Starring: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton & Stacy Keach
Screenplay by Tony Gilroy & Dan Gilroy
Directed by Tony Gilroy
A chemically-enhanced special operative goes rogue after his government attempts to eradicate all traces of the black ops program that controlled him.
I’m pretty sure Bourne’s
true legacy would involve
a lot more punching.
Grade: B
c2012
By Daniel J. Hoag
The Bourne Legacy is playing now in theaters nationwide.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1194173/
Starring: Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine & Matthew McConaughey
Screenplay by Richard Linklater & Skip Hollandsworth
Directed by Richard Linklater
Based on the true story of Bernie Tiede, who was so beloved by the members of his small Texas town, that when he befriended a wealthy, mean-spirited woman, took over her finances, and then murdered her, the townsfolk largely took his side.
Nice guys don’t kill. So
says ignorant small-town folks
who vote, reproduce.
Grade: B+
c2012
By Daniel J. Hoag
Bernie is available on Blu-ray and DVD tomorrow.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1704573/
Starring: Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott, John Lithgow, Dan Aykroyd & Brian Cox
Screenplay by Shawn Harwell & Chris Henchy
Directed by Jay Roach
Two corrupt corporate bigwigs attempt to oust a long-term congressman by backing a naive family man to run against him.
Have a good laugh at
these politiclowns; the real
ones will make you weep.
Grade: B+
c2012
By Daniel J. Hoag
The Campaign is playing now in theaters nationwide.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1790886/
Starring: Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim, Donny Alamsyah, Yayan Ruhian & Pierre Gruno
Written and directed by Gareth Evans
When an elite SWAT team raids an apartment building run by a vicious drug lord, they find themselves trapped and under siege by the gangster’s well armed bodyguards and tenants.
Plot dies a gory
death – but at least it’s a cool,
martial art-y death.
Grade: B
c2012
By Daniel J. Hoag
The Raid: Redemption is available on Blu-ray and DVD tomorrow.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1899353/
Starring: Robert De Niro, Paul Dano, Olivia Thirlby, Lili Taylor & Julianne Moore
Written and directed by Paul Weitz
Based on Nick Flynn’s memior Another Bullshit Night in Suck City about the struggle to find his voice as an author and his troubled relationship with his homeless father.
A bland bio, but
if it keeps De Niro from
doing comedies…
Grade: C+
c2012
By Daniel J. Hoag
Being Flynn is available now on Blu-ray and DVD.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0455323/
Starring: Sara Paxton, Pat Healy, Kelly McGillis & Lena Dunham
Written & directed by Ti West
The Yankee Pedlar Inn is closing down after over one hundred years of operation, and its last two employees are determined to record proof of the hauntings that have long been rumored to happen there.
A great place to stay,
but the check-out leaves you a
bit disappointed.
Grade: B
c2012
By Daniel J. Hoag
The Innkeepers is available now on Blu-ray and DVD.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1594562/
Starring: Jason Segel Ed HelmsSusan Sarandon Judy Greer
Written and directed by Jay Duplass & Mark Duplass.
A thirty-something slacker searches for a sign that will point towards his destiny while trying to help his brother, who suspects his wife is cheating on him.
For those who believe
in destiny… or just like
to smoke lots of pot.
Grade: B
c2012
By Daniel J. Hoag
Jeff, Who Lives at Home is available now on Blu-ray and DVD.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1588334/
Starring: Emily Blunt, Rosemarie DeWitt & Mark Duplass
Written & directed by Lynn Shelton
Jack is best friends with Iris, his brother’s widow, but a drunken night with Iris’ sister Hannah complicates their growing affection for each other.
Ahhh, indie rom-coms:
far more palatable than
that Heigl bullsh*t.
Grade: B+
c2012
By Daniel J. Hoag
Your Sister’s Sister is playing now in select cities.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1742336/
Starring: Quvenzhané Wallis & Dwight Henry
Written by Lucy Alibar and Benh Zeitlin
Directed by Benh Zeitlin
In her Louisiana Delta community known as The Bathtub, six-year-old Hushpuppy faces her father’s ailing health, devastating environmental conditions, and the threatening approach of an army of prehistoric creatures called aurochs.
A stark, stunning realm
This is where the Wild things are
A young star is born
Grade: A
c2012
By Daniel J. Hoag
Beasts of the Southern Wild is now playing in select cities.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2125435/
Starring: Aksel Hennie, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Synnøve Macody Lund & Eivind Sander
Written by Lars Gudmestad & Ulf Ryberg
Directed by Morten Tyldum
An art thief runs afoul of a vindictive mercenary.
Hell hath no fury
like that Game of Thrones guy scorned.
Plus, dog rides tractor.
Grade: B+
c2012
By Daniel J. Hoag
Headhunters is now playing in select cities.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1614989/
TCFF 12-18
The Haiku Review 