Inception

“Inception” was written and directed by Christopher Nolan. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Berenger, Michael Caine and Marion Cotillard in this 148 minutes worth of confusion and anarchy as Mr. Nolan’s script tries to make sense out of a difficult concept to not only comprehend but from which to make a descent film. What amazes me is the kind of box office numbers the film is scoring in spite of what I considered a most disappointing theatrical experience. The film is a series of special effects cameos with no really coherent string tying them together as the characters go in an out of various stages of dreams and realities faster than a subway turnstile at rush hour. At one point I actually considered getting up and walking out of the theater. It was like listening to a large orchestra playing but without any melody. Despite a heavy cast and extraordinary visual effects, there is no emotional basis to any of the characters regardless of the dream or conscious level they are at. Much too difficult to follow and enjoy, I give this film a generous 2 stars with a suggestion to potential viewers that even Dr, Freud would have a problem understanding what was going happening on the screen.

Dinner for Schmucks

“Dinner for Schmucks” is a terrible movie. It stars Paul Rudd, Jemaine Clement, Steve Carell, Ron Livingston and Bruce Greenwood. 8 writers and director Jay Roach join in to give us 2 hours of discomfort and pathetic humor (if one call it that). The operative word is “discomfort” for its attempts at humor not only push open the envelope but make the viewer cringe with uneasiness as he or she watches this adaptation of a film from France made 18 yeas ago. Some things are better left intact and not subject to remake and this film is one of them. I give this film no stars and a warning to the viewing public….do not see this film, it is unfunny, makes you feel uneasy and a reminder of how bad a film can be. Perhaps the greatest oddysey is how this film got a green light for production and an OK for general release..

The Other Guys

“The Other Guys” was directed by Adam Mckay and stars Mark Wahlberg, Will Ferrell, Michael Keaton, Eve Mendez, Samuel L. Jackson and Dwayne Johnson (with an unaccredited appearance by Anne Heche) in this comedy involving two misjoined New York City detectives.as they try to upstage and replace two other detectives who are the heroes and stars of the department. Filled with action and rapidly paced, this film is best remembered as being extremely well written whose line are given to two very fine comedic actors, yes, Mark Wahlberg, and, of course, the ever dependable Will Ferrell. The on-screen chemistry that exists between Wahlberg and Ferrell is extraordinary and, honestly, I can’t remember how many times I laughed out loud as they bungle and fumble and make their way in an effort to solve the crimes facing them.. I unqualifiedly recommend this film and give it 3 stars for allowing me to have a really fun theatrical experience..

The Girl Who Played With Fire

“The Girl Who Played With Fire” stars Noomi Rapace and Michael Nyquist as they continue in their debut roles first seen in “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo”. The inevitable consequence after viewing any sequel is to compare it with the prior film and, in this instance the first of the anticipated trilogy is better. “Fire” contains a complicated series of circumstances that at times are confusing and difficult to follow with uncomfortable scenes of violence but the acting of Ms. Rapace and Mr. Nyquist redeem the film somewhat and keep us on the edge of our seats as we again witness their exploits and struggles. I give the film 2 and ½ stars because, unlike the first in the series, I did become conscience of its 2 hour and 40 minute duration.

The Girl Who Played With Fire

“The Girl Who Played With Fire” stars Noomi Rapace and Michael Nyquist as they continue in their debut roles first seen in “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo”. The inevitable consequence after viewing any sequel is to compare it with the prior film and, in this instance the first of the anticipated trilogy is better. “Fire” contains a complicated series of circumstances that at times are confusing and difficult to follow with uncomfortable scenes of violence but the acting of Ms. Rapace and Mr. Nyquist redeem the film somewhat and keep us on the edge of our seats as we again witness their exploits and struggles. I give the film 2 and ½ stars because, unlike the first in the series, I did become conscience of its 2 hour and 40 minute duration.

The Kids Are All Right

The Kids Are All Right” stars Annette Bening, Julianna Moore, Mia Wasikowska, Josh Hutcherson and Mark Ruffalo in this beautifully told story of a same sex marriage, their kids and those who come into their lives. Written by Lisa Cholodenko and Stuart Blumberg and directed by Ms. Cholodenko, this is a film well worth seeing as it investigates and examines parental and partnership issues as they apply to every couple, regardless of gender or origin. Wonderfully acted by all of its stars and directed with warmth, compassion and sensitivity, the movie touches many emotions but never uncomfortably and, for that reason, the co-writers and director deserve kudos and credits. I give this film 3 and ½ stars with a strong recommendation to see it and to enjoy it. It tells us quite simply and yet quite eloquently that love, children and family are universal relationships and exist well beyond the labels society may give to some of its members.