TAKEN

Photos courtesy of 20th Century FoxLiam Neeson heads overseas on a quest to save his daughter in the action-thriller, TAKEN.

Neeson is Bryan Mills, a former United States spy, who’s daughter Kim has been kidnapped while vacationing in France. The abduction occurs while Bryan and Kim are on the phone, so Bryan is left with a few clues. After consulting with some former colleagues and local French authorities, Bryan has determined that he has roughly 96 hours to track down his daughter before she’s lost for good.

TAKEN is served up as a big-screen version of the television series 24, with Bryan Mills serving as a retired version of Jack Bauer. Although Bryan has a more vengeful streak in him, the similarities between he and Bauer are uncanny.

Although the film never incorporates the ticking clock, TAKEN does adopt a short time frame, allowing Bryan only 96 hours to save the life of his abducted daughter. Without 24 hours to tell its story, TAKEN wastes no time introducing the characters, establishing the situation and setting Bryan off on his perilous journey. The film runs only 90 minutes, but director Pierre Morel serves up an exhilarating and efficient slice of entertainment.

It’s not often that action roles lend themselves to great performances, but Neeson delivers just that. His tender and apprehensive intimate moments with his daughter help to establish Bryan as more than just a killing machine, and his intimidating and menacing presence make him a force to be reckoned with when dealing with his amoral French counterparts.

TAKEN is an action-thriller that avoids the pleasantries and gets right down to business, delivering a breathless, violent and captivating one-man crusade.

Grade: B

LAST CHANCE HARVEY

Photos courtesy of Overture FilmsDustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson learn that love can be found when you least expect it in LAST CHANCE HARVEY.

Hoffman’s Harvey Shine heads to London for his daughter’s wedding and he’s slightly perturbed about the traveling inconvenience. Harvey is further inconvenienced by the hotel accommodations, rehearsal dinner seating arrangements and most importantly, his role in the wedding itself.

Upset and distraught he heads to the airport for a flight back to the states, but before he leaves London he meets Thompson’s Kate Walker, a surveyor at the airport. This causes Harvey to reconsider leaving England.

LAST CHANCE HARVEY is a wonderful companion piece to Richard Linklater’s romances BEFORE SUNRISE and BEFORE SUNSET. Where Linklater explores a European one-day romance between twenty year-olds in BEFORE SUNRISE, and then as thirty year-olds in BEFORE SUNSET, writer-director Joel Hopkins reveals that this type of affair isn’t exclusive to generation “X”.

Although the intensity of the romantic sparks between Harvey and Kate are not as intense as Linklater’s Jessie and Celine they’re no less important. Harvey is still dealing with the aftereffects of his divorce and the downturn of his music-writing career, while Kate hasn’t tasted must success in her love or professional life.

Romances, especially subtle ones like Harvey and Kate’s, don’t work without terrific performances. Hoffman and Thompson deliver pitch-perfect work, never escalating their character’s predicaments into melodrama, but also not downplaying them. The result is not only authentic, but also more relatable and effective than most big-screen romances.

LAST CHANCE HARVEY is an effective romance that celebrates love at any stage of the game.

Grade: B

TRANSPORTER 3

Photos courtesy of LionsgateJason Statham puts on the driving gloves one more time, this time against his own will, in the action film TRANSPORTER 3.

After initially refusing an assignment to deliver a secretive package, Frank Martin is forced into action by Johnson, a ruthless businessman who uses a tracking device to make sure Frank delivers the goods. The device, an irremovable bracelet, will detonate if Frank moves too far from his vehicle. Going along for the ride is Valentina, a mysterious co-pilot who Frank is morally obliged to bring along.

Films like TRANSPORTER 3 are very reliant upon the action they deliver. This sounds like an obvious statement since the film is an action movie, but more so with the TRANSPORTER films, where the plot is an afterthought to the stunts.

TRANSPORTER 3 delivers several brilliant action sequences, by car, train and sea, but not quite enough to compensate for its length. To appease its male audience, and I suppose add something to the plot the third film throws in the exotic Natalya Rudakova. Rudakova’s exotic attractiveness adds a new layer to the series, but only lasts as long as her role remains speechless. Robert Knepper is fine as the sadistic Johnson, but offers nothing new to the villain role. Statham as always, brings a chiseled, macho and tough demeanor to Frank, a sort-of second-rate humorless Bruce Willis.

TRANSPORTER 3 will likely thrill those enamored with action movies, but those looking for a little more action or plot to condone a full-length feature film, you’re likely to be disappointed.

Grade: C+

The Better-Late-Than-Never Oscar Picks

I'd planned on providing some analysis for my picks, but this late in the day, factoring in no nap for my 20-month old daughter, and this is the best I can do (picks only):

Best Picture
Will win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: Slumdog Millionaire

Best Director
Will win: Danny Boyle
Should win: Danny Boyle

Best Actor
Will win: Mickey Rourke
Should win: Mickey Rourke or Sean Penn

Best Actress
Will win: Kate Winslet
Should win: Anne Hathaway

Best Supporting Actor
Will win: Heath Ledger
Should win: Heath Ledger

Best Supporting Actress
Will win: Penelope Cruz
Should win: Viola Davis

Best Art Direction
Will win: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Should win: The Dark Knight

Best Cinematography
Will win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: The Dark Knight

Best Costume Design
Will win: The Duchess
Should win: ???

Best Documentary
Will win: Man on Wire
Should win: ???

Best Animated Feature
Will win: WALL-E
Should win: WALL-E

Best Documentary Short Subject
Will win: The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306
Should win: ???

Best Film Editing
Will win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: Slumdog Millionaire

Best Foreign-Language Film
Will win: The Class
Should win: ???

Best Make-Up
Will win: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Should win: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Best Score
Will win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: Slumdog Millionaire

Best Song
Will win: "Jai Ho", Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: "Jai Ho", Slumdog Millionaire

Best Animated Short Film
Will win: Presto
Should win: ???

Best Live-Action Short Film
Will win: Spielzeugland (Toyland)
Should win: ???

Best Sound Editing
Will win: The Dark Knight
Should win: The Dark Knight

Best Sound Mixing
Will win: The Dark Knight
Should win: The Dark Knight

Best Visual Effects
Will win: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Should win: The Dark Knight

Best Adapted Screenplay
Will win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: Slumdog Millionaire

Best Original Screenplay
Will win: Milk
Should win: Happy-Go-Lucky

And since most tie-breakers involve the length of the Oscars, and the producers have been running a tight ship in recent years, I'll predict the length to be 3:02:01.

REVOLUTIONARY ROAD

Photos courtesy of Paramount Vantage

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet try to escape their life in the suburbs in the drama REVOLUTIONARY ROAD.

Dicaprio and Winslet are Frank and April Wheeler, an outwardly happy family along with their two children, Michael and Jennifer. Frank works an office job, while April plays housewife, and various characters through the community theatre group.

Both Frank and April long for something more. April aspired to be an acclaimed actress, while Frank’s future was never fully realized. The tense couple hopes to avoid their dreaded life in the suburbs by developing a new beginning for their family overseas.

Suburban angst is nothing new from director Sam Mendes. Mendes debut film AMERCAN BEAUTY dealt with the shortcomings of miring oneself in a superficial situation, but worked its way through it’s characters struggles to find a light at the end of the tunnel. REVOLUTIONARY ROAD sees no light at the end of Frank and April’s tunnel just a dark, suburban abyss where bright-eyed individuals go to have their dreams die.

MARLEY AND ME the less acclaimed, but more honest and real portrait of the American family, displays the joys and pains, sacrifice and success of balancing personal, professional and family needs. Outside of their pristine abode on Revolutionary Road, the Wheelers life is painted in broad strokes of anxiety. Although Frank’s job is far from glamorous, his well-paying desk job is portrayed as a career trap where Frank’s professional ambitions are thwarted. April is not a happy mother of two, but a tormented woman, who finds no solace in her acting or children. The children themselves are more devices than characters, providing no joy for Frank or April, but rather roadblocks for the couples wants.

Dicaprio and Winslet have received much critical acclaim for their performances, but that surprises me, as their portrayals were heavy-handed and out-of-touch. Mendes direction is just as contrived, smearing a cynical portrait of middle-class America.

REVOLUTIONARY ROAD may aspire to be a cautionary tale on comprise, unfortunately its narrow-minded and ham-fisted delivery makes for a painstaking trip through the suburbs.

Grade: C-

DEFIANCE

Photos courtesy of Paramount Vantage Four brothers attempt to survive, and salvage their Jewish countrymen’s lives from Nazi Germany in the action-drama, DEFIANCE.

Tuvia, Zus, Ariel and Aron Bieleski fled their home in Poland following the murder of their parents by the Nazis. The Bieleskis fled to nearby forests where they hid from German forces, and as time passed, so did word that the family found comfort in the remote location. Several Jews latched on to the Bieleskis’ movement, and as word continued to spread, more and more members of the Jewish community joined the Bieleskis faction.

DEFIANCE tells a story rarely told, and at the same time, one which seems strikingly important. I can’t recall a World War II or Holocaust film detailing the Jewish community’s fight against the Nazi occupation. Most of these films relive the horror, but DEFIANCE celebrates a small faction of the Jewish community who fought back by living on their own terms, and defending themselves when push came to shove.

This small, but poignant story would seem to be enough, but it isn’t, as the story’s arch seems oddly flat for a film of its kind. The struggle waged by the Bieleski brothers begins at the film’s outset and continues in like manner to the film’s final frame. There are highs and lows in their forest encounters, but ones that surprisingly have little emotional impact.

Much of the film’s focus is placed on the execution of the brothers’ plan and the community built around the movement, instead of individual stories and efforts. Director Edward Zwick finds small stories within historical accounts, and weaves them into successful human triumphs from films like BLOOD DIAMOND to COURAGE UNDER FIRE. DEFIANCE is a film in this same vein, but Zwick may have become more enamored with the specifics of history rather than the personal achievements.

DEFIANCE feels and looks authentic, but lacks a necessary emotional pull for this important slice of history.

Grade: C

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

Photos courtesy of Newland FilmsA young Indian man reveals his past to justify his worldly knowledge in the much heralded latest from director Danny Boyle, SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE.

Jamal is an 18-year old former orphan who grew up in the slums of India, braving religious upheaval, surviving gang violence and overcoming the loss of his parents. Despite all of his struggles, the winds of fate have blown in Jamal's favor, as he lands a spot on the number one India game show, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?".

After breezing through the first six questions to earn himself a shot at 25-million rupees, or one-million American dollars, Jamal finds himself in a troubling situation. Police have taken Jamal in to custody fearing that he's cheated his way through the game show, and it's up to Jamal to explain exactly how he knew the answers to the questions on the game show.

Mixing a unique backdrop with original storytelling, director Danny Boyle turns three classic film storylines into one crowd-pleasing success with SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. Whether you’re a sports fan pulling for the tenacious underdog to shock the world, a romantic longing to see two lovers reunite or a realist wishing to see the coming-of-age tale of an orphan matriculating his way through society, SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE offers all three.

As if this wouldn't be enough, thanks to the observant and emotionally enriching screenplay from writer Simon Beaufoy, Boyle ratchets up the storytelling with an exciting and innovative format, framing Jamal's tale around each of the game show's questions. This device livens up an already compelling script, and instead of overshadowing Jamal's once-in-a-lifetime experience, it adds to the wholeness.

The setting for the film is Mumbai, India, the same city where terrorists recently wreaked terror and destruction, and Boyle reveals the city's slums, and their dangerous and unstable nature through Jamal's upbringing. The film reminds one of Fernando Meirelles CITY OF GOD who's portrait of the slums of Brazil was a real eye-opener.

Boyle's highly acclaimed works include TRAINSPOTTING, 28 DAYS LATER and SUNSHINE, but SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE may turn out to be his crowning achievement. The relative cast of unknowns are equally effective, selling each stage of Jamal's life as a crucial piece of the puzzle. Dev Patel has received the most acclaim, playing Jamal for much of the film, but the other two young Indian actors, are equally effective. So are the six other actors who fill the roles of Jamal's brother Salim and his friend Latika, as well as a brilliantly suspicious performance from Anil Kapoor as game show host Prem Kumar.

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE is the equivalent of an endangered species in film terms, a movie which delivers three compelling stories through one boy's eyes, an updated fairy tale utilizing modern storytelling techniques and a timeless testament to one individual's resistance to accept anything less than justice. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE is one of the best films of 2008.

Grade: A

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

Photos courtesy of Paramount PicturesBrad Pitt lives life backwards in David Fincher’s THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON.

Pitt is Benjamin Button an infant born with the attributes of an 80-year old man. His mother dies upon his birth, and his father, mortified of raising a deformed child leaves him at the footsteps of a nursing home. Dorothy one of the workers at the facility takes Benjamin in and raises him.

With the physical attributes of a senior citizen, Benjamin fits right in at the nursing home. As time passes though, Benjamin begins to heal physically and mature both mentally and emotionally, and even begins a friendship with Daisy, a young girl who visits the home regularly. In spite of his attachment to Dorothy, Daisy and the nursing home, there comes a time when everyone must go out on their own, and Benjamin does so by becoming a seafarer and hitting the open seas.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON is an aptly titled pictured, even if the title is strictly taken from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s popular slice of fiction. Despite the film’s lengthy run time, Fincher and screenwriter Eric Roth struggle to capture the growth, uniqueness and wholeness of Benjamin Button.

With an eclectic group of friends, acquaintances and family members, both blood and otherwise, encompassing a story that spans one individual‘s entire life, THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON attempts to illustrate how each individual that interacts with one’s life, impacts one’s life. This idea is clearly, succinctly and cleverly illustrated about mid-way through the film, connecting a group of seemingly irrelevant individuals into one of the film’s more dire moments. This short two minute scene exemplifies what THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON is about, so much so, that one wonders why Fincher and Roth couldn’t have done more with the remaining two and half hours.

Although the film isn’t as substantial as it could be, it never ceases to be an engaging experience, thanks to Fincher’s unique style, Pitt and Cate Blanchett’s performances and the skillful make-up and hair styling work from 34 talented individuals. Fincher’s fanciful and dark approach provides the film with an original backdrop, Pitt and Blanchett create endearing, if not fully realized characters, but the star of the film is the make-up, transforming Benjamin and Daisy in opposite directions.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON is an intriguing concept that is never fully realized, despite the technical, directing and acting skills displayed within the film’s framework.

Grade: C+

VALKYRIE

Photos courtesy of MGMTom Cruise leads an underground rebellion against Adolf Hitler in the action-thriller VALKYRIE.

Cruise is Nazi Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, a man who swore his allegiance to Dictator Adolf Hitler, but believes his true allegiance lies to Germany. After deciding country over comrade, Stauffenberg joins a group attempting to assassinate Hitler and topple the current regime. The group is composed of field generals, politicians and other highly influential members of German society. Stauffenberg leads the ground forces in the movement, with the colonel carrying the bomb destined towards Hitler.

The major mistake of VALKYRIE is director Bryan Singer’s, and the powers that be, decision to turn this historical account into a thriller. Since history spoils the film’s outcome, much of the suspense and thrills of the film are spoiled as well.

If the outcome leaves little suspense, the mechanics of the operation and Singer’s execution, almost make up for it. Outside of Singer’s insistence on an almost entire English speaking cast, limiting the authenticity of the Nazi officers, the story behind VALKYRIE still delivers several interesting angles. The general conceit of an uprising is intriguing, but even more so, considering the obstacles that Stauffenberg and crew face in their attempted uprising.

Most films set around defining historical moments tackle the subject matter through drama. VALKYRIE waxes over this aspect, presenting a small glimpse into Stauffenberg’s family life, but little more. Cruise is in historical Ethan Hunt mode, serving as a driving force and action hero, but not a dramatic heavyweight.

VALKYRIE’s aim to thrill fails, but the excitement of watching the intricacies of an underground revolution almost compensate for the foregone conclusion. I can’t quite recommend the Singer-Cruise collaboration.

Grade: C+

FROST/NIXON

Photos courtesy of Universal PicturesA popular British talk show host gets his chance to interview a former U.S. president in the drama, FROST/NIXON.

The film is based on the actual interviews between British talk show host David Frost and former United States President Richard Nixon. The interview is presented in docudrama style, with Michael Sheen as Frost and Frank Langella as Nixon. In addition to the interview, director Ron Howard explores Frost’s producing team and their take on the historical encounter.

With a title reading like a boxing title fight, FROST/NIXON is definitely intended on being a proverbial and verbal bout between two titans of their respective fields, Frost as a television personality and Nixon a politician.

The build-up is great, with Howard and scribe Peter Morgan providing analysis and opinions from Frost and a collection of producers, but the clash between Frost and Nixon feels inconsequential. Late film critic Gene Siskel often posed the question, “Is this film more interesting than a documentary of the same actors having lunch?” with most films, regardless of the actors or subject, the answer would be no, but with FROST/NIXON the answer is undoubtedly “yes”. Howard attempts to examine what each of the men is trying to prove through the interviews, not only to the American public, but more importantly to themselves.

Had this been filmed as a documentary, the insight would not only have been greater, but factual. FROST/NIXON only fully examines Frost, leaving Nixon as a mere combatant, and through Howard’s eyes, a surprisingly sympathetic one.

The film is well made, if self-important, with Sheen giving a solid reenactment and Langella providing a succinct figure (even if the voice inflection is a bit much), and Howard skillfully twisting the stage play into big screen material.

FROST/NIXON appears to be an accurate and proficient retelling, but one which lacks little insight or a demanding purpose.

Grade: C

HAPPY GO-LUCKY

Photos courtesy of Miramax Films

A bright-eyed and cheerful school teacher finds the best that life has to offer in writer-director Mike Leigh’s latest, HAPPY-GO-LUCKY.

Poppy is definitely a “glass is half full” type of girl. After visiting a bookstore, Poppy discovers her bicycle has been stolen. Instead of becoming infuriated, angry or even the slight bit perturbed, Poppy shrugs it off and decides to finally get her drivers license. She enrolls at a small-time driving school where she meets Scott, her instructor and the owner of the business. Scott’s worldview is in dark contrast to Poppy’s, and the two exchange a tit-for-tat type relationship during their time in the car.

In today’s cinema, polluted with far too many genre pictures, HAPPY-GO-LUCKY is a breath of fresh air. Leigh, who has brilliantly handled the human condition with such films as SECRETS AND LIES and CAREER GIRLS, does so again examining two very familiar types of individuals, optimists and pessimists.

HAPPY-GO-LUCKY is told through the rose-tinted glasses of Poppy, a very unique, quirky, but all-together lovable character. Poppy is content with her life, she likes her job, loves her flat-mate and enjoys her wild nights out with her sister and friends. Even when difficult situations arise, Poppy sees a glimmering light at the end of the tunnel. These situations help to underline that Poppy is not naïve to the world’s faults, but sees the best in every person, and strives to do the right thing in each circumstance. These moments are realistically and skillfully handled, revealing that some causes may be lost ones.

As deftly written and directed as the film is, Leigh benefits from two of the year’s best performances. Sally Hawkins as Poppy gives a lot of weight to a very tricky role. Poppy could have been a one-trick character, but through Hawkins portrayal, not only is Poppy joyful, but just as importantly compassionate and tender. Eddie Marsan, as the anti-Poppy, gives Scott everything Leigh could have asked for, a cynicism beyond compare, as well as a bitterness and pathetic nature that can’t be matched.

HAPPY-GO-LUCKY is a simple story that wraps itself in complicated yet enriching personal struggles. It’s delicate tackling of these struggles makes for an enlightening and emotionally rewarding picture.

Grade: A

QUANTUM OF SOLACE

Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures Daniel Craig returns as Britain’s top secret agent in another action-packed 007 quest, QUANTUM OF SOLACE.

Bond’s latest adventure has him attempting to avenge the death of a friend, while also infiltrating an underground organization that appears to be far more mysterious and dangerous than Bond or “M” could have imagined. Bond’s nemesis this turn is Dominic Greene, a ruthless businessman, using the guise of an environmental organization in order to seize portions of third world countries.

QUANTUM OF SOLACE continues the darker tone of the most recent Bond escapade, CASINO ROYALE, but fails to continue the rich character examination that ROYALE began to lay out. Instead QUANTUM OF SOLACE falls into a familiar pattern for the Bond series, one that may be commercially successful, but has failed to bring much excitement to the decades old franchise.

The film’s pacing is frantic, so much so, that one wonders if director Marc Forster was taking a page out of Paul Greengrass’s BOURNE playbook. Regardless, QUANTUM OF SOLACE benefits from the energized tempo, not only in the action sequences, but also the locales as 007 visits Italy, Austria, Chile, Panama and Mexico. The unique backdrops help to keep the focus off the convoluted plot, and engineer some unique scenery for Bond and enemies to shoot or blow up. Forster, not know for the action genre, presents a mixed bag. The opening car chase is too manic to follow, but a combat scene on some high-rise scaffolding provides one of the best action scenes from a Bond film in years.

Despite a few moments of genuine excitement, QUANTUM OF SOLACE remains content on serving up a familiar dish to its hungry fans, one which I haven’t had a great deal of taste for.

Grade: C+

ZACH AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO

Photos courtesy of Weinstein Co. Two roommates desperate for cash decide to produce a low budget adult film in ZACH AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO.

Zach and Miri have been friends forever, and roommates for much of their adult life, but their recent financial situation is leading them to take drastic measures. After the duo’s water and electric is shut off, Zach comes up with the idea of making a low-budget porn movie.

One of my favorite quotes from philosopher Homer J. Simpson is “it’s funny because it’s true”. ZACH AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO isn’t funny for exactly that reason, none of the film rings true.

The film was written and directed by Kevin Smith, of CLERKS fame, a man who has made a living off of crude humor, independent-minded ideas, but I’ll argue, most of all, a sense of realism in his characters actions, reactions and general thought process. His last few movies still carry the humor and ideas, but his well of truthfulness is bone dry. I didn’t buy much of what ZACH AND MIRI was selling, whether it was the porn production in general, the racial banter between coffee co-workers, the supposed romantic love scene between Zach and Miri on a bag of coffee beans or the naïve nature of the porno’s willing participants.

Underneath the absurdities, and the grotesque and questionably obscene incidents, ZACH AND MIRI is at heart a romantic comedy. Although I liked the chemistry between Rogan and Banks, I never felt the passion ignite. The two actors rapport was terrific, but in more of a brother-sister relationship.

ZACH AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO is as truthful and funny as its title suggests.

Grade: D+

MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA

Photos courtesy of Paramount Pictures America’s favorite New York City zoo animals have escaped their life behind bars for more action and adventure in the sequel MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA.

As the title identifies, Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra., Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo inadvertently land in Africa after their departure from Madagascar due to some porous plane craftsmanship by the lemurs, and even worse flying by their penguin captain and co-pilot. Upon arrival, Alex discovers he has family roots in the country, Marty finds some familiar faces and Melman and Gloria begin to feud.

The original MADAGASCAR was a simplistic short story stretched into a full-length feature concept. The sequel is quite the contrary, as it features several storylines, one for each of the main characters, but none amount to much.

There’s Alex attempting to accept himself for who he is, Marty trying to find himself in a sea of look-alike Zebras and Melman and Gloria tangled up in an odd romantic triangle.

The bright spot of the original were the supporting characters, in the form of crazy lemurs and cutthroat penguins. These humorous secondary characters have apparently run their course, with the exception of a strange romance between the penguin Skipper and his inanimate hula girl.

The humor has gone from silly and off-the-wall to awkward and sometimes inappropriate. A relationship, particularly the tone and dialogue, between Gloria and an African hippo is improper for a kids film, and hearing King Julien, a Lemur, spout out political rhetoric is unfitting.

MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA is an ill-conceived, poorly written and tiresome animated feature.

Grade: C-

PRIDE AND GLORY

Photos courtesy of Warner Brothers A trio of brothers serving as New York City police officers find themselves in the middle of a messy police investigation in the thriller PRIDE AND GLORY. Ray Tierney, played by Edward Norton, is placed on a special investigation unit created by his father Francis, following the killing of four NYPD officers during an apparent drug bust. Ray’s brother, Francis, Jr. was in command of the four slain officers, while his brother-in-law Jimmy also serves on the force. The investigation threatens not only the future of the New York police department, but also the Tierney’s and their legacy.

PRIDE AND GLORY feels like an attempt to revive the popular 1970’s police corruption thrillers. The setting is New York City, the action involves both hand-to-hand combat and gunplay and the atmospheric tone created by director Gavin O’Connor feels both gritty and real. Somewhere between the realistic atmosphere and authentic family dynamics, O’Connor and NARC scribe Joe Carnahan let the script get overrun with testosterone-laced moments that turn a somewhat tense family thriller into a ludicrous and overblown morality tale. The performances are very compelling enabling the fairly standard script into feeling like something new. Norton, one of the finest actors of his generation, shows why, giving Ray a tough demeanor, but revealing a fractured individual underneath the exterior. Farrell is also terrific, creating a menacing officer who will do anything to protect his name and his family. Some of Jimmy’s interrogation techniques would make 24’s Jack Bauer cringe. Noah Emmerich and Jon Voigt are also good rounding out the family of officers. In spite of its acting, PRIDE AND GLORY implodes towards its conclusion. A preposterous final act left O’Connor and Carnahan with neither pride nor glory.

Grade: C

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THREE : SENIOR YEAR

Photos courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures Cable television’s most successful movie franchise has now become one of Hollywood’s most successful big-screen musicals with HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THREE: SENIOR YEAR. Troy and Gabriella, played respectively by teen heartthrobs Zac Efron and Vanessa Ann Hudgins, are winding down their senior year and realize their lives are taking different paths. The two have enrolled at separate California universities with Gabriella focusing on a law degree, and Troy set to play college hoops. In addition to the two’s romantic challenge, they and the rest of their friends are putting on a spring musical about their final days as Wildcats.

Outside of the tabloids and the general pop culture phenomenon of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL I wasn’t too familiar with the previous two films, and ignorantly mocked them without having viewed them. Much to my surprise, and guilt fully so, I enjoyed HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THREE: SENIOR YEAR, due in large part to the film’s unabashedly juvenile, innocent and most of all, energetic approach to the mild-mannered, but high-spirited material. The plot is as generic as they come, but this SAVED BY THE BELL and GREASE mix serves the Disney franchise well, serving up a wholesome mix of family fun, with bright colors and lively tunes. Although the actors play rather cookie-cutter roles, they infuse their characters with charisma and liveliness. Efron and Hudgins are the stars, and its not surprising to hear that the two share an off-screen romance. Their chemistry on screen is the driving force in the film, and in spite of the hokey moments, provide the film with a bit of substance. HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THREE: SENIOR YEAR is a welcomed surprise, so much so, that I actually wouldn’t mind seeing what happens to these Wildcats after graduation.

Grade: B-

FLASH OF GENIUS

Photos courtesy of Universal Pictures A college professor creates a revolutionary invention that will change car windshields forever in the drama FLASH OF GENIUS. Dr. Bob Kearns, portrayed by Greg Kinnear, is a local university professor who dabbles in inventions from time to time. One Sunday, when riding home from church with his family, Bob becomes frustrated with the use of his windshield wipers, and formulates an idea to make the wipers better. Bob creates the intermittent windshield wiper, and pitches his idea to the higher-ups at the Ford Motor Company. After accepting his proposal, the Ford Motor Company reneges on their offer, but ends up manufacturing Bob’s idea anyways. Not one for accepting defeat, Bob sues the Ford Motor Company for patent infringement.

Bio pictures are a dime dozen, but what differentiates FLASH OF GENIUS from the rest is its relatable nature. Most films in the genre are centered around a famous, tragic or tragically famous individual. The FLASH OF GENIUS protagonist certainly isn’t famous, at least in conventional circles, but his story is no less compelling depicting a family man reaching for the American dream. Kinnear, who was wonderfully egotistical and charming in GHOST TOWN, is equally convincing as Bob, a man who becomes so obsessed with personal justice, that his parental priorities become an afterthought. Although the film is a bio-picture, it isn’t as much concerned with Bob and his invention as it is in detailing the American dream and the difficulty achieving it. FLASH OF GENIUS is based on John Seabrook’s article of Kearns in “The New Yorker”, and was later released as a novel this year. Screenwriter Philip Railsback and director Marc Abraham skillfully balance the need for facts versus the spirit of the story and end up delivering a solid piece of family entertainment that doesn’t appear to meddle with the truth.

Grade: B

BODY OF LIES

Photos courtesy of Warner Bros.Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe attempt to cut off a terrorist cell in Jordan in Ridley Scott’s latest thriller, BODY OF LIES. DiCaprio is Roger Ferris, a CIA ground operative in the Middle East, with his mission to uproot potential terror networks. His domestic surveillance contact is Ed Hoffman, played by Crowe, a family man who never leaves his work behind, monitoring Middle East situations from his kitchen to his daughter’s elementary school. The terrorist the two are tracking down is Islamist Al-Saleem. Al-Saleem has been gradually building an underground infantry, and Roger and Ed plan to dismantle the network from the ground up.

BODY OF LIES is familiar turf for Scott, mixing fact with fiction and drama with thrills. The film is based on the 2007 novel by Washington Post columnist David Ignatius, and the screenplay, penned by Oscar winner William Monaham is as dry as an Associated Press news release. Much of the problem is the regurgitation of situations that Roger is wrapped up in. The repetitive nature of Roger working his way up the terrorists’ food chain is almost identical to watching a covert detective work his way up a drug cartel. Scott infuses these moments into well-orchestrated action sequences, and differing techniques with the camera, but not enough to overcome the predictability of events. DiCaprio holds his own for most of the picture, before succumbing to overwritten dialogue in the film’s finale. Crowe, on the other hand, feels drastically underutilized. The casting of Crowe as Ed is an interesting choice, downplaying the actor’s charisma and machismo, and electing to derive a wise and cunning nature from the Aussie. The result is a mixed bag, but ultimately a poor one, as Crowe ends up playing a much distant and less remarkable second fiddle to DiCaprio. BODY OF LIES is a missed opportunity for the talented pedigree.

Grade: C

EAGLE EYE

Photos courtesy of Dreamworks PicturesShia LeBeouf and Michelle Monahan’s every move is being watched, and every action may lead to their demise in the action-thriller EAGLE EYE. LeBeouf is Jerry Shaw, a twenty-something slacker whose main source of income is a toss-up between petty gambling and his work at a copy center. Monahan is Rachel Holloman, a single mother of one. Jerry and Rachel’s lives have nothing in common until someone calls each of them and demands certain actions. Jerry fears for his own life, while Rachel’s son Sam’s life hangs in the balance. Each of them must follow a series of instructions, while attempting to discover why and how a third party is dictating their every move. Here, Jerry and Rachel first meet, and immediately are thrust into a high speed chase.

Some films require a suspension of disbelief, but EAGLE EYE requires a complete cerebral shutdown. Even if you buy into the general conceit of the film, which is as ludicrous as they come, the details involved are preposterous and the untimely deaths are laughably bad. LeBeouf who has shown a surprisingly keen eye for scripts at a young age, erred in his decision to make this laugher. He and Monaghan are relatively unscathed, but the same can not be said of DISTURBIA director D.J. Caruso and a collection of screenwriters. It’s hard to imagine Caruso making much out of this mish-mash of a science fiction script, but less is more may have worked, leaving a little more imagination to the viewer and less foolish visuals. Even with a subtler touch from Caruso, the outlandish story invites far too many eye-rolls and unintended laughs regarding Jerry and Rachel’s contacts from the unknown. EAGLE EYE attempts to provide some overarching theme about big brother’s intrusion into out daily lives, but its wasted in a picture that could have used a lot more oversight.

Grade: C-

CHOKE

Photots courtesy of Fox SearchlightSam Rockwell is a sex addict attempting to discover his father’s whereabouts in the dark comedy, CHOKE. Rockwell is Victor Mancini, a colonial theme park worker who is battling a sex addiction, while his mother is recovering at a long-term care facility for the mentally ill. During his most recent trips to the facility, Victor meets Paige, a doctor who is tending to his mother Ida, played by Angelica Huston. Victor takes a liking to Paige, but doesn’t want her to be another notch on his sexual conquest. Here Victor and his buddy Denny, are punished for not staying in character at work.

CHOKE fashions itself as a dark comedy, mixing explicit sexual encounters, touchy religious turf and graphic language in a tale of self-discovery. The picture is dark alright, but the lack of laughs made it a stretch to be considered a comedy, despite its blatant attempts. In spite of its obnoxious nature, Rockwell’s Victor is surprisingly endearing, no doubt a testament to the actor’s oddly charming ways. Rockwell, seen as a character actor in many mainstream films, has found a knack for playing off-beat individuals with extremely unique personalities. Victor is no different, and is certainly not one-dimensional. Despite his perversions and general contempt for mankind, Victor is an intelligent, crudely witty and often caring individual. Much of the credit should be given to writer-director Clark Gregg. His emphasis on Victor is a wise choice considering the ineptitude of the screenplay. Victor’s sexual addiction is never treated as anything more than a comedic device, and the relationship between he and Paige never amounts to much. CHOKE is an experimental, self-discovery picture that could have used a little less bite, and a lot more substance.

Grade: C

FROZEN RIVER

Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

A mother attempting to keep her family fed turns to smuggling illegal immigrants across the border in the drama FROZEN RIVER. Melissa Leo is Ray Eddy, a wife and mother of two, whose gambling addict husband has left his family with next to nothing. Ray is having a hard time making ends meet working at the local discount store, until she runs into Lila, played by Misty Upham. Lila knows of a route, a frozen river that stretches from upstate New York to Quebec where illegal immigrants can be transported with little hassle. Each trip Lila and Ray complete brings 24-hundred dollars into their pocket. Ray plans on spending her earnings on a new home for her family.

FROZEN RIVER is one of the more realistic, and more importantly, honest looks at economic hardship and the desperate steps taken to escape such a plight. Writer-director Courtney Hunt not only captures the day-to-day depression of Ray and her kids, but also glimpses into the life of a single, Native American mother who longs for the custody of her child. Both Ray and Lila are not your typical movie moms. Although sympathetic at times, both moms have undeniable flaws that lead to their lives of illegality. Ray may be a loving mother, but her hierarchy of needs requires some adjusting when renting a television ranks higher than a healthy dinner for the family. Lila is a strong-willed woman, one strong enough to steal a car and connive another desperate mother, but not forceful enough to reclaim her son from the clutches of her mother-in-law. These characteristics help to humanize these broken women into real people. At times maddening, but never so much to distance these women from the viewer. Hunt also does a wonderful job capturing the mystique and desolate nature of the cold Northeast. Her eye for atmosphere delivers an appropriate backdrop for the distant, solemn and cold fates that await both Ray and Lila. FROZEN RIVER delivers an authentic slice of Americana, both good and bad.

Grade: B

RIGHTEOUS KILL

Photos courtesy of Overture Pictures

Screen legends Al Pacino and Robert Deniro investigate a murder they believe is the work of a serial killer in the thriller RIGHTEOUS KILL. Deniro is Turk and Pacino Rooster, two New York City detectives attempting to unravel the most recent case in a long line of murders that appear to be vigilante slayings. Rooster believes the killings may be coming from a fellow officer, but the evidence is circumstantial.

Pacino and Deniro have starred in two movies twice before, and shared screen time only once, in HEAT, so the anticipation of seeing these two together again was pretty high. Whether the material drags down these two acting heavyweights, or the two lift RIGHTEOUS KILL into something more than it should be, depends on whether you are a glasses half-empty or glasses half-full moviegoer. I believe the latter is true, making a mediocre thriller into passable slice of entertainment. The film’s narrative is off from the start, cutting back and forth between Turk’s video taped declaration, past murders and the current investigation. This storytelling device has been utilized several times, but often to greater, and much less convoluted consequence. Eventually the jumbled narrative takes a back to seat to Pacino and Deniro, both of whom are good, but underutilized in rather standard detective roles. The film plays as a fairly typical killer thriller, with a late plot development that should not be revealed, but in the same sense, doesn’t add much to the overall picture. It’s nice to see Deniro and Pacino together again, I only wish it had been in a film worth their and your time.

Grade: C+

THE HOUSE BUNNY

Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures

Anna Farris goes from hanging with the hotties to hanging with the notties in the comedy THE HOUSE BUNNY. Farris is Shelly, a Playboy bunny, who is evicted out of Hugh Hefner’s Playboy mansion, after she becomes over-the-hill at the staggering age of 29. With nowhere to go, Shelly stumbles aimlessly around town until she comes to the Zeta Alpha Zeta sorority house. The sorority is on the verge of being disbanded by the university due to lack of pledges, but Shelly may be just what the Zetas ordered. Shelly is hired as the house mom for the Zetas, as the sorority plans on utilizing Shelly’s assets as a Playboy bunny to earn their clan the required amount of pledges to remain an active sorority.

THE HOUSE BUNNY is the Paris Hilton or Britney Spears of comedies. It’s not naughty enough for adults and not pristine enough for young girls, and in the process turns out to be something that teenage girls and boys may enjoy, but probably shouldn't be viewing. I presume THE HOUSE BUNNY fashions itself as the next LEGALLY BLONDE, but unlike BLONDE, BUNNY is more concerned with crudity and less concerned with cleverness. Make know mistake, LEGALLY BLONDE is not ANNIE HALL when it comes to comedy, but it knew its audience and did a wonderfully playful and funny job in its fish-out-of-water comedy. THE HOUSE BUNNY can’t decide on its audience, and despite some funny moments, it can’t find any consistency in its characterization of Shelly. Is Shelly really as stupid as she appears? Is she street smart, or at least boy smart? Is she naughty or nice? The film never answers these questions. THE HOUSE BUNNY leaves Farris with a mess of a character, and remarkably she makes something out of nothing. Although its hard to place a finger on the true nature of Shelly, Farris still enables the former Bunny to be endearing, cute and sometimes even wise, in her own way. THE HOUSE BUNNY isn't as bad as it appears, and isn’t as good as it could be, its simply a tease for high school boys, and something that feels edgy for teenage girls.

Grade: C

TELL NO ONE

Photos courtesy of Music Box FilmsA doctor finds his deceased wife on-line in the foreign-language thriller, TELL NO ONE. Eight years ago, Dr. Alex Beck and his wife Margot, went skinny-dipping at an old watering hole where the two grew up. After their swim, Margot swam back to shore, only to be brutally beaten and murdered, while Alex was knocked unconscious during his attempt to save her. Now modern day, Alex is sent an email which links him to a video feed that appears to show Margot alive and well. Whether a cruel trick or a link to his lost love, Alex is determined to get to the bottom of it.

Mixing old-time suspense with timeless music, TELL NO ONE conjures up a thriller that defies my sniff test of the genre, one worthy of a viewing in spite of a lackluster finish. The film sets the tone and attitude of several scenes wonderfully by incorporating catchy and classical music to the proceedings. “For Your Precious Love” by Otis Redding beautifully sets the mood for Alex and Margot’s nostalgic swim, and U2’s “With or Without You” pulsates through an emotional discovery Alex makes about the potential whereabouts of Margot. The music and context of each of these scenes is brilliantly orchestrated milking mystery, suspense and emotionality out of each moment. Director Guillaume Canet puts his stamp on the film in these instances, but also in the script, along with co-writer Phillipe Lefebre. The movie flows well for the most part, but drags on too long during a sluggish climax. Just when the film should be hitting full stride, an overly long and unforeseen explanation taps a bit of energy out of an otherwise solid thriller. The film does benefit from some effective performances. Francois Cluzet as Alex and Marie-Josee Croze as Margot headline a uniformly good cast, one that sells the labyrinth of a story that encompasses the film. TELL NO ONE may be imported, but outside of its subtitles, its accessibility and execution are a nice fit for American audiences.

Grade: B