Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist [Movie Review]

"High school student Nick O'Leary, member of the Queercore band The Jerk Offs, meets college-bound Norah Silverberg and she asks him to be her boyfriend for five minutes."

While Michael Cera's new film, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist lacks over-the-top lingo like "honest to blog," it does consciously try to infuse as many hipster musical references as possible. But what saves this movie from turning too far into the realm of teenage cliches are the numerous wildcard plot elements delivered from the supporting cast like Nick's all gay band, and Norah's shitfaced friend Caroline.

Nick and Norah may not have the Oscar buzz of Juno, or the crudeness of Superbad, but it does manage to develop a charming little teenage-love-story between Michael Cera and Kat Dennings characters, Nick and Norah.

The plot is a little thin, and the last half of the movie seems a little rushed, but it still manages to come off more witty and endearing than sloppy.

This probably isn't the kind of movie you would want to drag your highbrow film-buff friend to, but for a feel-good movie that doesn't take itself too seriously, Nick and Norah is the ticket.
*B-

Humboldt County [Movie Review]

Humboldt County is the story of a frustrated UCLA med student who finds himself stranded amongst a co-op of marijuana farmers in Humboldt county California, commonly referred to as "the lost coast."

Though initially shocked at the carefree, counterculture lifestyle of his new house mates, Peter (Jeremy Strong) soon realizes that there is more to life than the daily rat race of Los Angeles.

Superbly acted, and emotionally gripping, Humboldt County is a triumph in character study, from the uptight, disillusioned Peter, to the contrasting free-spirited Truman family.

Above all, this film is really about dreams--whether achieved or lost, it seems dreams have the power to intersect with reality in Humboldt County.

Burn After Reading [Movie Review]

The Coen brothers' Burn After Reading captured the top slot at the box office this weekend, and garnered mostly positive reviews. Ten years after Lebowski success, Equipped with an all-star cast and a big name directing duo, the film had high expectations to live up to.

The plot is simple--yet complicated. A host of characters are brought together when an ousted CIA analyst's memoirs are intercepted by a pair of gym employees. The film's tone is part comedic-part satirical thriller.

Like The Big Lebowski, the story unfolds as a product of a series of misunderstandings. The plot itself is a loosely connected sequence of events that come together in a neat package in the film's conclusion.

But, from Clooney to Malkovich, the characters are what really make this film shine.

Brad Pitt is a scene-stealing moron with a bad hairdo, exercise obsession and a healthy affinity for his iPod and earbuds, delivering only one of the stellar performances this film has to offer. Who knew Pitt could be so funny?

Frances McDormand lights up the screen as well, as a desperate woman looking for romance and financial assistance for a series of cosmetic surgeries.

Though its filled with laugh-out-loud moments, a few in particular caused the theater to erupt into a chorus of never ending chuckles.

Ambiguity in the plot line may cause the average audience member to feel like they may have missed something, but it seems the Coens meant it this way. And its hard to achieve perfect cohesion in such an ensemble cast. After all, Burn After Reading is a delightful journey into the lives of "a league of morons."

I think, just maybe, The Dude would approve.

*A-

Transsiberian [Movie Review]

Transsiberian, is a sophisticated thriller that follows an American couple, portrayed by Woody Harrelson and Emily Mortimer, on a suspenseful express train ride across Siberia.

Although the trip begins innocently enough, things becomes tense when the pair encounter their mysterious new cabin mates, Carlos (Eduardo Noriega) and Abby (Kate Mara). As the ride progresses, it becomes more and more obvious that the young couple may be trafficking drugs, a custom that is popular along Siberian railways. Things get worse when Russian detective Grinko (Ben Kingsley) boards the train and becomes suspicious of the American couple.

Transsiberian is the kind of thriller that gives thrillers a good name. The acting is superb, and the story keeps you on pins and needles. The plot line is not convoluted, and the tone is consistent. The plot twists are believable, but still manage to catch you off guard.

All five lead characters have depth, and most have secrets that are revealed as the film progresses. Past demons see new light, and bonds grow tighter. And the film manages to raise ethical questions about honesty and trust.

If you scare easily, it leaves you with a slight feeling of paranoia (especially about traveling) but not enough to make you sleep with the lights on. The only sour note this film hits is that there are a few questions left unanswered, but none important enough to effect the outcome of the plot.

With a stellar cast and a smart plot line, Transsiberian may be one of the best thrillers so far this year.


*A-

Hamlet 2 [Movie Review]

Sundance darling Hamlet 2 is a refreshing take on the tired 'inspirational teacher' plot line that has bombarded audiences for decades.

Whereas films like Stand and Deliver seek to touch and inspire audiences with the gripping tale of a seasoned professor uniting a racially divided class by inspiring them to work towards a better future, Hamlet 2 doesn't pretend to be anything but a hilarious satire of this genre.

Veteran English actor Steve Coogen stars as Dana Marschz, a washed up actor who settles for teaching theater in Tucson Arizona. Instead of producing classic Shakespearian dramas, or writing his own original works, Marschz has a passion for turning popular Hollywood films into productions for his students to bring to life. The results are often disastrous.

The film's catalyst is revealed when rampant budget cuts and a case of mold in the portable classrooms mean that a whole flock of seemingly underprivileged Hispanic students are forced to enroll in Marschz's drama class, as it is the only elective left.

Pretty soon, these same budget cuts threaten the existence of the drama program as well, and Marschz is informed that there will be no class the following year.

In a last ditch effort to save the program, Marschz writes his first original play, Hamlet 2, an incredibly vulgar, off-beat, modern, musical sequel to Shakespeare's classic. Even though the play seems like an abomination at first, the ragtag group of students, and their professor vow to bring Hamlet 2 to the stage, despite the strict displeasure of the school's principal.

What follows is 92 minutes of pure entertainment. Hamlet 2 is infused with a hearty helping of both hilarity and vulgarity, but it is probably not controversial enough to make you feel guilty for laughing at it. Yet, with musical numbers like "Rock Me Sexy Jesus" and "Raped in the Face" the film, much like the fictional play being produced, may not sit well with anyone who takes entertainment too seriously.

While several of the young actors deliver superb performances, the film's success rests largely on the shoulders of Coogen, and his on-screen wife Brie (Portrayed by Catherine Keener). Both deliver plenty of laughs, yet their characters definitely have some depth. Both find themselves unhappy, living lives that do not live up to their own expectations or dreams, and we watch both characters deal with their pitfalls in very different ways.

Hamlet 2 lights up the screen as a film with both heart and balls.

*B+