Tuesday Releases: Alex Cross, Flight, & Here Comes The Boom

{{February 5th 2013}}

HERE COMES THE BOOM // A film lacking a distinct genre, “Here Comes the Boom” tries to be a heartfelt comedy, but more-or-less comes off like a goofy ploy to get UFC into a widely released film. While Kevin James looks and acts the part, it is hard to get behind any character in the film due to the ridiculous nature of the plot; a teacher becomes a UFC fighter to raise money for his school’s art programs. Though the film does achieve several heart-warming moments, that doesn’t change the fact that the rest of the film is filled in with lame, half-cocked ideas that hardly belong on the big screen (i.e. grown men getting hit in the head with yoga balls, food fights in Vegas, and public vomiting).

CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER // Not only does “Celeste and Jesse Forever” launch two actors known for very specific performance types, it launches them in two much different fashions. Andy Samberg, known for his off-beat humor on SNL and unseen films like “Hot Rod”, takes a step towards the serious side, and it completely works. Rashida Jones, on the other hand, takes a step into the spotlight and proves that she can hang, both as an actress and as co-writer of the screenplay. The film itself is nothing new, but does develop in a way that makes you enjoy the characters, even the supporting ones. The humor is present, often in much needed moments of seriousness. Overall, the film evokes emotion in a real way, proving to satisfy both Indie audiences as well as those seeking mainstream romantic comedies.

FLIGHT // Denzel Washington delivers a heart-wrenching and spectacularly tortured performance as an alcoholic, yet extremely talented airplane pilot. With an intense opening act, involving an all-too-realistic plane crash, Zemeckis instantly grabs your attention and rarely lets go. “Flight” weaves a story so enthralling, one is never quite sure what will happen next, with expectations often toyed with, rocking back and forth from what you want to happen for the characters and what actually transpires. Don Cheadle and Bruce Greenwood offer up effective supporting performances, as does Kelly Reilly, who completely blows away, with an equally tormented performance, as a fellow addict and love interest. Though “Flight” is at times uneven, the overall appeal never fades and this becomes proof that Zemeckis should stick to live-action cinema.

New Releases

•     A Late Quartet  
•     Alex Cross 
•     Celeste and Jesse Forever 
•     Deadfall (2012) 
•     Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel
•     Flight 
•     Here Comes the Boom 
•     Little White Lies (Les petits mouchoirs) 
•     Side by Side (2012) 
•     The Coalition (2012)

Theatrical Releases: Argo, Sinister, & Here Comes The Boom

///// FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12th, 2012 \\\\\

Argo
As if we didn’t see this coming, Ben Affleck proves yet again that his work behind a camera far outshines anything he did prior to directing. Plus the roles he takes on in his own films have become some of his best work. “Argo” is no different. With strong performances from the ensemble cast and a strong tie to the real life story, this film builds suspense from a very dramatic standpoint. Although not where it could be emotionally, the plot still draws you in, and by intertwining filmed reenactments with actual recorded footage from these events, “Argo” takes ‘Based On A True Story’ to new heights.

(Four-and-a-Half Stars)

Verdict: THEATER

Trailer: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/wb/argo/

Here Comes The Boom
A film lacking a distinct genre, “Here Comes the Boom” tries to be a heartfelt comedy, but more-or-less comes off like a goofy ploy to get UFC into a widely released film. While Kevin James looks and acts the part, it is hard to get behind any character in the film due to the ridiculous nature of the plot; a teacher becomes a UFC fighter to raise money for his school’s art programs. Though the film does achieve several heart-warming moments, that doesn’t change the fact that the rest of the film is filled in with lame, half-cocked ideas that hardly belong on the big screen (i.e. grown men getting hit in the head with yoga balls, food fights in Vegas, and public vomiting).

(Three Stars)

Verdict: RENTAL

Trailer: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/herecomestheboom/

Seven Psychopaths
Delivering much more depth than originally anticipated, “Seven Psychopaths” is both self-aware and entirely humorous, all while remaining punchy and new. Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson produce high caliber performances as two of the psychopaths, easily keeping the crazy plot afloat, while Colin Farrell and Christopher Walken securely anchor the story down, both with solid, steadfast performances. McDonagh’s second director/screenwriter venture rarely skips a beat and even with the overabundance of gruesome violence, it still succeeds in coming out completely unique and memorable.

(Four Stars)

Verdict: THEATER

Trailer: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/independent/sevenpsychopaths/

Sinister
“Sinister” is the best horror film I’ve seen so far this year. With a complete understanding of what makes a horror film frightening and rarely taking the common, easy ways out, the film delivers the maximum amount of spooks while keeping your fear heightened through the entire film. Besides Ethan Hawke, the performances aren’t much, but in a horror film, I’m more apt to let that slide, as long as I am entertained to the same degree. The cinematography and score are both above par, with some experimental elements that pay-off. “Sinister” is not going to win any awards, but from a strictly subjective viewpoint, horror films in this day and age don’t get much better than this.

(Four-and-a-Half Stars)

Verdict: THEATER

Trailer: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/summit/sinister/

Smashed
I love small films. And even though Sony produced this film, it feels like an Indie. With Aaron Paul and Mary Elizabeth Winstead heading this film, as a married couple equally dependent on drugs and alcohol, I am completely invested. Mary Elizabeth Winstead is known as Ramona in “Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World” and the lead in the latest version of “The Thing”, but in “Smashed” she is a young woman attempting to get her life together, surrounded by people where sober is a foreign word. I wholeheartedly believe Ms. Winstead will pull this film off wonderfully.

Verdict: THEATER

Trailer: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/sony/smashed/