A Smorgasbord of Reviews

Avatar 3.5/4 stars

This is the first 3D movie I haven't felt scammed by. I don't know if the 3D made the movie better, but it certainly didn't distract me like other 3D movies (see review on Harry Potter 6!). But one thing is for sure, the special effects and visual landscape of this movie were absolutely outstanding.

A lot of viewers have commented that the plot is weak. I had no problem with the story. It was was pretty much Pocahontas set in the future. Its not the story that is weak; it is the dialogue. There were way too many one-liners tossed out by the cast. These zingers reminded me that I was watching a movie and took me out of the land of Pandora. But in the end, the visual effects single-handedly carry the movie. If you enjoyed the remake of King Kong, then you will enjoy Avatar.

One other note: Did anyone else find it hilarious when the robot pulled a knife out of his sheath?


Sherlock Holmes 3.5/4 stars

The newest Sherlock Holmes portrays the great detective as an action hero. I found the Guy Ritchie version thoroughly entertaining from start to finish. Move over Brad Pitt - Robert Downey Jr. has replaced you in my heart.


Humpday 3/4 stars

This low-budget comedy takes the bromance story to its extreme. I'm too modest to say anything more about the plot. This movie is slow at times, but overall, I found it thoughtful and original.


Anvil!: The Story of Anvil 4/4 stars

A real life This is Spinal Tap! This documentary follows the story of a Canadian heavy metal band that was briefly popular in the early 1980s. As the band members reach their 50s, they struggle to keep their 15 minutes of fame alive.


Up in the Air 3.5/4 stars

Up in the Air stars George Clooney as a professional firer. Companies hire him to fire/lay-off employees when the managers don't have the guts to do it themselves. Set in the present, he is extremely busy and consequently is always flying across the county. He flies so often that he is about to reach 10 million skymiles, which is his life's goal.

This movie is a front runner for the best picture award at the Oscars. However, after seeing the film, I don't think it has the stuff to win. It was flawless in its execution (acting, cinematography, original story), but it just didn't resonate with me the way that a best picture should. I saw it a week ago, and already I barely remember seeing it.


Elizabeth 3/4 stars

I rewatched this movie after finishing a historical fiction novel about Queen Elizabeth's reign. I enjoyed this movie 10 years ago, but now I find the movie too pretentious. The quick editing, elaborate costumes, and historical details that characters rattle off with bravado seem like pure Oscar bait to me. In fact, if I hadn't recently finished the novel on Elizabeth, I am not sure I would have been able to follow this movie at all.


The Gold Rush 4/4 stars

I saw Charlie Chaplin's masterpiece at Orchestra Hall with live accompaniment by the Minnesota Orchestra. Originally released in 1925 during the silent era, Chaplin re-released his movie in the 1940s with a new score that Chaplin worked on himself. I defy anyone to watch the potato dancing scene without laughing!