Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Directed by: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy
Running Time: 2h 48min

An epic conclusion(?) to this epic series, which redeems itself for the horrible second installment, and then some. Much easier to follow (even when a dozen Depps appear), much more for the entire cast to do, and much more fun to enjoy, knowing that, unlike the first sequel, there will actually be an ending to this one, so hold in there!

Indeed, this time around the Pirate series doesn't drag despite its near three hour running time, but rather floats along like it has the wind at its back. Waiting a good half hour before we get to even catch a glimpse of Depp as Captain Jack should be criminal, yet we hardly miss him as Geoffry Rush and Chow Yun Fat chew the scene. In fact, it is Rush's presence which returns the series to the glory of the first film, and his return really emphasizes how integral he was to the guilty pleasure that was the Curse of the Black Pearl. He is the only actor in the series that holds his own with Depp, if not showing him a thing or two.

The entire first sequence hearkens back to Return of the Jedi, as the rogue leader's friends must come rescue him from his purgatory prison, just like Luke and Leia had to visit Jabba to gain release of Han Solo. Much like Solo, Depp's Captain Jack character finds his appeal in his naughty nature, and how his plans play out with a pinch of courage and a bucket load of luck. He's a wonder to watch reprising his timeless anti-hero.

Fortunately, (for us AND for Bloom) Will Turner is given more reason to exist in this film, and drives more of the story and decision making. It's a testament to the writers that they would fore go the desire to highlight Captain Jack (which seemed to be the modus operandi for Dead Man's Chest) and keep Will and Elizabeth's motives at the centre of this film.

Though, with so much going on, some concepts fizzle out, like the whole Calypso affair, which is talked up but fails to deliver, typical of a pirate wager. The purgatory Jack scenes are hilarious, and are an excellent way to answer the question, "How do we get more Johnny Depp into this one?" or "Who can make a great foil for Captain Jack, by matching his eccentric zaniness?" As for action, there's carnage galore, with just the right amount of comedic breaks so as not to experience seasickness.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End isn't as rewatchable as the first one, but it definitely proves itself worthy of standing alongside it, and thankfully washes away the bad taste that number two left in moviegoers' mouths.

Grade: B+

The Invisible

Directed by: David S. Goyer
Starring: Justin Chatwin, Margarita Levieva, Marcia Gay Harden, Alex O'Loughlin, Callum Keith Rennie
Running Time: 1h 37min


An odd little film about a teenager who dies, only to discover that he has returned as a spirit, The Sixth Sense style, to walk among the suspects and friends left behind. He learns much more about his assailant, and through the new found power to be a fly on the wall, begins to see his murder not as the black and white situation that most authority figures (cops, teachers, parents) quickly conclude it is.

This film would make an excellent short story for high school students. Unfortunately, it plays like a high school short film. The lead actor simply can't carry the film, as he pouts, shouts, and mopes around, seemingly losing much of the charisma and promise that his character is supposed to have before he dies.

His counterpart, played by Levieva, is the only character that seems to get three dimensional treatment, as much of the film's heart and tragedy come from her performance. She does a good job of revealing a little at a time, which makes the film worth watching.

Supporting cast members, Rennie and Gay Harden do as much as they can in their minimal roles, but really get lost in the Degrassi style setups, where the teens do the heavy lifting, and in this instance, crumble to the weight of the story.

Still, the audience for this film is probably the same age as the lead characters, and they may find some intrigue in the slow development of this teen tale. There may not be enough jumps and jolts for the tween crowd as other films of the genre, but there certainly is more substance to the story's imagination.

Grade: C

Ghost Rider

Directed by: Mark Steven Johnson
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes, Peter Fonda, Wes Bentley, Donal Logue
Running Time: 1h 54min

This is throwaway adaptation delivered as a truly silly bit of comic book nonsense, which undermines the desired darkness of the 70s superhero, Ghost Rider. Don't get me wrong, but there's a lot of diehards out there who love their Ghost Rider, along with their Steely Dan, Ministry, and Friday the 13th in Port Dover. Strangely, this film does little to satisfy those types, with Cage's Carpenters listening stunt man really messing with the take no prisoners attitude that comes with the flaming two wheeler.

So, it's a quirky take on an oddball super hero? Not quite. The story still tries to shove a bunch of the supernatural and theological mumbo jumbo that's at the centre of the comic book, which causes the whole project to go up in flames. It's a trick balancing act, fire and brimstone, stunt circuses and soul sucking purgatory. A juggling act that the source comic book itself didn't do too well.

Yet the time was right to make the film, as a superhero boom (thanks to advances in computer FX) is generating as many hits as misses in the past decade. Chalk one up for the misses, as this one succeeds only at producing some eye popping visuals, which was the key strength of the comic. When it gets down to it, the comic itself was really just an excuse for some talented artists to draw a cool looking dude with a flaming skull for a head all clad in leather and sporting some chains and a chopper. They could have abandoned the script and just digitally altered Evil Knievel footage and most fans would have been happy.

All in all, it's worth a watch for comic book/biker fans, but not many more. It's great to see Peter Fonda turn up as an Easy Rider, and Cage is his usual self, whether you love him or hate him. In fact, the cast gives of themselves wholeheartedly. As expected, Mendes is almost as smoking and blazing as Johnny Blaze himself. Let's just be thankful that there's no chance for a sequel, and this ghost can ride off into the sunset.

Grade: C+

Spider Man 3

Directed by: Sam Raimi
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace, Bryce Dallas Howard
Running Time: 2h 20min

Anticipation being at an all time high, the third Spidey flick seems bound to disappoint. Add to that, the amazosity that was the first two films, it's almost guaranteed to not be near as good as the first two parts of the saga. And it isn't. Despite the fact, Spider Man 3 is a very good action film that delivers everything you'd expect from it. Yet unlike the previous two, there just isn't a whole lot more.

The premise is promising. Peter and MJ are becoming more like the adults that fill the comic book pages of today, and the characters of Sandman and Venom enter the fray alongside the Green Goblin. Unfortunately, you can have too much of a good thing, and this third installment suffers from the same problems as Batman Forever; too many ideas, too little time.

Instead of telling the saga of Venom, the dark side of Peter Parker brought out by the alien symbiote, with slowly increasing menace and suspense, the whole ordeal is rushed through the film, highlighted by a ridiculous musical number. Don't get me wrong, i appreciate Sam Raimi's attempt at an homage to Saturday Night Fever, but it doesn't belong in this film, or with the tone it strikes. Clever, but misguided.

What really shouldn't work is Bruce Campbell as an overzealous maitre'd, yet he steals the show, adding some nice humour at a key dramatic point in the film. Alongside the hilarious, Jonah Jamieson, these two take what little screen time they have and serve up the most satisfying moments. This is where Raimi's risks work, on a small scale. He continues to deliver some amazing set pieces, but fails to unite them with the same drama or intensity of the first two films. Several characters seem to appear simply for recognition's sake, adding little to the story or thematic elements.

Sandman is visually amazing, and played to the max by Thomas Haden Church. Like his comic book counterpart, he is a neat idea, with little behind it. Which was often my beef with Marvel comic characters; they were interesting ideas, with little relevance or psychological value. Venom defied this rule, exploding from the pages of the Amazing Spider Man like no other villain of the modern era. Yet Raimi fails to learn from the mistakes of comic sequels past, such as X-Men 3 and the aforementioned Batman Forever (not to mention Batman and Robin or Superman 3, 4, 5). He succumbs to the "more means better" misbelief of Hollywood, when in fact, the more plot lines, the thinner the payoff. Venom is deserving of his own film (and may get it in Spider Man 4) while plot lines involving Sandman, Harry Osborn, and Gwen Stacy are mere window dressing, falling far short from their importance in comic book lore. Stacy is perhaps the most miserable casting error in a long time, as Howard wins the nepotism award for sure. No wonder she refuses to audition for roles; she'd never get one if not for Daddy Ron.

All this negativity aside, the film delivers as an enjoyable, fast paced action extravaganza that shouldn't disappoint non-discriminating fans. It has the five requisite "trailer moments" of action and excitement, stays light and airy even during what should very well be dark moments of the film, and has some impressive special effects that continue to push the envelope on super hero effects work. It holds no surprises, satisfies on a couple of levels, and leaves you wanting some more, but none too soon. Kind of like a holiday weekend. Enjoy!

Grade: B+

The Good Shepherd

Directed by: Robert De Niro
Starring: Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, Alec Baldwin, Billy Crudup, Robert De Niro, Michael Gambon, William Hurt
Running Time: 2h 47min

A fascinating journey into the inner recesses of your mind, as you slowly feel yourself drifting to sleep. The Good Shepherd is like counting sheep, only with really good actors. Robert De Niro calls in the favours and gets a compelling cast together to act out the most boring film about one of the most spine tingling moments of the modern era. Who'd have thought the CIA could be this dull?

After about half an hour, you'll be longing for Damon to get into Jason Bourne spy mode, but alas, it never happens. Too bad, as CIA agents must lead a tedious and boring life, if this is supposed to be an accurate portrayal. Despite the set ups and dialogue heavy moments, nothing pays off, as you wish you had an interpreter for most of the film.

What's really sad is that the actors remain compelling enough for the viewer to trust them to take us somewhere. Anywhere. I was kind of wishing for some crazy Kubrick Eyes Wide Shut inspired orgy during the initiation. At least Jolie delivers on her requisite love scene. Yet even that is turned into paint drying ecstasy of the worst kind.

Save yourself some time, a LOT of time, and rent ANY OTHER movie with these actors in it. May i suggest Glengarry Glen Ross or Dark City. Hell, even Tomb Raider would be a step up from this yawn.

Grade: ZZZ