Short Attention Span Review: Firefox (1981)

Firefox is another curious entry in Eastwood's filmography.  While no one was better at portraying hardened gunslingers, be they cowboys or cops, he was never opposed to trying his hand at something new and different.  Firefox is a special effects treat from 1981 that stars Clint as a troubled pilot who is thrust into a daring bit of Cold War espionage despite suffering from some serious PTSD.  It seems that the Russians have assembled a visionary aircraft and the U.S. is determined to steal this plane in the name of all that is fair and good.  Surprisingly, while the early stages of the picture lead one to think that this movie won't really take off until Clint gains control of the titular aircraft, it's actually the cat-and-mouse game between Eastwood and the KGB that takes place prior to the big dogfight at the end that makes Firefox worthwhile.  Now, to be fair, once the movie takes to the air, we're treated to some thrilling aerial warfare and the special effects are solid.  It's just that the intense and grim second act of the film is far more riveting and dramatic.  Eastwood directed the film with flair and while there aren't any other major stars in the mix, Firefox is loaded with potent performances.  I thought Warren Clarke was nothing short of sensational as Pavel, a gruff ally who sacrifices everything for Clint's mission even though he doesn't seem all that impressed with Clint himself.  In the end, Firefox isn't typical Eastwood fare, but he does a fine job as the lead.  I like the fact that the character he plays is engaged in a fierce battle with his inner demons as that makes him far more intriguing than most of the dependable heroes featured in similar pictures.  This may not be one of Clint's best efforts, but it's still an exciting motion picture that benefits from his charisma and his passion for filmmaking.

Final Grade: C+

Firefox is a serviceable thriller despite the fact that the events leading up to
Eastwood climbing inside the titular aircraft are far more exciting
than the big finale that ensues once he's in the cockpit.

Short Attention Span Review: Pain & Gain (2013)

Let's get this out of the way before we go any further: this movie is based on a true story, and the only thing more twisted than what really happened is the idea of turning that story into a comedy.  Stranger still, it's directed by Michael Bay doing all of his usual Michael Bay shit.  Yes, that means a lot of slo-mo and an abundance of classic rock propping us this sicko true crime story.  There were so many times during the movie that I couldn't help but wonder "Is it wrong to laugh at this stuff?"  Honestly, I'm pretty sure it was--but the movie kept making me laugh.  Is it great?  Lord no.  It's not even close.  In fact, it's pretty damn average, mainly because it's definitely too long and all of the primary characters are amusing but impossible to root for.  The movie is centered on Mark Wahlberg's character, and he does a fine job with the most difficult part.  Anthony Mackie was also really good in his role, but if there's one reason to see this, it's the Rock.  No one has ever done a better job of playing a reformed con/cokehead with a Jesus jones as he slips back into a life a crime and rampant abuse of the powerful drug (if you don't believe me, just ask Rick James) that is cocaine, all while clinging to his Jesus jones.  Virtually all of the movie's biggest laughs and better sequences are a result of the Rock flexing his acting muscles, and while I can't recommend this movie wholeheartedly, I would love to see him do something in a similar vein. 

Final Grade: C

Final Grade for the Rock's Performance: A+