Esteemed playwright McDonagh brings his wit to this screen by populating a beautiful Belgian sh*thole with rich cast suffused with simultaneous comedy and melancholy. Deeply philosophic dark comedy that follows the cast of Harry Potter through a Boschian nightmare. Highlights include brilliant political incorrectness and award-worthy performance by Bullseye’s eyebrows.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
In Bruges
Monday, December 6, 2010
Away We Go
Mendes’ attempt at indie feels like Wes Anderson turned Sideways. Krasinski and Rudolph evolve beyond TV comedy roots but drown in a sea of scrambled Eggers supporting characters. Overall an amusing but dissatisfying quasi-comedy that chokes itself with too much quirk. Gyllenhaal, Janney, and Gaffigan are uncharacteristically unimpressive. Indie music!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Wristcutters: A Love Story
Friday, December 3, 2010
Tropic Thunder
Stiller triumphantly directs brilliant send-up of movie-making process. Downey Jr. is black and Black is Farley, with Cruise and McConaughey delivering their first and best supporting roles. Plot necessitates some suspension of disbelief but makes doing so easy. Attacked, not for blackface, but for ‘retard’ discussion. They’re characters, you halfs!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Brilliant adaptation of classic kids’ story adds necessary complexity and character to make compelling movie. Stuffed with jokes for adults and kids alike and layered with reference to other genres. Beautifully prepared and seasoned with phenomenal use of 3-D effects. Features healthy helping of SNL topped with T for flavor.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Never Back Down
Not Shakespeare, but it certainly delivers what it promises. Djimon teaches pre-Tom Cruise that one day he too can be an angry slave, while Peters of Kick Ass films infinite ass-kicking. Gigandet and Heard play their roles with conviction and even the sneaky title in dialogue seems decently sincere. Sequel!