Source Code

Q: What’s the movie about?

A: An Afghanistan war vet (Jake Gyllenhaal) is part of the "Source Code" program which forces him to repeatedly go back in time, to the 8 minutes leading up to the moment when the train he is on will blow up. There, he must figure out who planted the bomb, and then deter the terrorist's plan for an even bigger attack.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright, Michael Arden, Cas Anvar, Russell Peters

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: Go! Don't try to understand why the ending works, I'm not sure it does, but somehow that doesn't seem to lessen the entertainment value of this sci-fi premise.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: There is exactly one funny line, and it didn't come from the stand-up comedian.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: Now that I think of it, all of the emotional beats are very surface. You know what, maybe don't give this movie too much thought after you see it. Because while some movies get better with reflection, this one is the opposite of that.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: Most Engrossing Plot that Makes No Sense, Ever!

Q: How is the Acting?

A: The best actor in the cast, Vera Farmiga, has the most boring role. As far as Jake Gyllenhaal and Michelle Monaghan go, I have fairly low expectations for both, so I'm just happy when they don't annoy me.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: Duncan Jones, who directed Moon before this, is already demonstrating the kind of track record that will soon have him stealing jobs away from Michael Bay.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: The structure is unpredictable, as are many of the choices the character makes during his 8 minute train rides. When we grow to know more about the character, his choices begin to make more sense, and the seeming randomness of the choices make the movie feel original. At the same time, it's pretty easy to figure out who the terrorist is and the major twist isn't that surprising either. Maybe because it's sci-fi, and so completely make-believe from the start, but for some reason, you find yourself compelled to forgive all the major flaws in the plot.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: Source Code Trailer

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Four Lions

Q: What’s the movie about?

A: A group of British Jihadists prepare to blow themselves up, but based on their behavior, they could just as easily be preparing for a Vaudeville act starring Larry, Curly, and Mo.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Riz Ahmed, Kayvan Novak, Nigel Lindsay, Arsher Ali, Adeel Akhtar, Preeya Kalidas, Julia Davis, Benedict Cumberbatch

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: Proceed with Caution. The idea behind the idea is pretty genius, once you're in on the joke, but it's really challenging to figure out the joke.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: If you can get past the language barrier, and the style of the humor, I'm pretty sure this movie is drop dead hilarious. As for me, I understood about every third word, despite it supposedly being in English.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: The saddest thing about it is that many of the moronic things these would-be suicide bombers do and say are inspired by true events. Like the time the jihadist was on a bicycle, on his way to deliver a bomb, and he veered to avoid a pothole running right into a lamppost. Boom! True story.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: The Wash Your Mouth Out with Soap Award. Thanks to this movie, prematurely exploding doesn't have to be sexual innuendo anymore!

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Nigel Lindsay stands out as being Ali G level funny. Kayvan Novak and Riz Ahmed have the looks to be big stars-- which isn't to say that they weren't funny as all Hell, too. And Julia Davis is just... wow, she has a timing all her own.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: The directing is one of the few aspects of the film that is totally amateurish. You rarely know where the characters are in relation to each other or the room, and the look is of embarrassingly low quality. Director Chris Morris comes from a TV background in Great Britain, which is notorious for putting shows on the air that look like they were shot on a 1980s camcorder... but the poor resolution may also have been due to the projection system in the dumpy rent-a-theater I saw it in.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: It's particularly hard to figure out if these guys are serious about martyring themselves, or if they're just making some kind of a film within a film about what it would be like if they were. That said, some of the dialogue is pretty brilliant. In a nonsensical way.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/four-lions/10024302/trailers

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The Ghost Writer

Q: What’s the movie about?

A: A man (Ewan McGregor) hired to ghost write a memoir for a controversial politician (Pierce Brosnan) gets caught up in a political plot that could potentially lead to his death.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, Kim Cattrall, Olivia Williams, Tom Wilkinson, Robert Pugh, Jon Bernthal, Timothy Hutton, James Belushi, Eli Wallach

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: Proceed with Caution. This thriller doesn't genuinely scare you because you're never quite sure what's going on. My opinion is that-- at least by the time it's over-- a thriller should make you feel smart.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: The humor is so subtle, that the wife of the politician had to point out that the ghost writer was funny, before I even noticed that he'd been cracking jokes.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: From the architecture to the weather, it's cold and emotionless.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: Most exciting Behind the Scenes intrigue... you know what I'm talking about.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: You know that Ewan, Pierce, and Tom Wilkinson are always great so let's talk about Jon Bernthal, who stands out as someone to watch, even in this relatively small and standard role, as the writer's agent. James Belushi shows us that when you shave his head bald, he instantly transforms from comedic patriarch to serious dramatic actor. And Kim Cattrall, unfortunately, proves to have a limited range, both in acting and in accents.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: Clearly comfortable in his skin, Roman Polanski doesn't showboat much in this piece, except for the last shot of the movie, which is the stuff that future film class history will be made of.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: You know something is wrong with the story when you notice the score building to something scary, and you find yourself looking around the screen wondering, "What am I supposed to be getting nervous about right now?" Ultimately, the political plot line is too complicated and hard to follow (especially in so much as people's motives are concerned), and the pay off doesn't make you feel like there was anything all that interesting to figure out in the first place.

Q: Is there anything else worth mentioning about the movie?

A: Here are some questions for those of you who have seen it: What was the manuscript the lawyer gives Ewan at the beginning, and what was the significance of that in the movie? When he's at the Ferry motel, why does Ewan decide to trust Robert Rycart? Why does he write down the information he has figured out, and pass it in a note to the person it concerns? What was the very end conclusion trying to say? (I mean, beside the obvious action that occurs.) Why did that occur and what was the greater meaning of it?

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-ghost-writer/32030/trailers

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The Men Who Stare at Goats

Q: What’s the movie about?

A: After getting dumped by his wife, a journalist (Ewan McGregor) goes to Iraq to write a story that will win her back, and ends up getting the adventure of his life when he meets an eccentric military man from the psychic superpower division (George Clooney). It's somewhat based on a true story.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Ewan McGregor, George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey, Stephen Lang, Robert Patrick, Waleed Zuaiter, Stephen Root, Glenn Morshower

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: Proceed with Caution. The premise shows more promise than the execution, which has a perfect wacky tone, but leaves you wondering what it was all supposed to be about.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: It is highly reminiscent of a Coen Brothers comedy, only the jokes are a little more laugh out loud. And there are some inside jokes for people who have seen Star Wars... which I guess includes just about everyone.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: Really not at all. Although when you see how they torture the prisoners, you may feel terrible for those poor little terrorists.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: Jeff Bridges could finally get that nomination he was passed over for when he played The Dude in The Big Lebowski. This character is pretty much the same, except he doesn't bowl, and he's a Colonel in the military.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Aside from Ewan McGregor sometimes slipping into his Scottish accent, the performances showcase four great actors, each playing the role they do best.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: Grant Heslov has clearly been paying attention on set. He doesn't quite have that Coen Brothers' flare, but you can still tell he studied at their school.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: The structure jumps around in both time and place, but is nonetheless easy to follow, thanks to a running voice over by McGregor's character. Unfortunately, while the jokes are good and the characters are special, the story never really draws you in.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-men-who-stare-at-goats/38908/trailers

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The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3

Q: What’s the movie about?

A: When a subway train gets hijacked, a central control dispatcher (Denzel Washington) finds himself getting a crash course in hostage negotiations.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Denzel Washington, John Travolta, Luis Guzman, Victor Gojcaj, John Turturro, James Gandolfini, Michael Rispoli, Ramon Rodriguez, Aunjanue Ellis, John Benjamin Hickey, Alex Kaluzhsky, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Katherine Sigismund, Jake Siciliano, Gary Basaraba

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: Go! It's a fast paced Hollywood-style thriller, with a pinch of action, and as usual, this time it gets personal!

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: It's not quite as funny as it thinks it is, but every once in a while, one of those clever comebacks you'd only hear in a studio movie doesn't sound cliche.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: There is one part that's pretty moving, where we find out Denzel's backstory, and surprisingly, it's nowhere near the end.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: Best Denzel Washington film involving hostages and taking place in one day to come out this year. (I've watched the movies you pick, Denzel, and I'm onto you.)

Q: How is the Acting?

A: It's like a smörgåsbord of top professionals doing what they do best: be badass.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: Tony Scott never stops moving the camera. So even though you're watching two guys in static locations talking on the phone, (by which I mean walkie-talkies), you feel like you're watching a non-stop action-filled roller coaster ride.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: I didn't find any flaws in it. And if you've been reading my blog you know that's saying something.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/search/taking%20of%20pelham%20123/trailers

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Sleep Dealer

Q: What’s the movie about?

A: Set in the near future, a young man (Luis Fernando Pena) moves to the booming city of Tijuana, Mexico to become a “node worker,” which is the Mexican migrant worker of the future. In this version of the future, migrant workers perform their hard labor tasks in virtual reality, and therefore never have to physically cross the border in order to send money home to their families.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Luis Fernando Pena, Leonor Verala, Jacob Vargas

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: Go! It’s been a long time since there was an organic sci-fi film, not based on a comic book or a video game. In the vein of Blade Runner, this highly inventive and intellectual film takes the genre back to its roots to explore what becomes of humanity and society in the near future if we continue on the path that we’re on. And as sci-fi purists will tell you, it works because it’s all very plausible.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: The visual effects might. But if you remember that this is a small independent film out of Mexico, the visual effects will actually blow your mind. And then you’ll laugh at yourself for laughing in the first place.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: It’s more of a thinking man’s movie. But if you are that sci-fi geek, or that deep college student, or that bio-engineer, you will find a story rich with ideas.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: It was up for an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature, and as someone who watched most of the nominated films, I can tell you that this was one of only very few that weren’t too long, incredibly boring, completely pointless, or topped off with an ending that makes you want to kill yourself. Honestly, I’m surprised this little gem got nominated at all. It’s far too interesting to fit in with the rest.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: There weren’t any challenging acting moments in the script, but the main characters are attractive and the chemistry in the love story is strong, especially in the scene where they make love in a futuristic way you’ve never seen before.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: This Alex Rivera guy is going places. He tells a visual story that manages to be showy without showing off. The stylization is as organic to the story as the ideas about globalization and human disconnection through technology. I rarely understand why big studios pluck little indy and documentary directors out of oblivion and entrust them with multi-million dollar effects films, but in this case I really would get it.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: The story is easy to follow, and the timely themes, including lacking water supply, technology going too far, and immigration, will stimulate your mind.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/search/sleep%20dealer/trailers

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Yes Man

Q: What’s the movie about?

A: A depressed man (Jim Carrey), who hates life and everything in it, is able to turn things around simply by saying "yes" to offers, instead of "no."

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper, John Michael Higgins, Rhys Darby, Danny Masterson, Molly Sims, Sean O'Bryan, Fionnula Flanagan, Terrence Stamp, Sasha Alexander, Brent Briscoe, Luiz Guzman, Vivian Bang, Aaron Takahashi

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: Go! This inspirational comedy reminds us that when we take life by the cohones, we do a great service, not only to ourselves, but to all those around us. Happiness is contagious. And here's a newspaper article to prove it: Happiness is Contagious, research finds

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: During Zooey Deschanel's musical performance, you may even squeal a little. Especially if you're a girl who's ever been with a guy.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: Tears of joy and positivity... No, not really. You probably won't cry.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: Best lyrics EVER!

Q: How is the Acting?

A: No one in this film is really pushing the limits of their acting tool, here. In fact, pretty much all of them are playing characters we've seen them play in other movies before. Hey, stick to what you're good at, right?

Q: How is the Directing?

A: Peyton Reed always manages to infuse an energy into his films that causes you to leave the theater wanting to dance in the streets.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: The set up and the conclusion are kind of easy, but I love when a script brings back even the most innocuous and seemingly irrelevant moments for a big pay off. And for doing that, I love these writers, and I'm gonna go ahead and say that this is a very well crafted screenplay.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/search/yes%20man/trailers

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You Don't Mess with the Zohan

Q: What’s the movie about?

A: An Israeli counter terrorist (Adam Sandler), with dreams of becoming a hairstylist, fakes his own death so he can escape to America and work for Paul Mitchell.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Adam Sandler, Emmanuelle Chriqui, John Turturro, Nick Swardson, Lainie Kazan, Ido Mosseri, Rob Schneider, Dave Matthews, Michael Buffer

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: Proceed with Caution. If you're already a fan of Adam Sandler's style of humor, the quality of this one may surpass your expectations... It's almost like they tried to make a good movie this time.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: It's broad as hell, but if you allow yourself to go along with the ridiculousness, a lot of it kind of works.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: There is something inspiring about the far out concept that the solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be found in the subtext of an Adam Sandler comedy.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: Wouldn't it be funny if it were?

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Adam Sandler's Israeli accent is so strong and consistent that I would actually believe him if he told me he'd been to Israel. Dave Matthews' performance finally convinced me that he really is serious about pursuing this acting stuff. Meanwhile, Ido Mosseri gives the kind of breakout performance that could set him up to corner the market on funny looking, funny guys of Israeli descent. Look out, Ben Stiller!

Q: How is the Directing?

A: Nothing all that surprising here. Dennis Dugan is Adam Sandler's go to guy. He's been creating that hacky look, for years now. But at least this movie is a vast improvement on I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, which blew chunks of fire and fake gay love.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: It includes a number of jokes that are pretty darn clever, which we can most likely credit to Judd Apatow. It also includes a number of feats never before accomplished by a phallus, which I assume is the loving work of Robert Smigel, who regularly proves his adoration of phallus flaunting in his work on The Ambiguously Gay Duo, on SNL.

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