Reviews
Jack the Giant Slayer (2013)
Dreadful
The movie had promise. However, from the beginning they dropped the ball. The character Jack was a wimpy 18 year old with no fortitude or grit. But somehow they wanted viewers to believe he was this courageous brave young fellow by the end of the film, when nothing suggests that he should've been by some internal change or motivation. The other issue was there was no sense of urgency from the main characters.
Their kingdom is about to be destroyed but Jack and Isabelle stopped to kiss on their way down the beanstalk knowing danger is lurking behind them. Also, in the castle, they are told to find the beacon to warn other kingdoms, mind you the giants are attacking the castle at this time, while they're inside. Do they run to hurry and locate the beacon? Nope, they do not, instead Jack stops to look around at the decor. If the characters don't care about their impending peril, why should I? Which is the main problem with this film, I didn't care because they didn't.
Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain (2013)
Wait for DVD or Netflix
Kevin Hart's new film, Let Me Explain was disappointing or shall I say, 'Seriously Not as Funny' as his previous shows. Half of the film showed his fans from around the world giving him praise and a not so funny skit with his friends, while the other half of the film was dedicated to his comedy routine. So out of 75 minutes of film time, 35 minutes was spent on jokes that were mediocre and overacted. He spent too much time on jokes that weren't funny, he went overboard with his exaggerated facial and body expression, and he lingered too long on jokes with weak punch lines. He is normally great when he is self- deprecating, but this time around it was more about his success, which isn't a bad thing, it just isn't funny or what fans would be accustom to. My advice, save your money and wait for this one on DVD or Netflix.
Love Thy Neighbor (2013)
Has Potential
Expected from Tyler Perry's work; overused laugh track, overacting and rancorous humor. And he delivers! The main character, Hattie, can be likable. However, the acting of the supporting cast, namely Drew and Sam are caricatures. Sam reminds me of a poorly done impersonation of Jim Carrey. The character Drew is so over the top, she is unbelievable. Most of the time the characters stand around waiting to deliver lines and never appear to be doing anything during the course of their interaction. In the workplace of Danny, Drew and Sam, we never see a boss, a phone ring, clients, other employees or work being done. All three are adults, but they across as teenagers with no responsibilities. They don't exhibit any familial commitments, outside interests or backstory. I think the show could develop into something interesting if they rearrange the dynamics of Danny, Drew and Sam or eliminate Sam and Drew all together.
I like this show and feel it has the makings of good staple for OWN. Comedy seems to be one of the genres Mr. Perry does best and with some tweaking and time, I believe this will become a show I look forward to watching.
World War Z (2013)
Excellent
Truly enjoyed this film. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the film once the action began. It was interesting to see Brad Pitt do something edgy and strong. It made me nostalgic for Interview With a Vampire.
There were some parts that I felt dragged along such as the phone interaction between Brad's character and his wife. If my husband calls during a widespread plague, I'm not talking slowly, low or hesitant. I'd have a thousand questions or expect him to give me some useful information. Other than that, I thought it was thoroughly developed, the characters were full and vibrant. I cared about the outcome of the supporting cast, I rooted for humanity. The special effects weren't spectacular but they were believable.
I highly recommend this film.
The Haves and the Have Nots (2013)
Disappointing
This is typical of Tyler Perry's work; lazy writing, drawn out dialogue and delivered as if it were a stage play. The acting is mediocre but the direction is dreadful. This one hour show should be condensed to a 30 minute slot. The characters are cliché, stereotypical, weak and one-dimensional. The dialogue feels forced and unnatural. In one scene, nearly 25 seconds was used saying hello by four characters. Nothing in those 25 seconds helped moved the story along. This is not isolated, this occurs often throughout the show where dialogue or no dialogue at all, moves the story absolutely nowhere.
Mr. Perry doesn't let the story play out naturally, you know how the episode will end 10 minutes into the start of the show. He is terrible at showing his hand, leaving no intrigue for viewers. Some of the characters seems contradictory to their professions and disposition. For example, a judge and gubernatorial candidate is being blackmailed but doesn't get any legal documents signed to prevent future blackmailing. The main character, twenty-something year old Candace, currently a law student and single mother who is hard up for money (couldn't pay a $500 a month mortgage) but can afford to attend law school. She caused so much drama as a young girl and adult; drugs, bad men, running the streets, etc, but we are to believe she was focused enough to attain a four year degree and take the LSAT.
The set looks cheap and poorly designed. In one scene, in a walk in closet full of designer clothes inside a mansion, the camera scans the closet and you can see part of the door frame where paint was not complete and the construction poorly done.
I admire Mr. Perry's work ethic and applaud his efforts, but at some point he has to have some trusted people around him to tell him no, this is poorly done. What shocks me most is that Oprah didn't speak up for a better quality of programming. I think Mr. Perry wants to do it all, but in doing so, he is stretching his work thin, and it's unfortunately at the expense of the viewers who are rooting for him to succeed. I will watch this show until the end, hoping at some point I can come back and revise my review for a more positive one.