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Reviews
Begin Again (2013)
Cliché with Good Acting but Mediocre Music
Mark Ruffalo really shines in this one, which is why I gave it a six. While the rest of the cast is competent, it's really his movie. The plot is utterly predictable, but the chemistry between the protagonists restrained but smoldering (the result of which is the only intriguing guesswork in the film).
But this is a film about MUSIC. Almost all of which is terribly lackluster but for one scene. None of it would I put on and give my full attention to. None of it grabbed me -- it played like pablum, seemingly crafted not to offend anyone. I found it really quite dull.
Come on! A film about music should have great songs. Sadly, in this effort, there are none of those, IMHO. Where was its "Falling Slowly?"
Watchable, sweet, and forgettable. Too bad. with the right music, I could have forgiven its flaws and really enjoyed it.
Jack Reacher (2012)
So bad, it's like something out of the '40s
Two stars only because of Robert Duvall. I went in to see it based on IMDb review average, and, wow, this time it didn't work. Hackneyed plot, REALLY bad dialog, laughable acting by the female lead (especially when she didn't speak...her "reactions" to situations would have been splendidly campy if this had been designed as a tribute to melodramatic, overblown 40's films). But, alas, no.
Extremely uneven, this thing seems to be a conceit piece for Cruise. He's not the best actor around, far from it, but this...he's capable of far better. Perhaps it was his control over production that made it so laughable. Whew. A good renter to be seen with friends over beer and make fun of.
Ruby Sparks (2012)
Proof that an "Indie" Doesn't Have to be Bitter to be Good
After reading several reviews about Ruby Sparks, my observation that many think that an indie film somehow must be bitter, jaded or even downright mean to its characters to be good was reinforced. Well, I suspect it's those reviewers who are jaded.
Ruby Sparks is romance. It's funny in places, it's quirky (and has its flaws, sure, but they're easily forgiven). So don't watch it under a microscope. Watch it for what it is: a mildly oddball romantic comedy with a nice, superbly-refreshing twist.
Don't watch it if you simply can't stand sweetness in an "independent film." It's not sappy, it's not laid on thick. To me, it was just the right amount. And left me feeling warm and good inside.
Performances are excellent. The story line may border on formulaic...or APPEAR to. Give it a chance to break away. Sweetness is NOT a bad thing. Enjoy.