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KANSAS CITY, MO — JACK THE GIANT SLAYER (PG-13)
RUSS
Fee-fi-fo-fum, “Jack the Giant Slayer” left me numb. After viewing all of the expensive computer-generated giants in this competent but uninspired fantasy, I wish they’d chosen to use actors instead of effects.
SHAWN
Fee-fi-fo-fun, “Jack the Giant Slayer” nicely remixes the classic fairy tale the way Diddy used to flip tracks back in the ’90s. Built to entertain, definitely family certified, the movie delivers much in the same way those old Sinbad movies with the crazy stop-motion did back in the day.
RUSS
The filmmaking on display is impressive, but the movie never quite achieves the offbeat charm it was apparently after. It’s like “The Princess Bride” but without the laughs. It’s modest fun, but not worth the movie’s gigantic $190 million budget.
SHAWN
Sure the computer generated giants look a bit weird and cheap but things play out in spectacular fashion. Love how Stanley Tucci and Ewan McGregor put their “serious” actor card on hold to have a silly good time. And the two young leads rocked the three ‘C’s’ — chemistry, charm and couple-ability. Watching “Jack the Giant Slayer” is like listening to a Rick Ross song. He ain’t the best rapper but man are his songs catchy.
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
2) 21 AND OVER (R)
SHAWN Three college buddies celebrate the 21st birthday of their friend in “21 and Over.” Shamelessly inspired by “The Hangover” movies except not as clever or funny. But that’s not to say that this raunch fest isn’t entertaining. The three leads are enjoyable to watch as they make fools of themselves in an attempt to appeal to the YouTube generation. Just too bad the plot was as thin as Whiz Kalifia and the story as non-existent DMX.
RUSS: NO REVIEW
SHAWN: 2 Popcorn Bags
3) THE DOOR (Not rated)
RUSS
“The Door,” a short film from Ava DuVernay is essentially a 10-minute commercial for Miu Miu fashions. But if I have to watch a commercial, this is the way I want to see it…with beautiful women, chic clothing, striking music and an involving story, skillfully filmed.
SHAWN
Director Ava DuVernay is a gifted director. Remember her name. “The Door” is a very small sample size of her skill and genius. This short is better than 96.4 percent of the movies I’ve seen so far this year. Absolutely moving, poetic and visually stunning with a killa, yes with an ‘A’ soundtrack. Check out her feature length stuff “Middle of Nowhere” “I Will Follow'”and “This is the Life” all nice. She’s on track to becoming the Jay-Z of filmmaking. The best.
RUSS: 4 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags
