PINK PANTHER 2
**1/2 out of 5 stars
Okay, here’s the deal. Unlike most critics in the universe, I enjoyed Steve Martin’s first outing as Inspector Clouseau in the first “Pink Panther.” Likewise, I’m not entirely turned off by the sequel.
Sure, he’s no Peter Sellers, but Martin makes the role his own and gives a different interpretation. In the sequel, he’s again chasing a thief that has stolen the famous Pink Panther diamond. However, this plot merely serves as a McGuffin for Martin to engage in low-brow comedy and slapstick humor.
The film has a surprisingly excellent cast, including smaller roles by John Cleese, Lily Tomlin and even Jeremy Irons. But the film’s plot is flimsy and it only works with Martin’s antics.
It’s not as good as the first film, but it still made me laugh. So use that as your gauge… if you liked the first one, you’ll probably like this one. If you hated the first, see this at your own risk.
“Pink Panther 2” gets two and a half stars out of five. This is Kevin Carr, and that’s the way I see it.
……………………………………………………………
CORALINE
***** out of 5 stars
Okay, here’s the deal. Finally, Henry Selick proves to the world that he can make a fantastic film without Tim Burton. His newest stop-motion animation masterpiece is “Coraline,” a sinister fairy tale written by Neil Gaiman.
“Coraline” tells the story of a girl who is bored with her life. She finds a hidden door in her house that turns into a portal to another world, where she meets her “other” family. But behind all the happiness and charm, there’s something not quite right.
With a visionary style and breathtaking animation, “Coraline” is the first great film of 2009. It captures the imagination and can be enjoyed by kids and parents alike, although it might get a little scary for the youngest viewers.
However, the movie is excellent, and also available in crystal-clear 3D in select theaters.
……………………………………………………………
PUSH
*** out of 5 stars
Okay, here’s the deal. With the rash of superhero movies and the show “Heroes” on television, an action film about psychics may not be the most unique concept. However, the execution for the film “Push” makes it a fine film, if not a little hard to follow.
“Push” takes place in a world where a government agency uses people with different psychic powers to make weapons. One has escaped and seeks help from a young clairvoyant and another man who can move things with his mind.
Taken as an escapist piece of modern science fiction, “Push” works quite well. The acting is solid, and while it is utterly unbelievable, things fit into the rules of the film.
“Push” is an exciting action film that manages to tempt you into thinking the classic thought… What if?
