The Town

Summary: A team of life long friends execute highly planned robberies in the Charlestown area of Boston. Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) is the mastermind and leader of the group but after crossing paths with Claire Keesey (Rebecca) a bank manager who they took as a hostage he starts to have a change of heart. MacRay must now deal with his growing emotions for Claire, the growing discontent between him and his best friend James Coughlin (Jeremy Renner), and the extremely smart and determined FBI agent Adam Frawley (Jon Hamm) who is onto his teams heists.

Plot (A-): What a great movie The Town was! Adapted from Chuck Hogan’s novel Prince of Thieves the story is filled with nail biting scenes. For a short amount of time there is a sense of calmness that overruns the story but that is short-lived due to the on going cat and mouse game MacRay and Frawley play. From the opening scene to the closing credits I was hypnotized but what I was watching. There is excellent plot development as well as character development, which allows viewers to appreciate the story and its characters. More specifically, The Town focuses on MacRay and his relationship with his friends (specifically Coughlin), his incarcerated father, the FBI, and Claire. Although, MacRay is a thief it’s easy to feel for him on a deeper level. The emotional pain he suffered throughout his life adds several layers to the story thus making The Town more than just a film about robbing banks and armored money trucks. The Town is similar to The Departed in the sense of the emotional roller coaster it puts the audience through.

Action (A-): Although there are only three heists throughout the film they are extremely cool. MacRay’s team are experts in the thievery game and have all the angles covered…and then some. These guys were not some morons who walk into a bank and rob the place. No, they wear masks, gloves, and carry automatic machine guns. They contaminate the crime scene with bleach before they leave so there is not a chance for forensics to establish a lead. Furthermore, their methods of getaway are a highly thought out thus adding to the action sequences. Overall, lets just say that these guys put the Ex-Presidents (Point Break) to shame. The last heist is definitely one that viewers will remember because MacRay’s team decides to steal a shitload of money from Fenway Stadium.

Acting & Dialogue (A): Serious dialogue with light touches of comedy run heavy through The Town forcing viewers to enjoy the film even more. As for the actors every single one gave a dynamite performance. There was a time when Affleck’s career was called into question by many for his choices of roles. In The Town we see a veteran actor give one his best performances of his career. I think what worked best for him, as it did in Good Will Hunting, was that the story took place in Boston. While Affleck did not grow up a thief he did grow up in Boston therefore he fully understood the attitude of not only a Bostonian but the character of Doug MacRay . Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker) provided another solid performance. While Affleck played MacRay with touches of compassion and softness Renner’s Coughlin was rough around the edges. The diversity between both characters allowed for a proper balance within the film. Jon Hamm’s (Mad Men) Adam Frawley was a combination of both MacRay and Coughlin. Unwilling to negotiate, highly determined, and extremely smart are just a few characteristics that explain Frawley. Although, I don’t watch the hit show Mad Men on AMC I finally understand why people love Jon Hamm and his character. He simply becomes the character. As for the two supporting actresses in the film Rebecca Hall and the beautiful Blake Lively, who played Coughlin’s drug addicted sister and once lover of MacRay, Krista, their contributions to the film showed a more sensitive side to the character of MacRay. It is abundantly clear that the two women represent his past and his future.

Sex Appeal: N/A

Director (A): This is Ben Affleck’s sophomore film as a director, his first was the 2007 film Gone Baby Gone, which starred his younger brother Casey. Because Affleck is in front of the camera so much you tend to forget he directed the it. However, after the credits roll you’ll remember and then recognize how great of job he did. It is very difficult to write the screenplay, star in the film, and direct the entire production. As challenging as it was on a physical, emotional, and mental level I don’t think Affleck could have done a better job. Affleck has a real knack for directing and I look forward to his future projects as a director.

Overall: A-

Natlie Portman Talks The Professional 2

The Professional (aka Leon aka Leon: The Professional) is definitely in my Top 15, and perhaps Top 10, favorite movies of all time. If you haven't seen it I highly suggest you do. In The Professional we see a 12 year old Natalie Portman give a performance of lifetime next to Jean Reno and Gary Oldman. The Professional is more than just a hitman looking after a young girl. It's about a bond that two unlikely people form, which lasts forever. In a recent interview Portman stated that she would definitely do a sequel only if Luc Besson, the director of the first film, will do it. For years, Besson has refused to do a sequel even though there is a script floating around. Check out the short clip below:

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I truly hope this does happen in the near future. If Besson does agree then it would be fantastic. I've always wanted to see how Mathilda turned out. Portman exudes beauty so it would be interesting to see how she would incorporate that into the character of Mathilda. Personally, I wouldn't even want them to call it The Professional 2 but simply Mathilda...but I'd settle for Mathilda: The Professional which would be a nice sentimental tribute to the original.

Ed Norton Up For Batman 3

In a recent interview Ed Norton gave with IGN he stated that he wouldn't say no to doing Batman 3 if he was offered the part.

IGN reports:

Speaking exclusively to IGN to promote new movie Stone, Norton said that he loved playing Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk, and that he has no hard feelings regarding Marvel’s decision to go with Mark Ruffalo on Avengers.

“I think I said everything I want to say in the one thing I put out about that” he explained. “It was a great privilege to do it, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of everybody’s support and positivity towards that because I love those films too. And I hate it when they miss. I hate it when they miss on one – it seems like such a wasted opportunity. But the truth is I’m probably more naturally interested in doing something that I haven’t done. I have only good thoughts towards that though.”

Norton revealed that the situation hasn’t put him off the notion of superhero movies however, saying that if a good project came along, he’s sign up.

“Chris Nolan’s making the best ones out there by far” he explained “I’d do one with him. He’s set a new bar for sure, and I think he’s done a great, great job.”

We pushed Norton as to whether he’d be up for playing a villain in Batman 3, with the actor replying “That would be fun, I would not say no to that.”

And more specifically we asked if he’d like to play the Riddler, with the star simply smiling and saying “Your guys can put their votes in on that.”

There is no doubt that Norton is one of the best actors of our generation or probably ever. His commitment and level of seriousness to any film is rivaled by few. I would be more than happy to see Norton in Batman 3. If this does happen the movie could potentially be better than The Dark Knight...yes I just said that. If Norton does get the opportunity to work with Christopher Nolan, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, and Gary Oldman then forget about it. Norton is no stranger to playing a character with a dark side i.e.) American History X, Primal Fear, so I have the utmost confidence in him. In no way am I taking anything away from Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who was rumored to play the Riddler, but lets face it Norton is a HUGE upgrade. As of now this is just talk so lets see what the future brings.

Bill and Ted 3!?!?!

You got it! The totally tubular dudes from San Dimas may be returning to for a third time. Bill and Ted's original writing team of Chis Matheson and Ed Solomon are working on a new story so there is a good chance that the Wild Stallions will be making a return. It's been almost 25 years since the original obviously age is a huge factor in my opinion. There was some discussion to handing it over to their kids but that already has been scratched. We've all know what Keanu Reeves has done with his career since the first Bill and Ted, however, Alex Winter has not been up to much. Random roles and voice overs fill up Winter's resume so for him this would be a huge step up. As for George Carlin's character Rufus he will not be recasted due to the death of Carlin. I think that's a smart move because it would be very difficult to replace such an iconic comedic actor. Only time will tell if this movie does get made for sure and part of me is somewhat skeptical of the quality. Bill and Ted was a film that worked for the time it took place in but I could be wrong.

The Fighter-Weight Loss and Weight Gain

In the trailer section I added The Fighter. It stars Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, and Amy Adams. I'm not going to discuss anything in relation to story other than it does look interesting. I would like to briefly discuss the dedication of Wahlberg and Bale. Since this film is based on a true story I really don't expect anything less from both of these actors. Wahlberg has always been in good shape dating to the 90's so it wasn't really an issue for him to bulk up like this. As for Bale he is no stranger to losing weight for a role. This is Bale's second time he's lost a significant amount of weight for a role, the first being The Machinist (2004). According to IMDB, Bale would disappear for hours at end in order to prepare for his role. Now, IMDB has been said to give bullshit facts but I really have to believe this one. Bale is a method actor to the core and he takes his roles extremely seriously. Obviously, you all heard his blow up at the director of lighting on the Terminator Salvation set. All that guy did was walk through the scene and Bale flipped out...talking about psychotic dedication. Overall, when I see such dedication like this it makes me happy and my confidence level in the film increases. It's dedication like this which separates actors like Bale and Wahlberg from other actors in Hollywood. Many actors and actresses, especially the young ones, stay in there comfort zone and get type cast...yea I'm talking to you Zac Effron. (Why don't you go pack on 25lbs for a role like Matt Damon did for The Informant then I may consider taking you seriously.) They feel the necessity to constantly work in their demographic, which inevitably hurts them. The ability to put your work before yourself is an essential element to not only gaining success but becoming one of the elite.

The Losers

Summary: A small military group is framed and reported dead after they defy their orders from a corrupt CIA agent who’s really trying to wage eco-terrorism. This group, called The Losers, must now “come back to life” to restore their names and take vengeance on the man who screwed them.

Plot (C+): The general storyline of The Losers reminds me of The A-Team. You know…a small tactical team that has worked together for a long time where each person specializes in a certain area and they get fucked over in some form or another. I was entertained by the story but it didn’t take a hold of me like The A-Team did. Perhaps if there was more depth to the story and characters it would have been better.

Action (B): Standard but well thought out military action scenes run through and through this film. I will say that any action film that has sniper in the group always catches my attention for some reason. I like seeing someone’s head get blown away out of nowhere or through the cross hairs of rifle scope. There’s something sadistically cool about it. There was also a hand to hand fight scene between Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s character and Zoe Saldana character, which kind of pissed me off since Morgan is 6 ft something and well over 200 lbs and Zaldana is as light as a feather and probably 5’ 6…if that. It’s just not believable even for a movie. I don’t care how well trained her character is. One good punch from a man that size and you can rest assure the girl isn’t getting up until next week.

Acting & Dialogue (C+): Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Watchmen) played Clay, the leader of the group. Overall, Morgan is a pretty good actor whose physical presence fit in perfectly with the role. However, he was a bit monotone throughout the film and I felt that he didn’t take on the role of the Colonel as well as he should have. On a side note, the course of the movie takes place in several different locations over an unspecified amount of time but Morgan’s character never changed clothes. Not once! Except for the beginning of the film he’s dressed in a black suit and white unbuttoned shirt. That’s just dirty and didn’t make sense! Chris Evans (Fantastic Four) played Jensen, the computer tech guy, and as usual Evans brought his smirky comments and playful demeanor. While it worked in the film I’m hoping that he steps out of that shell and expands himself a bit more in the future. Evans has begun filming Captain America: The First Avenger so I hope he doesn’t bring the same style of acting to such an American pop culture icon. Zoe Saldana (Star Trek, Avatar) played Aisha and here is a girl who knows what she’s doing. Saldana is as beautiful as she is talented and I felt that her performance was really strong. She played Aisha as a tough woman who takes no shit from anyone but knows how to be sexy and seductive in order to get what she needs. Finally, there is Jason Patric (Speed 2: Cruise Control, Narc), who played the corrupt eco-terrorist CIA agent Max. Above all, Patric’s character and performance was my favorite. Although, Max was as bad and psychotic as they come he had a funny sense of humor to him, which contributed some comedy to the film.

Sex Appeal (7): Zoe Saldana in a bra and panties = nicey nice!

Director (C): I think this is what the film suffered from most. Sylvain White is pretty much an amateur director. His only directing credentials are Stomp the Yard and I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer. I have no patience for dancing movies whatsoever due to the fact of the poor acting, the shitty actors, and the weak script. As for I’ll Always Know…I had no fucking clue someone made a third installment of that series. If The Loser was directed by someone with more experience I’m fairly sure it would have been better.

Overall: C+

The Road

The Road is a powerful movie that examines post apocalyptic life. Throughout cinema history there has been several versions of what life would be like after an apocayplse and I would have to say The Road displayed the absolute worst. There is no explanation behind the apocayplse it just occurs. For some people that may be negative factor, while I myself, didn't mind the lack of explanation. It just simply happened. For those who were looking for an explanation I ask you: why? What good would have come out of it? In the case of the story it was something that couldn't have been prevented at all. Perhaps it was just nature taking its course thus turning the world into a barren waste land without sun. Above all, those two factors may haven been the scariest.

The absence of the sun and farmable land has killed any hope to get things back on track. Furthermore, it cemented the way people lived in the film, which was traveling around like nomads in search for food (or humans if you are a cannibal) and a better place. In reality there is nothing better down the road. Its all the same. Everything and place is hell.

What I found to be very interesting were the cannibals. Those who chose to eat humans instead of starving served to be the greatest threat to the main characters. I only wonder how long those people held out before they decided to consume their fellow man. Another interesting aspect regarding the cannibals was their lack morals and mercy. At one time these were just regular people. Maybe some were doctors, lawyers, or whatever, but once they decided to become a cannibal they lost all sense of humanity.

I found the story of Viggo Mortensen's character to be extremely sad and despressing just like the movie. Since the day of his son's birth his life centered around protecting him. He was the one that had to be strong for his son because his wife couldn't deal. I felt so bad for him and the emotional pain he endured daily. The fact that you may have to kill your own son just so he won't be taken by cannibals must be the worst feeling.

Overall, I found The Road to be a good movie but highly depressing. While it may be a bit slow at times the emotional and physical turmoil the characters go through keeps the story moving. This film is a one time see due to the fact that there is little to no happiness.

Overall: B