Are any of you out there still hungry for some Christmas turkey or a heavy slice of ham? If so I've got a recommendation for you, it's called the Spirit and it was released on Christmas Day. Possibly the studio heads thought they might get a good reception as everyone should be in the holiday SPIRIT but not even Christmas warmth can help this cheese-fest.
The Verdict:
Directed by Frank Miller and done in the same style as Sin City, Spirit had a lot going for it but instead it flounders, even bordering on being a complete joke. Gabriel Macht, as the Spirit, turns in a laughable performance. Samuel L Jackson as the villain, Octopus, has about as much personality as a cardboard stand-up. Eva Mendes looks good but that's all that can be said for her in this mess.
The only thing that kept me interested was the visual style; which was pleasing. If you go, take ear-plugs to block out the hokey dialogue and it won't be so bad.
Grade D
And D is for DUMB
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Watching Soul Men, by "Undercover Brother"' Director Malcolm D Lee, you get kind of a creepy yet oddly intriguing feeling while watching Bernie Mac in all his comedic glory before his untimely death. Knowing that he is dead almost distracts the viewer from the rest of the movie, which is very funny and has a great soundtrack. Mac and Samuel L Jackson play former band mates and rivals who are brought back together through the death of their one-time lead singer played by John Legend. They are asked by VH1 to sing at the tribute but Jackson's character has reservations, eventually he agrees and the two set off on a road trip that puts Thelma and Louise to shame.
The Verdict:
These guys are hilarious together as they make their way to the concert. Of course, things aren't easy for them as they readjust to each other and deal with the tension that stems from a shared past love, but it's all good in the end as the friendship endures and they finally
get to perform at the show. There are lots of cameos including one by Isaac Hayes who is also recently deceased. Maybe the studio should've called this movie SOUL MEN:I SEE DEAD PEOPLE.
Grade B
Rated PG-13
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Much has been made of the new direction that the James Bond films have taken lately. With Casino Royale and its sequel Quantum of Solace, Daniel Craig, as bond, has played him with a deep and very personal flair. Some fans do not like it, but I see it as the rejuvenating evolution of a character that has been around almost as long as dirt.
As the old saying goes, "if you don't change, you become stagnant". This bond is far from stagnant. Of course, there are the fantastic chases and beautiful women that are expected in every 007 film but even they seem more fresh and exciting. The always reliable Judi Dench turns in a solid performance as M and the rest of the cast is more than adequate.
The Verdict:
But the true stars of this film are director Marc Foster, who also directed Kite Runner and Monsters Ball, and Daniel Craig who has claimed the role of James Bond as his own. It is
speculated that there will be one more film in the Quantum Series; let's hope it's as good as this one.
Grade B+
Rated PG-13
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
You may have heard the old cliché "Sometimes Less Is More"? Well, in Kevin Smith's latest
film Zack and Miri Make a Porno, more is more-a lot more. You get more gross-outs, more
nudity, more foul language and more romance. Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks play Zack and
Miri, they are best friends and roommates who happen to be very broke. They have no electricity, no water, no rent money and no light at the end of the tunnel until they attend their high school reunion.
That's when they meet Brandon who happens to be the boyfriend of Miri's high
school crush, Bobby, and who also is a gay porn star. That fact leads Zack into a get-rich
quick scheme of making porn and surprisingly Miri is willing to go along with this scheme.
The Verdict:
They end up casting a Motley Crew of oddballs to make their movie, the auditions are quite
hilarious. Along the way, Zack and Miri begin to have feelings for each other and although
it is predictable it is also very sweet. Fortunately, the movie doesn't get bogged down with
this romance; it feels right possibly due to the chemistry between the stars. I totally recommend this very funny movie.
Grade B+
Rated R for Adult Situation, Nudity, Language, and Adult Content.
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
These days, Hollywood seems to be churning out rated R comedies faster than President Bush's approval rating is dropping. Thankfully, some of them are actually funny, as is the case with Role Models. Directed by David Wain and starring Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott, it's a very clever and thoughtful film that manages to make you laugh out loud more often than not.
Danny (Rudd) is a bitter guy stuck in the same lame job for 10 years, whose girlfriend has just broke up with him and Wheeler (Scott) is a happy-go-lucky co-worker that is oblivious to basically everything other than females. The pair works together driving around in a bull shaped truck selling energy drinks to uninterested students. Until one day, Danny looses his cool and they end up with the bull parked on top of a school statue. They are given a choice of going to jail or community service as "BIGS" which are adults mentoring kids -"LITTLES".
The Verdict:
Of course, they choose the latter and are paired with 2 kids that seem to be problems for other mentors. One uses language that would make a sailor blush and the other is a sci-fi geek with an
un-approving family. It may sound like a predictable plot but it works on all levels. The bond that forms between the four is kinda sappy but it does make you feel good and it certainly will make you laugh a ton throughout the movie.
Go see this fantastic film but DO NOT take the kids.
Grade B+
Rated R for all type of reasons.
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Bryan Bertino wrote and directed The Strangers which is released on DVD this week. It's a modern day tale of real terror that is loosely based on true events. The stars of the film, Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman, are in tune with their inner fears as they immerse themselves in the roles of home-invasion victims. They are so believable and raw that you, the viewer, may feel that you are there with them as they fight for their lives.
The Verdict:
It's a very tense film that is well-crafted and well-acted. The Strangers stands apart from most of the current horror films in that it is all about the characters and how they deal with what's happening to them. The film doesn't rely on special effects or unnecessary gore to get its point across; it's all about emotion and fear.
I highly recommend this movie to anyone that enjoys a good scare.
Well deserved GRADE A-
PG-13
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys is a grand sweeping family drama that brings to mind similar television dramas form the 80's like DALLAS or KNOTS LANDING. There's big business, deception, adultery, backstabbing and family tension that would've even made the Ewings cringe.
However, the true story of the film is the strong bond of friendship between two very different women and their families. Alice and Charlotte, played by Alfre Woodard & Kathy Bates, respectively, are mothers trying to live their lives while saving their families from destruction and it's not an easy task.
Alice is the glue that keeps her family together while Charlotte is just trying to keep her power hungry son from stealing her business. The ladies seek comfort and support in each other and it's obvious how much they mean to one another.
The Verdict:
It's a rich and full friendship that will touch your heart and possibly make you appreciate the people close to you. There are multiple plot lines running throughout the film much like threads being woven into a tapestry of life.
Solid performances by everyone make this an enjoyable and touching taste of southern drama.
Grade A-
PG-13
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Steve Conrad wrote and directed The Promotion, a low-key comedy that stars two very funny actors: Seann William Scott and John C Reilly. Scott is known mostly for his role in the American Pie film series while Reilly has spent a good portion of his acting career playing second fiddle to Will Ferrell in such movies as Step-Brothers and Talladega Nights.
In "the Promotion", these guys are both assistant managers in a grocery store and are hoping to get a store of their own but of course only one can get the top spot.
The Verdict:
They spend the whole movie trying to one-up each other in various funny-if-predictable ways. I do have to say that Scott is the funnier in this film as Reilly is somewhat bland here. The movie also features Fred Armisen of Saturday Night Live but his comedic talent isn't really utilized as he plays the boring store manager without much humor.
The film is worth a rental but nothing very special.
Grade B-
PG-13
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Definitely Maybe stars Ryan Reynolds as Will Hayes, an unlucky-at-love father who is going through a divorce with the mother of his daughter, Maya, played by Abigail Breslin. Maya is a very inquisitive and energetic child with a deep desire to understand how her parents met and why they aren't happy with each other. Needless to say, this sets up a father/daughter conversation that takes us all on a topsy/turvy ride through his 2 failed relationships and one that never quite made it off the ground.
The Verdict:
The love interests played by Elizabeth Banks as Emily, Isla Fisher as April, and Rachel Weisz as Summer each has a unique effect on Hayes some of which is good and some not so good. While it is fairly obvious from the beginning which girl he'll end up with, it's still a charming movie with a competent cast and some really funny and sweet moments.
It's not a classic but it will definitely make you smile...maybe.
Grade B-
PG-13
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Todd’s DVD “Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day” Review:
Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day is a delightful film starring Frances McDormand as a down-and-out governess who is in desperate need of a stable job. She's just been fired for being too headstrong and apparently can't seem to keep a position, but as luck would have it, she overhears a phone conversation between her ex-boss and a prospective client. Pettigrew wastes no time heading out to turn her fortunes around.
The client, played wonderfully by Amy Adams, is an up and coming starlet of sorts whose life is in major disarray. Well not for long as our heroine takes control of the situation and is soon swept up into a crazy whirlwind of a day - that's right, the majority of this movie takes place in just one day.
The Verdict:
So much happens though that you may forget the time frame. While this film falls into the chic-flick category, it's absolutely a pleasure to watch and I would recommend it to everyone.
Grade B+
PG-13
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
This weekend I had the distinct displeasure of viewing director Deb Hagan's uninspired vision of a frat boy party movie. It’s called "College", and it stars Drake Bell, Kevin Covias and Andrew Caldwell as 3 high school friends going to check out a college that they might be attending. Predictably, the boys end up staying at a frat house full of losers and bullies who's only happiness is, of course, making the teens miserable. But in reality, the viewer is the truly miserable victim.
The Verdict:
Even if you enjoy pointless nudity and gross out moments, you’ve seen it all before in other movies and it was probably done much better. There’s also a sort-of-love story thrown in, between Bell's character and a sorority girl - she’s so bland that I didn't bother to remember her name. I don’t think that I even laughed once through the whole film.
I say don’t bother attending this College!
Grade F - and that’s only because I can’t go lower!
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Todd’s “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor” Review:
Movie-goers, do you like action movies? Do you usually like Brendan Fraser's films? Did you enjoy the other films in THE MUMMY franchise series? Does it thrill you to see CGI mummies and Yeti come to life on screen? Even if you can answer yes to any of those questions I beg you to by-pass The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor!
The Verdict:
It is simply the worst movie I’ve seen this summer. I liked it even less than Hellboy II and that’s saying something. The only thing that made the movie bearable was the scenery. I won’t drag this review out; I’ll just say that I hope the franchise will be entombed after this atrocity.
I wasted 112 minutes of my time but if I can spare even one of you from the same fate then my suffering wasn’t in vain.
This film gets an "F"!
Updates
Hello, welcome to another one of Todd’s movie reviews. I first wanted to state that many of you will notice something different with this review at the end; the way Todd rates the movies and other reviews he does. The reason being is that Junior’s Cave has decided to partake on a uniform rating system that will be carried throughout our magazine. Thus, Todd is moving from the five stars system to a letter grade system to give the readers of this forum a clearer idea how he has enjoyed or hated a movie. Enjoy!
-Isaac Davis Jr., MBA, Editor-in-Chief
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly star in Stepbrothers; the latest comedy directed by Adam McKay. It’s a very good effort by all involved. At times, it’s hilarious and other times it’s almost sweet but not too sweet. The story revolves around Ferrell and Reilly as two grown men still living at home and their inability to adjust when their families come together. It’s like a wacky Brady Bunch but without any kids and no Alice.
There’s tension from the get-go when Ferrell's mom and Reilly's dad meet, fall in love, and quickly marry. The boys don’t like it at all and cause mayhem for their love stricken parents, but soon enough the sons become best friends and then things really get crazy!
The Verdict:
The characters played by Ferrell and Reilly are really so childlike and outrageous that you can’t help but laugh at their antics and their verbal abuse- it does get nasty at times. However, between all the laughing, I did notice that here is a underlying theme to this movie; that you should accept people as they are and let them live their lives! I think it is good advice for people today.
I really enjoyed this film and give it a B+
The film is RATED "R" for Adult Situation and Language.
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
First of All, I’d like to say that I am a big fan of the X-Files; I loved just about every episode. And when the show was canceled, I almost cried. So when I found out that a new X-Files film was being made, I was thrilled and couldn’t wait for the movie to open. So now we have X-Files: I Want To Believe and I ask myself," was it worth the wait?" YES, it definitely is worth the wait.
Sure it’s not going to be a summer blockbuster – seriously, who's idea was it to open this movie a week after the Dark Knight?- but I have to say that I enjoyed every minute of Scully & Mulder’s return to the screen.
The Verdict:
It had a good stand-alone plot that is creepy & suspenseful but that most importantly showcased the still powerful chemistry that exists between David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. They are the reason that millions of fans tuned in every week after all. Chris Carter directed the movie just like he would’ve an episode and it works.
It’s just sad that I WANT TO BELIEVE will be overlooked this summer movie season because it deserves so much more attention than it is getting.
I give this movie a solid 3 1/2 stars.
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
I suppose I’m going to sound like a total fan boy but the new Batman flick "DARK KNIGHT" is the best superhero movie ever! Director Christopher Nolan has really outdone himself. I enjoyed Batman Begins but Dark Knight is on a whole new level. It’s perfectly acted, directed and written; everything comes together precisely. I was blown away by so many things in this film that it’s hard to point out any one element of perfection but I think it’s safe to say that Heath Ledgers performance is the stand-out. He IS the Joker!
The Verdict:
Ledger plays him with a twisted glee that even puts Jack Nicholson’s Joker -from the 1989 Batman- to shame and that’s saying something in my book. Christian Bale as Batman/Bruce Wayne is fully expressing the 2 sides to his character, something that Clooney and Kilmer never seemed to pull off when they played Batman. Maggie Gyllenhaal, who thankfully replaced Katie Holmes, has brought depth and warmth to the once boring and cumbersome character of Rachel Dawes and of course there’s Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine & Gary Oldman, I applaud them all. The action is riveting; the special effects are fantastic. I could go on and on.
The only question I have for Mr. Nolan is "how do you top perfection?”
We will have to wait and see I suppose.
I give the DARK KNIGHT 5 stars out of 5.
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Hellboy II: the Golden Army is a disappointment. It has virtually no coherent plot and relies too heavily on CGI. The original Hellboy 2004 was a total bore and this movie isn’t much better; in fact, the guy 2 rows back from me fell asleep, and I totally understand why. I wasn’t excited by anything I saw on the screen. Sure, I chuckled a bit occasionally but I need more from a film. It’s obvious that director Guillermo del Toro has a vivid imagination but sadly he spent too much time on his creature ideas and not enough time fleshing out an interesting plot or intelligent script.
The Verdict:
Ron Perlman is the only actor that could pull off Hellboy and he actually does deliver a good performance. The rest of the cast is barely tolerable. Selma Blair is the worst of the bunch, she is unwatchable. Jeffrey Tambor is normally funny but his lines are weak so he doesn’t have anything to work with in this film. I blame del Toro for this mess. He did the screenplay and directed it, so lay it at his feet!
I hope that Pete Jackson keeps his eye on del Toro while THE HOBBIT is being filmed or a travesty may occur.
I give Hellboy II a generous 2 out of 5 stars. And that’s only because I feel sorry for Perlman.
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Todd’s “Journey to the Center of The Earth” Review:
Journey to the Center of The Earth is a light-hearted, kid-friendly, action-packed romp that doesn’t slow down from start to finish. It’s loaded with campy effects, trite dialog and lots of plausibility-questions but somehow all that doesn’t matter. The film works.
The Verdict:
Brendan Fraser is goofy as ever but still manages to pull off the action sequences. Josh Hutcherson who plays Fraser's nephew is a good sidekick and Anita Briem tackles her roll with gusto. Her character, Hannah, is refreshing as she takes control of situations and saves the day a couple of times. The movie is short at an hour and a half but that may be for the best; as the say goes, “sometimes less is more!”.
I give this film a solid 3 1/2 stars out of 5.
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
Back in 2003, we were treated to a bizarre version of Marvel Comics’ big green superhero; the Incredible Hulk, complete with strange screen images that seemed like they should’ve been in a art show more than an action movie. So basically the general public and critics alike panned that movie and everyone figured that the Hulk’s future wasn’t so green after all. So imagine my surprise when I heard the studios were rebooting the HULK and that Marvel would have more input into this new better version.
The Verdict:
Well, that would seemingly be a good thing, right? Well as it turns out, the new 2008 HULK is better than the 2003 Hulk but not by much. Edward Norton is good as our hero who becomes a raging monster but honestly I can only take so much brooding and self-hatred before I too start to wonder if maybe I should hate the character also. Norton is definitely a brooder and maybe he took it too seriously in the film. There are other problems as well. Liv Tyler, who was so wonderful in THE STRANGERS, turns in a lackluster performance here. She just whimpers and whines through the whole movie. Then, there’s the first hour of the movie which is mostly Mr. Banner on the run...forever!
I saw that kind of foot chase in all 3 BOURNE movies and it was better in those. So to sum it up; this new Incredible Hulk is really just another SO-SO HULK. I give it a 3 which is a half of star better than I gave the original Hulk (2 ½ stars). If you want my opinion, go see Iron Man again; it was much better.
I will see you later for more honest reviews by yours truly.
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
The Bucket List starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson is an odd, but winning, combination of acting styles and a virtual rollercoaster of emotion; this movie has it all. You’ll laugh out loud at the two stars as they get to know each other and explore life as seen through the eyes of a couple of cancer stricken men. That’s right there’s drama in this movie also. The pair meet in a hospital room as they both suffer from cancer, but this film explores so much more than just the sadness.
The Verdict:
The two stars’ characters decide to start a list of things they want to do before their time comes so the two men set off together to do just that. There are bumps along the way but the guys hang tough and really get to know each other and see what life is all about. Both actors turn in stellar performances as does Sean Hayes of Will & Grace as Nicholson’s assistant.
It’s a very funny and very touching movie that I recommend for everyone with a heart.
I am giving this movie 4 out of 5 stars.
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
The bottom line is that it is what it is--a fun action-packed adventure. And it is definitely action-packed. At times, some of that action seems a little hokey but honestly it is a Steven Spielberg and George Lucas collaboration so one can expect things to be over-the-top. Regardless, Harrison ford is as likeable as ever as Dr. Jones. Co-star Cate Blanchett is a riot as the villainess of the film. Reprising her role, Karen Allen, puts on a flawless performance as well as John Hurt who shines in this picture. Even Shia Labeouf is not a nuisance in his part as a greaser kid.
In fact, despite the producers of the film mirroring him as an Indy-like of Harrison Ford’s character, I enjoyed his performance. I would also like to point out that although there’s a ton of CGI used through out the picture it is handled well most of the time; so do not let that put you of from enjoying the film. The story is good and interesting and everything comes together.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a great summer movie that will fit nicely in with the rest of the series. The only real disappointment I had with the film was that it seemed to be over too quickly. I did not want it to end and that’s a good thing.
Final thought from me is this: “If you haven’t seen the movie, what are you waiting for?”
I give this movie 4 1/2 stars out of 5.
Reviewed by Todd Withrow, Senior Entertainment & Political Columnist
For all the people out there who enjoyed the comedy Knocked Up, there’s a new movie out called Forgetting Sarah Marshall. In fact, some of the same people are responsible for both romantic flicks. Just don’t go into Forgetting Sarah expecting to be Knocked out of your seat with laughter. It is funny at times but it’s not overtly so, more of a sneaky humor that becomes more bold and laughable as the film goes on.
The cast is likable enough which stars Jason Segel of HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER and Mila Kunis of THAT 70s SHOW. There’s definitely chemistry between those two and you root for them to get together immediately. Kristen Bell as Sarah Marshall plays the cheating girlfriend and she has a few funny moments but seems mostly there to further the story along. Russell Brand plays a Rock-star that Kristen is involved with and honestly he is basically a rip-ff of Johnny Depps' CAPTAIN JACK from the PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN mega blockbusters but even so he made me laugh. I would’ve liked this movie more if it had been more solid from the start but I would still recommend it.
