Bunch of Quick Reviews

Brothers - This remake of the 2005 danish film is a very solid, well acted family melodrama featuring three strong performances from Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhall, and Tobey Mcguire. The film's first hour is the strongest. It focuses more on the effects of what war can bring to a family. It's the last 45 minutes that get a little contrived. The film tries to push this heavy melodramatic ending which feels forced and not effective. Portman and Gyllenhall are excellent but the real standout is Tobey Maguire. This is one of his best performances. He is strong and wounded and very often quite terrifying, all at the same time. This is a really good film, it could of been great but still is worth checking out for the strong performances.

Grade B

The Messenger - Another war drama that focuses on the effects that war brings to the family of the men and women who go. The film focuses on Two soldiers who are sent to tell families that their love ones died overseas. This movie is getting alot of best picture buzz but i don't see it. I thought the movie was disjointed and had a hard time focusing on it's different subplots. Some scenes are gripping but very feel uneven and the movie suffers for it. In the end, i really didn't care. However, The performances were very good. Ben Foster, who i usually can't stand to watch, gives his best performance. Woody Harrelson is fantastic and deserves a nomination. Check this one out for the performances but on video.

Grade B-

Blind Side - Sandra Bullock is perfect as a southern belle that helps a young man get his life on track in this enjoyable yet very "hollywood" film. I didn't think i was going to like this film at all but it's def. a crowd pleaser and very entertaining. Reminded me a little of Pursuit of Happiness.

Grade B-

A Christmas Carol - Visually pleasing but slow and unusually scary for a Christmas Carol. It's worth checking out if you have time to kill. Jim Carrey is very good.

Grade C

Invictus - A very solid, inspirational little film with some very strong performances. This film isn't one of the best of the year and it isn't trying to be.

Grade B

Crazy Heart - I am not a big fan of country music but every now and then there is a great country song that comes along that I will listen to for weeks. It's usually a dark song that explores loneliness and regret. That's what Crazy Heart is. One hell of a good country song. The movie isn't exactly original but because of the amazing performance by Jeff Bridges, the film has a fresh feel to it. Jeff Bridges gives a fantastic performances that might give him the oscar he already should have.

Grade B+

Sherlock Holmes - Chaotic, messy, unfocus but still a pretty good time at the movies. This film is saved by Downey Jr. and Jude Law. It almost feels like a extended preview to the sequel that does have the makings of a pretty fun film. However, this film took a while to get started and director Guy Ritchie goes for all style which made the story and direction very weak.

Grade B-