Review: "The Bounty Hunter"

Let me first start off by saying that the studios seem to be churning out the romantic comedy genere by the truckload this year. So with that being said I was a bit hesitant about my latest cinematic outing. Being an avid fan of both Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler, I had been eagerly awaiting the release of this film for some time and suffice it to say, they didn't disappoint.

Butler plays Milo Boyd, a down on his luck ex-cop turned bounty hunter while Aniston, his ex-wife, is his next assignment. Eager and willing, Milo sets out to stick it to Nicole (Aniston), but then his plans go haywire. Throw in a couple of bumbling pseudo gangsters and an enamored co-worker henceforth the hilarity ensues.

With all the comedy and deception the real appeal of the film is the chemistry between Aniston and Butler, this pair was enchanting, convincing and purposeful. I was ever hopeful, as I'm sure many of my co-viewers were, that the pair would overlook their perplexing situation and rekindle their romance.

I'll admit over the years I've developed an admiration for the romantic comedy genre, quite a departure from my usual viewing mainstay of slasher films. Two films, of this genre, have really stuck out this year, this being one and the earlier "Leap Year". I guess it's not so bad departing the cinema with a 'feel good' mood.

Review: "Gamer"

This past week Lionsgate released the action/sci-fi/thriller "Gamer" starring one of today's leading action flick heroes, Gerard Butler. Directed by Mark Neveldine, the man behind "Crank" and "Crank 2: High Voltage", there is plenty of quick-paced action and excitement.

"Gamer" is set in a not-too-distant futuristic society and revolves around the highest rated, gaming/reality show "Slayers" and it's reigning hero Kable (Butler). This, humans in control of other humans show, is the brain child of notorious billionaire Ken Castle (Michael C. Hall of 'Dexter'). During play gamers achieve control through a nanochip implanted in thier 'slayers' brain. In a bargain for their freedom, convicts are the technopuppets at the mercy of their players. Kable's weekly survival depends solely on his seventeen year-old, reputable player Simon (Logan Lerman) and his skilled tactical maneuvers.

In the frenzy of this technological nightmare and on the cusp of regaining his freedom, Kable is urged to make a daring escape aided by an underground organization, HUMANZ, intent on terminating Castle's sadistic technology. Armed with only his vengeance and desire to save his family from Castle, Kable must now rely on his own gambit to even the score.

Reminiscent of movies "Condemned" and more recently "Death Race", "Gamer" provided a somber perspective on the advancing desensitization of the human race. Corruption and control valued over human life. I found myself numb having seen this uninspired interpretation of the future. However, "Gamer" provided plenty of action and cutting-edge technological visual delights for even the most advanced tekkie. If you're in the mood for gaming, but don't want to put the skills forward, then "Gamer" is the perfect way to spend ninety minutes.