The Big Year
We talked about this on the PGP Filmcast, and we all agreed that the preview doesn't mention bird watching at all. And that is all this movie is about, nothing else. Apparently bird watchers (should that be capitalized?) can compete in a Big Year, which is attempting to see as many different species of birds possible in a single year. I DON'T CARE!!!! Jack Black, Steve Martin, and Owen Wilson weren't able to bring anything to the paper thin characters, and the story is bland and clichéd. Maybe bird watchers will enjoy it.
* 1/2 out of 5
The Thing
Is it a sequel or a prequel? The setting is a prequel, but everything that happens is so similar to the John Carpenter version that it might as well be a sequel. If it was an original movie I might have been impressed, but it's not. I say just go watch the original. It's not Netflix right now.
** out of 5
The Way
It's about a guy walking down a road. 'Nuff said.
* out of 5
Footloose
It's an updated version of the original. The dancing is better and the people are more attractive. But it will never capture that 80's magic that was the original.
** out of 5
Johnny English Reborn
I never saw the original, so I'm not sure if I missed anything in the sequel. I'm pretty sure I didn't. There's a few funny gags, but it usually resorts to kicking people in the nuts repeatedly for jokes. I like Rowan Atkinson and he is the only saving grace for this movie.
** out of 5
Anonymous
I'm an unashamed Roland Emmerich fan. I didn't have high hopes for Anonymous, but was curious to see an Emmerich movie where the Earth was not in peril. Basically take a JFK conspiracy type story and set it in 16th century England. It has many flaws, but it kept me entertained. Who doesn't like a good conspiracy theory? This one has some gaping holes, but who cares. It's a movie. I read some scathing reviews after I saw it, and couldn't help but think that if this had been directed by anyone else it would have been praised. The costumes, sets, and special effects were just as good as other period films. The critics all pretty much say Roland Emmerich is a hack director that only does trashy end of the world movies. Leave the real drama to the experts. Now I'm not saying this is a great movie. Not even a good movie. The acting is about on par with Independence Day, and all the timeline jumping is a little confusing. But it's not a terrible movie.
** 1/2 out of 5
May the Force be with you,
CHUD
