Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Tron: Legacy

Marshall: The world of Tron Legacy is a visceral techno-wonderland whose beauty almost makes up for the wooden performances found within. Kosinski turns in a film with loads of style and flair (thanks largely to a brilliant score by Daft Punk) that lacks an engaging narrative and interesting characters. [5]

Jed: When I sat down and the movie began, reflecting the simplicity of the 1982 opening sequence, I thought I was in a "visceral techno-wonderland." Kosinski does an "Evil Dead 2" on this one: one part sequel, one part re-imagineering of the Tron idea. Garrett Hedlund does not ruin the film and Olivia Wilde is hot and double-punchy. The story is simple but able to slide in both socially-conscious commentary, and vague spiritual overtones without cumbersome explanations which disrupt willful suspension of disbelief. Michael Sheen gives a fun, over-the top performance, and hey Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner are back! Not bad for a video/commercial director. [6~ visuals/score]

True Grit

Marshall: The Spielberg produced western remake, True Grit, is a beautiful testament to the genius of the Coens. Outstanding newcomer, Hailee Steinfeld, proves she can hang with the best (namely Jeff Bridges). [7]

Jed: The Coen brothers have a fine film on their hands with standout character performances by Jeff Bridges and wonderful charismatic work by Hailee Steinfeld. Shot in Texas, this is one of the Coens better films and fits nicely next to No Country and O' Brother in the Coen film compendium. Great action, heartwarming charm and humor, and solid cinematography and score. [6]

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

A Magical Film-laden Quest

So intrepid readers you have finally wandered off the well-lit paths and into the dreamy subterrene world of the movie hole!

It is a dark place, full of mystery and yet hopeful providence! We carry the light with us! Fear not: we will ferry you safely through these poorly charted lands!

Sit back, relax and let us do the heavy lifting. We review the movies. You decide if we grasped your heart and yanked it still beating from your chest. . .or if we sent you to seek the gentler caresses of Morpheus and the Sandman with their downy pillows and quiet lullabies. . .

Watch! And return to the upper world beyond the movie hole, feeling refreshed and sated, eager to return again and feel the warm, flickering light once more. . . .