The REEL Addict 

GHOST TOWN
Some films succeed solely because of their cast, whether it be a single lead or an entire ensemble. They can elevate an otherwise generic exercise in mainstream Hollywood status quo, to something that at its best seems like it transcends its redundancy, and at its worst becomes genuinely enjoyable. The reason GHOST TOWN becomes more than just a fairly pedestrian rom-com/dramedy, is because of Ricky Gervais. Buoyed by his always brilliant brand of humor and comic delivery, Gervais helps infuse GHOST TOWN with genuine charm, wit, and heart, even when it is at its most formulaic. In the process it becomes something that with anyone else in it, would have just turned into a “been there, done that, don’t bother” movie.

Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5 REELs

EAGLE EYE
As a long-time enjoyer of sometimes ridiculously amped up Hollywood action/thriller movies, I’ve had to provide some ridiculous doses of suspension of disbelief to get me through some of them. I’ve always done so willingly and eagerly to fully enjoy the ride, but EAGLE EYE exceeded the depths of my accommodation. EAGLE EYE is so utterly preposterous in its premise, and in its indulging the unbelievable omnipresence and foresight of its villain, that the high-tension pace and (frequent) chases never become thrilling or entertaining because you’re constantly aware they’re propelled by utter ridiculousness. That’s not even mentioning the film’s absurd pandering to far left post-Patriot Act paranoia, or - less politically - technophobes. It’s like a conspiracy theorists’ wet dream, but for the rest of us it’s no more fun or worth indulging in than a wet blanket.

Overall rating: 2 out of 5 REELs

PINEAPPLE EXPRESS
From original review: “The joy of the film is watching it subversively mix together all sorts of genre to create a bizarre but effective hybrid of stoner flicks, buddy-cop action movies, gangster and caper sagas and Hitchcock like “wrong man” adventures. It mashes them up together with a manic and irreverent spirit, speed, and energy, which by all accounts shouldn’t work.”

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 REELs