SOUL SURFER 3.25 ***
Based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a 13 year old competitive surfer with big dreams and a courageous spirit. Having been born and lived in Hawaii and coming from a family of surfers, the ocean and riding the waves is all Bethany can dream about. But her dreams turn into a nightmare after a sudden shark attack takes her left arm and her hopes of ever surfing again. Filmed entirely in Hawaii, it offers some gorgeous cinematography and wonderful surf-action shots and features an all-star cast including Helen Hunt, Denis Quaid, Craig T Nelson and AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany, the teen titan with a heart of gold.
Soul Surfer is a well produced film, that leans heavily on its soul-lifting story, stellar acting and a rocking soundtrack on a moderate budget. It's encouraging to see such big Hollywood names doing such inspirational family fare without the inflated-sized salary demands.
Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid actually seem to be enjoying themselves alongside the rising talents of the young cast members, most notably AnnaSophia Robb who delivers a powerful and gripping performance that is sure to win your heart and leave you breathless as she struggles to overcome all odds. Carrie Underwood as the youth pastor who comforts and encourages Bethany proves that singing may not be her only talent.
For a film based on a true story, I got caught up in the action and well paced story-telling. I found myself entranced by and caring for each of the characters. When the shark attack scene unfolded, I found myself holding my breath and completely taken in by the film. The shark attack is handled very well and happens so quickly there is very little violence or gore.. Another refreshing bonus was the lack of any profanity or sexuality, making it completely suitable and safe for viewing by the entire family and for church or youth group settings
I highly recommend this entertaining and uplifting film.. The acting is terrific but the locales make you want to move to Hawaii. Also, in most sports based movies you expect the star of the film to win. It is sort of a given. However, this movie expertly sets the viewer up for another kind of win. Not just a trophy or a magazine cover but a win that takes the viewer down a road focusing on personal struggles. There is a lot of talk about faith based film but this film isn't just about faith it is also about how to get up when you are down and make a difference. I went to the film expecting something good but I came away from the film having experienced something great.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
SOURCE CODE 3.3***
“Source Code” begins with the lead character, Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhall), waking up on a Chicago commuter train, opposite Christina (Michelle Monaghan), a woman whom he's apparently never met, talking to him as if they've known each other some time. Immediately after, we learn that he's a Helicopter pilot for the US Army, and that he in fact has never met her before. He has no clue how he's gotten to where he is, or why. All he knows is that this woman apparently knows him well, and thinks his name is 'Sean'. Confused by all of this, he goes to the bathroom, only to find that the person in the mirror isn't him, it's someone else. Just as you begin to try to process all of this information, the train abruptly explodes into flames, killing everyone on board. The opening immediately attaches you to the story. It also leaves us with tons of questions: What the hell just happened? Who is Christina? Who is this 'Sean' Character? Why is Colter in this situation?
Then Colter wakes up again, but now in a dimly lit capsule, alone, talking to fellow soldier Capt. Carol Goodwin (Vera Farmiga). We discover that the commuter train he was just on was destroyed by a terrorist bomb earlier that day, and that there may be an even larger attack that could destroy Chicago. We also learn that he's a participant in an experimental Army intelligence program that allows him to continually relive the last eight minutes of one of the train's passengers life (Sean), in order to find the terrorist bomber who has threatened the larger attack in the heart of Chicago. And like “Groundhog Day”, he experiences the same events over and over again, remembering each and every one. Giving him the chance to inspect every suspicious passenger, as well as getting to know Christina a bit more along the way, and eventually beginning to care for her safety.
This film succeeds with the constant suspense and mystery, great action sequences, and the amazing musical score. “Source Code” keeps you guessing throughout about who the bomber could be and what’s going to happen. This film fulfils the very definition of a suspense thriller with SciFi thrown in.
Clark
“Source Code” begins with the lead character, Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhall), waking up on a Chicago commuter train, opposite Christina (Michelle Monaghan), a woman whom he's apparently never met, talking to him as if they've known each other some time. Immediately after, we learn that he's a Helicopter pilot for the US Army, and that he in fact has never met her before. He has no clue how he's gotten to where he is, or why. All he knows is that this woman apparently knows him well, and thinks his name is 'Sean'. Confused by all of this, he goes to the bathroom, only to find that the person in the mirror isn't him, it's someone else. Just as you begin to try to process all of this information, the train abruptly explodes into flames, killing everyone on board. The opening immediately attaches you to the story. It also leaves us with tons of questions: What the hell just happened? Who is Christina? Who is this 'Sean' Character? Why is Colter in this situation?
Then Colter wakes up again, but now in a dimly lit capsule, alone, talking to fellow soldier Capt. Carol Goodwin (Vera Farmiga). We discover that the commuter train he was just on was destroyed by a terrorist bomb earlier that day, and that there may be an even larger attack that could destroy Chicago. We also learn that he's a participant in an experimental Army intelligence program that allows him to continually relive the last eight minutes of one of the train's passengers life (Sean), in order to find the terrorist bomber who has threatened the larger attack in the heart of Chicago. And like “Groundhog Day”, he experiences the same events over and over again, remembering each and every one. Giving him the chance to inspect every suspicious passenger, as well as getting to know Christina a bit more along the way, and eventually beginning to care for her safety.
This film succeeds with the constant suspense and mystery, great action sequences, and the amazing musical score. “Source Code” keeps you guessing throughout about who the bomber could be and what’s going to happen. This film fulfils the very definition of a suspense thriller with SciFi thrown in.
Clark
Sunday, April 3, 2011
THE LINCOLN LAWYER 3.5***
I know what you're thinking and I can agree with you that the name, Matthew McConaughey, does not instill great confidence that you're going to get a quality movie experience. Now that is not to say that McConaughey hasn't done some good movies. There are “We Are Marshall” and “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”. But there are many more losers than winners. “Lincoln Lawyer” is fortunately one of his better ones if not his best, and shows that McConaughey can carry a movie without having to take his shirt off in every scene.
“Lincoln Lawyer” is a thrilling drama about a cocky and smooth defense attorney Mick Haller, played by McConaughey, who represents a high-profile client on charges of attempted murder for having brutally beaten a prostitute. But as new evidence continues to pile on, Mick starts to grow suspicious that perhaps his client isn't telling him everything. With twists and turns at every corner, “Lincoln Lawyer” keeps you guessing till the very end. McConaughey shows how slick his character can be in glib talking his way through his myriad of contacts and networks built up over the course of his characters career, from ex clients to current ones, from beat cops to opposing lawyers. So you come to like the character and actually cheer Haller on as an unorthodox lawyer who gets the job done, guided by a moral compass not to put an innocent man behind bars. He operates out of the backseat of a chauffeur driven Lincoln sedan, which is where the title got its name .
With the help of that distinct country voice and southern charm, McConaughey takes the movie to another level with this portrayal of the fast-talking lawyer. With this role McConaughey is actually given a chance to show off a range of emotions that will truly surprise viewers. Mcconaughey doesn't carry this alone, “Lincoln Lawyer” gets some great acting from a strong supporting cast that includes the likes of William H. Macy, Ryan Phillippe and the always amazing Marisa Tomei. Oh, McConaughey still manages to have one scene where he take his top off. I think it must be written into his contract
Saying almost anything more about the movie will give too much away. I will admit that after having seen sooo many movies over the years it's very hard for me to be surprised at a movies ending. The twist at the end of this one really threw me and I love it when that happens. This is an excellent movie..and my wife, Sara enjoyed it too.
It’s rated “R” for some violence and a quick sex scene with Marisa Tomei when MM takes his shirt off .
Clark
I know what you're thinking and I can agree with you that the name, Matthew McConaughey, does not instill great confidence that you're going to get a quality movie experience. Now that is not to say that McConaughey hasn't done some good movies. There are “We Are Marshall” and “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”. But there are many more losers than winners. “Lincoln Lawyer” is fortunately one of his better ones if not his best, and shows that McConaughey can carry a movie without having to take his shirt off in every scene.
“Lincoln Lawyer” is a thrilling drama about a cocky and smooth defense attorney Mick Haller, played by McConaughey, who represents a high-profile client on charges of attempted murder for having brutally beaten a prostitute. But as new evidence continues to pile on, Mick starts to grow suspicious that perhaps his client isn't telling him everything. With twists and turns at every corner, “Lincoln Lawyer” keeps you guessing till the very end. McConaughey shows how slick his character can be in glib talking his way through his myriad of contacts and networks built up over the course of his characters career, from ex clients to current ones, from beat cops to opposing lawyers. So you come to like the character and actually cheer Haller on as an unorthodox lawyer who gets the job done, guided by a moral compass not to put an innocent man behind bars. He operates out of the backseat of a chauffeur driven Lincoln sedan, which is where the title got its name .
With the help of that distinct country voice and southern charm, McConaughey takes the movie to another level with this portrayal of the fast-talking lawyer. With this role McConaughey is actually given a chance to show off a range of emotions that will truly surprise viewers. Mcconaughey doesn't carry this alone, “Lincoln Lawyer” gets some great acting from a strong supporting cast that includes the likes of William H. Macy, Ryan Phillippe and the always amazing Marisa Tomei. Oh, McConaughey still manages to have one scene where he take his top off. I think it must be written into his contract
Saying almost anything more about the movie will give too much away. I will admit that after having seen sooo many movies over the years it's very hard for me to be surprised at a movies ending. The twist at the end of this one really threw me and I love it when that happens. This is an excellent movie..and my wife, Sara enjoyed it too.
It’s rated “R” for some violence and a quick sex scene with Marisa Tomei when MM takes his shirt off .
Clark
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