Todd's Corner Movies, Music, & Books Reviews Archives
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment Editor
Published: December 26, 2007 7:41 PM EST
Movie Review
Official Website
It seems these days that Nicholas Cage can only have hits with action movies, doesn’t it? Hits like: National Treasure, Ghost Rider and now of course, National Treasure: Book of Secrets. I guess he figures he's got to pay the bills some how so why not keep churning them out? His characters are a cross between action hero and romantic geek which seems to work for him; he is likable enough to pull it off.
But hey, I’m supposed to be reviewing his newest blockbuster and not him so here goes. National Treasure: Book of Secrets basically follows the same plot as the first movie with Cages character having to decode clues that are hidden in various historical places in order to save the day; that about sums it up. Honestly, I don’t need to go into the smaller details because you’ve seen them all before.
It’s a run of the mill action flick with some really good actors whose talents are squandered mostly. But, it did move along quickly and it was entertaining at times so I will give this rated PG movie 3 stars out of 5.
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment Editor
Published: December 26, 2007 7:12 PM EST
Movie Review
Official Website
Are the holidays wearing you down? Are you feeling like nothing is going to brighten your day? Well my dear humbugs, I have the answer to your prayers! It’s called WALK HARD and it’s very funny! It’s a movie based somewhat loosely on the Johnny Cash biopic WALK THE LINE speckled throughout with take-offs on various other musical icons.
It stars John C. Reilly as Dewey Cox, a backwoods farm boy that aims to make it big in the world of music. His inspiration comes after he accidentally cuts his brother in half. That may not seem like a great way to start a comedy but trust me it is. Judd Apatow and Jake Kasdan wrote the screenplay and it’s very smooth and funny with only a few slow, flat parts. It’s a comedy that keeps on giving as it travels down the road of Dewey Cox's life; a road that includes having 2 wives at the same time, getting high with the Beatles, meeting Elvis and loads of twists and turns.
I highly recommend it to anyone needing a real laugh. It’s rated R for all kinds of reasons so don’t take the kiddies.
I give this comedy 4 out of 5 stars.
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment Editor
Published: December 02, 2007 12:03 AM EST
Movie Review
Official Website
Ladies and Gentlemen, my birthday is next Sunday. Now you may ask why I am mentioning that personal information so let me tell you. Tonight I was given an early birthday gift by a person I have never even met. His name is Chris Weitz and he directed the newly released THE GOLDEN COMPASS. Well now, I know that he didn’t direct this movie for me but I will just pretend that he did.
As a fan of Philip Pullman's HIS DARK MATERIALS book series, I was apprehensive about the books being made into movies. So tonight when I had the opportunity to catch a sneak preview of THE GOLDEN COMPASS, I went with a wary feeling. Thankfully, Mr. Weitz has fashioned a well-directed and wonderful romp through Pullman's very imaginative fantasy world; a world where every person has a soul-familiar (in animal form) and where polar bears talk.
If you haven’t read the books, it doesn’t matter as the story is laid out very well. So you’ll catch on quickly. Nicole Kidman is in fine form as a sort of evil agent of a very powerful organization. She succeeds in her role in that you both hate her and also you feel sorry for her at times. Dakota Blue Richards is a child star in the making; she is endearing and very believable. You’ll really root for her!
Daniel Craig is a pleasure to watch but his role isn’t as prominent as Kidman’s. If there is a sequel, you’ll get to see more of him. So let’s keep our fingers crossed that this movie does well. Sam Elliot is kind of a sky-cowboy as he is totally perfect for that part. Golden Compass opens on Dec 7th, and I can’t wait to see it again.
I highly recommend this great movie.
I give GOLDEN COMPASS 4 1/2 stars out of 5.
Movie Review
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment Editor
Published: October 11, 2007 10:03 PM EST
Official Website
Have you ever seen a movie because the trailer looks amusing only to find that the movie itself was a bummer? Well, if you’ve seen the previews for MR.WOODCOCK then you’ve already seen the funniest parts of the movie. Believe me, because I sat through the entire film so I know.
I cant say that I didn’t laugh at all but I surely didn’t laugh enough to say I’d recommend this movie to anyone well except to moviegoers who are fans of cliché- waste- of- talent films. I had high hopes for MR WOODCOCK as it stars Billy Bob Thornton, Sean William Scott and Susan Saradon, who are each usually likable and funny when need be. Sadly, that is not the case here.
I give this movie a generous 2 1/2 stars out of 5.
Music Review
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment Editor
Published: October 11, 2007 9:49 PM EST
It's been 14 years since DEBBIE HARRY (BLONDIE) has released a new solo CD so I was both curious and excited when I heard that her new CD titled NECESSARY EVIL would be dropping in October. In fact, as a long-time fan of BLONDIE, I was a little worried that it would be a let-down. Thankfully, my worries were totally unfounded. Despite some early reviews that were somewhat negative, I gave the CD a listen and was happily surprised to find that there are only 2 tracks that I’m not thrilled with. Kids that’s an impressive task since there are 17 tracks total and I’m pretty critical of DEBBIE's solo work and with BLONDIE( their last 2 CDs -NO EXIT and THE CURSE OF BLONDIE-both had some high points but were basically not in the same category as their earlier works).
NECESSARY EVIL, however, is a very good CD that is both modern and yet classic DEBBIE HARRY. It is a very eclectic CD but flows together well. The stand- out tracks are: TWO TIMES BLUE, IF I HAD YOU, LOVE WITH A VENGEANCE, WHITEOUT and NAKED EYE. Not so great tracks are: DEEP END and CHARM ALARM both of which are misfires. This CD may be the most satisfying CD that Ms Harry has released since EAT TO THE BEAT back when Blondie was at their peak.
Welcome back DEBBIE HARRY!
I give NECESSARY EVIL a well deserved 4 STARS out of 5.
Movie Review
The Official Website
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment Editor
Published: September 26, 2007 10:33 PM EST
Good Luck Chuck is one of the funniest movies I’ve seen this year. Dane Cook and Jessica Alba star in this laugh out loud comedy about a guy named Chuck whose relationships never seem to work out, which apparently is good news for the ladies. It seems that after he, Chuck, sleeps with them [the ladies] the very next guy that the girls meet is their Mr. Right. In case you’re wondering why this happens, it involves a curse. You’ll have to see the movie; trust me, you’ll be happy that you made time for it. The plot is funny, the actors are very likable, and the closing credit featuring Dane and a stuffed penguin are well worth your hard-earned money.
I give this movie 4 star out of 5.
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THE LOCH by Steve Alten
Reviewed: October 15, 2005
BOOK REVIEW
This novel is based on the Loch Ness Monster. Everyone has
heard about Nessie so I was kinda curious to see what this author would do with the often told story. Alten delivers a well crafted and very interesting novel! It had me from the first page: lots of action, likeable characters, love story and of course lots of victims. It's almost like Jurassic Park but with a giant water beast instead of dinasaurs. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
By the way
Alten has written a few novels so far and they are all good.
Reviewed by Todd Withrow,
Entertainment Contributor
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