Steve Salles

PATRICK WYMORE/Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Gary (Jason Segel) and new Muppet Walter get spiffy before their big trip to Hollywood where they hope to find their future, and once again make the world safe for Muppets.

Muppets movie seeks old formula

Last updated Wednesday, November 23, 2011 - 6:29am

What's old is new again. At least that's what Disney is hoping for, as its 2004 investment gets a new lease on life and a new coat of fur in the first "Muppets" movie to be made in a dozen years.

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Award-winning 'King's Speech' coming to video

Steve Salles Standard-Examiner correspondent

Last updated Thursday, April 14, 2011 - 4:16pm

Capsule reviews, by Standard-Examiner movie critic Steve Salles, of next Tuesday's releases:

THE KING'S SPEECH **** (R) Some language. King George VI takes over the crown from his brother Edward, but has a crippling speech impediment that causes him great anxiety. Imagine a king having to give many public addresses, but not being able to get out the words. He'll get help from a quirky therapist, and the end result is the stuff of legends. 118 minutes.

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On video soon: Potter and pals take on evil Lord Voldemort in 'Hallows I'

Steve Salles Standard-Examiner movie critic

Last updated Thursday, April 7, 2011 - 3:50pm

Capsule reviews, by Standard-Examiner movie critic Steve Salles, of next Tuesday's releases:

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 1 ** 1/2 (PG-13) Some sequences of intense action violence, frightening images and brief sensuality. Harry and company must save the world from the all-powerful and evil Lord Voldemort. But instead, they decide to go camping and search their feelings. It's bookend action with a soft, hollow center. 146 minutes.

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Bagman
Kevin Spacey (center) is Jack Abramoff in “Casino Jack.”

On video soon: 'Casino Jack,' 'Dawn Treader,' 'Phillip Morris' and 'Tron'

Steve Salles Standard-Examiner movie critic

Last updated Thursday, March 31, 2011 - 4:49pm

Capsule reviews, by Standard-Examiner movie critic Steve Salles, of next Tuesday's releases:

CASINO JACK *** (R) Pervasive language, some violence and brief nudity. Jack Abramoff was once the king of Washington influence, but he went down in flames after some dirty dealings. Kevin Spacey plays him brilliantly. The sleaze factor is pretty high, but the message is clear. Greed kills. 108 minutes.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER *** (PG) Some frightening images and sequences of fantasy action. This installment has the younger Pevensie children, a bratty cousin and King Caspian crossing the seas to thwart evil in its own lair. It's a long trip, fraught with occasional stumbling blocks, but features a "Pirates of the Caribbean"-type grand finale that might be worth the voyage. 115 minutes.

I LOVE YOU, PHILLIP MORRIS *** (R) Sexual content including strong dialogue, and language. Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor star in a true story about two lovers forced to deal with a life of crime and deceit. Carrey cons people to get what he wants. McGregor is the innocent who goes with the flow. It's a touching story. 102 minutes.

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On video soon: Join Rapunzel and friends on their 'Tangled' adventures

Steve Salles Standard-Examiner movie critic

Last updated Thursday, March 24, 2011 - 5:34pm

Capsule reviews, by Standard-Examiner movie critic Steve Salles, of next Tuesday's releases:

TANGLED **** (PG) Brief mild violence. Loosely based on the Grimm's fairy tale "Rapunzel," this Disney creation is a CGI film that looks hand-drawn, while providing characters and songs that will remind you of the "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Little Mermaid" era. However, leave it to the silent but expressive horse Maximus to steal the show. This is a crowd-pleaser for the entire family. 100 minutes.

COOL IT *** 1/2 (PG) Thematic elements. This documentary takes a different approach from that of Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth." Instead of being fear-based, it seeks rational solutions in an area where none seem forthcoming. It's a refreshing and thoughtful approach. 89 minutes.

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On video soon: Charming romance doesn't rely on cliches

Steve Salles Standard-Examiner movie critic

Last updated Friday, March 18, 2011 - 10:54am

Capsule reviews, by Standard-Examiner movie critic Steve Salles, of next week's releases:

HOW DO YOU KNOW *** (PG-13) Sexual content and some strong language. Paul Rudd has become a master of the troubled romance. It helps that James L. Brooks has given him some rather unique and creative ways of finding that love again without seeming cliched. Including Reese Witherspoon, Jack Nicholson and Owen Wilson doesn't hurt, either. 116 minutes.

THE TOURIST ** 1/2 (PG-13) Violence and brief strong language. Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp star in a remake of a 2005 French film called "Anthony Zimmer." It's a mystery that involves a former lover, a stranger on a train, a vengeful gangster and a frantic Interpol. If it sounds more intriguing than it is, it's because the film is too transparent and in search of an identity to be considered great. 104 minutes.

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On video soon: 'The Fighter' more than just a boxing movie

Steve Salles Standard-Examiner movie critic

Last updated Thursday, March 10, 2011 - 1:57pm

Capsule reviews, by Standard-Examiner movie critic Steve Salles, of next Tuesday's releases:

THE FIGHTER **** (R) Language throughout, drug content, some violence and sexuality. This could easily be dismissed as just another boxing movie with pretty boy Mark Wahlberg. But it's so much more, and that has everything to do with a great true story and terrific supporting work from Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Melissa Leo. This is one of my favorite films of 2010. Bale and Leo won Oscars for their performances. 115 minutes.

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On video soon: Greed sickening in 'Inside Job'

Steve Salles Standard-Examiner movie critic

Last updated Thursday, March 3, 2011 - 6:44pm

Capsule reviews, by Standard-Examiner movie critic Steve Salles, of next Tuesday's releases:

INSIDE JOB **** (PG-13) This is the most comprehensive discussion of the 2008 financial market collapse. No matter what your political persuasion is, you'll be incensed by the overt greed and lack of humanity that went into creating this economic nightmare. It's a powerfully significant documentary that deserves a wide audience. 109 minutes.

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LAURIE SPARHAM/The Weinstein Company
“The King’s Speech” stars Colin Firth as King George VI and Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue. The film is nominated for best picture along with eight other movies.

Oscar story 2011

Steve Salles Standard-Examiner movie critic

Last updated Thursday, February 24, 2011 - 10:29pm

I always thought it was odd when I first moved to Utah and everyone said, "You betcha!"

This coming from a state that doesn't allow any kind of lottery or gambling -- except for the look-away during March Madness.

But did you know there's a lot of big sports-book betting, nationwide, on the Academy Awards each year? I guess Las Vegas figures we need something to keep us awake for three or more grueling hours.

The standard bets occur -- what will win best picture, who takes home best-acting honors -- you know, the usual stuff. But you can also bet on:

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On video soon: '127 Hours' an incredible tale of survival

Steve Salles Standard-Examiner movie critic

Last updated Thursday, February 24, 2011 - 10:03pm

Capsule reviews, by Standard-Examiner movie critic Steve Salles, of next Tuesday's releases:

127 HOURS **** (R) Language and some disturbing violent content/bloody images. Aron Ralston (James Franco) had his arm trapped under a boulder in Utah's Canyonlands. He didn't tell anyone where he was going. He had some tough decisions to make. He made them and they weren't pretty. Still, it's an incredible story of survival and one of 2010's best films. 94 minutes.

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Double Negative/Universal Studios
Paul (Seth Rogen) and Graeme (Simon Pegg) drive like hell in the comedy adventure “Paul.” While in America’s UFO heartland, Graeme and Clive meet an alien who brings them on an insane road trip that alters their universe forever.

Films come in every flavor

Steve Salles Standard-Examiner movie critic

Last updated Thursday, February 17, 2011 - 8:50pm

Ever been jonesing for an orange?

And somebody hands you an apple?

You might like apples, but you really had your heart set on an orange. So what does that have to do with the most-anticipated movies of 2011? Well, you might be interested in superhero movies, while your mom couldn't care less. Her ears might perk up if she hears "Jane Eyre." You're thinking: Isn't Jane Eyre the Green Lantern's girlfriend?

So to be fair, we thought it might be a good idea to highlight the most anticipated movies from each genre this year, so that no one feels left out.

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On video soon: Here's your chance to 'Get Low'

Steve Salles Standard-Examiner movie critic

Last updated Thursday, February 17, 2011 - 5:43pm

Capsule reviews, by Standard-Examiner movie critic Steve Salles, of next week's releases:

GET LOW **** (PG-13) Some thematic material and brief violent content. Robert Duvall has given many great performances in his career. This is among his best. It's the story of an aging recluse who wants to throw his own funeral party before he dies. The reasons will surprise you. This is one of the best films of last year. Also starring are Sissy Spacek, Bill Murray, Lucas Black, Gerald McRaney and Bill Cobbs. 103 minutes.

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‘Waiting for Superman’ a wake-up call for education reform

Steve Salles Standard-Examiner movie critic

Last updated Thursday, February 10, 2011 - 7:47pm

Capsule reviews, by Standard-Examiner movie critic Steve Salles, of next Tuesday’s releases:

WAITING FOR SUPERMAN *** 1/2 (PG) Some thematic material, mild language and incidental smoking. If you believe public education could use some reform, this detailed documentary offers some concrete suggestions. Yet, it also touches on a personal note. You’ll meet five students hoping for an educational opportunity only given to a select few. It’s powerful, important and, if we don’t get this right, our future generations could be in trouble. 102 minutes.

YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER ** 1/2 (R) Some language. Woody Allen has settled into a formulaic mode of quirky character-driven dramedies — that are more drama than comedy. This is not one of his best and lacks some of the great insight he’s often offered. It’s less comedy and more irony. 98 minutes.

* * *

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On video soon: 'Funny Story' plays out in mental hospital

Steve Salles Standard-Examiner movie critic

Last updated Thursday, February 3, 2011 - 6:04pm

Capsule reviews, by Standard-Examiner movie critic Steve Salles, of next Tuesday's releases:

IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY ** 1/2 (PG-13) Mature thematic issues, sexual content, drug material and language. A troubled teen (Keir Gilchrist) with thoughts of suicide checks himself into a mental hospital for observation and observes how tough it really can be. Lots of friendly patients help him put it all in perspective -- and then they dance. Zach Galifianakis, Jeremy Davies, Emma Roberts and Lauren Graham also star. 91 minutes.

WILD TARGET ** (PG-13) Violence, some sexual content and brief strong language. Here's yet another promising premise featuring a stellar cast that dwindles down to near boredom. How do you ruin a dark comedy that features Bill Nighy, Emily Blunt and Rupert Grint? Just like this. 98 minutes.

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On video soon: See the ugly truth of what happened in 'The Tillman Story'

Steve Salles Standard-Examiner movie critic

Last updated Thursday, January 27, 2011 - 5:06pm

Capsule reviews, by Standard-Examiner movie critic Steve Salles, of next week's releases:

THE TILLMAN STORY *** (R) Language. Pat Tillman was a star pro football player who left his team to join the Army. He was killed in 2004, and the accounts of his death were altered so the military could avoid embarrassment. When the lie was revealed, it really got ugly. See what happens in one of the most powerful indictments against the abuse of power I've ever seen. 94 minutes.

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