KANSAS CITY, MO —
FLIGHT (R)
RUSS
Sometimes, the success or failure of a movie is utterly dependent on the performance of its lead actor. Such is the case with the wrenching drama, “Flight.” Fortunately, Denzel Washington is more than up to the task.
SHAWN
Yes, My main man D has been sort of a super hero in his last few movies. Saving frieght trains from colliding and getting gully on the subway. It would only figure that his next move would be on aplane. But thankfully “Flight” ain’t that type of movie. It’s a well executed serious drama more about the inner ills of man who just happens to be a pilot and Denzel kills it. In a non Daniel Day Lewis as Lincoln year. This would be the performance of the year.
RUSS
Don’t be deceived by the trailer, however. “Flight” is NOT an “action-packed mystery thriller.” It’s a dark character study of an alcoholic’s battle with booze, drugs and self-deception. Its frank use of nudity, foul language and drug abuse is unique for a big Hollywood production, earning it a hard R rating.
SHAWN
Had to be rated R to maintain its sense of realism. It’s depection of drug and alchol abuse is brilliant. And the entire cast deliver an acting clinic. But the straw that stirs the drink is two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington.
RUSS
While it’s overlong and repetitive and occasionally dips into clichés, thanks to Washington’s solid portrayal, “Flight” remains airborne.
SHAWN
Extras include behind-the-scenes, making-of featurettes and cast Q&A highlights.
RUSS: 4 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags
PETER PAN: DIAMOND EDITION (G)
RUSS
Disney’s 1953 animated classic has been given the polished Blu-Ray treatment and offered in both a two-disk and three-disk package. It all depends on how much you desire in the extras department, but the movie stand on its own.
SHAWN
The movie is classic but not a masterpiece.
RUSS
While it’s one of Disney’s lesser animated efforts, it’s still a crowd-pleaser.
SHAWN
It’s a Disney releaseso the extras are loaded.
RUSS: 4 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
ALEX CROSS (PG-13)
SHAWN
in my world Alex Cross is Morgan Freeman. Period. End of story. In “Alex Cross” Tyler Perry has been hired to play the super intelligent
detective. But hiring Perry was not smart. Dude simple can not act and ‘Alex Cross” isn’t helped much with its bad script and horrible direction.
RUSS: DID NOT SCREEN
SHAWN: 0 Popcorn Bags
HERE COMES THE BOOM (PG-13)
SHAWN
“Here Comes the Boom” starring an extra jovial Kevin James and a ‘I’m clearly collecting a check’ Selma Hayek plays like if School of rock and rocky had a baby.
RUSS: Did Not Screen
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER (R)
SHAWN
“Celeste and Jesse” is a fresh and poignant romantic comedy. It totally doesn’t follow the usual romantic-comedy formula. And gives a great viewpopint of a post relationship relationship. Rashida Jones is fabulous and Andy Samberg is the best he’s ever been.
RUSS: Did Not Screen
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags