Archive for June, 2013

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! 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.

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? 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.

Before they were at the top of their game working for Monsters Inc., Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sully (John Goodman) had to cut their teeth in the academic world of Monsters University. Finding acceptance, coming into their own, and learning to apply themselves the unlikely duo are challenged by the University’s Dean Hardscrabble (Helen Mirren), but failure means being expelled. Navigating the Greek system, making the grade, and developing friendship’s to last a lifetime their time at MU will be invaluable, but will they learn to scare? Once again Pixar strikes gold. Family fun, quick dialogue, and well thought out backstory makes for a decent sequel to the wildly successful Monsters Inc.. Albeit, not a million laughs a minute, still multilayered and easily relatable to multiple generations– college drama for all ages. An entertaining romp for the family, Monsters University is rated G.