2012 Film Diary (non-2012 Releases)

"The word I'm thinking of I can't use because there are pre-school toys present."

"Who are those guys?"

Whenever you have this sort of collection of talent in front of and behind the camera, you never expect to get such an disappointing film. There are ways to write and direct a talking head movie to engross the viewer. See The Social Network, and even this writer/director's As Good As It Gets. Yet, the term that kept popping up in my head as I watched How Do You Know is unfocused.

The movie starts with both Reese Withspoon and Paul Rudd's characters going through life upheavals, as the lives they are leading are suddenly stripped away from them because of choices other people made. After the sudden emotional and professional turns the two lead character's lives take at the start of this movie, there is absolutely no reason they should start any sort of relationship, let alone with each other. They need to figure themselves out first before they can come together. And that can said for this movie. There didn't seem to be a strong game plan going into this one.

Where to begin: The screenplay lacks a consistant tone, and should have been streamlined, or at the very least had gone through one more draft. The movie is populated with too many characters; characters, who should have been one and done, linger, characters we are led to believe have importance disappear for the rest of the movie. The main actors, who I have liked in numerous other projects, flounder with the dialogue and have what look to me like hokey staged reaction shots. The scene staging was labored, and the actors are rarely given any "business" so all they do is sit and talk or walk and talk, either in person, or over the phone. Way too many times are characters on the phone. Halfway through the movie I was ready to scream if one more person picked up a telephone. The editing choices bothered me. It seems all the editor had to work with was basic close-ups and the master and since the scenes lacked movement or activities or interesting locations for the scenes to take place in, the editor couldn't mask that fact.

There is a scene in the hospital that sums up what I mean. Paul Rudd's overly loyal secretary, who, while she provide some life to this movie, her character is genuinely not needed for this plot, just gave birth to a son. Her parents are there as Rudd and Witherspoon come by for congratulations. Then the secretary, in the middle of this conversation scene, picks up the phone and while we hear that the father of the child is in the wrong room and will be there in a moment. No cut-away to the father on the other side of the line, or a nurse telling us that information instead. We see Witherspoon literally listening to that conversation. Given the lack of variety of shots, it seems they didn't get enough coverage. All of a sudden, Nicholson, who is playing Rudd's father, walks in and we are meant to think for a quick moment he is the father of this kid. And just as your eyes are about to roll to the top of your head, the real father walks in. A fake out for no reason, that started with making us watch that woman lying in bed on the phone talking to someone we don't care about yet, and all that time for something that serves no plot function at all.

Then, miraculously, the best scene in the movie happens. This father proposes right there, explaining why he hasn't done it before, and was acted terrifically by Lenny Venito. He has Rudd videotape his speech, giving he and Witherspoon a reason to stay in the room and listen, and get reaction shots for the audience's sake, as these two hear and see a couple who share genuine love. And then the scene is practically ruined as they have a bit that Rudd didn't capture the moment on tape after all, and they frantically try to recreate the sweet moment. Completely unnecessary. In one scene we flip flop from seeing what the movie is and what it could be.

James Brooks has made some amazing films and solicited incredible performances from the actors in those movies. Sadly, How Do You Know isn't anywhere close. I recommed you watch Broadcast News or Terms of Endearment again instead of watching How Do You Know. Not Recommend.

After the first fifteen minutes, the movie starts to really work.The last scene isn't needed but at that point it really doesn't matter. Once they get to prison this movie takes off. The two stars are a joy to watch together and while the jokes aren't groundbreaking comedy, they work well for this movie. The best laughs come from how Wilder and Pryer react to those around them. I also liked the scenes where they try to break Wilder's spirit. I had a good time. Recommend.

The Peacemaker is well put together and typical for its time, and it has all of the elements of a great thriller but lacks any real tension to make you get invested in what is going on.

While the music swoops and crescendos to try make the matters on screen matter more, I never doubted Clooney and Kidman would save the day. Still, this movie does have some great scenes, a strong opening, and a surprisingly effective car chase scene with a nice moment for Clooney as a button. Kidman is good and Clooney was better in this role of a super-hero soldier than he was as Batman this same year. The chemistry of the two leads and between Clooney and Armin Mueller-Stahl is great.

An easy watch that is better than you think it is going to be but not gripping or tense enough to be unforgettable. Mild Recommend.

Charmingly funny with a winning leading performance from Owen Wilson who channels Woody Allen terrifically. After opening the movie demonstrating just how beautiful a day in Paris can be, the movie can't get through the standard Woody Allen set up fast enough to get the meat of the premise, because once that starts in earnest, Allen easily wins you over with the right combination of charm, poigancy, romanticism and a touch of silliness. A satisfying and enjoyable watch. Recommend.

I found this movie enjoyable to watch. Sure, you know how it will end once the plot begins, but the fun of the movie is watching the characters realize it. And the reason for that is the characters are not all two-dimensional. This is well cast, all around, too, with all the supporting players putting up good performances. Natalie Portman grounds this movie with her portrayal. She is funny, sexy, honest, charming and real. Kevin Kline is on point and Jake Johnson does some good stuff as does Lake Bell. The laughs come from the characters and their situations, not just high-concept set-ups. No Strings Attached works by combining a modern refreshing take on romance with typical romantic comedy elements. Recommend.

There are some laughs to be had in this movie, but not much in the first half. The Farralley Brothers are going for some of their typical kinds of jokes but with older married men as the focal point, and the results are more miss than hit. I was pretty put off by how cartoonish the suburban married men are in the first half. It was like when you go into Hallmark for a Mother's Day card for your wife and almost all of them are about "how lousy a husband I can be" or or how gross men are, how they like tools and golf "but really do love you", etc. Not all men are that level of moron. Sure, make these two guys losers, exaggerate how much they lost their game after being married so long, but also make them relatable to the audience. When they abandoned that level of pathetic the movie got funnier.

It was obvious, but worked well for the the movie, to have the wife characters actually putting themselves in the situations the men were too stupid to figure out during their hall pass. It is hard to miss the point of the movie since it is hit over your head in numerous ways. Yet, by the time the foregone conclusions were had by the protagonists, and the wackiness starts to ensue to slow them down, I was ready for their week of freedom to be over. While it improves there after a while, I can't give this one a pass. Not recommend.

The heavy message of the movie is brought to life by this extremely well cast and well made movie.

The story of the movie feels familiar, as do the plot turns and character conversions. What made this movie for me was the performances. Such a strong ensemble I can't think of any weak links. I loved some of the choices these actresses made. And just when you thought Viola Davis or Jessica Chastain or Emma Stone or or Octavia Spencer or Allison Janey or Sissy Spacek or Bryce Dallas Howard or heck - pick anyone in this movie - couldn't get any better, that they had all their cards on the table as far as their performance and character go, they pull out something else. Not having read the book, I can only imagine these actresses used that resource to flesh out their character's backstories.

And men - don't think this is a chick movie. The Help may be a movie your wife may pick to watch, but you will also enjoy it.

Recommend.

No where near as bad as I thought it was going to be, but still not a great movie.

The start of the movie is weighed down with the classic sequel issue of too many characters. But once the re-introduction to the characters is completed, the movie improves. I found most of the second act more than watchable, and dare I say it, enjoyable. The screenplay is much better written than I anticipated, surprisingly building and layering on set-ups that I thought they were just throwaway plot points and gags.

Now, that being said, they do throw away a couple of characters and plot points, and there are not many laugh out loud moments. They do muster smile-inducing ones, though. I did like the Jaws joke. Unfortunately, the big finish felt overdone, obvious and settled up too pat. By the end, you get tired of the characters and the schenanigans. I was more than ready to send these little Fockers off to bed.

The returning cast members are comfortable in their roles, and I think that is a big reason the second act mostly works. The new additions did their jobs, but they were all overcast in their roles. I mean, I am happy Harvey Keitel and Laura Dern are working, but they are given one-notes characters here that didn't require their talent. Jessica Alba did fine, too, but she came off like she was trying too hard and lacked chemistry with Stiller.

A marked improvement over the last one for certain, but not enough here to suggest you watch. Not recommend.

For years when I talk baseball movies with others, the conversation always seems to come around to The Sandlot. And it went right to "what - you haven't seen The Sandlot?!" So I finally got around to seeing this movie and I can see why people like it.

The Sandlot is a charming movie about boys and baseball during one magical summer in the 1960s. This is a true family movie: people of all ages can enjoy the story and how it is told. Absolutely predictable plot points and nothing here is cutting edge, but the moments work, and there is one absolutely wonderful magical movie moment.

So now I can finally say if you haven't seen The Sandlot - see it. A simple movie about a simple time and you can't help but have a smile on your face by the end, if you don't already have one the whole time you're watching. Recommend.

Phenominal. If you don't like Aaron Sorkin's wiritng, well you are out of luck here; This is Sorkin's style all the way.
Fincher's direction you didn't notice too much, unlike in Benjamin Button, but man did he and the script keep it moving and made people sitting and talking interesting. Remarkable achievement. One of the best movies I have seen all year so far.

Absolutely hysterical. This was my first viewing and I was impressed with how time has not affected the humor. And I had no idea that the Austin Powers theme came from another movie. You will find a lot of laughs in this movie - check it out. Big Recommend.

A charming, beautiful and well-made family film. It doesn't feel or play like any other Scorsese film you have seen before. Terrific visuals and strong performances balance out some wonderful education on the history of the movies. And though made to be enjoyed for families, the content will probably not hold the interest of younger children. Looking forward to watching Hugo again. Big Recommend

Friends With Benefits, like other romantic comedies, and like the other movies with this premise, is about the journey, not the destination. The ending, even with this title, is a foregone conclusion. And I found this journey to be fun.

The chemistry of the two leads is great and is what makes the piece work. Woody Harrelson, Patricia Clarkson, Jenna Elfman and Richard Jenkins are effective in their smaller roles. The screenplay, direction, music and editing combine well to give the movie a modern and consistent tone.

While some may have issue with how this movie blatantly points out the morays and predictability of Hollywood romantic comedies and then of course gives us that sort of ending- but why expect anything different from a mainstream Hollywood romantic comedy?

Better than you expect it to be, good performances combined with swift direction make for an enjoyable time. Recommend.

After having this Woody Allen movie recommended to me, I found I was disappointed with this effort. I like the idea of it for sure: a second-rate theatrical agent who has lousy acts has a chance to finally make it big with a has-been lounge singer who is gaining popularity. Once again Woody showcases Manhattan beautifully, and shooting the film in black and white gives it a timeless feeling. Mia Farrow gives us a strong character who is understated and vulnerable. And Woody has some great moments as the agent who has his optimistic patter down to a science. Woody makes you like and feel bad for this guy.

Yet the second act, running away from gangsters, didn't really hold my interest all that much. While it does showcase the characters well, it felt like it was spinning it's wheels to stall us getting to the ending that we all know is coming because that is the sad reality of Danny Rose. I would have preferred to see more of the lousy acts he has in his stable peppered through that second act to balance out the pathos and the drama. The framing device of the comedians sitting around the table relating their favorite Danny Rose stories felt perfunctory. We have seen that device used in other Woody Allen films and here while it helped move the plot along somewhat, it felt lazy.

The movie is well made and beautifully shot, has two great performances in the lead roles and does have some funny moments. But overall I was left wanting more. Weak Recommend.

"Are you shrink-wrapped?!"

Probably helped by having the lowest of expectations, I really had a good time. Shame on the horribly obvious CGI, because there are some good practical action scenes with great stunt work here as well. The cast all got the spirit of the TV characters & they worked great off each other. While not The A-Team I grew up watching, I had a smile on my face for most of the viewing. Recommend.

There are some smile inducing moments, the script is tighter than I expected and I liked the performances all around, especially Eddie Murphy who pumps life into every scene he is in.  But Ocean's 11 this is not.

As a fan of heist movies, I know the beats the movie has to hit and the set up in the first act was well done. Yet, once the plot starts to happen, the movie fails to really pop and sizzle and keep you completely invested, even though the script seems to have all the elements to make you do so. The movie tells you to be on the side of this band of first-time criminals, but it doesn't make you feel it.

There is a lot here to like and you have a smile on your face when the reveals happens at the end, yet TOWER HEIST is missing that certain "cool" factor of good heist movies, that the music alone, no matter how hard it tries to, cannot provide. Mild Recommend -B

Given the subject matter and how many of us are affected by cancer on a daily basis either indirectly or directly, I can see why watching a movie about the topic may not be what you want to do. But I am happy to say that 50/50 is a movie about cancer that isn't flat-out depressing. It is touching, funny, sad, and poignant, and while I did go through a small gamut of emotions during my viewing, never did I ball my eyes out or get so down I had to turn it off.

There are a couple of predictable plot points that this film needed to make its point, but the film is so well told through the terrific performances by Jordon Gordon-Levitt, Anna Kendrick and Seth Rogan that it is forgivable. Levitt and Kendrick really know how to pick good scripts; I have yet to be completely disapponted when I see them in a cast.

I don't know of any other movies that deal with cancer in this way, and I hope in the future I can't say that. Highly recommend.

An enjoyable Marx Bros. movie. Their comedy still works after all these years. When the antics were happening the movie flowed quite well. Unfortunately, the musical portions stop the movie in its tracks.

While I do enjoy a good musical, the songs are always my least favorite part of a Marx Bros. movie While Lydia the Tattooed Lady is from this movie, and Groucho is fun to watch during that number, the songs with the tenor are of the style of the time, and choreographed simplistically and poorly that they really date the movie. And Harpo playing the Harp is always fun to see, but that number is a complete tangent to the plot.

There is enough funny Marx Bros. here to make it worth the wait through the songs, and you could actually fast forward through them to get to the next scene and not have to worry about missing a plot point; they are that unrelated to the rest of the film. Recommend.

Completely harmless, completely watchable, and completely unmemorable. Of the Disney Direct-to-DVD sequels, you can do much much worse.

I do like they have three shorter segments rather than one 75 minute plot with uninspired songs we'd have to endure. My 3 year old has already watched this movie three times since we picked it up.

Recommend for the kids, and not recommend for the adults because there is no magic to be found here. Parents: considering how often this movie may be playing in your house, be glad it isn't horrible.

Very much a thriller of it's time that still works because of the tension the movie builds up as the two leads engage you with their performances.

While I wasn't happy with the last half hour, the first half to 3/4rds of it I enjoyed watching. The story is fairly straight-forward as the movie is more of a cat and mouse thriller as these two men, a dirty cop and a new Internal Affairs officer, go up against each other. Richard Gere and Andy Garcia both provide layered characters that elevate this movie from what could have been a run-of-the-mill copy story. Gere made me hate him and Garcia you were angry with him when his temper gets the better of him. Solid support by Laurie Metcalf and Nacy Travis as well.

While I do disagree with the final result of the movie and I didn't care for the brief use of slow-motion in one action scene, my complaints are few. Internal Affairs pulled me in. Recommend.