Inglourious Basterds

Directed by: Quentin Tarantino

Starring:Brad Pitt, Mélanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz, Eli Roth, Diane Kruger, B.J. Novak

Running Time: 2h 33min

i'm not one for the war movie genre much, but if i'm going to sit through two and half hours of World War II make believe, let it be one supplied by Quentin Tarantino. True to his violent, yet conversationally driven films of his oeuvre, Inglorious Basterds re-imagines second world war history through a group of soldiers bent on killing Nazis. Though the film doesn't do for war films what Kill Bill did for Kung Fu movies, it does offer us Col. Hans Landa, a film Nazi of gargantuan proportions, sure to go down in history as one of Hollywood's greatest villains.

Christoph Waltz bears mentioning, as his portrayal of Landa evokes as much charisma and charm as it does evil and menace. Never has a simple request for a glass of milk so chillingly foreshadowed such doom and gloom. Waltz speaks four languages in the film, and his ease at which he cunningly inspires fear and nervousness in each of them makes him all the more memorable.

The film has some amazing set pieces, (the film's first scene is an instant classic), which will be long remembered more than the sum of its parts. i may seemingly be too harsh in judging this film, as i do not think it ranks among Tarantino's five all-time best. In all honesty, i left the movie somewhat disappointed. That's not to say that Inglourious Basterds is not one of the year's best films. It's just, like Scorcese, Tarantino has given us such exemplary work, that to judge them against anything other than their own portfolio is to give serious short shrift to their cinematic measuring stick.

Grade: A-

Funny People

Directed by:Judd Apatow

Starring:Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman

Running Time: 2h 26min

Not very funny. Am i the only one who thinks Apatow is overrated? Sure, the resurgence of dramedy for adults that he's leading has been refreshing, but someone has to show the guy how to cut a movie down to a suitable length. He's not Scorcese! All the actors are fine, but a documentary that shows what life is like for a stand-up comedian off stage would provide more interesting drama, (and probably a LOT more laughs) than this film delivers. Should have stuck to one or two simple themes, as this film gets too crowded and off base when it comes to its tone and content.

Grade: C

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

Directed by: Stephen Sommers

Starring: Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans, Dennis Quaid, Sienna Miller, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ray Park, Byung-hun Lee, Christopher Eccleston, Jonathan Pryce, Rachel Nichols

Running Time: 1h 58min

Sommers knows how to make fun, silly movies. This one is pure guilty pleasure. i have two words for you: FREAKIN' NINJAS!!! Watching Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow go toe to toe is worth the price of admission alone. Throwaway gags, decent action and explosions, over the top line delivery ("Knowing is half the battle"). What more could you ask for?

Grade: B+

A Perfect Getaway

Directed by: David Twohy

Starring: Steve Zahn, Timothy Olyphant, Milla Jovovich, Kiele Sanchez

Running Time: 1h 37min

A Perfect Getaway is one of those genre films that you really can't find too much fault in. Its small premise and beautiful locale make for your typical paradise thriller. All the formula is there: beautiful newlywed couples, one couple appears a little dangerous, there's a killer on the loose, isolated location, intermittent cell phone service. You know the drill. Still, there's something fun about watching these types of films, and Zahn and Olyphant both have that campy quality that works for shits and giggles. There's not a lot of doubt with foreshadowing that is basically foretelling, but it's fun to go along for the ride. Twohy is an able handed director, having made low budget, low concept, high tension thrillers before (Pitch Black) with just the right amount of humour. This one's no exception.

Grade: C

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

Directed by: Mark Waters

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Michael Douglas, Breckin Meyer, Lacey Chabert, Robert Forster, Amanda Walsh

Running Time: 1h 40min

There's something about Matthew McConaughey that just allows him to click with many a female lead. In Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, his umpteenth romantic comedy, all with similar premises, character traits, settings, occupations, etc., the list goes on and on, McConaughey manages to pull off another decent, likable rom com. This time around he gets a lot of help from the very likable Garner, who has a way of retaining her dignity in less than stellar roles and films. She is every bit McConaughey's equal and adds an element of decency and integrity to the movie.

Two decent leads does not a good movie make, and the supporting cast listed above are what finally bring this movie above passing for me. Chabert and Walsh are funny enough, in a bizarre train wreck sort of way, but it's Michael Douglas stealing the show, relishing his golden years in a ghostly performance that evokes his best roles as a philandering Hefnerite. Meyer and Forster are always reliable, decent actors in their own right, and with a cast that's performing up to par, the movie does not slide into formulaic staleness. It's more of a freshly baked formula; a familiar taste with a subtle elegance to it. Sure, the plot is telegraphed from start to finish, and the lines can be seen from a mile away, but when you have actors like these delivering it all, it makes it worth the while. Somewhat worth the while.

Grade: C

The Time Traveler's Wife

Directed by: Robert Schwentke

Starring: Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams, Ron Livingston, Jane McLean

Running Time: 1h 47min

What with the multiple instances of the drive-in reel overheating and stopping the film, along with the movie's own stops and starts and bouts of inconsistency, The Time Traveler's Wife made me feel like I was jumping through time, lost, confused, bewildered, uninterested, perplexed and indifferent. For a movie to make claims for a love that transcends space and time, there needs to be some reason for this couple to actually love each other. Sadly, there is none, and there is little chemistry for the audience to care for. In fact, the whole premise that Bana's character visits McAdams as a young child carries with it a creepy pedophilia premise that i don't want to explore. Not only is it downright unsettling, it's simply boring.

Grade: D+

Bruno

Directed by: Larry Charles

Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Gustaf Hammarsten, Ron Paul, Paula Abdul

Running Time: 1h 21min

Every bit as funny as Borat, but in extremely different ways. Bruno shocks more than it evokes laughter. The preposterous situations and amazing ability of Sacha Baron Cohen to remain in character during the insanity that ensues offers up plenty of laughs. However, Bruno angers civilians and us as viewers more often than not, whereas the Borat character elicited sympathy more than anger or hatred.

The social commentary that Cohen creates through these outlandish characters is really what powers the comedy and establishes the humour. If there weren't outrageously homophobic (and in the case of Borat, xenophobic) people in this world, there would be no reason to unleash the likes of Bruno upon them.

It's sad to contemplate the danger that Cohen put his life in, on multiple occasions, throughout this film. Just when you think an ambulance is going to be needed, the film cuts away to another place, another scene, another provocative situation. At a lean 84 minutes, one wonders what the outtakes consist of. Is it merely Cohen breaks character (such a thought seems ludicrous, his concentration is so superb) or the laughs stop? Or do the homophobes reveal too much of themselves that the movie doesn't want to embarrass them (anymore than they have already embarrassed themselves)?

This is certainly not a film for everyone. Even those who liked Borat may be turned off by this one. It's amazing that some people's homophobia runs deeper than their ignorance. Depending on your level, this is either a hilarious expose of societal norms and stereotypes, or a repulsive display of sex and nudity. My level must be set high on the tolerance scale.

Grade: A-

Push

Directed by: Paul McGuigan

Starring: Chris Evans, Dakota Fanning, Camilla Belle, Djimon Hounsou

Running Time: 1h 51min

Surprisingly effective piece of sci-fi comic booky mayhem. Push takes an X-Men or Heroes type of premise, ordinary people bestowed with extraordinary powers, and delivers an action movie with enough twists, turns and uncertainty to keep the viewer interested.

The special effects are neither groundbreaking nor breathtaking, but they serve the story effectively and play realistically enough that they do the story justice. Seeing Fanning play her age takes a little getting used to but she shows that she has enough spunk to carry her through her teens and most certainly into an honest to goodness, great actress, in the same manner of a Jodie Foster or Natalie Portman. Her presence drives the film and gives the entire movie enough dramatic punch and sly line delivery to merit a passing grade. Add to that a real chemistry between Fanning and Evans, and not in a creepy way, but more of a sisterly brotherly manner, and Push strikes a nice balance of action and drama.

The romance element doesn't really fit, but there's enough interesting action sequences and compelling back story to makes us temporarily forget the longing looks of the lovebirds. There's enough of a set up here to make for an interesting, medium budget weekly sci-fi series, and certainly enough to carry this pleasant surprise.

Grade: B+

The Hangover

Directed by: Todd Phillips

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Heather Graham, Sasha Barrese, Jeffrey Tambor

Running Time: 1h 40min

Some people are calling the smash summer success of The Hangover a surprise. I'm not sure why. There's a proven director of funny, adult themed but not necessarily adult rated (read: not raunchy but rather clever) comedy. There's solid comedic actors underplaying a creative, original script. And there's spirited cameos that provide more hilarity than you could possibly imagine when writing them.

Everything that's become cliche about Vegas and what has to happen in a movie set in Vegas is turned upside down. Just the 5 minutes of photographs that play during the end credits provides more laughs than your average Will Ferrell film (by average, i mean more recent). Like classic comedies that stand the test of time, The Hangover builds slowly, allowing gags and premises to pay off as the film progresses. The relative coolness and calm of Galifianakis steals the show, yet each and every actor on screen gets to savour their moments in the kind of reactionary, and not forced, comedy that produces a snowball effect of infectious laughter.

Definitely the year's best comedy.

Grade: A-

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Directed by: David Yates

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Michael Gambon, Jim Broadbent, Bonnie Wright, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Tom Felton

Running Time: 2h 33min

As each year brings us closer to the finale of the Harry Potter film franchise, it seems each film becomes more and more anticipated. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is no exception. Anticipation was ramped up even more by delaying the release from Autumn 2008 to Summer 2009. Suffice to say, it was worth the wait.

The sixth Potter film breaks formula to some degree, as did the novel. Sure, there's a new teacher, Horace Slughorn, played hilariously by Broadbent. However, Slughorn does not take over the defence against the dark arts position, as that spot is finally granted to Snape. Though i would have enjoyed seeing some more of Snape in the classroom, it is a treat to watch, once again, some of Britain's finest actors inhabit Hogwarts, as the adult casting has always been the secret to the success of the films. Broadbent ensures that his performance is a memorable one, with some clever line delivery and even funnier facial expressions.

Indeed, this film continues the elevation of maturity that began with the third installment, as the content, themes, and tone take on a decidedly darker feel. This is not only evidenced in the darker colour palate of the art direction, but also the way drugs and alcohol are depicted in humourous circumstances. Much of the film's humour is found when potions and spells work overtime on the adolescent hormones. These moments are the source of some great laughs and help to off set the heavy drama that consumes most of the film.

Which is really what marks this film from the others that precede it. Half-Blood Prince is the most dramatic of the bunch. It is skimpy on the action, save for a few scenes that were made solely for the film. It takes a turn towards Lord of the RIngs style fantasy when Harry and Dumbledore set out to sea, a scene that is equally powerful on film as it was on the page. The filmmakers must be commended on their ability to translate the source material so that it manages to entertain, while at the same time advance the plot and appeal to readers of the Rowling series. After waiting this long, it's an amazing feat that they did not disappoint.

Grade: A

Star Trek

Directed by: J.J. Abrams

Starring: Chris Pine,Zachary Quinto,Leonard Nimoy, Eric Bana, Bruce Greenwood, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Anton Yelchin, Winona Ryder

Running Time: 2h 07min

I have to admit. I am a Star Trek virgin (insert your own punchline here). I have never, i repeat, never seen a Star Trek movie, let alone a Star Trek television episode. Not a one. Any of the generations (though i must admit i did stop to watch a few segments of The Next Generation but never lasted through two commercial breaks). This hasn't prevented me from learning a large amount of Star Trek lore and parody from your average immersion in popular culture, so i wasn't going into this film completely blind, just virginal.

Which is to say, i am part of the target audience that J.J. Abrams' reboot is designed for. He has crafted a Star Trek for fans, and non-fans alike, a starting point for the two to launch off through space. And what a take off it is! Inspired casting fuels the film, while clever dialogue and crafty action sequences propel it along at a fun and frolicky pace.

There's plenty of nod, nod, wink, winks (probably more than i noticed, not being a knowledgeable Trekkie) but also a feeling of freshness and excitement. It really truly feels like something so old and established has been dusted off and given a new coat of paint, so that you barely remember the original that existed. I say this in a good way. The complete opposite of George Lucas' disastrous attempt to make Star Wars new, Abrams gives the new Trek a style and flavour that seems completely current, while fashioning a story and tone that feels true to the original science fiction franchise and its subsequent incarnations. I look forward to further installments and I may just learn the Vulcan hand signs in due time.

Grade: B+

Transformers 2: Rise of the Fallen

Directed by: Michael Bay

Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, John Turturro

Running Time: 2h 30min

Um, why did i go see this exactly? My wife made the comment that i looked completely unimpressed and offended the entire time watching this. Bigger and dumber than the original. I may just sell my old eighties toys if this keeps up. Gotta love that cast though. They really chew the scenery, knowing that their time on screen is just so there's something to cut away to between F/X shots. Not that it matters when there's more than enough jump cuts and rapid fire edits to outdo the entire French New Wave movement. This is what those auteurs would have referred to as, Le Crap.

Grade: D

Taken

Directed by: Pierre Morel

Starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Leland Orser, Katie Cassidy, Famke Janssen

Running Time: 1h 33min

A nicely paced little thriller buoyed by an intense performance by Neeson. Taken takes every father's worst nightmare and turns it into a revenge plot that's only real if your typical dad is ex-CIA or some other covert operating kick ass unit. The action is raw, the dialogue sparse, and the storytelling kept nice and simple. The thrill is in watching Neeson play a man consumed with only one thing: save his daughter. Another fantastic action thriller from Luc Besson and friends.

Grade: B+

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Directed by: P.J. Hogan

Starring: Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, Krysten Ritter, Joan Cusack, John Goodman

Running Time: 1h 44min

Inspired casting makes this film a delectable treat. Isla Fisher is the most adorably funny actress to come along in a long, long time. i'm talking comedic chops worthy of Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett. Her physical comedy is unmatched, as her looks and glances elicit more laughs than most actresses entire life's work. Fisher's timing is impeccable, and alongside such trusted supporting players like Cusack and Goodman, the chemistry is just spot on. Dancy makes a good romantic foil for Fisher, and the two play off each other well. Still, this is Fisher's movie and though it does follow a formulaic outline that does little to save it from Bridget Jones comparisons, Fisher's performance alone makes the film worth watching. A small step above the rest of the genre.

Grade: B

Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Directed by: Carlos Saldanha and Mike Thurmeier

Starring: John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, Ray Romano, Simon Pegg

Running Time: 1h 34min

This installment of the Ice Age series proves the franchise has overstayed its welcome. The highlight of the films has always been the little squirrel Scrat, and his overzealous quest to secure a nut. These ingenious little cartoon segments work extremely well as advertising fodder and short films, but when the characters are stretched out to feature length, and then sequelled two times over, the material runs rather thin.

Roger Ebert claims this "the best film of the franchise yet". i claim Roger Ebert "well past his prime". He completely missed the mark on this one (and several other films this summer). This is basically The Land Before Time with other prehistoric animals thrown in. i'm actually quite fond of Leguizamo, but his voicing of the character Sid gets very sickening only minutes in. SImon Pegg tries to save the film as a new character Buck, and his inspired work barely manages to make this film worth watching. The 3D doesn't really add anything special to the film, which makes it all the more disappointing. i'm all for more Scrat adventures, (maybe as short films before Fox films), but as for the rest of these characters, banish them to the stone age, please.

Grade: C

Up

Directed by: Pete Docter and Bob Peterson

Starring: Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson, Delroy Lindo, John Ratzenberger

Running Time: 1h 36min

Okay, i have to admit, i cried when i saw Up. Now, there were some mitigating circumstances, but it truly speaks to the power of a synergy of montage animation and eloquent score. If there's anything truly remarkable about Pixar's latest triumph, it is the understated musical score by Michael Giacchino that strikes stirring emotional chords. The slow notes from the piano, coupled with the images of the lead characters at the beginning of the film create the most emotionally packed five minutes i have ever witnessed in an animated film, or quite possibly any film for that matter. From that moment forward, we realize that Pixar is taking us in a direction that isn't typical Disney fare, though the cute factor and comic relief comes in plentiful amounts.

Despite a darkness and menace that is rare in films of this nature, Up is through and through a crowd pleaser. The unlikely relationship between old man Carl and boy scout Russell drive the film, but the zany premise of a balloon powered flying house and other creatures endowed with technology (an invention pulled from real life--believe it or not) give it a fantasy feel. Not as consistently brilliant from start to finish as, say, Ratatouille (few films are), Up is still a worthy addition to Pixar's ever expanding catalogue of classics.

Grade: A

Earth

Directed by: Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield

Starring: James Earl Jones, Polar Bears, Elephants, Whales

Running Time: 1h 30min

Basically a rehash mishmash of the Planet Earth documentaries from the BBC, Earth is a remarkable achievement for several reasons. First, the stunning photography is breath taking on DVD, and only ten times more spectacular on the big screen. Secondly, taking the narration reigns from Sir Richard Attenborough, James Earl Jones' bass heavy voice makes the nature photography all the more appealing to audiences. Finally, the mere fact that Disney's promotional power and marketing prowess has resulted in flocks and flocks of families heading to theatres to see content that was readily available for sometime and probably already seen in some form is just phenomenal. i'm pleased that audiences have embraced the documentary format and that images of Earth's greatest gifts may have a lifelong impact on our future conservationists.

Grade: A

Seven Pounds

Directed by: Gabriele Muccino

Starring: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Barry Pepper

Running Time: 2h 03min

Muccino and Smith team up once again to give us a film with dramatic punch, much like they did with The Pursuit of Happyness a few years back. Unlike that film, Seven Pounds is not based on true events, but has a stunning mysterious element that gives it emotional weight (no pun intended). An interesting premise that speaks to the powerful pull of redemption, the movie reveals a little bit at a time so you can piece together Smith's character's motivation. Unfortunately, when a movie plays its cards close to its sleeve like this one does, our minds can conjure up some more interesting premises that lead us to be disappointed with the actual end result of the film. Certainly a love it or hate it film, all depending on how you view Smith's character and his actions.

Grade: B+

Slumdog Millionaire

Directed by: Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan

Starring: Dev Patel, Anil Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, Freida Pinto

Running Time: 2h 00min

Definitely a film that will stay with you, Slumdog Millionaire focuses on a part of the world we rarely get to see, with an immediacy and vibrancy that compels the viewer to become engaged in this underdog story. Using non-professional actors from shoots in real settings, director Boyle returns to his roots as a filmmaker filled with energy, spirit, and intensity.

Scaled down and minimal in budget, the economics lend the film a tenderness and realism that works to involve the audience. It's no surprise that the film rode its Audience favourite award at the Toronto Film Festival to Oscar victory. Unfortunately, like previous Oscar winners, the hype doesn't match the film itself, though if it was a self-discovered gem, i could see how movie goers would trumpet this through word of mouth. Very gritty, packed with emotional scenes and heart rendering heartbreak, Slumdog Millionaire is a sad yet beautiful portrait of Indian sweethearts.

Grade: A-

Monsters vs. Aliens

Directed by: Rob Letterman and Conrad Vernon

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett, Kiefer Sutherland, Rainn Wilson, Stephen Colbert, Paul Rudd, Jeffrey Tambor, Amy Poehler, Renée Zellweger, John Krasinski

Running Time: 1h 34min

Just look at the names in the cast for Monsters vs. Aliens and you'd expect a laugh riot with an insane laugh a minute ratio. Not the case. The only one providing consistent laughs is Rogen's character BOB. In fact, most of the characters don't get fully realized, randomly inserting themselves into a thinly held together plot that doesn't delve deep enough and wraps up way too quickly.

But who am i kidding? This is a flick for kids. So, in that sense, it does entertain, especially in 3D. The action is quick and the visuals literally eye-popping (thankfully not our eyes). However, there's a story element missing and any attempts to make the characters cohesively gel and co-exist in a film that has little interest in setting up situations leaves us underwhelmed by the end of it all. This movie would probably work nice as a weekly cartoon series, but for big screen thrills, it doesn't measure up to its ginormic size potential.

Grade: B-

Choke

Directed by: Clark Gregg

Starring: Sam Rockwell, Anjelica Huston, Kelly Macdonald, Clark Gregg, Bijou Phillips

Running Time: 1h 32min

I seriously thought that the book Choke was unfilmable. In the Lolita sense of an unfilmable book due to the thematic content and tonal quality that seems impossible to capture outside of one's mind. Yet, director, adaptor, actor Clark Gregg makes it a labour of love, and succeeds in crafting a film worthy of the followers of Chuck Palahniuk's work. Fans will not be disappointed. Low on budget, high on fulfilling the spirit of the novel, which is categorized for library purposes under the themes of "Sex addiction. Alzheimer's Disease. Religion." Only Chuck could write a novel that pulls those together. Surprisingly, Rockwell, Huston and Macdonald manage to pull it all off. Well casted, well portrayed.

Grade: B+

Watchmen

Directed by: Zack Snyder

Starring:Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Jackie Earle Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Patrick Wilson, Carla Gugino

Running Time: 2h 42min

Visually impressive, Watchmen continues a strong line of comic book adaptations that impeccably capture the tone, look and feel of their source material. More astoundingly, Snyder's version manages to fulfill expectations for one of the greatest graphic novels of the 20th century.

Snyder manages to do this by casting some great role players over big name actors, allowing the viewer to become immersed in the storyline. It's truly awesome how he sets up many shots to directly reflect the artwork of the graphic novel, giving us a film that recreates key details with much precision and accuracy. All the actors are remarkably restrained, as Akerman, Morgan, Haley, and Wilson will certainly have their performances in this film be career highlights when all is said and done. i can't imagine how they could improve this film, as it is visually captivating and thematically enticing, by faithfully sticking to the groundbreaking work it came from.

Grade: A+