Iron Man 2, "Quickie" Review of a film by Jon Favreau

by James Gilmore

Tony Stark's character is well-rounded, but the others are cardboard.

Rating: 2 / 5

Date Night, a film by Shawn Levy

by James Gilmore

Excellent chemistry between Steve Carell and Tina Fey.  Good concept, decent execution, and an interesting cast.  The comedy focuses on normal people in extraordinary circumstances with an outcome of constant awkwardness.  Jokes are never too over the top or out of place in the story.  Carell and Fey do an excellent job of grounding the comedy in the reality of the story.  Comedy aside, the film is packed with a lot of heart, made surprisingly powerful by the director’s work and the commendable seriousness of Carell and Fey.

4 / 5

I Love You, Man, a film John Hamburg

by James Gilmore

Too many shenanigans, not enough story (common problem in feature comedies).  While Paul Rudd is extremely likeable, he does not have the presence or ability to carry the success of an entire feature on his back.  Great concept, adequate execution, some funny bits, but otherwise not worth the time.

2 / 5