Film Review: 30 Minutes or Less (2011)

Talk about a polarizing movie: some critics have called it a hysterical, albeit preposterous, comedy (even the summer’s funniest?) while others have stated that if its runtime was as short as its title then it still would have been overlong and disappointing.  Regrettably, I tend to agree with the latter assessment.  As an action movie, it is lackluster; as a comedy, it is mediocre – you will either describe it as mindlessly hilarious or find it simply mindless and only chuckle-worthy.  Despite a lean 83-minute runtime that has almost no scene that fails to move the plot forward, watching it is still a bit of a drag.  Coming from Ruben Fleischer, director of the breakout comedy Zombieland (2009), you would expect this movie to be highly stylized and energetic.  However, 30 Minutes or Less (2011) is a drab production with undeveloped, patience-testing characters and no resolution; what’s more, it is only sporadically funny.  The term “a-musing” is an apt description for the comedy: an entertaining diversion without thought.  Figuratively, 30 Minutes or Less delivers on time but its product is largely stale and tasteless.

Film Review: The Change-Up (2011)

Although it currently hovers around 20% on RottenTomatoes.com’s “Tomatometer,” The Change-Up (2011) is not nearly as bad as the rating indicates.  Rather it is a somewhat entertaining update to the overdone body-swap genre, even if it isn’t anything groundbreaking.  The movie features a rock-solid (or for you Arrested Development fans: Iraq-solid) cast and gives viewers more or less of what they expected to see: crude humor with profuse profanity and a startling bit of nudity (particularly CGI nudity).  However, viewers will find less genuine humor and give more sneers or painful chuckles as the film elicits more distasteful jokes than almost any other R-rated comedy this summer (and there have been plenty for sure).  Furthermore, the film’s premise wears thin fairly quickly; after a certain point, everything that follows is frustrating, to say the least.  In fact, some of the characters’ actions are downright agonizing to witness considering many of the compromising situations could have been prevented (how so will be explained later).  The movie is not as hilarious as the previews suggest or its co-writers’ previous comedic hit The Hangover (2011), nor is it as surprisingly sweet as director David Dobkin’s Wedding Crashers (2005) – It strives but fails to be both a blockbuster raunchy comedy and a touching drama.  Still, The Change-Up offers a mildly entertaining diversion, much of the credit to the lead cast members playing against type.

Film Review: Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

The fact that this movie manages not only to exceed expectations, albeit pretty low ones considering how many people (myself included) seriously questioned the need for another Planet of the Apes story especially after seeing its tacky initial previews, but also to warrant a new, rebooted franchise is incredible.  Although it fails to soar like the classic Charleton Heston-led original Planet of the Apes (1968), Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) is the next-best-thing as it breathes unimaginable life into the storied series that has seen some pretty bad lows (i.e. Tim Burton’s remake Planet of the Apes [2001]).  It has several flaws, including weak human character development and some narrative deficiencies (i.e. typical prequel problems like an abrupt ending).  However, it features remarkable special effects (the cheesy trailers don’t give the final product justice by any means), fairly compelling drama, and interesting continuity devices that ought to please fans.  Furthermore, and perhaps most cleverly, the film engages the audience to side with the apes rather than the humans, for the most part, as viewers will feel genuine emotion for Caesar, the movie’s true protagonist/lead character.  In short, Rise of the Planet of the Apes is more entertaining than you would expect and could imagine; it is one of this summer’s biggest surprise hits.

Film Review: Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)

Crazy Stupid Love (2011) is not quite crazy, not really all that stupid, but definitely a film you can love.  It has humor, wit, and genuine emotion.  While it drags in a few parts with a slightly uneven tone and falls over the edge into melodrama and tacky rom-com clichés a few times, its charm is hard to resist, thanks to an exceptional ensemble cast that is perfect for each role.  In sum, this fresh, highly enjoyable multi-generational romantic dramedy is one of the best of its kind this year thus far.

Film Review: Cowboys & Aliens (2011)

Unfortunately the on-screen pairing of James Bond and Han Solo/Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones Jr. is merely mediocre, at best.  Nonetheless, Cowboys & Aliens (2011) is hard to dislike with such a solid cast led by Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford.  Despite its inability to effectively and smoothly mesh the Western and science-fiction genres, the film is decent as far as summer entertainment goes.  Still, you would expect more out of the intriguing concept and filmmaking pedigree.  Sadly, the movie fails to have many or frankly any real “wow” moments.  Although Cowboys & Aliens will disappoint or frustrate Western film gurus and sci-fi geeks with its uneven pace and weak handling of their favorite genres, it is a serviceable, albeit more bland than exciting, action-flick fit for a summer matinee showing at most.

Film Review: Friends With Benefits (2011)

It’s a shame that No Strings Attached (2011) came out before the Friends With Benefits (2011) because the latter is superior in just about every way.  Natalie Portman greatly helped the former but could not save it from mediocrity, at best, and Ashton Kutcher is cringe-worthy but continues to land leading roles due to his box-office appeal.  On the other hand, Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake are very likable characters and display solid on-screen chemistry that draw the audience into their affair and root for the inevitable coupling.  Besides the lead pairs, the latter film’s supporting cast is outstanding, even down to some great cameo appearances, which makes the movie much more enjoyable.  Although both films have nothing really new for the rom-com genre and remain predictable, Friends With Benefits is far more charming, witty, and sincere than No Strings Attached; in fact, the character development and their backgrounds care to reach beyond caricature and the film delves into harrowing emotions for a time.  Do not expect a laugh-out-loud-the-entire-runtime R-rated comedy; it is generally funny but sporadically hilarious.  Similar to director Will Gluck’s Easy A (2010), praised by critics and audiences alike, this movie likes to poke fun at other romantic comedies but ultimately sort of becomes one itself.  Still, while it pretty much has a by-the-book overarching plot/arc, Friends With Benefits easily ranks up with the better romantic comedies of the year so far as it is very likeable with noteworthy performances and sharp writing to match its energetic pace.

Film Review: Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

At last, the summer of superheroes has come to an end and with it the seemingly unending string of origin stories that set up the upcoming The Avengers (2012) movie.  Hollywood has given audiences some of the best comic-book adaptations it can offer this summer, such as X-Men: First Class (2011), and also the worst, like Green Lantern (2011).  Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) falls squarely in between, somewhere alongside Thor (2011) if not slightly better.  It has stronger emotional resonance, largely because of the main character’s everyman status and humility and also because it features one of the more compelling comic-book romances to date.  However, it cannot escape the drawbacks of telling an origin story, in particular an Avengers one.  In other words, when the credits roll (and especially after The Avengers teaser trailer at the end of the credits), you can’t help but feel you just watched half of a movie or simply an extended preview of the upcoming mega-blockbuster; in fact, its ending is comparable to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010) and leaves you somewhat unsatisfied.

Nonetheless, Captain America is more fun than you would expect, given several mediocre-to-bad adaptations making audiences apathetic rather than fan-crazy about Hollywood’s next superhero flick.  It has a neat retro/futuristic-vibe, solid action sequences, though admittedly with diminishing return, and engaging performances that help develop a surprising bit of heart layered into the generally hokey nature of the character and film.  Overall, it is above average but nothing exceptional.  Furthermore, while it fails to emulate the greatness of its obvious inspiration from Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) and Star Wars, it has some great references to the classics and parts feel similarly entertaining.  In sum, it should exceed most viewers’ lowered expectations by providing them with a quality, albeit less-than-unforgettable, summer blockbuster that teeters to stand on its own as a compelling action period piece.

Film Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)

The six-month wait from part one to part two and decade-long journey has finally come to an end.  Virtually never before has such a motion-picture phenomenon existed, at least at the level of anticipation this film has received.  The Harry Potter franchise is nothing short of remarkable, in every sense of the word; it is a grand achievement on numerous levels, from continuity of actors, production design, and themes to the notable improvement from one installment to the next and ultimately to the epic finale.  While it is not perfect, the film is a pure blockbuster that fans will love, casual moviegoers will be enchanted by, and even critics of the series must admit that this concluding chapter is impressive.  It is not only visually captivating but also emotionally powerful as it resonates on more levels than any of the previous films have done.  In fact, it is a summer blockbuster that deserves some award recognition.  The movie is at least one the best, if not the best, of the series and a largely satisfying conclusion that alleviates the sorrow one may feel with the passing of the film franchise.

However, it does not possess quite the cathartic experience like we all had with The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003), nor does it completely satisfy all expectations; in particular those who have read the novels may feel disappointed with how some story elements were either changed or omitted.  In addition, due to its brisk pace, making this installment the shortest of the series, its denouement/epilogue seems rather rushed for a journey that has captivated us for a decade.  Nonetheless, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011) is a worthy finale that captures the best pieces of its predecessors and then some with thrilling special effects wizardry, brilliant performances and best of all, undeniable emotion.  It is movie magic that must be seen on the big-screen as it is one of the biggest cinematic events of this century.  In short, it is a near classic that caps the [currently] highest grossing franchise in film history.

Forewarning: While no [major] spoilers will be overtly revealed about Part 2, those of you who have not seen the previous films may want to do so before reading this review or seeing the movie; this review does not spend much time bringing you up to date with all the past details.  Besides, watching the movie will be much more enjoyable and worthwhile if you have seen the others first.  Also, I have not read the novel, so this review only has a brief analysis of how well it has been adapted to film (largely based on consensus reports/critiques).

Film Review: Horrible Bosses (2011)

Halfway through the summer, R-rated comedies have had mixed results: The Hangover: Part II (2011) disappointed many viewers, especially in comparison to the vastly superior original; Bad Teacher (2011) failed to live up to its potential let alone satisfy or exceed expectations; but Bridesmaids (2011) amazed audiences with hilarious humor as well as heartfelt drama.  Fortunately, Horrible Bosses (2011) is more like the latter.  While it does not quite surpass expectations or make the most out of its promising premise, this movie is very entertaining and features a rock-solid cast that helps make it more memorable.  In fact, for some viewers Horrible Bosses has dethroned Bridesmaids as the funniest comedy of the year thus far, even if it has a less developed story and characters than the pre-wedding dramedy.

Film Review: Bad Teacher (2011)

Upon first seeing the premise and red-band trailer (posted below), one would imagine either a sharp dramedy or a straightforward hysterical movie about the troubles and inadequacies of the educational system in this country.  Unfortunately, Bad Teacher (2011) is neither the biting satire nor the hilarious movie it could have been; it is simply a run-of-the-mill, disposable comedy that wastes the vast potential of an intriguing concept by going in many of the wrong directions and misfiring on several jokes.  Nonetheless, it is still an amusing R-rated comedy that has its moments and features fairly entertaining, albeit largely one-dimensional, performances.