The Switch

Directed by Joss Gordon & Will Speck, Bone Fide Productions, 2010. Starring Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, and Jeff Goldblum.

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Question: When you see a movie and it says it is a comedy and a drama (mixed in with romance) you expect something specific, right? The mixture of those two genres usually are a good recipe for an interesting outcome. So, what happened with The Switch and where did it go horribly wrong?

I watched The Switch with my husband earlier this week and both of us were sorely disappointed in the film. I had heard some not so great things about it but I adore Jason Bateman and have watched his career grow ever since Silver Spoons. (I miss Arrested Development but I think there might be a movie coming out soon.) His transition to movies was successful and filled with unique and diverse characters. But when I hear bad things about a movie I don't always hold that at face value.

For Jennifer Aniston I really liked Friends but her movie roles since that TV series ended have left me a little numb. They all are variations on the same character and nothing has wowed me since The Good Girl. But I always holdout hope for her since I think she is a good actress.

The third major role in The Switch is Jeff Goldblum, another TV beginner with Tenspeed and Brown Shoe, (Yes, I watched it.) but his movie roles have been much more interesting to watch (The Big Chill and Jurassic Park) Sadly, he didn't even help this film reach a tolerable level.

The hook of the story is not one many films have attempted so that piqued my interest. Really, not many films have discussed sperm donation quite the same way, but I won't go into too much detail about the story. Here is my guess on why this movie didn't work. It started out as a comedy but after "the switch" happened it became a drama and never went back to the lighthearted feel of the beginning. I have never seen that work well before -- starting out in one style and shifting completely to another. Combing two genre styles can work but a balance is necessary, in my opinion, to keep the audience interested.

Besides the odd transition of style, the main characters weren't that likable either. I didn't develop any sympathy or empathy for any of them. The main characters try to portray really good friends (Bateman & Aniston) but I don't recall understanding why they were or how their relationship worked. No one seemed to have that much emotion one way or the other towards anyone in their life. They were all sort of cold.  In fact, I just kept waiting for some explanation. That is never a good sign. So, in the end, the hook, mixed with the lack of chemistry, and change in style left me not liking The Switch.

I regret sometimes having to write a bad review so I always have to say something nice. I will mention there were a couple of funny scenes/lines in the beginning, and the little boy was adorable to watch in this film. The "lice" scene towards the end was precious. It almost had me liking this film if it had more of that type of emotion. Better luck next time, people.

Skipping over my favorite and least favorite for this one.

Did the previews ruin it by showing too much? No, the previews showed a funny movie with an interesting concept. It made me want to see the movie.

Rating: PG-13
Length: 101 minutes

Random thought: I might have a clue about the change on tone in the movie -- two directors. It's just a hunch.

Review: 3 out of 10


COMING SOON: Bridesmaids

All Good Things

Directed (and written) by Andrew Jarceki, Groundswell Production, 2010. Starring Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Dunst and Frank Langella.

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Question: When you have a treasure trove of talented actors mixed in with a compelling real-life mystery, you possess the right ingredients to make a good movie, right? So what happened with All Good Things and how did they miss telling a good story? Honestly, it is a bigger mystery to me than the real story.

Again, I found this movie on my Netflix streaming list and was curious when I saw the list of actors. I like Ryan Gosling and most of the roles he selects, but I don't recall hearing anything about this movie when it was out last year. I really think Ryan Gosling is one of the finest young actors we have today; Frank Langella has proved his tremendous talent longer than I have been a live; Kirsten Dunst has charmed us since her portrayal of Claudia in Interview with a Vampire in 1994. So with this trifecta of talent -- and they were all very good in this film -- why did the movie not work? To be honest, I just don’t know.

All Good Things is a story inspired by true events -- a mystery surrounding a New York real estate family and the unsolved deaths that surround them between the 1970's through the early 2000's.

Ryan Gosling plays David Marks, the son of Sanford Marks - the real estate tycoon, who simply does not want to follow in his father's oppressive footsteps. He meets and falls in love with Katie, played by Dunst, and they begin a life together very removed from his father's. They open a health food store -- called All Good Things. So what is wrong with that story? Nothing. It starts out fine but then decisions are made, minds changed and the story takes us on a path that is undecipherable. So disappointing.

As I said, everyone acted well, very well. However, the director didn't seem to get us to a point where we, the audience, could feel the ride up the big moment where everything is revealed or explained. You are left with more questions than when you started the film. And by the end, you just don't care. 

My favorite part: Ryan Gosling - he did nothing wrong.

My least favorite part: The overall storytelling.

Did the previews show too much? - I never saw any.

Rating: R

Length: 101


Random thought: Did you know that Ryan Gosling was part of the Mickey Mouse Club along with Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and Brittany Spears? He still sings and performs with his band: Dead Man's Bones. Here is clip to check out. 

Review: 3 out of 10


COMING SOON: Thor

Burlesque

Directed (and written) by Stephen Antin, De Line Pictures, 2010/11. Starring Cher, Christina Aguilera, Stanley Tucci and Kristen Bell.

Genre: Drama, Musical, Romance.

Question: Have you ever stood in front of a mirror with a hairbrush or some other microphone replica and sung your heart out (or lip-synced) dreaming you would make it on stage someday? Okay, maybe you danced in front of that same mirror. It's almost a right-of-passage for all little girls! I can't leave out the guys - you all probably played air-guitar dreaming your way to fame, so I know this is a universal theme. Either way, we have all done it, right?

Burlesque is another version of 'girl has a dream to be on stage and be loved' story but it was so predictable that the little girl in me got mad. "Try harder" is what I kept thinking as I was watching this movie. With the almost painful cliches used one after another, mixed in with some so-so acting, and the horrible use, or lack thereof, with some tremendously talented people (Alan Cumming, Stanley Tucci, and Kristen Bell) I finished Burlesque feeling drained.

The ONLY redeeming part of the entire film was Christina Aguilera - not the acting but her singing brought goosebumps every time she opened her mouth. That woman can sing!! Whether you like her or don't like her - it won't matter. When she belted out the half a dozen melodies you stopped realizing this was not a good movie and welcomed watching (and hearing) the brilliant talent that woman possesses. Her voice is almost too good to be true but since she has stuck around since the 'Genie in a Bottle' release more than a decade ago to 'Beautiful' which I must admit I really like, Christina Aguilera has some pipes and is here to stay in the spotlight.

However, Burlesque, to me, did not deliver. But for those of you who want to see a great talent from time to time during a completely predictable plot line - then see Burlesque.

My least favorite thing: Seeing Alan Cumming for less than five minutes in the whole movie.

My favorite thing: That voice- really - it's worth seeing just to sit there in awe.

Did the previews show too much? Um, yeah but it made me want to see it so it did a good job. Can't fault that.

Rating: PG-13
Length: 119 minutes


Review: 3 out of 10 


Burlesque - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Random thought: For those Twilight fans out there, "James" played by Sam Gigandet is in this movie and you might like seeing him in this.

The Lovely Bones

Directed (and written) by Peter Jackson, Dreamworks SKG, 2009. Starring Mark Walhberg, Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon, Stanley Tucci and  Saoirse Ronan.

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Thriller.

Question: I was trying to think of a question regarding this particular movie to get everyone connected and I just can't think of one. Sorry. The subject matter of The Lovely Bones is usually one I don't care to watch, but many of my friends read the book and enjoyed it, and I watch movies so.....

What can I say about The Lovely Bones? Well, I was depressed during most of it because it is about a young girl's death in the early 70's and her family's desire to figure out who killed her. Also, the young girl is hanging around in limbo trying to reach out to her family. This is the premise of the story, a hard one to watch, I know. But, frankly, I was bored throughout most of the film along with being depressed.

Stanley Tucci,  one of my favorite actors, plays the sadistic, killer neighbor who isn't a suspect to the people around him but for us, the audience, we know everything. Mark Walhberg plays the father of the young girl who was killed. Although he did a decent job, he looked so much like his character in Boogie Nights that I had a hard time disassociating him from that film. Very distracting.

There were parts where "limbo" was supposed to be overly theatrical or whimsical but I just didn't buy it.

The young actor, Saoirse Ronan, did a really good job but I am afraid to admit that I just didn't connect with her character. Perhaps all this was better in the book (by Alice Sebold) with the reader's imagination.

Sorry I skipped a day from posting but this one was a struggle for me to wrap my head around. Let's hope the next film is one I can delve into deeper and enjoy the story more.

My favorite thing: Susan Saradon's character - the only comic relief in this heavy drama.

My least favorite thing: The anticipation of Dirk Diggler's entrance.

Possibility of a sequel? No, fortunately.

Did the previews show too much? Actually, yes.

Rating: PG-13
Length: 136 minutes

Review: 3 out 10



COMING SOON: Conviction

The Lincoln Lawyer

Directed by Brad Furman, Lionsgate, 2011. Starring Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, William H. Macy & Ryan Phillippe.

Genre: Crime, Drama

Question: Have you ever used Groupon to get a discount on something?  A couple of weeks ago there was a special running for "The Lincoln Lawyer" so I purchased the discounted ticket. This was my first time using the coupon service. I didn't have to use it right away but I finally redeemed it on Wednesday. What did I think of the Groupon and the movie? Groupon is great and I am glad finally tried it, but I am really happy I didn't pay full price for this movie.

"The Lincoln Lawyer" was a disappointment from beginning to end. The story ran thin and lacked originality. Also, it was completely predictable but that wasn't what really bothered me. Mainly, I felt no connection to the characters or their plight. Sure, movies repeat stories and plots over and over again, but what sets the good ones apart from the bad ones are interesting characters. All of them, even one of my favorite character actors, William H. Macy, had very little to go on. No depth, no great backgrounds, nothing interesting that made me want to know more about them.

Oh, well. In the last few weeks I have seen some pretty great movies and I have stumbled upon some wonderful finds. However, they all can't be good. I know. Luckily, I watched one of my all time favorite movies with my kids later that night: "Searching For Bobby Fischer"  to wash the slate clean.

My favorite thing: William H. Macy did have a couple of lines that made me grin.

My least favorite thing: The Lincoln.

Possibility of a sequel? I hope not.

Did the previews show too much? Yes, but I went anyway. My fault.

Rating: R
Length: 118 minutes

Review: 3 out of 10



COMING SOON: "Mother & Child"

Repo Men

Directed by Miguel Sapochnik, Universal Pictures, 2010. Starring Jude Law, Forest Whitaker and Liev Schreiber.

Genre: Action, Crime, Sci-fi, Drama, Thriller

Question: Did you see Repo Man - the 1984 cult movie starring Emilio Estevez? Well, Repo Men is not a sequel and shouldn't be confused as one prior to seeing this.

Based on the novel, The Repossession Mambo by Eric Garcia, Repo Men is an unusual tale about a man who works as a repo man for a company by taking back things that should never be taken back. I don't want to go into detail as to what but trust me - it is something you would never want to give up - ever!

It started out with an interesting and unique story - albeit grotesque - with Jude Law as a worker with a job you would not want. Forest Whitaker plays his best friend and co-worker. Now I am not sure I can recall a movie where Jude Law is an action hero so for those you who faun over him - you might like parts of this movie.

However, halfway through the movie and once I was over my initial repulsion, the movie lost steam, credibility and it didn't seem to stay focused. But let me tell you after completing the entire movie - I believe it was the filmmaker's intention to change the pace of the film halfway through. I am just not sure it was worth it though.

There are elements of the story where it was just absurd; and I almost chuckled during a scene that was not meant to be funny. I think this may be a movie for those who like Sci-fi but I saw it with a deeper meaning: a warning to us today who live their lives to make money at all costs, especially in one specific profession. I want to say much more but I will refrain because I think some will like this movie even though I did not.

My favorite part: Um, Jude Law did look sort of cute from time to time - I have to admit.

My least favorite part: a personal connection that really had me grossed out.

Sequel possibility? Perhaps.

Did the previews ruin it by showing too much? No, in fact, I saw the preview and put it on my queue because of it.

Rating: R
Length: 111 minutes

Review: 3 out of 10

Repo Men - DVD
The Repossession Mambo - Novel (Kindle or book)

Robin Hood

Directed by Ridley Scott, Universal Pictures, 2010. Starring Russell Crowe, Kate Blancett, Max Von Sydow and William Hurt.

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama.

Question: How many of you saw Gladiator and loved it? What about A Good Year, American Gangster, or Body of Lies? Did you enjoy those as well?

Now Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe venture into their fifth movie together: Robin Hood. Now before I say another word, I must tell you that when my husband asked me what I thought of it - I said "If I had known one little fact about this movie, I would have enjoyed it a bit more." He replied "But your review's premise is based on not revealing too much to the audience". He's totally right. But this time I felt it was necessary information that would have increased my understanding to the approach of creating this film. However, I must stay true to my word - if you want to know this fact before viewing the movie - please email me at tiredofpreviews@gmail.com.

With that said: I really didn't enjoy this film. It was dark, long and due to a few wrong casting choices it made it hard for me to delve into the story fully. I have usually enjoyed their films - even A Good Year which got horrible reviews. But so far, Robin Hood is my least favorite for this pair.

The film makers decided to take a different approach to telling this age-old morality tale. Sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn't. For me, when you change a story dramatically, especially one that you grew up on - it can cause a bad reaction. However, I do think that many will actually enjoy a change in pace.

There are a lot of good fight scenes - almost military inspired battle scenes. Russell Crowe still commands a presence and is fun to watch shooting a bow and arrow but that is about all I liked in the film.

My favorite: Russell Crowe and his trusty bow and arrow.

My least favorite: The lack of chemistry between the "Merry Men" and Marion with Robin Hood.

Possibility of a sequel? I don't think so although its ending left it open for one.

Did the previews reveal too much or ruin it? No

Rating: PG-13
Length: 140 minutes

Review: 3 out of 10

Videos on Demand

Clash of the Titans - 2010

Directed by Louis Leterrier, Warner Brothers, 2010, Starring Sam Worthington, Liam Nesson, Ralph Fiennes.

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy.

With all due respect to the film makers of this Clash of the Titans, I knew I wasn’t going to like this film before I hit play this past weekend. I am one of the thousands of kids who saw the original way back in 1981 and thought it was one of the best movies ever made at the time(I was 11).

With that said – I have a feeling if I hadn’t seen and worshiped the original Clash of the Titans, I still wouldn’t have liked this film. However, my 11 year old son did. What a clash of the generations in our household...I suppose it was made for his age group and those who hadn’t seen the first one. It is a great story and perhaps needed to be told again in an updated version. I will admit the first one doesn’t really hold up. The audiences of today are more savvy and spoiled with the great technology of these action-packed adventures.

However, I found the current one to be over indulgent in practically everything, from the hair and make-up, to the fight scenes, and to the over acting by most of the cast. And why did Perseus (Sam Worthington) have a shaved head when everyone else had dreads to overly curled hair?

Favorite thing: The homage to something from the original.

Least favorite thing: The hair and make-up. Very distracting.

Possibility of a sequel? I don’t think so but I have feeling in 30 years there might be another remake.

Did the previews ruin it? Not really.

Rating: PG-13

Length: 106 minutes

Review: 3 out of 10

The Back-up Plan

Directed by Alan Poul, CBS Films, 2010. Starring Jennifer Lopez and Alex O'Loughlin.

Well, if you like chick-flicks you might like The Back-up Plan but I didn’t care for it. Except for some eye-candy with Alex O’Loughlin shirtless I was a little bored.

I did find the main character’s (Jennifer Lopez) best friend – Mona played by Michaela Watkins - to be a nice break from the lack of chemistry between the two main characters. Mona brought in some funny, and somewhat scary but true reality of motherhood.

I would recommend watching this on a lazy afternoon if you like chick-flicks but you might need a back-up plan just in case.

Review: 3 out of 10

Rating: PG-13
Length: 106 Minutes

The Open Road

Directed by Michael Meredith, Old Lot Entertainment, 2009. Starring Jeff Bridges and Justin Timberlake. Along with Mary Steenburgen, Ted Danson and Harry Dean Stanton.

I am a lot like Ellen Degeneres on American Idol when it comes to critiquing. I just don't like to bash a film if I didn’t like it. There has got to be some redeeming qualities. So here is my recommendation for The Open Road.

With the impressive list of actors, specifically Jeff Bridges (yes, another one of my favorites) I really tried to like this movie but I just couldn’t. The acting was okay, the story - a bit formulaic, but honestly I just didn't care for the characters; and when a story is heavily based on a character driven storyline – you must give me something that makes me want to like them or feel for them or understand their predicament. The Open Road didn’t.

Now I am not saying a story that is formulaic doesn’t work – heck, a lot of movies out there today are rehashing tried and true themes but The Open Road just didn’t deliver this time.

Justin Timberlake gave a decent performance and Jeff Bridges’ character reminded me a bit of his Crazy Heart character but it fell short at really pulling us in and making us care about these two. This father/son relationship story just didn’t work even though everyone did their best with what they were given.

Michael Meredith wrote and directed this film.

So I am not recommending this film unless you have 90 minutes to kill or you have to see everything Jeff Bridges or Justin Timberlake makes.

Review: 3 out of 10

Rating: PG-13
Length: 90 Minutes