June movie reviews

KNOCKED UP. Very funny movie by the guy who did 40-YEAR OLD VIRGIN. This one involves a young, attractive television producer who really has it together. She gets a promotion, and goes to a bar to celebrate. She meets a goofball guy, and ends up having a one night stand with him. The next morning, she realizes he is not her type (the look on her face when she sees his chubby butt is priceless), and they part ways. Eight weeks later, she finds out she's pregnant. She calls him up, and together they try to figure out what kind of relationship they are going to have. They are sooo not compatible, which makes for some really humorous moments. Also in the movie are his stoner, not-ready-to-grow-up friends, and her sister and brother-in-law. Despite it being a comedy, the situation and characters feel real, not sitcom-y at all. I highly recommend this one.

A MIGHTY HEART. Angelina Jolie stars as Marianne Pearl, wife of Daniel Pearl. They are both journalists, working in Pakistan after 9/11, covering the Afghan war. They are ready to go home when Daniel decides to follow a lead on the shoe bomber. Despite taking precautions, he is kidnapped. This true story follows Marianne in the aftermath of the kidnapping, as well as her, the FBI, and the Pakistani security agencies attempting to find Daniel before it is too late. The movie is amazing. I believe it was filmed in Pakistan, and you truly get a feeling for the chaos that exists there. And despite knowing the facts of the story, I still felt that sense of dread in worrying what would happen. And it was heartbreaking at the end. Really, really well done. Not entertaining, because it is so sad, but I am glad I saw it.

SHREK THE THIRD. This time, Shrek is searching for Arthur. Fiona's dad passed away, and Arthur is the only one besides Shrek who can become king, and Shrek doesn't wanna be king. Prince Charming (who wants to be king himself) and all the other bad characters from fairy tales are their opponents in the quest. Still funny, still worth seeing.

SHOWBUSINESS: THE ROAD TO BROADWAY. This documentary follows 4 plays (Avenue Q, Taboo, Wicked, and Caroline, or Change) from the development through their runs on Broadway. The filmmakers interview producers, directors, actors, and even critics. It is an interesting look at the elusive elements that make a hit (or not). There's no guarantee of success. Neither the quality, the stars, nor the reviews necessarily make or break or show. It's a mystery. This isn't a really analytical film, but I did like it, as I enjoy behind-the-scenes looks at entertainment.

OCEAN'S 13. This time Al Pacino is building a fabulous hotel in Vegas in partnership with Elliot Gould. But Al betrays Elliot, giving Elliot a heart attack. So the boys decide to get revenge on Al. Sure, there is eye candy in the movie, but the plot was convoluted and far-fetched, the movie dragged, and the actors seem really overly pleased with themselves. It wasn't that clever, or that funny, and I just didn't care that much.

ONCE. This is almost an extended music video. A young Irish man works days in his father's vacuum shop, but spends the rest of his time playing guitar and singing his songs on the streets. One day a young Czech woman tells him how good his songs are. They develop a friendship and bond over music. She encourages him. They get together with friends to put together a demo tape. I liked the songs, and the characters are endearing, but the movie is kind of thin. Short, at only 88 minutes.