21 (2008)

The term "loosely based on the novel" immediately comes to mind. Sometimes that's not a bad thing. Here it spells implausibility. Events feel very amped up in order to deliver a Hollywood type film that contains enough eye-catching scenes to fill a movie trailer. For that reason you will be entertained, but left feeling a bit empty. Not unlike the way you feel when leaving Vegas.

Rating: C

Across The Universe (2007)

There's only a couple of times each year, if I'm lucky, that I can say "I've never seen anything like this." Across The Universe is both unique and entertaining. A healthy appreciation for The Beatles will possibly move this film into your 2007 Top 10 List. Resonates with your eyes as well as your ears. Beautiful.

Rating: B+

Cloud Atlas (2012)

I read somewhere that Cloud Atlas was a book that nobody thought could be made into a competent film. I didn’t read the source material, but I felt the movie succeeded on many levels. Several complicated narratives taking place throughout different times and places in history were interwoven into one tale. The same themes were conveyed in each one.

The same troupe of actors were transformed via make-up and costumes in order to play a vast array of disparate characters. The sets and cinematography were very impressive. The film held my attention and kept me fully engaged throughout its lengthy runtime.

Despite all these positives, the movie didn’t blow me away or strike me as something I’d want to immediately tell others to see. I enjoyed it, but I didn’t love it. My reviews are generally based upon how entertained I was. And with that in mind, Cloud Atlas earns a…

Rating: B-

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole (2010)

I'm not a big cartoon guy, but when Zack Snyder makes one, color me intrigued. The film is gorgeous. Let's face it, Zack's other movies are mostly animated, so it's not surprising that he pulls off a celluloid marvel with this one. The source material follows your typical storyline, only this time it's owls instead of numbered rag dolls, dragons, or Rats of Nimh.

Still, I enjoyed the characters and the execution. The pace is quick and the action just brutal enough to satisfy hardened adults. Probably violent enough to
spook a few kiddies. I'd love to see a PG-13 version of this hooted tale. Let the avian blood flow!

Rating: B-

The Way Back (2010)

What an ambitious film. I’d really like to find out how much of this story is true, because this is one heck of a tale. Very well told. Nice pacing from the gulag to the escape south. Loved the scenery and changing landscapes. The viewer really feels like part of the group and suffers right along with them. A very big production for such a small film. Don’t miss it on Blu-Ray.

Rating: B