Movies
REVIEW: In the Land of Blood and Honey
posted: 02/03/2012 3:06 a.m. Discuss
Feeling isn’t enough. Really, all you slam poets and would-be writers, please listen to me: It simply is not enough to feel and care deeply about your subject. You also must shape that emotive content into something coherent or at least interesting, that adheres to its own logic (however dreamy it may be) and finally connects with your intended audience. Otherwise, you are engaging in self-therapy — or self-pleasure — rather than working as an artist.
MOVIE REVIEW: Chronicle
posted: 02/03/2012 3:05 a.m. Discuss
Teenagers acquire super powers and, being teenagers, videotape themselves as they learn what they can do in Chronicle, an entertaining comic-book movie without the comic book.
ON FILM: Revisiting early Kubrick works a joy
posted: 02/03/2012 3:03 a.m. Discuss
In 1957 when Paths of Glory, the ferociously anti-war film based on an actual incident — the execution for cowardice of innocent French soldiers during World War I — opened, the film’s star, Kirk Douglas, was widely perceived as its architect, much in the same manner as Brad Pitt is seen as the lead creative intelligence behind Moneyball.
The Grey rakes in greenbacks
posted: 02/03/2012 3:01 a.m. Discuss
With an estimated $19.6 million opening weekend under his belt, Liam Neeson has secured his status as the thinking man’s action star.
MOVIE REVIEW: The Woman in Black
posted: 02/03/2012 2:59 a.m. Discuss
Daniel Radcliffe acquits himself reasonably well in his first adult big-screen role, a man haunted by The Woman in Black.
Screen gems
posted: 02/03/2012 2:58 a.m. Discuss
Last week the 2012 Oscar nominees were announced, and, as usual, many of us were shocked and nonplussed.
Film clips
posted: 02/03/2012 2:57 a.m. Discuss
At area theaters 77 ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS — CHIPWRECKED, G Dave (Jason Lee), the Chipmunks and the Chipettes, on a luxury cruise, wind up on an uncharted island which, of course, may not be as deserted as it seems. Animated and live action. (87 minutes)
COMING ATTRACTIONS
posted: 02/03/2012 2:52 a.m. Discuss
(opening dates are tentative) Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, PG In this “follow-up ” (guess we can’t call ’em “sequels” anymore) to 2008’s Journey to the Center of the Earth, Dwayne Johnson (playing the new stepfather of a 17-year-old portrayed by Josh Hutcherson) and a helicopter pilot (Luis Guzman) and his “beautiful, strong-willed daughter” (Vanessa Hudgens) set out to find the title island, rescue its lone inhabitant and escape before the island sinks into the sea.
PREVIEWS
posted: 02/03/2012 2:50 a.m. Discuss
New this week Big Miracle 86 PG A small-town reporter (John Krasinski) and a Greenpeace volunteer (Drew Barrymore) forge an unlikely coalition, including Inuit natives, oil companies and Cold-Warring superpowers, to help save a family of majestic gray whales trapped by rapidly forming ice in the Arctic Circle.
HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY
posted: 02/03/2012 2:48 a.m. Discuss
Happy birthday. You’re not afraid to surrender yourself to admiration, and your enthusiasm attracts new connections and friends. Financial and personal growth opportunities come to you in March.
HELPFUL HINTS
posted: 02/03/2012 2:47 a.m. Discuss
DEAR HELOISE: Here is a fond memory of your mother. I had the very good fortune to live in Hawaii as a child. My father was stationed at Hickam Air Force Base from 1956 to 1960, and we were faithful members of the nearby base chapel.
ON CHRISTIANITY
posted: 02/03/2012 2:47 a.m. Discuss
DEAR REV. GRAHAM: When I was younger, I did a lot of bad things, and I’ve never gotten over feeling guilty about them. I’d feel better if I knew God would forgive me, but I can’t see any reason why He should. Can you? — E.M.
Super Quiz: Islands of the Caribbean
posted: 02/03/2012 2:46 a.m. Discuss
1. The island’s name is Spanish for ”rich port.” 2. Mount Pelee is an active volcano at the northern end of this island. 3. The Pitons form this island’s most famous landmark. 4. Nassau is on this island.
MOVIE REVIEW: Whale tale
posted: 02/03/2012 1:22 a.m. Discuss
The title isn’t an exaggeration. It was something of a Big Miracle, the way the plight of a family of gray whales, stranded under the Alaska ice, captivated the country and forced oil men and environmentalists, natives and Cold War foes to team up back in the waning days of the Reagan administration.
February movie offerings not always so hot
posted: 02/02/2012 10:52 a.m. Discuss
February is traditionally a down month for movies, as the studios use it as a dumping ground for their less promising films.
