Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)
Bottomline: Fun movie for older kids.
Pros: Special effects are outstanding. Great adult actors supporting the main three: Catherine Keener, Joey Pants, Pierce Brosnan, Uma Thurman, Sean Bean, Rosario Dawson.
Cons: The three actors portraying the three main characters are weak. The story is interesting but becomes formulaic. It's just weird to see Brosnan as a Centaur.
Where Can I See It? It is in theaters now.
Caveat: This movie can be downright scary. Be careful if you have children that are much younger than about 10. The monsters are incredibly realistic and scary.
Caveat #2: The movie takes a lengthy trip to hell (replete with the AC/DC soundtrack).
QMR Opinion: Let's face it. . .this movie is not going to contend for any awards and has simply been created for some fun and. . .is an attempt for the studio to find a replacement for Harry Potter. There are three main characters -- one that doesn't realize what he is, a female that is incredibly gifted, and the funny one. The problem is that this movie isn't very well written and is not well acted. The three main actors are so poor that you realize really how well Radcliffe, Watson and Grint really are in the Harry Potter films. The FX in this movie are terrific. The supporting actors are solid. The end of the movie features some weird father-son thing that I still don't understand and, frankly, I still am not sure why the thief stole the lightning.
Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962)
Bottomline: Terrific film that was a pioneer in exploring what happens to a fighter when he can no longer fight.
Pros: Strong script from Rod Serling. Terrific acting by Anthony Quinn and Jackie Gleason. But, honestly, I was blown away by Mickey Rooney. Loved the POV shooting at the beginning of the movie.
Cons: The movie takes a completely unrealistic turn when the lovely and demure Miss Miller falls for Mountain Rivera.
Where Can I See This Movie? I caught it on Turner Classic Movies but it is available for rent.
Suggestion: Watch this film then watch Scorsese's Raging Bull (1980). You will see the inspiration for much of Scorsese's camera work in his masterpiece.
QMR Opinion: This film is well worth your time if for no other reason than to appreciate a heartbreakingly poignant story and to see three actors at the top of their games. Quinn carries the heavy load here, of course, but Gleason and Rooney are phenomenal. The POV shooting at the beginning of the film features a young boxer that you may recognize.
Crazy Heart (2009)
Bottomline: Absolutely terrific movie supported by fantastic performances.
Pros: Jeff Bridges. Jeff Bridges. Jeff Bridges. Loved the ending.
Cons: The film takes a turn that you can see coming from a mile away.
Where Can I See This Movie? It is in theaters -- for now.
QMR Opinion: This is easily one of the 10 best movies of 2009 -- I don't care what the Academy says. It's better than The Blindside. It's better than District 9. And, goodness knows, it's better than Avatar. The story is solid but it's the acting of Bridges that pulls this movie to the top. Bridges is simply one of the best actors in the business and he has a character here in Bad Blake that he can absolutely sink his teeth into. Maggie Gyllenhaal is great. And, of course, there is Duvall. A surprise is Colin Farrell who does a good job as a country singer. See this movie.
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