Crazy, Stupid, Love.

I was surprised to find that I actually liked this film quite a bit. With August typically being a wasteland for intelligent movies, and the romantic comedy being a genre wasteland for intelligent writing, I went into this viewing with low expectations. 'Crazy, Stupid, Love.' however, is not the average schlock that the Ashton Kutcher's and Kate Hudson's of hollywood force on us year after year.

'Crazy, Stupid, Love.' has a great cast. Steve Carell is at the top of his game playing a divorced man trying to recreate himself. He shows more here than we have seen from him in the past and he can be very good in the more dramatic moments. Julianne Moore as the ex wife does a great job as always, but the breakthrough performances here come from the younger leads.

Ryan Gosling goes terrifically beyond cliches with his ultimate ladies man Jacob, who becomes a sort of mentor for Carell's Cal. Jacob breaks Cal free of his inhibitions and teaches him the way of the Lothario, but when Jacob meets Hannah played by Emma Stone, the roles are reversed and Cal must show Jacob the art of having a real relationship.

Emma Stone is terrific. She shows a great deal of depth, and manages to be cute, sexy, funny, and moving all at the same time.I wonder though, if anyone else has noticed that this is the second film in as many years for her that heavily references 'The Scarlett Letter' (the first being 'Easy A').

There are standout performances by the young Jonah Bobo as Cal's son Robbie and Analeigh Tipton as Jessica, his babysitter, for whom he has quite a case of puppy love. We are treated to some delightful cameos by the likes of Marisa Tomei, Beth Littleford, Kevin Bacon and even Josh Groban. I was even pleasantly surprised by the 'twist' in the end, but that's because honestly, I wasn't really looking for one.

So if you're in the mood for a well acted and smart romantic comedy, you don't have to wait until december. Skip the "No String's Attached's, and the Something Borrowed's, and see 'Crazy, Stupid, Love.'.

***

The Fighter

I really like The Fighter. However, I would appreciate if director David O. Russell would relinquish command over whatever remote control he has that turns Mark Wahlberg into an actor.

The Fighter is the true story of struggling boxer Micky Ward trying to overcome a series of losses. Added to this is the pressure of his overbearing mother Alice (Melissa Leo) and former boxer turned crackhead brother Dicky (Christian Bale) as his unlikely manager/trainer combination. While Micky's family seem only to care about living vicariously through him, Micky finds refuge with a lonely bartender named Charlene (Amy Adams) who wants only what's best for him.

Bale's Dicky Eklund is a local boxing legend whose claim to fame was knocking down Sugar Ray Leonard. Now he is addicted to crack, and relives his former glory through his younger brother, and a film crew that follows him around documenting Dicky's supposed comeback. Bale deservedly won the supporting actor oscar for this role. Watching the interview with the real Dicky during the credits show just why. His channeling of Eklund has him absolutely chewing the scenery in a very good way.

Melissa Leo, also in an oscar winning performance as Alice, is a classic stage mother. She wants nothing more than for Micky to succeed, but she is oblivious to Micky's feelings on the matter. Alice seems to see Micky as a way to regain the lost glory of the failed Dicky. Jack McGee, as Micky's father George Ward is the only one who seems to care what Micky wants, and has the job of keeping at bay Alice, and the gaggle Micky's sisters and half sisters, (who could easily star in their own spinoff horror film) who steal every scene they are in, and can even manage to draw your eye from the enigmatic Bale.

The whole cast of characters in this film is fully realized, and their struggles are relatable. When Micky starts to win fights, you will root for him. You will be angry when his career is put in jeopardy by the actions of the police, and you will be ecstatic when the final match between Ward and O'Neary comes to a climax.

The Fighter also has a great look. The boxing scenes are shot in digital to give that 'ESPN look', and some of the shots really put you into the action. The use of shaky cam, and a loud rock'n'roll soundtrack really gives the film a great feel. Moments between Micky and Charlene are softly lit, with slow sweeping camera work to provide us the relief that Micky feels with her, and of being away from the chaos of family. But it's the family moments that make this movie. In the end, Micky and Dicky needed each other. And they both wound up on top. It's about the strain of family and relationships, and how they have the power to hurt us, or heal us.

David O. Russell's finest film, The Fighter also has what could be the finest performances yet by Bale, Whalberg, Adams and Leo. It is a finely crafted, acted, and shot movie that was surely one of 2010's best.

****

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows pt.2

Let me start by saying that I haven't always enjoyed the Harry Potter franchise. Most of that has to do with my love for the source material, and my geekyness not able let go of parts that just didn't make the cut in the films. That being said, I think the sequels took a step down after the first two which I thought were quite good. From there on I think they lacked vision, until recently. Although the Halfblood Prince has many faults, I believe it took the series to the next level in terms of direction and vision. The Deathly Hallows pt. 1 for me seemed a bit too awkward, and had too many scenes of forced exposition, but the Deathly Hallows pt. 2 does not suffer from this. There is no point discussing plot because to talk about it at all would be to give away spoilers. If you haven't seen any of the Harry Potter films thus far, don't bother with this one. This is a film that has no introductions or pretense of playing catch up. From the opening scene of Deathly Hallows pt. 2 we are thrust into mid story, and the action and adventure is non stop. And there is much action and much adventure, and it is done quite well. Director David Yates knows how to pace a story.

One word of warning though. This franchise (in following with the books), has grown decidedly darker along the way. I would not recommend bringing very young children because there are some very violent and disturbing moments.

The cast of the series has always been its biggest blessing, and many of them are finally given things to do! Matthew Lewis's Neville Longbottom gets some deserved screen time. Allan Rickman as usual is playing Severus Snape so low key that he's almost comatose, but in a very moving flashback scene is finally given the chance to show us the depth of the character. Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort however, I have always had a problem with. I never thought he lookd scary, and I think his voice is laughable. People will disagree with me, and he has some good scenes in this outing, but I just can't take him seriously. Our trio of heroes played by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson have come into their own. They have shown a lot of growth as actors since we first laid eyes on them. The film has some fine conflicts, reveals, and resolutions. Choices are made, and consequences are dealt. Though of all the characters in the film, it is Rickmans Snape who shows himself to be a truly complex character and changes the way we must perceive him in subsequent viewings of the series.

My main problem in the Deathly Hallows pt. 2 are the small narrative inconsistencies. Because of the freedom that different directors have been allowed to bring to the production and design within their respective films in the series, it creates a lack of cohesion in the way the wizarding world operates. Spells we have seen before are performed differently, devices and creatures we have seen before now inexplicably look different.

However they look, they do look great. The visual effects in Deathly Hallows pt. 2 are undoubtably the best in the series. The CG is big and bad and in your face, and every moment of action is completely mesmerizing. The cursed fire in the room of requirement is the most visually stunning and exciting scene I have seen this year. The film also gives us one of the best looking and most believable dragons that I have seen to date.

I do recommend seeing it in 2D and not 3D. The film is too dark for the glasses and it ends up being a hinderance. Besides that, the effects are amazing anyway. You don't need the extra dimension.

So The Deathly Hallows pt.2 is a fun, and exciting, action packed feast for the eyes. As a story about the classic struggle of good versus evil, they did right in the end and crafted as good a series as we could have hoped for such a massive undertaking and such voluminous source material.

***

Rise Of The Planet OF The Apes

My inner ten year old awoke this morning giddy about the prospect of seeing man vs. apes. Several hours later my inner grown up is disappointed. I am disappointed that the run time wasn't longer. By far the best film of the summer, Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes is the kind of smart, fun, and exciting character piece that we just don't get enough of.

The films beginning focuses on Will Rodman, a scientist played by James Franco, fighting to cure Alzheimer's disease to save his ailing father Charles, played by John Lithgow, who gives the best of the human performances as a man losing the battle with Alzheimer's. Franco underplays his role, and seems barely present at times. Freida Pinto is gorgeous as always, here playing Francos love interest and fellow scientist Caroline Aranha, although she doesn't serve much purpose in the film.

The Rodmans end up in the charge of Caesar, a chimpanzee born of Will's gene therapy experiments, with radically enhanced intelligence. After several years of living as a human, and part of the Rodman family, Caesar is remanded to a Primate Sanctuary after attacking a neighbor that was threatening the elder Rodman.

Enter John Landon (Brian Cox), the man in charge of the facility where Caesar and other apes are kept and abused by his son and ape wrangler Dodge Landon (a nod to the original 1968 film, here played by Tom Felton). Cox here is wasted completely. It's not his fault, he's just given nothing to do! I do find it interesting that while Felton's Harry Potter co stars have been trying to preemptively break free of typecasting, Felton's first post Potter release has him basically playing the same role he's been playing for ten years. Minus the cool magic.

If the humans in film are a little underwhelming, it's forgiven, because the apes make up for it in spades. Credit must be given to the insanely talented people at WETA, and the always amazing Andy Serkis. While not all of the shots look photo real, when they hit the mark it's breathtaking. The range of emotion on display by Serkis' motion capture, and the intensely human expressions, make Caesar come alive. You can see and feel his pain. He becomes a point of introspection for the audience, in how we perceive living creatures. The realism of Caesar makes this film a character study on par with anything that has come out this year.

The last act is where the film picks up the pace and shows us the man vs. apes scenes that I have been holding my geek-breath for. It was worth the wait. Not at all done in an over the top fashion, nor done with excessive gimmicks or cliches, it is a thrilling and exciting climax. Caesar's development through the film gives the finale something that we rarely get enough of in summer action films...meaning and reason. There is a clear motivation for what we are seeing on screen. I promise, when you see it you will not be rooting for the humans. Caesar is a very real and sympathetic character whom we wish to see overcome the odds and to be free.

In the end I was left desperately wanting more. The film ends with a slight attempt to set up a sequel, but as forced as it seems I have to say, I want a sequel. ROTPOTA is the best film of the summer. A heartfelt character study as well as an action packed adventure that does what so few do; leaves your eyes wide and your mind open.

*** 1/2

Horrible Bosses

Horrible Bosses is the latest film in 2011's onslaught of rated R comedies. I suppose it is the logical next step in a series of seemingly normal people doing terrible things. Bridesmaids, The Hangover 2, Bad Teacher, and now a group of everyday men who set out to murder their employers. The premise seems to go even further beyond the pale than those mentioned. The problem is that in the end, it doesn't follow through, and Horrible Bosses ends up being by far

the tamest and most benign film in this summers set.

I usually love Jason Bateman, who can be so subtle that he's barely there. When paired with Jason Sudeikis, who to me seems like 'that guy who's like Ed Helms but less goofy', they create a void of action that Charlie Day must fill completely with simply being Charlie Day. There is also the question of whether or not Charlie Day is capable of playing anyone but Charlie Day. Anyone who has seen 'It's Always Sunny In Phillidelphia', knows exactly what to expect from him

The real stars of this movie have the smallest parts. The bosses; Dave Harken (Kevin Spacey), Dr. Julia Harris D.D.S. (Jennifer Aniston), and Bobby Pellit (Colin Farrell) really steal the show. Spacey is always fun to watch as a smug overbearing asshole, but it is Jennifer Aniston's foulmouthed/nymphomainac dentist, and Colin Farrell's drug abusing, bigoted and bald Pellit, who steal every scene they are in. Jamie Foxx's murder consultant 'Motherfucker Jones' is another short but sweet cameo that could have been milked more.

The plot to Horrible Bosses is nothing new, and unfolds in a very formulaic way. Three men hate their bosses, and ultimately decide to help kill each others bosses. Plans are discussed, hijinks ensue, and jokes are even made about the situations similarities to Hitchcock's 'Strangers on a Train', but this movie lacks the ferocity that audiences have become accustomed to this summer. The jokes aren't as gross as 'Bridesmaids', the dialog isn't as dirty as 'Bad Teacher' (with the exception of Aniston), and it isn't even as violent as the 'Hangover 2'. The film has some very funny moments and a charming cast, but it just doesn't stand out of the pack for me.

So Horrible Bosses doesn't quite live up the summer of adult comedy fare, but you could find worse ways to spend the afternoon.

** 1/2

Captain America: The First Avenger

I went into 'Captain America: The First Avenger' with somewhat mixed expectations. My inner fanboy wanted it to be great, but the summer had thus far disappointed, with a lackluster Green Lantern, and a thoroughly average Thor. As a geek, I was worried and anxious. Advanced reviews were coming in positive and Captain America looked positioned to be the comic book film to beat this year. And it is. Although the film is far from perfect, and I am still waiting for Marvel Studios to WOW us, as D.C. and Warner Brothers have in the past, 'Captain America: The First Avenger', is fun, well acted and well paced summer action fare.

As the film opens, we are introduced to the film's villain, one Johann Schmidt a.k.a. the Red Skull played by Hugo Weaving. Schmidt is a Nazi officer who is obsessed with becoming a god, and has his own plans for the Nazi party using his top secret and powerful 'Hydra' organization. I've read that Weaving decided to do an immitation of Werner Herzog for his accent in the film, but if you ask me he's channeling Willem Defoe.

Now we meet Steve Rogers, a man of physical weakness, but undeniable moral strength. We first see Rogers being rejected by the armed services, and getting bullied by just about everyone he comes into contact with. The effects team did a remarkable job of 'Benjamin Button-ing' Chris Evans down to a size that would put Christian Bale's 'Machinist' role to shame. We find that Steve will not be allowed entry into the army due to his medical history. Rogers wants nothing more than to fight for his country and is proud but saddened when 'Bucky' Barnes (Sebastian Stan) who is Rogers oldest friend, is successfully enlisted and shipped off, leaving Rogers to try enlisting in another city.

Enter Stanley "I can make a bad movie watchable" Tucci as the somewhat weather worn Dr. Abraham Erskine. Erskine overhears Rogers and recognizes the strength within him, so he gives Rogers the chance to join the army. Rogers is put into a special training program under the auspices of Colonel Chester Phillips played by Tommy Lee Jones, and Peggy Carter played by the lovely Haley Atwell. Jones here is his usual charming string of sarcasm and quick wit bringing much humor to the film, but this is really where we get to see Steve Rogers as the unwavering good guy that we know him to be. Where despite his physical stature, he proves that he is the right man for a top secret project.

Rogers is put through a sort of Frankenstein experiment being run by Erskine and Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper) who is the Father of Tony Stark from the Iron Man franchise, and played with a very sly eccentricity by Cooper. The end result of this is Rogers being turned into a tall, fast, super strong, Nazi killing machine.

Captain America suffers from what all Marvel films thus far have suffered (with the possible exception of Spider Man 2), and that is an extremely strong first act followed by a much weaker second act. Captain America's first act is a really solid character piece. There is a distinct lack of development for Steve Rogers, in that he is a solid moral compass for the viewer. He is not meant to change. The great development in this films first half, is the introduction of situations to allow Rogers to truly embrace who he is. The ultimate American. There are great moments of Rogers performing at the U.S.O. events selling war bonds that show us his frustration at not being in the fight, while also paying us geek homage to the origins of his classic costume. Chris Evans has intrigued me for a while. Having seen him mostly in comedies, I think he has great comedic chops. But ever since Danny Boyle's 'Sunshine', I have wanted to see more of him in serious work and to show his range. In Captain America, he does that. And he does it quite well. I think Evans will surprise a lot of people with his earnest, and believable performance.

When Cap finally does embrace himself and join the fight is where this movie kind of starts on the downslide for me. Rogers finds that his friend Bucky has ben captured along with most of the rest of his division, and decides to mount a rescue without permission from his superiors. We are introduced to the "Howlin' commandos" led by 'Dum-Dum' Dugan (an almost unrecognizable Neal McDonough) who are greatfull for the rescue, and ready to fight back.

Next we are shown a series of missions run by Captain America and the howlin' commandos in the form of a series of montages.The action sequences are over the top and wholly from the comic book mindset, complete with giant tanks and laser guns. It looks like a comic book, but at times it seems too campy and out of place with the first half of the film. By the time the climax rolls around, I felt like I was watching a different movie than I was an hour ago.

There is also a love interest hinted at but not developed between Rogers and Atwell's Peggy Carter. Their romantic connection seems a bit forced, and is I think a set up to further develop Rogers character in 'The Avengers', but most of her screentime seeems slightly wasted. I would have also liked to see more of Toby Jones as the Red Skull's henchman Dr. Zola. There is a wonderfully funy scene with Tommy Lee Jones' Colonel Phillips interrogating Toby Jones' Dr. Zola who just oozes creepy evil German.

The ending of the film is in the Marvel tradition of setting up for the next film, in this case 'The Avengers'. This also feels a bit out of place. Although it does set up some interesting story points for Steve Rogers in the next film.

All in al I believe that Captain America is the best of the summer batch of super heroes. Is it great? No. Is it better than Thor? I think so. Is it better than Iron Man? I'm not sure yet. It IS a very fun, entertaining, and well acted summer popcorn super hero fix!

***