Why So Blu?

Did You Get Stung By The Green Hornet?

Since I am so late to the game with delivering a review of The Green Hornet, I thought I would try a slightly different approach here.  How many of you already saw the film over the past weekend?  Well according to Box Office Mojo, The Green Hornet scored the highest grossing opening ever for a live-action superhero comedy with an estimated take of $35 million.  In my opinion, that’s pretty impressive for a film that everyone I know said they did not want to see.  Now it should also be noted that this past weekend at the movies was also one of the least attended weekends in over a decade.  So what’s that say? Continue reading ‘Did You Get Stung By The Green Hornet?’

‘Barney’s Version’ Is a Well Told Tale

Barney’s Version is a comedic drama, based on a very popular and prize winning Canadian novel, by Mordecai Richler.  The film stars Paul Giamatti, in a fantastic performance, as a man who has led an interesting life, which we follow through several decades.  The film boasts a solid supporting cast as well and manages to be a very entertaining picture throughout, as we see Giamatti’s character deal with the challenges he has faced, mainly involving his multiple marriages.  While I could pick more of this film apart, based on what I have heard about the structure of the novel, the fact is that I really enjoyed watching this film, and it is on that merit that I would easily praise what it has to offer. Continue reading ‘‘Barney’s Version’ Is a Well Told Tale’

‘The Green Hornet’ Strikes, But It’s Not Quite A Thrilling Adventure

When it was announced that Seth Rogen would be starring as the Green Hornet, many first asked, “Wait, who’s the Green Hornet?”  The second thing asked was, “So he’s kind of like The Shadow…wait, who’s The Shadow?”  But finally, people asked, “Wait, Seth Rogen is going to play a superhero?”  And so he was, and now, some time later, the time of The Green Hornet is finally upon us. Continue reading ‘‘The Green Hornet’ Strikes, But It’s Not Quite A Thrilling Adventure’

Sofia Coppola’s Latest Will Either Take You ‘Somewhere’ or Nowhere

Recommending a film like writer/director Sofia Coppola’s latest feature, Somewhere, comes with a certain kind of note:  as a person well traveled in various types of theatrical features, I found a lot to appreciate in this film; however, the way that it has been assembled and what it has to offer will most likely appeal more to those with a slant towards arthouse-type cinema and more obscure features.  I am not a fan of so specifically dropping a film into a certain category and only recommending certain people to see it, but that being said, if you know about this film already or are familiar with Coppola’s previous work, you probably know what you would be getting yourself into. Continue reading ‘Sofia Coppola’s Latest Will Either Take You ‘Somewhere’ or Nowhere’

The King’s Speech Speaks Volumes

Normally, we here at Why So Blu deliver up-to-date reviews and information the day of or after a film hits theaters.  It’s not typical that we discuss a film that is a few weeks old.  Take for instance The King’s Speech.  This film was released in late November, but after seeing it today, it was just far too exceptional to leave it off our list of content.  Starring Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, and Geoffrey Rush, the trio take part what would have been my #1 film of 2010 had I seen it before year’s end.  Continue reading ‘The King’s Speech Speaks Volumes’

‘I Love You Phillip Morris’ Is a Fun Time Away From Lockdown

To be very matter-of-fact, I Love You Phillip Morris is based on a true story about a gay con artist, who managed to escape prison many times and also fell in love with one of his fellow inmates, Phillip Morris.  Despite its seemingly unique premise and the presence of Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor in lead roles, the film has been bouncing around for a couple years, trying to find a U.S. distributor. Continue reading ‘‘I Love You Phillip Morris’ Is a Fun Time Away From Lockdown’

Season of the Witch or Yankees with Swords?

It was in in the first half of 2010 when I came across the trailer for Nicholas Cage in Season of the Witch.  As the months left the calendar, my interest for this film remained in some deep, dark corner of my brain, though its title escaped me.  It wasn’t until a month ago when I saw a movie poster that my waning curiousity for the film was revived.   Nicholas Cage has not exactly been a fan favorite at the box office in recent memory.  Will his Hollywood stature of old be rekindled?  Or will Season of the Witch continue the Oscar-winner’s hex? 

Continue reading ‘Season of the Witch or Yankees with Swords?’

‘Little Fockers’ Was Kind of Focking Funny

I don’t know why I wanted to see Little Fockers more, for my love of the first two films or that the lovely Jessica Alba would be partaking in the newest entry of Meet The Parents?  However, I will say this.  I have become less and less enchanted with Mrs. Alba every time she opens her mouth in the press or types a new Twitter message.  Why do I follow or care?  Good question!  I have no idea.  But we’re not here to discuss that.  We’re here to find out how Little Fockers measures up against the previous two installments. Continue reading ‘‘Little Fockers’ Was Kind of Focking Funny’

‘How Do You Know’ When You’ve Wasted 2 Hours of Your Life?

How Do You Know? — Wow!  Look at the lineup…  America’s Sweetheart Reese Witherspoon, funny man Paul Rudd, popular actor Owen Wilson, screen legend Jack Nicholson and TV and movie mogul James L. Brooks involved in this one…  What could go wrong?  Anything and everything…  This 2-hour rom-com is neither romantic, nor comedic…  It’s ANEMIC!  Reese is torn between Owen and Paul, and Jack is Paul’s father, who has no problem throwing sonny-boy under the bus (sub-plot here…) when it’s convenient to his business life… Continue reading ‘‘How Do You Know’ When You’ve Wasted 2 Hours of Your Life?’

‘TRON: Legacy’ Fights for the Users and the Audience

In 1982, Disney released an original science fiction film known as TRON.  Despite its unique concept and the presence of Jeff Bridges, the film was only met with moderate success, developing a cult following over the years.  TRON’s most notable aspect, at the time, was in regards to the way it pioneered the use of computer technology to create its special effects.  Despite this notable quality, the film was disqualified from Oscar consideration regarding the special effects, because it was deemed to have cheated.  Now, 28 years later, due to the power young geeks who grew up watching TRON and are now working for Disney, a sequel has been made. Continue reading ‘‘TRON: Legacy’ Fights for the Users and the Audience’

A Lot of Great Talent Helps to Deliver ‘The King’s Speech’

A film like this, with a title like The King’s Speech is one that may suggest something it isn’t.  Due to the awards buzz that a prestige film, such as this, is receiving, it seems like some may just write this film off as another stuffy, period film, which may be very good, but doesn’t have much appeal.  I would really like to emphasize that this should not be the case.  The King’s Speech is a fantastic film, which features great performances by its lead actors, tells a very good (true) story about a man overcoming adversity, and is also very funny. Continue reading ‘A Lot of Great Talent Helps to Deliver ‘The King’s Speech’’

Tron: Legacy – The Functional and The Faulty

This past summer at San Diego’s Comic-Con, I had the very rare opportunity to speak with Oscar-winning actor Jeff Bridges regarding his role in the revival of the Tron franchise.  I had asked the seasoned screen vet what his reaction was when he was approached to do a sequel since the first film came out nearly 30 years earlier.  I remember the original film quite well (now if only my dvd copy would turn up).  Though its effects are quite dated by today’s standards, it is not only a timeless adventure for me, but for many film fans around the globe as well. Continue reading ‘Tron: Legacy – The Functional and The Faulty’

Queen Amidala Goes All “Red Shoes” in Her Role in ‘Black Swan’

Director Darren Aronofsky does not direct by-the-numbers, easy-to-watch, run-of-the-mill movies…  Black Swan is no exception to the Aronofsky rule, pulling out a gut-wrenching performance from sweet little Natalie Portman…  She stars in this psychological thriller about preparing for a ballet performance in Swan Lake…  Vincent Cassel (and is there a better actor to portray slimy, self-sufficiency than Cassel?) plays the dictatorial director, who pulls and pushes Portman to her last fiber of sanity, so she will be “perfect” for the performance. Continue reading ‘Queen Amidala Goes All “Red Shoes” in Her Role in ‘Black Swan’’

Coen Brothers Replace The Duke with The Dude and Test His ‘True Grit’

One of the running themes in many films directed by the Coen brothers (Fargo, No Country for Old Men) has revolved around the idea that they do not seem to like their characters (there is also another running gag that their characters are mostly, for lack of a better word, dumb).  As much as we root for them or hope for endings where the protagonist ends up at a shining point in their lives, while the antagonist receives some kind of comeuppance for their wrongdoings, a majority of Coen movies tend to go against the grain in some capacity and function in a more darkly comedic way (Burn After Reading is a good, recent example).  Continue reading ‘Coen Brothers Replace The Duke with The Dude and Test His ‘True Grit’’

Portman Taps into Her Dark Side to Become the ‘Black Swan’

I am sorry to generalize, but this is a fantastic film that functions as a terrifically terrifying ballerina drama.  While not a horror film, this is essentially a psychological thriller about Natalie Portman going insane.  Those who have a tough time not thinking ahead about what the reveals in a film will be, I am sorry if you feel I may have spoiled something (I do not believe I have), but this is a film very much about the physical and emotional stress that a character faces, as she strives for perfection. Continue reading ‘Portman Taps into Her Dark Side to Become the ‘Black Swan’’

‘The Tourist’ Should Have Had its Passport Revoked

To reference a review I wrote a few weeks ago, this movie has nice shoes.  It is nice to look at, but to be fair, is it really that hard, these days, with a large budget, to not be able to make a movie set in Venice look that good?  Regardless of the answer to that question, it is apparently hard to make a movie set in Venice that features two of the world’s biggest stars, is directed by a talented filmmaker, and written by a couple of Oscar winners any good.  The Tourist is kind of a disaster. Continue reading ‘‘The Tourist’ Should Have Had its Passport Revoked’

The Latest ‘Narnia’ Installment Does More Than Just Tread Water

Of all the recent, popular, fantasy book series that have been adapted into films since the initial launch of the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings films, C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia series is the only one that I have read all the way through.  It has been unfortunate that I have not been very impressed by the first two film entries.  I was disappointed by ‘Wardrobe,’ and while I thought Prince Caspian was better (despite heading into a more disturbingly dark direction, while still being rated PG), I felt it still had problems finding the way to handle the world of Narnia. Continue reading ‘The Latest ‘Narnia’ Installment Does More Than Just Tread Water’

I Wouldn’t Travel Too Far To Catch ‘The Tourist’

My good friend has a one-word saying where if something is just barely plausible in her opinion she will respond by saying “meh.”  Honest to God, I can’t think of a better word to describe The Tourist.  When she asked me today how the film was I was not quick enough to respond in the language only she would truly understand (the use of the slang word “meh”).  Instead I used my intellectual vocabulary (yeah right) to simply state that I needed another viewing to formulate a true opinion of the flick, but after just chatting with fellow reviewer Aaron Neuwirth, I no longer think that is necessary. Continue reading ‘I Wouldn’t Travel Too Far To Catch ‘The Tourist’’