Gil Mansergh’s Cinema Toast

New Releases 8/08/08

Pineapple Express (R)
Starring: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Amber Heard, Danny McBride, Gary Cole
Director: David Gordon Green
The creaters of “Superbad” and “Knocked Up,” display at the end of this movie the same misjudgement as they did in “Drillbit Taylor.” The title refers to a hybrid marijuana that leaves the stars high through most of the film but when they unwittingly witness a murder, and leave a telltale roach of their special weed to show they were there, the film can’t decide if the mob chasing our heroes is dangerous or mirth provoking. Jarringly, the moviemakers choose a very violent ending instead of something clever.
2 and 1/2 pieces of we expect more toast

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (PG-13)
Starring: Amber Tamblyn, Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Tom Wisdom
Director: Sanaa Hamri
Assuming that you don’t have high expectations for this sequel to the original “Sisterhood,” then you will delight in returning to the familiar travelogue featuring four likeable young women who keep in touch over time by mailing a magical pair of jeans back and forth. The Greek Isles couldn’t be lovelier
3 pieces of harmless enough toast

Bottle Shock (PG-13)
Starring: Alan Rickman, Chris Pine, Bill Pullman, Rachael Taylor, Freddy Rodriguez
Director: Randall Miller
Alan Rickman steals the movie as a British wine snob who historically travels to California “Wine Country” to find wines which will compete with French varietals in a blind tasting. To the surprise of almost everyone, a Napa-Sonoma Chardonney won. This film is a Hollywoodized version of the events at Chateau Montelena in 1976. Hobbled by a weak, clichéd script, the film is still enjoyable because it is beautifully depicts familiar landmarks and stars hundreds of locals as extras.
2 and 1/2 pieces of modest toast

Man on Wire (PG-13)
Director: James Marsh
As long as you don’t ask the question “Why?” then this documentary about high wifre artist Phillippe Petit wil remain fascinating all the way through. The feats of walking back and forth on a narrow cable 1.350 feet above the ground between the towers of the World Trade Center “8 times, is either remarkable or stupid, but it certainly keeps your attention.
3 and 1/2 pieces high-wired toast

American Teen (R)
Director: Nanette Burstein
Like a real life, modern day “Breakfast Club,” the jock, the popular girl, the artsy girl and the geek are the focus of this documentary filmed in a small Indiana town. For those of you who don’t know teens are insecure, cliquish, and amazing this film will be a revelation. For those of us who work and live with teens, it shows what happens when old folks are not around. IThe result is a profound and often humorous look at teens and worth a visit.
3 and 1/2 pieces of teenage toast

New on Video/DVD

Nim’s Island (PG)
Starring: Abigail Breslin, Jodie Foster, Gerard Butler
Directed by: Jennifer Flacket, Mark Levin
If you are getting tired of movie after movie about ” a magical place ruled by a young girl’s imagination,” then this female empowerment film probably isn’t for you. Jodie Foster retains her pluckiness as a city-bound children’s writer suddenly confronted with surviving on a tropical island and Abigail Breslin is really great as the youngster. Unfortunately, the film’s ending is entirely forgettable.
2 pieces of fizzles halfway through toast