Tuesday Movie Reviews

Sherlock Holmes
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong
Directed by Guy Ritchie

I'm not a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes; the stories, the movies, the TV shows. I enjoy them every once in a while, but I find the mystery is always solved by detailing things that nobody would ever think of. Perhaps that's the point, that Holmes is so great he sees and recognizes those things that a normal person wouldn't. But I think it's always necessary to include the viewer in on those things rather than just tell them. This movies does a little of both, but not to great effect. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are pleasant to watch. They banter about and make things exciting for the most part. But I had no idea Sherlock Holmes knew kung fu! Who'da thunk? Too much action ruins the mystique of Holmes. Basil Rathbone never jumped out of a window! Basil Rathbone never fought someone bare-fisted for money. I felt the "updated" version of this Holmes was a little hard to swallow. But hey, it's a Guy Ritchie film, so I guess I should have expected as much. Rachel McAdams' character was pretty much useless and Mark Strong is the definition of over-acting. Exciting and funny at times, but overall a disappointment.

GRADE: C+

An Education
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina, Olivia Williams, Emma Thompson
Directed by Lone Scherfig

Carey Mulligan is a real find! She has appeared in small roles in about 4 or 5 movies, but she absolutely shines in this tale of a young girl who must decide between furthering her education in 1960's London or living the good life with an older man. The older man, played with the perfect amount of creepiness by Peter Sarsgaard, can show her the best of fine art, fine cuisine and fine music. But things aren't always what they seem. Mulligan appears in just about every scene in the film, and you still want to see more of her! She's smart, charming, funny and dealing with real issues that must have been prevalent at those times. Alfred Molina really stands out as her father, a strict but compassionate man that really only wants the best for his daughter. Wonderful minor characters appear and each one brings something to the story. The ending was a bit abrupt, wrapping up everything that happened in a nice little bow, but getting there is absolutely worth it. Highly recommended!

GRADE: A-

....one other movie I saw this week but was released a couple of months ago is:
Moon
Starring: Sam Rockwell, Dominique McElligott, voice of Kevin Spacey
Directed by Duncan Jones

Watching trailers of this movie made me think it was a bit of a rip-off of Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. A guy, in space, on a ship, being run by a super smart computer. I was very wrong! Although there are a few similarities (Kevin Spacey sounds very much like H.A.L.), Moon actually has a terrific premise that's very easy to follow and get totally involved in. Sam Rockwell, in my opinion, is one of the best actors working today, and in the scenes where he plays off himself (you'll understand when you see the film) are some of his best work. There was never a moment when I thought "this is too far-fetched". There was never a moment that I wanted to pause the movie to get something from the fridge. I was submerged in this man's life and dilemma that much. I don't want to get into the actual story because it may ruin it for you, although there is no real mystery to solve. Just watch it and enjoy because it's rare to see something this original anymore.

GRADE: A