It doesn’t have the “wow” factor the first one did, but it’s a solid movie. Robert Downey, Jr. is still fun to watch as Tony Stark and the action sequences are great. Director Jon Favreau balances just enough characters, and while some are probably just being introduced for The Avengers (Scarlett Johansonn’s super agent is particularly shallow), the main characters are developed appropriately. It’s a summer blockbuster and it does exactly what it’s supposed to do: entertain.
3.5/5
I could have done without the sex scenes. I thought it best to come right out and say it. I suppose they were included to ensure that there was no ambiguity about the relationship between the two main characters. Yet, hints and subtlety are always more effective than showing something outright. The dark is scarier than the actual killer. That being said…
This was quite simply a great love story. Director Ang Lee presents a film that is not confrontational or overly activist; he is just showing how deeply two people can love one another. The wonderful performance of Heath Ledger anchors the film. Jake Gyllenhaal is good, but Ledger does the heavy lifting, portraying a man who must hide his true emotions from others for whom he cares deeply.
4/5
Forget Hostel. For a truly suspenseful trip abroad, watch this film. Missionaries Jessie and Roy (Emily Mortimer and Woody Harrelson) decide to extend their trip back to America by taking the titular locomotive across China and Russia. Shortly after their departure, backpackers Abby and Carlos (Kate Mara and Eduardo Noriega) arrive in their cabin. Ever-friendly Roy quickly befriends them while Jessie is more leery. After Roy misses the train at one stop, Jessie becomes suspicious of Carlos and what he’s doing in Russia. And did I mention that the film begins with Russian Inspector Ilya Grinko (Ben Kingsley) examining a murder scene? Grinko helps Roy get back on the train and the tension goes through the roof.
This is a classic thriller. Violence is at a minimum but the audience is constantly guessing at motives and what happens off-screen. Jessie may or may not have a dark past. Carlos may or may not have lured Abby into a web of criminal deceit. Director Brad Anderson makes us feel uneasy in this foreign land, just as Jessie and Roy are. We’re unsure of what’s going on, can’t understand what others are saying, and hope that we don’t get into trouble. I anxiously awaited the ending to see if… I won’t ruin it. Enjoy the ride.
4/5
Brian's Film Log 