Miller's Movie Minute

Welcome To Miller's Movie Minute

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Here you'll find audio clips, video clips, written reviews, and blogs from film critic Brian Miller. 

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Opening This Week: August 22, 2008

The Rocker, Death Race, & The Longshots 

Synopsis:The Rocker tells the story of a failed drummer who is given a second chance at fame. Robert "Fish" Fishman (Rainn Wilson) is the extremely dedicated and astoundingly passionate (not to mention sweaty) drummer for the eighties hair band Vesuvius, who is living the rock n' roll dream until he is unceremoniously kicked out of the band. Twenty years after his rock star fantasies are destroyed, just when Fish has finally given up all hope, he hears that his nephew's high school rock band A.D.D. is looking for a new drummer. They reluctantly make him the newest member of the band, giving him a chance to reclaim the rock God throne he's always thought he deserved, and taking the young band along for the ride of their lives. --© Fox Atomic

Brian's Bottom Line- Rainn Wilson, best known for his deadpan portrayal of Dwight K. Shrute on TV's "The Office", gets his first shot as leading man in this formulaic comedy.  For those longing for the subdued brilliance of Dwight, you're not going to find it here.  Instead, Wilson plays Fish with the subtlety of a tornado, and is forced to take part in a movie that dedicates too much time on humdrum physical comedy.  With this being said, "The Rocker" has a heart, and provides of a number of laugh-out-loud moments, most of which are provided by Jason Sudeikis as a smarmy agent.  There are bright spots here and there, but you can catch this one on DVD.  Grade- C+

Synopsis:Jason Statham leads the cast of an action-thriller set in the post-industrial wasteland of tomorrow, with the world's most brutal sporting event as its backdrop. A penitentiary full of felons has inspired the jailers to create a grisly pastime ripe for lucrative kickbacks. Now, adrenalized inmates, a global audience hungry for televised violence and a spectacular arena come together to form the Death Race. Three-time speedway champion Jensen Ames (Statham) is an expert at survival in the harsh landscape that has become our country. Just as he thinks he has turned his life around, the ex-con is framed for a gruesome murder he didn't commit. Forced to don the mask of the mythical driver Frankenstein -- a crowd favorite who seems impossible to kill -- Ames is given an easy choice by Terminal Island's warden (Joan Allen): suit up or rot away in a cell. His face hidden by a metallic mask, one convict will be put through an insane three-day challenge. Ames must survive a gauntlet of the most vicious criminals in the country's toughest prison to claim the prize of freedom. Driving a monster car outfitted with machine guns, flamethrowers and grenade launchers, one desperate man will destroy anything in his path to win the most twisted spectator sport on Earth. --© Universal Pictures

Brian's Bottom Line- In a revamping of the 1970's cult classic, "Death Race" promised high-octane thrills and spills.   Jason Statham was the perfect choice to plays Jensen Ames, and this grotesque premise certainly had plenty of promise.  Unfortunately, the ultra-violent actioner is anything but breathtaking.  The car chases, which should have served as the main course, are unoriginal and disappointing.  While loud and messy, they never enthrall or excite.  What could have been a schlocky good time, is instead just another waste of ten bucks.  Grade- C

Synopsis: Based on a true story, a poor Illinois town comes together behind the local Pop Warner football team and their unlikely quarterback, Jasmine Plummer (Keke Palmer), the first female in Pop Warner's history. Under the tutelage of her uncle Curtis (Ice Cube), a former high school football star, Jasmine leads her team, the Minden Browns to the Pop Warner Super Bowl and inspires the town of Minden, Illinois to reclaim some of its former glory. --© Weinstein Company --© MGM

Brian's Bottom Line-  Though you may not have actually watched it, trust me when I say that you've already seen "The Longshots".  Much like "The Mighty Ducks" franchise, and even "Little Giants", this heartwarming tale doesn't stray into any groundbreaking territory, but does have a lot of passion and heart.  The chemistry between Ice Cube and Keke Palmer is heartfelt and believable, while first time director Fred Durst (yes, that Fred Durst) effectively captures the passion of a dying town.  Still, there is nothing new here, and like "The Rocker", you won't be missing anything if you wait for the DVD.  Grade- C+

Opened August 15, 2008

Tropic Thunder & Star Wars: Clone Wars

Synopsis-On the front lines of an intergalactic struggle between good and evil, fans young and old will join such favorite characters as Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padmé Amidala, along with brand-new heroes like Anakin’s padawan learner, Ahsoka. Sinister villains – led by Palpatine, Count Dooku and General Grievous – are poised to rule the galaxy. Stakes are high, and the fate of the Star Wars universe rests in the hands of the daring Jedi Knights. Their exploits lead to the action-packed battles and astonishing new revelations that fill STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS. --© Warner Bros

Brian's Bottom Line- Even the most die-hard "Star Wars" fans will have a tough time sitting through this one.  What is meant to serve as the first chapter in an upcoming television series, plays out like a pilot that should have never been picked up.  Though it would seem that "Star Wars" would be tailor-made for the animated genre, "Clone Wars" is a one-dimensional, hokey, and pointless venture that cheapens the films that preceded it.  One battle sequence after another yields relentless hollow moments, and almost put this critic to sleep.  While the animation itself is fairly impressive, everything else is nothing short of an intergalactic disaster. GRADE- D-

Synopsis-Ben Stiller. Jack Black. Robert Downey Jr. Comedy fans can start drooling immediately at the thought of these three funnymen joining forces in TROPIC THUNDER. The men star as a trio of actors whose filming experience in southeast Asia gets a little too real as they must become as tough as the characters they play to get out of a crisis.-©  Dreamworks

Brian's Bottom Line- While "Tropic Thunder" does not contain as many laugh-out-loud moments as last week's "Pineapple Express" this satirical comedy/actioner hits all the right notes.  Ben Stiller is hilarious as an empty headed actor with an ego the size of the jungle, but his most impressive performance the one he gives behind the camera.   His direction is slick and eye-popping, while his script (co-written by Ethan Cohen and Justin Theroux) allows fellow castmates Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr. to venture into unchartered waters.  Downey Jr., as he has done in his last three big-screen performances, steals the show.  Fans of this A-list trio won't be disappointed.  GRADE- B-

Opened July 25, 2008

Step Brothers & The X-Files: I Want to Believe

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Synopsis-Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, who last teamed in the box-office smash Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, now star in Step Brothers, directed by Adam McKay (Talladega Nights). In Step Brothers, Ferrell plays Brennan Huff, a sporadically employed thirty-nine-year-old who lives with his mother, Nancy (Mary Steenburgen). Reilly plays Dale Doback, a terminally unemployed forty-year-old who lives with his father, Robert (Richard Jenkins). When Robert and Nancy marry and move in together, Brennan and Dale are forced to live with each other as step brothers. As their narcissism and downright aggressive laziness threaten to tear the family apart, these two middle-aged, immature, overgrown boys will orchestrate an insane, elaborate plan to bring their parents back together. To pull it off, they must form an unlikely bond that maybe, just maybe, will finally get them out of the house. The screenplay is by Will Ferrell & Adam McKay from a story by Will Ferrell & Adam McKay & John C. Reilly. Jimmy Miller and Judd Apatow produce. --© Sony Pictures

Brian's Bottom Line- As one might expect, "Step Brothers" is super silly and stupid, but in all of the right ways.  The plot is ingeniously simple, with Ferrell and Reilly perfectly embodying the lovable losers that would still live with their parents, 40 years into their lives.    The raunchy flick is consistently funny, with a number of laugh-out-loud moments sprinkled throughout, culminating in an unforgettable, and wonderfully original finale.    A few of the bits don't really work, but most of them do, and the chemistry between the two leads make this well worth the price of admission.  Grade- B

Synopsis-In grand The X-Files tradition, the film's storyline is being kept under wraps, known only to top studio brass and the project's principal actors and filmmakers. This much can be revealed: The supernatural thriller is a stand-alone story in the tradition of some of the show's most acclaimed and beloved episodes, and takes the always-complicated relationship between Fox Mulder (Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Anderson) in unexpected directions. Mulder continues his unshakable quest for the truth, and Scully, the passionate, ferociously intelligent physician, remains inextricably tied to Mulder's pursuits.

Brian's Bottom Line- It's been six years since we last saw "The X-Files" on television, and 10 years since the cult phenomenon graced the big screen.  As promised, the movie works very well as a stand-alone story, allowing the casual fan to enjoy the film as much as the most devoted series follower.  The story is rich with intrigue and thrills, and while the dialogue was a bit one-dimensional at times (as it was on the show), the pairing of Mulder and Scully is enough to make audience members wriggle with delight.  David Duchovny steals the show, and while watching him and this film, I couldn't help but hope that this is just the second chapter in a very promising film franchise.  Grade- B+

Opened July 18, 2008 

The Dark Knight & Mamma Mia!

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Synopsis-The Dark Knight reunites director Christopher Nolan with star Christian Bale, who returns to continue Batman’s war on crime. With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham for good. The triumvirate proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as the Joker (Heath Ledger), who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces the Dark Knight ever closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante.© Warner Bros. 

Brian's Bottom Line- Forget everything you know about "comic book" movies, Christopher Nolan's follow-up to the much-lauded "Batman Begins" is a dark, complex, enthralling, and entertaining slice of summer fun.  Much has been made about Heath Ledger's performance, and for good reason.  The late actor gives a haunting, frightening performance as The Joker, completely reinventing a character that has been terrorizing audiences for decades.  An absolute must-see in every aspect, "Dark Knight" is easily one of the best films of the summer. Grade- A

Synopsis-Meryl Streep leads an all-star cast in the feature-film adaptation of the beloved musical that has been seen by more than 30 million people in 160 cities and 8 languages around the world. Bringing the timeless lyrics and melodies of iconic super group ABBA to movie audiences, Summer 2008 is the... Meryl Streep leads an all-star cast in the feature-film adaptation of the beloved musical that has been seen by more than 30 million people in 160 cities and 8 languages around the world. Bringing the timeless lyrics and melodies of iconic super group ABBA to movie audiences, Summer 2008 is the season for Mamma Mia! The three women who created the worldwide smash stage hit--global producer Judy Craymer, writer Catherine Johnson and director Phyllida Lloyd--repeat their roles in bringing this joyful, musical story to the big screen. The Mamma Mia! film is produced by Judy Craymer and Gary Goetzman. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper join Streep in this celebration of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads. An independent, single mother who owns a small hotel on an idyllic Greek island, Donna (Streep) is about to let go of Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), the spirited daughter she's raised alone. For Sophie's wedding, Donna has invited her two lifelong best girlfriends--practical and no-nonsense Rosie (Julie Walters) and wealthy, multi-divorcee Tanya (Christine Baranski)--from her one-time backing band, Donna and the Dynamos. But Sophie has secretly invited three guests of her own. On a quest to find the identity of her father to walk her down the aisle, she brings back three men from Donna's past to the Mediterranean paradise they visited 20 years earlier. Over 24 chaotic, magical hours, new love will bloom and old romances will be rekindled on this lush island full of possibilities. Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA's songs from "Dancing Queen" and "S.O.S." to "Money, Money, Money" and "Take a Chance on Me," Mamma Mia! is a celebration of mothers and daughters, old friends and new family found. --© Universal Pictures

Brian's bottom Line- If you're looking for the continued rejuvination of the Hollywood musical, you're not going to find it here.  Despite charismatic performances by Meryl STreep and Amanda Seyfried, the film can't overcome it's corny tone, and audacious musical numbers.  While fans of the original Broadway production may enjoy themselves, others may have a more difficult time.  Not nearly as fun as last year's "Hairspray" and a far cry of recent hits like "Sweeny Todd", "Dreamgirls" and "Moulin Rouge".  Grade- C-

Opened July 11, 2008

Meet Dave & Hellboy 2: The Golden Army

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Synopsis- With their home planet in danger and no place in the known universe to seek shelter, a desperate crew of miniature alien humanoids boards a human spacecraft in hopes of saving their doomed world. Eddie Murphy stars in a sci-fi comedy that re-teams the longtime comic actor with Norbit director Brian Robbins. - Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Brian's Bottom Line- A "comedy" that is utterly unwatchable.  Murphy, who has created some truly memorable cinematic moments in the past, gives birth to one of the most unoriginal, uninteresting, and unimpressive sci-fi comedies of all time.  How an enigmatic performer as talented as he continues to appear in drivel such as this is beyond the realm of comprehension.  Any box-office revenue this bomb creates, should be viewed as nothing short of grand larceny.  Grade- F

Synopsis-With a signature blend of action, humor and character-based spectacle, the saga of the world's toughest, kitten-loving hero from Hell continues to unfold in Hellboy 2: The Golden Army. Bigger muscle, badder weapons and more ungodly villains arrive in an epic vision of imagination from Oscar®-nominated director Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy). After an ancient truce existing between humankind and the invisible realm of the fantastic is broken, hell on Earth is ready to erupt. A ruthless leader who treads the world above and the one below defies his bloodline and awakens an unstoppable army of creatures. Now, it's up to the planet's toughest, roughest superhero to battle the merciless dictator and his marauders. He may be red. He may be horned. He may be misunderstood. But when you need the job done right, it's time to call in Hellboy (Ron Perlman). Along with his expanding team in the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Development--pyrokinetic girlfriend Liz (Selma Blair), aquatic empath Abe (Doug Jones) and protoplasmic mystic Johann--the BPRD will travel between the surface strata and the unseen magical one, where creatures of fantasy become corporeal. And Hellboy, a creature of two worlds who's accepted by neither, must choose between the life he knows and an unknown destiny that beckons him. -- © Universal Pictures

Brian's Bottom Line- In 2004, director Guillermo Del Toro had a surprise hit on his hands when he released the original "Hellboy".  Four years later, the sequel is as impressive, fun, and stunning as its predecessor.  Unique characters, haunting visuals, and a nice dose of humor make this comic-book adventure an absolute thrill ride.  Once again, Ron Pearlman is an absolute gem as the title character, proving that he is the only one who could make this character work.  The set-up for the sequel left me salivating for more, and I, for one, hope that Del Toro rides this franchise out until the end of its road.  Grade- A-  

Opened July 2, 2008

Hancock, & Kit Kittredge: An American Girl

click here to hear Brian with Jim Reith

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Synopsis-There are heroes… there are superheroes… and then there’s Hancock (Will Smith). With great power comes great responsibility – everyone knows that – everyone, that is, but Hancock. Edgy, conflicted, sarcastic, and misunderstood, Hancock’s well-intentioned heroics might get the job done... There are heroes… there are superheroes… and then there’s Hancock (Will Smith). With great power comes great responsibility – everyone knows that – everyone, that is, but Hancock. Edgy, conflicted, sarcastic, and misunderstood, Hancock’s well-intentioned heroics might get the job done and save countless lives, but always seem to leave jaw-dropping damage in their wake. The public has finally had enough – as grateful as they are to have their local hero, the good citizens of Los Angeles are wondering what they ever did to deserve this guy. Hancock isn’t the kind of man who cares what other people think – until the day that he saves the life of PR executive Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman), and the sardonic superhero begins to realize that he may have a vulnerable side after all. Facing that will be Hancock’s greatest challenge yet – and a task that may prove impossible as Ray’s wife, Mary (Charlize Theron), insists that he’s a lost cause. --© Sony Pictures

Brian's Bottom Line- The first half of "Hancock" is a text-book summer delight.  Obliterating all superhero conventions, Will Smith is hilarious as a sloppy, drunk, and disastrous anti-hero.  His character is flawed, yet somehow intriguing, and I couldn't wait to see where the went with the character.  Then, without warning, a second-half twist brings the film to a grinding halt.  The humor evaporates completely (despite the valiant efforts of the brilliant Jason Bateman) and the plot derails at an alarming rate.  This disappointing execution sucks the life out of the film, and by default, the audience watching it.  What began as a must-see, dissipates into a hollow "what happened?!".  Grade- C-

Synopsis-Aspiring reporter Kit Kittredge (Abigail Breslin) can’t resist bringing home strays, whether it’s Grace, an abandoned basset hound or Will and Countee, a pair of young hobos willing to trade work for meals. Bright, inquisitive and generous, Kit is a natural born leader. But her happy childhood is abruptly interrupted when her father (Chris O’Donnell) loses his car dealership and must leave Cincinnati to look for work. Kit and her mother Margaret (Julia Ormond) are left to manage on their own, growing vegetables, selling eggs and even taking in an assortment of boarders including an itinerant magician (Stanley Tucci), a vivacious dance instructor on the prowl for a husband (Jane Krakowski) and a zany mobile librarian (Joan Cusack).

When a crime spree sweeps Cincinnati, all signs point to the local “hobo jungle,” where Will and Countee live with a group of their impoverished companions. Kit, who always has her antennae out for a good news story, convinces her new friends to take her to see the hobo camp for herself and writes an article that creates a sympathetic portrait of the camp’s residents. But when Kit’s mother and their boarders become the latest victims in a string of robberies, Kit’s loyalties are tested. Will is accused of the crimes and, with all of their savings gone, the Kittredges face losing their house to foreclosure. Determined to recover the stolen money and believing Will is innocent, Kit recruits her friends Ruthie (Madison Davenport) and Stirling (Zach Mills) to help her track down the real culprit. Together they uncover a plot that goes far beyond Cincinnati!
--© Picturehouse

Brian's Bottom Line- Admittedly, I didn't know what to expect from this G-rated family film that was based on a successful series of books and dolls.  To my surprise and delight, I found a wonderfully produced, delightfully acted ensemble piece that should entice its target audience, and entertain those who were forced to come along.  Supporting performances by Stanley Tucci, Julia Ormond, and Joan Cusack are all on-the-money,  but the film belongs to the young Abigail Breslin.  Continuing her long line of impressive performances, the diminutive star carries a feature-length flick on her shoulders with little hesitation or disregard.  The movie is funny and touching (though a bit heavy handed at time) and I have a feeling it will find a whole new life on DVD.  Grade- B-

Opened June 27, 2008

Wanted, & Wall-E

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Synopsis-Based upon Mark Millar’s explosive graphic novel series and helmed by stunning visualist director Timur Bekmambetov—creator of the most successful Russian film franchise in history, the Night Watch series—Wanted tells the tale of one apathetic nobody’s transformation into an unparalleled enforcer of justice. In 2008, the world will be introduced to a hero for a new generation: Wesley Gibson. 25-year-old Wes (James McAvoy) was the most disaffected, cube-dwelling drone the planet had ever known. His boss chewed him out hourly, his girlfriend ignored him routinely and his life plodded on interminably. Everyone was certain this disengaged slacker would amount to nothing. There was little else for Wes to do but wile away the days and die in his slow, clock-punching rut. Until he met a woman named Fox (Angelina Jolie). After his estranged father is murdered, the deadly sexy Fox recruits Wes into the Fraternity, a secret society that trains Wes to avenge his dad’s death by unlocking his dormant powers. As she teaches him how to develop lightning-quick reflexes and phenomenal agility, Wes discovers this team lives by an ancient, unbreakable code: carry out the death orders given by fate itself. With wickedly brilliant tutors—including the Fraternity’s enigmatic leader, Sloan (Morgan Freeman)—Wes grows to enjoy all the strength he ever wanted. But, slowly, he begins to realize there is more to his dangerous associates than meets the eye. And as he wavers between newfound heroism and vengeance, Wes will come to learn what no one could ever teach him: he alone controls his destiny. --© Universal Pictures

Brian's Bottom Line- While Angelina Jolie may be the big-name star in this pitch-black action-comedy, James McAvoy steals the show.  His transformation from lowly office schlub to world class assassin is perfectly on the money, instilling laughs and surprises around every corner.  The action sequences are blissfully over-the-top and memorable, and the dark subject matter is handled with remarkable precision.  I didn't know much about this movie heading in, and am happy to admit, it will undoubtedly be one of the biggest surprises of the summer.  Grade- A-

 Synopsis-What if mankind had to leave Earth, and somebody forgot to turn the last robot off? Academy Award®-winning writer-director Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo”) and the inventive storytellers and technical geniuses at Pixar Animation Studios (“The Incredibles,” “Cars,”... What if mankind had to leave Earth, and somebody forgot to turn the last robot off?

Academy Award®-winning writer-director Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo”) and the inventive storytellers and technical geniuses at Pixar Animation Studios (“The Incredibles,” “Cars,” “Ratatouille”) transport moviegoers to a galaxy not so very far away for a new computer-animated cosmic comedy about a determined robot named WALL•E.

After hundreds of lonely years of doing what he was built for, WALL•E (short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) discovers a new purpose in life (besides collecting knick-knacks) when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE. EVE comes to realize that WALL•E has inadvertently stumbled upon the key to the planet’s future, and races back to space to report her findings to the humans (who have been eagerly awaiting word that it is safe to return home). Meanwhile, WALL•E chases EVE across the galaxy and sets into motion one of the most exciting and imaginative comedy adventures ever brought to the big screen.© Walt Disney Studios

Brian's Bottom Line- Pixar continues its unprecedented string of hits with this touching, delightful, funny, entertaining, astounding, and ingenious animated comedy.  Though there is very little dialogue to be heard, the diverse characters are developed through their actions and rudimentary communication skills, creating a universe filled with original creatures.  To call the animation "stunning" is to belittle how beautiful it truly is, and despite the fact that I have seen every Pixar film before this, it felt as if I was watching something completely new.   A masterpiece in every sense of the word, this is a sure-fire Oscar contender.  Grade- A

Opened June 20, 2008

The Love Guru, & Get Smart

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Synopsis-In the comedy 'The Love Guru,' Pitka (Mike Myers in his first original character since Austin Powers) is an American who was left at the gates of an ashram in India as a child and raised by gurus. He moves back to the U.S. to seek fame and fortune in the world of self-help and spirituality. His unorthodox methods are put to the test when he must settle a rift between Toronto Maple Leafs star hockey player Darren Roanoke (Romany Malco) and his estranged wife. After the split, Roanoke's wife starts dating L.A. Kings star Jacques Grande (Justin Timberlake) out of revenge, sending her husband into a major professional skid -- to the horror of the teams' owner Jane Bullard (Jessica Alba) and Coach Cherkov (Verne Troyer). Pitka must return the couple to marital nirvana and get Roanoke back on his game so the team can break the 40-year-old "Bullard Curse" and win the Stanley Cup.© Paramount 

Brian's Bottom Line- With this unabashedly despicable comedy, Mike Myers has (seemingly) hit rock bottom.  After the massive success of his "Austin Powers" series, one couldn't help but hope that his new character, Guru Pitka, would be equally iconic.  Unfortunately, the self-help leader is nothing more than the "Cat in the Hat" without whiskers.  There is nothing charming, endearing, or likable about this movie, and it's 90-minute runtime felt like an eternity.  Every joke and gag is recycled from other, and much better, Myers' films.  A few humorous moments are peppered in here and there, but for the most part, this features one bomb after another.  Grade- D-

Synopsis-Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell) is on a mission to thwart the latest plot for world domination by the evil crime syndicate known as KAOS. When the headquarters of U.S. spy agency Control is attacked and the identities of its agents compromised, the Chief (Alan Arkin) has no choice but to promote... Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell) is on a mission to thwart the latest plot for world domination by the evil crime syndicate known as KAOS. When the headquarters of U.S. spy agency Control is attacked and the identities of its agents compromised, the Chief (Alan Arkin) has no choice but to promote his ever-eager analyst Maxwell Smart, who has always dreamt of working in the field alongside stalwart superstar Agent 23 (Dwayne Johnson). Smart is partnered instead with the lovely-but-lethal veteran Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway). Given little field experience and even less time, Smart-armed with nothing but a few spy-tech gadgets and his unbridled enthusiasm-must thwart the doomsday plans of KAOS head Siegfried (Terence Stamp). --© Warner Bros.

Brian's Bottom Line- Fans of the 60's sitcom "Get Smart" will have a ball with this modern interpretation.  Funnyman Steve Carell is flawless as the bumbling secret agent Maxwell Smart, bringing his unique brand of dead-pan humor to a silly adventure-comedy.  While many of the action sequences are run-of-the-mill, and there is nothing wholly new or original here, Carell enlivens every scene, forcing laughs when none should exist.  Alan Arkin, Anne Hathaway, Terence Stamp, and (especially) Dwayne Johnson are entertaining in supporting roles, and I have a feeling we will be seeing most of them reprising their roles in the very near future.  While this may not be the most memorable film of the summer, there's little arguing that it was a lot of fun.  Grade- B-

Opened June 13, 2008

The Happening & The Incredible Hulk

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Synopsis:The explosive, action-packed adventure in one of the all-time most popular superhero sagas unfolds with a cure in reach for the world's most primal force of fury: THE INCREDIBLE HULK. We find scientist Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) living in shadows, scouring the planet for an antidote. But the warmongers who dream of abusing his powers won't leave him alone, nor will his need to be with the only woman he has ever loved, Betty Ross (Liv Tyler). Upon returning to civilization, our brilliant doctor is ruthlessly pursued by The Abomination (Tim Roth)--a nightmarish beast of pure adrenaline and aggression whose powers match The Hulk's own. A fight of comic-book proportions ensues as Banner must call upon the hero within to rescue New York City from total destruction. And on June 13, 2008...one scientist must make an agonizing final choice--accept a peaceful life as Bruce Banner or the creature he could permanently become: THE INCREDIBLE HULK. -- © Universal Pictures

Brian's Bottom Line- Forget the Ang Lee directed debacle from 2003, this is the way "The Incredible Hulk" was meant to be seen.  Edward Norton steps into the shoes of Bruce Banner with such ease and believability, it's as if the character has always been his.  Marvel Studios, who had already hit a homerun with "Iron Man", delivers another pulse-pounding adventure that will appeal to comic fans across the country.  With the right blend of storytelling and action, this is a monster hit that obliterates all preconceived expectations.  Grade- B+

Synopsis- Details are sparse on this apocalyptic thriller directed by M. Night Shyamalan.  Mark Wahlberg stars as a teacher who struggles to escape the effects of a mysterious epidemic that appears to be sweeping the world.  Zooey Deschanel and John Leguizamo co-star.  

Brian's Bottom Line- While "The Incredible Hulk" was a surprise for all of the right reasons, "The Happening" was a surprise for all of the wrong ones.  M. Night Shyamalan, who has made a name for himself for creating highly inventive and original thrillers, takes an intriguing premise and runs it into the ground.  Clunky dialogue, bizarrely inadequate performances, and a story that doesn't go anywhere, all mix together to create one muddled mess.  Of all the disappointments thus far in 2008, this might be the greatest.  Grade- D 

Opened June 6, 2008

Kung Fu Panda, You Don't Mess with the Zohan, & Son of Rambow

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Synopsis-"Kung Fu Panda" features Jack Black as Po the Panda, a lowly waiter in a noodle restaurant, who is a kung fu fanatic but whose shape doesn't exactly lend itself to kung fu fighting. In fact, Po's defining characteristic appears to be that he is the laziest of all the animals in ancient China. ... "Kung Fu Panda" features Jack Black as Po the Panda, a lowly waiter in a noodle restaurant, who is a kung fu fanatic but whose shape doesn't exactly lend itself to kung fu fighting. In fact, Po's defining characteristic appears to be that he is the laziest of all the animals in ancient China. That's a problem because powerful enemies are at the gates, and all hopes have been pinned on a prophesy naming Po as the "Chosen One" to save the day. A group of martial arts masters are going to need a black belt in patience if they are going to turn this slacker panda into a kung fu fighter before it's too late. -- © DreamWorks

Brian's Bottom Line- Jack Black was THE perfect choice for "Po" the panda in this surprisingly ingenious animated comedy.  Unlike other DreamWorks projects like "Madagascar" and "Over the Hedge", the film isn't a mere showcase for its A-list voice talents (Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, etc.) but delivers a great story and stunning animation.  Don't let the trailers fool you, this film is stuffed to the brim with wonderful comedic moments, and startling action sequences.  The intensity might be a bit too much for kids under the age of 5, but for everyone else, this is a thrilling ride from start to finish. Though "Shrek" fans might beg to differ, I would argue that "Kung Fu Panda" is, at this point in time, DreamWorks crowning achievement.  Grade- A

Synopsis-
In You Don't Mess With the Zohan, a comedy from screenwriters Adam Sandler, Robert Smigel (Triumph the Insult Comic Dog), and Judd Apatow (Knocked Up), Sandler stars as Zohan, an Israeli commando who fakes his own death in order to pursue his dream: becoming a hairstylist in New York. Dennis Dugan directs.-© Sony Pictures

Brian's Bottom Line- Adam Sandler brings his unique brand of humor back to the big screen, this time starring as an Israeli counter-terrorist who decides to abandon his killing ways and heads to America in order to be a hair stylist.  While the sophomoric comedy is laugh-out-loud funny at times, it is unbearably bad in others.   This is a far cry from the juvenile bliss of "Billy Madison" and "Happy Gilmore" and will appeal only to the most devoted Sandler junkies.  Even with the help of co-writer Judd Apatow, "Zohan" disappointments more often than it delivers.  Grade- C-

Synopsis-SON OF RAMBOW is the name of the home movie made by two little boys with a big video camera and even bigger ambitions. Set on a long English summer in the early 80's, SON OF RAMBOW is a comedy about friendship, faith and the tough business of growing up. We see the story through the eyes of Will, the eldest son of a fatherless Plymouth Brethren family. The Brethren regard themselves as God's 'chosen ones' and their strict moral code means that Will has never been allowed to mix with the other 'worldlies,' listen to music or watch TV, until he finds himself caught up in the extraordinary world of Lee Carter, the school terror and maker of bizarre home movies. Carter exposes Will to a pirate copy of Rambo: First Blood and from that moment Will's mind is blown wide open and he's easily convinced to be the stuntman in Lee Carters' diabolical home movie. Will's imaginative little brain is not only given chance to flourish in the world of film making, but is also very handy when it comes to dreaming up elaborate schemes to keep his partnership with Lee Carter a secret from the Brethren community. Will and Carter's complete disregard for consequences and innocent ambition means that the process of making their film is a glorious rollercoaster that eventually leads to true friendship. They start to make a name for themselves at school as movie makers but when popularity descends on them in the form of the Pied Piper-esque French exchange student, Didier Revol, their unique friendship and their precious film are pushed, quite literally, to breaking point. Written by Hammer & Tongs

Brian's Bottom Line- It's easy to see why this little British comedy has been winning over audiences for months.  This coming-of-age tale of friendship is filled with drama and humor, and features two outstanding performances by newcomers Will Poulter and Bill Milner.  "Son of Rambow" takes you a bit by surprise, gaining momentum as it goes along.  In the end, director Garth Jennings' film delivers an unforgettable finale, one that will resonate with you long after the  house lights come up.  Grade- B

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