My Sister's Keeper

Where does "My Sister's Keeper" suffer? What was wrong with it? Some questions with answers that may or may not surprise a few. I have never read the book, so I don't know how well they compare. But I've seen the movie, and I'll tell you. Nothing was redeemable about it. Every character is annoying, it's oddly predictable, it's over-the-top sappy, and it is unbearlingly long. I could name a couple of more, but I think the point is clearly made.

Landon *1/2

BANGERANG SCORE: *1/2

Sherlock Holmes

In many ways, "Sherlock Holmes" is a breath of fresh air in a never-ending procession of bland cookie-cutter action and suspense thrillers. It dares to be different - maybe a little too different at times. Director Guy Ritchie really puts his mark on this one with dizzying camera work, a pounding score, and a blazing pace that jumps quickly from scene to scene, really impairing your ability to enjoy the great characters and sharp dialogue. The performances by the two leads, Robert Downey Jr. (quickly becoming one of my favorite actors) and Jude Law, were great. If not for Ritchie's heavy handed directing, this would've been much more enjoyable.

Bryce **1/2
Landon ***

BANGERANG SCORE: **1/2

Up

The kings of the animated craft have done it again. "Up" is the best film Pixar has released in years and quite possibly the best they've ever made. That's no small praise given the studio's track record. There's something timeless and unquestionably profound about this tale of a seemingly bitter old man embarking on an incredible adventure in the twilight of his life. Some of the adventures he finds himself in are a little too wacky for my taste, but there's an underlying human story woven throughout the film that's as real and compelling as any you'll ever seen. Like all great movies, this one sticks with you long after the credits roll and makes you look at life in a new light. It's funny, it's touching, it looks great, and it's going to be just as relevant 50 years from now as it is today. What more could you ask for? This is a great film.

Bryce ****
Chase ***1/2
Landon ***1/2
Logan ***1/2

BANGERANG SCORE: ***1/2

Invictus

Expectations were high leading up to "Invictus" and deservedly so. The source material is compelling, the previews were nothing short of rousing, and Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, and Matt Damon are some of the most talented men in the business. Unfortunately the finished product couldn't quite cash the check written by the aforementioned promise. The performances by the two leads are top notch but the movie suffers from an unfocused narrative that can't quite decide if it wants to be an in-depth biopic or a run-of-the-mill sports story.  Freeman and Damon's performances may warrant a viewing despite these shortcomings but the overall package is a bit of a let down by Eastwood's lofty standards.

Bryce **1/2

CHIEF SCORE: **1/2