Theron burns hot in intense ‘Monster’

“Monster”•

Movies about murder are seldom pleasant to watch. Double that feeling for serial murder. Yet art isn’t always pleasant, and while writer-director Patty Jenkins’ film “Monster” is arguably not high art, Charlize Theron’s savage impersonation of Aileen Wuornos certainly is. Wuornos is the woman who was executed by the state of Florida in 2001 for having shot and killed seven men in 1989-90. Jenkins’ film tells a based-on-truth story of the murders, of Wuornos’ relationship with her youthful partner (Selby in the movie, played by Christina Ricci) and of her eventual capture and trial. All of it is an exercise in artistic license, including Theron’s performance. But what the normally lithe, leggy, Hollywood blonde does is grab the screen and put on a performance that is jaw-droppingly intense. She doesn’t act like Wuornos so much as channel her, going far beyond the makeup, dark contacts, prosthetic teeth and added weight. The mannerisms are all hers, from the jutted-out chin to the stride of swagger that masks an insecurity dating back to childhood abuse. In the end, despite Wuornos’ claims that she shot the men in self-defense because they were going to rape her, the movie doesn’t make much of a case for her being a victim. But it does offer Theron an opportunity to show us the pain and angst caused by a life fueled on rage so hot that it virtually glows. – Dan Webster, The Spokesman-Review. (DVD, VHS; 1:50) Rated R (strong violence and sexual content, and for pervasive language).

“Eurotrip”

“National Lampoon’s European Vacation” this isn’t. But mixed in with all the gay-baiting, cultural stereotyping, political incorrectness and potential blasphemy, you’ll find a joke or two to laugh at. After getting dumped, predictable Scott (Scott Mechlowicz) cuts off relations with his German pen pal, thinking that the guy is gay. But when Scott finds out that Mieke isn’t a he but a gorgeous she, he heads off to Berlin with his best friend, Cooper (Jacob Pitts), in tow. There they meet up with the twins (Michelle Trachteberg, Travis Wester) and one strange thing happens after the next, some of which are funny (“Mi scusi,” whines a predatory Italian) and all of which keep Scott away from Berlin. The humor of “Eurotrip” isn’t complete caricature, though. The soccer hooligans led by Vinnie Jones are, if anything, an understated version of the real thing. If you don’t find that funny, all I can say is, “Mi scusi.” – Dan Webster, The Spokesman-Review. (DVD, VHS; 1:31) Rated R (sexuality, nudity, language and drug/alcohol content).

“Catch That Kid”

Like a poor man’s “Spy Kids,” this movie about a trio of preteens who plot a bank heist has none of the whiz-bang gizmos of Robert Rodriguez’s trilogy. That should be a good thing; the “Spy Kids” movies grew increasingly slick and bombastic. But “Catch That Kid” also lacks the essential ingredient in all great kids’ movies: fun. Indie director Bart Freundlich, making his first big studio film, has turned out something that’s surprisingly slow, ugly and – worst of all – boring. In this remake of a Danish caper, Kristen Stewart (Jodie Foster’s daughter in “Panic Room”) enlists two friends (Max Thieriot and Corbin Bleu) to help her steal money to pay for her father’s surgery. – Christy Lemire, AP. (DVD, VHS; 1:32) Rated PG (some language, thematic elements and rude humor).

“The Company”

Aspiring ballerina Ry – played by Neve Campbell, who trained as a ballerina before becoming an actress – dances by day with the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, while juggling a night job and a love affair with a cook (James Franco) in this Robert Altman-directed love letter to the graceful art form. – Tom Bowers, The Spokesman-Review. (DVD, VHS; 1:52) Rated PG-13 (brief strong language, some nudity and sexual content).