Review Roundup: DEFIANCE, PAUL BLART, BLOODY VALENTINE 3-D
By Norm Schrager at January 19, 2009 | 11:53 pm | Print
If January and February are supposed to be the grand wasteland of movie releases, you’d never know it from the busy lineup of films. Holocaust drama, physical comedy, 3D horror remake… take your pick. But if history is any indication, odds are you’ll hit a dud. (I know last week I said you might find a gem, but it’s rare. And hey, you might.)
:: DEFIANCE
Rotten Tomatoes: 53 / 100
Metacritic: 58 / 100
filmcritic.com: 3 / 5
“You see that extra? If he moves, I want you to shoot him.”
Now that Daniel Craig has firmly established himself as James Bond, do you buy him in other roles? How about this one: He’s one of three Jewish brothers (with Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell) who retreat to the Polish woods during the Nazi invasion, and end up defending hundreds who take refuge with them. (see the UK movie poster)
The problem is not with Daniel Craig’s recognition. My concern is with director Edward Zwick, a well-meaning guy who’s probably one of the more overrated filmmakers out there. His Blood Diamond was, well, bloody obvious. Who would have guessed maiming diamond miners is a bad thing?! Same goes for Glory, although the film was strong overall. Word is this yet-another-true-Holocaust-movie gets a little too much of the Hollywood treatment from Mr. Zwick. See for yourself.
:: PAUL BLART: MALL COP
Rotten Tomatoes: 26 / 100
Metacritic: 41 / 100
filmcritic.com: 2 / 5
A common pose outside the TGI Friday’s in any mall.
Since we’re a little late with this week’s roundup (the Lobby has been hit by cold season in a big way) we now know this Kevin James vehicle, produced by Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison, grossed nearly $32 million. Seems like this film will help establish that James can be the lead in a comedy. Especially a comedy that makes fun of his weight and allows him to excel at the goofy slapstick that seems to come fairly naturally to him.
Even though James co-wrote the script (with Nick Bakay), he’s smarter than this stuff. Watch his stand-up routine for more than 10 minutes and that becomes apparent. Even when his jokes lean toward silly, or even physical, they’re sharp and punchy. Can Kevin James bring that into his next film role? Perhaps, but his value to the studios will be his easy transition from co-starring in a $100 million comedy (I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry) to possibly starring in one.
:: MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3-D
Rotten Tomatoes: 70 / 100
Metacritic: 54 / 100
filmcritic.com: 3.5 / 5
Sure they can play “scared”. But can they do it in 3-D?
Moderate horror fans say it’s really good. Hardcore fans say it’s great. And everyone seems to appreciate the old-style, chop-em-up-good, mad-slasher etiquette of this remake, which mutilates its predecessor and does so in 3-D. Isn’t it great when a horror film doesn’t pretend it’s trying to make you think?
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dennis, 1 year ago
mall cop got some pretty low ratings, the trailer made it look pretty funny hmm