That's What She Said

That's What She Said (R) 2012

Directed by Carrie Preston

Starring:  Anne Heche, Marcia DeBonis, Alia Shawkat, Miriam Shor, Mandy Siegfried, Kellie Overbey, Heather Lindell, Marylouise Burke, Kristine Nielsen, Kate Rigg, Nick Gregory and John G. Preston

Here We Go:  New York City women bond over their flaws and strengths.  This movie is a short 84 minutes, and it is nothing short of wacky from start to finish.  Although there are some parts that drag, a lot of the movie is odd enough to keep you going.  Heche's character is rudely dry and funny, which is a nice contrast to DeBonis, who is such a sappy do-gooder.  The closest that I can come to helping you understand this movie is to say that what Sex in the City is to the Upper East Side of Manhattan, That's What She Said is to The Village.  The humor is wacky, dry and raunchy, which isn't for everyone.  I will say that there were a few times that this movie caught me off guard and I laughed out loud.

Bottom Line:  Take it or leave it...but take it only if it's free.

Tower Heist

Tower Heist (PG-13) 2011

Directed by Brett Ratner

Starring: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Matthew Broderick, Casey Affleck, Michael Peña, Téa Leoni, Gabourey Sidibe, Alan Alda, Judd Hirsch and Nina Arianda

Here We Go:  This was a good movie with a story line that came full circle.  Basically, Stiller is forced to go after a man who tries to dupe his staff out of their pensions.  I would label this movie more "action/mildly entertaining" than "action comedy," but hey at least the "action" part is consistent.  I would also say that the language in this movie is the only thing that gives it a rating over a simple PG.  Still, it was a cute movie with an ending that gives you closure.  

Bottom Line:  It's nothing to write home about, but it's good enough to watch...if it's free.

The Next Three Days

The Next Three Days (2010) PG-13

Directed by Paul Haggis

Starring:  Russell Crowe, Elizabeth Banks, Brian Dennehy, Lennie James, Olivia Wilde, Ty Simpkins, Helen Carey, Liam Neeson, Jason Beghe, Aisha Hinds, Allan Steele, RZA, and Daniel Stern

Here We Go:  What a nail-biter!  John (Crowe) is desperate to free his wife (Banks) from jail for a crime that she adamantly denies committing.  He watches his son falling apart without his mother and John struggles to keep his family intact.  Eventually, he knows that his only chance of saving his family is break his wife out.  The lengths to which this character plans her escape results in a chain of events that keeps you on the edge of your seat.  The script is well written, the characters are believable, and I was particularly impressed with Banks' acting.  The movie is a bit long at 2+ hours, but you never notice it because the story and pace are excellent. 

The Bottom Line:  Watch it!

300

300 (2007) R

Directed by Zach Snyder

Starring: Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, Dominic West, David Wenham,Vincent Regan, Michael Fassbender, Tom Wisdom, Andrew Pleavin, Andrew Tiernan, Rodrigo Santoro, Stephen McHattie, and Alex Ivanovici

Here We Go: This is one of history’s most interesting, heroic and inspiring stories and, for some reason, Hollywood felt the need to add monsters to it.  While it is loosely based on the facts surrounding the real battle at Thermoplyae, some liberties are taken for dramatic effect.  Those would have been fine had they limited the liberties to human beings.  The real battle involved 7,000 Greeks holdings off an army of 100,000 – 300,000 for seven days.  That doesn’t need monsters for dramatic effect.  Let me say that again: 7,000 vs. perhaps 300,000. Being outnumbered 42:1 is terrifying – no supernatural creatures needed.  History aside, Gerard Butler is very good as King Leonidas and the final scene with Dilios leading the Spartans into the battle of Plataea will give you chills.

Bottom Line: Historical inaccuracies aside, this movie is definitely worth watching (but we’re looking forward to Hollywood telling the real story of Thermoplyae).