REVIEW: Rio, Conspirator, Scream 4
Rio
Brazil: known for beautiful beaches, soccer and Carnival. Now add an underdog – well, underbird – named Blu, who lacks the ability to fly, a search for what may be the last female Macaw, some crazy monkeys and kidnappers and what do you get? “Rio.”
Some may be groaning at the idea of another animated film, but because this film was made by the makers of “Ice Age” (a pretty good movie, if I may) I would give this film a chance. It looks well-made with small incidental jokes thrown into a bright and colorful environment we can only dream about during those cold wintery Logan nights. Besides, everyone likes a story about an underdog rising up to a challenge, possibly falling in love and saving the day, right?
Additionally, “Rio” has Anne Hathaway and Jesse Eisenburg teaming up to voice the main roles, with George Lopez and Wanda Sykes voicing some humorous sidekicks. Will.I.Am also delivers the movie’s theme song, “Hot Wings.”
Overall, “Rio” seems like a pre-summer crowd-pleaser suitable for all with its “G” rating. Also, I’m pretty sure no birds were harmed in the making of this film. I think.
– jessie.a.sweat@aggiemail.usu.edu
The Conspirator
This recreation of Abraham Lincoln’s infamous assassination brings a unique perspective to the well-known historical tragedy. The star-studded cast, including Alexis Bledel, Evan Rachel Wood, James McAvoy, Robin Wright and Justin Long seems to epitomize an intriguing twist to what history has told us about Honest Abe’s death. Perhaps I’ve been decieved, but I never knew about a female conspirator (hence the title) – Wright’s character Mary Surratt – in Lincoln’s assassination. Maybe I just was not paying enough attention.
The trailer calls it “the true story you thought you knew,” leaving me quite curious about Surratt’s position in the theatre tragedy. We all know John Wilkes Booth, but the surprising addition of a woman is enough for me to want to see this film. Though the trailer gives off a made-for-TV vibe, I would still go. And, the all-star cast allows me to allow the film a certain amount of legitimacy.
According to the clip, Surratt holds to her innocence despite accusations and her arrest. The defense by lawyer Frederick Aiken (McAvoy) seems intense and worth viewing. I am predicting innocence of the poor accused mother, maybe because of my unawareness of her existence in any historical literature or maybe because I think Wright is such a fantastic actress and could never kill my favorite president. I will have to see the movie to unravel its many mysteries.
– natashabodily@gmail.com
Scream 4
If they didn’t hear you scream the first three times, chances are they won’t hear you the fourth.
Although, the nerdy-looking actors in the preview of “Scream 4” say the rules are changing, I’d expect this movie to be more of the same: Attractive women screaming their heads off while being chased by someone in a Halloween mask and wielding a knife. The nerdy boys say the rage is to film murders to make them more extreme but I’m pretty sure that’s already been done, too.
My biggest question is how they got such a quality cast. The creators of “Scream 4” must have had an adventure finding filming dates when Kristen Bell (“Gossip Girl”), Lucy Hale (“Pretty Little Liars”), Courteney Cox (“Cougartown”) and Hayden Panetierre (“Heroes”) could all get together. And let’s not forget Anna Paquin (“True Blood”) or Nickelodeon star Emma Roberts. Clearly, audiences should prepare themselves for some high-quality acting.
“The unexpected is the new cliche,” so should we expect to see … the expected?
One more twist – “virgins can die now.” So to the high percentage of readers who thought they were safe for this reason, you’d better watch your back.
If you’re into stuff like this, a predictable sequel’s sequel’s sequel with creepy phone calls and unrealistic violence, I guess it’d be a good way to spend your Friday night. Otherwise, do something better with your hour and 43 minutes.
– m.noble@aggiemail.usu.edu