It’s only fair to start with a confession; I enjoy “Signs” more than I should. Even knowing there are huge flaws, I still will watch it every Sunday afternoon it plays on TBS. We all have a few of these movies that are our Kryptonite. “Sleepless in Seattle” is up there too. Get your mother […]
Dagger Movie Night: “The Watch” — A Pathetically Generic Film With Few Laughs
Someone needs to tell Seth Rogen that alien invasion comedies just don’t work. Last year, he penned the unremarkable “Paul.” This year he lowers the bar further with “The Watch” – a film as generic and largely disproportional as the Costco the plot centers around. Four everyday suburban guys come together as an excuse to […]
Dagger Movie Night: “Ted” — An Irreverent, Dirty Joke Fest That Will be the Year’s Best Comedy
How do you introduce a movie about a foul-mouthed talking plush toy? To quote “Ted” writer, director, and star MacFarlane from his own film: “Nothing is more powerful than the wish of a small boy. Except for an Apache helicopter. It has both machine guns and missiles. It is a pure death machine.” Nothing better […]
Dagger Movie Night: “The Dictator” — Some Zingers, but Not the Best of Cohen’s Characters
In one sense, Sacha Baron Cohen is returning to his roots of extremely offensive comedy. On the other hand, he abandons the format of his previous character comedies and replaces it with a structured story. Unfortunately this structure sets up the jokes way before the punch line, removing much of the desired effect. The heroic […]
Dagger Movie Night: “The Big Year” – Birdwatching Flick Has No Drama, Humor to be Seen
Much like the insular culture of birdwatching, “The Big Year” doesn’t have enough broad-base appeal. While heartfelt, it falls flat on comedy and storytelling. It’s certain to be a hit among birders, but there is little to flock to for outsiders. Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson are at a crossroads — one is […]
Dagger Movie Night – “50/50” Masterfully Walks a Thin Line Between Hilarity and Emotional Drama
Walking a thin line between hilarity and emotional drama, “50/50” handles the subject matter masterfully. Both sensitive and hilarious, the film showcases exceptional writing and acting talents. Inspired by personal experiences, 50/50 is an original story about friendship, love, survival and finding humor in unlikely places. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen star as best friends […]
Movie Review: “Megamind”
By Mark Special to The Dagger There has been a certain renaissance in the animated film world over the last few years largely brought about by the phenomenal success of the Pixar film studio. Brining an increase of talent, focus, and attention to critical success have led to an era of quality animation that has […]
Movie Review: ‘Going the Distance’
(Jessica Miglio/Warner Bros.) Long-distance relationships are the center of study in Going the Distance, Warner Bros’ unexpectedly bawdy, often quite funny end-of-summer entry. But the film itself struggles to survive at least as much as its bicoastal pair of leading lovers. You see, it’s hard out there for a romantic comedy. In the age of […]
