Writer-director Jonathan Levine’s “The Wackness” has the type of self-assuredness that usually comes from a 20-year veteran, but I don’t think a man that old could have made this picture. The 30-something Levine came of age in the mid-1990s just like the film’s protagonist — Luke Shapiro (Josh Peck) — and the payoff is authenticity.
Click here for full review: http://m.rgj.com/news.jsp?key=96373
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Let’s clear the air both literally and figuratively. It’s not funny to watch people get stoned.
Sure, there’s the momentary snigger that comes when folks make idiots of themselves, but it’s difficult to extend that sort of humor beyond 15 minutes. That’s why the Harold & Kumar flicks were dreadful. It’s why “Dude, Where’s My Car?” was unwatchable. And it’s why “Pineapple Express” is a waste of two hours and $10.
Click here for full review: http://m.rgj.com/news.jsp?key=93045
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Kevin Costner plays Bud Johnson in the political comedy "Swing Vote."
When a political film hits theaters during a presidential election year, the hope is for a thoughtful piece that encourages viewers to more thoroughly examine the American political process. Alas, we’ve been saddled with “Swing Vote.”
Despite problems — detailed later — the premise behind “Swing Vote” could be fun. Through a fluke precipitated by a precocious child and inept election officials, one working-class guy is allowed to decide the fate of a U.S. presidential election.
Click here for full review: http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080801/ENT01/808010459/0/ENT
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David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson in "The X-Files: I Want to Believe."
Fans of Fox Mulder and Dana Scully have been itching to see the popular characters for some time, and “The X-Files: I Want to Believe” should sate their appetites. The big question is whether the movie can play to a broader audience. Certainly, “Believe” is good enough to engage folks who have never seen an “X-Files” television episode, but it’s not so good that they should seek it out. That’s because the movie is, in essence, a 104-minute version of the show.
Click here for full review: http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080725/ENT01/807250463/1057/ENT01
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Batman rolls into action in "The Dark Knight."
The toughest thing about following up a great movie is living up to expectations, and with “Batman Begins,” writer-director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale set the bar awfully high.
With its engaging script, terrific cast and brooding tone, “Begins” is arguably the best superhero film ever to hit theaters. How does one top that?
They don’t. But Nolan and company did everything possible to pull a repeat performance, and the result is a stunning action piece that should appeal not only to the popcorn-munching crowd but serious filmgoers.
Click here for complete review: http://www.rgj.com/article/20080718/ENT01/807180474
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Over the years, Pixar Animation Studios has caused millions of children — and adults — to fall head over heels for everything from space rangers and race cars to clown fish and bugs. Today, courtesy of “WALL-E,” the company has started countless love affairs with a robot.
Director Andrew Stanton’s (“A Bug’s Life,” “Finding Nemo”) latest film is not only a terrific animated adventure, it’s a tribute to a lost era of filmmaking.
Click here for complete review: http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080627/ENT01/806270466/1056/ENT
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It’s been five years since Hollywood delivered a poorly conceived film based on Marvel Comics’ Hulk 
character, but nobody seems to have learned a thing in the downtime. Sure, the filmmakers involved in “The Incredible Hulk” made changes, but none of them addressed the one problem that made 2005’s “Hulk” a failure.It wasn’t director Ang Lee who ruined the project, nor was it stars Eric Bana and Jennifer Connelly. No. The problems rested squarely on the shoulders of the special effects department, which couldn’t deliver a realistic-looking title character. And, low and behold, the special effects gurus have blown it again.
Click here for the complete review: http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080613/ENT01/806130517/1056/ent
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OK men, you know it’s coming. With “Sex and the City” opening this week, your wife or girlfriend already is 
plotting ways to get you into the theater. After all, you did drag her to “Iron Man” several weeks ago. The question is, “Will you be able to stand it?”
There’s “sex” is in the title, and the R rating promises at least a few flashes of nudity, so that’s promising. But that darn TV show made a big deal out of girly stuff like fashion and gossip, and word is the movie revolves around a wedding. Bad sign.
Allow me, as a guy who has watched nary an episode, to prepare you for the theatrical experience.
Click here for complete review: http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080530/ENT01/805300486/1057/ENT01
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“The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” is as likable and intense as the first Narnia movie, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” in nearly every way.
From left to right, Skandar Keynes, WiIliam Moseley, Goergie Henley, Anna Popplewell and Peter Dinklage star in "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian."
Sure, the ending wanders and the story’s religious metaphors are more heavy-handed, but neither of these things are damning. Bottom line: Writer-director Andrew Adamson provides a continuity of style and vision, and fans of “Wardrobe” should find “Caspian” most excellent.
Click here for complete review: http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080516/ENT01/805160505/1056/ENT
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Horton faces off with a nasty kangaroo.
Twentieth Century Fox Animation’s take on “Horton Hears a Who!” is easily the best feature-length film made from a Dr. Seuss story. But with predecessors like “The Cat in the Hat” (2003) and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000), a statement like that doesn’t qualify as praise.
The forerunners of “Horton” were so bad that being better doesn’t mean much. So, it’s good news that “Horton” is more than better, it’s halfway decent. Faint praise, yes, but at least this film seems to appreciate Seuss’ wonderful literary legacy.
Click here for full review: http://www.idahostatesman.com/109/story/323016.html
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