Love and Other Drugs

Sometimes life can feel a little unbalanced as you try and find just that, balance. Through the harder times that you may face people will look for ways to avoid thinking of the turmoil you may face using laughter and maybe if you’re lucky the comfort of another person if only for a little while. There are a lot of people out there who will critique this movie for being unbalanced. Considering the material, I think that is exactly why I liked Love and Other Drugs.

The story features two actors who feed very well off each other, which is probably why this is the second time they are being coupled up. Having previously knocked boots in Brokeback Mountain, the two seem to try and make another Academy run. While this one will fall short of any nomination, that doesn't stop the two actors from lighting up the screen.

Based in the nineties Jake Gyllenhaal plays Jamie Randall, a man who is currently trying to find his calling. While passionate about whatever he does, he often lets his passions get in his way. Until his charm is able to help him in a billion dollar industry with pharmaceuticals. It also allows him to meet Maggie Murdock, played by Anne Hathaway, who suffers from Level 1 Parkinson's. Both are looking for a casual encounter, to help them keep their minds off the heavier stuff.

The movie tries a little too hard to capture the era with some of its music selections but we'll give it a pass since visually the nineties don't look all that different from today. From there the movie fluxuates between a comedy, romantic comedy, drama, and then back to romantic comedy. Not to say that many Rom-Coms don't try and do just that, but it seems like director Edward Zwick is not sure what story he wants to tell. He starts with a romantic comedy featuring a lot of naked Anne Hathaway, I mean a lot of naked, but if I looked as good as her naked I'm sure I wouldn't mind bearing it all either. From there the movie shifts towards a look at how people with a life altering disease and those around them cope. What seems like two different stories may be attributed to the movie coming out of two different source materials. The movie is based loosely on Jamie Reidy's memoir "Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman," along with Zwick and his buddy Marshall Herskovitz contributing a love storyline.

MINOR SPOILER ALERT (I TALK MORE ABOUT TONE)

While the bulk of the movie was enjoyable, even with two different messages occurring within the flick, the end retreats back to a cliché romantic comedy and ends in a very cliché way. The rest of the movie was different from what has recently come out of Hollywood and had something to say, even if it wasn’t defined. But because the movie was so unclear, I think Zwick, who also helped with the screenplay, had no choice but to retreat back to a formulaic approach to the movie, leaving the viewer with a bad taste in their mouth walking out of the theater.

SPOILER OVER

Gyllenhaal and Hathaway don’t have to do this all by their lonesome. They get some big help from a solid supporting cast. Oliver Platt stars as a mentor to James Randall showing him the ropes of the traveling salesman; Platt’s character follows along with the storyline showing off both a funny and softer side. The main sales target for these two is Hank Azaria playing Dr. Stan Knight who can be bought off for the right price. Then there is James’ brother Josh who is set for life and introduces him to the business, but then doesn’t really have too much reason to be in the movie. While getting more screen time than his other co-stars, after getting his brother the job Josh doesn’t serve much of a purpose besides being the occasional comic relief. He does a good job in the role, but even Jamie eventually asks his brother why he’s crashing the couch.

Yes, the movie loses its way but its hearts in the right place. Not only that, but the two young actors’ charisma help outshine any problems that the story may have. I liked this movie a whole lot, as there were some moments that really hit home, but can understand those who just felt lost in the jumble. B-/C+

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1

The final chapter is here. When they first movie came out the high school seniors now were in first grade. We have grown alongside Harry Potter and now his final task is upon us in what will no doubt be the biggest hit of the holiday season. This series both has left its mark on our culture both with the written word and cinematically. While I have never enjoyed the books, I appreciate that it got kids to read, and in a day of growing technology there is not enough one can say about J.K. Rowling’s feat. The movies have also had their ups and downs but here I am pretty confident when I say this movie is one of the up moments.

The decision to break up the final book into two movies was a decision made by Rowling so as to not leave any part of her manuscript out. But you can guarantee that the studio had no problem receiving even more money from a franchise that has already garnered over five billion dollars.

This movie is not for those who have never seen the others. There are so many name drops and so much terminology from the others that I was relieved that I had rewatched the previous one before entering the theater, but there were moments that I still felt overwhelmed. And this one jumps right into it, showing our three leads looking ahead to the daunting task ahead of them and the sacrifices they will need to make. We never step foot into the comforting halls of Hogwarts in this one, the dark theme is set from the opening title sequence and the skies never really clear from there.

The cinematography and musical score play a huge part in setting the tension for the movie. Once the previous cinematographer declined to return, worried he would repeat his work, Eduardo Serra took the helm. The dark and ominous lighting never leaves the screen and even when the sun is out there is always something dimming down the light. Meanwhile, while John Williams expressed an interest in scoring this movie as he did the first three they decided to go with Alexanre Desplat. While I will never speak ill of Williams, Desplat does a fine job making sure the audience is never quite comfortable. There is rarely a moment of relief in this movie as there has been in the others, and much of the audiences’ tension can be attributed to the fine work of these two men. On a side note I would love to go back and look at the other films to see the evolution of the lighting and music as Voldemort power grows through the series. With little doubt I can say this is the darkest movie yet.

The supporting cast is an All Star English team that could rival any ensemble that Team America could dream of making up including: Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Brendan Gleeson, Jason Isaacs, Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman, Fiona Shaw, Timothy, Spall, Tom Felton, and Peter Mullan just to name a few.

With the book being broken up into two parts and everything being left in we are left with sequences that would usually be cut or at least shortened due to time constraints. Instead left in are our three heroes journeying across the English countryside looking for horcruxes and avoiding death eaters. The scenes rely heavily on Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint and they do not disappoint. It’s been a pleasure to watch these three actors develop their craft and while Radcliffe and Watson have been performing well for quite some time now Grint has finally come into his own. The scenes which have them dealing with their emotions and love for each other, both platonic and otherwise, are gripping and a testament to the casting and development of these three youngsters. Often the other movies have been swallowed by CGI and while there is probably a different foe attacking these children every ten minutes or so, it's the scenes where they are left to their own devices that are truly magic.

For those familiar with the book one of the more impressive/startling sequences in the movie is the retelling of the story of the three brothers. The style and content of the story is a perfect example of the maturity displayed throughout the movie, especially when comparing it to the earlier movies. This series has been all about the rise to evil so there is little doubt that this movie isn’t intended for the younger Potter fans.

The movie ends with plenty of still to come, including a final face off between hero and villain. The world of Harry Potter has changed over the course of seven different stories, times are bleak and Harry and company are rarely far away from danger. It’s been over a decade of people watching and waiting to see how it would all come to an end, and while most of the audience will already know how it all plays out it’s never really been about the ending, it’s about the journey. B+

Unstoppable

Tis the season for Oscar bait, and with that comes added depth to the movies coming out this season. Unstoppable doesn't contain a single extra layer. You know exactly what you're getting. A train you can't stop dangerous chemicals on the tracks, headed towards a small blue collar town, with a train full of children coming in the opposite direction. We're one horse and a sweet mustache away from a Dudley-do-right cartoon. Cue the woman tied to the tracks.

Not that there is anything wrong with this formula. If this is what you want when you are going to the movies then director Tony Scott is going to give you exactly that. It's full of the train running through things which always impresses me as to how things still remain on tracks. Despite whistles, bells, and a track signaling the exact path of said train people still manage to leave shit in front of it. Really that is a credit to the writers of the movie, but that is the only kudos i will be handing out to the team who was able to churn out gems like "We're talking about a missile the size the Chrysler building" and then go to lunch feeling good about themselves.

This movie has almost every cliche you could think of right down to the actors playing their parts. These are just two ordinary men hopping from car to car on a runaway train trying to protect their loved ones who live in the town the train is headed towards. It features the chiseled old employee, Denzel Washington, who is being forced to retire and train the new employee, Chris Pine, who is just trying to find his calling and make amends with his astranged family. One can only hope a high pressure situation will fix all of that. Denzel Washington has worked with Tony Scott in five previous films so they clearly enjoy working with each other. And I think after Denzel wins awards for acting, like the TONY for Fences he enjoys doing mindless action flicks where he can get a nice paycheck. Meanwhile Chris Pine should be on everyones list of actors to watch before he gets even more expensive to cast.

Besides the train barreling down to kill a school of nuns, the antagonistic forces in this movie are the suits worried about minimizing their costs. Everyone plays the roles and fits into the subsets that they need to. The middle man is played by Miss Rosario Dawson who has yet to blow me away in any of her performances but she does the job and I never regret seeing any of her films.

There are a lot of laugh out loud moments in this flick whether that is intentional or not. Much of it stems from the live news coverage of the story to further convey that the movie is based on real events. All of the news outlets privy us to awful coverage and ridiculous graphics which is probably the most accurate portrayal of the story.

For all the flack I have given it, my opening statement is true. These guys give you exactly what you want. It follows a B-movie formula and will actually get your heart pounding if you let yourself become immersed in the ridiculousness of it all. B-

Due Date

Due Date is very much what you would expect from a Todd Phillips movie. A lot of slapstick comedy, strong male leads, a mish-mash of pairings, and an outlandish plot that you are more than willing to accept. You can tell that Philips is still in Hangover mode (which makes sense as his next movie is the sequel to the '09 smash hit). And while the comedy may share similar laughs with his last movie, his newest movie shows off a softer side as well.

This movie features a wannabe actor with a glaucoma problem and Robert Downey Jr. After mayhem at the airport both men are placed on the no fly list. With his wallet in transit, in order to reach his pregnant wife in time Robert Downey Jr. must team up with comedies it-man of the moment, Zach Galifianakis, on a cross country road trip.

Zach Galifianakis plays more or less the same role Phillips asked him to play in the past, a sympothetic dolt. After showing off some of his real acting chops in It's Kind of a Funny Story, he is able to spread his wings a little bit and shows some depth in a storyline featuring his dead father. They of course balance all of that out with placing the patriarch's ashes in a coffee can.

It's Robert Downey Jr's character who steals most of the scenes. His comedic timing, dry wit and scornful looks hit at all the right times. Downey plays an uptight architect who has a knack for flying off the handle. You know what to expect from Galifianakis and his comedy, Downey is the X-factor in all of this and he pushes the movie into a no doubt comedy hit. What may stop it from becoming a blockbuster smash is director Todd Phillips.

It is clear that Phillips is maturing as he tries to insert some sincerity into his film. These moments come courtesy from both lead men, both in ways of self-examination and with fatherhood and paternal issues. I doubt he is trying to deliver a firm stance on how you need to better yourself, but maybe suggest that you at least try. It's these moments that may lose some of the audience, who are expecting zany comedy throughout. Also like his past movies, Due Date seems to peek a little early. Many of his belly laughing inducing moments come in the first half of the movie leaving the second half flailing in the wind as once again he may try too hard to become more outrageous as the movie rolls on.

Much of the weight of the movie falls squarely on the shoulders of these two men, but they do get some help from a slew of guest stars. Danny McBride, Juliette Lewis, and Matt Walsh bring exactly what you would expect them to bring to the film and are outstanding at doing so. Jamie Fox, who is featured heavily in the previews is more a set-up man, and sets the scene for some future laughs. Anyone expecting a strong female counterpart clearly hasn't seen any of Phillips' other movies. Hopefully there won't be a public outcry for gender equality like last time and both sexes will be able to enjoy a man who simply writes in the perspective of a man, doubtful.

Downey's star has never been higher and after so many hits it is hard to see it coming down anytime soon. Galifiankis is also on the rise, but it is easy to tell that somewhere down the road audiences may get sick of the characters he plays. That moment though is not now. The men hit all their marks and help create one of the best comedies of the year. B+

The Social Network

When word first came out that there was going to be a Facebook movie that was my first reaction "There is going to be a Facebook movie?!?" It was tough to initially sell it for me, but then the movie gained director David Fincher (Fight Club, Se7en) and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing, A Few Good Men). Then the critical reviews started coming out (it currently has a 97 on Rotten Tomatoes). The moment that sealed the deal is when the trailer featuring Kanye's song "Power" hit. I was hooked I needed to see this movie, and by most accounts many of you will probably see it in the near future if you haven't already.

The movie opens in a Cambridge bar that I have frequented on several occasions, and like most great motivators it all starts with a bad break up. Sorkin shows off a fast paced dialogue while Fincher sets the mood with the grungy lighting and turns a casual encounter into an eerie setting, their work really mashes up well together. In fact most of the best scenes happen when the characters are sitting down at a table with quick cuts and quicker dialogue. The sharp wit moves a mile a minute and if you lose focus you may miss an entire conversation.

Jesse Eisenberg stars as the CEO Mark Zuckerburg, many just may consider him Michael Cera lite but don't be mistaken, Cera may be better know but Eisenberg is a much better actor with a quality resume of films with another great addition. This role isn't too far off from his base, a socially inept outcast, but he somehow makes a self-interested asshole likable. You can't help but feel sorry for him at moments, or not depending on your perspective. Sorkin doesn't write the script taking one side or the other. He gets as many sources as he can and allows the audience to play the jury on each character which becomes fitting as the frame story takes you in and out of two lawsuits occurring simultaneously. The one source he is unable to get is Zuckerberg himself, not surprising, but what is stunning is that the lack of participation may have helped the story. By not getting this perspective it's no longer the Facebook/Zuckerburg movie, but rather a book about Zuckerburg adding more ambiguity to the character and more free range for Eisenberg to let loose.

This movie features a very strong ensemble cast and is easy to see why these actor will be the next generation of big names. Andrew Garfield plays Eduardo Saverin the C.F.O. and Zuckerburg's only friend in the entire film. I've heard some people say that the nicer the person the worse the businessman. Well Saverin is the nicest player in the whole group and in a group of various shades of gray he may be the lightest shade but still doesn't come out squeaky clean. Rooney Mara plays the heart breaker Erica Albright and her fast tongue and strong performance set the tone for the movie and is probably what landed her the lead role in the American version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. It wouldn't be a David Fincher movie without some tricky computer imaging and that's exactly what he does to have one actor play both Winklevoss brothers. Then there is Justin Timberlake who you may not be able to take seriously due to some of his past endeavors. He really proves himself as the young entrepreneur who co-found Napster Sean Parker. He keeps the character sleek and his work on SNL helped hone in on his delivery skills. Timberlake flirts with the audience the entire movie so one minute you’ll love his enthusiasm next you’ll hate his treachery. He proves to be fantastic which may be why Entertainment Weekly wrote an article about how all three supporting actors could receive nominations come award season. That may not be true but Sorkin definitely will and Fincher should.

The Social Network is a modern day Citizen Kane. Both films feature a young upstart looking to make a name for himself in and both want acceptance from society. Even some of the scenes in the movie bear striking resemblance to some of Orson Welles' masterpiece. And why shouldn't this be a modern day retelling, the Internet has clearly taken the over as our main source of information. While I was writing this review I had Facebook up in the background the entire time, not doing anything with it but merely catching up on the tedium of some of my friends life that their inherent narcissism felt the entire world should know. That's what Facebook is all about, it’s an ego driven way to share the minutia of everyday life and I am right up there with some of the worst offenders. Sorkin is able to capture this feeling and addiction to this program in his script and makes this film an early Oscar contender. A

Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps

It has been 23 years since Oliver Stone originally introduced us to Gordon Gekko and probably 10 years since Stone has put out a decent movie. The man is best when he is angry about something. Right now America is mad about two things, the building of a mosque at the site of an old Burlington Coat Factory and the economy. But I doubt Stone is very angry about his economic stature and it shows in his sequel with one of the worst subtitles I've seen since Cradle 2 The Grave.

Michael Douglas reprises his academy award winning role as the Wall Street investor who declared at a stock holders meeting that 'greed is good." The book his character writes is titled, "Is Greed Good?" which seems to be theme of the story even though that question was answered in the first movie, and in much better fashion. But with so much star power the movie is still able to deliver some pop.

Shia LeBeouf takes the Charlie Sheen role in this one as the young investor looking to make a buck himself. And while there is not much difference between his character and the money hungry investors he works with, Stone tries to differentiate his character, Jake, by implying that he has a stopping point, that once he makes a certain amount of money he will be able to walk away. He has also attached himself to fusion energy in order to help the environment, so he can't be all bad. LeBeouf finally seems to find an adult role I don't hate him in. Or maybe my natural distrust of investors and my animosity towards them make LeBeouf the perfect match for a character that seems likeable and yet still somehow a dick.

The story is at its best when it is discussing some of the issues of the market collapse, and while some of the dialogue still went over my head I understood that there are a lot of greedy men out there who are using my money to get rich by betting on me to fail. Josh Brolin plays Bretton James, this movie's antagonist and a modern day Gekko, while the actually Gekko seems to be the moral center of the sleazebags. Bretton James is using the tricks that made headlines months ago to make most of his money. Brolin is very slick and conniving in the role and seeing as his recent movie, Jonah Hex, flopped as hard as it did it is easy to see why he wasn't out there promoting it with Douglas and LeBeouf.

The movie gets murky when it dives outside the economic pool into sub plots featuring romance, marriage, a baby and such. Carey Mulligan does most of the heavy lifting in this aspect of the film which is unfortunate as she is a wonderful actress but there is nothing she can do to save this aspect of the film. Stone, as do many people, see there is some evil goings on in the current economic system and he has something to say about it. Much like The Other Guys he doesn't want to come out and scream it at you, but rather insert some theatricality at you and hope you take something away. The Other Guys does this much better, as towards the end of the film you can see Stone screaming there is more important things than money.

The movie is kind of all over the place with the combo of business life and personal life. The reason this movie gets a sequel is due to the similarities this country faced in the early eighties, same cast of characters just a different plot. Except I hear that story everyday on CNBC with an ensemble cast starring Jim Crammer, who is way more freighting and awful to me than any character a writer can dream up. If you need to see a well done story about the d-bags on Wall Street see the original movie. The sequel is a fun movie but the wayward plot loses some of the fury that made the first one a classic. C+

New Fall TV

Besides Huddy, the road to New York, the final season of Friday Night Lights, Jennifer Aniston back on the small screen there are some new shows to look forward to as well this season. Let's take a look.



The Event
Mondays 9pm NBC

I don't know if this is a show to look forward to but NBC seems to be pushing the crap out of it. The way execs look at it, people are looking for a way to fill the void after Lost has come and gone. Why don't we see how Flash Forward and V turned out, both canceled (Well not V, but really it's only a matter of time). The show looks like it is going to require a lot of emotional commitment, something I'm not ready to give with football season having started up again and the show being Monday at 9. I have my doubts on this one, and the only way I'm watching this is if I hear good things and then I'll find it online.





Running Wilde
Tuesdays 9:30pm FOX

FOX's mishandling of shows is notorious, it gets so many shows that are ahead of its time but doesn't know what to do with them till eventually they shut down the operation (Read: Firefly, Futurama, and Family Guy). Arrested Development was no different, after winning the EMMY for Outstanding Comedy Series after its first year it would get dropped after season 3. It is now held in the highest esteem and you can see the performances now on DVD, IFC, or whenever you see George Michael Cera. Running Wilde seems to be a GOB spin off which could be awesome seeing as first season Arnett was a show stealer. Arnett plays oil company heir Steve Wilde whose life changes when he runs into boyhood crush Keri Russell who, of course, is an environmentalist. Unfortunately I'm going to have to sit through Raising Hope to get to it, because clearly I'm watching Glee first and I'm not going to change the channel. Hopefully this show doesn't go the way of Joey.





Undercovers
Wednesday 8pm NBC

I can't hate on a J.J. Abrahms helmed show, he has given the TV world so many gems: Alias, Lost, Fringe - by the way if you're not watching Fringe and ratings suggest you are not give this show a shot. Yes it's about a married couple who have retired from the CIA to open a catering company. And now they are out of retirement to save the world and reinvigorate their marriage. This show also sounds like a stupid premise but hey the wifey looks like a hotty, I apologize for that last line of text I knew it sounded awful as soon as I wrote it.





$#*! My Dad Says
Thursdays 8:30PM CBS

William Shatner stars in a show that got its start from twitter. I don't know if this will be any good but its lead in show is the Big Bang Theory so that should help its ratings. But really there is no reason to watch it when you have the NBC Thursday lineup starting with Community leading into...





Outsourced
Thursday 8:30PM NBC

I'm a little mad at this show for taking away Parks and Rec and moving it to the spring season, but you need to keep fresh shows coming in and they have been 2 for 2 for adding shows to the Thursday line up so don't bet against this one. The Office may be winding down but with this being Michael Scott's last season I have a feeling this season they are going to pull out all the stops. I like the NBC lineup so I am going to stick with it and give this show a chance. Besides India has given me slumdog, maybe they can give me a solid comedy as well.





Hawaii Five-0
Mondays 10PM CBS

Book em Danno. Usually TV reboots don't work. But did you see Scott Cann in Entourage this past season? He helped to reestablish one of HBO's biggest hits. I don't doubt that he is going to add a lot of comedy to the show as one the leads. I also love Daniel Dae Kim and it may be nice to see him chasing someone other than Sun. I would say this is the drama I'm looking forward to most, but I'd be lieing.







Boardwalk Empire
Sundays 9:00 PM HBO

The show looks awesome. Martin Scorsese does wonders with grit like this so I have no doubt they will do this show right. HBO also has a track record for having some of the best shows ever introduced to television. As long as you like Steve Buscemi and the character he always plays something tells me you'll like him in this as well even if he is ordering the deaths of those who stand in his way. He plays the de facto leader of Atlantic City during prohibition. There is going to be plenty of boozing, drugs and sex to go around for everyone involved. Make this the show to watch this fall.