The Adjustment Bureau

This is one of the best films I have seen in recent years. Maybe it was the subject matter. Maybe it was that I had it pegged all wrong, and it was unlike anything I could have expected. I don't know, but I now LOVE this film. I thought it was going to be a political thriller much like The Ides of March. Not even close. Politics play a role in the plot, but by no means is this film political. This film answers to a higher power than any government could ever possess. It's mainly about life choices and where they will lead your future, but it is also about intervention when necessary to give one a bit of a nudge in the direction you are "suppose" to go. David (Damon) is about to embark on two moments that will define him as a man. He is about to lose an election for a Senate seat, and he is about to meet Elise (Blunt), aka, The woman of his dreams. It is love at first sight, but it is not meant to be. That doesn't stop him from looking for her, but it will be 3 very long years before he runs into again and this is where we get an inside look into what "The Adjustment Bureau" is. Without giving away to much, they are a group of men who feel they know what is best for every human on Earth, and they are also the ones who give those little nudges I spoke of earlier. The thing about this Bureau is no human knows of their existence. Not suppose to. They merely observe, until observing isn't enough. I immediately related them to the observers from Fringe, but in fact this is based on a book that precedes that show some 30 years, so JJ Abrams is actually the plagiarizer here. Shame Shame JJ. So what we here is actually a really great thriller that will keep you enthralled with the end game, and it may make you think of some of the choices you have made in life that you either regretted or didn't understand why you do such a thing. Is there an Adjustment Bureau, or is all just Free Will? Fantastic film with wonderful performance all around. Buy it, rent it, watch it, pass it along to anyone who hasn't seen it. 

NBM rates The Adjustment Bureau - Phenomenal

This Means War

Exactly what I expected? Sure, but with an added bonus. Great chemistry between the two leading men. They are close as brothers in the film and that could be hard to play, since they probably first met on the set. They successfully made me believe they have known each other for 20 years. This is a sign of great actors. I am a Tom Hardy fan, and this is a bit of a different role for him. Of the two men, He is the more sweet, understanding guy and Chris Pine is the playboy, arrogant stud. It was good to see Hardy tone down his brutish glares and intimidating stares. This is the story of two men who fall for the same woman played by Reese Witherspoon. The catch is, she dates both of them. She is unaware they know each other, and they are unaware they are also dating the same woman. They make a pact that the best man wins. Whoever she chooses will win, and the loser will walk away like a real man. It's all so simple. Ya right. Oh ya, and these guys are highly trained, very lethal CIA spies who have unlimited resources to military grade toys. This little nugget allows them to, well, spy. Not only on her, but on each other. It's funny because that is the gist of the rom-com aspect of This Means War, but the film opens with a plot about international terrorism that ends up being a pretty solid sub plot throughout. Reese is always lovely, but the men steal the show. We just wait to see how they will sabotage each other's next date and it goes from very light to pretty extreme. I never had a dull moment watching this film full of cliches. It also boasted one of the funniest scenes ever when Hardy's character is accused of being "too nice". This leads to an all blitz on a paintball game that will leave you laughing. I was more than pleased with this run of the mill comedy, that had great action, cool gadgets, and a superb way to make the love interest make her choice between the two men. Very enjoyable, definitely worth 90 minutes of anyone's day.


NBM rates This Means War - Awesome

Chronicle

This is another one of those "real" films that is actually fiction. It is all filmed by one guy with his camcorder, and it's an "unedited" look at the adventure these 3 young men embark on after spelunking into a mystery hole they found in a field. What they do know, is they have been blessed with special abilities that over time with patience, and practice, they will be able to harness it becoming the most powerful individuals on the planet. It starts out small. Levitating small objects, but then with time it grows. As they say, it's like a muscle. Build it up and the possibilities are endless. These 3 individuals seem to be level headed about it, but one kid, with a horrible home life and no friends, finds it as an escape from his hell on Earth reality. He begins to scare the others. He can't control his emotion, and people start getting hurt. The other two quickly realize they may have unlocked Pandora's box and they feel they need to intervene. Easier said than done. This is one those rare films that uses a method of film making that can leave you feeling ripped off or left in awe. Chronicle left me in awe. The film itself is full of great dialog, but is also full of great effects. Then the human side of it turns terribly dark and hard to swallow. It is one of the most fun movies I've seen in a long time. So very different from everything else being offered these days and there is not a slow moment throughout. It is definitely worth at least one viewing per person, and I realize some will hate it for reasons I don't care to go into, but if you can get past the "indie" aspect of it with the shaky camera and weird angles you will enjoy what you are witnessing. A very original film with no star power that delivers an extremely powerful film.

NBM rates Chronicle - A Cinematic Work of Art

Sherlock Holmes : A Game of Shadows

I missed the first one in the theater, and loved it on DVD. I tried to get to this one in theater after seeing how good it looked as well, but failed again. In my opinion, the first one is more enjoyable. Game of Shadows is good, don't get me wrong, but it's the same movie with new characters. Not necessarily the same plot, but Guy Richie (Who I love) used the exact same blue print for this one that he did for number 1. I was hoping for something new. He was so visionary with the first one, and I expected some new tricks, techniques, and slight of hand from this one, but it was played out exactly the same. The only difference was it was released in 3D, so there were scenes to prostitute that technology. The scenes would have stood alone without that aspect, but other than that, it's a bunch of foreshadowing by Holmes to know what his moves will be against assailants, friends....everything really. The villain this time around is Moriarty played superbly by the "Great at be creepy, Evil, Odd" Jared Harris. He is Holmes arch Nemesis, and this story delivers a rather unusual form of trickery on Moriarty's part. That aspect I really liked. Basically it's another one of those, "figure out how to stop the bad guy from total world annihilation and not die" film. It's definitely a popcorn movie. It also did what the first film did with explanations. At the end the whole thing is recapped by Holmes in a narrative/speech about how he figured it all out. I know it is supposed to throw us, but to explain everything we just watched seems silly. Like I said Good not fantastic like it's predecessor, but worth a look.


NBM rates Sherlock Holmes : A Game of a Shadows - Awesome

The Grey

I knew this would be worth a look because of Liam Neeson. He is more bankable  right now than he has ever been, and I'm not sure when that happened. Batman Begins helped, but I think it was Taken that did it full on. This very much has the feeling of the movie Alive at the beginning. A plane full of people crashes in unfriendly circumstances. Not only is it freezing, but in The Grey, the survivors have to also fend off a blood thirsty pack of wolves. It's one of those films that doesn't have "a lot". Not a lot of effects. Not a lot of story. Not a lot of character back stories. It's a bare bones script about 7 Men fighting to survive in the wilderness they were thrust into against their will. Luckily for the other 6, they have Ottway (Neeson). A survivalist who actually made a living keeping wolves at bay so the men could work unhindered on the Alaskan rig. He knows the breed and he hunted them down, but more than that, he respected them. An unrecognizable Dermot Mulroney is one of the 7, which surprised us. I thought he would have got a little recognition among this cast of no ones. The adventure that takes place isn't a long one in terms of run time. The Men face obstacles and terrain, but they know it will be the wolves that get them, if they are destined to be got, if you will. An intense film to say the least. Very well done, and Neeson delivers as he always does. If you wanted to see it, but haven't, I'd say the trailers delivered pretty accurately as to what is in store for the viewer.


NBM rates The Grey - Awesome

The Dark Knight Rises

I've been saying it for months that this would be the movie to see this Summer and I was right. There is absolutely nothing not to like with Christopher Nolan's third and final Batman film. It could not have been better in my opinion and that all goes back to story. Without a good story, action can only carry a film so long. Rises gave us months of teasers and posters and hoopla about what was going to happen, but to be honest, we never actual have a clue of what Bane's end game is. We know he wants to tear down Gotham, but why? That is how well the movie was made. We already determined we were going to see because it is to be the end of an era, and The Dark Knight was so brilliant we wanted to see Nolan outdo himself, and he does. At 2 hours 45 minutes it was actually perfect. You may get some saying it was long while others want even more, but with absolutely no loose ends, one of the smartest plots of any film, let alone a Batman film, and total closure, I could not ask for more. There is only one thing I would have changes, but will not add spoilers in my review as I try never to. I did know it was special, but when it was over I was almost relieved. Not that it was over, but that it was as good as I had hoped, which historically speaking, third films in a franchise never live up. I did a lot of reading while avoiding spoilers, but I remember reading about some Batman Begins callbacks. I watched the night before and though I would not have been lost, it really refreshed my memory and I recommend that be the route you take before watching Rises. The mystery surrounding Bane is really the heart of this film, and Tom Hardy with his intimidating eyes, his glares, and his attitude is a complete scene stealer...MOVIE STEALER. Once it was all over I thought back to 3 hours prior and realized I had no idea what this film was going to be about. It begins with one of the coolest scenes ever. Full on action right out of the opening gates and I was in awe. It does take place 8 years after Harvey Dent dies, and The Batman hasn't been seen since. Neither has Bruce Wayne for that fact. He has become a shut in, a recluse if you will. He has no desire to get back in the suit, but Bane makes it pretty hard not to, and from here the plot get smart. It's a bit of a financial thriller to be honest, and we don't know why. It's very clear what is transpiring, but like I said, why? The slew of characters is brilliant. Gary Oldman back as Commissioner Gordon is brilliant as usual, but the new comers are even better than I could have imagined. I love Joseph Gordon Levitt, and he is a mere beat cop. The only difference is, he asks questions and he is intuitive. Honestly I didn't see him getting much screen time, but he is an intricate part of the entire film. Morgan Freeman returns as Lucius Fox, but Michael Cane as Alfred once again shows why he is one of the best actors of all time. His emotion on the big screen will make you emotional. Now we come to Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman. Dare I say it? I think I like the Anne Hathaway version better than Michelle Pfeiffer...GASP. I do, but I think it is more of a writing thing. I like where Nolan took her better than where Burton took her. She is beautiful, elegant, but can kick your ass in a hurry. She was a great addition. We could not ask for any better action than we got, and I also am glad I made this my first IMAX movie. It was Epic and I want to watch it again. I don't feel I need to tell you any more than I have, because you are already set whether you want to see it or not. It is one of those big screen movies that should be scene in that scale. I liked it better than The Avengers and I loved that movie, but I also like it better than The Dark Knight because Rises is very smart. Christopher Nolan claimed "Rises" will encompass "Finality" but I will let you decide. 


NBM rates The Dark Knight Rises - A Cinematic Work of Art

Friends With Kids

I was very curious in seeing how accurate a film could be when the Writer/Director/Star, Jennifer Westfeldt, doesn't have kids. Apparently very accurate, and very enjoyable, yet at times very depressing. This is the story of 6 friends who's lives take very different turns. No one in the film opposes marriage, but kids are what change everything. The 6 players are Leslie and Alex (Maya Rudolph & Chris O'Dowd) who were the first to be married and the first to have kids. Missy and Ben (Kristen Wiig and Jon Hamm) are the sexual couple of the film. Their relationship is based on pleasure, but they love each other. They also are married and have a kid. Lastly there is Julie and Jason (Jennifer Westfeldt & Adam Scott) who are not married and are not even involved with each other. They are best friends with absolutely no romantic feelings between them. As everyone's lives begin to move forward in the evolutionary process we all know as "normal",  Jason and Julie feel like everyone is doing it wrong. As they all get together a few years down the road, Alex and Leslie have 2 kids and Ben and Missy have one, Jason and Jules realize, these people are not the ones they were friends with. The daily stress of raising children, no time for romance let alone sex of any kind, they feel depressed for their friends and at the same time happy with their current lives of freedom and friendship. Then Jason comes up with the brilliant idea of being able to have a child without losing his mind. A mutual agreement between friends. They decide to have a kid together, keep their friendship in tact, split the responsibility 50/50, and keep their dating lives exactly the same. Nothing can go wrong here. Their friends take issue with it as it is an asinine idea, but they are adults and can do what they please. Jason and Jules hush the naysayers pretty quickly when the baby is born, but like all things new and exciting, they can quickly become taxing and exhaustive. Tensions begin to flair when each of the become involved with other people. Jason with Mary Jane (Megan Fox) and Julie with Kurt (Edward Burns). This is the point where decision have to be made, and no one wants to face the harsh reality that everyone but Jason and Julie knew would arise. It climaxes at what of the most intense and uncomfortable drunken dinner arguments of all time and lives are forever changed. This is one of the best films I have seen in a while, especially a film that deals with a topic so ordinary to 90% of the population. I really enjoyed it and if you have kids and are happy with your marriage you will too. If you have kids and hate your wife, this may just push you into divorce. It is an eye opener and you may not like what you see.


NBM rates Friends With Kids - Phenomenal

Moonrise Kingdom

This may very well be the greatest love story of all time. There are definitely some aspects that set this film apart from traditional love stories. For instance, the title characters are 13 years old. What does a 13 year old know? Apparently a lot when it comes to commitment and choice. This is the story of Sam and Susie, which in a few years should be as ubiquitous as Noah and Allie when one talks about love stories. I must admit I am biased right out of the gate with this film. This is one of those followings I tend to go head over heels for, and it has nothing to do with the film itself. It is the Writer/Director. Wes Anderson. He is a master of "his" craft. I say "his" this way because he makes films unlike anyone else in Hollywood. He shoots differently. Uses no frills or cheap tricks. All character driven pieces which all seem to come off very personal to him, and he makes no apologies for his work. The average movie goer may not like his style. It takes some getting used to considering it looks like it is shot with a Radio Shack camera in someone's spare time. Moonrise is set in 1965 which also plays well. He shoots this film in a sort of noir tone. Color tone that is, and it is perfect for dating it back some 40+ years. Sam does not fit in, and he decides to leave His Khaki Troop behind. On to bigger and better things. This is where we get a peer into the major plot of what is going on. On his journey he runs into Susie. This meeting is no accident. They are running away together. They both hate their lives and feel they can be happy together. The small water locked town sends out a search party for Sam, not even realizing Susie is with him. This is where Wes Anderson shines. His characters. Bruce Willis is the local cop who seems clueless, and yet is the most brilliant character on screen, besides the kids of course. Ed Norton plays the scoutmaster who "loses" Sam and this is one of his most earnest endearing characters he has ever portrayed. At first we think he might be a dick, but it turns out he is a really sweet guy who wants everyone to be happy. Then we have Susie's parents played by Bill "F*@%!ng" Murray (I know that's not his real middle name) and Francis McDormand. They are attorneys who I wished had more dialog with each other as it always came across very well, but alas this was a vehicle for the kids. With this all star cast of adults playing alongside a handful of kids no one has ever heard of, the kids stole the show. It is amazing. This is the ultimate coming of age film that speaks the way humans do. Not how Hollywood does. It is sweet and pure in every way. Everyone I know who has seen this has said it's his best film to date. Not for me. Personally it comes in 2nd, literally on the coattails of The Darjeeling Limited, but still one of the finest films you will see all year, and once it has the opportunity of a national audience on DVD, I believe it will grow the legs it currently does not have with such a minimal number of theaters taking a risk on it. I was pleased with the turnout for today's show. Noon on a Tuesday, there were 7 other people in there with me and that was spectacular to me. Oh ya, and Wes Anderson's muse, Jason Schwartzman shows up and also a surprising role from Harvey Keitel rounded it out. I loved it, and you may or may not. It depends on how you feel about Mr. Anderson.


NBM rates Moonrise Kingdom - A Cinematic Work of Art

Pirates of the Caribbean : On Stranger Tides

I don't know why it took me so long to see this. It was kind of a mental enigma in which my brain told me one thing, but did not take its own advice. I was excited to see a 4th film in a franchise that has faltered in recent films. Mostly because it was a new story. The writers had wrapped up the trilogy involving Jack Sparrow, Borbosa, Will Turner, and Elizabeth Swann and their twisted story. This film was going to be a completely unrelated tale continuing Jack Sparrow's travels and that prospect sounded fun. All the while, I feared it would be as mind numbingly awful as the critics said it would be and I will say it took a while to develop into, well, anything. The first 25 minutes is drivel. Nothing happens except the standard "Jack Sparrow escaping dire situations using brain powers and logic his character's speech and mannerisms would never suggest he possesses, while blaring the POTC score we have all come to love." Literally, we were like, what is the point? Luckily Depp delivers once again and makes it all tolerable while the waiting game continues for us, the audience. Once it does pick up, I still don't feel it was as strong as any of its predecessors. It just seemed thrown together. It did still have the wonderful fight scenes and choreography we have come to expect from the franchise, but the jokes were fewer. Depp delivers the majority of the moments that get us to exclaim a verbal HAHA, but that only happens 3 to 4 times. Keith Richards shows back up which I didn't expect, but essential with the addition of a few new characters it really is just another Pirates film, left open ended for a 5th installment. Black Beard (Ian McShane) and Angelica (Penelope Cruz) join Sparrow on the search for the fountain of youth. With a few new surprises along the way (Mermaids were cool) the film definitely wraps up better than it began and when it was over it was erased from my DVR never to be watched again. What On Stranger Tides lacked, compared to the previous films, are those moments great films have that we can watch over and over and over again. I have seen the other 3 films numerous times, but I don't think I'll watch this one again. It doesn't have that hook to get me to stop channel surfing to watch it for 20 or 30 minutes. That is what disappointed me the most, but overall it is very enjoyable and only because Depp is perfect at that character. Also I would have LOVED to see a cameo from Orlando Bloom as Will Turner as he is now Captain of Davy Jones' ship after the 3rd film. That would have been a welcomed call back for me.


NBM rates Pirates of the Caribbean : On Stranger Tides - Awesome

Puss in Boots

Today is a day I will forever remember. Today was the first time either of my kids watched a movie in the Theater. It so happened to be my daughter which was even more special since she doesn't seem to care for movies like her twin brother does. I wasn't sure how it would go since she is 3 and has the attention span of a...well, 3 year old child. She was in awe and truth be told, I watched her more than I watched the film. Granted I had seen it on DVD months ago, but it didn't matter. I will say this, Puss in Boots is funnier the second time around. I caught way more jokes and references this time. It uses the same model that all 4 Shrek movies did with the fairy tale lore. In P-I-B we deal with Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill, Magic Beans, and The Golden Goose. The story is solid as can be. A tale of betrayal, revenge, and sibling angst. Love, Lust, and dance fighting. When Puss is roped into helping his pal Humpty steal the magic beans, he has reservations, but with the help of Kitty Soft Paws (Salma Hayek) he can't fail. The action is superb and the imagination of the writers to throw new twists on old tales is greatly appreciated. I found myself laughing out loud more than any other child there. Of course I am WAY smarter than all kids. It is a fact. This film must be watched by anyone who likes good tales and great animation. Puss finds himself in more than one bad situation, but he always manages to get himself out of it. Will they sequel it? I'd say probably. Will I watch it? Definitely. A movie that I may not have given a second thought to, was ultimately enhanced for me by a 3 year old's excitement to watch "the biggest TV ever".


NBM rates Puss in Boots - Phenomenal