Movie Review: Enchanted by JR

Enchanted
Starring: Amy Adams, Julie Andrews, James Marsden, Susan Sarandon, Patrick Dempsey, Idina Menzel
Directed by: Kevin Lima
MPAA rating: PG for some scary scenes and mild innuendo
Release Date: November 21, 2007

Every Disney Princess movie is essentially the same, right? Princess to be lives in poverty, meets a prince, the next day they get married and live happily ever after. “Enchanted” begins like a typical Disney Princess movie, only there’s a hurdle to jump over to get to the “married” and the “happily ever after”. The Princess-to-be, Giselle, is hated by the Princely-Hubby-to-be’s wicked stepmother, and as she is tra-la-ing to her wedding, she is pushed down a wishing well and lands in New York City where she is no longer a cartoon and nothing is “happily ever after”.

There have been many attempts at a fractured fairy tale. Some have been hits, “The Princess Bride”, and some have been misses, “Happily N’Ever After” and “Hoodwinked”. This one is a hit out of the ballpark. The satire is pitch perfect, never dry or dated. The jokes are laugh out loud funny, not roll your eyes babyish. It makes fun of every Disney movie out there while still being the type of movie it makes fun of. It’s hysterical! My favorite cliché they make fun of is the woodland animals that help the Princess-to-be a la “Snow White” and “Cinderella”. In “Enchanted”, woodland creatures come to help Giselle whenever she calls for them by singing out the window. Only when she makes it to New York, other kinds of…animals…come to help her clean. I won’t give it away, but the audience loved it!

Most recently, Amy Adams has received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance as Giselle, and let me tell you, even though she’s going up against some heavy hitters like Marion Cottilard for “La Vie en Rose”, the nomination is well-deserved. She’s adorable as the wide-eyed, happy-go-lucky, spontaneous-song-singing Giselle. There is no doubt that she is a princess and she’s just lost. She’s a joy to watch, literally. I had a grin plastered to my face through the entire movie. Other notable cast members include James Marsden as the goofy yet charming Prince, Susan Sarandon as the wicked stepmother, Patrick Dempsey aka McDreamy as the single father who tries to help Giselle get back to wherever she’s from, Julie Andrews as the Narrator, and, my favorite, Idina Menzel (Wicked) as Patrick Dempsey’s girlfriend. What a cast! Everyone is on top of their game here and looking like they’re having the time of their lives in these roles.

The music is also excellent. For you musical lovers, there’s a great scene in which Giselle bursts into song in the middle of Central Park and gets everyone involved in a huge song and dance number. It’s so much fun! We were dancing in our seats along with them. The soundtrack is a must for every Disney fan.

If you’ve not seen “Enchanted” yet, the holidays are the perfect time to do so. Most of us are with family and that usually includes children. This movie is a great choice for children of all ages. We took my 13 year old cousin and she loved it just as much if not more than my five year old little girl. In fact, my dad liked it probably more than anyone. This movie is for everyone. I can’t wait to see it again.

4.5 out of 5 stars (because I’m biased towards musicals and Disney)
Jenny Rushing
beccajane67@yahoo.com

Movie Review: Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium by JR

Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (2007)
Starring: Natalie Portman, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Bateman
Directed by: Zach Helm
Genre: Family/Fantasy/Comedy
MPAA Rating: G
Release Date: November 16, 2007

Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) owns a magical toy store, but will be retiring soon and leaving the business to his only other employee, Molly (Natalie Portman). He hires Henry, an accountant, to stabilize his finances before he leaves, and nobody is happy about any of it.

Since I first saw the trailer for “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium”, I knew it was a movie that I would love. The colors, the quirkiness, Natalie Portman’s haircut, I just knew. Sometimes you just know. As disappointed as I was to read all of the negative reviews, I was still excited to see it. The movie didn’t disappoint at all.

Dustin Hoffman is enchanting as Mr. Magorium. Just as he has transformed into wonderful characters such as Captain Hook and Raymond Babbitt, he does it again here. He’s simply adorable! He has such emotion in everything he says. You really believe that he’s been alive for over 450 years. You really believe him when he says that his toyshop is magical. You really believe him when he says that he’s “leaving”. Not “retiring”, not “dying”, but leaving. Isn’t that a nice idea? That we get to choose when we “leave”? Now if that isn’t great children’s storytelling, I don’t know what is.

Natalie Portman as Molly is just as magical as Dustin Hoffman as Mr. Magorium. Molly is a sweet girl in her early twenties who doesn’t seem to know what she wants in life. She used to be a pianist and has always dreamed of being professional, but finds herself stuck in the toy shop, not quite ready to move forward. When Mr. Magorium announces his departure, she is truly sad despite her dreams to leave the toy store. The relationship between Molly and Mr. Magorium is so sweet and innocent, very father/mentor to her daughter, it shakes her world when he says he is leaving. She always thought he’d be around. It forces her to realize where she really belongs. It’s the wake-up call she needed.

Jason Bateman rounds out the recognizable cast as Henry the accountant. Or as they all not so lovingly call him: The Mutant. Unfortunately, Bateman doesn’t receive nearly enough screen time as he deserves, so his character just seems like it was thrown in at the last minute to be an adversary/unlikely love interest. Still, when he inevitably comes around in the end, it’s very touching.

The special effects in this film are what appeal to the target audience, and they are spectacular. The colors are beautiful and the toys really to seem to come to life. It’s just as captivating to an adult as it is to a child. Some of the shots are simply breathtaking as well, such as the scene where Molly and Mr. Magorium take over an unsuspecting mattress store, and where Molly and Mr. Magorium dance in the park over bubble wrap. The movie is simply magical.
So say what you like about Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium. Say that it’s boring and hokey. Whatever you like, go ahead. But for the people who are kids at heart, Mr. Magorium’s is the place to be.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Jenny Rushing
beccajane67@yahoo.com

Movie Review: Beowulf IMAX 3D by CD

Title: Beowulf in IMAX 3D
Starring: Brendan Gleeson, Anthony Hopkins, Ray Winstone, Robin Wright Penn, John Malkovich
Directed By: Robert Zemeckis
Produced By: Martin Shafer, Roger Avary, Neil Gaiman
Genre: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Animation
Release Date: November 16, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence including disturbing images, some sexual material and nudity.
Distributors: Warner Bros. Pictures International, Paramount Pictures


In the age of heroes comes the mightiest warrior of them all, Beowulf. After destroying the overpowering demon Grendel, he incurs the undying wrath of the beast's ruthlessly seductive mother, who will use any means possible to ensure revenge. The ensuing epic battle resonates throughout the ages, immortalizing the name of Beowulf. -Yahoo Movies


First let me start off by saying I popped my 3D cherry with this film. I had been to the IMAX previously to see Transformers, but I had yet to experience the awesome power of 3D. This film was meant to be see in 3D, no doubt in my mind. The whole world comes alive and you really do feel as if your part of the movie.

That being said, on with the movie review! I am sure you have all read the story/poem of Beowulf. So there is no need to go into the story line in this review. It is a classic story that needs no explanation. So, lets delve right into what everyone has been talking about. No, I don't mean Ms. Jolie's enhanced chesticles. I am talking about the graphics.

When watching CGI films there are 4 things that show you whether or not the rendering is top notch or not. 1. Hair: Usually in CGI movie's they try to get the hair as realistic as possible, but still fall short of realism. This is not the case in Beowulf. Every strand of hair can be seen, even in the facial hair of the characters. 2. Grass: This is another tough one to pull off because grass is a chaotic element. The scenery in this film looks so real you almost feel as if your looking out a window into your back yard rather than watching a movie on the big screen. 3. Water: Realistic looking water is a big challenge for programmers. It is another instance of a chaotic element, with the way water flows and how transparent and reflective it is. Finally 4. Fire: In the past what was done to create the fire effect was simple taking video of a fire and then placing it on top of the scene. As far as I know this was not done in the movie. You could tell it was actually rendered yet, at the same time, it still looked real.

The soundtrack was decent. Nothing all that spectacular to report on it. Just your basic dramatic sweeping orchestral fare. It all fit into the world the movie created. I was enjoying the drunken ballads song by both the king's men and Beowulf's men.

Casting wise I think they did a superb job and got a class A list of actors to bring this epic to fruition. Sir Anthony Hopkins as King Hrothgar was a great choice. It was funny to see him playing a drunk. Ray Winstone played Beowulf to perfection. Another perfect casting choice was Cripsin Glover as Grendel, when you need a creepy freaky dude to play a creepy freaky character look no further than Mr.Glover. Finally, Angelina Jolie was the embodiment of the wicked and twisted temptress that was Grendel's Mother.

Now onto what I didn't like about this film. (Insert dramatic twist music) The first thing was the nudity of Beowulf. I didn't mind him being naked, but the lengths they went to in concealing his mini me bordered on hilarious. At one point I had to remind myself that I was watching a classic piece of literature brought to life and not another installment in the Austin Powers series. Another thing was the incessant need to use motion blur. I get it, the friggen camera and object are moving! I mean really, is their intent to give the viewers motion sickness? I dig seeing the action, not seeing something that vaguely resembles action. It kind of reminds me of when I was younger trying to watch scrambled porn.
Lastly this movie should NOT have been rated PG-13. Rating the film as such just goes to show how far out of whack the MPAA is. This movie is laden with sexual content and gruesome deaths. They seem to think that just because it is animated violence that it is less ugly. Newsflash, animated just means they can really get in there a make it look the best/worst.

I do give a word of warning though, 3D is not for everyone. The technology used to bring the film into the eye popping 3D world may have ill effects on some people. I started getting a headache half way through the flick, but put on my big boy pants and dealt with it. I mean come on it's Beowulf.


Final verdict? Go see it, in IMAX 3D.


I AM “NOT” BEOWULF!

Crobertdunham@yahoo.com

Movie Review: Seeker: The Dark is Rising by ME

Title: Seeker: The Dark is Rising
Starring: Alexander Ludwig, Ian McShane, Gregory Smith, Austin Vaccaro, Frances Conroy
Directed By: David L. Cunningham
Produced By: Marc Platt
Genre: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Adaptation
Release Date: October 5th, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG for fantasy action and some scary images.
Distributors: Unnamed Fox-Walden Joint Venture

A young man, Will Stanton, discovers he is the last of a group of immortals dedicated to fighting dark forces of evil. Traveling back and forth through time, Will uncovers a series of clues, some dating back to biblical times, that lead him to a showdown with forces of unimaginable power. -Yahoo! Movies

Seeker: The Dark is Rising tries to grab onto Harry Potters fanbase and fails miserably. Adapted without consultation from Susan Cooper, Seeker has way too much crammed into it and at the same time explains the bare minimum to keep the story moving. One example – Will is tasked to collect six signs in order to stop the Dark. Now unless I dozed off, it was never explained what these signs were or what they were to be used for. He just runs around looking for this swirly design and lo and behold, there is the sign. There are many other faults, too many to list here.

An ensemble cast ranging from nobodies to “haven't we seen that guy in something?” do what they can with the material, but aren't quite up to the task of carrying a film like this. Alexander Ludwig, as Will Stanton, carries most of the weight here and holds up well, reminding me a bit of Zachary Ty Bryan from Home Improvement. Heroes fans may recognize Christopher Eccleston, who played Claude, the recluse, who taught Peter Petrelli how to become invisible. He plays The Rider, the main villain in the story and if you ask me, he was scarier as Claude, a good guy, than as The Rider in Seeker. There is even a Professor McGonagall clone in Frances Conroy's Miss Greythorne. Sad to say most of the other cast members blandly blend into the background.

There seems to be a rush of fantasy movies this fall and Seeker: The Dark is Rising will just fall into the cracks as another mediocre attempt at adapting a large epic-type novel into an hour and a half movie. My advice, stay home and watch Harry Potter again.

For more info visit the site at http://www.seekthesigns.com/

Keep reading,

Mitch Emerson
mitchemerson@hotmail.com

Movie Review: Transformers IMAX by CD

Title: Transformers IMAX
Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Bernie Mac, John Turturro, Tyrese Gibson
Directed By: Michael Bay
Produced By: Steven Spielberg, Brian Goldner, Michael Bay
Genre: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Adaptation
Release Date: September, 21st 2007
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action violence, brief sexual humor and language.
Distributors: di Bonaventura Pictures, Inc., Paramount Pictures

Ok, so I know we put up a Transformers review already, but now we get to see it in glorious IMAX. Let me tell you, it was glorious. Big @$$ robots on a big @$$ screen. When I had originally seen the movie I had a few complaints about how the “motion blur” effect was overused. At times, the action was hard to see due to the fast pace of the camera work.

All of that is gone in the new IMAX release. The picture was crisper and smoother, and the action was just plain beautiful. Of course I am sure most movies would look great on a 60 by 80 foot screen. Thats at least double the height of a normal screen.

Then you tap into the soundtrack of the movie, even Lincoln Park sounded good to me. 12,000 watts of sound from over forty speakers really helps to put you inside the film. At a couple of points in the movie Ironhide shoots off his EMP cannon and the sound just resonated through my bones and teeth.

Also there was an additional 5 minutes added to the IMAX version. Now I warn you, I dunno how much of it you will notice. Only two scenes stand out profoundly in my head that were added. Plus they slowed down one a bit so it looked a lot better.

If you have the means, go see it in IMAX. It's worth it.

Oh, I almost forgot. I saw a wicked trailer for Beowulf on the IMAX screen.

It is going to be in 3D . Thats right, get your geek on. This movie looked slicker than snot up on the IMAX screen, I can't even begin to imagine it in 3D up there.

Till we meet again,

Bong bah weep granah mini mimi nini

C. Robert Dunham

Movie Review: Stardust by JR

Title: Stardust
Starring: Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert DeNiro
Directed By: Matthew Vaughn
Produced By: Stephen Marks, Peter Morton, David Womark
Genre: Fantasy/Action/Adventure/Comedy
Release Date: August 10, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for fantasy violence and some risqué humor
Distributors: Paramount Pictures

Synopsis: A fallen star catches the eye of several people who want it for their own purposes.

Neil Gaiman. I started reading the first part of the infamous “Sandman” books a few years ago and it never really stuck with me. I ended up quitting before I finished the first one. Perhaps I should give it a second chance. Then when “Mirrormask” came out I decided to give him another try. I didn’t know what to expect with that one, and got bored with it, stopping the DVD about halfway through. Perhaps I should give it a second chance. So when “Stardust” was first announced and Gaiman fans everywhere were rejoicing, I was mulled by a feeling of “meh”. By this time, I’m pretty much indifferent to the man whom so many proclaim as godlike in his writing abilities. Then the movie got good reviews by darn near everyone and my interest was piqued. Gaiman can’t possibly appeal to everyone can he?

Apparently he can.

“Stardust” is a whimsical, hysterical fairy tale that had perfect box office timing. In a summer overcome by blockbusters and sequels, “Stardust” is that refreshing breath of fresh air. Yes it looks like a blockbuster with its stellar cast and huge sets, but the story is so well-written, I don’t think it will be quickly forgotten like a normal blockbuster.

As the movie opens, we are given a quick tour of the land. The small village in England of Wall is named for its literal stone wall that borders England with the magical world of Stormhold. Nobody can venture past the wall and there is a very old guard always sitting at the wall to make sure none passes through. Then the story begins with a background of all of our main characters: A king on his deathbed and his sons vying for the crown, three old and ugly witches, and the father of Tristan, the main character. We get to see the history of his mother and father: how they met, how he was conceived, and a little bit about how he was raised. Then we get to see Tristan as a young man: where he works, where he lives, and the girl with whom he is desperately in love, Victoria. Suddenly, a star falls from the sky and all of these main characters want it for their own purposes.

The cast in this film is superb. Tristan is played by an relatively unknown Charlie Cox. I like that this character is played by someone I haven’t heard of. There are no preconceived notions about him at all. I look forward to seeing him in many more films in the future. His chemistry with Claire Danes, who plays the fallen star, is shining. They are so much fun to watch. Michelle Pfeiffer is on top of her game for the second time this summer. With her Velma von Tussle from “Hairspray” and her evil witch Lamia, she’s definitely the comeback of the year. She does evil so well! Even with the wonderful performances already mentioned, my absolute favorite in the movie was Robert de Niro as the pirate captain. I’m not going to give it away since nobody gave it away for me, but he is fabulous!

The supporting characters in the movie are fantastic: There’s a witch who has a servant girl chained up for eternity with a magical chain that cannot be broken. There are a slew of very funny ghosts. There’s a goat that gets turned into a man who retains his goat-like appearance and characteristics. The magical world of Stormhold is brimming with wonderfully well-written characters.

As a lover of fantasy, I was in my element with “Stardust”. While I understand that it's not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, I really believe that there is something in “Stardust” for every movie-goer.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 falling stars

www.stardustmovie.com

Jenny Rushing
beccajane67@yahoo.com

Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by ME

Title: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Gary Oldman
Directed By: David Yates
Produced By: Lionel Wigram, Tanya Seghatchian, Antony Hunt
Genre: Action/Adventure, Kids/Family, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Adaptation and Sequel
Release Date: July 11th, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action violence, brief sexual humor and language.
Distributors: Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution

Fun time at Hogwarts has come to an end. With Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) having returned, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), Hermione (Emma Watson), and newcomer Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch) create the Army of Dumbledore. Training secretly while trying to deal with totalitarian rules imposed by Delores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton), the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor appointed by the Ministry of Magic, Harry and co. try to prepare for a war that no one can be ready for.

Before we start, I want to tell you that i have not read the book OOTP. This will not be a book to movie comparison.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is by far the best of the series. David Yates puts an even darker spin on the popular series than his predecessors. And rightfully so, for when it comes to Lord Voldemort's return, education must come second after preparation for war. Yes there is a difference, just look at Delores Umbridge's method of teaching. All books and no magic make for poor survival skills. Gone is a lot of the fun and games that have given the other films a lighter mood. The action and danger have been ramped up a few notches. The final battle in the film starts as a free for all with spectacular effects as well as an emotional element that could tear Harry apart.

The whole crew is back in some shape or form. So just a few quick notes. Daniel Radcliffe has become quite the actor, giving Harry a new depth through his portrayal of anguish and turmoil. Newcomer Evanna Lynch plays Luna Lovegood with the perfect amount of spaciness. Alan Rickman gets to shine as Severus Snapes in at least one scene. Helena Bonham Carter plays crazy very well. Anybody else think she looks just like she did in Novocaine? Lastly, I would not want to be Imelda Staunton. She plays Delores Umbridge so perfectly annoying that I will bet that she is going to be receiving a ton of hate mail from younger fans. Even I wanted to strangle her.

I know that this review does not do the movie justice. I cannot begin to describe the feelings that this chapter in the story has visited upon me. From the beginning to the end you get foreboding, anxiety, apprehension, exultation and elation but with an underlying knowledge that this is just the beginning of the trials and tribulations for these characters that we have all come to know and love over the past six years. I can't wait until the next one!

Until Harry Potter and the Geriatric Gremlins,
Keep reading

Mitch E
mitchemerson@hotmail.com

Movie Review: Day Watch by ME

Title: Day Watch
Starring: Konstantin Khabensky, Maria Poroshina (II), Dmitry Martynov, Galina Tyunina, Vladimir Menshov
Directed By: Timur Bekmambetov
Produced By: Vladimir Melikhov, Mikhail Borisovsky, Alexei Kublitsky
Genre: Art/Foreign, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Adaptation and Sequel
Release Date: June 1st, 2007 (Limited)
MPAA Rating: R for violence.
Distributors: Fox Searchlight Pictures

Originally I wanted to see Night Watch because of the effects that were shown in the trailer. What I got was an interesting and slightly chaotic tale of two groups of “Others”: Light Others and Dark Others. Beings with powers such as shape shifting, vampirism, and the ability to switch bodies just to name a few. Each group has a police-like outfit that was created to watch the other. Light Others have Night Watch and Dark Others have Day Watch. Day Watch continues the story of the struggle of these two opposing forces. This is just a general outline of what is going on in both films. Night Watch focused on the good guys, while Day Watch focuses on the bad guys. There is a third movie in the making called Dusk Watch which I am still pretty excited to see.

Great effects punctuate the hot mess that is Day Watch. I say hot mess because being a Russian film, there is definitely a different style to these films. There is a lack of character development that hurts it as well as some confusing plot elements such as multiple mini-storylines and some unnecessary scenes. Plus the ending may seem to be a letdown for some but I believe that it opens the doors wide open for the next film, unlike a certain Nic Cage movie that I won't mention (Next). The difference is knowing there will be another film and not just leaving the audience hanging suspended with their cries of “What the f***!”

Just like the first, Day Watch is subtitled so it is kind of hard to get a feeling as to how well the acting is, but nobody looked bad. Costume designs, set pieces, props and such were great. And, an interesting thing continued from the first film, is the subtitles themselves. If two characters are onscreen, the subtitles are on the side closest to the character speaking them. Also, there is a scene where a butcher picks up a hunk of raw meat, calls a woman a bitch, throws it against the wall and as it slides down reveals the word “bitch” in blood. Many other little tricks with the subtitles help make the movie a little more fun to read as I usually don't like subtitles.

I can't really say that it's better than the first or even equal to, but I enjoyed it and most horror/action/fantasy fans will too, if they can get their heads around the different style of film that is Day Watch. A lot of people are saying that this series of films aren't that good because they are branching off from the novels that they are based on. Those are the people who get really upset if films don't follow the books exactly, so keep that in mind when reading other reviews of these films. Me, I say be your own judge.

Visit the films website at http://www.foxsearchlight.com/daywatch/

Until the world ends,
keep reading

Mitch E.
mitchemerson@hotmail.com

Movie Review: Shrek the Third by CD

Title: Shrek The Third
Starring:Mike Myers, Antonio Banderas, Rupert Everett, Amy Sedaris, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph
Directed By: Chris Miller, Raman Hui
Produced By: Andrew Adamson, John H. Williams, Aron J. Warner
Genre: Action/Adventure, Comedy, Kids/Family, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Animation and Sequel
Release Date: May 18th, 2007 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG for some crude humor, suggestive content and swashbuckling action.
Distributors: Paramount Pictures

Being king isn't for everyone--especially if you're a prickly ogre who smells like the shallow end of a swamp. When Shrek married Fiona, the last thing he wanted was to rule Far Far Away, but when his frogger-in-law, King Harold, suddenly croaks, Shrek is quickly fitted for the crown. Now, unless the reluctant would-be king can find a suitable replacement, he'll be royally screwed for the rest of his days. -Yahoo movies

Poor Shrek, all he wanted to do was spend a nice evening in his swamp. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to achieve. Now after finally being accepted by Fiona's father, he is set to head back home, but the king is ill and Fiona is next in line. BRING ON KING SHREK!

These are words that Shrek fears. Try as hard as he might, he is just unable to fill those shoes. So before the king croaks (get it, he is a frog). Shrek is told of a cousin named Artie who could fill the royal flippers should Shrek find it to overwhelming.

In my humble opinion the Shrek franchise has yet again made a great traveling buddy film. It might not be perceived as being as funny as the the previous 2 films, but it shows a lot of heart and growth from Shrek. Still battling the Ogre stigma, he learns that he has to have a softer touch.

You see that with his interaction with the young would be king Artie. Acting as more of a father figure trying to help him see that he can do anything if he sets his heart to it.

I personally am a father and these are concerns that we all feel. Will I be the right kind of dad or for that matter even the right kind of man for the job. It is a good thing too that Shrek is working on this. Because as he sets sail for his mission, Fiona drops a bomb shell on him. Fiona is pregnant.

Now to the villainous element. What, you didn't think this film was all sunshine and rose petals. Did you?

Prince Charming rounds up all the fairytale villains and talks them into fighting for him to become the new king. As they storm the castle, the princesses defend the kingdom of Far Far Away until Shrek gets back.

They really did try to have more of a story in this film. The jokes are there, but they are a bit more subtle than in the previous 2 films.


Memorable quotes:

[M.C. at Artie's school pep rally]
“Remember kids, JUST SAY NAY!”

Prince Charming: You! You can't lie! Where is Shrek?
Pinocchio: Well, uh, I don't know where he's not.
Prince Charming: You don't know where Shrek is?
Pinocchio: On the contrary,
Prince Charming: So you do know where he is!
Pinocchio: I'm possibly more or less not definitely rejecting the idea that I undeniably
Prince Charming: Stop It!
Pinocchio: Do or do not know where he shouldn't probably be. If that indeed wasn't where he isn't!

Donkey: [Donkey and Puss in Boots have switched bodies] I've been abra-cadabra'd into a Fancy Feasting second-rate sidekick!
Shrek: Donkey...
Donkey: I feel all exposed and nasty!

It's been Odd
C.D.
Crobertdunham@yahoo.com

Movie Review: The Last Mimzy by ME

Title: The Last Mimzy
Starring: Rhiannon Leigh Wryn, Joely Richardson, Timothy Hutton, Megan McKinnon, Marc Thomas Musso, Rainn Wilson
Directed By: Robert Shaye
Produced By: Robert Shaye, Justis Greene, Sara Risher
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Release Date: March 23rd, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG for some thematic elements, mild peril and language.
Distributors: New Line Cinema

Two siblings begin to develop special talents after they find a mysterious box of toys from the future. The toys affect the kids intelligence levels, making them geniuses. Soon the kids, their parents, and even their teacher are drawn into a strange and sometimes terrifying world. Can they beat the clock and save the future?

The Last Mimzy is a true family film, there is no doubt of that. While it falls just short of being a great movie it is a very well done film. I can't quite figure out exactly what the film is missing in order to push over that line on the land of greatness. I can think of a few small things that deter from the film but it feels like it is missing one thing, one little piece of pizazz. Anyways, let me tell you what makes this movie work.

First and foremost it's the children. Newcomers Chris O'Neil and Rhiannon Leigh Wryn play Noah and Emma Wilder with all the little touches that make you believe that they are brother and sister. Sure, there is the standard cuteness that seems to be a necessity in today's films but these two kids can pull the roles off without seeming like just two pretty faces. Second is the effects. While there are situations that call for some heavy duty effects, none seem over the top. I think part of that is that The Last Mimzy doesn't have any CG characters. Everything that is CG is a light show or something that effects objects. Third is Rainn Wilson, who plays the kids science teacher, Mr. White. With a slight hippieish, spiritual feel he brings some pretty funny humor into the mix. Again, without being over the top. Well, maybe his wardrobe is a little, with wearing a Pink Floyd t-shirt to class (which had to be part of a deal between the studio and Roger Waters, who provides a song for the soundtrack).

The parents, David and Jo Wilder, played by Timothy Hutton and Joely Richardson, seemed to me to be little more than your stereotypical parents. Not in a bad way, dad works a little too much while mom stays home with the kids. I guess it would be better to call them the stereotypical standard family of today. The only other cast member I want to mention is Michael Clarke Duncan, who is one of the problems I mentioned earlier. He seems miscast as the Government Agent that has to deal with one of the effects of the toys. When we first see him, he is at home just after getting “the call”. He is forgetful and wouldn't be able to find his own ass if it wasn't for his wife. Then he is Mr. Government Official, all on top of things and slightly menacing. Then the major issue. After the climax of the film he just gets in his helicopter and flies away. You know if this was real life, those kids would be poked, prodded and tested for the next ten years!

So I won't hold the whole Peter Jackson and The Hobbit/Lord Of The Rings fiasco against Robert Shaye this time and give The Last Mimzy my recommendation for families everywhere. Just be prepared for a movie that may not be as memorable as E.T (which this movie reminds me of) it still shows that sometimes kids know more than we adults give them credit for. Even if they get help from a stuffed bunny.

Keep reading,
Mitch E.
mitchemerson@hotmail.com

DVD Review: Stranger Than Fiction by CD

Title: Stranger Than Fiction
Starring: Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Queen Latifah, Emma Thompson, Dustin Hoffman
Directed By: Marc Forster
Produced By: Nathan Kahane, Joe Drake, Eric Kopeloff
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance and Science Fiction/Fantasy
Release Date: November 10th, 2006
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some disturbing images, sexuality, brief language and nudity.
Distributors: Sony Pictures Releasing, Mandate Pictures, Sony Pictures International



One morning, a seemingly average and generally solitary I.R.S. agent named Harold Crick begins to hear a female voice narrating his every action, thought and feeling in alarmingly precise detail. Harold's carefully controlled life is turned upside down by this narration only he can hear, and when the voice declares that Harold Crick is facing imminent death, he realizes he must find out who is writing his story and persuade her to change the ending.-Yahoo Movies


Let me first start off by saying I am not a Will Ferrell fan. I think 90% of his work is pure and total crap. He just isn't funny, I think he tries way to hard and forces the comedy. That being said, I really enjoyed this film. It was nice to see him not going over the top. He plays Harold Crick brilliantly, the seemingly solemn but rather complacent cubicle captive.

Harold lives his hum drum life by the numbers, and I mean that quite literally. Right down to how many brush strokes while cleaning his teeth. He very well could be the poster child for O.C.D., but that all changes once he starts hearing a voice narrating his life. Due to the stress from hearing this voice, Harold begins acting out of the norm and is given a puff case to investigate. Personally I would welcome some narration, especially if it led me to meeting Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Emma Thompson plays neurotic writer Kay Eiffel beautifully, the strung out yet still witty creative genius is a hard act to pull off convincingly. Her and Queen Latifah play offer each other very well. Some of the funnier moments are dead panned by these two very talented ladies. Also a quick little fun fact about Emma Thompson, she started as a stand up comic.

Dustin Hoffman plays Dr. Jules Hilbert who Harold goes to in order to try and get a grasp on what is happening to him. Dr. Hilbert is an English professor and has a great understanding of writing and writers, he tells Harold to pay close attention to the details of his life and to those described by his narrator. If he does he just may figure out why he has to die.

This story was a great concept. As a writer myself I felt drawn to this film, my only apprehension was Ferrell. I am glad I was wrong. I have been trying to think since last night, who could have played Crick better and have yet to come up with anyone. I also really enjoyed the open sequence where the Narrator is explain Harold's existence to the viewers. It kind of reminded me of the scenes in Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy when the book was talking. I love movies where you can clearly see the character growth. At the beginning of the film we see Harold as meek and kinda trapped in his own existence, then as the film progresses we see him breaking out of his routines and become more spontaneous and enjoying the new him.

The look of this movie is very different from any other film out there. This is mainly due to the use of G.U.I. (pronounced goo-E), it stands for Graphic User Interface. It is how Harold sees his world, and it really shows the extent of his obsessiveness. From counting the steps it takes to get to the bus stop to plotting out the trajectory of him sliding a coffee cup. The use of this element brings a better understanding of Harold to the viewers.

Special features on this disc, making of featurettes. Two deleted/extended scenes. Nothing all that spectacular, with exception of the “making of” on the G.U.I. Which I found pretty interesting. No commentaries on this film which is a bit odd, but hell I hardly ever listen to it anyways.

Best Lines
Kay Eiffel [narrating] This is a story about a man named Harold Crick and his wristwatch.

Penny Escher: And I suppose you smoked all these cigarettes?
Kay Eiffel: No, they came pre-smoked.

Kay Eiffel: I went out... to buy cigarettes and I figured out how to kill Harold Crick.
Penny Escher: Buying cigarettes?
Kay Eiffel: As I was... when I came out of the store I... it came to me.
Penny Escher: How?
Kay Eiffel: Well, Penny, like anything worth writing, it came inexplicably and without method.

Dr. Jules Hilbert: Aren't you relieved to know that you're not a golem?
Harold Crick: Yes. I am relieved to know that I am not a golem.

Penny Escher: [Seeing Eiffel smoking a lot of cigarettes] You know there's something called a patch.
Kay Eiffel: I don't need a patch. I smoke cigarettes.

Dr. Jules Hilbert: Hell Harold, you could just eat nothing but pancakes if you wanted.
Harold Crick: What is wrong with you? Hey, I don't want to eat nothing but pancakes, I want to live! I mean, who in their right mind, in a choice between pancakes and living.... chooses pancakes?
Dr. Jules Hilbert: Harold, if you pause to think, you'd realize that that answer is inextricably contingent upon the type of life being led... and, of course, the quality of the pancakes.


It's been Odd
Crobertdunham@yahoo.com