Black Swan

In his follow-up to the Oscar-nominated film "The Wrestler", director Darren Aronofsky this time turns his focus on another athletic profession: ballet.  Natalie Portman plays an ambitious ballerina named Nina, who after years of toiling as a secondary dancer in her ballet company is ready for the spotlight.  When a famed director arrives to put on a show of his own dark, sexy version of "Swan Lake", Nina beats out the competition for the coveted lead role of the Swan Queen.  But between an unrelentingly critical director, an overbearingly parasitic mother, and her own fear of failure, Nina starts to unravel as she succumbs to dangerous delusions and extreme paranoia.  Aronofsky once again perfectly captures the extreme emotions and pressures associated with competitive sports.  In this case, his keen eye allows the audience to experience the masochistic world of ballet close up.  Nina's obsession to be the best dancer possible is portrayed with scary realism by Portman, who deserves an Oscar nod for this fearless performance.  The actress underwent months of training to pull off dancing like a real ballerina, and it shows.  But Portman goes further than that and succeeds in pulling off not just a complete physical transformation, but a mental one as well.  The ballet's director, Thomas (played with just the right blend of seductive cruelty by Vincent Cassel), rides Nina hard and belittles her technically perfect but cold performance every chance he gets.  And when Nina projects her insecurities on a rival dancer, Lily (a carefree and sexy Mila Kunis), she convinces herself that Lily is out to get her in order to steal her role - even after Thomas's insistence that the only one standing in the way of Nina's greatness is herself.  The result is a completely enthralling and exhilarating descent into Nina's madness that words cannot fully describe; it just has to be experienced.  "Black Swan" will get into your head and under your skin... and Nina's uncontrollable quest for perfection is at times both disturbing and liberating.  But if I had to sum up this thrilling masterpiece in one word, I guess I could borrow the last line Nina utters after delivering the best performance of her life: "Perfect.  Just perfect."


5 out of 5 stars

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

"The Sorcerer's Apprentice" is a live-action adaptation of the Mickey Mouse animated short from Disney's "Fantasia" (and I use that term lightly as it is a very loose adaptation).  It takes the premise of a powerful sorcerer and his apprentice and builds on that by forming a story around the original master wizard, Merlin, and his three apprentices, Balthazar, Horvath, and Veronica.  When Merlin's biggest enemy, Morgana, rises to power and Horvath betrays his master to take allegiance with her, it's up to Balthazar to find the Prime Merlinean - the only sorcerer who can defeat Morgana.  A thousand years later, Balthazar finally crosses paths with geeky physics student, Dave, who appears to be the chosen one to inherit Merlin's powers.  But even with Balthazar's training, does Dave really have what it takes to defeat a sorceress as powerful as Morgana?  Nicolas Cage plays Balthazar with his usual slightly mad recklessness and eccentricity.  Cage seems to be having a really fun time in this role, and his good humor is infectious.  And with his now trademark scrawny, awkward loser type, Jay Baruchel plays Dave; I'm sure one day we will all get sick of seeing Baruchel play the same character, but I can honestly say that day hasn't arrived for me yet.  The story is silly at best, the effects are all-out explosively thrilling (in true Jerry Bruckheimer form), and the acting is pretty much beside the point.  This film is just mindless fantastical fun - it doesn't quite live up to its magical aspirations, but it comes pretty close.

3 out of 5 stars

The Girl Who Played with Fire

The sequel to the Swedish hit, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", takes place over a year after where the last film left off.  Our anti-heroine Lisbeth Salander is putting the pieces of her life back together, while her sleuthing partner, Mikael Blomkvist, continues exposing the crimes of the European elite for Millenium magazine.  This time around, Mikael is working with a young reporter, Dag Svensson, on a sex trafficking scandal.  But when Dag and his journalist girlfriend are found dead in their apartment, the evidence links Lisbeth to the murders and she and Mikael must work together once again to solve the crime.  This installment - based on the second novel in the Millenium trilogy - is less intense and engrossing than the first film.  With our two protagonists separated by geography (Lisbeth must stay on the lam for most of the film while she tries to clear her name), much of the excitement of uncovering clues together is gone.  Unfortunately, the two working alone does not lend itself to the chemistry that Mikael and Lisbeth shared in the first story.  Nonetheless, we follow the couple as they investigate who is behind the conspiracy to put Lisbeth behind bars.  In doing so, the story dives even deeper into Lisbeth's dark past to uncover the grisly details of her childhood.  The film ends rather abruptly with no sense of closure, presumably leaving the story wide open to pick right back up in the next and final installment.  Again, don't expect the thrilling allure of the first movie.  But the mystery will still keep you intrigued, and Mikael and Lisbeth are such great characters that you'll definitely be coming back for more.


3 out of 5 stars

The Kids Are All Right

Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and Laser (Josh Hutcherson) are intelligent and thoughtful siblings from an educated and well-off family.  Their parents, Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore), are a lesbian couple who used a sperm-donor to get pregnant.  When Laser starts getting curious about his biological father, he pleads to Joni (who is now 18 and of legal age) to make the call to the sperm bank and obtain the donor's identity.  Soon, Joni and Laser are meeting and bonding with their new dad, Paul (Mark Ruffalo).  But introducing Paul to the family dynamic and figuring out where he fits in to all of this produces some mixed results.  Written and directed by Lisa Cholodenko ("Laurel Canyon"), the story is genuinely heartfelt and original - not due so much to the fact that it depicts a non-traditional family, but more so due to the realistic portrayal of the trials and tribulations of married life.  Nic and Jules are interesting and familiar characters because they act and speak like real couples do, and when they come at a crossroads in their relationship you feel their pain and frustration.  Bening and Moore are both nakedly honest and emotional as Nic and Jules, and it is refreshing to see these two naturally beautiful actresses completely stripped of their vanity (no makeup or salon tresses here).   And then there's Ruffalo (who, it should be menioned, I can never say enough good things about).  As Paul, Ruffalo exudes more sexual and masculine energy than I thought was possible for any man to do.  Such manliness and swagger should be off-putting, but Paul is just so damn charming - with his tanned easygoingness and radiant smile - that he ends up winning you over.  "The Kids Are All Right" is an apt title for this family drama; Joni and Laser definitely seem to have it the most together when compared to their emotionally messed-up parents.  But in the end, we're left feeling hopeful that Nic, Jules, and Paul will find their way back to being all right, too.


4 out of 5 stars

Predators

"Predators" is a direct sequel to the 1987 blockbuster "Predator" (starring a pre-gubernatorial Ah-nuld).  This time around, our rough and tough commander is a dark and brooding mercenary named Royce (Adrien Brody).  Royce wakes up during a free-fall and lands in a strange jungle setting with no recollection of how he got there.  He is joined by a group of other deadly killers like himself, and they begin to explore the area to try to figure out where they are and how to get out.  Soon they discover that they are being methodically hunted one by, and they must band together if they are to survive in this alien land.  The story starts off interestingly enough as we get to know our ragtag gang of fighting machines and try to solve the puzzle of why they've been mysterioiusly thrown together.  It's always fun to see Walton Goggins (TV's "The Shield") show up in unexpected places, and here he plays his typically redneck sociopath.  Brody, though, is horribly miscast as the ruthless Royce.  He may have beefed up his normally scrawny physique a bit to play the role, but his sweet, tender eyes make him way too sympathetic-looking to pass as a heartless soldier.  The plot progresses into boring territory soon after the introductions are over, and the film quickly becomes a tired retread of the campy, but fun original.  I suggest giving the Schwarzenegger classic another viewing and skipping this unoriginal sequel (not to mention the laughable "Alien vs. Predator" franchise that was spawned in 2004) altogether.


2 out of 5 stars

Sex and the City 2

The sequel to the touching and emotional first feature film follows our four favorite Manhattan gals two years after we saw them last.  Carrie now has two years of marriage under her belt, Samantha is still single and premenopausal, Charlotte is juggling two kids, and Miranda is still trying to find the perfect balance between work and family.  Not much has changed, really, as the situations and men in their lives may be different but the women remain the same.  This time, they decide to take a vacation to Abu Dhabi and ponder over their lives in the Middle East for a change of scenery.  While there, Samantha gets up to her usual fornicatory antics and Carrie runs into Aidan, the one that got away.  All this prompts the ladies to reassess their priorities and Carrie to realize what her marriage really means to her.  What once was a fresh, funny, and relevant portrayal of the single life of four NYC best girlfriends has now officially jumped the shark.  Carrie and Co. were more intelligent and real in their younger days whereas now they just come off as faded caricatures of themselves.  Take Samantha, for example: While it's sometimes nice how some things never change, how many times can we see Samantha having wild and crazy sex before it stops being funny?  And how many times can we see Carrie run into an ex and be tempted into slipping up?  We get that there will always be feelings there for the other guy she almost married, but the back and forth between these two men is exhausting and played out (on a sidenote, it is always nice to see the sunny and adorable John Corbett again).  It also seemed counterintuitive to me to put these women in a situation of excessive lavishness while a minute before they were all just lamenting on the poor economy and how they've all had to cut back in different areas of their lives.  It was almost as if the filmmakers couldn't decide if they wanted to pander to the masses ("See, we're hurting from the times, too!") or have us live vacariously through the foursome.  Either way, the films does not do justice to these four women who we've come to love and know so well.  If there's a SATC 3, let's hope they give the fab four something more interesting to say.


2 out of 5 stars

Tangled

"Tangled" is loosely based on the story of Rapunzel, the imprisoned maiden with the long, golden locks.  Voiced by pop princess Mandy Moore, Rapunzel is born to a loving queen and king who rule benevolently over their kingdom.  But when the magical healing properties of her hair are discovered, Rapunzel is snatched away from her family and kept locked in a tower by a vain old woman who desires to stay young forever.  One fateful day, a rakish thief named Flynn Ryder stumbles upon Rapunzel's tower, and the two form an unlikely bond that leads them on exciting adventures and an unexpected romance.  Disney puts its own fresh spin on the classic fairy tale by taking the focus solely from the female hero and pairing her up with a debonair male lead who is more of Rapunzel's equal instead of a generic afterthought (as in most of Disney's princess-centered movies).  Mandy Moore does a good job of imbuing Rapunzel with her own sweet and slightly goofy charm.  Flynn Ryder - voiced with perfect comedic timing by Zachary Levi (TV's "Chuck") - is a fun and charismatic rogue who more than holds his own against our endearing princess.  And Donna Murphy (a Tony-award winning Broadway actress) is the film's highlight as Rapunzel's manipulative caretaker, who lets the poor girl believe that she is locked away for her own good.  My only complaint (and it is kind of a big one) is that this is a musical fairy tale, yet the tunes are easily forgettable; you won't find yourself singing any "Hakuna Matata" or "Under the Sea" type numbers after leaving the theater.  Even still, the movie is entertaining for the little ones and has a tenderness to it, with a few chuckles for the grown-ups thrown in for good measure.  "Tangled" may not have you running out to buy the soundtrack afterwards, but its perfectly cast voices, likeable characters, and adventurous story will keep you smiling throughout.


3 out of 5 stars

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

The penultimate installment in the Harry Potter saga starts out with a grisly scene that expertly sets the dark tone for the rest of the film.  With his mentor and dear friend, Dumbledore, brutally killed at the conclusion of the sixth film, Harry is left to take on a nearly impossible mission: find and destroy the last of the Horcruxes - pieces of Voldemort's black soul preserving his immortality.  Carrying out this task will not be easy, even with Harry's best friends, Ron and Hermione, there to help him.  And as they face grave peril, their mettle and friendships are put to the test as the race against the clock to defeat Voldemort once and for all nears its end.  As the series draws to a close, the awe and magnitude of our beloved hero's journey is that much more palpable.  I found myself barely breathing at times, so enraptured was I at the scenes unfolding before me on screen.  The stakes are that much higher now for our magical trio, so we are that much more committed to these characters that we've watched grow up in front of our very eyes.  Harry - duly played with resolute loyalty and valor by Daniel Radcliffe - must become a man and abandon his life at Hogwarts, the only place where he ever felt truly happy.  The childish reverie of goofing off in potions class or celebrating a Quidditch match victory are now a thing of the past, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione must tighten their jaws as they leave their friends, family, and studies behind.  Hermione - played by the beautiful and graceful Emma Watson - is a powerful witch who can solve almost any problem, except for telling the boy she loves how she feels.  And Ron - played with just the right blend of teenage boy angst and cheekiness by Rupert Grint - is torn by his loyalty for his best mate and his feelings for Hermione, which are buried so deep that they are apparent to everyone except himself.  The cinematography of the film also perfectly encompasses the tone of the story: desolate landscapes shot in gray hues mirror the troubled melancholy and uncertainty that our heroes are feeling.  While the journey into adulthood and unknown danger weighs heavily on Harry, Ron, and Hermione, one thing is certain: these friends have an unbreakable bond that gives them the strength and courage to overcome any obstacle.  That is a magic that no spell can break.  So to Voldemort and his Death Eaters, as we approach the final end of this amazing story, I say to you: Bring. It. On.


5 out of 5 stars

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

Michael Cera stars as the titular character, a nerdy Canadian slacker who plays bass in a rock band called Sex Bob-omb (which I can only assume is a super-cool reference to a Super Mario Brothers character).  When Scott meets the beautiful and aloof Ramona Flowers, he's smitten and convinced he's found the girl of his dreams.  But if Scott wants to win Ramona's heart, he must first battle her seven evil exes in a fight to the death.  After watching this movie, I knew exactly what it would feel like to play videogames while completely hopped up on Red Bull.  The manic action sequences - straight out of classic arcade game battles - were simultaneously retro yet refreshingly original.  Cera plays Scott like it was the role he was born to play, and while the actor is sometimes accused of portraying the same character over and over again, his characteristic awkward hipster charm totally works here.  The pace is quick, the one-liners zing, and the artful and colorful visuals are inspiring, if a little bit on the silly side (but that's what makes it so hilarious).  I imagine there is a certain age limit past which the style and humor of this movie will go unappreciated; I'm just glad that I don't fall into that age group.  "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" is a smart, funny, and tremendously enjoyable film, with a hero worth cheering for and deliciously devious villains that you'll be sad to see defeated.


4 out of 5 stars

Splice

Elsa and Clive are superstar geneticists on the verge of a major breakthrough.  They have successfully spliced genes together from different animal species and are poised to share their research with the world - and make millions for the pharmaceutical company they work for.  The next logical step is to create a human/animal hybrid, but their employer puts a halt on further experiments until they can be sure the public is ready to accept such radical science.  When Elsa and Clive decide to test their theories in secret, they successfully produce a viable organism - nicknamed Dren - which has dire consequences for their career and their relationship.  Elsa and Clive are played by Sarah Polley and Adrien Brody; once you get past the fact that this couple is way too young and attractive to play such pioneers in their field, you realize that these are two great actors who can pull off almost any story.  Unfortunately, the film is less of the smart sci-fi/thriller type and veers more towards the monster horror flick route.  Instead of being a thought-provoking thriller that makes you ponder on the ethical and moral questions it poses, the film resorts to putting these two interesting characters in generic situations where they are being chased by their own creation.  The story hints at an interesting back story for Elsa, but never delves deep enough into her childhood history with her mother to see what makes her tick.  Maybe if it did, the decision Elsa makes at the end of the movie would make more sense; instead, we are left perplexed that someone so intelligent would take such a crazy and irrational turn.  For what it is, the film is entertaining enough, and the special effects for Dren were pretty impressive.  There's some fun fluff here, but I was really hoping for something with a bit more substance.


3 out of 5 stars

Nurse Jackie: Season 2

The life and times of Jackie Peyton, head nurse at All Saint's Memorial Hospital in NYC, are on naked display in the second season of this excellent drama starring Edie Falco.  Jackie continues on her downward spiral of drug abuse, while still trying to keep her work life and family life separate and intact.  Jackie thinks she can have it all: a loving family, a fulfilling job, and an affair on the side with her ex-coworker Eddie.  But when Eddie starts an unexpected relationship with her husband, it may be too much for Jackie to handle.  Soon, Jackie's actions and decisions start having negative effects on her family and friends (Jackie's doting husband starts to lose trust in her and her oldest daughter starts exhibiting major psychological problems), and one by one her well-kept secrets start to unravel.  Jackie is the opposite of a protagonist you can root for: she's selfish, she's deceptive, and she's toxic.  Yet her character is so well-written and well-acted by the magnificent Falco (who won an Emmy for her portrayal of the caustic nurse), that you cannot help but sympathize with her.  She is as flawed and complicated a human being as you will ever see on TV and that is what draws the viewer in.  The story lines this season also did wonders for fleshing out the supporting cast.  Jackie's best friend, Dr. O'Hara (played by the hilariously sarcastic Eve Best) gets a couple of her own story arcs - one involving the death of her mother and another involving an unfaithful lover who comes back into town - that really show the cracks in Dr. O'Hara's breezy, upbeat facade.  Jackie's protégé, Zoey (played in the most endearingly weird way by Merritt Wever), continues to grow into her own as a nurse and gets a boyfriend.  And lastly, the ferocious bulldog, hospital administrator Gloria Akalitus (the exquisite Anna Deavere Smith) - who comes off as a mean, joyless bitch in season 1 - finally gets to show off her softer side.  The only character who doesn't get a chance to grow is Dr. Cooper (Peter Facinelli), who saunters through the hospital in his own little bubble of narcissism.  I guess it's not surprising that nothing much changes for the deluded Dr. Cooper, who is so arrogant and self-involved that he can't see past his own nose.  All in all, a nearly perfect season where the story lines are engaging and are only surpassed by the suberb character development.  "Nurse Jackie" may not be the nicest person on television, but she sure is one of the most interesting to watch.


5 out of 5 stars