Batman #703

/ / Comics

batman-703-coverThere’s nothing really bad about this issue (with the possible exception of a wind surfing baddie), but there’s really nothing all that special about it either.

The story focuses on the return of the Getaway Genius, a villain Dick Grayson’s past as Robin, and the further snooping of Vicki Vale.

There are some nice moments between Dick and Damian (especially towards the end of the story), but nothing that would make anyone other than hardcore Bat-fans pick this issue up. Nice cover, though. For fans.

[DC, ]

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Going the Distance

/ / Movie Reviews
  • Title: Going the Distance
  • IMDB: link

Romantic comedies are far from my favorite genre. The cream of the crop are passable at best, and for the rest, well, just take a look at Kate Hudson’s filmography sometime. Perhaps it’s because the bar is set so low that Going the Distance finds a way to be a halfway decent, and at times even funny, entry into the genre.

The story focuses on the burgeoning relationship between low-level record company exec Garret (Justin Long) and waitress Erin (Drew Barrymore) which is put on indefinite hold when Erin’s internship working for a major metropolitan newspaper ends and she leaves New York for San Fransisco.

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Shadowland #3

/ / Comics
  • Title: Shadowland #3 (of 5)
  • Comic Vine: link

shadowland-3-coverFinally, somebody notices that the creature masquerading as Daredevil isn’t Matt Murdock. We finally learn the truth about what’s going on under Daredevil’s mask and, sigh, let’s just say it could have been handled better.

As I had feared, it turns out the entire struggle of Matt Murdock’s control of the Hand is moot since he’s no longer in control of his actions. Oh, and Bullseye’s on his way back far faster than most readers not a carrot chompin’ super-hero reviewer thought.

Sure, this Hand demon gives our heroes a big bad villain to fight, but it also undercuts the only real dramatic thread the mini-series had going for it. Nice to see Elektra finally show up, though. Hit-and-Miss.

[Marvel $3.99]

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The American (and some very beautiful women)

/ / Movie Reviews
  • Title: The American
  • IMDb: link

Is there anything we won’t forgive George Clooney on-screen? Con man, thief, lawyer, killer – it seems his charm can overcome just about any handicap the script attempts to throw at his character. And that’s why he’s the perfect choice for a role just like this, especially when you surround him with such beautiful women.

In his latest foray into cinema Clooney stars as an assassin chased from the warmth of a beautiful woman (Irina Björklund) and warm fireplace in Sweden. Retreating to the Italian countryside he attempts to lay low while accepting a job creating a custom made rifle for one beautiful woman (Thekla Reuten) as he throws his passions into the arms of another beautiful woman, a local prostitute named Clara (Violante Placido). (Did I mention this film includes beautiful women?)

The American is an art film turned thriller. Some might be put-off by it’s slow pace, including long stretches between action scenes, and unwillingness to force the action (at least early on), but they’d be missing the point.

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Takers lacks Heat

/ / Movie Reviews
  • Title: Takers
  • IMDB: link

I love heist flicks and I’m usually willing to cut them an awful lot of slack. On my DVD shelf alongside of Heist, To Catch a Thief, and Sneakers, I own copies of The Newton Boys, How to Beat the High Co$t of Living and After the Sunset. When a new heist flick comes along I’m willing to give it several chances to prove itself. After seeing Takers I might have to reevaluate that position.

It took four writers to put Takers together, and it shows. The film is a mediocre mess of both shots and storylines best left of the cutting room floor. I’m sure the attempt here was to merge the coolness of the Ocean’s Eleven franchise (without Clooney, Pitt, and Cheadle) with the feel of Michael Mann’s Heat (without DeNiro, Pacino, and Kilmer). Not surprising, it’s a disaster in every sense of the word.

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Takers lacks Heat Read More »