Snappy

I have not seen Pirates...At World's End because I inadvertently read the entire plot online and spoiled the story for myself. I am not a fan of knowing endings before the end. Hmph. Luckily there are other box office temptations to kick off my summer. Herein I offer reviews of two other likely-big summer movies. Enjoy.

Knocked Up
Judd Apatow is at it again, offering up a mix of semisweet storylines and clever adult humor that doesn't assume your funny bone is stuck in seventh grade. Knocked Up tells the story of the coupling of Alison (Katherine Heigl, aka Izzie), a reporter for E! entertainment news, and Ben (Seth Rogen), a man-child trying half heartedly to make a job of spotting nude scenes in movies. While the drunken-stranger-sex-leads-to-pregnancy plot is run of the mill, there are some hilarious moments and characters. David and I both enjoyed Ben and his friends (most are Apatow film/tv vets) busting on each other, and Alison's fantastically deadpan work competitor, Jill. I would happily watch this movie once more on DVD for the dialogue. Most of the characters are reasonably compelling and/or amusing, but the highlight here is Seth Rogen's Ben, who's insecure and cynical but good hearted. I don't agree with the critics who seem to want to have Apatow's baby for making Knocked Up, but it is certainly solid summer fare, an extension of those great 80's teen summer flicks. Knocked Up is recommended to those with a tolerance for crude humor seeking slightly grown up entertainment with no commitment.

Alison Scott: I'm pregnant.
Ben Stone: Pregnant... with emotion?

Ocean's Thirteen
Atrtactive from beginning to end, the latest in the casino heist movie chain is a visual feast. Should you care about the storyline, it might please you to know this one's much better than the last; it's also, I might add, prettier than the first. The entire male gang is back, from dishy smooth Danny Ocean (George Clooney) to the inventively troublemaking Malloy brothers (Casey Affleck and Scott Caan). This time the guys have taken it upon themselves to cheer their bedridden mentor, Reuben (Elliot Gould), by seeking revenge on his behalf. Al Pacino and Ellen Barkin join the cast (the latter as the only significant female in the story). Does anyone care why or how the story unfolds? There's a strong "What happens in Vegas..." feel to Ocean's Thirteen. The length, pace, and plausibility each have their decided ups and downs here; there are enough fun moments and Hollywood in jokes (Clooney tells Pitt to settle down and have a couple kids) to keep you chuckling. But it's the look of the movie that I enjoyed most--varied camera angles, striking colors, gorgeous actors. Not a bad thing to stand out, all in all.

[Virgil is attempting to hack into a computer system while Turk looks on]
Turk Malloy: Are you in yet?
Virgil Malloy: I hate that question.