DISTRICT 9

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ART & COPY

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HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE

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Director: David Yates
Category: kids
Rating: PG
Running time: 2hr 33mins

Terri says:

The best part about the Harry Potter film adaptations is they get darker and darker each time. Having not read the books, but supported by HP readers, the latest installment seemed to jump around a lot making the storyline a tad shaky. However, even if you don't follow the books and/or films, Half-Blood Prince is sure to keep your attention. Overall, I don't feel as if they could have done any better without the film being over four hours. I do think they adapted the film as best as they could given the text and its antsy following since this was supposed to come out last November since what's-it-called took it's place... that's right, Twilight.

VERDICT: 3.5

THE HANGOVER

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Director: Todd Phillips
Category: Comedy
Rated: R
Running time: 1hr 40 mins

Terri says:

This is yet another "Frat Pack" summer flick that is about as random as you can get. I can only imagine what the pitch was like... At any rate, there is not much to say here. It's dirty and hilarious. It's been a while since I've seen it (and pretty much old news at this point), but I remember it was enjoyable and good to have a beer or two afterwards.

VERDICT: 3.0

ANVIL! THE STORY OF ANVIL

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Director: Sacha Gervasi
Category: Documentary, musical
Rated: Not rated
Running time: 1 hr 30 mins

Terri says:

My first impression of Anvil! was the film was a big joke and not a documentary (Spinal Tap part two?). I realized a few minutes in these musicians were not acting and they were being themselves. After this realization, my attitude went from light-hearted to involving, caring and serious. What changed my mind so drastically was the purgatory rather than hell this band that's been together for over 20 years would stop at nothing to stay together.

Anvil went through the ringer on their tour through Europe with new manager/longtime fan Tiziana Arrigoni. Though she means well, she manages horribly to the point where the band did not make a penny for their performances even though they are known as the greatest Canadian metal band. The audience's hearts break when lead singer Steve "Lips" Kudlow pours his heart out to friend/Anvil's drummer Robb Reiner, who could pass easily for his brother. It's strange to see so much love and passion come from members of a metal band.

If you've seen Anvil! be referred to as a real-life Spinal Tap, here's why: a visit to Stonehenge (like Spinal Tap's classic song), disputes with management, mediocre success and fights between the Lips and Robb are frequent (like Nigel and David). From those references, you do have a giggle inside your head (especially when they visit Stonehenge). Besides that, Anvil! is very much separated from the spoof metal band and does deserve to be taken seriously.

Overall, this film is recommended for all interested. The language is rough at times and there are light illegal substance references and usage, so I would not recommend this for audience members under the age of 17. Don’t see this movie if you’re expecting to see another Spinal Tap movie. This is a movie story with an unpredictable setting, which makes it even greater of a film.

VERDICT: 4.0

ANGELS & DEMONS

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Director: Ron Howard
Category: Drama, suspense
Rated: PG-13
Running time: 2 hr 18 mins

Terri says:

Angels & Demons exceeded expectations in both style and storytelling. Unlike the controversial subject The Da Vinci Code tackled, Angels used existing Vatican monuments similar to National Treasure movies... for grown-ups. Yes, it is really corny to use that comparison, but it's true. What's also great about this adaptation is the audience doesn't feel like they are being spoon-fed information by having the riddles eagerly explained to them. Instead the experience is more educational as the exciting plot unfolds...

In case you haven't heard what the film is about, Harvard professor/symbolist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) is requested by the Vatican to help uncover clues as four Roman Catholic cardinals are being help hostage after the Pope passed away. In the meantime, physicist Vittoria Vetra (Ayelet Zurer) is on a quest to track down a canister of antimatter strong enough to take out Vatican City and part of Rome. Working together, Langdon and Vetra are guided by police and Camerlengo Patrick McKenna (Ewan McGregor).

What I'm impressed with most is the acting done by McGregor. Besides being devastatingly handsome, he proves his talent to go past the mainstream status of the movie (unlike the Star Wars prequel films) and more along the lines of Big Fish in terms of getting into character. He is a phenomenal actor and pleased he is getting roles (and recognition) he deserves without selling out. Hanks was better in this film as Langdon rather than Da Vinci Code showing a bit more humor and being more at ease with Brown's protagonist. Zurer played the role well, however, it seems like her role should have been more prominent that it was portrayed much like Audrey Tautou's role in Da Vinci Code. I am not sure this was close to her portrayal in Brown's novel, but it seemed Zurer was thrown in the scenes at times.

Overall, it's an entertaining piece and recommend it to anyone who's interested. Oh yeah and by the way, if you're squeamish to violence, be prepared to keep one hand free every now and again.

VERDICT: 3.5

IS ANYBODY THERE?

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Director: John Crowley
Category: Drama
Rated: PG-13
Running time: 1 hr 35 mins

Terri says:

One of the best differences to see about an American film from a British film is the British could care less if the film would be a box office success. Seeing this film spontaneously (and beating out the other options of I Love You, Man and the Wolverine movie), the outcome was mixed.

Clarence (Michael Caine) is a retired musician living in a husband and wife owned retirement home. He befriends the couple's young son, Edward (Bill Milner), who has a growing fascination with death and what happens in the afterlife. Meanwhile, Edward's mom (Anne-Marie Duff) is struggling to keep the place up and running while his father (David Morrissey) is starting to go through a mid-life crisis with their 18 year-old maid.

The main focus is on the friendship between Clarence and Edward, but the tension between the mom and dad was equally addressed. Even though the storyline line was wonderful, I felt like the little boy's life outside his home should have been explored more. There were tiny scenes at school or with a friend, but there should have been more elements in a different setting. What was also a plus is to see the heartache that goes along aging. It was neither glamorized nor blown out of proportions. Caine and Milner were fantastic in their roles. Duff was equally superb to Caine and Milner, but proved she was a better talent than her very attractive husband, James McAvoy. Overall, I think I'd see this again if it were on cable or on instant Netflix. It was good, but not great.

VERDICT: 2.5