Avatar (2009)
Bottomline: This is a movie that takes CGI and motion-capture technology to an entirely new level. It is a watershed technological moment in movie history. It must be seen in a theater.
Pros: Mind-boggling, eye-popping technological achievement. Beautiful to watch. 3-D technology is terrific. Sigourney Weaver is great. Stephen Lang chews up the scenery.
Cons: Extremely familiar storyline. Extremely familiar stereotypical characters. Too dang long.
CAVEAT: The movie is PG-13. My 12-year-old daughter actually asked how close it came to being “R” rated. Lots – LOTS – of potty words. There are disturbing, violent and brutal scenes.
Where Can I See This Movie? It is in every theater in the world.
QMR Opinion: Avatar is a movie that must be seen if for no other reason than to enjoy the technological achievements of a movie that will be considered a watershed event for motion pictures. It is beautiful. It is lush. The CGI work is beyond anything you’ve seen. The motion-capture technology goes beyond anything captured on film. However, when you strip all of that away, you’re left with a story that is. . .well. . .as old as time. There is a group of indigenous people (the good guys) who are being slaughtered by invaders (the bad guys) for no other reason than corporate profit. Director James Cameron borrows heavily from a number of movies: A Man Called Horse (1970), Dances with Wolves (1990), Pocahontas (1995), Little Big Man (1970), and the list could go on. He even borrows two characters from one of his own movies, Aliens (1986): Giovanni Ribisi is the corporate shill. In Aliens, this was Paul Reiser. Michelle Rodriguez plays a tough female grunt. In Aliens, this was Jenette Goldstein. And, for goodness sakes, the movie has a running time of two hours and thirty minutes. Can anyone find me an editor? My favorite character? Stephen Lang as Col. Miles Quaritch. He is awesome as a stereotypical, kill 'em all and let God sort 'em out military man.
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Bottomline: Interested in having fun at the movies? Go see this one. Tons of fun!
Pros: The cast is terrific. The mix of brains and brawn is irresistible. Guy Ritchie’s pacing is spot on.
Cons: For Holmes’ purists, the movie takes the great detective in an uncomfortable direction. Is Holmes really an action star? Sometimes the the dialogue was difficult to hear – low volume and British mumbling.
Caveat: This movie is violent and there’s this scene with slaughtered hogs that is just. . .well. . .gross.
Where Can I See This Movie? It is in wide release in theaters.
QMR Opinion: It is clear that everyone had fun making this movie. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law have great chemistry. Mark Strong is terrific as Lord Blackstone. It all just works. The puzzle is good. Watching Holmes deduce is fascinating. From a personal Holmes’ fan standpoint, I like that Dr. Watson is not portrayed as a bumbling idiot. Interested in having fun at the movies? Go see this film. It is well worth your time.
State of Play (2009)
Bottomline: Interesting rental for a night when you're looking for a quick thriller fix with a dose of newspaper reporter as hero.
Pros: Newspaper reporter is the hero. Jason Bateman has a great turn as a sleazy PR guy.
Cons: Actors looked uncomfortable throughout. It's painful sometimes to watch Ben Affleck try to act. Russell Crowe is stereotypical reporter. You will have the entire movie figured out within the first 15 minutes.
Where Can I See This Movie? It is available for rent on DVD.
Want to See THE Reporter-as-Hero Movie? Pick up All the President's Men (1976)
QMR Review: This movie has its fun moments and is worth a rental if you are stuck for something to rent one night. None of the actors seem particularly dedicated to the film and seem to be going through the motions. The story is obvious from the beginning with a twist at the end -- but you see it all coming although you may not know exactly how it will play out. In an odd way, it's sort of a nostalgic romp to see how newspapers are produced. Crowe is okay. McAdams is passable. Affleck is stiff. Robin Wright Penn is actually pretty good. But my favorite performance was a minor one played to full effect by Jason Bateman.
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