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"Meet Bill"--actor Aaron Eckhart stopped by for a visit this week to talk about the movie that was originally called just "Bill" and was filmed in St. Louis two summers ago. You can listen to that interview *here*. You'll notice we don't talk much about the movie because I really didn't have the heart to tell him that the film is a total disaster. I'm pretty sure he knows. I mean, it's only opening in St. Louis where it was filmed and in Minneapolis where it's set----so the studio knows it's a failure. They changed the title---the ending---and the press tour by Aaron is just one last ditch effort to make some money back on this one. If you want to see how St. Louis looks in "Meet Bill" good luck. This movie does nothing to promote St. Louis and you'd really never know it was shot here. There are some local shots featuring MICDS, Dick's Sporting Goods at West County Mall, Kaldi's Coffee House and a few other locals. But you'd better look fast if you are hoping to catch a glimpse of place or a person you know. I'm avoiding talking about what this movie is about because quite honestly I have no idea. It's really not about anything and that's part of the problem. The script is weak, the relationships between Bill and the rest of the characters never develops into anything interesting. The cast which includes Elizabeth Banks as Bill's cheating wife, Timothy Olyphant as a sleazy news reporter, and Logan Lerman as a preppy spoiled rich kid are all wasted. It's not good. Please take my word on this one. 2 out of 5---and that's being generous because Aaron was so accommodating and I liked him.
"Shine a Light"--a much better choice this weekend is Martin Scorsese's Rolling Stone IMAX concert movie featuring a show by Mick and the gang at New York's Beacon Theater at the end of the "Bigger Bang" tour.
It's only showing at Ronnie's on the IMAX, but that's the only place you want to see this one. It wouldn't be the same without the brilliant digital picture on a huge screen. It's not like you're in the front row for a Stone's concert---it's like your on stage. The movie starts in black and white and only on a partial screen with a frantic Scorsese trying to put the finishing touches on his plans to film the show and to get Mick to commit to a setlist. But once the music starts it's full screen IMAX glory and rock and roll at it's best with the Stones pouring through hit after hit along with some great guest spots by Jack White, Buddy Guy and Christina Aguilera. The songs are for the most part uninterrupted, but Marty uses old archive footage of Mick, Keith, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood in between the music to provide a lot of humor and history. Bring your lighter!! Wait---that might not be legal. I liked it better than the recent U2 3D IMAX movie---which was also great. If you've never seen the Stones spend the extra money to see them on the IMAX, it's much cheaper than a concert ticket. If you're a longtime fan like me---just enjoy the rock and roll. 4 out of 5.
Also opening this week---"Nim's Island with Jodie Foster and Abigail Breslin---"Leatherheads" with George Clooney and Renee Zellweger and John Krasinski. Paul Hall reviews the latter at www.commonguy.com"The Ruins" did not screen in time for a review.
This week on DVD--"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" which wasn't one of my favorite movies of the end of last year---but is still pretty strong. Also--"Alvin and the Chipmunks" which wasn't one of my most hated movies of last year---which surprised me. |
