|
|
|
REVIEWSPREVIEWS: Mystic River
Mystic River is about three childhood friends, brought together under circumstances they would have rather avoided.
Jimmy Markum’s daughter, Katie, is the apple of his eyes. Being his only child from his first marriage, her murder leaves him stunned, as he vows revenge on the killer. The ensuing police investigation, led by Markum’s childhood friend Sean Devine, reveals that Katie was planning to run away with her boyfriend Brendan — a person that Markum never approved of, citing animosity between himself and Brendann’s father as the reason.
This implicates Brendan as a suspect, giving him both the opportunity and motive to commit the murder. However, the prime suspect turns out to be Dave Boyle, another one of Markum’s childhood friends, who is not only the last person to have seen Katie alive, but is also the man who secretly confesses to having committed a murder the night before Katie’s body was found.
An often-told story-line and below par script is somewhat compensated for by good performances by the cast. However, the length of the movie, close to two-and-a-half hours, is too much for most, ensuring, at most, a three star rating.—Amyn Bhamani
From Justin to Kelly
.jpg)
Even before the film From Justin to Kelly (J2K) was finished, the vibe was that this musical-romance was no Grease. What was unexpected, however, was that it was worse than Grease 2. As the two American Idol celebrities – Justin Guarlini and Kelly Clarkson – cavort on a Miami beach, dance and sing tunes, it’s clear this popcorn flick is worth less than the popcorn you’ll be guzzling when, and if, you watch it.Undoubtedly the worst film of the year, J2K is nothing more than a desperate attempt to cash in on the success of the TV show that has become so popular that it is now being cloned in multiple countries throughout the world (Pakistani Idol, anyone?). While the show is a great, fresh Star Search and surprisingly enjoyable to watch, the concept of having the winners star in musicals is less than inspired.
Despite the success of last year’s Oscar-winner Chicago, the world is not desperate for musical films, particularly cringe-worthy ones like J2K. If you do end up accidentally sitting through this – for to do so by choice wouldn’t be the smartest thing in the world – please keep your headache pills handy. If that doesn’t work, call your doctor for a stronger prescription.—T. U. Dawood
|
|
|
|
