“State of Play” is an intelligent, seamlessly paced political thriller that will most likely be overlooked and even steamrolled this weekend by the Zac Efron Love Train. Who wants to watch a chubby Russell Crowe and a graying Ben Affleck attack D.C. corruption when Efron’s rippled abs can be had for the better part of two hours? Maybe you might, but I’ll take the former “Gladiator” star and his acting chops any day over Captain High School Musical. Love him …
Category: Reviews
I didn’t get a chance to screen “Adventureland” before its release today, but I traveled to the thriving metropolis of Ogden, Utah, even to the late Larry H. Miller’s newish Junction Megaplex, to catch a late show with my sisters. Based on the redband trailer and the helmsmanship of director Greg Mottola, I was expecting crass and crude, something like “Superbad.” But that’s not what was served. What I saw was a charming, smart, heartwarming (and yes, sometimes crass) comedy …
When it comes to animated movies, Pixar (and likewise Disney) has set the gold standard with pretty much anything they spit out. Whether it’s “Toy Story” (1995) or “Wall-E” (2008), the CGI animation studio in Emeryville, California is a lock for critical acclaim and box office success. They could make a movie about a pair of talking underpants and people would stream to the cinema to soak it up. Even with all glory, laud and honor going to the studio …