Cinema Voyage - Michael Pearson

This blog is PRIMARILY about movies. Some dvd and some that are still in the theater. Also, links are provided on some movies if you decide you want to purchase it. Also, I write and read quite a bit. So, you may, from time to time see a book review here from an up-and-coming author or an interview with one. If you have a book that you have written, please don't hesitate to contact me if you want an unbiased opinion. I would be happy to read and review what you've written. We should value our creative people more.

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Review - What Just Happened

June 2nd 2009 07:09

What Just Happened is a light hearted romp for those who have an interest in film, movie creation and the whole wacky world of Hollywood. If you do not have a vague interest in the creative or not so creative process of film making, then this film as a whole may not appeal to you.

Ben (Robert De Niro) is a Hollywood producer involved in projects which star such actors as Sean Penn and Bruce Willis (both played mockingly by themselves). Ben and his second ex-wife Kelly (Robin Wright-Penn) are in therapy to try to live happily apart although Ben would sooner jump at a chance for a reunion between the two despite her being involved in a relationship with someone else.

But all is not going according to plan career wise. Fiercely, the movie vehicle starring Penn, tested badly at the audience screening due to the violent ending and Ben has to wield his way through the maze of executives, the director and the actors involved in order that the screen will open at Cannes. His second project starring Willis is just as troublesome as the buffed action star is now sporting a bushy beard, which is totally unsuitable for the role.

De Niro is well suited to the role and I must admit that is more to my liking than the recent Righteous Kill starring both De Niro and Pacino. Catherine Keener is delightfully bossy as Lou Tarnow, studio executive and Michael Wincott plays for laughs with his role as director Jeremy Brunell.

Power is the key word in Hollywood and epitomises Ben's main focus in life. He is quite an unsympathetic character who bends whatever way is necessary to please all and sundry in the hope that he can keep the peace. Involved in a Vanity Fair shoot featuring the 30 most powerful men in Hollywood - Ben's overall aim for this two week period in which the movie takes place - is to appear closer to the O and W in the word P-O-W-E-R. This placement however is dependent on how he manages to juggle the issues he faces during the film.

Directed by Barry Levinson and based on the book by Art Linson, What Just Happened?: Bitter Hollywood Tales From the Front Line, this movie certainly won't set the world on fire with its insights or point of view. It will however provide one or two laughs and showcase some fine performances from the actors involved.

Voyage Review: 3/5

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Posted By: Michelle Sweeney - Category: Comedy

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