The Bourne Legacy

My View: The Bourne Legacy (2012): Jason Bourne was just the tip of the iceberg, and now, because of the trouble he caused, the men in charge have decided to shut down the program, and the other nine agents have been marked for death.  Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner) is no ordinary agent, and it’s going to take a lot to take him down.  I liked Jeremy Renner in this film and, as we also saw in MI3: Ghost Protocol, he can handle action films really well,  and I loved Rachel Weisz as the scientist who teams up with Aaron.  If you haven’t seen the other Bourne films, though, especially the third film, The Bourne Ultimatum, you will get very confused with the plot.  I didn't like the final chase sequence as its direction seemed to take some short cuts, and the ending to the sequence is abrupt and unsatisfying. Ultimately, I thought Renner was let down with very weak script.   My Rating: Cable  The Bourne Legacy

My View: Hope Springs (2012): After 31 years of marriage, things have gotten a little stale in Kay (Meryl Streep) and Arnold’s (Tommy Lee Jones) relationship.  Kay convinces her husband to go to an intense, week-long marriage counseling retreat run by therapist, Dr. Feld (Steve Carell). This is a smart, funny film made for adults. I loved Tommy Lee Jones in this film as it’s nice to see him act like a normal person instead of some of his way over the top roles. And, of course, Meryl is incredible and displays great emotional range throughout the film.  Carell is probably the weakest link in this film, but he’s not really asked to do much more than just guide the couple through the experience. If you are tired of all the stupid comedies that seem to be made for 15 year-olds, then this is your film.   My Rating: Full Price  Hope Springs Website 

My View: The Campaign (2012): Long term Congressman, Cam Brady (Will Ferrell), is used to running his re-elections, unopposed. But that’s all going to change when Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis) decides to leave his job as director of a local tourism center and enter the race. This is an R rated film and deservedly so.  It's very crass and has lots of sexual jokes and situations. For instance, when we first meet Cam at a political rally, he meets a woman and has sex with her in a port-a-potty.  There are some funny scenes in this movie, some of which involve a baby and a dog, but the film went for the easy joke too many times. I also felt that Zach's character was too similar to the funeral director whom Jack Black played in this year’s film, Bernie.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee   The Campaign Website

Forgotten Film: Electric Dreams (1984) Lenny von Dohlen plays Miles, who has just bought a state of the art computer. One night, Miles spills champagne on the computer, and the next day the computer comes to life as Edgar. Edgar, though, still in computer form, becomes Miles' best friend, but that soon changes when a beautiful neighbor, Madeline (Virginia Madsen), enters the picture. Miles is instantly attracted to Madeline, but there is just one problem:  Edgar is also interested in Madeline and will do just about anything to keep Miles from getting the girl.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee  Electric Dreams Info   

In Case You Missed It (A Film Just Released on DVD): Marley (2012) I enjoyed this documentary on the reggae legend, Bob Marley. The film includes archival concert footage and interviews with Marley’s family, friends and former band members. The concert footage shows what a great and powerful performer he was.  My Rating: Full Price   Marley Website

Weird Credit: From the credits of The Campaign: Uggie provided by

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You: The Awakening (2012) Rebecca Hall stars in this film about a woman in 1920’s England whose life's work is to de-bunk paranormal events.  She is hired to investigate a boarding school that is supposed to be haunted by a young boy who died there.   The Awaking Website

Until Next Time!