Movie time - Tower Heist

I probably should start by saying that I did like this movie.

Now, if I recall correctly, this was supposed to be a blockbuster family-oriented comedy that would likely spawn a franchise.  It didn't, and watching it, I get why.

It has a rough go- in that it needs to set up an Oceans 11 storyline, wants to make social commentary on madoff-style scammers, and still wants to be a slapstick comedy.

It probably should have went for the funny.  The 'heist' part is too outrageous to be believed, and the movie spedns a good deal of time setting it up.

I was engaged the whole time, so I was satisfied.  I did enjoy the cast a lot- with Ben Stiller and Alan Alda keeping me tuned in. 

It's just it's not the instant family comedy classic it hoped to be. 

In its defense, it have a scene (in the mall, we will just say) that is as funny as anything I have seen all year.  Credit must go to a supporting cast complementing Stiller and Eddie Murphy that is a step above (Michael Pena, Casey Affleck, and Matthew Broderick).  Murphy (for his recent movie misfires) is one of the high points, but he is sparsely used.

The movie also sets up a good "good guy vs bad guy" premise.  it just has too much working against it.  It throws the movie into that unfortunate category of 'movie you'd enjoy if nothing else is on, and you've got time to kill."

I can only recommend with the reservation not to expect much out of it.

Movie time - Hugo

Hugo kind of came and went at the theater, but really got back on the radar with all of the Oscars it won and was nominated for.

It is a beautiful film- that seems animated, but is a movie with real actors.

It is a different kind of film.  i am told it was Scorcese's wife who told him that he needed to make a movie his teenage daughter could watch.  However, it really isn't quite a kid's film (or at least seems like it would go over at least young kids' heads).

It is the type of film that has a lot of layers and I know a certain type of movie viewer who will probably adore it.  That isn't me, but I did really like it.  However, it is likely too slow for the typical moviegoer.

It feels a lot like a French film (Think Jean-Paul Jeunet) and your opinion likely will be based on how much you like foreign and indie fare.

The cast is great- Asa Butterfield is 14 years old, but incredible.  You can't take your eyes off Sacha Baron Cohen when he's on the screen (and the subtleties of his performance are incredible).  Ray Winstone, Jude Law, and ben Kingsley all appear.  Plus, (to use a wrestling term), I 'popped' when i saw Christopher Lee.

The revelation to me was (to try to be spoiler free as possible) was how many real facts are entwined into the movie.  Don't do it before, but after seeing the film, be sure you look up those facts.

After seeing it, I talked about it for days, which if not the sign of a great movie, at least indicates one in which needs to be seen.

Personally, it thrilled me on quite a few levels.  The warning goes out though that its not typical fare, and if this does not sound like your bag, then you might want it to speed up a little.

A side mention probably should be made to steampunk fans and the like in that there is a lot on screen to fall in love with if that is a gnre of choice for you.