The Good Life

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DVD Spotlight - April 1 - April 7

2010-04-02T18:59:00.002-04:00

Brief capsules on new DVDs worth renting.

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

AN EDUCATION

Academy Award nominee Carey Mulligan blooms before your eyes in this eloquent, sophisticated coming-of-age import based on the autobiographical memoir by British journalist Lynn Barber. The solid-across-the-board supporting cast includes Emma Thompson, Peter Sarsgaard, Dominic Cooper, Rosamund Pike and Alfred Molina, who was robbed of an Oscar nomination. Novelist-turned-screenwriter Nick Hornby's script is way too safe and tidy, but director Lone Scherfig greatly conveys an intoxicating world of posh excitement, and Mulligan is a wonder to behold. (Now available)

SHERLOCK HOLMES

Guy Ritchie's first big Hollywood outing, and his most entertaining film since "Snatch," "Sherlock Holmes" puts a stylized spin on the tale of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic detective, and sees superstar Robert Downey Jr. ham it up perfectly in the lead role. The Golden Globe winner raises his already substantial likability, sporting a Brit accent with ease, spinning gold out of campy lines, and making the most of his bromantic rapport with co-star Jude Law, who portrays sidekick Dr. Watson. The Dan-Brown-esque storyline is less than engaging, but it's the game, not its object, that makes this modern adventure a rollicking entertainment. Mark Strong and Rachel McAdams co-star. (Now Available)

Trailer Park

2010-03-24T22:37:00.002-04:00

Behold! Some of the newest trailers for some of the most noteworthy upcoming releases.

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

PREDATORS
No more Schwarzenegger. No more Danny Glover. No more Alien collaborations (well, actually, there probably will be more of those). For this new incarnation of the popular sci-fi series, 20th Century Fox has gone the route of its face-hugger franchise by simply pluralizing the title to let you know there are a lot more nasties to contend with. Set on the Predators' planet (I'm assuming), "Predators" stars actual actors like Adrien Brody and Laurence Fishburne, which is a very good sign. Another good sign: it returns the series to the jungle, where it began and where it certainly thrived best. Not such a good sign: looks like it's one of those humans-as-live-bait-reality-show movies. Did we learn nothing from "The Condemned?"

THE JONESES
Demi Moore and David Duchovny lead a family that's...not really a family. In "The Joneses," a faux family "unit" is paid big bucks by big businesses to tout products to their high-society friends and neighbors. They've got the home, they've got the cars, they've got the goods, they just don't have the blood ties. Cool idea for a comedy, and I love the under-the-radar indie work Demi Moore's been doing lately (see: "Happy Tears"). Amber Heard and Ben Hollingsworth co-star as the lead couple's fake children.

THE COMPANY MEN
The Weinstien Company recently acquired this corporate-downsizing drama, directed by John Wells. Slated for release in late summer or early fall, the film stars Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, Chris Cooper, Kevin Costner, Maria Bello and Rosemarie DeWitt. And you know what? Since the trailer bravely and elegantly goes out of its way to sell you on images alone, those are the only details I'm divulging. See what you make of it -- I think it's best trailer I've seen in months.

Star to Watch

2010-03-24T12:53:00.003-04:00

KELLAN LUTZ

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

Whether appearing in Calvin Klein's latest underwear ad campaign or starring alongside fellow pretty boys Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner in a modest little franchise known as "The Twilight Saga," 25-year-old actor and model Kellan Lutz's star seems to be ascending higher with every passing day. Now, I can't very well speak for the North Dakota native's acting ability (his role in the "Twilight" films is the sidelined vampire-of-few-words Emmett Cullen), but there's no denying the guy's got serious screen presence.

And his presence on screen is only set to gain prominence in the coming year. After making a small name for himself by appearing on such TV shows as "CSI," "Heroes" and the newfangled "90210," and movies like "Stick It," "Accepted" and "Prom Night," Lutz, whose involvement in "Twilight" indisputably opened many doors, will be appearing in the remake of "A Nightmare on Elm Street," "Warrior" with Cary Elwes and "Twilight" co-star Ashley Greene, "Love, Wedding, Marriage" with Mandy Moore and "Dawn of War," Tarsem Singh's Greek saga that casts him as sea god Poseidon.

And, of course, Lutz is set to reprise his role of Emmett Cullen in the forthcoming "Twilight" sequels "Eclipse" and "Breaking Dawn," the latter of which will be split into two parts, a la "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." Lutz is reportedly quite close with his "Twilight" cast mates, especially Greene, whom he calls a good friend. Good to know he'll have some arm candy for all the red carpets he's bound to be hitting.

Kellan Lutz and Nikki Reed promoting "New Moon" on "The Today Show":

DVD Spotlight - March 16

2010-03-17T16:12:00.002-04:00

Brief capsules on new DVDs worth renting.

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL 'PUSH' BY SAPPHIRE

What impressed me most about "Precious," aside from the astounding, Oscar-winning performance from Mo'Nique and the transformative, Oscar-nominated lead turn from debut talent Gabourey Sidibe, was the manner in which director and West Philly native Lee Daniels (also an Oscar nominee) chose to visualize Oscar winner Geoffrey Fletcher's bold adaptation of Sapphire's groundbreaking novel. One walks into this movie expecting to be shaken (the tremendous buzz took care of that over a year ago), but the rich texture of Daniels' accomplished filmmaking style -- the urban grit, the imaginative transitions, Precious's vivid fantasies -- make it a truly distinct and absorbing work. Daniels's artisitic point of view positions him as quite possibly the most noteworthy black American auteur since Spike Lee. (Now available)

FANTASTIC MR. FOX

At last, the oft-ingratiating Wes Anderson takes a break from fashioning live-action narratives into pretentious, hipper-than-thou, wannabe cartoons, and simply jumps right in and makes an animated film -- an excellent one, no less. Featuring the voices of George Clooney, Meryl Streep and Anderson regulars Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman, "Fox," like "Precious," has an extraordinary texture -- this one so tactile you may find yourself compelled to reach out and touch the screen (take that, 3-D!). Made in a furry, herky-jerky stop-motion style, and bolstered by additional old-school creative touches like an ant-farm perspective, this weird and exceedingly whimsical adaptation of Roald Dahl's children's novel is a loopy laugh riot, eliciting the feeling of being drunk on harebrained joy. Well done, Mr. Anderson. (Available March 23)

UP IN THE AIR

Though it walked away empty-handed at the Academy Awards, writer/director Jason Reitman's beautifully mature and delectably witty adult dramedy "Up in the Air" is my favorite film of 2009. Featuring perfect perfomances from Oscar nominees George Clooney, Anna Kendrick and Vera Farmiga, this tragicomedy about a corporate axeman with no ties except the ones he wears while firing underlings across the country has unmatched relevance, but never shoves it down your gullet. I remember trying my hardest to keep up with the movie's brilliant wit in my notes, but was firmly defeated, so relentless is the greatness of its scenes. Few people realize how difficult it is to craft a film that so accurately and directly speaks to the time in which it's made, and fewer still, it seems, recognize how rare it is for an American comedy to lack a single dumb joke. With "Up in the Air," Reitman shows us how it's done. (Now Available)

Trailer Park

2010-03-03T14:17:00.003-05:00

Behold! Some of the newest trailers for some of the most noteworthy upcoming releases.

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS
Over two decades after Oliver Stone's "Wall Street" comes this absurdly titled but undeniably intriguing sequel, the first Stone has ever directed. Aiming for timeliness, the movie focuses on the 2008 stock market crash, and the relationship between young trader Jacob (Shia LaBeouf) and his soon-to-be father-in-law, the famous Gorden Gekko (Michael Douglas, reprising his role). Co-stars include Oscar favorites Susan Sarandon, Josh Brolin, Frank Langella and Carey Mulligan, LaBeaouf's real-life squeeze. (April 21)

CHLOE
Directed by Atom Egoyan, the erotic thriller "Chloe" is a remake of the 2004 French film "Nathalie...," written and directed by Anne Fontaine. "Chloe" stars Amanda Seyfried as the title character, an escort who comes between husband and wife Catherine (Julianne Moore) and David (Liam Neeson). Seyfried has been on the rise for some time now, and this movie looks to be one that will truly display her range. (March 26)

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID
Based on the first volume of the best-selling book series by Jeff Kinney, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" looks screamingly funny while still being kid-friendly -- a rare feat in modern cinema. Highlighting the misadventures of middle school student Gregg Heffley (Zachary Gordon), the movie, directed by Thor Freudenthal (how's that for a name?), also stars Robert Capron, Rachael Harris, Steve Zahn and Chloe Moretz. Try not to smile while watching this trailer. (March 19)

Star to Watch

2010-02-25T15:47:00.003-05:00

MIA WASIKOWSKA

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

Australian actress Mia Wasikowska caught the eye of critics and audiences with her performance as a troubled teen in the acclaimed HBO series "In Treatment," which features Gabriel Byrne as a psychotherapist. Soon, the 20-year-old blonde was landing bit parts in major films like "Defiance" and "Amelia," and smaller projects like "That Evening Sun" with Hal Holbrook.

Wasikowska also caught the eye of director Tim Burton, who cast her as the lead in his hotly anticipated rendition of "Alice in Wonderland," a wild, colorful marriage of live action and 3-D animation. Touted by Walt Disney Pictures for months, "Alice in Wonderland," which opens March 5, co-stars Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen and Anne Hathaway as the White Queen.

Wasikowska's star is quickly rising. She'll also be appearing in "The Kids are Alright," a Sundance hit from director Lisa Cholodenko starring Julianne Moore and Annette Bening as a lesbian couple. Wasikowska plays their daughter, on the hunt for her biological father (Mark Ruffalo). She'll also star in "Restless," the latest from "Milk" director Gus Van Sant, and "Jane Eyre," portraying the title heroine alongside Michael Fassbender.

Another sign Wasikowska is a bona-fide star to watch? She graces the cover of this month's Vanity Fair, as one of a handful of young actresses exemplifying "The New Hollywood." Check out the trailer for "Alice in Wonderland":

DVD Spotlight: Feb. 18 - Feb. 24

2010-02-17T16:56:00.007-05:00

Brief capsules on new DVDs worth renting.

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

THE INFORMANT!

The humor in director Steven Soderbergh's ironic, fact-based caper comedy "The Informant!" is so interminably dry, it's difficult to fully enjoy the experience. Like the Coen Brothers' "A Serious Man," it's much more frustrating than fun. But there's a great deal of enjoyment to be found in the craftsmanship of the film, which is set in the '90s but evokes the '70s. As the deluded title character, Matt Damon gives a performance as notable for its verbal dexterity as its physical sluggishness. The circus-like score by Marvin Hamlisch is one of last year's best. (Available Feb. 23)

THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE

Frequently labeled with the simplification, "The real 'Devil Wears Prada'," this delicious documentary from director R. J. Cutler is far more fascinating and sophisticated than one might think, which is precisely what it aims to reveal about the fashion industry. Opening the doors to the oft-veiled world of American Vogue editor Anna Wintour, the film boasts unprecedented access, showing the inner workings of the magazine, specifically the production of the hefty, record-breaking September 2007 issue. Emerging as the movie's unlikely heroine is Grace Coddington, Vogue's artistic director who's been lovingly locking horns with Wintour for two decades. (Available Feb. 23)

EVERYBODY'S FINE

This holiday-timed dramedy, a remake of an Italian film of the same name, took a whipping from most reviewers, dubbed a tasteless, tepid tearjerker. While it has its share of hokum, and some flashback/imaginary scenes that should have stayed on the cutting room floor, I beg to differ with the critical consensus: In the hands of director Kirk Jones, "Everybody's Fine" is much more graceful and skillfully constructed than it needed to be, and it hits you with some genuinely emotional moments involving divorcee Frank (Robert DeNiro) and his estranged grown children. A not-great, but surprisingly good movie unfairly derided. (Available Feb. 23)

Trailer Park

2010-02-10T16:28:00.002-05:00

Behold! Some of the newest trailers for some of the most noteworthy upcoming releases.

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

THE RUNAWAYS
One of the most talked-about films at Sundance, "The Runaways" tells of the formative days of the famed '70s girl group of the title, with Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett and Dakota Fanning as Cheri Currie. Early word is that the two young leads really bring it, adding some street cred to their ever-growing careers. Floria Sigismundi directs and Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon ("Revolutionary Road") co-stars. (March 19)

HOT TUB TIME MACHINE
Best title since "Snakes on a Plane?" Well, I certainly don't need to tell you what it's about. John Cusack, Rob Cordry, and that funny dude from "Pineapple Express" star, with a cameo by Chevy Chase. Much of the film takes place in the '80s -- a big plus if you ask me. Most of the jokes in this trailer are lame, but the bits about changing the main characters' futures are intriguing. "Mom?!?" (March 26)

THE GHOST WRITER
The latest movie from controversial master filmmaker Roman Polanski, "The Ghost Writer" stars Ewan McGregor as a young British writer hired to complete the memoir of a former prime minister (Pierece Brosnan) who, naturally, isn't what he seems. Based on the Thomas Harris novel, "The Ghost," "The Ghost Writer" is the film Polanski was working on when he was arrested in September 2009 while en route to the Zurich Film Festival. The director completed the project under house arrest. Kim Cattrall, taking a crack at a British accent, co-stars. (Feb. 19)

Star to Watch

2010-02-03T16:54:00.004-05:00

SANDRA BULLOCK

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

There's no question about it: Sandra Bullock just had the best year of her career. Not even when her breakout turn in "Speed" got her heaps of work in the mid- to late- '90s did Bullock experience the kind of popularity and success she garnered in 2009. In July, Bullock starred opposite Ryan Reynolds in "The Proposal," a charming if not entirely laudable flick that saw the 45-year-old return to her romantic comedy roots. The movie went on to gross a whopping $314 million worldwide, making it Bullock's biggest box office hit. It also landed her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress (Comedy/Musical).

But, surely, the recent Bullock film that really got everyone talking was "The Blind Side," a fact-based football drama about the unlikely upbringing of defensive lineman Michael Oher. Bullock portrays Oher's adoptive mother, Leigh Anne Touhy, a real-life Southern belle with a pampered, polished lifestyle and fierce maternal instincts. Mildly moving but more than a little patronizing, "The Blind Side" proved very popular with audiences, grossing over $200 million to become the most successful sports-related drama of all time.

"The Blind Side" also landed Bullock a heap of awards recognition, including a Golden Globe for Best Actress (Drama), a SAG award for Best Actress and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Many believe her to be the favorite to win the Oscar, or, at least, the only contender who stands a chance against Meryl Streep, a nominee for "Julie & Julia."

All this amidst starring in what many to believe to be one of the very worst movies of last year, "All About Steve," for which Bullock received a Razzie nomination for Worst Actress not one day before the Oscar nominations were announced. Like it or not (as much as I adore Bullock, I feel the Oscar recognition is undeserved), hers is the most fascinating story of the awards season, especially since her climb to the top coincided with almost universal jeers for a major dud. Another factor that's pulled Bullock through is her sheer likability, which, although it doesn't really warrant award wins, sure makes for some entertaining acceptance speeches.

DVD Spotlight: Jan. 28 - Feb. 3

2010-01-27T14:10:00.002-05:00

Brief capsules on new DVDs worth renting.

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT

While there's not much to write home about in terms of filmmaking craft, this commemorative doc. collage is nevertheless terrific entertainment, celebrating -- and not eulogizing -- the art, moves and enduring genius of arguably the greatest pop star of all time. It's amazing to see just how much Jackson still had it right up until his death, and to marvel at how music truly was his first language. (Now available)

BRIGHT STAR

Writer/director Jane Campion translates the work, love and tragically short life of English poet John Keats to the screen, creating her own kind of poetry in the process. Ben Whishaw is beguiling as Keats, and Abbie Cornish is exquisite as Keats's fashionista muse, Fanny Brawne. Named after Keats's famous poem to Fanny, "Bright Star" is one of 2009's best films, and certainly its most beautiful. (Now available)

COLD SOULS

Everyone's favorite everyman schlub actor, Paul Giamatti, plays himself (very well) in this surrealist comedy about a company that offers the ultimate cure for chemical imbalances: soul extraction. Giamatti opts for the procedure, reconsiders, then is forced to hunt down his soul, which ends up in the body of someone else. Though it doesn't always feel wholly original, this slightly tragic, very dry and technically accomplished comedy is a promising debut for filmmaker Sophie Barthes. (Available Feb. 2)

Trailer Park

2010-01-23T18:28:00.002-05:00

Behold! Some of the newest trailers for some of the most noteworthy upcoming releases.

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

ROBIN HOOD
I personally don't see why we need another Robin Hood movie, but if there must be one, I suppose the "Gladiator" duo of director Ridley Scott and star Russell Crowe is as good a team as any to deliver it. This new film focuses on the famous bandit's return from the Third Crusade, and his mission to save his homeland and its people from the Sherrif of Nottingham (Matthew MacFadyen). In other words, it's essentially about what every other Robin Hood flick is about. Cate Blanchett co-stars as Lady Marion.

THE A-TEAM
Speaking of things we don't need, here's another Hollywood remake of a popular TV show. Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Sharlto Copley of "District 9" portray the beloved quartet, while Jessica Biel and Patrick Wilson co-star. Looks to be plenty of fun, for sure, but also formulaic and hectically edited.

KNIGHT & DAY
Tom Cruise returns to the screen in this romantic comedy/spy thriller (doesn't every Tom Cruise film feel like it's "the return of Tom Cruise?"). Cameron Diaz co-stars as a woman who keeps finding herself caught up in the mishaps of Cruise's reckless secret agent. Unlike most, I enjoyed "Vanilla Sky," the last movie that saw these two stars share the screen. Their reunion could be just a "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" wannabe, or it could be one satisfying action-comedy cocktail.

Star to Watch

2010-01-15T13:55:00.005-05:00

MICHAEL FASSBENDER

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

For my money, German-born Irish actor Michael Fassbender is one of the most exciting screen stars working today. Since he appeared in the award-winning HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers" in the early 2000s, the hunky 32-year-old starred in a host of BBC shows until finally making himself known to American filmgoers by playing the warrior Stelios in Zack Snyder's green-screened swords-and-sandals epic, "300," in 2006. Since then, Fassbender's career choices have been challenging, artful and consistently intriguing -- so much so that, at this point, if Fassbender's name is in the cast list, chances are the movie is something special and unique.

Just look at three of Fassbender's most recent projects. In "Hunger," one of the very best films of 2009, Fassbender wowed in the leading role of Bobby Sands, a resolute martyr and the initiator of the Irish Hunger Strike that took place inside the walls of Northern Ireland's Maze Prison. The performance required Fassbender to lose a dramaic amount of weight, but even more affecting is the emotional intensity and gravitas of the gifted actor's work. In Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds," another standout picture from last year, Fassbender appeared as a cheeky film critic/spy, and handily rounded out QT's international cast with wit and style.

Now, Fassbender delivers a wholly realistic supporting performance in "Fish Tank," writer/director Andrea Arnold's candid Cannes Jury Prize winner about an underpriveleged 15-year-old girl coping with the pains of adolescence. The UK's answer to "Precious," and the grittiest interpretation of teenage female angst since Catherine Hardwicke's "Thirteen," "Fish Tank" is painfully, unapologetically honest, and much of that honesty stems from the unvarnished turns by lead star Katie Jarvis and Fassbender, who portrays the older fellow who brings both pleasure and pain into the young girl's life. Even with relatively minimal screen time, Fassbender grabs the viewer once again, and once again displays his value as a character actor inside the body of a movie star. ("Fish Tank" opens at the Ritz Theatres in Philadelphia in February.)

"Fish Tank" trailer:

DVD Spotlight - Jan. 6 - Jan. 13

2010-01-06T11:48:00.007-05:00

Brief capsules on new DVDs worth renting

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY
Dir. Oren Peli
The makers of the do-it-yourself phenomenon "Paranormal Activity" are wisely using the "watch it at home...if you dare" slant to promote the movie's DVD release. Indeed, one of the few elements that makes this $15,000 thriller more unsettling than its obvious inspiration, "The Blair Witch Project," is its setting: the San Diego home of a young couple (Micah Sloat and Katie Featherston), or, more specifically, their bedroom. The "Blair Witch" kids may have been hopelessly lost, and there's certainly a major creep factor to being stalked in the woods, but being denied even the dream of hiding under your covers because that's essentially where the terror lies is arguably even worse. In the theater, "Paranormal Activity" created the kind of anticipatory suspense for which the term "nail-biting" was coined. At home, chances are that effect will hit even harder.

THE HURT LOCKER
Dir. Kathryn Bigelow
And speaking of "nail-biting," not since 2007's "No Country for Old Men" and "There Will Be Blood" has a film been more excuriatingly intense than Kathryn Bigelow's masterful Iraq War drama and Oscar front-runner, "The Hurt Locker." Read more about this indispensable, must-see movie in my 2009 Top Ten List.

OUTRAGE
Dir. Kirby Dick
From the director of the controversial "This Film is Not Yet Rated," comes this extremely revealing documentary about closeted gay politicians who lobby for anti-gay legislation. The film looks into the way the media plays an integral part in supporting said politicians' contradictory lifestyles, and how it's affected the lives of millions of Americans. Among the film's subjects are Idaho Senator Larry Craig and Florida Governor Charlie Crist, both of whom have been found, or are presumed, to lead gay lifestyles, while adamantly opposing gay rights.

Trailer Park

2009-12-29T13:16:00.003-05:00

Behold! Some of the newest trailers for some of the most noteworthy upcoming releases.

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

SEX AND THE CITY 2
Okay, the fan in me really wants to be super-excited for this movie, which reunites the fab foursome for yet another couture-filled soiree. But the critic in me sees a lot of problems here: 1. Do we really need another outing with Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda? I'm not gonna pull the age card, but I will say that one movie was a nice enough capper to an iconic series. Dragging out the story may well tarnish its history. 2. Could Carrie's stock narration sound any more desperate? Here's what I heard: "Sorry, we really don't have anything left to say, but please come see our movie anyway." 3. Finally, the most obvious complaint: What's with the desert? As a century of cinema has proven, New York is rich enough for thousands of stories, and it's the cornerstone of "SATC." No need to shuffle the ladies off to the Sahara, where broad comedy will undoubtedly ensue. Also, there's no one more qualified to strut across sand dunes in designer clothes than these girls, but that doesn't mean it doesn't look ridiculous.

IRON MAN 2
Another sequel, and more skepticism for yours truly. Believe me, I adored the first "Iron Man" film, calling it one of the best superhero flicks to ever be churned out of Hollywood. But this follow-up looks to be even more cocky than Tony Stark, the metal-clad millionaire played by Robert Downey Jr. There's potential for a lot of broad humor here as well, as evidenced by jokes that may be too lame for even the great Downey Jr. to sell (in my opinion, "You complete me" is never, ever okay). Mickey Rourke is an exciting addition, but unless his Whiplash has more tricks up his sleave, he doesn't seem to be a very formidable villain. In case you missed her few seconds of screen time, Scarlett Johansson also appears as The Black Cat.

CREATION
A prestige film stripped of its prestigious, Oscar-qualifying, late-2009 release date, "Creation" spent a long time searching for a U.S. distributor following its premiere at September's Toronto International Film Festival. Apparently, American audiences are especially sensitive to the Charles Darwin biopic's theme of Creationism versus evolution. The movie has since been picked up by Newmarket Films, and will open at the end of January. However good it turns out to be, the unfortunate truth is that its early-in-the-year showing will probably adversely effect its chances in the 2010 awards season. Still, it will no doubt benefit from having two terrific lead actors on board: Paul Bettany as Darwin and Jennifer Connelly, Bettany's real-life wife, as Mrs. Darwin.

Star to Watch

2009-12-23T18:17:00.005-05:00

SAM WORTHINGTON

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

Forget Vin Diesel. Forget The Rock. Hollywood's hottest new action star is 33-year-old Australian actor Sam Worthington, who's attached to a string of major blockbusters and shows no signs of slowing down. Once a candidate to fill Pierce Brosnan's shoes in the role of James Bond (a gig that ultimately went to Daniel Craig), Worthington starred opposite Christian Bale in May's "Terminator Salvation," which didn't fare well with critics but performed fairly well in overall box-office. Worthington portrayed a cyborg in the film, the fourth installment in the popular sci-fi franchise.

By far the most crucial moment in Worthington's career came when director James Cameron tapped the gruff-looking former bricklayer to play the lead in "Avatar," Cameron's astonishing sci-fi extravaganza that's become an international phenomenon. In the landmark movie, which stretches the limits of make-believe and special effects technology, Worthington plays Jake Sully, a paraplegic war veteran who signs up for a truly out-of-body experience on a distant moon. In a performance that is both flesh and blood and enhanced via motion-capture methods and computer-generated imagery, Worthington brings a good-old-boy familiarity to the John Smith-like protagonist without sacrificing sophistication. Despite allowing tinges of Aussie to slip into his American accent, he proves himself fully capable of carrying a major film.

He'll get his chance again this March, playing the lead role of Perseus in director Louis Leterrier's remake of the Greek-myth saga "Clash of the Titans." Co-starring Liam Neeson as Zeus and Ralph Fiennes as Hades, the fantasy flick looks to be an impressive follow-up to "Avatar," which is easily one of the best films of 2009. Also in the works for Worthington is "The Debt," a dramatic thriller about a Nazi war criminal directed by John Madden ("Shakespeare in Love") and co-starring revered thesps Helen Mirren, Tom Wilkinson and Ciaran Hinds. What can't be far behind is an "Avatar" sequel, which has been hinted at by Cameron and is likely all but confirmed given the introductory installment's enormous success.

Sam Worthington discusses "Avatar":

DVD Spotlight - Dec. 17 - 23

2009-12-16T11:21:00.006-05:00

Brief capsules on new DVDs worth renting.

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS
Dir. Quentin Tarantino

At long last, Tarantino returns with a vengeance -- or, at least, with a vengeance-fueled, darkly comic head trip of a war movie that reimagines the outcome of WWII with reckless abandon and bold, wild imagination. Experiencing the thrilling bursts of action and brilliant stretches of dialogue in this highly original film is realizing just how much of an asset Tarantino is to the world of cinema. Few movies this year were executed with such assured vision and passion. (Available now.)

(500) DAYS OF SUMMER
Dir. Marc Webb

Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel make one of the best screen couples I've ever seen as Tom and Summer, two lovebirds whose relationship is doomed from the start, despite hopeless romantic Tom's firm belief in the contrary. Clever humor mixes with adorable, perfectly pitched whimsy in this irresistible film, a rare rom-com that avoids most of the predictable traps of the genre. The screenplay by young buddies Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber announces two exciting new talents to watch. (Available Dec. 22.)

DISTRICT 9
Dir. Neill Blomkamp

A science fiction film for the ages, "District 9" is an awesome achievement for newcomer Blomkamp, who used the financial support of executive producer Peter Jackson to craft something truly transcendent. Introducing aliens on Earth not as hostile invaders, but as vulnerable refugees, "District 9" works as a fascinating faux documentary, a gripping suspense thriller, an explosive action film and a sharp social commentary. One of the best movies of the year. (Available Dec. 22.)

Art House Salad

2009-12-09T16:11:00.007-05:00

Catching up with an alternative flick that was recently tossed around in limited release. (I intended to review this film just prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, but life -- and turkey -- intervened.)

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

OH MY GOD?
Dir. Peter Rodger
Gussi S.A. / Mitropoulos Films
98 min. Not Rated

I suppose a movie about the meaning of God doesn't need to be a sober, introspective therapy session, but it most certainly didn't need to be the pretentious, obtuse, hyperactive mess that is "Oh My God?," British photographer Peter Rodger's globetrotting documentary in which he asks a bunch of random people what they think about the man -- or woman, or whatever -- upstairs.

It's nice that Rodger took the initiative to travel the world with little more than a camera and a question, and he sure did capture some pretty scenery, but did he have to show us every last frame of his footage? The opening of this film is an unbearably lengthy montage of shots that have absolutely no context other than the depiction of people, places and things on God's green Earth and the stinking pride of the director. It's a good warning of what's to come, as "Oh My God?" is basically an aimless string of uninteresting psychobabble and ADD-style editing.

I don't even think "The Bourne Ultimatum" had as many cuts as this movie, which abandons every image for another so quickly and frequently, the topic at hand becomes immaterial and the film becomes almost unwatchable. By comparison, a therapy session would be a godsend, for at least then we'd be able to look in the eyes of an interviewee long enough to process his or her remarks.

Not that the remarks are all that thought-provoking anyway. "Oh My God?" boasts the presence of a handful of famous and non-famous individuals who, like the opening images, apparently have nothing to do with one another aside from living on Earth and appearing in this movie. Seal. Ringo Starr. David Copperfield. Sir Bob Geldof. Hugh Jackman and his "Australia director, Baz Luhrmann (both of whom Rodger fortuitously bumped into while they were on location filming their 2008 epic). Do you care a smidge about these folks' opinions about God, anymore than you would your next-door neighbor's? Me neither. And maybe that's the point, but hell if Rodger communicates it, or any other objective in this insight-free, film student-quality exercise. OMG, did I hate it.

1 star (out of 5)

"Oh My God?" saw a limited release in Philadelphia in November, is now playing in St. Louis and Chicago, and should soon be arriving on DVD. Avoid it.

Trailer Park

2009-12-09T14:08:00.003-05:00

Behold! Some of the newest trailers for some of the most noteworthy films in the pipe.

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE
It would appear that Nicolas Cage's foray into more credible, interesting work -- i.e. his unwound, much-lauded performance in Werner Herzog's "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans -- was very short-lived. This spring, he reunites with his "National Treasure" director, Jon Turtletaub, and producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, for "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," a mega-budget Hollywood take on the classic tale of wizard and wizard wannabe. With the whole "Treasure" team on board (as well as actors Jay Baruchel and Alfred Molina), chances are this is going to be some highly conventional fare. Still (and I've said this before only to kick myself later), the effects look fun.

SALT
Now, this is the version of Angelina Jolie I like to see. Not the one who screams about losing her son and then lands an undeserved Oscar nomination, but the one who really kicks ass. Action is the arena in which Jolie excels. See: "Wanted," "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" and "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider." "Salt," Jolie's latest pulse-pounder, casts her as a CIA officer who's forced to become a fugitive after accusations fly that she's a spy for the Russians. The role was originally written for a man until Jolie, one of the few female actors who can carry a film, stepped in.

THE LAST STATION
A prestigious cast leads this period film about the final year in the life of famed Russian writer and philosopher Leo Tolstoy (Christopher Plummer). Directed by Michael Hoffman, the movie recently earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Picture. Additional cast members include James McAvoy and Helen Mirren, who's expected to find herself among this year's Best Actress Academy Award nominees. "The Last Station" is playing in very limited release.

Star to Watch

2009-12-02T12:05:00.006-05:00

ANNA KENDRICK

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

Twenty-four-year-old actress Anna Kendrick made her film debut in the 2003 comedy "Camp," which garnered a miniature cult following, but was largely ignored by the populace. She followed that with a role in the 2007 indie "Rocket Science," which, despite nominations from both Sundance and the Independent Spirit Awards (including a Supporting Actress nom for Kendrick), also failed to find a substantial audience.

Things have since changed for this funny and fiery performer, who appears in two of 2009's most talked-about movies: "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" and "Up in the Air," director Jason Reitman's follow-up to his 2007 hit, "Juno."

In "New Moon," Kendrick portrays lovestruck heroine Bella Swan's (Kristen Stewart) outspoken gal pal, Jessica, providing some much-needed comic relief from the silly blockbuster's syrupy melodrama.

In "Up in the Air" (which, in this reviewer's opinion, may just be the best film of the year), Kendrick breaks through as Natalie, the ambitious, yet naive foil to George Clooney's seasoned corporate axe man. Fully personifying a wonderfully written role (which Reitman wrote specifically for her), Kendrick makes Natalie a highly believable hybrid of maturity, responsibility, immaturity and ignorance -- an apt description of an early twentysomething breaking into the business world.

Practically every scene in Reitman's endlessly witty comedy-drama is a joy, but the ones with Kendrick are especially winning. And speaking of winning, awards buzz indicates that Kendrick will likely earn a deserved Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Natalie, presumably pinning her against "Precious" standout Mo'Nique.

Anna Kendrick talks about her role in "Up in the Air":

DVD Spotlight: Nov. 26 - Dec. 2

2009-11-24T14:25:00.004-05:00

Brief capsules on new DVDs worth renting.

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE
Dir. David Yates

In this sixth installment of the enormously popular fantasy saga, there's nary a trace of the pixie-dust kid stuff that appeared in earlier chapters like Chris Columbus's "Sorcerer's Stone" and "Chamber of Secrets." "Half-Blood Prince" is a mature, dark and sometimes seriously scary epic, approached by the cast and crew with the utmost artistic integrity. Undoubtedly caused by a desire to please "Potter" devotees, the film lags a bit as it places too much emphasis on the teen romances brewing in the halls of Hogwarts school. Still, it is a magical, extremely impressive achievement, standing as the best "Potter" flick since "Prisoner of Azkaban." (Available Dec. 8.)

JULIE & JULIA
Dir. Nora Ephron

In what will surely land her a 16th career Oscar nomination, Meryl Streep is delectable as Julia Child in this imperfect but irresistible dramedy from writer/director Nora Ephron. Apated from the book by blogger Julie Powell, "Julie & Julia" is a breezy, largely delightful experience, even if the half with Julie (Streep's "Doubt" costar Amy Adams) pales in comparison to the Paris-set bliss of Julia's portion. It's a credit to Ephron's skill and determination that the dual-biopic approach worked at all, and strong -- albeit, sidelined -- turns from Chris Messina and the wonderful Stanley Tucci are icing on the cake. (Available Dec. 8.)

BRUNO
Dir. Larry Charles

British envelope-pusher Sacha Baron Cohen outdoes himself with "Bruno," the shocking and side-splittingly hilarious follow-up to his 2006 hit, "Borat." Plenty of scenes in this film left my face covered in tears of laughter, as Cohen proves how fearless a guerilla comedian he truly is. Certainly not for everyone (and definitely not for children), "Bruno" earns every inch of its R rating. It's also the funniest movie of the year. (Now available.)

Trailer Park

2009-11-18T12:57:00.002-05:00

Behold! Some of the newest trailers for some of the most noteworthy films in the pipe.

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

CRAZY HEART
From Fox Searchlight Pictures, the studio behind "Juno" and "Slumdog Millionaire," comes this drama about a broken-down country singer (Jeff Bridges). The film looks to be this year's "The Wrestler" (also from Fox Searchlight), featuring a lead performance that sets up four-time Oscar nominee Bridges as a last-minute Best Actor contender. Co-starring Robert Duvall and Maggie Gyllenhaal, "Crazy Heart" marks the directorial debut of Scott Cooper, who also wrote the screenplay.

THE WHITE RIBBON
Winner of the coveted Palme D'or, or Best Picture, at this year's Cannes Film Festival, "The White Ribbon" is the latest film from Austrian auteur Michael Haneke ("Cache'"). Centered around a children's choir in a northern German village just before World War I, the German-language film was shot in crisp black and white and is said to be a "masterwork" (Sight and Sound). It opens in limited release this December.

BROTHERS
From acclaimed director Jim Sheridan ("In America," "My Left Foot"), this love triangle drama, about a soldier in the Iraq war and the family he left behind, boasts the trifecta of Tobey Maguire, Natalie Portman and Jake Gyllenhaal. Maguire is the soldier who's presumed dead, Portman is his young wife, and Gyllenhaal is his brother, who carries on an affair with Portman's character in her husband's absence. While "Brothers" looks as though it could be disappoitningly conventional, the level of talent in front of and behind the camera is hard to resist.

Star to Watch

2009-11-11T14:39:00.003-05:00

SAORSIE RONAN

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

In 2007, at the age of 13, American-born Irish actress Saorsie Ronan became the 11th youngest actor in history to be nominated for an Oscar, for her supporting work as young Briony Tallis in the epic romance "Atonement."

In addition to the Academy, Ronan's performance got her the attention of a host of film critics societies, as well as Peter Jackson, director of "King Kong" and the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Jackson, who's known to have a keen eye for casting (he launched the career of Orlando Bloom), chose Ronan to play the lead in his next project, a big-screen adaptation of the bestselling novel "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold.

In the film, which opens this December, Ronan plays Susie Salmon, a young girl who's raped and murdered in the beginning of the story, and then watches her family -- and her killer -- from heaven. Jackson has said that Ronan reminded him of a young Cate Blanchett, which is an extreme compliment seeing as Blanchett is one of our greatest living actors.

With her piercing blue eyes and cryptic, Mona Lisa-like smile, Ronan possesses a fascinating screen presence, and exudes a maturity and natural talent that's well beyond her years (it's not for nothing she was the only actor in "Atonement" to receive an Oscar nod). In "Bones," Ronan stars alongside fellow Academy Award nominee Mark Wahlberg, Academy Award winners Rachel Weisz and Susan Sarandon, Michael Imperioli and Stanley Tucci, who plays Susie's murderer.

That's a mighty group of actors with whom to share the spotlight, but don't think young Ronan isn't capable of stealing the show. . . it wouldn't be the first time.

To watch the trailer for "The Lovely Bones," CLICK HERE.

DVD Spotlight: Nov. 5 - Nov. 11

2009-11-04T13:31:00.004-05:00

Brief capsules on new DVDs worth renting.

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

Dir. Pete Docter

Starring the voices of Ed Asner, Jordan Nagai, Christopher Plummer

An old man ties thousands of helium balloons to his house and flies away on an amazing adventure in this equally amazing animated triumph from the ever-reliable dream-makers at Pixar. As moving and intelligent as it is colorful and funny, this for-all-ages flick is one of the year's best.

FOOD, INC.
Dir. Robert Kenner

"Super Size Me" may have exposed the dangers of fast food restaurants, but Kenner digs even deeper, showing us the ugly truths behind something much more sacred: our precious supermarkets. Focusing on the monopolizing, unhealthy and unethical practices of major agricultural companies, this frightening and fascinating documentary may just change the way you look at everything you eat.

STAR TREK
Dir. J.J. Abrams

Starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana

Director and TV vet Abrams proves himself a world-class action moviemaker with this exhilirating franchise reboot, a fast-paced, great-looking blockbuster that's both intelligent and fun. The cast is dynamite, especially Quinto, who gives one of 2009's most assured supporting performances as the famous Mr. Spock.

Trailer Park

2009-10-28T14:23:00.003-04:00

Behold! Some of the newest trailers for some of the most noteworthy films in the pipe.

By R. Kurt Osenlund, The Good Life film critic

INVICTUS
Can't-miss director Clint Eastwood presents this presumably Oscar-bound drama about the life of Nelson Mandela during the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa. Morgan Freeman, who previously worked with Eastwood on "Unforgiven" and "Million Dollar Baby," plays the venerable South African president, while Matt Damon, who's arguably experiencing the best year of his career, plays Francois Pineaar, captain of the South African team. Formerly dubbed "The Human Factor," the film is based on author John Carlin's book, "Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Changed a Nation."

THE IMAGINARIUM OF DR. PARNASSUS
This fantasy film, directed and co-written by the visionary Terry Gilliam, features the final performance of Heath Ledger, who passed away when the movie was still being filmed. Ledger's part -- a mysterious drifter named Tony -- was altered to be a transformative character, with Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell stepping in to complete Ledger's scenes. Focusing on a traveling theatre troupe whose leader (Parnassus) makes a deal with the devil, the film also stars Tom Waits, Verne Troyer and Christopher Plummer in the title role.

THE WOLFMAN
Benicio Del Toro stars as the titular monster in this remake of the 1941 horror classic. Slated for February 2010, the film is directed by Joe Johnston, who previously helmed such movies as "Jumanji" and "Jurassic Park III." Released by the original monster factory, Universal Pictures, "Wolfman" boasts a supporting cast that includes Emily Blunt, Hugo Weaving, Art Malik and Anthony Hopkins.