Starring:  Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart and Giovanni Ribisi
Directed by:  Bruce Robinson
Rated:  R
Running time:  2 hours
GK Films

Our Score: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

In 1960, writer Hunter S. Thompson went to Puerto Rico to cover sports for a local newspaper.  While there he made friends with several writers of the major paper on the island, the San Juan Star.  When the sports paper folded, Thompson returned to the states, where he became one of the most popular authors of his generation.  Among his novels, written while he was in his 20s but not published until he was 60:  “The Rum Diary.”

Paul Kemp (Depp) is a novelist looking for a job that pays him to write.  So he answers an ad and soon finds himself doing horoscopes for the largest English language newspaper in Puerto Rico.  At the paper he is introduced to some bizarre co-workers, including Lotterman (Richard Jenkins), the paper’s editor, and photographer Sala (Michael Rispoli).  Like Sala, Kemp has a weakness for alcohol.  Paul notes that his drinking level is “just a big high of social.”  Which would explain why his hotel bill on average charges him for 93 bottles from the mini bar per week.  “Am I to assume those are NOT complimentary,” Kemp asks when confronted with the cost.  When Paul finds himself being recruited to help promote an upcoming real estate project, he must choose his words, and deeds, very carefully.

Skillfully acted but lacking in plot points, there’s a reason “The Rum Diary” wasn’t published for 30 years.  The film has no less than three stories to follow and each one kind of peters out at the end, without a proper payoff to send the audience home satisfied.  Depp, who was a long time friend of Thompson and portrayed him in “Fear and Loathing in Los Vegas,” manages to get under the skin of the great Gonzo journalist and give the audience a brief look at what made him tick.  As Sala, Rispoli (who was funny as Bernie Mac’s former teammate in “Mr. 3000”) has a great physical comedy side that makes the performance.  Sala loves his rum and Puerto Rico has plenty of it.  Jenkins is his usual steady self while Ribisi gives a brave performance as the papers religion writer Moburg.  A cross between Truman Capote and “Midnight Cowboy’s” Ratso Rizzo, Moburg is the kind of young man that attracts attention no matter what he’s doing.  But if you get past his penchant for drinking 420 proof rum and his enjoyment for the recorded collection of the speech’s of Adolph Hitler, he proves to be someone to have around.

The film moves smoothly under Robinson’s direction, though, for what is being billed as a “crime drama,” there aren’t a lot of surprises.  However, the inside look at Puerto Rico as JFK took office is pretty interesting.  The cinematography is beautiful and I can see more than one movie goer saving his pennies for a trip to the island.  Palm trees and blue waters will surely tempt  viewers.

Starring: Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave and Sebastian Armesto
Directed by: Roland Emmerich
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hours 10 mins
Columbia Pictures

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I must admit I scratched my head when I saw that Roland Emmerich was directing “Anonymous.” The man who gave us “Independence Day,” “Godzilla” and “2012” was now going to tackle 17th Century England. And with no aliens or monsters in sight.

17th Century England (like I said). It’s a hard time to be a writer. Especially a playwright. Hit the wrong nerve or upset the wrong nobleman and you’ll find yourself thrown into prison for sedition in a heartbeat. We are introduced to a few of the struggling authors, including Ben Jonson (Sebastian Armesto) and Christopher Marlowe (Trystan Gravelle). Thankfully the writers have a fan in the Earl of Oxford, Edward De Vere (Ifans). But the Earl has a selfish reason for attending plays. He’s a closeted writer himself. What with poetry and the like being referred to as “the devil’s work,” Eddie can’t just put on a show whenever he wants. He decides to entrust his work to Johnson. The Earl wants Johnson to put his name on his writing. In a quandary and unsure of what he should do, Johnson confides in an acting pal of his. When the first mysterious play is greeted with applause, and Johnson waffles on whether to claim authorship, the actor decides to take credit. Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce Mr. William Shakespeare (Rafe Spall).

Told against the backdrop of a battle for the throne, “Anonymous” is an amusing story that runs much longer then it should. It’s actually two stories in one. One follows young Edward (Jamie Campbell Bower) being sent to live with the family of the young queen Elizabeth I. The other follows Edward as he silently watches his words being immortalized on stage in play after play, silently acknowledging to himself the accolades his position prevents him from receiving. The cast seems game for the time period jumps but the film sometimes slows down and it becomes unclear what period you’re watching. And what a cast it is. Acting royalty Redgrave is strong as the elder Elizabeth, with her daughter, Joely Richardson, playing her as a younger woman. Another second generation actor is Spall, whose father, Timothy, is probably best known as Wormtail in the “Harry Potter” films. Heck, even the great Derek Jacobi shows up to bookend the film. And I have to give special mention to actor Edward Hogg, who apparently thought he was playing Count Rugen in “The Princess Bride.” His appearance, his manner…even his costume…make him a dead ringer for Christopher Guest in that film. Though I’m pretty sure Hogg only has five fingers on his right hand.

The script, by “A Mighty Heart” scribe John Orloff, is full of little bits of trivia that even the most pedestrian fans of the Bard will pick up. It also includes some great lines. “All artists have something to say,” De Vere tells Jonson. Otherwise they’d all make shoes.” The story is entertaining but it drags on to a very undramatic ending. Hello King James I of Scotland, you big poof!

Director: Nick August-Perna, Chris Dapkins, Carlo Mirabella-Davis
Starring: Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová
Distributed by: 7th Art Releasing
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 90 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I have been a big fan of The Swell Season and Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová for many years. The film “Once” was such a great music film if not one of the best music based films in recent days. Glen and Markéta’s folk music is so powerful and it digs so deep into their listeners hearts. Since “Once”, the duo have toured the world and released an album “Strict Joy” (which I listen to at least one a week). This documentary was filmed over three years following their Oscar win for “Once”. It really captured the spirit of their music and delivers a great insight into singer/songwriters lives.

This documentary does not just show the positive side, it is very intense and shows the real behind the scenes with ups and downs. It is a very honest and intimate look into this amazing band. We get to visit Glen and Markéta hometowns and get to meet their families. It is very up-close look at the duo. We also got to go on tour with them as they played various venues and meet their fans. I do not think I could have asked for more in a film.

There are many different way to shoot a documentary. With this film, it just feel so natural like we aren’t watching them more like re-living it with them. You really get to see how much Glen and Markéta doing what they do best. The music in the film is fantastic as we get a real behind the scenes look and very raw view. The whole demo feel from the music is so great and really captures the essence of The Swell Season. If you are fan of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová you NEED to see this movie. If you haven’t heard of them, pick up a copy of “Once” on DVD, “Strict Joy” on CD and then watch this film.

Directed by: David M. Rosenthal
Starring: Abigail Breslin, Alessandro Nivola, Brittany Snow, Elizabeth Shue,
Peter Stormare
Distributed by: Tribeca Film
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 107 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Well award season is just around the corner and and this one better be one of the films to get noticed. I think the only film I have seen Abigail Breslin in was “Zombieland” (no “Signs” doesn’t count she was 5). I never saw “Little Miss Sunshine” but I heard she could act…in this film she does that and even sings. I have been a big fan of Alessandro Nivola since 2000’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost”. This film is well paced and packed with great drama, superb acting and great music.

The film is inspired by a true story about a 13-year old girl, Janie Jones (Abigail Breslin) is abandoned by her former-groupie mother (Elizabeth Shue), and informs fading rock star, Ethan Brand (Alessandro Nivola), that she is his daughter. Janie is left on the road with her new found father and his world is falling apart himself. The two of them embarks on a journey that might lead them both to be find what they are looking for.

The acting in the film is phenomonal. We might even forgive Alessandro Nivola for doing “Jurassic Park III”, due to this role. Abigail Breslin is also really emotional and strong in the film, obviously we all know she has a bright future. The music in the film is so amazing!! It is original music created by Gemma Hayes and Eef Barzelay and actually sung and played by Abigail Breslin and Alessandro Nivola in the film. I will purchasing the soundtrack for sure!  This film better get recognized during award seasons.

Directed by: Lucky McKee
Starring: Pollyanna McIntosh, Angela Bettis, Sean Bridgers
Distributed by The Collective / Bloody Disgusting
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 101 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Jack Ketchum’s work is definitely not for the average person and specifically not for the faint of heart. This screener that I received even came in a vomit bag/case (smart marketing). Unfortunately it wasn’t even close to my built up expectations of have messed up this film was going to be. I thought it started off decent and showed potential but then it really lost me about half-way through and really dragged. The end was fantastic but it wasn’t enough to redeem the rest of the film.

The film follows Chris Cleek (Sean Bridgers), a successful lawyer, who captures and attempts to “civilize” woman (Pollyanna McIntosh). She has lives in the wild her whole life and is extremely violent. The family seems very normal at first but then things start to unravel and the secrets start to get revealed. It ends up showing if the woman needs the “saving” or does the family need it more.

Lucky McKee is definitely familiar with Jack Ketchum’s work have produced the film adapation of “The Lost” and directing “Red”. He is definitely a director who knows what he is doing and what he wants. If you are familiar with his work/films, this film is a sort of sequel to “Offspring” and Pollyana McIntosh reprises her role from that film. She is amazing and doesn’t speak at all (or at least not in English). Angela Bettis is deep and dark as usual, not a major stretch but definitely an intense role. Sean Bridgers is one fucked up son of a bitch in this film and really commits to this role and nails it. I would have to say acting wise this film scores high but overall doesn’t overcome the lacking story.

Director: Mary McGuckian
Starring: Donald Sutherland, Larry Mullen Jr. and Paula Boudreau
Distributed: Tribeca Films
MPAA Rating: Not Rating
Running Time: 100 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Man on the Train” is a remake of the French Patrice LeConte classic, ‘L’Homme du Train”.  It is written, produced and directed by Mary McGuckian.  This is a film that is very driven by its character development.  It is slow paced and focuses and a lot of on dialogue its two characters.  The acting in the film is very unique and make this film worth watching just for it alone. I am definitely curious now to see the original film to see how it compares.

This film focuses when a mysterious criminal comes in to a small town and meets a retired poetry professor.  The professor invites him into his house and they form this bonds even though the two are complete opposites. The two men are looking for something in their lives and with meeting each other it turns out to be faith.  The criminal is conflicted in robbing the local bank and the professor having difficulty with heath issues. These two people talk each other through very difficult decision in their lives.

I loved Donald Sutherland in the role.  I thought he was very quiet but adventurous at the same time.  He played the role so well.  I was also blown away by Larry Mullen Jr, founder and drummer of U2.  His character was very dark and deep.  Overall the two guys played off each other really well. The acting easily made this film worth the watch.

Directed By: Joe Maggio
Starring: Dennis Farina
Distributed by: Tribeca Film
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 103 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I was originally asked to review this film to prepare for a review with star Dennis Farina. So I had no idea what it was or what to expect and I was real happy I watched this film. It is quite the gem and Farina is a one man show that plays one of his best character roles to date. The film is yet another recent gem from Tribeca Film following recent films I’ve seen “The High Cost of Living” and “Janie Jones”.

Joe May (Dennis Farina) is a guy who gets out of the hospital finding that his life is turned upside down. His apartment is re-rented, his belongings are gone, his friends have forgotten him. Joe is an aging short money hustler, who has been looking for his big break around every corner. With his health fading and options running out it is Joe has one last chance to achieve greatness.

Dennis Farina is known for playing the tough guy…someone you don’t want to mess with but this role was made for Dennis Farina. Dennis is vulnerable but still tough and he still kick an ass. The roles I can recall for Dennis Farina have him in a supporting role and this one really gives him a chance to shine. The role was pretty physical as well and I give him a lot of credit in fact. Overall it is a very tight drama with a great story and notable performances.

Directed by: Tom Six
Starring: Laurence R. Harvey, Ashlynn Yennie
Distributed by IFC Midnight
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Running time: 87 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I am not afraid of squeamish films and I am a big fan of the “The Human Centipede (First Sequence)”. I thought it was different, original and very disturbing. This film is also very different, original and very very disturbing. A sequel to this film could have just been a real cop-out but I feel that a lot of planning actually went into this. Tom Six is no doubt one fucked up guy but he definitely knows how to make a good film. If you are a fan of this first film, this is a must see and definitely worth a watch.

The sequel takes a very interesting turn and takes us into the “real world” where we have Martin Lomax, who is completely obsesses with the film “The Human Centipede (First Sequence)”. Martin has plans to complete the full twelve person centipede. He even goes as far as setting up a fake audition with the first films star Ashlynn Yennie, who returns as herself. I don’t want to say more to avoid spoilers.  Just make sure not to eat prior to watch this film.

I have to give Laurence R. Harvey the highest praise since he plays the highly disturbed Martin Lomax. He does not speak a word throughout the film and that is what makes him even creepier. I might even say that he trumps Dieter Laser in terms of creepiness. He is really enjoying what he is doing and seems so detached from reality. I completely understand why this film threatened to be banned in the UK, it is extremely intense and makes the first film look like a kids film. I am serious it is that intense.

Director: Danny Buday
Starring: Cam Gigandet, Jena Malone, Julianna Guill, Will Yun Lee, Max Hartman
Distributed by: Breaking Glass Pictures
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 97 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“You are going to have 5 star day”. Many people follow horoscopes daily and believe it paves the path for their day. I have never really followed nor even read them for myself. This film follows one person born on a specific day at a specific time at a specific place and his goal to complete his thesis comparison on horoscopes. This film This film is packed with comedy, drama and some really great performances.

Cam Gigandet plays Jake Gibson a down on his luck guy, who loses his job, his girlfriend and his car in one day, despite his vibrant horoscope. Cam sets out to complete his thesis project and disprove horoscopes. He tracks down three people who were born on the same day and at the same place as himself and find out how they spent their recent birthday. He wanted to see if the others followed their horoscopes or were similiar to Jake’s day. On his journey Jake meets Sarah Reynolds (Jena Malone), Yvette Montgomery (Brooklyn Sudano) and Wesley Henderson (Max Hartman). He ends up exploring how they spent their birthday but got a lot more than he expected on his trip.

Cam Gigandet known best for his role in the first “Twilight” film, really gets to shine in this film. He is funny, charismatic and really strong character. Jena Malone has less of a role but is really packed with drama as single mother on the brink of losing her daughter. I really enjoyed the performance from Max Hartman. I thought he was very funny and his scenes were the highlight of the film. This film is definitely worth checking out.

Directed by: Ivan Reitman
Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis
Rated: PG
Running time: 1 hour 45 mins
Columbia

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

DEAR READERS: No need to panic. You did not wake up in 1984. There are no less than three major releases opening this week but the powers that be at the studios did not think them worthy of being screened early. However, as the good people at AMC Theatres have decided to screen “Ghostbusters” every Thursday evening in the month of October, I thought it would be fun to review it as if I had never seen it before. Enjoy!

Bill Murray wanted to be serious.

Coming off such hit comedies as “Caddyshack,” “Stripes” and “Tootsie,” Murray, like many funny people, hoped to challenge himself creatively. He convinced Columbia to put up $13 million for him to star in a remake of the film “The Razor’s Edge,” with Murray himself starring in the role played by Tyrone Power. Unwilling to finance the film at first, Columbia then became aware of a screenplay that Dan Aykroyd had written for he and his pal John Belushi to star in entitled “Ghost Smashers.” In short, Murray replaced Belushi, Columbia ponied up the thirteen mill and a comedy classic was born.

New York City. When we first meet Dr. Peter Venkman (Murray) he is giving an ESP test to two volunteer students, to no avail. He is interrupted by his two colleagues, Ray Stantz (Aykroyd) and Egon Spengler (Ramis) who inform him of a possible ghost sighting at the local library. Once there the trio meet up with the ghostly image of a long dead librarian. This contact encourages them to start their own business, which will allow the public with spirit problems to call for help. They call themselves Ghostbusters.

Co-written by Aykroyd and Ramis, “Ghostbusters” is a fun romp with a couple of comedy’s greatest stars at the top of their game. Murray brings his familiar dead pan expression to the forefront here, milking it for all it’s worth. He has some of the better lines and his timing is impeccable. Same with Aykroyd and Ramis. This is Ramis’ second feature film (following “Stripes”) but he more than holds his own alongside his co-stars. Supporting players Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, Ernie Hudson and Annie Potts also do well, with the normally straight laced Weaver taking a turn as a seductive she-demon.

If there is anything poorly done in the film it is the special effects. (NOTE: Even by 1984 standards, the effects were pretty crappy. Surprisingly, “Ghostbusters” was nominated for the Special Visual Effects Oscar, along with “2010” and the film that would win the award, “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.”) Most of the stop motion is quite jumpy while the nuclear “blasts” from the Ghostbusters’ weapons is not rendered cleanly. I will say that the spiritually conjured up Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man is pretty impressive. (NOTE: like a lot of movies filmed in New York City prior to September 11, 2001, there are many shots of the World Trade Center, which gave me, and the audience, pause when they first appear on screen.)

History will show that “Ghostbusters” went on to become, until “Home Alone,” the highest grossing comedy of all time, earning $13 million in its opening weekend, which I’m sure Columbia put towards the box office bomb that was “The Razor’s Edge.” Murray continued to get serious and in 2003 he earned a Best Actor Academy Award nomination for his work in “Lost in Translation.”

Read about “Ghostbusters III” in our exclusive interview with Ernie Hudson here.

Directed by: Matthijs van Heijningen, Jr.
Starring: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton and Ulrich Thomsen
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 43 mins
Universal

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Antarctica. 1982. As they track an unknown signal, a group of Norwegian scientists suddenly find themselves swallowed up by a sinkhole in the ice. They discover, buried far below the ice, what appears to be an alien craft. And a survivor.

True in tone to John Carpenter’s version, which was actually a retelling of the 1951 film “The Thing From Another World,” “The Thing” is a suspenseful story that benefits from some outstanding visual effects. The story is familiar. A group of scientists and assistants find themselves among a creature that has the ability to replicate living tissue. It’s not long before fingers are pointed by and at each other as the Thing infiltrates the base camp. Among the inhabitants, no one is safe. Not even the dogs.

A little gorier and not as fun as the 1982 version, “The Thing” is a visual effects fans dream. Once it is established that “something” is trying to eat everyone, the film jumps into overdrive, with the special effects crew outdoing themselves. Where the Carpenter version featured effects by the great Rob Bottin, here the crew gives us the nastiest of alien creatures in all of their bloody glory.

The cast, mostly Norwegian, is led by Winstead’s Kate Lloyd, a paleontologist who is whisked off by Dr. Halvorson (Ulrich Thomsen) to investigate and autopsy the ice- enclosed survivor. They are flown to the continent by Carter (“Warrior” co-star Joel Edgerton), who soon finds things, and people, aren’t what they seem. First time feature director Heijningen sets up some good scares and the special effects crew go above and beyond the call of duty, introducing a new generation of “Thing” fans to some really gruesome sights.

Starring: Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough and Dennis Quaid
Directed by: Craig Brewer
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 53 mins
Paramount

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I have two very vivid memories of the original “Footloose,” released in 1984:
1. I got busted trying to sneak a Dr. Pepper into the theatre. Six months later I was not only running the theatre but I dated the employee who caught me for almost five years.
2. I thought it odd that, for a town where dancing was forbidden, all of the kids danced a hell of a lot better than Kevin Bacon.

It’s 2011 and things are a lot different. First, I successfully snuck a DIET Dr. Pepper into the theatre. Second, Kenny Wormald can dance his ass off!

A pretty faithful remake, “Footloose” is best appreciated when not compared to the film that inspired it. As the film opens, we find ourselves among a group of kids dancing up a storm (to Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose,” of course). One of the cluster of kids leaves the dance and pile into a car driven by Bobby Moore (Blair Jasin). In a severe case of un-attention, Bobby takes his eyes off the road, causing a crash that kills all five people in the car. Stunned with grief, the small town of Bomont, Georgia, led by Bobby’s preacher father (Quaid), pass a series of laws intended to protect the young people of the town. Among them: no playing of amplified music and, with the exception of a yearly church gathering, no public display of dancing.

Enter Ren MacCormack (Wormald). Following the death of his mother, Ren has been sent to Bomont to live with his uncle and his family. He soon finds himself pulled over by the local police, having blasted Quiet Riot a little too loudly in his Volkswagon. Ren also possesses what is referred to as “Yankee sarcasm,” which doesn’t endear him right away to the locals. In church he is introduced to Reverend Moore’s daughter, Ariel (Hough), who has done her best to avoid being the proper “preacher’s daughter.” She and Ren have nothing in common, except for a desire to dance. Anytime. Anyplace.

I have to give director and co-writer (he shares credit with original “Footloose” scribe Dean Pitchford) Brewer credit. He has managed to update the story well while still keeping the familiar. Ren’s VW bug. His “angry” dance at the mill. Even that awful maroon tuxedo jacket. But he also gives the film an energy the first film didn’t have. And this is thanks to the cast. A former backup dancer for Justin Timberlake, Wormald shines, both on the dance floor and off, as Ren. “Dancing With The Stars” veteran Hough, resembling Jennifer Anniston’s little sister, makes the most of her screen time as Ariel. She has some of the films more dramatic moments and she pulls them off admirably. Quaid is his usual strong self as Rev. Moore. But the breakout performer here is Miles Teller, who plays Willard, the cowboy with two left feet. Played so winningly by the late Chris Penn in 1984, Teller gives Willard a sweetness Penn only hinted at. The only false note in the cast is Patrick John Flueger, who plays Ariel’s car racing boyfriend, Chuck. Not only is he about 20 years too old for Ariel, his character is strictly “bad boyfriend 101.” Fans of the original film (and soundtrack) will enjoy new versions of some old hits, including a rendition of “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” that’s as sweet as it is catchy.

Directed by: Tim Chambers
Starring: Carla Gugino, Ellen Burstyn, Marley Shelton, David Boreanaz
Quaker Media
MPAA Rating: G
Runtime: 100 minutes

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to sports inspiration films, it is usually not my cup of tea. Don’t get me wrong though, if it is got I usually will get into it. I enjoyed the recent film “The 5th Quarter”. The film was fast paced and inspiring but it felt out of balance in parts and off-sides with its story. This film has been shelved for a while since it was made in 2009 and I understand why. But I am sure that this film will find its audience with the catholic groups and with fans of sports movies…just not with me.

in case you don’t already known this is based on a true story and takes place in 1971. Cathy Rush (Carla Gugino) who chooses to work as a women’s basketball coach. The college team at Immaculata College are no good and in fear of being shut down for good. Under the lead of Cathy, she decides that this is the year for the team and does everything she can to accomplish that goal.

The cast is great but not used to their full potential in this. Carla Gugino is damn good in the recent film “Sucker Punch” but seems to be holding back in this one. Ellen Burstyn is always wonderful but also is too secondary of a character to real shine. The same goes for David Boreanaz, who is just swept aside as the husband figure. He character feels just added in at last minute.

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman and George Clooney
Directed by: George Clooney
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 41 mins
Columbia

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

There’s something about getting emotionally connected to the candidate in a political thriller that always leaves me a little sad at the end. No matter who it is. Willie Stark (played brilliantly by Broderick Crawford and, in the 2006 remake, by Sean Penn) in “All the Kings Men,” Bill McKay (Robert Redford) in “The Candidate” or even Jack Stanton (John Travolta as a slightly veiled Bill Clinton) in “Primary Colors”…they always turn out to be human. You can now add to the above list the name of Mike Morris.

As the Ohio Democratic Primary approaches, there are clearly only two men with a chance to win. The one we’re following is Pennsylvania Governor Mike Morris (Clooney). Well spoken and charismatic, he has made a believer out of junior campaign director Stephen Myers. Not only does he like Morris’ ideas, he thinks of him as a friend. “Would you rather work for a friend or work for the president,” he’s asked. In his mind, Stephen is doing both. However, as is often the case, the so-called “perfect” candidate is anything but.

Based on the “Farragut North” by Beau Willimon and adapted for the screen by Willimon, Clooney and Grant Heslov, “The Ides of March” smartly signals to filmgoers that “serious” movie time has arrived. With a perfect cast…the first five actors on screen have a combined eleven Oscar nominations for acting and three Academy Awards…the film is an unabashed look at the prices those who run for public office must pay. No matter how noble ones ideas are, they will always be forgotten and replaced by the next noble idea. As campaign upon campaign begin to take their toll on those involved, it’s up to Stephen to decide whether or not he backs the candidate who runs on “INTEGRITY” but sadly doesn’t know what it is.

As I noted, the cast is outstanding, with Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei and Jeffrey Wright joining those highlighted earlier. Gosling, who I felt was mis-cast in “Drive,” is well cast here, as is Evan Rachel Wood, an intern helping work the campaign. Clooney has a slight role, really, with the majority of screen time being devoted to those behind the scenes. Director Clooney’s decision to shoot a majority of the film in close ups pays big dividends. With nothing else to take away your attention, you are focused on every word…every nuance…every hint of false flattery or earnest appreciation. A previous Oscar nominee for directing “Good Night and Good Luck,” Clooney could easily find himself on the short list this coming year.

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Starring: Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo and Evangeline Lilly
Directed by: Shawn Levy
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hours 7 mins
Touchstone Pictures

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

It started back before the Super Bowl. You can’t have been in America for the past eight months and not been bombarded for commercials touting what I began to refer to as “that Rock’em – Sock’em Robot movie.” With all due apologies to the Mattel toy company, I didn’t think a movie about boxing robots would be enjoyable. Boy was I wrong.

It’s the future. Actually, the near future, which looks a lot like today. But there is one thing missing. Due to the continuing blood lust of the sports’ fans, boxing is no longer done by men. They have been replaced by giant mechanical robots, who battle non stop until one delivers the “decapa-cino) to the other one, causing the losers head to roll (or fly out into the crowd). We meet former boxer now robot wielder Charlie Kenton (Jackman) as he prepares his “fighter,” Ambush, for a match against a 2000 pound bull at the county fair. Sadly, Ambush does indeed get the horns and Charlie finds himself without a fighter and deep in debt. As if things can’t get any worse, he discovers that a long lost love of his has died and that someone needs to take care of her/their eleven year old son, Max (Goyo). Not wanting to be burdened with a son he’s never seen before, Charlie hopes to sign the boy over to the state. However, when he discovers the boys’ wealthy aunt and uncle want to adopt Max he arranges a money deal, agreeing to keep the boy for a couple of months while the new mom and dad see Italy. Smart beyond his years (seriously, this kid is like a computer and mechanical genius) and a huge fan of WRB (World Robot Boxing), Max heads off with Charlie for what he will surely remember as the summer of his life.

Featuring sharp performances from its cast (both human and metal) and some outstanding special effects, “Real Steel” is best described as “Rocky” meets “The Iron Giant.” And that is a complement. Both “Rocky” and “The Iron Giant” had plenty of heart, and “Real Steel” shares that trait with them. When a junkyard mishap allows Max to discover an old, discarded ‘bot named Atom, the movie becomes so much more than an action film. The film not only plays on the burgeoning relationship between Charlie and Max, it also focuses on the one between Max and Atom. Atom contains a program that allows him to shadow others movements, and a scene where Max dances with excitement while Atom mimics him is one of the film’s highlights. This could possibly be the first time you’ll ever see “a” robot do “the” robot. Jackman is his usual winning self, playing a man conflicted. Goyo, who was on screen earlier this year as the young Thor in “Thor,” gives a breakout performance along the lines of Rick “don’t call me Ricky” Schroder in “The Champ.” If his relationship with both Charlie and Atom aren’t believable, the film is nothing more than a loud two hour toy commercial.

The film does have a few flaws. It seems to have borrowed its last 45 minutes from “Rocky 4,” including a nearly freakish fighting machine and its Russian-accented lady mouthpiece. I was shocked to see that the actress playing the Russian (Olga Fonda – real last name Tchakova) actually WAS Russian, so poor was her accent. How bad was it? She made Bridgette Nielsen, Drago’s wife in “Rocky 4,” sound like Rasputin! Perhaps she was channeling Natasha from “Rocky and Bullwinkle.” The final WRB battle is exciting to watch and surprisingly emotional. Director Levy, who did the “Night at the Museum” films, stages the action well, managing to make the characters people to care about.