What's Good?
A Guide to What's Playing In a Theater Near You
Amber Henry
Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: Entertainment
With the seemingly unending work crashing down on us right before Thanksgiving Break, it's refreshing to take time out of our busy schedules to view some of this fall's newest movies. If you're willing to drop the cash for a night at the movie theater, I suggest any of these recent films.
Quantum of Solace (PG-13)
Smash! Squeal! Crash! Ka-boom! So begins Quantum of Solace--the newest in a line of Bond films. The noises sum up the middle of the film, as well as the end. It's also the way your head feels as you walk to your car after leaving the theater.
Quantum of Solace starts about where the last Bond flick, Casino Royale, left off. Bond, mourning the death of his girlfriend, Vesper, is on the heels of the men he blames for her termination. He, of course, claims that it's all for the good of Queen and Country. He's not fooling anyone, especially his boss, M.
Bond's revenge is profoundly personal. His temper rises and affects the lives of everyone only to be concealed by his tailored tux and marble blue eyes.
As he cuts across Europe and South America he leaves a sizable swath of dead bodies in his wake. Bond unearths a vast shadowy organization called Quantum. Quantum wants...well, we don't exactly know what Quantum wants, but it has something to do with bringing the world to its knees.
Bond's self-assigned to-do list? 1) Battle the bad guys. 2) Fight off the CIA. 3) Deceive and manipulate. 4) Wreck cars, boats and airplanes. 5) Rescue one woman. 6) Seduce one woman. 7) Crack the occasional dry quip. Fans of Bond wouldn't have it any other way.
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (PG)
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa gives audiences familiar with the series a glimpse of the original Madagascar. Then, as the story starts forming on screen, the famous lion, Alex, and his zoo buddies are stranded in Madagascar, of course. But with the "help" of some conniving penguins, the group gears up to take off in an old airliner and return to their "real" home, New York City--where the series first began. Needless to say, they don't make it that far.
After a frenetic Mayday moment, the zoo crew along with some new friends land violently on the plains of Africa right in the middle of the lion pride led by Alex's father. It's a strange and emotional reunion for the whole family since Alex can't remember anything about his life before the zoo.
Shortly after the joyous lion family reunion, Makunga, a jealous lion, forces Alex's father to choose between banishing his son and making him take part in a rite of passage ritual that will no doubt put his life in danger. The answer seems simple to the lion king. His son is already a king--the King of New York. Surely it will be easy for Alex to prove his mettle by killing a rival lion.
There's only one problem: Alex has never fought anything in his life. Well, maybe two problems: He also thinks the rite of passage is a dance contest. A cute movie for a night out!
Zack and Miri Make a Porno (R)
Kevin Smith's porno-minded project seems like the kind of film that couldn't possibly make more than a dollar or two in a handful of theaters. However, it is making millions and making an impression. Zack and Miri Make a Porno is a modest success, due in large part to the charm of Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks.
As its title suggests and anyone can guess, it is a foul-mouthed and dirty film that probably isn't fit for the very young, the very old, or the easily offended. However, for those who enjoy Smith's brand of humor, this raunchy but romantic comedy could potentially be the perfect date movie (maybe not the first date, though).
With mountains of past-due bills piling up, Zack and his roommate/childhood friend, Miri, aren't sure how they're going to stay in their Pittsburgh apartment. A chance encounter at their 10-year reunion gives them the idea to make a porn movie. When it comes time for the friends to do the deed, they realize that perhaps they're more than just friends.
With all the talk of sexual positions and bodily functions, it would be easy to say that Smith's project is hopping on the bandwagon that has dominated the box office like similar past films, Knocked Up and The 40 Year Old Virgin to name a few. There are plenty of gag- or giggle-inducing moments, but Smith's script is also surprisingly sweet. The characters make a perfect couple, even if it is a completely vulgar subject.
Saw V (R)
Some might say it's obvious that Saw V would carry on from where Saw IV ended. In this case, as one would assume, the clock ticks, mysteries unfold, people race for answers, and gore ensues.
Throughout the movie FBI agent Strahm strives to prove that a police detective, Hoffman, is an apprentice to the deceased serial killer, Jigsaw. He starts revisiting murder scenes to put the pieces together. Through a series of flashbacks connected to Hoffman's memories and Strahm's clue-gathering, we begin to see how the crooked detective became a part of the twisted killer's world.
In the meantime, Hoffman is following through on Jigsaw's final wish. He's set up yet another deadly game between five newly imprisoned characters that are all connected through their own deeds. This movie, like the rest of the Saw series, is NOT for those with weak stomachs. Yes, this installment in the series is more of the same. But if you've been 'Saw'-ing away for the last four years, why not take in Saw V?
Changeling (R)
This is the kind of story that I wish I could say was all made up. It's not.
On March 10, 1928, Christine Collins, a single mom who works as a telephone operator, comes home to find her house empty. Her 9-year-old son Walter is missing. She scours the neighborhood. She calls the police. The search goes on for months, followed closely by the California press. The Los Angeles Police Department, bombed with charges of incompetence, is under tremendous pressure to close the case.
Then a miracle happens. Walter Collins turns up in Illinois. He is alive, apparently unharmed, and ready to come home. The LAPD organizes a well-publicized reunion at the train station, eager for a much-needed photo opportunity. But the miracle instantly turns into a nightmare when Christine sees the boy. "That's not my son," she tells police captain J.J. Jones. "I'm sure you're mistaken," Jones says.
Christine insists that she'd know her own son when she saw him, but Jones convinces her to "take him home on a trial basis." You're just in shock, he tells her, the boy's been gone for a few months. Maybe he's changed? He hasn't.
Changeling is definitely too painful to watch. It tears at your gut. It's violent. The movie observes some of the ugliest behavior mankind can conceive. Revolving around a psychopath who kidnaps and hacks up little boys in a chicken coop, we don't see the full scope of these children's pain. But we see enough. In fact, we see more than enough.
The Haunting of Molly Hartley (PG-13)
Eerie music. Slowly moving shadows. Even the dullest events turn into disturbing scares in this fright flick. Molly Hartley has just moved to a new high school. When most kids her age would be simply worried about fitting in, this 17-year-old has a lot more on her plate.
Not only is Molly wrestling with scary flashback visions of her mom's recent attack on her with a pair of scissors, but she's been experiencing frequent headaches and bloody noses--not to mention the odd whispering voices. Is she going crazy like her mother?
Her suddenly attentive dad tries to soothe her fears. However, Molly isn't buying the idea that psychiatrists and medicines can make her troubles go away. She doesn't think Jesus can help much, either, despite the fact that a Christian girl at school says so.
Tick. Tick. Tick. The clock doesn't stop for anyone. Her 18th birthday is just around the corner. Molly has a strange gut feeling that there won't be much to celebrate once it arrives.
Quantum of Solace (PG-13)
Smash! Squeal! Crash! Ka-boom! So begins Quantum of Solace--the newest in a line of Bond films. The noises sum up the middle of the film, as well as the end. It's also the way your head feels as you walk to your car after leaving the theater.
Quantum of Solace starts about where the last Bond flick, Casino Royale, left off. Bond, mourning the death of his girlfriend, Vesper, is on the heels of the men he blames for her termination. He, of course, claims that it's all for the good of Queen and Country. He's not fooling anyone, especially his boss, M.
Bond's revenge is profoundly personal. His temper rises and affects the lives of everyone only to be concealed by his tailored tux and marble blue eyes.
As he cuts across Europe and South America he leaves a sizable swath of dead bodies in his wake. Bond unearths a vast shadowy organization called Quantum. Quantum wants...well, we don't exactly know what Quantum wants, but it has something to do with bringing the world to its knees.
Bond's self-assigned to-do list? 1) Battle the bad guys. 2) Fight off the CIA. 3) Deceive and manipulate. 4) Wreck cars, boats and airplanes. 5) Rescue one woman. 6) Seduce one woman. 7) Crack the occasional dry quip. Fans of Bond wouldn't have it any other way.
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (PG)
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa gives audiences familiar with the series a glimpse of the original Madagascar. Then, as the story starts forming on screen, the famous lion, Alex, and his zoo buddies are stranded in Madagascar, of course. But with the "help" of some conniving penguins, the group gears up to take off in an old airliner and return to their "real" home, New York City--where the series first began. Needless to say, they don't make it that far.
After a frenetic Mayday moment, the zoo crew along with some new friends land violently on the plains of Africa right in the middle of the lion pride led by Alex's father. It's a strange and emotional reunion for the whole family since Alex can't remember anything about his life before the zoo.
Shortly after the joyous lion family reunion, Makunga, a jealous lion, forces Alex's father to choose between banishing his son and making him take part in a rite of passage ritual that will no doubt put his life in danger. The answer seems simple to the lion king. His son is already a king--the King of New York. Surely it will be easy for Alex to prove his mettle by killing a rival lion.
There's only one problem: Alex has never fought anything in his life. Well, maybe two problems: He also thinks the rite of passage is a dance contest. A cute movie for a night out!
Zack and Miri Make a Porno (R)
Kevin Smith's porno-minded project seems like the kind of film that couldn't possibly make more than a dollar or two in a handful of theaters. However, it is making millions and making an impression. Zack and Miri Make a Porno is a modest success, due in large part to the charm of Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks.
As its title suggests and anyone can guess, it is a foul-mouthed and dirty film that probably isn't fit for the very young, the very old, or the easily offended. However, for those who enjoy Smith's brand of humor, this raunchy but romantic comedy could potentially be the perfect date movie (maybe not the first date, though).
With mountains of past-due bills piling up, Zack and his roommate/childhood friend, Miri, aren't sure how they're going to stay in their Pittsburgh apartment. A chance encounter at their 10-year reunion gives them the idea to make a porn movie. When it comes time for the friends to do the deed, they realize that perhaps they're more than just friends.
With all the talk of sexual positions and bodily functions, it would be easy to say that Smith's project is hopping on the bandwagon that has dominated the box office like similar past films, Knocked Up and The 40 Year Old Virgin to name a few. There are plenty of gag- or giggle-inducing moments, but Smith's script is also surprisingly sweet. The characters make a perfect couple, even if it is a completely vulgar subject.
Saw V (R)
Some might say it's obvious that Saw V would carry on from where Saw IV ended. In this case, as one would assume, the clock ticks, mysteries unfold, people race for answers, and gore ensues.
Throughout the movie FBI agent Strahm strives to prove that a police detective, Hoffman, is an apprentice to the deceased serial killer, Jigsaw. He starts revisiting murder scenes to put the pieces together. Through a series of flashbacks connected to Hoffman's memories and Strahm's clue-gathering, we begin to see how the crooked detective became a part of the twisted killer's world.
In the meantime, Hoffman is following through on Jigsaw's final wish. He's set up yet another deadly game between five newly imprisoned characters that are all connected through their own deeds. This movie, like the rest of the Saw series, is NOT for those with weak stomachs. Yes, this installment in the series is more of the same. But if you've been 'Saw'-ing away for the last four years, why not take in Saw V?
Changeling (R)
This is the kind of story that I wish I could say was all made up. It's not.
On March 10, 1928, Christine Collins, a single mom who works as a telephone operator, comes home to find her house empty. Her 9-year-old son Walter is missing. She scours the neighborhood. She calls the police. The search goes on for months, followed closely by the California press. The Los Angeles Police Department, bombed with charges of incompetence, is under tremendous pressure to close the case.
Then a miracle happens. Walter Collins turns up in Illinois. He is alive, apparently unharmed, and ready to come home. The LAPD organizes a well-publicized reunion at the train station, eager for a much-needed photo opportunity. But the miracle instantly turns into a nightmare when Christine sees the boy. "That's not my son," she tells police captain J.J. Jones. "I'm sure you're mistaken," Jones says.
Christine insists that she'd know her own son when she saw him, but Jones convinces her to "take him home on a trial basis." You're just in shock, he tells her, the boy's been gone for a few months. Maybe he's changed? He hasn't.
Changeling is definitely too painful to watch. It tears at your gut. It's violent. The movie observes some of the ugliest behavior mankind can conceive. Revolving around a psychopath who kidnaps and hacks up little boys in a chicken coop, we don't see the full scope of these children's pain. But we see enough. In fact, we see more than enough.
The Haunting of Molly Hartley (PG-13)
Eerie music. Slowly moving shadows. Even the dullest events turn into disturbing scares in this fright flick. Molly Hartley has just moved to a new high school. When most kids her age would be simply worried about fitting in, this 17-year-old has a lot more on her plate.
Not only is Molly wrestling with scary flashback visions of her mom's recent attack on her with a pair of scissors, but she's been experiencing frequent headaches and bloody noses--not to mention the odd whispering voices. Is she going crazy like her mother?
Her suddenly attentive dad tries to soothe her fears. However, Molly isn't buying the idea that psychiatrists and medicines can make her troubles go away. She doesn't think Jesus can help much, either, despite the fact that a Christian girl at school says so.
Tick. Tick. Tick. The clock doesn't stop for anyone. Her 18th birthday is just around the corner. Molly has a strange gut feeling that there won't be much to celebrate once it arrives.
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