Bullet to the Head (2013) **1/2

Director: Walter Hill
Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Sung Kang, Jason Mamoa, Christian Slater, Sarah Shahi
MPAA Rating: R Running Time: 91 mins.

Jimmy Bonomo is a hitman. When someone makes the mistake of betraying him there will be hell to pay and he will take down anyone who gets in his way.

Stallone's first solo effort since "Rambo," aka Rambo 4, is a mixed bag. It is a much better film than Schwarzenegger's "The Last Stand" which opened less than a month ago. Despite being in his 60s Stallone still holds his own in a fight scene. Unfortunately you have to wait until the end to get to the highlight of the film. This has more in common with "Cobra" or "The Specialist." I found it rather interesting that this film feels more like something Steven Seagal might have done earlier in his career. Walter Hill really keeps this film from failing. He keeps it moving along a good pace despite the countless cliches that populate the film. Many of Stallone's one-liners fall flat but he still exudes a presence that this is not some guy you wanna mess with. You get on board and what to see him dispense his brand of justice. There are some humorous moments here and there and a some what effective turn by Mamoa as the villain. Overall it's nothing special but is still mildly entertaining no-brainer entertainment.

Across the Universe (2007) **

Director: Julie Taymor
Cast: Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachael Wood, Joe Anderson, Dana Fuchs
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Running Time: 133 mins

In the midst of the Vietnam War, a lad from Liverpool arrives in the states and falls for an upper-class American girl. Their romance grows during a tumultuous period in American history.

I don't know exactly what it was. Usually I can really get into a movie like this. "Moulin Rouge" excellent. "Rock of Ages" wasn't bad. However for some reason this one didn't resonate with me. Kind of odd since I am a Beatles fan. Like the two films I mentioned the music of the Beatles is used to either propel the story or underscore what is going on at the time. I suppose it really came down to I just didn't connect with anyone in the movie. Now that I think of it, I felt the same way after seeing "Rent" the movie but that wasn't populated by covers.

There were times where the songs were used effectively but others where it just got a little too cute or telegraphed. Taymor is usually a striking visionary but here she is just average. Look at films like "Titus" or "The Tempest", the look of this film can't compare. I really don't know what can be done to improve the experience. Afterwards I found myself really wanting to watch "A Hard Days Night." It's rather unfair to compare that musical masterpiece with this failed experiment. Oh, well. I guess I'll just have to let it be...sorry had to go there.

I Wanna Hold Your Hand (1978) **1/2

DIR: Robert Zemeckis
CAST: Nancy Allen, Bobby DiCicco, Susan Kendall Newman, Theresa Saldana, Wendie Jo Sperber
MPAA Rating: PG Running Time: 104 mins.

January 1964. The Beatles are about to appear on the Ed Sullivan show which is taped in New York City. A group of friends from New Jersey make their way to the Big Apple and go to great lengths to see the Fab Four any way possible.

Robert Zemeckis' first feature film is a fairly entertaining little comedy that finds itself a bit off the mark from time to time. The humor comes off as a bit hackneyed probably because this sort of comedy has been done so many times since. There are moments that simply weren't that funny because the characters were just too annoying or irritating that I really couldn't enjoy myself. Whenever they appeared, the movie stopped for me. However the parts that do work are very enjoyable, namely Nancy Allen, Theresa Saldana and Marc McClure. For me these three were the heart of the film and I would have enjoyed it more if it just focused on them. Their story arcs felt more genuine and not too sitcom like.

I know the point of the film was meant for the viewer to just have a fun nostalgic time but instead I found myself longing to watch other films like "A Hard Days Night" instead.

Repulsion (1965) *****

DIR: Roman Polanski
CAST: Catherine Deneuve, Ian Hendry, Yvonne Furneaux
Rating: UNRATED Running Time: 105 mins.

To her friends and family Carol seems aloof and distracted. Some think she may just be ill. Some think it's relationship problems. Others just brush it aside thinking it's nothing more than just the way she behaves. When her sister leaves her home alone for an extended period, Carol begins to descend into something far more disturbing with shocking consequences.

This is one outstanding thriller. Well written, tautly directed and brilliantly acted. What I truly loved most was that they didn't dumb down the premise by feeling the need to provide exposition to help the viewer understand what's going on. There isn't a therapist scene, there wasn't some throw away scene alluding to what may or may not be affecting our heroine. It trusts and respects the audience enough to be able to keep up.

There are countless moments that stick with you. However the one thing you will never forget is Catherine Deneuve. She deserved a nomination for her performance but alas wasn't. She effectively conveys Carol's fragile state that you not only sympathize for her but fear her as well. She underlays that look of innocence and beauty with a hint that there is something bubbling just beneath the surface.

There's not much more to say other than go see it...now.

Trek Nation (2010) **1/2

DIR: Scott Colthorp
Rating: UNRATED
Running Time: 88 mins.

In 1991 at the young age of 17, Eugene Roddenberry lost his father, Gene Roddenberry, to a heart attack. Young Gene knew his father created "Star Trek" but as the years passed he began to realize he never knew a lot about his father and his creation. He sets out to speak with the people who knew him, the fans and others who can help him understand just who his father was and what he meant to so many.

This well intentioned documentary features some interesting interviews with countless luminaries from not only Trek but other franchises and brands as well. For fans of the series, much of what is said is pretty well documented so about the only thing this doc really has going for it is its premise which is a son seeking to know his father after he has died. The best sequences feature interviews with Stan Lee, George Lucas and J.J. Abrams.

In the end does he find the answers he was seeking? I'm not really sure, at the risk of sounding insensitive many of the emotional moments felt like they were being played for the camera and Rod's narration throughout is always at the same level so I suppose the answer is "I hope so."

If you don't know who Gene Roddenberry was then this will be an enlightening viewing. As for fans, it's hit or miss.

Hobo with a Shotgun (2011) **

DIR: Jason Eisener
CAST: Rutger Hauer, Molly Dunsworth, Brian Downey, Nick Bateman, Drew O'Hara
RATED: R
RUNNING TIME: 86 mins.

After witnessing too much violence and filth, a homeless drifter snaps and takes the law into his own hands. Armed with a shotgun he begins to clean up the streets one criminal at a time.

This homage to '70s exploitation films works for the most part. There are some entertaining bits here and there but the core of the film, and the only thing worth seeing in it, is Rutger Hauer. Chewing up the scenery and clearing having a blast, he kinda elevates the film. However, when he's not on screen the film screeches to a halt.

When looking back at the films they seek to emulate, one significant problem they all share is pacing. If they aren't entertaining they really start to drag. Obviously these films can't be taken seriously so hopefully they'll be amusing in some way, intentional or not. Based on a faux trailer, the thin thread of an idea wears off pretty quickly and you are left wading through plenty of dull spots interspersed between the good ones. This would be better as a highlight reel.

Raw Force (1982) **

DIR: Edward Murphy

CAST: Cameron Mitchell, Jillian Kessner, John Dresden, Jennifer Holmes

RATING: R
RUNNING TIME: 86mins

A group of martial arts students on a cruise to a mysterious island soon find themselves facing a Hitler look-a-like, cannibalistic monks, pirates and martial arts zombies.

Well what more can be said except this is just pure unadulterated B exploitation. Gratuitous nudity, nonsensical plot, plenty of gunfights, hand-to-hand combat and zombies for good measure.

As a movie this was pretty bad. The acting was terrible, direction non-existent, don't even get me started on how outrageous the plot was. However as a "So bad but good" movie it does fill that bill despite the fact it does get a bit dull from time-to-time. So if you are going to sit down and watch this as a feature be warned but if you're going to watch it for the fun of it then it could be an entertaining 90 minutes.

Mama (2013) *1/2

DIR: Andres Muschietti.
CAST: Jessica Chastain, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Megan Chapentier, Isabelle Nilisse.
RATED: PG-13 RUNNING TIME: 100mins.

After several years in the wilderness, presumably lost and alone, two children are found and brought back to civilization where they are taken in by their uncle and his girlfriend. However the couple soon discovers that the children weren't in fact alone and whatever it is has come with them.

This could have been a decent little ghost story. It really could have. It wasn't really scary but at least had an engaging mystery. Who is Mama? Unfortunately she is a stereotypical CGI creation. For most of the film you are left guessing but once it is revealed who she is and what she's doing it all makes sense and you say okay let's see how this one ends. Wrong.

The third act does irreparable harm to what came before it. As I mentioned once you know the mystery you want to see how it ends. However, the filmmakers apparently felt they didn't want to go the obvious route and tried something different. It didn't work at all. As the final act begins, one illogical plot point after another occurs. Once the finale reaches what I'm sure was meant to be a shocking and sad conclusion it comes off as so corny, unintentionally funny and dumb that it damages the entire film.

About the only thing worth noting about this one are the performances by the children, yup they were better than Jessica Chastain.

The Last Stand (2013) **1/2

DIR: Jee-woon Kim
CAST: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Johnny Knoxville, Eduardo Noriega, Forest Whitaker
RATED: R
RUNNING TIME: 107mins.

After the leader of a Mexican drug cartel makes a brazen escape from the FBI, the only thing that stands in his way is a small police force in a quiet border town.

Korean director Kim, he made the outstanding "I Saw the Devil" makes his first English feature that also marks Schwarzenegger's first feature role since leaving politics. There's nothing new or original here but it feels very much like something Stallone or Norris would have done in the '90s which isn't a bad thing. Unlike typical Schwarzenegger action fests, this one takes its time to build up to the inevitable confrontation which involves shoot-outs, car chases and hand-to-hand combat. Tonally it has more in common with "Collateral Damage" then say "Eraser."

Arnold is fine as the Sheriff. He's not as physical but still looks great firing a gun. As for the rest of the cast, well outside of an unexpected appearance by Harry Dean Stanton, nothing special.

It was great seeing Arnold back in action which is the main reason why I kinda like this one. If it were another actor not so much.

Amour (2012) ****1/2

Dir: Michael Haneke. Cast: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuella Riva, Isabelle Huppert.

Rated: PG-13. Running Time: 127 mins.

After his wife suffers a stroke, her husband does what he can to care for and ease her pain.

Impeccably acted, this heart-wrenching look at a long married couple's waning days is sure to bring tears. Never melodramatic or over sentimental, Hanake maintains just the right tone to prevent this from becoming maudlin.

This is definitely one to see.

The Best Films of 2012

THE BEST FILMS OF 2012

It really took some time to finalize my list for the twenty best films of 2012. I was adding films, dropping films, re-adding films and re-dropping films. At the beginning of the year there were films that I thought would have been assured a spot on this list but was surprised to find them disappointing. However, it is always great to come across films that you never expected to be so good and this year many films cracked my list for that reason. Unlike other years there are a large number of foreign films and documentaries. So here we go.

THE BEST FILMS OF 2012 (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

An excellent thriller assuredly directed by Ben Affleck.

This is probably one of the greatest comic book movies ever made, an absolute blast.

A truly powerful documentary about bullying that should be mandatory viewing by all ages.

Excellent documentary about five men wrongfully accused of a crime they didn't commit.

Funny and touching look at the Comic Con phenomenon.

This thriller will put you threw the ringer.

A visionary science fiction film that features multiple concurrent storylines that are successfully pulled together.

Tarantino's latest is a return to form and a rip-roaring western.

A well acted drama that features an outstanding Denzel Washington.

This is the feel good movie of the year.

This is a shocking black comedy with a very intense but comical finale.

This one starts as a great hit man thriller and evolves into a scary horror movie that features a punch-to-the-gut ending.

One of the best musicals to come out of Hollywood in decades.

Solid drama featuring another stellar Daniel Day Lewis performance.

This tender coming-of-age comedy should bring a smile to your face.

This is one of the most exhilarating action movies I have ever seen in quite some time.

The best James Bond film. Period.

Lyrical, solemn and depressing. It's not a film easily forgotten.

The story of the West Mephis Three concludes in this well made documentary.

Well made retelling of the hunt for Osama bin Laden.



THE BEST FILM OF 2012

This was a tough one. It was between Cloud Atlas and this for the top spot. Cloud Atlas was a very well made film but Central Park Five touched a nerve with me. Infuriating, frustrating, shocking and ultimately uplifting this documentary about the failure of our judicial system is a must see.

THE WORST FILMS OF 2012

The Worst Films of 2012

Another year draws to a close and thanks to the invention of the MOVIEPASS I find myself still discerning but at the very least more willing to see films I would have otherwise ignored.

Oddly enough this years worst ten is comprised mostly of genre films. Now there were a few actions films, comedies and dramas that didn't make my list because these were clearly the worst. Many of those featured big names such as Morgan Freeman, Johnny Depp, Robert DeNiro, Jane Fonda, Liam Neeson and Sacha Baron Cohen just to name a few.

So here we go, THE TEN WORST FILMS OF 2012...

10. The Barrens (2012)

This psychological/thriller had the potential to be decent at the very least. In it a father takes his family camping in the Jersey Pine Barrens. As the film progresses things start happening, people start dying and seeds are planted that perhaps the Jersey Devil is behind them. We eventually learn that the father has been bitten by the rabid family dog. He doesn't seek treatment and starts to exhibit symptoms. As a viewer you believe that okay there isn't a Jersey Devil the father is clearly descending into madness due to rabies. However in the conclusion it is revealed there really is a Jersey Devil, a bad CGI one at that, and it was behind all the killings. Clearly the filmmakers were kowtowing to their genre audience and this ending undermined any good will that came before it.

My rating: *1/2

9. Wrath of the Titans

The 2010 remake of "Clash of the Titans" was pretty bad. Again with a sequel the only way to go is up. In this case the sequel is better but it's still a pretty bad movie. Perseus must do battle on many fronts as he tries to save heaven and earth. The visual effects may have improved but this one is dull.

My rating: *1/2

8. Chernobyl Diaries

Mutants are living in Chernobyl. The hows are whys are never clearly explained nor does it make any sense nor does anyone really care why. An interesting grain of an idea whose premise wears thin pretty fast and just as quickly forgettable.

My rating: *1/2

7. The Devil's Carnival

Darren Lynn Bousman has the distinction of appearing on my list twice, he wrote and directed "The Barrens." Here he has fashioned together a horror musical. Yes I did say musical. Three lost souls must fast judgement, repent or spend an eternity in hell. The choreography is uninspired and while there is music I wouldn't exactly call it music to the ears, not even to a deaf person.

My Rating: *1/2

6. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance

"Ghost Rider" was amusingly bad. The sequel while better than the first is still pretty bad. Directed by the guys who did "Crank" I thought they could bring something to the franchise but instead this entry lacks energy which they are known for. Pretty forgetful movie because as I'm writing this I can't remember much of it. Well except maybe for Ghost Rider pissing fire. That was pretty stupid.

My rating: *1/2

5. Paranormal Activity 4

This franchise has clearly ran its course and exists solely for the fans who keep coming back. In the third film a witches coven was introduced and I really didn't like that aspect of the mythology. The fourth film further expands on what I didn't like prior so needless to say I thought this one was lame. Same old same old, carbon copy sequel that distances itself from what made the first two entertaining and original. Hell it isn't even scary.

My Rating: *1/2

4. Silent Hill: Revelations

I found the first "Silent Hill" disappointing. Great atmosphere and look but not all that scary or engaging. I found the second "Silent Hill" an insufferably slow and poorly executed horror movie that sets out to confuse the viewer more than scare them. I couldn't begin to tell what it all meant when it ended nor did I even care. I checked out on this one very early in the film so I was sitting there taking in the imagery and thinking of whatelse I could be doing at that moment. Bad!!!

My Rating: *

3. The Divide (2012)

This thriller has good acting and that's it. Plot developments get progressively stupider and stupider that by the end you just have to laugh at how bad it got. There is a plot point that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever except to make sure the last survivor has a particular item in order to get out of the bunker. I was shaking my head amazed nobody called the writer out and said what the hell are you doing.

My Rating: *

2. Branded

Okay so we have these crazy looking anime style things on our bodies that are driving us to consume. When we crave a McRib there's this creature that is driving us to it. Why? So that when the creature is satiated it in turn fuels the bigger creature that is the corporation. Are you following me? What? You don't get it? Seriously it's simple. You see there are creatures that are driving our need to consume...oh you got that. Yeah but you see the hero has the ability to control. Oh you don't care to hear any more. Well I had to sit through this turd so you will hear me out. Just kidding.

My Rating: *

THE WORST FILM OF 2012

1. Toys in the Attic (2012)

I enjoy animation, especially stop motion. However stop motion animation that is backed by a poorly written story that abandons all logic is unacceptable. The world where these toys exist is very much "Toy Story." They only come to life when humans aren't looking. So you'd think that because this is in the real world that the laws of physics would apply here...absolutely not. Pillows start floating because they're clouds you see. All that plastic coming off that spool is a flood of water, isn't it cool how it floods the whole attic. The animators even cheat when a close up of a bust is clearly the head of guy in makeup, unacceptable. When it all ends it literally goes down the drain. Children will be offended, toddlers will be asleep and adults will be fuming. When I saw this only two people were in the audience and one of them left after fifteen minutes. I should have followed them. This was one of the worst animated films I have seen in quite some time. Everyone involved should be ashamed of themselves.

My Rating: *

So there you have it, my picks for the worst films of 2012.

01-22-12: A country as far and wide as the sea.

THE BIG COUNTRY (1958) (Unrated) 166 mins. ***1/2 D: William Wyler. Gregory Peck, Charlton Heston, Burl Ives, Jean Simmons, Carroll Baker, Chuck Connors.

A retired sea captain moves to the west to marry his fiancee and finds himself embroiled in a land war between two cattle barons. Despite being immediately looked upon as an unwanted outsider, he grows to love the land and lifestyle and aims to stay.

This western is more about civility then action and shootouts. It is also about the perception of image. In this land if you don't fight you are seen as a coward, even by those close to you. However, McKay will only fight when it's necessary and on his terms. Gregory Peck plays a gentlemen's gentlemen. He believes things can always be handled civilly but is not beyond settling things physically. Unlike the many ranch folk he encounters he handles everything his way and again on his terms. The feud that he unwillingly becomes involved in escalates to an all-out civil war and he takes action to prevent further bloodshed. The only problem is that these people are so embedded in their ways that they may be too blind to notice there are always other ways to do things.

Solid performances from the all-star cast elevate this from being just your average oater. It has a sweeping score, fine direction and great cinematography. It's an enjoyable western that is definitely worth seeing.

01-22-12: Caught between a Pageant and a hard place

MISS BALA (2011) (R) 113 mins. ***1/2 (Spanish with English subtitles) D: Gerardo Naranjo. Stephanie Sigman, Noe Hernandez, Irene Azeula, Jose Yenque.

A teenager who hopes to enter the Miss Baja beauty pageant finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time and becomes an unwilling pawn in the Mexican drug war.

This solid dramatic-thriller presents a fairly realistic portrayal of the drug war taking place in Tijuana, Mexico. It is unfortunate that innocent victims become pawns in their nefarious dealings. Laura is a young woman with dreams and aspirations. When she is pulled into the drug world you find yourself hoping she gets out of this somehow. As the film progresses, the situations she is put in become increasingly dangerous and deadly. Her only choices are life or death. Do as she's told she'll live. Disobey and its a death sentence. However her dilemma is that some of her dreams are being realized thanks to this association. But is it a fulfilling achievement or an empty one? How much is she willing to take?

Well written, acted and directed, the film has a few surprises and some tense moments. If you've seen the news reports of what's going on in Tijuana then you know much of this isn't farfetched at all. The lengths the cartels will go to achieve their goals is not as shocking as how far and deep their influence goes. This is an intriguing and frightening look at the hell that this city and country go through on a daily basis. In the end, there seems to be no end and sadly there will always be another Laura just around the corner.

01-21-12: Vampires, Lycans and Leather. Oh my!

UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING (2012) (R) 88 minutes. *** D: Mans Marlind, Bjorn Stein. Kate Beckinsale, Stephen Rea, Michael Ealy, India Eisley, Charles Dance.

After twelve years in a cryogenic freeze, Selene awakens to a new world where Lycans and Vampires are being hunted to extinction by humans. While attempting to uncover who put her in a deep freeze, she encounters a little girl who may hold the key to past and the future.

Kate Beckinsale returns to the franchise she started. More or less picking up where the second one left off, the third film was a prequel, the franchise is taken in a different direction that easily serves as a springboard for a new series of films.

The latest entry doesn't really bring anything new to the table. It's not even necessary to have seen the previous films, this one begins with a brief recap of previous events. If you're a fan of the series, which I am, it gives you what you want and with Beckinsale back you'll get it in spades. It doesn't really expand on the mythos of lycans and vampires but establishes new storylines that will help continue the series.

Beckinsale is in fine form as Selene. Unfortunately, she spends more time fighting CGI werewolves. The CGI effects are good for the most part. The fight scenes are probably more on par with some of the fights in the "Resident Evil" series.

Overall I would say it's the third best in the series ahead of "Evolution" and behind "Rise of the Lycans." This one ends with a cliffhanger so hopefully there will be another one.

01-20-12: A social lesson lost

FILM SOCIALISME (2010) (Unrated) 102 mins. (English Subtitles) ** D: Jean-Luc Godard.

European history, society, relations and life as seen through the lens of Jean-Luc Godard.

Ummm, yeah. Last year I heard so much complaining about how "The Tree of Life" made little sense whatsoever. I could understand where they were coming from but for some reason I totally bought into the film and got it. It will mean something different for each viewer. Yes it was disjointed and many scenes left you bewildered and you are left scratching your head wondering what that was all about. I mentioned in my review of Godard's "Week End" that had I seen it when I was younger I would have dismissed it as crap. Despite the fact that it was all over the map I was still able to enjoy it and in someway follow it. I can't say the same for Godard's latest. After watching it I felt as bewildered as those who didn't respond to "The Tree of Life" and whatever Godard was trying to say was completely lost on me. Nothing registered, nothing stuck with me, I basically tuned out and lost the lesson.

Broken into three acts, the first takes place on a cruise ship, the second at a gas station and the third attempts to bring it all together. I could totally understand the metaphor of many cultures stuck on a ship in the middle of the ocean. I did quite get the reason for the gas station and third act just seemed to meander. The dialogue that permeates the entire film really amounted to nothing at least for this viewer. Characters just break into random conversations about society, the past, the present, the future, morality, etc. As each character discusses something I've already forgotten what it was they were talking about early. Perhaps it has something to do with the subtitling but I attribute more to not allowing a viewer the opportunity to process things. Instead he continues to thrown things at you and in the end your brain is overwhelmed from trying to process it all that you disconnect from the film itself. I was at the point where I was just looking at the images and reading the subtitles, I wasn't actively participating in the film.

In the end it just boiled down to a bunch of images with comprehensible dialogue in incomprehensible situations. None of it made sense and I didn't care to figure it out.

01-20-12: Leaving one Breathless

BREATHLESS (A bout de souffle) (1960) (Unrated) 90 mins. (French with English subtitles) ***1/2 D: Jean-Luc Godard. Jean-Paul Belmondo, Patricia Franchini, Daniel Boulanger.

After shooting a cop, a thief seeks refuge with an American girl he has been seeing.

Godard's first feature is entertaining, charming, stylistic and influential. Considered one of the best of the French New Wave of cinema, this little thriller, if you'd like to call it that, is not so much about the crime but the people themselves. In many films, what Godard does would be considered superfluous as numerous scenes don't really propel the plot. Despite that, you find yourself very engaged by Michel and Patricia and the many misadventures they have throughout.

Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg are great together as the lovers who aren't sure they are lovers yet. Belmondo is smarmy yet likable. Seberg is charming and sweet yet smart and sophisticated. Their banter, especially in the bedroom, is quite amusing.

Godard uses film techniques such as jump cuts and closing irises, things modern audience have become accustomed to. His style helps propel the story forward, despite all the detours and pit stops that occur in the process. It's a very entertaining film that could very well leave you wanting more.

01-21-12: Flying with your tail between your legs.

RED TAILS (2012) (PG-13) 120 mins. *1/2 D: Anthony Hemingway. Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding Jr., Tristan Wilds, David Oyelowo.

The 332nd Fighter Group also known as the Tuskegee Airmen, a crew of African-American pilots, are finally given the opportunity to engage in real combat after spending months flying meaningless missions.

Just reading about the Tuskegee Airmen you just know their story will make one helluva movie. Unfortunately and surprisingly, this is not that movie. If you look at films such as "Miracle at St. Anna," "The Walking Dead" or "Glory," "Glory" is to "The Empire Strikes Back" as "Red Tails" is to "The Phantom Menace." Meaning you know what to expect but what you see doesn't even come close to it.

"Red Tails" is gratuitous in its cliches, stereotypes and one-dimensional characters. The film opens with the title card "Inspired by True Events" or something to that effect. So right away you know you're not getting the definitive story that these me so rightly deserved. I have not seen the HBO film but I'm willing to bet the characters were better developed. It's unfortunate that they had to resort to heavy-handed, obvious cliches to drive home the racial tensions that existed at the time. In fact, some of the dialogue sounded like it was written by Lucas himself.

The one moment where I literally wanted to throw something at the screen was at its conclusion. The Tuskegee Airmen are honored for their valiant and courageous duty. What should have been a truly stirring moment becomes corny beyond belief as the scene is underscored by "America the Beautiful." I'm not being unpatriotic here, the use of that song just seems to send the wrong vibe and makes you want to laugh. Which I nearly did. Lastly, the dogfights suffer from deja vu that it lacks any real sense of excitement or danger. They were pretty flat.

The men of the 332nd deserve a better film made about their service to this country. This film does them a disservice by making them out to be a bunch of generic flyboys who happened to be black. Give this one a flyover and drop a bomb on it.

01-17-12: No Divide Here, It's Just Bad

THE DIVIDE (2011) (Unrated) 110 mins. * D: Xavier Gens. Lauren German, Michael Biehn, Milo Ventimiglia, Courtney B. Vance, Rosanna Arquette, Michael Eklund.

After an apparent nuclear attack, tenants in an apartment building find refuge in the building's basement. As the days pass the survivors become more weary, more irritable, more desperate and eventually violent and insane.

This movie was an absolute mess. It actually had a decent first act but once it reached its second act the film deteriorated at a rapid pace. You know going in that this was going to be a survival of the fittest thriller so it really boils down living up to what the story requires. Who's going to crack first, who's going to die, who's going to step up to lead, etc. Those are the conventions of the genre. Now when you throw a curveball that's always welcome. However when you learn the curveball really serves as a mere plot device whose only reason is to make the ending work then that's unforgivable. I expected a callback to this plot development that would explain why it went down but there isn't. The only reason that whole 15 minute sequence existed is so that the sole survivor would have a certain item in the end to help them.

The film is filled with gaping plot holes and contradictions. For instance, one character insists on sealing up the door to prevent radiation from getting in. Later he reveals there's another way out. So he doesn't think to seal that way up too? Performances are uneven ranging from pretty bad to actually pretty good. I'm a fan of Michael Biehn but his performance really came off as flat. Character actions leave you asking why the hell did they do that or why didn't they do this.
You can't really get behind someone when they are inherently stupid.

The film was meant to shock as it tries to show the depths that people will go when they are put in to harrowing situations. I was shocked alright. Shocked at how stupid it was.

01-15-12: The Lies that Bind

A SEPARATION (2011) (PG-13) 123mins. **** (Farsi with English subtitles) D: Asgahr Farhadi. Peyman Moadi, Leila Hatimi, Sareh Bayet, Shahab Hosseini.

Two families become embroiled in a trial that pushes the limits as to how far family will go to protect their own.

What starts out to be a melodrama about a divorce turns into a powerful mystery that really delves into Iranian culture, religion and justice. The complexities of it all makes it difficult to take a side in the events that transpire. At first you'll find yourself really disliking someone for their actions but eventually you learn why they did what they did and you grow frustrated because it's no longer cut and dry. You hate what they did but you see what they were up against and it becomes difficult to blame them. The drama grows even more complex as family members find themselves having to stretch the truth in order to protect the ones they love.

Well written, directed and acted this Iranian drama is very universal and could have easily taken place in any country. It doesn't force a particular point of view and doesn't try to sway you to a particular side. The mystery unfolds for the characters just as it unfolds for the audience. We learn everything just as they do. We want the best for this family that is coming apart and unfortunately this may not come to pass.

This is a fantastic drama that really pushes the envelope on issues such as religion, class and criminal justice. How collectively this will drive someone to do something they normally wouldn't and the consequences that follow.