By Steve Figueroa

Russell Crowe and Leonardo Decaprio, by way of visionary director Ridley Scott, deliver knock-out performances in this boarderline run of the mill espionage thriller.

Body of Lies is a tremendous film that starts off on a magnificent path of unbiased perspectives on the war in Iraq. However, about halfway in, it slips into a pseudo love story and anti war film. This downward path ultimately confuses viewers into wondering what the writer’s goal was from the start.

Were we supposed to cheer for Leo taking a beating? Or his amazing respect for the Muslim culture?  Maybe we could gasp and cry over the lengths in which he was willing to go in order to prove his love for woman.

Either way, the viewer is treated to a superb cast, excellent location filming, and an interesting look into the Muslim world otherwise unknown to the average American. Ridley Scott proved once again, he is truly an asset to Hollywood.

Despite dismal numbers on it’s opening weekend (13M) he’s also competing against 3 other major releases at a time when people are counting pennies. I can’t say it’s a total surprise the film didn’t have a $20M plus opening weekend.

As far as the actors themselves, this film would have been a critical disaster without Crowe or Decaprio. They work amazingly well as a team. Crowe did an amazing job as Edward Hoffman, a CIA head honcho who pulls all the strings and uses Roger Ferris (Decaprio) as his puppet. I have to mention Russell put on some serious poundage for this role.

I’m sure it’s awesome to get that phone call from your casting agent. “Hey for this upcoming role, you’re going to be playing a tub of shit who happens to control the outcome of every big break we have in the middle east, so have fun eating until your heart almost stops.”

Subtle humor, combined with climactic cinematography really kept your eyes glued to the screen. Not to mention, Marc Streitenfeld did an excellent job scoring the film using limited pop culture music. That is something that’s a must have in a movie of this scope and caliber. Honestly, if I heard Soldier Boy’s “She Got A Donk” I would chuck my fucking oil drum of soda through the screen.

Bravo to directors who know the importance of musical narration in films.

I have to mention, I’d like to see more of Mark Strong, who played Hani Salaam. The head of the Jordanian General Intelligence Department. He did an excellent job in Syriana and is quite a serious actor. In fact he kinda creeps me out. I guess for this role, it was necessary to cast a guy with eyes like Jafar from Aladdin.

Now, besides the aforementioned issues with the love twist and , it’s definitely an intriguing and engaging film. Ridley Scott has yet to fail us yet. If you can ignore the subtle undertones and just focus on the espionage parts, this film will surely score major points with fans of this genre.

By Steve Figueroa

September was somewhat of a dull month for movie fans. There were only a couple of intriguing releases, including Righteous Kill and Eagle Eye.

With that said, put your pennies aside my friends. October is going to be quite a month for the silver screen. I cannot wait!  There is a myriad of upcoming releases that are sure to tickle your testicles.

Here’s a list of films to be released on October 3rd as well as my first impressions.

An American Carol

• In all fairness, both political parties should be allowed to have a voice in Hollywood. However, when you film a comedy taking a stab at liberals you should not make everyone who just enjoys a good laugh feel as though this movie was written out of hatred for people of opposite political affiliation. This film looks absolutely ridiculous, and I’m sad my favorite satirical director felt the need to make this. But again, everyone deserves a voice in Hollywood. I’m sure fellow film critics will take pride in bashing this film, only feeding the idea that Hollywood leans to the left.

Appaloosa

• Ed Harris is the quintessential bad ass so I think he could manage directing himself in a western film. The cast is strong and storyline is quite intriguing. Some film screeners have already given this movie high remarks and that’s great news. As Ed Harris ages, his characters will follow suit. I think this movie’s timing in his career is perfect. Putting together a western film is a no-brainer either. Here’s what you need: horses, dirt, crappy wooden saloons, thugs, some whores, and a shitload of gun fights. You got yourself a golden globe winner.

Beverly Hills Chihuahua

• Some of the most beloved Hispanic actors and comedians of our generation have come together, to deliver us a stupid ass movie about Chihuahuas? At least Cheech Marin movies (ex. Up in Smoke) were about something as universal as marijuana. I respect everyone involved in this film so I’m hoping there are some funny scenes we haven’t seen in the previews.

Blindness

• Julianne Moore can never do wrong by me. I have had a crush on her since she blew me away in Hannibal. This film looks somewhat intriguing, if not familiar. But for Julianne Moore, I will support this film. Not to mention it’s great to see Danny Glover in a good role again. I feel this is Hollywood’s way of making up for that Hindenburg of a reprise, The X-Files: I Want to Believe.

Flash of Genius

• Yes, this is based on a true story. Yes, Lauren Graham is just adorable in any role. But she’s pretty much the same character in each film, so I’m not going to hold my breath in anticipation of some miracle of originality. Greg Kinnear falls into the same category. With that said, this film looks like a good “kick in the balls” story that will lift spirits and remind people that much of the technology we use today might have been the product of good ole American ingenuity. Of course that ingenuity is rarely compensated properly.

How to Lose Friends and Alienate People

• FINALLY! We get to see Megan Fox’s naughty bits. Well almost. Blah! That’s all I care about. Don’t get me wrong, I love Simon Pegg. I think he’s such a hilarious actor and accomplished visionary in the art of comedy. But who cares? Megan Fox shows us the goods, people! Go see this. Support this film, please. If we do, she’ll keep popping up in these films, sans clothing.

Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist

• Another Super Bad wannabe? Maybe not. Packed full of the necessary tools to make us choke on our popcorn - alcohol, unbelievable events, and high school nerds who have the innate ability to attract members of the opposite sex - this film is fast paced and will keep Seth Rogan/Judd Apatow fans at bay until the release of Zack and Miri Make a Porno on October 31st.

Stay tuned, October 10th will have some awesome releases as well!

By Steve Figueroa

Nicolas Cage did a decent job carrying this pseudo low-budget remake through the paces. The action was intense, the violence was gruesome, and I almost screamed like a schoolgirl when the film came to a sad conclusion.

Based on the original Bangkok Dangerous, released in 1999, this rendition brings the story to U.S. audiences with some twists. Nicolas Cage plays the lead character, a cold blooded hitman haunted by his life’s work. He struggles to maintain his edge when he discovers his latest henchman, while embarking on what is to be his final 4 hits.

The place: Bangkok, Thailand.

The theme: Action.

And this movie delivers the goods. Many critics have bashed the editing, the monotone and stiff acting on everyone’s part. But what do they expect? Pushing Daises meets Pulp Fiction?

No!

The Pang Brothers have a particular film-making skill set. Some people are good at plumbing. Some people are good at weaving wigs. The Pang Brothers know how to shoot a movie with subtle hints to the overall tonality, utilizing a precise mix of variating overtures that help viewers understand perfectly where they are and how they should feel at every moment.

The fact that they switched characteristics between the lead character and his girlfriend (this super cute pharmacist) was genius. I don’t think this film would have worked, had Nicolas Cage played a deaf hitman. Might as well just have re-released the original film in theaters.

Although they may have seen similar box office numbers had that been their choice. The film grossed $7.8M during it’s opening weekend. Although far below expectations, the Lion’s Gate will not dub this as a loss since it basically paid for itself. I’m sure it’ll also garner impressive DVD sales once it’s released.

Now, the low theater turnout was not indicative of the quality of this film. I felt in tune with the action and dialogue. I feel the editing was reminiscent of Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift. Which is a good thing.

The supporting cast left much to be desired. I’m sure filming on location, language barriers, and studio budget issues played a huge part in that. At times their scenes drew out the story and never played a massive part in the plot so I’m not sure why they weren’t eliminated to begin with.

This may sound ridiculous. Maybe even ludicrous. However, the Pang Brothers really made Bangkok seem like a desirable place to visit if you’re looking to have Las Vegas-style fun in Southeast Asia. The music was great, the women were absolutely gorgeous, and the portrayal of Thai culture was flattering. I applaud this as American movies do it whenever possible. It’s good to see someone show the great qualities of their land, even while showing drug lords, pimps, and political figures are being assassinated.

Overall, I recommend this movie for fans of foreign films. This isn’t your usual Transporter-esque septic tank, filed with tight abs and corny one-liners. In fact, it boggles my mind how films like this would earn such low marks by film critics, while movies that fans absolutely can’t stand earn such high remarks? Puzzling.

I know it won’t win over everyone as it people have grown weary of Nicolas Cage movies since that crap-fest on film; Ghost Rider. I can’t blame them one bit. At least you know there is one critic out there, who things Nick Cage did an decent job in a decent movie, that just did not suck one enough for me to trash it.

By Steve Figueroa

Paul W.S. Anderson (Resident Evil, Event Horizon) puts his own spin on Roger Corman’s cult classic ‘Death Race’ 2000. This is a no-nonsense action film with extreme violence, so kiddies beware.

Death Race 2000 and this year’s Death Race exist in stark contrast of each other. The original film had a whimsical, almost LSD influenced imagery, the likes of which may have not been capture before on film. The latter is a straight forward action ride, filled with a never ending barage of gunfire, gore, and cheesy one-liners. The tragic part of this: it was actually enjoyable.

This is the type of movie that reminds you what movies are intended to do. Entertain.

The cast was honed well for this film. Everyone had their chance to partake in the cliche rhetoric of heroes and villains that only exist within alternative universes. Starting with the ring leader, Hennessey (Joan Allen “Bourne” trilogy) who orchestrates a pay-per-view race to the death, involving hardened criminals who are offered their freedom upon winning four races. Jensen Ames (Jason Statham The Transporter) is blamed for the death of his wife, and convinced his driving ability and lack of luster in the media were fueling points for Hennessey to murder his wife and draw him into her prison. I won’t say more but they did a decent job of tying up the plot.

Joan Allen’s ability to replace human emotion with conviction is her only saving grace on this project. While it would be hard to think of someone who would have been better suited for the role, I feel this was beneath her talent and should have been offered to someone who is known for similar roles.

Jason Statham found a good balance of victim, opportunist, and total badass. His fight scenes, although somewhat anemic compared to past films, were fluid and felt real. Normally he’s battling seemingly expert Karate champions every time a fight began. This time he was just a guy in jail, fighting other inmates.

His “navigator” Case (Natalie Martinez Fashion House) is a scene stealer. She assist Ames in his quest for freedom via the Death Race, but turns out she’s more than a switch flipper which causes Jensen to rethink his alliances. The best part of Natalie Martinez is that she doesn’t have to show much skin to be appreciated.

Now, Machine Gun Joe (Tyrese Gibson Transformers) is the quintessential enemy found in any film within this genre. His fond distaste for authority, and inability to keep a navigator longer than one lap, boarder on comedy.

Supporting actors such as Ian McShane, Max Ryan, and Jacob Vargas round out the cast. While this film’s bang-up job of a plot might leave film junkies wanting to inflict pain upon themselves, it’s intelligent approach to adapting to society and how the media caters to our sinful desires is commendable.

Overall, I am left to wonder if Roger Corman was thrilled or disappointed in this rendition’s lack of ingenuity and cult classic potential. I am torn between loving and loathing this film, solely based on my respect for the original’s broad appeal. With that said, this film does what it intended to do and delivers the goods.

If you’re in the mood for blood, guns, fast cars and trucks, then strap in and hang on. This fast paced tugboat of carnage may surprise you.

By Steve Figueroa

Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr, and Jack Black are brilliant in Dreamworks’ Tropic Thunder. What a tremendous conclusion to a summer filled with action, explosions, and laughs.

It took longer than usual to review this film for several reasons. One: I needed time to stop laughing and gather my thoughts. This movie is the end result of a precise and comedic depiction of what lengths actors and producers will endure for a production to become a success. Ben Stiller truly captures the essence of the prima donna pampering actors receive while nailing the ability of studios to put a positive spin on any type of pre-release attention a movie, and its stars, may receive.

The plot of the movie is simple. You have several huge actors and an amateur director who cannot work together to save their own lives. They are filming a movie based on a book by war veteran Four Leaf Tayback (Nick Nolte, 48 Hours) when the studio tells them production will be shut down if they can’t get their act together. The author of the book recommends to director Damien Cockburn (Steve Coogan, Hamlet 2) that the only way to really get these actors to bring the feel of war to the film, was to put them in the jungle and film them “guerrilla-style”. Cockburn decides this is the only way to save the production and wow. What happens from this point on is pure hilarity.

Ben Stiller plays action star Tugg Speedman, who continues to believe everything that happens to them in the jungle is part of the movie and they should continue their roles. His ineptitude in reading maps, as well as accepting the fact that the group my be in real danger, lasts all the way to a point I can’t give away but man it’s worth watching twice.

All the negative press we have heard about the character Stiller (as Speedman) played who was mentally disabled, is absurd. I think it gives people even more of a reason to see this movie. He really found a way to make a taboo subject (unless you’re donating to that taboo subject’s cause) a huge part of the film and still funny as hell.

Most of us are intelligent enough not to take this as anything more than merely the truth that Hollywood strategically places great actors in questionable roles, gives them physical and mental disabilities, then hands them awards for outstanding performances. It’s hypocrisy at its best.

Now Robert Downey, Jr plays Krik Lazarus - this uber-actor Aussie, who (as you already know) undergoes a procedure to darken his skin. Honestly Downey, Jr stole the show. I admit several good scenes were used in the previews, however they still left the best for the film. I have no idea how he kept a straight face while filming in character, but I applaud it. His facial gestures and mannerisms are the icing the cake. If you don’t laugh at that, check your pulse.

Jack Black’s character Jeff Portnoy, might be a direct stab at several actors including Eddie Murphy. But who cares? It’s satire. An alternative way to look at Hollywood in all its glory, face lifts, and breast enhancements. The Tenacious D star’s hilarious downward spiral through detox in the jungle, is probably the only time I’ve ever seen someone successfully put a comedic twist on something A&E would feature on their show, Intervention. His dialogue just gets better and better as the film progresses.

Tom Cruise. Well I won’t say much about his character because it’s so outlandish I hope he receives due recognition. He truly surprised me and might have gained a ton of much needed support from his old fans. If he could have only kept his beliefs to himself, we would not have had to wait this long for him to show his comedic abilities.

Overall, the entire cast was superb. The point of this film, once viewed, is easy to comprehend. Actors, producers, and Hollywood in general, work on a completely different reality plane than the rest of us. I’m glad Ben Stiller was able to pull this off without any censorship (that we know of) and I can’t wait for this to be released on DVD.