Matthew's MEGA Movies

The Muppets zing Fox News

2012-01-30T14:52:00.000-05:00

Scream 4

2012-01-23T06:57:00.002-05:00

The Scream franchise has always been clever. First of all they made a unique name for themselves by being a both a horror spoof as well and a genuinely scary movie. Through out the series they use this unique format to tell you what is coming. The fact that it still manages to be scary is all that more awesome.

That being said. When you make a fourth movie in a series in a franchise you have to keep it fresh and pulse pounding. This film did that all and more. My heart was racing the entire 111 minutes. The steady cast members of Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox and David Arquette were steady and well rounded. The acting from the newer screamer was good as well. The only complaint I have about the cast is they all like like they should be posing for Glamor.

I give credit to the director Wes Craven and the writer Kevin Williamson. While Wes Craven was a veteran to the horror film franchise in 1996 when Scream came out his career had to peak out in the 1980's when the Nightmare on Elm Street series became annnyoing. Williamson on the other hand was an unheard of writer looking for a break. I think he found it here. His fresh creative writing style gave Wes just the boost he needed to rise from the ashes.

There is a time for all good things to come to an end. This film whie it was a decet flick should not have been made. The third film was realeased 11 years ago. Th movie going audince has changed drasticly since then. The only thing that got steadily older were the cast members. The box office was repalcd with Fandango in the past decade plus one. Craven, Willianson and the rest should take a hint and go out on top. If they are still on top that is.

Grade B-

Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows

2012-01-16T05:03:00.006-05:00

There is an old saying in Hollywood, "Never out smart the audience." Well guess what Sherlock? This movie did just that, confuse the audience that is. I have spent three days, labored 23 hours, and conducted done some research yet I still do not know what happened in this film.

I belive there was a mystery of some sort; Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) got marriedI pressume. The naked truth is Stephen Fry was nude in one scene. What I do know is that this two hour and eight minute film seemed to drag on much longer. It was chop full of aggravating flashbacks, jammed full of nightmarish dream sequences and as stted before Stphen Fry was buck nakedat one point The only problem is I am not sure what really went down or if I want to dicover the truth.

I am sure the villain is Professor James Moriarty. I know for sure that he was played by Jared Harris. (Happiness) Yet, with all those facts at my disposable however I am still not sure what this movie was about. The cast and acting was excellent. The titular character was played by the Iron Man of big scene heroes Robert Downey Jr. The film also featured Rachael McAdams, Eddie Marsan and Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.)

If you re going to have a nude scene in a movie I am thinking two of those last three names would of brought more money to the box office than the oldest cast member (and only male) I just listed. This is Hollywood after all. This movie ended with a question mark, "Will there be another film in this franchise?" I gave the first one a "D". This outing was worse far worse. So it is elemamtary Watson, "No!".

Grade F

Superman: The Movie (1978)

2012-01-10T09:17:00.000-05:00

On December 24th I turned 38 years old. Superman was created in 1938. This movie s a result became the first film I watched at age 38. 2012 will not be the end of the world for me but instead be my year to soar.

Let's get on with this review. The opening scene and crawl like credits came one year after Star Wars. Both films saw an entire planet being destroyed; the amazing John Williams scored both cinematic Armageddons. In this film , unlike the galaxy far far away, the audience along with the titular character is rocketed to Earth to tell the true heart of the story.

That story is a good one. It is one that still exists today in consistent comic book form, a recently ended TV show, and an upcoming movie. Pretty man that never existed. The story is about a young boy with remarkable powers whom is discovered by two innocent farmers longing for a son to call their own. When that wish comes crashing to a halt in front of them they decided to raise the child on their own.

The legend is appropriate for today. It is about a young child raised in tiny Kansas farm town known simply as Smallville. He leaves the farm behind and ventures into a virtual Fortress of Solitude. Where he later soars to a bustling Metropolis and becomes the hero that world is longing for. Wow, what a metaphor.

You came here for a review of this film. So let's just do it. The special effects in this film are remarkable. The opening scene is one of virtual beauty and cinematic grace. The acting is good too. The main cast is a list of then unknown actors.

That being said the credit and praise should go to the writers of the screenplay. They took a forty-year-old character and an unknown cast and made this movie an overnight hit. That is an accomplishment that is simply super.

Grade A+

Breaking Dawn (Part One)

2011-12-26T07:33:00.001-05:00

Ok, I will admit I made the mistake of seeing "Twilight" before I read the representative book. As a result, it was awful. Awful is the best word I can use to describe that so called film. I gave it a "D". It did have some merit though . The story idea was sound but that is the only thing that was.

I eventually read All four books in the series. Author, Stephanie Meyers wrote the book series in chronological order. As a result they got better as they went along. So di the story line. The films had no excuse. All four books were written and published when hte movie series first started filming. You would think the movie series would have at least decent from the beginning. You would be mistaken, The first film, Twlight, was pathetic.

The movies much like the book series the films did get better as they went along. This outing represented the final book in the series and is too intense for one theater sitting. It much like the final Harry Potter book was seprerated into two films. This movie is the best film in the series so far and has shown real growth on the part of the consistent actors like Robert Patterson and Kirsten Stewart.

The movie is exactly two hours in length, but it will seem like a much bigger chunk of your life was sucked away. The movie is the most intense movie so far. The best part of the book however is the conclusion. That said book's conclusion was intense at therefore hard follow.

This is true with the film as well I enjoyed it nonetheless. The film is well worth the price of admission. Guys, I suggest you bring a friend that is smarter and better looking than you. Discuss it with her and show her how perceptive you truly are. YOu neverknow it may shed some light on your relationship.

Grade A+

The Green Lantern

2011-12-13T09:27:00.002-05:00

As a young child I always loved the Green Lantern comic book charater. For his power comes from an awesome power ring. This ring can do anything the bearer pleases. It can take any shape the hero desires. Therefore the story has an unlimited potential.

As an adult I have become a fan of the cinema and its ability to do the same thing, bring anything the writer pictures come to life on the big screen. Both the comic book character and potential screenwriter are limited only by the scope of their imagination. So when I saw this movie in the Redbox I grabbed it right away. I just wanted to see these two life long interests combined.

Well here is the plot of this film. The central character in this film is a boastful, arrogant, Air Force test pilot named Hal Jordon. For Jordon "the sky is the limit", he flies by the seat of his pants high into the stratosphere were no one else can reach him then one day he gets a little cocky and comes crashing to the ground. For it is then and only then he has a life altering experience.

I know what you are thinking. This last paragraph was nothing more than a list of worn out clichés. The only information it contained was the name of the actor playing the lead role and his character’s occupation in the film. Well now you know how I feel I just watched the entire 114 minute film, did a few chores, organized my sock drawer, and I am still searching for words to describe what I just saw.

First off, let me point out that the cast in this film good. Tim Robbins and Angela Basset have key roles. The animated voice cast featured voices like Michael Clarke Duncan and Geoffrey Rush. Do not forget the intriguing Ryan Reynolds played the lead character. If you need a touch of charm and beauty than one rarely needs to look no further than the vibrant Blake Lively. In this film however, she was lifeless.

When this movie was in theaters it was offered in 3D. Well how appropriate because three D 's describe this film dull, dreary, dreadful. I am not saying this film was not a pleasure to look at for it was. It had amazing special effects, fantastic colorizations and contained some amazing visuals. It simply lacked any resemblance of a plot.

The entire screenplay has as much depth as the piece of paper you are reading this review on. The fight scenes were short and anticlimactic. The only decent lines, in this movie were on the costume Reynolds bore as Green Lantern. The characters were worn out as well. After catching this virus. I feel worse then I did four days home with the flu. There is a bright spot however. No one has signed on for a sequel, yet.

Grade F

The Might Macs

2011-11-25T17:09:00.002-05:00

This movie is about the Immacualata woman’s' basketball team and their coach who in 1971 set the record books ablaze' when she came on board a very staunchly and conservative all woman’s Catholic college and gave them not only their first "real" basketball team but also helped pave the road to what is now known forty years later as a juggernaut in not only basketball but many woman’s sports.

The pioneer coach is the main star of the inspiring story is named Cathy Rush. She is the matriarchal leader of this groundbreaking team. It was a true rush to see her story unfold on the big screen.

Ok, lets get down to brass tactics and give this film the style of criticism it deserves my blogspot and it's more recent reviews are famous for. While not all my reviews are cold and canonical. It is the type of reviews however I must admit I am most proud of.

This film however was inspirational and very little fault can be found within it. That being said it seemed a little cliché at times and down right unoriginal in others. Take the " gutter practice scene" it felt "borrowed” to me. I am not sure from where but I think I have seen it before. The movie was fun however and the over all feeling of it was sound and uplifting.

The real titular characters' in this flick is the girls whom make up thus said team. These young ladies in question and thus said struggling athletes that make or made the 1971 team as immortal and dare I say immaculate as it was.

This film is memorable in other ways. First it is a smash hit with the family and Christian critics and not so with the secular variety. This is a family film about a Catholic college. So those thus family style reviews may be the most important ones. This critic however is a student at a very Liberal Christian school and it is my review you are reading. Therefore I will compromise and give it a "B", for the reasons I listed above and a few others will not go into in this review. See it yourself however and you are decide for yourself.

Grade B

The World is Not Enough

2011-11-20T11:23:00.001-05:00

This movie seems to be maligned by critics throughout the world. It is ashamed though that simply because of a poor casting decision (See Denise Richards) that this movie seems to be the least liked or appreciated of the four 007 films in which Pierce Brosnan appeared. I still say however that this film is best of Bronson four.

First of all, this screenplay was a solid piece of writing from the beginning. The teaser or opening scene is exciting and creative and is gives viewers a rare glance at 007 in glasses. The glasses are a Q prop however, as is his belt and they both fit perfectly in to his escape plan. This said teaser had a rare end to it. When the opening credits start Mr. Bond is left hanging by a thread. (Ok it is a mourning rope but who's counting.

The following opening credits sequence may be the most creative and original in the entire 22 film series. The theme song ties in with the accompanying background sequence, and even goes along with the plot of the movie. It is the perfect way to start a good movie.

Secondly, the storyline is very well written. It involves, espionage, revenge and deceit. As a result has a lot of depth to it. The exotic locals are good too. Cites like Madrid, Istanbul, and London are all backdrops in this globetrotting adventure.

Last but not least, this plot gives us something we may not see in any other film. James is stumped. He even appears confused at times and perhaps outwitted by a pretty face. The face I speak of face belongs to Sophie Marceau; with an exotic name like Marcaeu, it appears that the world is not enough to handle Sophie’s charm.

If you like many Bond fans have given this film the cold shoulder then I urge you to check it out again. This time look at it again. Try to ignore Denise Richards (everyone else does). She is a bond girl: which means she cannot act. You don't see Honor Blackman or Maud Adams on Oscar night do you?

Grade A

Limitess

2011-11-13T12:40:00.002-05:00

Limitless is well Limited. Ok, I know how cliché' this must sound. It is not that I was not disappointed by this movie It simply did not give me the rush I needed it too.

This film did not seem like anything special. It began with a down on his luck writer who is wasted and now suddenly single. He finds a drug that makes him a smarter man, a faster thinker, and more knowledgeable to boot. Gee, where I have I heard that scenario before. Oh yea I think I read it on the back of a Cracker Jack box.

I am wondering where Alan Glynn the writer of the novel (this screenplay) is based on got his degree. Since this film is the only one in Mr. Glynn's IMDB resume. I am not surprised at all. I am surprised however that screenplay writer Leslie Dixon could not make more out of it.

Miss. Dixon has films like Mrs. Doubtfire, Hairspray (2007) and even Pay it Forward on her accomplishment list. I am surprised she could make more out of this lackluster film.

It was as far back as the 80's that First Lady Nancy Reagan told all America to "Just say No!" Despite the fact that just two decades before in the 60's drugs were all the rage and written about in so many poems and songs.

Well this year is 2011.It is two decades after Mrs. Reagan warned us all of the danger of drugs. Yet this film is still in theaters. If that is not a buzz kill, I am not sure what is.

This film seems like it was a left over from the 80's in fact. The enemies are Russian, Robert De Niro plays a Wall Street tycoon, and illegal drugs are prevalent. The sad part is De Niro was not even in Wall Street he perhaps should not have been in this movie either.

I am not panning this entire movie mind you I am simply saying it did not live up to its name. I was hoping for something a little better. Especially from a Leslie Dixon penned screenplay. This film was simply sufficient. So therefore I will give it an average grade.

Grade C

Captain America

2011-11-10T12:44:00.001-05:00

There seems to be a colorful assortment of movies coming out in 3D lately. It also seems that Marvel comics is growing in popularity on the cinematic scope too. Well then it should be no surprise to people that one of the most loved comic book heroes finally makes his cinematic debut. What a surprise this film was released in 3D. The character at the heart of this film is one of the oldest heroes around today. He visits us all the way from WW II. It is heart that is the real hero here.

This is the story brought to life of a scrawny little noting would be soldier that want nothing more than save the day. The man in question is Steve Rodgers. Steve is about three feet high and weighs less than this keyboard. His heart is larger than the internet and the heart of a solder is what really counts right. Or is it he size of his biceps I forget which.

Anyway this movie is about him and how he went from private Rhode Island to Captain America. Despite the fact hat he resides in New York. Well start spreading the news, he is leaving today and despite the fact that he “knocked out Adolf Hitler over 200 times” it is not the Nazi warlord he is looking for but his nemesis is the Red Skull. The Red Skull is a former right hand man to Hitler and wants his name in the History books as well. He (the Red Skull) is out to end the world and only one man can stop him. Enter Steve.

The thing about this comic book turned movie is it seems like more than a thin excuse for a novel. It is worthy of lore and legend. For this two hour climatic gem is colorful in many ways. For it is not the Special affects that griped me to this movie, or even the assortment of colorful characters. All though the lighting guns were sweet. (mad love ILM) It is the story line of this two hour portrailt that was so magnificent.

This cinema featurette did not need to be seen on the big screen. Nor did it require to be shown via 3D digital projector. (Heck it didn’t even need Tommy lee Jones to have a key role in the film.) What made this movie jump of the big screen and into my A list was writing. It was a love story, war tale, and buddy film too boot. The only thing it lacked was a high addition price. I rented tit from Redbox for free!!

Grade A+

Dream House

2011-11-09T05:16:00.000-05:00

The online trailer for this movie was original and scary. The word on the street of this film was promising as well. Even the theater attendants were excited to see this newly released feature presentation. Well guess what this movie was a total let down the so-called horror movie was not even frightening much less scary. It seemed to have such a good buzz about it but in the end all I got out of this film was a hangover. I exited the theater after the film with a total headache.

The plot of this film is fairly simple. Will Atenton (Daniel Craig) is a overworked buiness man who has not time for his lovley young wife. (Rachel Weisz) and his adorable two children. In the opening scene he is seen retiring from his office job and going home permanently to his newly acquired country home in the suburbs of Connecticut.

His wife and two girls are elated to have the patriarchal member of the household home for good and he is welcome home with open arms. That is when the happiness ends and it is also all I can tell of the plot without giving away any details of the film.

There are clues almost from the start that this "Dream House" in witch he (Will Atenton) and his family are living is not all that is cracked up to be. The biggest plot twist of the film is revealed way to early and things go down hill from there. The acting may be perhaps the most disappointing part of this movie. Real life newly weds Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz were wise enough to hide not only their recent marriage but also their relationship as well from the glaring eyes of the media and public. I wonder why they choose to take on this film?

The director of this film is the legendary Jim Sheridan. He has six Oscar nominations under his belt and is known for directing such astonishing films like My Left Foot and The Boxer. So why than was this film was bland and ordinary. The ending of this film was a total let down where every Tom, Dick ,and Harry who only appeared once or twice in the previous 70 minutes of this film all appeared ready to throw down arms and ready for battle in the last twenty minutes of this film's drawn out ending.

This film was a total of 92 minutes in length but was not even enjoyable for 5 minutes. If it were possible to get a refund for this film I would do so. I could take the money and invest it in some thing more worthwhile like a snowplow business in Hawaii.

Grade F

Cars 2

2011-11-03T03:18:00.000-04:00

I dedicate this review to the super smart little one seen just to the left of this review on my blogspot. Now that he moved three time zones away I need a car as fast as Lightning Mc Queen to go visit him for the weekend. The “Walking Encyclopedia” has just turned 9 and I sure do miss him. Hey Drew, how are you enjoying Arizona?

I walked out of this film with mixed feelings. The ultra thin waitress at Chili’s had seen the film before me. She too has a young boy about 7 or 8 who much like my devotee Drew loved the first Cars movie. She summed up my feeling in one felt swoop. “This one felt like it had been more aimed at the adults (in the audience) than the children.” I agree. I am after all I am an adult and I somewhat enjoyed this film. Please note the use of the word somewhat. The closer I got to home her (the waitress’) words sunk in more and more.

It’s true this film seemed aimed more at the adult crowd, (mostly male by the way) than its allegedly intended audience of children. In fact it was an adult at my complex that was bragging about it so strongly. If this is true, than I frown on Disney for changing the target audience of their picture.

Walt Disney Pictures is supposed to be synonymous with films and content aimed a younger audience. Well congratulations Disney you caved in and changed the focus of your film to the breadwinners in the family. What a pity just when our economy seems to be recovering.

Over all though this was an entertaining film. It seemed a little long for me however (or most kids for that matter) at 113 minutes. This disappointing film almost made me forget about the appetizing coming attractions and incredibly creative Toy Story themed Pixar short film that preceded it.

I walked out of the theater having aged nearly two hours (just seven minutes short of two hour actually) then when I walked in. There are two words in that last sentence may sum up this film so distinctly. Those words are aged and seven. As I said before the film and it content seemed aimed for a different age of viewers. Age after all is a compound use of the word age. The other word is seven. All I can give this film on a scale of one to ten is a seven.

Grade C

Final Destination 5

2011-11-03T03:15:00.000-04:00

I have now written reviews for four out of five films in this series. (Final Destination 3 is the only film I have either seen or reviewed yet.) I therefore went back and read my previous reviews on this fairly young series. (The first film was released in 2000.)

My biggest complaint from the first film was the lack of depth and creativity in the characters. I see that again in today’s film. Now I realize (as I did then) that the characters are not really important. You must stick with fairly two-dimensional familiar looking seemingly cliché like characters in order to focus on what is important and that is the death scenes or sequences.

The very idea of this series from the beginning is to bring something new to the horror movie genre. Horror films are the oldest, most popular and most profitable genre of through out history. Well I am not sure if that past statistic is completely truthful, it is a scary point for many reasons.

There is one thing I am sure of however. I sure did enjoy this movie. It was truly frightening from start to finish and had me screaming like a girl for the first twenty minutes. At last I calmed down however and focused on the movie. As I said before it is the creativity of the death scenes and how tense I felt while waiting for these inevitable shouts of terror and mini blood baths that really gets my juices flowing. There is a reason that horror movies have been so profitable through out history. It is a great escape from the horrors of real life.

Everybody knows that outside of winning contests, lotteries, or inheriting money from a rich relative. The best way to get rich quick in America is too bring something new to the table. You don’t necessarily have to reinvent the wheel to make lots of money. You must simply make the wheel move faster or better. This franchise did just that. It brought a new twist to what many patrons believe the most talked about genre in the cinematic history. (Horror)

This is the first horror film series I know of to not have a boogey man like character or even scary monster to kill off the victims with in the movie(s). The biggest complaint I hear about horror movies is how stupid the characters within it (the movie) are to fall victim to the heartless evil killer. It is this heartless killer that brings in money to the box office every time. It is also this heart less killer that is the only constant from one film to the next. This aforementioned heartless killer exists from not only film-to-film with in a given series. He, she, or it, also exists within every movie in the horror genre.

So am I going to far out on a limb to say that his series is the first series to bring a heart to the horror franchise? Am I stretching my self to thin to make a new oxymoron? Perhaps I am and perhaps this fifth film in the series is stretching the series to thin to make more money at the box office. The last film after all was called “The Final Destination”.

I willing to point out that this film is in third on the box office chart of current films in theaters. I will even admit that there were only 8 or 9 other people with me in the theater to see this film in a 16-screen theater. I however liked it and am willing to give it my stamp of approval. That is not always easy to come by after watching and reviewing over 870 films.

Grade A-

The Flintstones

2011-11-01T07:16:00.001-04:00

I am now the ripe old age of 37. I feel at times as if I were born in the Stone Age. Alas I was not I was born in the 70's and as a result I can call my self both a child of the 70's and 80's too. Within those two decades it seemed nearly impossible to watch a cartoon any cartoon with out seeing the Names Hanna Barbara in the closing credits. These two men named William and Joseph perceptively were the gods of the cartoon page.

They created smash hits like Yogi Bear, Scooby doo and even the Smurfs. Hell they even brought a few DC comic book heroes to the small screen in the form of SuperFriends. None cartoon however was more popular or more beloved then the Flintstones however. While its original run of only saw season run as Saturday morning cartoons each week. It seemed to me a more popular as an after school carton on daily.

It was not until 1994 however that they made this popular TV show into a live action film. I must admit I did not think they could pull it off. But they did and they did so with a vengeance. One of the trademark features of the Flintstones was bringing them modern day appliance to life via animals of the day like dinosaurs and tigers. Fred Flintstone "punched" in a dinosaur’s mouth and argued at work with a parrot turned Diaphone

This live action film even brought to life the signature movies of the cartoon show, such as Fred's "Twinkle Toes" approach to bowling and Wilma and Bettey yelling "Charge It" as they pulled out their credit cards. In short this film got it right. They did it hoever in a 90 minutes long fasion. (as apposed two a 22 minutes story.)

At first i must admit i was criical becasue i realized the story was fairly simple, predicalble and full of tied lod cliches. then however as the closing credit scrooled acrtssthe screne i relaized what theyt did. The Writers mangaed to make a short 22 minutes weekly advenure in to and feaute lenght 90 minute film. For that reason as well asall the reaosn above theis movie desrece my hifhesr regaed.

Grade A

Contagion

2011-09-30T23:18:00.000-04:00

Let me first tell you what I thought of this movie by first describing the plot. This is something I me I realize I don’t do enough in my reviews. I am lacking in that craft. I will admit my mistake. This movie is about a disease that runs rampant through out the course of the movie and spans the entire scope of the globe. The disease in question is virus like contaminant that moves from victim to victim with just the merest touch of a hand or shared object or even a sneeze. A shared napkin, glass or even a lime put into a drink by a waiter could spread this contaminant

The film starts off with the beautiful Gwyneth Paltrow coming home to her Minneapolis home from far off Japan to a lonely Matt Damon. Ms Paltrow is the first victim of this juggernaut like disease that drains the victims’ of their life, energy and beauty.

Here by earmarking this first mistake in this snooze fest of a cinematic feature. I am I will admit I always love seeing beautiful women in movies. Who could be more stunning than the sultry Gwyneth Paltrow? How dare you kill her off in the first twenty minutes of this film? I feel robbed of my ten spot (ok, $9.25 bargain matinee but who's counting.) and bereft of beauty when you make a stunner like Gwyneth look pale and putrid. (I have made respect for the make-up artists though.)

Beauty is not the only thing this is not the only thing this 105-minute film is short of. It lacks energy, magic and virtue. In my opinion it lacks and friction. I never felt like I was caught up in the foil of the plot, as a matter of fact I just felt foiled.

I told my favorite nursing student at work. (Hi Courtney.) This movie felt like I was reading a medical manual. "Thanks a lot. She replied. "Now you know what I'm going through at school." At least she is getting enjoyment out of her studies.

The only enjoyment I got out of this flick was when I exited the theater and headed towards the exit. It was news to me when this movie finally ended. If I were not for the closing credits I may of been sitting in the dark for hours more.

This film did have some good things with in it however. The cast was top notch and not only did it include the aforementioned names such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Matt Damon it also featured the likenesses of Laurence Fishburne, Kate Winslet and Jude Law. Any of the monikers would been stand out marquee names in any other feature film. In this film however they just seem like a waste of talent.

Grade F

The Dark Knight (Teaser Trailer)

2011-09-22T19:29:00.004-04:00

I finally saw the long awaited trailer for The Dark Knight Rises the other day. Suddenly I am having Da Ja voo. I see words across the screen like.

Every hero has a journey ….

Flashes of the film.

Every Hero has an end…

More movie flashes.

My skin is crawling. I am having convolutions

This trailer reminds me of another long awaited trailer for
a prequel a long time in the making.

I go to IMBD my bible when it comes to movie reviews. (and
trailers)

I type in Star Wars
Episode I: The Phantom Menace

OMG it is the exact same trailer!!!!

Dang near. We all know how that venture turned out.

Grade F (at least that trailer interested me.) This one NOTHING!

Crazy, Stupid, Love

2011-09-18T09:20:00.001-04:00

What can I say about this movie that will wet your appetite? I had never heard this until today. I noticed that it had only one showing at my local movie house and was hesitant to add it to my list of options since class was over at 10 am. Alas I got into talking and reading. What topic could possibly keep away from home for so long? I found articles in magazines from Entertainment Weekly to Newsweek praising this movie and it fantastic cast and writers.

So I jumped at the chance to see it as well. I walked home the long trek home from the theater to my apartment. I quickly called up my two biggest supporters on movies. The message I left on their answering machines went something like this. “Julianne Moore and Steve Carrel are getting divorced in a new movie. If that does not get you to call me back nothing will!”

Here is the review I promised you in the first place. I am not sure how to describe this film with out giving too much away. If I tried to tell you what the movie was about I would run out of room on the Internet. So let me do what I do best, and review this sucker for what it is worth.

First off it is perfect. The casting is off the charts with the above marquee names I mentioned are the central figures. The supporting players including, Emma Stone who gets a Scarlet A for starring in three mega movies this summer including Friends with Benefits and The Help. Even Ryan Gosling does fairly well in this outstanding film.

Analeigh Tipton was out ignored in The Green Hornet. She will Stand out here. It is her star that shines brightest as the sexy, smoking, sinfully delicious 17-year-old baby sitter named simply Jessica. She steals the spotlight. I therefore give her my rarely spotlight award and ask that you look for her in future roles. Like Damsels in Distress due out later this year and Samaritan which is still in post-production.

The over all feeling of the film was that of togetherness. It all comes together in the end for hilarious results. The other cast members not mentioned were amazing. They looked like they did not raise a sweat when filming this movie. The direction was top notch and the film had an over all great feeling to it. I am sure you will enjoy this film to if you just give it a chance.

Grade A+

Chaddyshack

2011-09-05T10:45:00.004-04:00

This is supposed to be a classic comedy. It was made 31 years ago and is still considered by many to be hysterical and amazing. Well I just saw it all the way through for the first time today. Let me tell you something. I did not laugh once I did not even chuckle. The cast I’ll give you was fantastic. It contained a great 80’s cast of legendary comedians. It was the springboard for many of those actors to go on to bigger and better roles, such as Fletch, Back to School and Too Close for Comfort. The catch is however all of their characters could be summed up in simply one word. Here let me show you.

Ted Knight: Angry

Rodney Dangerfield: Wild

Bill Murray: Moronic

Chevy Chase: Laid back (Two words sorry.)

And last but not least the lone female

Cindy Morgan: Sexy

As my old English teach always said if you can sum up the plot of a movie in one sentence or less that does not say much good about the movie. As a writer and movie critic I could no agree more. So along that line of thinking should not the same adage be held true for the characters? I think so.

I grant you the story centered on or around the young caddy named Danny Noonan. This lead role was played by who was played by none other than Michael O’ Keefe. Who is Michael O ‘Keefe you ask? That is my point exactly he went on to do NOTHING! He could knock on your front door and you would not recognize him. This may be a good thing considering the paparazzi and insane media people nowadays but considering all the supporting cast members are still household names over three decades after this films release date. It does not look good for the over all feel of this movie.

In case you had not noticed this movie did not really do anything for me. I watched out of ritual. It is a movie still spoken of today and cherished by many I might add. It was also one of the “Summer Films” I specifically listed my name in my profile. (Go on read it now, I beg of you.) Perhaps that is why I did not really enjoy it. That along with the fact that I have been up since five o’ clock in the morning. Oh yea did I mention there is a hurricane coming to blanket the east coast any time now. So this may be the last review I ever write. Ok not really but from the number of idiots going out to stores to buy, water and batteries today you would think it was the end of the world or something. I already played that game in May. Guess what it was all hype. Ironically enough that is how I felt about this movie. It was all hype too.

Grade C-

Friends with Benefits

2011-09-03T06:43:00.002-04:00

I know what you are thinking. They already made this movie just a few months ago. It was called No Strings Attached. Well guess what, I did not exactly love that film. I gave it a barley passing grade of C-. It had many good names attached to it and a few promising elements, that sadly enough was it. It was bereft of charm and chemistry.

This film however was funny. I even laughed at the sex scenes. I admit the characters were unoriginal and full of clichés. I admit the first to admit the ending was predictable and the storyline was unoriginal. There was however a spark of merit to this love story. You know the couple will kiss and fall in love in the end. You may even for be able to for see how it will happen. This crusty old movie critic however found it to be intriguing.

I am usually the first one to write off romantic comedies as aggravating and annoying. Yet with this one surprisingly I did not. Perhaps it is because I paid full price to see it in a theater. Maybe I was just looking to get out of the heat and into some air conditioning. It is summer after all.

Yet, during the entire 2 hour span of this film. I was intrigued. Usually I am turned off by explicit sexual content. Yet, many times I am just looking for a little female nudity. There are also times I am looking for something to gripe about. This script contained none of those three disqualities. It was captivating through and through. The supporting cast was excellent and added merit. The screenplay was crisp and creative. All in all it was a like an untouched morsel sweet and satisfying.

I was truly shocked when I walked out of the theater with a smile on my face. Perhaps you will leave the theater smiling too. While this film is not a must see in the theater. Heck it is not even a summer style blockbuster film. It was my second choice when I found out the theater showing Transformers 3 (in 3D) was out of order. It may be your second choice too. I did not however find it to be second rate. I beg you to make it your first choice and see how it feels. To me it felt like a nice refreshing breeze.

Grade B+

The Conspirator

2011-08-30T10:59:00.002-04:00

As I watched this 2010 film I immediately flashed back to a 1988 film staring Jodi Foster. It was this film that she won Ms. Foster her first of two Academy Awards. They were both rewarding her an Oscar for Leading Actress. (She won the other for Silence of the Lambs just three years later.) In that film (The Accused) a woman was rapped and her assailant got off scot free. While that film was awe-inspiring and worthy of merit. This feature lengthed drama was not.

In this film (The Conspirator) another innocent woman is rapped by the justice system. Her name is Mary Surratt and her only crime is running the boarding house where John Wilkes Booth stayed. John Wilkes Booth as you will read in history books in the man who pulled of the most popular presidential assignation in US history. He (Booth) formed a friendship with John Surrat and these two men are found guilty in conspiring to kill Abraham Lincoln. John Surratt in the only son of the titular charater. When he (John) goes into hiding the town and entire nation wants justice so they go after Mrs. Surratt who is the only link they have to capturing the “true killer”.

This movie bills itself as the story you never heard. (Oh yea like, that has never been said before.) This screenplay is a flimsy as the case on the case on central character. This film attempts to “play” with your emotions. Yes, I made the pun. I realize that (the pun) may leave a bad taste in your mouth but so did this movie. Leave a bad taste in my mouth that is. If you forgive can find it on your hearts to forgive me for making the pun then you should also forgive the writers of this movie.

The writers are not the only ones to blame however in making this lackluster feature. The casting director(s), the cast themselves and even the editors should be hung for treason.

They teamed up to rob us (the audience) of both its time and money. While I only paid one dollar to rent this film from my local Redbox. On the night before Hurricane Irene hit. I still feel as If I were robbed. The concept of the film and even its trailer left me expecting more. Well much like Hurricane Irene this film did not live up to the hype.

The movie never really had a decent climax. Heck, it never really got enough momentum for one in the first place. The pace of the movie was decent mind you it just never really got the ball rolling if you will. It never had any real Glory.

Despite the backdrop of the Civil war setting and time frame and the premise of an untold “true story”. I feel this film never reached it full potential. I usually love Robin Wright Penn who was the central figure in this motion picture. I also have the utmost admiration and respect for Robert Redford who sat in the director’s chair for this drama.

Well much like a typical directors chair this film was capable of being folded and tucked under a car seat or picnic table. I will now attempt to put this movie out of my mind drive on towards better movie choices and films to review in the future. Since I my electricity is back up and running not only can I post this day old review I can also view more films and movies. If you have any ideas for film you want to see reviews on this blogspot simply reply here and give me suggestions. Much like President Lincoln I am “a man of the people” I enjoy seeing and all kinds of film from any walk of life. Just don’t put me in the corner balcony of a stage play any time soon. We all know what that did to the 16th President of the United States of America.

Grade D

Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

2011-08-26T11:03:00.000-04:00

As I watched this fun filled movie I thought to myself, “I wonder if they should make a sequel?” Then as I went to write this review I instinctively clicked on my favorite fact filled web site I use when writing movie reviews (that site is IMBD) it is after all my bible went to come to writing all my reviews.

There within this amazing website is a page or link to a yet unwritten movie. Who Framed Roger Rabbit 2. I see that I am not the only one with such an idea. The first line I read on the page I open reads “How to make it work.” The same idea went through my head as I watched the closing credits of this movie.

This movie is an 80’s classic. I am a child of the 80’s so I am slightly biased on the decade. There are already two other 80’s films being made into remakes. The films in question are Footloose and Total Recall. Neither one of these titles do I consider worthy of being called an “80’s classic”. I mean really look at the lead actors in either film. Neither Kevin Bacon nor Arnold Schwarzenegger are exactly Oscar caliber actors. As a matter of fact neither one has even been nominated for the golden statue.

Bob Haskins on the other had has been. It was for his leading role in Mona Lisa. It was just two years before in 1986 and while I have not seen this movie as of yet I know it was well written as well as acted as well. Unlike the other two films I just mentioned earlier. The movie I am reviewing today on the other hand contained great acting as well as a very creative storyline. Not to mention, it was considered to be ground breaking when it was released in 1988. While Disney Pictures had combined both the live action format with animation before (See Mary Poppins and Song of the South) this was their (Disney’s) best collaboration of both formats. It was also the first time they attempted such an amalgamation since Mary Poppins flew her way in the window in 1964.

I liked this film better (Roger Rabbit) than the nanny like person turned makeshift mother that audiences swooned over in the 60’s. Since Song of The South was never released on Video or DVD (due it its controversial view on Slavery) I can’t compare it to Roger Rabbit. Either way this film is still worthy of praise and worship. See it again today. I am sure you will enjoy it.

Grade A

Fanboys

2011-08-22T15:13:00.001-04:00

I have been looking for this 2008 film on Netflix for over three years now. Or at least it seems that I have. I admit I was bereft of information on which to search out this title. I know it starred “the guy who played TJ Hooker” but that is all I remember from the trailer. So I looked up William Shatner but no such film appeared on his resume. I also knew that plot (which is thin) but that does me no good on either Netflix.

The aforementioned plot of the movie is thus. . A group of young Star Wars geeks attempts to break into Sky Walker Ranch in order to see the upcoming Star Wars prequel entitled Episode 1 The Phantom Menace. They have no lives of their own so do not have any reasons to listen to authority or common sense for that matter and just wait 6 months in their small Ohio suburb and see the film when it comes out in 6 months. So they take a road trip 2000 miles and venture in to San Francisco to get an early peek at this movie.

This film was creative I’ll give you that. The screenplay brings to the surface the feud between Star Trek Fans and Star Wars Fans as well. I, unlike my biggest fan (Hi Lizzy!) a fan of both ventures. So that is one aspect of this film I didn’t get. I did however get the comedy with in the screenplay. The script as fresh and original (for a road trip like film) and I must admit I rather enjoyed it.

The no name cast (much like in Star Wars) worked in the favor of the movie. It took away my focus on one particular actor and put it on the storyline. Which is as always where it belongs anyway. The pacing was good too. The film while only 90 minutes in length was perfect. I have said that 90 minutes in a good time frame for a film since it is either too long or too short to tell a story anyway.

The acting was good too. I had no problem believing anybody was who he or she said they were supposed to be and I was not focused on one actor acting ability over the other. I enjoyed the cameos by the Likes of Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams and of course William Shatter.

I recommend you rent this movie and decide for yourself if it worthy of praise and worship. I warn you however unless your gods exist on either Hoth or Vulcan you may not enjoy this film as much as I did.

Grade C+

Breakfast at Tiffany's

2011-08-19T11:37:00.002-04:00

I dedicate this review to my amazing cousin Abbey. I call her my super cuz since she has spent the past 4 years or so teaching kids English in Korea. I sure do miss her but wish her the best of luck as she continues in her life’s pursuits.

As for this birthday movie request of hers I am not sure what to think of it to be honest. It was a crazy morning I watched it on and I am not sure if I really got the full effect of this now 50-year-old classic love story. It starred one of the most beautiful women in the history of Hollywood (Audrey Hepburn) as the leading lady and the object of love and affection of not just lead leading man but everyone who saw it. .

George Pappard played the male lead actor in question and he lived up stairs form the lady of desire. They were both tenants in New York City high-rise and she caught his eye from the moment he saw her. She was truly a character and either loved or hated by every body with whom she came in contact with. The upstairs neighbor and landlord both hated her with a seemingly unquestionable passion. She never paid her rent on time much to the landlord’s dismay and was always disturbing the peace of her fellow tenet that was quite a colorful character he and was the perfect comical element to this film that was full of drama.

The plot was a bit too complicated and at times was hard to follow. The pacing was slow at times but flowed evenly making this nearly two-hour film (1:54) time span of this film go by quite smoothly. The direction was top notch, which is all but expected considering it was done by the legendary Blake Edwards. Audrey Hepburn was a true sex siren to the Silver Screen and while her light might have recently stopped burning. (RIP my lady.) She will light up the hearts of many future amateur and professional movie critics like me who are both willing and patient enough to review some of the movies of yesterday.

For it is these films I speak of that truly pave the path for any writer interested in the world of the cinema. As for this movie however, alas I must admit I am not worthy of doing it any credit or harm I feel, as I was not focused enough on it yesterday morning so I will only do it harm to write about or criticize it. I will therefore not give this film a letter grade as my devote’ is paid to give to her students. I will instead give this film a N/W or N/A for not worthy or not applicable for to do anything less would be a crime to both Miss Hepburn and my cousin Abby.

Grade N/A or N/W

Cowboys and Aliens

2011-08-18T19:44:00.000-04:00

At one point in time The Silver Screen (back when it truly was silver screen.) was dominated by westerns. Then in 1975 or so, a virtually unknown writer/ director named George Lucas helped form the use of a small special effects studio called Industrial Light and Magic (ILM). So with the help of the that aforementioned special effect studio a film referred to as Star Wars made the big screen even bigger and brought aliens to our world via the cinematic portal in 1977.

He we are almost four decades years later and finally the two worlds combine. Director Jon Favreau was asked to direct a screenplay on paced on his desk. Several writers are given credit for idea based on a graphic novel of the same name. Alex Kurtzman however is the most notable of these outstanding writers. Known for big screen/21st century movies like Transformers and the Star Trek. Mr. Kurtzman was the perfect man for the job.

He (Mr. Kutzman) was not the only one who was top choice in this determination making process. The lead actor and central figure of this old west / Sci Fi amalgamated venture was the best choice in casting decision too. You see Daniel Craig is not only the current face behind the longest running movie series and third most profitable film franchise of all time. (James Bond) He is also been cast in the upcoming movie trilogy based on the externally popular Swedish imported novels known as the Millennium trilogy. (The Girl the Dragon Tattoo) So his name may be familiar to you.

Also starring in this tiny filck is Harrison Ford. Whose name you might recognize from the Star Wars empire I mentioned in the 1st paragraph. Mr. Ford is not only one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. He is also has under his belt one of the longest running career alive today. Thanks to Star Wars of course. (The second most profitable film franchise.)

You have a choice of films to see in almost any movie theater around today. You can go see the 8th and final film of he most profitable film franchise around today. (Harry Potter ) You also may also choice to see this miniscule picture. (Currently holding the #1 spot in the summer box office battle.) Since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 is for the most part in 3D and therefore an extra charge for that format. Who can afford to raise their own personal debt ceiling that high? This is the film that I recommend anyway.

As you can see below I gave Harry Potter an A-. I enjoyed this film significantly more. It was more much fun to view, far more enjoyable to soak in and a hell of a lot less difficult to comprehend. It is up to you however what film to see in this questionable economy. They will both lose a certain charisma when released on DVD. I feel this film has a better storyline and as a result will better with stand the test of time. You need not venture in to the old west or even travel to a galaxy far far away to see this picture all you have to do is go to your local movie theater. For me it was but only a one -mile walk down route 30.

Grade A+

Rango

2011-08-18T19:39:00.002-04:00

I wish to paraphrase my former manger. “This movie is good. This movie is very good.” (Hi Judy. We miss you.) What exactly about this movie was good you ask. Well ok don’t be pushy. I’ll tell you.

The first advantage point this movie had is this movie was well adapted to DVD. What I mean by that is unlike another animated movie I viewed recently that was in 3D in theaters. (Yogi Bear) When they converted this feature film to DVD. They must have changed the format of the animation so it did not have the appearance of a big screen 3D film simply made smaller on my TV screen.

The other advantage this movie had to the previously hinted at title was. This movie had an actual plot. In fact it had an excellent one. This screenplay was well written, the voice cast was top notch, and the storyline was creative and overwhelmingly appropriate for the time period in which it was released.

Let me explain what I mean by that last statement. This film was about a small desert town that had an increasingly small supply of water and the future of this town depended on that aforementioned H2O. In other words the town was dried up and on the verge of despair. You know sort of like our nations economy.

In this story a lone stranger strolled into this small desert oasis and brought hope and promise to group of desperate townsfolk. As a blue collar American taxpayer I can relate to the population of this entire town. Ok lets not get all political now shall we I am a movie critic not a political columnist.

I will from now on focus on the plot of the movie. I promise. The plot as I said before was outstanding. While the screenplay may have been tailored to a significantly younger audience it appealed to an older one as well. Hell I liked it and I am a 37-year-old bachelor. You will like it too I am sure.

The pacing of the film was perfect. It kept this usually impatient film evaluator satisfied for 107 minutes. I almost forgot I was watching a cartoon. I could practically see Johnny Depp, Abigail Breslin and Alfred Molnia jumping out of the TV screen. They were just a few of the recognizable names in this cast of characters.

Every aspect of this movie was well done. It was fun to watch, enjoyable to take in and a joy to partake of. I highly recommend you run to your local Redbox now and rent this movie. You may also add it to your Netflix Queue but then you would have to wait for your mailman to deliver it to you. Either way however this film delivers. Just try not to kill anybody in the mad throng of people trying to rent this DVD title at your local Redbox. I would feel horrible guilty if my amazing review on this extremely poplar blogspot created a mad rush at the Redbox. Just remember, there are after all other decent movies to choice from.

Grade A+

Apollo 13

2011-08-16T10:29:00.003-04:00

I’ve been thinking lately, that all things unfold according as they ought to. You know what I mean; things happen for a reason. There is a reason I put of watching and reviewing this movie today. This (movie) is the real life story of Apollo 13. The Apollo series in a group of both manned and unmanned missions NASA created to reach the moon.

The screenplay of this movie so perfectly reflects the summer I’ve been having. I have looked seemingly everywhere for a summer job with out being finding one that suits me. Since the economy of this nation as well of my own is struggling to say the least. We both could use some extra mullah. Well here it is weak nine of a twelve week long summer hiatus in from first full year at Eastern University and I still have not landed any job whatsoever. It makes me think of the crew of this movie.

The crew I speak of are four cunning astronauts were seemingly in over their heads and came out smelling like roses when the circumstances of this true life story hit them in the ass and forced to live up to their potential. This is their story.

The head Astronaut on this mission was Jim Lovell. (Tom Hanks) Mr. Lovell was supposed to be the head astronaut on Apollo 11. As one may or may not remember from history class Apollo 11 was the first manned mission to reach the moon. Buzz Adrian and Neil Armstrong are the astronauts who were in side. They as a result are practically household names in America.

Well guess what Jim Lovell and his crew should be too. They avoided what considered at the time to be the worst space travel disaster in US history. These brave men were forced be t the top of their games when forced into an overwhelmingly potential disaster.

To add to this already steep dilemma one member of his 3 -man team was replaced at the last second. Ken Mattingly (Gary Sinise) was poorly diagnosed by NASA to have measles. So NASA forced his had and put Jack Swigert (Kevin Bacon) in his chair as pilot of the mission. Doing so only added to the difficulty of the upcoming mission. If they had not landed their pod safely the future of NASA as well as space travel may have been scratched. Our future success after all is said to be amongst the stars.

Well perhaps the success of this amazing film is amongst its stars. It features a long line of “Cinematic Astronauts.” Like Gary Sinise and Bill Paxton. Who along with Ed Harris are key players in this wonderful big screen phenomenon?

What is a cinematic Astronaut you ask? It is the term I just created (a few seconds ago) for men who have risen above the atmosphere of Hollywood. Much like the brave employees of NASA. These men soar above the rest and rocket off the ground with each performance they play. Included in this cast are the already mentioned Tom Hanks. Who along with men like Bill Paxton Ed Harris and Gary Sinuses. Make this film an outstanding movie.

The director may have something to do with it also. Has anybody hear heard of Ron Howard? He no longer lives in the black and white town of Mayberry and even adds a bit of color to this intelligently written big screen feature.

Last but not least let me name my spotlight performer of this film. It is none other than Kathleen Quinlan who plays the role of Marilyn Lovell the loving wife of the head astronaut and aforementioned central character in this movie. Her performance in this movie may be the stand performance of this blockbuster film. Mrs. Lovell manages to keep her cool and stay calm in this time of potential panic. She is the key figure in this film (suitable for the whole clan) much like a wife is a key figure in any good family.

Grade A+

Red Ridding Hood

2011-08-13T07:30:00.003-04:00

I rented this movie knowing it was bad, but I did not think it would be awful. Maybe awful is not strong enough a word, perhaps putrid would describe it. I am after all a journalism major at a local Christian University as a result any other word I can think of to describe this film would be inappropriate.

Before I continue bashing this film to pieces let me describe the plot. That is after all the one thing lacking from many of my movie reviews, Well let me tell you about the movie poster. It reads form the director of Twilight. Twilight was poorly directed as it is. The woman in the director’s (Catherine Hardwicke) seat should have been fired for utter incompetence instead they reward her with a new film to direct entirely. Who came up with that idea Congress? We all know how brilliant they are.

Well I can only assume Catherine Hardwicke (the director) was wearing The Emperor's New Clothes when she directed this movie. That is precisely what she brought to this film nothing. All she did was make another Twilight. This movie had a paper-thin script.

I shall elaborate. The hot young girl at the center of the film (aimed at teenaged girls) is involved in a love triangle. One of the men she is interested in may be a wolf sound familiar. Oh yea this love interest, his name was Peter. How original for a wolf. The other man in the love triangle is a wimp. Oh yea A rich wimp the girl was being forced to marry. I wonder who she will choose.

As I said before this script resembled Twilight. I gave Twilight a ‘D’ when I reviewed that film. D stands for delightful compared to this monstrosity.

As usual this movie was watched first thing in the morning. Well my Pajamas must have been designed for the Emperor too. I mean after all after watching this 100-minute film I feel completely naked. It like I have been stripped off all my clothes and dignity and left hanging, (out to dry) exposed an extremely venerable that normally would might be a good thing if the female I director was also naked in this case however it leaves us both feel like we are going full frontal.

The most pleasing part of this film is the lead actress. She as always is cute and adorable. Her acting skills are questionable but that a topic for another day. Some critics may incorrectly call her the titular character. She simply wears the Red Ridding Hood from witch the film gets it title. This robe or hood I speak of would not really help me if I wore it either. A hood is only designed to be an outer layer, a jacket like garment. If I wore such a Garment out of the house I would still have the same result as I did after watching this film. I’d feel naked and exposed to the public. You know sort of like this movie left me feeling.

Grade F

Source Code

2011-08-11T12:47:00.001-04:00

I will admit; at first this movie kind of annoyed me. The opening credit sequence was more like a video postcard series deemed better fit for a travel lodge trying to sell the city of Chicago. The easily recognizable skyline was just one shot in this dizzying array of panoramic camera shots. The ultra small credits at the bottom of the screen seemed more distracting than beneficial.

The credits ended eventually and the movie finally got started. I will admit I was not crazy about it (the film) from the start. I went into this movie knowing the basic scenario and plotline and I was confused and agitated anyway. Once I calmed down however I started to enjoy the storyline.

The aforementioned scenario is a good combination of familiarity and creativity. The storyline is thus. A military soldier is put back in time and given eight minutes to save an inbound commuter train carrying hundreds of working people making their way in to the “Windy City”. It is 7:48 am so the train is packed full of working class citizens for a daily rush hour. Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) is the soldier in question. He opens his eyes and the first person he sees is his ever so adorable co-worker named Christina Warren. (Michelle Monaghan)

He (Stevens) is confused, bewildered, and overwhelmingly distracted. I can’t say however that I blame him though, I mean what man on this earth would not be distracted if the first face he saw when he came to was Michelle Monahan. The auburn haired cutie has blue eyes that can bewilder anybody, male or female. He quickly manages to focus and rushes off to save the day.

This is when the movie gets interesting. The backdrop changes place from back and forth the bunker he is locked up in to the commuter train he must save in order to get more answers. This fast paced film had a lot going for it. The familiarity I spoke of earlier took it form in the following ways. The screenplay combined elements from Quantum Leap, Groundhog Day as well as Vantage Point. (I know what a unique combo.)

The unknown element(s) in this film to this movie was the love story at the heart core of it. This gave the film a touch of humanity. It this trace of humanity thrown into story that is not given away by the trailer(s). It adds just enough dazzle into the pot to make this action thriller worth paying for. It is this piece of humanity that makes this film worth viewing.

It was this unknown element I enjoyed that gives this film a potential to be re rented. I am still not sure if it was a completely believable this story line; but I am willing too se it again with a friend to give me a second opinion. I can only hope that that friend were half as cute as Michelle Monaghan. Hell I would not argue if he looked lie Jake Gyllenhaal either. I am always up for a new perspective. You know sort of like this movie.

Grade B-

Casino Royale (1967)

2011-08-08T09:39:00.006-04:00

There are people in this world that can’t simply sing but try too. (Hi Mom [I miss you.]) There are also people who can’t act. Any body seen Kevin Bacon lately?) Last but certainly not least there are people who think they are funny but are not. (i.e. Tom Arnold and Rosanne Barr) The people who put this movie together are example of the final category. Let me start off this review with one a positive note. Warning: This may be the last positive thing I’ll say in this review.

First off all, the fact that they put this movie together at all is a miracle. There are a litany of writers and directors mentioned in the opening credits. I believe there are four writers and six directors in the aforementioned opening credits. I’m not sure after all I only have so many fingers.

Seriously though this movie was awful. I watched this film for two hours and seventeen minutes waiting for it to end or simply get better. It did not need much to become more interesting my friends. I have seen this movie before granted it was over 15 years ago but when something in you see is this horrible you as hard as you may try though you simply never forget it.

I went into this movie this time and tried to forget my past biases and prejudices. As a movie critic I try to give each movie a new chance to surprise me with or excite me. This screenplay did supply me with either. The film had all the right ingredients for a good comedy. It spoofed a then popular movie series like James Bond. It has an amazing cast attached to it.

It starred people like Orson Wells, Woody Allen and Peter Sellers. While Mr. Allen is the only of member cinematic trinity still breathing. These three men are by many to be gods of the cinema. In the case of Orson Wells he was God (or at lest the voice of Him.) You have all seen of course that little Mel Brooks movie he was entitled The History of the World Part One. (He was only the narrator.)

As I mentioned before however this film never really lived up to it quota. There were a lot funny characters, a ton of great gags and plenty of classic scenes with comedy charisma. It (the movie) simply lacked that ebb and flow of a true comedy. The movie never came together as a whole. What a shame that is not usually the case for Woody Allen movies.

I don’t really know why this film lacked any creativity. I am after all only an amateur I clearly know nothing about writing. You are after all reading this on a BlogSpot not in the New York Times or even the evening ledger. Heck at this point I would settle for that community newspaper that gets thrown on to your lawn on Wednesday mornings. (You know the one I mean the one your dog chews up and throws up in your kitchen.)

I can only tell you what I’ve observed after watching over 865 movies and reviewing them. You need to be consistent. Movies are usually best when they try to stick to just one formula or way of thinking. The old adage about too many cooks spoiling a broth rings true when I see this movie. There were over a dozen men filling in the slot usually filled by just two people. (Writer and Director.) There is no doubt in my mind why this movie lacked the ebb and low I spoke of earlier.

Nearly twenty-four hours have passed by after I saw this worthless movie. Still however I feel like the icky residue left behind after cleaning after your dog. For not even the power of full strength ammonia may wash away this feeling. Oh well, Thank God I still have a job perhaps I can go there and do something to get rid of this feeling. They do after all have a janitors with a garbage disposal. If that does not work there is always the toilet in the men's room.

Grade F

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

2011-08-05T23:20:00.002-04:00

If ever there were a reason for a movie to be labeled 3D. This is the perfect movie in which it is the most appropriate. First off the special effects were awesome in 3D. Secondly, there were several scenes (like the cups and sword scenes.) that were written specifically written to be seen in such a desired format.

3D means of course three-dimensional. Well guess what this movie was totally three dimensional. Much like the entire seven book series this movie was based on this particular script was intense. It may be the most intense movie of the series. The very fact that this (the 7th and final) book had to be made into two separate movies proves that J.K. Rowling fit a lot in to those pages.

The acting was excellent. The actors (except one) have all been around for the duration of the series so therefore their characters should be almost second nature to them. That being said they (the actors) never seemed tired or uninspired. Once again I contribute that to the depth of Ms. Rowling’s writing skills.

This is a film I definitely am willing to see again. (Ed, or Christina) In fact for once I think it may be a requirement. Since I started seriously writing movie reviews in 2009. I don’t believe I have seen a movie twice in theaters. This movie may mark my first exception.

See it today and decide for yourself. I warn you however to bring an intelligent friend to discuss it with. The depth of this film’s screenplay kept me up till 2 in the morning. Hell it is 2 pm the next day and only now and I writing this review. All I am saying is thank God I am headed for vacation tomorrow.

Grade A+

Friends With Benefits

2011-08-03T12:15:00.003-04:00

I know what you are thinking. They already made this movie just a few months ago. It was called No Strings Attached. Well guess what, I did not exactly love that film. I gave it a barley passing grade of C-. It had many good names attached to it and a few promising elements, that sadly enough was it. It was bereft of charm and chemistry.

Grade B+

Inception

2011-08-02T06:23:00.002-04:00

This movie is about dreams. Dreams are long and complicated. Therefore this movie is long and complicated. Those are the facts of this movie. It at two hours and 28 minutes long is long. If you see this movie and are not flapping your bottom lip they I give you kudos. It ended for me two hours ago and I think I just got the ending. I am a little slow at times.

This film has a great cast. It stars Leonardo Di Caprio and Ellen Page (Juno) as well as Joseph Gordon- Levit (Third Rock From The Sun). It is well acted and very well written. While I admit I did not follow the whole thing, I liked it any way. It was interesting to follow and enjoyable to maintain my time for two and half hours.

I now must enter my complaints. As I've indicted twice already this film was rather long. It crawled along at times and was a few times dragging. (especially the van drop) The plot was very hard to follow and it still did not really make sense in the end.

This movie is number one however for a reason. It is creative and different and will be the buzz at water coolers for quite some time to come. All in all I enjoyed this film. it was entertainment for the afternoon and full filled my time quite nicely.

Grade B-

Capote

2011-08-01T12:21:00.002-04:00

One of the many things my mother taught me was to start off all things on a positive note. Here than is my positive note(s). This movie was remarkable cast and acted. Phillip Seymour Hoffman brilliantly played the lead role and titular charater in this film. In fact he won an Oscar for his performance. Catherine Keener who was Oscar nominated for her supporting role was amazing too. Allie Mickelson also shone through in her big screen debut as the accused killer’s sister.

So it is now I point out the negative aspects of this film. This film was oh so very boring. I had to take an intermission at the one-hour mark to wake me up and keep me from dozing off. I am willing to admit I am not now or have a never been a very big fan of dramas. I am, as you know a 37 -year -old American born and bred bachelor. We (America) are the only country I know of that hates soccer. (The most popular sport on earth.) As a result I like high scoring sports like football. (Which invented by the way when someone [an American] cheated at soccer.) I also like action flicks.

Put some explosions on the screen and a throw in a killer robot and I am satisfied. Let’s put all that aside for a moment and focus on this movie. Even dramas need to have a little pizzazz thrown into the mix. If not audience member may fall asleep and start snoring. Then you really get into trouble. You may even have to charge them room and board. Which is a very appropriate homonym because that is exactly what I got was bored.

I’ve been putting off watching and reviewing this movie off for about a month now. Well today push came to shove and I more or less had to get this movie off my desk and back into the mix to make room for the next title on my Netflix queue.

I am glad I did however I finally got to write a birthday present / movie review for my ultra cool friends of Aaron and Jacey. They really do make a cute couple. I am so glad to have them in my life.

I am not however glad to have watched this movie. While it may be a perfect film the Academy (The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.) viewers to go crazy over and nominate for a hand full of Oscars. (Four to be precise. [Including Best Picture.]) It is not the kind of movie Americans flock to see. It made only $324,857 it opening weekend. On it’s way of a total gross of $28,747,570.

That may be more than enough for an average Joe like you or me. It is not even a drop in the bucket for Hollywood. It was however released in October. That is usually the time that Oscar caliber movies of this sort come out in theaters. This is done in order to be fresh on the minds of members of the aforementioned Academy.

Much like the Academy members I feel manipulated. The Roberts (Aaron and Jacey) took advantage overwhelming love and kindness not to mention my amazing skills as a writer. This must have been Aaron’s idea. Jacey would never do anything so underhanded and deceitful. Just remember I know where you live. Oh yea revenge is a dish best served cold. Why do I bring that up you ask? Well it is August, the outside temperature is 90% it is much too hot to come down to your place and kill you. I’ll wait until winter, when it’s cold to exact my revenge. Only kidding I love you both and wish you both well in your future endeavors. Sorry it took so long to write this review.

Grade C

Duplicity

2011-07-31T07:44:00.002-04:00

Once again it Bachelors Saturday. If you recall from earlier this month my frind Kyle and I decided to get together and simply hang out a watch a DVD rental from Netflix. Last time it was my choice. We choice to watch Yogi Bear. You can simply scroll down this month's options to see what I though of it. Here is a hint however. I was not impressed. In fact I was uncomfortable with in the first five minutes of the film. (I gave it a very generous C-.)

This outing however I was intrigued from the start. I am not sure if it was from the Blu-ray capabilities on Kyle’s entertainment system or from the opening scene(s) itself. For what I saw was pulled me into the plot of this movie right away. I saw supporting cast members like Paul Giamatti and Tom Wilkinson fighting it out in slow motion as catchy music covered up the dialogue. This little trick peaked my interest. As did the unique style of upper case and lower case lettering in the opening credits in funky fonts. This attributes alone made me want to see this movie in full.

Then we (the audience) were introduced to the marquee couple and saw the first time they met. In thus said scene Clive Owens (Ray Koval) picks up Julia Roberts (Claire Stenwick) and beds her within five minutes. This scene sets the format for the up coming storyline and more or less showed us the entire theme of this 125-minute film. I mean after all, what is more impressive than a one-night stand between Clive Owens and Julia Roberts.

This entire movie however felt like a one night stand however. I mean sure there was intrigue, passion, and drama. We all know that a one-night stands can leave your breathless and begging for a fulfilling climax. In both cases there is sweating and a flood of emotions. Unfortunately however this movie left you feeling shallow and hallow. (Much like a one-night stand.) I was bereft of any real fulfillment when this movie ended and much like the aforementioned lead characters I was dazed and confused when the movie came to a halt.

Ok, I am sure you are confused after reading this review. So am I, and I am writing it. Let me try to explain the plot of this movie. I stress the word try because am not sure if I really know what happened in this sexy spy thriller. Ray Koval (Owens) is a MI6 agent one the prowl to make to score. When he spots CIA agent Claire Stenwick (Roberts) on the streets of Dubai. (The Persian Gulf) He as I said before beds her in five minutes and the plot gets more complicated from there.

The next time they meet is five years later and they sparks fly from that point on. (Well, sort of) We don’t really know who was casing whom or does it matter. The point is they fall in love (or seem to) and the rest of the movie is a dose of cinematic and romantic chemistry where much like their frequent roles in the hey you are not sure who is on top (double entendre intended) the man or the woman.

The couple seems to be more interested in money than sex (What a surprise in Hollywood.) and therefore they scheme to make a lot of money by discovering the next “Get Rich Quick” idea and using their spy learned abilities to have the upper hand. You want specifics you say? Well so do I. I watched the movie yesterday and I am still not sure what to make of it. There was something about balding and growing new hair but that is all I know.

As the closing credits rolled across the screen I found myself slapping the top of my head and rubbing my scalp in confusion. It is the morning after (I watched this movie.) and still I am overly stressed and confused. So here I am rubbing my scalp and overly stressed. Is that not what causes baldness in the first place. I just wish I could have a one-night stand to relive me of this tension. Any takers?

Grade C

Transformers 3

2011-07-30T08:02:00.001-04:00

When I initially heard about them making a live action Transformers movie in 2007 my uncle told me “No self respecting 33 year old man should go see a movie about the Transformers” or something like that. Well guess what Uncle Jerry you were wrong I liked it. (The review is in hiding) In fact I own it! That’s right, I brought the DVD.

I only wish you had warned me when the second one came out. I saw it in theaters the opening weekend it was awful. (I generously gave it a D.) Now I am 37. I have logged over 860 movie reviews on this blogspot and here it is the morning after my one-day trip all the way up to King of Prussia. I took a long cab trip home last night just in time to take shelter from the falling rain. I still can’t figure out what to say about this movie. I’ll give it a try anyway.

First off it was long. It was 157 minutes in length and with my early arrival time and previews I am sure I spent 3 hours in that stadium style theater seat in the 16-screen complex in King of Prussia. Secondly it was intense. You truly need to see this film on the big screen with a maddening crowd in oversized cinema complex and in 3D like I did. I fulfilled two out of three of the above set requirements. Big screen check, maddening crowd not so much (There were only about a dozen other people in the theater with me.) In 3D hell yea, in fact I don’t see how it can be converted to DVD and be seen on a smaller screen with out losing a major piece of something.

Within that last statement lies the itch. I am still not sure what I thought about this movie. It is appropriate that my current theme of the week (on this blogspot) is Summer Blockbusters. I describe summer blockbusters as a true big screen experience. There may or may not be a plot to the film in the aforementioned category it just needs to be an experience. Well my mother’s death is an experience as was losing my virginity. I’m sure we can both agree that these experiences brought about completely different emotions. Well they both kind of left me feeling drained and tired. There were new visual and emotional breakthroughs with both. In this case however (the movie) I am not sure how I feel or what to do with those new breakthroughs. I will give this movie the only grade I can in such a confused time and experience. I will give it a “C” for confused for that is what I am confused.

Grade C

Top Gun

2011-07-30T01:04:00.000-04:00

While I may admit I have never been a big fan of Tom Cruise’s. I will admit to liking this movie. It is the essential guys movie. It has fast moving vehicles at the center of the plot. (I mean seriously what moves faster than a fighter jet.) It has a buddy buddy friends ship and the core of its storyline. Oh yea it also has a smokin’ hot blonde (Kelly Mc Gillis) cast as the leading female love interest. I mean come on what more could any guy want?

This movie actually has a decent plot too. Potential plot spoiler: I am willing to admit I always cry when Goose dies. Ok, spoiler over you can read now. This story is more than just on man though. The plot goes far deeper than one lone Maverick learning to fly high in to the stratosphere and shooting down his opposition. This movie is about life and reaching new heights and learning to put the past behind you. Ok, so may be I am getting a little deep with my analogy. It is after all a summer blockbuster and one aimed at the shallow mined male audience.

This movie is also fun. It has characters in it with names like Iceman and Hollywood. The aforementioned lead female character is referred to as Charlie. That is clearly a boys name if I ever herd one. Oh wait I apologize it is a guy’s name. I don’t want to defeat the rather fragile male ego. They are after all as I mentioned before this movie target audience.

This movie has a great cast too. We of course have Tom Cruise and Kelly Mc Gillis as the marquee names and lead male and female perceptively. You can’t forget Anthony Edwards as the aforementioned Goose. Along for the ride as well are Tom Skerritt, Tim Robbins, and Michael Ironside. Who can for get Meg Ryan? She plays on of her smaller roles ever and for once she is less tha shall we say not so annoying. I mean for once she dose not initially detest the guys she eventually falls in love with.

Don’t get me wrong I find Tom Cruise annoying too. In this film however he is acceptable. This film did help make him a household name and rocketed (or should I say jetted) him to stardom. The man at one point was making 100 million dollars a film before being fired by Paramount pictures. He did however bounce back from devastation and prove to be a true movie maverick.

With several films in the filming process (including another Mission Impossible film. It seems like Tom is still Cruicing for success. There is a rumor in Hollywood that a sequel to this fine summer blockbuster is in the works. Maverick will be a Top Gun instructor as he indicated wanting to do in one of the closing scenes of this movie. All I want to say to Paramount Pictures is, if they do go ahead and make this long awaited sequel. Don’t muck it up please. I am not sure I can handle viewing another pointless follow up movie.

Grade B

Horrible Bosses

2011-07-29T10:15:00.000-04:00

We have all had our share of horrible bosses at one point or another. (Hi Darrin) While it is true that some of us had chosen to liberate ourselves from these abmoboable corporate gods. Still others feel entrapped under the smothering blankets of these arrogant self-imposed deities.

This is the story of three young men who for some reason or worked under people they loathed and despised with every fiber in their being.

If you have seen the previews for this movie or for even that mater simply read the title of the film the first paragraph probably did not offer you much in formation. So here is something you may not already know. This film has an awesome cast. I mean seriously not only does it star some of today’s biggest male stars like Jason Bateman, Kevin Spacey, and Jamie Foxx. One of the titular characters I spoke of is a very hot friend of us all named Jenifer Aniston.

In this film she is sexually harassing her handsome dental assistant named Dale Arbus. (Charlie Day) So you know this movie is a work of fiction as well as a black comedy when any guy turns down sexual advances from Jennifer Anniston. Kevin Spacey is well cast too his boss charateristics is arrogant, smug and cunning three characteristics Mr. Spacey portrays so well. As for Jason Bateman he plays Mr. Nobody. That nickname may seem like an insult but he has made a name for himself playing this seemingly uncolorful second fiddle. Some people like Jill would call him an excellent charater actor. I’m the sarcastic movie critic I’ll call him what I want to.

So what therefore is my opinion of this obvious black comedy? 1st off all let me say I am the hardest critic in the world on cinematic comedies. Let me also remind you that I usually dislike black comedies. (I simply don’t find humor in negative topic like death and murder.) This film however made me laugh. I did not seem to enjoy it, as much as the rest of the twenty-something audience I saw it with. I did however enjoy this film. That is saying a lot considering I am a 37- year heartless curmudgeon of a movie critic.

Grade B+

Cars 2

2011-07-28T06:44:00.004-04:00

Walt Disney Pictures is supposed to be synonymous with films and content aimed a younger audience. Well congratulations my friend you caved in and changed the focus of your film to the breadwinners in the family. What a pity just when our economy seems to be recovering.

Grade C

The Chase

2011-07-26T13:43:00.000-04:00

With Charlie Sheen so talked about in the news today I figured what the hey, I may as well go back and watch one of his older movies. I found it of course on Xfinity and the price was right. It was completely free. The new season of Two and Half Men is coming out soon and as everybody knows he Charlie Sheen) won’t be on it. Sorry Charlie!

I remember seeing this film a long time ago. Mr. Sheen at the time was a practically a household name and he was cruising at the pinnacle of his career. He had nowhere to go but the fast lane and as a result he picked such an appropriate movie to be in. The female co-star in this film is Kristy Swanson. She herself was riding the freeway to success when this movie came out. She starred in a hit TV show at the time called Buffy the Vampire Slayer and do the then two marquee names were a sure draw for box office success and almost certain to bring in the males and femles in the films’ twenty something target audience.

I mean who cared if this movie had a plot or not. It was called The Chase. It was therefore about fast cars and stared a very hot on screen couple. People don’t want to see heavy plot points that is what summer movies are for after all. The only problem in this movie came out in first weekend in March. There was still snow on the ground in most places. No one wants to trump out in the snow to see such an obviously plotless movie.

When it was released it was panned left and right by critics everywhere. It made less than 9 million dollars total in its box office run. In fact it made barley over 8 million. ($8,009,329.) I can’t imagine it was out for long with those numbers. I do however believe it was robbed. Witch is ironic since the main character of the film is a falsely accused bank robber and it (the film) started of in a convenient store robbery gone wrong.

I think the audiences and critics were wrong however. This was a fun movie. Its only problem was it much too early release date of March 4th, 1994. If 20th Century Fox had only released this film a few months later it made have made more money. June or July the premier for box office garbage to real in more money.

I loved it the first time I saw it and though it worthy of another viewing today. Hell, I may even write a review about it and post it on my blogspot. Thus said review may bring in a larger audience than the film itself did. I currently have 22, 500 hits on my blogspot. You never know what the may happen in the future. Just like you never know what Charlie Sheen is going to do next. This statement is true both in real life and in this movie. Either way you know he will be in the driving seat and gain lots of publicity no matter what road he chooses to travel.

Grade B

Thor

2011-07-22T14:04:00.003-04:00

For the past sixteen months or so I’ll admit my guilty please has been watching Naked News. I just got my first autographed pictures from Katherine Curtis (my favorite anchor) and Rachel Simmons (the cutest one). I have always looked for to their movie reviews, but never before referenced them in my blogspot. Well after over 811 reviews posted in the past 3 1/4 years I decided to do so. Here is my review with my free plug as mentioned.

Katherine Curtis is the biggest nerd on the planet. She is also my favorite Naked News anchor. So when she highly recommended this new movie on Thursday. I had to go see it the next day. I must admit I don’t share her enthusiasm for the film. She loved it. I did not. I found the 3D effects to be a lot of fun however.

I will confess that I am in love with Natalie Portman. While I admit she did not have a small role in this film. (She was the female lead after all.) It was not her role in this film that made it so desirable. What made this film so good was the storyline. It was well written and creative. I have never read a Thor comic before and I followed the storyline quote easily. This script was simple and well written and kept my interest the entire film.

The action sequences were a lot of fun and the villain or villains were easily hateable. I don’t want to give too much away but I will say that the main bad guy or lead antagonist. I will say however that the storyline was one that could have been worthy of Greek folklore legend or even a dare say Biblical.

The secondary characters were all good and familiar faces it seems to any good storyline or movie. They were nor terribly three-dimensional but they did not need to be. It was a simple story for the most part and entertained me for nearly two hours (114 minutes to be exact). All I liked the film. I was not the best comic book movie I have seen in theaters, nor was even the best 3D film I have seen either. I did however meet to my high standards of approval and I will recommend it to any movie fan or comic book nerd.

This movie is definitely worth seeing on the big screen and should also be seen in 3D. It will lose a lot when transferred to DVD and also should been seen with a crowd. The film is basically safe for the whole family young boys wont find it to frightening or violent. You of course should know your kids before taking them to this film but this 37-year-old bachelor found nothing for kids to fear in this film. Check it out for your self however and tell me if you disagree.

Grade B+

Goldeneye

2011-07-18T09:04:00.001-04:00

This was the first James Bond movie made in 6 years. (It to this day the longest gap between Bond films in the franchise’s history.) This was also the first Bond film starring Pierce Brosnan. He was 1^st offered the role in the late eighties. For these reasons and I am sure a few others the writers of this film decided to write some of the most far fetched action sequences in 007’s history. This is obvious both in the pre-credits sequence and a particular chase scene involving a T-80BV tank through St. Petersburg in Russia.

When this movie was finally released in 1995 I vividly remember seeing it in theaters on opening weekend. During the aforementioned pre- credits sequence a lady in front of me uttered four words that summed up this entire two-hour and ten minute film so perfectly. “I don’t think so!” Perhaps that unknown stranger was correct this just might be the most hard to swallow film to date. People did swallow it up though to the tune of $26, 205,007 in its opening weekend. (A record at that time.)

I remember loving this film back then (in 1995) and even buying it on DVD more recently. Now however I am 37 years old. My only job is an entry-level position at a grocery story five minutes from my studio apartment and I am journalism major at Eastern University. For these reasons mentioned above and perhaps a few others I have developed a tougher skin when it comes to enjoying movies. I now see this film as ludicrous and insane. The storyline at the heart of this film is one of the best in the franchise’s history. The aforementioned actions scenes though give this film a more curdled feel in my stomach.

The over all feel of this film is one of uneasiness and awkwardness. I will admit that the acting is top notch. I may also point out that the cast is one of the best to date and the Bond girls simple sizzle on both the big and small screen. The overall feeling (of this film) however is rather cold. You know like in St. Petersburg. I found myself dozing of in some of the most adrenaline pumping scenes and I had to get out of my rather small apartment as soon as the closing credits began to roll.

I hate to criticize Mr. Brosnan’s long awaited debut as James Bond. I mean who do I think I am, a movie critic? I did not however love this film this time around. Who knows I may just be far too judgmental. This film just seemed to make my toes curl this time around. I am headed out the door now to seek a second job and take along walk down Route 30. That may result in more flat feet and a softer heart for films reviewed in the future. I’ll settle for a second job however that will result in more money in my pocket and who knows maybe then I’ll have less time to be so hard to please.

Grade C-

Super 8

2011-07-14T09:24:00.003-04:00

Summer time has always been the summer for blockbuster films. Heck, one particular summer film in 1975 coined the term blockbuster itself. (See Jaws.) Over the course of those 36 plus years I just eluded too. Steven Spielberg has loaned his name to many of those blockbuster movies. He directed such hits as Jaws, E.T. and Close Encounters of the Third Kind and was executive producer of a few others as well. See Poltergeist, Jurassic Park, and Gremlins too. Hell he even penned the screenplay for Goonies.

Now imagine if you will that Mr. Spielberg decided to steal a page from the music world. Steven or as he prefers to be called Steve has made a best of summer blockbuster film. He has combined tiny elements form all the films I mentioned in paragraph one and thrown in some other movie elements as well. Potential plot spoiler! Not only do we have a mysterious Alien at the core of this mysterious plot it seems to live an Abyss as well.

Ok It is safe to read again. J.J. Abrams (Lost and Star Trek) has written and directed this spectacular gem. He even used his favorite composer Michael Giacchino to score this smash hit. He did a spectacular job on this one. The main stars of this film however are too young to drive. (Ok So Gabriel Basso may be 16. Sue me if you want!) They are six pint sized very young cast members who are all in their first potential blockbuster.

The most impressive is the lone lady. Elle Fanning (younger sister to Dakota Fanning) out shines them all by far. She not only is a good actress in real life her character is a great actor to boot. In a sense she plays two roles since her character Alice Dainard does some amateur acting too. Either way you cut it this film cannot be missed. It is well worth the price of admission and should be seen with a big of a crowd if possible. (Since I saw it on Thursday afternoon, there were only two other people in the theater with me to enjoy it. Oh well.)

No matter how many people join you in thus must see theater going experience. It is a required chore on your summer to do list. It is however never choring. The 112 minutes you will spend watching this film will not go by quickly enough. See it today and decide to for your self. Be prepared to be blown away however for this movie really rocks.

Grade A+

Chicken Run

2011-07-12T05:50:00.000-04:00

I know what you are thinking. I never heard of this film. It is not a summer blockbuster. Well guess what plucky, it is. This movie was released on June 21^st, 2000. It made 17 .5 million in its opening weekend. It totaled over 106 million in total US sales. It even scored itself a Golden Globe nomination for Best Musical or Comedy. All of those factors make it a blockbuster in my book. Well that and I just wanted to review a movie in this category I have no seen yet. I’m not even sure if that is possible under this said scenario. So I decided to review this film to be a little different. So just deal with it.

This film was surprising entertaining. I am not sure why I was so surprised to be so fulfilled by an animated film. I have noticed that in this century the so-called animated movies have had some of the best story lines. If you don’t believe me see Shrek and Ice Age. While it is true that there was no sequel to this movie like there was Shrek and Ice Age I still believe it (this movie) stands on its own and deserves and second glance. If you have not seen it before than it required a fist chance (If you want to give a second glance that is.)

Ok, I’ll get to the review. This movie was funny. It told a good story, it served a purpose it even had a decent storyline. So maybe under those standards it does not qualify for the status of “Summer Blockbuster.” In and all I liked it to the full. The antagonist was cold cruel and evil. The protagonists were warming hearted, engaging, and creatively written and the voice acting was not bad either. So short this film is worth renting.

The plot line is simple. Mrs. Tweedy is the typical old lady who henpecks her husband and is the true wearer of pants in their hose hold. She is a struggling old coot who happens to own a farm She bosses around her husband like nobody business and runs all things with an iron fist. One of those things she manages is a farm. The chicken coupe within it is run like a prison and there is little to no room for escape. The chickens on the farm, rebel and thus a screenplay are born.

The film it self is only eight four minutes if you are short or time and have a short attention zone like most kids do now a days the this film is perfect for you. It tells an entire story in less than ninety minutes and with so many films going over the two-hour point now a days then this movie is perfect for you.

The characters in this film are all creative and engaging. The pacing is perfect and writing is worthy of great affection. If you have not yet seen this film then check it out for yourself. You wont be disappointed. If you saw this film in the past then check out again soon, you may pick up on something you missed. Either way rent it today or tell me what you think right wrong or indifferent by writing on my blogspot.

Grade B+

Yogi Bear

2011-07-11T08:34:00.000-04:00

The first thing we noticed (my friend Kyle and I) when we watched this 2010 animated movie. This film was made to be seen on the big screen, It was also intended to been viewed with 3D glasses. The animation was designed to be seen and many of the key site gag visual effects were intended to be viewed in 3D. This in our opinion took away from the movie and at time made it almost difficult to view in a non-3D format. We muddled on any way looking for only a few laughs and hoping for a little humor in this 80-minute full-length feature.

We got what we hoped for. There were only a few laughs and perhaps the tiniest amount of humor in this poorly written and completely predictable movie based on an age-old childhood cartoon neither one of us really watched as kids. We carried on however suffering through some foreseeable pitfalls and shall we say less then Oscar worthy performances. The movie was a comedy and it made us laugh occasionally so we decided to stick with this ho-hum film.

In the end it was funny and brought a smile to our faces. It even brought a tear to my eye. I’m still not sure if that tear was a result of the joy of seeing the closing credits role across the screen or because I just stepped on a tack, either way my a tear fell down my cheek. It was a lone tear that a shed for this film and perhaps that is most apropos. This DVD release of a 3D film had only one thing going for it on Kyle’s TV screen.

That single thing it had going for it was it ability to make us laugh and not focus on the other oh so obvious flaws in this lackluster full-length feature. I have said in past reviews that big screen comedies rarely make me laugh out loud. Well this one did for better or worse and that is worthy of at least a C in my book. It is not worth much more however since the writing in this screenplay and the acting of its cast was so obviously two-dimensional. (How ironic considering it was a 3D film.) There are some things out there and some movies being made today that were and are obviously best seen in their original format. This movie is one of them.

Grade C-

Smallville: Finale

2011-07-08T08:40:00.001-04:00

This show has something of a personal touch for me because it premièred in-between my parents’ deaths. I too this day wear a Christopher Reeve Foundation military dog tag around my neck with the Superman embalm in full color on the center. I just recently added a second dog tag declaring my love for writing movie reviews so it is sort of perfect that this is my 850’s official review.

I actually asked for an early departure from work on the night this show first debuted so I could run home and watch it first run. That date in question was May 13^th (a Friday I might add.) and this is the first time I have actually written the review. I rewatched the show in its entirety on the Internet yesterday. It still took e nearly 24 hours to type up this review.

The final episode was true to the show and reminded me what I liked about it so much. It was not a lot of flashy action scenes and there was not a lot of fighting. The show kept to its roots and focused on the story at hand. Each individual character was well drawn out and perfectly written. Yet the star at the center of this soon to be exploding universe (literally) was Clark and he is of course the super man the show was built around.

Kristen Kreuk was the only notable cast member who did not return for this series send off. Michael Rosenbaum, and John Schneider both had elementary roles in this last episode and Aaron Ashmore even had a cameo in the closing minutes. Did not their individual characters die off you say? Why yes they did. Must I remind you that this entire show is based on a comic book? Nobody really dies in comic books. Even Superman came back to from the grave.

The show was perfectly paced and amazingly well written. It made up for the last few seasons of dullness. Ever since the show left it’s titular setting of Smallville and moved to Metropolis it seemed to me to go down hill. Since 2008 or so it was more like a prequel to Lois and Clark. A show I was never really fond of. It compromised its uniqueness in its second season when it became an action adventure show. It focused more on Superman than Lois and Clark, and there fore lost it uniqueness in my opinion.

This last episode kept true to its unoffical motto of “No flights, no tights. It was not until the final five minutes or so that Clark or Kal-El (his true Kryptonian pudendum) became a Superman. The famous John
Williams score was even blared in the final five (minutes). Either was this show flew up and away and soared into the stratosphere of awesomeness.

Grade A+

The Abyss

2011-07-06T13:03:00.002-04:00

In order to find this week’s movie of the week I had to surge deep into the archives to find this decades old film. Ok, so I realistically had to simply look at the front of my DVD folder but who can resist the play on words. The 1989 summer movie classic is a perfect film for the season since it is hot and takes place mostly underwater.

I decided to view the theatrical version since it about thirty minutes shorter (33 to be exact) and I was not in the mood for a really long film this misty Tuesday morning. The film stars Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as a couple in the middle of a messy divorce who must work together again to investigate a missing nuclear submarine that was lost in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean.

Some say getting lost in the Caribbean can have it ups and downs for in this case however it is all downs. The characters are well written and the setting a fairly unique one. Many adventures have taken place in the Islands of the Caribbean but this is the first I know to take place in the depths of its sea. The music is outstanding and the sound is equally worthy of affection. The special effects are spectacular in this film but do not take away from the very well written storyline.

Most films about alien life take place in outer space or a more futuristic setting. This film takes place in present day and is just as believable in any modern setting. In other words it is timeless and that is a good quality in a film. It is a good selling point in a story that it can withstand the test of time. This film is as enjoyable to see today on the small screen now as it was 22 years ago on the big screen. This too is a positive trait compared to many of today’s recent 3D “blockbusters” that are only in theater a short time and are not even available in 3D once they come out on DVD.

I’m not saying that his is one of my favorite films of all time or even tops on my reviews of the week. Heck, for all you know it may not even receive my highest grade. What I am saying is that this film transcends the course of time and is as worthy of approval no matter what the screen size. Heck, one may even enjoy it on an IPOD or modern day electronic devise.

That is a good quality in any movie or storyline that no matter the time or place it is still worthy of all praise. This film is defiantly worthy of praise. It seems it got it too. This film won several awards in its time both in theaters in 1989 when it first came out as well as upon its DVD release date in the year 2000 The most well know and renown of those rewards was it Academy Award win for the aforementioned visual effects.

Grade B+

Skyline

2011-07-05T10:33:00.000-04:00

It is no doubt that in our youth obsessed plot deprived cinematic society that this movie is made. The screenplay centers around one young couple that travels to LA to live it up with two more hot couples and have their day in the sun living it up in the style of the sexy and snobbish. Suddenly their world (or city in this case) is invaded by an alien horde.

These three young couples spend the entire 94-minute time length of this film running and screaming around in a 22-story hotel at the harbor of Los Angles. They are picked off of course one by one till the aforementioned couple at the heart of this film is left to fend for themselves. They are joined however briefly by the hotel manger that just happens to have keys to every door to this hotel. (Is that not convenient?)

There is really nothing to cheer about or no one to root for in this overwhelmingly pointless film. Alien invasion movies are a dime a dozen and so are film that destroy LA. Most of the time they are one and the same. So why did this movie even make it into production when it has nothing new too offer and no unique plot point to base even the trailer on.

I’d like to say this film could be a springboard to some of its underdressed young co-stars. The only board I saw however when watching this film was the wooden board I created in my head to beat myself with to dull the pain of watching this movie. To say this movie was awful would be an understatement. I don’t think I can put on my blogspot the appropriate word I want to describe this worthless film. Oh well, what more can you expect from a free Redbox DVD rental I hesitantly picked out within minutes of closing on the forth of July.

Grade F

The Man with One Red Shoe

2011-07-03T11:26:00.002-04:00

This movie can be summed up in one sentence. It is a perfect 1980’s Tom Hanks film. It has a well known and easily recognizable 80’s cast along with just enough 80’s popular nostalgia like items such as a Walkman, A pair of flip up shades and frizzy hairstyles to make this film fun.

It also has the right mixture of originality and familiarity to it that you are engaged for the entire one hour and forty-five minutes of the film. The very title says it all. The Man with One Red Shoe sums up the whole plot. In case you don’t have the amazing memory that I do I’ll tell give you a synopsis.

Tom Hanks plays Richard Drew a young eccentric violinist who is caught up in a game of trickery when he picked out of a busy airport crowd in the out lying areas of Washington DC and used as a spy decoy.

The comedy scenes are priceless and so are the mix-ups and mayhem stemming from the aforementioned scenario. This movie adds just the right combination of comedy and sex appeal to please any audience no matter what decade it is seen in. Lori Singer (Footloose) may be dolled up to look like Hanks’ small screen love interest Donna Dixon but she brings her own charisma to the screen and will have you foaming at the mouth.

The 80’s cast I eluded to earlier consists of one time veteran actors like Dabney Coleman and Charles During. It also has slew of other then recognizable faces made famous on both the big and small screen. You will have to see what faces I am alluding too. This comedy classic guruntee will you take a trip down memory lane.

Yesterday (Friday, July 2nd 2011) marks the opening of Larry Crown. Larry Crown is the second pairing of the biggest male and female stars in Hollywood today. They are of course Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts.

The reviews I read were less than enthusiastic and the previews and even movie posters were shall we say not so promising. I therefore will review their first big screen collaboration (Charlie Wilson’s War) along with one of Julia Roberts earlier films (Mystic Pizza) in the next few weeks. I’m not making any promises other than I will not spend $11 on Larry Crown.

Grade A-

Sugarland Express

2011-07-02T12:31:00.000-04:00

It looks like at the ripe young age of 65 Steven Spielberg has hung up his directing shoes. (For now at least.) He is still busy adding his name as Executive Producer to current blockbuster films such as Super 8. (See it in theaters now.) He has always been through the course of his career known for directing popular films. There is no doubt therefore in my mind that this film appeals to the masses. It is after all his directorial debut. This film may not have been a huge success at the box office it did however show how the vast population reacts to a popular news story.

The popular news story I am refereeing to is the one generated with this film. The screenplay is written around a true story of a fugitive young couple that are on the run from the law after breaking out of jail to save their only child. The child in question has been taken away by well fare and placed in a more “suitable” home. The films title comes from what this aforementioned couple dose or desires to do in the stolen police car they nab at the start of this film. Their baby Langston is in the town of Sugarland Texas and the statewide manhunt is portrayed in the 109-minute length of this 1974 film.

Goldie Hawn’s performance is legendary and deserves the spotlight award for this unique film. The script is well written and worthy of more attention then it receives. It centers on Lou Jean and Clovis Michael Poplin. The married young lovers mentioned in the last paragraph. The acting is top notch and shows the depth of William Atherton acting skills. Mr. Atherton is best known as the antagonist in his two most note worthy films. (See Ghostbusters and the first two Die Hard films.) In this film he plays the mostly innocent husband whose only flaw is his inability to stand up to his wife who he loves more than anything.

This film is worthy of rental and should be seen with a group of close friends. This discussion worthy movie is not one I totally fell in love with from the start. It is now and hour after the closing credits rolled on my TV screen and I still cant decide how much I liked this film. I guess that aspect in and of itself is worthy of something. I just am not sure what.

Grade C+

Mad Max 2: Road Warrior

2011-06-29T10:10:00.001-04:00

The first thing I noticed when watching this movie was the no thrills DVD. It had no coming attractions or commercials, hell it did not even have a menu screen telling me the name of the movie. It just started off at the beginning at went right into the movie. There were not even any opening credits.

Then I realized. It is perfect. The theme of the movie is about a lone rider in a world of dystopia and chaos it would be hypocritical to have any of the nice features I mentioned. The story line centers on Mad Max of course and his quest for fuel. It brings him into a community of people looking for the same thing. Together they must team up and overtake the fuel station at the heart of the dessert to survive.

The screenplay is well written and extremely consistent. There is very little dialogue from Mad Max or any of the other characters and that is the theme of the picture. It is however hard to follow at times and extremely slow at others. The 95-minute length of the film seemed longer at times and was painfully dull at others. Still however the movie worked. The music was excellent, the camera work top notch and the facial expressions paramount in showing the characters’ emotion.

You have to be in the right mood to truly enjoy this picture. I am not sure I was in such a mood this early Wednesday morning. Still I enjoyed this film. I am not saying I will rent it again ever. I am just saying I enjoyed it. See it today and decide for yourself.

Grade C+

Back to The Future

2011-06-28T13:12:00.001-04:00

I remember back in the summer of 1985 when this movie came out. The title itself was the catchphrase. Everybody was asking, “How can you go Back to the Future.” It seemed like any oxymoron. The title did its job however. It drew people into the theaters on opening day. That is what movie want to now and it has always been Hollywood’s desire to make an opening day splash.

This movie had it all though. It was the perfect blend of 80’s time line nostalgia and a potential classic story line that was both original and refreshing. Many people would like to go back in time to see their parents meet and fall in love. The only problem with this plot line is the main character invariantly prevented them from meeting and falling in love there for jeopardizing his very future. So now he must go back and be matchmaker to his nerdy father and beautiful mother. Oh yea did I mention his mother has the hots for him as well.

The characters in this film were all perfectly placed. We have the nutty old professor; the oversized bully and we even have the pretty young girlfriend to boot. The soundtrack in this film was arguably Alan Silvestri’s best work ever and the hit song of Power of Love even scored Huey Lewis an Oscar nod. This movie was expertly directed by Robert Zemeckis and was the first in an amazing movie trilogy. Michael J. Fox graduated to the big screen in this film and even it helped boost the resume of Crispin Glover and Lea Thompson too. Oh yea, Christopher Lloyd was not bad either.

So now matter how you slice it this movie is box office gold. I cannot think of a better way to start of my Summer Movie review of the week spot than with this film. It was 25 years old last year and still a popular rental on Netflix. It is now considered to many to be a classic. I therefore urge you to see it again today. If you haven’t seen before than what are you waiting for?

Grade A+

Alvin and the Chipmunks

2011-06-27T12:57:00.001-04:00

Alvin and the Chipmunks first debuted in comic book form back in the late 1950’s. It was loved and adorned by children of the time and later spawned into a Saturday morning cartoon and loved by millions of Americans each weekend morning. The only problem is those children are now old and tired. The screenplay of this movie fits the same description.

Now stop me if you heard this one. A young twenty something year old male is down on his luck and his job as an advertising agent is in the toilet. He is in love with the girl next door but she tries to stay away form him as much as possible. Finally something happens that makes him look good. He suddenly becomes rich and popular and discovers he has a heart. I’m not sure but I think I saw that film last week. Ironically enough that is what the film is. It is so totally “last week”.

There is nothing original about it. There is nothing funny about it either. Considering that this film is considered a comedy I think that may be slightly important. What this film is is pathetic and worthless. I can’t believe it made enough money for a sequel to be made about it. Perhaps I am getting tough in my old age of 37 but within the first twenty minutes of this film I wanted to beat my self with a rubber mallet. Perhaps that would take the pain away of having to watch this entire film.

The titular characters in this film are considered rodents and rodents eat mostly garbage. That is where this film belongs in the garbage. I am headed to the dumpster now and that is the only place perhaps where this film can flourish in is a trash heap. The idea behind this movie was good for a short comic book or a thirty-minute cartoon perhaps. The idea behind making into a full-length movie however is not a sound one. In the record business or perhaps I should say music industry everybody is looking for a new sound. Well this sound is six decades old. It was a novel idea in the past and after watching this movie I think that is where it belongs, in the past.

Grade F

Fast Five

2011-06-23T18:35:00.003-04:00

I just want to go into this review by saying I have not seen any movies in this series since the first one. I hated that one. I gave it an F. Many have told me people since then that I have to see another film in this series. I am here to say that today on this date, May 10, 2011 I gave in to peer pressure. I am also here to say that I will never do so again.

This movie was nothing more than your simple formulated heist flick. It had a little action in it to keep you from falling into a coma and the acting was just good enough to keep it from the trash compactor. There was very little about this movie however that was entertaining. The closing scene was sweet but it took too long to get to it. I absolutely loved the chase sense through the streets of Rio de Janeiro. It was awesome. I mean seriously you just try chaining a bank vault to two racecars and evading every cop in the country. I loved it. They destroyed almost everything in their path including a bank and they never stopped to even bat an eye.

This case scene however was filed with tired clichés. First one that comes to mind is why does no cop in any movie ever know how to drive right. The second question I have closely follows the first. Don’t these same police officers know how to shoot? I mean really I have never touched a gun in my life and I would probably have better aim than the cops here. Ok, so that was not a major deterrent but it needs to be pointed out anyway.

The other reason I was not fond about this film was I never really knew who was shooting at whom. I could not keep track of the sides in many scenes. Most of the time I was just confused. If you ask some people I know however I am in that same point of mind everyday. (Hi Jill) This film never really made me believe in the good guys, or in this case the antagonist(s). I know you are supposed to cheer for the bandits in this film. I just never really had any interest what so ever if they won or lost.

If this film was about sweet looking fast cars and stunningly sexy women than I must have missed them both. Neither of the female car thieves were of any interest to me nor was the overly sensitive female police officer. They were all just run of the mile skinny bitches to me and I was not into any of them.

I spent most of the 130 minutes of this movie waiting for something to happen. When I did happen I was not terribly impressed and simply wanted that to be over as well. The closing credits came to me as a great relief. I jumped out of my car and ran towards the exit. I hope to never see another film in this series again and if I rent one I ask you to pummel me to death before viewing it.

Grade F

Goldfinger

2011-06-21T13:15:00.001-04:00

Yes, I realize I am a little late on posting this review but deal with it. It is just a blogspot after all. I have however saved the best for last. This by far is my favorite Bond film. (At least for now that is.) 007 is at his best in this film he is suave, sexy and debonair. He has all the elements and traits required of a secret agent. In this film alone we see slight of hand, coolness and cunning and the ability to get out of any trap he falls in to. In this film he comes closer to dying than any of the other 21 Bond films. (There are 22 in total). He is nearly cut in half with a gold laser. How appropriate is that from Mr. Goldfinger.

This film may have the coolest movie car in it of all time. The Aston Martin has been a recognized staple of the James Bond films this version may be the coolest of all of them. Keep in mind this movie was made back in 1964, the car in it has a smoke screen, oil slick, and even a radar screen tracking system. It influenced many future movies, TV shows and video games in the future. (Who remember Spy Hunter?)

Bond is at his best in this third outing of the popular film series. In my humble opinion he met wit for wit and tack for tack by this titular movie villain. No one came closer to killing Bond or being his most noble enemy than Auric Goldfinger. (At least not in my humble opinion.) I have always been a fan of Sean Connery and called him my favorite Bond. Daniel Craig comes close but has only done two Bond films. There is no one better than the first I always say. Sean is at his best in this outing.

This movie sets the gold standard for all future Bond films. It has influences on many future outings and even inspired it own Austin Powers film spoof title. If you have not seen this film yet than you are crazy. If you have not seen it in a while than what are you waiting for, an invitation? Well consider your self invited to have the time of your life. (In front of a TV screen that is.) Either way you are bound to love this film I know I did.

Grade A+

The Secret of NIHM

2011-06-20T10:29:00.000-04:00

In the cobwebs of my memory I remember this film. I know it was about mice and rats and of course and I remember that it was a dark and shadowy film. Don Bluth directed this movie. Don Bluth may be best known as the director of An American Tail a film but that postdates the movie by four years. Both stories center around a mouse family but that is where the similarities end. One story is chipper and upbeat the other is not.

The plot of this story is somewhat simple. A loving mother and widow must save her family of four young field mice from the farmer’s plow that threatens to destroy their home. Her one son is sick though and cannot be moved. So she must figure out a way to keep her family together and safe from harm.

Dom De Luise may be the most recognized name in this voice cast but Wil Wheaton and Shannen Doherty also are included in this cast. The writing is sound and the storyline solid it is however a complicated plot that may confuse its target audience of children and parents alike. I myself found this plot to be to complicated myself and its 86-minute time line to be long and complicated.

This film may be good for the more advanced children (like Drew) but I found the movie to be to difficult to follow myself. This is an animated children’s movie after all. The last think I want to do is put some serious thought in to it. Alas I did not really enjoy this film and must therefore say so in my review. There were simply to many characters and plot twist for me to follow so early on a Monday morning.

I know that my mood greatly affects the grade I give a movie and perhaps I should watch this film at a later date. For today however I was not impressed. So therefore my grade will reflect that. See me again in a few months and I may have a new perspective on this film.

Grade C+

Just Go With It

2011-06-19T09:19:00.000-04:00

As A writer I have discovered one of the hardest things to do with an article or any piece of writing you create is coming up with an appropriate title. This movie is perfectly titled. It more or less sums up the entire 117-minute film in one felt swoop. It is not realistic, it is not creative and it never really holds any water. It is however a comedy and I must admit I really enjoyed laughing at it.

That adage only holds up for the first one hour and thirty minutes however. During that time this film was hysterical. I never really cared how realistic it was it was a fictional movie so I went with it. That is supposed to be the point of a fictional film as long as you don’t give it too much thought it is fun, as was the beginning of this movie. I soon discovered that much to my demise that somewhere at the one hundred and thirty minute mark though it got awkward. The novelty wore off and it started to get romantic. I realize this is a romantic comedy I just didn’t want the insanity to end.

When the film drastically changed gears is when it became lame and predictable. The refreshing, map cap humor of the first ninety minutes turned to staleness and the movie went down hill from there. If only this movie were a little bit shorter. If it ended at the 90-minute mark I would have given it an A. It however lasted until almost two hours long. (117 minutes to be exact) So my grade for this film drops a little. Since movies don’t usually make me laugh out load I’ll give it props. I will not however give it my highest grade.

Grade B-

Man on Fire

2011-06-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

The first thing I noticed about this movie is the length. At two hours and twenty-five minutes I did not think I wanted to see it any time soon. Heck, for that matter I am not sure if I wanted to see it at all. It was however the last Netflix movie on my desk. I watched the other two (I have the three at a time option.) and when I woke up early this morning I changed my mind. I am glad I did. This movie was intense to say the least.

First off let me sum up the plot. This tale takes place in Mexico City. In Mexico City a child is abducted once every sixty minutes. At least that is what this movie wants you to believe. Therefore a young girl in a rich influential family is a target of potential kidnappers. Dakota Fanning plays the girl in question and the man hired to protect her is John Creasy. (Denzel Washington.) John Creasy is the central character in this film here and it is he who is in almost every scene. We will not get much into a character critique here since it is the entire movie I am ready to review.

This movie is so good because it is so well written. The fact that I could write a small novel on the central character proves that. It is not however what this film is about. The film has many layered elements to it. It is why the movie is so long in the first place. The film tells a whole story. That is not always so in movies today. So that is one aspect of the movie I liked.

The aspect of the film I didn’t like is it tells too much of a story. I know it sound like I am contradicting myself but I am not. I just like a rudimentary story. When the story line grows too many braches you need to cut off those branches. Anybody with a large tree in his or her yard knows this. So what I’m saying is this movie needs a tree cutter. If you cut of a few of the longer braches I am willing to bet you can cut it back to less than two hours and to an 37 year old curmudgeon of a film critic like me that is the perfect length of time for a movie.

Grade B+

I Am Number Four

2011-06-15T13:21:00.001-04:00

In this 2011 movie we see elements and tributes of the past four decades of cinema. It opens with a teenage skinny-dipping scene witch is a shout to 1975's Jaws. There are also elements and hints of the X-Files, The Matrix and even Twilight. This movie is however refreshing original. While there are familiar scenarios and characters seen in other films the overall format is fresh, crisp, and creative.

Comic book movies and TV shows seem to be a dime a dozen nowadays and this film has elements of those films. This is considered a science fiction film but it of course is so much more. What movie would be complete with out a little romance? There is a cute teenage couple locking lips in this movie. There are some horror movie creations in this film as well. They all come together to make a fairly captivating film.

The set up scenes could move a little faster and the over all tone of the film is fairly dark. That is however how the ball bounces and this film should bounce its way into your Netflix queue or Redbox rent list. This movie is definitely aimed at a young audience. The main characters are all teenagers and older adults (30 or over) may not be into the adolescent feel of the film.

I however am 37 and I enjoyed this film immensely. It is true that most of the theater going crowd and movie rental audience is getting younger and younger with taken poll. This movie there for is aiming at its target audience. I recommend it to any one however and they can be their own judge. This movie was being fought over at the Redbox where I work. Since decent Redbox titles seem to be dwindling with each passing season. I recommend you at least take this one out for a spin. It will only cost you one dollar. (If you return it the next day that is.)

Grade B-

Octopussy

2011-06-14T14:14:00.001-04:00

I feel after watching this film that is was a very formulatic 007 movie. Let me explain what I mean by formulatic. I mean it fit the cookie-cutting mold of the previous 12 films. It had all the elements James Bond fans were familiar with. Usually I would scoff and complain at such a notion. In this case however it sort of works. As the old familiar saying goes if it’s not broke don’t fix it.

There are some new elements to this film however. There is a new actor portraying the role of M. Bernard Lee was the face of 007’s boss in all the previous films and died before this movie was filmed. (We will l miss him.) There is however a familiar face in the lead or titular role of Octopussy. Maud Adams played Dr. Goodnight in 1974’s The Man with the Golden Gun and is to this day the only actress to play two different Bond women. Some believe she is the most beautiful of all the Bond Women.

I was never really a fan of Roger Moore. While he did take the up role of 007 in 7 of the 22 Bond films to date. (Nearly one third.) He never really was a draw for me. That being said however this film seems to be his best of his outings. What Moore did well he did a lot of in this excursion and it worked well for him and made the film most entertaining.

This film had typical ending too. It not only ended with Bond in bed with the beautiful lead 007 lady. It also ended on a boat. The boat of course floats on water. As almost all James Bond fans know a watery setting was commonplace in this series. As I said before if it is not broke why fix it.

In short, this is a Bond film worth seeing. Where it lacks in originality and creativity in makes up for in suspense and intrigue. There are just enough laughs thrown in to this two hour and eleven minute film worth renting. So add it to your Netflix queue today.

Grade C+

Life As you Know It.

2011-06-09T11:47:00.003-04:00

I know what you are thinking, on the surface this looks like another one of those predictable romantic comedies. Well guess what your right it is. The plot idea seems like a cross between The Break Up (2006), and What Happens in Vegas (2008). It now seems like a pattern. Every two years, just remake the same movie. (This film was released it 2010.)

Well guess what it works. The fact that your reading this review most likely means you have already seen or rented this movie. The fact alone that you are reading this review means you are at least interested. Am I right? You are responsible in a way for this reoccurrence in plot ideas. Hollywood depends on money. If you paid to see this movie then you are the reason the keep making the same film over and over again. This film is entertaining however. I always say that is not the destination that counts but how you get there that is the true journey. This film definitely takes a new route.

The characters in this film are fun and lovable. The baby named Sofia is overwhelmingly adorable and so is Katherine Heigel. Only Heigel is ultra sexy too. If you are looking for nudity in this PG-13 rated flick don't bother. There are however two ultra hot scenes of her (Heigel) in both a bubble bath and a shower. Less is more I always say. This film has more than eye candy however. It has some wonderful scenes and scenarios and mix in a fairly creative plot line to boost.

I'd suggest this movie for anyone who is simply looking for some lighthearted entertainment. The movie is warm and inviting and worth the time you put into it. I admit it is a tad long at one hour and fifty-five minutes. It does not however have any frivolous or pointless scenes. (At least not after the birthparents die that is.)

Grade C+

Casino Jack

2011-06-08T08:51:00.001-04:00

The first thing you will probably notice about this movie is the cast. Kevin Spacey plays the titular character and is the marquee name as well. Jon Lovitz plays his right hand man. Together they are the perfect combination of con man and sleaze. They are both roles each perspective actor was born to play (Spacey as the con man and Lovitz as the sleaze.) They play them well to boot.

The next question you may have is how do I categorize this movie. What is the film's genre? The film is full of drama. So it might be a drama. The film is also an exaggeration though. They take a character trait and play it to an extreme. Hence the term exaggerate. The theme is a dark one. Hence therefore it is a dark comedy. The aforementioned Jon Lovitz is a comedian so there for this film must be funny. The sad part is it is not. At least this 37- year old curmudgeon, dark comedy hating, film critic did not find it to be. It was entertaining though and that is worth something.

Oh by the way. You may want to know the plot of the film. Kevin Spacey play a Washington Dc Lobbyist and Levitz is the television commercial selling mattress salesman Spacey hires to do his dirty work. They more or less get in over their heads early in the film and must dig their way out for the rest. I'd tell you if they succeed but that would make me a horrible critic. You must see the film to find out what happens.

In the end the film is worth something. The story line is sound and the actor top notch. The pace is perfect and I was kept interested for the one hour and forty-eight minute length of the film. The premise of the film and the trailer is good enough to get me hooked in. I paid my buck at the Redbox. (Ok. it was a free rental.) I was not however disappointed. Check it out today and decide for yourself. I cannot guruntee you will like it or even that you will get it. It may be worth the dollar anyway to find out.

Grade C+

Gnomeo and Juliet

2011-06-06T09:39:00.000-04:00

There are some things in this world that are a matter of black and white. In many cases this describes a love affair. In this case however it is more or less a matter of blue and red. Let me explain. Gnomeo and Juliet are two star-crossed lovers who are both garden gnomes. They live in neighboring yards and are known simply by the color of their hats. Their families are in an age-old feud and as a result hate each other with an unrivaled prejudice. When they meet and instantly fall in love they must decide how to proceed with their feuding neighboring clans.

This is a cute modern day kid friendly retelling of one of William Shakespeare’s most well known tragedies. It takes place in the suburbs of old London England and is brought to the big screen in the 21st century. The lead characters are voiced by James Mc Avoy and Emily Blunt and they head up an all-star voice cast. Included in the thus mention voice cast are some pretty big names from several decades of movies. They include, Michael Cain, Maggie Smith and even Dolly Parton. They storyline is cute and creative (considering the original source is three centuries old.)

The film itself is short at only one hour and twenty-four minutes. The pacing however is perfect. The characters are all cute and lovable and Elton John supplies the soundtrack with some remixing of some of his best known songs like Crocodile Rock and Your Song. This is definitely a film you can take your kids to see and may even enjoy your self as a parent. I a 37-year-old bachelor enjoyed it and I see a lot of movies. Rent it today from Redbox or Netflix. If you don't like it tell me. I may even send you a nickel.

Grade B+

How Do You Know?

2011-05-31T11:12:00.000-04:00

This is a cute little romantic comedy with a lot of recognizable names attached to it and a few familiar faces. At the heart of the film are Owen Wilson, Reese Witherspoon and Paul Rudd. They are the three points in this love triangle. On Wilson is a Rich good looking womanizer and Reese Witherspoon is his latest romantic fancy. Paul Rudd is a down on his luck Single man just looking for some sign of salvation. In sort this film is nothing more than a run of the mill right guy wrong place movie but it does have it own comedic elements and sparks of originality.

James L. Brooks writes and directs this movie and he is no stranger in Hollywood. While he is best known for penning many Simpson’s episodes he has also directed such films Spanglish and As Good as It Gets. He does a good job in this film and makes the movie worth watching. The plot is acceptable for the big screen and the acting is nothing to write home about. The best part of this film is that it puts old familiar scenarios in a new creative situation.

The pace of this film is consistent and it will keep you interested for the two-hour and one minute duration of this film. This film is rated ‘PG” so there is no formidable sex, language, or violence to worry about. This movie may be a perfect first date film to take a girl to see if you don’t know much about her. It has noting really offensive about it and may even be a good pick to see with the pastor’s daughter.

While I would not recommend this film to any one I would not forbade anyone from seeing it either. It is a typical lighthearted film and is acceptable to many viewers. Rent for your self if you are so inclined and tell me what you though of it on my blogspot.

Grade C+

The Man With The Golden Gun

2011-05-29T21:58:00.001-04:00

Perhaps the last six days of rain have got me dreary. Maybe its is the fact that people are predicting the end of the worlds to come today, or maybe it is just the fact that this is a bad movie. Whatever the reason is you are about to read a very sarcastic and negative review.

Let us start off with the opening song shall we. It is perhaps the most annoying song to date. Every time I hear it I simply run to the medicine cabinet and want to put in my earplugs. He lyrics are simply horrid and it (the sheet music) should have been better left in the garbage can. Very few song in the past had anything to do with the actually movie. Why change the formula. I always say if it is not broke don’t fix it.

Let’s us next go the action sequences. The speedboat chase was done before. It was even alluded to at one point in this movie. Live and Let Die’s speedboat scene was epic. This one was simply boring. The car chase immediately following this scene was somewhat more exciting. It was all very tired and cliché with police cars crashing and property being destroyed left and right but it worked better then the beginning of the chase.

The one girl in this film (Goodnight) was yet another airheaded blonde bimbo. She was locked in the closet for Bond’s first love scene yet she forgave him in the end of the film. Maud Adams played the more popular love interest in this film. She is the only actress in James Bond movie history to play two different leading ladies and she may have been the only light in this dark dreary film. Let us not forget the main villains and titular character’s left hand man and sidekick. He was an annoying little midget of a man with an irritating voice. James Bond did not even kill him in the end. He just locked him in a suitcase and hung him on the morning ropes of Scaramanga’s yacht.

If you want a better Bond flick then simply look at the one made just before this. Live and Let Die was a great start for Roger Moore and a far more exciting film with a much more developed plot and believable story line. This film bore me to sleep and it probably will for you as well.

Grade F

Star Wars

2011-05-27T09:28:00.001-04:00

This movie has long been one of my favorite movies of all time. I always look for the perfect time to write my review of it or the perfect number review to write and it always falls by the way side. So when I read in a magazine the other day that Star Wars was released on May 25^th (1977). I decided to make it the next film I watched. I chose to ignore the three 21^st century released films on my desk (from Netflix) and go with an oldie but goodie.

First of all this film is legendary. It is still loved by kids today and is far older then some of the parents of those kids. Secondly it is Star Wars, You don’t really need a reason to watch it. This film is legendary. It tells a classic tale of friendship and rebellion. It is a movie that will never be forgotten and it is still one of the most popular films seen today. So I need no further explanation.

I admit I have seen this movie many, many times. I like my cousin Scott have it memorized. It is a film we never get tired of watching and it tells a story that never gets old. It is a classic good versus evil tale. It is set in the background of space to make it unique. The special effects are still worthy of awe today and it is a movie that is 34 years old.

It has lead to many more legendary film ideas and may just be the most popular film 20th Century Fox had ever made. The music is amazing, the actors household names and it is still suspenseful no matter how many times you’ve seen it. How do you top such a legendary film? You make it in to a smash trilogy and top it off with another trilogy over two decades after the first film was resealed. It is the 3^rd highest grossing film series of all time and it is only surpassed because the first two series are still alive today and taking in more money per ticket. (By the way those series are James Bond and Harry Potter.)

Grade A+

Smokey and the Bandit

2011-05-26T14:40:00.001-04:00

1977 has long been my favorite year for movies. In most notable saw the release of Star Wars but is also saw the release of Pete's Dragon and The Spy Who loved Me as well. Each movie was considered to be a favorite of mine at one point in my life and I have seen them many times. This film was also reloaded in 1977. It is a feature I have long since heard about and always wanted to se but the right opportunity never came up. So you can imagine my surprise when I saw it on Xfinity under the free movies list. I jumped at tit right away and enjoyed it from start to end.

If anybody out there is a fan of the Dukes of Hazzard (TV show) like I am you may see many familiar elements in this movie. This movie came out two years before the Dukes debuted on Television and may have been the jumping board for many of its ideas. First of all we have fast cars and a stupid sheriff, both elements alike in the two formants. You may also notice however a basset hound in both stories as well as a character named Cledus. (It was spelled Cletus in the Dukes.)

The movie was good in it's own regard as well. It spawned two sequels in less then ten years and was even nominated for an academy award. (Best Editing) and it scored Sally Field A Golden Globe Nominee. It made Burt Reynolds a household name and added a pretty impressive notch on Sally Field's career belt. Jackie Gleason was great as well and he even got the chance to have fun making big buck.

This is a review however and I have not really told you yet if I like the film or not. Well guess what I did. It was a fun film to watch on a rainy Monday morning and simply have fun with a movie. I cheered for the right people and laughed in the right places. The characters were all fun and zany and this is just what the doctor order after seeing so many disappointing films this month. My blogspot GPA is at an all time low of 1.85. (for the month of May) So maybe I just needed a little pick me up. This movie did just that. It not only picked me up. It ran down the street and jumped me over the river.

Grade A

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

2011-05-23T12:32:00.000-04:00

I am in the middle of writing seven James Bond 007 movie reviews. (See the left side of the blogspot.) For that reason and that reason alone I am very familiar with some names in the credits of this movie. First and foremost it is an Ian Fleming book. Secondly Albert R. Broccoli produces it. Ken Adams is even the production designer. Oh yea one more biggie. Gert Frobe plays the head villain. (Aka Goldfinger) He is argued to be the greatest villain in the history of the James Bond Franchise.

This is however a Disney film. Therefore I should compare it to other Disney films. It is a live action Disney musical so lets stick to just those films for now shall we? This film precedes films like Pete's Dragon and Bedknobs and Broomsticks. It follows such films however as Mary Poppins and Song of the South. This is not one of my all time favorites. (Sorry Nicole)

My first complaint is that it is too long. At two hours and twenty-five minutes I needed an entire morning off to see it. It even comes complete with intermission. (I needed one.) I will say however that it tells a complete story and no scenes are unnecessary. I just wonder how many kids today will have the attention span to get through it. I know films made back it its day (1968) were long but this is ridiculous. Every thing before the intermission was well paced and enjoyable. The pacing however seemed to grind to a halt after that. When the final credits came it was none too soon. I raced my Netflix DVD to the mailbox to get it in the noon pick up.

This movie did have it advantages though. The cinematography was fantastic. The costumes were amazing and the kids at the center of the story were as cute as a button. I laughed many times while watching it and even began to sing along. So it filled the requirements of a good family film. I was however enamored with the film and in my opinion it never really took flight. Heck it barley floated my boat for that matter and that is what a good film should do.

So see this 43-year-old film for yourself and let your own heart decide. Perhaps the fault is with in me and I don’t have the patience to enjoy an older film such as this. The other possibility is that it just is not my morning. With today being the 8th straight day of rain in the forecast I need a little pick me up. I also need a descent day job. That way I wont be watching movies every morning. I am definitely getting more critical lately. If you don’t believe me just look at my last few reviews.

Grade C-

The Roommate

2011-05-22T12:22:00.003-04:00

Sara Matthews is going through what many people consider to be one of the toughest times in your life. She is moving out of her parents’ house and going to college. In her case the time is made to be even more difficult when she inherits a psychopath for a roommate. College life is hard it is down right crazy when Rebecca.

I rented this movie expecting it to be awful. I checked Rotten Tomatoes and other movie review websites and all of them seemed to have panned this movie outright. Maybe I am the exception then because part of me kind of liked it. This movie was not exactly creative or even downright original. It was however scary. Is that not what a horror movie is supposed to be. I will admit the movie was full of tired clichés and worn out characters. It did however keep me interested for one hour and thirty-one minutes. That in my book is what makes a movie entertaining.

The only downside I see to this movie is that it had two shower scenes in it with no gratuitous nudity. Normally I am against such a thing. This is however a movie about college girls I want to see a little T& A. it is a staple of such movie genres. I feel bereft with out it. That being said this movie is worth renting. It kept me on the edge of my recliner the entire time. I never cared what others think of movie. I try and give each film (and accompanying review) it own chance. The truth is I liked this movie. I am not saying id rent it again. I am just saying it was not s bad as the critics made it out to be. See it for your self and decide. It is available at your local Redbox.

Grade C+

Half Past Dead

2011-05-19T09:20:00.002-04:00

I am willing to admit I am not usually a fan of Steven Segal movies. So when a friend of mine (Ed) recommended this film I was hesitant to rent it. I have discovered over time that most of Segal's movies have very little plot but some kickin’ martial arts moves in it. This movie may be the only exception.

The plot in this movie was too intense at times and I will admit extremely hard to follow through the bulk of the film. While this film was only one hour and thirty-eight minutes in length it at points seemed much longer. It made me nervous at parts and that is not necessarily the sign of a good movie.

I liked this movie in the end however and that is really the only thing that counts. I will go with Ed’s suggestions in the future and write a review for him with pleasure. The characters in this film were all tired and cliché but some times that is what you need to make a decent action flick. Stick with what you know I always say and success will surly follow.

It is hard to make a totally original movie, so some times you have to go with the old familiar stand byes. That is what this movie was full of a lot of familiar stand byes. Pick it up today if you simply want to be entertained. The last few minutes of it are sweet, and totally worth adding to your Netflix queue.

Grade B

An Affair To Remember

2011-05-18T06:59:00.000-04:00

This movie is a love story of legend. Cary Grant and Deborah Carr star in this movie that is very well known as one of the greatest love stories in cinematic history. The reunion site in this film is still spoken of in many movies today. The film is simply unforgettable and some critics rank it up there along with Casablanca as silver screen lore.

If you don’t know of the destination site I speak of in the opening paragraph then I suggest you rent this movie today. I found it for free on Xfinity. You may have to add it to your Netflix queue. Either way you will not be disappointed when you see this movie. While I admit the last twenty minutes did seem to drag on forever the ending is well worth the wait.

Both Deborah Carr and Cary Grant were screen legends of their time. The pairing of the two makes this movie famous from the get go and a sure fire hit in 1957. While neither was nominated for an Academy Award in this film the movie did pull in 4 Oscar nods. They were Best Music, Best Song, Best Costume Design and Best Cinematography. They were all worthy nominees and part of what made this film so famous.

This film is a classic in every way. A boy meets girls story that has many elements in romantic films today. I recommend this film to my younger readers. You may not love it but I am sure you will like it. You may even tell your friends about it. Just remember Matthew told you to go see it right away.

Grade A-

K-9

2011-05-16T09:12:00.001-04:00

Stop me if you heard this plotline before. James Belushi is an aging, ill-mannered cop who simply dos not get along with others. He is good at his job but he has broken the rules too many times and now he must take on a partner. The plan is that the partner will calm him down. This formula is as old as time. There is a catch this time however. His new partner has fleas, eats furniture and walks on four legs.

That’s right. Jerry Lee is the name of a mean, old junkyard type of a dog whom even the K-9 unit is scared of. He is put together with Dooley (Belushi) and they must track down the towns big drug lord. I know what you are thinking. The plot is an age-old formula. Well guess what I’m not going to argue with you. This formulaic storyline is far from original. The movie works however if you just give it have a chance.

This movie is considered a comedy. As well it should be. It is a staple of cop movies. It just so happens that I liked this film and found it to be amusing. The humor appealed to me and the storyline was just familiar enough to make me enjoy it.

James Belushi played his stereotypical male role that does not seem to care about anything or anyone more than himself. You don’t need to always be new and inventive in today’s cinematic world. You simply need to be entertaining. This movie was simply that, entertaining. The characters were appealing. The storyline easy to follow and the comical moments were funny too.

This movie is Rated PG-13 but I see nothing wrong with taking your kids too see it. There is some mild language in it and of course some action style violence. The sex is pretty much off screen and I found nothing in this film to be overwhelmingly offensive. Young boys make want to see it because it has a dog in it. Most parents will not be offended to take their kids. This movie has nothing in it kids have not seen in other ‘PG’ rated films. See it today however and decide for yourself.

Grade B

The Rabbit Hole

2011-05-15T10:35:00.000-04:00

This is another one of those really gritty, dark, and totally depressing movies. It is about a young couple dealing with the loss of their 8 year old boy and how everyone deals with tragedy differently. Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckert play the aforementioned couple. Diane Wiest plays her mother and the entire cast is extraordinary.

I must warn you however this is not a feel good movie. The film will depress you and leave you hollow inside. You may even need a box of tissues close at hand for certain scenes. That is however the signs of a well made movie. The direction is top notch and the subtle score fantastic. This film is must see for anybody who is not afraid to take it too seriously.

I went into this movie hesitant too see such a depressing theme so early on a Sunday morning. I walked away with a new found appreciation for those in the same boat. (As the characters in this movie.) This is the type of movie that makes you admire a good actor or writer. If an actor can portray such depth on the big screen then they almost deserve the tons of money they make. (I said almost.)

There are some people that may not be able to handle such a film of this caliber. Those who can watch such a film however should add this to the top of their Netflix Queue. Many award ceremonies honored Nicole Kidman for her role in this film. She received a Golden Globe Nominee as well as one form the Academy. She unfortunately came up with nothing. Perhaps that is fitting however considering the character she played.

Grade A+

Sixteen Candles

2011-05-13T13:44:00.004-04:00

With all things in life things change over time. Three of my last posted movie reviews were about very recent (the last two years) sex comedies. I gave all three of them a very generous “C” and was not terribly entertained by any of them. Today I saw an 80’s sex comedy. It was at the request of my friend Adam and was long over due.

Today at last I was entertained. While I admit a lot of the characters were tired cliché types seen in other films they were in this case appropriate. There was no on screen sex in this movie and instead a lot of good character development and comical sequences. This film (like my last three) featured a well-known director in the form of John Hughes. I have only seen two of his films so far (The Breakfast Club is the other) but I’m pretty sure his films were never raunchy or “R” rated like the more recent films in this genre.

I am aware of the expression “some things get better with age” yet I am also familiar with the one that says, “less is more”. It appears today that less is not more and perhaps movies today have gone too far and are pushing the envelope a bit too much. This movie was one of the most creative pieces I’ve seen this week. It was an “oldie but a goody” but this 37-year-old amateur film critic enjoyed it far more.

We are all entitled to our opinions and I may see more films like No Strings Attached and Love and Other Drugs on the big screen in the near future. I hope however the films of the future take another path and focus on creativity and character development as apposed to sex, sex an more sex. I have nothing against a good ‘role in the hey’ mind you I just don’t want to see my favorite young stars doing it constantly on the big screen. If you want sex rent a porno. There are plenty of them in production today.

Grade B+

Blue Valentine

2011-05-13T13:42:00.001-04:00

Reader or movie watchers beware. This is not a feel good film. It is a good one though. The story line is of a young married couple named Dean and Cindy. (No last name given.) They are in a now loveless marriage and fighting at every turn. The have raw animal sex and pretty much have abandoned their young 3 year old daughter. I know the above analogy may sound hearse but if so then you have not seen this movie.

Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling play this above-mentioned couple. They play their roles to near flawless perfection and embrace the characters they portray perfectly. I said it before and I’ll say it again this is not a movie to bring home on a first date. It is a gritty hard-edged drama that is dark and disturbing at every turn. It is rumored that Gosling and Williams lived together while filming this movie giving it an all-together more realistic feel.

I did not know what to expect when I rented this film from the Redbox and was completely surprised by how good this film was. I return this movie today with a hole in my heart and a feeling of release at the same time. I hate to return such a well film feature. I was sick to my stomach when I finished watching this film and my heart felt hollow as well. That is only because I felt the pain this couple was going through and the movie was top caliber at making me feel the pain.

This is in my opinion what a well-made film should do. A good horror film should scare the Hell out of you. A good comedy should make you laugh. A dark drama like this one should leave you with a hollow feeling inside because it was so realistic and well acted. Michelle Williams was Oscar nominated for her role in this film and she deserves the honor I assure you.

If you are looking for a movie to remember for a long time to come then this is a definite a must see. It reminded me of 2008’s Revolutionary Road for tits darkness and excellence as well. Entertainment Weekly has it on the top of their list of dark romantic films. I will recommend it to anyone but warn him or her of its depressing theme.

Grade A+

THe Hunger Games

2011-05-13T13:40:00.004-04:00

The Huger Games

By Suzanne Collins

A Book Report

This book and book series (It is a trilogy.) is one of the hottest trends on he planet right now. It has already been compared to the Twilight series. My sister is a middle school teacher and told me this book is the best of the three. I took her word for it and bought all three books in the series. So far I am not remotely disappointed.

The book is aimed at a younger crowd. It is being eaten up by high school and middle school student and has even snuck its way on to a few college campuses. I at the age of 37 am not afraid to delve into the category of young adult novels. They are usually easy to read and fun to explore. The topics with in are usually clean and free of profanities and even some thing you can recommend to your pastor or bible study leader.

This book is no different. While the main subject is rather dark and sinister the story line is well written and the characters are well developed. The plot line is simple. In the future years of wars and ravaging have nearly brought the world to an end. The setting is an undisclosed time in the future and the biggest from of entertainment is The Hunger Games. In this said future dystopia. Teenagers and young adults age 13 -21 are drafted home and forced to play in gladiator like games of survival. It is a time-honored tradition of this future world and one nobody has stood to dispute.

Katniss is the key player in the storyline and it is her point of view (it is told in first person) that the entire book series is seen through. The other characters are her family member and teammates and people who live in the same zone of population as her lovingly known as District 12. Each district has their own specialty or craft and she lives amongst the poorest of the poor. She is surrounded by working class man and known for its Bakers and as a result Katniss is dressed as fire to show off her districts strength.

The book is first of all divided into three parts. Part I is known as The Tributes. Part II called The Games and Part III The Victor. There are 27 chapters in this book and it is 374 pages (paperback) in length. The chapters are therefore roughly 14 pages in length and fairly easy to breeze your way through. The contest of these chapters is intense and at times somewhat complicated. Nevertheless this is a must read book and an enjoyable form of entertainment.

I finished the last third of the book in one sitting and could not bear to put it down the entire sunny afternoon. The sun shone down on me as I finished the last 150 pages or so and I am eagerly anticipated the next two novels. I will read them some time this summer so keep your eyes peeled to my blogspot for their reviews.

Grade A

Hanna

2011-05-11T12:36:00.001-04:00

I will admit the only reason I saw this movie is because it was the only one I was going to be on time to see. I saw on Rotten Tomatoes it had a 71% approval rating. I figured that was high for a movie nowadays so it would not be a waste of my free pass, or more importantly my time. I went in to the theater having no expectations. I must now say I was pleasantly surprised.

The movie was I admit slow at times, but it had to be to draw a decent plot line. I will also point out that the movie was a jigsaw puzzle of previous movies I saw before like Salt. Once again it did not take away from my over all enjoyment of this fine film. This movie worked for me and so did the actors. The pint sized titular character was particularly engaging and one of the brightest young stars I have seen in a while.

As I said before this movie worked for me as well did the acting. The spotlight award goes to Jessica Barden for her portrayal as Sophie. Sophie was Hanna’s first friend and at times steels the spotlight away from Hanna.

While I am not a particular fan of Eric Bana I think I have now seen everyone of his movies. He is great in this and I look forward to see him act again. (He’s filming Blackbird by the way due out next year.) The rest of the cast is good too and will make you believe this story and get caught up in the movie.

This movie is one to watch but I’ll admit does not need to be seen with a crowd or viewed on a big screen. It may get some Oscar buzz for Saoirse Ronan (Hanna) but relax it is only April this movie will be out on DVD long before the Oscars are even considered for this year.

Whether you shell out the dough to see it on the big screen or wait for it to come out on video it does not matter. I still recommend you see this film if you want to be downright entertained. It is a good flick and you wont de disappointed. Decide for yourself if you like it or not but be sure not to miss it.

Grade B+

No Strings Attached

2011-05-11T09:48:00.000-04:00

I write this review on the same morning that I read that Natalie Portman is taking a leave of absence from acting. I admire her for her decision to be a full time mother (she is pregnant) but I will miss her nonetheless. I also see that she has no movies in preproduction so this may be the last review I write on her for a while. I’ll miss you Miss. Portman.

This movie will be my third DVD seen movie in as many days (I saw Fast Five in theaters) where sex and lots of it is a main part of the theme of the movie. I have nothing against such plots. I understand that it is a way of life for many couples and my Christian morals don’t turn me off against the subject. As a movie critic I simply wish to be entertained for about two hours and I hope to see some creativity and value in the films I view.

That being said I am still looking today for such a film. I am not saying this film is with out merit. I am just saying it was not terribly original or for that matter overwhelmingly entertaining. It did have its moments though. The marquee names in this film are of course the two leading roles in the form of Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher. This film also boasted a great supporting cast. Kevin Kline, Carey Elwes and Greta Gerwing were the three faces I most recognized.

The director is well known too. Ivan Reitman is most probably best known for directing Ghostbusters but Up in the Air and Kindergarten Cop are also on his resume. (He was producer for both.) I guess that only goes to show you that a few well-known and recognizable names are not a guruntee of a great movie or runaway hit. What a movie needs nowadays is a spark. This movie simply had none. It has a few sparkles mind you but nothing to really lighten up my television screen.

My sister said to me not long ago that long ago that I may have lost my cynical edge. If you look at my reviews so far this month (only 1 “A” in nine reviews) I think I may have gained it back. I have seen very little so far this month that was terrible entertaining. I will push on however in my endeavor to see a decent film. I just did not find it in this film today.

Grade C-

Fast Five

2011-05-10T22:50:00.005-04:00

Grade F

It’s Complicated

2011-05-10T09:53:00.000-04:00

This movie may be the most perfectly titled movie ever. The plot is fairly simple. Jane and Jake Adler are an aging couple late in their years and divorced for 10 years. He is remarried of course to a significantly younger woman and she lives alone in a huge mansion like home. This is a story of their mostly sexual affair they have when both of them are looking for more out of life.

For the most part this movie made me feel uncomfortable. I never really laughed at this so-called romantic comedy and I could not relax for the duration of this two-hour and one minute film. This film had a lot of familiar seen it before been there done that comic scenarios. For instance two older characters getting high at a college graduation party. In short nothing in this movie was terribly creative or original. I have nothing against always reliable scenarios mind you I just never really liked this film.

The acting was good and the direction was excellent. Nancy Meyers is the director and is well known in the field of comedy films. See has directed such films as The Holiday, Something’s Gotta Give, and What Women Want. She has written a few classics too. She has even been producer on many comedy classics. She was all three in this film.

The two main actors in this title are both very well known veterans of the big screen. Almost everybody in America has heard of both Alec Baldwin and Meryl Streep. Steve Martin stars in this movie two so the cast is legendary. I have no complaints about any of them.

Once again I admit I am a very harsh critic on comedy movies. I never truly enjoyed this film and was never really surprised by its comedic scenarios. I will not rent this movie again nor will I recommend it to anyone I know. It is just another average run of the mill comedy. If you want me to laugh then be creative. This film was never creative. Feel free to write me back and disagree.

Grade C-

Mad Max

2011-05-09T08:01:00.004-04:00

I added this movie (as well as it successors) just recently to my Netflix queue. I wanted to watch and review the entire trilogy over the next two weeks or so. I have heard a lot of good things about these movies but I have not seen a single one. After watching this film however am not sure if I want to see another.

I spent the entire one hour and thirty-three minutes just waiting for this film to get better. If it were not for the Netflix sleeve it came in I would have no clue what this movie was about. It completely failed to peak my interest or even stir a single emotion. I was never really intrigued or for that matter fully awake. I recognized the good guys from the bad but could not care who won or lost. They both looked equally appalling and as a result I never cared for the antagonists.

This film does have some merit. Mel Gibson is a mere boy in his film and looks different then he did in his break out Lethal Weapon films. His acting was as good as one can expect but was nothing spectacular at the same time.

When the film finally ended I had to awaken from my nap to eject it from the DVD player. So if you don’t see this films two sequels reviewed on my blogspot don’t be terribly surprised.

Grade F