Jim Carrey, Jim Carrey, Jim Carrey – can they cast a big budget comedy without him? Never mind, Adam Sandler is available for hire.

This is an offbeat movie, character driven, filled with somber colors and sets. In the hands of those less skilled this might pain, yet in Lemony Snicket Serious of Unfortunate Events, it rocks. Picture three charming children torn away from a loving, nurturing home by tragedy, shuffled between foster environments and chased by an evil distant relative himself lured by the family fortune.

And wait, there’s more! There’s also excellent character acting, moments of comic genius and Jim Carrey, Jim Carrey, Jim Carrey. Basically, everyone did their job here. Oh and Jim Carrey was good, too. He was evil and in good way. That’s not easy to do.

What works about Lemony Snicket:

1)Characters – lots of variety and very believable.

2)Pacing – moves well, no weak moments.

3)Emily Browning – this actress is going places.

4)Did I mention Jim Carrey?

What needs improvement:

1)Ticket sales

Verdict: Want a different sort of movie? Theater full price, otherwise DVD.

It’s three years since the Belagio heist and the casino owner demands his money back plus interest. Since Ocean’s Twelve can’t work in the US ( something about the safe crackers union) they journey to Europe, with the reluctant wife and conflicted Interpol agent in tow. And that’s about all there is to this movie.

They say twelve is the new eleven. Well, I’ll just have to try that logic on my next trip to the bank. Ocean’s Twelve is top heavy on stars, strong on humor and light on plot. The chemistry between Clooney and Roberts, Pitt and Douglas is lukewarm. Maybe a four way love trist might’ve spiked things up a notch.

I see why stars bend over backwards to be in movies like this. Big ensemble casts diffuse box office pressure and accountability. With so many big names involved, no one star is on the screen too much, thus no one individual is responsible. Sort of like Congress.

What’s good about Oceans 12

1) Bernie Mac has less screen time than the flexible gymnast

2) Casey Affleck has less screen time than in Oceans 11

3) Julia Roberts plays herself – which is not really that different than any other role she’s done, but this feels more honest

4) Cameras are in focus

5) Matt Damon is funny as a doofus.

Verdict: DVD rental or cable. Nothing is lost on the leap to the small screen.

Pundits claim that there are films and there are movie. Although all movies are eventually transferred to film for viewing, all movies are not films. Confused? Take it up with Roger Ebert. Presumably, the film category denotes more ‘serious’ subject material and approach. The pursuit of more ‘esoteric’ themes and narratives supersede the drive for commercial appeal.

Well, Finding Neverland is wooing the critics and audiences. It’s a film and a good one and more importantly, it’s just good. A dramatized version of the events leading up to the creation and production of the classic tale of Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie this is a home run.

Finding Neverland funny in spots, smart in others, poignant and pointed. The acting is strong on all fronts – Johnny Depp has never been finer. Dressing up the life of a writer is no easy task, but this story does, capturing all the wonder and excitement that inspired J.M. Barrie to explore his friendship with a mother of four boys, one named Peter.

Three things that work for this film:

1) Execution of story – very strong narrative work

2) Acting – excellent and consistent performances from all players

3) Pacing – nary a dull moment

Three Things that need improvement

1) Nothing

Verdict – suitable for nearly all ages, this is a must, must see. Full price theater and DVD.

The attendants informed the entire theater that the 8pm show for Meet the Fockers was sold out and I was one person away from the last available ticket. At that point there were several options available.

1) Throw a hissy fit, rage out in storm of curses like the fifty people nearby.
2) Buy tickets for the 11pm show, sit on the couches eating fatty concessions for 3 hours.
3) Admit to the Wife that we left the house too late and go home. Not an option.

The choice was clearly number 4: buy tickets for the 11pm showing and present them for the 8pm screening. Little secret for you super serious movie theater managers: staff doesn’t check the tickets unless you are watching them. Perhaps they are underpaid? Overworked? Maybe they just don’t care?

Anyway the oversight was our gain. We found a decent seat at the 8pm show and laughed our a**** off. Funny, funny flick. Hopefully, the small child I knocked over is OK now.

NOTE: No one was hurt in the writing of this blog, or at the movie theater. I am joking.