Film Review -- Iron Man 3

The third installment of the mega-successful franchise stars Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Jon Favreau, and Ben Kingsley. The charming and always witty Tony Stark (Downey Jr.) is back and ready to fight a new enemy: the Mandarin, a mysterious terrorist that employs superhuman soldiers. With the help of Colonel Rhodes (Cheadle), he must defeat the Mandarin to save his girlfriend, Pepper Potts (Paltrow). But what do scientist and entrepreneur Aldrich Killian (Pierce) and former Stark flame, botanist Maya Hansen (Hall), have to do with it all? Stark is about to find out as he suits up once again to defeat evil. The film is very entertaining, but the plot is a little lackluster. There could definitely have been more depth in the story, as well as more action. The film does, however, have some very strong points, including a hilarious cameo by Ben Kingsley -- I won't ruin his character for those who haven't seen the film yet, but he is simply brilliant, as always. I didn't leave the theatre overly impressed, but it is a very solid action film that avoided the usual plummet in quality as a franchise churns out sequel after sequel; this one holds up pretty well. Plus, you will get your daily dose of cuteness with the film's littlest star, Ty Simpkins!

Should you see it: Yes
Grade: B

Big Winners at the Cannes Film Festival

As the biggest film festival in the world winds down, here is a complete list of the winners, with the lesbian coming-of-age drama Blue is the Warmest Colour winning the top prize.

Palme d'Or (Best Film)

La Vie d'Adele - Chapitre 1 & 2 ("Blue is the Warmest Colour") by Abdellatif Kechiche (France)

Grand Prix (Runner-up)

Inside Llewyn Davis by Ethan and Joel Coen (U.S.)

Jury Prize (Third Prize)

Soshite Chichi Ni Naru ("Like Father, Like Son") by Kore-Eda Hirokazu (Japan)

Camera d'Or (Debut Film)

Ilo Ilo by Anthony Chen (Singapore)

Best Director

Heli by Amat Escalante (Mexico)

Best Screenplay

Tian Zhu Ding (A Touch of Sin) by Jia Zhangke (China)

Best Actress

Bérénice Bejo in Le Passé ("The Past") (France)

Best Actor

Bruce Dern in Nebraska (U.S.)

Short Film

Safe by Moon Byoung-Gon (South Korea)

Film Review -- Oz The Great and Powerful

It isn't really fair to write a film review about Oz, because I slept through most of it, so I won't. However, that's probably a good indication of how good this film is. I've had both friends and family tell me how unbearably awful it is, and I agree, judging by the half-hour that I actually saw. So, even though I can't give this film a real review, you've been warned. Don't taint the memories you have of the wonderful classic The Wizard of Oz by watching this sorry "prequel" with James Franco at his most annoying.

Should you see it: No
Grade: ??

Film Review -- Jack the Giant Slayer

This re-imagining of the classic children's tale stars Nicholas Hoult, Stanley Tucci, Ewan McGregor, and Eleanor Tomilson. Jack (Hoult) is a peasant farmer who is tasked by his uncle to sell his horse and cart. Upon arriving at the market, however, he agrees to exchange them for a pouch of magic beans from a mischievous monk. When a thunderstorm hits, the beans unexpectedly sprout into a giant beanstalk, linking Earth to the feared land of the giants, the subject of a famous legend that Jack heard many times in his youth. Princess Isabelle (Tomilson), the descendent of the king who defeated the giants, is swept away by the beanstalk, so it is up to Jack, the king's trusted advisor, Elmont (McGregor), and Isabelle's suspicious fiancé Roderick, (Tucci), to rescue her, and defeat the giants once and for all. As far as big-budgeted, CGI remakes of classic tales are concerned, this is pretty much run-of-the-mill. Obviously, the plot is corny, and rather ludicrous at times, but it is coherent enough to be mildly enjoyable. Its biggest strength is undoubtedly its visual effects; the giants are really quite impressive. Don't go into this film looking for a stimulating story line. Go to see a passable action flick with plenty of eye candy.

Should you see it: Sure
Grade: C+

A Tribute to Roger Ebert

I was among the millions of people shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of my favorite film critic, Roger Ebert, on Thursday, April 4. He had just announced one day before that his cancer had returned, and that he was going on a "leave of presence," but that he was "not going away." So, it was indeed a huge shock to read that only twenty-four hours later, he was no longer here.

I cannot overstate the impact that his passing will have on the film industry. For forty-six years, film lovers and film-goers turned to Ebert for poignant, personal, and honest reviews. Although there are many noteworthy critics that will help fill this newly-formed gap -- Richard Roeper, Leonard Maltin, David Denby -- the world lost a truly unique voice, one who was so passionate about movies that he never stopped watching or writing about them, even when he was fighting his toughest battles. 

I also cannot overstate the impact that his passing will have on me, the amateur film critic. Off of whom will I plagiarize my reviews now? No, I kid; I did not always agree with Mr. Ebert, but I very much valued his opinions and insights. I visited his website, http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/, religiously. Practically every single day. Every week I anxiously waited to read about his thoughts on the newest releases, and always turned to him when I wanted a second opinion on an older film. It makes me so sad to know that Roger Ebert will never review another movie. However, I know that the critics whom Ebert personally selected to take over his duties will do an outstanding job in following in his footsteps and keeping his memory alive. I will always be a loyal rogerebert.com visitor. 

So, on behalf of all film lovers, I say: a million thumbs up to you, Mr. Ebert. See you at the movies....

Roger Ebert Dies at 70

Just one day after announcing that he was fighting cancer again, it was announced that legendary film critic Roger Ebert has died. Without question the most powerful and influential authority in his field, Ebert leaves behind a rich legacy spanning forty-six years of reviewing films. I am shocked and so very saddened to hear about his sudden passing. RIP, Roger Ebert...you are an inspiration.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/17320958-418/roger-ebert-dies-at-70-after-battle-with-cancer.html

Roger Ebert's Cancer Returns

Best wishes to Roger Ebert as he fights this new battle. He will always be an inspiration!


http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-207_162-57577717/roger-eberts-cancer-returns-taking-a-leave-of-presence/