a filmblog

Under discussion:

27 Dresses  (2008)

Always a bridesmaid and never a bride, Katherine Heigl shines as the self-effacing best friend to everyone that reaches her boiling point when her younger sister steals the love of her life. Looking for an exploitative hot story, James Marsden finds it in Heigl and her collection of heinously ugly bridesmaids dresses, but alas, romance blossoms and the fun begins. Far from perfect but not a complete failure, 27 Dresses manages to combine the two key elements necessary for a modern romantic comedy: fresh slapstick and two lead actors that just seem to mesh.

Under discussion:

Music Within  (2007)

The struggle for equal rights is quite a daunting one, especially if you're deaf or have cerebral palsy. A touching real-life story drives this relatively bland film about a Vietnam veteran attempting to change societies perceptions of people with disabilities. Driving past the typically shlocky disabled jokes and moving into gut-busting moments of absolute hilarity, Music Within works well enough for those in search of some good 'ol fashioned visceral emotion with a gentle sprinkling of laughter.

Under discussion:

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem  (2007)

Continuing where the last film ended, Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem follows a lone Predator hunter out to dispose of those pesky, quick-breeding Aliens as they run rampant in a small town in Colorado. Leading them in their gory killfest is an Alien/Predator hybrid that is all sorts of savage which leaves the townsfolk to run around like chickens with their heads cut off (literally). With its striking cinematography, cliched yet believable peripheral story-lines, engaging cast of predictable characters, and non-stop action sequences, AVPR is surprisingly effective from beginning to end. Ultimately AVPR is an acceptable addition to the Aliens and Predator series for those viewers willing to cut corners to see their favorite aliens back on the screen. Bring on the sequel!