Film
Sorcerer’s Apprentice Definitely Casts Its Spell
Ryan Mundaca
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
If you’re a fan of magic, adventure, and high speed car
chases look no further because Disney has done it again. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer (Pirates of the
Caribbean), this time bringing us the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, an exciting story
that is sure to cast its spell on kids of all ages.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice tells the story of an ongoing
battle between warring sorcerers’s that go back for over a millennia. Hoarvath (Alfred Molina), in a fit of jealous
rage, betrays his master, Merlin, and joins forces with his most feared enemy,
the evil Morgana la Fey; with a sinister plot to raise an undead army of
sorcerer’s who will destroy the world.
And who is going to try to stop such an evil scheme? None other than
Balthazar (Nicholas Cage), another of Merlin’s apprentices who vowed to find
the Prime Merlinian, which according to prophecy is the only one who can
destroy Morgana La Fey.
Fast forward to modern day New York City, where Dave (Jay
Baruchel), a brilliant physics geek, is destined to be the Prime Merlinian; but
not before going through some rough magic training from his new master
Balthazar, and going through an even harder time trying to win the heart of his
long time crush Becky (Theresa Palmer).
If you’re looking for magic schools, owls that deliver
mail, and an in depth psychological story, this isn’t it. However, if you’re looking for some good old high
flying adventure, magic spells, and dragons; The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is a
sure bet. Some parts might be scary and
a little violent for some children so keep an eye out. Also, some romantic scenes do seem to drag
out, which will probably leave kids wondering, “When are they going to get back
to the magic already?!” Fans of Disney’s
Fantasia will definitely get a treat as they pay homage to one of Mickey
Mouse’s most memorable scenes; also entitled The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Make sure to stay after the credits for even
more surprises.
Grade: A-
Danny
Gutierrez
Thursday,
May 20, 2010
MacGruber. Action-comedy. Runtime: 99
minutes. Release date: May 21, 2010.
When
word first came out in 2009 that a “MacGruber” movie, based on the minute-long
shorts from Saturday Night Live,
would be made, people everywhere were skeptical. How in the world could you
make a movie out of those hilariously short sketches were the titular character
fails at defusing bombs? This is where the genius of SNL writer and MacGruber
director Jorma Taccone comes in. Not only did he successfully transfer
MacGruber and his friends to the big screen, but he also may have rejuvenated
the SNL film franchise with this effort.
MacGruber
(the film) is about our hero/lovable idiot’s return to crime-fighting after having
retired following the murder of his fiancée. Thus, this film version takes
place in the distant future of the MacGruber universe, roughly 10 years after
the “present day” of the sketches. Living in Ecuador, MacGruber is hunted down
by the US Government in order to retrieve a nuclear warhead which has been
stolen by the despicable Dieter von Cunth (played by a surprisingly funny Val
Kilmer…and yes, puns and innuendos abide in this movie). Cunth just also happens
to be the one who murdered MacGruber’s wife-to-be, Casey (Maya Rudolph, who reprises
her role as MacGruber’s original assistant; and with that we are finally given
an in-story explanation as to Casey’s mysterious disappearance from the MacGruber
world following Rudolph’s SNL departure).
So revenge is on Mac’s mind. With his team of Vicki St. Elmo (the fantastic
Kristen Wiig reprising her role from the sketches) and newcomer to the
Grubester’s team, Lt. Dixon Piper (Ryan Phillippe), they set out to find Cunth
and bring him to justice.
The
whole film is a parody of those action/spy/detective movies from the ‘80s and
‘90s (we can be dead in the middle of an intense action sequence, and Grubes
will change his radio station to a cheesy ‘80s song), and Taccone takes full
advantage of that R-rating, with raunchy jokes and double entendres all over.
Cunth at times even seems like a parody of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s character
in Mission: Impossible III (“I’m
gonna hurt you…I’m gonna hurt you while they watch.”). Various SNL-related references can be found in
this movie as well, like MacGruber’s new catchphrase “Claaassic MacGruber” being
a take on Justin Timberlake’s “Claaassic Peg” character from the “Target
Lady” sketch. And, of course, let’s not forget “Cool Guys Don’t Look at
Explosions.” That one’s like a given in this film.
Taccone
has wonderfully adapted the characters of the “MacGruber” sketches to the big
screen. Perhaps this is because rather than making the movie serve as a sort of
overstretched sketch (such as with previous SNL
films The Ladies Man, It’s Pat, et al.), Taccone made the
movie based more on the characters and looked to further explore them in-depth.
It makes sense when you think about it; a movie that involved MacGruber blowing
up every 30 seconds simply would not work. Though the format has changed for
MacGruber, going from the TV screen to the silver screen, the characters retain
their same old spunk and relevance. Like MacGruber tells Col. Jim Faith after
being told that the crime-fighting game has changed: “But the players are the
same.”
As
far as films based on Saturday Night Live
sketches go, this one is a riot. MacGruber is still MacGyvering his way out of
situations, much to the chagrin of everybody he comes across, but to the
delight of audiences (his new mastery in the art of throat-ripping is a nice little
bonus touch). Hysterical from top to bottom, it is easily the funniest and
best-made SNL movie since Wayne’s World. From the orchestrated and
choir-sung MacGruber theme in the opening credits, through learning how to use
a gun from Phillippe, to the outrageous final scene (which I won’t give away
here), this film is hands down gold. Granted, the audience will be divided, as
this type of silly comedy won’t be to everyone’s liking. However, if you’re a
fan of MacGruber, or the current Saturday
Night Live, or even just have a taste for silly comedy, MacGruber is for you.
So
go see it. Master throat-ripper MacGruber won’t take too kindly to it if you
don’t.
Grade: B
Letters to Juliet: Tragic or Romantic?
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Images
of love and couples in embrace accompany the opening credits of the romantic
comedy, Letters to Juliet. Well, that
was predictable. The audience is introduced to Sophie Hall (Amanda Seyfried), a
fact-checker at The New Yorker.
Sophie dreams of becoming a writer and journalist but her editor Bobby, played
by Oliver Platt just wants her to enjoy her trip to
Being
a foreigner in
Charlie
(Christopher Egan), Claire’s grandson disapproves of his grandmother’s sudden
quest to locate her long-lost love. However, Sophie’s letter was apparently too
powerful to ignore. The three embark on a road trip/scavenger hunt for Lorenzo.
Along the way, the audience is treated to beautiful images of
As
the trip rolls on, Charlie and Sophie develop an extremely unsurprising
attraction to each other. Charlie, the love skeptic softens up and even
partakes in an ice cream fight. When asked by Sophie about his thoughts on Shakespeare’s
Romeo, Charlie states that he would never be him; unlike Romeo, he would have
the guts to grab the girl and not have to resort to whispering in gardens. Ha!
– He does have a point.
The
search nearly runs its course but a detour into a local vineyard proves that
destiny is at work. After last minute jitters, Claire meets her Lorenzo
(real-life partner, Franco Nero) after all these years. However, will he
remember her? More importantly, will he have a wife and family? Also, what will
happen between the uptight Charlie and hopeless romantic Sophie? Will Sophie be
taken seriously as a writer?
Yes,
Letters to Juliet was flawed by its
predictable storyline and sometimes corny script (“Life is the messy bits” and
“When it’s about love, it’s never too late”). However, the movie had moments of
true romance and lighthearted and witty banter. Most notably, Redgrave is at
the center of almost all these moments. She along with the picturesque shots of
Throughout
the movie, I started to wonder why these women would write to Juliet of all
people about love. Wasn’t Romeo and Juliet’s relationship based on lust and
infatuation? And didn’t the two die at the end? But I reminded myself that this
was just a movie and more significantly, a film from the studios of Summit
Entertainment (home of the teenage-based Twilight
series). So yeah, it was meant to glamorize the “true and romantic” aspect of
love. And in case you were wondering, there is indeed a token “balcony scene”
in the movie.
Believe
it or not, Letters to Juliet was
quite enjoyable. It felt like a 113- minute tourism commercial for
Earth Made of Glass: Two Journeys
for
the Truth
Rowena Lee
Monday, May 10, 2010
Most
of the white tents have been packed away and the bright, fluorescent colored
signs adorning the marquee are slowly vanishing. The 2010 Tribeca Film Festival
is coming to its finale. Over 90 diverse films have been presented to audiences.
Titles like Freakonomics, Gerrymandering, Joan Rivers – A Piece of Work, and Shrek Forever After were some of the big draws. However, it is the
less buzzed-about films that usually garner the most appreciation from its
viewers.
Although
the rock documentary, RUSH: Beyond the
Lighted Stage won the Heineken Audience Award, another work from director
Deborah Scranton caught my attention. Earth
Made of Glass, Scranton’s second documentary, chronicles the 1994 Rwandan
genocide. Admittedly, my knowledge of that horrendous event has been limited to
2004’s Hotel Rwanda starring Don
Cheadle and slight remembrances of flashing news footage. I knew about the
civil war between the Hutus and Tutsis and the bloodshed that resolved from it
all. However,
Earth Made of Glass opens simply with a
quote from 19th century American poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Commit
a crime and the earth is made of glass”. The reference didn’t immediately
strike a chord with me but as the film developed, the meaning eventually
surfaced. An action has penalties and everyone is affected by it but the truth
always triumphs. It referred to France’s role in 1994 Rwanda but it also proved
to summarize the thoughts and attitudes of the film’s main subject, genocide
survivor Jean-Pierre Sagahutu.
The
opening shot of the quiet and serene Rwandan countryside is in stark contrast
from the brutal violence that plagued the country as depicted in the film. The
camera abruptly cuts to Jean-Pierre conversing with an elderly woman about the
events of 1994. We find out that he has been patiently inquiring the
inhabitants of this African village, near the capital city of
In
one particular exchange, an old woman approaches Jean-Pierre. He asks the woman
if she has been a longtime resident. She gamily replies that she is and claims
to know everyone else who has lived in the village. As Jean-Pierre presses on
for more information about the day that his father perished, she blatantly
denies everything and declares that she was bed-ridden on that terrible day. After
having countless aggravating discussions with the villagers, it is revealed by
a child that his father’s alleged killer, Gaspard presently resides near by.
The
next scene materializes and it is the face of a tortured soul. As Jean-Pierre
calmly conducts an interview with this accused murderer, it is unclear if
Gaspard was actually physically responsible. Jean-Pierre confronts Gaspard with
such peaceful control even though he states he has the ability and strength to
avenge his father. Killing Gaspard will only continue the cycle of hate and
violence. As Gaspard describes the actions leading up to the eventual slaughter
of Joseph, a mixture of sadness, guilt, regret, and perhaps relief is evident
in his eyes. At one point, Gaspard begs for forgiveness but Jean-Pierre remains
unmoved by his apologetic words. He explains to the camera that “Before justice,
we want the truth” and “Forgiveness is nothing without the truth”. Jean-Pierre
further clarifies that he cannot forgive because only his father, Joseph can.
As
Jean-Pierre is taken to the site of his father’s buried body, his young son
Serge accompanies him. Just as the diggers, including Gaspard unearth the
remains of Joseph, the rain comes down as if on cue. The scene is truly
heartbreaking but also provides a sort of redemption for Jean-Pierre’s heart
and mind.
Rose
Kabuye, a prominent figure and aide to Rwandan president Kagame (2000-present)
is also chronicled after she is arrested by France under charges of terrorism. President
Kagame fights feverishly to free Kabuye who is also supported by Rwandans in
massive protests. Her apprehension is seemingly conveniently timed with Kagame’s
report that exposes France’s participation of the carnage. She is ultimately
released and returned to Rwanda. Interestingly, Scranton, during her Q&A
after the viewing of Earth Made of Glass,
mentioned that Kabuye’s story wasn’t planned but rather just happened as the
documentary was being made.
The
encounter between Jean-Pierre and Gaspard also occurred by chance. Scranton
reveals that a major rainstorm developed as Jean-Pierre was driving to see
Gaspard. On the way, he stops to pick up a man who has been stranded by the
downpour. When the man gets into the van, Jean-Pierre discovers that this
person had a hand in his father’s death. Scranton deliberately omits this
interaction from the film out of respect for Jean-Pierre.
Both
Jean-Pierre and Rose Kabuye (with President Kagame) had to deal with separate
circumstances resulting from the 1994 genocides. But they remain united and
connected through the truth. The two of them could have recklessly reacted on
pure emotion and taken revenge on the opposition. However, Jean-Pierre and
Rose, for the sake of peace and love turned the other cheek.
Throughout
the film, Scranton follows Jean-Pierre with the same amount of patience that
Jean-Pierre displays. In a way, she also embodies the spirit of the audience in
that she watches with great intensity and anxiousness as the truths and
information unfolds. It is fascinating to note that there are no outrageous
images of graphic butchery. Perhaps it wasn’t necessary for additional shock
value. In addition, the music and score is effective in mirroring Jean-Pierre’s
confusion and frustration.
In
my opinion, the most heart-wrenching and emotional moment comes when
Jean-Pierre’s son Serge is asked for his reaction of the genocides. Serge is
asked if he identifies himself as a Hutu or Tutsi. While Serge is far too young
to understand the situation, he maturely responds that he is Rwandan, there are
no differences. Earth Made of Glass
opened up my eyes and mind. History has many sides – explore all of them. Who knew
Step Up’s Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan
were such awesome producers – Yes, the kids from that dance movie.
Iron Man 2 Review
Anya Trent
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Larger than life explosions, a man with
an ego twice that size, advanced weaponry and computer graphics that leave the
mind boggled, wondering how many years it would take us in reality to catch up,
describes the sequel to Iron Man. It has many of the same elements
that made the first a multi-million dollar box office hit. Tony Stark, played
by Robert Downey Jr., portrays a man whose essence and metal suit are one in
the same. You can’t have one without the other.
Alcoholism,
suicidal tendencies, and wandering eyes are a few things you hope your child
doesn’t pick up from this superhero role model but are the reality of Stark and
what makes him relatable and memorable. Stark who is left to continue the
legacy of his brilliant father seeks to unlock a new power source. Does he
succeed or does his drunken habits and playboy attitude get in the way?
There
is one thing you won’t see in the movie, Terrence Howard, who has been replaced
by Don Cheadle that plays Lt. Col. James ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes. His witty responses,
quick actions, and funny commentary add an extra element to the movie. But
there were scenes where I actually wish they had stuck with Terrence Howard,
who did a wonderful job in the first movie. Stark and Rhodes, who seem like “frenemies”
throughout the movie don’t always see eye to eye. With Stark giving little and
keeping personal problems to himself, can Rhodes trust that his decisions,
spontaneous and ill-planned as they might seem, are for the greater good?
Government
politicians upset at the power of Stark try and control him to gain access to
the Iron Man suit. Justin Hammer of Hammer Industries, played by Sam Rockwell,
is disgruntled and wants nothing more than to make Iron Man look like an
outdated game system as he tries countless times to gain access to the Iron Man
suit and Stark’s technology.
Mickey
Rourke does an amazing job as Ivan Vanko, the Russian evil doer, who wants
nothing more than to avenge his father, a bystander to Stark Industries’ gloomy
past. With his pet bird at his side, he decides to make his own suit to combat
Iron Man and becomes the villain Whiplash.
Pepper
Potts, played by Gwyneth Paltrow, is frustrated and confused. Appointed to run Stark Enterprises, her
love-hate relationship deepens as Stark tries to hold onto the only stable and
consistent thing in his life.
Scarlett
Johansson is a sexy special agent. The dark-haired beauty adds a feminine touch
with a bite. Her fighting scenes were convincing and entertaining. A girl who was thought to be a face
from Starks’ legal department became so much more as the movie went on.
The
film was dramatic and suspenseful but also humorous. Other A-list actors such
as Samuel L. Jackson added their flavor to the mix but weren’t the highlight of
the movie. One thing I advise you do is wait until the credits finish
completely. A twist at the end will leave you applauding in your seat. Hooting
and hollering moviegoers are sure to follow.