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Archive for “Movie Reviews” news
10 Things to Know Before Seeing Star Trek Into Darkness
By Aaron Mettey 5/17/2013
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For the most part, I am excited to see new movies (save for those in the Twilight series or anything starring Julia Stiles). But the movie that I have anticipated the most this year is Star Trek into Darkness. Perhaps it’s because I grew up in a household where my dad and I watched The Next Generation every Monday night. (The best was when Captain Picard and the Enterprise had to fight the Borg or deal with Q. The holodeck episodes? Not so much.) Or perhaps it was due to J. J. Abrams’ killer 2009 reboot that was perfectly cast and perfectly fun. Either way, I’m pleased to say that Darkness lived up to my anticipation.
13 Movies That Film Critics Got Completely Wrong
By Aaron Mettey 4/12/2013
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As I was reading through old reviews and writings of Roger Ebert last week, I stumbled across an interview he did for the Television Academy Foundation’s Archive of American Television. In it he talks about the importance of film criticism and his infamous disagreements with fellow critic and co-host of At the Movies, Gene Siskel. “As mad I was about him not liking Apocalypse Now, he couldn't believe I could find fault with Full Metal Jacket by Kubrick.”
Film Critic Roger Ebert Dies at 70
By Simon van Zuylen-Wood 4/04/2013
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One of America's most beloved and respected film critics, Roger Ebert, has died. Since losing part of his lower jaw to cancer in 2006--rendering him unable to eat and speak--Ebert launched a web-fueled final chapter to his career, in which the writings of the longtime television and newspaper critic came into view for a new generation of fans. A long, moving obituary has been published in the Chicago Sun-Times, where he wrote a regular column for nearly half a century. Two days ago, Ebert wrote a goodbye blog post, announcing a temporary leave, due to his failing health. His final
Bradley Cooper Gives Oscar-Worthy Performance in Silver Linings Playbook
By Aaron Mettey 11/16/2012
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This year’s best actor Oscar category is going to be one to watch. Not so much for who will win (which, in my opinion, will be Daniel Day-Lewis for his breathtaking Lincoln), but who will grab the other four slots. In theaters now are extraordinary performances from previous winners/nominees Denzel Washington (Flight), Joaquin Phoenix (The Master), and John Hawkes (The Sessions). Anthony Hopkins (Hitchcock) and Matt Damon (Promised Land) are getting a lot of buzz. Richard Gere could get his first acting nomination (surprising, right?) for his perfect work in Arbitrage. Same for Hugh Jackman (Les Miserables). But after seeing David O. Russell’s Silver Linings Playbook, (“Philly’s Own”) Bradley Cooper deserves a nomination.
Judi Dench and Javier Bardem Steal the Show in Skyfall
By Aaron Mettey 11/09/2012
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Every once in a while, there comes a movie that transcends its genre, like The Lord of the Rings and The Dark Knight. So it’s not an overestimation to say that the newest James Bond film Skyfall is one of the best of the series—and certainly the best of Daniel Craig’s three. Much of this is due to the reverence director Sam Mendes and the writers show for the original films and its extraordinary cast. But mostly it’s because it has Dame Judi Dench in a gunfight. Yes, you read that right: Judi Dench, gunfight.
Even Jeremy Renner Wrestling Wolves Can’t Make The Bourne Legacy Fun
By Aaron Mettey 8/10/2012
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For fans of the Bourne series, this must seem implausible: That, exiting the theater, at least three people were overheard talking about how they had fallen asleep during The Bourne Legacy. After all, the original trilogy—Bourne Identity, Supremacy, and Ultimatum—were high-adrenaline films. With breakneck chases and a high caliber cast, they weren’t simple action flicks. And though Legacy shares some DNA with the other films—writer Tony Gilroy (who also directs Legacy), a great cast, intense sequences, the word “Bourne” in the title—that is where the similarities end. The Bourne Legacy has (few) moments of excitement that are connected by stretches of utter dullness.
There Aren’t Enough Boobs in the World to Save Total Recall
By Aaron Mettey 8/03/2012
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A quick, math problem: It takes 17 minutes for a transporter to go from London to Sydney through the Earth’s core. If the diameter of the Earth is 7,926.41 miles, how the hell can Colin Farrell and Jessica Biel’s characters climb and fight on the outside of the transporter—with just their hair blowing—and not be pinned to the floor screaming for their lives?
The Dark Knight Rises Is a Great But Flawed Finale
By Aaron Mettey 7/20/2012
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Most fans haven’t seen The Dark Knight Rises yet, but that hasn’t stopped them from deciding that it is an unquestioned masterpiece. And though it might be hard for some to hear this, many of the negative reviews are right. The Dark Knight Rises is not a masterpiece. It is often wonderful, in special effects and filmmaking; however, it is also mired in bloviated moments of momentum-stunting dialogue and a bloated running time of two hours and 45 minutes.
He Said/She Said: A Two-Part Review of Magic Mike
By Aaron Mettey 6/29/2012
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Our regular movie blogger Aaron Mettey and guest writer Carrie Denny discuss buns, pecs, and whether you should take your mom to see Magic Mike.
Brave Is Pixar’s Weakest Film Yet
By Aaron Mettey 6/22/2012
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Perhaps it’s the ads’ fault. I’ve become so accustomed to ads being movie CliffsNotes that I expect to know every plot twist or to have seen every funny moment long before the movie is released. So when I see a preview for Pixar’s Brave, featuring a redheaded archeress who’d rather dash through the forest on her horse than simply be a polished princess, I expect the movie to be about that: a gender-role non-conforming, badass fighter who saves the day. Like a Gaelic Mulan or a medieval Katniss. (Hell, even the commercial for the Brave video game, shown before the movie, has her wielding a sword and fighting ice creatures.) Instead, the visually striking but disappointing Brave focuses more on a rote mother-daughter relationship that lacks the usual nuance that Pixar is (was?) known for.
