Based on the mediocre attendance Friday night at the Varsity Cinemas, it is dubious that The American will garner a significant share of the weekend’s box office receipts. This is unfortunate news because the film is likely one of the better films that is out there at the moment. It is not a top film – those will be released later in the fall – but it is wholly enjoyable. I have not seen The Expendables but I can imagine how that film might feature more explosions and more action with less substance. This is a slow-paced thriller that gradually …
Up in the Air
If Cary Grant had played Greg House, the result may have been Ryan Bingham, the protagonist of Jason Reitman’s new film Up in the Air. Short-changed by theatrical trailers, the film explores personal development and growth in the face adverse circumstances. Despite any uninspired first impressions you may have from the generic two minute trailer, the film merits another hour and forty minutes of your time. It is a witty comedic with a serious message. Hired by other companies who wish to terminate an employee but cannot handle the emotional and legal backlash, Bingham travels across the United States. He …
The Brothers Bloom
A tale of two films, The Brothers Bloom hits and misses. The caper, with a spirited soundtrack, clever twists, and absurd comedy at the right moments, is excellent. The love story, with an undue focus on Adrian Brody’s sad face, artificial dialogue, and poor performances, falls flat. The viewer is always guessing what will come next as two brothers, Bloom and his older sibling Stephen, attempt to con a clueless heiress. I enjoyed how the film followed up on details from earlier in the film and the comic timing. There are some unnecessary twists which seem to be a way …