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 | Declarations of High School Love Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.
Teen comedies about a nerd lusting after the popular girl/guy are nothing new. John Hughes solidified the genre in the 80s and, in recent years, Judd Apatow adapted the stories for an older generation. So with an easily guessable plot and character arch, where does that leave [b]I Love You, Beth Cooper[/b]? While it’s far from a masterpiece of the genre, it’s a welcome, original addition that is sure to be a late night TV staple in years to come.More |  | Gangsters Used to Be So Loveable Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
[b]Public Enemies[/b] is one of those rare summer flicks that can satisfy the audience’s need for cheap action and thrills while also delivering a quality film. Michael Mann ([b]Collateral[/b], [b]Heat[/b]) crafts a depression-era gangster film that is original in its presentation and offers a top-tier cast.More |  | Unrequited, Victorian Love Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.
[b]Chéri[/b] is successful not necessarily in its execution or storytelling, but in the actors that adorn the screen. Stephen Frear’s ([b]High Fidelity[/b], [b]The Queen[/b]) latest is definitely not the defining film of his career, but he does flex his muscles as a filmmaker and illustrates his abilities to draw out astounding performances from his actors. The film, which was adapted for the screen by Christopher Hampton ([b]Atonement[/b]) from a Colette novel, meanders through the story of an unrequited May-December love affair during the beautiful Paris of the 1920s.More |  | You’ll See Double Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
[b]Moon[/b] is the astounding one-man tour de force of Sam Rockwell ([b]Choke[/b], [b]Confessions of a Dangerous Mind[/b]). Written specifically for the actor by newcomer Duncan Jones (son of David Bowie), [b]Moon[/b] is a sci-fi flick that recalls the original [b]Alien[/b] more than it does contemporary films in the genre. Made on a shoestring budget of only $5 million, it boasts incredible visual effects but is, at its core, a very moving character study. The film is a much needed entry to the sci-fi canon to illustrate that the genre wasn’t, and isn’t, always about big budgets and explosions.More |  | Another Predictable Rom Com Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars.
While [b]The Proposal[/b] has genuine moments of humor and heart, it is ultimately just another rehash of the same old romantic comedy story. The only reason the film doesn’t fall completely flat is due to the casting of Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds (give that Casting Director a cake!). Reynolds, who has unfairly been caught up in the rom-com genre for years, has a natural talent for humor, as does Bullock, and the two are able to give the film just enough lift to actually survive a viewing.More |  | No Imagination Can Save This Rating: 1 out of 5 stars.
Even as a film aimed at kids, [b]Imagine That[/b] lacks any semblance of creative thought. It’s bland, unfunny and, ironically, pretty unimaginative. It’s a children’s movie that centers on adult action and includes incredibly offensive jokes about Native Americans. To the chagrin of many of his fans, Eddie Murphy has settled into a career of mediocre family flicks with the [b]Shrek[/b] franchise being the only exception (depending on your opinion). Yet, with all the lows Eddie Murphy has managed to hit in the last decade, this is by far the lowest.More |  | Bringing Together a Community Frameline returns with its 33rd San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival. This year finds 210 films from 20 countries promoting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community and is being screened over 11 days from June 18-28. However, Frameline33 offers much more than just a portal into the LGBT and exhibits nothing less than an exquisite display of masterful filmmaking. This year offers and incredible array of features and documentaries that beautifully illuminate the LGBT community through film. The longest running film festival to the LGBT community, this year’s theme is [i]The Power of Film[/i].More |  | Should Have Stayed Lost Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
There are only two reasons to see [b]Land of the Lost[/b]: Will Ferrell and Danny McBride. This isn’t a shining moment in either’s career, but they are both inherently funny and manage to lift up an otherwise disastrous film into watchable territory. The blame on this one doesn’t fall with its stars but rather director Brad Silberling who concocts a story of perpetual plot conveniences devoid of almost any character development. The only conclusion is that all those involved wanted to have fun making a multi-million dollar film while caring less about how it turned out.More |  | Pixar Triumphs Again Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
If there’s one thing to bet on in Hollywood, it’s Pixar. They are, without a doubt, the most consistent filmmakers out there. While everyone has their preference as to their favorite Pixar film, [b]Up[/b] is just another home run in the greatest winning streak since the days of classic Disney animated films.More |  | Have You Been Conned? Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
Rian Johnson achieved cult status with his low-budget take on classic, straightforward film noir in [b]Brick[/b]. Not only did it have a great story but it was also set in a contemporary high school, the last place you’d expect to have a high stakes detective story. So as with any blooming writer/director, the bar is set high for his follow up effort. Fortunately for Johnson, and fans of [b]Brick[/b], he proves that even with a Hollywood budget he can still deliver one hell of a film.More |
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