Starring: Thomas Mann, Oliver Cooper and Jonathan Daniel Brown
Directed by: Nima Nourizadeh
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 28 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 4 out 5 stars

We’ve all done it. For some unexplained reason your parents decide to go out of town and think you’re responsible enough to stay home alone. Of course, there are always three big rules to obey:

1. Don’t use the car
2. Don’t go into our room/office/other off limits place.
And of course, the biggest of them all:
3. NO PARTIES!

Thomas (Mann) is a kid that we all knew in high school. Not really cool, not really NOT cool…you know him but you don’t KNOW him. Costa (Cooper) is another kid we all knew. He’s just like Thomas only you DO know him. And he’s really annoying. When Thomas’ parents decide to take a trip without Thomas on his birthday Costa invites a few people over for a small celebration. 1500 people later, it’s the party of the century!

A funny combination of “Risky Business” and “Superbad,” “Project X” is a fond look at high school parties and the people that attend them. Shot almost documentary style (Costa has hired one of the kids from the AV team to follow Thomas around all weekend), the film takes a familiar theme and gives it an original twist. Besides Thomas and Costa, there is their friend JB (Brown), a portly boy whose only apparent goal in life is to hook up with a girl. We also meet Kirby, a cute blonde who has been Thomas’ friend since childhood. It’s obvious there could be more between them but neither is brave enough to pursue it. There’s Alexis (Alexis Knapp), Thomas’ dream girl. And about 1497 other people. Which, by definition, is a party!

Written by Matt Drake and Michael Bacall, “Project X” takes the best of the two films I mentioned above, throws in a little “Dazed and Confused” and then adds enough original humor to make it consistently funny. From “Dazed” you get the old guy who is much too old to be hanging out with high schoolers. “Superbad” contributes the chubby guy looking to score. And “Risky Business” donates everything from the young man looking for excitement to a crazed drug dealer, apparently a homage to Joe Pantoliano’s “Guido, the Killer Pimp.” Throw in an angry neighbor, eighth grade security guards and plenty of nudity and you’ve got the perfect “adult comedy” for the college set. I also noticed that apparently 18 year olds hold their alcohol much better than my generation did. I should also note that when I was in high school 18 WAS the legal drinking age, though I may have imbibed at an earlier age! This is director Nourizadeh’s first feature, and he keeps the film moving. Sometimes the faux documentary style can slow a film down but the story and, more importantly, the humor flow smoothly.

In March 1979 I threw what is still referred to today as “The Greatest Toga Party in the History of Tampa!” Like I said…we’ve all done it.

Related Content

• Film Review “Scouts Guide to the Apocalypse”
• Film Review “Run All Night”
• Film Review “Jodorowsky’s Dune”
• Film Review “The Heat”
• Film Review “Terminator Genisys”

Directed by: Chris Renaud, Kyle Balda
Starring: Danny DeVito, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Ed Helms, Rob Riggle, Betty White, Jenny Slate
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG
Running time: 95 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Seuss has had a bumpy road on the big screen over the years. I really enjoyed “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” with Jim Carrey. Though Mike Myers’ turn as “The Cat in the Hat” was barely watchable. Similar to this film, “Horton Hears a Who” was full CGI and was decent but nothing special. “The Lorax” on the other hand is very enjoyable and perfect for kids to enjoy. I screened the film in 3D and I really did enjoy that experience. It wasn’t overbearing but did add a lot of depth to the film. It is also one “pretty” film, very colorful and vibrant. Overall great family fun and impressive 3D.

The plot definitely aims to deliver a real environmental message but still makes it fun to watch. We follow Ted (Efron), a 12-year-old young boy, who sets out try and win the love of Audrey (Swift) by fulfilling her wish to see a real tree. The city they live in is called “Thneed-Ville”, which does not have any real trees and only artificial. While trying to find a tree for Audrey, Ted meets Once-ler (Helms) who tells him the story of the Lorax. Through the stories we find out what happened to the trees and if there is still hope for this city.

The voice cast is also very impressive. Danny DeVito seems absolutely perfect for the role of The Lorax and easily nails it. Zac Efron and Taylor Swift will both be a big draw to the film with the tweens. Ed Helms is basically the main character besides The Lorax or at least for the first half and he is fun but also easily unlikable. Rob Riggle plays a great baddie and get a lot of laughs.

My main issue with the film is that it has quite a down period where its tone get a little dark.  I understand its purpose due to the film’s message.  Otherwise, it is fun and entertaining throughout. Illumination Entertainment is really showing their muscles and off to a decent start. “Despicable Me” was one of the best films of 2010 and even though “Hop” was a terror to watch, it made money. I am really looking forward to their next film “Despicable Me 2” next summer.

Related Content

• Film Review “The Muppets”
• Film Review “Finding Nemo 3D”
• Film Review “ParaNorman”
• Film Review “Ice Age: Continental Drift”
• Film Review “I Heart Shakey”

Starring: Assorted Navy Seals, Alex Veadov and Nestor Serrano
Directed by: Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 51 mins
Relativity Media

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I have a confession to make here. During my entire time in the U.S. Army I feared for my life for exactly 5 hours. I was very fortunate to serve in a time where the world was relatively peaceful. Thirty years later, sadly, things have changed.

Made with the cooperation of the Department of Defense, and purporting to feature real active duty Navy Seals in its cast, “Act Of Valor” gives an unprecedented look into the lives, both in uniform and out, of the bravest of the brave. The story concerns a terrorist plot to smuggle undetectable suicide vests into America. Assigned to foil the plot is a tight knit group of men and women just like you or I. If you passed them on the street or saw them in the grocery store with their families you wouldn’t blink twice. But unlike you or I, when the time comes to go to work they do it with the knowledge that they may never see those families again. They’ve made the ultimate sacrifice so, if necessary, they can make the ultimate sacrifice.

The story is pretty standard as military films go. Bad guy wants to hurt us. We do our best to stop him. But here the camera takes you into the middle of the battles. Almost silent in their movements, the Seals move with the efficiency of a well oiled machine. Yes, the film is action packed…if you’ve ever played “Call of Duty” you’ve seen it…but somehow seeing these Seals react to each situation is sobering. The exhilaration of playing a game is gone and you’re hit with the fact that war has consequences.

On October 6, 1981 Egyptian President Anwar Sadat was assassinated. My unit in Germany was put on alert and at 1030 in the morning we headed out to what I was sure was certain war. Five hours later they told us to come home. The scariest five hours of my life. “Act of Valor” is a film dedicated to those who face their fears twenty four hours a day.

Starring: Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux
Directed by: David Wain
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 51 mins
Universal

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

It was truly an offshoot of the 1960s. They were called communes – small tribes made up of many different people who grew their own food and lived by their own food. Each commune had a leader, someone who would guide the others both literally and spiritually. Like the communes, their leaders were often very different. Sometimes you got Michael Metellica. Sometimes you got Charles Manson.

George (Rudd) and Linda (Aniston) are a young married couple that just bought their first New York City property, a tiny studio apartment (or “micro-loft” if you believe the real estate agent). Linda is still in that stage of life where she hasn’t really nailed down a career path. She’s currently promoting a documentary film she made about penguins…and the many ways they die. George is unhappy at work. When fate intervenes in their lives they find themselves on the road, where a stop at a roadside bed and breakfast changes they’re lives.

Sometimes outrageously funny and other times dead on arrival, “Wanderlust” isn’t sure what it wants to be. Is it a commentary on today…a terrible economy and people going back to working the land to survive? Is it a discussion on how we all have to be responsible for our own decisions? Or is it a hilarious fish out of water comedy? If you find out, let me know.

It’s not like the cast isn’t trying. Rudd has always excelled at playing the sometimes sarcastic every man. Theroux, who has played everyone from John Hancock to Jesus Christ is surprisingly funny as Seth, a combination of Jim Jones and Tripper Harrison (Bill Murray’s camp counselor in “Meatballs”). His constant rants about the evils of technology (fax machines ) seem to indicate he hasn’t been out in the world since the 1980s. The supporting cast is led by Alan Alda, Malin Akerman and Kathryn Hahn, who portray various residents. If there’s a false note in the cast it’s Aniston, who seems to always end up playing the same kind of character when she stars in a movie. Give me the character actress Aniston from “Rock Star,” “Office Space” or “Horrible Bosses” anytime over another cookie cut role.

The comedy is raunchy at times and, in keeping with what seems to be the new trend in adult comedies, there are plenty of shots of penises included.

Starring: Paulie Rojas, Billy Boyd and Christopher Lloyd
Directed by: Leigh Scott
Rated: PG
Running time: 1 hour 50 mins
Palace/Imaginarium Films

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When you hear the word “OZ” you’re immediately taken back to a magical time in your life. For kids of my generation, the film was a CBS television mainstay. Once a year you plopped down on the living room floor and took that trip over the rainbow. In recent years, the film has been re-released to theatres, giving fans both young and old a chance to see it on the big screen. One of my favorite movie moments EVER was when I did a theatre promotion and had several actual Munchkins in attendance. I was shocked when they told me that they had never seen the film on the big screen before. Imagine my delight as I sat in the same row with them and watched them watch themselves! It was magic. And the magic continues with a new film that explores the world of OZ and gives the tale a whole new spin!

The film opens in the Emerald City. A battle royale is about to take place between the factions of witches, good and bad. The baddies are searching for a magic key that will unlock a book and allow them to run OZ as they wish. Things seem to be going well for the bad witches. Until Dorothy Gale and her house drop in!

Dorothy Gale (Rojas) is a Kansas-born author living in New York City. Her claim to fame is a series of children’s books detailing a young girl’s adventures in the land of OZ. Together with her illustrator, Allen (Ari Zagaris) and agent, Bryan (Barry J. Ratcliffe), she is hoping to seal a movie deal for her stories. But she’s having problems with the proposed star, Ilsa (Sasha Jackson). Despite the fact that Dorothy is an eleven year old girl, Ilsa wants to play her sexed up and wearing leather pants. The deal is being brokered by Billie Westbrook (Eliza Swenson), who has much more invested in the deal then she lets on. After the death of her Uncle Henry (Lance Henriksen), Dorothy discovers that her stories are actually repressed memories…that the books she writes are about her!

It’s obvious that the filmmakers had as much fun making the film as the audience will watching it. Director/writer Scott has not only made a familiar story seem new but has paid homage to the lesser known OZ works of L. Frank Baum. Not only are the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Toto referenced but lesser known characters like Princess Langwidere (played by “Ferris Buellers” Mia Sara), Tik-Tok and Jack Pumpkinhead. The cast is strong, with Rojas very believable as a young woman who, like eleven year old Dorothy, must face her fears. Other familiar faces include Boyd, Ethan Embry and Sean Astin (they play a pair of diminutive jokers named Frick and Frack) and, of course, Christopher Lloyd, playing the wizard by way of Willy Wonka. It’s especially fun to watch the interaction between former Hobbits Boyd and Astin as they bicker about. The special effects are quite well done and mostly CGI. Even though the film is rated PG there are some scary parts that might frighten some little ones. And the score is marvelous. That it was written by actress Eliza Swenson (see above) came as a complete surprise. The film rises and falls with the score and the music sets the tone of the film brilliantly.

“Dorothy and the Witches of Oz” is currently playing in Phoenix and opens on February 24 in Kansas City and Louisville with more cities being added weekly.

Directed by: Paul Bunnell
Starring: Will Keenan, De Anna Joy Brooks, Reggie Bannister, Creed Bratton, Kevin McCarthy
Production Company: Ottermole Moving Picture Co.
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 106 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love the old school 50’s sci-fi films? Well this one will transport you back to that wonderful time.  “The Ghastly Love of Johnny X” is a fantastic tribute to that genre. It is able to compliment it so well without coming off as spoofing it. If that wasn’t cool enough, this is a musical…that’s right a full off break-into-song musical. One question: Where can I buy the soundtrack?  Backed with stylized musical numbers, snappy dialogue, and beautifully photographed in black and white, this is a guaranteed fun time for all.

The film follows Johnny X (Keenan) and his gang The Ghastly Ones, from outer space, who get banished to planet Earth. They are hunting a woman named Bliss, who stole Johnny’s suit, but not just a normal suit…a resurrection suit.  The suit has magical powers that can control the will of others  for anyone that wears it.  Johnny gets caught up with show promoter, King Clayton (Bannister), who also needs the suit to insure that legendary rock star Mickey O’ Flynn completes his big comeback concert. Things go array when Mickey drops dead, gets resurrected and heads out on the town undead.

Will Keenan really delivers another fantastic performance as Johnny X. He is suave, slick and has a lot of fun with the role. Horror fans will love seeing Phantasm’s Reggie Bannister, playing the cigar smoking King Clayton and he also sings…which is a great bonus! But wait there’s more!!! The late Kevin McCarthy, “star of 56’s Invasion of the Body Snatchers”, appears in his last role just adds to the 50’s classic and tribute from that era.

Paul Bunnell, who not only directed this but also co-wrote and co-produced, it really feels like a labor of love. I am glad there are people like him out there who are still making films from original ideas. “The Ghastly Love of Johnny X” is having its world premiere at this year’s Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose, California, on March 3rd and then hitting the festival circuit soon, so make sure not to miss this one. It is guaranteed to be an instant midnight cult classic.

Related Content

• Film Review “Escape Plan”
• Film Review “The Wolverine”
• Film Review “Now You See Me”
• Film Review “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn- Part II”
• Film Review “Getaway”

Directed by: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Starring: Bridgit Mendler, David Henrie, Will Arnett, Amy Poehler and Carol Burnett
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
MPAA Rating: G
Running time: 94 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Click here for our interview with Bridgit Mendler (voice of Arrietty)
Click here for our interview with Cécile Corbel (Composer)

This film is the latest from Japan’s Studio Ghibli, releasing under Walt Disney Pictures, like “Spirited Away” and “Howl’s Moving Castle”. The film is loosely based on Mary Norton’s novel “The Borrowers” and was co-written by the legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. If you are fan of Ghibli films then you will see Miyazaki’s hands all throughout this film. Hiromasa Yonebayashi is making his directorial debut with this film, also becoming the youngest director of a Studio Ghibli film, but don’t worry it is beautifully done and perfectly executed. I have been a fan of Ghibli’s films for over 20 years and this is by far one of the best to come out in recent years. This will entertain families both old and young with its extremely vibrant animation and overall fun story. It will also easily be a runner for Best Animated Picture in next year’s Oscars.

The story tells the tale of a family of four-inch-tall people, called Borrowers, who live hidden about the humans or beans as they are called in the film. They survive by borrowing only what they need to survive and only items that will not be missed. On the first night that the young girl Arrietty (Mendler) goes borrowing with her father, they are spotted by a bean and their lives will never be the same. The human is a sick young boy named Shawn, that is very sweet and friendly. Unfortunately, his Great Aunt Hara does not have the same feeling and seeks to have them captured.

The film was originally voiced by Japanese actors but Disney made sure to get an all-star cast for it’s English dubbing. Bridgit Mendler, known best for her role in Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie”, is a perfect fit for Arrietty. She is very sweet and really does the role justice. Another Disney Channel alumni from “Wizard of Waverly Place”, David Henrie voices Shawn (changed from Shô in the Japanese release). He is soft spoken, gentle and well performed overall. Amy Poehler playing Arrietty’s mother, Homily and Carol Burnett playing the Great Aunt Hara really nail the comedy in the film and really bring the funny. The kids will love their jokes the most.

What I like most about Studio Ghibli films is that they do not rush and I will explain what I mean. When they approach a scene, they take their time and let it develop. If there is a close up on a character it is subtle, still and packs real emotion. The colors in the film are so sharp and the animation is so beautifully drawn. It is very refreshing to watch a hand drawn animation, especially with all the perfectly polished CG animated films as of late. I would like to close with my favorite part of the film…it’s score. It is honestly one my favorite scores that I have heard in a while. It is written and performed by the very talented French singer/songwriter, Cécile Corbel. She also wrote the film’s theme song “Arrietty’s Song”, which is nothing short of breathtaking. Fans of Studio Ghibli and all animation in general need to check out this film immediately and enjoy its simplicity and beauty.

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy
Directed by: McG
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 38 mins
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Last week’s “Safe House” gave us a pair of spies that got down and dirty. This week, the boys from the C.I.A. are much more glamorous.

High atop a Hong Kong skyscraper, FDR (Pine) and Tuck (Hardy) are on a mission. They’re assignment is to capture an elusive baddie named Heinrich (Til Schweiger) as covertly as they can. Too bad neither of them seem to understand the word “covert.”

Smartly written and cleverly directed by action maestro McG, “This Means War” is a fine combination of romance and comedy with a little bit of action thrown in for good measure. As best friends and partners, Pine and Hardy have a natural chemistry and obvious comradeship that radiates from the screen. Pine, with the same “bad boy” twinkle in his eyes that made him a perfect Captain Kirk in “Star Trek,” plays FDR as the typical free and easy bachelor. He has a sweet sports car and a sweeter apartment (apparently the spy game pays very well). His cover identity is that of a cruise ship captain, which allows him to be anywhere in the world at anytime. As divorced dad Tuck (his ex-wife couldn’t believe she married the only travel agent that actually travels), Hardy shows another facet of his talent by proving himself a gifted comedian. I really can’t rave any more about Tom Hardy then I did last year in my review of “Warrior.” Suffice it to say this guy can apparently do it all.

Bored with his personal life, Tuck arranges to meet Lauren (Witherspoon) after seeing her on an Internet dating site. The meeting goes well but, as she’s heading home, Lauren meets FDR in a video store. Soon, unknowingly, both men find themselves infatuated with the same woman. When they discover this, they use the agency and their underlings to spy on Lauren. They agree to a gentleman’s bet, vowing to step aside if Lauren shows feelings for the other. But as each man find himself drawn to Lauren the lengths they will go to in order to win her heart grow more and more ridiculous. Soon the two are more interested in topping one another than finding the dastardly Heinrich. But not to worry… Mr. Heinrich will find them.

McG has done some amazing action work in films like “Terminator Salvation” and the “Charlie’s Angels” series. Here, like in “We Are Marshall,” he finds the human side of the camera, inviting us to meet and enjoy being around these characters. But that’s not to say that the action-crazy McG isn’t in the house! He’s here…and in as fine a form as ever.

The supporting cast also does well, especially Angela Bassett as the two friends’ boss and Chelsea Handler as Lauren’s friend and advice giver. I’ve read that some of Handler’s more “R” – rated comments were cut from the film to ensure the “PG 13” rating. May have to wait for the DVD to hear what I missed.

Related Content

• Film Review “The Viral Factor”
• Film Review “End of Watch”
• Film Review “Snitch”
• Film Review “A Good Day to Die Hard”
• Film Review “Resolution”

Directed By: Amir Bar-Lev
Starring: Skrillex, DJ Premier, The Crystal Method, Pretty Lights, Mark Ronson, Erykah Badu, Mos Def, LeAnn Rimes, Dr. Ralph Stanley
Distributed by: D & E
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 90 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

In “Re:Generation”, acclaimed director Amir Bar-Lev (“The Tillman Story”, “My Kid Could Paint That”), has gathered an incredible amount of musical talent for a documentary that is well suited for the iPod era.

The main concept of this film is a simple one. Five popular DJs are partnered with musical genres they rarely if ever work with and each is expected to create a whole new track in a matter of days. This leads to pairings as unusual as electronic music artist Skrillex with the remaining members of The Doors and Pretty Lights with country legend Dr Ralph Stanley. The set up could be the conceit of a reality show to exploit the differences between generations but both the artists and filmmakers smartly recognize that this is not the goal here. Instead we see professionals getting honestly inspired by their collaborators. Taking on classical music, New York-based DJ Premier is especially fun to watch as he’s taught how to conduct the Berklee Symphony Orchestra. His piece stitches together rapper Nas with eleven classical works from Mozart to Brahms to wonderful effect.

The starriest of collaborations is the jazz work created by producer Mark Ronson in New Orleans with Erykah Badu, Mos Def, The Dap-Kings and Zigaboo Modeliste. In a piece themed to gumbo, Ronson perfectly captures the spirit of the project when he says “You mix it all up in a pot and see what works.” In an age where people walk around with entire musical libraries in their pockets, this sentiment is clearly already accepted by modern listeners. Using available technology to create actual seamless blends like these is the natural next step.

Adding to the talent on display is the fact that the doc is beautifully shot. You can feel the excitement of the working studio through Bar-Lev’s fly-on-the-wall footage. When the final products are eventually performed, the sense of accomplishment is palpable as Bar-Lev cuts between the isolated artists recording and the wild, entertained crowds. It’s remarkable to see concert goers open to artists they may never have encountered otherwise. One can only hope the DJs take the inspiration they found during this film and continue to work outside their comfort zones.

Related Content

• Film Review “Trouble with the Curve”
• Film Review “The Art of Flight 3D”
• Film Review “Byzantium”
• Film Review “The Last Rites of Joe May”
• Film Review “Tomorrowland”

Starring: Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds and Robert Patrick
Directed by: Daniel Espinosa
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 55 mins
Universal

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

Life as a spy isn’t as glamorous as it seems. In spite of all the dreams of shooting people and trading secrets and bedding beautiful women, somebody has to start at the bottom. Today our somebody is Matt Weston (Reynolds). Hoping for a transfer as a field officer in some exotic city (Paris is currently his preference), Matt’s current position finds him the baby sitter of a safe house. For those of you who aren’t spies, a safe house is a place where, if you were on the run from a bad guy, you could go and be, well….safe. As you can imagine, Matt’s job is pretty boring. At least until he meets Tobin Frost (Washington), the baddest of the bad!

Filmed in a herky jerky motion that may cause seizures (the over exposed lighting doesn’t help) “Safe House” is an over the top thriller that apparently doesn’t know it’s over the top. As directed by Daniel Espinosa, the film is a non-stop (often to the point of absurdity) punch ‘em up/drag ‘em out action film that wants to be a psychological thriller. In a nutshell, Denzel has something every other agent from every other country wants, especially ours. Sam Shepard and Brendan Gleeson play the C.I.A. big wigs who try to push the right buttons in Reynolds, keeping him oblivious to the big picture. The two do credible work, carefully avoiding chewing too much scenery. To do that would scream out “cartoonish bad guy!” Washington and Reynolds are very strong and sincere in their roles, which is a credit to their talents. They both go above and beyond in this one.

The film isn’t helped by the fact it was photographed by Shaky the Cameraman and lit by someone with a Sun gun. There was a great invention in the mid 1970s called the Steadicam. Sadly, the filmmakers apparently never heard of it. And what’s even more annoying? EVERYTHING is shaky. Sometimes the whole frame shakes. Other times, the frame is steady but EVERYTHING INSIDE THE FRAME shakes! The action scenes are drawn out so long that it’s like watching a live action re-enactment of Peter Griffin battling the Giant Chicken on “Family Guy!”

Directed by Whitney Smith
Starring Halston, Patricia Altschul and Phillip Bloch
Tribeca Films
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Running Time: 89 minutes

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

‘In Search of Halston’ turns out to be an apt subtitle for Whitney Smith’s muddled documentary following the rise and fall of iconic American  designer Halston. There is an exciting life story here to be sure but it is unfortunately bogged down by a filmmaker intent on romanticizing the excesses of the nineteen seventies and clumsily inserting himself into the proceedings to no meaningful end.

Halston, (born in Iowa, Roy Halston Frowick) came to fame in 1961 when he designed Jackie O’s famous pillbox hat for JFK’s inauguration. Moving onto women’s wear, he dressed such icons as Elizabeth Taylor and Liza Minelli, who won her Academy Award for Caberet in a Halston gown. Eventually Halston successfully branched out into all sorts of markets from carpeting to perfumes. However the licensing of his name to ‘down market’ corporations such as JC Penney and Playtex contributed to his professional downfall in the eighties, while excesses of the era lead to his untimely death from AIDs-related cancer in 1990.

Where Smith comes into this is irrelevant really and yet the director sets up the film with an interview from his own mother to assure the audience that Smith really liked seventies fashion because he was so fond of Smokey and the Bandit. This has zero to do with Halston and everything to do with Smith rolling up to an interview at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a vintage Pontiac Trans Am (this car gets entirely too much screen time), aviators, and a tacky porn ‘stache. Dressed like this, Smith appears in every single featured interview.

The interviewees themselves are an impressive lineup, among them Liza Minelli, Angelica Huston and Vogue’s André Leon Talley, but the director frames their exchanges awkwardly. Why include Talley rightly scolding Smith for his cell phone going off during their talk? Or designer Ralph Pucci demanding Excedrin? Why include Billy Joel at all when seemingly his only relation to Halston is one lyric in “Big Shot”? Questions like these distract from the genuinely interesting anecdotes that do come forward when the subjects are left to speak for themselves. Likewise the footage of Halston’s work show just how timeless and elegant his designs were. They would still be stunning on today’s catwalks, a point which Smith doesn’t particularly explore while loitering around Bryant Park’s Fashion Week because that’s where “dudes like [him] go to check out models.”

Perhaps most frustrating of all is the lack of the designer himself. For all the stories his colleagues provide, we barely get a glimpse at the real Halston. In video clips he appears in archival television footage to disperse maxims such as “You’re only as good as the people you dress.” We don’t go beneath the surface of his glamorous lifestyle and in fact Smith veers into an entire portion of the film devoted to just how wild it got in Studio 54. If Smith had just listened to Liza Minelli’s advice to “find out the solid stuff, f*ck the gossip”, we may have had a more interesting film.”

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Ciaran Hinds and Janet McTeer
Directed by: James Watkins
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 35 mins
CBS Films

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

England in the 1900s. Three little girls are playing in the attic. They are suddenly joined by a ghostly vision. Without hesitation, the three children climb up onto the windowsill and jump to their deaths.

Arthur Kipps (Radcliffe) is a young attorney whose about to lose his job. A single father (his wife having died giving birth – which really seemed to happen a lot back then if you believe Hollywood), he is sent to settle the accounts of a recently deceased client. Seeing some quality time with his son may be available, he arranges for the boy and his nanny to join him later in the week. Perhaps this will improve his son’s image of him, as he is currently drawing pictures of his father with big frowns on his face. Upon his arrival, he is given a lift to town by the very wealthy Mr. Daily (Hinds). We know he’s wealthy because he owns the only automobile in town. Upon his arrival at the local Inn Kipps is told that the room he had reserved is no longer available. Despite the innkeeper’s protests, he is allowed to stay the night. In the attic. BOO!

Heavy on the atmosphere but also on the “scares” horror fans have learned to rely on (loud music, hand on the shoulder, the occasional bird that shows up out of nowhere), “The Woman in Black” is still a satisfying re-make of the well received 1989 film of the same name. Co-produced by Hammer Films, the film is a throwback to that studio’s heyday, when horror greats like Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee wandered through the fog in search of things. Radcliffe does the wandering here, roaming from room to room in the deceased client’s oversize house. “Don’t go chasing shadows,” he’s told. But if he didn’t, there wouldn’t be a movie. He learns that many years ago a young boy drowned in the marshlands after a wagon accident. Despondent, his mother went slowly crazy, blaming others for his death. Kipps finds some of her old letters, many of them including the words “you could have saved him!” He also finds himself blamed when other children in the town begin to die horribly. As he learns more about the past he realizes he must do something before his own son arrives.

In only the second film he’s starred in that didn’t have the words Harry or Potter in the title, Radcliffe gives a strong performance. He has grown into a good looking young man and should be able to prove to those that only think of him as the Boy Wizard that there is much more talent to be revealed. Hinds is fine as pretty much the only townsperson who believes Albert has seen…things. The direction is solid with the only drawback being the constant relying on the things that go bump in the night to make us jump. And for you fans of trivia, the role of Albert in the original film was played by actor Adrian Rawlins, who played Radcliffe’s father, James, in the “Harry Potter” films.

Starring: Glenn Close, Janet McTeer and Brendan Gleeson
Directed by: Rodrigo Garcia
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 53 mins
LD Entertainment

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

In the dining room of a 19th Century Dublin Hotel, the head waiter is seating guests. As he walks past a table a woman remarks to her husband, “he’s such a kind little man.” If only she knew the truth.

A pet project of Glenn Close, who starred in the play almost 30 years ago (Close also co-wrote and co-produced the film), “Albert Nobbs” is the story of a woman who has spent the last 30 years disguised as a man in order to survive. When Albert (Close) meets Hubert Page (McTeer, eerily resembling a very tall k.d. lang), a house painter hired to touch up the hotel, he discovers a kinship he never thought could exist. Albert has been saving his money, longing to one day open a tobacco shop and no longer pretend to be someone he isn’t.

Earlier this week both Close and McTeer were nominated for Academy Awards, and deservedly so. Both women immerse themselves in their roles and create an illusion that makes the film flow easily. Not once do you think, “oh, look, Glenn Close is playing a guy.” When you look at the screen you see Albert Nobbs. The supporting cast also helps keep the illusion going, including Mia Wasikowska as one of the hotel maids, Gleeson as the resident doctor and Aaron Johnson (who was incredible as the young John Lennon in “Nowhere Boy” and also starred as the title character in “Kick Ass”) as the hotels newest employee.

The direction is solid, with the camera capturing old Ireland beautifully. The production design gives the film an authentic look. And kudos to the make up department, also Oscar nominated, for transforming Close and McTeer. I’m a little baffled by the films “R” rating. Except for a quick shot of bare breasts and a humorously implied indication of oral sex there was nothing questionable on screen in my opinion.

Starring: Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks and Jamie Bell
Directed by: Asger Leth
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 42 mins
Summit Entertainment

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

Life isn’t going well for Nick Cassidy (Worthington). A former cop currently serving 25 years in prison for theft, Nick must deal with the constant beatings his fellow inmates dish out and the fact that his father is dying. Nick claims he’s innocent, of course. And if can find a way out he’d be happy to prove it. If only…

Formulaic to the point of boredom, “Man on a Ledge” is a ho-hum case of “Crime Caper 101” with a few decent set pieces to keep your attention. The blame here clearly rests on the shoulders of screenwriter Pablo Fenjves, whose previous claim to fame was having the misfortune of living next door to Nicole Brown Simpson the night O.J. came to call. After a string of television projects this is Fenjves’ first feature film and the script is cobbled together from the best (and worst) parts of every heist film ever made. Let me run down the checklist:

1. Fake security guards by putting a still photo in front of a video camera. Check.
2. People who have no business being able to hack computers and repel down walls but manage to do it effortlessly. Check.
3. Really hot chick who can do all of the above but for some reason buys her clothes two sizes too small. Check.
4. Same girl removes said clothes in the middle of the film to reveal even smaller undergarments. Check.

And the list goes on.

The cast tries hard to convince you they care. Worthington is likable as Nick. As the police expert that is called in to talk to Nick once he becomes the title character, Banks is sharp. She’s carrying some emotional baggage from a previous case and Banks wrestles with that baggage well. Ed Harris shows up to chew some scenery as “the bad guy,” obviously having fun with the role. Jamie Bell as Nick’s brother, Joey and Genesis Rodriguez as his girl, Angie, have some chemistry and some cute back and forth banter. Which reminds me:

5. Cute back and forth banter between boyfriend/girlfriend crooks. Check.

The only casting miscue arrives on screen when Kyra Sedgwick, her southern accent as thick as molasses, announces herself as television reporter Rosie Morales! This is director Leth’s first feature and he shows some talent behind the camera. Hopefully he’ll try something more original for his sophomore effort.

Starring: Liam Neeson, Dermot Mulroney and Dallas Roberts
Directed by: Joe Carnahan
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 57 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Way up in the Alaskan frontier, a group of men work on an oil pipeline. Unseen by all is Ottway (Neeson), whose only job is to look through a rifle scope and shoot ANYTHING that threatens the workers. Longing for his wife, Ottway and a group of men board a plane for Anchorage. When the plane crashes, stranding all who survived, the frozen north becomes the least of the problems for Ottway and his companions.

Directed with the eye of a master, “The Grey” tells the story of what happens when the hunter becomes the hunted. Brimming with suspense and more than a couple heart-racing scenes, “The Grey” is this 2012’s annual, beginning of the year, Liam Neeson movie. Luckily, like “Taken” and “Unknown” before it, the film is well worth seeing.

Anchored by one of Neesons strongest performances ever, “The Grey” delivers two tones…dark, when the men are struggling through thigh-high snow, and darker, when they huddle together near a slight fire, ever wary of the pack of wolves that has followed them since the plane crash, slowly winnowing the group down as, one by one, the men prove no match for their furry adversaries. As their journey to find civilization drags on, Ottway ensures that Hendrick (Roberts) collect the wallet of each man who succumbs, be it to the wolves or the cold. As the film progresses the knapsack full of wallets continues to swell.

Director Carnahan, whose previous films include “Narc” and the updated version of “The A-team,” continues to add on to his growing resume’ of action and adventure. Each scene is shot with an eye that belays Carnahan’s relative youth behind the camera. The excitement is heightened by the nastiest set of wolves you’ll ever seen, courtesy of maestro’s Greg Nicotero, Howard Berger and the crew at KNB EFX Studio. Come for the wolves, stay for Neeson. His performance is so strong that director Carnahan has already hinted the film will be re-released in October 2012 to gain the Irish actor award consideration.