A Three-fer: Quantum of Solace, The House Bunny and The Day the Earth Stood Still

Here in Canada we had a long weekend thanks to Victoria Day (May 18 this year).  Mike and I spent it watching movies, so here are three quick-and-dirty reviews.

First up:  Quantum of Solace.  I'm only familiar with the Bond films starring Pierce Brosnan, and they were booooring.  Daniel Craig's Bond is far more interesting; he gets dirty, partakes in much hand-to-hand combat, rarely smiles and is always on the move.  No standing around swanky parties sipping martinis for this Bond.  There is no point in trying to explain the plot, other than to say he was looking to avenge the death of his lady love, Vespa, who died in Casino Royale.  I will say, however, the theme song for this film by Jack White and Alicia Keys is the worst Bond song I have ever heard. 

Next:  The House Bunny.  Not as funny as I had hoped.  Anna Faris is a good actress, but she was difficult to watch in this over-the-top performance.  She spent so much time bug-eyed and gasping like a fish out of water I started to feel badly for her.  Ex-Playboy Bunny needs a home and ends up as the house mother for a geeky-girl sorority.  She turns it around by turning the girls into carbon copies of herself.  Her students put up a weak fight before succumbing to hair extensions and six-inch heels.  Funny, but could have been so much better.

Last and least:  The Day the Earth Stood Still.  Remake of older, better film? Check.  Plot updated for "the times"?  Check.  Keanu Reeves acting as if he has no soul?  Check.  Annoying kid being pulled around by the adults?  Check.  Older professor mentor (John Cleese this time)?  Check.  Government rep who just "doesn't get it"? Check.  Military trying to kill something it doesn't understand? Check.  Is the Earth saved?  Yup, unfortunately.  I think a much better ending would have been if Klaatu or whatever the alien's name is was unable to stop the destruction, and everyone on Earth died.  The end!  At least it would have been a surprise ending. 

Doing What he Does Best