Sherlock Holmes: Chemistry, My Dear Watson

Sherlock Holmes is one of the most beloved literary figures in history. He’s smart, savvy, and he does whatever it takes to win the day. Robert Downey Jr’s Holmes is real, gritty, and more raw than any other I can remember. It’s fabulous. This movie will be a crowd pleaser in more ways than one, but one of my favorite parts is the way the script stays true to the heart and soul of the classic character of Sherlock Holmes. At the outset, as well as several times throughout, the audience glimpses his thought processes and the way he analyzes every situation before taking action. He takes the time to explain how he comes to certain conclusions after he apprehends the bad guys, and just as with the books, it boggles the mind how every little piece fits together. Some might suggest that the film’s creators have gone a bit too far, nearly turning Holmes into some sort of super hero instead of the introspective sleuth of old, but the update resonates with me.

If the character of Holmes is the first positive of my experience, then the chemistry between the characters is next on my list of great things about this film. Jude Law is perhaps the last person I would have suggested to play Dr. Watson. Well, maybe not the last. That might have been Will Ferrell or Josh Hartnett. At any rate, I would have missed the boat because Jude Law’s portrayal is not only spot on but he brings more to the table than Dr. Watson has any right to. In addition, the chemistry between he and Robert Downey Jr. (Holmes) is fantastic. They strike a perfect balance of humor and affection that is endearing and true to the relationship as it was written. Rachel McAdams plays Irene Adler, and to be honest, she’s never let me down yet (conveniently forgetting Red Eye). Her relationship with Holmes is full of romantic tension and professional competition, both of which are done to perfection.

There are several scenes that get a bit too Spiderman-ish for me. There’s an awful lot of slow motion fighting, face-offs that take place high above the ground, and other such outlandish feats for a believable Holmes storyline. I don’t mind the character of Sherlock Holmes being seen as a kind of superhero, but the setting is another thing all together. Holmes lives and breathes in 19th century England and for his character to work properly he needs to remain there. The actual plot is my least favorite part of the film, but for me, it’s also the least important. I wouldn’t spoil it for you anyway, but to be honest the story’s not what makes you want to keep watching. I never understood what went on in any depth, never cared for the random potential victims or feared the bad guy. All that matters is that Holmes figures it out and then explains it to us. Beyond that, the movie is really about the relationship between Watson and Holmes, with a little romance tossed into the mix by McAdams. There’s enough humor to keep you laughing, enough mystery to keep you guessing, and enough chemistry for additional films. Which, based on the thinly veiled reference at the end, are all ready being planned.

The film is a must see at the theatre, as far as I’m concerned. As far as kids go, I would take the PG-13 rating literally because of some graphic and violent death scenarios.

For Additional Poptimal reviews of Sherlock Holmes check out Sherlock Holmes: Jolly Good Show, Chaps by Paul Secrest.

Ten Christmas Movies You Shouldn’t Miss

If you out there grumbling that EVERYONE has all ready seen all these movies, I think you will be surprised to know you are wrong. I’m constantly astonished that these films, which I consider staples of the holiday season, are missing from people’s homes, memories, and experiences.

I’m going to give it one last go and attempt to talk some folks into branching out their holiday movie viewing. If my suggestions stink, at least you know TBS will be running A Christmas Story for twenty-four hours straight in a few days. I’m a warm fuzzy kind of gal when it comes to Christmas films, as you are about to find out.

10 – Home Alone (1990)  I have to say, I debated on this one. It almost didn’t make it. Then I remembered the old man and the lessons learned by both young Kevin and his parents during his ordeal, softening my heart toward Macaulay Culkin just a smidge. In addition, it’s a movie that can be watched with children for both entertainment value and a message. I recall my mother not caring for it because it was an unbelievable premise, but several holiday films fall into that category, and its not a reason to banish this one. Solid family viewing.

9 – Holiday Inn (1942) Some might call it old, I call it classic. Be prepared, because the classic Christmas movies do it best and there will be plenty more on my list. This one belongs here because, A. It has Fred Astaire. B. It has Bing Crosby. C. It was the first time the song White Christmas was ever performed. See it. Yes, it’s in black and white. I promise that doesn’t mean it stinks. Good for any age, might have trouble holding the attention of the wee ones.

8 – The Polar Express (2004) In my opinion, this is one of the more moving experiences in holiday movies in recent memory. It gets back to what we love about the more traditional movies, a heartfelt message about what can be accomplished when we let ourselves believe in something outside our realm of understanding. A young boy who has trouble believing in fanciful things like Christmas and Santa, boards the Polar Express for a trip to the North Pole. Your kids (and you) will be impressed by the animation and wooed by the story.

7 – A Christmas Carol (various versions) Countless versions of this old tale have been woven for us over the decades. Most recently, of course, Jim Carrey took on the role of Mr. Scrooge. The Muppets have given it a go. Scrooged, with Bill Murray, is worth a mention in this category. It’s a different take and funnier than most, not for kids though. The basic plot is a timeless one, with a crotchety old Christmas hater being given the chance to look at his life through the eyes of others. It never fails to touch me at the end when he realizes the true meaning and spirit of Christmas. Most versions, especially the Muppet one, are kid friendly.

6 – Elf (2003) You have no idea how hard it is for me to include this film on my list. Typically, there are about a million things I’d rather do than watch a Will Ferrell movie. I forgive the casting director for this film because its sweet message is not completely obscured by Ferrell’s ridiculous over acting. His character is endearing as he searches for his father and his place in the world. His enthusiasm for Christmas spreads to those around him, infecting previously grumpy folks with appropriate amounts of cheer. Another one for you and the kiddos and plenty of laughs plus good feelings.

5 – A Christmas Story (1983) Yes, it made my top five. I know most of you probably would have ranked it higher. I’ve seen several lists that rank it as the number one Christmas movie of all time. I’m not sure if I’ve been negatively affected by the twenty-four hour running of it on TBS the past few years or if the humor wears off after the first fifty viewings, but I can’t imagine wanting to sit and watch the whole thing anytime soon. It is funny, it depicts the era in which my parents grew up in an amazingly realistic light, and every family can identify with some aspect of the story. It’s missing a message, though, and it doesn’t give me that warm fuzzy. Still, solid Christmas fun.

4 – White Christmas (1954) This film, starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, grew out of Holiday Inn. It features fabulous singing and a warming story about two army buddies who go out of their way to save the failing business of their old commanding officer. There is also love, intrigue, and plenty of laughs. If you enjoy music, singing, knock-your-socks off performances, and a sweet and sturdy story, this one can’t be missed. In fact, if you haven’t seen this film, I’m glaring at you right now. Get to it.

3 – Miracle on 34^th Street (1937, remade 1994) The first thing I want to say is see the original. The second one creeps me out a little bit. With a theme reminiscent of Polar Express, the young and street savvy girl in this movie doesn’t believe in Santa Clause. Her mother works at Macy’s and she begins to interact with a man who believes he actually is Saint Nick. Through a series of events the little girl opens her heart to the man, giving in and believing in him, in Santa, for the first time in her life. There is also a parallel story arc with her mother, a grown version of the cynical girl, who manages to finally loosen up long enough to fall in love. Touching and adorable, this one can’t be missed if you’re looking for a movie to leave you feeling better about people.

2 – Christmas Vacation (1989) I love this movie. If you can watch this and not laugh at least a half a dozen times, you should have your funny bone checked. This is my family’s Christmas Day tradition, and listening to my dad and sister laughing out loud is part of what makes Christmas for me. Remembering my grandfather shaking his head and grinning from his chair brings happy memories of when my house was full of family who are now gone. Despite all the laughs, it is a genuinely touching story as Clark realizes that the tree, presents, dinners, and lights don’t make Christmas – his family does. Its something we can all use a reminder of every once in a while, and this film can give it to you while you are cracking up. A rare gem of a combination. Fine for older children. Innuendo and cursing may be too extreme for the little ones.

1 – It’s a Wonderful Life (1947) Not just my favorite Christmas movie, but my favorite movie of all time, it’s a must see any time of year. Watch it. Make your kids watch it. Talk about what it means, about why it’s important, and why we all need to learn the same lessons as George Bailey sometimes. I’m dumbfounded at how many people have told me they’ve never seen this movie. I didn’t even know that was possible, or legal. It should be illegal. George begins the movie as a man who believes that because he’s never left the town he was born in, never made a lot of money, or never accomplished anything he dreamed of as a child his life is worth nothing. When he stands to lose what little he does have, he considers killing himself. An angel visits him (with some great bits of comedy) and gives him the chance to see what the town, his family, and friends would be like if he’d never been born. He realizes that even though he hasn’t made money or done any great act, all of the acts of kindness, of friendship, and being a decent human being have had great impact on both those he knows and those he doesn’t. That being rich or having influence doesn’t make you successful. I cannot count the number of times I’ve seen the film but I cry at the end every time. The message is one that everyone could use, at least once a year.

I would love to hear opinions on what your favorite holiday films are, and whether or not you think I left out something glaringly obvious. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year.

FRIDAY, 25th

ELF: Merry Christmas! Before you start heading to the mall tomorrow to return those unwanted gifts, put your feet up and have a laugh with this new holiday classic. (8pm/USA)

Don’t Linger On The Men Who Stare At Goats

I’ll be honest here: I’m a much bigger fan of the Michael Clayton, Three Kings, Ocean’s Eleven (but not the sequels), Syriana, Good Night, and Good Luck George Clooney than I am of the Oh Brother Where Art Thou?, Intolerable Cruelty, Burn After Reading, and now The Men Who Stare At Goats George Clooney. I like the suave but haunted, sarcastic but romantic George Clooney…not the isn’t-it-so-great-that-I’m-this-handsome-but-I-can-also-play-a-complete-moron George Clooney. His performance in Michael Clayton was nothing short of masterful, and that movie should have won the Oscar in 2007, not No Country For Old Men (and don’t even get me started on the hamtastic, impossibly pretentious slog that was There Will Be Blood). But I just can’t get behind the George Clooney as buffoon thing. I don’t buy it. I only enjoyed The Men Who Stare At Goats—a film that desperately wants to be Dr. Strangelove—slightly more than Batman & Robin. And being that I left the theater in tears after seeing that one (literally), that’s saying something.

Don’t get me wrong, the cast is tremendous. In addition to Clooney, there’s Ewan McGregor (who I liked more in this film than I have in his other films), Kevin Spacey, Stephen Lang, and Jeff Bridges. I love Jeff Bridges too! But he’s playing The Dude 2.0 from The Big Lebowski. The movie claims to be based on a true story, but for a comedy about people learning to focus their minds, The Men Who Stare At Goats comes off as oddly unfocused and meandering. It’s basically a few very funny scenes strung together in search of a narrative. It’s a movie I would watch clips of, but I would never watch the whole thing ever again.

If you haven’t seen the trailers (and if nothing else, the film has been well-marketed), the story concerns Ewan McGregor’s reporter Bob Wilton, who stumbles onto the story of a lifetime when he meets Clooney’s Lyn Cassady. Lyn claims he took part in an American army unit training psychic spies to develop a buch of “Parapsychological” skills including (but not limited to) walking through walls, “cloud bursting,” invisibility, “remote viewing,” and intuition. The unit was known as the First Earth Batallion, and it was started by Jeff Bridges’ (who else?)  Bill Django, a New Age stoner kind of guy who traveled across the country in the 1970s trying every New Age deal in the book. His two best students, as it were, were Cassady and Kevin Spacey’s dastardly Larry Hooper (never trust a guy named Larry…or Tony…or Buddy). But whereas Cassdy wanted to use the force for good (a true Jedi), Hooper went over to the Dark Side.

The film picks up with Bob and Lyn in the present day, beginning a new mission in Iraq (ooh, we’re culturally relevant!). But they are kidnapped and must contend with Hooper and his evil minions. The exact nature of all this is unimportant, because the film doesn’t really care about building a plot. That’s the fundamental problem: the movie is too comfortable, too certain that it’s quirky and offbeat and relevant. It is all of those things, but it lacks a point of view. Dr. Strangelove had a point of view that was enhanced by the unchecked absurdity of the plot, but Goats does not. It’s sporadically funny and the cast is talented, but they’re not really committed to hitting it out of the park. Everything just feels too comfortable, too pat, too safe. I really think Clooney is better off when he tries to be somewhat serious.

It’s not a terribly long film, and it is competently shot by a great DP, Robert Elswit (who I had the pleasure of meeting recently). I just felt that the talent involved was capable of more, even the director, longtime Clooney friend and business partner Grant Heslov, who makes his iffy directorial debut here. Though to be fair, it’s all a big cut above anything Will Ferrell or any of the typical comedy stars put out. Seriously though, if you want to watch a war comedy with cultural relevance starring George Clooney, pop in Three Kings.

Gervais Clever “Invention”

I don’t watch very many new comedies these days, because most of what comes out appeals to me about as much as being castrated with a fork. My favorite comedies are movies like As Good As It Gets and Midnight Run and Tin Cup. I can’t stand Will Ferrell or anything that guy is in, don’t care for Paul Rudd or Jason Segel or Michael Cera or Seth Rogen or virtually any of the leading stars of the genre. I didn’t want to see Extract or Baby Mama or Land of the Lost or virtually any comedy that has come out in the last several years. Probably the last comedy I saw that I really liked was Hot Fuzz. I’m not a sourpuss, really, I love to laugh as much as anyone. I just can’t identify with the protagonists of most recent comedies, and I’m not one of those people who can pronounce things as “so stupid it’s funny.” To me, if something is stupid, it’s just stupid (and a waste of my time).

I haven’t watched very much of The Office or Entourage and I’m not a fan of 30 Rock. I do like Californication and Rescue Me though. My point in all this rambling is that I’m not a big comedy guy and I don’t see many these days. So if I say that I not only saw but liked a recent comedy, that’s really saying something. And I both saw and liked Ricky Gervais’ The Invention of Lying. It’s smart, creative, original, driven by a three-dimensional character and unlike a sketch has something to say.

Like I said, I never watched The Office (the British or the American version). I haven’t seen Extras either. My only exposure to Ricky Gervais was through Ghost Town, his last movie, which I saw on a recommendation from my cousin Sara. I liked that one too. The guy’s funny, he’s talented, and he’s been around awhile so he’s worth watching. The Invention of Lying is his best movie yet.

The movie launches from a simple but also subversive concept: in an alternate world where humans always speak with brutal honesty and haven’t evolved with the capacity to lie, what would happen if one man suddenly learned how? This man is Mark Bellison, played by Gervais of course, who also co-wrote and co-directed the film.

The comedy comes both from watching characters say whatever is on their mind, no matter how wicked or inappropriate or taboo (like Jim Carrey in Liar, Liar, which I did like) and from watching them suddenly believe whatever Bellison says, no matter how ridiculous the lie. We’ve all dreamed of telling our boss or neighbor or colleague exactly what we think of them, so the movie provides us with a cathartic wish-fulfillment vehicle. But the movie isn’t content with only giving us that for two hours; it has more tricks up its sleeve. What I find missing from a lot of modern comedies is heart, and Lying has it.

About halfway through the film, the farcical elements subside a little and make room for a thoughtful (and still funny) satire of religion, which I’m always more than up for. Keep in mind that in the film’s world, religion has never existed. The film implies that religion is a lie because it deals with unknown quantities and unproven prophecies and to speak of it requires faith in an abstract concept. It can’t exist without certainty. So with his ability to lie, Bellison is able to single-handedly concoct the notion of religion. He doesn’t do it knowingly, but instead as he attempts to comfort his dying mother. But by doing so, he becomes a prophet, whether he wants to be or not. From there, the movie explores themes of whether honesty is more noble (even if it hurts) because it is always true, or if lying for the betterment of others is more commendable. But it’s never heavy-handed or didactic, and the film isn’t mean-spirited either. I’m sure some fanatics will whine about it because it dares to examine religion critically, but the movie isn’t pushing an agenda. At least it didn’t feel that way to me.

There’s a solid supporting cast, with Jennifer Garner playing the object of Gervais’ affection. But it’s not a conventional romance, even though I’ve seen some reviews that complained that it was. Rob Lowe plays to his strengths, the oily jerky coworker. Tina Fey shows up briefly, make of that what you will. It’s not a perfect film and it feels a little uneven at times. But it’s genuinely funny and has a brain, two qualities I find very rare in modern comedies. It’s a throwback to when comedies used to be about something, when they used to be funny and have something to say, like in the works of Billy Wilder and Mel Brooks and Martin Brest and James L. Brooks. That’s something I find well worth celebrating.    

Inside the Actors Studio: Television Geniuses Keep It Real and Give Back

The always hilarious Dave Chappelle returns to television for the 200th episode of Inside the Actors Studio.  Tables are turned this time, however, as Chappelle interviews the theatrical and often imitated host, James Lipton.  Writer, actor, producer, French knight, and yes-admittedly even the French version of a pimp at one time-Lipton revisits his long, illustrious career in the arts Read more

Ferrell and Reilly Get it Done Again

At first, I admit, when I saw previews for “Step Brothers,” I found the premise to be pretty, well, stupid. Physical comedy, bathroom humor, narcissism – all the trademarks of Will Ferrell or Judd Apatow characters, wrapped up in a ridiculous story: Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as middle-aged dudes who still live with their parents. After I saw the movie, though, it’s kind of inspired. All of the classic trials and tribulations that happen when two families merge are way funnier when the kids are beer-bellied forty-some-year-olds – and happen to be played by two of the funniest film actors of our time.

Mary Steenburgen plays a divorced reporter who falls head over heels for medical doctor and widower Richard Jenkins. In the heat of their passion, both confess that they have a middle-aged son, still living at home, confirming their match-made-in-heaven status. But things are rocky from the start – Brennan (Ferrell) and Dale (Reilly) find every reason to hate each other. With no jobs and a lot of free time, it’s easy to pull tons of destructive stunts, including defacing a drum set in a particular disgusting manner and destroying lots of property, ranging from a bed to a boat. Not only is there trouble at home, but there’s also trouble in the neighborhood. Brennan and Dale have never learned up to stand up for themselves in a fight, and there’s something absolutely hilarious about a pack of kids beating up the forty-something duo. Brenna’s older brother, Derek (played by Adam Scott). All of the problems caused by Brennan and Dale put a lot of stress on their parents’ new marriage. When they break up, what are two (adult) step-brothers to do?

I’d watch Ferrell and Reilly in just about anything, and this movie is a perfect example. Much of the movie’s humor consisted of genitalia or toilet jokes, but the actors make it (fairly) easy to stomach. Written by Ferrell and Adam McKay, the script is not their finest, but it’s not their worst, either. Kathryn Hahn (Anchorman) turns in another scene-stealing performance as Derek’s stifled, frustrated wife who falls for Dale. A cameo from slacker-comedy staple Seth Rogen also adds to the tiring shenanigans of Brennan and Dale. Overall, a fun flick with a hilarious concept, good execution, and decent pacing that’s sure to delight the frat pack and middle-aged sets alike.

Director: Adam McKay

Studio: Apatow Productions

Release Date:July 25, 2008

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 95 Minutes

Eh, At Least It’s Better Than Semi-Pro

Eh, at least it’s better than Semi-Pro. When that’s the highest praise that a faithful Will Ferrell fan can offer to Step Brothers, a movie that reunites the talents that made Talladega Nights such a hilarious success, it cements the fact that 2008 will go down as an only relatively less tragic version of Will’s 2005 resume that scorned the world with the releases of Kicking and Screaming and ewitched. This movie sets the bar as low as it can go, and then proceeds to tunnel directly beneath that bar with its depressingly shallow stupidity. The concept of man-children in a state of arrested development has driven many of this generation’s most notable comedies (Clerks, Billy Madison, Napoleon Dynamite, The 40 Year Old Virgin, etc.), but never before has the state of being a narcissistic unemployed middle aged loser been quite so exalted. When their parents (Mary Steenburgen and Richard Jenkins) get hitched, their pathetic 40-ish sons Dale & Brennan (Ferrell & Reilly) spend a few minutes as rivals before bonding over their excessively trailer hyped love of velociraptors and John Stamos. They pout, they break stuff, they stagnate as human beings, they make an hour and a half feel like three. That’s essentially the entire plot. At least Dumb and Dumber had that suitcase of money going for it. And Director Adam McKay (Talladega, Anchorman), apparently drunk on the success of his previous features and the much beloved baby landlord sketch on funnyordie.com, especially seems to be phoning it in with one plainly staged scene after another. Finally, Ferrell and McKay’s screenplay bludgeons the audience with awkward amounts of swearing. I’m far from opposed to 4 letter words, I just believe that it takes a truly great screenplay like Clerks, Pulp Fiction, or South Park to make cuss rants anything other than crass and lazy.

Lest I start making Step Brothers out to be the next Biodome, know that there some funny moments– even some very funny moments. It takes an act of willpower to get over the depressing immaturity of the characters, but if you can’t chuckle at a graphic teabagging, then you’re just plain dead inside. And while the language does get tiresome, when Ferrell taps into his full comedic potential to deliver absurd lines like “I’m gonna fill a pillow case full of bars of soap and beat the s— out of you” in a threatening whisper, laughing is in order. Also be on the lookout for a hilariously unsettling use of Guns n’ Roses classic hit “Sweet Child o’ Mine” and what qualifies as possibly the shortest, weirdest sex scene in film history. If you’re a Will Ferrell die hard, there’ll be no shame in renting Step Brothers a few months down the road, but save your theatrical dollars for the many better options available this summer. And Will, Land of the Lost had better kick ass next summer, or you just might wind up dead to me.

Director: Adam McKay

Studio: Apatow Productions

Release Date:July 25, 2008

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 95 Minutes