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Reviews written by leryan

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Hannah Montana: The Movie

Movie Reviews

Hannah Montana's Spice World

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Probably what you think...

Review

First off, this is a movie based off of a T.V show. This T.V show is on the Disney Channel. It is targeted for pre-teens and is centered on a spunky teenager who is half country girl, half rock star but no one knows about it... To be fair, its really pointless to focus on these tidbits when reviewing the movie because its too obvious and if you see "Hannah Montana: The Movie," you already know what you're getting yourself into.

Secondly, I don’t like it when old men review silly movies designed for little kids, or 13 year-olds review R rated films about life’s struggles for the school newspaper. I am not 8, and I watched this film with reservations. If you are reading this review to find out if you should take your kids to see it, skip the rest of this and just take them.

Anyways…

Does anyone remember seeing "Spice World" about ten years ago? Probably not, but if you did see it, "Montana" is sure to be a refresher. The movie takes plot pointers from "Spice World," "She's the Man," “Model Behavior,” and others. A British tabloid writer determined to figure out and expose all of Hannah’s secrets stalks her. He does not go to incredible lengths to do so, and his purpose in the film is questionable. The reporter has only a handful of scenes and seems to only appear when things get slow, and in the end, when he learns his lesson and changes his way… The movie could have passed by without him. Just a thought, coping anything from “Spice World” in any way, shape, or form, never looks promising, even for Miley Cyrus.

The movie itself is more or less an extended version of the popular Disney T.V show. The sets for the T.V show are very obviously shot in a studio while this movie was shot at real locations. It will probably take a while for some religious viewers of the show watching the movie to adjust, but little kids probably won’t mind. The whole Montana-mania just seems so bizarre that watching it take place in real life is extra strange.

People always talk about Miley when really they should be talking about Emily Osment. Once she decides to break away from the series, good things will happen for her. Her part is small in the movie and she is intentionally in the shadows of Miley Cyrus. But, Osment is the only one who showed potential to be a real actor outside of Disney.

Miley’s love interest in the movie is awkward. The couple tries to be smooth and all that while still acting age appropriate. Of course in Miley’s two-week stay in Tennessee, the cute looking farm boy falls in love with her and has to teach her about life and give her an incredible new outlook on life. Their onscreen relationship looks just like it came out of one of the dozen or so Olsen Twin movies, although, when I loved those when I was ten.

Little kids will like the movie. It has a lot of silly moments they will enjoy, lots of Cyrus’ songs, and an appearance by Taylor Swift, who never disappoints. Like all Disney movies, it gets wrapped up with a pretty bow at the end and sweet, wholesome lessons are learned. You might want to think of a nice way to tell your child the series is coming to an end though, as it seems obvious there won’t be a lot left for the series to run on by the movie's final concert.

Overall rating:		4.7
Story:		5.0
Actor Performance:		4.0
Cinematography:		5.0
Sound Track:		5.0

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Reviewed by leryan
April 22, 2009

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The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

Movie Reviews

The Saddest Movie I've Ever Seen

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A heartbreaking, mesmerizing tale about the Holocaust and a little boy who does not understand it.

Review

This film will physically hurt you to watch. Any Holocaust story is heartbreaking to listen to or watch, but this one will leave you even more stunned, quiet, and sick, etc.
“The Boy in the Stripped Pyjamas” is about the family of a Nazi general who moves his family near the concentration camp he has power over. His young son ventures into the woods one-day and stumbles on the “farm” he can see from his window where the people are weird because they “wear pajamas all day.” There he befriends Schultz (Fesztbaum), a Jewish boy living in the camp.
First off, I predict, in the next five-seven years, Vera Farminga will win an Oscar, or several. She incredibly talented and has proved she can play a wide variety of roles. Here, she plays Bruno's mother. Originally oblivious to her husband's assignments and what they entail, she gracefully guides her character from a blissful ignorance to a horrifying wake up call. Learning little by little what happens in the camp totally destroys her and her transition is very moving.
Often, good people and things are portrayed as light and bad people and things are depicted as dark. Here, that rule is in reverse. The Aryan family members and soldiers (obviously) buy into the idea of exterminating those in the camp while the darker haired family members know, on some level, its wrong and is a horrible mistake.
David Thewlis (of Harry Potter fame) plays Father in the film. He has blonde hair, blue eyes and is a general that does whatever his country asks of him. His marriage to Farminga is seemingly beyond saving and he proves he is not sympathetic enough to turn a blind eye for his close companions. Their daughter, Gretel, turns into an adolescent girl during her move from their mansion in the city to their new army chateau. She resembles her father in her appearances, personality, and beliefs. Jewish people, in her mind, are not real people, and she treats them poorly in order to impress a young, attractive soldier. Her part is fairly small but I found her character to be annoying in pretty much every way possible.
Bruno, the young son of the general takes after his mother. He too has dark hair and eyes and he befriends the Jewish worker in his home and a little boy locked away in the camp nearby. He does not understand the war or what is happening, and he is too young too. He is told the Jewish people from the “farm” are enemies but he cannot help but think they are real, potential friends. Unlike his mother, he has no idea what is really going on at the camp, but he sees his new companions as friends, not foes. The young boy is a talented up-and-coming actor and nails his role as a precocious, ignorant, adventure loving youth growing up in a time of sorrow.
If you get easily upset you do not want to see the ending. You will know when it’s coming because your stomach will twist up and you will feel like screaming. You will be mad at Bruno and Schultz and feel awful for hours afterwards. As bad as you know the ending has to, and will be when you start watching it, your fears near the end come true, and it is really painful to watch.

Overall rating:		8.0
Story:		9.0
Actor Performance:		8.0
Cinematography:		8.0
Sound Track:		6.0

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Reviewed by leryan
April 06, 2009

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Monsters vs. Aliens

Movie Reviews

A Fun Animated Feature for Everyone

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A fun, sci-fi, animation adventure with plenty of originality.

Review

Review	One of the best parts about “Monsters vs. Aliens” is guessing who the voices of the characters are. “Aliens” consists of an all-star cast. You have Reese Witherspoon, the Oscar winning actress playing the lead; box office king , Seth Rogen; TV’s favorite doctor Hugh Laurie; famed SNL alum Amy Poehler and her hilarious husband Will Arnett; 24’s Keifer Sutherland; Stephen Colbert as the US President; and the usually ridiculous Rainn Wilson from “The Office.” ”Monsters vs. Aliens is clearly targeted for younger audiences who might be familiar with only a few of those names. So why then would “Aliens” need to bring in such a large, talented, and famous cast? The story is imaginative and fun but without the wonderful animation and the cast, the film would probably not appeal as much to a lot of people above the age of twelve. Going to a film with such a wide range of famous actors is one of the biggest motivators for young adults to see this film, but the “Aliens” is definitely worth their while. The script, animation, and the cast of voices do not disappoint. Laurie is the perfect choice for the voice of Dr. Cockroach PhD and Wilson is excellent as the evil alien with a huge head trying to destroy the planet. Arnett is silly as a mutant-swamp creature, The Missing Link. Witherspoon is fine as the voice Susan Murphy but the dialogue for her character could have been better. The script is also fun, clear, exciting, and very funny. Rogen is especially very funny. He plays a goop hybrid monster that has no brain and thinks Jell-o has feelings. The animation technology used in this film is not especially ground breaking but it has became so advanced that the film seems more life-like than some older animated movies and this makes what would have to be special effects were it shot in real life, seem more believable and exciting. “Aliens” can be really predictable and has its Disney (and Shrek) moments, but it is an original story. Some parts are really corny and preach goody-goody messages, such as when Susan/Ginormica has to learn how to love herself and embrace her inner (and outer) monster if she wants to be happy. The alien won’t give anyone nightmares. He is little (minus his head) and speaks English. Gallaxhar isn’t interested in eating Earth’s occupants; he just wants to destroy them. This isn’t “Men in Black” or “Aliens vs. Predator.” “Monsters vs. Aliens” is a kids’ movie, so don’t expect a lot of violence or anything too creepy to happen.
Additional Remarks	Trivia: As the president is approaching the giant robot, one of the pilots refers to him by the call sign "Papa Bear." Stephen Colbert, who voices the president, refers to Bill O'Reilly as "Papa Bear" on a regular basis on the Colbert Report (IMDB.com).
Recommended?	Yes

Overall rating:		6.6
Story:		7.0
Actor Performance:		6.0
Cinematography:		7.0
Sound Track:		6.0

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Reviewed by leryan
April 06, 2009

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I Love You, Man

Movie Reviews

Who Wouldn't Want Jason Segel as Their Best Friend?

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A fun comedy about best friends who love each other

Review

If the 40 year old virgin and Sarah Marshall had a baby...

Peter Klavin is the perfect boyfriend. He is romantic, charming, thoughtful, etc. The only thing that has his fiancée (Jones) worried is that he has no male friends. Unlike most men, Peter tenses up and gets shyer around guys than he goes women, and he has a lot of female friends. I did not think I was going to believe his character at first. It seemed so awkward watching Paul Rudd try to act cool and "dude-like" around other male characters, especially because you know they are all best buds in real life. It was also weird because his character was incredibly normal. Too normal, maybe. He seemed for the most part like someone who could easily make friends. If you take the plot for what it is, Rudd grows on you. He is best during his insecure, sensitive moments. There are a few too many embarrassing/girlie voice mail messages and nicknames for his new friends, but Rudd does give a solid performance as someone who has a hard time relating to other guys.
I feel like a lot of people will say this movie is predictable. In a way it is. We know coming in he is guy-friendless and that is getting ready to get married and needs a best man. We also know he will meet Jason Segel's confident, laid back character who will show him the ropes to proper guyhood (one of the first questions he asks Peter is about his sex life with his fiancée). But I expected a "Ten Things I Hate About You"/"She's All That" kind of twist where Sydney will stomp away mad after learning Peter only wanted a best friend for his wedding, or that Zooey would leave Peter right before their wedding because she discovered a different side of him she does not like. Thankfully, for the most part, those events don't happen and the plot is a lot better than I thought it would be.

Jason Segel's Sydney was really funny. His character does a 180 from playing Peter in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," where he played an insecure loser. This time, he is the smooth guy who has everything figured out and is the one dishing out the advice to Rudd's character. He is a loyal, inclusive honest friend who shows his new best buddy how to enjoy life and live like a real man. I don’t think Sydney was an underdeveloped as character, but I would have liked to have known a little more about him. While he is both complex and weird, he is also very honest, loyal, and a bit desperate for friends too. He could have had a better background story.

Not the most thought provoking movie you will ever see, but if you like these kinds of movies, “I Love You, Man” won’t be a let down. It is more romantic than “Role Models,” and is less graphic than “Knocked Up” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.” It doesn't hold a candle to the one liners in “Superbad,” but it is still an enjoyable, quick-moving comedy about two guys and a girl who love each other.
Jaime Pressly has good comedic timing in the film while Jones and Samberg (who plays Peter’s gay, outgoing brother) feel a little underused and could have had a little more to do.

Recommended?

Yes

Overall rating:		5.5
Story:		6.0
Actor Performance:		6.0
Cinematography:		4.0
Sound Track:		6.0

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Reviewed by leryan
April 06, 2009

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Last updated: April 06, 2009

Choke

Movie Reviews

Inside the Mind of Sex Addict Who Has Bigger Problems

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Ridiculousness at its best!

Review

Take this film for what it is. "Choke" is about a huge loser (Sam Rockwell) with no future trying to support his mentally ill mother by working (and sucking at that too) at a colonial theme park by day and scamming people by choking at night, who also happens to have a sex addiction. The film is crude, graphic, and politically incorrect, but is unapologetically so.

Victor is a thirty something year old man working at an historic park (think Pilgrims) with messy hair and an “I don’t give a shit” attitude. He will sleep with any female he sees and has an inappropriate relationship with most of the nursing staff at a hospital for the elderly and he often gets it on during his sex addicts’ anonymous class. Through flash backs we see the ridiculous truths his mother instills in him while they are on the run from the law and his caring foster parents.

Victor's partner in crime is fellow sex addict Denny (Brad William Henke). Denny is in on the scam where Victor intentionally chokes himself in restaurants because he believes whoever saves him will forever want to baby him and will give money to make sure he is always okay. As stupid as this sounds, it seems to work in this movie. Aspiring artist Denny also works at the colonial park and has a tendency of getting put in the "stocks" for violating park policies. He is also in love with a stripper named Cherry Daiquiri ("Its not my real name...").

“Choke” is funny. Some of its humor is not as obvious as “Superbad” or “Talladega Nights” but its mindless at the same time. It can be pretty graphic at times but you’re just going to have to get over it if you want to enjoy this film.

Huston is the gem in this movie playing Victor’s Looney Tunes who went off the deep end a long time ago. She lies repeatedly to her only child as he grows up crafting him into a very insecure, misled man. She is ashamed of what has become of her son but won’t admit blame to herself or anyone else. She is supposedly mentally ill and cannot recognize her son during his many visits to the hospital (where Victor feels obligated to flirt with the staff and admit to child molestation to the Alzheimer’s stricken elderly). He falls for a lab coat wearing med student who has taken a great interest in his mother. She initially chooses to ignore Victor’s advances but comes around quickly, more so than him. If some of things she says and does seem really messed up, just go with it. One of the most awkward moments I’ve ever seen in film happens when Paige says she read the diary of Victor’s mother and believes she used Jesus’ saved sperm to conceive him. Yep, that conversation really takes place.

“Choke,” is a fun, fast paced film take will do well with the college demographic and will make most conservative adults cringe in disgust and embarrassment.

Recommended?

Yes

Overall rating:		6.4
Story:		7.0
Actor Performance:		7.0
Cinematography:		5.0
Sound Track:		6.0

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Reviewed by leryan
March 23, 2009

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Last updated: March 23, 2009

Then She Found Me

Movie Reviews

What Finds April

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A quirky film about life, adoption, and marriage starring Helen Hunt, Colin Firth, Bette Midler, Matthew Broderick

Review

Review	There are times where it hurts to watch "Then She Found Me." Helen Hunt's character April is plagued with a long series of unfortunate events. It seems every scene something bad happens to her (her husband leaves, her mother dies, etc). April is a boring goody two shoes. She dresses very plainly, wearing long, unattractive skirts and little make up. She desperately wants to have a child of her own because she felt something was missing in her relationship with her parents who adopted her. While not always impeccably composed, April does not seem to bring the situations on herself, with the exception of one little incident involving a car. For the most part, it’s like witnessing karma attack the wrong person. While Hunt’s character has baby on the brain, the story does not exclusively focus on that, or solely on mother-daughter relationships, or on any other one particular direction. The editing is done well to make the circumstances believable and Hunt’s April becomes more dynamic and interesting with every twist and turn life throws at her. Matthew Broderick plays an immature worm that runs back to his mother’s house when he realizes right after his wedding he was not ready to be married or be a father. Broderick does a good job playing the man who never grew up and has no redeeming qualities to speak of. Then Bette Midler finds April. Midler plays April’s long lost mother and talk show host who can not give a straight answer to save her life. She finds April at the worst time. April has just lost her mother and husband and is trying to start her life over. Bernice (Midler) tries and fails miserably at the mothering role. She attempts to force a bond between them but April just cannot fully accept her, and I don’t blame her. Bernice is nuts. She reminded me a lot of Midler’s character in the “Stepford Wives” because both characters are delusional and fake. Her advice is way off and her tactics are ridiculous. She messes with April’s mind more than she tries to let on. Colin Firth and Hunt are adorable together playing a new couple. They had very realistic, sweet chemistry. They look like a couple you would see in real life. Some things about Firth’s Frank seem a little overstretched (like his “angry walks”) but for the most part he captures his lonely writer and single dad pretty well. Some of the scenes with Frank’s children are a little bit unnecessary though. The kids serve a purpose, explaining how April and Firth meet and in some instances bring them together, but the son does not seem phased when his teacher begins dating his father and his daughter is cute when she gazes adoringly at April as if she were her new mother, but she mostly just hangs out in Frank’s arms. They are cute, but they don’t say much. Bottom line April, you should have listened to your mother.
Additional Remarks	Good, but kind of boring
Recommended?	Yes

Overall rating:		7.0
Story:		7.0
Actor Performance:		8.0
Cinematography:		7.0
Sound Track:		5.0

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Reviewed by leryan
March 18, 2009

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Last updated: March 19, 2009

Man On Wire

Movie Reviews

A Tight Roping Adventure More Exciting than it Sounds

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Great film about the exciting life of a wire walker

Review

If someone you were close to told you they were attempting to walk across two of the tallest buildings in the world on a tight rope, what would you do? After seeing this film I still don't know how I would react. "Man on Wire" recounts Phillippe Petit's attempt in 1974 to walk across the top of the twin towers on a tight rope and is told through actual footage of the event preparation, reenactments, and multiple interviews with Petit and his faithful accomplices. Thirty-five years after Petit danced across the Twin Towers for forty-five minutes, the wirewalker seems just as crazy and passionate as he was in his twenties. He is fun to watch him get more and more excited discussing his accomplishments and the extraordinary odds he had to overcome to make the walk a success. Surprisingly, 9/11 is not discussed. I expected that day to be horribly sad for him, as the towers are a special part of his heart and thought he might discuss his feelings about what happened.
“Man on Wire” is definitely more interesting and exciting than some may expect. Yes, it is a film about a French guy on a tightrope, but tightrope walking across NYC’s brand new twin towers was definitely not legal or safe, and the documentary goes into so much detail describing the months of planning that the execution seems more like an advanced FBI operation, not just something a group of artsy European friends came up with. They had to pose as reporters, hide equipment, be on the look out for building guards, and work in the latest hours of the night and earliest hours in the morning to set up for the occasion.
Petit danced around on the rope, taunted security guards, and inspired his audience up high and down below watching him. He pulled off one of the greatest artistic crimes in centuries and his friends all had faith in him and his success, except for one. “The Australian” viewed this walk as far too great a risk for Petit to take. He felt it was way too dangerous for him to do and did not want to “be responsible for the death of a friend.” “The Australian” is not painted in a bad light, and the documentary shows him participating in the preparation with the group until the last minute. He put the safety of Petit ahead of what reward might come but obviously was not listened to. The rest of the group look like Jesus’ disciples, following him back forth across seas and risking their lives and livelihood to make his ground breaking idea a reality. And they do so adoringly with loving eyes. If they ever had any doubts in the mission or in their leader, they never appear to show it.
This is a great film about following your dreams and getting inspired (although Petit’s goal was a little bit too extreme for most people). It is a bit more artsy than your average documentary and is filled with black and white imagery of all kinds. When you watch Petit gracefully and effortless glide across two of the former tallest buildings in the world, you will be amazed.

Recommended?

Yes

Overall rating:		7.2
Story:		10.0
Actor Performance:		6.0
Cinematography:		6.0
Sound Track:		6.0

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Reviewed by leryan
March 18, 2009

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Last updated: March 18, 2009

The Women

Movie Reviews

No Boys Allowed

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Finally a chick flick without a wedding!

Review

"The Women" was not the best movie I've ever seen, and I haven't seen the original. It wasn't boring but there was not a distinct climax. I found the film endearing and kind of sweet. It is not trying to be "Sex and the City" so I don't know why it was marketed that way. The four women are wealthy and near the city but there is a lot more to them than sex and fashion. The most obvious distinction between the two films is we don't even see or hear the voices of any of the men in their lives. Steve Haines, Mary's cheating, rich husband never makes an appearance; and Mary's father who fired her from his own fashion line doesn't have any screen time, Sylvia's jerk of a boss never comes to her magazine's meetings, and pregnant Edie's husband does not even show up for the delivery. In fact, her new born son is the only male character who is physically there in the entire film. Honestly, I think that its pretty cool this film about all the important things in a woman's life was done with an entirely female cast. Not having male cameos takes away eye candy and romantic moments but there are plenty of times when you don't miss the testosterone. I did not even realize there were no male characters until the birthing scene. I think had Edie's husband made came to the hospital I would have noticed it then, too.

To make the story work, the cast had to work around a lot of things. There were a lot of phone calls, memories, and moments we hear about but don't see on screen. I think they pull it off well but it was clear it was a lot of work. All the characters had to work together to create these imaginary men well enough so that we would feel like we know him as well as they do.

I like Meg Ryan. As Mary was kind of bland in this film, but was engaging enough as a heartbroken housewife still in love with her cheating husband, going through a job crisis, and is having trouble keeping up with her tween daughter. She talked a lot and never really got mad even when she should have. I thought Bening was hysterically funny as Sylvia. She was in control the entire film and had the best one liners. I did not feel like she was playing a typical character and she she was able to take her high powered character and warp her into a human being. Sylvia is loyal, loving, and knows she is not always right and tries to make up for it. Edie (Messing) does not have a major part but she adds her own comic relief, playing a whimsical, pregnant mother of plenty with a positive, kind attitude. Pinkett Smith tried hard to play a fashionable lesbian Alex and while her part was small it was amusing to see her try.

The main thing I did not like was the pivotal turning point for Ryan's character Mary after she decides she can move on from all the betrayals in her life. She does this with the help of Bette Midler who is funny, but underused. She is in about two scenes and tries too hard to play the girl who has seen it all a few more times and gives Mary the push she needs to follow her dreams. Nothing worthwhile is really learned through their exchanged at a spa, but Midler "changes" her life anyways. I feel like this entire concept could have been left out. I feel like Mary could have gotten to that place on her own.

Mendes is good at playing the ruthless, gold digging spritzer girl at the perfume counter at Saks who goes after Steve Haines. She has no remorse for what she has done and never over stays her screen time. Mazar is funny as the blabbering manicurist who brings the big affair to attention. I think she could have had a slightly bigger part.

One of the least talked about women in the film is Cloris Leachman as the Haines' house keeper, Maggie.

"The Women" is not the most exciting, interesting movie but for a comedy it is pretty close to real life and it is nice to see a film where women actually stick up for each other (most of the time).

Recommended?

Yes

Overall rating:		7.4
Story:		8.0
Actor Performance:		8.0
Cinematography:		6.0
Sound Track:		7.0

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Reviewed by leryan
March 06, 2009

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Pathology

Movie Reviews

Yuck!

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A movie that will make you want to throw up. A lot.

Review

Review	Horror/bloody/guts movies are not films I enjoy watching. I can usually tolerate thrillers and murder mysteries, but as soon as I see blood pouring out and seeing what has caused it, I get really grossed out and uneasy. "Pathology" is a sex and blood movie. If you have a weak stomach don't even bother watching the trailer. I think the plot of the movie could have been good; Top medical examiners invent ways to murder "low lifes'" without the crimes being detectable or traceable. Not a happy premise, but an original one. I did not think this movie was especially anything (good, scary, funny, interesting, etc) except a blood bath (which is kind of ironic because one of the doctor's last names is Bath, and guess what happens to her...). Most of the actors are pretty bland. Ventimiglia from "Heroes" plays Ted Grey, the golden boy, or Michael Phelps of the autopsy world. He gets everything right just about all the time in everything. He has the gorgeous girl he is about to marry, has a job at a top institution, and has all the answers, and happens to enjoy lighting up on occasion. I don't know why someone from the "top of his class" at Harvard would get so easy and quickly sucked into the "cool" crowd and begin murdering everyone he deems unworthy of living so that he can impress the others and win this sick game they are playing. Grey is articulate, but not just in the way an educated, smart man is. The way he talks sounds more goody two shoes, know-it-all, who is out of place/time. I do not know anyone under the age of sixty who talks the way he does at time. And he is so young! Some of his lines are just too mature for him. I liked Ventimiglia a lot better on "Gilmore Girls," mostly because he didn't cut people up for fun back then. I thought this movie would be more about the psychology behind the murders, but instead it goes into very graphic detail of everyone's insides. Kids in eleventh grade biology could test their knowledge of the human body at some points. To make the film more twisted, the med students laugh and crack jokes as they slice up skulls and saw bones. I think the movie's main goal was to show off their special effects abilities. As horribly disgusting and awful to watch about 93% of the film is, showing every inch of human tissue takes away from the story and the psychological twists. We might not know what every part of the brain is when Jake Gallo (Weston) holds up a freshly removed one, but sometimes not seeing things makes scenes scarier and more chilling, because our minds can frighten us more at times than our eyes can. It is not a terrifying film where you will be scared out of your mind but it will keep you on your toes and make you want to cover your eyes.
Additional Remarks	Gross movie I will never see again. Has to be bloodier than the Saw series (although I've never seen them)
Recommended?	No

Overall rating:		4.7
Story:		5.0
Actor Performance:		4.0
Cinematography:		5.0
Sound Track:		5.0

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Reviewed by leryan
March 06, 2009

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The Lucky Ones

Movie Reviews

3 Soldiers

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A humorous, honest look at the lives of three soldiers returning from war

Review

"The Lucky Ones" is a bitter sweet dramedy about the Iraq War and three soldiers who have fought in it. "Lucky Ones" is funny, not because it makes fun of the war or the people who fight and have fought in it, but because the characters and events on their road trip adventure are humorous when they mesh together. Colee (McAdams) is a spirited, optimistic young women with the gift of gab. She is on leave after being shot in the leg and is determined to get to Nevada to give the family of her fallen boyfriend his guitar. Cheaver (Robbins)is newly retired and is on his way home after being overseas for over two years. He seriously injured his back, and once it healed he happily heads home to be with his wife and college bound son. T.K (Pena) was shot and is on leave for a month to be with his girlfriend. He is hot headed and determined and is obviously insecure about certain things. T. K is in the army because he feels like he has to be, because its in the family. Leaving the army wouldn't really be leaving the army because, for him, his home feels like it.
McAdams is wonderful as the delusional, upbeat Colee. She is overly friendly and sees the best in everyone. McAdams never waivers with her character, even when she gets upset. She is the comic relief and shows there is some bright side, or hope, to the war. Colee is also the glue to the trio. She initiates the relationships on board a plane and tries to show them how to enjoy life and scenery during their road trip. While McAdams is gorgeous, she still stands her ground next to Robbins and Pena. Unfortunately, the story behind her character is kind of obvious and it was easy to see what was coming next for her.
Robbins character is desperate. He was so desperate to leave the war he is not ashamed, and is thankful, for the port-o-potty that fell on top of him in a freak accident that destroying his back allowed him to leave. Once he gets back and realizes his marriage has crumbled beyond his repair without him knowing, he also discovers his son got into a top college and despite scholarships he is still short $20,000 to pay for it. He spent many years fighting overseas and was so looking forward to being with his family that he got a rental car and was willing to drive cross country in ten hours instead of waiting two days to be with them. He is bitter and broken. He risked his life everyday for years fighting and what he gets in turn is a broken back, a divorce, and no money. He is the character who is hurting the most. He doesn't feel like the lucky one except for the first feel minutes of the film. Cheaver's journey home turns into a trip to the casinos to pay for his son's education. Despite playing a quiet, rather dull solider who loves to dance, Robbins is expressive and earnest. He is the one you will want to help the most, and is the man you feel pity and outrage for, and Cheaver is also the character who may feel all too familiar to some.
T.K Poole is obnoxious. He is cocky and bossy. He likes to put Colee in her place and is only somewhat sympathetic to Cheaver's bad luck. His views on women are not especially profound, either. Behind his exterior he is really just a little boy running scared. He does not love war, and he definitely does not want to go back to it. Pena (World Trade Center) is definitely a capable actor. His character has the widest range of emotions. He is rude, selfish, bossy, cocky, sweet, open, upset, afraid, tired, worried, strategic, and thoughtful. He is not constantly happy like Colee or always down in the dumps like Cheaver. We know the least about T.K because we never meet anyone else involved in his life. He shares that he has a serious girlfriend and he is terrified of upsetting her and is mostly worried about their sex life upon his return (because of his injury). We also know his family is in the army and they are from the east coast.
I wouldn't say this is a film about the lighter side of war, but its about the human behind the solider and how they, at times, can be hysterical and interesting. I figured the ending could go one of two ways and I am happy with the finale they chose.

Recommended?

Yes