Mini-Reviews: To Rome With Love, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World
To Rome With Love:
Woody Allen’s final film in his series of European stories leaves us with an abundance of stories and ideas about the fleeting nature of life, but the construction of the film does him no favors. The choppiness of the scenes and the uneven way the segments flow together leave one wondering if he wanted these stories to be viewed as connected. Even he seems to dismiss the idea of these stories being connected in any way by starting the film with the lazy plot device of a narrator saying “I see lots of people in Rome. Here are some of them.” Two of the storylines– one following an average man who finds fame for literally no reason, another following an opera producer discovering a new talent– feel particularly autobiographical. During these chunks, the movie sparks to life. Another plotline starring Ellen Page as a sexual temptress never really clicks because it cast Ellen Page as a sexual temptress, and the fourth never really clicks with the other three, despite strong performances from Alessandra Mastonardi as a Madonnaesque newlywed and Penelope Cruz as a prostitute (Woody always seems inspired as a writer by utterly gorgeous women). It’s still going to be catnip for Allen fans like myself, but it lacks the focus and sure hand of his last film, Midnight in Paris.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter:
By taking the source material somewhat seriously, Timur Bekmambetov improved upon his first major Hollywood film, Wanted, by creating a story with heart among the chaos. Ben Walker, who I’ve been hyping since I saw him absolutely slay Broadway in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, gives a charismatic and credible leading man performance, and Bekmambetov keeps the vampires rushing and the axes flying for the most part. Dominic Cooper as a mentor with a secret that you’ll guess in five seconds has some fun, but his role leads to repetition: he warns Abe not to do something, Abe does it, he warns Abe not to do something, Abe does it, etc. While I appreciated the time spent to build character away from the fighting, its repetition drags the middle section down some. But the trademark Bekmambetov insane action sequences don’t disappoint– it’s the only film you’ll ever see in which a bad guy grabs a stampeding horse by the legs, throws it at the hero, knocking him down, yet the hero mounts the horse that just bombarded him in mid-crash, gets it upright, and starts riding it towards the villain. That alone may be worth the admission price. Special note: several frat guys came to this film just to laugh at it, nearly ruining the experience for everyone there. If you give this film a chance, there’s much to enjoy. If you don’t, stay home and don’t be a douche.
Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World:
I’m not convinced we’ll ever see a comedy about the apocalypse that *really* works. Maintaining consistent laughter in such a bleak atmosphere without making your characters one-dimensional seems nigh impossible to achieve. Seeking A Friend At The End Of The World tries for a while, and it contains some individually terrific scenes, but the jarring tonal shifts between the reality of doom setting in and the attempts at broad human farce cause the film to simply feel all over the place. There’s a fine line between finding the humor in the blissful ignorance of humanity and stepping over the line into caricature, and the script by Lorene Scafaria (who also wrote Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist) dances all over that line from moment to moment. For the most part, I was lightly amused if not truly engaged, primarily because Carell and Knightley do terrific work in the lead roles, until the final half hour, when the film ditches the aspirations of comedy and dives headfirst into the dramatic deep end. Once it stopped trying to make me laugh, the film grabbed a hold of me– Carell does his finest dramatic work to date in this film’s conclusion. They managed to sell me on events that I never would’ve bought had the film tried to stay funny. Scafaria has a clear affinity for music between this and her previous work, and she knows how to find cinematic musical choices that tug the heartstrings without a feeling of forced manipulation. This is worth seeking out, if just for the chunks that work amongst the tonal mess.
If you liked these reviews, please follow my Twitter account with my up-to-date thoughts on movies I’m watching. http://twitter.com/RussellHFilm
The Password is Swordfish 
I’m disappointed the new Allen movie is getting such poor reviews, especially after all the unexpected praise of MIP. I’ll still go see it though..
cigarettesandmovies said this on July 4, 2012 at 10:38 am |
Very interesting reviews. I haven’t seen the other two yet, but I’m surprised you gave Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter 2 and 1/2 popcorn. I read the book and was disappointed by pretty much everything but the visual effects. I had been counting down the days until it hit theatres too. Sad. I also had douchey people in the theatre laughing/joking the whole time and I can agree that it really sucks. Nice post!
theyellowranger said this on July 4, 2012 at 12:12 pm |
I did not like Midnight in Paris, so I think I will be skipping out on To Rome with Love. Bummed to hear your review on the last one; was hoping for more. Thanks for your insights.
The Simple Life of a Country Man's Wife said this on July 4, 2012 at 1:07 pm |
“Zombieland” managed to maintain the humour, and the apocalypse… Yes, the characters were one dimentional, but that’s all part of the fun. I think its success relied on it being aware of its place in the mire of recent cinematic history.
As for this particular ‘end-of-the-world’, I’d love to see it, but I don’t think I can stand Keira Knightley for two hours. Or Steve Carrell for that matter.
Great reviews though!
erinkstapleton said this on July 4, 2012 at 2:20 pm |
I agree with the thoughts on Seeking- it was okay for bits and pieces. Did anyone else wonder what the heck happened to the dog? Seemed like a storyboard flaw to me. Also, how big is a cessna gas tank?
My personal thoughts on Seeking a Friend: 2.25 stars, Dog: 5 stars. He was really believable as a dog. 😀
FoghornUnicorn said this on July 4, 2012 at 3:31 pm |
I kind of want to see “seeking a friend” but I hate “world ending” movie, it’s so gimmicky.
natasiarose said this on July 4, 2012 at 4:22 pm |
Once again a movie that pairs a lead actor (Carell) old enough to be the father of the lead actress (Knightley).
synapticcohesion said this on July 4, 2012 at 4:30 pm |
Articles with original information like yours are an uncommon occurrence. I enjoyed how you used your own unique writing style to make you points clear.
http://beyondsteel.wordpress.com
Beyond Steel said this on July 4, 2012 at 4:43 pm |
I’m going to catch Abe Lincoln this weekend….. looks very promising. Great reviews
Keorfas said this on July 4, 2012 at 5:04 pm |
Haven’t seen any of the movies yet. But i’m most interested in Abraham Lincoln one. Seems like the most promising one.
giovanna103 said this on July 4, 2012 at 5:39 pm |
Interesting reviews I haven’t seen any of those yet however, I’ve been having loads of movie nights lately perhaps I’ll pick one up. Or head to the cinema.
Katie
http://katieraspberry.wordpress.com/
MontrealDSL
Katie Raspberry said this on July 4, 2012 at 6:02 pm |
Interesting reviews. I feel much like you do about Seeking a Friend feeling like a different movies because of the tone change, and said the same in my review if you want to check that out on http://janemcmaster.wordpress.com. Plan to see To Rome with Love soon, since I’m a Woody Allen fan, but I’m not sure about Lincoln film. I think I’ll wait for the Daniel Day Lewis movie to come out to watch a movie about Lincoln. Congrats on being Fresh Pressed!
Jane said this on July 4, 2012 at 6:32 pm |
Congratulation on being freshly pressed!
ugene said this on July 4, 2012 at 6:35 pm |
You’re so lucky you got to see Walker as Jackson. I hear it was a performance for the ages.
thoughtsontheatre said this on July 4, 2012 at 8:00 pm |
nice, crisp review! Being a Woody Allen fan, I am disappointed that the new movie doesn’t promise the tenor of MIP. How about the writing? Is it any good?
aparnauteur said this on July 4, 2012 at 8:23 pm |
Steve Carell is wearing MY sweater in this photo! Proof: http://andreasmoser.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/keira-knightly-stole-my-sweater/
Andreas Moser said this on July 4, 2012 at 8:50 pm |
I am loving your blog. The mini reviews are brilliant. Concise and to the point. Plus I LOVE anyone who recommends that the douches stay home. I give this site a four popcorn kernel rating! 🙂
MikesFilmTalk said this on July 4, 2012 at 9:13 pm |
Oh, I almost forgot…Love the name of your blog, wonderful memories of Groucho and Chico at the door of a Speakeasy…
MikesFilmTalk said this on July 4, 2012 at 9:16 pm |
Most people think I’m referring to the Hugh Jackman/John Travolta film, haha. Thanks for getting the reference.
russellhainline said this on July 5, 2012 at 4:17 pm |
Not a problem, I’m a film geek to the core! 🙂
MikesFilmTalk said this on July 5, 2012 at 4:42 pm
I expected snarky comments and half-baked reviews like I find in Rolling Stone and elsewhere… I much prefer this.
Follow this blog? Yes. I think I will.
baconandbooze said this on July 4, 2012 at 11:55 pm |
Thanks so much!
russellhainline said this on July 5, 2012 at 4:16 pm |
Reblogged this on dmiller1969 and commented:
I cannot speak for the first two films but Seeking a Friend for the End of the World was a pretty good movie. 🙂
dmiller1969 said this on July 5, 2012 at 1:55 am |
Thank you for this. I trust bloggers from this site more than I do reviews from people paid to do it.
writingforeverwherever said this on July 5, 2012 at 6:07 am |
great movies guys! no hate!
debatedashit said this on July 5, 2012 at 6:59 am |
Reblogged this on spencergrant32.
SpenceG said this on July 5, 2012 at 8:26 am |
Brilliantly constrasted films and beautifully reviewed. I’m intrigued by Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, it sounds like its trying to hard, but I guess somewhere in there, there has to be genuine sentiment trying desperately to get through. May check it out and see if I agree!
eruditereflection said this on July 5, 2012 at 12:45 pm |
“If you don’t, stay home and don’t be a douche.” This totally made me laugh out loud.
Great reviews!
ethelthedean said this on July 5, 2012 at 5:12 pm |
I enjoyed your reviews. Haven’t seen any of these and might just wait till they come out on on-demand.
bap5 said this on July 5, 2012 at 8:23 pm |
I love Steve Carell. I like the choices he’s made regarding movies but didn’t know what to expect with this one. Thanks for the review.
Red Toenails said this on July 5, 2012 at 8:36 pm |
short reviews for short attention spans! love it!
Ann Marie Woolsey-Johnson said this on July 6, 2012 at 1:21 am |
First off I love the idea behind this blog! Seriously, the tag line below the title automatically gets my like! (bonus points because I love movies as well)
jestawordonlife said this on July 6, 2012 at 2:53 am |
I have to agree that the horse thing was probably my favorite part of Lincoln (and I really liked the movie).
It was like the horse got back up just to help Abe kill the douche that’d thrown him. I leaned back in my seat and went “And he’s okay!” without really meaning to say that aloud.
Great reviews! I’m probably going to go see Seeking a Friend now.
crackodactyl said this on July 6, 2012 at 5:40 am |
Reblogged this on Kultural Yakuza.
kultural yakuza said this on July 7, 2012 at 12:01 am |
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Milanista said this on July 7, 2012 at 5:46 am |
Enjoyed these. All on my summer movie list. I actually saw three movies this weekend, more than I saw in 2011. Blame it on the heat wave. Wrote about two of them (Ted and Moonrise Kingdom) here. http://bit.ly/McgjpC
Keith Meatto said this on July 9, 2012 at 1:38 pm |
Reblogged this on 42 Webs.
Xanthor said this on July 9, 2012 at 9:54 pm |
Reblogged this on Steve_Bro.
Steve_Bro said this on July 15, 2012 at 9:45 am |