Happy Feet
Anthony Macali
A tap-dancing penguin called Mumble is outcast from his colony because he can't sing. The leaders blame him for the lack of fish in the region. Mumble goes in search for the real problem.
The 'penguins dancing' concept relies heavily on gimic, and so due credit should be given to the CGI wizards behind this flick. After a slow start, the laughs come fast once Humble begins his journey with his Latin companions. By the end, you won't be able to stop tapping your feet.
Marie Antoinette
Anthony Macali
The story of French Queen Marie Antoinette, crowned at the age of 19 and living the glamorous life.
This movie showcases a beautiful 18th Century France, a portrait of extravagant costumes, intricate set pieces, lavish parties; all playful and frivolous. Don't expect a pressing insight into the trials of ruling an empire. The most difficult decision Marie Antoinette has to make is if she should sneak out of the castle to attend a costume party (spoiler warning, she does). Like the numerous cakes the Dauphin indulges in, the film is sweet but not quite fulfilling.
Dreamgirls
Anthony Macali
Dreamgirls follows the lives of three young women who form a singing trio called the "Dreamettes". Their rise to the top is not as smooth as their lyrics.
This film is a continuous exposition of music, illuminated brilliantly on the stage. It's all visually stunning, in particular the montages that race through time. Casting real-life singers to the main roles is an inspired choice that draws strong vocal performances to the screen. But like many good songs, they are overplayed and tire towards the finale.
28 Weeks Later
Anthony Macali
Weeks after the initial rage virus outbreak, the American Army have brought London into quarantine.
The first movie explored the realisation of civilisation destroyed. It starts promisingly with the same tone, forcing the characters to make vital decisions: family or zombie? It's about the time the Americans lose control that the film also loses it. The remainder of the film follows this fatiguing sequence: run, hide, kill zombie... run, hide, kill zombie... invariably losing extras on the way. At this point you lose interest and strain to sustain the gore. The movie does well to keep you in suspense, but I prefer armageddon over shoot-em-up.
The Simpsons Movie
Anthony Macali
When Homer mistakenly pollutes the river with toxic waste from his "Pig Crap" silo, he causes the EPA to encase Springfield in a glass dome.
Cheeky and mischievous, "The Simpsons Movie" starts well with the jokes fast and funny. It's when we pass the usual episode length of time the movie stumbles and bores. The revamped animation and widescreen transfer do add value, but there is nothing new or surprising in this film that warrants the cartoon to reach for the cinema. We should all listen to the wisdom of Homer, and watch this on TV for free.
Die Hard 4.0
Anthony Macali
McClane takes on an Internet-based terrorist organization who is systematically shutting down the US.
This film will appeal those who like their action old school; bad guys and henchman vs the reluctant good guys, carrying an array of bullet wounds and the burden of the country. The director has a real eye for action, the first half of the movie is a refreshing and entertaining thrill of big booms and familiar wisecracks. It's a lot of fun when the baddies die hard, usually with big thuds from large falls. You know it's wandered too far when the pursuits take John to the top of the fighter jet. I prefer my new school action grounded in reality.
The Kingdom
Anthony Macali
A team of US government agents is sent to investigate the bombing of a facility in the Middle East.
"The Kingdom" is an entertaining venture into a world of foreign affairs and the war against terror. The reality is frightening, in particular a bomb-making sequence where the device is constructed under a careful and meticulous preparation that sends chills down your spine. Unfortunately, much of the weight of discussion is lost in the final chapter, where a questionable chase rocket-launches into action. The forensics, politics and explosions will find an audience, but the message is lost in all the debris.
Year of the Dog
Anthony Macali
A secretary's life changes in unexpected ways after her dog dies.
Peggy is a thirty-something single women, fixated on her pet dog Pencil and finding it difficult to deal with his death. She cannot hide from her friends or the director's camera, always in her face. This style highlights the talent of the actors, whose detailed facial expressions speak louder than words. It may sound sad, but there are cute dogs and humour to be found. Peggy's transformation into crazy dog lady is both beautifully tragic and utterly hysterical. Animals aside, it's a nice story that shows the consequences of forcing our ideals on others.
A Mighty Heart
Anthony Macali
The film is based on Mariane Pearl's account of the terrifying and unforgettable story of her husband, Wall Street Journal reporter Danny Pearl's life and death.
"A Mighty Heart" is a genuine and heartfelt account of tragedy. The excellent performances reflect a true sense of the frustration, determination and suffering of all those involved. The film struggles to draw the audience into the investigation, presumably of little concern to the director with motives that seem to favour accuracy over entertainment. An authentic portrayal with a good heart, but little excitement.
Day Watch
Anthony Macali
In the war between the forces of Light and Dark, a device is found that can restore life to Moscow.
"Day Watch" is an eternal struggle between good viewing and bad. You have the good watch, its dark gothic style, impending dread and gloom, and an interesting support cast, whose stories and developments expand the scope of the others, showing more to war than the two bosses and the great ones. And you have the bad watch, a long running time, an out-of-context lesbian kissing scene, and the entire fate of the future lying in a piece of chalk. An entertaining sequel that suffers in its departure from darkness.
1408
Anthony Macali
A man who specializes in debunking paranormal occurrences checks into the fabled room 1408.
Your typical bad guy comes in the form of a mask-wearing, knife-wielding bandit, or some kind of monster or creature. But a hotel room? Funny enough, a room can be scary - and frightening enough to make you question your very own alarm clock, telephone and the walls of your home. This lodge haunts your past, with plenty of suicidal ghosts to keep you company. It's thrilling and chilling stuff, only suffering in the certain level of unease that comes in the frantic finalé. A terrifying film of terrifying heights.
Enchanted
Anthony Macali
A classic Disney fairytale collides with modern-day New York City in a story about a fairytale princess who is sent to our world by an evil queen.
In an attempt to bring quintessential Disney to the youth of today, "Enchanted" fantastically throws the adorable Princess Giselle into a busy city metropolis. Her journey is ultimately amusing as she searches for Prince Charming, a purpose that could quite literally echo our own ambitions. The conclusion is predictably out of a Hallmark Card, but the film is still charming enough to appeal to all the wicked witches of the world.
Sweeney Todd
Anthony Macali
The infamous story of Benjamin Barker, a.k.a Sweeney Todd, who sets up a barber shop down in London which is the basis for a sinister partnership with his fellow tenant, Mrs. Lovett.
"Sweeney Todd" is as dark and twisted as it is a dull and boring. We know Sweeney wants revenge, but can't he stop singing and staring angrily out his window - just get on with the job. Few of the songs are enjoyable, and they all tend to slow the plot to an almost unbearable halt. Some will enjoy the throat-slashing and corpse-thudding antics of the barber, but after having watched this film, I found myself seeking my own vengeance and salvation.
The Jane Austen Book Club
Anthony Macali
Six Californians start a club to discuss the works of Jane Austen, only to find their relationships begin to resemble 21st century versions of her novels.
Having read zero Jane Austen books, I still found this film mildly entertaining. The fun comes when each member of the club relate the stories to their own tragic lives. This process causes them to break down, and to make spiteful and bitter comments to each other that are often amusing. There is also the benefit of having one guy in the group to serve the males watching this chick flick. The only sour note is the predictable ending where they all invariably find love.
The Mist
Anthony Macali
A freak storm unleashes a species of blood-thirsty creatures on a small town, where a band of citizens hole-up in a supermarket and fight for their lives.
"The Mist" is your stock standard horror film where you throw a bunch of people in a room, endanger their lives, and see how they react. The result is a colourful quarrel of religion, reason and rationale. The joy comes from watching the locals get their comeuppance as the poor-looking monsters feast on them. In these films you always find yourself questioning the decisions the characters make. Our protagonists' judgement at the end is truly mystifying.