mysteryfan04 Reviews

The Social Network (2010)

Inspired and Marvelous

[10/10 · 11 March 2011]

The Social Network is my pick for the best movie of 2010. On the surface, it may seem to be just a movie about Facebook, but it is much more than that. Its script weaves together eloquent conversations about friendship, betrayal, jealousy, and intelligence. Jesse Eisenberg masterfully portrays Mark Zuckerberg, a gifted student at Harvard with a brilliant idea. Little does he know that his brilliant idea will throw him into two lawsuits which ask for a great deal of money. The film moves back and forth through a timeline of a few years, with events ranging from the later involvement of Sean Parker to a fantastic canoeing race. The directing from David Fincher is remarkable, with each scene of speedy, expertly crafted dialogue seeming like cinematic heaven. The performances of Eisenberg, Garfield, and Timberlake are gripping and awards-worthy. The Social Network, with its phenomenal script, breathtaking direction, and demanding performances help make it the Best Picture-worthy film that it is.

Morning Glory (2010)

Too Safe to Be Memorable

[5/10 · 11 March 2011]

Morning Glory is the latest vehicle to showcase Rachel McAdams' wonderful talent. The actress can be dramatic, comedic, and makes for a convincing romantic female lead. It's a shame that Morning Glory knows little about what to do with her. Becky Fuller just got laid off from her job at a New Jersey morning show. The producer of another show, Daybreak, decides to hire her as an executive producer. When she takes the job, her life immediately falls into chaos. The shows ratings remain low, the two lead anchors (Diane Keaton and Harrison Ford) refuse to stop arguing, and another T.V. worker, played by Patrick Wilson, falls in love with her. It's now up to her to save the show and manage her love life. Morning Glory is filled with both humorous and serious moments. However, the film doesn't know whether it is a drama or a comedy and by the end of the film, it ends up as neither. Diane Keaton and Patrick Wilson's characters are never explored, and Harrison Ford's comic timing isn't able to increase the appeal of the trite jokes that he must deliver. The chemistry between any of the actors is minimal at best, and it is never explained why McAdams falls in love with Wilson. The plot is too tight and safe to resonate with anyone. Rachel McAdams does buoy the film even at its most predictable moments. She turns a somewhat unlikable character into an interesting person. Morning Glory may have some entertaining moments, but even with McAdams, it will likely disappoint many moviegoers looking for an engaging and memorable comedy.

I Am Number Four (2011)

Trying to Be Too Many Things at Once

[4/10 · 21 February 2011]

I Am Number Four is a sci-fi thriller which focuses around Number Four. He is an alien who is living on Earth in order to hide from the Mogadorians, evil aliens who attacked his home planet, Lorien. While hiding in Paradise, Ohio, he befriends a bullied science nerd named Sam and an aspiring photographer named Sarah. The film tracks his relationships with both characters while he prepares to defeat the Mogadorians. I Am Number Four starts out with a solid first twenty minutes. The tension, electrifying visuals, and promise are all there. The film's prime failure is that it is trying to be so many things at once. The film quickly converts into a Twilight meets Harry Potter meets Percy Jackson wannabe. Alex Pettyfer and Dianna Agron (as Number Four and Sarah respectively) have chemistry, but unlike Twilight, the relationship comes across as a distracting subplot that doesn't go anywhere. In terms of plot, there is no build-up. A few basic and barely coherent details are given but the film fails to expand on these details. Numerous events occur and twenty minutes later, the movie just ends without any emotional value. Pettyfer, Agron, and Teresa Palmer (as another alien) are either boring or over-the-top. Callan McAuliffe (as Sam) and Timothy Olyphant (as Pettyfer's guardian) are the only saving graces. The action sequences are also very generic. There are a couple of humorous lines scattered throughout I Am Number Four, but the final result is amateurish, occasionally ridiculous, and mostly boring.

The Fighter (I) (2010)

One True Knockout

[9/10 · 22 January 2011]

The Fighter contains what is possibly the best acting ensemble of 2010. With Mark Wahlberg, Amy Adams, Christian Bale, and Melissa Leo in the central roles, you will be in for a satisfying and emotionally exhausting time. This film showcases the amazing true story of Micky Ward, a talented boxer looking for a second chance at his career. His brother Dicky used to be a talented, promising boxer himself. Unfortunately, Dicky succumbed to drug addiction and spends most of his time out smoking crack. Micky's manager mother doesn't always book him with the best opponents either for his career or health. His barmaid girlfriend Charlene is supportive but also tends to clash with him. Fortunately, he is able to get back on track and proves himself to be the talented athlete that people once knew him to be. Director David O. Russell creates a marvelous and intense drama that captivates you with each montage, acting moment, and boxing scene. The script fills each scene with raw emotion and intensity. As mentioned, the acting from all four actors is terrific. All four of them deserve Oscar nominations. Melissa Leo and Christian Bale are deservedly the favorites to win the Best Supporting Actress and Supporting Actor Oscars for their authentic and rich performances. They prove why it is often difficult to portray any real-life person. The Fighter is an extremely well-acted and rousing drama that everyone should see.

The Town (2010)

Suspenseful and Exciting

[9/10 · 17 January 2011]

Ben Affleck directs his second film after Gone Baby Gone. The Town is a thriller surrounding a group of robbers, a bank teller, and the FBI agent out to capture the bank robbers. At a laundromat following the most recent bank robbery, Affleck's character falls in love with the employee who they took hostage, played by Rebecca Hall. His accomplice, played by Jeremy Renner, immediately lashes out at him. With his accomplices, former girlfriend (played by Blake Lively), and his disguised-as-florist boss all confronting him, he must make the decision to either leave with Hall or continue his life of crime. The first hour of this film is stunning and phenomenal. The characters pull you into their minds, and you feel as if you are one of the characters in each scene. Every member of the cast delivers a solid-to-exceptional performance. Affleck, Hall, Renner, and Lively are particularly breathtaking, but it's the third of the quartet who deserves an Oscar nomination. Renner infuses the viewer with fear, pity, and so many other emotions. However, the second half of the film feels less authentic. The plausibility of the film takes somewhat of a nose dive, with the story struggling to deliver more character nuances and plot development. As a result, the ending underwhelms especially in comparison to the rest of the film. For what it's worth, The Town is one of the best films of the year and the best thriller of 2010.

Flipped (I) (2010)

Sweet, Simple, Likable

[6/10 · 7 January 2011]

If any three words were to describe Flipped, those words would be 'sweet', 'simple', and 'likable.' It's too light to be fully memorable, but it is endearing enough to enjoy. Bryce and Juli are two neighbors whose parents don't think too highly of each other. They've grown up together, and she had a crush on him throughout elementary school. Now that they're in middle school, they finally have the guts to tell each other how they really feel. But many events, such as those involving a sycamore tree and a hatch of chicks, mess with all of their emotions. Are they really into each other? Will their love last? The journey to the answers to these questions is sometimes awkward but still interesting. Rob Reiner's directing style suits the film well, but the script contains too many awkward moments which can distract from the sweetness of the film. The narration of the protagonists eventually becomes grating and excessive. The movement of the setting from the 2000s to the 1960s causes the film to feel too safe and clichéd. As a result, the movie wouldn't be nearly as enjoyable without Madeline Caroll and Callan McAuliffe in the two lead roles. Their chemistry really is lasting, and their performances are really sensitive and emotional. Caroll's scene in the sycamore tree will leave you affected to the right degree. McAuliffe does a great job of portraying a sensitive but determined character eager to set things right, even though he is not brave enough to express his actual emotions. The music and score are also brilliantly crafted and fun to listen to. Flipped may not live up to its beloved source novel, but it is a charming and entertaining film.

Black Swan (2010)

Dark Descent into Madness

[8/10 · 25 December 2010]

"I just want to be perfect." This line illustrates the themes and hardships the main character faces in Black Swan. Fortunately, it also mostly tells of the quality of the film. Natalie Portman plays Nina, a gifted dancer who desires the role of the Swan Queen in a different version of the ballet Swan Lake. Right when she seems to have the role in the bag, along comes Lily, an effervescent dancer new to the company, portrayed by Mila Kunis. She reveals to be subtle, controlled, and free while she dances. These qualities are needed in order to play both the White Swan and the Black Swan in the dance. Shortly after, Nina is overcome with the desire to be perfect, and starts to hallucinate. She sees a double image of herself, drawings which become animated, and other shocking imagery as well. Black Swan is easily one of the best films of 2010. It functions well as a horror film, a psychological thriller, and a showcase of brilliant dancing. The chemistry between Portman and Kunis is seductive and shocking. Their performances convincingly reveal the power and eeriness of "the dark side." Both deserve to be in Oscar contention for their work, as does a scene-stealing Barbara Hershey as Nina's controlling mother. Black Swan will make you question whether the events and characters in this film are imaginary or not, and will leave you wondering for hours. This is a horror film for people who don't like horror films.

Winter's Bone (2010)

Dark, Riveting, and Absorbing

[10/10 · 19 December 2010]

In a year where thrillers seem to be merely passable or intolerable, there is that rare film that draws you into its setting, characters, and plot. Winter's Bone is about a teenager named Ree living in the poverty-stricken Ozark Mountains. She must care for her siblings and her apparently depressed mother. One day, the police show up at her house. They inform her that her meth-cooking father put up the house for his bail bond before vanishing. If her father does not reappear before a week, the family will lose their house. Ree then begins searching for her father deep in the mountains, asking her uncle and neighbors for help. The movie continues at a slow pace, but the plot and characters are really fascinating enough to keep you hooked for its entirety. Considering the somber tone of the story, that is really saying something. Jennifer Lawrence gives an Oscar-worthy performance as Ree. She makes you believe all the emotions and hardships she goes through while completing her journey. The remarkable script, brilliant direction, and crisp cinematography help make Winter's Bone one of 2010's most deserving awards contenders.

The Bounty Hunter (I) (2010)

How NOT to Make a Film

[2/10 · 19 December 2010]

Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler are talented, likable comedians, but you can't really see them 'click' together on screen. The Bounty Hunter does nothing but emphasize that fact. It is an action comedy of sorts, involving two exes, drug dealing, a suicide-turned-murder, and other things. Does it sound interesting or clichéd? The answer turns out to be more of the latter than the former. Aniston and Butler are forced to work with a script that features blaring plot holes, unbelievably stupid characters, and an extremely contrived storyline. Predictability reigns supreme here due to the endless "romantic" scenes (notice the quotation marks) and bland dialogue. The fact that the two leads' chemistry is nonexistent doesn't help matters much either. Talented supporting actors are wasted on and with numerous unimaginative sight gags, a mismatched romantic pairing, and over-the-top characters. The result? One of the worst romantic comedies in years.

The Last Airbender (2010)

Destruction of a Fantasy Epic

[1/10 · 3 December 2010]

Knock, knock. Who's there? It's the possible end of M. Night Shyamalan's career. The Last Airbender is a fantasy epic based on a popular show on Nickelodeon. Apparently, a brother and sister discover a boy named Aang encased in a ball of ice. Once they free him, the siblings discover that he is the Avatar, the master of the elements water, air, fire, and earth. Due to his virtuoso in bending these elements, the evil fire nation wants to capture him and use his powers for evil. It sounds like a fabulous premise. However, it can be easily botched, and unfortunately that is the case with this film. The movie thinks its audience is slow-witted because it spells out every scene visually, and then drives the point of the scene home by using excruciatingly obvious dialogue. All of the actors deliver this laughable dialogue with no grace, emotion, or intensity. The movie's predictability seems to be present due to its impulse to deliver a poorly shot action sequence every ten minutes. These action sequences feature dull camera-work and the overuse of visual effects. The script additionally fails to establish its characters; with the exception of Aang, you have no clue about who the other characters are and as a result, you don't really care. An incoherent plot, lifeless performances, predictable script, and absent tone result in the top contender for worst film of 2010 and the end of this once-promising director's career.

How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

Wildly Cluttered But Saved by Visuals

[8/10 · 27 November 2010]

How to Train Your Dragon is a fun but somewhat empty animated film. The film's premise is very inventive: a Viking's son who is reluctant to kill dragons befriends one and tames it as his own. The Viking's son is our narrator for the film. He is a plucky, very clumsy boy; one cliché to start with. When he discovers the dragon he thought he killed in a field alive, he panics but eventually decides to train it. The movie is filled with visual splendor. The flight scenes of the protagonist riding the dragon Hiccup are so beautiful, brilliant, and amazing. However, the story itself is very thin. This film is a perfect example of style and visuals over substance; kind of like an animated version of Avatar. The first half of the film is wildly uneven and cluttered that you wonder how the screenplay wasn't edited. The second half is a vast improvement, especially with its epic climax and last emotional five minutes. As a whole, How to Train Your Dragon is more of a entertaining diversion than something totally memorable.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)

Darker With Less Action

[7/10 · 27 November 2010]

It's the beginning of the end. Harry Potter 7: Part 1 is a major departure from the previous films. This movie is a lot darker, more violent, and thankfully, scarier than most horror films out nowadays. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are finally seventeen. They are now ready to take Dumbledore's mission to destroy all of Voldemort's Horcruxes, which hold his soul. As the trio tries to hunt down all of the Horcruxes, they mature and discover just how much they've grown emotionally and romantically. The numerous scares work thanks to the wonderful visuals, musical score, and cinematography. Like the other Harry Potter films, there are few action scenes, but when present, they are well-choreographed and completely engaging. The characters are further developed, revealing new relationships as well as some intriguing secrets. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson deliver their best performances yet. Each one of them gets their moment to shine and prove why they deserve to have great careers after this franchise ends. The director and screenwriter were terrific in making this film more mature then its predecessors, but several flaws place it below the best of the films (the 3rd, 5th, and 6th in my opinion). Too many awkward scenes are present, and the usual touches of humor are placed in the most inappropriate moments of the film. The plot as a whole will feel tricky and confusing at various points throughout the film because far too much is happening at once. Additionally, the pacing feels a little off. Harry Potter 7: Part 1 is a solid but uneven penultimate entry to the deservedly popular franchise.

Crazy Heart (2009)

Brilliant Music and Lead Performance Elevate a Wonderful Drama

[8/10 · 5 November 2010]

Though there is nothing wrong with the typical action film, it's always nice to see a well-made drama which features strong performances and an awards-worthy script. Crazy Heart is a film about an alcoholic country singer, played by Jeff Bridges, looking for a second chance in his career and his life. Part of this second chance arrives in the form of Maggie Gyllenhaal, who plays a sweet, earnest single mother who works as a journalist. During an interview for her magazine, the two fall in love with each other, even though she knows that enduring his alcoholism and irresponsibility may hurt her in the long run. The various concert scenes throughout the film are vibrant, engaging, and make you feel as if you are actually there. This first-time writer-director transforms a clichéd, somewhat bland story into an uplifting and meaningful film. Of course, the real highlight of this film is Jeff Bridges. He portrays the country singer near-perfectly both musically and acting-wise. He clearly knows how to avoid turning an over-the-top character into an over-the-top performance, making his on-screen presence seem natural and unforced. Maggie Gyllenhaal is also strong as the love interest, especially during the film's climax. Crazy Heart is a wonderful drama that deserves your attention.

Up (2009)

A Cute Movie For Everyone

[9/10 · 1 November 2010]

Up is a very creative film that will win over many young children. The film begins with a captivating montage about the protagonist's times with his wife, up to her death. He then decides to meet her promise of visiting Paradise Falls, located in South America. A young boy scout accidentally follows him during the journey. When they finally get there, they discover a rare colorful bird who must be protected from a vicious poacher and his dogs. This is one of Pixar's more mature efforts (indicated by the PG rating). The movie knows how to be charming, personal, and observant all at once. Visuals are colorful and engaging for the entire film. Pixar has again crafted a beautiful, funny, and entertaining animated film for the ages.

District 9 (2009)

One of the Best Films of 2009 Features Frightening Aliens

[8/10 · 1 November 2010]

District 9 has shown us that a first-time writer-director can make a great film if he has the talent. A mysterious alien spaceship flies over South Africa and freezes in midair. After a while, several people inspect it and find prawns, shellfish-like aliens whose appearance will remain in your mind forever. Agents of MNU steal their advanced weaponry to use for their own benefit. Eventually, one of those agents has his DNA contaminated with that of the prawns. He begins to turn into one, losing teeth and growing claws. Wikus, the name of the worker, escapes to the one safe place for him now: District 9, where the other prawns are kept. The prawns then make a deal with him that if he can help them fix their spaceship, they will find a cure for him. The movie is terrifying throughout. Gory as it is, it is never gratuitous and many people will be impressed by the semi-documentary aspect of the film. The ending is emotional and, thankfully, refuses to take the route of satisfying and pleasing. Not only is this an unbelievably original sci-fi flick, but it also mixes politics and aliens in an effective way. The gore can be over-the-top, but once you get past it, District 9 proves to be a wonderful addition to the sci-fi genre.

Avatar (2009)

James Cameron Offers Wonderful Visuals in This Effective Sci-Fi Film

[7/10 · 1 November 2010]

Avatar is not a sci-fi masterpiece, but it is a good film. Several marines are sent to Pandora to discover the whereabouts of a precious mineral. Jake Sully is one of those marines. While being transferred into the mind of his avatar, he meets an alluring alien named Neytiri. The two fall in love and later endure conflict, mating, and the ways of her colony. Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana give solid performances and have great chemistry as Sully and Neytiri, respectively. The story is clichéd, but it is executed so well that it is able to draw you in for most of its running time. The final action sequence is enthralling and tense, the way an action sequence should be. James Cameron proves to be an amazing director; it is very difficult to make a film as complex and visually captivating as this. Despite its over-length, Avatar is a gripping, surprising, and genuinely romantic sci-fi film. It isn't the best picture of 2009, but it certainly is one of the best. These visuals will inspire other filmmakers for ideas in the future.

Toy Story 3 (2010)

Pixar Can Add Another Masterpiece to Its Resume

[10/10 · 1 November 2010]

The long anticipated second sequel to Toy Story delivers what it promises: clever humor, vibrant animation, and a talented voice cast. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen voice the protagonists of Toy Story 3, who haven't changed much since the previous film. Owner Andy is finally heading off to college. He now must decide what to do with his remaining toys: donate them to a daycare, toss them out, or store them in the attic. Unfortunately, the toys face a misunderstanding and end up inside the daycare. There, they meet a bear who smells like strawberries and a charming male Barbie doll. Discovering that they are mistreated at the daycare, the toys plan a jailbreak for Andy's house. The movie is emotionally resonant and heartbreaking. Many people in the audience were in tears by the ending. The first two-thirds are hilarious and tense. Toy Story 3 is unpredictable and more tense than most thrillers these days. It is the great ending to a beloved franchise and families will not be disappointed.

Salt (2010)

Tense and Exciting, But Uneven

[7/10 · 1 November 2010]

At a first glance, Salt may seem like another run-of-the-mill action thriller. However, it is much more than that. Angelina Jolie plays Evelyn Salt, an agent of the CIA who is outed for being a Russian spy out to kill the U.S. president. The movie features Oscar-worthy sound effects and some surprisingly tense scenes. Jolie delivers one of the most sizzling performances of the year as a woman dedicated to her husband and job but holding many intriguing secrets. Her performance and the script prevent the film from being anything resembling a completely boring slog. There are still some flaws with the film. Action sequences involving trucks and buildings border on implausible, and the ending feels very forced, predictable, and uneven. Plot twists can be predictable and overwhelming. Overall, Salt is a multifaceted story that is well-acted and reasonably entertaining.

A Serious Man (2009)

Live Can Be Bizarre

[9/10 · 30 October 2010]

A Serious Man is a film depicting Jewish life, particularly around one man named Larry Gopnik. He is a physics professor facing a divorce, bribery from one of his students, his son's constant complaining about the T.V. not working, and the antics of his brother. The Coen Brothers have made a wonderfully dry and personal movie about the 70's. The cinematography is captivating, and the dialogue is very sharp and humorous. The script is wonderfully observant and witty, and is one of the biggest achievements of the film. Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay were highly deserved, and I even think it deserved to win the latter. Many people will find the ending to be bizarre and discomforting. That said, A Serious Man is very underrated, and deserves to be remembered.

The Ghost Writer (2010)

A Thriller That Stands Out Among the Rest

[8/10 · 11 October 2010]

The Ghost Writer begins with a shot of a corpse on the shore of an island. It ends with a shot of papers flying through the air. These remarkable achievements in cinematography (along with others), as well as wonderful acting and an impressive screenplay make it worth seeing. The story focuses on a former British prime minister's ghost writer for his memoirs. While on the job, The Ghost stumbles upon some secrets regarding the minister's possible war crimes which may be the reason for his predecessor's death. It is a very understated movie, and it may not come together for you until its final moments, but it draws you in and holds you for its entire running time. It is smart, riveting, unpredictable; mostly everything you want in a thriller. The Ghost Writer's first half may be too slow and dry for many viewers, but this is completely forgivable. Props go to Kim Cattrall, Pierce Brosnan, Ewan McGregor, and Olivia Williams for their excellent work.

The Last Song (2010)

By the Time You Start to Care About the Characters, It's Much Too Late

[3/10 · 1 October 2010]

This movie may as well go down as one of the worst films of 2010. The Last Song features Miley Cyrus in an uneven and whiny performance as a teenage girl experiencing the love of her life during the summer. There is also a church fire, a pyromaniac, family problems, and other things which you probably should but won't care about. Cyrus does have fantastic chemistry with her co-star Liam Hemsworth, but the movie's pluses truly end there. Characters and plot-lines seem to be pulled randomly out of a hat, and scenes which should be emotionally powerful are paired with conflicting music. The scenes between Ronnie and her father are particularly manipulative and forced. Ronnie and Will seem to be on and off, seeing as they are constantly arguing and apologizing instead of having their relationship develop. It is never said why Ronnie (Cyrus) is in love with Will (Hemsworth). The last third saves the film from receiving a 2, but doesn't save the film as a whole. Ronnie is supposed to be unlikable, but you are eventually supposed to feel for her as well. The supporting characters are supposed to be just as interesting as Ronnie, but aren't developed at all. The film is very superficial, underdeveloped, and empty, and fans of the surprisingly well-crafted novel will be disappointed.

Easy A (2010)

One of the Best Teen Comedies to Come in a While

[8/10 · 1 October 2010]

Easy A is a brilliant teen comedy. The first half of the movie is extremely hilarious and attention-grabbing. It draws you in with its opening intro of a web-cast, and Olive (the main character) tells you her story of how she ruined her flawless reputation. It begins with a lie about her losing her virginity on a weekend, with that lie turning into a rumor. Then, a gay classmate asks her to fake having sex with her to keep her new found reputation consistent and to have bullies stop disrespecting him. You may think you know where the story is going, but it pulls the rug out from under you and under itself; it takes risks that other similar films nowadays would be afraid to do. The story is very original, with several great performances, especially from Emma Stone who plays Olive. She has superb comic timing and is able to carry the movie. Penn Badgley and Aly Michalka are funny and believable as her love interest and best friend respectively. Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson are particularly funny as the quirky parents. Dan Byrd plays the gay teenager with believability and humor. The only criticisms I have are that the film reaches its ending but runs out of things to say, and that the parents seem a little TOO perfect for a girl who is faking sexual activity. However, it is so well-written and acted that it would be completely worthy of a Best Picture Academy Award nomination. I highly recommend this movie for all teens, parents, and teachers.

The Blind Side (2009)

Slightly Overrated by Users, but Still Entertaining

[6/10 · 1 September 2010]

The Blind Side tells the inspirational story of an unfortunate teenager who becomes the ultimate football star. The film, unfortunately, is filled to the brim with scenes resembling those from T.V. movies of the week. The film tries too hard to go for tears over detailing the racial controversies, but the film benefits from strong source material and an inspirational ending. Sandra Bullock, while strong, does not have a single Oscar moment in this film that blew me away. The first half is very well-executed, the second to a lesser extent. I do not think this deserved its Best Picture nomination over (500) Days of Summer, Star Trek, or Crazy Heart, but it is an uplifting tale about the fascinating sport of football. The Blind Side may focus too much on Bullock's character, but as a Thanksgiving/family movie, it is worth seeing.

Spider-Man 3 (2007)

An Empty and Boring Action Flick

[4/10 · 30 August 2010]

Spider-Man was a surprisingly entertaining action flick with touches of humor and suspense. Spider-Man 2 was one of the best films of the past decade, with its alarmingly believable emotion and fantastic characters. But then came this disaster. This movie brings back plot details from the 1st film, making it feel as if the crew ran out of ideas for the story. This then results in Spidey hunting down Flint Marko, played by Thomas Haden Church in a talent-wasting performance. The love triangle between Dunst, Maguire, and Franco has zero sizzle. The action sequences are merely attention-grabbing instead of tense. Spider-Man's dark side is not terrifying, mainly consisting of stealing other people's girlfriends and wearing thick black eyeliner. Instead of being emotionally complex, the subplots this time feel sappy, forced, and manipulative. Church and Topher Grace (as Venom/Eddie Brock) are talented, but not as effective as Willem Dafoe (as the original Green Goblin) and Alfred Molina (as Doc Ock). The endless story lines and melodramatic speeches make this film bland, excessive, and boring. Even the behavior of the characters (leaving boyfriends, assaulting friends, not calling the police) is implausible. If quality ran the box office, this film would not even cross $100 million.

Alice in Wonderland (I) (2010)

Disappointing Fantasy Film

[5/10 · 28 August 2010]

Alice in Wonderland was one of my most anticipated of 2010, and I wish I was still waiting. The film, while somewhat solid, never seems to hit its stride. It moves at an extremely plodding pace and the plot is very uneven. Mia Wasikowska does a fine job as the soon-to-be-married Alice, but the screenplay lets her down. Oscar nominees Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Anne Hathaway also deliver solid performances. The climactic showdown is sketchily choreographed with uninteresting action. A lazy ending and sinister tone ruins what should be a fun, interesting romp through Wonderland. Tim Burton does prove he can deliver a well-executed backstory and fabulous visuals, but this is one of his weaker efforts.