Edge of Darkness

Okay, I know Mel Gibson has said and done some things that no one would be proud about. But can't we let bygones be bygones? He has done no more wrong than half of the celebs we adore in Hollywood and we watch there movies and stalk them on TMZ and Perez Hilton. Let us also not forget, rather absurdly, people were willing to look passed what Roman Polanski had done due to his "tremendous" accomplishments in the film world. "Forgiveness is a virtue" has taken a backseat and I think its time we move it on up to shotgun.
Edge of Darkness stars Mel Gibson as a Boston detective who has just stood next to his estranged daughter as she was gunned down in his own house. After a depressing fall, Gibson rises up to avenge his daughters death by figuring out the story of his daughters mysterious work and untimely, horrific demise.
Gibson plays the role of a grieving, yet vengeful father to a tee. I thought he did a great job in his role at getting the audience, in this case just me, to root for him to succeed. This murder mystery I put right on up with the Ashley Judd/Morgan Freeman films, Kiss the Girls and High Crimes. I wasn't even bored during the scenes with mainly dialogue because the story was interesting enough to want to know everything going on.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 8/8.5

Everybody's Fine

There will never be another DeNiro. He has such a good way of leading you through a story with his stern yet comical sense about him. This film, Everybody's Fine, is one of his best performances in the last 20 years and that is no exaggeration. A widower goes on a quest to reconnect with his 4 children who have spread out over the U.S.. The only problem is that they are all covering a secret and tried at all costs to avoid him. After a series of unfortunate events he finds out just what is really going on and it forces him to re-think just how good of a job he did as a father.
This movie was done so well. Every aspect was intricately planned out and done in an extremely memorable way. The actors supporting DeNiro did a great job playing disconnected but loving children and this was the first time I actually liked Drew Barrymore since E.T.. If anyone asks me what my favorite movie lately has been, I will have to go with this. Maybe because I like human drama, or because it was great to see DeNiro performing so well, all in all, this film kept me entertained more so than most movies of this genre. I hope everyone gets a chance to see this at some point. Future classic.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 9

Legion

I saw Legion but the quality was not the greatest so it seemed a lot darker (literally) than it probably was....which is good because there were many parts where I was freaked out and was appreciative of the fact that I could NOT see the HD/HQ/1080p image that would get scarred into my cerebellum. I was,however, able to watch the film and see the whole movie and get the ideas and know, generally, what was going on. A battle between Angels and Demons that put the battle Tom Hanks was fighting for Dan Brown to shame. Much more intense violence and demonic images made this film frightful and even the angels had a rough edge. I think people should see it so I won't give away too much of the movie, unlike the films that suck where I will pretty much divulge all of their secrets (unless it really is a complete waste of time).
Paul Bettany plays a disgruntled employee of God (Michael the angel) and fends off hoards of demons on earth to protect a baby that is to be slaughtered by Satan's cronies. Dennis Quaid, Tyrese Gibson, and Kevin Durand round off this cast which I felt was pretty solid. Of course you could consider the CGI as a character because so much of it was computerized, which in my opinion, if done correctly is okay. Enjoyable movie but not for the faint of heart.....

My Elementary Grading Scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 7.5/8

CA$H

Yes you saw correctly. The genius marketing crew for this film were clever enough to think to put a dollar sign ($) for the 'S' in the word "cash". Applause. How did you ever come up with that? I felt like I was watching Sean Bean act in his last movie ever. A heist film where a deal goes bad, the villain tries to get the money back, and an unsuspecting poor couple ends up with the money and a bad guy chasing them at that. I am not saying I want a new story line or a great new invention of a movie, but I feel like you could pull all the lines from other heist movies that have been made and write the screenplay for "CA$H".
The twin brother of a criminal who stole money goes in search of the half a million that is missing after his brother got busted running from cops. (Sidenote: the fact that Sean Bean has a twin brother in this movie is TOTALLY irrelevant and I truly feel it was done solely for the purpose of saving money on one less actor so they could pay Sean Bean his due payment.)When the jail-less brother catches up to the boyfriend and girlfriend who has the money, there is a battle to return all the money, even the money that they spent on their immediate shopping spree. This does not make the people who stole the money very happy. You can guess what happens next.
If you LOVE Sean Bean, then you will love this film because he is literally one of the only things going for this movie. If not, then you may want to bring your gameboy or game gear with you to the movies......

My Elementary Grading Scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 5

Matt Marinchick - thebeginning

Matt Marinchick - thebeginning

Something to really get you pumped up!

Beauty and the Beast (2009)

If I were to step outside right now, collect the few coherent people in my neighborhood, hire one computer nerd and turn my camera....I would come very close to what the creators of this film had done. Maybe their sets would be more elaborate but when I look at a man in the film who lay dying covered in Kool-Aid soaked rags over his stomach to "resemble" entrails, it makes me wonder if the producer let this movie slide do to self-deprecation or just alcoholism. Not fit to qualify as a "Made for TV" movie or even a "Straight to DVD" film, Beauty and the Beast is a mix of poor acting, cheap effects (minus the CGI), and a tweaked storyline that fails to bring in the crowd.
There was an effort to make this story more likable to the "over 20's" that MIGHT have gone to see this movie. More murder, more "scary" moments and wizardry were all a botched attempt to spice things up. This movie fails the course and I don't think it will get a retake. Sorry Estella Warren (the only actor who I recognized) you picked the wrong film to get your career jump-started again.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 3

Planet Hulk

Going straight to DVD is a bad thing 99% of the time. That other 1% is usually designated for comic book movies such as this. Marvel Comics comes out with a steady flow of movies every year that are only about 75 minutes long and are, in my opinion, very entertaining. Since they are "movies" they are usually better illustrated than normal "Saturday Morning Cartoons" and are directed to a more grown up crowd due to its violence (blood) and humor. I have found all the Marvel Cartoon Movies I have seen (Thor, Wonder Woman, X-Men, Watchmen, Hulk) to be good enough to hold my attention for awhile.

Hulk Planet starts off as Hulk has been banished from Earth by Iron Man due to his violent rampages that usually left earth in Shambles. Hulk, after a violent inter-stellar rage, misdirects his ship to a far off planet engulfed in Violence as its leaders are looking for a "savior". Enter Hulk. Hulk smashes his way to stardom and the rest is history. If you got an hour or so to spare...check it out. I thought I had "outgrown" cartoons over the last year or so, but this film basically re-sparked my interest.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Progressing Satisfactorily

1-10: 7.5

The Book of Eli

YES.

GO SEE IT.

Ok, now that's out of the way, I can fill you in with some thoughts and info about a really great movie. I have yet to see a film starring Denzel Washington that I didn't like and that trend holds true even after his new film, The Book of Eli. He plays a lone traveler trekking across the U.S. on a quest to protect something sacred. I dont want to give away too much but I can tell you that he does a tremendous job as a "post-apocalyptic Moses", if you will. Mila Kunis joins him as a girl desperate to escape the growing grasp of a ruthless despot played by Gary Oldman who has a great performance as well, similar to the evil leader he played in The Fifth Element.

Full of religious undertones, and overtones, I thought that the writers and directors did a great job of not painting Christianity or living by faith in a bad light. The film actually showed a decent man trying to live a decent life and do the right thing, holding to his convictions and all the while he was portrayed as a man amongst men in a world where it was so easy to take the path of least resistance to secede to our human nature. There are themes of religion causing war, inciting the poor and religious zealotry and they are all poignant topics at this point in history. I highly recommend everyone see it. Not only is it action packed but its post-apocalyptic (one of my favorite themes) too. It's not just for the religious-minded at all. You will truly enjoy the twists and turns from a man who must resort to violence to protect what he was manifested to keep.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Exceeding Expectations

1-10: 8.5/9

Leap Year

Tell me that a movie is a romantic comedy these days, let me know the location, actors, and how many people are involved and I can basically tell you EXACTLY what is going to happen. Girl/Boy loves Boy/Girl. Girl/Boy realizes the Boy/Girl might not be right for them. Girl/Boy conveniently runs into a "new and improved" Boy/Girl. Girl Boy realizes that the "old" Boy/Girl does not have what it takes to be with them forever. Girl/Boy falls in love with the new Boy/Girl but not before thinking that all hope is lost. Girl/Boy and Boy/Girl live happily ever after riding off into the sunset.

Throw in an old Irish tradition of the woman asking the man for marriage on a leap day and you have yourself a new, "original" movie. Amy Adams, Adam Scott, and Matthew Goode star in this romantic comedy set in Ireland. Needless to say, I was not impressed but felt I had to do my part and post some reviews that maybe women would be more drawn to watching. If you are into "cheese" and something you have seen 100 times, then this movie is FOR YOU! If you want something good, go and see The Boys are Back starring Clive Owen. One of my favorite films in a long time.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Needs Improvement

1-10: 4

Daybreakers

In the future, historians will look back at American culture and ponder over the question of, "why does Hollywood make SO MANY vampire movies?" And to this I say, I do not know. Maybe its our fear of death, fear of bats, quest for eternal youth.... Who knows?!

Daybreakers is somewhere between the cuteness of Twilight and the toughness of Blade. Vampires with compassion rule Earth in the year 2019 and are searching for an alternative to human blood to preserve their life from a dwindling vampire population. Ethan Hawke and Willem Dafoe have discovered a major breakthrough in this dilemma to combat the pugnacious vampires of Earth in hopes of saving humanity.

I love vampire movies, zombie movies, and apocalyptic movies. However, they have to have something in them that I like such as an interesting premise, great cast, or great effects. Daybreakers had the effects. The reality and grotesqueness of their vampire-ness was quite a cool look. Daybreakers had the cast. Willem Dafoe and Ethan Hawke are definitely great actors who I have enjoyed in past films (Reservoir Dogs (Dafoe) and Great Expectations (Hawke)). Daybreakers however did not have an interesting premise. In my eyes, after seeing SO many vampire movies, I was hoping for something truly original. Unfortunately, it is hard to create an original idea with 2847549 vampire movies out there already ( I made that number up ). BUT, 2 out of 3 ain't bad. I would go see it if I were you and you like scary movies.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Progressing Satisfactorily

1-10: 7

Sherlock Holmes

CSI: 19th Century London....... I can't wait for the spinoff from this movie!

"Elementary, My Dear Watson!" is something you won't hear in this movie.... The only cliche line left in this movie from his stories of old is, "The game is afoot!" Guy Ritchie obviously spent time making the story of Holmes, Watson, Blackwood and Moriarty his own in this tale of detective work in the bustling streets of 19th Century London. Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, and Rachel McAdams put their twist on this great classic. After a series of murders in the city, Holmes captures the notorious Blackwood, played by Mark Strong, and from here on out is where all the confusions begins. Upon Blackwood's resurrection, after being put to death for murder, more murder and mystery stemming from this evil, cult-like villain continue leaving Holmes perplexed but not beat. With the help of his reluctant sidekick, Dr. Watson (Law) and a mischievous criminal who has Holmes affection, Ms. Irene Adler (McAdams), the crew makes quick work of ending a MUCH larger conspiracy that is unfolding. Leaving room for a sequel, Professor Moriarty, who is Holmes' true nemesis in the classic novels, steps forward and displays his cruel and devious plot.

This movie was well made, witty, and a tribute to a classic story that I think may have been lost on the wayside in the time of all the new fantasy fiction and mystery novels out today. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was the originator of the Holmes series and I feel he would appreciate this rebirth of his story to a new generation. The film was lively and interesting. Seeing the wit of Holmes and his persuasive, maniacal genius that was essential to him being able to complete his work was what kept the movie progressing. Kind of a turn of the century (19th Century) Horatio Caine of CSI: Miami........

My Elementary Grading Scale: Exceeding Expectations

1-10: 8.5/9

The Road

Cormac McCarthy's book The Road was one of the best books I have read in the last few years. He has a way of writing with such description that you can vividly see exactly what he wants you to see and McCarthy's way of writing about the reality of the human spirit is what made me fall in love with his works. No Country for Old Men and All the Pretty Horses are just a couple more of his books that were turned into films. I suggest all fans of reading to go to their local library or bookstore and check out some of his stuff. You will not be disappointed.

The Road is about a father and son struggling to survive in a harsh new world of decay and disaster after nuclear war had ended existence as we know it. A handful of men and women remained on earth and the majority had become ruthless privateers willing to do anything and everything to survive including cannibalism and slavery. Not as far-fetched as some apocalyptic films like Mad Max, Water World, or Zombieland; The Road is more of a human drama as it depicts a Father's love for his son and the passing of wisdom from one generation to the next.

Viggo Mortensen does an extremely wonderful job capturing the agony of having to watch his son struggle with hunger and fear while also being brave enough to do whatever needed to be done to protect and provide for him as well. Perfectly played and perfectly captured. I felt that it was as close as you can get to trying to recreate a book which is often a seamless task. Well Done. I can't wait to watch it again.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Exceeding Expectations

1-10: 9

The Lovely Bones

Good week for movies. I got to see The Boys are Back along with this great supsense/drama film starring Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Stanley Tucci, Susan Sarandon and new starlet Saorise Ronan. A star-studded cast and a great director (Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings) brought this film to life and created an incredible world that wove reality and fantasy into a great story overall. After their daughters murder, Whalberg and Weisz play grieving parents who take different paths in dealing with their daughters mysterious abduction and death. I think that mostly you can see this film's theme as "a fathers love for his daughter" and just how far someone is willing to go for their child. Sarandon plays the alcoholic grandma who struggles to mend the family and take care of the situation the best she knows how. As time passes, clues are brought forth from beyond by the dead daughter through a series interactions with her relentless father and sister who are bent on finding her killer. Tucci plays an amazing role as the peculiar, suspicious, plotting neighbor who finds it hard to completely walk away from his "work".

Its hard to believe that the first time I saw Tucci play a role it was as a criminal in the kids' film Beethoven. He has come a long way and does an amazing job making the viewer cringe, and made me feel like I wanted to jump into the film and grab him myself. I am not spoiling anything for the movie because it is evident from the beginning that Tucci's character will be the "bad guy". I thought this film was so great. I was intrigued and glued to my seat through the entire film. No one wants to think about something as horrible as young girls being abducted but Jackson directs a great film which doesnt go into the grotesque yet leaves you knowing what has happened.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Exceeding Expectations

1-10: 9

Smokin Aces 2: Assassins' Ball

Where to begin? I guess I should first start by asking the question, " Is a movie considered better the more shocking it is, or is 'shock' just something placed in a movie to make up for lack of quality?" I personally believe that a film done correctly can challenge, excite, enlighten, and touch the viewers emotions without the need to be overly explicit in any way. Of course there are the movies like Saw and The Last House on the Left that simply horrify you and gross you out to the point where it is etched in your mind for weeks to follow. Those kinds of movies are generally popular but you cannot say that there will be any awards or praise given to those movies any time soon.

Here we find a film that borders on grotesque but the filming was entertaining and the actors were talented enough to appreciate the writing and acting for itself. I have been a fan of Vinnie Jones ever since he was in Snatch but unfortunately his role was not long enough to really improve the film overall. He along with many other actors were all assassins trying to kill an FBI analyst involved with some cover-ups in the middle east. Due to a specific time slot for assassination, a barrage of attempts at his life leave the FBI ops that were to protect him reeling in a mess that gets more and more intense until an explosive ending with a twist.

I personally liked the film only for the fact that it was visually entertaining with loud noises and big bangs and bloody messes..... a stimulation of the senses but I certainly did not walk away from the film any better for seeing it. Basic entertainment to say the least.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Progressing Satisfactorily

1-10: 6.5

The Boys are Back

Clive Owen at his finest. I can boldly say that this movie is a tear jerker and I definitely soaked my shirt sleeve by the end of the movie.

Joe Warr (Owen) is left a widower after his wife suddenly dies from cancer leaving him with their son to start a new life in a strange new situation that both of them are finding hard to adjust to. Through a string of events, Joe reunites with his son from a previous marriage and further complicates, yet enriches, their lives. Clive Owen plays a father who is desperate to come to peace with his wife's passing and be the father he should, while maintaining his career as a sports writer and it's his job that truly adds to the defining moment of the film where he almost loses everything again.

I was so impressed with this film. I was waiting for a long time for this movie to come out and as time passed I completely lost track of its release date. I truly think this movie was made for fathers, but as you can see, it can be enjoyed by anyone. Such a "pick me up" story after the film started off in tragedy. I hope everyone goes and sees this film because unfortunately there haven't been many movies as good as this one as of late.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Exceeding Expectations

1-10: 9.5/10

Paintball

The Paintball version of Saw. A group of adventure seekers set out on a trip to a jungle to participate in the BEST paintball gun fight ever. Unfortunately upon arrival, the crew realizes that someone they are fighting is using real bullets and real knives and traps and their numbers begin dwindling. As the group slowly starts to realize their plight, the in-fighting for leadership roles only furthers their demise.

This movie was borderline ridiculous. There were many scenarios that if thought out, could have been avoided, and if they truly wanted to escape, I KNOW that they could have improvised a way to leave the simple electric wire fencing that held them in the jungle. The acting was sub-par, with a cast of actors who I have never heard of, for a good reason I now know. Skip it. Unless you are planning on going to a Paintball fight in the jungle and are possibly going to be shot at with real bullets at the same time. You will learn exactly what NOT to do.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Needs Improvement

1-10: 4.5/5

Avatar

This was the most phenomenal (spelled that right the first time) display of CGI that I have ever seen thus far. The world created in this film was something straight out of a fantasy fiction novel yet also reminded me of the 90's cartoon movie Fern Gully.

When the Humans invade a new planet, Pandora, looking for Unobtainium (fuel), they choose to mercilessly take over the planet by removing anything and everything that gets in their way. By reating special hybrid "Avatars" they are able to infiltrate the enemy and learn information about these indigenous creatures. Jake Sully, a sympathetic human who happens to be paraplegic and finds the use of his avatars legs an awakening experience, begins to side with the native Na'vi tribes. War invokes as humans battle against Na'vi and all at the same time, a love story blossoms between Sully and a Na'vi princess.

Like I said, this movie is incredibly great to watch. I did not get the chance to see it in 3D but I heard that it was EVEN better which is amazing. HOWEVER, many of the messages were a direct, unabashed attempt to shame America and its people for what is going on in the Middle East. James Cameron parallels the battle for the planet and its commodities to the conflict going on over seas right now and though I may not agree with everything going on right now over there Cameron shows the humans (Americans) as a merciless, thoughtless, power hungry people willing to do anything for new land and treasures. Generalization is usually the beginning of stereotyping and racism and it is a shame that Cameron chooses to do that to his fellow countrymen. Why propagate the issue as opposed to offering a better solution through his film can probably be summed up in his frustration with what is going on, which I guess I cannot blame him for. If you do not want to support it, then don't go watch the movie. If you can look past it, then you will surely enjoy a movie that you could call "pleasing to the eye".

My Elementary Grading Scale: Exceeding Expectations

1-10: 8.5/9

Back at it SOON!

Dear Readers,

I have spent that last few months solely watching television shows and older films so I haven't truly had any new films to comment about. BUT, that is about to change. I just started up again, so rest assured, I will be blogging about the new recent development in the movie entertainment industry.... Hope you all enjoy.

Thank you,

Matt Marinchick