Newlyweds: Movie Review

Characters who step out of their relationship and into real life.

The opening scene of “Newlyweds” looks like it could have come out of any Woody Allen movie (or “Husbands and Wives” to be more specific). Two couples are sitting in a restaurant discussing the various ins and outs of married life. And then they turn to the camera and start saying what they really think. The editing from typical romantic dramedy-styled scenes to documentary-styled scenes is where the comedy comes in.		2011 Directed by: Edward Burns Screenplay by: Edward Burns Starring: Edward Burns, Caitlin Fitzgerald, Kerry Bishé

The Raven: Movie Review

 

Poe's literary roots still shine through the action-influenced detective story.

A merging of the life of Edgar Allan Poe, his poetry, the crimes of his stories and a woven, fictional tale of all of the above is “The Raven”. In the opening minute, I was ready to knock the film down for missing some of the significant details of The Murders in the Rue Morgue. Except this film isn’t trying to faithfully recreate anything, you just have to get interested in a Poe-based detective story.		2012 Directed by: James McTeague Screenplay by: Ben Livingston and Hannah Shakespeare Starring: John Cusack and Luke Evans

The Five-Year Engagement: Movie Review

 

Dragging out a romantic comedy with some hilarity and heart but a lot of bad jokes.

“The Five-Year Engagement” has one of those titles where no other explanations are necessary. It’s a romantic comedy, obviously. They fall in and out of love, obviously. And it’s way too long. I’m not sure why Hollywood hasn’t figured out that romantic comedies do not need to be more than two hours long. We know the formula, trust us.		2012 Directed by: Nicholas Stoller Screenplay by: Nicholas Stoller and Jason Segel Starring: Jason Segel, Emily Blunt

Apart: Movie Review

Darkness and confusion of teenage love and disaster.

“Apart” starts with the premise that two teenagers share the same psychological infliction: induced delusional disorder. Apparently, they are the only two people on the planet with this disorder. Based on that “fact” I assumed it was a made up disorder, and so I sat waiting for my way in to experience their reality. They never gave me any such connection. Afterwards, I discovered it was a real disorder, but one that only two fictional characters suffer from they tried to have me believe.		2011 Directed by: Aaron Rottinghaus Screenplay by: Aaron Rottinghaus and Josh Danziger Starring: Josh Danziger and Olesya Rulin

Stuck Between Stations: Movie Review

A relationship drama about the characters and what they have to say.

Not too often do small, indie, unknown films come along and engage you with dialogue, only dialogue. That’s what makes “Stuck Between Stations” such a good movie. There isn’t really a story as it just meanders along with two semi- directionless people on one night with parties and conversations. The trailer suggested there was a mysterious element, but none to be found. Rebecca and Casper connect and reconnect and we connect with them on a very meaningful and personal level.		2011 Directed by: Brady Kiernan Screenplay by: Sam Rosen, Nat Bennett Starring: Zoe Lister Jones, Sam Rosen and Josh Hartnett

Columbus Circle: Movie Review

The plot of crimes moves along quickly but leaves the characters behind.

A collection of good, underused actors and actresses have been assembled in "Columbus Circle". It's the type of place that is described as anything can happen there. I'll take their word for it. The events that occur in the movie get increasingly far-fetched as we go along, and unfortunately, to the detriment of the enjoyment of the film.		2012 Directed by: George Gallo Screenplay by: George Gallo, Kevin Pollack Starring: Selma Blair and Amy Smart

Rid of Me: Movie Review

 

A bleak character study encompassing the best and discomfort of a dark comedy.

Advertised as a black comedy, and that’s all, “Rid of Me” suggests that there is an event or plot twist that should not be revealed. And indeed it does open with an obscene, aberrant action which most people have the little bit of self-restraint required to never perform such an act. Following that opening sequence, the film reveals two subtle twists which show how unique and independent this is.		2011 Directed by: James Westby Screenplay by: James Westby Starring: Katie O'Grady