Review of The Andromeda Strain (1971) by Diana S — 15 Sep 2008

[b]Smart People [/b]is a light dramedy starring Dennis Quaid ("Vantage Point") as a self-absorbed, egotistical professor who begins to change his life after an accident leaves him unable to drive. He's surrounded by quirky family, most notably Thomas Haden Church ("Spider-man 3"), the best part of the film. I thought some of it was trying to hard, but mostly it's entertaining. Something to relax with on a gloomy day.

Directed by Kenneth Branagh ("The Magic Flute"), [b]Sleuth[/b] brings together both Alfies, Michael Caine ("The Dark Knight") and Jude Law ("My Blueberry Nights"), and allows them to act their pants off. Sometimes literally. Adapted from Anthony Shaffer ("The Wicker Man")'s play, and a remake of 1972 film, in which Caine also starred, the action is all set in Caine's home. But it is an elaborate and beautiful contraption, almost a character itself. Branagh keeps it from being too static with interesting shots. Caine's character has discovered that Law is sleeping with his wife, and this confrontation puts both actors in top form. I was reminded why I once thought Law was a great actor. Definitely check this out.

[b]Doomsday[/b] is a glorious mess from writer/director Neil Marshall ("The Descent"). Part Escape from New York and part Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, Marshall brings in everything from removable spying eyes to medieval knights. The acting and dialogue are over the top, and there are many holes in the plot. But it doesn't really matter. Everyone involved seems to be having a great time, and I went ride along for the ride.

I found the original [b]Andromeda Strain[/b] to be a bit boring. Made in 1971 by director Robert Wise ("Rooftops"), the plot follows a team of scientists as they investigate a meteor which fell to earth and infected a small town with a deadly virus. The movie is a little heavy on the science, which, though I guess it made it seem more real, slowed the film way down. Still, one of the classic sci-fi stores and worth the watch.

I didn't hate [b]The Last Kiss[/b], but I became pretty disgusted with most of the characters by the end of the film. Trying to capitalize on star Zach Braff ("Fast Track")'s success with Garden State, The Last Kiss was marketed as a similar film, but it just isn't. Four male friends try to be adults and either work out their relationship problems, or run from them. Even Casey Affleck ("Gone Baby Gone"), who I love, was worthless. I just wanted to shake all these guys and tell them to stop being so whiny. I can't recommend it.