QMR: Body of Lies, 17 Again

http://


Body of Lies (2008)

Bottomline: Confusing and disappointing

Pros: Directed by Ridley Scott. Good performance by Leo DiCaprio. Terrific performance by Mark Strong as Hani Salaam.

Cons: More confusing than Syriana (2005).

QMR Opinion: Ridley Scott is one of my favorite directors but he swings and misses here. The basic concept is fascinating -- the idea (reality?) of someone a half a world away controlling what happens, who lives, who dies on the other side of the world. That's Russell Crowe. Leo is the CIA agent on the ground in the Middle East. They are out to stop an Osama Bin Ladin-type character, but they keep falling all over each other's agendas. The good news is that Scott doesn't treat us like idiots (little to no sub-titles, no supers letting us know which country the action is taking place, etc.), but, in the end, is a confusing mess.


http://


17 Again (2009)


Bottomline: Same old story, slightly different variation.

Pros: Thomas Lennon is fantastic as Uncle Ned. His performance alone is worth the rental when it comes out on DVD.

Cons: It stars Zac Efron. There are sexual undertones from beginning to end in this PG-13 movie (some uncomfortable, some creepy).

QMR Opinion: This movie got the big thumbs up from my youngest daughter and her friend who are both 11. If you are thinking about taking the kids. . .be forewarned. There is a sexual undertone to this movie that can make for some fairly uncomfortable moments. The basic story is the same old same old -- older guy (Matthew Perry) thinks his life stinks and wishes he was back in high school. Poof. Brian Doyle Murray shows up and now Perry is Zac Efron. For those of us over the age of 15, the best part of the movie is Thomas Lennon as Ned, Zac's best friend, who is a millionaire because he invented software. Let's face it, at the end of the day, you go to this movie because your tweens want to go. It's not horrible but if you can avoid it. . .just wait and get the DVD for your kids.