Three Reviews: Pirates, The Hangover, & Big Happy Family

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
This movie felt like the writers (Elliott & Rossio), desperate to squeeze out something of a working plot to appease the money hungry producers, grabbed the script of The Curse of the Black Pearl, threw in some mermaids and called it a day. Stranger Tides is one giant gimmick: a broken record of over-used cliches and forced one-liners. The introduction of Penelope Cruz as a love interest was some attempt to give Captain Jack a bit more depth, but even that could not save a film who desperately needed to give the franchise a sense of progression. As much as I hoped for Stranger Tides (under the direction of Rob Marshall) to harken back to the good ol' days of the first film, I was sorely disappointed to find that it was only a sub-par copy cat.




The Hangover: Part II
Speaking of copy cats, Part II should be the poster child. This film was almost unbearable. I could tell from the previews that it would adhere to the format of the first. Back then I appreciated it; I thought, why change a good thing? And then I sat down to watch it and realized that I was oh so wrong. Part II is like walking though a haunted house when all the lights are on. There is no anxious anticipation of what's around the corner because you can see it coming. And maybe the filmakers knew this, so instead of producing something clever, they took the time to devise ways to make it more vulgar and uncomfortable. Save yourself the $10 and just sit on your couch and imagine that the first film took place in Bangkok instead of Vegas. You'll most likely have a more satisfying experience.




Madea's Big Happy Family
Tyler Perry's latest film made me laugh enough to stay seated. I think anyone who goes to see a Tyler Perry film already anticipates corny dialogue, long-running and obvious ad-libbing, and over-the-top situational drama. Big Happy Family is all of these elements plus a few highly annoying characters. But, having that anticpation makes the pill easier to swallow. Tyler Perry as Madea was the one saving grace of this Tyler Perry Tyler Perry Tyler Perry film. And, like I said, it made me laugh.







PLEASE NOTE: The Hangover: Part II is rated R for language, nudity, sexuality, etc.

Photo Credits: imdb.com

Happy Birthday, Al Pacino

Today is the 71st birthday of Al Pacino, one of the most beloved actors of all time. In honor of Mr. Pacino, I'd like to briefly showcase some of my favorite Pacino films:

The Godfather
Considered one of the best American films of all time, Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather was the catalyst to Pacino's incredible career. If you've never seen The Godfather (and can handle the language and violence), it should be at the top of your need-to-see list of films. You'll be amazed at how many phrases and scenes you were already familiar with without ever before realizing it. Pacino was nominated for a Best Actor in a Supporting Role Academy Award.








The Godfather: Part II
Hands-down the best sequel to a film ever made. Pacino's Michael Corleone is hardened, determined, terrifying, and heartbreaking. It is a brilliant performance that earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role.











Dog Day Afternoon
Directed by Sidney Lumet, Dog Day Afternoon is a film about an actual bank robbery in Brooklyn in the early seventies. Pacino plays Sonny Wortzik, an average man who decides to rob a bank to get money for his lover's operation. As expected, the plan falls apart and Wortzik finds himself in the middle of a hostage situation. Pacino was nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award for the role.








Scent of a Woman
Pacino won an Academy Award for his role as Frank Slade, a blind former Lieutenant Colonel who takes his young caregiver (Chris O'Donnell) on an unexpected trip to New York City.











The Godfather: Part III
Though the final chapter of the the Godfather saga pales in comparison to its predecessors, Part III is still a wonderful character study about a man (Pacino's Corleone) coming to terms with the choices he's made as he nears the end of his life.










I love Al Pacino. I could list several other excellent films that are wonderful expamples of Pacino's skill (Serpico, Donnie Brasco, etc.), but I know you know he's great, so I'll spare you.
I suppose one of the reasons Pacino is so beloved, aside from his talent, is how mesmerizing his eccentric personality is. Therefore, because I love Pacino, and because I also love Johny Depp (Pacino's co-star in Donnie Brasco), I'll leave you with this YouTube video of Depp discussing "crazy" Pacino on Dave Letterman:








PLEASE NOTE: All above-listed films are rated R and contain language and/or violence and/or sexuality

Photo Credits via Google: (In order) mymoviebanners.com, wildsound-filmaking-feedback-events.com, impawards.com, movieposterdb.com, withfriendship.com
Video Credit: youtube.com
Fact Credits: imdb.com