Voices: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Rupert Everett, Justin Timberlake, Julie Andrews, John Cleese. Animated comedy. Written by Jeffrey Price, Peter S. Seaman and Chris Miller & Aron Warner. Directed by Chris Miller.
FILM SYNOPSIS: When Shrek married Fiona, the last thing he had in mind was becoming the next king. But when Shrek’s father-in-law, King Harold, suddenly croaks, that is exactly what he faces. Unless Shrek (with the help of his trusted companions) can find a suitable king for Far Far Away, the ogre could be stuck with the job. PREVIEW REVIEW: There’s comfort in familiarity. And I’m convinced that third films in a series don’t have to be good, just familiar. That was my impression of Shrek the Third. The script was either under- or overwritten, the author’s jokes mostly just missing the funny bone. Oh, kids laughed at the screening, usually at flatulence jokes and the like, but they also got antsy more than once. For them and for me, there was what we in the movie reviewing trade call “moments of tedium.” It’s fairly clean, there are some positive messages about loyalty, but it lacks the creativity of the first installment and the charm and funniness of the second. It’s not a bad film; it’s just one that passes the time. It’s a case where animated moviemakers have gone to the pixel-well once too often. Video Alternative: Shrek 2. I could spend time focusing on the artistry, the look, the story and the pacing of this film. Certainly these areas deserve the attention as they all work together beautifully. But I am going to keep this one simple. It’s funny. There are a few jokes based on crudeness, such as an ogre flatulating here and a princess belching there, but the crudities have been toned down from the original. The majority of humor, both visually and in the dialogue, stems from clever references to pop culture icons and creative parodies. What’s more, the creators have seen to it that the film amuses children and adults alike.
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FILM SYNOPSIS: Tom Reilly (Zach Braff) is a bit of an underachiever when it comes to his career (or lack thereof), but his adoring wife, Sofia (Amanda Peet), a formidable lawyer, has always been happy to act as the breadwinner. With the birth of their first child, Sofia decides she wants to be a stay-at-home mom so Tom needs to step up and take care of his growing family. Unfortunately he gets fired from his job in New York City and is forced to start working with his father-in-law (Charles Grodin) in Sofia’s hometown of Ohio. Tom soon clashes with his work colleagues, especially the outrageous Chip (Jason Bateman), who still carries a torch for Sofia from their high school days, and Sofia becomes increasingly uncomfortable staying home with their new baby. PREVIEW REVIEW: Loaded with a lot of family strife ala Everybody Loves Raymond (indeed, Mr. Braff looks and acts like a younger version of Ray Ramono) the film grates on the nerves. There’s nothing worst than having someone covertly alter your life by saying and doing things to make you look foolish, corrupt or inept. The lead goes through this from opening to nearly the end, with the last few minutes turning around much like a TV situation comedy. The film is just not smartly written. From all I could learn, this was the first film script for the writers and it looks like silly slapstick TV comedy. That said, many people in the screening room enjoyed the slapstick silliness. That would explain why King of Queens and Life According to Jim have lasted so long.
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Jane Fonda, Lindsay Lohan, Felicity Huffman, Dermot Mulroney, Cary Elwes, Garrett Hedlund. Drama. Written by Mark Andrus. Directed by Garry Marshall.
FILM SYNOPSIS: Rebellious teenager Rachel (Lohan) is taken by her mother to stay with her grandmother. It becomes apparent quickly that these are all members of a dysfunctional family. Granny is distant, mom’s an alcohol who hates her mother, and the little rebel is promiscuous and reveals that her stepfather began sexually abusing her when she was twelve. Is this true or is the teenager making up the story to get back at her mother? You have to stick around to the end, putting up with incessant bad behavior before learning the truth. The film has all three women revealing family secrets before they bond and find redemption. PREVIEW REVIEW: Incest is at the core of this production. It’s hinted at, not just with Rachel and her step-dad, but it is also ever-so slightly implied that the dead grandpa may have been a child abuser, as well. It’s kind of an R-rated Lifetime for Women movie – you know, where men are bad and woman are confused. While the arts should be used to explore human relationships and expose wrongdoings, incest is a difficult subject to sit through on a date, while eating popcorn. And though the actresses do a nice job, and it is witty with occasional insight, how many films do we have to sit through where quirky and dysfunctional families are the source of comic and melodramatic strife? In the last two years, we’ve been subjected to family strife in countless theatrical releases, including Babel, Click, Deck the Halls, Firehouse Dog, Flicka, A Good Year, Keeping Mum, Little Miss Sunshine, Miss Potter, Nanny McPhee, Pearl Diver, The Quiet, Running with Scissors, RV, Santa Claus 3, The Shaggy Dog, Madea’s Family Reunion, Winter Passing, Are We Done Yet?, Because I Said So, Curse of the Golden Flower, Daddy’s Little Grils, Disturbia, The Ex, In the Land of Women, The Lookout, The Last Sin Eater, Norbit, TMNT, The Ultimate Gift and Vacancy. Enough with the family strife, already. “Hollywood, let’s get another genre to beat to death. How about comic book superheroes?” Oh, right.
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Keri Russell, Jeremy Sisto, Cheryl Hines, Andy Griffith. Comedy. Written & directed by Adrienne Shelly.
FILM SYNPOSIS: A waitress has a dream of a better life. But doggone it, life keeps getting in the way. PREVIEW REVIEW: The Bible instructs us to get outside ourselves. We are to put God first, others second and ourselves last. It is a sign of faith and a proof of God’s love indwelling us when we so order our lives. Ironically, that structure is the best way to find peace and fulfillment. In its quirky way, Waitress exemplifies that premise. Trapped in a loveless marriage to an abusive wacko, Jenna (Keri Russell) fights off depression by making pies for the restaurant where she waits tables. She puts such skill and dedication into her baking that customers find a little piece of Heaven whenever they partake. Upon learning that she is pregnant after a night when her husband got her drunk, Jenna further relieves her frustrations by applying exotic names to her baked goods such as “I Hate My Husband” pie, “Kick In the Pants” pie and “I don’t Want Earl’s Baby” pie. Though she is unhappy, frustrated and stuck, Jenna shows compassion for others. And though she doesn’t want a baby by a man she has come to despise, she realizes that the unborn child has rights and she does everything possible to see that the fetus is getting what it needs to develop correctly. (This is an unusual theme to find in a Hollywood movie these days.) Without uttering the term “pro life,” the film suggests that this stance is valid and just. Being pregnant, without any money, Jenna is further trapped in a loveless marriage; yet, terminating the pregnancy is never considered. Outstanding, a poignant film that makes you laugh out loud and ultimately touches your soul, Waitress is as delicious as Jenna’s “Kick In The Pants” pie. On one level, it is somewhat fluffy, but as you savor the story, dialogue and performances, you begin to realize that it is layered and thoughtful. Out of utter discouragement with this passionless marriage, Jenna begins an affair with the new doctor – a married man. Now, I wouldn’t justify such a deed, but if you stick with the film, you’ll see Jenna realize that her actions are wrong. When we finally see the doctor’s wife, it becomes clear that Jenna’s actions will hurt this woman. I don’t want to give anything away, but I will say lessons are served to the audience by the depiction of the adulterous affair. Despite her giving into wrongdoing, Jenna is a moral person and that morality ultimately prevails. As for the sanctity of life, there is a wonderful moment. I hate to give anything away, but this is such an important statement being made by the filmmaker, that I must spotlight it. Jenna has not wanted this baby. But upon its birth, with just one look, she falls instantly in love with the infant. Suddenly, the film is an inspirational parable. A horrible deed has added poignancy to this production. Writer/director Adrienne Shelly, who also has a supporting role as one of Jenna’s waitress buddies, was murdered before her film was released. Those involved in the production finished it and made sure it was distributed, paying homage to a gifted artist and friend. As we enter into a season of superhero gimmickry, Adrienne Shelly has reminded moviegoers that the ultimate special effects are story, dialogue and performances. Andy Griffith has a supporting role and in one scene delights us with his description of his favorite Jenna pie. As he lovingly describes the tasty dessert, we suddenly realize he’s talking about life, her life. It is a terrific screen moment, proficiently handled by the veteran actor/comedian. And from a one-time actor’s insight, I can tell you that every moment Keri Russell is on screen is downright magical. The actress (TV’s Felicity and movies Mission Impossible 3, The Upside of Marriage) has pitch perfect comic timing and handles dramatic moments with truth and depth. It is a balanced, always mesmerizing performance. There is so much going on in her character and the actress relays it all. Will the Oscar folks remember Ms. Russell come awards season? They should. I praise this film for its positives, but read the content portion before attending. Please remember that I see so many films that simply are not smartly written or films that don’t take regard for the sanctity of life. So when I see a film like Waitress, one that is smartly written and contains positives, I like to spotlight it for its artistic qualities. That said, it does contain sexual matters, including adultery. I’m not suggesting that we support films that go against God’s instructions. I am aware that many do not feel we should see a film that portrays sexual situations. Indeed, the media bombards us with sexuality. But this film reminded me that there are people all around us who feel trapped, unloved and frightened. I hope this movie aids in making me sensitive to others. And my prayer is that if any reader is going through such a trail, know you are being prayed for this very day and that our Lord loves you. It’s a dark valley, I know, we all spend time there. And God seems nowhere to be found. Just remember, even David, who was beloved of God, spent time in that valley. He asked “God, where are you?” He wasn’t just having a bad day. There were times when God seemed to have left him. Oh, but He’s there. Read the Psalms. In fact, read the Bible. Read it. And may God bless you and may your days in the valley be short and ultimately rewarding… See, I told you this film affected me.
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Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace, Bryce Dallas Howard, James Cromwell. Action/adventure. Written by Sam Raimi, Ivan Raimi, Alvin Sargent. Directed by Sam Raimi.
FILM SYNOPSIS: In Spider-Man™ 3, based on the legendary Marvel Comics series, Peter Parker has finally managed to strike a balance between his devotion to his girlfriend and his duties as a superhero. But when his suit suddenly changes, turning jet-black and enhancing his powers, it transforms Peter as well, bringing out the dark, vengeful side of his personality. Under the influence of the suit, Peter becomes overconfident and starts to neglect the people who care about him. Forced to choose between the seductive power of the new suit and the compassionate hero he used to be, Peter must overcome his personal demons as two of the most feared villains yet, Sandman and Venom, gather a thirst for retribution against Peter and those he loves. PREVIEW REVIEW: There’s a great deal of good to say about this film, so let’s get the negative out of the way. First, I expect a film to logically lay out its plot and subplots without my having to read the book it was based on (or in this case, comic strip). Nor do I want to depend on its prequels in order to know who is who and what is really what. I admit, wanting a logical explanation from a movie about a guy with super spider powers is rather like expecting honesty and ability from either the Republican or Democratic parties. Still, it always seems like lazy writing when things go unexplained in a movie script. For instance: a character gets sucked up in some giant blender, whereupon he becomes merged with sand, becoming the super-shifting Sandman. I never could figure out who the scientists were or what they were trying to do, let alone why sand would suddenly take on a life form. Nor is there any explanation for the tar-like substance that came from outer space and turned a good soul into a dark one. Of course, ours is not to reason why... My other complaint has to do with the fact that there are more subplots here than in a Chekhov play. These minor conflicts and countless side characters lengthen the film to nearly a two and a half hours, often retarding its pace and purpose. And these are a weepy bunch. There’s more emoting here than in a week’s worth of Days Of Our Lives episodes. And then there’s Ms. Dunst. I have never warmed to her Mary Jane Watson character. She’s a wannabe Broadway star, but she always looks classless and unkempt. The character strikes me as someone who doesn’t wash her fruit. Okay, now for the good. Spider-Man 3 is jam-packed with action and eye-popping effects. And beyond the rich design and look, the film deals with subjects of substance, including themes of vengeance, love, forgiveness, and the message, “We always have a choice.” Indeed, it is the first superhero film with soul.