The REEL Addict 

Due to the hectic holiday season, these reviews are somewhat delayed from when the movies actually arrived on DVD. However, that should not deter you from checking them out, especially those of you looking for New Years Eve viewing for either young or old(er).

BURN AFTER READING

Though BURN AFTER READING remains stylistically quintessential Cohen Brothers, as a follow up to NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN it’s certainly a sharp turn some might find jarring. That’s all the more the case when you realize it’s little more than an inconsequential manic lark that’s not a legitimate film so much as a showcase of how ridiculous it can make its stellar cast look. If not that, then it’s at least a showcase for how ridiculous and frivolous the Coen Brothers can get.  That’s not to say the film isn’t worth watching. It’s definitely absurdist, anarchic fun that may never amount to anything - which is, admittedly, the point - but should let you have a hell of a fun time watching these losers of varying degrees trying to get ahead in a race that’s been rigged from the start for them to fail. You’ll just finish watching, mutter “Huh,” and get on with your life after. Burn after viewing, if you will.

Overall rating: 3 out of 5 REELs

DR. SEUSS’ HORTON HEARS A WHO!

HORTON HEARS A WHO! is worth celebrating if for no other reason than it is perhaps the only film aside from the original animated Grinch movie to truly and genuinely capture the spirit, style, and message of Dr. Seuss and his books. This (not this or this) is the Dr. Seuss we grew up with, and what’s more it’s not only loyal to its source in terms of content, but - most importantly - in quality.

Even though the message certainly hits home as appropriate, relevant, heart-warming, and even a little scary (with Carol Burnett channeling her best McCarthy) what really makes HORTON HEARS A WHO! such a delight are its central characters, Horton and The Mayor. Voiced with obvious love and care by both Jim Carrey and Steve Carell, both characters are upstanding gentlemen who are simply out to do the right thing. It’s impossible not to root for them and their quests, all the more so when they respective actors voicing them infuse them with a great balance between the silly humor and the generous humanity (especially an accomplishment for the ADD Jim Carrey).  There’s certainly modern, non-Seuss like jokes here, but they work perfectly within the context of the silly and charming characters.

Aside from the fact that the movie is fun, heart-warming, and just a good time, in the end the best adjective for this film is right there: charming.

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 REELs