Matthew R. Reis: Film and TV Critic

Break a leg. 4 Stars Blog Exclusive! I'm in between classes and my work is done so I thought I'd talk about "Breaking Bad." In my opinion I feel that "Breaking Bad" is one of those rare shows that makes viewers disregard clichés, and embrace uncertainty. Each episode I've watched so far (mind you I only have completed the first 2 seasons) contributes something to the viewer(s). The creative team behind "Bad" force the viewers to think, react and interact with the show in a very cerebral way. That being said, for the first time in a long time I don't feel like I've lost any brain cells watching this series. Rather at least for me, I gain a lot of knowledge about filmmaking, and the harsh realities of the drug trade. The show also delves a lot into human psychology and makes each character's problems seem plausible. I feel that the show accurately talks about tough, real life issues. Changing pace... another thing that comes ...

All Statham, all the time. (Now on DVD) 3 Stars As Featured in: The Ithacan After starring in 2002’s “The Transporter,” Jason Statham has earned a “tough guy” reputation. But in “The Mechanic,” Statham proves he is more than a one-trick pony in his dramatic performance as Arthur Bishop, a hit man who lives to kill. Set in the post-Katrina city of New Orleans, Tony Goldwyn plays Dean, a corporate executive whose clerical persona is a dark and convincing lie. He is really the leader of a global network of assassins, and Bishop happens to be his most trusted killer for hire. But their business relationship sours when Bishop’s mentor, Harry McKenna (Donald Sutherland), ends up on Dean’s hit list. Lewis John Carlino, who penned the original film script for the 1972 “Mechanic,” revamps the movie for the current generation. Despite the success of the first film and the modern twists in the remake, Carlino and Richard Wenk’s screenplay will leave a bad taste in audiences’ mouths. The l...