Pat's Movie Column :: Recommendations

July 2008

We're in the middle of our fantastic summer releases -- yay!  I've got reviews below for some of my favorites, plus I'm looking forward to THE DARK KNIGHT, THE ACCIDENTAL HUSBAND and BOTTLESHOCK.  Check out trailers at www.apple.com/trailers! 

In Theatres

* NEW * THE DARK KNIGHT — Wow. Very good movie with outstanding performances by Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, and the list goes on.  Gotham City is at the mercy of criminals, but can our own humanity save us?  This one was a little dark for me as I struggled to see the hope that BATMAN BEGINS most obviously had.  Still, a well-paced film with tons of action and plenty of emotion.

* NEW * MAMA MIA — For a fun pick-me-up, we saw MAMA MIA and sang all the way through.  Great performances, especially from Meryl Streep who has a beautiful singing voice.  This is a beautiful, light-hearted and entertaining film.

THE HULK — Edward Norton is awesome as the tortured Dr. Bruce Banner who struggles to control the rage that randomly turns him into a monster. He's had to give up his life as a researcher and his love of a fellow researcher (played by Liv Tyler) in his search for a cure while fleeing his enemies.  I enjoyed the movie and was pleasantly surprised by the level of emotion shared between the hero and heroine.  Way to go, Edward!!

WANTED — Although I found the violence a bit much, the movie has twists and turns to keep you engaged.  James McEvoy does a fine job of portraying a weakling-turned-assassin in this movie based on a graphic novel. That said, if you're squeamish you might want to take a pass or wait until it comes out on DVD.

GET SMART — It's funny, it's silly, it's a good time.  Steve Carell does a fine job in the lead and his female counterpart, played by Anne Hathaway, is smart and sexy.  Loved secondary performances by Alan Arkin and The Rock. 

IRONMAN — Robert Downey Jr. makes this movie!  It's a solid story about a hero's transformation from self-centered womanizer to (dare I say?) sensitive hero.  Great supporting performances by Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard (personal fav!).  See it in the theatre for maximum impact.

INDIANA JONES — Jam-packed with outstanding action scenes, but a confusing plot for me, personally.  Maybe I was tired?  It was GREAT to see Karen Allen again (heroine in very first Indy movies), and Cate Blanchett did a superb job as the villian.  It's doing GREAT at the box office, grossing over $150 million as I write this (5/30/08).