'Pitch Perfect' is definitely one of those films that you're either going to love or hate from the get-go. You're either going to find the constant acapella singing extremely annoying or you're actually going to find it quite entertaining like I did. There's no doubt that the film holds many similarities to 'Glee' (*vomits*), but the film is infinitely more charming and keeps the extreme cheese to a minimum. Anna Kendrick is fantastic in the film and Rebel Wilson ('Fat Amy') damn near steals the show. The supporting cast which includes Skylar Astin, Brittany Snow and Anna Camp, all hold their own. The only gripe I have with the film is a constant vomit gag that runs throughout most of the movie. It was unnecessary and flat-out crude. Overall, the acapella performances are wonderful and if you keep an open mind, you will definitely find a lot to like in 'Pitch Perfect'. Give it a chance! Recommended.
Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana, Jeremy Irons and Dennis Quaid give it their all, but can't save the convoluted mess that is 'The Words'. Here's your brief plot description! Dennis Quaid stars as Clay Hammond, a celebrated author whose new book parallels the lives of Rory Jensen and Dora (Bradley Cooper and Zoe Saldana). Rory is an author who lacks inspiration. Rory's wife Dora buys him a leather satchel which ends up containing an old manuscript. Rory begins to read the manuscript and is immediately inspired to...well... plagiarize. The book is a huge success and Rory and Dora are living happily ever after, until an Old Man approaches Rory and tells him of his own life story. His life story turns out to be the manuscript. Rory is intimidated and tell his wife of his actions. Guilt ensues...and the film's climax feels similar to 'Inception'. There is no doubt that all of the actors in the film are trying to rise above the material, but the screenplay is so confusing when it really doesn't need to be. I'll praise some of the cinematography, but the film only warrants a rental. 'The Words' is a one-time watch for me!
Tobey Maguire stars as a devoted husband and father who suffers the consequences of his actions in 'The Details'. While the film starts out as a comedy, it quickly becomes darker in tone. The way the film plays out is almost like a chain reaction. For example, in an attempt to trap the raccoons roaming his backyard, Maguire's character poisons a can of tuna. In return, he kills his crazy neighbor's cat. This leads to even deadlier consequences. The film is definitely not for everyone because of how outlandish it becomes towards its climax. The performances are great all around from Kerry Washington, Ray Liotta, and especially Laura Linney as the crazy neighbor. I recommend this film as a rental at best. The film is currently on VOD (Video On Demand).
Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones star as an unhappily married couple who go on a retreat to invigorate their sex life in 'Hope Springs'. The film is both poignant and incredibly moving. The film also does not hold back when it comes to the subject of sex in an unhappy marriage. Steve Carell is excellent as a sex therapist whose sessions with Streep and Jones manage to be both hilarious and extremely uncomfortable at the same time. It truly is refreshing to see such a heartwarming film nowadays. The film is a must-watch, and with two of the most fantastic actors of the silver screen, you can't go wrong. Highly recommended!
