The Blair Blog Project
January 19th, 2012
January 19th, 2012
Courageous
Four and a Half Heartbeats
Their first success in the Christian movie realm was “Facing the Giants”; next was in the secular movie realm with “Fireproof.”
The producers, cast and crew of those two uplifting movies, Sherwood Pictures, have done it again with “Courageous,” a film that proves Christian-minded films can have action, passion and encouragement all in one movie.
“Courageous” is the story of five men, four police officers and a construction worker, who are spiritually shaken when one of the men’s child is killed suddenly in a car accident.
All in various stages of their faith, each react differently to this situation as well as other situations that come upon them in the film.
Their solution is to leave the situation in God’s hands and pledge to uphold a resolution to be more men of God for their families, work and church community.
Being a fan of Christian films, there is definitely a difference sometimes in the quality of acting, directing and storyline in God-minded films than in everyday content films.
That difference is hard to find with “Courageous” as from start to finish it holds you in more ways than just spiritually.
The cast embody the range of emotions their characters have throughout the film and the storyline is more compelling with stronger development of the four main storylines in the film.
The movie comes at a time when several people, faith-led or not, are in need of stories that are uplifting and encouraging towards the idea of loving and helping your fellow man (while leaving your path of purpose in God’s hands).
So if you are a believer (or not), consider seeing “Courageous” and let it renew your mind in what should be most important in life – serving others outside of yourself.
January 9th, 2012
Real Steel
Three and a Half Heartbeats
Sounds like a film that would typically star Hugh Jackman – a former boxing amateur that is given a second chance in the ring via boxing robots.
Yet “Real Steel” is different from past Jackman-helmed features as his parental instincts come into play to turn the storyline into a more heartwarming tale of second chances in life.
Combining a storyline of a father and son being reunited with high-tech special effects creates a movie that may not be original but is memorable nonetheless.
In “Steel,” Jackman plays has-been boxer Charlie who now pays the bills (or escapes the bill collectors) through remote-control robot boxing in a lifelike Rock’em, Sock’em game.
Besides debts, Charlie has also escaped the responsibilities of taking care of his young son, Max; those responsibilities come back into his life when Charlie agrees to take care of Max over the summer while his new guardians are out of town.
The duo soon learn they have more in common than blood with a devotion to the robot boxing industry and a shared interest in a robot they refurbish that might have the inner workings of a champion.
Although the film won’t be winning any Academy Awards anytime soon, it showcases the fatherly side of the talented Hugh Jackman (one he takes to heart with his own children).
His chemistry with Max (played by cute Dakota Goyo) is felt in their scenes as well as Jackman’s romance with the tough-as-nails Bailey Tallet (played by Lost’s Evangeline Lilly).
Fight scenes also take precidence in the film, so graphically realistic that audiences will feel they are seeing an actual boxing match instead of one created by computer animators. It’s a glimpse into what might be a possibility in fighting in the near future.
”Real Steel” deserves another ring of the bell to show its strength among other films, proving its muscle with acting talent and computer animation that may create a knockout you weren’t expecting!
January 6th, 2012
Dolphin Tale
Three Heartbeats
It’s a true tale of survival – a young dolphin that loses its tale due to a crab trap and must re-learn how to swim and live again.
“Dolphin Tale” is the story of Winter, who is currently living in Clearwater Aquarium, and the impact her “tale” makes to those who helped her in recovery as well as those who heard her story nationwide.
The film changes the original story a little by introducing Sawyer, a young boy who finds Winter stranded on a local beach and becomes a strong part of how she overcomes her injuries.
Chockful ofseveral “aww” moments that would delight any child and mother, “Dolphin Tale” does leave you feeling happy to see Winter thrive with the use of a prosthetic tale.
The only downfall of the film might be too many story lines to follow in one movie, from Winter’s progress to Sawyer’s attitude towards responsibilities to a heartfelt side story of Sawyer’s soldier cousin’s mental and physical recoveries from injuries suffered in the Iraq War.
If nothing else, “Dolphin Tale” is a great way to boost our energies and hopes for a brighter day in a gloomy world. Don’t miss Morgan Freeman’s supporting role as the creator of Winter’s prosthetic tale – he is definitely the scene-stealer in the film.
Midnight in Paris
Four Heartbeats
Have you ever had that dream wish in mind – to be able to talk with some of the great minds who have passed on?
Gill (a witty Owen Wilson) gets that very chance while strolling through the city streets at “Midnight in Paris.”
A Hollywood screenwriter trying to write his first novel, Gill gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to rub elbows with late writing greats Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald as well as painters Salvador Dali (a brief but superb performance by Adrian Brody) and Pablo Picasso.
“Midnight in Paris” is directed by the ever unusual but brilliant Woody Allen and his self-deprecating humor can be found throughout the film.
Wilson pairs off well with co-start Rachel McAdams who plays his selfish fiancee that enjoys more pointing out Gill’s shortcomings than applauding his writing efforts.
The highlight of the film though is the times that Gill takes memorable trips into the world of the 1920s and has the audience in eager anticipation to see what great minds he meets next.
It’s a dream that anyone would love to have – meeting and hearing from the great minds long past – and “Midnight in Paris” allows you to see that dream come alive. Or is it a dream? You’ll have to watch the movie to find out!
December 13th, 2011
The Muppets
Four and a half Heartbeats
No matter if you are a young child or a senior citizen, nobody can resist breaking out into a smile when you hear “The Muppets” theme music.
Those that didn’t watch (or were even alive) to watch “The Muppets” television show and never learned of the fuzzy crew through their movies will get a chance to relive their magic with a new remake tribute film.
“The Muppets” launches our beloved puppet characters into 2011 where their studio property is to be sold by an evil oil tycoon, Tex Richman (Chris Cooper and his “maniacal laugh”), to destroy in search of oil.
It comes down to the shoulders of three fans from Smalltown, USA; Gary (Jason Segel), his girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams) and his Muppet brother Walter, to save the day by reuniting the disbanded Muppets.
Only with the combined help of Kermit the Frog, Fozzie the Bear, Scooter (not sure what he is) and Miss Piggy (along with several others) can the studios be Muppet property again with a Muppet-style fundraiser.
Before you roll your eyes, realize that the writers (which include Segel) and the director understood that the Muppets thrive on hokiness.
Making the film into a musical would add to the silliness but also add to the charm that embodies the Muppets. People don’t watch the Muppets to be intellectually intrigued but to go back to their childhood and have fun like they used to.
You can’t help but laugh at the humor (that gets very clever in its silliness) or point out the several celebrities who provided their likeness to support these lovable Jim Henson creatures.
If you don’t break out into a maniacal laugh (or at least know why it is funny in this film), then obviously you need to embrace your inner child for a little while. I know I did (as a fan of Muppet Babies animated series) and still do sometimes!
December 2nd, 2011
Abduction
Three Heartbeats
Having been swept up the past few years as one of Twilight’s golden boys, Taylor Lautner is taking a chance on his abilities to carry a film as a leading man in the new film “Abduction.”
I’m pleased to say that though the film was your average action-packed suspense film, Lautner showed his acting skills and panache for stunts at a high level.
Lautner plays a suburban-grown teen who learns through a missing children’s website that he is a missing child also. Things start to emerge more about his “life” with the deaths of his supposed parents, who were federal agents, and a terrorist on his heels.
Out on his own now, he tries to find out who he really and how his past is connected to the FBI. “Abduction” doesn’t bring anything to the action table that you haven’t seen in other movies but it combines those elements to make an exciting movie worth watching in-between bites of popcorn.
The cast supports Lautner as the lead, from Alfred Molina to Maria Bello to newcomer Lily Collins as Lautner’s galpal, but the credit to the film’s success is in the dedication and believability of Lautner in the story and in his character.
Contagion
Four Heartbeats
It may not be the perfect movie to watch during cold and flu season but “Contagion” will definitely make you re-think passing anti-bacterial gel again!
It’s hard at first to not compare the film, an ensemble tale of a deadly flu that sweeps the world, to another-related flu-related film “Outbreak.”
Yet what makes “Contagion” different is its display of how several people in the world would react to the exposure of a deadly superbug. Some would try their own vaccinations and methods, some will try to gain glory by discrediting others, some will go to any means necessary to get the vaccines if there are any.
Headlined by an impressive cast of talent from Matt Damon to Kate Winslet to Jude Law, the film seamlessly moves from each of the some-odd story lines in the film that all revolve around the flu exposure.
The only downside is that because of the bigger cast there is not much time to get to know the cast before jumping into the next story. A small downfall that doesn’t shadow the film’s impact or awareness that this is not an impossible probability
If anything, at least it encourages you to take care of yourself more often (meaning wash your hands, get sleep and stay healthy).
November 22nd, 2011
Twilight: Breaking Dawn
Four Heartbeats
It’s probably the most anticipated movie of the year among teenage girls (and some young adult ladies) – the first part of the epic conclusion to the Twilight movie franchise.
“Twilight: Breaking Dawn” may be the most celebrated film of the series as it marks the marriage of mortal Bella (Kristen Stewart) to her vampire fiancee Edward (Robert Pattinson) as well as the surprise pregnancy of the two.
What is a breath of fresh air for this series is “Breaking Dawn” comes with more believable acting by the three powerhouse leads; Stewart, Pattinson and Taylor Lautner (as lovelorn werewolf Jacob).
The leads seems to be more comfortable with their roles than in previous films and are matched in strength with a stronger script and film direction to create a film that can be enjoyed for its content than just eye candy.
Part One lays the foundation for the climactic Part Two (coming out next year), with the marriage of Bella and Edward, much to the chagrin of Jacob and his werewolf crew.
The quick and unexpected pregnancy during the couple’s honeymoon begins more than just parenting jitters as the vampires and werewolves of Forks, Wash., aren’t sure what will be unleashed through this surprise.
Although the supporting cast had a few memorable moments in the film (with the best lines given to Bella’s dad Charlie -Billy Burke), the real credit should go to the three leads who handle themselves well with a more mature storyline.
The Twilight films hasn’t been a light-hearted series before but “Breaking Dawn” focus more on adult situations than with previous films that could show the weaknesses in the script, cast or overall direction.
Twilight fans and even movie fans though will be happy to know that Breaking Dawn takes on the risk and easily succeeds in the end. Hopefully the excitement will continue on with Part Two next year!
DVD Rental: Crazy, Stupid Love
Two and a Half Heartbeats
It looks like Steve Carell and The Office are not better off away from each other. As the Office starts to lessen in viewership, Steve Carell seems to be picking films that aren’t at the caliber of acting he has in comedy.
“Crazy, Stupid Love” shows just that with a unfocused script and a cast that don’t really seem to become comfortable with their roles (despite the talent of Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone).
A slightly sad tale of one man’s (Carell) mission to become the man he once was with the help of a suave ladies man (Gosling), the film flounders in a confusing script and shortens the chances that the cast could make it something worthwhile.
November 10th, 2011
Puss in Boots
Three Heartbeats
It probably was a good concept on paper by Dreamworks- let’s make a spinoff film on one of the most popular characters from Shrek (so we can continue the franchise even though we should stop).
Granted, Puss in Boots is an adorable, fun character, accentuated more by the Spanish charms of Antonio Bandaras.
Yet as many people have learned over the years of spinoffs from successful ensemble films – characters that are introduced in ensemble cast films don’t usually stand as well on their own.
In the latest Shrek-connected film, “Puss in Boots,” we find our swashbuckling, boot-wearing furry friend still the charming pickpocket while evading authorities and swooning the local felines.
He may have met his match though with a mysterious cat thief, Kittie Softpaws (voiced by Salma Hayek) who leads him to reunited with former friend Humpty Dumpty (voiced by Zach Galifianakis).
Humpty wants Puss to help him steal the magic beans from the monstrous criminals Jack and Jill. Yet Puss is conflicted to trust his ex-friend who turned his once good name to bad and set him on a path of thievery he never wanted to travel.
It’s interesting to see a more morally-conscious Puss who realizes what actions can say about yourself as well as who you are friends with.
The film will provide several opportunities for parents to teach their children why it is better to be a selfless hero for others than to only be after your own aspirations.
Bandaras is sweetly alluring as Puss and has great animated chemistry with his fellow cat Hayek as Softpaws. Nothing shows this more than their dance sequences that makes you wish it were live-action.
Galifianakis plays the perfect arch-nemesis of Puss that portrays a second banana (no pun intended as he is an egg) that secretly wants all that Puss has effortlessly achieved.
The downfall is in the script, which has several humorous and sweet moments but not enough to make a dent in people’s minds as a memorable movie once they leave the theater.
The talented cast try as they can to bring more life to the story but in the end, you still walk out saying it was cute but was it necessary? Did they need to make another Shrek-oriented movie? The answer – no!
October 27th, 2011
X-Men: First Class
Three and a Half Heartbeats
When you think of prequels from classic movies, everyone will automatically think about the disastrous prequels to the treasured Star Wars trilogy.
News of a prequel to the X-Men franchise was met with ho-hum response due to the last couple of movies in the franchise being less than stellar.
“X-Men: First Class” though is worth a look and develops the history of mutated humans struggling to fit into society to a level where it can stand alone. Between caliber acting by stars such as James McAvoy and Kevin Bacon to a storyline that flows smoothly from start to finish, the film is pleasing to both comic book as well as movie fans.
A group of young adults growing up in the 1960s realize they are different from others with certain powers they have been born with. They soon find comfort and guidance when Professor Xavier (McAvoy) and his fellow mutant comrade Erik (Michael Fassbender) promise hope and a future in their castle training facility.
Of course with mutants trying to hide their powers comes mutants that want to expand their powers and rule over others (humans in society) who have ridiculed them for their oddities.
Led by the power-hungry Sebastian Shaw (Bacon), the mutants with bad intentions hope to influence Xavier and his young crew to join their side or face certain death.
It becomes a battle of wits and supernatural abilities as good versus evil fight to see who will save or destroy mankind, the same mankind who made them feel ashamed for their differences.
“X-Men: First Class” avoids many of the pitfalls some prequels fall into while trying to recreate a back story, creating instead a unique story that doesn’t need the other movies to have significance.
McAvoy and Fessbender as Xavier and Erik/Magneto are the perfect balance of good and evil, compellingly showing two characters with contrasting ideas of how to handle who they are in society today.
Bacon as villain Sebastian combines the best mix of suave and cunningness to make you feel uncomfortable and intrigued at the same time.
The supporting cast have some good (Rose Byrne in a helpful but short-lived role) and bad (doe-eyed blondes Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique and January Jones become tiresome).
The true strength of the film lies in the beautiful writing of scriptwriters Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz as well as direction by Matthew Vaughn. Although the film does sputter here and there and have one or two action scenes that run a little over, X-Men First Class definitely shows being different rules.
October 10th, 2011
MoneyBall
Four and a Half Heartbeats
As the 2011 baseball season draws to a close this month, fans might need something to ease their impatience for the next season. The answer – the baseball true story “MoneyBall” that is also a possible Oscar contender.
Written by The Social Network‘s Aaron Sorkin and starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill, “MoneyBall” is the based-on-true-events tale on how one baseball general manager tries to create a baseball team using statistics instead of overall talent.
Former baseball player-turned-baseball general manager Billy Beane (Pitt) has to fill three positions on his Oakland Athletics team before the start of the next season.
Dogged by a small budget and egotistical baseball managers, Billy decides to confiscate a Yale-educated Cleveland Indians assistant (Hill) who has developed a mathematical system to buy “wins” with small-time players who have strengths in certain areas of the game (not overall talent).
Little do both know that the baseball world won’t be as receptive to a new format of recruitment that could change the face of a sport more than a century old.
Pitt is endearing and witty as Billy, expertly spouting off baseball jargon while spitting out tobacco chew. He has strong buddy chemistry next to Hill, who always plays the best bewildered second banana to powerhouse leads.
Their talents are only energized by the clever writing of Sorkin who makes the story easy to follow for the baseball-illiterate as well as the die-hard fan.
Don’t be hesitant with the concept of “MoneyBall” – it is easy to follow and enjoy with strong, Oscar-potential performances and impressive writing.
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Four Heartbeats
The story is complete and for many, the last parts of the story should pack the biggest punch.
The same rings true for the last installment of the Harry Potter series, displaying the final showdown between the beloved Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) and Voldermort (Ralph Fiennes).
Definitely the more active half of the last book, Part Two has all the favorite characters coming together to defend Harry Potter and their treasured Hogwarts castle from evil of all types and abilities.
Yet what fans will want to see most is how the story concludes for Harry and his hated enemy, a battle that leads to a few sad (as well as heart-stopping) moments.
Not to say that there isn’t some humorous moments as well as some happier scenes (especially when a kiss finally happens between two characters that many have waited ages to see).
Overall, the last film will please both book fans as well as regular movie-watchers interested in seeing how the last film plays out. It’s exciting, sad and encouraging all in one electrifying finale!
September 29th, 2011
Thor
Three and a Half Heartbeats
A heavy hitter to start off this summer’s movie-watching season, “Thor” came with all the star power, special effects and eye candy that typically comes with big-budget superhero movies.
Some predecessors of the superhero movie genre have succeeded while some failed as they try to make believable plots that resonate for audiences as much as the action and CGI effects do.
Although Thor does have its moments of cheesiness and doesn’t have a storyline that empowers you to want to jump over the recession hurtles, it’s enough of a movie-watching enjoyment that you feel uplifted afterwards.
Thor (a buffed up Chris Hemsworth), one of the stars of next summer’s “The Avengers,” is to be the future king of the fantasy realm Asgard until his arrogance leads him to be banished from the land by his father, King Odin (the talented Anthony Hopkins).
Thor is sent to earth without his armor or trusty hammer for protection, followed by enemies from his former world him hoping to finish him off. It is up to Thor’s new friends, Jane (Natalie Portman), Darcy (hilarious Kat Denning) and Erik (Stellan Skarsgard), to come to his aid and return him to his other realm.
One word can describe Hemsworth and that is “Wow.” From his impressive physique to the ease he maneuvers through exciting and murky parts of the film, he is becoming the newest in superhero elite. He even makes co-star Portman blush in many parts of the film, creating an innocent chemistry that is just brimming with passion!
Another aspect of the success of “Thor” is it’s direction by seasoned acting/directing veteran Kenneth Branagh. Branagh’s attention to detail and believability helps “Thor” avoid the pitfalls of past superhero classics to make a movie worth the time to watch.
Rio
Three and a Half Heartbeats
You might say while watching “Rio” at first -”I’ve seen that before in better animated movies.”
Yet what separates “Rio” from other recent animated films is the humor that comes through in the interactions with the lead characters. It’s fresh even though it isn’t original and the celebrity voices heighten the enjoyment of the film.
“Rio” tells the story of how a domesticated blue macaw living in Minnesota, Blu (perfectly casted Jesse Eisenberg), is taken back to his homeland of Brazil to save the species by “pairing” with female blue macaw, Jewel (Anne Hathaway).
Along the way, he learns more about his native home and makes new friends with fellow birds (voiced by Jamie Foxx, Will.I.Am and George Lopez) who show him the ropes of Rio and being a free bird.
The material may have been used in previous films but the jokes are livened up through the talented celebrity cast, led by Eisenberg’s neurotic tone and personality.
Adding to the mix is the excitement and color of Brazil that spices up the jokes and the mood throughout the film.
It’s movie night tonight and these DVDs are worth the rental fee to see!
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