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Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: January 22, 2010 11:03 AM EST
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Todd's “The HANGOVER” Movie Review:
James Cameron is one of those amazing directors who makes films that have a more than life appeal; the old saying that "he does not do anything halfway" certainly applies to the film Avatar; it is all or nothing and that is how I like it with such iconic directors like Cameron. His latest release, Avatar, is certainly no exception. The movie is groundbreaking with its masterful use of 3D technology, and the visuals are a delight to the eyes.
And while the action sequences are signature Cameron, the characters themselves are somewhat un-unique. That's not a slam to the actors; as they all turn in good performances, but we've seen these guys before and that's ok with me. After all, the center piece of Avatar isn't the special effects or the characters, it is the brilliant message that this film possesses.
The Verdict:
In fact, I would call Avatar a form of cinematic subterfuge if the movie were not so obvious getting its point across. That point being: greedy people make war to make money (hint - Bush). Politics within movies is nothing new so I am sure no one will be shocked or awed by any of this in the film. With all that being said, Avatar is a really enjoyable movie and apparently EVERYONE is enjoying it as it may be the top grossing film of all time by the time you read this.
My grade for this masterpiece is:
A-
Rated PG-13
Interview by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: November 29, 2009 3:00 PM EST
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Celebrity Interview with a Daytime Legend:
Eileen Fulton
As The World Turns, TV's longest running daytime soap has been home to many fantastic actors and actresses over the years but one in particular has stood out amongst the crowd. Her name is Eileen Fulton and she is one talented lady.
Ms. Fulton, as a fan of ATWT and of you, I'm so honored that you agreed to this interview. I know you are a very busy lady so I'll get right to the questions:
Todd: I read that you were born in Asheville, NC. It's a beautiful city especially at this time of year but it's not exactly known as a Showbiz Mecca, how did you end up on television?
Eileen: First of all a lot of people have gone from Asheville! Andie McDowell and lots others. But I know what you mean!
I ended up on television because I expected to be on television. I set out to be an actress when I was young and I made it happen. From the time I took over my daddy's pulpit when I was two, to majoring in voice at Greensboro College, I always new I wanted to perform. My parents were very supportive and arranged for me through a friend, Dr. Berger, to get an interview at The Neighborhood Playhouse to study acting. I was lucky to know what I wanted at a young age and didn't stop til I got there.
My first job wasn't on television, though. It was modeling for a True Story Magazine story.
Todd: As The World Turns was your big break in 1960 and your portrayal of bad-girl "Lisa" helped to pave the way for many of today's less-than-wholesome daytime ladies. How does it feel to have made
such an impression?
Eileen: Thank you for acknowledging that - so many people forget that Lisa paved the way for the other "bad girls". I don't think Lisa was or is really bad. I like to think of her as complex, something the writers got back in the early days of the show and why she was popular. She had experiences and problems that many in the audience knew about or were having but you'd never see on TV! And the characters around her had to re-act to her actions, which others could relate to. Soaps were so popular because people could connect to the characters and even better, the problems and experiences they were going through.
Todd: With you/ Lisa being such a big part of ATWT's ongoing popularity, it seems odd that we rarely get to see you. Are the writers unable to come up with a good story for you?
Eileen: I guess. Ask them!
It could be an age thing, but one of my favorite soaps is the British series East Enders. They have no problem with featuring older actors. And giving them romantic and dramatic storylines.
Todd: Speaking of good stories, is it true that you've written murder mysteries?
Eileen: Yes, I have written 6 - the Take One for Murder mystery series.
Todd: How did that come about?
Eileen: My two autobiographies - the first written in the mid '60s -were big sellers. After the second one in the 80s was published I didn't then have anything more to write about myself, but the publisher wanted more. We came up with the idea for me to try my hand at mysteries, my favorite genre, and it worked!
Now, I have more to write about my life and am thinking of writing Volume Three to my autobiography.
Todd: You are also a cabaret performer? Seriously, is there anything you haven't done?
Eileen: Probably not! I have done Broadway, movies and television and writing and I love my nightclub act!
I would love to draw and to paint. I wish I could do more of that before I punch out.
Todd: What gives you more enjoyment: acting or singing?
Eileen: Both the same. The reason I say that is because acting is just singing on a sustained tone. Both involve creating a character. I love the live audience at my shows though! Can I put in a plug? December 5th a 3pm matinee and on December 12th at 8:30pm at Don't Tell Mama in New York. I have a meet and greet after the show so that I can say hi to everyone.
Todd: With such a large fan base, I imagine that you are inundated with a lot of fan mail and gifts. What's the most memorable item you've received?
Eileen: A woman willed me a music box that had belonged to President Gerald Ford's mother! She had been her nurse. I was so wonderfully shocked! I do get a lot of items and I love them all, because people took the time.
Todd: The Christmas season is coming up quickly and there are so many people out there who are in need. I've read that you are very active in charity work, which charities are you involved with and how can
we help?
Eileen: Soldiers Angels is still tops on my list. Especially when the Soldier's are the dogs that are working so bravely with our brave troops! Please go to the Soldiers Angel website and they will assign you a soldier to be an angel to.
Ms Fulton, let me just say once again how thrilled I am that you took the time out of your hectic schedule for me. I hope you have a great Holiday season and may we see you more regularly on
AS THE WORLD TURNS!
Eileen: If Santa will only bring me a storyline!!! I want to thank you. I have had a lot of interviews in my time and I loved your questions. I hope you will interview me again! Have a wonder holiday season and a truly wonderful New Year!!
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: July 11, 2009 2:34 PM EST
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Todd's “The HANGOVER” Movie Review:
Have you ever went out with your friends, got too sauced and totally forgot everything that happened? Well, that's basically the premise of the new comedy blockbuster, The Hangover. A groom-to-be and 3 of his friends go to Vegas to have blow-out Bachelor Party but end up drugged and out of control. The guys begin the evening by checking into a suite at Caesar's Palace and making jagermeister toasts.
The next thing the friends know is that it's morning and the poor groom is missing. The rest of the film unfolds as the groomsmen search for their lost friend and learn of the nights
unruly but hilarious events which include Mike Tyson's tiger, stealing a cop car, and one of the guys marrying a hooker.
The Verdict:
A movie with this much going on could've been just chaos but director Todd Phillips has done a fine job of keeping everyone and everything on track. Stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms
& Justin Bartha are all funny but the guy with who gets the most guffaws is Zach Galifianakis in his role as Allen the brother of the bride.
The Hangover is quite the rare comedy in that it keeps you laughing from start to finish; it's a must see movie.
Grade A
Rated R
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: July 11, 2009 2:18 PM EST
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Todd's “The Proposal” Movie Review:
Sometimes predictable movies can still be funny; such is the case with The Proposal starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. It's a story we've seen at least a million times; two people with nothing in common who don't like each other but must come together in order to prevent some unfortunate event from happening to one or the other or both. In this case, Reynolds' character Andrew Paxton is blackmailed into marrying Margaret Tate played by Bullock to keep her from being deported back to Canada.
Bullock plays against her normal goody-goody role and is surprisingly convincing as the hard-hearted editor of a publishing house while Reynolds is her sarcastic but likable assistant who is willing to do anything to climb the corporate ladder. After the two agree to marry, they fly to Alaska to meet the Paxton family including the grandma Annie portrayed by the incomparable Betty White, who practically steals every scene she is in this movie.
The Verdict:
But as I have stated earlier, the Proposal is a chick-flick so we know that things will go wrong and that the pair will fight and maybe work things out etc etc...
So how does the Proposal manage to lift itself up above the rest of the pack? I'd say it's a combination of good writing, great actors, and a little romantic magic.
Grade B+
Rated PG-13
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: July 11, 2009 2:01 PM EST
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Todd's “UP” Movie Review:
Disney/Pixar have done it again! UP, their latest collaboration is a heartwarming visual delight that's enjoyable to the tots while being adult-friendly as well. The story revolves around Carl Fredericksen, a lonely old widower who is in jeopardy of losing his house to a developer, and
Russell, a young scout who wants to help the crabby old man so that he may receive his "helping the elderly" badge. Well, in order to save his home Carl formulates a plan to fly his house out of the city using helium balloons to a destination that he and his wife had longed to see but were never able to.
Soon he sets his scheme in motion and is thrilled when it actually works until he discovers that Russell has accidentally stowed away on the airborne adobe. An attempt is made to take the boy home but fate steps in and the pair is swept away by a storm.
It's quite a ride but they actually end up close to where the old guy had intended. Once there, the pair meet Dug a talking dog, Kevin a bird previously thought to be extinct, and Charles Muntz a twisted explorer who has been tracking the elusive bird for years and who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
The Verdict:
Our unlikely heroes bond when they must work together to rescue Kevin from Muntz's evil clutches and return her to her babies. The 3D animation is fabulous and the story is wonderful on this whacky fun-filled modern day classic!
UP is the best family film of the year, go see it!
Grade A+
Rated PG
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: June 08, 2009 11:34 AM EST
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Todd's “Land of the Lost” Movie Review:
After viewing the new film version of the classic Sid and Marty Krofft TV series Land of the Lost, I've begun to wonder if some how in the past I may have wronged Will Ferrell? I must have as he has obviously decided to wage a war against some of my most cherished childhood memories. First, he was in the remake of Bewitched which was an abomination to the original classic TV series and now there's Land of the Lost which is, without a doubt, one of the biggest
disappointments I've had all year.
Sid & Marty Krofft should be ashamed for even having a hand in the production of this movie. The director, writers, producers and actors have taken what was once an innocent Saturday morning adventure series and turned it into a giant foulmouthed joke. I suppose with Will Ferrell involved, profanity should be expected but I'm surprised at how far it goes.
The original TV plot followed Rick Marshall and his children, Holly & Will, as the fell through a time warp and ended up in prehistoric times. Now in the 2009 update, Marshall (Ferrell), gets stranded with Holly who is a scientist and Will who is a redneck amusement park operator. Why the studio decided to change the family dynamic is beyond me; except that the studio has made Holly and Marshall into unlikely love interests.
The Verdict:
Ferrell and Anna Friel who plays Holly have absolutely no chemistry. In fact, all three of the main actors seem out of place here. There are occasionally funny moments and some decent special effects so it's not an entire waste of time but you would be better off purchasing the original TV series on DVD which was also just released.
Grade D
Rated PG-13
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: May 26, 2009 12:01 AM EST
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Todd's “Star Trek” Movie Review:
After 2002's Star Trek: Nemesis tanked terribly, the franchise as a whole was left for dead, floating out in deep space past even the Delta Quadrant. So when Paramount decided to make another Star Trek, critics and some fans alike were scratching their heads and wondering why the studio would take such a risk. Until of course, JJ Abrams was announced as Director.
Suddenly, a languishing sci-fi property became hot again with life pulsing back into its legendary veins. Naturally, there were naysayers; the idea of re-booting the franchise with new actors playing classic characters was met with dismay from fans of the series but while Abrams admitted he was never a Trekkie he certainly has a great respect for sci-fi in general and it shows in the film.
Along with loads of space battle and hand-to- hand combat, there's also a healthy portion of classic Trek style humor. Fanboys should be thrilled with just about every aspect of the movie.
The Verdict:
Chris Pine as James T Kirk is funny yet dangerous in the role that William Shatner made famous and the casting of Zachary Quinto as a young Spock is as close to Leonard Nemoy that you will get unless time travel is an option. Eric Bana, is superb as Nero, a nasty villain with a deep thirst for revenge.
While the actors playing Kirk and the Enterprise crew are new to their roles, they manage to bring a familiar feeling to the much-beloved characters that they are portraying. J J Abrams has not only brought Star Trek back from oblivion but he has given us a film that delivers fantastic amounts of fun and adventure, surely Mr. Gene Roddenberry would be proud.
Grade A
Rated PG-13
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: May 25, 2009 11:38 PM EST
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Todd's “Wolverine” Movie Review:
Opened on May 1, 2009, Wolverine, an origin story of sorts for one of the most popular superheroes to ever grace the pages of comic books or to be portrayed on the silver screen, was possibly one of the most anticipated films of this year. Anticipated possibly but disappointing certainly. While Hugh Jackman portrays Wolverine with the same gusto that he has in the x-men films, here his performance seems forced and laughable.
Add to that, the film is achingly cliché; I mean how many times can Wolverine look up to the sky and bellow his angst? I suppose those scenes are to show us how much pain he is in but it just made me chuckle. And how many times do we need to see Wolverine and his Bad-guy brother Sabertooth run to each other, jump and collide mid-air? It's much like a video-game, where the fight scenes are fought over and over, fun if you are playing but not so much if you're watching.
The Verdict:
One of the few highlights in this dismal mess; is the introduction of Gambit, too bad he wasn't featured more in the movie. Director Gavin Hood, who did such a good job with Rendition, is way off the mark here. This Wolverine is all bark and no claws! Skip it and save your money for Star Trek, which opened on May 8th.
Grade D
PG13
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: May 25, 2009 11:23 PM EST
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Todd's “Monsters Vs Aliens ” Movie Review:
From time to time, a movie will come along that takes earlier film techniques to a new level, Nightmare Before Christmas updated Stop-Motion, Jurassic Park showed what CGI could really do and now with Monsters Vs Aliens, 3D is given an amazing overhaul. Gone are the cheap cheesy 3D gimmicks of
yesterday: such as someone bouncing a ball or playing with a yo-yo aimed at the camera.
The Verdict:
Monsters Vs Aliens is totally rendered in 3rd Dimension. The characters and action scenes literally pop right out of the screen, it's incredible to watch and quite a thrilling experience. It also helps that the
movie itself is entertaining, funny and family friendly - a rare combination these days. Although my local theater charged more per ticket to see the film in its 3-d form, it was an investment that I'm glad I made.
Grade A
Rated PG
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: April 5, 2009 4:00 PM EST
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Todd's “Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)” Classic DVD Review:
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner starring Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy and Sidney Poitier is potent slap in the face of racism. Daring to expose people whom claim to be open-minded or liberal but whom are secretly scared, ignorant or just prejudice. What makes this film about inter-racial relationships so riveting is not just that it confronts the subject so forcefully but also that it was released in 1967, a time when it was still illegal to marry outside of one's race in certain states. It is a testament of courage to Director Stanley Kramer, the writer, the actors, and the movie studio itself that this film ever got made.
The story revolves around a young white socialite, her African-American fiancé and the misgivings that their parents have concerning their impending marriage. The situation is complex and emotions run high as each person involved shares his or her feelings about the relationship.
The Verdict:
I will say that occasionally the dialogue comes close to being too dramatic but with a topic this explosive it is understandable. The only weakness of the film comes from the daughter as played by Katharine Houghton while the actress is charming her character seems just too naive and somewhat one-dimensional.
Hepburn and Tracy are magical, as always, Poitier as the fiancé is excellent and Beah Richards received an Oscar nomination for her performance as Poitier's mother. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner is a top notch movie classic that deserves to be viewed repeatedly.
Grade A
Google the following before viewing:
Liberalism
Isabel Sanford
Miscegenation
Hepburn and Tracy relationship
Fourteenth amendment
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: April 5, 2009 4:00 PM EST
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Todd's “I Love You Man” Movie Review:
Part romance, part bromance; I Love You Man is all parts comedy. Paul Rudd stars as Peter, a man about to marry the girl of his dreams but who unfortunately lacks a best man. His concerned fiancé wants him to get out and meet some guys so that their wedding parties will be balanced.
Sounds like a good idea but it's not as easy as it seems, even when Peter is given pick-up tips from his openly gay brother played superbly by Andy Samberg.
He goes through guy after guy until he accidently meets Sydney (Jason Siegel), an uncouth and full-throttle type of guy. The pair hit it off awkwardly at first but soon fall into a fun friendship that Peter finds liberating. Almost too liberating as he begins to doubt his engagement.
The Verdict:
Don't worry as I said this is a romance/bromance so you know it works out in the somewhat predictable ending. However, Jason Siegel is hilarious and Paul Rudd has never been funnier.
I Love You Man is a great film for couples or for friends.
Grade B+
Rated R
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: April 5, 2009 3:12 PM EST
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Todd's “Watchmen” Movie Review:
After viewing the cinematic debacle known as THE SPIRIT, I was extremely worried that THE WATCHMEN might also leave me with a similar feeling of disappointment. After all, Watchmen, like Spirit, is an adaptation of a very popular graphic novel that fanboys everywhere love and consider to be classics. And with such a high level of expectation, Director Zack Snyder could have failed miserably in his vision.
He could have delivered a giant flop for Warner Brothers or a blot on the face of DC Comics; instead Watchmen has been lovingly brought to the big screen with such attention to detail that at times it feels like you're inside the graphic novel itself. Of course, some changes have been made to the story but the film is very much in step with the original source material.
The Verdict:
Watchmen is full of action, intrigue and some very HUMAN superheroes, who are outcasts from society, face betrayal from friends, struggle over lost love and battle with personal insecurities. We have seen inner conflict before in other hero movies: Batman, Spiderman and Superman but not to the same degree as in Watchmen, personal angst is at front and center in this film.
It's a very dark movie and not for young children, but I highly recommend it to anyone interested in seeing a different take on the life of a superhero.
Grade A-
Rated R
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: April 5, 2009 2:46 PM EST
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Todd's “Last House on the Left (2009)” Movie Review:
Is Last House on the Left just another bloody horror remake? Is it just another reminder that Hollywood's collective imagination has checked out? Or does this new take on a Wes Craven's classic actually offer something new and exciting? Well actually the answer is all of the above.
Last House is another re-do from the vault of terror but it does manage to bring a fresh and compelling atmosphere to what could have been just a run-of-the-mil retread. And while the original is hailed by many as a cutting edge masterpiece, it is somewhat dated; wisely Director Dennis Iliadis incorporates elements from the 1972 film but modernizes them making them more relevant to today's society.
The Verdict:
Plot-wise it's not your everyday slasher film either; it's a story of revenge: When a girl's parents find out their daughter has been raped and left for dead by a group of sociopaths, the parents take justice into their own hands.
Trust me when I say that it's not a pretty scene when the villains get what they deserve but moviegoers will likely be cheering especially when the ringleader meets his brutal end.
Last House on the Left is a horror-fan pleaser and well worth a look.
Grade B-
Rated R for disturbing rape scene and graphic violence.
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: February 21, 2009 2:48 PM EST
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Todd's “Friday the 13th (2009)” Movie Review:
2009 is certainly shaping up to be the year of the horror remake. First, we had My bloody valentine remake, now Friday the 13th has been unleashed and later we will be treated to Last house on the Left along with a new version of the Wolfman. It's not unusual to remake a movie by any means, but more often than not, the new versions pale in comparison to the originals, not so with MBV3D or Friday The 13th.
While this new version is not equal to the original or its sequel, it definitely is better than anything released from #3 on up. It's Jason Voorhees in all his maniacal glory, on a brutal killing spree that should satisfy even the most hardcore of Friday fans. There are 4 painful deaths within the first 15 minutes and that's just the starting point for Mr. Voorhees. He is a man with a mission, and he aims to fulfill it.
The Verdict:
I won't bother with a detailed description of the plot; I'll sum it up in 3 words: sex, drugs, and blood - Classic Slasher Style.
So, if you are looking for a gruesome night in the woods, then head on over to Camp Crystal Lake; you won't be disappointed.
Rated R
Grade B-
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: February 17, 2009 2:40 AM EST
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Todd's “Coraline” Movie Review:
Henry Selik, the very talented director of Nightmare Before Christmas, has given birth to a beautifully animated and very odd film based on Neil Gaiman's popular children's tale Coraline, a fantastic vision of a lonely blue haired girl and her desire for a better family life. Featuring the vocal talents of Dakota Fanning as Coraline, Teri Hatcher in the dual role of mother/other mother and the British dynamite duo of comedy Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French as the eccentric neighbors.
Coraline is chock full of strange characters that rival anything seen in
Nightmare Before Christmas or Selik's other classic, James and the Giant Peach. As we first encounter our heroine, she is being moved into a new home where her time consists of counting doors, windows and anything else to stay out of her parents' way. The poor girl just wants some
attention or at least to go outside and play. Once her parental units have had enough of her moaning, she gets her wish and is allowed outdoors where she meets Wybie and his slinky cat. While she is not very impressed with him, Coraline does eventually give in to his friendliness and luckily so as the boy and his feline later play an important role in her rescue from the alternate dreamlike universe that she discovers and is almost trapped in.
The Verdict:
While considered a children's film, Coraline may, at times, be scary to the wee ones and should be viewed with that in mind. However, it is a wonderful adventure with a happy ending that still manages to teach us a couple of valuable lessons: parents and children need quality time together and also that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
Rated PG
grade A-
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: January 29, 2009 12:50 AM EST
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Todd's “Bride Wars” Movie Review:
Bride Wars has all the ingredients of a successful chic-flick comedy: A-list stars, friendships, weddings and last but certainly not least - Candice Bergen. Yet, somehow this tale of best friends gone bad never is able to pull itself out of the gutter of mediocrity. Maybe it's due to the lack of chemistry between stars Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway. Maybe it's the roles they play: Hudson as ambitious Liv and Hathaway as doormat Emma.
Possibly the plot is the problem, best friends who's weddings get booked at the same time and place while neither will change their date. The gals are not content to have a double wedding and solve the dilemma, instead resort to petty tricks and childish stunts; boring, we seen this done a million times before in films.
The Verdict:
It's really hard to care about their friendship or about this movie since most of the plot seems pretty far fetched. Bride Wars is not without a few laughs but unfortunately doesn't live up to its potential. If it were a wedding cake, it would be only 2 layers instead of 4.
Rated PG for suggestive content, language and some rude behavior.
Grade C
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: January 28, 2009 8:40 PM EST
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Todd's “Balls Out: Gary The Tennis Coach” DVD Review:
Seann William Scott has made a lucrative career for himself by playing the same character
in just about every comedy that he has done. You know the one I'm talking about; that
hapless, crass, foul-mouth guy with the devil-may-care attitude. It works for him usually
as was the case in the American pie series or more recently in Role Models and gratefully
it works for him in Balls Out: Gary The Tennis Coach.
He plays a failed tennis player who ends up working as a high school janitor and by a twist of fate ends up coaching the schools inferior tennis team.
The Verdict:
Seann William Scott's comedic style is perfect for this role; in fact, it seems as if the character was written specifically for him. Randy Quaid co-stars in a very funny but limited supporting role and Brando Eaton, an up-and-coming star, also has some hilarious scenes especially one involving a stripper. Balls Out is a tasteless and vulgar comedy that is ideal to watch while getting drunk with your friends.
Check it out.
Rated R for crude and sexual content, pervasive language, some nudity and brief drug use.
Grade B -
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: January 26, 2009 11:48 AM EST
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Todd's “My Bloody Valentine 3D” Movie Review:
While my local theater didn't offer this movie in the 3D format that it was intended, I decided it would still be worth a look. My Bloody Valentine 3D is a remake of a cult favorite from the 80's, it seems Hollywood can only recycle horror these days. While the original was on the campy side, it had a lot of blood and a decent premise - a coal miner out for revenge when his buddies get trapped and die in a mine. It also had one of the most vivid death scenes I can remember, someone gets shoved in a drier and it isn't pretty.
The Verdict:
The latest version of the film, My Bloody Valentine 3D doesn't venture too far from the classic plot though it has enough twists and turns to stay interesting and fresh. The movie was surprisingly good even if a tad predictable. Jensen Ackles of Supernatural and Kerr Smith, formerly of Dawson's Creek, are probably the most well known actors in the film.
Judging from Smith's performance here; I would say he deserves to be taken more seriously.
My Bloody Valentine 3D isn't going to win an Academy award but I think it'll satisfy any horror fan.
Rated R for graphic brutal horror violence and grisly images throughout, some strong sexuality, graphic nudity and language.
Grade B-
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: January 12, 2009 9:38 PM EST
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Todd's “Splendor in the Grass - 1961” Classic DVD Review:
Set in the late 1920s, Splendor in the Grass is an intense and somewhat daring tale of pent-up lust between Bud, the local high school heart-throb, and Deanie, the girl next door. In those days, good girls waited for marriage before they went past the kissing stage, and the boys either had to tough it out or find a different type of girl to "work off some steam" as Bud's overbearing father - played by Pat Hingle - puts it.
Bud wants to marry Deanie but his father insists that he goes to college first and then comes back for his sweetheart. Bud gives in and soon puts his relationship on hold, working out his frustrations with one of the good-time girls from school. Poor Deanie is heartbroken and winds up in an institution. While she is there, she meets a guy that she grows to love in a different way and whom she plans to marry once she is out.
After leaving the institution, Deanie goes to visit Bud and discovers that he too has moved on and has married a girl he met while attending college and now has a family. In the end, the love that they shared will always be with them but never fully realized because of outside influences, whether it is family or moral pressure.
The Verdict:
Splendor in the Grass is a startling portrayal of sexual repression and its sometimes dire consequences. Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty as Deanie and Bud are dynamic and share a rich chemistry that's not seen often in films.
This is a true classic.
Grade A
Note of interest: Phyllis Diller has a bizarre cameo that left me dazed.
It's very grim.
Things to Google before you view this DVD:
Flapper
Phyllis Diller
Morals
Great Depression
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: January 12, 2009 9:37 PM EST
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Todd's “Unborn” Review:
The Unborn is another cliché story of possession. Although the film has a few scary and laughable moments, the end result is that The Unborn comes up short. Director David S Goyer attempts to bring something new to the genre but sadly it still feels like another rip-off of the "Exorcist"- possibly Goyer is hoping that today's youth haven't yet seen that classic film. Maybe it's not fair to compare the two movies but it's unavoidable.
Odette Yustman stars in the lead role as Casey who is being haunted by a spirit that wants to possess her; he will stop at nothing to get in her body. There's a reason this evil sprit has chosen Casey, the film explains that she is the evil spirit's twin. However, Casey's twin died before birth. The film goes on to explain that since Casey was a twin, and twins are believed to be mirrors of each other; the evil sprit can enter into our world through Casey.
The Verdict:
The film becomes too complicated as it tires to explain that mirrors are doorways etc. The bottom line is that it gets confusing from that point. But, I'm not sure you'll care enough to follow the plot especially when the entity begins possessing other people to get to Casey. This is perhaps one of the dumbest parts about this movie.
It just makes you wonder why this evil spirit was going to so much trouble for Casey when he had no trouble possessing her various friends.
Dumb Dumb Dumb!
The film also stars Gary Oldman as Rabbi Sendak. My only question to Mr. Oldman, what were you thinking??
The sad part is that The Unborn actually had potential to be a decent horror movie; but unfortunately, it has so many plot holes and unanswered questions that are just too lame.
Grade D+
Rated PG-13
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: January 12, 2009 9:23 PM EST
NEW REVIEW
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Todd's “Mamma Mia” DVD Review:
Based on the hit play of the same name, Mamma Mia is quite possibly the closest thing to a 21st century Grease that we are going to see in modern films. The film shares no relation to Grease and really only shares the common bond of being a musical, but it's definitely infectious and fun like Grease. Never mind that the vocal talents and the choreography in the film is not on the same level as Grease the film is still an enjoyable watch. And truth be known these days we can't be too picky, can we? What Mamma Mia lacks in musical talent, it makes up for in heart and that's what really lifts this musical up from its shortcomings.
The Verdict:
One of the best parts to Mamma Mia is its characters that you will root for while watching this film. You become invested in each of the characters as the film takes you along for the ride. Meryl Streep definitely succeeds in her role. She's down-right charming and so enjoyable to watch that you probably won't notice much when she goes off key. Pierce Brosnan, on the other hand, is a terrible singer and his voice made me cringe a few times but it's forgivable. On a good note, Christine Baranski seems the most comfortable vocally and as always, she's very funny.
Although there's lots of off-key singing and quirky dancing along the way and the plot is somewhat convoluted, the emotional resolution is worth it. And best of all, it's set to some of Abba's biggest hits.
Grade B
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: January 04, 2009 8:26 PM EST
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Todd's “Wall-E” DVD Review:
Although visually stunning yet somewhat disappointing, Disney/Pixar's Wall-E tries very hard to make a point, while also telling the story of a lonely robot left on Earth to clean up the massive mess that humans have made of the planet (humans are forced to leave the planet due to this enormous mess). While there were other robots, these robots have long ago shut down so Wall-E is alone, with the exception of his pet cockroach. So it's day after day of thankless clean-up for our hero until eventually another more modern robot, Eve, shows up to assess Earth and report of any organic life back to humans.
Well Wall-E is so happy to finally have a companion that he immediately falls head-over-wheels in love with Eve. Soon though, the female probe finds an actual living plant and Eve must take the living plant back to the mothership where humans have been living since leaving Earth. The little robotic janitor doesn't want to lose his new friend so he also travels back to with her.
The Verdict:
From there, the movie becomes overtly preachy browbeating us with the idea that humans are wasteful and lazy, which while true, does not necessarily make a great storyline. Wall-E the character is endearing and likable while Wall-E the movie suffers under a heavy-handed message.
The film could also have used better emotional development in the supporting characters.
That being said, it is funny at times and the animation is awesome.
Grade B-
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Published: January 04, 2009 6:47 PM EST
NEW REVIEW
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Todd's “Twilight” Movie Review:
Twilight is the latest movie to bring vampires to the big screen. It is not; however, a horror film, as much as the film is a teen angst romance. Edward Cullen is a vampire; hundreds of years old. Cullen's character maintains a school-boy persona to keep his identity safe for others. The character of Bella is a teen that goes to live with her father in Forks, Washington and ends going to school with Edward.
There is immediate chemistry between the two but they initially fight the urges until not being with each other becomes unbearable and of course forbidden romance blossoms. We've seen this type of story many times before but usually it's a superhero hiding a secret life and protecting those he loves. There's not much originality involved here but it's watchable and certainly teen girls will enjoy the film for its male eye candy.
The Verdict:
The film is based on the hugely successful book of the same name by Stephanie Meyers. I have not read the novel myself so I can not say if the film follows the book but if the movie is any indication; Ms Meyers owes a lot to Anne Rice whose own moody and sensual vampires seems to be a template for "Twilight's" characters.
Twilight is directed somewhat haphazardly by Catherine Hardwicke who incidentally will not be back for the sequel and at times it seems as though she was directing an episode for any one of the teenie girl shows on the CW Network. Robert Patterson as Edward is sufficiently brooding and Kristen Stewart as Bella is the envy of young girls everywhere.
No one else in the film really matters in my opinion.
Grade C+
