Columbus Circle Movie Review

Director: George Gallo

Genre: Thriller
Running Time: 82 minutes

Cast: Selma Blair, Amy Smart, Jason Lee, Giovanni Ribisi

Synopsis:

Abigail Clayton, a very wealthy heiress who lives a secluded life within the comforts of her lofty apartment for almost twenty years. Her life turns upside down after the death of her elderly neighbor. A homicide detective starts an investigation regarding the incident suspecting that it is a homicide case. A few days after the incident, a couple move in the apartment formerly occupied by the elderly woman. Abigail witnesses some beatings between the couple and she eventually helps the woman. Little did she know that this would lead her in great danger.

Reaction:

One word for this film, LAME. Poorly done script with so many loopholes. The characters are not well executed. Take the case of Abigail Clayton. She had some childhood troubles before she decided to live almost twenty years of her life inside a big well-furnace apartment. She only has outside contact through her doctor and the hotel concierge. Instead of making some connections to the audience with her troubled past, her past becomes irrelevant. Her character is not developed well. In addition, Giovanni Ribisi's character is not really significant in the film.

There are some revealing twists in the film but they are not remarkable at all. The last twist which is somewhat comical in which the agoraphobic Abigail decided to come out after years of seclusion. Such a drastic transition in her character in a matter of a short period of time is really unbelievable. In the end, she appears as a woman with full of courage and confidence, something she lacks almost the entire course of the film. There are still several scenes in the film that are not well thought of. There is nothing much remarkable in this film except the part in which you want to uncover those villains. Other than that, this is another forgettable film. 

The Official Trailer of Columbus Circle:

Happy Feet Two Movie Review

Director: George Miller

Running Time: 100 minutes

In Theaters: November 8, 2011 (USA)

Cast: Elijah Wood (Mumble), Robin Williams (Lovelace/Ramon), Pink (Gloria), Sofia Vergara (Carmen), Brad Pitt (Will the Krill), Matt Damon (Bill the Krill)

Synopsis:

Erik, the son of Mumble, runs away from the Emperor Penguin world after he struggles to keep up with the other penguins. He does not want to dance nor sing. While away from home, he encounters the famous flying penguin, The Mighty Sven. Erik idolizes him for his great flying skills. Meanwhile, Mumble is not only worried for his son but he is faced with a big challenge. A big threat is looming around the Emperor Penguin world and he must seek the help of his friends as soon as possible before it is too late.

Reaction:

This sequel is equally great as the first film. The cool dance moves of Mumble and the sweet golden voice of Gloria are quite entertaining. I should say that those sing and dance scenes keep the audience entertained all throughout the film. If you missed the first film, there is nothing to worry about. There is little connection to both films. The first film is about Mumble as a child, how he lived as an outcast in the Emperor Penguin world and how he redeemed himself as a hero in the end. Now, for the sequel, Mumble is back again with his friends and this time, he has his own family to take care of. Actually, the film has a simple plot. The ending is also predictable. I like the scene in which Erik sang a song for his father when he finally realized that his hero after all is nothing than his own father. I also like the ending in which those elephant seals, the other penguin species, and the krill did the "Happy Feet" dance to help those trapped penguins. It was cool.

Moreover, I like the character of Will and Bill the Krill. They add fun to the story. They are quite spontaneous and I can say that I have some share of good laughs from them. They were able to pull off those funny moments. As usual, Lovelace and Ramon are always a standout. Whenever a certain scene is getting some serious moments, their characters are always present to break the ice down. Anyway, I would recommend this film for the family. Quite entertaining for the kids and even for the adults.

Here is the official movie trailer of Happy Feet Two :

The Big Year Movie Review

Director: David Frankel

Writers: Mark Obmascik, Howard Franklin (screenplay)

In Theaters: October 14, 2011 (USA)

Running Time: 100 minutes

Cast: Jack Black, Owen Wilson, Steve Martin, Rosamund Pike, JoBeth Williams

Synopsis:

The film centers on three avid bird watchers namely: Brad Harris (Jack Black), Kenny Bostick (Owen Wilson) and Stu Preissler (Steve Martin). Together, these three join in a group of bird watchers to compete for the annual prestigious competition, The Big Year. They go to different places just to get hold of the rarest bird that they can find. Several things happen along the way among these three bird watchers. They are torn between their priorities towards their family and jobs or pursuing their dreams in life. In the end, they have to make an ultimate choice.

Reaction:

At first I was hesitant to watch this film as I got some negative feedback from friends. They told me it is a boring film. However, it did not discourage me at all. I even got more curious and so I decided to watch it myself at home. I am glad I did! First of all, I like those three actors; Black, Wilson and Martin. I know they are great comedy actors. While watching the film, I realized it is a bit mellow, not the usual stuff one would expect from a Jack Black/Steve Martin/Owen Wilson comedy flicks. However, I really like the film. It is actually a feel good movie with a light comedy on the side and a bit of drama as well. The actors did not outshine each other. I like how the characters were developed. They were given their own moments. The film is not the usual comedy films with all those crazy antics. It is quite comforting to watch every scene with all those astounding scenery and of course, those amazing rare birds. I do not have much knowledge about birds but I learn to appreciate them from this film. I find them interesting. I get to appreciate the boundless beauty of nature as well.

Overall, this film is highly recommended for the family. It is a heart warming film that gives viewers the chance to ponder about life, priorities and dreams. A great movie that is something fresh and light!

The Big Year's official movie trailer: