Reel Reviews: May 2012

Men in Black III

It's hard to believe it's been fourteen years since the first Men in Black hit the big screen and made Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones one of the best movie buddies of all times. Well, they're back for more!

Boris the Animal (Jermaine Clement) escapes maximum security prison on the moon and returns to Earth. His mission? To go back in time and kill the person who put him in prison (and shot off his left arm) in the first place: Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones).

When he succeeds, it's up to Agent J (Will Smith) to figure out how to chase after Boris and fix it -- to prevent K from dying in 1969. It's not just about saving K, but also saving the world. Looks like by killing K, a global defense system wasn't deployed and Boris has led his people from his planet to attack Earth.

Once J travels back in time, he must outsmart Boris and track him down before he kills young K (Josh Brolin). But he's also not supposed to have contact with K. Of course, he ends up doing just that, getting all mixed up in situations with K. With the help of an alien who can see multiple possible futures, J must find a way to save K and the world without seriously messing up history.

After four years of absence, Will Smith (Seven Pounds) returns to his root to play one of his most successful roles, Agent J. It's amazing how little Smith has changed in the last fourteen years -- he is still energetic, sassy-mouthed, and witty, and reminds us why he was (and maybe still is) one of the best action stars in this universe. More amazingly, he looks almost the same as he did.

In comparison, Tommy Lee Jones (Captain America: the First Avenger) didn't age as well. But the old pro still got it. Reprising the role of Agent K must a piece of cake for Jones. He's the same droll, grumpy, mysterious character we've come to love. Now, what is even more impressive is that Josh Brolin (True Grit) successfully impersonates Jones as young Agent K in both mannerism and speech, but also adds his own take to the character and a few twinkles in his eyes.

The supporting cast is pretty good too. Jermaine Clement (Dinner with Schmucks) let it all hang out as Boris the Animal. He's over the top, outlandish, loud and obnoxious, exactly what the character calls for. Emma Thompson (Nanny McPhee Returns) is a welcome addition, replacing Rip Torn as Agent O, Director of MIB and K's object of affection. Michael Stuhbarg (Hugo) gives a great performance as Griffin, an alien who can see multiple futures. Mike Colter (Salt) is charming as the colonel, and Alice Eve (The Raven) is sexy as young Agent O.

Written by Etan Cohen (Men in Black II), the story goes into the realm of time-travel, which is not easy to do. Ever since Back to the Future successfully made time travel plausible (in movies, of course), it's been a tough way to tell a fresh story with it. Sure, there are plenty of holes to go around -- what time-travel stories don't have them? But at least Cohen makes the plot fun. Who doesn't want to go back in time and meet young Agent K and see if he's the same grump?

Still, the giant plot holes can be distracting. I really had to check my brain at the door with this one, or else I wouldn't have been able enjoy the repartee, and the tremendous relationships between these beloved characters. I think that's the key. While the plot is moves with maddening pace and the sight gags and jokes keep coming, Cohen never loses sight of what really make the series click: the characters, especially J and K and their relationship, and that makes the ending even sweeter as we truly explore how deep and far that relationship goes (no spoilers, here).

And director Barry Sonnerfeld (Men in Black II) knows that, too. That's why he cast Josh Brolin in the role of young K. Brolin has matured as an actor, and he bears such resemblance to Tommy Lee Jones. The chemistry between Brolin and Smith is so good (and yet remain true to the chemistry between Jones and Smith) that we may want to see more time traveling stories in the MIB series, so that we can see them together again. Sonnerfeld also keeps the spirit of MIB intact. It's as if ten years hadn't passed since the last one.

Truth be told, I could have done without the second MIB, but this third installment is a good complement to the original. It completes the circle. I sure hope they make more of them, but if they ever stop at this one, I'm glad that at least they're back in the black.

Stars: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Emma Thompson, Jermaine Clement, Michael Stuhbarg, Mike Colter, Alice Eve

Director: Barry Sonnerfeld

Writers: Etan Cohen (based on comic by Lowell Cunningham)

Distributor: Columbia

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, and brief suggestive content

Running Time: 103 minutes

Ratings:

Script - 7

Performance - 7

Direction - 8

Cinematography - 8

Music/Sound - 7

Editing - 8

Production - 8

Total - 7.5 out of 10.0

Hysteria

What you do get when you add Victorian England, stiff upper lips, and vaginal massage? Okay, that probably sounds like a pornography, but what we get is a comedy about the birth of the vibrator.

Dr. Mortimer Granville (Hugh Dancy) is a progressive physician who is fed up with old school medicine. He wants to help people, but with science and the latest medical technologies. He soon find a post as an assistant to Dr. Dalrymple (Jonathan Pryce), who specializes in women medicine, in particular treating a condition called Hysteria. The way Dr. Dalrymple, and later Dr. Granville, treats these patients -- by digitally stimulating the vulva -- would seem outlandishly salacious today, but back then, it's normal.

Granville then meets Dalrymple's two daughters: the lovely yet conventional and demure Emily (Felicity Jones) and firecracker Charlotte (Maggie Gyllenhaal). Granville falls for Emily immediately as she represents everything that woman should be: smart, kind, sweet, supportive; meanwhile, he finds Charlotte fascinating as she is bold, passionate and altruistic -- in many ways, she is like Granville himself. While Emily is equally smitten with handsome Granville, Charlotte dismisses him as yet another man who wants an easy, privileged life.

Soon, though, Granville professional life is threatened when hand cramps prevent him from performing his treatments. Dalrymple fires him. But soon, Granville gets an inspiration from his best friend Edmund St. John-Smythe, (Rupert Everett) a "confirmed bachelor" who enjoys science and technologies. It looks like Granville has found a solution to his problem when he is toying with a electro-mechanical feather-duster… thus born the electro-mechanical massager!

Hugh Dancy (Our Idiot Brother) is rather charming as Granville, and he fits the period role very well. While his character is somewhat bland, Dancy makes him believable and likable. Maggie Gyllenhaal (Nanny McPhee Returns) is over the top as brash Charlotte. Her British accent is fine, but still it distracts us from her performance. That's usually the problem when we see an American actor playing British (with the exception of Meryl Streep, who can do no wrong). It's really not Gyllenhaal's fault.

Jonathan Pryce (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra) seems to have a good time playing the dashing but conservative Dr. Dalrymple. It's quite hilarious when we see him first demonstrating to the befuddled Granville the "treatment." Kudos to Pryce for keeping his face straight. Felicity Jones (Like Crazy) is lovely and sweet as Emily, and she does a fine job with the character. Ashley Jenson (Nativity!) fits the role of Fannie, while Sheridan Smith (How to Stop Being a Loser) has a ball (so to speak) playing the naughty maid, Molly. But the standout here is Rupert Everett (Stardust), who plays St. John-Smythe with grace and excellent humor.

Written by first-time scribes Stephen and Jonah Dyer, the screenplay successfully conveys the essence of a light-hearted romantic comedy. The juxtaposition against the Victorian time period is actually quite brilliant, in many ways channeling Oscar Wilde. Unfortunately, the Dyers also rely too much on tropes and stereotypes and cliches. The main characters are all caricatures, or at least predictable. Don't get me wrong, they are rather endearing, but it's because they are such standard archetypes. Except for the main premise -- which I do think is brilliant -- there isn't much that is surprising or amusing.

The dialogue is standard. The plot moves along just fine. But the characters simply feel cliched and superficial, their relationships contrived and predictable. There's no question where the romance is going, and who Granville will fall for and choose. There's no question what Granville will do in the name of love. There's no question about the outcome at the end. Therefore, the value of the story lies in the journey itself. While there are moments of genuine fun and laughter, the plot also is predictable. Also, the modern sentiments and social attitudes seem somewhat out of place within the context and setting -- granted, it's a comedy made in 2012. Still, one could easily ask: "Do people in that time period really act that way?"

Director Tanya Wexler (Finding North) does a good job bringing the elements together to make a handsome Victorian comedy. The locations are great, and the production strong. Still, there's this nagging feeling that we're watching a handsome episode of the Masterpiece Theater. Not that there's anything wrong with it, but I think Wexler is playing it a bit too safe.

I did enjoy the movie and find it amusing over all. The premise is fantastic, but the romantic comedy a bit lacking in originality. It would have been more interesting if the movie further explores the social and moral ramification of the "device." It simply falls short in that aspect. Otherwise, I think it might have been a true hysteria!

Stars: Hugh Dancy, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jonathan Pryce, Felicity Jones, Rupert Everett, Ashley Jenson, Sheridan Smith

Director: Tanya Wexler

Writers: Stephen Dyer, Jonah Lisa Dyer

Distributor: Sony Picture Classics

MPAA Rating: R for sexual content

Running Time: 100 minutes

Ratings:

Script - 7

Performance - 7

Direction - 7

Cinematography - 8

Music/Sound - 7

Editing - 7

Production - 8

Total - 7.3 out of 10.0

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

It's rare to see a drama made for senior citizens. It's even rarer to have one with a superb ensemble cast of some of the finest veteran actors of our time. Such is The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

The story follows several retired Brits who are at their own crossroads contemplating growing old and the last stage of their lives. Evelyn (Judi Dench) is a widow who is forced to sell her flat so she can pay off her late husband's debts. Graham (Tom Wilkinson) is a successful judge who is haunted by his past. Douglas (Bill Nighy) and Jean (Penelope Wilton) are a couple who has almost lost their entire life savings. Muriel (Maggie Smith) is a xenophobe who is desperate to have her hips replaced. Norman (Ronald Pickup) is a lonely old man who tries too hard to find a mate. And Madge (Celia Imrie) is a free-spirited grandma who yearns for adventures.

This group of strangers somehow end up in India, at the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, a place where older folks can retire and live in luxury. Or so they thought. When they arrive, they discover it's all a sham. The part-owner/manager of the hotel, Sonny (Dev Patel) has duped them. Since Sonny has used their money to fix up the place, the residents have no choice but stay there until Sonny can refund their money.

Misery follows, especially for Jean and Muriel. But then something strange happens. These strangers begin to get to know better about one another, and they forge friendships and alliances that surprise them. For the first time in her life, Evelyn is on her own. Graham is close to finding what he's looking for. Douglas is amazed by the new experiences. Madge is realizing she is not the center of the universe. And Norman starts to date again. Then of course, life has a way to astonish, and and its lessons never stop coming regardless of our age.

The superb cast of character actors include multiple award-winners. Judi Dench (J. Edgar) is exceptional as the scared housewife who for the first time has to fend for herself. Tom Wilkinson (The Samaritan) is particularly touching as the gentle, lovable man who has a sad secret. Bill Nighy (Total Recall) plays an emasculated, unhappy spouse with a nice mix of optimism and frustration. As his wife, Penelope Wilton (The History Boy) effectively channels bitterness and fear.

Maggie Smith (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) is of course marvelous as the timid but brash woman with a chip on her shoulder (and a crack in her hips). Celia Imrie (Nanny McPhee) is sassy and smart. As the "dirty old man," Ronald Pickup (Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time) is rather endearing. Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire) represents the younger Indian cast well.

Adapted from Deborah Moggach's (Pride & Prejudice) novel These Foolish Things, the screenplay, written by Ol Parker (Imagine Me & You), successfully weaves the arcs of these characters in a coherent story. It's no small feat. It's interesting to wonder, however, why Maggach, who is a screenwriter herself, didn't choose to adapt her whole novel. Perhaps a little distance and objectivity have in fact served the material well.

While the core of the story and the characters are well drawn and fulfilling, I do find parts of it rather coy, contrived and manipulative. The premise is rather far-fetched -- it takes a general dose of suspension of disbelief. And the situations sometimes are simply too convenient or coincidental. Still, there are strong and genuine emotions that lift the plot to a higher level. I find the subplot of Wilkinson's character particularly poignant and touching.

John Madden (The Debt) is masterful in directing this movie. The production value is excellent, the locations exotic, the camerawork effective. That said, I am somewhat bothered by the focus on India's poverty or its colonial influences. Still, there are scenes on location that are simply breathtaking, allowing us to take in the beauty of India. I just wish there were more balance in depicting the clashing cultures and economic disparity.

While the movie can be manipulative and contrived at times, I find it generally touching, and the characters likable and relatable. It's by no means the best exotic, but I thoroughly enjoy it.

Stars: Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton, Maggie Smith, Celia Imrie, Ronald Pickup, Dev Patel

Director: John Madden

Writers: Ol Parker (based on Deborah Moggach's novel)

Distributor: Fox Searchlight

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sexual content and language

Running Time: 124 minutes

Ratings:

Script - 7

Performance - 8

Direction - 7

Cinematography - 8

Music/Sound - 8

Editing - 8

Production - 8

Total - 7.8 out of 10.0

The Avengers

The first summer blockbuster to race out of the gate, The Avengers is a long-anticipated superhero movie of all superhero movies. Happily, writer-director Joss Whedon delivers.

During one of the S.H.I.E.L.D. experiments, they unwillingly open a portal for Loki to enter Earth from another realm. Loki immediately steals the tesseract (a powerful energy source from an alien world), claims Professor Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard) and Agent Barton/Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and wages war against the humans. Director Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson) has no choice but to reinitiate a program that has been suspended: the Avengers.

Fury scouts the world to find his team, which includes super spy Natasha Romanof/Black Widow (Scarlet Johansson), super soldier Captain America (Chris Evans), demigod Thor (Chris Hemsworth), and "billionaire playboy" Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.). He also recruits the reclusive Dr. Banner/The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) because he is the only person who knows how to find the tesseract.

Loki is promptly captured, but it's all a ploy for him to infiltrate S.H.I.E.L.D., trying to destroy the Avengers from the inside. The scheme works. But what Loki can't understand is the human spirit to band together and fight for what is right and just. The Avengers, led by Iron Man, vow to protect the human race when Loki uses the tesseract to open a portal, letting in an army from another realm. An epic war ensures.

The all-star cast is impressive -- it's like the Hollywood Who-Is-Who A-List -- and they take on their respective roles with enthusiasm and skills. First let's talk about the Avengers themselves. Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) reprises his role as cocky Tony Stark, who has a personality conflict with altruistic Captain America, played with old-fashioned wholesomeness by Chris Evans (Captain America). Chris Hemsworth (The Cabin in the Woods) instills some heart as Loki's brother, Thor. Scarlet Johansson (Iron Man 2) is sharp and sexy as Black Widow, and Jeremy Renner (Thor) is super cool as Hawkeye. But the standout is Mark Ruffalo (Date Night), who joins the cast for the first time as Dr. Banner/The Hulk -- I think he just claimed that role for life.

Samuel L Jackson (The Samaritan) is a bit too trademarked Samuel L Jackson as Nick Fury, but we've come to love him (and the character) anyway. Tim Hiddleston (Thor) reprises his role as Loki with relish. Stellan Skarsgard (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) is somewhat underused, but Clark Gregg (Iron Man) is marvelous as Agent Coulson.

Writer-director Joss Whedon (The Cabin in the Woods) has done a fantastic job with the screenplay. With a huge cast of beloved characters -- not one, not two, but six superheroes, a nasty super villain, and a slew of super agents and civilians running around -- Whedon has the thankless job of making sense of everything while giving all the major characters something to do and develop. And he has succeeded. Job well done, Mr. Whedon.

Now don't get me wrong. It's not perfect. Some of the one-liners are rather cheesy, for example, and the pacing seems off at times. We'd also like to see more character development of our favorite characters (but we understand we may have to wait for their own origin movies to come out). And a major plot point (and character's fate) seems a bit contrived and tearjerking (I actually heard the woman behind me sobbing -- at a popcorn movie!) Still, given the size and complexity of the project, my hat's off to Whedon.

Not to mention he also directed this behemoth. When did he ever sleep? The production is top-notch, of course. All the signs of a big budget blockbuster without the annoyance of a Michael Bay movie. Again, kudos to Mr. Whedon.

The Avengers somehow lives up to the hype and delivers a first-rate entertainment that has a heart and a brain. That's rather rare for a summer movie and Joss Whedon has now secured his seat as one of Hollywood's hottest and most powerful filmmakers. All the work has paid off.

Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlet Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tim Hiddleston, Clark Gregg, Stellan Skarsgard, Samuel L Jackson

Director: Joss Whedon

Writers: Joss Whedon, Zak Penn

Distributor: Paramount

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action throughout

Running Time: 142 minutes

Ratings:

Script - 7

Performance - 8

Direction - 8

Cinematography - 8

Music/Sound - 8

Editing - 8

Production - 9

Total - 8.0 out of 10.0