Thelma Adams: Novelist, Critic, Oscar Expert

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Review: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

May 19, 2011 By Thelma Leave a Comment

credit: Peter Mountain

Us Rating: **1/2 Johnny Depp returns as irreverent Jack Sparrow in the fourth installment of the wacky adventure series. This time, the pirate embarks on a quest for the fountain of youth, racing against rivals Blackbeard (Ian McShane) and Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) — yet finding time to romance ex-flame Angelica (Penelope Cruz). The actress livens things up somewhat as she and Sparrow spar in a tavern, sling insults and double-cross each other. And campy Rush continues to amuse: When he and Sparrow are captured, he drinks from his wooden peg leg — and offers Sparrow a swig! But the entertaining flick gets bogged down by endless, listless swordfights. Plus, McShane’s serious Shakespearean delivery doesn’t belong in such a satirical romp.


Filed Under: Criticism, Movies & TV Tagged With: adventure, Geoffrey Rush, Ian McShane, Johnny Depp, movie reviews, Penelope Cruz, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Sequel, Us Weekly

Review: 127 Hours

November 14, 2010 By Thelma Leave a Comment

Us Rating: ***

Based on Aron Ralston‘s 2004 memoir, this story — which is not for the squeamish — follows a guy (James Franco) who heads to the Utah wilderness, then gets trapped when a boulder falls on his arm. Over six days, he creates a video diary, drinks his own urine, laughs at his recklessness and finally hacks off his limb! Though the film has bloody sections, Franco brilliantly embodies the arrogant but likable Ralston, and Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle energizes a potentially static story with fast pacing and adrenaline-driven music.

http://tinyurl.com/25ae2nl

Filed Under: Criticism Tagged With: 127 Hours, adventure, Danny Boyle, James Franco, movie review, Oscars, Us Weekly

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