The Fighter, Green Hornet, 127 Hours, How Do You Know

Director of the current, splendid BLACK SWAN, Darren Aronofsky was originally slated to direct THE FIGHTER, but David O. Russell was chosen after Aronofsky moved on to the aborted ROBOCOP sequel and ended up making SWAN instead. Aronofsky is listed as an executive producer on THE FIGHTER, and his influence shows. Basically a true life sports movie, THE FIGHTER benefits greatly from a half dozen very fine performances, and some straightforward no nonsense direction which propels the plot along on the gasoline of the intense interpersonal relationships between the central characters. Crack addicted ex-boxer older brother (played with his usual creative energy by Christian Bale) tries to train his younger brother (a fine Mark Wahlberg), but is no help due to his addiction. Their mother, who remains delusional about the drug problem, is played by the magnificent Melissa Leo, who right now is at the TOP of her game. I didn't even recognize her for several minutes after her attention getting entrance--I was so transfixed by her antics. In the past couple years she's blown me away as the lead in FROZEN RIVER, and amazing small roles in this year's CONVICTION and THE DRY LAND. She appears in many many small, independent films as well as TV (especially HOMICIDE:Life on the Streets) and this could very well be her big year--she's the leading contender for the best supporting actress Oscar and just won the Golden Globe in that category, as did Christian Bale for supporting actor. Amy Adams as the fighter's girlfriend is also quite good, as are the many other characters that populate this engrossing film. My only complaint is that the film ends on a predictable note, but getting there is the pleasure. GRADE-------A-

A terrific surprise, THE GREEN HORNET benefits from the sensationally ballsy presence of Seth Rogen, who wrote and executive produced the film. I've never been a big fan of his, but he is slimmed down, beefed up, and cocky as hell, and it works in a funny, disarming way. He is being reigned in a bit by director Michael Gondry (ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, SCIENCE OF SLEEP) who takes his time building character relationships and carefully building the preposterous plot, without depending too much on car chases and explosions. This film feels like BATMAN RETURNS or KICK ASS, and a better, lighter WATCHMEN. Jay Chou is a lot of fun as Kato, and Christof Waltz (last year's Oscar winner for INGLORIOUS BASTERDS) is a great bad guy, again. Unfortunately, the film is being promoted for it's 3-D features, which is totally unnecessary. There are very few moments when the uncomfortable 3-D glasses are needed. Note to filmmakers:---STOP RIPPING US OFF BY CHARGING US AN EXTRA $4 FOR BAD 3-D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GRADE-----B+

Directed by Danny (SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE) Boyle, 127 HOURS is made about as well as a basically one character movie can be made, and James Franco is very convincing in the true story of how a lone hiker survived 127 HOURS in a desert cavern while his arm was pinned by a large boulder. To say the least, he (Boyle, Franco and the main character) are/is/was remarkably resourceful. The film is "opened up" with flash backs, dreams, visions and beautiful shots of nature at work. It is surprisingly upbeat and powerful, in spite of the limited storyline. It works a lot better than the recent BURIED which had Ryan Reynolds trapped in an underground casket with his amazingly powerful cell phone for 90 minutes. GRADE----B+

James L. Brooks is a hit or miss writer/director, especially these days. Here is a miss---HOW DO YOU KNOW. His best films (BROADCAST NEWS 1987, AS GOOD AS IT GETS 1997, TERMS OF ENDEARMENT 1983) seem effortlessly funny and smart and dramatic. HOW DO YOU KNOW plods along with some clever ideas and charming actors, but the laughs are very weak and inconsistent, and the plot seemed very belabored and unbelievable. Are we to believe that the VP of a big company headed by his father has no idea as to why he is being indited and audited by the IRS? That he must sell all he has to move into a small apartment because his company (and father) won't pay his legal bills? That a young talented female athlete is so insecure that she must keep returning to her sexist, philandering boyfriend three times during the course of this film--even though someone much more suitable is there in front of her??? Jack Nicholson, Owen Wilson, Paul Rudd and Reese Witherspoon are attractive, effective actors, but the fault in this one is squarely with Mr. Brooks. GRADE-------C-

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THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ALICE CREED (2009) is a smart, wicked British film that never opened theatrically in the US about a couple of ex-cons who kidnap a rich girl for ransom. It's an economical film that effectively uses realism and violence and big twists to keep the plot moving in unexpected ways. Although I predicted the first two big twists (I guess I've seen too many movies....) it was still riveting to watch and is well acted by the three main characters. It is now out on DVD. GRADE--------B

Another great performance by Alec Guinness highlights the droll little British comedy THE MAN IN THE WHITE SUIT (1951) which features Guinness as an eccentric chemist who invents a fabric that resists dirt and will never wear out. Unfortunately, the clothing industry wants to suppress this as it will mean fewer new clothes will need to be manufactured. (Think how car companies suppressed the electric car....for example) and soon the chemist is on the run from executives and co-workers alike. Clever, intelligent and amusing. GRADE-------B

Frank Sinatra is a rich playboy with a half dozen girl friends, and you know that one of them will get him to settle down, but good, in the film adaptation of the Broadway play THE TENDER TRAP (1955). The comedy is rather tame, and the serious subjects (infidelity, divorce, loneliness, obsessiveness) are glossed over, but the cast, which includes Debbie Reynolds, Celeste Holms, and David Wayne are smooth and curiously compelling---Reynolds has her whole married life mapped out before even meeting her future husband, Holms is so desperate not to be left an old maid that she's willing to settle for either a married man or a philanderer, and Wayne seems willing to toss out his 12 year marriage with kids just to have an affair. And of course the song THE TENDER TRAP is sung and reprised about 4 times during this film--it is one of Sinatra's best signature songs. GRADE--------B-