mollymormonbrat Reviews

Iron Man (2008)

Awesome in all ways

[8/10 · 10 May 2008]

Here's the deal: I had never heard of Iron Man prior to seeing the trailer. But gosh dern it I thought it looked cool. So I want and saw it. And yes, it was cool.

I thought the acting was topnotch, especially Downey Jr.'s snarky performance and Paltrow's demure presence as a his girl Friday character--very good for a classic comic feel.

I liked the story. It was fun, to-the-point, and surprising inspirational.

I liked the special effects. They weren't over-the-top (I've seen superhero movies with shiner, fancier things) but they were suitable to the story and, if I can say so, fairy realistic and down-to-earth. Nothing splashy, just what was necessary.

I like the idea. Iron Man is an awesome superhero.

So no, I really can't compare it to anything, but for all intents and purposes I enjoyed it.

Penelope (2006)

Didn't quite give me my fairy tale fix, but nice and lovable just the same.

[5/10 · 1 March 2008]

To begin, I am sorry to say that this film was something of a letdown for me. I am proud to admit that I am a pathetic addict of cutesy fairy-tale movies, the more over-the-top and sing-songy, the better. I think that is where "Penelope" failed me. In my eyes, it never quite reached it's disgustingly adorable potential while I sat in the theatre, enjoying the movie, but still waiting for some big grandiose scene that would cause all cynics to roll their eyes. I waited and waited, but nothing ever came beyond pretty decent. And really, this is a story that should have worked. Great idea, great actors. What made it so "just all right"?

Really, if you are going to make a modern fairy tale about a girl with the face of a pig, you might as well go all the way. It seemed as if they were afraid of making it too cheesy, too cute. Well, boys, that is what the intended audience WANTED! The beginning was good and flamboyant, the ending satisfying for all hopeless romantics. It was the middle that was just too ordinary for me. I wanted to feel the passion at new world. I wanted to like the romance! But it never grabbed me the way it should have.

Still, thankfully, the basic formula was good and that was the saving grace here. There have been several fairy tales throughout folklore history involving a girl switching her own head for that of a pig or some other animal, so I was happy with that. True to fairy tale form, she was "locked in a tower"--actually just living comfortably at home while the rest of the world believed she had died as an infant. There is the line of suitors whilst Penelope waits for Prince Charming.

Then, as befits inspiring modern-day girls, Penelope gets sick of waiting around to be rescued from her curse and sets out into the world. I admit, the scene where she pulls open the too-familiar gate of her home to reveal a glittering city scene did bring a tear to my eye.

And, of course, we get the good, inspiring message and I certainly can't complain about that.

The acting was also good. I have a soft spot for Christina Ricci and her naive beauty, which made her perfect for the role as Penelope; she was a perfect modern-day cursed princess. I realize that Catherine O'Hara bothers some people, but frankly her zaniness entertains me. The rest of the crew certainly held their own.

So, yes, I did enjoy this movie and I will probably buy it on DVD where multiple viewings will make it worm its way into my heart. After all, there is plenty to love about "Penelope" and its positive message.

But it never gave the bang I was looking for.

All About Eve (1950)

A Mesmorizing Game of Subtleties

[8/10 · 11 February 2008]

When I saw this DVD for cheap at the local store, I bought it simple for the cast and a vague memory of hearing the title somewhere. So I took it home, popped it into the player, and immediately became sucked into this darkly humorous piece of manipulation.

We see from the movie's beginning how it will end. A beautiful young starlet appearing from practically nowhere to achieve great fame. The rest of the movie takes us back to this young woman's beginnings and her trail of lies that positioned herself just where she wanted to be. Even though Eve is the title character, what we see the most of is the results of her actions among her so-called friends.

It has all the right elements of drama and intrigue, just short of someone literally stabbing someone else in the back. Modern crowds used to constant action might be bored, but if one is willing to watch the ingenious and devious dance, he will be rewarded.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

Ah, the glory of fountains of blood and dark comedy/tragedy singing!

[9/10 · 10 February 2008]

Johnny Depp certainly got himself another hit on his hands with this one, much to the delight of his considerable fan club and every other Broadway baby out there. While I don't know if Johnny Depp is the world's greatest singer (he won't be doing opera anytime soon) he proves that he can carry a tune well enough to make this a musical worth seeing, and fans of prior versions of the show should be pleased. Helena Bonham Carter keeps up her pace as his consort with that flair of hers we all know and love.

But it ain't just Mr. Depp and Ms. Carter. Even without him and his gifts "Sweeny Todd" is art, a sensitive version of the old legend of the killer that speaks of his personal tragedy even as it recognizes his darker and, dare I say, it comedy. Simply put, "Sweeny Todd" is a great story in every sense of the word. It has it all: comedy, tragedy, romance, cannibalism. What more do you need? Visually it is a gem, from the river of blood that opens it to the scenes that vary between the streets of London and the cramped spaces of the homes and pie shops. It does not sweep broadly, but pulls you into claustrophobic conditions that force you to examine the characters. Every one of them is real. Every one of them, good or evil, earns your appreciation in a character-driven story that refuses to be two-dimensional.

This is not about a barber that kills people. This is about what people will do when they are desperate in their passions of love and hate. We see goodness, innocence, love. We see revenge, evil, pain. We see everything in between, serious and funny alike.

The songs are incredible and do their part to move the story along in their lyrics of passion and black humor.

Isn't it great that musicals are back in vogue?

Juno (2007)

This is why we go to the movie theatre.

[10/10 · 9 February 2008]

I have already had the wonderful pleasure of having seen this movie twice. I cannot wait for it to come to DVD. My local movie critic considered this the best film of 2007 and I truly must agree with him. While it's not like we haven't seen the story of the pregnant teenage girl before, it's been awhile since we have seen it done with so much grace, humor, and heart and fantastic characters that earn your care.

From the beginning involving a chair to the ending involving another chair, "Juno" moves effortlessly along in a simple-yet-gorgeous way that lets you view Juno's life as she sees it. No, it's not hand-held camera, but it might as well have been the lovable Juno directing.

What really makes this show work is its wonderful cast of characters. Juno is the crowning star, but it is not like the others did not pull their weight. Jennifer Garner takes her sweetness from "13 Going on 30" and channels it into an adult yuppy. Jason Bateman is relatable, even when it's painful. Michael Cera pulls off a heartwarming performance. Allison Janney almost stole the movie. And it wasn't just stellar performances. These are wonderfully written characters, all fully realized and unique and proud to be so as they deal with this very serious situation of teenage pregnancy.

This movie deserves all ten stars and all the praise it has received. It is well-made. It is well-written. It is well-acted. It has a great message. It finally has a teenage girl stepping up to take responsibility, even in a society that frowns upon adoption. I went through every emotion, from tears-inducing laughter to tears-inducing heartbreak.

In the words of Mary Poppins, practically perfect in every way.

The Water Horse (2007)

Adorable take on the Loch Ness monster legend.

[7/10 · 9 February 2008]

I have always been mildly interested in the Loch Ness monster-it makes for a good story, as this movie proves as an old man relates to young tourists the "truth" of the creature in the lake and transports back to WWII and a family who had lost their father and husband to battle.

It's a classic scenario: lonely boy raises animal. Usually it's a dog or a deer, but hey, what's wrong with a mythological creature? While this is not quite "Babe" level, it is still reminiscent of that same innocence and charm. Crusoe, as the creature is called, is the cutest little monster to grace the screen in some time. The kids are cute and hold their own in the child acting. I enjoyed the romantic tension between the adults, and I appreciated the contrast of the innocent magic and the terrible reality of the war.

I also found it well-shot. Not Oscar-worthy, but there is something captivating about a swim through the Scottish lake This is a great little family film that has a bit of something for everyone.

Fool's Gold (I) (2008)

Cure for Seasonal Affective Disorder

[5/10 · 9 February 2008]

For the life of me, I cannot figure out why this movie is getting as lousy reviews as it is. I walked out of the theatre quite pleased; even if this movie will not get an Oscar, it earned the price of my ticket. It's campy, silly, and bright, and there is nothing like a fluffy romp around the sunny islands to cure those winter blues.

Admittedly, it's a contrived, predictable mystery, but that proves to be the focus rather than the romantic comedy that was promoted. But in the spirit of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, it's a spunky predictable mystery. No, the characters were not all complex, but at least the powers that be went to the trouble of making them entertaining and personable.

I liked the idea of looking for sunken treasure. I liked the upbeat island soundtrack. I liked the funny characters. I liked the pretty scenes and the silly lines. I liked the random explosions and fight scenes, as pleasantly ridiculous as they were.

Kate and Matthew have the chemistry they had in "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days". They have the sunny dispositions to pull off a mindless-but-fun storyline and to work with a wacky cast.

It's mind candy in all its fluffy goodness.

Cloverfield (2008)

Nothing quite like a monster destroying NYC.

[6/10 · 9 February 2008]

This review is late in coming. I saw this movie opening night with no idea of what to expect, due to the mysterious posters and trailers. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself watching the documentary of something large and weird destroying New York City.

To be perfectly honest, I cannot decide if this movie was supposed to be serious or not. I was under the impression it was pure camp, what with the classic and simple giant monster and the smaller monsters lurking in the darkness. But yes, the key word is classic. Monster movies have definitely made their niche in cinema culture, and I guess they figured it was high time for another one.

Besides the monster, much of the movie focused on the emotional plot line of the humans desperately trying to reach each other. I was interested in their courageous trek through Ground Zero, though I was mostly interested in watching them scream and run from various dangers. Still, I could appreciate the humanity.

The effects. Oh, wow. Now these were some nice effects, from the Statue of Liberty literally losing her head to tilted buildings. The monsters, while still looking classically Hollywood camp, were awe/fear inspiring.

I don't know if I experienced the same terror as the teenagers in the theatre as I spent a good deal of time laughing, but I was certainly entertained.

Old school works. This proves it. Remember that, Hollywood.

The Golden Compass (2007)

Pretty eye-candied images and not much else.

[4/10 · 8 December 2007]

True, it's been a about three or so years since I've read Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy, the books upon which this film is based, if you didn't know. But as that time three years ago was my second time going through the trilogy, I still like to think I had a decent memory of them along with a decent opinion. At the risk of offending fans, I always felt Pullman's characters--Lyra, Mrs. Coulter, Will, the whole gang--to be on the weak side of characterization, a few hops from being completely two-dimensional. STILL, I thought the story and theme to be on another plane entirely, certainly enough to make the books as famous as they are and even flesh out an entertaining movie.

I promise, I tried my best to like this movie, for the sake of those books. For the sake of Sam Elliot and the goddess Nicole Kidman. Heck, even for that cute little new girl. They all did their best, but frankly this movie was fluff, and it's hard to work with fluff. How could they take such thought- and controversy- provoking books and turn them into fluff? I'm hardly an atheist, but I had appreciated the story's urge for free thought, free will, and a keener look at authority. The smidgen they put in here was all too welcomed, but not enough to give this movie proper heart and soul.

What we are left with is a rushed train of lovely cinematography, scenery, and special effects that accompany an equally rushed plot. Yes, there is a lot of story to get into this movie, but making that the priority left me cold toward these characters who were weak in the book and utterly two-dimensional on screen. I felt like I was an infant teenager being instructed in the ways of generic fantasy. Talking bears? Soul-daemons? Other worlds? Texas as a country? Wonderful, fantastic ideas that appeared on the big screen like toys in hurried images.

I'm sorry, but while the director was having fun with the camera, the audience was confused by the random jumping from scene to scene, plot to plot.

So maybe it was a tragic result of putting a plot-based rather than character-based story in a movie that led to all story and show and no emotional depth. Maybe it was a tragic result of playing it safe by removing all blatant references to religion. Maybe I'm just a whiney book purist.

All I know is that the result was flashy, heartless, and boring.

Enchanted (2007)

Release your inner Disney Princess!

[7/10 · 25 November 2007]

Oh, golly, it's almost embarrassing how much I liked this movie. I remember being tempted to see the movie upon seeing early trailers and posters, but I also realized it would probably bomb. But hey, I was going to see it anyway. Clearly I never entirely grew up. It's classic Disney cotton candy fluff, I still can't figure out why anyone would be attracted to a cynical jerk, there were obnoxious talking animals... and I think I just answered my own question. Isn't this the stuff that makes Disney so abhorrently great? I've already seen it twice, and the second time around was just as delightfully scrumptious as the first. And why not? "Shrek" originally captured our hearts with contemporary cynicism in a fairy tale world--and look how that angle turned out in the end with that disastrous #3. Maybe society is ready for happiness and joy and joyness and little singing woodland creatures once more.

And boy, do we get it. In the happy-magical kingdom of Andalasia (which is most reminiscent of the worlds of fellow princesses Snow White and Sleeping Beauty) we have the fair forest maiden Giselle, an angelic creature with a heart of gold dreaming of the day when she would receive True Love's Kiss. Fortunately, convenient Disney Destiny thrusts her into the arms of the handsome and dashing Prince Edward... and the happy couple are engaged about ten seconds later. All seems well in Andalasia, until Giselle is thrust down a waterfall into a horrible, dark place where no one lives happily ever after. That's right. New York City.

However, Giselle, now reality-incarnated as the sparkling Amy Adams, is not about to let a bad situation get the best of her. She sings and dances out her views on the world via a less-than-subtle reminder that life would indeed be better as a musical. Throw in a simple-but-tried-and-true plot and some enchanting stereotypes of characters and she has a dazzling film of which any Disney Princess would be proud.

Frankly, a lot of the wonder has to do with the casting and characters. Amy Adams is to Giselle as Johnny Depp is to Captain Jack in absorbing a character. Timothy Spall does an excellent job as a bumbling lackey, and his character of Nathaniel really wormed his way into my heart. James Marsden happily becomes Prince Edward and has a blast playing a properly two-dimensional prince who, as you know, must survive on looks, bravery, and charm rather than brains--fortunately his heart is just as big as Giselle's. Even Idina Menzel makes the most of her character's lack of screen time. I felt Susan Serandon could have had a bit more fun with her evil queen role, but still, it's hard to completely ruin any evil queen role. Patrick Dempsey also kept his role as straight man a little too straight (I still can't figure out why the character of Robert was supposed to be so great) but it was still entertaining to see him trapped in a fairy tale freak show while his own daughter is happily joining the party.

This lovable cast leads us through a sprightly and sweet story that took a deeper look at the typical fairy tale ending--without getting mind-numblingly philosophical on this, because hey, it's Disney. I for one appreciated the idea that blissful unapologetic romance and thought-out personality/values matching are both necessary a relationship to really work.

The story was cute, fresh, and funny. I had fun counting the various Disney references (and I still think I missed some). I still laugh over the idea that the obligatory talking critter lost his power of speech upon coming to the real world and it was wonderful to see Jodi Benson as Robert's recetionist sassing around whilst score from "The Little Mermaid" played in the background.

The last act wasn't quite at part with the rest of the movie: the twist of the princess as the hero has actually become its own cliché and I think they could have come up with something a little more creative. I also still can't figure out why Patick Dempsey's character was all that wonderful, but Beauty and the Beast fell in love and I'm the one that would happily ridden off into the sunset Prince Edward. But all in all, it was indeed a very enchanting movie and I hope the Academy looks Amy Adam's way when it comes for nominations.

It's the best kind of fluffy goodness, complete with a romp of hilariously stereotypical characters and fairy tale clichés--all done right! I'm sure there are plenty of people out there that will condemn this movie for not embracing reality and pain, and I bet those are the type of people that don't let their kids read fairy tales.

The seven-year-old girl in me was extremely pleased.

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (2007)

Quirky and heartfelt

[6/10 · 25 November 2007]

This is not a movie for those who expect the world to be complex and sensible. With a title that rhymes like that, what would you expect beside the magical sweetness that just happens to be accepted by the world? I was quickly drawn in by this storybook world where the bizarre and quirky is just a way of life and no one thinks much more of it. Throw in a beautiful message of finding yourself, and I was pleasantly engrossed in this heartfelt tale.

Mr. Magorium is a very old inventor (several centuries) who has not only helped a few famous souls out there but has managed to create a magical toy store. However, he feels it is time to pass from this world. It seems to be pretty much his decision and he seems perfectly fine with it, and I found that to be an interesting look at death.

However, the store's manager Molly is a young woman who still hasn't quite figured out her place in the world. It's pretty shocking to her to learn that her beloved boss plans to die and leave her in charge when she has no idea who she is and only has a hat-collecting boy with no friends his own age and a workaholic accountant as her only companions.

Mr. Magorium is positive she'll do fine, with a little encouragement, and thus pours out a sweet story about finding the best in yourself.

It wasn't what I expected, and that's not a bad thing, especially when I realized the plot was deeper than a toy store romp.

I don't think the characters other than Mr. Magorium were as realized as they could have been, but they were still a far cry from two-dimensional bimbos and it did leave room for some proper growth.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised at the story's charming simplicity and message. Nothing wildly exceptional, but it held its own in the way of family movies.

Martian Child (2007)

Too-weird loner kid + Quirky writer + sappiness = awwww... to the right crowd

[5/10 · 2 November 2007]

I actually spent a great deal of this movie trying to hate it due to its fair amount of flaws. It's cutesy, predictive mush that likes to jerk hard on the heartstrings and any sensible moviegoer would roll his eyes and beat his head against the seat before him. But I guess I'm a sucker for the weird kid no one understands. If nothing else, this film had good intentions, and those intentions should count for something.

The movie begins with David, a grieving widower (who is not gay despite the movie's origins, but hey) who decides, for some reason involving the wishes of his late wife, to adopt a kid. But not just any kid--the autistic, traumatized Dennis who hides in a box. Crying puppy sad enough for you? But never fear--David is a offbeat sci-fi writer with a quirky friend-who-is-a-girl and a sensible sister to make everything all better. We get to watch David and Dennis struggle to bond and face the real world, using all sorts of great inspirational lines. Yay for all those writers, and another roll of eyes for having the character of the editor weep fondly over the story-of-the-story.

The filming and the score are only average, and frankly so was the storytelling. And yes, I did check my watch once or twice during the many slower parts.

But I suppose it was a slow story, and I did appreciate the whimsical bits of comedy. Even if it were so-so writing, it was a cast of actors that can certainly hold their own, especially the little boy.

And I was crying at the end. So sue me.

Sydney White (2007)

Not the most original, but sweet, harmless and entertaining!

[7/10 · 22 September 2007]

Maybe I just haven't seen a good "teen girl" movie in so long. In fact, I don't remember the last time I went and saw a "teen girl" movie. Maybe if there were more out there was fun as this, I would. Basically, I had boring, rainy Saturday and a little sister. The trip to the theatre wound up with the two us laughing our heads off and all the appropriate "aww" moments.

The premise is a modern-day Snow White on a college campus. A little contrived, but hey, it apparently worked. Sydney is your average tomboy who is under all sorts of pressure to pledge herself to her dead mother's old sorority. Well, the sorority girls are no longer what they used to be, and the pampered princesses throw Sydney out into the rain. She winds up taking refuge at the Vortex, a student housing building where lives the guy she dumped for a sorority mission and his six bizarre roommates.

Honestly, I didn't think it would work. But it did, and besides the cuteness there is a little more moral meat as Sydney and her new friends lead a student body revolution. Yeah, it's cheesy and we've seen the revenge-of-the-nerds theme many a time before, but it's so goodhearted and fun that I couldn't help but love it, stereotypes, predictability, and all.

All the characters seemed very much into their roles. I wouldn't say I'm an Amanda Bynes fan, but she failed to annoy me this time around! It was a great blend of an old story with modern college life with clever, roll-your-eyes references to the original Disney animated film. It might bother some people, but as a Snow White fan I thought they were cute.

It's definitely a girl movie, I'll give you that, so if you can't put up with the silliness and the cheesiness, you will not enjoy it. But if you're a girl looking for a cute movie with a lot of harmless fun, this will hit the spot. This is one I will definitely buy on DVD and watch when I need something light and fun.

Not the most artistic of film making and not a whole lot of focus on in-depth characters and originality, but as a former teenage girl, I will happily give this adorable little film 7/10 for sheer sweetness, a good heart, and a passion for doing the right thing. Sometimes we just need that girly spunk.

Balls of Fury (2007)

Not the greatest "stupid movie" made, but it certainly made me giggle.

[5/10 · 15 September 2007]

This has to be, quite possibly, the dumbest movie I have seen in a very, very long time.

However, that is not necessarily a bad thing. I don't think there was a single moment in this film that purposely wanted any smidgen of intelligence whatsoever.

And, heck, the reason I went to see this movie was because I thought it looked funny. And, guess what? I laughed. I don't know if this will go into the treasury of greatest stupid movies ever made, but it did leave me with a smile on my face.

I think it was because it was ping-pong. Yes, I like a good game of ping-pong as much as the next person, but come on. It's ping-pong. Just try telling that to these characters. The fact that anyone could take so slight a game so seriously cracked me up.

And that's where this movie works.

It's pointless, silly, and down-right brain cell killing. But I found myself forgiving everyone because they were so good-hearted in waltzing around with their idiotic humor.

No, it will probably not be nominated for Best Picture. But as for dumb comedy goes, this nicely held its own.

The Brave One (2007)

Slightly hokey in parts, but overall quite entertaining!

[6/10 · 14 September 2007]

I walked into the theatre not knowing what it was about--hadn't even heard of it, actually, but the movie I was trying to see had projector issues.

And to my surprise, I found myself quite entranced by this mystery movie of a traumatized woman who takes justice into her own hands.

I know there are plenty of vigilante movies out there, and to be perfectly honest this one doesn't do much that is original. We get the obligatory philosophical debate of the morality of killing thugs who deserve it, minus that crucial law step.

But mostly, this is a movie that impresses it self most by some impressive performances from its leads and the fact that, despite whatever our opinion is on the vigilante syndrome, there is something pretty darn neat about watching jerks get shot in the face by Jodie Foster. Indeed, I pretty much ignored the good/evil debate and happily waited for Ms. Foster to take out another hoodlum.

Plus, I thought the filming was just plain pretty--in a dark and sinister kind of way.

If guns and good acting is all it takes to keep you happy, this will be worth your ticket price.

Becoming Jane (2007)

A Pleasant Surprise

[7/10 · 25 August 2007]

I now have a fear that this piece will be ignored by the masses. While I love the works of Jane Austen, I do not claim to know much about her life. I've heard of the historical ambiguity of the idea and I will not make any judgments on accuracy.

But, gosh dern it, this made a darling little story.

Here we see a young, pre-Pride and Prejudice Jane struggling with her poor family. It's nothing truly terrible--they get by, big sister Cassandra is engaged, and brother Henry is a soldier. But of course they are always looking for money to get by; once Jane's parents die, she will have no money whatsoever.

But she won't fear. She's an independent woman with the confidence to believe that she could survive on her writing. This isn't a popular notion, and everyone around her would prefer to settle down with the local nobility's nice young nephew. Alas, Miss Jane wants romance! Which impromptuly comes in the form of a penniless law student. Sparks fly and the next thing we know Jane and Tom are head-over-heels in love. It's a cute, fun romance reminiscent of the romance of her own novels--it actually inspires her to write them! Do not forget, however, that Jane is poor and lives in a world where money is necessary.

I honestly did not expect much when I entered the theatre. To be honest, it's not the best. The filming aims for a more artsy side which doesn't always make it through and Ms. Hathaway's English accent isn't quite perfect. There were scenes that many viewers might consider boring. But the characters are determined to make a good movie and they march through to earn some well-deserved applause.

What I think made it work was not only some more-than-decent performances, but a discussion of ideals and reality. Jane gives a marvelous definition of irony that weaves its way through the movie as a motif. The role of the woman is discussed. And then there is the age-old debate of love vs. security. In many ways this is not a happy movie (I cried), but it is honest story-telling, even if not historically accurate.

If you're looking for a good drama and a glance at the possible personality of one the most famous female authors ever, this will be a great choice.

Ratatouille (2007)

Real charm popping out of a seemingly ho-hum situation.

[9/10 · 2 July 2007]

I remember the first time I ever saw a teaser for this movie. I thought it looked silly and I had to wonder just what Pixar and Disney were thinking. A rat wanting to get fancy Frency food. Please.

But time went by, and cuter trailers appeared, and I found myself wanting to see the movie about the cute rat in the restaurant. So it came out and I had a free weekend.

This is one of those movies where you spend the whole time thinking "This is so good!" while at the same time barely having enough time to think so as you are so caught up in the story and the stellar animation. It's subtle, heartfelt, and downright hilarious with a character-driven plot and so many themes I can't possibly count them all.

Remy is a rat not altogether satisfied with his garbage-eating existence in the French countryside. He was born with an extreme sense of smell, which makes him useful to his colony when it comes to sniffing out rat poison--one of the many reasons his fellow rats despise humans. But Remy is fascinated by humans and their ability to create things, and eventually his interest leads him into the world of cooking when his nose becomes handy in blending flavors. A tragedy leads him to Paris, more specifically Gusteau's, the fallen-from-grace restaurant that had once belonged to the deceased chef Remy admired. Here he meets Linguini, an awkward young man who can't cook, and they figure they can help each other out.

Do not be misled--this is far from being the only part of this incredible story. Rather there is a series of incidents created by a colorful cast of characters that leads us not only from movie's beginning to end but through some amazing character development and more plot events; it's infinitely better than contrived and forced plots that are so often shoved down our throats. This has many stories: the aforementioned, Remy's division between the worlds of rats and humans, an adorable love story between Linguini and a driven cook by the name of Collette, and that of Skinner, the new head chef determined to keep the restaurant under his own power. While we all love an intense character, "Ratatouille" keeps its players surprisingly realistic and subtle rather than making them into a circus of stereotypes. Admittedly, disbelief must be suspended in certain parts, but the story is so endearing and good that you are certainly willing to do so.

The complexity of so many things is what make this film stand out. As Remy is torn between the worlds of humans and rats he is faced with the contradiction of what he is: a rat wanting to cook, but stealing food at the same time. Also there is the problem of Remy wanting credit, but neither wanting to lose his place in the world of gourmet. You must also notice the range between the fanciful talking rats and the realistic problems of wills and DNA testing. It works.

I know I said I could not name the many themes circulating through this movie, but I must go at one. The title "Ratatouille" is not only a pun referring to the rodent characters, but is also a peasant dish never to be served at a fancy French restaurant. It's low, it's common, but as the movie shows can be more than any other food. This is a story about finding greatness in the ordinary.

I feel this is one of Pixar's finest. It is a film that will stay with you long after it has finished.

Shrek the Third (2007)

Too many characters to love--and that's a bad thing. And the spark is gone.

[5/10 · 20 May 2007]

I have been bouncing around for weeks in anticipation of this movie. As a huge fan of the first two movies, I was sure this one would not disappoint. But, oh, how wrong I was! While not as bad as many a film out there, this installment is yet a sad shadow of its series.

And it tries, it really did try. To its credit, there were several very clever scenes. The typical Snow White's gift with animals takes an awesome turn, and I can guarantee that you will never laugh harder at a death scene than the one of this movie. The animation? Top-notch.

I just guess effort doesn't always beat out sheer inspiration. A film with a few moments does not win against a good, simple movie.

The desire to produce a film merely ended up as a plot device to get Shrek and Fiona back to their beloved swamp. A long, boring plot device. With the passing of King Harold, Shrek and Fiona are heirs to the throne of Far, Far Away. Unfortunately, that does not interest them, so Shrek goes on a journey to bring back the next guy, a young Arthur "Artie" Pendragon. Heck, why not? Everyone loves a good Camelot infusion, and Artie is as flawed and as likable as you could want. Unfortunately, he is only one character in a cheesy madhouse of minor characters and cameos. In the effort to get everyone their screen time, that whole plot gets lost in the background.

Which normally wouldn't be a problem. After all, the original movie did not have the most complex of plots. What it had was a few incredible characters. The second movie added a few more, but still kept it delightfully manageable. This time, it seemed that the powers that be assumed we already knew everything about Shrek, Donkey, Puss, and the rest of the bunch that we really didn't need to see them. Hey, let's bring in one more characters for the audience, but refuse to give them time to get to know them! Poor, pathetic lack of character development.

So back to the plot. The few times that came around, it was pretty much a tacky, forced attempt to create some pseudo father/son relationship between Shrek and Artie. Good intentions, but no cigar. Maybe if we had more time... But we don't, so let's just wrap it up with a few corny lines about understanding and rising to the occasion. Yeah, we got that the first time around, and without any of the verbal commentary.

On top of that, this film misses that inexplicable spark of the first two installments. I'm sorry, but I just didn't feel it. Just as a lukewarm attempt of continuing the series and aiming at a five-year old audience.

Sorry. Not my favorite of the series by any means, leaving me to wonder how a sequel to films of such genius as "Shrek" and "Shrek 2" could make something so average?

Holes (2003)

A fun and poignant little adventure.

[8/10 · 22 April 2003]

I wouldn't say I'm a hard-core "Holes" fan. I heard the book was very good, read the book, indeed found it very good, and that was that. The movie looked decent, I admire Sigourney Weaver, and it's always morbidly fun to see how the movie people will interpret a book.

All in all, I was quite pleased with this film. It stayed true to the book, most of the boy actors gave respectable performances, and it remained upbeat and interesting. The emotional bits went at a good pace, and most of them didn't reach that scary level of corniness. I feel that most of the critics are just being sticks-in-the-mud--I chatted with a few friends who had never before read the book and they followed it well enough. A little intelligence when viewing a film doesn't hurt. #1. This ain't the first movie to do flashbacks. #2. Louis Sachar didn't write the original novel for pre-schoolers.

My only big complaint was Patricia Arquette. While she was delightful as the cute school marm, I had trouble believing her as a ruthless criminal.

There were a few other rough parts and some spots that, frankly, could have been handled differently. But for the most part, this is a good family film that everyone should enjoy.