‘Watchmen’: Watch it twice (4/5)

Watchmen

Starring: Billy Crudup, Jackie Earle Haley, Malin Akerman.
Directed By: Zack Snyder.
Rating: R for strong graphic violence, sexuality, nudity and language.
Running time: 2 hours, 40 minutes.

I’m your average “Watchmen” watcher — never read the graphic novel. In fact, had never even heard about the graphic novel. And so director Zach Snyder would have a difficult time turning what is rumored to be one of the longest, most complex and “unfilmmable” specimens of the genre into a movie adaptation that would keep me from becoming lost.

But he did it, and with style.

“Watchmen” is not just a great movie with a cool and interesting plot, but its cinematography and excellent cast all culminate into an amazing experience — even at two and a half hours of screen time.
The graphic novel, published by DC Comics, was written by Alan Moore (“V for Vendetta,” “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen”) and illustrated by Dave Gibbons. “300” director Snyder was aided by screenplay writer David Hayter (“X-Men”).

It’s 1985. Richard Nixon has been elected to a third presidential term. The U.S.S.R. is encroaching upon Afghanistan’s borders. A superhero has just been murdered.

When fellow superhero Rorschach attempts to uncover the secret behind the murder, he stumbles onto a plot that not only threatens the superheroes but the entire world as well. With this knowledge, he attempts to warn and rally the “Watchmen:”

• The Comedian — Eddie Blake (Jeffrey Dean Morgan): The superhero with questionable morals. Although he is killed in the opening sequence, his “resurrections” in flashbacks make him a fascinating character who steals every scene he’s in. Unfathomably violent and crass, the Comedian is a parody of humanity, truly believing he is doing mankind a favor by killing people off.

• Rorschach — Walter Kovacs (Jackie Earle Haley): Another scene-stealer and quite possibly the main protagonist of the movie (certainly the main plot advancer). Haley is riveting as the unyielding vigilante who believes in absolute justice, no matter the consequence (“Never compromise, not even in the face of Armageddon”).

• Doctor Manhattan — Jon Osterman (Billy Crudup): Dr. Manhattan is America’s sole hope against a Soviet Union nuclear attack. After a freak lab accident, physicist Jon Osterman is turned into the “demigod” Dr. Manhattan, who is able to maneuver matter with his mind. Crudup may have had the most difficult character to embody, as Manhattan is often devoid of emotion and above the triviality of this world.

• Nite Owl II — Dan Dreiberg (Patrick Wilson): The aging bachelor who seems lost in his life of post-heroism. The second Nite Owl is one of Rorschach’s most trusted friends and is the first one he warns about a potential superhero killer.

• Silk Spectre II — Laurie Juspeczyk (Malin Akerman): The daughter of the original Silk Spectre, Laurie feels compelled to follow her mother’s footsteps. Along the way she falls in love with Doctor Manhattan, but his lack of emotion eventually drives her to Nite Owl II.

• Ozymandias — Adrian Veidt (Matthew Goode): The “smartest man in the world,” Veidt feels that his only true connection with humanity was with Alexander the Great and his concept of a united world. Veidt came out to the public with his superhero identity, making a business of it and earning substantial sums of money.

The movie offers a fairly unique version of a superhero film, with obvious flaws attached to each character. The heroes are made out to seem like humans in costumes rather than superheroes masquerading as people (with the obvious exception of Dr. Manhattan).

Rorschach and the Comedian alone are reason enough to watch “Watchmen.” Both characters can be perceived as deranged psychopaths, yet fight for the side of “good.”

Yet, for all that Rorschach and the Comedian bring to the film, Nite Owl II and Silk Spectre II are certainly a heavy anchor to all of the characters. Nite Owl just never seems to reach his peak as a character, always falling subpar, and Silk Spectre is, frankly, a little obnoxious at times. I’ll be honest, I really dislike many of the women in superhero movies, and Silk Spectre II was a far cry from the elite list of those I can actually tolerate.

Also, the soundtrack just doesn’t quite fit. Two very prominent examples are the Vietnam War scene and an exceptionally graphic sex scene set to Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”

Speaking of exceptionally graphic, the squeamish out there may want to take a pass at “Watchmen” as there are some highly detailed and bloody sequences.

Despite a few spots that missed the mark, “Watchmen” is a bold and innovative movie that deserves not just one viewing, but two (if only just to fully understand all of what’s going on!).

4 of 5 stars

‘Half-Blood Prince’ not perfect, but close (4.5/5)

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint.
Directed By: David Yates.
Rating: PG for scary images, some violence, language and mild sensuality.
Running time: 2 hours, 33 minutes.

I’ll admit my bias: I’ve been a Harry Potter fan for fully half my life. I was actually the same age as Harry for the first three books, until series author J.K. Rowling iced her speedy hand and took longer than a year to write and publish each novel.

The movies have always been subpar to the series. It’s to be expected, as Rowling has delivered arguably the most rich, complex and loved young adult series of all time. Having said that, “Half-Blood Prince” strikes as close to perfect as any of the films have thus far. There are notable and at times shocking variations from the book, and while these will no doubt sting like a sectumsempra charm to the 2005 novel lovers, they can almost be forgiven by the fantastic acting by ALL of the actors and the acute melancholy Rowling increasingly infuses each year at Hogwarts caught by returning director David Yates (“Order of the Phoenix”).

I was a little nervous upon hearing that screenwriter Steve Kloves was returning. His adaptations of “Sorcerer’s Stone” and “Chamber of Secrets” worked well under director Chris Columbus, as both kept to the lighthearted atmosphere omnipresent in the first two works. “Prisoner of Azkaban,” my favorite of the books, suffered through his script (mostly thanks to director Alfonso Cuarón), but “Goblet of Fire” hit such a bipolar note in terms of ranging from dark to just plain corny that Kloves’ absence in “Order of the Phoenix” was notable and needed.

But, maybe a little refresher was all he needed. Kloves and Yates created a fantastic film in “Half-Blood Prince,” with good dialogue and excellent pacing, and I cannot wait to watch it again.

A major addition to the behind-the-camera crew, though, was cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel. If you have seen “Across the Universe,” then you are already familiar with his work. Delbonnel keeps the audience visually involved through dark hallway conversations and firey encounters to the highly anticipated Quidditch match.

The stars of the film, Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Emma Watson (Hermione) and Rupert Grint (Ron), have finally grown into their roles. It’s almost painful to go back and watch the first few movies (the term “flat acting” is almost a compliment). “Half-Blood Prince” shows the trio at last appearing truly natural in their roles, making me even more excited for “The Deathly Hallows.”

Tom Felton does an excellent job as the tortured Draco Malfoy, and it was great to finally have Draco’s screen time nearly match his book appearances.

Other notable actors were Bonnie Wright as Ginny Weasley, Alan Rickman as Severus Snape, Jim Broadbent as Professor Slughorn, and, of course, Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore. Too, the portrayal of 11-year-old Tom Riddle by Hero Fiennes-Tiffin (nephew to Voldemort actor Ralph Fiennes) will leave many with chills up their spine.

Despite the brilliant acting, it did seem that budding relationships and raging hormones overshadowed some of the key plot points — for example, I think many would have been happier with more Tom Riddle and less Lavender Brown.

The film has its fair share of memorable scenes — from Katie Bell’s curse, to felix felicus, to the Burrow and the Dumbledore/Harry scene near the finale — but in the end, the movie is a true compilation of talents from every angle. It is apparent that everyone involved gave their all to bring Rowling’s sixth installment to the big screen.

There will be a lot of fans disappointed by the changed scenes — and, while there were a few very important bits left out that maybe shouldn’t have been left out, it’s also important to realize that the film is an adaptation and cannot mimic the novel precisely. In the end, it must be viewed as a movie and as a supplement to the books. In fact, I hope now, as I have always hoped with this film series, that the movies will only encourage people to read what is perhaps one of the most significant literary achievements in the past several decades.

4 1/2 of 5 stars

‘Inkheart’ may lead to books (3.5/5)

Inkheart

Starring: Brendan Fraser, Eliza Bennett, Paul Bettany.
Directed By: Iain Softley.
Rating: PG for fantasy/adventure action, some scary moments and brief language.
Running time: 1 hour, 46 minutes.

Let’s see: Read a 500-odd page book, or watch an hour-and-a-half long movie?

Much to my chagrin as a graduate of both English and professional writing, many people would prefer to watch a film adaptation of a story than read the work itself.

That’s all fine and dandy — I mean, I’m a big movie buff myself. But when it comes to transferring someone’s creative written work onto the big screen, a simple rule should be followed: Do it right, or don’t even bother.

I always approach such a film with a little bit of trepidation. The title “Inkheart” appealed to me, however, because not only was it based off of a book, it was also about books.

Not only that, but the film also starred two of my favorite actors: Paul Bettany (“A Knight’s Tale,” “The DaVinci Code”) and Andy Serkis (formerly Gollum of “Lord of the Rings” fame).

Written by Cornelia Funke as the first of a trilogy, screenwriter David Lindsay-Abaire and director Iain Softley provide a good, fun film, though many fans decry its variations.

 “Inkheart” falls into the fantasy-fiction/adventure genre with force, allowing a narrator to divulge before the title screen the mystical power of “silvertongues” and their ability to, quite literally, bring life to books that they read.

Mo Folchart (Brendan Fraser) is one such man, as he found out quite accidentally one evening while reading the book “Inkheart” aloud to his wife, Resa (Sienna Guillory), and daughter, Meggie (Eliza Bennett).

Not only does Mo’s reading call to being the fire juggler Dustfinger (Bettany), but it also brings forth the villain Capricorn (Serkis) and several of his henchman — at a drastic price.

Nine years after bringing these elements of the novel to the world, Dustfinger gives Mo an ultimatum — send Dustfinger back home, or be given over to Capricorn and be forced to read into being things of Capricorn’s desire. Mo refuses Dustfinger’s request, stating that he has no control or knowledge of his “gift,” and escapes with Meggie to Italy and the home of Elinor Loredan (Helen Mirren), Resa’s aunt.

Dustfinger tracks Mo to Italy and brings Capricorn’s henchmen to capture him, Meggie and Elinor, with the understanding that Mo would be forced to read him back into his home — an agreement which, of course, the dubious Capricorn rescinds.

It is quickly discovered that Capricorn fully intends to never return anyone to the novel, but to have Mo read out the fiercest villain of all known only as the Shadow.

Though Fraser is touted as the lead of the film, Bettany far outshines him in terms of acting and even plain characterization. Other highly notable mentions are Mirren as the book-loving, sharp-tongued, my-way-or-the-highway Elinor and Jim Broadbent as Inkheart’s author Fenoglio.

The brief interactions between Fenoglio and Dustfinger are spectacular as creator meets creation. While Fenoglio describes the sensation as the equivalent to giving birth, Dustfinger views the author in disdain and tells him, “You’re not my God.”

Perhaps the best thing of the movie is that it will hopefully inspire young adults to pick up this and other novels and discover the true magic of literature.

3 1/2 of 5 stars

Cliché ‘Code’ a waste of time

The Code

Starring: Morgan Freeman, Antonio Banderas, Radha Mitchell.
Directed By: Mimi Leder.
Rating: R for sexuality, language and some nudity.
Running time: 1 hour, 44 minutes.

How to make a heist movie 101:

• Choose either large sum of cash or random, obscure object (preferably shiny/diamond-coated) that is worth a large sum of cash.

• Make audience cheer for “bad guys” while seeing “good guys” as corrupt and greedy.

• Cast blonde bombshell as sex interest whose life is put in danger by the heisters’ actions.

• Must include a moving laser motion detector and a “unique” way of getting through it.

• Mafia connections a plus.

• Take five to 10 minutes at the end of the movie to explain what the heck happened during the other hour and a half.

Heist movies are perhaps the epitome of recycled storylines. When done right, the film can be clever, fun, smart, the clichés used in creative ways to stand the film apart and make it a must-see (“Ocean’s 11”). When done incorrectly, the movie is owned by the clichés and ends up feeling like a waste of time for the film crew and the audience.

“The Code” (officially titled “Thick as Thieves”) falls under the latter category. With its cookie-cutter plot and uninspired acting/directing, “The Code” is an unfortunate creation of modern Hollywood.
Morgan Freeman and Antonio Banderas must have been hard up for work. I know this is a recession, guys, but come on. Unsurprisingly, director Mimi Leder and writer Ted Humphrey are most familiar with the small screen and should stick with TV shows in the future.

The basic premise of “The Code” is that seasoned thief Keith Ripley (Freeman) convinces Gabriel Martin (Banderas) to team up with him in an effort to steal two Fabergé eggs from a Russian jewelry museum. Needless to say, the prized eggs are secured behind an “impassable” labyrinth of guards, hand-print-reading screens, voice-recognition software, fancy lasers, and, of course, a top-notch vault. When Martin meets Ripley’s goddaughter, Alexandra Korelenko (Radha Mitchell), a lawyer, he immediately falls for and pursues her despite Ripley’s admonitions.

Alex becomes kidnapped by a Russian mob boss who also wants the eggs (valued at $20M a piece) and uses Alex’s life as a way to convince Ripley and Martin to steal the eggs for him instead.
Throughout the team’s preparations, they are pursued by the NYPD officer Lt. Weber (Robert Forster), who seems aware of the two’s plan to steal items of value but is unable to prevent it.

The “connection” between Ripley and Alex is trite and overplayed. After having a one-night stand, Ripley claims to have fallen in love with Alex, but the connection between Banderas and Mitchell never seems quite right. In fact, the love affair just seems to be a convenient excuse for overly explicit and unnecessary sex scenes.

There seems to be no explanation as to why the DVD is titled “The Code” while it is found on imdb.com as “Thick as Thieves.” There also seems to be no explanation as to why the movie was not released theatrically, though that one may not need an explanation.

Besides Banderas’ accent, the only reason to watch the movie is to see what “twist” they came up with. And, while the “twist” is in itself a clichéd plot device, “The Code” has an admittedly unique one. Despite this and a blissfully short running time, the movie is nothing exceptional and may be worth watching once if it’s on TV, you’re trapped inside by a six-foot blizzard, and the only other thing on is a “House of Payne” marathon.

2 of 5 stars

‘Blart’ better than expected (3/5)

Paul Blart: Mall Cop

Starring: Kevin James, Keir O’Donnell, Jayma Mays
Directed By: Steve Carr
Rating: PG for some violence, mild crude and suggestive humor, and language.
Running Time: 1 hour, 31 minutes

I’ll be honest. Watching “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” was on my “To Do” list right below shaving my cat. And I don’t even have a cat.

I don’t know what it was. Maybe the preview just didn’t look that funny. Maybe Kevin James just looked like he was trying a little too hard. Maybe the name “Paul Blart” just didn’t sit right with me (OK — it still doesn’t). Truth was, I just couldn’t fathom how this movie made almost $10 million its first day and rivaled “Cloverfield” for best opening of all-time for the four-day MLK weekend.

But, I did it. I watched it. And really, it wasn’t terrible. I may have a little weakness for Kevin James (we did go to the same college after all — go Red Dragons!), or perhaps I was just in the “Paul Blart” mood, but I actually ended up kind of liking it.

I think the movie came about when James (co-writer along with Nick Bakay, a casual passer-by on James’ “King of Queens”) was hunting for more sweat clothes in the mall and espied a security guard (or is it a security officer?). He then began wondering what would happen if he tried to take over the mall and was challenged by this pseudo-formidable fellow.

“Blart” tells the tale of a man by the name of, shockingly, “Paul Blart.” Even more surprising, he’s a mall cop. The only thing between him and his dream of becoming a New Jersey state police officer is his extreme hypoglycemia, in which he “needs a Snickers bar every 20 minutes” or risks passing out.

Blart is known for taking his security guard job just a little too seriously, admitting to his boss that he made up his very own oath to protect the people of the mall. Blart and the rest of the mall cop crew travel about on Segway PTs, something Blart seems to associate with the job position itself and is actually quite proficient at riding (except for the occasional mini-van run-in).

Blart is a typical lonely guy, but tries to remain happy with his mother and daughter, Maya. With the encouragement of his family, he attempts to woo the pretty kiosk vendor, Amy (Jayma Mays). This leads to a highly entertaining drunken escapade by Blart at a local bar.

But Blart gets to truly show his stuff when the mall comes under attack on Black Friday by a gang who plans to use stores’ credit card codes to steal $30 million, and take Amy as a hostage. Blart uses all means available to him in an effort to single-handedly take out the gang. It’s fun to watch him use elements of different stores against the “bad guys.”

Veck (Keir O’Donnell) and the “reindeer gang” were very shallow and one-dimensional, definitely one of the weakest points of the film. However, if you can get through that, this may just be a movie to enjoy.

I appreciated the lack of vulgarity and sexuality. Don’t get me wrong, “Superbad” is one of my favorite movies. But if not done right, profanity can truly wreck a movie. This is definitely a film I feel that young teenagers and open-minded adults would enjoy watching.

I still don’t fully understand the box office mania that was Paul Blart. But maybe in this time of turmoil and stress, people just needed a feel-good movie, which this definitely is. Go, Paul Blart, go.

3 of 5 stars