Now On Demand and on DVD: The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

The Film Fatales look for the wonder in The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

NOW ON DEMAND & ON DVD. 2013. 100 Minutes, Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi, Olivia Wilde, Alan Arkin, Jim Carrey, James Gandolfini, Jay Mohr. Directed by Don Scardino.

When a street magician’s stunt begins to make their show look stale, superstar magicians Burt Wonderstone and Anton Marvelton look to salvage on their act – and their friendship – by staging their own daring stunt. (imdb)

elizabeth: I went in with an open mind and a brownie that Nicole snuck into the theatre. I laughed through The Campaign (and primal scream therapy has helped me embrace that “silly movies rock” part of me that had been buried for so long) but you just know that a “but” is going to follow… but I was overwhelmed at being underwhelmed. Nicole, I know you are Steve Carell’s secret love child, so can you pull a rabbit out of your hat and tell me what I missed while I was in a sugar-induced coma? BTW – Panera Bread owes you your money back on that brownie. I have an 8:30AM dentist appointment tomorrow.

Nicole: You just seriously aged Steve Carell – I don’t think he’s going to appreciate that. Look, we both had very low expectations for this movie – so don’t get sassy with me, missy. What  I didn’t expect, however, was to sit there for the first 45 minutes without so much as a tee-hee. Not a single ha. Not even the tiniest of internal recognitions that something funny was happening on screen. I can’t believe we had to wait till the very last scene to actually chuckle. That being said, it’s a joy to watch Steve Carell be Steve Carell. Terrible script or not.

elizabeth: I think I would have preferred Burt Wonderstone and his hapless sidekick Anton Marvelton more if the storyline had centered around two dried-up drag queens who saved Las Vegas.

Nicole: Great, you just totally spoiled the semi-auto-biographical treatment about our lives I was about to send Dreamworks.

elizabeth:  I believe I would have cared more about them, the storyline and I would have gladly taken them shopping for something that flatters their skin tones. Just a side note: Carrel’s Wonderstone character in the burgundy velvet ensemble looks like my mother from the mid 1970s. Good thing I tattooed that shrink’s phone number on my wrist.

Nicole: Remind me to never thumb through your photo albums. Yeesh.

elizabeth: Nicole, my mother is on the phone and would like to respond to that last crack of yours. The real magic in this movie is Steve Buscemi appearing to not have one line on his face. I want the number of his makeup artist: STAT. Jim Carrey’s abs took my mind off the poorly written script, but he scared the crap out of me.

Nicole: Seemed like a totally wasted role for Jim Carrey. He’s better off being the lead. This gene-spliced David Blaine/Chris Angel send-up was just not suiting him. I did really enjoy Olivia Wilde and felt that although she’s never done comedy before she was quite good.

 

elizabeth: Veteran actor Alan Arkin is doing something very few actors his age seem to be doing in 2013. He is getting meaty roles and his portrayal of magician Rance Holloway was the bright spot in this movie. He was magical.

Nicole: Agreed. (Even though I’m incredibly biased because I will always have a soft spot for his portrayal of the easily duped Shel in The In-Laws.) He was the best thing about the movie. By a very long stretch.

elizabeth: And before I go up in puff of smoke, let me just say this to all the directors out there: Do not use the Steve Miller song “Abracadabra” ever again. That song is like nails down a chalkboard and I wonder if I would have liked the movie a little more without one of the worst songs ever written. Burt Wonderstone, where were you when I needed you to make something disappear besides this movie?

The Film Fatales give THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE

 

DVD Special Features:

• Gag Reel

Blu-Ray Special Features:

• 2 discs
• Steve Gray (aka Jim Carrey) Uncut: Mocumentary
• Deleted scenes
• Alternate takes
• Making Movie Magic with David Copperfield
• Gag reel

THE HEAT

The Film Fatales get out of the AC and into The Heat. 

Rated R. 117 minutes. Starring Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy, Marlon Wayans, Michael Rapaport, Jane Curtain, Demian Bichir, Taran Killam. Directed by Paul Feig. 

Uptight FBI special agent Sarah Ashburn is paired with testy Boston cop Shannon Mullins in order to take down a ruthless drug lord. The hitch: neither woman has ever had a partner -- or a friend for that matter. [imdb]

Nicole: Well, cassidy. I really had my fingers crossed this was going to be a good movie--mainly because of how much I love Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy. And, I’m relieved to say I really liked it. 

elizabeth:  I was a tad concerned about seeing The Heat because of all their TV commercials.   A lot of comedic movies show all the funny lines in 30 seconds so I end up boycotting funny movies (because they are weak and dumb). I have to say I am right more times than not, but Bullock and McCarthy worked really well together and delivered a funny movie.  And it was nice to hear two women swear more than I do. 

Nicole: You may be pressing the truth a little there, missy. Maybe my memory is escaping me, but this is the first female law enforcement buddy movie, right? I’ve seen co-ed buddy movies, where the plot is usually ruined by sexual tension. I’ve seen male buddy movies where the machismo always bites off a bit more than it can chew. I’m glad it only took Hollywood a gazillion years to come up with this concept. 

elizabeth:  I think Hollywood is afraid of women carrying a movie, but these two actresses’ comedic and acting skills will make The Heat one of the biggest movies of this  summer. Bullock was brilliant (and quite annoying) as an uptight FBI agent while McCarthy’s cop role was completely off the wall.  Completely. But I would want them watching my back as long as McCarthy does not put me into a death hold.

Nicole: LOL, yea. McCarthy does pack one helluva punch. Bullock and McCarthy are a good comic pairing. It’s odd to see Bullock playing the straight “woman” when she’s usually cast as the cut-up in comedies. But with an actress like McCarthy – it was a pretty obvious choice who was going to clown it up. No one plays bad-ass crazy quite like her. But that didn’t stop Bullock from getting in a few, really solid comedic punches. 

elizabeth: I liked how McCarthy’s Mullins got the men even if it meant she threw them out the next day (like that is a bad thing) while Bullock’s Ashburn couldn’t even handle a pet.  If you get pass all the F bombs and some violence, you will appreciate the storyline going on about families and friends. Not that I would  invite any of them to a Thanksgiving dinner. Well, maybe the cat.

 Nicole: Really good point. They totally played against type here and made McCarthy the Maneater, which is something film audiences are not used to seeing -- and should see more of. I could easily see this becoming a sequel. Based on reviews and box office predictions, we can expect one. I say bring it on. 

elizabeth: A sequel idea makes me a little nervous. Unless they can get all the actors back to do a sequel, I would beg some screenwriter to pen another story that will do justice to all of the talent that was up on the screen. 

The Film Fatales give The Heat 

The Film Fatales in A Tale of Two Gatsbys

The Film Fatales travel back in time to Roaring 20s Long Island and mingle with the upper crust of East and West Egg in A Tale of Two Gatsbys... Won't you join us, old sport?

 The Great Gatsby. 2013. PG-13. 142 minutes. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire and Carey Mulligan. Directed by Baz Luhrmann. 

The Great Gatsby. 1974. Rated PG. 144 minutes. Starring Robert Redford, Sam Waterston and Mia Farrow. Directed by Jack Clayton.

A Midwestern war veteran finds himself drawn to the past and lifestyle of his millionaire neighbor (imdb). Based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. 

Nicole: There are, to date, six film versions of The Great Gatsby—but we’re focusing on just two (because this is a blog, not a friggin’ dissertation). When it comes to adapting novels into film, creative decisions never fail to amaze me. One team’s interpretation can either elevate the written work or insult it: In both the 2013 and the 1974 Gatsbys, it’s thankfully the former.

elizabeth: I have to say that this was a genius idea on my part for us to compare these two versions of The Great Gatsby. Oh, it was your idea. Never mind.  I discovered the internet. With Al Gore by my side, fanning me.

Nicole: Hmm, I suppose you're also responsible for sliced bread... Stylistically, the two films could not be more different. Some may argue that’s because modern filmmaking has the benefit of digital tricks. But I think most of the differences between the two films lay in pacing, acting, and plot choices. Clayton’s ’74 adaptation is a slow-moving, thoughtful and careful interpretation with very little wavering from the source material. Loyal though it may be, I think it failed to capture the novel’s fever-pitched scenes or depth of character. Redford’s was a quiet, cool Gatsby. Farrow’s was an over-the-top, hysterical Daisy Buchanan. Waterston was a passive, if convincing, Nick Carraway. Lois Chiles was an under-developed, yawning Jordan Baker. And, Bruce Dern was a nonchalant Tom Buchanan.

elizabeth: I agree that technology has taken us to places that would never exist years ago. But does that make for a better film? Does it shortchange our imagination when they put it all out there? I liked the slower pace of the 1974 version because I felt Redford’s Gatsby was a man of quiet intelligence and mystery and he looked hot in that one-piece bathing suit. Not every man could pull that off.  But can someone explain his over the top love for Mia Farrow’s Daisy Buchanan?

Okay, if not for Redford and Waterson’s relationship in this movie, which I thought was touching and well developed, I am quite comfortable in saying this version sucked and the townspeople should run Farrow’s Daisy out of town. I think Farrow ruined the movie with her hysterics.  I think the wrong character got shot.

Nicole: Tell us how you really feel, cassidy. Look, I worship at Redford’s feet: He is Gatsby personified in many ways, but DiCaprio nails it. Finally, the dark, disturbed, obsessed Gatsby emerges. He plays the role with equal parts forceful nature, manic obsession and deluded anguish. It’s a heartbreaking performance made all the more wrenching by his sad demise. And I think DiCaprio filled out his one-piece suit quite nicely. I swear, scout's honor (try and prove I wasn't one), that I've never found DiCaprio the least bit attractive...until this film. 

elizabeth:  Got to disagree with you big time. I felt Luhrmann photographed DiCaprio beautifully at the beginning and I was really looking forward to seeing this version unfold. But as Gatsby’s life got a little messier, DiCaprio’s Gatsby looked like he was a tad constipated and that distracted me from the storyline. I wanted to see those eyes dance across the screen again and I will acknowledge that he gave a good performance, but facial expressions are so important. Go with more than one.

Now as far as Redford goes – he can just sit there and no nothing. I would be quite content.

Nicole: Constipated? Hmm, I think your letting your Redford-lust blur your film-reviewing vision. The problem with Redford's performance is his quietness. Gatsby is supposed to be filled with rumbling turmoil that's disguised by a cool exterior, which at times bursts forth to reveal his deep obsession. Mulligan’s Daisy Buchanan is head and shoulders above Farrow’s. But, we mustn’t forget that Luhrmann and company portray this Daisy (intentionally) as far more sympathetic, so that does have some bearing on her choices. I’ll leave it at that: Devotees of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s work will certainly have pick with this plot diversion.

elizabeth: I agree. Alert the media. But I will take Mulligan’s portrayal of Daisy over Farrow’s any day. Have I mentioned that I hated Mia’s performance?

Nicole: You've mentioned it, yes, but it bears repeating. She.was.awful. McGuire’s Nick Carraway, like Daisy, is changed up a tad. He’s a bit less passive than Waterston’s and takes to actively judging rather than remaining a silent witness. Again, purists will find his storyline a bit contrived with regard to the narration technique. I feel it was an unnecessary choice, but not detrimental.

elizabeth: All this agreeing is making me constipated.

Nicole: Some extra fiber in your diet might do the trick. Elizabeth Debicki’s Jordan Baker is, alas, as underdeveloped as Chiles’—though played far better, with a snobbish, pervading coolness. Joel Edgarton’s Tom Buchanan is hands down much preferred to Dern’s lacking portrayal.

elizabeth: You just go on and on, don’t you?

Nicole: Ignoring you. Normally, I shy away from Luhrmann’s movies (I generally find them an assault on all senses). They’re all too much for me—a dizzying swirl of excess. But his choices and obvious devotion to the era and Fitzgerald’s work show through. You could pause this film at any frame and display it as a work of art. Absolutely magnificent—from cinematography and set direction to costuming and special effects. He knew precisely the right moments to feverishly present a scene and exactly when to slow it down—like a rollercoaster—evoking the desired reaction from the audience. Whereas the ’74 version remained a dull dive, that never quite captured the hedonistic vibe of the roaring 20s—except through set direction and costuming. The pace was too even-keeled and lulled the audience into a near catatonic state.

elizabeth: The Art Deco era was well represented in this film and you could tell that Luhrmann was having a love affair with the 1920s, but I wonder if F. Scott Fitzgerald would have told Luhrmann to tone it down.

Nicole: Ultimately, modernity wins over in my book. Despite the obvious plot divergences, the 2013 Gatsby rises well above the ’74 version in every possible way.

elizabeth: I am sticking with the 1974 version. It has Robert Redford in it. Before he went out in the sun without and sun protection.

Nicole: You know what I just realized? This our first Film Fatales split-decision. Frankly, I'm relieved. Agreeing as much as we have been has been giving me the creeps. 

Iron Man 3

The Film Fatales get snarky with Tony Stark.

Iron Man 3. PG-13. 130 minutes. Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Guy Pearce, Don Cheadle, Ben Kingsley. Directed by Shane Black.

When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution. [imdb]




Nicole: You know what happens with movie franchises: They either sink or swim after that first amazing effort. And, since Iron Man 2 was at times uneven and a pale comparison to Iron Man 1, I was thinking this might be Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr.) swan song. I’m really, really glad to say I was wrong.

elizabeth: Are you getting kickbacks from Mr. Downey? I just don’t get the appeal. Iron Man gets squeezed by a Mandarin? Oh, I’m scared.

 
Nicole: Humph, I only wish. From your lips to God's ears, Cassidy. Look, it's not enough to say Iron Man 3 was a great movie – it had a lot to live up to after the success of last summer’s The Avengers, which brought together Marvel’s team of superheroes (Thor, Black Widow, Hulk, Captain America, Hawkeye and, of course, Iron Man) under the incredible direction of ultimate fanboy Joss Whedon. The camaraderie that Tony Stark (Iron Man) enjoyed with the Avengers is, admittedly, hard to match – but Downey Jr. is always able to pull off a terrific performance of equal parts kick-ass action, hilarious one liners and hubris-laden bravado. (Maybe I’m not qualified to write this review, since I admit to being biased on all things RDJ: I would seriously watch him read the phone book.)

elizabeth: I think RDJ (as you call him; what is this your new pet name?) is quite the talented actor, but when talent succumbs to films like this, I start to mourn the actor’s ability to do anything else. He will always be labeled Iron Man and that will hinder his ability to get more serious roles. I am acting like I am a Hollywood insider. Let’s take a meeting.

Nicole: Oh, pah-lease. You woefully underestimate his talents. He's a chameleon. He could easily switch from highbrow drama to tongue-in-cheek action seamlessly. I have no worries about the direction of his career; I'm just so very glad he has one. (Bobby, make the check out to CASH.) Iron Man 3 takes place post-Avengers saving NYC (and, by default, the world) from alien takeover. And, it’s clear Stark is still dealing with those events. Suffering from PTSD, represented by severe panic attacks and insomnia, we’re reminded that Stark is human after all and that Iron Man is just a suit he wears. What’s more, Stark comes to this realization himself in a very meaningful and life changing way. But, that’s all I’ll say. You take the journey with him…and ask no questions. Just enjoy the ride.

elizabeth: So Iron Man never heard of valium? Meditation, a vegan diet, cheap wine and free rentals from the library? So does he open a bakery with the most beautiful woman in the world?

Nicole: Based on that last sentence, I think you could use a valium. Like Stark, the people around him are growing and changing, too. Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau), no longer Stark’s bodyguard, has moved up in the ranks of Stark Enterprises to head of security. Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), now comfortable in her role as the CEO of Stark Enterprises wields not only power in the boardroom, but in her relationship with Stark as well. Don Cheadle, is – unfortunately – forgettable as Iron Patriot/Col. James Rhodes. Guy Pearce, as pathetic crackpot inventor turned evil genius Aldrich Killian, is just this side of smarmy. And, Sir Ben Kingsley as “The Mandarin” is…without revealing too much…inspired.

elizabeth: You really like this crap, don’t you? Do you see what I am saying here – Gandhi is now a terrorist. Geeez.

Nicole: Yes, yes I do like this crap. I admit it! My name is Nicole...and I'm a Fangirl. Franchise devotees will no doubt enjoy Stan Lee’s cameo (blink and you’ll miss it, just the way he likes ‘em) and an end-of-credits scene that is well worth sticking around for. So, go see Iron Man 3 and don’t worry a hair on your head that it won’t live up to your expectations.

elizabeth: Beam me up, Scotty! Wrong franchise? Foiled again!

The Film Fatales give IRON MAN 3

To the Wonder

The Film Fatales wonder about To the Wonder. Is it Magnifique or pure merde?

IN THEATERS & ON DEMAND. 2012. 112 minutes.  Starring Ben Affleck, Olga Kurylenko, Rachel McAdamsand Javier Bardem. Directed by and written by Terrence Malick

Michel, Marina and Neil come to Oklahoma, where problems arise. Marina meets a priest and fellow exile, who is struggling with his vocation, while Neil renews his ties with a childhood friend, Jane. (imdb)

 elizabeth: The beginning of this movie is just breathtaking with Paris as the backdrop. You felt transported to the city of lights and I was completely charmed by what was shown and not said in the first few minutes of the movie. It was moody and mysterious and the passion between Ben and Olga’s characters almost jumped off the screen and landed into an unmade bed. But then very quickly, the scenery changed and I was confused by why anyone would leave Paris for the flatlands of America. And the only thing that intrigued me was Affleck’s strong jaw line. But can that sustain a movie? Methinks not.

Nicole:  No, no it cannot. Then again, I sat through Australia for Hugh Jackman’s shirtless scenes, so I’m no one to judge.

elizabeth:  I must confess that I must have nodded off during the movie because I read the review above and do not recall half of it. I found myself not really caring about the characters because I don’t think they knew what they were doing there. They felt stiff and plastic and even all that dancing could not loosen them up.  I don’t think you should have to read a review of the movie after you see it so you can understand it. I am not that thick. (Nicole, please insert barb right about here.)

Nicole: Well, you’re kind of handing this to me, aren’t you? Other film critics have the same complaint as you, Cassidy – if that’s any consolation. In retrospect, I’m glad you were kind to warn me off this film and saved me the extra $7.99 on my digital cable bill. That being said, I am the one who suggested we check it out, so I must admit to just the tiniest bit of schadenfreude at the moment.

elizabeth:  I really tried to follow and embrace  this movie. I even read the subtitles without moving my lips. I wanted to feel smug that I get the French’s point of view, but I enjoyed watching my cat clean himself over Javier Bardem’s portrayal of a priest. And to know me is to know that given the choice to choose between Javier and Colin Firth – well, I would take both.

Nicole:That’s really saying something, considering how you feel about Javier Bardem (which is pretty much illegal in 22 states).  Isn’t it interesting how great actors somehow end up in bad films? Is it because they want to work with a certain filmmaker or cast? Or is it because they want the paycheck?

elizabeth: This is really pathetic but I don’t remember how the movie ended.  I would write more but my cat needs help. He can’t reach his back. Fade to black.

The Film Fatales give this movie the boot.