Sunday, September 26, 2010

What's New in Blu? (Week of Sept. 28)

“Iron Man 2” (PG-13)

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Mickey Rourke and Samuel L. Jackson

Directed by Jon Favreau

After the gigantic success of “Iron Man,” there was no doubt a sequel would be quick in the works. And to the film’s credit, the sequel doesn’t play out as a heartless money grab, as many follow-ups to successful movies do. That’s not to say that the second movie in the superhero franchise hits the heights of the very entertaining 2008 release, as it is slightly disappointing. It’s mostly the action scenes that feel a bit of a letdown, particularly by the climatic battle between Iron Man (Downey, still the best part of the series), War Machine (Cheadle, taking over for Terrence Howard) and villain Ivan Vanko (an effectively restrained Mickey Rourke). Still, the actors seemed to enjoy themselves with the dialogue, particularly in exchanges between Downey and Paltrow. The Avengers subplot is a little underdeveloped, but is obviously setting the table for future movies in the Marvel Comics universe. “Iron Man 2” plays a little like a set up for future offerings, but at least shows it still has some life in the legs.

Grade: B



“Babies” (PG)

Directed by Thomas Balmes



“Get Him to the Greek” (R)

Starring Jonah Hill, Russell Brand, Elizabeth Moss, Rose Byrne, Colm Meaney and Sean Combs

Directed by Nicholas Stoller



“The Killer Inside Me” (R)

Starring Casey Affleck, Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, Simon Baker, Bill Pullman

Directed by Michael Winterbottom



“The Thin Red Line (The Criterian Collection)” (R)

Starring Adrien Brody, Jim Caviezel, Ben Chaplin, George Clooney, John Cusack, Woody Harrelson, Sean Penn

Directed by Terrence Malick


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