In the Disney tradition of “Bambi” and “Finding Nemo” comes “Mars Needs Moms”. Only this time, instead of a parent trying to find and save a lost child, we have a child trying to find and save his mother. Milo is a typical young boy. He doesn’t like to eat his vegetables or take out […]
If you’re one of those people who sees a trailer or poster for a new animated film and immediately thinks “That would be great for the kids”, you’re in for a surprise when it comes to “Rango”. While it is rated PG and most of the characters are talking animals, “Rango” is not a kids […]
Liam Neeson stars as Dr. Martin Harris…or is he? That’s the premise of “Unknown”. Harris is traveling with his wife (January Jones) to Berlin for a medical conference. He forgets a bag at the airport and on his way back to get it his taxi is involved in a terrible crash. The Dr. wakes up […]
“The Illusionist” was nominated for a 2010 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It’s directed by French animator Sylvain Chomet, who also made 2003’s Oscar-nominated, “The Triplets of Belleville”. It’s the story, set mostly in Scotland, of an old, traveling magician who realizes that his act is no longer popular. At one performance he meets […]
I need to make it clear, right from the start, that I do not have “Bieber Fever”. But could I (and you) develop a case after seeing the pop mega-superstar’s new movie? Well, as the title says, “Never Say Never”. The film chronicles Bieber’s life, from the time he was a “Baby, Baby, Baby” – […]
Most animated movies these days are either sequels, remakes or they have plots very similar to other films. It’s very rare to find a clever, inventive, and surprising animated film. “Gnomeo & Juliet” has all of those qualities, and more. It’s Shakespeare’s classic “Romeo and Juliet” with garden gnomes. Two people live in adjoining houses […]
The original “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” (2008) made nearly $150 million worldwide. I was a bit disappointed by that Disney dog comedy. However, the new Direct-to-DVD sequel has a little more bite. Two of the stars from the original – Jamie Lee Curtis and Drew Barrymore, are not back for this follow-up, but comedian/talk show host […]
The original “Open Season” (2006) is one of the funniest animated films of the past 10-years. And, apparently, I’m not the only one who enjoys the adventures of Boog, the Grizzly Bear and his best friend Elliot, the deer, because two sequels have been made: “Open Season 2” in 2008 and now, “OS3”, which is […]
When I was in LA in the summer of 2009 I visited the Sony Pictures Studios and actually got to see some of the sets that were being built for “The Green Hornet”. If I had known then what I know now I would have told the crews not to bother. This version of “The […]
2009’s “Crazy Heart”, was the story of an old country music singer (played by Jeff Bridges) whose personal problems prevent him from making a successful comeback. “Country Strong” features a similar story, but this time the singer is female. Gwyneth Paltrow as Kelly Canter. She’s a former country superstar whose career ended badly. She has […]