Okay so I got a chance to watch a handful of movies this past weekend. The wife goes to Blockbuster (literally a once a year type of thing for her) and comes home with 6 movies....that are due back in 2 days. (!!!!)
So here we go, from best to worst:
1) Beowulf--I mean to tell you, zero expectations sometimes lead to the best results.
This film is a weird sort of animation. I mean, its like animation in real life--that's how amazing it is. Its a classic epic poem from the old English. Beowulf is essentially a soldier of fortune who comes to rescue of an old friend, who's kingdom is tormented by a giant and then other creatures. I had never heard of the story, which doesn't reflect terribly well on my early education--but I digress. Among the stars doing voices are Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich & Ray Winstone in the title role.
This is a spectacular adventure, and trust me--don't let the term "animated" make you think this is a cartoon. This is not just an epic tale, its an epic movie...I loved it. ****1/2
2) American Gangster--here's the story of the real-life guy who managed to essentially swipe the drug trade during the late 60's & early 70's from the Mafia. Denzel Washington & Russell Crowe (playing the cop chasing Denzel) are in fine form, but I thought the real star of the film in a supporting role is Josh Brolin, playing a dirty cop.
So what did I think? Hmm....good movie--solid movie. Is it the Godfather? Nope.
Goodfellas? Nope. Miller's Crossing? Nope. It is what it is.....good solid 70's-esque cop film ala Serpico or the 7-Up's. But not great. ***3/4
3) I Am Legend--actually i was fairly disappointed here. Will Smith plays a bio-chemist (??) who is the lone survivor of a biological holocaust (for lack of a better way of putting it) who roams the empty streets of NYC during the day (very effectively done by the way) and hides in his bunker-like house at night to avoid the "seekers", who are ravenously hunger mutants who can't come into the light. First of all, way way way too much CGI. 2nd of all, this story was done a couple of years ago, and much better I might add, in the movie 28 Days Later. A disappointing effort. **1/2
4) Mr. Woodcock---okay, here's the quick story. Young kid in a small town is ruthlessly tortured during P.E. by hard ass gym teacher, grows up and writes a best selling book about getting past his childhood pain. This leads to his being honored by his hometown...he comes home to accept award and see his mom, who still lives there...only to discover Mom is now dating hard ass gym teacher---Mr. Woodcock.
And here's more: Billy Bob Thornton plays the title role, and i loved him in Bad Santa.
Susan Sarandon, apparently looking for some quick cash, is wasted as the mom and Sean William Scott, so amusing in the American Pie movies is completely unfunny as the guy trying to move past the teacher of his nightmares. I kept waiting for the movie to start being funny. I'm still waiting. * (as in ONE STAR)
Later,
Jeff
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