Currently browsing the "Science Fiction/Fantasy" category.

Midnight in Paris

I’m not (book) smart enough to fully appreciate Midnight in Paris, but I would certainly encourage fans of the literary and art world of the 1920s to check it out. The movie presents an interesting, somewhat whimsical Woody Allen-ified twist on the time travel genre.

Source Code

Don’t be scared away by talk of quantum mechanics, complex mathematical equations, and computer source codes. You don’t have to understand any of that to enjoy this movie (trust me, I know). Source Code is a bit like Groundhog Day meets Speed meets Inception meets 24. It’s a sci-fi thriller that takes place primarily on a commuter train that is – literally- about to explode.

Paul

Here’s the deal: If you’re old enough to remember – or at least have a fondness for movies like Alien, Close Encounters, E.T., Escape to Witch Mountain, and Galaxy Quest, then trust me– you will find this movie downright hilarious – and heartwarming.

Limitless

Limitless is okay, but The Adjustment Bureau is better. So if you’re wavering between the two, stick with TAB and Matt Damon. However, if you’ve already seen TAB and are looking for something in the same bailiwick and you like Bradley Cooper (and his sparkling blue eyes) then Limitless is a serviceable sci-fi drama.

The Adjustment Bureau

Phew, it’s time to come down from the cinematic high horse that is AWARDS SEASON and relish in some movies that are pure escapist fun. The Adjustment Bureau is definitely one of them.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part One

Okay, I must confess. I’m a rather ignorant muggle when it comes to the Harry Potter franchise. I haven’t read the books, and I don’t think I’ve seen all the movies. But I don’t live under a pop culture rock, so I can definitely understand and appreciate their appeal. And I can attest – with a certain amount of confidence – that the penultimate Potter flick, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part One will satisfy most if not all of the HP fans, young and old, and leave ‘em wanting (and waiting) for more. Unfortunately, they’ll have to wait eight friggin’ months! Part Two doesn’t hit theaters until July. And therein lies the movie’s only real flaw. HPATDH Part One draws you in from the very first frame, cruises along at a steady clip, and ends – abruptly. No fair! What am I supposed to do now? Read the book!?

Hereafter

The trailers and marketing for Hereafter are very misleading. It’s no more a “Matt Damon movie” than Babel was a “Brad Pitt flick”. In fact, until Damon’s character makes an appearance, you could easily mistake Hereafter for some sort of independent foreign film. It’s very much an ensemble effort, spearheaded by director Clint Eastwood, and it features three diverse plot lines that ultimately converge in a somewhat contrived but generally satisfying way.

Never Let Me Go

Never Let Me Go is another one of those interesting, well-acted and somewhat thought-provoking films that simply fails to float my mainstream boat but is likely to find an appreciative arthouse audience. It’s also really hard to review because to divulge too much of the plot would be unfair to the film and its potential viewers. One’s enjoyment – or investment- in the story hinges on not really knowing what to expect as the drama unfolds (though readers of the novel it’s based on, by Kazuo Ishiguro, will certainly be in the know). Never Let Me Go has all the hallmarks of a traditional indie, yet it’s tinged with a bit of the sci-fi, making it all the more difficult to define and categorize.

2010 Fall Movies

We’re moving out of the summer blockbuster kids’ movies and into the fall when traditionally a more serious adult roster hits the screens. This year? Well, there are a few that seem Oscar worthy, several with our favorite men headlining, a couple that look like real chick flicks and what just might be some nice comedies. See for yourself.

Charlie St. Cloud

I see dead people. Or, at least, I see Zac Efron seeing dead people in the fantasy romantic drama Charlie St. Cloud. The movie is part Ghost, part Ghost Whisperer and part Sixth Sense, so it’s fairly easy to stay one step ahead of the dialogue and plot, with just a few exceptions.