“Scary Movie (5)” Has Some Funny Moments – But Lacks The Charm/Farce

Robert Downey, Jr. Literally Shines In “Iron Man 3”

Director Shane Black (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang) took a screenplay by Drew Pearce (No Heroics, Pacific Rim) and made a fun romp of an adventure in this third film of the Iron Man franchise. It comes complete with a simple premise but a few plot twists that will definitely surprise you in the beginning, middle and end.

Most of this incredibly fun adventure is due to the magnetically charged personality that is Robert Downey, Jr. (Sherlock Holmes, Due Date) as Tony Stark. He is the genius billionaire with the alter ego known as Iron Man who seems to do things under his own agenda, whether anyone likes it or not. His relentless delivery of sarcasm, wit and humor toward almost everything about himself, his enemies and even his girlfriend, is nothing short of pure delight to watch.

Yes there are plenty of action sequences, flying sequences and some pretty impressive special effect sequences, but the heart of this film is his dedication and love for Miss Pepper Pots played even more dynamically this time around by Gwyneth Paltrow (Seven, Contagion). The two of them on screenare nothing but a pure delight of electricity and passion to watch. And, Gwyneth is much more than his pretty ‘Girl Friday’ in this film. Without saying much, she actually gets to wear one of the suits herself – what she does with it – look out!

Now without revealing too much, Ben Kingsley (Gandhi, Schindler’s List) plays an astonishing role that will literally leave you in a state of shock, as the key villain, or so we think, as he has something strange about himself that is later revealed. Ben does an amazing job in this weird and offbeat character he was given to play.

Don Cheadle (Crash, Hotel Rowanda) reprises his role as the ‘patriotic’ version Iron man with a small chip on his shoulder. Scratch that, a large chip on his shoulder. In this film he realizes the importance of what Tony Stark is doing and learns that everything is not always as it appears to be, especially in the face of danger.

Now throw in a second villain played artistically evil by Guy Pearce (Momento, The Hurt Locker) and you have a sadistically cruel and vengeful character driven film that literally will keep you guessing all the way to the end. This film sees tons more action and definitely more defined characters than in the second film of the franchise, which was my least favorite of the three.

The movie is fast paced and heart pounding with movement and incredible stunts and effect sequences. The artistry of cinematography and visual effects combined make it almost hard to believe we are not watching it as it really happens. Composer Brian Tyler (Eagle Eye, Middle Men) does an amazing score to compliment the entire film with orchestral strides of passion and action combined to make you hum some of the underscore.

I personally feel the first Iron Man, although an origin story, still had more depth of story and character development and therefore still making it the best of the three for me. But this film is far superior in the humor and action department. You will literally be cheering in your seats at the finale. Oh, be sure and wait for the credits to end, I have a strange feeling a certain group of ‘super’ heroes are coming back soon. (Wink wink.)

“The Croods” Is An Amazing Family Film With A Real Prehistoric Heart!

“Tom Cruise Saves Earth From Himself In “Oblivion!”

"Oblivion" director Joseph Kosinski (Tron: Legacy) chose to take a very operatic approach to this story, which is based on a comic book written by Kosinski and Arvid Neslon and a screenplay adapted again by Kosinski, Karl Gajdusek (Tresspass, Dead Like Me) and Michael Arndt ( Toy Story 3, Star Wars VII).

The look and feel of "Oblivion" is smooth and clean while the drama flows in the same direction and slowly, very slowly unfolds to reveal the truth about the people on earth and a catastrophic event that left the planet just barely alive. The moon was destroyed, although we don’t know how, and that was the beginning of the end for earth.

Tom Cruise (Top Gun, Jack Reacher) plays the astronaut Jack who is assigned to repair drones that protect a machine that basically turns our sea water into energy for a the population of earth which has ‘apparently’ moved to a moon off Saturn after an alien attack. It was an alien war in which earth apparently won or so the audience is lead to believe.

Morgan Freeman (Driving Miss Daisy, Dolphin Tale) plays an unsuspecting prospector of many who holds the truth of what really happened. His command of the scenes he is in makes you believe what he says, although unbelievable at first, it could be true. I can’t give away the reasons or what he represents without spoiling the film for you, but – spoiler – everything is not what it seems to be.

Two really good, sedate but powerful performances come from Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace, Hitman) as a mission specialist with a history with Cruise’s character that will definately surprise you. The second performance comes from Andrea Riseborough (Shadow Dancer, Resistance) playing the woman in Cruise’s life who, along with maintaining the technical aspects of communication, is also his partner in life.

The ships, probes, drones, vehicles and even the finale with the surprise orbiting station is visually impressive. The action sequences are intense and by the second hour it seems like a nonstop action/adventure film filled with near misses and explosions.

“Oblivion” has an interesting and dynamic musical score to accompany the visuals by M.8.3., a pop/rock group with composer Anthony Gonzalez and Joseph Trapanese that really captures the feel of what is going on. The movie begins to take flight really in the second half but it does have the widescreen epic motif that allows the audience to ask questions, and just about almost all of them are answered. Others are not. Overall it’s a good film with stunning visuals, but not something that will have a long standing in the theatres. I am sure it will work better on Blu Ray because it is a little long-winded at times.