The Movies thread!

[yankeesjetsfan]

Not a big Will Ferrell guy either, but Other Guys does look pretty funny. I may end up seeing Machete by myself anyway. Always liked Rodriguez since From Dusk Til Dawn.

Mike

[95Crash]

Machete!

[yankeesjetsfan]

I got to see Machete on Sunday. I thought it was a good movie. A nice throwback to the 70's action flicks except there was more gore and boobs. A total guy flick. I'm just sorry my date decided to see it, lol. She was fine with it. She claims she knew what to expect from a Robert Rodriguez flick.

Mike

[njskaguy33]

Also saw Machete on Saturday and thought it was a damn fun movie. Everything the Expendables promised but didn't deliver on, Machete was pure campy grindhouse fun and it worked on almost every level. While some bit just didn't work, such as every scene featuring Lindsay Lohan, but that's a small quibble in a very entertaining way to end the summer season. Definately worth checking out!

[Devils Dose]

I went to see Machete last night with a female friend. I had a lot of fun, but she just loved it. Of course, she's not normal, so you probably can't extrapolate that result to all other women.

And I thought that Torres looked like Jose Canseco.

[yankeesjetsfan]

Also saw Machete on Saturday and thought it was a damn fun movie. Everything the Expendables promised but didn't deliver on, Machete was pure campy grindhouse fun and it worked on almost every level. While some bit just didn't work, such as every scene featuring Lindsay Lohan, but that's a small quibble in a very entertaining way to end the summer season. Definately worth checking out!

I agree about Lohan. Not sure what she was doing in this flick and in the one part yu want to see her in was a double. What's up with that?

Mike

[Devils Dose]

I agree about Lohan. Not sure what she was doing in this flick and in the one part yu want to see her in was a double. What's up with that?

Mike

I would have been happier not knowing this. Thanks alot !

[yankeesjetsfan]

I would have been happier not knowing this. Thanks alot !

Sorry dude. I thought I was being vague about it. My apologies.

Mike

[njskaguy33]

Opening This Week – Nationwide

Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D – The fourth film in the long standing Resident Evil series is now slaughtering zombies in three dimensions. Based on the popular video game series of the same name and starring the lovely Mila Jovovich, RE has never been a “good” film series but it does have a following, grossing over 140 million dollars amongst the first three films. As for the fourth installment, the film was not released for critics to review, which is always a bad sign but I’m confident it will put up the requisite 50 mil in box office receipts despite what anybody thinks of it. Not enough for me to recommend but fans of the series will probably enjoy it just as much as the others.

Opening This Week – Limited

The Virginity Hit – Awful looking movie about four friends who chronicle their attempts at helping their friend lose his virginity. While there hasn’t been a single review posted about this movie, posters have been all over the subway, leading me to believe it was getting released wide. Luckily for us, it’s only playing at the Regal Union Square Stadium 14.

Bran Nue Dae – Australian musical about an aboriginal couple finding love against the beautiful backdrop of the Australian Outback. Critics have been very mixed on this with some praising director Rachel Perkins’ camera work and the pure fun energy of the songs and story. The more critical, however, are blasting it for being shallow, weakly written and without substance. I’m going to label this as a see it for yourself film, but I wouldn’t run out to see it in theaters. Playing at the Regal E-Walk Stadium 13, City Cinemas Village East, UA 84th and 2nd Ave and Clearview Chelsea.

Heartbreaker – Well received French rom-com about a professional heartbreaker who, on one of his jobs to break up a lady from her wealthy husband to be, falls for his target. Critics have been largely positive of this movie, with many lamenting why the American Hollywood system can’t produce quality romantic comedies like this one. Showing at the Lincoln Plaza Cinemas and IFC Center

I'm Still Here – Framed almost like Exit Through the Gift Shop, I’m Still Here is a “documentary” directed by Casey Affleck about a year in the life of Joaquin Phoenix and his attempts to transition into a career in rapping. Much like Exit, the film doesn’t give a hint as to whether this is a all prank or not, but critics are basically saying “who cares”. Getting mixed reviews at best, check out either the Joan Rivers doc or Exit for something with a little more substance to it. Showing at Landmark Sunshine

Legendary – Patricia Clarkson, Danny Glover and…uhhh…John Cena star in his Kleenex grabbing tear-jerker about a young kid who tries to get over the death of his father through high school wrestling. Framed like many a Lifetime move yet oddly financed by WWE Studios, this film has been getting creamed by critics. Unless you are the world biggest John Cena fan, avoid this at all costs. Showing at the Sunnyside Center Cinema (Queens) and Main Street Cinemas (Kew Gardens)

Lovely, Still – Starring Martin Landau and Ellen Burstyn, Lovely, Still is a story of two elderly people making the most out of their last chance at romance. Critics have been largely supportive of this film, so check it out if you get the chance. Playing at City Cinemas Village East

The Romantics – Katie Holmes stars in this oddly themed film about seven old college friends who convene for the wedding of two or their own. Naturally, jealousies and old flames cause problems and tensions over the night before the wedding. Getting slapped around by critics, this is definitely one to miss. Showing at the Regal Union Square Stadium 14

Hideaway – Interesting sounding French flick about a drug addicted pregnant woman who, after the overdose of her husband, retreats to a secluded beach house and is joined by her late husband’s gay brother to help sort out her newfound life. Critics have been enjoying this film but the subject matter may be a little much for some viewers. Still, it could be a good watch if the subject matter interests you. Showing at City Cinemas 1, 2 & 3, Angelika and Kew Gardens Cinema

Race to Nowhere – Documentary by a concerned parent turned filmmaker about the over-competitiveness in modern day school systems and how that drive is ruining the way children naturally learn. Sounds like a bunch of malarkey to me, and the few critics who have seen this film agree. Showing at the IFC Center

Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin’ About Him?) – Documentary about one of the most unappreciated musicians of the seventies, his music and his eventual self destruction. Getting fine reviews by fans, this doc should be a must watch for fans of this artist. Showing at Cinema Village 12th St

Ahead of Time – Documentary about Ruth Gruber who became the youngest PhD in he world at the age of 24 before becoming a new correspondent and photojournalist. Playing at the Angelika

My 3 To See

Animal Kingdom – Why not throw this up one last time as I’ve been hearing reviews referring to this movie as the next Goodfellas. While I doubt it can reach that height, it’s still one of the best movies out in theater right now, so check it out!

Machete – After seeing this movie last weekend, I can now fully endorse a viewing of this campy 70’s-esqe Robert Rodriguez tale of an ex-federale getting revenge on the people who wronged him. Bloody good time!

Heartbreaker – Don’t think I’ve ever recommended a rom-com on here but if you need a quality date movie and plan on being in the city, Heartbreaker could be a home run for you. You know, you could do dinner by Lincoln Center, check out all the craziness in the area due to Fashion Week and then take your lady friend to this flick. Lincoln Center is one of the most romantic parts of NYC…just sayin’

Edited September 9, 2010 by Bulletproof

[yankeesjetsfan]

I cringe whenever I see the trailer for Legandary. WWE is trying it's darndest to make Cena a legitmate actor and it's an epic fail.

Mike

[njskaguy33]

New Movie Review

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

Let’s get one thing straight before I start my review of Scott Pilgrim...there is a small spot in my heart that’s reserved for a few things geeky. Not all things geeky mind you, just a choice collection of subjects that are socially labeled as completely dorky. Video games being one of them, imagine how intrigued I was when the trailers for Scott Pilgrim vs. The World first came out. A Nintendo themed picture involving 1-Ups and Tekken style flying kicks that’s directed by the man who brought us Shaun of the Dead? The nerd inside of me giggled with delight and my instincts were largely correct. Scott Pilgrim is a well made and fully engaging story of young love that makes up for any weaknesses in the script by providing loads of cinematic eye candy..

The story kicks off as the trendy yet shy rock geek Scott Pilgrim, bass player for the indie band Sex Bomb-Omb, falls for funky girl extraordinaire Ramona Flowers. Soon after they start canoodling, Ramona informs Scott that if they are to continue their teenage love affair, he must defeat her seven evil exes in stylized video game fashion. This sets in motion a series of Street Fighter style battles against the exes, each with its own distinct style and flare. My main concern coming into the film was how repetitive seven fights would be but I’m happy to report that each engagement is distinctive and visually interesting. Add in a love triangle between Pilgrim, Ramona and a 17 year old Chinese girl named Knives and you have yourself a simple story of self discovery wrapped in the bright lights of a 90’s era arcade.

As far as the man who plays the Musical Mr. Pilgrim is concerned, most people know that I am not a Michael Cera fan. Lacking acting chops, charisma and overall talent, Cera better pray his teenage quirkiness lasts until he’s about fifty. Unfortunately, Cera does nothing in Scott Pilgrim to increase my fandom, although he does fit the part quite well. While he still demonstrates zero skill in emoting or bringing anything out of the character other than lines, Cera does the bare minimum, which in this case, is enough. On the other hand, Mary Elizabeth Winstead does a fine job as Pilgrim’s love interest. Without her surprisingly good performance, SP would have been all bright lights but with it, the story holds together and keeps audiences engaged enough between the punk rock special effects of the fight scenes.

That, of course, is where Scott Pilgrim really shines as a film. While the coins raining from the skies when an ex is defeated may scream of fan service, you don’t need to get the Mario Brothers reference in Scott’s band name to enjoy the visual wizardry. Director Edgar Wright outdoes himself by peppering in just enough score tallies, 8-bit sound effects and geek-centric references to keep the film visually enjoyable without becoming annoying. This is a well made film in almost every sense but unfortunately, the story does start to tail off in the third act. While the individual “boss battles” are all different in their own way, the underlying theme gets muddled. Wright sometimes gets criticized for making his films twenty minutes too long and the same argument could be made for SP as the crux of the story does gets watered down due to the movie’s length.

Minor quibbles aside, Scott Pilgrim vs the World is a well made visual spectacle, featuring fine performances by everyone not named Cera and a sweet underlying story. Although that story runs a little thin, the spirit of the film does not, giving audiences more than enough reason to hang with it until the end. While having some idea of the word of video games would enhance your enjoyment of this movie, knowing the location of the third Warp Whistle in Mario Bros 3 is luckily not required. What is required is an appreciation for young love, kids making awkward mistakes and a whole heaping helping of comic style butt kicking. Miles better than that other comic book movie that came this year, Scott Pilgrim knows exactly what it from the first frame to the last and while it’s not high cinema, it sure is a whole lot of fun.

[njskaguy33]

New Movie Quickie

Restrepo

If the video game series Call of Duty has taught me anything, it’s that I would be a terrible soldier. Let’s just say, if I were in Saving Private Ryan, I’d be the dude getting blown away as soon as the doors opened on the Army ATV. Combat is definitely not for me and God bless anybody who engages in it for a living. Restrepo, a chronicle of one year in the lives of a platoon of US soldiers stationed in the most dangerous part of Afghanistan, did nothing to quell my fears. The film, bravely and empathetically done by Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger, is an intensely emotional documentary that not only puts you right in the middle of the fray but also places you deep into the psyches of the brave men who have to live with gunfire every single day.

Filmed over the course of one squadron’s tour of duty, Restrepo makes fictional war films seem almost boastful. The firefights are heart stopping in how close they get the viewer to the action; bullet casings bounce off the camera lens, dirt kicks up all around and there is a general sense of controlled confusion amongst the crew that’s honest and interesting. The film also does a fine job of getting us inside the heads of the soldiers engaged in these battles. Filmed after their tour of duty is completed, the uncensored accounts of these GIs really bring you inside the mental strain and anguish that comes with living in constant fear for your life. Filmed with no commentary aside from the accounts of the soldiers and the day to day dialogue of army life, Restrepo is one of the best documentaries of the year and should get a slam dunk Oscar nomination come February. Gritty, unyielding and brilliantly emotional, Restrepo forgoes all window dressing, be it in the filmmaking, the storytelling or the politics of warfare, and instead focuses on the stories of these brave soldiers with startling results. No matter where you stand politically on our current conflict in Afghanistan, Restrepo will make you put that aside and appreciate the people actually engaged in it.

[njskaguy33]

Opening This Week – Nationwide

The Town – When I first saw this trailer, with Jeremy Renner menacing the camera and saying in a very thick Boston accent, “We were boarn hea’re! This is our town!”, I cringed. When the trailer gave away a huge plot point and twist, I sighed. When I saw Ben Affleck was directing and starring, I shrugged my shoulders. This has to be crap, right? Right?? According to over one hundred critics on RT, wrong. This story of young toughs in Charlestown and breaking free from your roots is getting resounding thumbs up from critics. Praising everything from the casting to the story to the actual direction, The Town is the highest rated movie coming out this weekend. While I still doubt I’m going to run out and see this, sometimes trailers don’t tell the whole story. Critical consensus is rarely wrong so I feel safe in saying The Town just might be a good flick pick this weekend.

Easy A – Another film I didn’t expect to get good reviews, Easy A is the story of a young high school girl who, after helping her gay friend fake lose his virginity for a boost in social status, makes a business out of it. Billed as a modern day Scarlet Letter, Easy A is getting high marks for being a high school comedy that’s actual good for once. Lead actress Emma Stone is also getting a great deal of attention for her sassy portrayal of the teenage upstart, with many critics saying that this is a break out role for her. Definitely worth a look if you need something with a bit more comedy and heart than The Town.

Alpha and Omega (Also showing in 3D) – Bland, by the numbers animated film about two wolves who escape capture and travel across the country to reunite with their pack. There’s a whole bunch of other things going on but according to critics, you really wont care after ten minutes of this dreck. Avoid this one at all costs.

Devil – Just to set the record straight, this is NOT an M. Night Shyamalan movie. Devil is directed by first timers Drew and John Dowdle and is merely produced and co-written by Mr; I See Dead People. So, when reviews finally start coming out saying that the thing stinks and the M Night should be stoned to death for being a hack, you all should laugh. To be honest, I’m really rooting for this one to be a winner but the very fact it wasn’t released to critics for pre screening is a huge red flag. Wouldn’t run out to see this until some real reviews come in but it just doesn’t look promising.

Opening This Week – Limited

Kings of Pastry – Documentary chronicling one chefs preparation and competition in the Melluers Ouviers de France, a three day French pastry contest that makes Ace of Cakes look like kindergarten. A friend of mine saw this yesterday and loved it, so that’s good enough for me! Luckily, critics also agree that this is an excellent watch. Showing at the Film Forum

Never Let Me Go – Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan star in this drama about a woman who whole reuniting with old friends, reminisces about their shocking past. Billed as one part period piece, one part drama and one part…sci fi horror, critics have been a bit mixed on the movie, so check out a trailer or two before seeing it. Showing at AMC Lowes Lincoln Square 13 and Landmark Sunshine

Catfish – Documentary that’s being billed as a horror movie, Catfish is the true story of one man’s Facebook infatuation with a girl and her family. While some of the more negative critics have been saying the film borders on exploitation, most critics have been saying this is one of the finest docs of the year. Playing at Regal Union Square 14, AMC Lowes Lincoln Square 13, City Cinemas 1,2,3 and Edgewater Multiplex (NJ)

The Freebie – A monogamous couple decides to spice up their love life by allowing each other a “freebie”: one night of sex with a total stranger, no questions asked. More of a meditation on the awkwardness of relationships than pure titillation, The Freebie has been getting mixed review from critics so I would label this as see it for yourself. Showing at the Angelika

Jack Goes Boating – The directorial debut of Phillip Seymour Hoffman is the story of an awkward New York couple finding love and taking baby steps into adulthood with each other. Critics have been largely positive about this movie, although it looks like one of those parts Seymour just loves to play. While I’m never a fan of directors directing themselves, critics have been saying it largely works in this adaptation of the Off Broadway play of the same name. Screenning at Regal Union Square 14 and AMC Lowes Lincoln Square 13

Picture Me: A Model’s Diary – Documentary about a model and her rise from fresh face on the scene to having her picture on billboards around the world. Promising an in depth look into the world of high fashion modeling, the few critics who have seen this has been less than enthusiastic about the movie. Showing at the Angelika.

My 3 To See

The Town – Wouldn’t have guessed it, but based on critical response and a few friends who got into a sneak preview, this Ben Affleck film about criminal life in the mean streets of Boston is the real deal.

Easy A – Last week I recommended a rom com, this week I suggest a teen comedy. Have I gone batty??? Nah, it’s just that the overwhelming critical praise for this movie has trumped any prejudice I may have to the film. Check it out!

Catfish – Documentary for the Facebook generation, Catfish blurs the line between horror and real life and the result, according to critics, is really a great time.

[StarDew]

Saw Machete this week. JF looks so damn good in a suit.

[Quinn01]

I just got home from seeing The Town. Not only did Rotten Tomatoes give it a 93% but I agree with it. It was the best movie of 2010 I have seen even though I didnt see Inception. It was awesome, full of action, drama, and some hidden romance. It also had a few funny parts that made you chuckle. If you really liked The Departed, you'll love The Town. Highly Recommended.

[95Crash]

Saw Machete this week. JF looks so damn good in a suit.

Lapidus!

[yankeesjetsfan]

Found a 2 buck movie house up in Poughkipsie on Saturday and got to see the A-Team. Not a bad movie. I was pleasently surprised by how good it was. Bradley Cooper made that Face Character all his own and I thought the guy who played Murdoch was hilarious.

Mike

[CRASHER]

Found a 2 buck movie house up in Poughkipsie on Saturday and got to see the A-Team. Not a bad movie. I was pleasently surprised by how good it was. Bradley Cooper made that Face Character all his own and I thought the guy who played Murdoch was hilarious.

Mike

It was a fun movie... the only downer to it was the Losers was out a few weeks before and was fun!!!

I got talked into seeing Devil-D (the elevator movie).....it was actually quite nicely done!! M. Night might have saved himself to make 3-4 more crappy movies now cause this one WORKED!

[Pepperkorn]

New Movie Quickie

Restrepo

If the video game series Call of Duty has taught me anything, it’s that I would be a terrible soldier. Let’s just say, if I were in Saving Private Ryan, I’d be the dude getting blown away as soon as the doors opened on the Army ATV. Combat is definitely not for me and God bless anybody who engages in it for a living. Restrepo, a chronicle of one year in the lives of a platoon of US soldiers stationed in the most dangerous part of Afghanistan, did nothing to quell my fears. The film, bravely and empathetically done by Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger, is an intensely emotional documentary that not only puts you right in the middle of the fray but also places you deep into the psyches of the brave men who have to live with gunfire every single day.

Filmed over the course of one squadron’s tour of duty, Restrepo makes fictional war films seem almost boastful. The firefights are heart stopping in how close they get the viewer to the action; bullet casings bounce off the camera lens, dirt kicks up all around and there is a general sense of controlled confusion amongst the crew that’s honest and interesting. The film also does a fine job of getting us inside the heads of the soldiers engaged in these battles. Filmed after their tour of duty is completed, the uncensored accounts of these GIs really bring you inside the mental strain and anguish that comes with living in constant fear for your life. Filmed with no commentary aside from the accounts of the soldiers and the day to day dialogue of army life, Restrepo is one of the best documentaries of the year and should get a slam dunk Oscar nomination come February. Gritty, unyielding and brilliantly emotional, Restrepo forgoes all window dressing, be it in the filmmaking, the storytelling or the politics of warfare, and instead focuses on the stories of these brave soldiers with startling results. No matter where you stand politically on our current conflict in Afghanistan, Restrepo will make you put that aside and appreciate the people actually engaged in it.

You SAW that? My husband read the book (the author signed it ina bookstore we happened to be in CT this Summer so... he had no idea what he was in for) Yeah -- I can't even read the book to watch it... I can't imagine... to LIVE IT?!?!?!?

[Pepperkorn]

Saw Machete this week. JF looks so damn good in a suit.

[njskaguy33]

New Movie Review

Machete

Summer 2010 may go down in the ledgers of history as the Year of the Disappointment. Comedies didn’t make people laugh, rom-coms annoyed audiences to tears and action ficks either offered mild enjoyment (Salt, The Losers) or flat out made fans cringe (The Expendables). Even the biggest film of the season, Inception, met with some criticism from critics and fell short of that brilliant category it was all hyped up to be. Only one widely released film, Toy Story 3, has lived up to its expectations; the rest have largely been let downs, regardless of how low or how high those expectations might have been. Luckily, the latest film by grindhouse master Robert Rodriguez finally does just that. Gory yet hammy, violent yet silly, Machete delivers everything that small trailer in Grindhouse promised and is one of the best action movies to come out this year.

Starring the ugliest man in Hollywood, Danny Trejo, Machete is the tale of a Mexican federale who, after witnessing the brutal slaying of his family, has resigned himself to a life of day laboring in Texas. However, after beating a man senseless one handedly (the other hand is holding a soft taco), he is recruited by a high powered executive to assassinate a controversial senator, played wonderfully by Robert DeNiro. This sets in motion a whole slew of exciting action scenes as well a nicely drawn story of immigration and its effect on hard working people. While the story is largely unimportant, it does give the movie a root in something real as opposed to the standard “army / spy / commando” fare we’ve been seeing this summer.

For the most part, the cast is spot on featuring fine performances by pretty much everyone. From Jessica Alba as a sexy immigration officer to Michelle Rodriguez as a taco stand owner / underground revolutionary to even Cheech Marin as a shotgun toting man of the cloth, most of the cast plays their parts in a very shallow but always entertaining way. With performances that are admittedly campy and over the top, the film is written with sly winks all around, making them appear more homage than cornball. Only Lindsay Lohan disappoints as the executive’s prostituting, drug addled daughter. While the part hits almost too close to reality, the fact of the matter is she can’t pull it off and the character really has no bearing on the story except for obvious shock value.

Although many people have been labeling Machete as the Mexican Expendables, nothing could be further from the truth. Where the Expendables was ham handedly written and directed, Robert Rodriguez realizes that even the silliest of action films need to have someone skillful behind the camera and that talent is evident in spades. Not only does Rodriguez create a wonderful homage to the 70’s style grindhouse flicks he grew up with, he peppers the film with his own brand of winking, offbeat comedy. This gives the film a desperately needed shot of style and self awareness, something that was completely missing in that other summer action blockbuster.

Knowing it’s a complete guilty pleasure and embracing every moment of it, Machete is a pulpy, gory and completely enjoyable good time. While not prestige cinema by any means, Machete is, quite simply, one of the best times you’ll have in mainstream cinema this summer. Ever since El Mariachi, Robert Rodriguez has done great things with very little, mainly because he knows exactly who he is as a person and director. This self awareness penetrates almost everything he does and continues with this, one of his best films to date. While the movie isn’t perfect, the spirit of the picture is. Outlandish and brash yet smarter than expected, Machete is a great summer thrill ride that will have you laughing almost as much it will have you gasping. A confidently and competently made piece of summertime candy, Machete pushes the boundaries yet leaves everyone who sees it yearning for more

[ThreeCups]

I just got home from seeing The Town. Not only did Rotten Tomatoes give it a 93% but I agree with it. It was the best movie of 2010 I have seen even though I didnt see Inception. It was awesome, full of action, drama, and some hidden romance. It also had a few funny parts that made you chuckle. If you really liked The Departed, you'll love The Town. Highly Recommended.

Good movie. Affleck did a good job. Alot of it was predictable, but some of the action scenes are INTENSE. Worth going to see IMO....

[95Crash]

New Movie Review

Machete

Summer 2010 may go down in the ledgers of history as the Year of the Disappointment. Comedies didn’t make people laugh, rom-coms annoyed audiences to tears and action ficks either offered mild enjoyment (Salt, The Losers) or flat out made fans cringe (The Expendables). Even the biggest film of the season, Inception, met with some criticism from critics and fell short of that brilliant category it was all hyped up to be. Only one widely released film, Toy Story 3, has lived up to its expectations; the rest have largely been let downs, regardless of how low or how high those expectations might have been. Luckily, the latest film by grindhouse master Robert Rodriguez finally does just that. Gory yet hammy, violent yet silly, Machete delivers everything that small trailer in Grindhouse promised and is one of the best action movies to come out this year.

Starring the ugliest man in Hollywood, Danny Trejo, Machete is the tale of a Mexican federale who, after witnessing the brutal slaying of his family, has resigned himself to a life of day laboring in Texas. However, after beating a man senseless one handedly (the other hand is holding a soft taco), he is recruited by a high powered executive to assassinate a controversial senator, played wonderfully by Robert DeNiro. This sets in motion a whole slew of exciting action scenes as well a nicely drawn story of immigration and its effect on hard working people. While the story is largely unimportant, it does give the movie a root in something real as opposed to the standard “army / spy / commando” fare we’ve been seeing this summer.

For the most part, the cast is spot on featuring fine performances by pretty much everyone. From Jessica Alba as a sexy immigration officer to Michelle Rodriguez as a taco stand owner / underground revolutionary to even Cheech Marin as a shotgun toting man of the cloth, most of the cast plays their parts in a very shallow but always entertaining way. With performances that are admittedly campy and over the top, the film is written with sly winks all around, making them appear more homage than cornball. Only Lindsay Lohan disappoints as the executive’s prostituting, drug addled daughter. While the part hits almost too close to reality, the fact of the matter is she can’t pull it off and the character really has no bearing on the story except for obvious shock value.

Although many people have been labeling Machete as the Mexican Expendables, nothing could be further from the truth. Where the Expendables was ham handedly written and directed, Robert Rodriguez realizes that even the silliest of action films need to have someone skillful behind the camera and that talent is evident in spades. Not only does Rodriguez create a wonderful homage to the 70’s style grindhouse flicks he grew up with, he peppers the film with his own brand of winking, offbeat comedy. This gives the film a desperately needed shot of style and self awareness, something that was completely missing in that other summer action blockbuster.

Knowing it’s a complete guilty pleasure and embracing every moment of it, Machete is a pulpy, gory and completely enjoyable good time. While not prestige cinema by any means, Machete is, quite simply, one of the best times you’ll have in mainstream cinema this summer. Ever since El Mariachi, Robert Rodriguez has done great things with very little, mainly because he knows exactly who he is as a person and director. This self awareness penetrates almost everything he does and continues with this, one of his best films to date. While the movie isn’t perfect, the spirit of the picture is. Outlandish and brash yet smarter than expected, Machete is a great summer thrill ride that will have you laughing almost as much it will have you gasping. A confidently and competently made piece of summertime candy, Machete pushes the boundaries yet leaves everyone who sees it yearning for more

Reading your review leads me to believe this film came out EXACTLY the way I had hoped it would ever since I saw the first trailer!

But now I'm afraid to watch it for fear it won't live up to my expectations ...

[StarDew]

Reading your review leads me to believe this film came out EXACTLY the way I had hoped it would ever since I saw the first trailer!

But now I'm afraid to watch it for fear it won't live up to my expectations ...

Don't be afraid. If you know Rodriguez's style then you will really like this flick. I am surprised at no mention of the other actors/characters. Fahey was perfect as the executive, Booth. Seagal was, well, miscast yet funny as all get go. I want to see this again and will purchase it as soon as released to DVD.

[njskaguy33]

Opening This Week – Nationwide

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole – Also showing in 3D and IMAX 3D – Director Zack Snyder (300, Dawn of the Dead, Watchmen) makes his animated debut in this adaptation of the Kathryn Lasky book series of the same name. Adorable owls fight, fly and guard things whist wrapped in your standard coming of age story. Based on the few trailers I’ve seen, the animation looks to be breathtaking but the few reviews that are trickling out right now have been mixed. While everybody agrees this a beautifully made film, feature animation that would make Pixar jealous, critics are mixed on the meat of the story. Recommended for those of you who love quality animation or have small children but beware that the story isn’t going to make you forget Toy Story 3 anytime soon.

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps – The loooong awaited sequel to the 1987 classic finally arrives in theaters this weekend. Also directed by Oliver Stone and staring Shia LaBeouf, Carey Mulligan and Michael Douglas in a reprise of his original role as Gordon Gecko, finds Gordon newly sprung from jail after spending twenty years behind bars for insider trading. The story revolves around Gordon not only trying to alert the world of impending financial doom and trying to find out the killer of LeBeoufs mentor. Soooo…no stocks, no dealing, no “greed is good” speeches? Not quite sure but reviews have been very luke warm, with most saying it’s very bland and by the numbers. As a result, I’m going to label this as a see it for yourself type of flick.

You Again –Kristen Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis and Sigourney Weaver and star in this by the numbers comedy about family, high school rivals and the crazy mishaps that can occur when people try to settle old scores. Even Betty White makes an appearance although according to one reviewer, you know your movie is in bad shape when Betty White can’t even conjure up a laugh. This movie was not pre-released to critics for review, but the few reviews that have been posted have not been pretty. Not something I would run out and see.

Opening This Week – Limited

Waiting For Superman – Hard hitting documentary about our crumbling school system and how it’s failing our children on an almost epidemic level. Getting rave reviews from critics, this doc is looking to be a sure fire Oscar nominee come February. Check this out when it comes to a theater near you. Showing at the AMC Lowes Lincoln Square 13.

Buried – Ryan Reynolds stars in the critically acclaimed thriller about who wakes up and finds himself buried alive. Critics have been raving about this film, which annoys the snot out of me, simply because I think Ryan Reynolds can do no good. Still, critics have said that this a great little movie that could and did. Claustrophobic, creepy and ultimately well acted and directed, Buried is shaping up to a must see, especially when the film sees more national exposure. Playing at AMC Lowes Lincoln Square, Angelika and AMC Empire 25

You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger – Director Woody Allen’s latest film is a story about one family their attempts to detangle their inter-woven love affairs. Starring Antonio Banderas, Josh Brolin and Anthony Hopkins, this film is following his string of average, forgettable affairs that show, once again, that Allen has completely forgotten how to write interesting, complex characters. Getting across the board mixed reviews, this film is worth a look on DVD but not worth running out to see. Showing at City Cinemas 1,2,3, Angelika and Lincoln Plaza Cinemas

Howl – Biopic of the great Allen Ginsberg, played by James Franco and the aftermath of his seminal long form poem Howl, one of the pieces of work that defined the sixties beat movement. While critics are united in that Franco does a great job as the provocateur poet, some are critical of the director’s decision to boil everything down to a standard court drama. Still, if you’re a fan of Ginsberg, this will definitely be worth a watch for you. Screening at the Angelika, Clearview Chelsea and Lincoln Plaza Cinemas

Enter the Void – Controversial director Gasper Noe’s (Irreversible) newest film comes out this weekend in limited release. Billed as a mind bending and immersive romp through the streets of the Tokyo club scene, critics have been expectedly mixed about the film. While most say it’s indeed visually dazzling and quite a trip, the rest say there’s nothing of interest behind the visual smoke and mirrors. Screening at the IFC Center

Like Dandelion Dust – Heartfelt drama about two adopted children who, after settling in with their new parents, have their material family want them back. Not much has been written about this film yet, but the few reviews out have been glowing, so this is definitely a film to keep your eye on. Showing at the AMC Empire 25

A Mother's Courage, Talking Back to Autism – Documentary about a mother’s fight to save her son from the dangers of autism. Playing at Quad Cinema

My 3 To See

Waiting For Superman – Been interested in this ever since I saw the trailer a few months ago, critical response has really gotten me amped for this documentary about our crumbling school system.

Buried – Chilling, claustrophobic and unnervingly interesting, Buried has a huge buzz going for it and should be a must watch for fans of the indie creep show genre.

The Town – Number One at the box office this past weekend, critical and public response has been outstanding, so check this out!