"Eagle Eye" movie reivew

Eagle Eye (PG-13) stars Shia LaBeouf as an everyman who finds himself thrown into a national security emergency after a mysterious voice seems to be tracking him through every piece of technology he encounters. Michele Monaghan costars and D.J. Caruso directs.

Ryan: Although not completely his fault, Eagle Eye is a swing and a miss for Shia LaBeouf. Granted it did finish at the top spot at the box-office and it does contain some entertaining moments. But make no mistake about it Eagle Eye is a ridiculous film. I know that it's the type of film where one has to suspend their disbelief to buy what's going on but the complete lunacy of the story is void of any grounded reality. About midway through the film I thought to myself, could this movie get any more ridiculous. Well it did. And that's unfortunate.

Andy: Eagle Eye ends up being a moderately entertaining thriller, due largely to the performance of the obnoxiously likeable Shia LaBeouf. I’m not sure what it is, exactly, about this guy that makes him so appealing. He somehow walks the tightrope between being a movie star and being an everyman, and he’s been utilized very well in his young career. Surprisingly, most of his movies (with the Indiana Jones movie being the possible exception) have failed to live up to his performance.

Ryan: By no means is this a negative career turner for LaBeouf, but he had a nice little streak going. He showed that he could aptly handle summer blockbusters (Transformers and Kingdom of Crystal Skulls) but more importantly he demonstrated in last year's thriller, Disturbia that he could carry a film. But in this particular vehicle, he's unable to rise above the material. Like I said before he can't be held completely accountable for the all the film's shortcomings but on the other hand he doesn't really do anything outstanding that might have salvaged the movie.


Andy: The concept of Eagle Eye is certainly intriguing enough. The film’s central message seems to be a warning about the combination of rapidly increasing technology combined with unfettered government power. However, the movie spends a lot more time setting up action sequences than it does setting up the ideas behind the movie. The result is a movie that is entertaining enough while you’re watching it, but easily forgotten afterwards.

Ryan: I've said this once but I'll say it again. Eagle Eye is a preposterous movie. For example the super computer in the movie is god-like in its ability to do just about anything with technology but when it comes to fulfilling it's programming it comes up with the most hair-brained plan imaginable. But Eagle Eye's absurdity is not just relegated to the film's story but also with its borrowing from other more superior movies. Whether it's 2001: A Space Odyssey or any number of Hitchcock movies, Eagle Eye is quite liberal with its cinematic influences.

Unfortunately it's solely the ideas and not the charm of those classics that gets translated in Eagle Eye. Final grade: D+

Andy: Clearly the plot is going to be a lot harder for some people to swallow than for others. It is far fetched, but it is also an action movie released in September. If this movie came out in the middle of the summer ridiculousness it wouldn’t seem as out of place. The movie is certainly not as good as the first couple of trailers implied it would be, but it is still a pretty welcome diversion. Final grade: B-.

Maddux Moves Past Clemens

This happened late last night but in his last start of the season Greg Maddux picked up career win #355 moving him past Roger Clemens on the all-time wins list. He's currently eight all time.

Maddux hasn't said if this is going to be his last season or not so giving the circumstance that last night might have been his last regular season start than I'm over-joyed and relieved that he moved past Clemens. I (along with a lot of people that follow his career) did not want him to be tied with Clemens on the list.

Now it's time for the playoffs and it looks like Maddux might be coming out of the bullpen. I guess that's all right at this point.

RIP Paul Newman

My top ten Paul Newman films...


10. The Color of Money
9. Long Hot Summer
8. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
7. Road to Perdition
6. Slap Shot
5. The Sting
4. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
3. Hud
2. The Hustler
1. Cool Hand Luke

Paul Newman was truly a legend on and off screen.

Bailout Fever

Now it makes sense...

Two-For-Tuesday movie review

With the fall movie line-up stumbling toward award season, we decided to spread ourselves out and each take a look at a different one of the more acceptable offerings in the theatres this week. So here it is, a special two for one edition of this week’s movie column.



Ryan: First up is the crime drama Righteous Kill (R), starring Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino. In the film DeNiro and Pacino star as two NYC veteran police detectives investigating a vigilante serial killer. Jon Avnet directs.

DeNiro and Pacino co-starring in a film together is definitely noteworthy. These two screen icons have only been in two films together, but one of those was The Godfather: Part II where, by the nature of the film’s narrative, it was impossible for them to appear in the same scene together. The other film was Michael Mann’s 1995 action crime flick, Heat, and in that film they only shared one crucial scene together. So the fact that they are sharing screen time throughout much of Righteous Kill is certainly going to raise the interest of the casual moviegoer.

Saying Righteous Kill falls short of those two previous screen efforts is not an accurate measurement considering that The Godfather Part II is one of the best films of all time and Heat was one of the best films of 1995. When it comes down to it, there's no sugar coating it; Righteous Kill is simply a bad movie. When even the efforts of DeNiro and Pacino are unable to save a film then one knows that the film is a complete debacle. Granted, seeing DeNiro and Pacino yuck it up certainly has its charm and they absolutely have an unmatched screen presence together. But not even their combined efforts can salvage this film. Even thought they cannot be completely held accountable for making such a disastrous movie--considering that they have nothing to work with--one would think that they would have had an inclination during filming that they were making a dud.

Regrettably the rest of the mechanics of the film are completely underdeveloped for the two leads. Furthermore the movie has a twist that one can see coming a mile away and for whatever reason, there are several pop culture references weaved into the film that are completely out-of-sync with the film’s tone.

I would say that if one has a strong interest in seeing Righteous Kill then it might be worth watching. But if not, proceed with caution. Final grade: D+.



Andy: I watched Ghost Town (PG-13), starring Ricky Gervais as a reclusive dentist who unwillingly gains the ability to see ghosts. Greg Kinnear hassles him into a relationship with his widow (Tea Leone). David Koepp directs.

Ghost Town is a tired concept that should translate into a boring movie. Ultimately, casting Ricky Gervais as the lead in a romantic comedy is what saves the picture. Gervais tones down his signature awkwardness and focuses more on being a traditional breed of disagreeable. Ultimately his sense of humor wins over the audience as well as the romantic lead. The relationship between Gervais and Kinnear propels the movie forward and is also enjoyable, particularly when they are having conversations in public where nobody else can see Kinnear.

In general there is not much that is exciting, unique, or all that special about Ghost Town. But there is also not a whole lot that is wrong with the film. Tea Leone does a nice job in the role of the lead female, forging a believable relationship with an unconventional leading man. The movie carries several laugh-out-loud moments and a healthy dose of charm. This is not a movie to wow you, but it will keep you entertained for the majority of its 102 minutes. Final grade: B.

Southeastern Indiana is now in play

Boy what a weekend.

The craziness really started on Thursday night at the auction. Nothing dramatic happened...just that we had an awesome auction. I didn't get home until 11:00. It was an estate sale...so I kind of thought it would be a good sale. Stuff sold good. We had a Hellmich milk bottle (from Greensburg) and it brought over 600 dollars. Pretty crazy but I'm not complaining.

After work on Friday, my dad and my cousin Larry went down to South Dearborn to watch the Greensburg-South Dearborn varsity football game. The reason for out trip...one of my other cousins, Eric, is the head football coach of South Dearborn. Unfortunately for him, Greensburg won big, 49-21.

I'm skipping Saturday for a moment.

On Sunday, I went to church...watched a movie, Righteous Kill (more on that tomorrow) and then ventured with Jenny to Andy and Elizabeth's to watch the Colts. I don't really have too much to say about the game other than the Colts better get it together.

OK...back to Saturday and the real the purpose for this post. A little over a week ago Andy and I (with help from other people as well) hashed out this plan to have an Obama booth at the Greensburg Fall Festival. The main goal was to have a voter registration booth that was Obama-centric.

Leading up to Saturday--while I was busy getting everything ready--I started to become slightly apprehensive about doing it. I just wasn't sure what the response would be. I wasn't expecting something crazy but everybody knows that Greensburg is a very conservative county.

Needless to say...it was a rousing success. We registered close to 40 voters. We had a field agent from the campaign show up and she was a big help as she not only brought signs (and stuff like that) but also brought a high level of enthusiasm and a positive attitude that trickled down to the rest of us working the booth. We sold all of our yard signs. We even sent out two canvassing teams focused on undecided voters in the Greensburg area. The response from the booth and those canvassing teams were overwhelmingly positive. My fears were (at least for that day) were put on the back burner. I'm not saying that Greensburg is going to go for Obama (I'm not naive)...but we made some in roads and maybe more importantly showed that people who support Obama (or really any Democratic candidate) do not have to be ashamed or reluctant showing that support.

I just want to thank everybody--Andy (and his mom and sister), Elizabeth, Sam, Narwold, Theresa O'Mara (head of the Dec. Co. Democrats), and our field agent, Jennifer Miller--who made the event such a success.

But...as I sit here and type this..I realize that there is more work to do.

Also...during all that I also managed to take (along with the rest of my family) my mom out to eat for her birthday.

So Happy Birthday again, Mom.

Will Ferrell Q & A

Some Will Ferrell shenanigans for the weekend...

(warning...some strong language.)

See more Will Ferrell videos at Funny or Die

Watching Football

Maybe Obama will show up Sunday to watch football at Andy and Elizabeth's...

I would sure like to watch a football game with Obama.

"Burn After Reading" movie review

After stumbling out of the gate, the fall movie season gets back on track with the latest film from the acclaimed filmmakers, the Coen Brothers. In Burn After Reading (R) a cast of characters get involved with a CD containing confidential government information. The situation quickly spirals out-of-control. The strong cast includes George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton and John Malkovich.

Ryan: Hot off the heals of their big Academy Award winning picture, No Country For Old Men, the Coen brothers change direction by producing something that they are known for-- a dark comedy. Somewhat in the vein of The Big Lebowski, Burn After Reading showcases a cast of eccentric characters doing ridiculous things. I’m not really sure if the movie is supposed to be saying something but I’m not sure if it really matters. Burn After Reading is an entertaining film with many laughs—or at least smirks.

Andy: Burn After Reading is certainly ridiculous, and I mean that in the best possible way. All of the main characters are ridiculous for in varying ways, and they proceed to entangle in one another’s lives in preposterous ways that we’ve come to expect from the Coen’s. The movie is not without substance, but it’s mostly about good actors getting to have a lot of fun. Fortunately for us, much of that fun translates to the audience.

Ryan: There’s no question that the stellar cast is one of the highlights of the movie. Clooney and McDormand are well familiar with how to make a Coen Brothers film work. It shouldn’t be too surprising that the addition of Pitt, Swinton and Malkovich enhance the shenanigans going on in the film. More specifically Pitt, playing an air-head gym employee, owns every scene that he is in. Seeing Malkovich yell and swear on screen is nothing new, but it’s always enjoyable.

Andy: Although the entire cast does an admirable job, Pitt is probably the highlight. This is the type of role Pitt used to play frequently, an energetic simpleton who makes up for shortcomings with sheer enthusiasm. He is able to be a buffoon while still being endearing, and the movie is much more enjoyable because of it.

Ryan: Besides the big names in the cast, the supporting cast including J.K. Simmons and David Rasche excel in the small amount of screen time that they are awarded. The scene at the end of the movie starring these two is an instant classic and nicely ties the movie up. Burn After Reading isn’t as ambitious of a film as No Country For Old Men but sometimes it’s just as difficult to make a good comedy as it is to make a drama. There’s certainly no question that Burn After Reading is a significant upgrade over the Coen Bros. last two cinematic comedic endeavors—The Ladykillers and Intolerable Cruelty.

Andy: I have to wonder if that great scene at the end of the movie is in some ways a response to the way No Country For Old Men’s ending perplexed audiences. At the end of that movie you get the feeling that something important happened, but you are not sure what it is. The ending of Burn After Reading leaves you with the clear impression that, really, nothing happened, and it is all laid out for the audience clearly. Ultimately this is not as artistically pleasing, but the final scene might be the funniest in the movie, so it works.

Burn After Reading is not an instant classic, but it is very enjoyable.

Final grade: B+.

The Big Lebowski, In Wii Form

There's been some Big Lebowski talk in our sector...so here's a short video to compliment that.

(Warning...there is some strong language).

Maybe I should just make this a political blog...

There's been an interesting debate (in the comment section) raging with my last post. Ultimately that's cool...I like the intelligent debate.

Here's some thoughts running through my mind...

--The Democrats have only been in control of congress since 2006 and the deficit was well on it's way in being out-of-control well before that. I know that congress controls the money...but the president has a large pull when it comes to spending that money.

--When it comes to thinking of our country as being a strong conservative country. I still don't buy it. (And I'm not going to get into throwing out various websites and polls--because both sides can do that). Here's what I'm thinking...One, labeling one a conservative or liberal is not the best way to gauge that mainly because of the negative connotation that the word liberal has in this day of age. Furthermore applying an either/or label is too constrictive--especially when it comes to making a grandiose statement about people's political views.

From what I know and read over the years...is that when one starts to break it down issue by issue than one finds out that the American public is much less conservative than expected. I'm not saying that they are necessarily liberal but they do drift to the middle and to the middle-left...especially on social issues. Even with a lot of my conservative friends and family members I find that they are much more liberal on social issues than by-definition republicans. If I were to make a consensus statement I would say that many of my peers are conservative financially and are socially liberal.


--My biggest issue with some conservatives and republicans is their arrogance and their lack of them seeing that they have this arrogance ( And I do realize that this exists on the other side...I just don't think it's as bad on the left). When one has an opinion on an issue than that doesn't make it right or the position right and it doesn't make the other opinion wrong or that person wrong. It just means that one has a difference of opinion. But in republican world for a lot of conservatives, it's a black and white issue....there's no grays...and no compromises. I just find that incredibly rigid. I'm not saying that one cannot have rock solid principles...but our political system only works when there's compromise and an openness to all views. Our entire political system (and our constitution) is based on compromise.

It just seems to me (and to much of the American public) in the last eight years that this idea of listening to the other side is lost on our current administration and that frustrates me. I honestly believe that Obama will reach across the aisle to gain consensus on issues and get things accomplished that will better the American people.

That's my hope.

Stay on Target

I was watching CNN last night and I was getting a little frustrated. Actually not with their newscasting (although I do get frustrated with it a lot of times) but with the news that McCain is (just barely) leading Obama in the latest national poll (or that they are in a deadlock--depending on which poll one is looking at it). That in itself was frustrating but I'm a little disappointed with Obama in how's he's handling this Palin phenomenon.

He's just getting a little distracted. He needs to focus on his message and let Biden and his other advisers go on the attack. Obama's always walked that fine line of criticizing without completely going negative and he's done a good job with it. His speech at the convention was superb. But he can't let the Republicans dictate the narrative. He's basically getting dragged down because that's what they want. The Republican machine is a lot like those classic John Chaney teams at temple...they play ugly basketball and force the opponent into the type of game that the team is unfamiliar playing. Obama just needs to stay above the fray. Yes, he has lost some momentum and buzz with Palin's arrival on the national scene but he needs to let that play out...because...I'm certain that Palin (when the general public finds out more about her) will ultimately be seen for what she is--an ultra-conservative neophyte that has no business leading this country (if something were to happen to John McCain).

"Bangkok Dangerous" Movie Review

This week we take a look at the new released that stumbled into first place at the box office. Bangkok Dangerous (R) stars Nicolas Cage as an assassin looking to get paid for one more job before retiring. Sudden, inexplicable personal relationships interfere with his plan.

Ryan: It’s not too surprising that the weekend box-office was the lowest it has been in five years. When Bangkok Dangerous is the lone new big release then there’s a problem. Honestly this movie is as silly as the title suggests. I had to chuckle to myself while waiting in line to watch this movie. There was a group of guys buying tickets to the movie and one of the guys wasn't even sure what the movie was about. His buddy replied, “You know...it's Nicolas Cage shooting people.” After watching the film, I cannot disagree with that assessment. That's pretty much the movie and that's pretty unfortunate.

Andy: Bangkok Dangerous is exactly the type of shoot-em-up action film that has given Nicolas Cage a bad name in recent years. The voice-over narration that introduces his character at the film’s onset is formulaic and droll, and it sets the tone for the entire movie. A film like this has the best chance of success if it is based around a strong character. Somewhat surprisingly, Cage does not deliver the strong character needed.

Ryan: Bangkok Dangerous is one of those films that brings little to the table. The story of a hitman discovering his conscious and falling in love is hardly a new theme to the action genre. Eighty percent of the movie takes place at night and for some reason the filmmakers shot most of those scenes in a washed-out fashion that consequently makes the cinematography cloudy. Furthermore the action scenes that are in the movie are completely devoid of thrills and excitement. Granted the movie does have (somewhat of) a surprising ending. But by that time, most moviegoers aren't really going to care.

Andy: This film has the distinction of somehow being predictable while lacking a plot. The concept is very formulaic, yet the movie lacks a compelling villain to supply conflict with the main character. There is no real reason to get invested in the character or the plot because nothing particularly intriguing happens for most of the movie. Even with a few decent action scenes, Bangkok Dangerous ends up being mostly boring.

Ryan: I don’t know what the deal is with Nicolas Cage. This man is an Academy Award winning actor as well as being a fairly consistent box-office draw (he has seven films that have crossed the 100 million dollar barrier). He’s one of those unique stars that can aptly handle summer box-office fair along with nuanced indie films. But apparently Cage also likes to make mindless action films. Two of his last three films (Next and Ghost Rider) are just like Bangkok Dangerous in that they are nothing but below average senseless action flicks.

Andy: The fact that a movie with this little to offer and no buzz surrounding it whatsoever could manage the top spot at the box office, even on such a slow movie weekend, is a testament to the draw of Nicolas Cage. I think it is safe to say that if he keeps making movies like this one, that draw will go away entirely. This movie is very forgettable, and that’s probably the best thing it has going for it as far as Cage’s career is concerned.

Bangkok Dangerous is not a horrible movie, but it lacks a compelling reason for people to see it, and that is a pretty major problem. Final grade: D.

Bad Sports Day

I was so looking foward to Sunday.

Jenny and I were going to the Reds/Cubs game with Chris and Caroline in the 'Nasty. And since it was an afternoon game we would be home in plenty of time to watch (on TV...unfortunately not in person) the Colts open up Lucas Oil Field against the Bears.

Well...the Cubs blew a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the ninth and probably everyone knows that the Colts were completely outplayed by the Bears.

So that didn't go too well.

But in actuality the Cubs game was fun. We had great seats...a fantastic meal...and we got to hang out with Chris and his Dad, Bill (Caroline was working). Even with the bad Cubs defense (thanks to Mr. Animation and Ronny Cedeno) and Kerry Wood's inability to throw strikes, the trip to Great American Ballpark was still memorable. The results were just not what Jenny and I wanted.

As for the Colts...I don't know...I know it's just one game but they looked like they were not prepared for that game. Not only were they outplayed but they were outcoached as well. And that just shouldn't happen. But I'll try to look on the bright side. We certainty didn't put up the worst performance of the week....Plus our quarterback is not out for the whole year.

Still Not Getting it...

...And neither is Christian Bale's stepmom.


But enough with Gov. Palin. Maybe once the newness wears off...some conservatives will start to see the light. But probably not.

But anyway...

--Here's some pointless Alfred Hitchcock trivia (involves Strangers on a Train).

--Apparently the Boss has penned a new tune for Darren Aronofsky's latest film, The Wrestler. (Let's hope the film is not another The Fountain--although the film is about professional wrestling--so I'm not sure how to take that).

I don't get it

When the news broke that John McCain chose Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin, as his vice-president candidate, I was pretty surprised (and I wasn't the only one).

With her seemingly lack of experience--especially on the national scene--I thought even members of her own party would be alarmed. Well that's not the case. From what I can tell--being around family, friends and the Greensburg public is that most conservatives are pretty excited over her choice.

I guess I can see that (from their perspective) considering that she does reinforce the ticket with her conservative views (pro-life, NRA member, fiscally conservative, evangelical christian). And her being the vice-president nominee is historic and does bring about some excitement for republicans --mainly because I believe they think that in some respect that they are being progressive (I'm not so sure about that).

But I'm still flabbergasted in the way the Republicans are embracing her nomination. For weeks, the McCain campaign (and McCain himself) has repeatedly argued that Barack Obama does not have the experience or credentials to be commander-in-chief. So McCain's first big decision as a presidential nominee is to have a vice-president nominee that has less experience than Obama. Thus in effect...the McCain campaign has nullified what they think is their best argument against Obama. It makes no sense to me. I'm completely beside myself when watching conservative pundits and their own party members harp on Obama's lack of experience but praising Palin's (she's only a heartbeat away from being president) 20 months of experience in being the governor of Alaska.

Simply ridiculous...and here's CNN's Campbell Brown echoing those questions...

I'm also bothered by conservative blowhards drinking the cool-aid when it comes to Palin's nomination.

If Obama...or scratch that...any democrat nominee would have nominated a female vice-president with the following credentials...

--Finishing second in a beauty pageant

--Local TV Sports reporter

--Two terms on a city council (in a city smaller than Greensburg)

--Two terms of mayor (in that same city)

--Two years of being governor (in a state with the 47th ranked population)

...the Bill O'Reilly's...the Rush Limbaughs...and the Glen Becks of the world would be ripping that nomination for being weak...especially in regard to foregin policy, national security and being commander-in-cheif. They would be all over it. Look...they were critical of Hillary and her credentials completely overshadow Palin's. It's a complete double standard on their part. And it just makes me mad because it's completely irrational.

Furthermore...and I'm not bringing this up to judge Palin or her family but if that would have been a democrat (presidential or vice-presidential nominee) with a seventeen year old daughter knocked up... than the Republican smear machine would be in overdrive. And the family-values wing of the party would be up in arms. And that's all I'm going to say about that.

It'll be interesting to see what Gov. Palin says tonight. Nothing against her...I think she's a fine woman but I'm just dumbfounded by McCain's campaign in their attempt to criticize Obama's "lack of" experience while praising Palin's (lack of) experience.

I just don't get it.

Labor Day Weekend

Well...that's about the way it goes. I didn't get home in time to live blog Maddux's start last night and lo and behold he picks up win #354. He's now tied with Roger Clemens for eighth place on the all-time wins list. And the Dodgers remained only 2.5 games behind the Diamondbacks for the NL West lead.

I did end up watching most of the game but the reason I didn't see the start of it was because Jenny and I spent Sunday and Monday down in Russelville, Kentucky visiting Jenny's brother, Chad and his family. We were celebrating his daughter's, Aubrey, first birthday party. We had a really good time as Jenny's whole family shared in the celebration.





But we also had the opportunity to see The Dark Knight on the IMAX in Louisville on our way home. This was a long time coming. Some people are aware that I infamously got jammed by construction on 465 several weeks ago that thwarted my attempt to see the movie. But anyway Jenny and I finally made it. And it was very cool...and well worth it. Also...that makes my fourth time seeing The Dark Knight and that ties my personal record for most times seeing a movie in the theatre (Pulp Fiction and Star Wars: A New Hope).

I guess it's also worth mentioning that I had a live fantasy draft with my college buddies on Saturday so all in all I had a pretty eventful and fun weekend.

I'll definitely take a day when I see The Dark Knight on the IMAX and that Maddux picks up a win.

And visiting family and friends is cool as well :).

"Summer 2008 Extras" movie review

With the summer movie season winding down this past weekend, we take a look this week at some of the summer flicks that we didn't get the chance to review.




Ryan: Starring Edward Norton and Liv Tyler, The Incredible Hulk (PG-13) rebooted itself into cineplexes this summer. It was only five years ago that the Ang Lee's version failed to resonate with most moviegoers. I for one did like Lee's psychological take on the character but could clearly see why Marvel would want a more crowd-pleasing picture. Norton (who also co-wrote the movie) and Louis Leterrier (the director) certainly delivered that this time around. From a more CGI realistic Hulk to the straightforward action-driven narrative, The Incredible Hulk is an entertaining summer popcorn flick. But with a character that offers so much more, I would have liked for the movie to be a little more nuanced than it was. Ultimately this incarnation is going to please more than disappoint. Final grade: B.




Andy: The Visitor (PG-13) is the latest film from writer-director Thomas McCarthy (The Station Agent). Richard Jenkins, who is perhaps most recognized as the father from Six Feet Under, gives a subtle, yet remarkable performance as a college professor who returns to his long-unused New York City apartment only to find an illegal immigrant couple living there. The transformation Jenkins’s character makes is the heart and soul of the film, but the performances of costars Haaz Sleiman and Danal Jekesai Gurira are just as nuanced and solidly executed. This one is definitely aimed at the Indie film crowd, and some may take issue with the ending. In general the story is appealing and the acting is impressive enough to comfortably earn it a B+.




Ryan: The comic book theme continues with the Mark Millar graphic novel adaptation, Wanted ( R). Starring James McAvoy and Angelina Jolie, Wanted showcases Wesley Gibson, a self-proclaimed loser stuck in a dead-end office job. Unbeknownst to him, he's actually the offspring of the world's greatest assassin. As a stylized action set piece, Wanted does deliver the goods. It's mindless summer fun and McAvoy demonstrates that he can carry a summer action flick. Regrettably, Wanted strays far from the graphic novel—not so much in terms of its tone but with its story. In the long run it was probably a good idea to tinker with the story (thus attracting a more mainstream moviegoing audience) but a lot of the darker ironic ideas in the graphic novel were loss in translation. But all in all Wanted satisfies that summer craving for a violent shoot'em spectacle. Final grade: B-.




Andy: Keeping with our recent theme of checking out documentaries, I recently watched Gonzo: The Life and Works of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson (R). The film spans all the major stops along the complex icon / journalists strange career, but what is particularly striking in this political season is the sections outlining Thompson’s political reporting through the 1970s. Thompson’s version of the 1972 presidential race (and his effect on it) is more than just interesting, it is surprisingly relevant. In spite of, or some might argue because of his iconic and drug addled state, Thompson was able to ask questions and create situations that gave voters a different view how the candidates carried themselves and what they stood for. In addition Gonzo accurately completes the task of serving as a Thompson biography while embracing his spirit and attitude in the composition of the film. Johnny Depp supplies voice work for many of Thompson’s readings, adding significantly to the documentary. Final grade: B.





Next week we’ll step cautiously into the fall movie season with another new review.