|
3.5/4
|
98%
|
Gravity (2013) |
"
This matter-of-fact thriller disdains sensationalism. Yet, the situations have you holding your breath as each new challenge or obstacle impedes the astronauts as they use their knowledge to find ways to stay alive."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Oct 4, 2013
|
|
3/4
|
78%
|
Metallica Through the Never (2013) |
"
"Metallica Through the Never" is an experience best seen and heard in IMAX. It will blow you away."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Oct 4, 2013
|
|
3.5/4
|
88%
|
Rush (2013) |
"
What makes "Rush" stand out is its emphasis on character rather than racing. By focusing on the men rather than the machines Howard shows us the high cost of achieving championship status."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Sep 27, 2013
|
|
3.5/4
|
80%
|
Prisoners (2013) |
"
The film's art-house sensibility separates it from your run-of-the-mill studio melodrama, as does the care Vileneuve takes to create multidimensional and complex characters whose flaws are at times reprehensible, despite their altruistic motives."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Sep 20, 2013
|
|
2/4
|
60%
|
Riddick (2013) |
"
"Riddick" is a routine, testosterone-driven action movie, the type that is released this time of year to fill multiplex screens while the studios gear up for their big Academy Award hopefuls."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Sep 6, 2013
|
|
1.5/4
|
3%
|
Getaway (2013) |
"
"Getaway" will actually have you laughing at several points. The problem is, I don't think that was the filmmaker's intention."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Aug 30, 2013
|
|
4/4
|
91%
|
The Spectacular Now (2013) |
"
Unlike other teen movies, director James Ponsoldt has molded characters that seem real; they are not exceptionally sculpted or beautiful. He gets his young actors to believably express the confusion and insecurities that are prevalent among teenagers."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Aug 23, 2013
|
|
3.5/4
|
91%
|
Blue Jasmine (2013) |
"
(Cate) Blanchett gives a fiery, vulnerable and complex performance that is sure to garner her a best actress Academy Award nomination, if not the golden statue itself."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Aug 16, 2013
|
|
3/4
|
30%
|
Kick-Ass 2 (2013) |
"
Like its predecessor, "Kick-Ass 2" subjects its audience to some over-the-top, bloody and gross violence. ... But it is performed in such a pleasing, comic-book manner that you can't be repulsed nor offended."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Aug 16, 2013
|
|
3.5/4
|
73%
|
Lee Daniels' The Butler (2013) |
"
Whitaker stands astride "The Butler" as solid and unmoving as the Washington Monument."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Aug 16, 2013
|
|
2/4
|
68%
|
Elysium (2013) |
"
"Elysium" has hefty pretentions that are undercut by lack of details, some poorly conceived characters and a lack of wit. Too many questions are left unanswered."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Aug 9, 2013
|
|
3.5/4
|
97%
|
The Act Of Killing (2013) |
"
"The Act of Killing" is difficult to watch because it toys with your emotions. These men repel you, yet simultaneously, draw you to them, as they nonchalantly and proudly brag about their work."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Aug 8, 2013
|
|
1.5/4
|
27%
|
Planes (2013) |
"
Everything in "Planes" is predictable and formulaic. The characters representing the planes of various nations are all basic stereotypes. Nothing is left to chance; everything is made easy so the kids will have no trouble following along."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Aug 8, 2013
|
|
3.5/4
|
94%
|
Fruitvale Station (2013) |
"
Yet, despite being aware of the outcome, the movie is, in its own profane and streetwise manner, a warmhearted and soulful story of a young man's journey toward self-discovery and determination."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Aug 6, 2013
|
|
2.5/4
|
63%
|
2 Guns (2013) |
"
The film's plot does tend to get unnecessarily complicated and you have to pay attention as alliances change and double-crosses crop up like corn in July."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Aug 6, 2013
|
|
1.5/4
|
47%
|
I'm So Excited! (2013) |
"
The film is a broad, absurd parody that plays like a gay-cabaret send-up of "The High and the Mighty.""
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Aug 6, 2013
|
|
2/4
|
42%
|
Red 2 (2013) |
"
"RED 2" is uninspired, and undercut by weak scriptwriting, ragged editing, mundane action sequences and run-of-the-mill stunts."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Jul 22, 2013
|
|
3.5/4
|
72%
|
Pacific Rim (2013) |
"
A sense of delight envelops the film. It's as if (director Guillermo) Del Toro had channeled his inner little boy from his playroom."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Jul 11, 2013
|
|
1/4
|
31%
|
The Lone Ranger (2013) |
"
For the vast majority of the movie, they view each other with skepticism and suspicion. ... No warmth, no esteem exists between them. Even at the end, when they ride off together ... Tonto gets in one last dig at his masked companion."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Jul 2, 2013
|
|
3/4
|
67%
|
World War Z (2013) |
"
While "World War Z" has a lot going for it - the cause of the virus is never discovered, the film moves at a brisk pace and the characters behave rationally considering the circumstances - some of the technical choices are drawbacks."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Jun 21, 2013
|
|
4/4
|
98%
|
Before Midnight (2013) |
"
The movie is a great romantic story because it bravely displays the downside of love in which two people can expose each other in the most personal fashion yet still remain committed."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Jun 13, 2013
|
|
3/4
|
56%
|
Man of Steel (2013) |
"
While the story may fall apart in the last several minutes, "Man of Steel" connects on a strong emotional and spiritual level, presenting the audience with a man who must come to grips with a destiny that is not of his own choosing."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Jun 13, 2013
|
|
3.5/4
|
84%
|
This Is the End (2013) |
"
The movie is one grand in-joke that smartly lets us in on the gag. These guys don't care if we laugh with them or at them - as long as they can keep us in stitches."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Jun 12, 2013
|
|
2.5
|
38%
|
The Purge (2013) |
"
Its ominous tone is consistent throughout its 85-minute duration, and you wish the film were a bit longer with more exposition of the events that shaped this dystopian future."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Jun 7, 2013
|
|
1.5/4
|
11%
|
After Earth (2013) |
"
"After Earth" is a Smith-family vanity project, a home movie foisted on an unsuspecting and gullible public. Maybe next time Will and Jaden want to connect, they should just build a treehouse."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted May 30, 2013
|
|
2.5/4
|
69%
|
Fast & Furious 6 (2013) |
"
A movie such as this is the great-grandchild of the old-time serial or B-Western where heroes and villains would pummel each other without losing their hats."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted May 28, 2013
|
|
3/4
|
87%
|
Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) |
"
Yet, wherever "Into Darkness" goes, it is looking over its shoulder, giving its audience knowing nods and winks, encouraging viewers to recall its past instead of concentrating on its here and now."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted May 17, 2013
|
|
3/4
|
49%
|
The Great Gatsby (2013) |
"
"Gatsby" is dazzling and infuriating. Luhrmann goes overboard in portraying the superficiality of the era, pounding it into the audience through loud music and striking colors."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted May 10, 2013
|
|
2/4
|
79%
|
Iron Man 3 (2013) |
"
If it were not for (Robert) Downey (Jr.), "Iron Man 3" would be a total disaster, undermined by a haphazard, disjointed and sloppy plot."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted May 2, 2013
|
|
4/4
|
93%
|
No (2013) |
"
"NO" is an inspirational political drama in which the people are roused by the visual to overcome the vicious. "
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Apr 26, 2013
|
|
3/4
|
54%
|
Oblivion (2013) |
"
Which brings us to "Oblivion's" biggest drawback; its lack of originality. The movie borrows from so many sources that you can spend the entire 125 minutes playing "Name That Movie.""
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Apr 19, 2013
|
|
3.5/4
|
69%
|
Trance (2013) |
"
(Rosario) Dawson, in a performance worthy of an Academy Award nomination, reveals Lamb to be a wily fox able to outwit the stronger prey that surrounds her."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Apr 12, 2013
|
|
3/4
|
79%
|
42 (2013) |
"
"42" is a solid three-bagger of a movie. It is a fitting tribute to a pioneer who, simply because he wanted to play baseball, bore a burden unlike any one else in baseball."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Apr 12, 2013
|
|
2.5/4
|
93%
|
Jurassic Park (1993) |
"
It is as if time has passed the movie by. "Jurassic Park" remains solid entertainment, but the awe and wonder have faded."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Apr 6, 2013
|
|
3.5/4
|
69%
|
The Croods (2013) |
"
A witty and slapstick-laced script by writers-directors Chris Sanders and Kirk De Micco, some flawless 3-D work and solid character and beautiful background animation combine for an entertaining 92 minutes."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Mar 25, 2013
|
|
1.5/4
|
44%
|
The Call (2013) |
"
These unilateral changes throw the entire film off-kilter and turns what was an exciting thriller into a ridiculous and clichéd mini-slasher film."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Mar 14, 2013
|
|
1.5/4
|
59%
|
Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) |
"
Throughout, though, (James) Franco mugs as if in a silent movie and basically acts like a big kid playing dress-up. He is hardly a whiz of a wiz."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Mar 7, 2013
|
|
2.5/4
|
52%
|
Jack the Giant Slayer (2013) |
"
Yet, despite reaching incredible heights, the movie never soars. It seems rather pedestrian. (Director Bryan) Singer strains to reach for the grandeur of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, but cannot grasp it."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Mar 1, 2013
|
|
2.5/4
|
20%
|
Identity Thief (2013) |
"
What keeps "Identity Thief" from being totally derailed is (Melissa) McCarthy's performance. She is a wonderful physical comedian who can elicit laughs just by running on a highway."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Feb 8, 2013
|
|
3/4
|
84%
|
The Rookie (2002) |
—
rec.arts.movies.reviews
Posted Jan 22, 2013
|
|
1/4
|
10%
|
Dr. Seuss - The Cat in the Hat (2003) |
—
rec.arts.movies.reviews
Posted Jan 22, 2013
|
|
3/4
|
82%
|
De rouille et d'os (Rust and Bone) (2012) |
"
The strength of director Jacques Audiard's film is that he refuses to elicit pity from the audience for his protagonists."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Jan 19, 2013
|
|
4/4
|
92%
|
Silver Linings Playbook (2012) |
"
Writer-director David O. Russell keeps the audience guessing. He takes unexpected twists and turns as if defying you to guess what will come next."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Jan 19, 2013
|
|
3/4
|
60%
|
The Last Stand (2013) |
"
"The Last Stand" is pure throwback action genre - with car chases, explosions, enough firepower to arm a Third World nation and enough bloodshed to make Quentin Tarantino smile."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Jan 19, 2013
|
|
4/4
|
93%
|
Zero Dark Thirty (2013) |
"
(Jessica) Chastain's powerful performance, for which she deserves a best actress Academy Award, drives the film. She has no private life, no friends. Her obsession drives her."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Jan 12, 2013
|
|
1.5/4
|
81%
|
The Impossible (2012) |
"
You are involved in the family's plight, and you do suffer along with them. But gnawing in the back of your mind is the thought about all those nameless others who lost loved ones or whose stories of survival are probably just as miraculous."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Jan 4, 2013
|
|
1/4
|
70%
|
Not Fade Away (2012) |
"
'Not Fade Away' is as yesterday as eight-track. It works very hard at creating a mood and tempo for an era that is a turning point for most baby boomers."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Jan 4, 2013
|
|
2/4
|
51%
|
Promised Land (2013) |
"
Sadly, "Promised Land" ... chooses to take the lazy road and simply become another member of the liberal posse that finds it easier to place a black hat on big business than to have an adult discussion about complex issues."
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Jan 4, 2013
|
|
3.5/4
|
88%
|
Django Unchained (2012) |
"
Perhaps I have an askew view of the world or an odd sense of humor, but I found "Django Unchained" to be the funniest Western parody since "Blazing Saddles.""
—
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Posted Dec 24, 2012
|
