MACHETE rekalled...

MACHETE is director Robert Rodriguez's homage to the exploitation genre expanded from a trailer originally created for his other homage to the grindhouse genre, Planet Terror. This film does not succeed in being as entertaining as his previous effort. In the opening minutes of the film we see the main character; Machete being played by Danny Trejo, doing what we would expect from a bad ass that we saw from the trailer and I thought I was in for a great ride. Too bad the film peaked in those opening moments, after that we get a increasingly less entertaining movie from scene to scene. Maybe he had a problem of being painted into a corner feeling like had to have every scene from the fake trailer in the real movie and some of these made no sense and destroyed the flow of the film. Generally the scenes from the fake trailer were more interesting that everything else and the "used film" look was not consistent which seemed to be a theme. It was pretty jarring to see the actual height of Danny Trejo in establishing shots, he even appeared uncomfortable in some scenes, he just felt under used and I think they could have had him do more, show more emotion. The one stand out of the film was the performance of Jeff Fahey, he is the perfect actor for this style of film. I would love to see him in more, he stands out in anything he does. Other than that this film is forgettable, it would be better just to see Planet Terror again.

PIRANHA 3D rekalled...

PIRANHA 3D is a remake of the classic B horror of the same name and I am not sure if it fails, meets, exceeds or the original since I have never seen it but this film doesn't make me want to run out and see the original. I knew what I was getting into when I went to see this film and I had my low expectations met. With a cast that had many comedians and interesting actors the film was rather flat and unentertaining, a lot of talent wasted. With actors like Elizabeth Shoe, Adam Scott, and Christopher Lloyd you would expects laughs and compelling characters but the film decided to focus on a couple of teens without charisma or charm. That is my biggest complaint, a misdirected focus. The second biggest problem was for a "3D" film; it was terrible. The 3D effects merely looked like a series of card board cut outs in from of another. In the opening moments Richard Dreyfus appears to have a disembodied head and a separate shoulder on different flat plains. And after a while the 3D either faded away or they gave up on it. 3D is not a future I await in anticipation, I would rather watch in 2D. Not that it would have helped this film, character was what this film was weakest in.

THE COVE rekalled...

The Cove is a documentary about the secret of a Japanese town and the lengths it goes to cover up and protect this secret. Advertised as a real world environment spy thriller, the film comes up a little short. Being a documentary of an ongoing problem the film has an unsatisfactory ending but that probably half the point, to get more people motivated to join the cause. Extremely interesting and informative the film succeeds in educating and garnering sympathy for the cause but for entertainment value I was left wanting more or a more satisfying conclusion. I think it is an important film to see but the advertising may be a little misleading, although tense in moments it isn't complete.

Scott Pilgrim Vs The World rekalled...

Scott Pilgrim vs The World is a comic book based film staring Michael Cera and directed by Edgar Wright that is heavily influenced by many facets of nerd culture. That being said I think it was a great film that should be accessible to almost anyone. The most obvious and frequent reference is video games with the styling and bases of the film and indy rock music a close second. I can not express how creative and fun this film was, a really enjoyable ride from beginning to end. The pacing of the film is go go go without feeling rush, there are no wasted moments or drawn out scenes for the most part. The characters in the film are unique and entertaining. It is hard to categorize this film; a little bit romantic comedy, an action movie with the best action scenes this year, or nerd homage. It isn't one of these, it is all of these. Edgar Wright's direction really struck me here, so many things I have not seen in a movie that worked so well. This film should have been a disaster, it had no right turning out this good. Maybe best film of the year so far.

The Other Guys rekalled...

The Other Guys is a new Will Ferrell and Adam McKay comedy in the vein of the other pseudo improv comedies of Step Brothers or Anchorman but not nearly as good. While Will Farrell was decent in the film there were no out loud laughs. Will Farrell's costar in the film; Mark Wahlberg was not funny in the least bit and he was not a good match for Ferrell's comedic stylings. Wahlberg was funnier in the Happening, unintentionally. The story was convoluted and the direction was poor. This was the odd film that I had a nice time at but realized wasn't vary good and I grew to dislike the film after seeing the film. Watching Anchorman or Step Brothers again would be a wiser decision than viewing this film for the first time.

Micmacs rekalled...

MICMACS is a french film from the famed director of Amelie, City of Lost Children and Delicatessen; Jean-Pierre Jeunet and this film is more of the same, which is not a bad thing. His films are filled with a whimsy that doesn't feel forced and is deeply textured and almost like a live action cartoon and this is no exception. A story that I really couldn't describe the plot to since it meanders and touches into many areas but feels right. A great film to feel a different point of view and style from many of the U.S. films that are pumped out ad nauseam. If you are looking for something a little different with a good heart this is it.

Dinner for Schmucks rekalled...

DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS is the newest staring vehicle for Steve Carell and makes me wish he would keep his day job. If you don't know Steve Carell is the star of NBC's the Office and is leaving the show after this season to focus on his film career which will pale in comparison if this is any sign of what he will produce in the future. His performance is not to blame at all, I laughed quite a bit at this film mostly due to Carell, the story was a major weakness in my opinion. This is an odd film for me, I did find parts humorous but in between those moments I just though what a dumb movie this was. It seems most of the comedic scenes were rushed or hurried just so they could get to the awkward humor that Steve Carell has perfected on the Office. Paul Rudd's talents were wasted here, he has comedic chops of his own and was regulated to the straight man trapped in a spiraling story of improbable coincidences and forced encounters. With all the talent tied to this film I expected much more, lower your expectations and this could be enjoyed. I know the audience I saw it with enjoyed it quite a bit so maybe I am in the minority here. Again.