The Ghost Writer (2010)

This movie was slow, methodical, and it still packs one hell of a punch at the end. No matter how much action, thrillers are my favorite genre of movie and this one did not disappoint.

Ewan McGregor is the nameless Ghost for the former British Prime Minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan). The reason he is brought in is to finish writing Lang's memoirs after the first ghost writer's lifeless body mysteriously washes up on a beach. Now, the new Ghost has his doubts about taking such a project because Lang is an internationally hated figure. He is close to being prosecuted for torture against terror suspects by the International Criminal Court. An enigmatic man who, theoretically, has means of disposing of you and making it look like an accident. However, all of that may not be true. As the Ghost looks more into his past, he becomes more convinced that someone else may be pulling Lang's strings, and has been for years. As deep as the political plot is, could it possibly go any deeper?

Ewan McGregor is terrific as the writer who doesn't really want the job. There is a constant sense of fear he has. Whether it's fear the editors will not like his work or fear for his life. Pierce Brosnan also gives a great performance. He is sharp and fiery in his delivery and actions causing the audience to get scared along with McGregor. The film loses a couple points with me because of Kim Cattrall. While her performance wasn't awful, giving her a British accent was not a good choice. Thankfully, it doesn't ruin this movie. If you love thrillers, absolutely you should give this one a shot. Grade: A-

The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009)

While this movie had its funny moments, the plot was just kind of boring in the end. I was just sort of taken along for the ride and ended up with no place to go.

Bob (Ewan McGregor) is a small town journalist who's determined to be the best at his job to show his wife, who just left him, that he can. He pretends to enlist as a reporter embedded in the Middle East, only to find Lyn (George Clooney). As time goes on, Bob realizes Lyn is part of a secret government initiative called the New Earth Army, a group that attempts to become "psychic spies." (Note: Before you think this is far-fetched, this movie is based on actual events) As Lyn and Bob begin to detail the storied past of the New Earth Army, they must try to avoid Lyn's enemy Larry (Kevin Spacey). Larry has never bought into Lyn's theory of of spying, so he begins to find out ways of taking him down, beginning in the 80s. What follows is a somewhat elementary attempt to stop him.

This movie wasn't awful, but it just didn't have a whole lot to keep me interested in the end. The biggest bright spot of this movie was Jeff Bridges. It was basically "What if The Dude joined the Army and somehow made it to the rank of corporal?" And it was hilarious. While the other actors definitely tried, this movie ultimately fell flat due to the plot. Enjoy it if you must, but I can't recommend it.

Angels & Demons (2009)

I'm not the kind of person that gets mad when a movie takes liberties with the books they are based off because I expect that to take place. I am the kind of person who gets bored quite quickly when a movie goes nowhere.

Symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) has been called to the Vatican after the Pope's recent death. Though his work has been a burden on the holy city, his help is required because an ancient group, at odds with the church, has claimed responsibility for the death and has kidnapped the four cardinals considered favorites to replace the deceased pontiff. To make matters worse, there's anti-matter floating around in a canister that, once it runs out of battery, will destroy Vatican City and some surrounding parts of Rome as well. Langdon does not have the help he requires from the Swiss Guard but that is irrelevant as time is running out.

This movie has almost zero character development for the supporting cast. Both of the Robert Langdon movies have wasted the talents of Tom Hanks and this one wastes Ewan McGregor, too. After the first 20 minutes, when the audience discovers what's going on, the movie drags it out for two more hours. It is better than The Da Vinci Code, it doesn't help it that much.