IN THE LAND OF WOMEN (2007)

TITLE
In the Land of Women

STARRING
Meg Ryan, Adam Brody, Kristen Stewart, Olympia Dukakis, Makenzie Vega, Elena Anaya

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Carter Webb (Brody) is the guy most of us, regardless of our professions, were/are in our twenties. Confused, maybe a little too hopeful for having been a full-fledged member of society for some five or so years, and definitely inclined to compromise from where we thought we would be at this age. Webb seeks to write a screenplay that he's been working on for ten years upon the painful break-up of a wistful short-lived relationship with a high profile beauty (Anaya). To do this, he travels across the country to Michigan to help his loveable, but terminal grandmother (Dukakis) find peace. On the otherside of the street, is a family of women (Ryan, Stewart and Vega) whose husband and patriarch is betraying all of them by romancing another woman. The genuine lack of male companionship creates an interesting triangle between Carter and the mother/daughter duo. His process of self-discovery is completed through his interactions with all of them, though his script may still be in limbo.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
Brilliant! Kudos to you Jon Kasdan. Every screenwriter should hedge their bets on a film like this which is not unique in any way, but is simply well written with interesting relateable, characters. The protagonist is one of the most genuine I've seen in any movie thus far this year and Brody plays the part perfectly. Understated and witty, he is a credit to the profession. Kasdan created a guy we all want to know and all want to hang with on the weekends. Stewart is coming into her own nicely, but it is Meg Ryan who does wonders with the relatively small, yet tricky role she's been given. Who knew she could be so dramatic without Billy Crystal at her side.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Yes, yes, I hope yes.

SPECIAL FEATURES
These were a let down, personally I just don't think special features are a good idea for this type of film.

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SHREK THE THIRD (2007)

TITLE
Shrek the Third

STARRING
Shrek, Fiona, Princesses, Princes, Gingy, Donkey, Puss in Boots, Three Pigs, Pinocchio, lots of villains

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Three isn't always the magic number. For Shrek and Fiona, the adventure as a married couple is well under way, but now conflict must be created: enter Prince Charming whose hopes of marrying the princess and living happily ever after are all but a gone. Seeking to regain his status and his kingdom, already in danger of being run by, oh God, ogres, Prince Charming sets off to recruit a host of fabled villains and overtake Far Far Away. Meanwhile Shrek, desperate to return home and get back to the business of being a stinky, ill-mannered orge, seeks out the only other heir to the throne Artie.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
I loved Shrek 2....it was great! Intelligent and fun, it was no traditional children's movie, but I almost didn't even see it after their first effort out. In the feature film world, there are few animated films which will draw me in, I gave Shrek that chance. It was forgettable, and I really could not understand why everything, cereal, cookies, plush toys, chicken nuggets, came in ogre and donkey shapes for the next year and a half. But what people believed Shrek did well, was exceeded by the second film. This third movie has me perplexed and maybe its because the characters feel a little tired. Initially, there were great characters who were new, with interplay that deceptive, both for children and adults without the being offensive. The writing in this third film is very safe and takes few chances. It's dull and predictable and at times without some whimsical element, or fiercely sweet motive.

No doubt, they will keep making these movies, but they better step up their game because I wouldn't even recommend this as a rental.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
The kids will love it, but this one offers little for adults and is far less clever than its predecessors. Perhaps too many of the writers and cast have become parents, or maybe adult humor weaseled into this brand of animated film is simply to well understood by those for whom it was not intended.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Yes.

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I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY (2007)

TITLE
I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry

STARRING
Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Jessica Biel, Dan Aykroyd, Ving Rhames

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
I would attempt to summarize the premise of this movie and add a view small insights into the things the box doesn't highlight, but you know what, that would just be a ridiculous waste of time. Its illogical and offensive, let's leave it at that.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
Oh please, this isn't even mediocre - further proof that Adam Sandler has lost it. Bad writing, some of the worst I've seen all year. there's a lot of protagonist/antagonist confusion and that leads you to believe it is an ensemble film, which it isn't. The film itself doesn't help people who aren't familiar with the gay community banish any stereotypes, or come alway with a lasting positive impression.

As far as Sandler comedies go, it's a real let down. We'd expect this of a much lesser caliber crowd, but as far as actors, director and writers go these guys aren't unknown. Comedies, especially R-rated have a much larger audience than ever before and the competition is likewise stiff. to make an impact, or at the least, be memorable, you must have a great story and solid character development - this film is weak on both.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Skip it, especially if they are a thinking person type of moviegoer.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Funnier than the movie.

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DAYWATCH (2006)

TITLE
Daywatch (Dnevnoy dozor)

STARRING
Konstantin Khabensky, Mariya Poroshina, Vladimir Menshov, Viktor Verzhbitsky, Galina Tyunina, Dmitry Martynov

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Following closely in timeline to where Nightwatch left off, Daywatch picks up with Anton (Khabensky) and the forces of light eagerly pursuing the enforcement of the treaty. As Svetlana (Poroshina) rises to status of a Great Other, like Yegor (Martynov), the forces of dark are seeking to frame Anton for violating the treaty, while attempting to obtain the Chalk of Fate. A battle for the life of Anton ensues between Svetlana and Yegor, which brings both Geser (Menshov) and Zavulon (Verzhbitsky) into the folds of the fight. At this moment, we realize the difficulty Anton faced in deciding to help Svetlana especape the clutches of Zavulon, while simeltaneously handing over his son to the dark others when he was not there to protect him. In a race against time, to undo the all the ensuing chaos, Anton must take the Chalk of Fate and summon its powers, impacting his decision to abort his wife's pregnancy thirteen years earlier.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
This is it. This is the big epic from Russia and its already been reported that Duskwatch, the third and final installment in the franchise, has now been changed to Twilightwatch and will be produced, in as far as possible by Hollywood. The edginess that we've come to expect in this fiercely foreign trilogy, will be all but gone. Later this year, a movie entitled Wanted will grace American theatres with a distinctly American cast, flare, and CGI, however it will have a very Russian director; in fact, it is a Timur Bekmambetov film, the same director of the Nightwatch Trilogy.

Nightwatch was a better film in many ways but it lacked the character development and special effects that Daywatch holds dear. Unfortunately, Daywatch so heavily relied on special effects that many scenes were not edited in full or part. Left in gratuitously, these scenes impacted the overall cohesiveness of the film. Still, many of the characters received good development, especially Anton, Svetlana, and Yegor. Others roles were expanded and several of the dark others, specifically the shape-shifters are pretty much absent from the second installment. CGI fans will be rewarded. Both Nightwatch and Daywatch represent the first attempt of Russia to make Hollywood-quality pictures and that certainly deserves a nod. Watch in order - no matter how hard Nightwatch is to find!

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Yes, absolutely, and if they don't you can just blame me or their bad taste.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Yes, but I only briefly checked them out, I am waiting to own them before I invest hours in watching special features.

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CAPTIVITY (2007)

TITLE
Captivity

STARRING
Elisha Cuthbert, Daniel Gillies, Pruitt Taylor Vince

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
This film asks what happens when you are separated from reality and shown an alternate reality upon which your acceptance of will determine your ability to survive.....naw I'm just kidding, this is a horror movie. The young successful model-actress Jennifer Tree (Cuthbert) heads off to a charity event that turns out to be a fight for her life as she battles a deranged captor (Vince) who tracks her every move, especially those that find her interacting with another seemingly frightened captee (Gillies).

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
I absolutely HATE the Saw movies. All of them, without exception, they are crap! You who watch them and enjoy them scare me and I would probably not invite you to my movie night. So, what does that have to do with Captivity? Like the rash of other ill-conceived horror movies out plaguing the genre (Hostel, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Saw, etc.) this movie attempts to gross you out and put bad ideas out there for the already freaky to capitalize on. I thought Cuthbert might be above this level of filmmaking having that foray into it several summers ago with House of Wax, which was oddly more enjoyable than this movie, though it receive a dismal box-office reception.

I don't think there is merit in putting films like this out there, they are on some level profitable which keeps a strong stockpile of these available in Hollywood studios.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
No, or yes, but probably no.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Can I just say yuck?

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PLANET TERROR (2007)

TITLE
Planet Terror

STARRING
Rose McGowan, Marley Shelton, Bruce Willis, Josh Brolin, Freddy Rodriguez

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
It's a zombie film hinging on the performance of Rose McGowan as a former go-go dancer turned renegade agent of warfare whose claim to relevance is a machine gun-leg, the result of a loss sustained by an attack from which her ex-boyfriend manages to salvage her life. Sounds good - but read on.....

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
No, boring, wouldn't rent it again, and any reader knows how much I love zombie films. If there is any genre of film I love more than a zombie film, let it step forward [silence...pause...no film jumps off the shelf and runs over].

I thought this movie was kids play. I'm way too savvy a viewer to appreciate stepping back in time with sub-par special effects and watch a movie that all but hinges on being able to both gross me out and impress me with its aura of ooze, blood, guts, and kabooms. Now, yes, I get that grindhouse films were bare bones, low-budget flicks; with a movie like Death Proof that's about the quality of acting, writing and chick bods, you can spare all the expense you want. Conversely, with a movie like this, you need the good stuff because you aren't making this movie in 1970, you are making it in 2007 and we cannot be expected to forget eveything we know about film quality. Perhaps I am just biased and think Robert Rodriguez should stick to the Spy Kids franchise.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Bah....well, possibly. I think you can apply the following rule: guys will enjoy Planet Terror more than gals. Ladies will appreciate Death Proof infinitely more than men.

SPECIAL FEATURES
As you might imagine - it's loaded, I'm told we should wait to purchase Grindhouse as a double disc set.

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A MIGHTY HEART (2007)

TITLE
A Mighty Heart

STARRING
Angelina Jolie, Dan Futterman, Archie Panjabi, Denis O'Hare, Irfan Khan, Will Patton

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Michael Winterbottom did us all a favor bringing this story to the big screen. Ripped from the headlines of 2002, our nation watched and mainly waited for details of a Daniel Pearl's ongoing trials as a hostage being imprisoned privately in Pakistan. Pearl, a Wall Street Journal Bureau Chief and journalist was covering the links between Al Qaeda and the terrorist attacks on 9/11 when he sought an interview from unsavory sources who tortured and eventually killed Pearl, allegedly because he was Jewish, but more than likely because of his coverage of the events and persons of interest involved. The movie however is based on the book written by wife and expectant mother Mariane Pearl whose ordeal is detailed visually and emotionally onscreen.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
Jolie does and amazing job as ever-hopeful wife, Mariane; even when doubt of Pearl's proof of life is evident. She's sometimes best in international roles, and quite frankly is captivating when either angst-ridden or unsettled as opposed to clever, sexy and God forbid, funny. This is also a well directed (meaning its not over the top) and well written (meaning there aren't these abnormal scene-stealing) departures to enhance a true story.

Viewers will be pleased that the normally insignificant moments in the Pearls' relationship are included to give perspective of what it must be like to be surrounded by so many unknowns when it comes to the person you love. Additionally, the staging of the story through narration are more than effective in transplanting the audience in world that is both foreign and overwhelming. I would rate this film in my Top Ten of 2007, thus far.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Hard to take at times; bets are that the performances will outweigh the magnitude of the story for most audiences.

SPECIAL FEATURES
The disc is average in this area, possibly because this is such a horrific series of events, on a personal level and just the cost of war to the rest of our country.

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SPIDER-MAN 3 (2007)

TITLE
Spider-Man 3

STARRING
Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Topher Grace, Thomas Haden Church, Bryce Dallas Howard, Rosemary Harris, James Cromwell, J. K. Simmons

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Aside from Mary Jane Watson (Dunst) being over-the-top annoying and some quality acting from James Franco as he reprises the role of Harry Osborn, this is just your average sequel in the series. It delivers serious action and interesting character transformations. Bryce Dallas Howard is nothing less than stunning in this, her first part in the series. Other firsts include that of Topher Grace as Venom and Thomas Haden Church as Sandman, they were less remarkable.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
So, people talk of Spider-Man 4 and I wonder why. The first movie was great and the second kept up momentum, but by the third you really have to anticipate some viewer attrition. I think the series could go on, but I'm rather dismayed that Mary Jane and Peter are having so much back and forth without giving us any chemistry (a possible byproduct of their break-up).

The series has never been bad in terms of writing, but this one is a tad dull and there are some leaps in plot that feel neither natural, nor necessary. Some critical decisions between whether to carry the action of the superhero and villains, or the average alter-ego characters were not made. These movies are great for international audiences whose countries have small film budgets, but sophisticated viewers who have all the CGI and good writing they can stand need more than a movie that looks and feels like it costs many millions of dollars. Using the litmus test of paying to watch this film again, I would probably choose against it.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Sure.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Loads.

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