Movies

Obvious Child

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A comedy that dares to go where few have gone before. By now, most have heard the buzz about “Obvious Child,” the new romantic comedy tackles a subject that few movies-much less comedies-dare to tackle: specifically, that subject is abortion, and the women who chose to make that decision. The plot of “Obvious Child” is relatively straight forward. It follows the life of struggling New York City stand-up comedian-slash-used bookstore employee, Donna Stern who, after a one-night stand, finds herself with an unplanned pregnancy. Like many 20 somethings, Donna’s life is far from perfect.

Movies

Ida

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When ‘what if’ is the scariest scenario…. Every now and then a movie comes along that proves how few bells and whistles are needed to make great cinema when the story is compelling , and its execution well-crafted. Such is the case with “Ida,” a film from Poland that’s been successful on the festival circuit for the last year, finally earning U.S. release. Set in the early ‘60’s, the character Ida is an 18-year old raised in a convent, who, before taking her vows is sent by the Mother Superior to spend some time with her aunt, and only living relative, Wanda. Ida finds out that she was actually born a Jew, and that her parents had died during the war.

Movies
Belle

‘Belle:’ a Costume Drama with an Interesting Twist

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Despite recent advancements by people of color, it’s still rare to find a minority actor in a leading dramatic role. It’s even rarer to find one in a historical drama especially if they aren’t playing a servant or a slave. However, the Amma Asante-directed drama, “Belle,” tells the intriguing tale of a free biracial woman being raised by her uncle in upper-echelons of 18th century British society. Based on a true story, Dido Elizabeth Belle has the distinction of being Britain’s first black aristocrat. She is also a wealthy heiress, but her place in society is different than that of her white cousin, Elizabeth.

Movies

A Million Ways to Get Grossed Out in the West

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Hear “Take Two Movie Reviews” every Saturday and Sunday on WHAV. To the relatively short list of motion pictures classified as ‘western spoofs,’ all of which are totally forgettable , save for Mel Brooks’ classic “Blazing Saddles,” comes a new entry: Seth Myers’ “A Million Ways to Die in the West.”There’s little need to worry about the plot, like, as in “Blazing Saddles,” it’s merely an artifice around which to exploit stereotypes and build toilet jokes and grotesque sight-gags. Given the appearance of some very funny and talented people, including Myers himself, Sarah Silverman, Neil Patrick Harris, Giovanni Rabissi, and even Bill Maher for a minute in comedic roles, plus some A-list acting support from Charlize Theron and Liam Neeson for the more demanding roles, the movie never quite engages like Myers’ last successful and critically acclaimed “Ted.”

This isn’t to say there aren’t laughs. They abound, actually, especially in a glorious dream-sequence that begins after the Myers character mistakenly swallows a bowl of drugs intended for a whole tribe of Indians who had captured him. It’s just that picture would have been a lot funnier with some tighter editing and better scene execution, and a run time in the 100 minute range instead of nearly two hours.