District 9 takes the issue of South African apartheid and recasts it in the context of science fiction. The idea is clever, the direction balletic, and the production design striking in its grit and gloom. But something is missing at the movie’s core, and no amount of technical achievement compensates…
Category: Santa Monica Reporter
Santa Monica Reporter, the entertainment blog for Newslanc.com
A swift “500 Days”
In this environment a small film has to be very strong to survive outside the big cities. “500 Days of Summer,” a charming, lower budget indie, is currently breaking away from a large pack of poorer relations. This one has the right stuff.
Funny People: Just how funny?
Why are we surprised when popular comedians alter their personae in middle age? Do we feel betrayed by clowns who show their darker sides? Everybody from Chaplin to Robin Williams has tried it, with few succeeding. The record shows that comedians often need to take on a series of dramatic roles before their fan base will accept them.
The Indie Dilemma
You really don’t need me to pronounce on “Bruno,” or Harry Potter 6; those interested in either know who they are. So while we’re waiting for local screenings of “500 Days of Summer,” and “Adam,” both of which I think will interest readers of this column, I thought I’d focus on the current plight of small, interesting American movies, the buzzword for which is “indie.”
“The Hurt Locker”
Given the years succession of mediocre English language films, Kathryn Bigelow’s “The Hurt Locker,” comes as a welcome surprise. That’s because it’s superior in every respect. Its’ meaty 133 minutes unspools with such confidence and clarity you wonder why we don’t get more like it, and more often.
“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” and “Cheri:” Simply fallen
I’m not sure why there’s been such negative buzz on the second “Transformers,” but then I didn’t see the first one, so what do I know? Inspired by a line of toys made by Hasbro the film is hardly Shakespearean, but it’s harmless fun.
“Terminator Salvation:” What Happened?
It’s now official. One of the most anticipated studio films of the year, “Terminator Salvation” (or T-4,) is both a critical and financial failure. So now the question is, how did a franchise that minted so much money for its studio, run out of gas at a point in time when box office is up over 15%?
“Star Trek” a solid ‘B’
By Dan Cohen, NewsLanc’s Santa Monica Reporter The new “Star Trek,” piloted by TV wunderkind J.J. Abrams, has already scored at the box office. Given that the cost has been estimated at around 150 million, this is a good thing for Paramount. It’s interesting that the initial turnout skewed older than most blockbusters; apparently 35 […]
Awards Season
by Dan Cohen The Motion Picture Academy has spoken, and every critic, executive, and psychic in Hollywood is working overtime to woo voters or second guess them. To mark the occasion, a few comments on the films I have yet to discuss, that will probably be making return appearances to local screens. Doubt At the […]
Curious Affairs
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is a welcome departure for a director known for offbeat thrillers; David Fincher. It’s also a high point for Brad Pitt, and a nearly heroic gamble for the two studios behind it, Warner and Paramount. This is a quixotic, meditative movie with a sensibility unlike any other in recent […]
A Satisfying “Frost/Nixon”
by Dan Cohen Frost/Nixon is first of all, stirring entertainment, provided you come to it with some knowledge of the period. I expected the predictable, but quickly found myself delighted by its multifaceted approach. The story and its many characters are revealed with intelligence, wit, and that most important of dramatic virtues, suspense. Director Ron […]
A new Bond… And a great performance.
by Dan Cohen The new James Bond is a let down. On the most basic level the movie lacks the suspense that made “Casino Royale,” such an overheated romp. What we get in “Quantum of Solace,” is a lot of furious action, but with little connecting tissue. And less heat. As it begins we’re told […]
What’s going on with the movies this fall?
The autumn harvest has brought us a crop of worm ridden apples : “Lakeview Terrace,” “Eagle Eye,” “Bangkok Dangerous.” The art cinemas have shown a lot of low hanging fruit: “Flash of Genius,” “The Duchess,” “What Just Happened,” mostly main stream also rans that weren’t going to cut it in the suburban multiplexes. There isn’t […]
Late Summer Indies
By Dan Cohen As summer comes to a close it’s time to recognize a few small films that may not play the local theaters, but will make for a pleasant viewing on your DVD/flat screen set up. These aren’t hits; they’re more like ground rule doubles. But none will insult your intelligence. “Tell No One,” […]