Scott Mendelson's 10 Overrated Films of 2010

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Review of the movie THE FIGHTER

Last Thursday, I saw the new bio-pic/drama The Fighter starring Mark Wahlberg (Micky Ward), Christian Bale (Dicky Eklund), Amy Adams (Charlene Fleming) and Melissa Leo (Alice Ward).  The movie is directed by David O’ Russell (Three Kings).  In theaters December 17, 2010.

The Fighter tells the story of boxers Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund.  They come from the hard streets of Lowell, MA.  In the movie, we see Dicky’s star has tragically fallen and Micky’s star has quickly risen.  Throw into the mix, their Mother/Manager Alice Ward, a real spitfire and scrappy woman. Melissa Leo has really hidden herself under the bad hair, makeup and clothes.  Check out Frozen River when you get a chance.  To round out this dysfunctional family is Jack McGee as the sweet, funny husband George Ward.  He was clearly my favorite.  Amy Adams holds her own as a tough bartender/girlfriend of Micky.  There is one scene where she is in a funny catfight with the Ward sisters.  Charlene is a very different role than her previous ones that gave her a chance to show her rough side.  My guest said this is the first movie he has really liked her in!  Props must be made to Amy for getting the accent SO right.

Mark Wahlberg helped get this movie made.  So not only was he the lead, but also acted as producer.  This is a personal story from him since the real family lived not too far from Mark and his family.  I enjoy the movies Mark has been in and this one is no exception.  He has helped put the suburbs of Boston on the map.  So has another local Bostonian, Ben Affleck.

Even though Mark had top billing, I couldn’t take my eyes off of Christian Bale.  He has transformed himself and fully embodied the characteristics of the real Dicky.  Stay for the credits to see footage of the real brothers.  I will be shocked and miffed if Christian doesn’t get an Oscar nomination.  He is one of our finest actors and is always up for a good challenge.  Raging Bull and Rocky were movies that influenced the director.  He gave the movie a right balance of drama, human, heart and soul.  Thankfully, there weren’t a whole lot of boxing scenes.  My recommendation is to see this film if you want to root for an underdog and see a good drama.  We need a new “Rocky” in the Oscar mix.  That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it.  Check out  http://www.thefightermovie.com/

Review of the movie COUNTRY STRONG

Last night in Beverly Hills was the premiere of Country Strong.  It was a star-studded event with the entire cast (Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw, Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester) plus Tobey Maguire (producer), Faith Hill (Mrs. Tim McGraw) and Reba McEntire.  Inside, there was a special mention of Gabe Sipos (Travis), a kid with leukemia.  In real life, Gabe is a cancer survivor.  When you see him in the movie, he will just steal your heart:}    Back to the movie... It stars Gwyneth Paltrow as 6-time Grammy award winning performer Kelly Canter.  Tim McGraw plays James, her Manager/Husband, in that order.  Garrett Hedlund plays Beau Hutton, a sponsor and honky-tonk performer.  Leighton Meester plays an up-and-coming singer coming from the world of beauty pageants.  Country Strong was written and directed by Shana Feste.  (You go girl!  We need more visible female hybrids.)  Her debut was a little-seen (but wonderful) film The Greatest... rent it!

The obvious story here is about Kelly's phoenix-like attempt to revive her career by playing various concerts in Texas.  In order to do this, Kelly is taken out early from rehab.  Throughout the movie, you find out what has happened to her over the years.  Beau and Chiles are the newbies, opening up for her.  I was so impressed and mesmerized by these two young actors.  I know Leighton Meester from Gossip Girl.  She thanked me when I mentioned how cute her dress was (Christian Dior).  My question is who’s Garrett Hedlund and is he really a country performer?  Well, come to find out he's been in the films Troy, Friday Night Lights, Four Brothers, Eragon, Georgia Rule, and Death Sentence.  This month, he'll be seen in the hotly-anticipated film Tron:Legacy with Jeff Bridges.  You may remember Bridges from last year's "little" film Crazy Heart (which earned him an Academy Award).  There are only a few similarities so don't dismiss this as a Crazyheart knock-off.  It's a relief to see a female driven movie so watch this on its own merits.  Gwyneth, Garrett and Leighton all do their own singing (a stellar job).  My two favorite scenes are when these three are in a cab together.  The other is with Kelly, Travis and James.  You'll understand what I mean when you see them.

At first, it was hard to like/care for Kelly Canter.  But as things unfolded, I understood her true pain and sadness.  This movie is drama-based but it does have some comedic moments.  In my opinion, I enjoy everything Gwyneth does.  She seems the type who loves a good challenge and enjoys it.  Anyone see Glee lately?  LOVE IT!  For Country Strong, she practiced playing the guitar and used Faith Hill as inspiration.  Tim was in the films Friday Night Lights and The Blind Side.  But here, he is really coming into his own as an actor.  His ranges of emotions are truly reflected here.  Garrett and Leighton are very charming and so easy to fall in love with.  You don't have to be a country music fan to enjoy this film.  My recommendation is to see this film if you want to see a drama with some good tunes.  That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it.

In theatres January 7th.  Check out http://www.countrystrong-movie.com/

Review of the movie HOW DO YOU KNOW

Earlier tonight, I saw the new rom-com How Do You Know starring Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson (and the always fantastic) Jack Nicholson.  Here, Jack was in just enough scenes to be funny and be serious without stealing the spotlight from the other actors.  Although, most of his scenes were with Paul Rudd, who played his son in the movie.  There are some wonderful one-liners and just great dialogue from writer-director James L. Brooks.  The relationships seemed real, very organic.  JLB is very good at doing that.  When you get a chance, check out his credits on imdb.  I’m wondering if Kramer vs. Kramer is a favorite of his.  You’ll understand once you see the movie. 

Speaking of…  The movie starts out very cute and funny.  We see Reese's character, Lisa, grow up right before our eyes.  Her passion and talent are in playing ball.  Paul Rudd's character, George, starts the movie in some hot water with the feds.  Yet, these are not at the center of the movie... the people are.  Owen Wilson's character, Matty, plays a narcissistic pro athlete who is funny about changing his ways.  You can’t help but like the guy as he courts Lisa.  Kathryn Hahn plays George's loyal (pregnant) assistant Annie.  Tony Shalhoub has an un-credited cameo.  What you think is going to happen, doesn't.  The title asks How Do You Know (when you are in love).  Well, you just know as these characters do.  JLB has a way of letting you know as the audience when these moments happen.

Sure, this is a rom-com in rom-com fashion: girl meets boy, boy falls for girl, girl is involved with someone she thinks she should be with, later comes to realize he's not the one for her, etc.  There is no serious court room drama with the feds (enough in the news these days).  No long drawn out saga about the future.  We are in the now which spans maybe a few months.  The audience laughed HARD as when I did.  JLB is so experienced when it comes to even parts funny and serious.  Yes, I think this movie is going to do very, very well.  Think When Harry Met Sally meets As Good As It Get's.  The latter being a James L. Brooks/ Jack Nicholson vehicle.  My recommendation is to see this film if you want a few hours of sweet, good fun.  That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it.

In theaters December 17th.  Check out http://www.howdoyouknow-movie.com/