Dustin Putman's Movie Reviews |
Opening This Week: Black Death "Black Death" carries authentic aesthetics, a dread-drenched tone, and provocative food-for-thought ideas involving religious hysteria that prove timely even in the 21st-century. The horrors within the story deriving from the brutality and ruthlessness of human nature and the danger that comes with extreme belief systems. Cedar Rapids More independent in nature, if not out-and-out unconventional, the film is firmly rooted on solid tonal ground. "Cedar Rapids" isn't hard-hitting, but it is wise in its own dippy way, and in Ed Helms' Tim Lippe is a protagonist written with uncommon affection. It's in the portrayal of his unforgettable week of living a little that makes the whole journey worthwhile. The Eagle A fascinating film might have very easily been made about these events, but this is not it. The film is a handsome production. Empty though it turns out to be, it does looks good. Movies like this one are a dime a dozen unless the makers bring something a little extra or unusual to the table. When they don't, they end up as ho-hum as "The Eagle." Gnomeo & Juliet A pleasingly clever romp that turns William Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet" on its head. Adults will be consistently amused by all of the references and in-jokes to the Bard's famed works, while children will learn a little about the original play as they get swept up in the likable characters and fast-paced, heartfelt story. Just Go with It So amusing and often laugh-out-loud funny are the proceedings that there isn't much time to nitpick the narrative's stretches in logic and plausibility. "Just Go with It" isn't always without faults but as a romantic comedy that works as both rom and com, it's a pleasant entertainment with, finally, a nice heart. |
© 2011 Dustin Putman |
Friday, February 11, 2011
in case you are heading to the movies this weekend...
