The BC Review: Burlesque

Despite the abundance of criticism this film is receiving, I was pleasantly surprised by the experience I shared with my fellow movie-goers when checking out the new musical; Burlesque.

Not placing too much emphasis on the details (who really needs quality dialogue anyway?) the Christina Aguilera/Cher-helmed musical Burlesque is an entertaining array of glitz, glamour, seduction, stage theatrics, and above all - the astounding vocals of Ms. Aguilera!

Admittedly, before catching Aguilera on the big screen, I had a few of her bigger top 40 hits on my iPod (Fighter and Genie in a Bottle to name a couple), but following the film I have a funny feeling I will be increasing my Aguilera intake. I believe I am now a fan of the blond diva!

Our first glimpse of Aguilera, playing the role of Ali, is of her working in a dive diner in her mid-west hometown. Fed up with the trappings of small-town life, Ali sets off for the big city - Los Angeles - but not without belting out a killer rendition of the great, Etta James' "Something's Got a Hold On Me". From here we are hooked. Throughout the film Aguilera's Ali takes to the stage in a LA retro-Burlesque club, chimmying and belting out one hit after another (as well as a few originals).

In addition to Aguilera, we are treated to the talented vocal stylings, red lips, and legs that seem to go on forever, of one of the most famous divas of them all, Cher. It seems the inclusion of Cher to the Burlesque cast was likely an attempt to draw some "star power" to the film. But it really wasn't needed. Of course, Cher is fun to gaze at and she lends her voice to the flick in two notable numbers, but her presence seems forced. In this reviewer's opinion, Burlesque embodies enough pizazz without the additional swagger Cher brings to the stage.

Stanley Tucci and Kristin Bell lend their talents to the film as well. Tucci playing a familiar role as the unlucky in love assistant/best friend to Cher (think Nigel in The Devil Wears Prada). But Bell steps out of her comfort zone, taking on the villainous Nikki who will stop at nothing to halt Ali's ascension to the Burlesque spotlight.

Burlesque will fulfil the guilty pleasure in us all - lots of sparkle, even more lip gloss, and tons of toe-tapping music.

The Bee Charmer Review rating: B-

Watch the Trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PiPYAz7f0Q

The BC Review: Black Swan

Perhaps one of the flicks I was most excited about seeing this year, Natalie Portman's Black Swan, was none other than an ultimately thrilling, and very dark portrait of a prima ballerina plummeting her way down her own personal rabbit hole.

In case you haven't heard about this one, don't worry - you are not alone. Black Swan is in limited release, largely circulating among the "Indie" crowd. Honestly, I'm not sure why - it seems the film has enough twists and turns (literal and figurative) to please most audiences.

Black Swan is the story of Nina Sayers (played by Natalie Portman) a prima ballerina in NYC competing for the coveted role of the Swan Queen in the ballet classic "Swan Lake". Upon attaining that goal, she finds herself coming apart at the seems, physically and emotionally. And this is where it gets really good. The film mirrors the story of Swan lake, the story of a princess who is turned into a swan (the White Swan) by a spell. The spell can only be broken by her true love. But of course, there's a twist, her prince is seduced by her evil twin (the Black Swan) and upon learning of this, the White Swan realizes she can only be free in death and thus commits suicide.

I won't spoil the film for you, but suffice it to say - Nina begins to connect with both the White Swan and the Black Swan and must find a way to live both sides of her personality. The genius of the film hinges on this point, Nina's duality - both good and evil - co-existing within one person. The director really takes this to a whole new level as we see Nina battling her own psyche (sometimes in some shocking scenes) and interestingly developing the physical characteristics of the swan.

Natalie Portman (best known for The Professional, The Other Boleyn Girl, and Closer) is one of Hollywood's best kept secrets. Her roles tend to be far and few between, but when she makes an appearance she jumps head first into her role! Her role as Nina Sayers is no different; Portman purportedly studied ballet for a year in preparation for the role (both body and mind) and lost over 20 pounds (a sizable amount of weight for the petite actress). Not that I want to focus on the weight loss so much, of course, it definitely shows, but it is the way she transforms into Nina -vulnerable, fearful, striving for perfection to the point of physical and mental anguish.

A lesser known actress, Mila Kunis (catch her in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Date Night, and the voice of "Meg" in Family Guy) plays Lily - Nina's sometimes friend, sometimes nemesis. Lily is everything Nina is not; sexy, natural, and uninhibited, making for a formidable rival to the virginal Nina. Not surprisingly, Nina starts to believe her worst fear - Lily will take the Swan Queen role from her; ultimately replacing her. I think each of us can connect with this idea - someone wanting to replace you - your dreams, your accomplishments, your life... it's a scary prospect.

Finally, I would be remiss not to mention Barbara Hershey's visceral role as Erica Sayers, Nina's mother. Erica is tense to the point of horrifying, desperately trying to protect her daughter, while at the same time mourning for her own long-lost ballet career. Adorned all in black, with her hair tied securely in a bun, Erica represents the "what could happen" scenario for Nina; falling out of the spotlight and plummeting into darkness.

As I mentioned, due to its limited release you may have to dig a little deeper than usual to find a listing near you (but, believe me, it'll be worth it). Black Swan comes recommended for thriller fans seeking an out-of-the-ordinary flick with a talent for both beauty and the grotesque!

The Bee Charmer Review rating: A-

The Bee Charmer Review: Morning Glory

Over the weekend my husband and I made a trip to what is quickly becoming our go-to theatre, the AMC Courthouse 8, to catch the new Rachel McAdams romantic comedy - Morning Glory.

Morning Glory, also starring Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton, and Jeff Goldblum, is a delightful, tasteful, light-hearted "rags to riches" comedy with a few ups and downs (but mostly, ups!).

Movie Tagline (if it were up to me): Prepare to embrace your inner nerd!

Rachel McAdams plays Becky; the slightly nerdy, seriously perky, over-achieving producer who is desperate to reach her goal: Executive Producer of the Today Show! I know, seems like kind of a lofty goal, but also seems like kind of a disappointing one too! I mean, it doesn't get much quirkier than morning "news" programs (if we can really call them that). And throughout the film, we are not alone in this feeling - nearly every character has trouble taking Becky and her dream seriously. Even her mother begs her to give it up - expressing the utter embarrassment she suffers as a result of her 30-something daughter's ambitions.

From a character perspective, I really enjoyed watching McAdams in this role. She is the standard "girl next door" actress (see her in the Time Traveler's Wife, Wedding Crashers, and of course, The Notebook) and she played Becky with a natural ease. At first Becky is disheveled and almost panicky, but as the film progresses, so does she. Even the nuance of her ragged hair is transformed to a stylish curled coiffure.

Of course, despite all that, we still find ourselves cheering Becky on and hoping she will make it to her own personal grand finale. (Don't worry, I'm not going to spoil it for you).

Diane Keaton and Harrison Ford lend their serious acting chops to this romp - the former more in a comedic tone akin to her performance in The First Wives Club - the latter in a markedly more serious role. Mind you, Ford manages to be amusing, but in a very "I'm Harrison Ford and I always maintain an air of dignity" sort of way.

Because this was one of the better romantic comedies I've seen, I will hold back from giving you too much detail, but I will give you one of the best scenes. If you've ever wondered if the "Today Show" or "Good Morning America" actually managed to get those large crowds of people outside in the plaza (even on really cold days), the fictional producers of "Day Break" have it covered - cut to a very small crowd ( 3-5 people tops) filmed just within the parameters of the camera! It may be nearly non-existent in real life, but to the average TV viewer the effect is somewhat different!

In the hope you will run out see this one, I will end this commentary with one final thought. Instead of the overly gratuitous love scenes that dominate the box office these days, Morning Glory steers clear; choosing instead taste and creativity. Sure, they give us enough to know where our heroine's love-life stands, but spare us the unimaginative details. If only other films could follow this lead...

Morning Glory is a fun-filled romantic comedy the whole family can enjoy.

The Bee Charmer Review Rating: B+

The Bee Charmer Review: Inception

Hi everyone!

I know, I know, it's been quite a while since I've written. My sincere apologies for the delay - things have been a bit (more) chaotic than usual around here and suffice it to say, I haven't made it to the theatre recently... that is, until last night!

AND I am very happy to say, the return was a good one. My husband just returned from a stressful weekend in Richmond so we decided to treat ourselves to the University Mall Theatre in Fairfax, VA. University Mall is one of those cozy independent "Mom and Pop" cinemas that show only slightly out-dated flicks at a very inexpensive ticket price (just 3 dollars each!).

Last night's pick: the Leonardo DiCaprio- helmed sci/fi-fantasy, Inception. This one had been on my list for some time and was worth the wait! Much to our surprise, the theatre was packed (I'd say a very good sign for the longevity of the film.

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Ken Watanabe, Marion Cotillard, and Tom Beringer, Inception is the story of a team of theives who steel information, secret information, sometimes information the subject is unaware they even know, from the subject's dreams. Sounds relatively simple right? All you have to do is hook yourself up to a machine, take a sedative, and poof! you are sharing in the unconcious dream of another. Of course, as with all good stories there is always a complication: enter, Leonardo DiCaprio's character, Cobb, and his homocidal wife, Mal (played by Marion Cotillard)- or is it just a projection of his wife?

Although I rarely comment on a film's director (well, aside from the Coen Brothers and Quentin Tarantino), I think in this case it is worth mentioning. Inception was directed by Christopher Nolan, the genious behind the revised adaptations of Batman (Batman Begins and The Dark Knight) and such mind-bending films as Memento, and therefore, it stands to reason, this film embodies top-notch direction. Nolan may be on the fast-track to becoming one of my favorite directors.

The other day I picked up my husband's copy of Forbes magazine and came across a quote which really sums it up:

"I have a foolproof device for judging whether a picture is good or bad. If my fanny squirms, it's bad. If my fanny doesn't squirm, it's good."

- Harry Cohn, former American president and production director of Columbia Pictures.

I can say, for the entirety of the film my fanny did not squirm, not once. I felt glued to my seat, eyes squarely focused on the sites and sounds of the screen, and my mind completing a series of gymanastics in an attempt to follow the incredibly detailed and well, almost entirely original idea.

It should be noted, however, that some similarities (intentional or unintentional) do exist. Off the top of my head, as I was watching Cobb and his dream-altering team navigate various levels in the unconcious mind of their target, the films Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and What Dreams May Come came to my mind. (Insert shameless plug here, if you liked Inception, might recommend the former two).

Inception is recommended for fans of Christopher Nolan and those interested in the exploring the possibilities that exist in the human mind. Strap yourself in for one mind-expanding journey!

The Bee Charmer Review: A

The BC Review: Machete

So for those of you who wouldn't categorize yourselves as Quentin Tarentino fans, I will start this review by stating it's probably best that you leave this one alone. Of course, on the other hand, if you are Tarantino fans, then have at it!

Robert Rodriguez's Mexican-vigilant flick, Machete, does not disappoint!

To understand Machete, you really need to look back to 2007's Grindhouse Presents films: Robert Rodrigquez's Planet Terror and Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof. Though, not original Grindhouse flicks, the 70's-inspired horror films gave us our first glance at the now feature film, Machete (as it originally appeared as a fictitious trailer in the former).

As the story goes, an ex-Federale seeks revenge against a notorious Mexican drug lord, only to become unwitting involved in an on-going battle between the money-grubbing, power-seeking (and really, for all intents and purposes) morally bankrupt Texan politicians, red-neck border vigilantes, and "the Network," an off-the-grid, underground railroad of sorts, for those seeking to cross the border illegally. Machete give us a taste for revenge (with the added bonus of Cheech Marin as a gun-toting Catholic priest!). And of course, as the title predicts, machetes are everywhere.

Now, I know there's been a bit of discussion over the supposed political messages presented here, but for this review, I will say this, Machete is what it is, a totally over-the-top bloodbath complete with ridiculous images (to include naked women) and copious amounts of gore. Let's not read too much into the so-called "political message" (leave that for another discussion) and just sit back and enjoy.

But, what else could we expect from Rodriguez? Machete gives us what we asked for - a full-length, completely crazy feature to fill the void left from Planet Terror.

Machete stars a litany of Hollywood who's who to include:

- Danny Trejo (quite possibly the ugliest man on film these days) as the title character "Machete"

- Robert De Niro, as the morally reprehensible Senator McLaughlin

- Jessica Alba, as the sexy Latina ICE officer

- Michelle Rodriquez (aka Lost's Anna Lucia) as "She"

- Stephen Seagal, as the notorious Mexican drug lord

...and even, Lindsay Lohan, as (no surprise here) the slutty daughter of a prominent Texan. The only thing I think that could have added to this film is the addition of my new favorite "bad guy" - Mickey Rourke.

Machete comes recommended for fans of Tarantino and Rodriguez. This, I cannot emphasize enough. Strap yourselves in for one wild, machete-wielding, ride!

The Bee Charmer Review Rating: C

New Feature:Watch the Trailer

The BC Review: Defending Your Life

My husband's been wanting me to see this one for quite some time (as he claims) so I decided to give it a whirl.

Unfortunately, you won't be able to catch Defending Your Life on the big screen soon, unless the AFI Silver Theatre picks it as a release(it's one off the Netflix queue as it was released in 1991). But it is worth the rental.

Starring Albert Brooks, Defending Your Life is about a man who's life comes to an abrupt and premature end. Brooks plays Daniel Miller, a middle-aged divorcee with a less-than satisfying career. Following his sudden departure from this world Daniel is subsequently sent to Judgment City (a less intimidating version of purgatory).

Don't get too discouraged yet! Yes, the film gets off to a bleak start, but we are instantly whisked away to a beautiful location that the tour guides (yes, there are tour guides here) explain is meant to resemble the landscape and pleasant temperatures of the Western United States (i.e. California) and should be pleasing to the soul. Guests of the city are afforded comfortable lodging in the form of a hotel, soothing tram rides with remarkably efficient arrival and departure schedules, and comfortable "Tupahs" (loose-fitting white clothing with matching slippers).

As the film's tagline portends, Defending Your Life is "the first true story of what happens after you die."

Co-starring Meryl Streep, it is delightfully funny and actually succeeds (in this reviewer's case) in presenting death in an appetizing way. How? For starters, here in Judgment City you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want, and as much as you want, WITHOUT the added pounds, expense, and guilt. Now, under those circumstances, who wouldn't want to pass on to the other side? (One of the best scenes involves Meryl chowing down on a ginormous plate of pasta at a whopping 3 pounds!!) About the desire for death, I kid of course, but it is at least a little intriguing.

And to top it all off, as the film portends, in Judgment City there is even room for newfound love...

But with all things there are some drawbacks to being in resident at Judgment City. Case in point, the fact that you are there (as Albert Brooks is) to DEFEND your life. And defend it to who? Get ready for this; the Universe. In this creative dramedy, the Universe is represented by capable prosecutors who exist to put you on trial and measure whether or not you've passed the tests put in front of you during your earthly life (namely, overcoming your fears). If so, then you are granted a pass to "move ahead" (important note: no one ever explains what this means, but based on the ethereal music I think it is safe to say it is a good thing). If not, it is back to earth you go!

All in all, a great film worthy of any one's viewing (as long as he/she is equipped with a marginal sense of humor when it comes to life and death!).

Reviewer's note: Keep an eye out for Rip Torn as Daniel Miller's defense attorney, Bob Diamond.

New feature: Watch the Trailer

The Bee Charmer Review Rating: B

The BC Review: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

Following our summertime trend this year, my husband and I ventured out on a random Monday evening to catch another light-hearted, distinctly summer-esque flick, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.

As I am not a reader of graphic novels, I can't speak for the film's accuracy in terms of keeping close to the original story and/or depiction/illustration (for those of you who are, I'd love to hear your thoughts). But, I can say this - I thoroughly enjoyed this off-beat flick about a young man (Scott Pilgrim, played by Michael Cera) trying to find love and ultimately choosing self respect.

To accurately review this one, I feel it necessary to set the stage:

- First, you need to go into this one with a quirky sense of humor (think low-budget Indie flick, only without the low-budget aspect). The film is set in Toronto, but is in a video-game world. Quirkie, definitely quirkie. Complete with Super Mario Bros/Mortal Combat type images and sounds.

- Then you need to consider the crazy storyline and even crazier characters (keep an eye out for an absolutely diabolical Jason Schwartzman as Gideon).

- Finally, strap yourself in for one awesome ride!

As you can probably tell from the title, this one is about 22 year old Scott Pilgrim and his battles with "the world" which in reality range from playing in a "rock band", dating a 17 year old Catholic school girl, falling in love with a punk-styled Ramona, and then (and this is the kicker), battling Ramona's 7 evil exes (aka. ex-boyfriends and one ex-girlfriend) for not only the right to be with Ramona, but also the right to life!

Ramona Flowers (played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is the alluring new girl in town with a positively punk attitude (and attire to match). First spotted in Scott's dream (yes, he sees her in his dreams before he ever sees her in real life), Ramona is instantly ingrained as the woman Scott is destined to be with. All he has to do is figure out A) how to meet her and B) how to get her to love him as much as he loves her. Of course, as with all love stories, this is not such an easy task. Ramona is nothing if not aloof.

For the sake of brevity (and not ruining the best parts of the film for you) I will say Scott ultimately "gets the girl". But much to his dismay upon discovering Ramona has a new man in her life these exes come seeking revenge. Scott is subsequently forced into fight to the death battles with these exes (don't worry, they don't come all at once, he of course has to fight each one individually, only succeeding in defeating them by discovering their weaknesses).

Of course, as I mentioned, this all takes place in a video-game type world so the "deaths" are not gruesome, but rather envision the hero defeating the evil villain in a Mortal Combat zone (think: when these guys fall they turn to coins).

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World comes recommended for fans of the Indie flick, and of course (due to his substantial role in the film), Michael Cera. Seriously, if you did not enjoy Arrested Development, Juno, or Superbad, might be best to leave this one alone.

New Feature: Watch the trailer!

The Bee Charmer Review Rating: B+