Capsule Reviews

For the time being, this blog seems to be focusing on new films, or at least films that are still in theatres. As such, in an effort to add more content and more reviews, this entry marks the first in what will hopefully be a series of ‘Capsule Reviews’ segments. All new films will continue to get the full treatment, but any films I watch on DVD or the like will appear here.

Bottle Shock (2008)

A lightweight and forgettable yarn about a family owned Napa Valley vineyard and how, with the help of a stuffy English wine expert (an enjoyable Alan Rickman), they managed to forever change the wine industry. Chris Pine gives a pleasant performance, but the rest of a good cast is wasted in forgettable roles. Underwhelming direction by Randall Miller only further subtracts from what is a relative waste of a considerable amount of acting talent. Not a bad film, but not a good one either. 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Changeling (2008)

Based on the incredible true story of one woman’s battle to find her missing child while also fighting rampant police corruption in 1920s Los Angeles. Angelina Jolie delivers an excellent performance and Clint Eastwood’s direction is steady and proficient, if unremarkable. The production design and acting, in particular, are worth a mention. John Malkovich and Jeffrey Donovan both turn in solid performances as the righteous minister and the devious police captain, respectively. A film that is good in all areas, but somehow fails to be great. 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Pandorum (2009)

An atmospheric, but formulaic horror/thriller set in space aboard a giant vessel headed for a new planet with the intent of colonization. The first half of the film shows a lot of promise, but it soon devolves to the now standard space monsters, quick-edit fight scenes, and MTV editing sensibilities. Directed by Christian Alvart and starring Ben Foster, who gives a restrained and relatively subdued performance for a change, and Dennis Quaid, who bugs his eyes out and barks orders in increasingly familiar fashion. Worth seeing for the atmosphere and effects, but pales in comparison to the similar and far superior Event Horizon. 3 out of 5 stars.

Punch-Drunk Love (2002)

P.T. Anderson’s somewhat forgotten romantic comedy starring Adam Sandler and Emily Watson. Anderson brings his delightfully unique and offbeat perspective to this tale of an emotionally stunted small business owner who, when a love interest walks in to his life, does not know how to react. Featuring a solid and understated performance by Sandler as well as fantastic cinematography and editing. Doomed to be lost among Anderson’s greater works, but no less worthy. 4 out of 5 stars.

Rachel Getting Married (2008)

Anne Hathaway delivers a tour-de-force performance in this tale of a young woman, fresh out of rehab, who is dropped back into the family setting as her sister prepares to get married. Self realization and uncomfortable moments abound. The film is helped along greatly by the intimate, almost-documentary like camera work and a litany of fantastic performances, most notably by Hathaway and Rosemarie DeWitt. Jonathen Demme’s direction deserves praise as well. An excellent film. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Super High Me (2007)

An amusing but unoriginal and unnecessary remake of Super Size Me; starring comedian Doug Benson, who abstains from marijuana for a month before, you guessed it, getting high all day every day for the following 30 days. Benson is a likable enough fellow and the film does provide it’s fair share of laughs. However, there’s really nothing new on display here and when the credits roll, you’ll probably wonder how you can get your hour and a half back. Directed by Michael Blieden and featuring a plethora of comedian cameos. Useful as a mindless diversion; nothing more. 2 out of 5 stars.

Synecdoche, New York (2008)

The mind-bending story of a playwright (an excellent Phillip Seymour Hoffman) who sets out to create a life-sized production of his own life. Charlie Kaufman (who wrote Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Adaptation) takes his first stab at directing and the result is a brilliant but messy epic of one man’s life and the struggles he has, and we all have, with trying to organize and pigeonhole aspects of human existence. Featuring a marvelous array of actresses and a truly ambitious premise, it is a testament to Kaufman’s vision that he largely pulls it off. 4 out of 5 stars.