Reviews

Saw this at a preview screening last night and enjoyed it tremendously. Unlike viewers who had already read the novel by the same name after its release almost 25 years ago, I saw the film without any preconceived notions. Taken on its own terms, this is a well crafted movie that superficially appears to be a remake of The Last Starfighter, but is MUCH more complex. The U.S. Army recommends its officers read the novel as a treatise on leadership and morality in war.

I encourage viewers to be patient while we are walked through the obligatory training sequences of fresh-faced recruits. There are encounters with nasty young officers, tough NCOs, and progressively more difficult tactical challenges. Of course Ender Wiggins rises to the top through mentorship by his commander, played by Harrison Ford. The twist here is that these recruits are so young. There is a pivotal exchange between Ender and his commander about the ends justifying the means and how our conduct while waging war is a reflection of society itself. We are clearly being asked to look beyond the rhetoric about the frighteningly powerful, "evil," inhuman enemy and think about the millions of children pressed into service in present day earthly conflicts.

The director has done a fine job of breathing life into this multilayered story. It moves quickly and all its actors give fine performances - although I was shocked to see that Oscar winner Ben Kingsley was given so little to do. Even so, his subtle performance and perfect New Zealand accent were a standout. This isn't an effects driven movie, but there are lots of explosions, cool technology and brilliant visuals for those seeking such things. I saw the film in IMAX format and thought it was a distraction rather than being immersive. Seeing it in a regular theater is likely to be a more rewarding experience. The movie's climactic battle scene is breathtaking - not only for its ferocity but as the foundation for a surprise ending that literally changes the entire context of the film up to that point.

The author of Ender's Game stubbornly resisted previous attempts to translate his book to film. He co-authored the screenplay and produced this fine project. There were several other novels in this series and I hope we can look forward to equally excellent sequels. Highly recommended as a thinking man's alternative to big budget blow-em up Hollywood blockbusters.

Took in this movie at a preview screening last weekend. The theater was packed. About 1/3 of the crowd was turned away.

A fast-paced, blow up movie with a lot of heart. Pays homage to the brave men and women who serve in our military and weaves the Cobra threat into a plausible world framework. Standout performances by Dwayne Johnson, Channing Tatum and Jonathan Pryce. Keep your eyes peeled for the rescue scene in the Tibetan mountains - it will leave you breathless. Strongly recommended.

My screening was in IMAX 3D. Not sure that the 3D added all that much to the film, but the sound effects were superb. Quite the production - it's obvious that they had the bankroll to do LOTS of physical stunts in exotic locales. The CGI was seamless and kept to a minimum. Elaborate production design and costuming featuring some actual SEAL vehicles. This one will be inspiring hordes of toys and dress-ups for the younger set. Speaking of which, for a PG-13 film, I thought it was pretty conservatively cut. No coarse language, gore or horrific violence, just one scene that's sexually suggestive. I'd class this as a PG.

Saw The Incredible Burt Wonderstone at a preview showing this week. I was really looking forward to this one. How could you go wrong with Golden Globe winners James Gandolfini, Steve Carell & Jim Carrey as well as Oscar winner Alan Arkin? Emmy winning Director Don Scardino has dozens of TV credits to his name including 30 Rock, West Wing, Cosby Show, and 2 Broke Girls. This is his first big screen feature.

Regrettably, the talented actors and director were wasted on a largely predictable, cookie cutter script. The film's arc really played out just as if it was another TV sitcom. If you couldn't predict the next scene (or sometimes the next line) you had to be totally new to visual storytelling or weren't paying attention. It's a shame that the director didn't have the drive or vision to remold the screenplay into something more innovative.

None of this is to say that it was truly awful. It was a moderately pleasant diversion for its 100 minute runtime. The production values were high. There were a few moments with Carell and Carrey that were genuinely inspired. Jim Carrey's portrayal of shock magician Criss Angel was hilarious. The actor playing a Siegfried & Roy type magician was also a hoot.

Still, there were not enough of these moments for me to recommend the film. If it comes out on DVD soon, consider buying it. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother.

I saw Act of Valor several weeks ago in a preview screening. This is probably the most realistic depiction of modern-day SEAL operations to date. The battle scenes are fast-paced, well-filmed and absolutely thrilling. Beware Mom & Dad, that R rating is there for a reason. Warfare isn't pretty and this film unblinkingly depicts the ugly realities of armed covert missions.

Tom Clancy is one of the producers and it shows. The threat scenario is plausible and plays out as though it came from one of his books. Many of the authentic vehicles and surveillance technologies shown in this film have never before appeared in a Hollywood film to the best of my knowledge. It is clear that the Navy went out of their way to showcase what the SEALs do and how they do it. If I were a bad guy intent on harming US interests, I'd retire right away after seeing this film. You just DON'T want to tangle with these guys.

Act of Valor is a heartfelt tribute to the brave warriors who keep America safe. Taken solely as a realistic action film, it is worth the price of a ticket any day of the week. The final scenes at Arlington National Cemetery had me and most of the audience sniffling. My Dad is buried there and I understand their sacrifice more than most. He was a Naval Aviator who saw action in WWII and Korea.

If you insist on a well-written screenplay and nuanced, professional acting, this is not the movie for you. The "actors" are real, active-duty soldiers and they are VERY good at their profession. If you are thinking "Saving Private Ryan," you're on the wrong page. Think "Top Gun" with Navy SEALs and you're a bit closer to the structure and tone of this film. Recommended.