All posts by Timothy English

2013 Movie Reviews

‘Much Ado About Nothing’ is a witty, sharp take on Shakespeare

How awesome is Joss Whedon? While he was making “The Avengers”, he was also making this little movie — at the same time — a modern take on William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing”.

MuchAdodrinkUsing one location, his own home, Whedon directs a small but sensational cast. The literal adaption of the play leads to a lot of awkward but hilarious moments, as these yuppies gather for a wedding and do nothing but spew lyrical about the meaning of love.

It comes across as a student film most of the time both in the look and in the acting. But it’s part of the charm. The dialogue and banter is sharp and stingingly true to this day.

Continue reading: Much Ado About Nothing movie review

Photo property of Roadside Attractions

2013 Movie Reviews

‘Bling Ring’ is a sparkling view of our jaded celeb obsessed culture

I love Sofia Coppola’s movies — most of the time. When she’s really into her material , she typically has fantastic results. Her latest effort, “The Bling Ring”, has plenty of energy and is at most times funny as hell, even though at times it’s a bit vacant.

But I think that’s the point, eh? EmmaWatsonBLING

The movie focuses on a group of friends who became known as the Hollywood Hills Bandits because of their break in spree in which they target celebrity homes. There is a great cast, made up of mostly unknowns. You’ll recognize Emma Watson (pictured, right), seen recently in “This is the End” and more famously known for playing Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” movies.

Never taking itself seriously, the film is a wild and hilarious look at the social media, celebrity gossip obsessed culture we are rapidly devolving into.

Continue reading: Bling Ring movie review at Examiner.com

Photo property of A24

2013 Movie Reviews

Despite some glaring flaws, ‘Man of Steel’ is still pretty super

SupermanThis is a tough one. Superman is one of my favorite superheroes going back to my childhood. Of course, when I was little, “Superman” was the only comic book movie in town and that title belonged to the late and great Christopher Reeve.

Now, before you read my review, please understand that the problems I had with “Man of Steel” have nothing to do with holding on to the past. As much as I love the original two movies, this series was badly needing a super-sized face lift.

Man of Steel needs to establish a Superman to lead DC’s Justice League

For the most part, it is a pretty spectacular movie. Zack Snyder brings a great sense of style and vision and the action — WOW — fans are going to get a kick out of the action. My only question is whether or not it will be able to connect with general audiences the way the Marvel movies have. This may be the biggest determining factor on whether or not we ever see a DC universe that leads to a “Justice League” movie.

Continue reading: Man of Steel review at Examiner.com

Photo property of Warner Bros.