun to watch some of the maneuvering, particularly the coup de grace at the end.
Basically, this is a fun way to spend a couple of hours. But, if you don't appreciate British humor, stay away. If I could, I'd give it only 3 1/2 stars.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
Woody Allen "Light" - see it on dvd
PostedAugust 12, 2009
Folks, you've seen this before, and done better. The plot is thin and predictable (not to mention unbelievable). The main character is boorish and mean, and it's hard to see how he would have friends, given the constant put downs. The 4th wall technique did little to endear him to me; it just made him seem pompous. David and Wood give poor performances; Clarkson and Begley shine in their smaller roles.The pacing is off, as the first half of the movie drags.
The good news is: there is some witty dialogue and many good one-liners (ex: "...who mistakes pessimistic despair for wisdom..."; "...elected a black man president, but he still can't hail a cab in NY.").
Sloppy work: look for the boom mike in the hospital scene.
The good news is: there is some witty dialogue and many good one-liners (ex: "...who mistakes pessimistic despair for wisdom..."; "...elected a black man president, but he still can't hail a cab in NY.").
Sloppy work: look for the boom mike in the hospital scene.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
It's a Buddy Film
PostedAugust 4, 2009
the set-up: big-time paris attorney goes to monaco to defend socialite accused of murdering russian mafioso-type. assigned bodyguard. vixen local weathergirl determines lawyer is her ticket to more, casts spell over him (really, not so much disbelief to be lifted, as many mid-50s types would absolutely believe a 20 y.o would find them hot). bodyguard protects lawyer from girl. and therein lies the buddy tale.
nice scenery. character motivation is the unsung star, here. still...this is one for dvd. then, you can discuss what you THINK is going on to your heart's content (but, SHUT UP!!! in the theater - - i don't need to hear your theories!! subtitles are not an ok to talk - some of us speak french, ya know.)
nice scenery. character motivation is the unsung star, here. still...this is one for dvd. then, you can discuss what you THINK is going on to your heart's content (but, SHUT UP!!! in the theater - - i don't need to hear your theories!! subtitles are not an ok to talk - some of us speak french, ya know.)
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
simply - WOW!
PostedJuly 28, 2009
This was a fascinating film about a true pioneer in radio and television. Gertrude Berg had staunch opinions and beliefs, and had a heavy impact on her listeners/viewers during various periods in US history (such as the crash of '29 and WWII). I am very glad I was "introduced" to this amazing woman.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
A visually stunning disappointment!
PostedJuly 22, 2009
the b&w is used to great effect, throughout. there are many impressive images. sadly, the plot is thin and unoriginal. it was around 45 min. in that i knew where it was going. i thought the film dragged at times - always a bad sign when i am checking my watch. the true standout here is ehrenreich, who gives a great performance. gallo and verdu also give good performances.
i expected a lot more than i got from this pic. it's just more of the same old, same old. wait for it on cable or dvd.
i expected a lot more than i got from this pic. it's just more of the same old, same old. wait for it on cable or dvd.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
1
/
5
I Got To Say "I TOLD YOU SO!"
PostedJuly 8, 2009
My friend really wanted to see this, "everyone says it's great!" I'd read the reviews panning it. Whoever was right got to say, "I told you so." At least I didn't rub it in...
the good - the special effects.
the bad - just about everything else. no plot (umm...like the border guard doesn't notice nobody is driving the twins??). bad dialogue. corny and racist jokes.
someone dropped the ball - there were some ideas that could have been explored, like an ancient decepticon choosing to switch sides.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
It's Lonely On The Moon
PostedJuly 8, 2009
This is an interesting film, that examines solitude, corporate greed, and morality in a not-too distant future. Top notch performance by Sam Rockwell. This movie renewed my faith that good movies can still be made, even with low budgets; studios should take note, and rethink their present approach (relying on gimmicks and visuals) to "blockbuster" films.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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