Jul 3 2013

The Lone Ranger

Many years since his days in the Wild West as a Native American warrior, Tonto (Johnny Depp), the infamous man of western mystery, is now an act in a touring circus. Prompted by a young attendant to the circus he recounts the story of how the lawyer John Reid (Armie Hammer) became the enforcer of justice known as the Lone Ranger. Specifically, how the greedy and dishonest men of the railroad industry came to power, how Tonto and Reid’s paths crossed, and ultimately how the two came to join forces.The-Lone-Ranger-2013-Movie-Poster But let’s be fair, this isn’t really a movie about the Lone Ranger, rather the Lone Ranger happens to be the canvas for Johnny Depp to apply his quirky self in another one dimensional display. That being said, if you enjoy Depp’s off beat delivery and sensibilities, well, here’s two more hours and ten minutes of Johnny doing his thing, at a certain point though, even the most stout fans will probably grow a bit weary. Armie Hammer on the other hand doesn’t really seem to get as much time in the limelight questioning why the film’s title isn’t just “Tonto!” Younger attention spans may be tested as getting to the real action is more of a slow burn. Scoring from Hans Zimmer feels like left overs from Sherlock Holmes, bringing to question when will Zimmer challenge himself again? But, when we finally get about two thirds into the film a rousing arrangement and beautiful recording of the William Tell Overture (quite possibly the longest re-arrangement ever)blows the audience out of their seats almost guaranteeing smiles on the faces of all aware of the Lone Ranger lore. A handful of pokes at the Ranger’s source material bring a few extra laughs, still the end product somehow feels empty, fun but empty. Maybe a matinee, you could do worse. The Lone Ranger is rated PG-13.


Jun 28 2013

The Heat

Sarah Ashburn (Sandra Bullock) is an FBI special agent, top of her class but liked by none because of her Joe Friday personality. Meanwhile, Shannon Mullins (Melissa McCarthy) is a crass and crude Boston cop who tells it like it is. So, when the two are paired up to bring down one of Boston’s worst drug lords the stakes are high and pressure’s on, how to catch their man and how to deal with each other? Fireworks!TheHeat A pleasant surprise is in store for audiences this weekend considering the lackluster performances either of these two leads have had in their most recent comedy attempts. Breaking the spiral of Identity Thief, and Miss Congeniality 2 both Bullock and McCarthy bring their A game to The Heat; McCarthy with her sharp tongue and physical comedic approach, Bullock with her keen timing and straight but off kilter delivery make for fast and hearty laughs. A supporting cast of equally funny and sharp individuals sweetens the pot, I’m thinking Marlon Wayans, Bill Burr, and Tony Hale just off the top of my head. Director Paul Feig (Bridesmaids) continues to strike serious paydirt creating modern day classic comedies all the while allowing underdogs to have a voice and also consistently delivering the unexpected. At its core it’s simple, but it’s also a lot of fun. The Heat is rated R.


Jun 21 2013

World War Z

U.N. employee Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt) is called back into service to Sherpa a virology specialist (Elyes Gabel) around the globe to stop to a Zombie pandemic. But, when all goes sideways Lane is left to his own resources to evolve and survive. Find a cure, or at least a way to survive, the war against mankind is coming at a furious pace, but is it already too late?World_War_Z_Poster First and foremost let me be the one to tell you THIS IS NOT THE ALTERNATE HISTORY STORYLINE OF THE BOOK BY THE SAME NAME, but you probably already gathered that, so what, get over it. That said, what we’re left with is still a solid and entertaining pandemic procedural with zombies at the core. All involved hold their parts nicely, although the sporadic nature in which backstory is spooned out demands close attention and some connecting of the dots is necessary, ugh, “you mean I have to use my brain to follow a zombie movie?” simply put, yes! Prep for adrenaline and get ready to white knuckle this rollercoaster, the first two thirds provide for some truly interesting and terrifying visuals. And, in this day and age of giant battles, giant superheroes, giant carnage, World War Z’s (reshot) final act is a refreshing conclusion, good call Pitt, good call indeed. 3D doesn’t really add anything here FYI and the overall runtime is a little long, still it’s fun and worth it for the thrill seekers, World War Z is rated PG-13.