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 Men Who Stare at Goats
The Men Who Stare at Goats is an idiotic film. Yet it is one of the most entertaining experiences that I have had at the movies in several months. There may be scenes that border upon absurdity – if not completely embracing the concept – but they suit the theme of the film. Also, is a story about a Psychic unit in the United States Army more absurd than what has actually happened in Iraq? Two U.S. Army contracts open fire on each other spontaneously, injuring a dozen Iraqis. Does this truly differ from how the war has unfolded? Massive collateral …
Burnt After Reading
Several individuals counseled me to avoid the Coen Brothers’ film Burn After Reading on account of poor reviews but I found that these opinions strengthened my resolve. After viewing the black comedy, I did not find myself to be disappointed, nor did the rest of the audience at the Varsity Cinemas. The film lacks the drama and tension of “No Country for Old Men” but provides numerous laughs, thanks to an absurd screenplay and ridiculous performances. Borrowing (or perhaps “adapting) shocking scenes from Pulp Fiction and Fargo, Burn After Reading is fairly violent. I found J.K. Simmons deadpan character to …