http://www.weekinrewind.com/The week in movies, DVDs and Blu-ray Discs--rewound, reviewed, digested, discussed by Christopher Smith.ennoreply@blogger.com (Admin)Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:15:27 PSTBlogger http://www.blogger.com3839125movies,movie,reviews,film,film,reviews,dvd,dvd,reviewsTV & FilmNews & PoliticsArts/Visual ArtsSociety & Culturebdnfilm1@aol.comChristopher SmithChristopher Smithnomovies,movie,reviews,film,film,reviews,dvd,dvd,reviewsWeek in Rewind: Movie Reviews by Christopher SmithMovie reviews and DVD reviews by film critic Christopher Smith.44.81777-68.789524WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmithhttp://feedburner.google.comhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith/~3/r4MMjoOLQ_c/blind-side-movie-review-2009.htmlDramabdnfilm1@aol.com (Christopher Smith)Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:35:59 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8159801361173958048.post-15356145067744569742009-11-21T11:35:59.725-05:000noMovie Review The Blind Side Written and directed by John Lee Hancock, 120 minutes, rated PG-13. By our guest blogger, Rob Stammitti It's not very often a film is released with this kind of subject matter that doesn't preach, patronize, or pull any punchesChristopher SmithMovie Review The Blind Side Written and directed by John Lee Hancock, 120 minutes, rated PG-13. By our guest blogger, Rob Stammitti It's not very often a film is released with this kind of subject matter that doesn't preach, patronize, or pull any punches. "The Blind Side" is a film about people finding their way, whether they're a 15-year-old homeless kid from the ghetto or a wealthy interior designer seeking meaning in her life. This is the true story of Michael Oher, who went from a troubled and parentless childhood to professional offensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens after being taken in by the wealthy Tuohy family. This is not a traditional sports film, however. Football is an important piece of the puzzle, but it is never held in higher regard than the characters. The film treats football as a sort of metaphor for family, which might seem a bit tired or cheesy if the film itself weren't so grounded in genuine emotion. Newcomer Quinton Aaron gives a startlingly assured performance as Michael, who begins the film almost entirely detached from the world around him, seemingly crushed by his harsh past and unable to relate to those around him. He's forced to sleep on friends' couches or in the school gymnasium, sneak his laundry into other folks' dryers at the laundromat, and take leftover popcorn bags from the school basketball games for food. Finally, Leigh Anne Tuohy, played by Sandra Bullock in her first legitimately great performance, sees him on the way home one night and decides to help him. We never quite know why, just that she felt she had to. The whole family takes an immediate liking to Michael, and Liegh and Tuohy patriarch Sean (Tim McGraw) decide to not only let him stay with them but also take it upon themselves to pay for his education, help him find tutoring, and raise him as their own alongside their two children (wonderfully portrayed by Lily Collins and Jae Head, the latter of which serves as great comedic relief). Having a family opens him up. His grades improve (though not without the help of a tutor, played with verve by Kathy Bates). He makes friends. And, of course, he joins the high school football team, and opportunities finally open up for him. Probably the most refreshing aspect of "Blind Side" is the complete lack of blatant focus on race relations. In the hands of Spike Lee or, worse, Tyler Perry, this might have been a completely different movie. Yes, there are times when it's acknowledged, even negatively by certain characters, that the Tuohy's have taken in an African-American child (one of Bullock's more snooty friends asks her if she's taken the boy in because of "white guilt"), but it is far from the film's point. This is about family, regardless of race, and few films are capable of such even-handedness. It's beyond admirable. It's miraculous. By avoiding excessive cliche and maintaining a simple and optimistic attitude throughout, and with a healthy dose of comedy, "The Blind Side" ends up being one of the best sports films of recent years. A thoroughly entertaining and heartfelt drama. Grade:&nbsp; B View the trailer for "The Blind Side" here.&nbsp; Thoughts on the movie? movies,movie,reviews,film,film,reviews,dvd,dvd,reviewsMovie Review The Blind Side Written and directed by John Lee Hancock, 120 minutes, rated PG-13. By our guest blogger, Rob Stammitti It's not very often a film is released with this kind...<br/> <br/> [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?a=r4MMjoOLQ_c:qe6d1Ubo7aw:TzevzKxY174"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?d=TzevzKxY174" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?a=r4MMjoOLQ_c:qe6d1Ubo7aw:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith/~4/r4MMjoOLQ_c" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.weekinrewind.com/2009/11/blind-side-movie-review-2009.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith/~3/_0_2Ns6vILo/wasikowska-fassbender-tapped-for-remake.htmlNewsbdnfilm1@aol.com (Christopher Smith)Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:56:33 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8159801361173958048.post-57618822901104777332009-11-21T11:56:33.059-05:000By our guest Blogger, Kristen Lopez Book adaptations are nothing new in Hollywood as evidenced by the countless Jane Austen-based films and Oscar-winning fare like “Mystic River” based on the...<br/> <br/> [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?a=_0_2Ns6vILo:cOD_n0aPCOA:TzevzKxY174"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?d=TzevzKxY174" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?a=_0_2Ns6vILo:cOD_n0aPCOA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith/~4/_0_2Ns6vILo" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.weekinrewind.com/2009/11/wasikowska-fassbender-tapped-for-remake.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith/~3/dXEMs1iYVxA/last-song-movie-trailer-review.htmlTrailer ReviewsTrailersNewsbdnfilm1@aol.com (Christopher Smith)Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:08:24 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8159801361173958048.post-45462658906102636982009-11-21T12:08:24.751-05:000noBy our guest blogger, Kristen Lopez Miley Cyrus can't hide behind being Disney's loveable teenage darling forever, and as evidenced by her concert performances and wardrobe of late, it's obvious she doesn't want to. Transitioning from child star to full-fChristopher SmithBy our guest blogger, Kristen Lopez Miley Cyrus can't hide behind being Disney's loveable teenage darling forever, and as evidenced by her concert performances and wardrobe of late, it's obvious she doesn't want to. Transitioning from child star to full-fledged actress is difficult and audiences have seen many burn out and fade away, but in watching the trailer for Cyrus' first foray into real acting it seems she might have a shot. Based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks (aren't they all nowadays?), “The Last Song” follows a Julliard-bound Ronnie (Cyrus), who is forced to spend the summer with her estranged father (Greg Kinnear). As her father tries to bond with her through the only love they share--music--Ronnie discovers first love with volleyball stud, Will (Liam Hemsworth). The plot is typical Nicholas Sparks: Repressed girl reconnects with a distant parent while facing the trials and tribulations of a young romance. Looking at the success rates of past Sparks' work such as “A Walk to Remember” and a little film called “The Notebook,” the trailer plays up all the schmaltzy, romantic angles both with the young teens and possibly Kinnear's character and his ex-wife played by Kelly Preston. The story seems solid and as much as I do not enjoy romantic comedies--I'm one of a small group of females born without an inherent love of these movies--I was hooked. Maybe it's the idea of an estranged familial relationship or the general coming-of-age premise, but there is something about the trailer for “The Last Song” that seems engaging and interesting. That's not to say that the story will be original--again most Nicholas Sparks novels follow the same, linear path. It'll probably have love lost and gained, a moral, and several times for teary moments. The movie doesn't highlight anything overtly depressing, but expect it to be present at some point. A big surprise is that Miley Cyrus might be able to pull off this role and become a bonafide “actress.” It's a breath of fresh air that she didn't do this with her father Billy Ray, which should allow her to connect with people who don't watch her Disney series. Her relationship with Kinnear seems fresh and real--a particular scene where she wants to talk and the two squabbling over her first kiss, seems sweet and plausible. Cyrus also doesn't seem to be playing up her dual roles of actress/singer, although it must be said that a song sung by her is played towards the trailer's finale. The good thing is the song actually sounds good and there doesn't seem to be any musical montages where she sings. Her character is heading to Julliard and she's seen playing a piano--here's hoping there won't be any musical numbers shoehorned in to highlight her voice.&nbsp; It would be best to just let the acting speak for itself. I mentioned Kinnear already, but this also looks as if a solid role for Kelly Preston, who in this movie isn't playing a campy, over-the-top character opposite husband John Travolta. In the few scenes she's in, she seems to be presenting the character as the typical caring, devoted mother and that's something she works well at. Girls all over the world will obviously be ogling Australian import Liam Hemsworth, brother to "Thor" star Chris Hemsworth. While he has a few shirtless scenes, he seems like the perfect California surfer and the accent doesn't seem to slip. If Nicholas Sparks movies accomplish anything, it's casting hot young men that go on to global fame. He also has a few romantic moments that even had me sighing--any guy whose willing to collect your body's outline in seashells is worthy in my book. As much as I hate to admit it, I'll probably see “The Last Song.” The story connects with almost every female on some level, it'll be fun to see if Cyrus can pull off something other than "Hannah Montana" and I'm a sucker for an Australian import. “The Last Song” hits theaters April 2, 2010. Check out the trailer for "The Last Song" below.&nbsp; Thoughts on it? movies,movie,reviews,film,film,reviews,dvd,dvd,reviewsBy our guest blogger, Kristen Lopez Miley Cyrus can't hide behind being Disney's loveable teenage darling forever, and as evidenced by her concert performances and wardrobe of late, it's obvious...<br/> <br/> [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?a=dXEMs1iYVxA:vzFi_kBEazY:TzevzKxY174"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?d=TzevzKxY174" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?a=dXEMs1iYVxA:vzFi_kBEazY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith/~4/dXEMs1iYVxA" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.weekinrewind.com/2009/11/last-song-movie-trailer-review.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith/~3/AJa_cmMtiqI/idris-elba-joins-thor-cast.htmlNewsbdnfilm1@aol.com (Christopher Smith)Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:33:08 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8159801361173958048.post-53781281310921020002009-11-21T12:33:08.652-05:000By our guest blogger, Matt Jussim Idris Elba ("The Wire," "The Office") is set to play Heimdall, the guardian of Asgard, in Kenneth Branagh's upcoming superhero adaptation "Thor" for Marvel...<br/> <br/> [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?a=AJa_cmMtiqI:42tcZV8wOtQ:TzevzKxY174"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?d=TzevzKxY174" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?a=AJa_cmMtiqI:42tcZV8wOtQ:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith/~4/AJa_cmMtiqI" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.weekinrewind.com/2009/11/idris-elba-joins-thor-cast.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith/~3/1R-vXDtuGCg/planet-51-movie-review-2009.htmlAnimationChildren's Moviesbdnfilm1@aol.com (Christopher Smith)Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:50:35 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8159801361173958048.post-37292349114892642302009-11-21T12:50:35.944-05:000noMovie Review "Planet 51" Directed by Jorge Blanco, written by Joe Stillman, 91 minutes, rated PG. By our guest blogger, Jeremy Wilkinson The latest computer-generated film to land in theaters is “Planet 51.” The movie is a joint effort from the fledgling Christopher SmithMovie Review "Planet 51" Directed by Jorge Blanco, written by Joe Stillman, 91 minutes, rated PG. By our guest blogger, Jeremy Wilkinson The latest computer-generated film to land in theaters is “Planet 51.” The movie is a joint effort from the fledgling Ilion Animation Studios and the more established HandMade Films ("Monty Python’s Life of Brian"). It doesn’t rise to the level that some other children’s movies do, but kids should enjoy the film and most adults won’t be too bored with the movie. Lem (Justin Long) is just your average green-skinned teenager who works at a planetarium in a town that resembles America in the 1950s. Everything is fine until a spacecraft carrying Charles Baker (Dwayne Johnson) lands near Lem's home. The astronaut (believing the planet to be uninhabited) is horrified to find there are people living there. The natives are in turn horrified by his alien presence because of the depiction of humans in the popular sci-fi franchise “Humaniacs.” Charles flees the scene, setting off a chain of events that change Lem’s life forever. The movie is bright and colorful with an interesting setting. It looks as it’s set in the '50s and the town’s architecture includes a heavy flying saucer motif. The paranoia the '50s is known for also is present throughout the film. Various allusions to sci-fi movies are scattered throughout the movie (including a dog that looks like a xenomorph). The cast has some big names and up-and-comers among its ranks. Justin Long does fine voice-over work as the protagonist Lem. Dwayne Johnson (as the cocky, foolish astronaut “Chuck” Baker) gives a performance one would expect of him in a comedic role--slightly over-the-top and with enough charm to keep the character likeable (despite being slightly irritating in places). John Cleese and Gary Oldman lend their talents as an arrogant scientist and rigid military general, respectively. All of the characters have their humorous moments and the story has some jokes that children in attendance probably won’t get. Some of the movie seems a little crude for a kid’s flick, but then again, humor in general seems cruder these days. Overall, it’s funny enough to keep everyone entertained for the 91-minute running time. The major problem with the film (as with many children’s films) is its predictability. Any adult is going to figure out what’s going to happen next in quite a few parts. In addition, some of the jokes fall a little flat, like a running gag involving the acidic urine of the aforementioned xenomorph dog--surely someone would have thought of a preventative measure for that. While it does follow the “children’s movie” formula for the most part, it is cute, and it does feature a great idea and setting. Its target audience will enjoy it and most adults shouldn’t feel too bored. If you have kids and are seeking a family night, catch it at a matinee and everyone should be happy. Grade: B-&nbsp; View the trailer for "Planet 51" below.&nbsp; Thoughts on the movie? movies,movie,reviews,film,film,reviews,dvd,dvd,reviewsMovie Review "Planet 51" Directed by Jorge Blanco, written by Joe Stillman, 91 minutes, rated PG. By our guest blogger, Jeremy Wilkinson The latest computer-generated film to land in...<br/> <br/> [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?a=1R-vXDtuGCg:lHhliScGtAI:TzevzKxY174"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?d=TzevzKxY174" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?a=1R-vXDtuGCg:lHhliScGtAI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith/~4/1R-vXDtuGCg" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.weekinrewind.com/2009/11/planet-51-movie-review-2009.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith/~3/yNL5h-TwxKw/crazy-heart-movie-trailer-review.htmlTrailer ReviewsTrailersNewsbdnfilm1@aol.com (Christopher Smith)Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:06:21 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8159801361173958048.post-18328893218102596892009-11-21T13:06:21.333-05:000By our guest blogger, Erik Luers Fox Searchlight's trailer for the recently scheduled, late-in-the-game, Oscar hopeful, "Crazy Heart," may strike you as eerily similar to that of another Best...<br/> <br/> [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?a=yNL5h-TwxKw:j-MNSgmwvqY:TzevzKxY174"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?d=TzevzKxY174" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?a=yNL5h-TwxKw:j-MNSgmwvqY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith/~4/yNL5h-TwxKw" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.weekinrewind.com/2009/11/crazy-heart-movie-trailer-review.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith/~3/hOBnpKjv66o/30-rock-mid-season-review.htmlTelevisionbdnfilm1@aol.com (Christopher Smith)Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:34:59 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8159801361173958048.post-5064012880735091362009-11-21T13:34:59.930-05:000By our guest blogger, Sam Roos NBC’s “30 Rock” began this season with a lot to live up to. While the show has been critically acclaimed from the first episode, it wasn’t until star Tina Fey broke...<br/> <br/> [[ This is a content summary only. 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See those little buttons in the above right? If you share this on your Facebook account--and I know...<br/> <br/> [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?a=cFUN9JrIqls:SQhR7FGofgU:TzevzKxY174"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?d=TzevzKxY174" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?a=cFUN9JrIqls:SQhR7FGofgU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith/~4/cFUN9JrIqls" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.weekinrewind.com/2009/11/giveaway-update-playstation-3-slim_20.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith/~3/Nm4y64Hghjk/men-who-stare-at-goats-movie-review.htmlComedyWarThe A Listbdnfilm1@aol.com (Christopher Smith)Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:37:12 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8159801361173958048.post-3714441061752820262009-11-21T13:37:12.751-05:000noMovie Review "The Men Who Stare at Goats" Directed by Grant Heslove, written by Peter Straughan, 95 minutes, rated R. By our guest blogger, Rob Stammitti "The Men Who Stare at Goats," directed by first-timer Grant Heslov and loosely based on the book by jChristopher SmithMovie Review "The Men Who Stare at Goats" Directed by Grant Heslove, written by Peter Straughan, 95 minutes, rated R. By our guest blogger, Rob Stammitti "The Men Who Stare at Goats," directed by first-timer Grant Heslov and loosely based on the book by journalist Jon Ronson, starts out with the subtitle: "More of this is true than you would believe." It's the perfect beginning to a film that deftly combines truth and fiction, and one that concerns itself less with accuracy and more with retaining the ideals and core purpose of its subject matter. The New Earth Army, the top-secret military unit on which the film and book are based, was about changing the world through peace and the freedom of spirit. As such, this is a very free-spirited film. Ewan McGregor is reporter Tom Wilton, who finds himself emotionally lost after his wife leaves him and seeks meaning by heading to the Middle East to report on military contractors in Iraq. While waiting for permission to cross the border into the warzone, he meets Lyn Cassady (George Clooney), who reveals himself to be a trained super soldier and former member of the New Earth Army. He tells Tom he has a secret mission across the border, so Tom decides to drop his original story and join Cassady. As the two make their way through the desert to Cassady's secret destination, he explains the history of the NEA, and through flashbacks we discover it was created by Bill Django (Jeff Bridges in total Lebowski mode) and was a successful venture until the recruitment of Larry Hooper (Kevin Spacey), who strove to use the training for sadistic means and threatened the project in the process. The film is very lightly plotted, meandering around more than telling any one specific tale. This may be problem for those seeking a more edgy take on bizarre military projects and the post-9/11 world, but it actually suits the subject matter very well. The NEA was made up of free-spirits, and so, appropriately, the film is as well. It also manages to be the most optimistic film about the Iraq War yet released, passionately condemning the actions of a misdirected military and selfish security contractors but allowing for the possibility that with a little hope and push for peace, peace may actually come. As message-based as it is, "Goats" really is a riot. McGregor and Clooney have great chemistry, and Clooney continues in the long line of perfect comedic roles he started in the beginning of the decade with "O Brother, Where Art Thou" (and he's since been brilliant in both of the other Coen brothers comedies he's been in). He's wild but not without an understated bit of heart to his performance. The flashbacks telling the history of the NEA are all fantastic, ranging from spectacularly absurd (Bridges giving an R. Lee Ermey-esque speech to his men and then following it up with a free-form dance session) to the wonderfully poignant (we see Clooney finally find escape in the NEA, the ony place where he's been accepted). Spacey gives one of his best performances in ages, relishing in his hilarious villainy. It's a minor role, but certainly a standout. The NEA (or at least the NEA depicted by the film) believed in peace in a time when so many others didn't. The film shows us the absurdity of some of their actions but also saves room for admiration; admiration for something the world needs more of: not just desire for peace, but an attempt to create it. Grade:&nbsp; A View the trailer for "The Men Who Stare at Goats" below.&nbsp; What did you think of the movie? movies,movie,reviews,film,film,reviews,dvd,dvd,reviewsMovie Review "The Men Who Stare at Goats" Directed by Grant Heslove, written by Peter Straughan, 95 minutes, rated R. By our guest blogger, Rob Stammitti "The Men Who Stare at Goats,"...<br/> <br/> [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?a=Nm4y64Hghjk:jGS-zLsqkys:TzevzKxY174"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?d=TzevzKxY174" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?a=Nm4y64Hghjk:jGS-zLsqkys:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith/~4/Nm4y64Hghjk" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.weekinrewind.com/2009/11/men-who-stare-at-goats-movie-review.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith/~3/63BIhz807ek/2012-movie-review-2009_20.htmlAction/Adventurebdnfilm1@aol.com (Christopher Smith)Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:37:32 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8159801361173958048.post-64468238991956352872009-11-21T13:37:32.558-05:000noMovie Review “2012” Directed by Roland Emmerich, written by Emmerich and Harold Kloser, 158 minutes, rated PG-13. By Christopher Smith Roland Emmerich has a new movie out, which means it’s time to start rebuilding our infrastructure, finding new places toChristopher SmithMovie Review “2012” Directed by Roland Emmerich, written by Emmerich and Harold Kloser, 158 minutes, rated PG-13. By Christopher Smith Roland Emmerich has a new movie out, which means it’s time to start rebuilding our infrastructure, finding new places to live, dusting off memories of what it means to successfully duck-and-cover, and slapping bandages on the world’s landmarks. Or at least what’s left of them. His latest epic, “2012,” once again finds the director wandering around the world, casually smashing it to bits with joyous ease, and all while delivering the destruction with some of the worst, most risible and predictable writing of the year. Any year. Pick a year. Doesn’t matter the year. The film, which Emmerich co-wrote with Harold Kloser, makes one wonder what Emmerich would be handed for a sentence if he were making movies during the McCarthy era. Would he be considered an American-hating communist for taking out the White House in not one but two movies (this film and “Independence Day”)? For felling the Washington Monument? For crushing our cities flat? Oh, likely, he would. And yes, he’d be on that list--the black one. And not just so he could look thinner. About the movie. Well, it’s just a work of art, and to some degree, I’m serious. Special effects have come a long way, baby, and this movie is a showcase for the cheesy best of the best. There is no denying the sheer pleasure that goes into watching disaster movies when the disasters are played up with the sort of sheen presented here. This movie is a spit-and-shine miracle of special effects, so much so that occasionally, you do slip out of the clutch of cliches Emmerich hurls at you and marvel at how talented computers have become. If only it were so easy for some writers. Talk about devastation--they can take out the world (and ruin a good time) with the swipe of a pen. That’s sometimes the case here, with the film’s slim shred of a plot going down like this: The year is 2012. John Cusack is Jackson Curtis, a divorced dad of two who is trying to be civil to his ex-wife, Kate (Amanda Peet), when the Earth’s crust starts to shift. Though the scientist Adrian Helmsley (Chiwetel Ejiofor) predicted this day would come and has warned the President of the United States (Danny Glover) as well as his staff, few others knew, with the exception of Charlie (Woody Harrelson), a pot-smoking hippie living high up in Yellowstone, where he has a radio show that long has declared the end of the world. When the end comes, it hits hard (that’s the fun part), but who wants to bet that Jackson and Kate will be thrown together, in spite of the fact that Kate is re-married to another man (Tom McCarthy)? Will they all suck up their differences in an effort to survive? Will they squeak out creaky old dialogue that could crumble Rio? And what about their daughter, who is 7 and must wear pull-ups because, for sheer character development alone, we learn that she has bladder issues? Will those be solved by the end of the movie? Will the world live on? What do you think? What’s so frustrating about “2012,” which nods its head broadly at Mayan prophecy, is that it could have been a great action movie. If the special effects team can do their jobs, certainly the producers behind the movie, which was budgeted at nearly $300 million, could have hired better writers that didn’t dumb down the proceedings. Not once in this film is something not telegraphed. Just try finding a surprise. It won’t be there, but the explosions will, and for some, that will be enough. Grade: C- View the trailer for "2012" here: movies,movie,reviews,film,film,reviews,dvd,dvd,reviewsMovie Review “2012” Directed by Roland Emmerich, written by Emmerich and Harold Kloser, 158 minutes, rated PG-13. By Christopher Smith Roland Emmerich has a new movie out, which means...<br/> <br/> [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?a=63BIhz807ek:TAaBYmh9U30:TzevzKxY174"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?d=TzevzKxY174" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?a=63BIhz807ek:TAaBYmh9U30:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith/~4/63BIhz807ek" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.weekinrewind.com/2009/11/2012-movie-review-2009_20.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith/~3/BiEq7oBz_yU/serious-moonlight-movie-trailer-review.htmlTrailer ReviewsTrailersNewsbdnfilm1@aol.com (Christopher Smith)Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:37:56 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8159801361173958048.post-79057759129606318712009-11-21T13:37:56.443-05:000noBy our guest blogger, Michaela Zanello Remember how Meg Ryan starred with Timothy Hutton in “French Kiss,” a film about a scorned woman whose lover tells her he is in love with a younger woman? Well, if you liked that movie, then you’re in for some déjà vChristopher SmithBy our guest blogger, Michaela Zanello Remember how Meg Ryan starred with Timothy Hutton in “French Kiss,” a film about a scorned woman whose lover tells her he is in love with a younger woman? Well, if you liked that movie, then you’re in for some déjà vu goodness because, get this, “Serious Moonlight” is also a film starring Meg Ryan and Timothy Hutton about a scorned woman whose lover tells her he is in love with a younger woman. Only this time, instead of being set in picturesque France, the film mostly takes place in the unhappy couple's toilette. Super woman Louise (Meg Ryan) is a fiercely independent careeraholic, albeit a little coo-coo for Cocoa Puffs, who decides to surprise her husband, Ian (Timothy Hutton), at their country home for a romantic weekend. Her plan goes awry, however, when Ian drops the bomb that he is going to Paris and leaving her for his 24-year old girlfriend, Sara (Kristen Bell). Hmm, Paris, huh? “Serious Moonlight” is seriously starting to feel like a game of I-Spy “French Kiss.” At any rate, from what is revealed in the trailer, the plot of “Serious Moonlight” does eventually deviate from its cinematic doppelganger when the opportunistic gardener, played by Justin Long, decides to burglarize Louise and Ian’s home, leaving the couple, plus Sara the mistress, duct taped in the bathroom in a very uncomfortable ménage-a-trois. Using dialogue extracts and subtle voice-over narration, the trailer presents the film in a very formulaic way, which makes sense, seeing as, aside from a few zany components, “Serious Moonlight” is not a film that is likely to garner many accolades for innovation. The trailer does, however, manage to capture a few comical scenes, leading the audience to believe that “Serious Moonlight” has the potential to dish out some real belly laughs. Unless, of course, this is one of those instances, which happens all too often, when all of the funny parts are shown in the trailer. The trailer portrays many elements of the film’s plot as being harebrained and madcap, particularly Louise’s desperation, but working with a story that involves a gardener turned bandit and an adulterous husband duct taped to a toilet seat by his cracked wife, there really was no getting around that. “Serious Moonlight” is what it is. But as two charismatic actors, Ryan and Hutton are likely to entertain even if the story does prove to be too wacky to stomach. What the trailer for "Serious Moonlight" below.&nbsp; Thoughts? movies,movie,reviews,film,film,reviews,dvd,dvd,reviewsBy our guest blogger, Michaela Zanello Remember how Meg Ryan starred with Timothy Hutton in “French Kiss,” a film about a scorned woman whose lover tells her he is in love with a younger woman?...<br/> <br/> [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?a=BiEq7oBz_yU:dZsvxscHPuU:TzevzKxY174"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?d=TzevzKxY174" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?a=BiEq7oBz_yU:dZsvxscHPuU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WeekInRewind--movieReviewsByChristopherSmith/~4/BiEq7oBz_yU" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.weekinrewind.com/2009/11/serious-moonlight-movie-trailer-review.htmlChristopher SmithnonadultWeek in Rewind: Movie Reviews by Christopher Smith