The Wolfman- 2 stars- Oh, did this make me sad. Director Joe Johnson ("Honey, I Shrunk The Kids", "The Rocketeer", "Jurassic Park 3") attempts to remake a classic, in this case Lon Chaney Jr's "The Wolf man" (1941). In theory, it should work. The classic leaves room for impressionism and the latest in FX (though come on, Chaney still looks great in the wolf make up!). The updated version follows the original story line fairly accurately. Benicio Del Toro returns to his family home upon news that his brother has gone missing, despite the tension between him and his father. When he arrives, he visits the local gypsy camp to learn more and is attacked by a werewolf. The next month, the wolf emerges and terrorizes the town. Unfortunately, the remake doesn't work. Del Toro is a slob of a brother with an American accent never acknowledged (he grew up in England for Christ sake!) and a demeanor that wouldn't make even the most self-loathing woman swoon. But, swoon one does. This time it's Emily Blunt as the fiancé of his dead brother. Clearly there was no real love lost there as she is ready to jump into bed with Del Toro after a few brief words. Anthony Hopkins plays the father rather well, his acting the more recognizable amid the drek that is everyone else. No one speaks with passion or feeling. It's like you're watching the line reading and at any time the director will say, "Okay, I think we have it. Now let's try it for real". Frankly, I read a book while this was playing I was so bored. The FX by the legendary Rick Baker are supreme and the CGI transformation that takes place in the laboratory is on par with the practical FX of "An American Werewolf in London". All around, I would say skip it.
The Road- 4 stars- This movie has been sitting on top of my DVD player for at least a month. I just couldn't bring myself to watch it, knowing it would upset me. I read the book earlier this year and really liked Cormac McCarthy's stream of consciousness Spartan style. It's told almost as journal entries are written, with few descriptive words and no designation between quotes and thoughts. The film is equally jarring and warm at the same time. Following an unseen and untold apocalyptic event, Father (Viggo Mortensen) and Son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) walk the barren country side in search of food, shelter, and solace from the wickedness around them. They are on the run not just from tribes of cannibalistic survivors but the elements as well. It is a bleak setting, sure, but an uplifting one as well. It is the story of a father and son and what each is willing to do and sacrifice for each other. John Hillcoat's sophomore effort (he previously directed the magnificent "The Proposition") is a fully formed being, free from the constraints of being based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning book much loved by the world. He doesn't seem to care; instead carving out his own piece of the legacy. It is a quite movie, but quite with a kind of intense burning that radiates from its core. Newcomer Smit-McPhee could have an amazing career in front of him if he is smart. He will next be seen in the remake "Let Me In" opposite another precocious star Chloe Moretz ("Kick Ass"). While I'm glad I didn't see this with my own father, the idea that he may not love it as much as I or not get it is too much to bare; I do plan to make him read the book. Whichever medium you choose, share this film with someone you love and who loves you.
The Big Chill- 4 stars- I must have seen this movie a dozen times. My parents love it and we used to listen to the soundtrack all the time. Now, it seems to be the butt of cinephile jokes ("High Fidelity" anyone?), but I don't care. It's a good picture. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress (Glenn Close), it is the quintessential Baby Boomer movie. After their friends suicide, a group of college chums meet for a weekend to remember good and bad times, and question whether the bond that held them together all those years before is still there. Jeff Goldblum delivers the best lines, but each actor is given room to shine. [side note: Where the heck fire has Meg Tilly been?] They play together as if they are old friends, each word spoken holds weight and meaning. Plus, the soundtrack of classic 60s songs keeps the action moving. If you have never seen this movie, do so now. If you have, isn't it about time to watch it again?
And, one that is currently not available on Netflix:
First Born (aka Moving In)- 3 stars- Ever time I hear the title of this movie I get confused. "Is it a horror picture"? No, though you may watch it the same way you would watch them. It practically begs to be made fun of, which may be a shame depending on whom you ask. Teri Garr (where has she been?) hooks up with Peter Weller after her divorce. He is a beast of a man, all fists and no words, who introduces his new squeeze to a life of fear and drugs. Along for the ride are her two children played by Christopher Collet and Corey Haim in his film debut. They don't like the new man in mommy's life and will do anything to get rid of him. [side note: check out Robert Downey Jr's bitchin' hair cut]. If you like MST3K or simply watching dated 80s movies and having a ball, you should check this one out!
The Last Exorcism- 3 stars- I've been looking forward to seeing this movie since it was called "Cotton" and all I needed to know what that Eli Roth was producing it. Since then some things have changed; namely, the name. The Last Exorcism (how lame a title) is nothing new to fans of horror but, unlike other films of its ilk, it doesn't try to be. Preacher comes to small town Louisiana to perform exorcism on possessed young girl. Is it all an act? Is it real? Should we care? The acting and writing is top notch, especially Ashley Bell as the possessed. Sure, we must check much of our brain at the door (I mean, who really goes looking for a crazy person in a darkened house or follows voices into the woods), but that's beside the point. At the moment, we believe it. I did appreciate the subtle humor woven throughout the film. Our audience giggled several times. However, only one person screamed out and that is never a good sign.
Percy lives with his Mom (Catherine Keener- love!) and her slob of a husband. He's popular enough and has good friends. While touring a museum, he is attacked by a Harpy and discovers he is actually a demi-god- that is half man, half god. His father is Poseidon and they have been charged with stealing Zeus' lightning bolt. Off he goes to learn the ways of the demi-god, make more friends, and battle demons and gods. Sounds kind of exciting, no? Problem is I fell asleep. When I woke up, I'd lost 45 minutes and had to start again the next day. The problem that seems to plague most myth based films is how to introduce characters while not boring us with their "E! True Hollywood Story". "Percy" doesn't quite know how to do that and to make matter worse; it's as if Percy has never taken English or History in his life. Who doesn't know who Zeus is? The Hydra? How is he so oblivious to this knowledge yet he knows he can look at Medusa through a reflection? It bothers me.
The story is impossible for me to recap in so short a space, but I'll try. Mikael Blomvist is a respected reporter and magazine editor who is found guilty of libel from one of the biggest corporate names in Norway. Before he must serve his 6 month sentence, he is commissioned to look into the 40 year old disappearance of the grand-niece of another of Norway's most respected businessman. He moves to the small island near Hedestad and begins to uncover secrets to a wealthy and respected family as well as his own. Aiding him in his quest is the most unlikely ally: Lisbeth Salandar- master computer hacker and seriously fucked up young lady. The literal translation of the title from Norwegian is "Men Who Hate Women". She is nothing short of a genius and holds a mysterious secret all her own. Don't worry, there are two more movies/books to get through that explain it all. The film is one of the best adaptations I've seen ever, well acted, and well directed. We feel sickened at the horror that befalls Lisbeth and cheer at her revenge. We lean forward in our chairs every time Mikael discovers a new secret. 
Of course, this film is in Norwegian but the subtitles are excellent. It annoyed me how they seemed to jump ahead, a line appears on the screen before it's uttered, but I ended up liking that mistake. It allowed me to watch the performances more closely. This is a must see for everyone! 
* I took my Mom to an advanced screening of 
Her office is a few blocks from "The Pit", i.e. World Trade Center, and I decide I'm finally ready to see it. I've avoided that area like the plague every time I go to NY. It's too depressing; not just because of what happened there but because of how little has been done in the years since. You would think several of the 7 planned buildings would be up by now but there are only halves of 2 buildings. The cranes still stretch into the sky and a tall covered fence surrounding the area reminds me of the Wizard of Oz hiding the reality of what is actually going on.
Across the street is the 
I had about half an hour to kill before catching my train to the airport, so we walked my sister down to the WTC and I pointed her in the direction of things to see. I was very grateful that my friends husband offered to come with me to the airport to make sure I got there safe. He became my lifesaver when we got to the airport and the security line was wrapped around the corner and down the hall. Thank god for my place holder so I could squeeze in a smoke before boarding. Thank you thank you thank you! I took the PATH train from WTC/Port Authority to Newark Penn Station, than transferred to another train that took us to the airport. Somehow, my timing was off and I barely made it onto the plane! Once again, I heart you Continental and your free meals (even if I can't eat half of it). This time we had hamburgers (which I gave back), pretzels, real fruit strip, Doritos, and something else I just can't remember. Oh well.
