Review of Working Girl (2009) by Jonathan H — 17 Feb 2009

[b]Underworld: Rise of the Lycans[/b] is just very average. I've actually already forgotten most of it. The story was told in the first Underworld movie and so there are no real surprises. Michael Sheen ("Frost/Nixon") reprises his role as the werewolf Lucian and Bill Nighy ("Valkyrie") is back as head vamp, Viktor. The action is okay. The effects are okay. It's just all okay.

Sadly, until just a few days ago, I had never seen [b]Pretty in Pink[/b]. But I caught up with it and loved it. Written by John Hughes ("Just Visiting") it features many of his 80s teen trademarks: Molly Ringwald ("Not Another Teen Movie"), the clash between rich and poor, and lots of angst. John Cryer ("Two and Half Men") does an excellent lip sync. This movie really is awesome.

From director Danny Boyle ("Sunshine"), [b]Slumdog Millionaire[/b] tells the story of a poor boy from Mumbai who is accused of cheating on India's version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." As the police interrogate him, the film flashes back through his life to show the reasons he knows the answers to the questions. A love story hides amongst the tragedy and a lively soundtrack really makes the film pop. Definitely check this out.

Unfortunately named though it may be, [b]The Dark[/b] is really a tense little horror/thriller. Maria Bello ("The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor") brings her daughter, Sarah, to Wales to visit husband Sean Bean ("Far North"). On the creepy seaside, Sarah appears to drown, but while her parents search for her, another girl appears claiming to have returned from the dead to take Sarah's place. Very creepy and atmospheric, but not frightening. I got quite caught up in it.

Another 80's classic with which I finally caught up, [b]Working Girl[/b] puts Melanie Griffith ("Have Mercy") in the dog-eat-dog corporate world as a secretary determined to rise to the top. When her bitchy boss, a nice turn by Sigourney Weaver ("The Tale of Despereaux") steals her idea, Griffith fights back by pretending to have her boss' job. Then she falls for Harrison Ford ("Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull") and then things go awry. Sometimes funny, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately inspiring, this is a really good watch.