Abduction- aka: The Taylor Lautner fan club meeting will now come to order...

Dear Readers,

                  Ever eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Of course you have.  You know exactly what it tastes like, you know what to expect.  There are no surprises.  Abduction, an action/suspense film does exactly we all expect it to do.  No big surprises.   Basically, it's a vehicle for Twilight teen heart throb Taylor Lautner.  He smiles and pouts and karate kicks his way into our hearts.  Hell, if I were 14 I'd probably be taping his pictures on my bedroom wall right about now... but I digress...
                
                 With an impressive supporting cast that includes Alfred Molina, Sigorney Weaver, and Dermot Mulroney, Abduction had the potential to be a much better film.  Sadly, these great actors had very little screen time.  That camera stayed focused on Taylor Lautner for dear life! How else will the movie studios cash in on all the "Twilight" fans?  

                 Despite the predictability and flaws- I actually did enjoy this film for one reason- the audience.  There were a group of young teenage girls sitting right behind us, not to mention all the moms and teens scattered throughout the theatre.  These girls were all there for one thing- Taylor Lautner.  The fact that a movie with a plot and dialogue was secondary. Normally, I'm the first person to whip my head in the direction of a chatty offender and shoot them my polite but stern "please be quite" look.  In this case, I just looked at my movie companion and rolled my eyes.  He, in turn, leaned into me and whispered "They're just little girls."  We both chuckled.   Ah, to be young again! When the mere sight of a handsome young actor or musician would be enough to send you swooning.  I found it all so entertaining.  During one scene, Lautner removes his shirt- suddenly there is collective gasp in the theater- all these girls had to catch their breath at the same time!   One young lady exclaimed in an excited whisper "Oh my GOD! I hope he keeps his shirt off!"   During another scene, Lautner was kissing his costar Lilly Collins.  It grew from an innocent kiss to a heated make out session.  One mom exclaimed "They better keep it PG!"  Hilarious. Poor mom, trying to keep these girls from viewing sexually charged images.
Too late mom. 

       That said, if you must see this film, do it in the presence of teenage girls.  You'll definitely be entertained.  

                      
 

Drive VS Taxi Driver

Dear Readers,

          Earlier this week I had an interesting experience watching Drive- starring Ryan Gosling.
As my movie companion and I arrived at the theatre late- we had no choice but to sit in the second row of the movie theatre.  Oye.  We could almost touch the screen.  I almost couldn't enjoy my popcorn!  (I said almost)  Tip: if you find yourself in this uncomfortable seating- try to sit in the far right or far left of the row.  If you sit in the center you will be forced to creak your head back and forth as if you're watching a crazed tennis match. 

          As for the film itself-- I must say I really wanted to like Drive.  The premise interested me and it did have a promising beginning.  Strong and silent Gosling is a stunt driver for the movies by day- and by night he works as a driver for an illegal heists.  Throw in a little romance and scary mob bosses and you've got something for everyone- right? Wrong.  The script just wasn't there...

         Let's start with the romance- Gosling and Carey Mulligan are neighbors who meet- exchanged hellos- then they have several scenes where they awkwardly smile and stare at each other for what feels like an eternity.  No doubt these two have chemistry, but I like to hear actual dialogue between characters.  The initial silence was intriguing- but after a while- it gets dull.  The Italians call it "Pasta Sensa Salsa."  Perhaps this film was made during one of the many writer's strikes and they just didn't get around to writing dialogue?  Guess we'll never know. 

          Secondly, I wanted a back story for Gosling's character- he goes from strong and silent to and violent and crazy in the blink of an eye.  No build-up at all.  During the first bloody scene, an audience member shouted "Well that came out of nowhere!"  I couldn't agree more.  There was no real indication that this man was a loose cannon.    
           
          Then there was an interesting casting choice with Albert Brooks- the man who has spent a life-time in comedic roles is cast as a scary mob boss. Really? I guess Jerry Seinfeld wasn't available?  No disrespect to Mr Brooks- he's a legend.   I admire the fact that he wanted to play a role that is outside his norm- but it was just hard to embrace this snugly funny man as a violent character. 

      As an aside- I was genuinely happy to see that Christina Hendricks was cast in this movie- if only she had a bigger part.  I love her work on Mad Men and I think she's gorgeous curvaceous woman who does not subscribe to the Hollywood pressures of dieting to the point of becoming a walking skeleton.  She's my hero!   But I digress...

   
         I could see how some would find this film entertaining.  There were plenty of fast car chases and gorgeous women who don't utter a word- I can see how this movie could appeal to a man's baser instincts.    There was one scene in particular that was so unbelievably sexist that I was dumbfounded.  (Slight spoiler alert)   Out of nowhere, a fight ensues in the dressing room of a strip club.  The naked ladies don't scream and run at this bloody display- they sit calmly and observe this fight- not even one eyebrow goes up.  Mind you, the ladies weren't forced to stay- or held at gunpoint.  They just sit there and calmly watch this violent fight- completely naked and cool as cucumbers.  Nobody even grabs a towel.  Really?  Don't get me wrong- I have no problem with nudity in films- but this was simply gratuitous and nowhere based in reality. 

      Half way through the movie- I couldn't help but think of the iconic 1976 film Taxi Driver. 
I know all the Scorsese and DeNiro fans are gasping right now- but stay with me...
Both Drive and Taxi Driver have leading men who are silent and brooding.  Both of these characters have awkward relationships and are prone to violent outbursts. Both drive for a living.  Whether or not this was the intention- Drive is clearly a nod to Taxi Driver.  Even the wardrobe, editing, and styling of Drive has a 70's inspired look.   

        But the immense difference is this.  Once you see Taxi Driver- it will be etched in your memory forever.   Taxi Driver has an amazing screenplay with rich multi-dimensional characters.  Superb acting and direction make this the film that has inspired countless aspiring film makers and actors.  Even people who have never seen the film knows the iconic line "Are you talking to ME?"  Taxi Driver is more than a film, it's part of American history and culture.  If you have never seen this film- do yourself a favor and rent it today. I promise it will rock your world.  

           As for Drive, there were some interesting moments and the film has a cool retro vibe.  Some will find it entertaining.  And hey- I got to stare at Ryan Gosling for two hours- how bad can that be, right? 
See you next time! 

  

The Best and the Brightest

Dear Readers,

        As there is very little quality programing on television these days, I am a frequent DVD renter.
And conveniently, we have the "Red Box" DVD vending machines in just about every supermarket in the NJ/NY area.  For just $1, you can take home the movie of your choice.   As I see most of the popular blockbusters on the big screen, this gives me an opportunity to view lesser known independent films, or films that just flew under my radar... which brings us to today's blog...

        The Best and the Brightest:  Strong actors, but the storyline/plot left me a bit confused.  Wife pressures husband to move from Delaware to NYC.  She "wants a second shot at her dream."  We never get to find out  what that dream is.  Did she once upon a time want to be an actor? dancer? writer?  We never know.
All we know is that she's convinced that her dreams will eventually come true if she uproots her family to NYC and gets her daughter enrolled in an elitist ivy league school.   But as their humble Delaware background isn't quite impressive enough to wow any of the admission boards- they hire an admissions coach to help them get a leg up on the competition.  Amy Sedaris was very charming and funny as the coach- her comedic acting is always a treat.  In one scene the wife tells the coach that she once again "wants one last shot at her dream" and that she "kind of settled" for her husband- who's a mild-mannered computer programmer expertly played by Neil Patrick Harris.  It was clearly the intent for you to root for the wife and somehow feel sorry for her- I just found her character to be so whiny and unlikeable.  You've got a great husband who loves you and a beautiful child- but you're life isn't exciting enough.  Poor you.   And you are living in a basement apartment so where are you going to come up with the tuition money?  Rather than the wife work on herself and her work- she insists that the key to future happiness is to get the child in an elitist private school.  Her poor little girl is gonna need some serious therapy when she grows up.  Perhaps the husband should file for divorce and marry me!  Sorry, my little Neil Patrick Harris fantasy...

    Just when I ready to turn off the DVD player- the sub plot is revealed....
The coach convinces the husband to lie and say that he is a poet with a book about to be published.
But since the husband hasn't written a poem since high school, he must scramble to come up with some creative prose, but simply can't.    Then we meet the husband's friend Clark, played by Peter Serafinowicz, a sex-crazed slacker who spends most of his time playing video games and living in his rich father's brownstone.  For entertainment, he frequents sex clubs.  In a very sit-com style, Clark's x-rated text message are suddenly passed off as the husband's poetry.  A bit low-brow, but funny none-the-less.  The fun begins- The refined head mistress of the elite private school calls the work "Brilliant!" and "Extraordinary!"  Book clubs are formed, and the NY Elite world and the underground sex world collide.  I enjoyed this part of the film and loved how it poked fun at the private school system and the NY elite culture.  Although, I must admit that this sub-plot was a bit too much of a diversion from the beginning story line.  It lacked continuity.  Then again, I really didn't mind the story being moved away from the unlikable wife and her narcissistic expectations. 

Essentially, the film was choppy. So the chopped salad I ate right afterwards was fitting.  (groan!)
During this confusing film, I did squeeze out a chuckle or two, so I guess you could say my $1 was well spent.  

See you next time!

Contagion- I was on the edge of my seat- who can remember what I ate?!

Dear Readers,

      It's been a while since I can honestly say I watched a film that completely captured my attention...
A film that hooked me into the story with interesting characters, strong acting, and superb editing...
Contagion fits the bill.  It is set in present day- a new virus is sweeping the world and taking thousands of lives.
The symptoms come on fast, and the victims die very quickly.  There is no vaccine or cure.
As the government and pharmaceutical industries scramble to find a solution- chaos ensues.
Looting, theft, and crime, are at an all-time high.  We see how the in the face of life-threatening situations, human beings can either rise to the occasion and show the best of their humanity- or the absolute worst. 

     Matt Damon does a superb job as a newly-widowed man who is trying to protect his teenage daughter. 
Not since Good Will Hunting has Matt Damon impressed me this much.  Jude Law does a fantastic job as a popular blogger speaking out against the Government.  He has millions of followers and isn't afraid to make his mark on society.  He was complex and compelling.  Jude Law is always an interesting actor to watch- he makes interesting choices. There was not one "week link" in the ensemble of characters- from Gwyneth Paltrow to Kate Winslet to Elliot Gould.  I was enthralled from beginning to end.

   I watched the film at Hoboken's Clearview Cinema.  I was accompanied by two friends who enjoyed the film just as much as I did... I think I we ate popcorn and soda- but I honestly don't remember because I was so engrossed in the film I barely paid attention to the snacks. (I'm an Italian who loves food- so that's saying alot!) 

    Now, I do talk to many people about the films I watch and it seems that not everyone agrees with me in regards to this film.  There are some nay-sayers who claim that the film doesn't have closure.  In fact, as we were leaving the theatre, I heard an audience member shout out "Merde!"  I guess you can't please everyone.  To a degree, I understand this kind of reaction.  If you are accustomed to watching Hollywood films-  you naturally want to see the bad guys get their retribution,  and you want to see the good guys ride off into the sunset.   This film does not provide this kind of closure.  In fact, you're not always sure who is the "bad" or "good" guy.   Like real life, not everyone gets their happy ending.  Unscrupulous people do sometimes go under the radar and get away with their crimes.  And good people are not always rewarded for their good deeds.  As they say, no good deed goes unpunished.   

     I personally loved this film and I highly recommend it.  It may not have the Hollywood Ending we are all used to, however it does illustrate the best and worst of humanity.  And who could ask for more than that?

No Strings Attached VS Friends With Benefits

Hello dear readers,

      I've come to the realization that I should be a little more discriminating as to what I chose to watch.
I'm referring to No Strings Attached- starring Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher
and Friends with Benefits- starring Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake.  I'm reviewing them together because essentially- the films are almost identical-  predictable as peanut butter and jelly.  Both star young attractive actors.  Both films have the same premise- Can platonic friends use each other for a sex-only relationship?  Answer: a resounding NO! Someone gets hurt- friendship ends- one person realizes they miss the other person and they want a real relationship. Everyone lives happily ever after- at least in the movies....
We all know that it doesn't happen this way in real life.  But this is Hollywood- so on a positive note- I will tell you what I did like about both of these films... Yes, with all the crap flying around- I did manage to find a few glimpses of enjoyment from both movies.

    If I were forced to chose better film of these two disasters, I would chose Friends with Benefits.  It's set in NYC- which always wins points for me because I love seeing my favorite city on film.  It gives more of a back-story on the two main characters.   Jenna Elfman, Patricia Clarkson, and Bryan Greenburg all do  fine jobs as dysfunctional/delusional family members so you have an understanding as to why these two people would prefer a sex-only relationship.  I also like that the film actually pokes fun at itself- there are several scenes where the two main characters are watching a "typical chick flick" on tv and they mock the believability of the romance.  Obvious joke- sure.  But I was charmed especially because Jason Segal makes a cameo in this "mock film" as the perfect bumbling man who professes his love as he and his lady ride off in a horse and carriage- awesome!
On top of it all- there is a definite chemistry between Timberlake and Kunis that is undeniable. 

    As for Friends with Benefits.  Oye.  Zero chemistry between the two actors.  Very little back story.
One of my favorite actors, Kevin Kline plays Ashton's father.  His talents were wasted on this lack-luster script.
Hardly any time was spent on Portman's back story.  You just are supposed to believe that she's this busy med student who is emotionally shut down and wants no part of a real relationship- it is Ashton who wants a commitment.  Really?  Um, okay.    And you are also supposed to believe that the very handsome Kutcher is pining for this girl who practically ignores him after a night of sex.   This doesn't mean the film was a complete waste of time.  Lake Bell does a fantastic job as a awkward/ attractive co-worker of Ashton's. She bumbles and fumbles and she would clearly do anything for him yet he barely looks in her direction- she was hilarious.  
The absolute funniest scene happens to be the scene that was shown in almost every commercial and preview for this film.  It was the "Period Mix" scene:  Natalie and her roommates all seem to be on the same menstrual cycle.
When Ashton rings her doorbell he's greeted with "Go AWAY!"  He charmingly replies "But I have CUPCAKES!"  The girls let him in.  In addition to the sweet treats- he ALSO gives Natalie a Mix CD that he made just for her... it has songs like "Sunday Bloody Sunday" "Even Flow"  "Red Red Wine" etc. 
As if we couldn't love Ashton Kutcher more.  I wonder if this is how he won over Demi Moore. I guess we'll never know...

I think I ate very sour gummy fish while watching both of these films- so you couldn't tell if I was pursing my lips because of the sour candy or the pursing my lips in judgement of watching ridiculously predictable scenarios. 

If you must watch one of these- films- go with Friends with Benefits- starring Kunis and Timberlake.  Gorgeous shots of NYC.   As for Friends with Benefits- you can always just watch the "Period Mix" scene on YouTube.  It's good for a chuckle. 

Our Idiot Brother / Boardwalk Empire/ Margaritas & Tacos

Dear Readers, 

I didn't plan to see a movie Saturday afternoon. 

My mission on Saturday was to see/ride vintage subway cars from the 1920's... (the prohibition era was such a stylish period for our country- so sleek!)  Right now, in NYC- there is a unique promotional event to introduce the new season of the HBO drama- Boardwalk Empire.   Supposedly, there are restored subway cars actually running on the 2/3 line between 42nd st and 72nd St in Manhattan.  I say "supposedly" because I waited about an hour in the Times Square station and I saw nothing but the modern trains... Rather than just having the vintage trains planted in Coney Island- you actually have to wait around on a subway platform in the hopes that one of these gems passes by.   After waiting about an hour, I felt bored and restless.   Defeated- I wondered into the closest movie theatre and decided to watch whatever was playing at that exact time.... and that would be....

Our Idiot Brother... Not the most promising title for a movie- but I figured it can't be too bad since  it stars Paul Rudd- who I've had a mad crush on ever since I saw him in "Clueless" 20 years ago...  Oh yes, I'm dating myself now.   As an only child *sniff* I would often fantasize what it would be like to have a brother.  And one could do worse than Ned- Pot smoking, tree hugging, all around nice, guy that you just want to hug.  No doubt, he is a slacker with a heart of gold and a naivete that is endearing.  But you begin to realize that the true "idiots" in this family are his three sisters- wonderfully played by Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, and Emily Mortimer. 
While the ladies seem to have their lives together- they are not facing the harsh realities of their lives and they are avoiding obvious truths...  Ned's honesty and integrity has a way of jolting the whole family into reality. 
Good supporting cast- interesting dialogue that truly flows- interesting conflicts-  but at the end of the day- this is big budget production so everything ties together in the end.  If only all families could resolve their differences in 2 hours. 

After the film, I went to Patron- a new Mexican restaurant in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan.
I enjoyed margaritas and steak tacos while I shamelessly flirted with the bartender.  Not bad for a Saturday afternoon...   But I and determined to see those vintage trains!  I'll try next weekend...