The Ithacan

‘Real Steel’: Robot action flick lacks dynamic plot

By Michael Reyes, Staff Writer • October 12, 2011

Even with its bright, boxing robots, director Shawn Levy’s new drama “Real Steel” may fail to excite audiences.

Infectious comedy defeats the odds

By Michael Reyes, Contributing writer • October 5, 2011

Echoing cross-genre films such as Adam Sandler’s “Click” and “Funny People,” which borders the line between comedy and drama, director Jonathan Levine’s new dark comedy “50/50” is a creative and effective mix of tragedy and humor.

Action flick swerves past usual themes

By Michael Reyes, Contributing Writer • September 28, 2011

In “Drive,” director Nicolas Refn defies the mainstream formula for action movies by trading witty one-liners and 30-minute explosion sequences for a meaningful character struggle and a love story that doesn’t rely on a one-dimensional hot babe in a fast car.

Action flick wins with knock-out story

By Michael Reyes, Contributing writer • September 14, 2011

While a grade-school teacher and his estranged brother may not seem like they’d stand a chance in the violent world of Mixed Martial Arts, “Warrior” comes through as a believable film that exemplifies the heart and passion of highly-ranked professional fighters.