Entertainment
Recent movie releases
by Rick Mauch
(Posted 7/18/2010 01:33 am)
Inception (A) -- The mind of Christopher Nolan works wonders again as the director of Dark Knight and Memento delivers the most thought-provoking and mind-bending film of the year. Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page and Joseph Gordon Levitt head a stellar cast that takes Nolan's masterful script and delivers a movie of which you should not miss a single second. Not only is it that good, but if you do miss a single second, you might find yourself confused. It's a worthwhile confusion, however, as trying to decipher the ability to enter and alter one's dream on various levels is both intriguing and disturbing at the same time. The action scenes are exquisitely filmed at a heart-throbbing pace while the slow-motion effects are equally captivating. Inception is a unique movie in that even as we enjoy it, we battle to understand it. And unlike many films, those two do not necessarily go hand-in-hand in this one. This is a movie I highly suggest seeing again, not only because of how good it is, but because I am certain the viewing will lead to new and exciting discoveries.
Toy Story 3 (A) -- This third installment in the Toy Story saga instantly rises to the top of the list of most enjoyable and best-made movies of the year. Featuring the voices of Tom Hanks as Woody the cowboy and Tim Allen as astronaut Buzz Lightyear, they and the rest of the toy characters we loved so much in the first two installments are back. And while it's been more than a decade since we've seen them on the big screen, it only takes a few moments for our affection to be rekindled. Their owner, Andy, is going off to college and the future of his toys is in limbo. Through a series of mistakes, they are accidentally donated to a daycare center where a Teddy bear named Lotso runs things and their outlook is bleak unless they can escape. But unlike before, even if they escape, what are they running back to? Andy's attic? The Toy Story movies have always been laden with themes of never-ending loyalty, and it has never been stronger. The animation remains as crisp as ever, the voices and characterization still as loveable as they ever were, and I challenge anyone to not at least get a little sentimental in the movie's final 10 minutes as the message of loving and letting go takes over.
Despicable Me (A) -- In a year when animated movies have provided the best fare so far, add this movie to the list. Starring Steve Carell as the voice of Gru, a master villain with a plan to steal the moon (yes, you read correctly), it provides fantastic 3-D effects. However, as one who still prefers a good ol' fashioned story and solid acting over effects, the movie delivers there also. Gru's plan is thrown off course when he becomes the adopted parent of three young girls, and suddenly the challenge of conquering the world are minor compared to those of mastering parenthood. Gru's army of minions are cute and funny from the show's beginning to end, which, at just under an hour and a half, is perfect timing.
Splice (A-) -- Sort of a modern day equivalent of Frankenstein, the movie succeeds on several levels, including acting, poignancy and steadiness -- before fading slightly in strength at its end. In fact, were it not for the "no way they did that" ending, it would be one terrific movie. Adrian Brody and Sarah Polley, who is always strong but doesn't make enough movies, star as genetic scientists/lovers who introduce human DNA into their experiments and create an animal/human hybrid that, while loveable at times, can be deadly at others. Director Vincenzo Natali, who also co-wrote the script, lets the story flow on its own merits without red herrings or lots of gore (with the exception of one scene that gets pretty bloody, but with good reason).
Get Him To The Greek (B+) -- The movie visits many of the famous cliches we've all heard about spoiled musicians, but Jonah Hill is wonderful as a young go-getter with a career-making assignment. He must get a rock legend (Russell Brand) from London to L.A. for a comeback concert. Both being great at improvisation, their scenes never lack enthusiasm and the chemistry is great.
The Karate Kid (B) -- Like the original, it has a charm that captures the viewer and has them hoping for the best for the movie's hero, a 12-year-old named Dre Parker played by Jaden Smith (Will Smith's son), uprooted from his home in Detroit and transplanted in China thanks to a work transfer given his mom. As in the original, Dre becomes the target of a bully. With no one to turn to in a strange land, Dre becomes friends with his maintenance man, Mr. Han (played by Jackie Chan), secretly a master of kung fu. There are some differences from the original, but also enough similarities to bring back some warm memories. Also, even though the youthful Smith makes it difficult to fully believe the romantic part of the movie, he's a solid enough actor to keep things entertaining nonetheless, and his chemistry with Chan is warm enough to make them a pair worth watching.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (B) -- The best of the three Twilight movies by far. The characters seem more developed, the fight scenes are more believable, and the story as a whole goes in a direction that is worthy of the attention of those who have not read the books (like me). Director David Slade, whose previous works were the impressive Hard Candy (2006) and 30 Days of Night (2007), gets the best performances out of the main cast members in the series so far. The love triangle between Bella (Kristen Stewart), Edward (Robert Pattinson) and Jacob (Taylor Lautner) is suitably intense. Still, the movie could be about 30 minutes shorter, and there are moments when it lingers too long. While as a whole the series takes a turn for the better, less could be more.
Predators (B) -- This is one of those pleasant surprises. I wondered why, after all these years, they would make a sequel to an Arnold Schwarzenegger B movie, but it works. It even pays a nice homage to the Arnold movie in one scene, something that always scores a few brownie points if done right. Adrien Brody and Alice Braga lead a group of renegades placed on a strange planet that, as it turns out, is a game preserve and they are the game. The hunters are creatures just like the one Arnold fought in the jungle in Guatemala more than two decades ago. The movie, while bloody, maintains enough suspense to keep the audience on edge. Some of the dialogue is cliche, but folks aren't coming expecting a script to rival Casablanca. They're coming for the thrills, and while it slightly bogs down in a couple of places, all in all, the movie provides enough thrills to make it a respectable, if not always scary, viewing.
Knight and Day (C) --Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz are enjoyable enough together (a stretch, given Diaz can often be annoying) as a covert agent (Cruise) claiming to be framed and the woman caught in his world-traveling escapades to clear himself. At some point, however, the movie goes beyond fun and frantic to let's-just-get-this-over-with mode.
Grown Ups (C) -- Mostly in spite of itself, the latest Adam Sandler vehicle has a certain charm that grows on you. The movie has its share of icky jokes and tasteless humor. However, it's easy to understand why the main characters have a connection and want to get back to what they once were at a much younger age. It's been called a "Big Chill" for the moronic set by some, a criticism I believe to be harsh and unwarranted. While it's not anything I'd readily recommend sitting through at the theater, it could be a fun watch when it comes to DVD and you can pause it for a break.
The A-Team (C) -- A good friend of mine declared this to be one of the top movies of the year. I must respectfully disagree as this remake of a TV series falls flat in several areas. I was never a faithful watcher of the series that aired in the mid-1980s, but the few times I did catch an episode, it was enjoyable, much more than the big-screen version. Bradley Cooper and Liam Neeson lead a team of Special Forces soldiers out to redeem themselves after being set up. The acting is solid, and it's good to see Sharlto Copley back onscreen after his wonderful turn in last year's District 9. However, there's very little story or character development, lots of stuff gets blown up for the sake of blowing it up, and it's all generally too far over the top to maintain focus. In short, it's been done before and done better.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice (C-) Oh Harry Potter, where are you when we need you? If nothing else, this movie did make me even more anxious to see the final two installments in the Harry Potter movie series because I know they will be much better acted (Nicolas Cage, why, oh why would you choose this script?) They will also be ultimately much more entertaining films than this one, in which Disney "borrows" from the Potter films and turns out one of it's lesser projects as a result. The plot actually has some promise as Cage stars as a sorcerer in modern-day Manhatten out to save the city from his arch enemy (Alfred Molina), and he recruits an apprentice (Jay Baruchel). However, even a story with promise has to be carried to fruition properly.
Marmaduke (C-) -- Owen Wilson voices the title character in this movie adaptation of the famous comic strip about a mischievious great dane. While some of the movie is fun, most of it is stuff we've seen too often, and it tries far too hard to be funnier than it ever is.
The Last Airbender (F) -- What has happened to M. Knight Shyamalan? Once one of the brightest young directors in Hollywood, his movies are so hit-and-miss that it's a coin flip as to whether they'll even be enjoyable. This one loses the coin flip, and may be his worst effort yet as he misses on so many levels with his tale of the Fire nation going to war with the nations of Earth, Air and Water. Thanks to Sex And The City 2, this is not the worst movie of the year, but it's close.
Sex And The City 2 (F) -- I thought the first movie was terrible, and this one is deplorable. It's insulting to citizens of the Middle East, especially women, and the main characters are even more shallow than they've ever appeared before. Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) is thinking of cheating on her husband, Mr. Big (Chris Noth) because he bought her a big screen TV for the bedroom so they can watch old movies together (he was trying to be romantic), and poor Kim Cattrall embarrasses herself as her character (Samantha) will do anything to avoid growing older.
by Rick Mauch
(Posted 7/18/2010 01:33 am)
Inception (A) -- The mind of Christopher Nolan works wonders again as the director of Dark Knight and Memento delivers the most thought-provoking and mind-bending film of the year. Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page and Joseph Gordon Levitt head a stellar cast that takes Nolan's masterful script and delivers a movie of which you should not miss a single second. Not only is it that good, but if you do miss a single second, you might find yourself confused. It's a worthwhile confusion, however, as trying to decipher the ability to enter and alter one's dream on various levels is both intriguing and disturbing at the same time. The action scenes are exquisitely filmed at a heart-throbbing pace while the slow-motion effects are equally captivating. Inception is a unique movie in that even as we enjoy it, we battle to understand it. And unlike many films, those two do not necessarily go hand-in-hand in this one. This is a movie I highly suggest seeing again, not only because of how good it is, but because I am certain the viewing will lead to new and exciting discoveries.
Toy Story 3 (A) -- This third installment in the Toy Story saga instantly rises to the top of the list of most enjoyable and best-made movies of the year. Featuring the voices of Tom Hanks as Woody the cowboy and Tim Allen as astronaut Buzz Lightyear, they and the rest of the toy characters we loved so much in the first two installments are back. And while it's been more than a decade since we've seen them on the big screen, it only takes a few moments for our affection to be rekindled. Their owner, Andy, is going off to college and the future of his toys is in limbo. Through a series of mistakes, they are accidentally donated to a daycare center where a Teddy bear named Lotso runs things and their outlook is bleak unless they can escape. But unlike before, even if they escape, what are they running back to? Andy's attic? The Toy Story movies have always been laden with themes of never-ending loyalty, and it has never been stronger. The animation remains as crisp as ever, the voices and characterization still as loveable as they ever were, and I challenge anyone to not at least get a little sentimental in the movie's final 10 minutes as the message of loving and letting go takes over.
Despicable Me (A) -- In a year when animated movies have provided the best fare so far, add this movie to the list. Starring Steve Carell as the voice of Gru, a master villain with a plan to steal the moon (yes, you read correctly), it provides fantastic 3-D effects. However, as one who still prefers a good ol' fashioned story and solid acting over effects, the movie delivers there also. Gru's plan is thrown off course when he becomes the adopted parent of three young girls, and suddenly the challenge of conquering the world are minor compared to those of mastering parenthood. Gru's army of minions are cute and funny from the show's beginning to end, which, at just under an hour and a half, is perfect timing.
Splice (A-) -- Sort of a modern day equivalent of Frankenstein, the movie succeeds on several levels, including acting, poignancy and steadiness -- before fading slightly in strength at its end. In fact, were it not for the "no way they did that" ending, it would be one terrific movie. Adrian Brody and Sarah Polley, who is always strong but doesn't make enough movies, star as genetic scientists/lovers who introduce human DNA into their experiments and create an animal/human hybrid that, while loveable at times, can be deadly at others. Director Vincenzo Natali, who also co-wrote the script, lets the story flow on its own merits without red herrings or lots of gore (with the exception of one scene that gets pretty bloody, but with good reason).
Get Him To The Greek (B+) -- The movie visits many of the famous cliches we've all heard about spoiled musicians, but Jonah Hill is wonderful as a young go-getter with a career-making assignment. He must get a rock legend (Russell Brand) from London to L.A. for a comeback concert. Both being great at improvisation, their scenes never lack enthusiasm and the chemistry is great.
The Karate Kid (B) -- Like the original, it has a charm that captures the viewer and has them hoping for the best for the movie's hero, a 12-year-old named Dre Parker played by Jaden Smith (Will Smith's son), uprooted from his home in Detroit and transplanted in China thanks to a work transfer given his mom. As in the original, Dre becomes the target of a bully. With no one to turn to in a strange land, Dre becomes friends with his maintenance man, Mr. Han (played by Jackie Chan), secretly a master of kung fu. There are some differences from the original, but also enough similarities to bring back some warm memories. Also, even though the youthful Smith makes it difficult to fully believe the romantic part of the movie, he's a solid enough actor to keep things entertaining nonetheless, and his chemistry with Chan is warm enough to make them a pair worth watching.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (B) -- The best of the three Twilight movies by far. The characters seem more developed, the fight scenes are more believable, and the story as a whole goes in a direction that is worthy of the attention of those who have not read the books (like me). Director David Slade, whose previous works were the impressive Hard Candy (2006) and 30 Days of Night (2007), gets the best performances out of the main cast members in the series so far. The love triangle between Bella (Kristen Stewart), Edward (Robert Pattinson) and Jacob (Taylor Lautner) is suitably intense. Still, the movie could be about 30 minutes shorter, and there are moments when it lingers too long. While as a whole the series takes a turn for the better, less could be more.
Predators (B) -- This is one of those pleasant surprises. I wondered why, after all these years, they would make a sequel to an Arnold Schwarzenegger B movie, but it works. It even pays a nice homage to the Arnold movie in one scene, something that always scores a few brownie points if done right. Adrien Brody and Alice Braga lead a group of renegades placed on a strange planet that, as it turns out, is a game preserve and they are the game. The hunters are creatures just like the one Arnold fought in the jungle in Guatemala more than two decades ago. The movie, while bloody, maintains enough suspense to keep the audience on edge. Some of the dialogue is cliche, but folks aren't coming expecting a script to rival Casablanca. They're coming for the thrills, and while it slightly bogs down in a couple of places, all in all, the movie provides enough thrills to make it a respectable, if not always scary, viewing.
Knight and Day (C) --Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz are enjoyable enough together (a stretch, given Diaz can often be annoying) as a covert agent (Cruise) claiming to be framed and the woman caught in his world-traveling escapades to clear himself. At some point, however, the movie goes beyond fun and frantic to let's-just-get-this-over-with mode.
Grown Ups (C) -- Mostly in spite of itself, the latest Adam Sandler vehicle has a certain charm that grows on you. The movie has its share of icky jokes and tasteless humor. However, it's easy to understand why the main characters have a connection and want to get back to what they once were at a much younger age. It's been called a "Big Chill" for the moronic set by some, a criticism I believe to be harsh and unwarranted. While it's not anything I'd readily recommend sitting through at the theater, it could be a fun watch when it comes to DVD and you can pause it for a break.
The A-Team (C) -- A good friend of mine declared this to be one of the top movies of the year. I must respectfully disagree as this remake of a TV series falls flat in several areas. I was never a faithful watcher of the series that aired in the mid-1980s, but the few times I did catch an episode, it was enjoyable, much more than the big-screen version. Bradley Cooper and Liam Neeson lead a team of Special Forces soldiers out to redeem themselves after being set up. The acting is solid, and it's good to see Sharlto Copley back onscreen after his wonderful turn in last year's District 9. However, there's very little story or character development, lots of stuff gets blown up for the sake of blowing it up, and it's all generally too far over the top to maintain focus. In short, it's been done before and done better.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice (C-) Oh Harry Potter, where are you when we need you? If nothing else, this movie did make me even more anxious to see the final two installments in the Harry Potter movie series because I know they will be much better acted (Nicolas Cage, why, oh why would you choose this script?) They will also be ultimately much more entertaining films than this one, in which Disney "borrows" from the Potter films and turns out one of it's lesser projects as a result. The plot actually has some promise as Cage stars as a sorcerer in modern-day Manhatten out to save the city from his arch enemy (Alfred Molina), and he recruits an apprentice (Jay Baruchel). However, even a story with promise has to be carried to fruition properly.
Marmaduke (C-) -- Owen Wilson voices the title character in this movie adaptation of the famous comic strip about a mischievious great dane. While some of the movie is fun, most of it is stuff we've seen too often, and it tries far too hard to be funnier than it ever is.
The Last Airbender (F) -- What has happened to M. Knight Shyamalan? Once one of the brightest young directors in Hollywood, his movies are so hit-and-miss that it's a coin flip as to whether they'll even be enjoyable. This one loses the coin flip, and may be his worst effort yet as he misses on so many levels with his tale of the Fire nation going to war with the nations of Earth, Air and Water. Thanks to Sex And The City 2, this is not the worst movie of the year, but it's close.
Sex And The City 2 (F) -- I thought the first movie was terrible, and this one is deplorable. It's insulting to citizens of the Middle East, especially women, and the main characters are even more shallow than they've ever appeared before. Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) is thinking of cheating on her husband, Mr. Big (Chris Noth) because he bought her a big screen TV for the bedroom so they can watch old movies together (he was trying to be romantic), and poor Kim Cattrall embarrasses herself as her character (Samantha) will do anything to avoid growing older.
Granbury Opera House summer schedule
(Posted 7/11/2010 11:40 am)
Professional theater
July 2-Aug. 1 -- America the Beautiful
Aug. 6-15 -- Cats
Aug. 20-28 -- The Sunshine Boys
Sept. 4 -- The Johnny Cash Show featuring Dan Whyms
Community theater
July 19-21 -- Neil Simon's Rumors
(Posted 7/11/2010 11:40 am)
Professional theater
July 2-Aug. 1 -- America the Beautiful
Aug. 6-15 -- Cats
Aug. 20-28 -- The Sunshine Boys
Sept. 4 -- The Johnny Cash Show featuring Dan Whyms
Community theater
July 19-21 -- Neil Simon's Rumors
