Mowod on Movies Reviews for 7/30/2010
John Mowod, movie actor, director, producer, and writer, joins Larry and John every Friday at 8:10AM with his reviews and news of the latest movie releases! Listen for his movie reviews on KDKA Radio, and check out his expanded thoughts on his movie blog here!
CHARLIE ST.CLOUD
Rated PG-13
Are we witnessing the birth of a future star? Zac Efron is a charming and ultimately believable young star in an otherwise ordinary summer flick. He plays the title role of Charlie in CHARLIE ST.CLOUD, a young man overcome by grief at the death of his younger brother. Unable to deal with the loss and separation he takes a job as caretaker of the cemetery where his brother is buried. Charlie's lasting bond with his brother (Sam) is so pure and strong he can actually see him. Charlie agrees to meet up with Sam (Charlie Tahan) every evening to play catch and "catch-up". When a girl (Amanda Crew) comes into Charlie's life he must chose between keeping his promise to Sam, or going after the girl he loves.
CHARLIE ST. CLOUD is beautifully shot and directed by Burr Steers (17 Again w/ Zac Efron) but its Efron that the target audience will come to see. I found his performance to be genuinely hurting, genuinely compassionate and genuinely endearing. And its all because on screen, Efron has real soul.
Target Audience - If you liked The Lovely Bones or anything by Nicholas Sparks
Stars - Zac Efron, Charlie Tahan and Amanda Crew
Directed by - Burr Steers
DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS
Rated PG-13
Do you know that laugh? The one that comes from way down low, the one that's accompanied by snorts , grunts and occasionally nasal fluid, the laugh that hurts or makes you spit your soda? Well you wont get that from Dinner For Schmucks. What you do get is a comedy where the giggles and chuckles never lose steam through-out the nearly 2hr. picture.
A remake of the 1998 french farce Le' Diner De Cons, Schmucks works mainly because the cast is just that good. It's no surprise that Steve Carell is hilarious as idiot Barry Speck, an IRS auditor who spends his spare time as an amateur taxidermist, stuffing dead mice to star in his dioramas. Barry is a prize find for Tim Conrad (Paul Rudd), an LA financial analyst ready to rise in the ranks if he can win the monthly dinner game held by his boss, Lance Fender. Lance challenges his execs to find the biggest idiot and bring the fool to dinner to be mocked. Moving forward with the dinner invitation despite the horrified objections from his girlfriend, Tim finds that the consequences of messing with people can be life changing.
Target Audience - mature audiences looking for a cheap laugh
Stars - Steve Carell, Paul Rudd
Directed by - Jay Roach (Meet The Parents)
CATS & DOGS: THE REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE
Rated PG
Kitty Galore (Bette Midler) has an evil plan to rid earth of every single pesky pup! In this sequel to 2001's Cats and Dogs. Faced with scheme that could threaten both dogs and cats, these two unlikely forces form an alliance to save themselves and their humans.
Loaded with CGI generated talking pets and the occasional 3D pop, Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore has enough going on to keep both grown-ups and kids entertained.
Target Audience - Anyone that enjoyed Marmaduke and parents looking to kill a couple of hours.
