Review Roundup

I have been remiss in reviewing movies lately. I've been catching up with the new fall TV shows on my DVR, but I have seen a few in the last few weeks that I would recommend.

Tropic Thunder

Tropic Thunder, directed by Ben Stiller, had me laughing like I haven't in a long, long time. My husband did not know the whole setup, and went WTF? when the trailers for the actors started at the beginning. Everyone was hilarious in this, but Robert Downey, Jr. as such a method Australian actor that he surgically alters his skin to play the black soldier had me on the floor. There were so many inside Hollywood jokes and references to just about every war movie made and all the cliches. Tom Cruise was funny, but he didn't have me on the floor like the very un-PC conversation between Stiller and Downey: "Everyone knows you don't go full retard! Ask Sean Penn!" Three and a half stars and a laugh RIOT. If you missed it in theaters, make sure you rent this one.

The Bank Job

The Bank Job is based on a true story from the 1970's of a ham radio operator overhearing a robbery in progress. It's a solid performance by Jason Statham in a more understated role for him. I loved all the 1970's period costumes and sets. Very fun and definitely worth a rental. Three stars.

Burn After Reading

Burn After Reading -- Variety claimed this Coen Brothers film was "too silly." Well, I have to say, that I wasn't on the floor gasping for breath like I laughed in Tropic Thunder, but I chuckled quite a bit. The plot makes no sense, and even the CIA boss says "Get back to me...when it makes sense!" Who cares! The fun of this film is seeing all these actors spoofing themselves and their image. Brad Pitt as a blonde male bimbo is a riot. He steals the film for me like when he rides his BIKE to a meeting with the CIA agent! I loved the little quirks, like George Clooney's character who is a serial adulterer. Each house he enters, he can't help commenting on the floor, even in the midst of seduction. "Is that white maple?" There is a moment of violence that is quite shocking. I know this is a spy spoof and all, but it almost didn't belong in this film, except this is the Coen brothers who brought us the wood chipper in Fargo. Three stars. Great performances by the whole high wattage cast.