February 2011
7 posts
Shawn S. Lealos Review: I am Number Four
I Am Number Four is the movie D.J. Caruso should have made after Disturbia. Unlike his follow-up Eagle Eye, I Am Number Four remains a smart, exciting movie that never tries to dumb down the material for the audience. It also remains close to the source material, avoiding disappointing fans of the book. Click here to read the full review…
Joe O'Shansky Reviews: Sanctum/Budrus
Sanctum is a prime example of why 3D — even the kind that’s hyped for using the same camera system used on the mediocre yet financially unassailable Avatar — will never make a weak film better…
Budrus represents an opportunity to prove that consensus can be reached and progress toward peace can be achieved without falling prey to the conventional wisdom that violence is...
Shawn S. Lealos: How to Train Your Dragon Blu-ray...
“How to Train Your Dragon” received one of the three Oscar nominations in 2011 for Best Animated Feature Film. The movie was a departure for DreamWorks, providing a solid story without the normal pop culture references the animation studio is known for. The Blu-ray of the movie provides a number of fun, interactive features for fans, kids, and adults alike. Click here to read the...
Phil Bacharach Review: Another Year
Nothing much happens in Mike Leigh films, at least not in the strictest sense of Plot Mechanics 101. There are no car chases or explosions, not even a juicy epiphany in the final reel. But in such emotionally rich films as “Secrets & Lies,” “Topsy-Turvy” and, now, “Another Year,” the British writer/director explores the complexities of human interaction with an anthropologist’s curiosity and a...
Rod Lott & Phil Bacharach, Oklahoma Gazette: Best...
Click here to read the full article
Phil Bacharach Review: The King's Speech
“The King’s Speech” is one of those films seemingly made with a checklist for garnering awards. Real-life story of an embattled hero overcoming a handicap? Check. About the British monarchy? Check. Customarily great British actors being customarily great and, um, British? Check.
Still, “Speech” also has another trick up its sleeve: It is excellent — a rare work of Oscar-bait as satisfying as it...
Shawn S. Lealos Review: The Mechanic
When choosing to see a Jason Statham action flick, it is clear what you are paying your money for. This is not an award caliber film and never pretends to be. The Mechanic is a product of the Hollywood remake engine but, as with the best remakes, the original is not well enough known to hurt the newer version.
Click here to read the rest of the review…