Movie Review: Finding Dory

Finding Dory may just be the most anticipated movie of all time. Seriously. We all assumed after the hit of Finding Nemo, and the instant adoration of Dory, the tang with a memory handicap, a sequel would be spewed out asap.

At least within a couple or three years. Year after year went by with no Dory. It became obvious there would not be a sequel, after all. Then the unthinkable happened: a sequel after 13 years. The worries became how it would do at the box office and whether the story line would be worth the wait and as interesting as the original film.

Worry no more. All is well with Dory and the Disney-Pixar team created another blockbuster with its sequel. We learn about Dory's "childhood" and how she came to be on her own.

Ellen Degeneres' brilliance, and popularity, comes from her ability to present Dory as an adorably naive without being annoyingly ditzy, showing glimmers of misunderstood brilliance in her approach to life and its challenges.
As Dory seeks out her parents, Nemo and Marlin follow along to find her. Although Dory discovers her memory during the journey, Marlin discovers how important Dory is to him and his family. Many laughs happen along the way, and new characters are introduced.

Perhaps the story line seems a little preachy to some, but it is truly a worthy message concerning caring for sea life, and the importance of family.

Bottom Line: Finding Dory is a must see film, which stands on its own or, as a sequel to Finding Nemo. Plan on a third movie to round out the set. Pray it doesn't take another 13 years.

Cast List
Dory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ELLEN DEGENERES
Marlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ALBERT BROOKS
Hank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ED O’NEILL
Destiny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .KAITLIN OLSON
Nemo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HAYDEN ROLENCE
Bailey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TY BURRELL 
Jenny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DIANE KEATON 
Charlie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .EUGENE LEVY 
Young Dory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SLOANE MURRAY 
Fluke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IDRIS ELBA 
Rudder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DOMINIC WEST 
Mr. Ray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BOB PETERSON 
Wife Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KATE MCKINNON 
Husband Fish (Stan) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BILL HADER 
Sigourney Weaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SIGOURNEY WEAVER 
Passenger Carl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ALEXANDER GOULD 
Gerald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TORBIN XAN BULLOCK 
Crush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ANDREW STANTON 
Chickenfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KATHERINE RINGGOLD
Tween Dory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LUCIA GEDDES 
Squirt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BENNETT DAMMANN 
Husband Crab (Bill) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JOHN RATZENBERGER 
Sunfish “Charlie Back and Forth” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ANGUS MACLANE 
Gill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WILLEM DAFOE 
Bloat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BRAD GARRETT 
Peach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ALLISON JANNEY 
Gurgle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AUSTIN PENDLETON 
Bubbles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . STEPHEN ROOT 
Deb (& Flo) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .VICKI LEWIS 
Jacques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JEROME RANFT

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Movie Review: Gone Girl

“Gone Girl’’ opens with as much hype as only Hollywood can throw at a movie they hope will make a gazillion dollars but aren't sure it will. The flick is based on the book of the same name written by Gillian Flynn, and stars Ben Affleck as the shallow, philandering husband, Nick Dunne, who is top suspect in the disappearance of his pretty blond wife, Amy, portrayed brilliantly by Rosamund Pike. Many twists and turns, and what-the-hecks fill the screen from this bestselling novel.

Where to start with this movie?

Okay, first ~ you will probably hate the ending. And, I don't mean hate like you hate cooked spinach. I mean absolutely loathe the way you probably (or should have) hated the ending in Cast Away with Tom Hanks. Without giving it away in a spoiler, it is an unsatisfying ending that surpasses the long list of improbable straws and breaks the impossible-to-believe camel's back. It will leave you walking away coming up with your own ideas on how it should have ended. Never a good sign.

However, the cast is stellar. And ... I will be the first to admit at being more than a little pleasantly surprised at Affleck's performance. I have always thought of him as the "pretty" one of the Matt Damon/Ben Affleck duo, with Damon being the much more "talented" one, particularly in "The Talented Mr. Ripley."

Shame on me.

I am delighted to see that Affleck has become an actor worth watching for more than his square jaw and ruggedly handsome looks. He steps into the frustrated, but clueless, role well not realizing his every comment and move are tightening the legal noose around his neck. Giving in to his self-centered carnal needs, he even goes so far as to having a sleepover at his sister's house with his very young, sexy student, played by Emily Ratajkowski.

When a novelist's work is picked up and made into a film, celebrations are held ~ the big time has been reached. If the film flops, the author can always fall back on the fact the screenwriter misinterpreted their work. But if the screenplay is written by the original author, there is nowhere to hide; no one else to blame.

Which is where we are with this confused work. Is it a thriller? A satire? A statement piece of the horrors of the writers (both main characters and the mother) who cannot find work and fall into poverty after the collapse of the publishing world? Many writers are able to blend more than one genre successfully, this one doesn't quite reach that seamless goal, going in too many directions with too many half-done story lines.

The directing of David Fincher, know for works such as “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," is tight and flows well. How much responsibility holds the director, however, in putting out a movie without correcting gaping holes in the plot? I don't know if he is allowed to ask for rewrites, but will assume as the top guy that he is allowed to, and should have with this one.

Let's talk about the elephant in the room ~ the bedroom to be exact. How necessary is it to see on a giant screen a man performing cunnilingus on a woman, or the frontal shot of a man after receiving pleasure from a woman? Or the close up of a woman's breasts several times? It adds zero to this particular plot, detracts from the flow of the movie actually, and, even though it is Affleck for the 'V' shot and Neil Patrick Harris' full view, it makes for uncomfortable moments with audience members.

The Plausibility Factor
We go to the movies for escape, to broaden our knowledge and to test our boundaries and give a lot of creative licensing to the writer in order to achieve those goals. When the first inaccuracy comes along, we shrug it off. When they continue, they add up and the filmgoer leaves the theater feeling rather cheated at the blatant mistakes.

If the Dunnes were wracked with money issues, and the trust fund was gouged by Amy's parents and the last of it was used to by The Bar, how could they afford to lease a mega mansion in a tiny, dried up town with no income except the barely-making it tavern? And the expensive furnishings, cars and lifestyle they have? Okay, we'll get past that for the sake of the story.

But ... every FBI agent in the country will roll their eyes at how utterly stupid the film makes these guys look. Standing around the "kidnapped" victim, hanging on her every word without questioning anything and believing every syllable that drops from her lips? Chastising the one local yokel cop (Kim Dickens), who dares to bring up an inconsistency ~ seriously? A multi millionaire is killed and left in a bloodbath, in his bed, by a nobody from a hick town in Missouri and no one checks her story?

Which brings us to the next implausible point.
How did Amy slash, perfectly connecting with, the jugular vein of her old/new boyfriend, portrayed by America's darling Neil Patrick Harris with the tip of a boxcutter? And why did Flynn feel a need to make him rather creepy also? How many psychotics does one story need? Nick tries to bring up the fact his wife was able to get a box cutter while allegedly tied up but no one else thinks of it (like the FBI or cops) and tells him to shut up.

And, glaringly ~ if every single inch of the lake house is hooked up to security cameras recording every single second, every single day, as NPH states clearly, there would be evidence contradicting Amy's story completely and she would have been fried, electrocuted or lethally injected without doubt ~ reasonable or otherwise.

Turning in a fabulous performance as the charming attorney Tanner Bolt is Tyler Perry. His bigger-than-life personality and polished schmoozing lit up the screen leaving you wanting more about this lawyer for those in the legal limelight. Perhaps a film about his exploits should be forthcoming. Every role's actor was selected carefully, no matter how small, including television journalists, performed by (Missi Pyle) and (Sela Ward) demonstrating the top-notch skill of Laray Mayfield, the casting director for this film.

If I were the 'stars' type reviewer, I would give it one star for writing, five for acting, rounding out to three overall. See it, but don't blow your budget on it. What could have been an intelligent thriller turned into an insult to those looking for one, but will score high in the fun film category. Likely it will do well at the box office and frustrate nit pickers like me.

Bottom Line: Gone Girl is entertaining, but implausible, with outstanding performances by the entire cast going too many directions to give full attention to any of the numerous story lines.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Movie Review: Mirror Mirror

The tale of Snow White (Lily Collins) and her evil stepmother is well known, with numerous versions of the good vs evil story throughout movie history. Mirror Mirror takes the viewpoint from the narcissistic Queen (Julia Roberts) who slips through the mirror to talk with an alter ego for reassurance she is still the most beautiful in the land.

This movie is one of those you walk out of the theater thinking, "It coulda, shoulda, woulda been so much better if..."
Not that it was bad, mind you, it just didn't quite reach its potential. Neither funny nor scary enough to make you think, "I have to see this again," or "OMG, I cannot believe how fabulously funny/scary it was." It is, as so many films do nowadays, trying to be all things in all categories and that method so rarely works it could be considered an urban legend.

Many ideas of how it could have been tweaked to bring it up that extra notch cannot help but flutter through your brain while discussing it afterward with fellow film friends. The utmost topic after Mirror Mirror for me was if Roberts was truly the best choice for the villainous Queen. What makes the Pretty Woman star so irresistible, and a fan favorite again and again, is actually what plays against her in this almost fabulous flick.
Her.
Her personality.
Her adorable factor.
Her twinkling eyes full of mirth and joy which cannot be restrained.

And that proves to be the core of what the movie lacks:

Evil.
Pure, unadulterated, heinous, reprehensible, cold-hearted, contemptible evil in its purest form. Only one name (within the correct age range) could be conjured as pulling off this role with the necessary skill, the talent of one so evil they could kill a young virginal, naive, sweet innocent. Only one.

Angelina Jolie.

No one else could flick a wrist and create death, throw a glance to destroy an entire kingdom or sneer in such a way to create fear in all who come into contact with her, while simultaneously flirting with a prince, worrying about wrinkles and checking her beautiful costumes in the mirror.

The other roles were portrayed fine, but also restrained in their performance, with the exception of the seven dwarfs who were allowed to go all out.
Nathan Lane has so much comedic talent and, yet, it seemed as if he was instructed to not go over-the-top. A mistake as he could have brought the fun factor up several notches.

Bottom Line: Mirror Mirror is a lighthearted film suitable for families, girls night and kid-friendly evenings.

Mirror Mirror
PG 13; 106 mins
Director: Tarsem Singh
Cast: Julia Roberts, Lily Collins, Nathan Lane, Armie Hammer, Lily Tomlin, Mare Winningham, Michael Lerner, Sean Bean

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published on www.BroadwayWorld.com and in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 arrives in theaters today in 3D format. As the last of the saga, this was probably the most anticipated by fans and those who make their living from the long-running successful dynasty by J.K.Rowling.

The final segment of a series is approached by the fan and critic alike with one question: Will it give complete closure? We don't want to feel cheated (think Misery by Stephen King) and expect the author, screen writers, director, et al, to wrap our years of loyalty with a respectable ending.

Did Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 fulfill that duty?

Absolutely.

The 3D effect definitely added to the drama and the final proffering delighted the loyal fans, particularly with the "19 years later" segment. Giving the proper closure to the characters with whom many have grown up. Provided were the answers for many mysterious actions, including those by Professor Snape (Alan Rickman). Although it is understandably difficult to include every detail by the author, the disposal of the wand (without giving anything away) was the difference which stood out most.

The movie scores high garnered by the reaction of the screening audience, which included some in costume. In fact, the excitement surrounding the movie and the costumed fans were as much a part of the experience as the revisit to Hogwarts.

 From left: Loudermilk, McCullough and Rauch

Three Noblesville High School students, Claire Loudermilk, 14; Tori McCullough, 14; and Karsen Rauch, 14 will be freshmen in the fall but made their summer extra special by attending the screening for the film. Dressed for the experience as Death Eaters, they were prepared for magical mischief with wands and sported Death Eater tattoos.

Bottom Line: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 satisfies the most important people of all: the fans. If you have not kept up with the Harry Potter Series, I recommend spending the weekend watching the videos and then catch this film on the big screen. If you have, you will be completely content with the closure of each character.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Movie Review: Gnomeo and Juliet

What do you get when you combine William Shakespeare and Walt Disney? Well, in this case, you get Disney's Gnomeo & Juliet, now in Blu Ray and DVD.

Watching this movie, and being a fan of the Bard, I couldn't help but revel in the animated version. Shakespeare tale of two feuding families. A boy and girl from each side falling in love, and the angsts which follow, play out well for the family. Very well, actually.

With talking gnomes, runaway lawnmowers, and each garden statue tribe trying to outdo the other in regard to their respective backyards, the modern take holds up for young audiences. The Capulets and Montagues are seen as the Reds and Blues in this Disney delight, with voice talents from Sir Michael Caine, Emily Blunt, Dame Maggie Smith, Dolly Parton, Ozzy Osborne and more. Music is furnished by Sir Elton John.

Specials include: alternate endings, music videos and Ozzy Osborne segments.

Bottom Line: Disney's Gnomeo & Juliet is an excellent teether for future Shakespeare fans and a delightful twist for fans of all ages.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.
Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Movie Review: Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides

Now in theaters, Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides once again pulls from a strong talent pool. Johnny Depp returns as Captain Jack Sparrow, Keith Richards makes a brief "Dad" appearance, Geoffrrey Rush dons Barbossa's costume once more and debuting in the series by Walt Disney is Penelope Cruz as love interest Angelica.

The fourth in the series, this effort goes to the top just below the original in quality, enjoyment, and ability to draw the audience into the story. With its street scenes of on-fire wagons, sword fights aplenty and one-liners glibly tossed about, this action film is worthy of a sack of pirate's gold.

Directed by Rob Marshall, the person-to-person interaction is back and the fun continues in a can-he-get-out-of-this-mess style that is Sparrow. Richards excels at what he does best...be himself, adding an extra layer of quirky to the Sparrow clan.

Particularly strong is the connection between Cruz and Depp as they banter about past love injuries (theirs) and the lack of trust between the two. Depp stays consistent with his self-created character and Cruz brings a feisty edge replacing the female factor lost with the exit of Keira Knightley.

Add in Ian McShane as Blackbeard, the meanest pirate around, and the plot thickens.

With the admission that she is Blackbeard's daughter, Angelica confuses the quirky Sparrow who met her while she was in a convent many years prior and leaving her with a broken heart.

Hell hath no fury like a pirate's daughter scorned.

Except maybe ticked off mermaids. And there are plenty of those, too. With the Fountain of Youth as the prized treasure, pirates fight their way past mermaids, Spaniards and members of royalty to obtain the life-lengthening liquid first.

Bottom Line: Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides stays true to its action-packed, non-scary lineage pleasing adults and kids alike with its frolicking romp along beaches, through underground caverns and aboard pirate ships.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.
Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

DVD Review: The Incredibles

Disney Pixar has released the child-friendly movie The Incredibles in a DVD Blu-Ray combo pack. Included are the digital copy, perfect of while traveling in the car, and the bonus material disc. The superheroes have been outlawed by the public after a rash of law suits are lodged by various people.

The underlying story is created when a small boy, Buddy Pine (Jason Lee), idolizes Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) and is shunned by him. Buddy grows to adulthood with a giant chip on his shoulder and invents, rockets, deadly robots and explosives. To avenge his years-old anger, he begins terminating all the superheroes, one by one, until he feels ready to oppose fallen hero.

Meanwhile, the Incredible family expands to include marriage to Elasticigirl (Holly Hunter) and three little Incredibles: Violet, who is able to become invisible and throw out invisible force fields; Dash, who is able to run at lightning speed and across water; and Jack-Jack who, at first, appears to have no super powers.
This is a hilarious look at blending super heroes into a "normal" lifestyle, living without their super powers and the inability to integrate into life post lawsuits.

Bottom Line: Taking on a villain brings the almost broken home of the Incredibles together and allows the family to embrace the super power life once again. The delightful movie is worth watching over and over and captures Good vs. Evil in a new way.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.
Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Disney Pixar's Cars 2 Opens June 24

CARS 2

(In Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D)

DISNEY•PIXAR

facebook.com/pixarcars     twitter.com/disneypixar

U.S. Release Date:                                June 24, 2011

Voice Talent: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Bonnie Hunt, Tony Shalhoub, Cheech Marin, Jason Isaacs, Joe Mantegna, Peter Jacobson, Thomas Kretschmann

Director:                                                           John Lasseter

Co-Director:                                                      Brad Lewis

Producer:                                                          Denise Ream

Composer:                                                        Michael Giacchino

Star racecar Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new places in “Cars 2” when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car.  But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage.

Mater finds himself torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret mission orchestrated by master British super spy Finn McMissile (voice of Michael Caine) and the stunning spy-in-training Holley Shiftwell (voice of Emily Mortimer).  Mater’s action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world.

The fast-paced fun includes a colorful new all-car cast, complete with menacing villains and international racing competitors.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.

Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Tron: Legacy

Tron Legacy is a whirlwind ride of special effects and a flash back to the eighties via music within an arcade which hides a secret lab take the viewer by storm. A nonstop action flick which whips by you, seemingly in moments.

Some may think it a shallow, topical movie and I say, “So what?” Not every movie needs to be a depressing drama riddled with needed social changes.

Sometimes…we just wanna have fun.

And fun is exactly what this movie promises and delivers. Jeff Bridges stars once again as Kevin Flynn the scientist sucked into cyberspace inside a video game called Tron. Leaving his son behind to wonder what happened, Flynn is unable to leave via the portal through which he came; it only works for a set amount of time and then you are out of luck. 

During his absence, Flynn's company is taken over by money-hungry folks who don't care about quality, truth or the other morals thought of highly by a few individuals like Flynn, his son Sam, played by Garrett Hedlund, and Alan Bradley.

Bradley, reprised by Bruce Boxleitner (Babylon 5) still believes Flynn is “out there somewhere.” He gets a message on his pager (yeah, he still uses one), tells Sam about it and gives him the keys to the closed-down arcade.

Sam plays a practical joke on the money grubbers, putting the program out for free which they were ready to make a killing with, on the open market. At 27, Sam is the majority shareholder and still dealing with Dad’s disappearance.

He is by nature an adrenalin junkie -- fast motorcycles, jumping off 25 story buildings -- you get the picture. What you don’t know is Hedlund is the new generation’s answer to the arrogant, handsome daredevil we adore on the big screen. Reminiscent of Harrison Ford in Star Wars and Tom Cruise  in Top Gun, Hedlund always has the cheeky answer and the good looks to back up the attitude.

Olivia Wilde, as friend to Flynn Quorra, plays the female love interest for Sam convincingly. I will leave all further details for your viewing.

With motorcycle chases, frontier-breaking technology and music from the '80s, Tron will please most of the movie-going crowd. As far as the critics disliking it, well, this is one critic who recommends you going and having fun with it.

Bottom Line: Tron: Legacy satisfies 100 percent as a fast-paced, 3-D way to introduce the next generation to The Grid. Welcome back to the '80s.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.

Photo credit: Disney.com

Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, West Side Community News, New Palestine Reporter, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Robin Hood

Oscar winner Russell Crowe teams up once again with director Ridley Scott (Gladiator) for this prequel version of the centuries-old fable of outlaw, Robin Hood. Knowing the talent of Crowe, I looked forward to this film.

With so much controversy surrounding the validity of the man known as Robin Hood, the adventures and English folklore have grown and evolved over the centuries. While historians argue amongst themselves as to whether there was such a man and what his true identity is, moviegoers never tire of each new version of the tale.

Although no one I know has spoken of the elephant in the room, this critic shall whisper the thought which occurred almost immediately upon realizing the direction of the film. If this epic film is staged as a prequel to the familiar movies based on the famed archer, why is a man 46 years old playing the character? Shouldn’t a younger man by a couple of decades be in that position? Cate Blanchett, at 41 years of age, is also unbelievable in that respect as Lady Marian.

All in all, considering all we moviegoers have been willing to forgive over the years, the age factor can be overlooked as well, I suppose. Especially when given the fact that this film is rather enjoyable and different than its predecessors. Gritty, gray in color and harsh, Hood stands up to the worth-watching yardstick. This is fortunate since the fact that it is set as prequel means that there will most likely be a sequel or two.

Given that Crowe is a destination actor, and Mark Strong is entrenching himself as the best villain since Alan Rickman (Die Hard) viewers will undoubtedly enjoy the action scenes, scenery and medieval castles. With mixed reviews from critics and the public, the movie will most likely do well at the box office, with opening weekend earnings reported at $32 million, twice that of chick-flick Letters to Juliet.

Bottom Line: Best viewed on the big screen, IMAX if possible, Robin Hood is not Crowe’s best work, but even his less-than-fabulous movies are worthy of the ticket price.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, theater critic, and travel writer. You can now follow Elizabeth on facebook or Twitter and catch her as Indy's Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC's Saturday Morning News Show, giving a quick Gotta Go list of things to do in the Indy area, including restaurants, festivals, events, theater and films.

For comments and questions e-mail her at Elizabeth@gottago.us.

--This post was originally published under "Gotta Go" in the West Side Community News in Indianapolis, and the West Indianapolis Community News.

Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes

Like a runaway, speeding train hurling itself through the night, Sherlock Holmes takes you on a ride which keeps you riveted to the big screen, hanging on for dear life.

Teaming Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes, the intellectual sleuth, Jude Law as his loyal sidekick, Dr. Watson, and Rachel McAdams as Adler, is a winning combination. Rapid-paced, dry humor runs throughout the film, which is set in London’s dark, latter 19th century.

The pursuit of world power leads Lord Blackwood, portrayed coldly by Mark Strong, into the practice of the dark arts. Pursuit of the occult leader leads Holmes, Watson and Adler into the sewers of London.

Loosely based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic book series, Guy Ritchie directed with the clear intention of creating a franchise, including numerous sequels. Downey and Law play off each other brilliantly, creating a co-dependant relationship and showing their weak links and strengths, which keep them together. Sharp-witted and beautifully flawed, the men need each other, manipulating the situation to grow and strengthen themselves and each other.

A solid cast, including the minor roles, and a screenplay written in a fast-paced, modern style, create a movie worthy of seeing a second time. Standing alongside the computer-generated movies out currently, the throwback to an earlier time is refreshing for moviegoers craving fewer futuristic special effects and a stronger, well-written story line.

This razor-sharp view of a young Holmes and Watson gives insight to the detective’s ability to analyze without emotion, with cool logic, and then act upon it with confidence.


Apparently a divorce from pop singer Madonna works for Ritchie, whose latest endeavor seems organized and on target for its audience.

Bottom line: Downey, Law, McAdams – not since Newman, Redford and Ross in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) has there been a trio this perfect.

This post was originally published under "Gotta Go" in the West Side Community News in Indianapolis, and the West Indianapolis Community News. Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Inglorious Basterds

In movie theaters now is Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds. Well known as both a writer and a director, Tarantino makes this movie one of his finest. For those not in the know, he also gave us Pulp Fiction (1994), Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003) and Kill Bill Vol. 2 (2004), creating his own genre of comedy and gore. Would that be goromedy?

Always surprising us, QT’s choice for front man, Lt. Aldo Raine, is A-lister Brad Pitt, who reveled in his role as the leader of the American Jews sent to brutally kill 100 Nazis per team member. Not since Burn After Reading (2008) has he seemed to so thoroughly enjoy himself on the screen. Who else could bring laughter from the audience with various wisecracks, while practicing the fine art of forehead carving?

Tarantino’s genius, perhaps, lies in casting the perfect actor for each role, and then allowing each to do what he or she does best. He gives them permission to go over the top to become almost a caricature of the characters they are to portray.

And then they kill somebody. Violently.

Pitt’s portrayal as the Tennessean sent to kick Nazi butts was not the hit of the movie, though. Surprised? You’re not the only one.

Christoph Waltz as Colonel Hans Landa

There was a breakout star of the movie. How many actors can say that they stole a film from the king of Hollywood?

Christoph Waltz can. Turning in the No. 1 performance of the movie, Waltz portrays Colonel Hans Landa, the deliciously evil, and yet somehow, oddly charming, egomaniacal Nazi who hunts down Jews. Hailing from Vienna, Austria, Waltz is virtually still an unknown in America. But not for long.

Winning the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival this year for Basterds, Waltz appears to be a sure bet for the Best Supporting Actor Award at the Oscars. Not the typical SS officer, the eloquent Landa is crazy like a fox, with a self-indulgent attitude willing to do anything to catch what he terms repulsive rats. The opening scene sets the pace and tone of the movie, with Landa quietly and methodically coercing a French farmer into revealing exactly where he has stashed a Jewish family. Then has his men open fire, naturally; it’s his job.

Diane Kruger as Bridget von Hammersmark

The rest of the movie is a bit surprising here and there, dubbed as a fantasy-historical film. The plot basically is about the one family member who escaped, planning revenge and simultaneously, some espionage is worked in while a German hero falls for the escaped Jewish girl.

Confused?

They throw in subtitles, too. Not to worry, though; it actually runs smoothly.

Not addressed in the movie were the inhumane and vicious atrocities endured by the victims of the Nazis. Perhaps Tarantino credits his audience with the intelligence to remember those facts concerning WWII. Disregarding the final events of the war, as played out in history, the flick resembles a young boy’s fantasy of, “Wouldn’t it be nice if this is what really happened?”

Bottom Line: Plan on hearing about this movie, and Christoph Waltz, for a long time, and consider both already on the list of Golden Globe and Academy Award nominees.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.
Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.