Moneygascar

The election is behind, and the future unclear, the only thing for The Free-Lancer to do is watch movies and talk about them. Proving for the umpteenth time that the only sure-fire way to make money with movies these days is to make a hit family film and then immediately crank out a sequel or four, Madagascar 2 made an estimated 63 million dollars this weekend. That my friends, is a HUGE number this time of year, and I must say (as industry savvy as I am) exceeded my own predictions.
I saw the first film and enjoyed it, as it is a humorous romp, but I wasn't one of the contributors to the new films success. O sure, I want to see it (growing up with three younger sisters I have always had a soft spot for cartoons) but I probably won't make it until later this week. Until then, here is a good review that basically says, sure it has laughs but the Penguins are the best part--much like the first movie.

Though I didn't manage to make it to the cinemas this weekend (I had an interest in seeing one of two films, such as Eastwood's Changeling), I did stop by last weekend for a little pre-election diversion.
I saw Zack & Miri and RocknRolla. Of the two I would recommended the later and completely ward you away from the former.
For some reason, people cannot be truly honest when it comes to reviewing Kevin Smith films. I have never liked the guy, or his films, and really have only enjoyed bits of his catalog and never whole films. The scenes in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back with Will Ferrell and the orangutan are funny, but that movie is a horrendous mess. Mallrats has its moments, as does Chasing Amy, but everything else is gratuitous, self-indulgent, and downright boring--to include (and maybe especially) Smith's "revolutionary" debut Clerks. I don't really want to talk much about Zack & Miri, because Dirty Harry wrote a great review of it that really gets to the point.
However, I will make a few observations: Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks are both excellent comedic actors, and Justin Long's appearance is the only true bright spot of the film. In the TV spots for the film, they call it "the perfect date movie" to which I can only balk and scratch my head, because it cetainly is not anywhere near a movie any self-respecting couple should be watching unless you hang around at home alternating between Clerks II and internet porn all day....
Anyway, we've got James Bond on Thursday at midnight, so I don't imagine many of you will get around to seeing RocknRolla. Already its on its way out of theaters, which is a same because it is really the only movie worth spending money on (other than Quantum of Solace) that is going to be around for a few weeks. Guy Ritchie is back in top form and brings a new level of maturity to his familar Lock, Stock/Snatch material. Those who are fans of his first two success will find the same things to love, but those who appreciated Revolver (I being one) will certainly see the same seriousness coming through in the plot, which is an intricate and well designed crime story this time around and less of a caper-esque romp like in the aforementioned earlier films.

Ritchies talent has always been grounded in bringing to life great characters, and RocknRolla has an exceptional cast chock full of 'em, with Gerard Butler being the real stand-out. The end of the film promises a sequeal, but it looks to be a long ways off. Next up from Ritchie is the Downey Jr., Jude Law Sherlock Holmes vehicle which (if RocknRolla is any indication) ought to absolutely sore. So if you get a moment and feel the need for some cinematic escapism, check out said film, and be sure to ignore Kevin Smith's new turd.