Movie Reviews

Published 12:00 am Friday, March 7, 2008

What’s in theaters now.

27 Dresses (C-)

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This romantic comedy from the writer of “The Devil Wears Prada” manages to completely waste Katherine Heigl – with an overly cutesy tale of a single woman who has been a bridesmaid 27 times, but hasn’t been able to connect with Mr. Right just yet.

The Bucket List (B)

This manipulative tear-jerker exceeds expectations in large part due to the star power of its two leads – Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. The pair are so likable together it is easy to dismiss the rather heavy-handed screenplay.

Charlie Bartlett (B-)

This “Ferris Bueller”-like teen comedy is smarter and funnier than most attempts at the genre today, with Anton Yelchin (as the title character) and Robert Downey Jr. giving effective performances.

Definitely, Maybe (C)

Arriving in theaters just in time for the Valentine’s Day crowd, this romantic comedy is unable to deliver on the sweet and funny – despite its best efforts . “Definitely, Maybe” ultimately sounds better than the final project, mainly because the film’s attempt at a payoff left my heart anything but warm.

The Eye (D+)

Another tired remake of a Japanese horror film that goes around in circles before finally meandering to a “Final Destination”-like conclusion.

At least Jessica Alba (who’s resume continues to pile up one cinematic trainwreck after another) is cute.

Fool’s Gold (D+)

Matthew McConaughey goes shirtless and Kate Hudson looks like she’d rather be anywhere else in this dopey romantic comedy with a touch of “National Treasure” thrown in.

Jumper (D+)

This hyperactive action film about a young man able to teleport anywhere is more dopey than thrilling – with a film that obviously spent too much money on the special effects and not enough on the script.

Juno (A)

2007 was already a good year for comedies about pregnancies, with films like “Waitress” and “Knocked Up.”

Now comes “Juno,” which proves to be the best of them all – a smart and very funny indie comedy nominated for Best Picture that features a razor-sharp screen play and an outstanding cast.

National Treasure: Book of Secrets (B-)

A rare sequel that is better than the original, mainly because it never quite takes itself seriously. This Nicolas Cage action flick doesn’t cover any new ground, but is just entertaining enough to qualify as a guilty pleasure.

No Country for Old Men (A)

With films like “Fargo,” “O Brother Where Art Thou?” and “Barton Fink,” writers and directors Joel and Ethan Coen have already built quite a resum/.

The Coen brothers may have found the perfect career exclamation point with their latest film “No Country for Old Men,” a high-tension crime drama that features a quality cast and some gorgeous cinematography. This is a crowning achievement for the Coens, with four Oscars – including Best Picture.

The Other Boleyn Girl (B-)

Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson give strong performances as sisters battling for the affection of Henry VIII in this mildly entertaining period drama.

Penelope (B)

Christine Ricci stars as a young woman cursed with a pig’s snout who sets out to find her true love in this amiable and offbeat fable.

Semi-Pro (C)

With a retro premise based loosely on a beloved part of sports history and the addition of the usually reliable Will Ferrell, there is no way this couldn’t be a success, right?

Not so fast, my friend.

“Pro” proves to be more miss than hit, with some spotty comedic moments and a story that is really nothing more than spare parts of much better films in the same genre.

The Spiderwick Chronicles (B)

This adaptation of a popular series of best selling children’s books is an entertaining endeavor that people of all ages will enjoy.

Step Up 2: The Streets (B-)

This sequel to the 2006 mildly successful original is way better than it should of been – largely due to some high energy dance numbers and a likable cast that seems to realize the film shouldn’t be taken that seriously.

Vantage Point (B)

The new film “Vantage Point” doesn’t exactly tread into unfamiliar territory, but this slick action film is wrapped into a neat little package – with a much more entertaining payoff than the recent hit “Jumper.”

Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins (D+)

Martin Lawrence stars in this story of a successful talk show host who returns to the South for his family reunion.

The script does an amazing job of wasting a very talented cast – that includes Michael Clarke Duncan, Mike Epps, Cedric the Entertainer, and James Earl Jones – with a contrived plot that wants to be raunchy and heart-warming at the same time.