
For you, the loyal reader, my time away from work has yielded a higher theater going volume. This did have the huge benefit as I noted last post of getting me to see A Thousand Words, the Eddie Murphy gem, that will go overlooked by most, likely forever. Critics have hated on it, but if you look at the general masses response, they have been much more positive. I mention it here again for the last time, check this flick out, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Friends With Kids (3.5 of 5 Horns) was a decent romantic dramady that seemed to meander about a little too haphazardly. I respect the indie nature of it, especially from writer/director/star Jennifer Westfedlt, but that being said, why were there so many marquee stars in this thing and why were they all so damn underused? This was a 3.5 that I could have easily given a 3, that easily should have been a 4 or better!
21 Jump Street (4 of 5 Horns) was everything that the critics have raved about, and more. Every joke hit and the story was cohesive from start to finish. I am a big fan of Jonah Hill and much less one for Channing Tatum. He was wholly acceptable here, even for my tastes. I really liked this flick, but I didn't go gaga for it. Again...all of the jokes play out well, so I have no complaints and feel comfortable giving it a good ol' 4 of 5 Horns.

Thin Ice (4 of 5 Horns) is a movie that you probably haven't ever heard of. I hadn't, until the day it showed up in the AMC movie listings the day before the film opened last week. The movie is fairly short, but was a bit draggy at the beginning. I can best describe it as Fargo-esque, with this film set in the insurance biz, rather than in that of used cars. Greg Kinnear is excellent and Billy Crudup is nothing short of genius in his role. Alan Arkin is so dynamic as an actor and as the shut-in old man, with his dog Petey, he plays the role to perfection. Kinnear is a smarmy insurance salesman and he finds an easy mark in Arkin's old man, who isn't really sure he needs insurance, but buys a policy because his TV stops works...yeah, he missed the point, which was the point of the gag, of course. When it comes to be that the old man happens to have a piece of property of great significant value, Kinnear sees it as an opportunity for a low risk heist. Things go terribly awry and there is a series of big twists that wrap things up. The story is tight and enjoyable and I have no idea why this was such a weal release. Maybe it will pick up speed as an On-Demand flick or on DVD, but if you want an entertaining day at the theater, check it out...
Or A Thousand Words, that is! Lest I digress!
Until later, "Here's lookin' at you kid!"
Reel Rhino
PS...A happy Hunger Games weekend to all!
PS...A happy Hunger Games weekend to all!
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