“Wolverine”: Action-packed film does not disappoint X-Men fanatics
Take Hugh Jackman, slap on 200 pounds of muscle, foot-long muttonchops and razor-sharp, Adamantium claws and you have “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.” The most recent in Marvel Comic’s X-Men film franchise opened Friday, kicking off a promising summer of blockbusters.
Matthew Okada, Writer
• May 5, 2009
Leak doesn’t keep fans away from ‘Wolverine’
Audiences weren't deterred from watching "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" on the big screen despite a full-length version of the superhero prequel clawing its way online last month.
The 20th Century Fox movie grabbed the No. 1 spot at the weekend box office with an estimated $87 million opening, toppling the first two "X-Men" films — but not the third, according to studio estimates Sunday.
Associated Press, Writer
• May 4, 2009
“The Soloist”: Technical masterpiece, realistic portrayal of friendship
In life, tragedy can strike without warning. Steve Lopez, played by “Iron Man’s” Robert Downey Jr., knows this all too well.
May 1, 2009
“Dragonball Evolution” loses originality presented in older series
If the theory of evolution assumes that species evolve into higher forms of life over time, then “Dragonball Evolution” comes as a heresy to the Darwinian doctrine.
April 24, 2009
“Adventureland”: Film captures simple moments, portrays sincere characters
In “Adventureland,” James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg) longs to find and capture defining life moments as his journey toward adulthood is staved off because of finances and the inevitability of reality.
April 24, 2009
“Living Thing”: Peter Bjorn and John feature catchy mix in new album
If you still find yourself whistling the tune from “Young Folks,” the indie anthem off Peter Bjorn and John’s 2006 release, “Writer’s Block,” do not fret. On March 31 their 2009 release, “Living Thing,” is sure to keep you side-steppin’ and boppin’.
April 1, 2009
“12 Rounds” reduces potential horrific feature to brain-dead action film
Just from the derivative trailer, “12 Rounds” sets itself up as a mediocre action film with terrible action and preposterous plotting starring wrestler John Cena. And you would be correct in that assumption except for one minuscule detail: “12 Rounds” is perfect escapism.
March 31, 2009
“The Haunting in Connecticut”: Predictable scares undermine existence of evil
The opening shot reveals that “The Haunting in Connecticut” is “based on a true story.” Whether it’s based on a true story or not, consider the possible reasons the filmmakers would consider it necessary to reveal this bit of information. Most movies that are “based on true stories” tend to be motivational or historical, and sometimes both. This movie has neither intention. By basing a horror film on true events, it should, in theory, be scarier than a ridiculous fiction. Why watch a fictional evil event when you can watch a real evil event that actually happened in Connecticut?
March 31, 2009
“I Love You, Man” successfully portrays lighthearted bro-mance
Tolkien deeply celebrated friendship when he had Samwise journey with the ringbearer all the way to Mount Doom. Even though “I Love You, Man” is a lightweight comedy, it seeks to celebrate that same type of hobbit friendship. It is a film that honors those friends who would jam with you to Rush's "Tom Sawyer," or would remember to be extra careful with your “Lost” season two DVDs, or who would even back you up in a fight against Lou Ferrigno if you unwisely chose to pick a fight with the star of “The Incredible Hulk.”
March 25, 2009
“Knowing” lacks consistent tone, discussion of deep ideas
If the earth would end today, would you really want to know? That is one of the central questions to “Knowing,” a sci-fi potboiler of disaster films, religious symbolism and fatherhood.
March 23, 2009
“Race to Witch Mountain”: Second re-make provides lighthearted alternative for younger audiences
Attention spans are much shorter than they were in 1975. At least, this is what film studios have in mind when remaking classic sci-fi movies. Disney is certainly no exception with their remake of “Escape to Witch Mountain” – the second remake, actually. The title change to “Race to Witch Mountain” pretty much says it all.
March 23, 2009
“Watchmen”: Superheroes story includes heavy philosophical issues
Both the graphic novel and film adaptation of “Watchmen” ask difficult questions about human nature from the molecular to the cosmic view.
March 10, 2009
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