‘Splinterheads’ a carnival of laughs (3.5/5)

Splinterheads

Starring: Thomas Middleditch, Rachael Taylor, Dean Winters
Directed by: Brant Sersen
Rating: R for language including sexual references, and brief drug use.
Running time: 1 hour, 34 minutes.

“Splinterheads” is a quirky, indie romantic comedy without a lot of recognition.

As the trailer proclaims, it’s a simple story. Justin Frost (Thomas Middleditch in his first feature film performance), who mows lawns with his best friend and lives with his mother, has no direction and no ambition. That is, until he meets Galaxy (an awesome Rachael Taylor), a girl who is just as interesting as her name would suggest. She is a splinterhead who works for a traveling carnival that has set up in Justin’s town.

What is a splinterhead, you may be wondering? Galaxy explains that they’re the hard workers of the carnival biz. The ones who don’t make a cent unless they can wheedle you into spending your money on trifles and games. And boy, is she good at it.

Galaxy is a girl of adventure, and Justin gets a firsthand taste of that when he gets stuck going on a geocaching hike with her. Unlike Justin, Galaxy has many directions — helped along by her GPS system that leads her to geocaches, small containers that hold personal items. She’s fun. She’s independent. She’s everything Justin is not. And, as with any romantic comedy, Justin finds himself falling for Galaxy only to be thwarted along the way.

One of his biggest obstacles is Reggie, Galaxy’s uncouth, splinterhead boyfriend. Played by the oddly-good-at-being-a-bully Dean Winters, Reggie’s role in the carnival is the mean clown of “Dunk the Punk” who baits sad saps like Justin into spending their money in an attempt to, well, dunk the punk. And this clown doesn’t take very kindly to Justin warming up to his girlfriend.

There’s no doubt that the offbeat characters are what make this movie so funny. Spend five minutes in the motor home with the carnival’s magician, The Amazing Steve, and his assistant, Wyoming, and you may not stop laughing (in fact, any scene with these two is simply hilarious).

Other notable performances include Lea Thompson (of “Back to the Future” fame) as Justin’s mother Susan; Pamela Shaw as Justin’s aunt, the lust-driven Betty Frost; Brendan McFeat Burke as Reggie’s bald, mean-spirited sidekick, Thad; Jason Rogel as Justin’s best friend, Wayne Chung (yes, you read that right); and Romulus’ own Christopher McDonald as Susan’s love-sick, on-again-off-again boyfriend, Sergeant Bruce Mancuso.

But with so many interesting and funny cast members, it’s hard just to focus on a few, so most of them end up being shells of what they could be under a more capable directorial staff or with a longer running time. The movie tries to pass off this underdevelopment as the kind of single-aspect mockeries that other comedies use, but it never really feels right.

It doesn’t help that Galaxy tells Justin that he doesn’t know her, and he doesn’t know Reggie. But then the opportunity is dropped. No, we don’t know her, and no, we don’t really understand why she was attracted to Reggie. The movie’s job is to explain that to us, but they focus more on individual antics that are borne of each characters’ “stereotypical” role than in trying to connect the audience to the characters.

With its language and fairly shallow plot, this movie is geared more toward teenagers and those in their early- to mid-20s, but any who can appreciate “Splinterhead’s” bizarre, and at times crass, humor will walk away happy to have found this indie flick. Don’t expect something deep, but do go in expecting to laugh.

I’m kind of in the mood to go to a carnival now.

3.5 of 5 stars

Brace Yourself for 'Kick-Ass' (3.5/5)

Kick-Ass

Starring: Aaron Johnson, Chloe Moretz, Nicolas Cage
Directed by: Matthew Vaughn
Rating: R for strong brutal violence throughout, pervasive language, sexual content, nudity and some drug use.
Running time: 1 hours, 57 minutes.

“Kick-Ass” has been getting a lot of hype lately, especially for its loss then come-from-behind win of the box office to the 3-D sensation “How to Train Your Dragon.”

Though I enjoyed “Dragon” more than “Kick-Ass,” the latest film in a growing field of superhero movies’ vast appeal (especially to teenage boys) is very understandable.

But, this probably isn’t the movie you’re expecting.

The job of a movie trailer is to make you want to see the film. But it should also reflect the mood and plot of the movie without giving it all away.

And in this, the advertising company truly failed.

You may be anticipating an offbeat comedy about a group of teenagers who decide to become superheroes and save the world. They may even be pitted against a truly “bad guy” and through comedic measures and their learned skills/friendships must find a way to come out victorious.

In short, maybe the sarcastic humor of “Superbad” meets the regular-guy feel of “Spiderman.”
(And since Christopher Mintz-Plasse, one of the stars of “Superbad,” takes a lead in “Kick-Ass” as well, it’s not hard to make that comparison.)

And, really, with a few give-and-takes, that assumption isn’t completely off base.
But the violence. Oh, the violence.

Despite the “R” rating, I wasn’t expecting a throat-cutting, knife-throwing, foul-mouthed 11-year-old girl.

Which isn’t to say that young Chloe Moretz (Mindy Macredie a.k.a. Hit Girl) isn’t one of the best parts of the whole movie. In fact, this role may just catapult her career. I just wish I had known what I was stepping into.

Unsurprisingly, “Kick-Ass” is based off a 2008 comic of the same title. But it feels fresh and is a funny take on this superhero-saturated decade.

Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) is no stand out. Not even among his obscure friends. He’s out of the minds of thugs and bullies as soon as they steal his phone and cash, and he’s certainly not floating about in the thoughts of any girls.

Lizewski decides to take a stand for the little guy and sets out to defend the world under the name of Kick-Ass with a scuba suit and absolutely no idea.

Luckily, before Lizewski can do major harm to himself, he is rescued by the young Hit Girl and her father Big Daddy (a perfect role for Nicolas Cage), two other vigilantes of the city.

But, unlike Lizewski, these masked allies have a specific target, and Kick-Ass soon finds himself in the middle of a mission that is much bigger than him.

Mintz-Plasse plays fellow teen-turned-faux-superhero Red Mist, who teaches Kick-Ass that you can’t trust just anyone...

But Moretz’ portrayal of “Hit Girl” will be what keeps you watching. This mouthy little tween is both unbelievable and highly entertaining (it’s just amazing her parents allowed her to do such a role).

“Kick-Ass” doesn’t fit neatly into any specific category, which is at once its appeal and its downfall. It’s a comedy. It’s an action movie. It’s a teen flick. It’s for adults.

Who knows.

And the people who enjoy it (and there will be many) won’t really care. It has a very strong and growing fanbase.

“Kick-Ass” isn’t for everybody, but for those select few who it is for, they’re in for quite a treat.

3.5 of 5 stars

Downey perfect for ‘Holmes’ (3.5/5)

 Sherlock Holmes

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams
Directed by: Guy Ritchie
Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some startling images and a scene of suggestive material.
Running time: 2 hours, 8 minutes.

Guy Ritchie’s take on “Sherlock Holmes” is anything but elementary, my dear movie viewer.

It’s a twisted plot with twisted characters, and who better to take on the icon than Robert Downey Jr.? Answer: Nobody. His cavalier attitude and scruffy appearance lend a distinctly street-wise and clever aura to the traditionally stodgy character.

Holmes’ notorious quick-thinking analytical sense is well demonstrated in an early fight scene (which reminded me of the present-day UFC).

Hans Zimmer’s score is often upbeat and unexpected, the fiddles complementing Holmes’ cheeky ways.

As to the second half of the detective duo, Jude Law is a stellar Watson. Patient but commanding, Law’s Watson is anything but a simple sidekick. The banter between the two is hilarious and will make you want to keep watching.

The pair are in for the puzzle of their lives when the frightening, vampiric, murderous Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) seemingly rises from the dead.

The only thing more horrifying than the pale aristocrat is what he plans to do next.

Ritchie’s method of storyline is highly essential here, allowing the audience to see things that they might not even notice and then later showing them again, highlighting its importance.

Speaking of importance, it saddened me to see such weak female roles. Holmes’ famed escapee Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) and Watson’s fiancee Mary Morstan (Kelly Reilly) both seemed secondary and very nonessential. Morstan seemed involved only to throw a wrench between Watson and Holmes, and Adler only to introduce a love interest for Holmes.

True, Adler was used to further the plot at times, but this never seemed to be her real reason for being in the movie. It is mentioned that she has been the only one to outsmart Holmes, but her character seems too superficial for us to really believe that.

And I wish we had seen more of Morstan — more of who she was, how she met Watson, why they love each other, and even more of her interactions with Holmes.

Another aspect shoddily done is the threat made to the United States, which appeared very out of context and made me wonder if it was only to bring relevancy to the American audience.

But, “Sherlock Holmes” is a great, fresh take on the famed character and is certainly a movie worth watching twice, if only to fully understand all of what you saw the first time.

And, as with any movie that does moderately well these days, we need only wait for the sequel. Ritchie is currently in pre-production for another “Holmes,” and it is rumored that Brad Pitt will star as the nemesis. According to imdb.com, Robert Downey Jr. is listed to star again as the charming but oft impossible detective.

* * *

There was some concern over the fate of a certain little dog in last week’s movie review of “The Proposal.”

Fear not, fellow puppy lovers, the dog was returned safe and sound to the earth and not sentenced to be the dinner of an Alaskan eagle.

I would also like to emphasize that “The Proposal” is, in fact, a movie and a comedy (though whether one actually finds it funny or not is another matter) and no slight toward our four-legged friends was intended by my amusement.

I am not, by any means, an animal hater. I have volunteered my time at several animal shelters and any who know me also know my affection for man’s (or woman’s) best friend.

Too, I cry every single time I watch “Homeward Bound.”

But I will stand by my previous analysis of the scene — it’s funny. You don’t have to agree, but maybe you should watch it before you disagree.

I do thoroughly appreciate any and all comments and suggestions, however, and may be reached at rcrofut@fltimes.com.

3 1/2 of 5 stars

Consider turning down this ‘Proposal’ (3/5)

The Proposal

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburgen
Directed by: Anne Fletcher.
Rating: PG-13 for sexual content, nudity and language.
Running time: 1 hour, 48 minutes.

“The Proposal” isn’t as bad as you might expect.

Not to say that this romantic comedy will top your (or anyone else’s) favorites list. It is predictable. But it’s entertaining enough and will make you laugh.

Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) is a feared editor-in-chief for Cordon Books in New York City. Her leadership skills are reminiscent of Miranda Priestly in “The Devil Wears Prada” and Andrew Paxton’s (Ryan Reynolds) intuitive assistant finesse matches that of “Prada’s” Andrea Sachs.

Andrew’s loyalty to Margaret is borne from a love of his career and the written word. As it is, he can’t stand Margaret.

But when Margaret is told that she is going to be deported back to her native Canada, she decides to force Andrew into marrying her — by threatening the future of his career.

Andrew reluctantly agrees, and in order to pass the couple test that will allow Margaret to stay in the country, they spend the weekend together at Andrew’s family’s home in Alaska.

The film is absolutely star-studded. From Bullock and Reynolds to Craig T. Nelson (Andrew’s father), Malin Akerman (Andrew’s ex-girlfriend) and Oscar Nunez (the town’s … everything) of “The Office” fame.

As for Oscar, I don’t think I can ever, ever look at him the same way again …

You’ll definitely find out what I’m talking about.

“The Proposal” does have some very hilarious scenes, including Sandra Bullock singing and dancing to the bawdy “Get Low” by Lil’ Jon and the East Side Boyz and Alexander’s parents’ small dog being swept up by a hungry Alaskan eagle.

Bullock and Reynolds make a great onscreen couple. Of course, I love Reynolds in everything, so I’ll admit my bias.

But “The Proposal” is at times very shallow and fails to recognize its own dropped plotlines, such as between Alexander and his ex-girlfriend, Gertrude. It’s never truly understood or resolved, just a little spice of “the other girl” to get a morose shot of Bullock.

Too, though the beginning kicked off with some great dialogue and snappy scenes, the writers seemed to just get bored by the end of it. Poor Reynolds had to close the film with a ridiculously cheesy line that threatened to divorce the audience from the whole movie.

Some of the more modest viewers may find themselves blushing more than enjoying the humor, which is targeted more at young adults.

“The Proposal” is funny, but I think more people will be interested in a one-night stand than a long-term relationship with this Anne Fletcher film.

3 of 5 stars

Soaring ‘Dragon’ enchants (4.5/5)

"How To Train Your Dragon"

Starring: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson.
Directed by: Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders.
Rating: PG for sequences of intense action and some scary images, and brief mild language.
Running time: 1 hour, 38 minutes.

Time to get fired up.

In an industry lately devoid of charm and originality, Dreamworks Animation pulls through with the hugely entertaining 3-D animated flick “How to Train Your Dragon.”

It’s the most fun you’ve had in the movie theater for far, far too long.

From offbeat names, hilarious dialogue, beautiful scenery and a dynamic and exciting plot, “Dragon” will leave you wanting to harness your own oversized reptile and fly off to adventure.

Forget overdrawn title sequences and pompous entry credits — “Dragon” tosses you straight into the fray of a viking town under attack by a swarm of the winged beings with unexpected humor and excitement.

It’s in the middle of this chaos that we meet Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), our young protagonist. In a town full of oversized, brash, battle-hardened vikings (not the least of whom is Hiccup’s father, Chieftan Stoick the Vast, voiced by Gerard Butler), our small, thin, sarcastic hero doesn’t quite fit the mold. The other vikings, including Stoick, doubt Hiccup’s ability to grow into a dragon-killing warrior. And with his untraditional weaponry skills, Hiccup doesn’t help himself out too much.

But when Hiccup brings down the stealthy and dangerous Night Fury, a feat no other viking has accomplished, his life changes in ways that he (and the audience) never expected.

You’ll learn all this in the first minute or two, but I hate to give away more. “Dragon” is a film best entered into with a clear mind and no expectations. It’s a movie to be enjoyed moment-by-moment (for each moment holds a treasure) instead of waiting in anticipation for that one plot point, or that one scene from the trailer.

A wonderful supplement to the already superb storyline and eye-catching graphics is the impeccable voice cast. Notable performances include Christopher Mintz-Plasse (“Superbad,” “Role Models”) as the nerdy Fishlegs, whose dragon knowledge is reflected in certain role-playing game terms; Jonah Hill (“Superbad”) as the rude Snotlout; and Craig Ferguson as Gobber, the hilariously crass trainer of dragon-killer recruits.

One of the first movies truly worthy of watching in 2010, “Dragon” is a heartwarming film that will leave you soaring long after you leave the theater. You’ll find yourself rooting for Hiccup through the very end.

It’s fun, it’s enchanting, and it was made with such obvious care that I may need to retract my previous doubts about the plummeting, money-driven industry.

The few downsides include that “Dragon” is based on a book, and so is not quite as original an idea as it may appear, and that the actors’ distinctly Scottish and American accents coupled with a soundtrack of Celtic overtones ignore the predominantly Nordic ancestry of Vikings (though the script does include lines devoted to the Norse gods).

But these meager flaws don’t even begin to hamper the beauty of “How to Train Your Dragon.”

Although parts of “Dragon” may frighten very small children, I would recommend this movie as a must-see film for adults and kids alike.

4.5 of 5 stars