Universal Pictures Jim Carrey stars as
the Grinch in Ron Howard’s adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ book.
“Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole
Christmas” Starring Jim Carrey and Taylor Momsen Directed by
Ron Howard Get a cartoon to play a cartoon. That was
probably what the Imagine Entertainment executives had in mind when
they cast Jim Carrey in the title role of “How the Grinch
Stole Christmas.” The undeniably simple logic works
brilliantly, as Carrey’s antics and Ron Howard’s
meticulous direction breathe rare cinematic life into Dr.
Seuss’ cherished holiday classic. Long before it was a
blockbuster, the tale of Whoville and its humbug was a book, and
for this reason, much of the appeal of the film lies in discovering
how Seuss’ work made the transition to celluloid. The story
remains completely intact, and narration by Anthony Hopkins keeps
the movie grounded in the book; however, Howard’s film takes
the liberty of looking into the Grinch’s past to explain his
hatred of all things Christmas. Audiences are treated to flashbacks
in which a young Grinch loses his love, Martha-May Whovier, and is
ridiculed by a group of Whos including the soon-to-be Mayor of
Whoville. These scenes add depth to the film, and are so
well-executed that they certainly make worthy additions to Grinch
lore. Visually, “The Grinch” does a remarkable job of
adapting Dr. Seuss’ artwork for the screen. All of the
characters and places bear a stylistic resemblance to the
illustrations in the book, and where visual effects are used, they
are blended carefully into the film to maintain a sort of
live-action cartoon feel. From the surreal skies surrounding the
Grinch’s lair to the fantastic inhabitants of Whoville,
Howard and company have created a beautifully rendered world. Given
the physical nature of Carrey’s comedy, one would think that
hiding his infamous elastic face behind foam-rubber prosthetics
would constitute a kind of handicap for the actor. Surprisingly,
the Grinch remains as expressive as ever, which is critical for the
scene where he outgrows his cold heart and gets into the Christmas
spirit. As to be expected with Jim Carrey films, some moments are a
little over the top, even for a movie based on a children’s
book. For instance, there’s a slow-motion gunny sack race
complete with St. Elmo’s fire music, and any perceptive kid
is going to pick up on some jokes intended for adults. Dramatic
roles aside, silliness is still Carrey’s forte; love him or
hate him, he’s forever branded the Grinch character with his
gleefully twisted persona ““ and this holiday season is all
the more funny for it.
Anthony Camara Rating: 8
“The 6th Day” Starring Arnold
Schwarzenegger, Tony Goldwyn and Robert Duvall Directed by Roger
Spottiswoode There is something very bizarre yet utterly
hilarious about seeing two Arnolds consoling each other. In a scene
from “The 6th Day,” the Austrian action hero pours on
his nice guy schtick a little too thick and warmly tells his clone
that he will always be part of the family. And we thought Dolly was
creepy. In his latest futuristic, high-octane outing of
Superman-esque stunts, the actor plays doting husband and father,
Adam Gibson. An ace fighter pilot, Adam is an old-fashioned guy at
heart. For example, he wants to tell his daughter, Clara, that the
family dog had to be put to sleep. But his wife, Natalie (Wendy
Crewson), pleads with him to go order a clone with the dog’s
DNA at the local RePet store. Supposedly taking place sometime in
our near future, Gibson’s world is rife with other
innovations that make human lives easier. Now, guys can install
virtual girlfriends who will cater to their every desire. Kids can
get life-sized Sim-Pals ““ glassy-eyed, human-looking dolls
that automatically talk or cry. Despite all these inventions, the
world is not ready for actual human clones. Hence, the Sixth Day
Law. While God created man on the sixth day, it is illegal for man
to create man or woman any day of the week. This is where the story
tries to fulfill its morality clause. Alas, Gibson comes home one
day to find a dead wringer of himself living his life. Before he
can do anything about it, Gibson is wrestled away by a gang of
mysterious thugs. He finds out that Michael Drucker (Goldwyn), a
power-hungry tycoon with the money bags of Rupert Murdoch and
Michael Eisner, has been teaming up with a scientist (Duvall) to
genetically engineer people in order to take God-like reins over
human lives. And of course, explosive high jinks and exposure of
the scientific cover-up ensue. With Schwarzenegger’s name
attached, moviegoers should instantly know that this is not some
dark exploration of technology and the fallibility of man.
“The 6th Day” is classic Schwarzenegger fare, complete
with plenty of eye-candy special effects and eye-rolling lines.
Plus, with two of him running around, you get the full range. Amid
the throes of such a high-speed action film, Arnold tries to
promote a gentle, family-friendly tone. Despite the chaos of gun
fights and carnage, the film managed a PG-13 rating. Schwarzenegger
simultaneously pokes fun and acknowledges this when, as Gibson, he
shields Clara from watching him use a gun because she sees enough
violence in the media. Oh, the irony. Overall, “The 6th
Day” is surprisingly entertaining and doesn’t feel
dumbed-down. Though it refrains from immersing the audience with
any high-tech, scientific jargon, the movie keeps you on your toes
with a few interesting plot twists. Still, you have to wonder what
an actor of Duvall’s caliber is doing in a film like this.
But in the entertainment business, for every independent film like
“The Apostle,” which Duvall wrote, starred in and
financed himself, he needs a big-budget flick like “The 6th
Day.” Perhaps one day, Duvall and Schwarzenegger won’t
need to spread themselves so thin. By this film’s theories,
Hollywood will someday get two stars for the price of one.
Terry Tang Rating: 7
“Men of Honor” Starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and
Robert DeNiro Directed by George Tillman Jr. Regardless of
the hand they are dealt in life, over achievers usually strive to
supersede and defy all boundaries and expectations. “Men of
Honor” tells the inspirational story of Carl Brasher (played
by Cuba Gooding, Jr.), chronicling the tumultuous stages of his
life, from his teenage years plowing sharecropped fields in
Kentucky to the 40-year-old man fighting for his honor. The film
begins in Kentucky in the 1930s, with Brasher as a boy. Deeply
affected by what his father thinks of him, he joins the Navy at age
17 with dreams of making his father proud. These dreams are quickly
squelched, however, as Brasher discovers that being a
“colored” in the Navy is seen as a handicap. He defies
prescribed limitations and proves that he is worthy of being more
than what is expected of him. A prolific swimmer, his talents
quickly grab the attention of officials and thus start his journey
toward becoming a Navy diver. There are major hurdles along the
way, however. Robert DeNiro plays Chief Billy Sunday, a viscously
hateful and domineering Master Chief who envies Brasher’s
ability. Brasher is beaten and degraded, but, even though his
training is sabotaged, Brasher advances in his Naval career.
Unfortunately, he nearly severs his leg in an accident during an
assignment. Though his life is threatened, he still manages to come
out on top, and gets the girl at the same time. The cinematography
is beautifully done, focusing on capturing a classic Hollywood
style with sweeping music, engaging dialogue and and a magnificent
cast. Charlize Theron, beautiful, playful and not afraid of looking
older than she is, out does herself as the alcoholic, mistreated
wife of Sunday. Enjanue Ellis delivers another notable performance
as Brasher’s intelligent and altruistic wife Jo. Josh, from
“The Blair Witch Project,” makes an appearance as well.
Though he doesn’t get lost in the woods in this film, he
nearly drowns after blacking out. The direction of the film is
fluid and concise, with no extraneous scenes or unnecessary action.
Overall, the film proves that real life experience can be much more
entertaining and moving than schmaltzy antics based in fiction. If
you don’t go to see DeNiro and Gooding Jr. give Oscar worthy
performances, or to see brilliant cinematography and old style
charm scenes, go to witness one man’s struggle and lifelong
determination to become a man that someone can be proud of, a man
of honor. “Men of Honor” tells Brasher’s amazing
story with heart and soul, doing justice to a life story that is
nothing less than awe inspiring.
Sarah Monson Rating: 9