Today’s George Clooney day at EarnThis, where we’ll examine Up in the Air, recently nominated for Best Picture, and Michael Clayton, likewise nominated in 2008. Clooney’s career has advanced considerably thanks to both films, but one holds up a lot better than the other. Rating: 2 and a half stars (out of 4) Melding that sort of comedic-drama…
In honor of last Sunday’s Oscars, here’s a movie that should be honored at next year’s ceremony (but, given that Sandra Bullock just won Best Actress for Blind Side, clearly won’t be). Rating: 3 and a half stars (out of 4) I had no designs of liking The Book of Eli—none. Due to an uninspiring…
Rating: 4 stars (out of 4) In a revealing late chapter of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Harry asks Professor Dumbledore whether their poignant interaction has been taking place for real or merely in his head. “Of course it is happening inside your head,” Dumbledore responds, “but why on Earth should that mean that…
Rating: 1 star (out of 4) Hollywood studios like to propagate the idea that romantic comedies are suitable for both men and women. Blind Side isn’t a rom-com, but doubtless this idea still came to them—hey, let’s combine Sandra Bullock (the women) and football (the men) to draw in maximum viewers. Add the holiday season…
Rating: 2 and a half stars (out of 4) For those who have seen the trailers and are reasonably familiar with the puppets behind the stage, Invictus will probably be much like what you expect. Clint Eastwood’s directorial style—at best, smooth and undistracted, at worst flat—Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon’s dignified acting, and a stirring…
Rating: 2 stars (out of 4) It’s easy to write Yes Man off as “Liar Liar 2″ as so many critics have. But Yes Man, a zany Jim Carrey movie about a man who can’t say no, has a more true and powerful center. Moreso than other high-concept Carrey comedies — Liar Liar, Me Myself…
It comes down to this: If you consider Bull Durham a romantic comedy, then Friday Night Lights is the greatest sports movie ever. The barren, washed-out landscape of west Texas in 1988 provides the canvas for wrenching emotional manipulation in this true story. Based on H.G. Bissinger’s book chronicling a drama-filled football season of the Permian Panthers,…
Rating: 3.5 stars (out of 4) I’ll assume whoever reads this has seen The Matrix. According to IMDb, it’s not only one of the most beloved movies of this generation, but one of the most widely seen. If you haven’t seen it, you’re in for a treat; though Keanu Reeves’ acting is a bit stiff,…
Rating: 3.5 stars (out of 4) A Goofy Movie is the outcast of the 1995 Disney movies. It was not nearly as acclaimed as Toy Story nor as popular as Pocahontas. Because it was made by Disney Toon studios and is an extension of an already-established property, it wasn’t even inducted into the official animated…