Nicolas Cage (left) and Russell Brand in “Army of One”
Army of One
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Matthew Modine, Russell Brand
Director: Larry Charles
Rating: 2 out of 5
Like many great minds who claim to have spoken to God (Brand), Gary Faulkner (Cage), 47, is motivated by a Quixotic task—to kill Osama Bin Laden. Though “sane as you and me,” as his shrink declares, Faulkner has wild ideas that defy logic. After convincing his nephrologist (Modine) to lend him $1,000, he embarks on a mission that takes him to Mexico, Israel and Pakistan, where his search for the al-Qaida leader becomes even more eventful.
Director Charles’ film is based on a true story. Faulkner’s journey initially amuses, but Cage, who works hard despite a messy script, is ultimately weighed down by his frivolous and inconsistent characterization, which vacillates between whiny, nasal stammering and a manic delivery. To be fair, there’s some winking fun to be had in the film, but it fails to realize the promise of its compelling premise. —Rito Asilo
Fallen
Starring: Addison Timlin, Jeremy Irvine, Harrison Gilbertson
Director: Scott Hicks
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
A girl who thinks she is mentally ill, Lucinda (Timlin), is torn between moody artist Daniel (Irvine) and bad boy Cam (Gilbertson), in a spooky school for troubled teens. It turns out that the guys aren’t even human—they’re banished angels exiled for not choosing sides in the war between good and evil.
So, where did we see that troubled triangle before? While it’s doubtful that “Fallen” will achieve the popularity of “Twilight,” it’s got a nubile cast that can make young viewers swoon. It’s quite messy, story-wise, and ends rather abruptly. Its characters spend half the time gazing longingly at each other. The mythology presented could’ve been explored more, but its forced romance overpowers everything else. —Oliver M. Pulumbarit
Addison Timlin (left) and Jeremy Irvine in “Fallen”
Wild for the Night
Starring: James Maslow, Beau Casper Smart
Director: Benny Boom
Rating: 1 out of 5
Fresh out of rehab, 28-year-old Wyatt (Maslow) probes into the murder of his sister, Sheri. He’s quickly drawn to the LA club where Sheri was last seen. Because of his terpsichorean flair, Wyatt is hired by a club owner. Soon, the revelation Wyatt learns about his sibling puts even his life at risk. Does club owner Donovan (Smart, J Lo’s former squeeze) have anything to do with Sheri’s disappearance?
Boom’s movie is an awkward hybrid of film noir, murder mystery and dance flick. It’s hard to appreciate its production numbers because they’re too dark and are often cut abruptly. Ironically, the film’s best musical sequence, a song-and-dance number showcasing Nickelodeon alumnus Maslow, is seen as the credits roll—and even that leaves a lot to be desired. —Rito Asilo