Trespass (2011)

When it’s over, I liked the plot twists and turns, but didn’t like the film as a whole.  It’s like eating a fancy meal.  You appreciate all that’s gone into the meal, but it doesn’t taste all that good, and that’s disappointing.  Nicholas Cage and Nicole Kidman play a wealthy married couple, Kyle and Sarah Miller, who seem to have it all until a home invasion reveals the lies and deception the two harbour.  Think Panic Room (2002).  Think Funny Games (2007).  Think Hostage (2005).  But, don’t think Trespass is better, because it’s not, but does share similarities.  The story moves fast, and the script was smart enough to keep the plot shifting, leaving enough guessing room as to which direction the film will turn as the body count escalates.  However, a good story isn’t enough if the performances can’t live up to the text.  This is the unfortunate case for Trespass.  Cage and Kidman, both talented actors, weren’t at their best in this film, leaving their characters bland and one dimensional.  The weak supporting cast including Cam Gigandet and Liana Liberato didn’t offer much lift either.  The level of concern for the family was nil, leaving me emotionally detached from the characters, and once you lose interest in the characters, you lose interest in the story.  Joel Schumacher has made some notable films in the past, and this isn’t one of them. 

My rating: 2.5 out of 5

Apollo 18 (2011)

When it’s over, this documentary style thriller leaves you wondering if the conspiracy is all true.  The production design is quite convincing using found-footage style photography, the genre made popular by films such as Cloverfield (2008), Paranormal Activity (2007), and Blair Witch Project (1999).   In other words, lots of narration and shaky camera work.  In 1974, Apollo 18 is the mission in which two American astronauts are secretly sent to the moon.  What should have been a routine sample collection expedition turns into a confrontation with an alien species.  I think the idea’s interesting, but overall, I didn’t like this film.  The creatures were not at all original.  In fact, they were rather boring.  I was expecting something more “out there” in terms of how they looked and behaved.  After all, the setting is the Moon, so the possibilities are endless.  I learned nothing about the species, such as what their weaknesses were, how they survived on such a barren landscape, and what they intended to gain by attacking the humans.  The action wasn’t scary, but the film does consist of some scary scenes and disturbing images.  With a budget of $5,000,000, I’d have to give the film some credit.  It moved along well enough, and I didn’t fall asleep. 


My rating:  2 out of 5

Last Night (2010)

When it’s over, this is a film about adults for adults, and I haven’t seen a film as engaging since Closer (2004).  The film asks the question, what is considered cheating and what is worse – the act of a sexual act with someone you have no feelings for or the spending of a night in someone’s arms who you do have feelings for.  Last Night is about a married couple who are separated for one night.  While the husband, Mike (Sam Worthington), is on a business trip with an attractive colleague (Eva Mendes), the wife, Joanna (Kiera Knightly) unexpectedly meets her old flame (Guillaume Canet).  Within 36 hours, the married couple must choose between fidelity or infidelity.  The constant dance between “should I” or “shouldn’t I” is prevalent through the whole of the film, and it’s truly gripping as we watch Mike struggle between fidelity and lust, while Joanna faces the constant pull of love and loyalty.  Writer and Director Massy Tadjedin has crafted a story that’s thought provoking, realistic, and intelligent.  She’s woven her characters expertly with solid dialogue that not only develops character and story, but also allows a glimpse into their inner psyches.  The film is non-judgmental, and I found myself sympathetic to each of the four characters.  When the film faded to black, I didn’t want it to end.  It left the story hanging, but in a good way.  As much as I wanted to see whether Mike and Joanna would confess their previous night’s encounters, I think it was clever of Tadjedin for ending the film the way she did.  It makes the audience wonder whether their marriage will survive with or without knowing the previous night’s events.  Great performances.  Very well put together.  I highly recommend this poignant independent film about relationships and all its complexities.


My rating:  4 out of 5

Puss in Boots (2011)

When it’s over, Puss in Boots offers up some good laughs. This film is a character spin off from the popular Shrek series and chronicles the life of Puss in Boots prior to meeting Shrek, when Puss was a wanted fugitive trying to clear his name.  Mixed with some fractured fairy tales, Puss’s adventure includes some magic beans, golden eggs, a meeting with Jack and Jill, and a love/hate relationship with Humpty Dumpty. Humpty’s inventive contraptions, including his “quick change of clothes” was by far the funniest scenes, giving his egg character a deserved moment in the spotlight.  Jack and Jill was a complete surprise.  My images of two sweet children going up the hill was no more after Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris took over the voices of this married couple.  Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek reunite to lend their voices as Puss and his female counterpart, Kitty Softpaws.  A good story, witty humour, and universal messages of friendship, forgiveness, and sacrifice make this a wonderful family film.


My rating:  4 out of 5

Tower Heist (2011)

When it’s over, the film’s title suggests more than it delivered.  Heist films work when they’re slick, smart, and stylish, neither of which can be said about this Brett Ratner film.  The film doesn’t have a genre, unless you consider “mish-mash” a genre, because that’s what Tower Heist is.  It’s neither a comedy, action, or drama.  It has elements of all three, but neither is strong enough to define the film.  Casting was the biggest problem.  It was all wrong, not because of a lack of talent, but rather a miss-casting of characters.  With a cast that included Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Casey Affleck, Judd Hirsch, Alan Alda, Matthew Broderick, Tea Leoni, and Michael Pena, I thought the film would have more “Umph!”  But, sadly, it’s just another forgettable film.  Josh Kovacs (Stiller) is the manager of a residential apartment building who discovers that his boss, Arthur Shaw (Alda), a wealthy financier, has robbed him and his staff of their pension.  Upon learning that Shaw keeps a stash of millions in his penthouse suite, Kovacs bands together a group of amateur thieves to steal the money from Shaw.  If I was to recast the film with the existing cast, I’d cast Affleck as Shaw – a young, slick, and totally corrupt tycoon; Hirsch and Alda are retired thieves who want revenge on Shaw, but their older years require them to hire some younger help – in comes Stiller, Broderick, and Pena; Leoni can remain the FBI agent, but I would omit the alcohol and cast her as a tough as nails gal who’s always one step ahead of Shaw; and Murphy as Leoni’s fast talking partner – a grown up Axel Foley.  Lastly, Steve McQueen's Ferrari 250 GT Lusso (replicated in glossy red) will definitely stay in the film. 


My rating:  2 out of 5