Mid-Summer Movie Report '07
Transformers, Sicko, Live Free or Die Hard and Ratatouille
Are summer movies a waste? People are always complaining about overstylized summer blockbusters, but are they really all that bad?
No summer has went by without someone complaining, "These summer blockbusters are pathetic! Hollywood puts out such tripe!"
Oh, but how we love the armchair director. Truth is, however, we're all guilty of it. No matter of hypothesizing is going to convince the masses that "Glitter" was actually a good film. That being said, there are some good films out there. And, surprisingly, you can find a good time in many of those so-called "blockbusters." If you don't go in looking for "Casablanca," that is. And, of course, there's a few truly "distinguished" films out there as well.
Transformers - Let's face it. This movie makes no good sense. It's filled with plot holes. Heck, it's downright ridiculous. But isn't that what the cartoons of the 80s were all about? If you're looking for a rational film, chances are you're not going to find anything resembling rational in a film that involves big rigs turning into gigantic robots. "Transformers" is a fun film that doesn't take itself seriously and doesn't shy away from the camp of the cartoon series. It doesn't complicate the film's ultimate premise: robots fighting robots. And for a film about warring robots, this one does a swell job of entertaining the audience with eye candy and high-octane fight scenes.
Sicko - On the other end of the spectrum, we have Michael Moore's eye opening documentary, "Sicko." Whether or not you like Michael Moore, there's a good story here: the fight for affordable health care. For those fearing heavy bi-partisanship, those on the fence will be happy to know that Moore leaves no party's stone unturned as he exposes both Republicans and Democrats who have taken the low road to financial security in the name of helping the insurance and pharmaceutical companies. As always, Moore's style is engaging and the stories he focuses on are both heart-wrenching and uplifting at the same time.
Ratatouille - Disney/Pixar's latest just may prove to be one of the best reviewed films of the year. As John Lasseter works to bring Disney Animation back from the dead, "Iron Giant" and "Incredibles" director, Brad Bird, proves that you can find great stories in the un-likeliest of places.
Life Free or Die Hard - Again, not one of the most down-to-earth films, but have you ever seen a "Die Hard" film? Bruce Willis' knack for playing the tough guy with an attitude makes it hard to take your eyes off him. However, his newest sidekick, played by Justin Long, provides some fantastic comic relief in a film filled with over-the-top action scenes and trademark one-liners.
Of course, as usual, there are disappointments within any summer movie line-up. That being said, perhaps a movie's true value lies not within how many disliked it, but with the intensity of those who did like it. Bottom line: if you're looking for a movie to entertain you this summer, there's certainly at least one out there. So, instead of complaining about Hollywood, take a chance, put away the need for realism and let the kid within who enjoyed Saturday morning cartoons enjoy a film or two.
