Films of March

Broken City ***

Russel Crowe and Mark Wahlberg were strong, gritty and played their roles well in this suspense filled crime drama. However, the storyline was rather predictable, and it appeared to me that it was just a matter of time before Mayor Hostetler (Crowe) was going to be taken down by the good guys.
This is still a film worth seeing, as it has the edge of the seat thrills and spills to keep you entertained throughout.


 Robot and Frank ****

Set in the near future, Frank, played by Frank Langella is an old man who is living by himself and slowly losing his memory. His son decides to give him a robot that will help him in his daily tasks, while trying to improve his condition. The relationship between Robot and Frank is a touching one. Frank doesn't like the robot, but they become friends and the film is an interesting story of what life could be like in the near future.

For once a film set in the future was realistic, unlike most films that over estimate technological advancements in such a short jump to the future.


The Incredible Burt Wonderstone ***

I wouldn't say that this was Carell's best film, but there are still a lot of comical scenes involving Carell, Carrey and Buscemi. Burt Wonderstone (Steve Carell) is a selfish, ignorant magician and like the majority of the films I have watched this month it followed quite a predictable route. However, that wasn't as much of an issue here, with it being a a fun comedy to sit back and enjoy. Olivia Wilde, who seems to pop up in a film every month these days, had some of the laugh out loud moments.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is an enjoyable comedy with an inevitable ending.


Side Effects ***

Steven Soderbergh's last film Side Effects is a well made crime drama with a big twist, which wasn't obvious, but also wasn't much of a major shock. Nevertheless it is still a tense, well acted story that keeps your mind running throughout.
This is supposed to be Soderbergh last film. However, he is only 50 and I very much doubt this will be the last we see of him. Soderbergh is not the only one to say they're retired and inevitably return, just look at Liam Neeson. Why Soderbergh hasn't just said he's taking some timeout instead of pretending he's retiring I'm not too sure. Maybe it's to create more hype for his next film.


G.I Joe: Retaliation **

I decided to go see G.I Joe in 3D, as I had seen a 3D trailer and for once the 3D actually seemed good. However, the 3D was the best aspect of the film. It was an all action blockbuster, with a lot of guns and explosions, which is enjoyable but the acting was rudimentary and the enjoyment of this film was up and down, as a comical scene was followed by a corny scene or vice versa. The ending was also painfully corny and patriotic.