21 - movie review

Drawing a blank: Basic intelligence missing from '21'

By Jeff Bayer | Contributing Film Critic

"21" is a film about six MIT students learning how to count cards and then take down Vegas for millions at blackjack. The one thing you need for that is massive intelligence, yet that is the characteristic most absent from this film.

It's based on the true story and book "Bringing Down the House" and goes beyond the old standby that says the book is always better than the film. Changes were made, the least of which was making the main character white instead of Asian. Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess) is an MIT student struggling for money. He needs $300,000 for medical school, yet never once considers a student loan. He's also never heard of blackjack, which almost makes less sense.

CLICK TO READ THE REST

Sean Faris - Never Back Down - interview

CELEBTV.COM CHATS WITH SEAN FARIS

March 17, 2008

Sean Faris, star of the new mixed martial arts (MMA) flick Never Back Down might be a new face in Hollywood, but the 25-year-old got a jump on acting when he was just a kid.

The Cleveland native, who bears a striking resemblance to Tom Cruise, used to tell people the Top Gun star was his dad.

But these days, Faris is making a name for himself.

CelebTV.com talked with Faris about the Hollywood scene, Karate Kid and whipping himself into shape for his new film.

CLICK TO READ THE REST

Never Back Down - movie review

'Never Back Down' fights for a little respect

By Jeff Bayer | Daily Herald Correspondent

You don't sit down to a Britney Spears' concert to hear great opera. That has to be the mind-set when you walk into the theater for "Never Back Down," a story of an angry kid finding mixed martial arts and trying to turn his life around.

First of all, I'm a fan of "Karate Kid," all of the "Rocky" flicks (except No. 5), "Diggstown" and even "Gladiator" (not the Oscar winner). That said, I still wasn't expecting much of "Never Back Down."

CLICK TO READ THE REST

Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day - movie review

Comic timing everything for McDormand, Adams in funny 'Miss Pettigrew'

By Jeff Bayer | Contributing Film Critic

Disheveled and worn down, Miss Pettigrew (Frances McDormand) goes from bad to worse.

Before the opening credits of "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day" are finished, she gets fired from her job as a nanny, loses all of her possessions and can't find a bite to eat.

Set in 1939 London, just as World War II is about to break out, Miss Pettigrew must try and make a go of it. What follows is an infectious comedy that becomes a wonderful drama.

CLICK TO READ THE REST

The Bank Job - movie review

'Bank Job' can't balance tense action with fun caper

By Jeff Bayer | Contributing Film Critic

Inspired by the true story of a 1971 London bank heist that goes terribly wrong, "The Bank Job" has it all: corruption, sex scandals, political intrigue, murder.

Despite all of those wonderfully evil things, the film never takes off.

CLICK TO READ THE REST