© 2012 Ray Wong
Hollywood seems to often finds an idea and then latches onto it. Recently there are two movies coming out, retelling Brothers Grimm's Snow White -- one of which is Mirror Mirror starring Julia Roberts.
We all know the story: The lonely, widowed King (Sean Bean) raises his beautiful daughter Snow White (Lily Collins), but something is still missing in his life, so he marries a beautiful, enchanting woman as his Queen (Julia Roberts). Little does he know that the Evil Queen is actually a sorceress. She uses her black magic to get rid of the King and claim the kingdom as her own.
Then Snow White grows up and becomes more beautiful than the Evil Queen herself. Jealous and insecure, the Queen keeps Snow White locked up in the castle under the watch of her loyal servant Brighton (Nathan Lane). Snow White, however, defies her. When she arrives at the destitute village, she realizes what a horrible thing the Queen has done to the people.
Meanwhile, the Evil Queen is determined to marry rich and handsome Prince Alcott (Arnie Hammer). But the Prince has his eyes set on Snow White, who asks him to help her people. Threatened by Snow White, the Queen orders Brighton to have Snow White killed. Brighton, however, tells Snow White to run for her life in the dark forest, where she meets seven dwarfs…
Once the most bankable actress, Julia Roberts' (Larry Crowne) star has dimmed considerably in recent years, and she's in desperate need for a financial and critically successful film. Unfortunately, this isn't it. Roberts, however, seems to relish playing evil. Her take on the Evil Queen is a mix of self-absorbed wit and bitchiness -- not really "evil." It's good that she has a good time, but it's far from being her strongest performance.
Fresh-faced Lily Collins (Abduction) plays it safe as Snow White. She is sweet, lovely, beautiful and kind, exactly what the character is called for. At the same time, that makes her character bland. Sure, this Snow White can be spunky and independent, too, but mostly she is still that archetypical heroine we've grown to expect. Arnie Hammer (J. Edgar) has more to do with his role as the dashing but somewhat bumbling Prince. Hammer gets to show his comedic skills, getting goofy while looking great at the same time.
The rest of the cast is okay, as far as a comedy/children's movie is concerned. Nathan Lane (Swing Vote) hams it up as Brighton, the King's once-loyal servant who now serves as the Queen's righthand man. Mare Winningham (Brothers) is genuine as the baker, and Michael Lerner (A Serious Man) is fine as the Baron. Sean Bean (Soldiers of Fortune) is particularly regal as the King. The actors who play the seven dwarfs are all very good: Jordan Prentice, Mark Povinelli, Joe Groffo, Danny Woodbum, Sebastian Saraceno, Martin Klebba, and Ronald Lee Clark.
Writers Melissa Wallack (Meet Bill) and Jason Keller (Machine Gun Preacher) have taken rather broad dramatic license with Grimms' original. Sure, they've kept the basic story and structure and characters, but they also try to modernize it and add humor. The result, however, feels forced. The character upgrades are standard: the dashing Prince who is also a buffoon, and the kind princess who is spunky and resourceful… I give them kudos for trying to make the good old tale fresh, but they are just not doing enough (in comparison, the other Snow White movie sounds rather radical in comparison).
The plot is busy, and the scenes are, too. There is just too much going on at once and the dialogue and situations aren't necessary funny or endearing. I understand their target audience are kids, but I wonder if the kids actually enjoy this. Granted, the seven dwarfs are rather fun and I love the multiracial casting (but why stop there? Why not having a Latino butler or Asian gentry?) They are probably the best part of the movie, even though the Prince and Princess are quite adorable together.
Director Tarsem Singh (Immortals) has established himself as someone with a great eye and fantastic visual styles, and Mirror Mirror is no exception. The production value is amazing. The sets are beautiful, the costumes are outrageously sublime, and art direction is gorgeous. The fairytale look and feel is top-notch. That said, his direction can't save the movie from being too busy, too infantile, and being too much. It reminds me of another fairytale story: The Brothers Grimm with Matt Damon and Heath Ledger, and that one was a total disaster. This, however, isn't quite as bad. It has great production value and is, at certain times, entertaining. Still, over all, it's an over-bloated, forced piece of comedy that perhaps only the younger children would fully enjoy. And I think… Mirror Mirror on the wall, that's the fairest review of all.
Stars: Julia Roberts, Lily Collins, Arnie Hammer, Nathan Lane, Jordan Prentice, Mare Winningham, Michael Lerner, Sean Bean
Director: Tarsem Singh
Writers: Melissa Wallack, Jason Keller (based on story by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm)
Distributor: Relativity Media
MPAA Rating: PG for fantasy action and mild rude humor
Running Time: 106 minutes
Ratings:
Script - 6
Performance - 7
Direction - 6
Cinematography - 8
Music/Sound - 7
Editing - 7
Production - 9
Total - 6.5 out of 10.0
The Hunger Game
© 2012 Ray Wong
If you don't know what The Hunger Game is, you must have been hiding under a rock or still stuck with Twightlight-mania. The hugely popular series has now metamorphosed into big screen movies, and a new franchise is born.
In the land of a distant future, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is the oldest of two daughters in the Everdeen family which reside in "District 12" -- the coal miners' district. She is poor and hungry all the time, but she also learned how to hunt and survive. During the annual "reaping" (in which one boy and one girl between the age of 8 and 16 will be selected to participate in the televised "Hunger Game" where the contestants will fight to their deaths until only one winner remains), her sister Primrose (Willow Shields) is selected in the lottery. To save her sister from a sure death, Katniss volunteers to take Primrose's place.
As the first volunteer in the history of the Hunger Game, Katniss becomes an instant celebrity. She and her fellow contestant, Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), travel to the Capital to participate in a four-day training and festivities. Their guardian is flamboyant Effie (Elizabeth Banks), and their mentor is Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), a former winner of the Hunger Game. Feeling a special bond between himself, Katniss and Peeta, Haymitch teaches them everything he knows and how to survive the game. Especially for headstrong and unyielding Katniss, Haymitch's advice is extraordinarily valuable.
Then the contestants are sent off to the "arena" -- an artificial forest where cameras are everywhere and night can turn into day with the touch of a computer screen -- and the game is on. The spectator game becomes a fight for these children's lives. The honor of being the winner comes with the price of savagery, brutality, and the will to live.
Jennifer Lawrence (X-Men First Class) has proven herself quite an actress in Winter's Bone (with an Oscar nomination to prove it) and quickly risen to stardom in only a couple of years. She is perfect as Katniss, the headstrong, rather antisocial heroine. I like it that Lawrence has the girl-next-door quality to which common folks like us can relate. Not to mention she is a rather good actress, and she does the popular lead character justice and carries the movie admirably.
By now, Josh Hutcherson (Journey 2: The Mysterious Island) is an "old pro" in Hollywood. He gets to grow up in the Hunger Game. Peeta Mellark is the most mature and serious role Hutcherson has taken on, and he's done a great job in giving us a solid, sympathetic character. The supporting cast is great as well. Stanley Tucci (Captain American: The First Avenger) is a hoot as the MC of the Hunger Game. Elizabeth Banks (Man on the Ledge) also hams it up as Effie. Woody Harrelson (Friends with Benefits) gives a empathetic, ernest performance as Haymitch, and Wes Bentley (Gone) is fantastic as the producer. Last but not least, Donald Sutherland (Horrible Bosses) are quietly evil as President Snow.
Adapted by author Suzanne Collins herself with the help of director Gary Ross (Seabiscuit) and Billy Ray (State of Play), the screenplay is comprehensive and rather true to the novel. While the story has an epic sci-fi feel to it, the plot is straightforward and easy to follow. The lead characters are well developed, and the world-building is great even though we only get bits and pieces of the backstory. That's enough to intrigue us and keep us engaged.
However, it seems that they had to sacrifice certain aspects of the story to keep the movie under three hours. The development of the minor characters are sketchy, thus they feel like caricatures at times. We never really understand the background and reasons behind this culture -- we have to accept many things about this world on face value. While there reasons behind the Hunger Game is explained, it is not very convincing (the book does a much better job making us believe). As exciting as the plot and story and action are, I can't help but feel that it borrows heavily from many sources. There are imageries and plot elements and themes that resemble everything from The Running Man, Bladerunner, Predators, V for Vendetta, Lord of the Flies, and The Truman Show.
Don't get me wrong, they've done a great job combining all these elements into a thrilling, enthralling and engaging action adventure that touches on many serious themes. In this case, I'd say they've borrowed well, despite the sketchiness of the minor characters.
The production is fantastic. Ross has done a great job building that world, and letting us in. The set pieces are impressive. The sets and costumes are marvelous. The special effects are excellent. The only gripe I have is about the action sequences -- the fight scenes are all done in close ups, no doubt softening the blow of the brutality of seeing teens slaughtering each other. As an audience, though, I'd prefer something more visceral and real -- I think it'd have a much bigger impact instead of being confusing.
Even with its flaws, The Hunger Game is a fantastic adaptation of a hugely popular novel. The franchise will no doubt continue with the rest of the series, and I for one am hungry for more.
Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Wes Bentley, Donald Sutherland, Liam Hemsworth
Director: Gary Ross
Writers: Gary Ross, Suzanne Collins, Billy Ray (based on novel by Suzanne Collins)
Distributor: Lionsgate
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense violence, thematic material and disturbing images involving teens
Running Time: 142 minutes
Ratings:
Script - 8
Performance - 8
Direction - 7
Cinematography - 8
Music/Sound - 8
Editing - 8
Production - 9
Total - 8.0 out of 10.0
If you don't know what The Hunger Game is, you must have been hiding under a rock or still stuck with Twightlight-mania. The hugely popular series has now metamorphosed into big screen movies, and a new franchise is born.
In the land of a distant future, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is the oldest of two daughters in the Everdeen family which reside in "District 12" -- the coal miners' district. She is poor and hungry all the time, but she also learned how to hunt and survive. During the annual "reaping" (in which one boy and one girl between the age of 8 and 16 will be selected to participate in the televised "Hunger Game" where the contestants will fight to their deaths until only one winner remains), her sister Primrose (Willow Shields) is selected in the lottery. To save her sister from a sure death, Katniss volunteers to take Primrose's place.
As the first volunteer in the history of the Hunger Game, Katniss becomes an instant celebrity. She and her fellow contestant, Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), travel to the Capital to participate in a four-day training and festivities. Their guardian is flamboyant Effie (Elizabeth Banks), and their mentor is Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), a former winner of the Hunger Game. Feeling a special bond between himself, Katniss and Peeta, Haymitch teaches them everything he knows and how to survive the game. Especially for headstrong and unyielding Katniss, Haymitch's advice is extraordinarily valuable.
Then the contestants are sent off to the "arena" -- an artificial forest where cameras are everywhere and night can turn into day with the touch of a computer screen -- and the game is on. The spectator game becomes a fight for these children's lives. The honor of being the winner comes with the price of savagery, brutality, and the will to live.
Jennifer Lawrence (X-Men First Class) has proven herself quite an actress in Winter's Bone (with an Oscar nomination to prove it) and quickly risen to stardom in only a couple of years. She is perfect as Katniss, the headstrong, rather antisocial heroine. I like it that Lawrence has the girl-next-door quality to which common folks like us can relate. Not to mention she is a rather good actress, and she does the popular lead character justice and carries the movie admirably.
By now, Josh Hutcherson (Journey 2: The Mysterious Island) is an "old pro" in Hollywood. He gets to grow up in the Hunger Game. Peeta Mellark is the most mature and serious role Hutcherson has taken on, and he's done a great job in giving us a solid, sympathetic character. The supporting cast is great as well. Stanley Tucci (Captain American: The First Avenger) is a hoot as the MC of the Hunger Game. Elizabeth Banks (Man on the Ledge) also hams it up as Effie. Woody Harrelson (Friends with Benefits) gives a empathetic, ernest performance as Haymitch, and Wes Bentley (Gone) is fantastic as the producer. Last but not least, Donald Sutherland (Horrible Bosses) are quietly evil as President Snow.
Adapted by author Suzanne Collins herself with the help of director Gary Ross (Seabiscuit) and Billy Ray (State of Play), the screenplay is comprehensive and rather true to the novel. While the story has an epic sci-fi feel to it, the plot is straightforward and easy to follow. The lead characters are well developed, and the world-building is great even though we only get bits and pieces of the backstory. That's enough to intrigue us and keep us engaged.
However, it seems that they had to sacrifice certain aspects of the story to keep the movie under three hours. The development of the minor characters are sketchy, thus they feel like caricatures at times. We never really understand the background and reasons behind this culture -- we have to accept many things about this world on face value. While there reasons behind the Hunger Game is explained, it is not very convincing (the book does a much better job making us believe). As exciting as the plot and story and action are, I can't help but feel that it borrows heavily from many sources. There are imageries and plot elements and themes that resemble everything from The Running Man, Bladerunner, Predators, V for Vendetta, Lord of the Flies, and The Truman Show.
Don't get me wrong, they've done a great job combining all these elements into a thrilling, enthralling and engaging action adventure that touches on many serious themes. In this case, I'd say they've borrowed well, despite the sketchiness of the minor characters.
The production is fantastic. Ross has done a great job building that world, and letting us in. The set pieces are impressive. The sets and costumes are marvelous. The special effects are excellent. The only gripe I have is about the action sequences -- the fight scenes are all done in close ups, no doubt softening the blow of the brutality of seeing teens slaughtering each other. As an audience, though, I'd prefer something more visceral and real -- I think it'd have a much bigger impact instead of being confusing.
Even with its flaws, The Hunger Game is a fantastic adaptation of a hugely popular novel. The franchise will no doubt continue with the rest of the series, and I for one am hungry for more.
Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Wes Bentley, Donald Sutherland, Liam Hemsworth
Director: Gary Ross
Writers: Gary Ross, Suzanne Collins, Billy Ray (based on novel by Suzanne Collins)
Distributor: Lionsgate
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense violence, thematic material and disturbing images involving teens
Running Time: 142 minutes
Ratings:
Script - 8
Performance - 8
Direction - 7
Cinematography - 8
Music/Sound - 8
Editing - 8
Production - 9
Total - 8.0 out of 10.0
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
© 2012 Ray Wong
A long and weird title notwithstanding, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is an interesting contemporary love story that touches on the Anglo-Middle Eastern relationship, politics, faith, salmons and everything in-between.
Harriet (Emily Blunt), an ambitious consultant in London contacts Dr. Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor), a fishery expert with an odd proposal: her client, Sheikh Muhammed (Amr Waked) is interested in bringing salmon fishing to the Yemen. Afred thinks it's a preposterous joke, but Harriet is dead serious about it. After some coercing and a £50-million budget, Afred agrees to take on the "ridiculous" project just to appease his unreasonable boss and the Prime Minister's publicity secretary Patricia (Kristin Scott Thomas), and to run away from his failing marriage with wife Mary (Rachael Stirling).
After meeting the Sheikh, however, Afred gains a new respect and perspective of what the Sheikh is trying to accomplish. The Sheikh is a man of faith, while Afred is a man of science. The project tests them both, as Afred has little faith in what he's doing and whether they would succeed, while the Shiekh has to deal with his fellow citizens who believe he is bringing disgrace into their sacred soil.
Meanwhile, the newly separated Afred is falling in love with Harriet, who is pining of her boyfriend Capt. Robert Mayers (Tom Mison), who is missing in action in Afghanistan.
Ewan McGregor (Beginners) has a knack for playing contemporary everyman who is earnest and, perhaps, a little dull. He does a fine job with the character of Afred, a man of science who feels stuck in his pedestrian life and is yearning for something more. He has excellent chemistry with Emily Blunt (The Adjustment Bureau), who is radiant and lovely as Harriet. Together they make a great onscreen "will they or will they not" couple.
Kristin Scott Thomas (Love Crime) is in top form, showing off her comedic chops as the aggressive, no-holds-bar career woman. She doesn't have nearly enough screen time, but she makes it count and steals the show. Amr Waked (Contagion) is magnetic, charming and earnest as the Shiekh -- perhaps somewhat too politically correct. Tom Mison (One Day) is also earnest and charming as Capt. Mayers, and Tom Beard (Hereafter) gives a nice performance as Afred's insufferable boss.
Adapted from Paul Torday's novel by award-winning scribe Simon Beaufoy (127 Hours, Slumdog Millionaire), the screenplay has a generally light and airy tone to it, despite some of the more serious themes and topics. In fact, a humorous drama in nature, the story is rather uneven at times. Is it a love story? A political satire? A drama about science vs. faith? I'm not sure. The characters and relationships can be rather cliched and stereotypical as well.
What works well is the character development of the two main characters, Harriet and Afred. They're fully fleshed-out people and they have lives inside and outside of the story, and their relationships feel realistic and genuine. The development of the affection between them (don't get me wrong, they are instantly attracted to each other) is gradual, organic and authentic. That is the most satisfying aspect of the screenplay: Beaufoy is willing to take his time to develop that relationship. No rush.
The direction of Lasse Hallström (Dear John) is skillful and affecting. He has an eye for natural beauty, and the production is handsome and nearly "magical" at times. Hallström also takes his time for the plot and relationships to unfold. His unhurried pace suits the story very well.
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is a sweet, intelligent and lovely comedy with two great main characters. It also lacks a central villain, which I really like (aren't we tired of the obligatory good vs. evil in Hollywood already?) It's far from being flawless, but like salmon fishing in the Yemen, it feels fresh and original for a change.
Stars: Emily Blunt, Ewan McGregor, Kristin Scott Thomas, Amr Waked, Tom Mison
Director: Lasse Hallström
Writers: Simon Beaufoy (based on novel by Paul Torday)
Distributor: CBS Films
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some violence, sexual content, and brief language.
Running Time: 111 minutes
Ratings:
Script - 7
Performance - 8
Direction - 7
Cinematography - 8
Music/Sound - 8
Editing - 7
Production - 8
Total - 7.6 out of 10.0
A long and weird title notwithstanding, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is an interesting contemporary love story that touches on the Anglo-Middle Eastern relationship, politics, faith, salmons and everything in-between.
Harriet (Emily Blunt), an ambitious consultant in London contacts Dr. Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor), a fishery expert with an odd proposal: her client, Sheikh Muhammed (Amr Waked) is interested in bringing salmon fishing to the Yemen. Afred thinks it's a preposterous joke, but Harriet is dead serious about it. After some coercing and a £50-million budget, Afred agrees to take on the "ridiculous" project just to appease his unreasonable boss and the Prime Minister's publicity secretary Patricia (Kristin Scott Thomas), and to run away from his failing marriage with wife Mary (Rachael Stirling).
After meeting the Sheikh, however, Afred gains a new respect and perspective of what the Sheikh is trying to accomplish. The Sheikh is a man of faith, while Afred is a man of science. The project tests them both, as Afred has little faith in what he's doing and whether they would succeed, while the Shiekh has to deal with his fellow citizens who believe he is bringing disgrace into their sacred soil.
Meanwhile, the newly separated Afred is falling in love with Harriet, who is pining of her boyfriend Capt. Robert Mayers (Tom Mison), who is missing in action in Afghanistan.
Ewan McGregor (Beginners) has a knack for playing contemporary everyman who is earnest and, perhaps, a little dull. He does a fine job with the character of Afred, a man of science who feels stuck in his pedestrian life and is yearning for something more. He has excellent chemistry with Emily Blunt (The Adjustment Bureau), who is radiant and lovely as Harriet. Together they make a great onscreen "will they or will they not" couple.
Kristin Scott Thomas (Love Crime) is in top form, showing off her comedic chops as the aggressive, no-holds-bar career woman. She doesn't have nearly enough screen time, but she makes it count and steals the show. Amr Waked (Contagion) is magnetic, charming and earnest as the Shiekh -- perhaps somewhat too politically correct. Tom Mison (One Day) is also earnest and charming as Capt. Mayers, and Tom Beard (Hereafter) gives a nice performance as Afred's insufferable boss.
Adapted from Paul Torday's novel by award-winning scribe Simon Beaufoy (127 Hours, Slumdog Millionaire), the screenplay has a generally light and airy tone to it, despite some of the more serious themes and topics. In fact, a humorous drama in nature, the story is rather uneven at times. Is it a love story? A political satire? A drama about science vs. faith? I'm not sure. The characters and relationships can be rather cliched and stereotypical as well.
What works well is the character development of the two main characters, Harriet and Afred. They're fully fleshed-out people and they have lives inside and outside of the story, and their relationships feel realistic and genuine. The development of the affection between them (don't get me wrong, they are instantly attracted to each other) is gradual, organic and authentic. That is the most satisfying aspect of the screenplay: Beaufoy is willing to take his time to develop that relationship. No rush.
The direction of Lasse Hallström (Dear John) is skillful and affecting. He has an eye for natural beauty, and the production is handsome and nearly "magical" at times. Hallström also takes his time for the plot and relationships to unfold. His unhurried pace suits the story very well.
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is a sweet, intelligent and lovely comedy with two great main characters. It also lacks a central villain, which I really like (aren't we tired of the obligatory good vs. evil in Hollywood already?) It's far from being flawless, but like salmon fishing in the Yemen, it feels fresh and original for a change.
Stars: Emily Blunt, Ewan McGregor, Kristin Scott Thomas, Amr Waked, Tom Mison
Director: Lasse Hallström
Writers: Simon Beaufoy (based on novel by Paul Torday)
Distributor: CBS Films
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some violence, sexual content, and brief language.
Running Time: 111 minutes
Ratings:
Script - 7
Performance - 8
Direction - 7
Cinematography - 8
Music/Sound - 8
Editing - 7
Production - 8
Total - 7.6 out of 10.0
Friends with Kids
© 2012 Ray Wong
Writer-director-actor Jennifer Westfeldt broke out with her indie favorite Kissing Jessica Stein, a off-kilter gay comedy (which was a strange choice considering she is straight, being in a relationship with co-star Jon Hamm). This time, Westfeldt goes mainstream this time with Friends with Kids, a comedy about straight couples and their children.
Jason (Adam Scott) and Julie (Jennifer Westfeldt) are best friends who are not at all attracted to each other (so there is no romantic possibility between them). Jason is a serial dater, while Julie is waiting for "the one." After watching their married friends Ben (Jon Hamm) and Missy (Kristen Wiig) as well as Leslie (Maya Rudolph) and Alex (Chris O'Dowd) plunge into misery after having kids, Jason and Julie decide the only sane way of having kids without killing the romance is by having kids with your best friend (with whom you're not romantically involved).
So, despite their friends' objection, they decide to go for it. They both want kids, but still haven't found their "persons" yet. Julie's biological clock is ticking and Jason thinks it would be a good idea for him to be a father. To their delight, their plan works, and they are able to maintain their friendship, continue to date other people, and raise a boy together.
Then things get complicated. Sharing custody with Jason day in and day out makes Julie feel something for Jason that she's never felt before. Knowing that Jason doesn't feel the same way, she brushes the feelings away, believing she's just lonely. She starts to date again and meets a wonderful dreamboat named Kurt (Edward Burns), while Jason believes he's met "the one" in Mary Jane (Megan Fox), a beautiful Broadway dancer. Their romantic and domestic arrangements start to wreak havoc with their lives and friendship.
As an actress, Jennifer Westfeldt (24) is somewhat stiff as Julie. Perhaps it's the writing (although she wrote the part for herself), her character never really quite takes off. Her personality is rather on the passive, unconfident side, so it's harder for the audience to engage. It's not until near the end that Westfeldt shows some spunk and gumption after being jilted. As her counterpart, Adam Scott (Our Idiot Brother) has a bit more fun playing the "player." He manages to show the character's charm, gentle and loving side as well as his clueless, romantically challenged personality. That said, Westfeldt and Scott have great chemistry together and you really can believe that they belong together.
While the leads do a respectable job with their roles, the supporting cast boasts a strong comedic ensemble that would make any producer jealous, including four Bridesmaids alumni: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Chris O'Dowd and Jon Hamm. This time, Hamm and Wiig play an estranged couple (and they look great together) while Rudolph and O'Dowd play a loving couple who is coping with their chaotic parenting life. These performances are all great, making it evident that they simply don't have enough screen time. The movie would have been so much funnier if it was about these two couples instead. Megan Fox (Jonah Hex) and Edward Burns (Man on the Ledge) join the cast as Jason's and Julie's love interests respectively.
Westfeldt explores broad themes in this romantic comedy: friendship, parenthood, unrequited love, loyalty, and unconventional families. By and large, she succeeds in weaving these themes together in a coherent and often humorous plot without hitting us on the head with them. Still, as a comedy, the story takes some predictable and "easy" routes. The situations sometimes seem contrived (I rather have some difficulty believing in the basic premise of two best "straight" friends having a baby together) and stereotypical (does parenthood have to be either utterly miserable or a bliss?).
Still, Westfeldt's dialogue is sharp and insightful; the plot is coherent and amusing; and the messages are sincere. Despite the focus being on Jason and Julie, the other characters are nicely drawn and realistic. The pacing is brisk with enough humor and wit. While the plot and ending are predictable, we come to expect that -- it is, after all, a feel-good romantic comedy.
Its inherent flaws and shortcomings notwithstanding, Friends with Kids is a gentle, humorous look at parenthood, friendship and love. It is an earnest story, and I wouldn't mind watching it with friends.
Stars: Jennifer Westfeldt, Adam Scott, Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Chris O'Dowd, Megan Fox, Edward Burns
Director: Jennifer Westfeldt
Writers: Jennifer Westfeldt
Distributor: Roadside Attractions
MPAA Rating: R for sexual content and language
Running Time: 107 minutes
Ratings:
Script - 7
Performance - 7
Direction - 7
Cinematography - 7
Music/Sound - 7
Editing - 7
Production - 7
Total - 7.0 out of 10.0
Writer-director-actor Jennifer Westfeldt broke out with her indie favorite Kissing Jessica Stein, a off-kilter gay comedy (which was a strange choice considering she is straight, being in a relationship with co-star Jon Hamm). This time, Westfeldt goes mainstream this time with Friends with Kids, a comedy about straight couples and their children.
Jason (Adam Scott) and Julie (Jennifer Westfeldt) are best friends who are not at all attracted to each other (so there is no romantic possibility between them). Jason is a serial dater, while Julie is waiting for "the one." After watching their married friends Ben (Jon Hamm) and Missy (Kristen Wiig) as well as Leslie (Maya Rudolph) and Alex (Chris O'Dowd) plunge into misery after having kids, Jason and Julie decide the only sane way of having kids without killing the romance is by having kids with your best friend (with whom you're not romantically involved).
So, despite their friends' objection, they decide to go for it. They both want kids, but still haven't found their "persons" yet. Julie's biological clock is ticking and Jason thinks it would be a good idea for him to be a father. To their delight, their plan works, and they are able to maintain their friendship, continue to date other people, and raise a boy together.
Then things get complicated. Sharing custody with Jason day in and day out makes Julie feel something for Jason that she's never felt before. Knowing that Jason doesn't feel the same way, she brushes the feelings away, believing she's just lonely. She starts to date again and meets a wonderful dreamboat named Kurt (Edward Burns), while Jason believes he's met "the one" in Mary Jane (Megan Fox), a beautiful Broadway dancer. Their romantic and domestic arrangements start to wreak havoc with their lives and friendship.
As an actress, Jennifer Westfeldt (24) is somewhat stiff as Julie. Perhaps it's the writing (although she wrote the part for herself), her character never really quite takes off. Her personality is rather on the passive, unconfident side, so it's harder for the audience to engage. It's not until near the end that Westfeldt shows some spunk and gumption after being jilted. As her counterpart, Adam Scott (Our Idiot Brother) has a bit more fun playing the "player." He manages to show the character's charm, gentle and loving side as well as his clueless, romantically challenged personality. That said, Westfeldt and Scott have great chemistry together and you really can believe that they belong together.
While the leads do a respectable job with their roles, the supporting cast boasts a strong comedic ensemble that would make any producer jealous, including four Bridesmaids alumni: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Chris O'Dowd and Jon Hamm. This time, Hamm and Wiig play an estranged couple (and they look great together) while Rudolph and O'Dowd play a loving couple who is coping with their chaotic parenting life. These performances are all great, making it evident that they simply don't have enough screen time. The movie would have been so much funnier if it was about these two couples instead. Megan Fox (Jonah Hex) and Edward Burns (Man on the Ledge) join the cast as Jason's and Julie's love interests respectively.
Westfeldt explores broad themes in this romantic comedy: friendship, parenthood, unrequited love, loyalty, and unconventional families. By and large, she succeeds in weaving these themes together in a coherent and often humorous plot without hitting us on the head with them. Still, as a comedy, the story takes some predictable and "easy" routes. The situations sometimes seem contrived (I rather have some difficulty believing in the basic premise of two best "straight" friends having a baby together) and stereotypical (does parenthood have to be either utterly miserable or a bliss?).
Still, Westfeldt's dialogue is sharp and insightful; the plot is coherent and amusing; and the messages are sincere. Despite the focus being on Jason and Julie, the other characters are nicely drawn and realistic. The pacing is brisk with enough humor and wit. While the plot and ending are predictable, we come to expect that -- it is, after all, a feel-good romantic comedy.
Its inherent flaws and shortcomings notwithstanding, Friends with Kids is a gentle, humorous look at parenthood, friendship and love. It is an earnest story, and I wouldn't mind watching it with friends.
Stars: Jennifer Westfeldt, Adam Scott, Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Chris O'Dowd, Megan Fox, Edward Burns
Director: Jennifer Westfeldt
Writers: Jennifer Westfeldt
Distributor: Roadside Attractions
MPAA Rating: R for sexual content and language
Running Time: 107 minutes
Ratings:
Script - 7
Performance - 7
Direction - 7
Cinematography - 7
Music/Sound - 7
Editing - 7
Production - 7
Total - 7.0 out of 10.0
Being Flynn
© 2012 Ray Wong
Independent literary films about unlikable people are difficult to do. I give kudos to writer-director Paul Weitz for tackling a difficult subject matter with Nick Flynn's memoir, even though the result isn't necessarily an exception to the rule.
Jonathan Flynn (Robert De Niro) is a self-proclaimed great American writer. Reality is that he is a New York City cab driver, and he's been estranged from his wife (Julianne Moore) and only son for years. When he gets evicted from his apartment, he calls his son Nick (Paul Dano) for help. Nick would have nothing to do with his father, whom he blames for his mother's suicide.
Nick isn't doing so great himself either. He drops out of school and is drifting. He hooks up with a pretty girl named Denise (Olivia Thirlby), who then introduces him to work at a homeless shelter. Finally Nick finds some purpose in his work. Like his father, he also aspires to be a writer, but he has more self-awareness than his father, who most likely suffers from delusion of grandeur. One day, Nick finds Jonathan at the homeless shelter. It so happens that Jonathan has been without a home for weeks now.
Jonathan's presence at the homeless shelter puts a lot of pressure on Nick. He can't stand his old man, but he can't abandon him either. Meanwhile, he feels ashamed of having a "bum" as his father. Unable to cope with the guilt and humiliation, plus a lack of real purpose, Nick begins to take drugs to escape his reality. Realizing that he is now becoming his alcoholic, mentally ill father, Nick sinks even deeper into depression and self-destruction.
Robert De Niro (New Year's Eve) is solid as Jonathan Flynn, a narcissist who can't seem to have a decent relationship with anyone. De Niro portrays the lonely, strong-willed man with graceful skills. He reminds us of what a great actor he is, especially when playing borderline, deeply flawed characters. Likewise, Paul Dano (Cowboys and Aliens) exhibits similar skills in playing Jonathan's flawed, disturbed but sensitive son. Dano's gaunt appearance and mannerism are particularly haunting.
Julianne Moore (Crazy, Stupd, Love) is excellent in her relatively small but pivotal role as Jonathan's long-suffering wife and Nick's doting mother. She successfully conveys the character's helplessness and loneliness as well her unconditional love for her son. Olivia Thirlby (Solitary Man) does a good job as Nick's on-and-off girlfriend.
Weitz (American Dreamz) does his best lifting the material from the original book and translating it to the big screen. There's nothing wrong with his writing. The problem lies with the subject matter and, most important, the characters. When the minor characters are more interesting and sympathetic than your main ones, Houston, we have a problem. As fascinating as the Flynns may be, they are simply not very likable. Nick is depressing. And Jonathan is a narcissistic lunatic. Not to mention their relationship remains strained and uncomfortable until the end.
While the plot does meander, with the focus on Nick's and Jonathan's descent to their respective bottoms, the real issue is that for a long time there is no relief. There is no humor. No warmth. Not a glimpse of hope. The story drags us down and keeps us stuck in sad-ville. That's depressing. Now, we don't need the leads to be lovable and totally sympathetic, but give us something to root for, please. Had the characters been more witty, or at least had they related better with other people, we would have had a better time understanding and caring about them.
Being Flynn may read well as a memoir (much of that genre depends on the voice of the author), but as a movie, it is simply depressing. It's like watching two selfish jerks fighting each other for 102 minutes. That's 62 minutes too long for being with the Flynns.
Stars: Robert De Niro, Paul Dano, Julianne Moore, Olivia Thirlby, Eddie Rouse, Steve Cirbus, Lily Taylor, Victor Rasuk
Director: Paul Weitz
Writers: Paul Weitz (based on Nick Flynn's memoir)
Distributor: Focus
MPAA Rating: R for pervasive language, some sexual content, drug use, and brief nudity
Running Time: 102 minutes
Ratings:
Script - 6
Performance - 8
Direction - 7
Cinematography - 7
Music/Sound - 6
Editing - 7
Production - 7
Total - 6.5 out of 10.0
Independent literary films about unlikable people are difficult to do. I give kudos to writer-director Paul Weitz for tackling a difficult subject matter with Nick Flynn's memoir, even though the result isn't necessarily an exception to the rule.
Jonathan Flynn (Robert De Niro) is a self-proclaimed great American writer. Reality is that he is a New York City cab driver, and he's been estranged from his wife (Julianne Moore) and only son for years. When he gets evicted from his apartment, he calls his son Nick (Paul Dano) for help. Nick would have nothing to do with his father, whom he blames for his mother's suicide.
Nick isn't doing so great himself either. He drops out of school and is drifting. He hooks up with a pretty girl named Denise (Olivia Thirlby), who then introduces him to work at a homeless shelter. Finally Nick finds some purpose in his work. Like his father, he also aspires to be a writer, but he has more self-awareness than his father, who most likely suffers from delusion of grandeur. One day, Nick finds Jonathan at the homeless shelter. It so happens that Jonathan has been without a home for weeks now.
Jonathan's presence at the homeless shelter puts a lot of pressure on Nick. He can't stand his old man, but he can't abandon him either. Meanwhile, he feels ashamed of having a "bum" as his father. Unable to cope with the guilt and humiliation, plus a lack of real purpose, Nick begins to take drugs to escape his reality. Realizing that he is now becoming his alcoholic, mentally ill father, Nick sinks even deeper into depression and self-destruction.
Robert De Niro (New Year's Eve) is solid as Jonathan Flynn, a narcissist who can't seem to have a decent relationship with anyone. De Niro portrays the lonely, strong-willed man with graceful skills. He reminds us of what a great actor he is, especially when playing borderline, deeply flawed characters. Likewise, Paul Dano (Cowboys and Aliens) exhibits similar skills in playing Jonathan's flawed, disturbed but sensitive son. Dano's gaunt appearance and mannerism are particularly haunting.
Julianne Moore (Crazy, Stupd, Love) is excellent in her relatively small but pivotal role as Jonathan's long-suffering wife and Nick's doting mother. She successfully conveys the character's helplessness and loneliness as well her unconditional love for her son. Olivia Thirlby (Solitary Man) does a good job as Nick's on-and-off girlfriend.
Weitz (American Dreamz) does his best lifting the material from the original book and translating it to the big screen. There's nothing wrong with his writing. The problem lies with the subject matter and, most important, the characters. When the minor characters are more interesting and sympathetic than your main ones, Houston, we have a problem. As fascinating as the Flynns may be, they are simply not very likable. Nick is depressing. And Jonathan is a narcissistic lunatic. Not to mention their relationship remains strained and uncomfortable until the end.
While the plot does meander, with the focus on Nick's and Jonathan's descent to their respective bottoms, the real issue is that for a long time there is no relief. There is no humor. No warmth. Not a glimpse of hope. The story drags us down and keeps us stuck in sad-ville. That's depressing. Now, we don't need the leads to be lovable and totally sympathetic, but give us something to root for, please. Had the characters been more witty, or at least had they related better with other people, we would have had a better time understanding and caring about them.
Being Flynn may read well as a memoir (much of that genre depends on the voice of the author), but as a movie, it is simply depressing. It's like watching two selfish jerks fighting each other for 102 minutes. That's 62 minutes too long for being with the Flynns.
Stars: Robert De Niro, Paul Dano, Julianne Moore, Olivia Thirlby, Eddie Rouse, Steve Cirbus, Lily Taylor, Victor Rasuk
Director: Paul Weitz
Writers: Paul Weitz (based on Nick Flynn's memoir)
Distributor: Focus
MPAA Rating: R for pervasive language, some sexual content, drug use, and brief nudity
Running Time: 102 minutes
Ratings:
Script - 6
Performance - 8
Direction - 7
Cinematography - 7
Music/Sound - 6
Editing - 7
Production - 7
Total - 6.5 out of 10.0
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