adamgehrke.com

As the human race has evolved over thousands of years the ability to use more than a small percentage of our brain’s actual potential has proven to be a solid obstacle, that is until now. Through a series of unfortunate events young Lucy (Scarlett Johansson) is exposed to a new synthetic super drug– an experience that propels her brain’s ability to transcend current potentials. Now, literally the smartest girl in the room, Lucy will need to outsmart a ring of Asian drug lords, meet with the smartest minds on human consciousness, and pass on her newfound knowledge before her time expires. And, what will happen when Lucy’s brain use reaches 100% Written and Directed by Luc Besson, what starts with directorial flare, panache, and clever juxtaposition quickly fades into a film that’s a lot less intelligent than it would purport to be. Eh, but lets not poke holes in this delicate rubber raft of a script, I mean, when you’re the most powerful thinking thing on the planet, you’d think you could perhaps plan a less invasive and altruistic way to pass on your knowledge to humanity rather than becoming a merciless warrior, just a thought. None the less, we’re still left with a fairly entertaining yet predictable dark ride. Computer graphics throughout do leave a bit to be desired, and the relatively low count of choreographed battles and showdowns feels a smidge underwhelming. Although with a runtime of 90 minutes, welcome’s are not overstayed. Mediocre fun, Lucy is rated R.

Cranky and cantankerous, real estate tycoon Oren Little (Michael Douglas) is the lion with a thorn in his paw, hardened, selfish, and rubbed raw to what life has thrown at him; but, when his newly discovered granddaughter, Sarah (Sterling Jerins), comes to stay with him for a few months his heart begins to thaw. Helping and guiding the cause is his next door neighbor Leah (Diane Keaton). Still, Oren’s ways are fairly firmly set, how to heal his broken heart and mend ways with his remaining family, is it too late? Written by Mark Andrus (As Good As It Gets, Georgia Rule) and Directed by Rob Reiner (Spinal Tap, The Bucket List) And So It Goes stays safely in the known quantity realm/wheelhouse for both and doesn’t challenge either’s talents; the word milquetoast comes to mind. However, for all of it’s simple and predictable blandness there’s still an endearing quality within the performances and chemistry between Douglas and Keaton, sappy love story be darned, a soft and warmhearted smile is still garnered. Plus, a fun performance from Frances Sternhagen adds to the charm factor. So, while it’s not high brow or cinema perfection, there’s still something for fans of the less crass romantic comedy. And So It Goes is rated PG-13.

Annie and Jay (Cameron Diaz and Jason Segel) are a couple, who like many, have lost their spark. The couple who used to be nonstop into each other and infatuated with each other’s sexuality find themselves caught between kids, jobs, and the general stress of life and getting older. To rekindle their flame the two get the wild idea to make their own porn together, a sex tape based on every position in the world famous Joy of Sex, not a bad idea per se. But, when their sex tape accidentally gets uploaded to the iPads of all their friends and acquaintances, including the mailman, panic ensues. Mission “rid the porn before word gets out” is on and we’re off to the races, but, it appears as though Annie and Jay already too late. How to minimize the blast radius, jobs, lives, and family are at risk? Brought to you by the same creative and directing team that brought the world Bad Teacher, director Jake Kasdan pleasantly strikes gold allowing his stars and co-stars (Rob Corddry, Ellie Kemper, and Rob Lowe) to shine nicely bringing their irreverant and quirky selves to the dinner table with writing that feels sharp, honest, and on point. And, for what probably cost very little to make, aside from talent fees, the end result is one of the summer’s funnier comedies. It’s all about chemistry and timing, sexual or not, but in this case, it works with laugh out loud results. On the other hand, Highbrow comedy seekers, search elsewhere, there’s nothing for you here, bet you could have guessed that. Still fun date fodder. Sex Tape is rated R.