The Bounty Hunter

I Would Rather Jump Bail

[Gerard Butler, Jennifer Aniston]

What is it with people? After today's film, I stood up from the prime spot in the center seat behind the rail and started to the aisle. As I walked down the row with my empty popcorn bucket, I had to navigate around half-full bags of popcorn, candy wrappers, and cup holders performing their duty. I am not against not finishing a drink or a concession. What I am against is leaving those concessions behind as if the people were saving those seats for the second half of a double feature. It is a disgrace how people think that movie theater custodians equate to the people that pick up after horses during parades. Well, I guess if the horses' ass fits.

SYNOPSIS:  Ex-cop, current bounty hunter Milo gets the assignment of a lifetime as his ex-wife reporter Nicole is served a bench warrant for skipping a court appearance. As Milo tries to get Nicole to the the precinct for his payday, they are pursued by knee breakers and corrupt cops.

I think I remember where I have seen director Andy Tennant's new movie, "The Bounty Hunter", before... it was called "Bird on a Wire". The only difference is that Gerard Butler's character, Milo, didn't get a new identity from the FBI like Mel Gibson's character Rick Jarmin. Kidding, of course... there are plenty of differences. 

For one, I am more of a fan of Jennifer Aniston than I am of Goldie Hawn. Jennifer pulls off the dramatic a little better in this outing than I think Goldie would have. And Gerard doesn't have the comedic sarcasm down as well as Gibson, although he tries. There are a some moments that are charming between the Gerard and Jennifer. And there is one moment reminiscent of "Die Hard 2" with Butler that is shows off his action side. 

But for all of the promise of physical and romantic comedy and action, this one does not truly deliver. Gerard is still looking for that great follow-up comedic role on par with his action success of "300", but "The Ugly Truth" worked much better. Aniston has had much better comedic fares as well.

Banking on Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler's charm, and the comedy that ensues when couples get back together under the guise of criminal intrique, "The Bounty Hunter" offers us little in originality. Of course, there are rarely stories that are completely original in this day and age... only fresh adaptations. And fresh this is not. Maybe 3D would have helped.

Movies: Pass

Own: Pass

Rental: Netflix

Law Abiding Citizen

Justice Is Served!

[Gerard Butler, Jamie Foxx]

I went to the movies again today, thinking I could use the free movie pass I received by using my Regal card. Unfortunately, "Law Abiding Citizen" is newly released and does not allow passes. Oh well, it was nice to see a nearly packed theatre for a movie that isn't considered a blockbuster out of the gates. I guess everyone enjoys a revenge flick!

Gerard Butler redeems himself after a lukewarm showing in "Gamer". Depicted as a man who brutally loses his wife and daughter in a home invasion, then loses hope after the men responsible for the crime do not see proper justice at the hands of the system, Butler also knows how to exact justice served cold. Or should I say cool?  His cool exterior runs opposite to Jamie Foxx's as a lawyer turned assistant DA who cared less about justice for Butler then his career path.

In the likeness of "Death Wish", with a pinch of  "Enemy of the State", and "Silence of the Lambs" thrown in, F. Gary Gray directs  a well-paced actioner that keeps us guessing at the how long after we know the who and the why.  While the ending was rushed and a little lacking, the rest proved worthwhile. 

A word of advise, though, always take your own advice!

Worth: Matinee and a DVD