True Grit

A 14-year-old girl sets out to bring her father's killer to justice.  She enlists the help of an aging US Marshall and a Texas Ranger to track him down.

I love this movie!  I do.  I have seen it twice already and would gladly see it again.  There is absolutely nothing spectacular about it but it totally sucks you in.

The dialogue, a lot of which is verbatim from the original, is so clever and sharp.  Take notice that they don't use conjugations, very cool.

The casting was really amazing too. I was shocked that Jeff Bridges was able to take on the John Wayne role and make it his own and, strike me down for saying so, but I think even better. He is much more unkempt and unsympathetic which as a character makes him more believable.

**** Oscar Worthy


Rated PG-13 (violence)

How do you know

How do you know when a movie is just a complete and total waste of time?

You do now.


* Not-A- Chance


Rated PG-13 (sexual content and language)

Tangled

The legendary tale of Rapunzel is told with the touch of the fairytale masters hand; Disney. You all know the story; Rapunzel and all of her flowing, golden locks is kept in a tower by her evil step-mother until a prince, or outlaw, comes along and shows her the world outside.

Solid addition to the Disney princess movie lineup (although I liked Princess and the Frog better). I think it's kind of dumb they changed the name of the movie from Rapunzel to Tangled in order to attract more boys. But that aside this was a very well done and very fun movie. I thought they went just a little too far on the adult humor side and a little too far away from the classic princess tale, but not a huge complaint. The music is made for Broadway, so don't be surprised to see it there soon (the song on the water at the mid point of the movie is very good). The characters are likable, although I thought the villain wasn't quite evil enough. The look of the movie is beautiful, it's what I always imagined the classic hand-drawn Disney movies to look like in CG and 3D. Fun time at the movies and well worth a visit to the theater.

*** out of 4 - See it

Mega Mind

Metro Man; superhero with super powers. Mega Mind; super villain with super intelligence. The two have been rivals since birth, continuously battling for control of Metro City. As one of their routine scuffles is coming to an end, something unexpected happens...Mega Mind wins, giving the bad guy all he ever wanted, or so he thought.

This was a fun yet average addition to the DreamWorks library of animated films, about at the Monsters VS Aliens level. As with the aforementioned movie, it has a very fun idea with a lot of potential but fails to give in to the moments that could have given it the heart it needed to be solid. It seems like it didn't take itself quite serious enough, maybe in an attempt to keep more Will Ferrel type humor. The visuals are amazing, especially in 3D, and there's some fun and endearing moments. But overall it's pretty forgettable. I also thought Brad Pitt's character was a little under-used. I think it's out of theaters by now, but worth a rental when it shows up at RedBox.

**1/2 out of 4 - Rentable

Tron: Legacy

A young man looking for his missing father is sucked into the same world of vigilante programing and gaming.  His father has been there for the past 25 years and now they must make the journey home.

I do NOT remember anything about the first movie other than the guy got sucked into a video game. Yeah that is it.  I probably should have watched it before I went and saw this but just never got around to it and figured they would bridge the gaps in the sequel.

Soooo..... yeah. Ummmm.... this was dumb.


* Not-A-Chance


Rated PG (for mild language)

The Tourist

Frank, an American tourist traveling around Italy is deliberately singled out by Elise, a mysterious woman that seems to have put him in a great deal of danger.

So I went into this movie expecting the Bourne Identity and got Miss Congeniality.  Ok maybe it wasn't that extreme but it was such a huge disappointment.  It was as though someone forgot to inform Johnny Depp that this was an action flick.

It is extremely slow and as an audience member I felt that I was always ten steps ahead of the story waiting for it to catch up.

* 1/2 Rentable I guess


Rated PG-13 (for violence and language)

Tangled

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair.... you know the rest right?

Perhaps you don't?  I realized myself that I don't know a whole lot about this classic fairy tale.  So I was pleasantly entertained by the Disney spin on it.

Again I saw this in 3D. Why? Why does anyone find this necessary? I don't understand this obsession with it -- does anyone know when this fad will be over?

Ok so aside from the unappreciated 3D it was a cute movie.  Smart dialogue.  Funny characters.  The mommy dearest villain is particularly fun.  Not sure this will ever live up to Cinderella or even Beauty and the Beast in terms of favorite princess movies, but it's fun.

*** Must See


Rated PG (no idea why)

Morning Glory

A newly hired producer has a limited amount of time to save her dying morning show from its pitiful ratings not to mention everyone else's job.

This is a cute feel good flick that is 100% forgettable.  Harrison Ford is great as the grumpy news anchor and Rachel McAdams is a little too upbeat but still watchable.

It has a decent cast and again is just feel good fluff -- not horrid but nothing to run out and see.

** Rentable


Rated PG-13 (for sexual content and language)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Harry Potter and friends are back in Part 1 of the adaptation of book seven.

I am assuming that most of you have read the books and don't need me to give you a synopsis of what took place? Good. Ok so I went and saw the midnight showing of Potter and for the first time I was actually surprised when it was over.  In the past the Potter flicks all run way too long -- and I find myself looking at my watch wondering how much longer, but this one was different.  Which is good I suppose, considering that there is probably two hours and forty five minutes more to come in Part 2.

If you are a fan and have devoutly seen all the other films, you of course need to see this one as well.  However if I may add a word of caution for those of you taking little people.  This episode is by far the most bloody, the most violent, and in a few scenes uncomfortably sexual.  So keep that in mind if taking the kids.

** 1/2 Rentable


Rated PG-13 (for violence and frightening images)

Megamind

A super villain finally gets exactly what he wants... he wins! However much to his dismay he finds that he needs his nemesis to be truly be happy.

This was actually really clever.  It is a complete satire of what we have come to know as the superhero genre.  I saw it in 3D which is never necessary, and all movies can go without -- nevertheless it wasn't available in the traditional 2D at my local theatre.

Anyway this is pretty cute, not as heartfelt as a Pixar flick, but then what is?  Still it was fun enough that I think the kids will like it while thoroughly entertaining the adults.

** 1/2 Rentable


Rated PG (for action and language)

Due Date

A slight control freak is on his way home to be at his wife's side for the birth of their first child.  Upon his arrival at the airport and after a series of mishaps he and an obnoxious stranger are grounded and banned from air travel.  With limited funds, a ticking clock, and each other to deal with the two must join forces to get to LA in time.

So remember Trains, Planes, and Automobiles?  Me too.  This is just a drugged up version.  The characters are less endearing,  more irritating,  and less believable.  Granted there are a few funny laugh out loud moments but not enough to carry the movie through to the end.

I really like Robert Downey, Jr. and he is actually well cast in this but I don't know what it was, it just didn't click.  The story is really slow and the humor drags.  Zach Galfiianakis is really irritating, uncomfortably crude and his character as a whole is totally unsympathetic.

Over all it has a few moments, but not worth it.


** Rentable


Rated R (for language, drugs and sexual content)

R.E.D.

Four former CIA agents, each living out their golden years have been suddenly targeted by their former employer as retired and extremely dangerous.  In an effort to understand the madness and to stay alive the four come out of retirement to set the record straight.

I was actually pleasantly surprised by this movie.  It is funny.  Not overly memorable, but it made me laugh.  The casting is what really clinches it.  John Malkovich is brilliant.  Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, and Helen Mirren are great too.  They all just bring something really fun to the story.

Speaking of story.... this one does tend to drag.  Like most action films it has a lull at about the 90 minute mark only to pick up and then go on for about 25 minutes longer than needed.

Nevertheless, it was still kind of a fun night at the movies.

** 1/2 Worth Seeing


Rated PG-13 (for language and violence)

Buried

Paul Conroy wakes up to find himself tied up and locked in a coffin. Buried underground, he doesn't know where he is or how he got there.  Armed with only a cell phone and lighter he tries to piece together clues of his location and how he might be able to escape.

This was a very interesting movie.  Interesting in that I was totally frustrated the entire time and struggled watching it.  The entire movie is one man in a box, keep that in mind as it makes the movie seem much longer than it actually is.

There are a few holes in the script which is ironic as they are literal holes... I won't say anymore on that in the event that one decides to see this.  Still it is worth watching I suppose just to see the camera angels and the editing. If you are prone to claustrophobia you may want to avoid this all together.

** Rentable

Rated R (for language and violence)

It's Kind of a Funny Story

A 16 year old boy stressed out from the complexities of being a teenager checks himself into a mental health hospital fearing that he may commit suicide. Inside he meets a random group of people that all suffer from different mental health issues.

Sooooo, kind of funny.... Yeah, I guess that adequately describes this show.  As it was neither dark enough to take seriously nor comedic enough to be memorable.

The casting looks intriguing but isn't really.  They kind of force, the kind of funny stuff,  if you know what I mean and struggle to gel as a cast as a whole.  The dream sequences however are really well done and could have been used as a real attempt to understand what those with depression deal with, but again, this film deliberately avoids getting too real and/or too serious about the issues.

It was only an hour and forty minutes and yet hits some grave lulls that make it feel so much longer.

Overall totally forgettable.

** Kind of Rentable


Rated PG-13 (for sexual content and language)

Secretariat

In 1973,  Secretariat won the Triple Crown.  Penny Chenery was the owner of this horse and managed to make her way through a male dominated business to become the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years and Secretariat is considered by many to be the greatest racehorse of all time.

This however, is in my opinion, not the greatest horse movie of all time.  This movie is in fact about Penny Chenery, not Secretariat.  It is a sweet, feel good type flick that is missing any sense of wonder. Which is sad as I think it could have been so much better.

It drags and my friends that accompanied me all fell asleep.  It also doesn't have enough of the horse in it to really appeal to children.  If you are looking for an amazing horse racing movie try Seabiscuit or even better- The Black Stallion, both are much more entertaining.

** Rentable

Rated PG (for language)

The Social Network

Once upon a time... a Harvard undergrad in a fit of fury began blogging and programing a site that was only the beginning of an idea.  An idea that would change the world.

I know it all sounds so dramatic, and the fact of the matter is that his brilliant idea has yet to change my world, but I still humbly acknowledge that for better or worse, Facebook has in fact changed the way people communicate.  Pathetic -- OK so onto the movie.

This whole movie is in fact two depositions that are inter cut with flashbacks telling the story of how it all came to pass.  The dialogue, written by Aaron Sorkin, is very stylized and fun.  Truth be told, it makes the movie as the story itself is a tad sluggish and isn't that engaging.  The casting is amazing.  Truly.  Jesse Eisenberg plays Mark Zukerberg, the face behind facebook and he is so good.  I can't tell you how unlikeable and unsympathetic of a character he is and Eisenberg plays this perfectly.  Oh and lets also give credit to Justin Timberlake who is just as equally sleazy -- well done.

I have to admit that as I am not a facebookee, I may have missed out on some of the excitement that was portrayed in the film when little nuances were added to the site that somehow defined what it is today, but I suppose I still kind of appreciated it.  The movie was long though, and by the time it was over it was somewhat anticlimactic, but I liked it -- still not enough to join Facebook however.

** 1/2 See it

Rated PG-13 (for language and sexual content)

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

After being released from a long prison sentence, Gordon Geko again scratches and claws his way back to the top.  This time with the help of his estranged daughters ambitious fiance.

This was really boring. Extremely slow and straight forward.  There aren't any twists or surprises -- well OK there was one, but I will not say anything for those of you that still opt to see this movie.  Nevertheless, the movie is pretty blah.

I'm not exactly sure what I expected, but when you are coming from something as heart warming as "greed is good" I suppose I was surprised when the follow up wasn't exactly prickles and stings.

Really long,  really generic, really boring,..... really.

*1/2  Not really rentable

Rated PG-13 (for language)

I'm so Behind!!

Alright people, I'm sorry, I am extremely behind in my reviews so while I make a pathetic effort at catching up here are a few glimpses at what I've seen:

The Switch:

Ehhhh, Jason Bateman was fun and the little boy was really funny.

** Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for language, sexual content and dialogue)

Takers:

OK this was totally eye candy.  It was like Oceans 11 meets Die Hard, but it didn't really work, nevertheless those on screen were very fun to watch.

*** Eye Candy (what can I say, I love Paul Walker)

Rated PG-13 (for violence and language) 

The American:

I really liked this.  It is a slow methodical, character piece but it works well.  If you like independent film I strongly suggest you see this. Oh and do I need to mention that George Clooney is in it?

*** See it

Rated R (for language, violence, and sexual content)

Get Low:

This was at Sundance and although a tad predictable I thought it was kind of funny, well Bill Murray is funny. The rest is kind of sad and slow.

** 1/2 Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for brief violent content)

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World:

This is totally like watching a video game.  If you grew up playing the original Nintendo or are a current gamer, I think you will really like this. Take note, it is about 35 minutes too long.

** 1/2 Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for violence, language, and sexual content)

Easy A:

Funny, clever, sharp, and poignant.  I really liked this.  It reminded me of Clueless, but more cynical.

*** 1/2 See it.

Rated PG-13 (for language and sexual content)

The Town:

This really wasn't my favorite.  Can't put my finger on it, but the characters just didn't mesh well for me and the story didn't seem polished enough for me to care either way.

** Rentable

Rated R (for violence and language)






So again I will work on getting actual reviews of the above movies posted.  In the mean time accept my apology and I will pledge to do better and never get this far behind again.

Waking Sleeping Beauty

A documentary from the directors of The Lion King, reveals the circumstances, talent, work and people that brought about Walt Disney Animation Studios second "Golden Age" (Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King).

Being an animator and Disney aficionado, I was really excited to see this film. Especially from what the trailers led us to believe it would be about; the guts and hard work of the artists that put Disney Animation back on it's feet after years of failure and near closure of Disney's animation studio all together. While a we do get a portion of that story throughout, the documentary goes off on several tangents throughout and eventually becomes more of a behind the scenes of the rivalry between Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenburg. While all the information was very interesting to me because I'm kind of a Disney-nerd, I would imagine someone wanting to be inspired from seeing how the making of their favorite Disney movies saved Disney Animation, would be left a little bored and disappointed. If you want to find a documentary more like what I expected, I highly recommend The Pixar Story, a documentary about how Pixar Animation Studios came to be. You'll be inspired. But in the case of Waking Sleeping Beauty...not so much.

**1/2 out of 4 - Rentable

Step Up 3D

A young freshman in college is trying to balance his studies with his true passion; hip-hop dance. As he gets more and more involved in the dance world he finds himself in the middle of a fight to help keep his newly joined dance crew alive and together.

This is the only Step Up movie I have seen, but from what I understand each version uses the same actors but creates a completely new and different story with those actors. So I wasn't missing any plot points by not seeing the first two. My wife having taken years of dance classes from K through college, had quite the influence on me getting to the theater to see this movie. That said I did enjoy the dancing portions of the movie very much, it's amazing stuff. But a part from that there is a high portion of cheese throughout the movie and the actual 3D parts are pretty weak.

Not worthy of a theater trip or even a rental, I'd wait until the cool dance scenes are on youtube and get your fill of cool hip-hop dancing there.

** out of 4

Inception

Technology exists that can allow specially trained agents to enter peoples minds through their dreams to extract information or to do that which can change peoples lives and the world; plant an idea in the mind which they believe is their own.

This is a very original idea. Christopher Nolan is proving over and over again he's one of the best directors around (Memento, The Prestige, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight). It feels a little Matrix-esque as in they can enter a world that only exists in their minds. The story can be quite complex at times, maybe a little too much at some points. But it's loads of fun and keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. Also some very good performances by the cast, especially DiCaprio.

On a side note the theater I saw this in was displaying some new theater technology, or gimmicks; D-Box, which has 30 seats in the center of the theater which move, bump, and vibrate with the sound effects, images and music. I didn't get one of those seats since they were sold out and cost double the amount of a normal seat. Seems like it might be a tad distracting for almost 3 hours, we'll see if this catches on like 3D is.

***1/2 out of 4 - Definitely see it

Despicable Me

The world's second greatest super-villain, Gru is hatching a plot to steal the moon! As his plan is about to be realized, his life is infiltrated by 3 young orphan girls that not only derail his plans but soften his villainous heart.

This was a fun story that's pulled off nicely. There's a fun mix of heart (nothing quite Pixar-level) and lots of fun action/comedy that's very reminiscent of the old Warner Bros. cartoons. Again, the story is fun and light and the characters are for the most part likable, especially the smallest orphan girl, she has some scene stealing moments. It's not the greatest animated movie, so it's probably kind of forgettable like Mandy says, but it's fun and entertaining.

*** out of 4 - See it

Eat. Pray. Love.

Liz finds her world is crumbling around her.  In an effort to make a serious change and truly find herself she decides to take a year off and spend her time in Italy, India, and Bali.

I did not read this book, nor did I watch the Oprah episode praising the author for how wonderful it was.  My girlfriends all read the book and anxiously accompanied me to the screening.  I, however, only knew the above given synopsis and went in hoping it would be better than a travel log.

Yeah, so, not my favorite flick.  This movie was two hours and forty minutes of self indulgent pity.  Now,  I should pause here to point out that I not only understand being selfish, but feel as though I have achieved a proficient dexterity at being completely shallow and self absorbed.  Having said that, I still did not relate to the main character.

She sets out on this journey to find herself,  but really is still looking to others to define who she is.  Her world is opulent and for many unattainable, yet she never reaches outside of that world to really appreciate what she has.  I found her irritating, annoying, and extremely frustrating.  I didn't appreciate whatever enlightenment she claimed to have found by the time the whole story wrapped up and was just grateful it was over.

** I suppose one could rent it

Rated PG-13 (for language)

Dinner for Schmucks

Tim is on the verge of a huge promotion within his company, it hinges however, on a dinner with his boss and the other senior executives.  Tim is then informed about the "rules" of this monthly gathering.  Each person must bring a guest with them,  someone "extraordinary".

I think you get the idea.  They bring obnoxiously odd people to dinner and make fun of them.  The movie is awful.  It was so painfully uncomfortable to watch that I spent most of the time squirming in my seat looking at my shoes.  It has a few funny moments but those come at a great cost and are not worth it.

The set up and the plot are much like that of Meet the Parents to the extreme.  Where our main character keeps finding himself in horrific situations with seemingly no way out.  I kept asking myself, why?  Why would he do that?  Why would he allow that to happen?  Why didn't he put a stop to that?  Why am I here?

Really not my kind of comedy... annoying, uncomfortable, and unnecessarily crude.

* Not-A-Chance

Rated PG-13 (for language and crude sexual content)

Salt

Evelyn Salt is a CIA officer that is accused of being a Russian sleeper spy set out to assassinate the Russian President.  Unwilling to wait on the CIA to clear her name she takes things into her own hands trying to elude her superiors and save her husband.

Well, this wasn't bad.  It wasn't really that good either.  It is a pretty straight forward action adventure flick.  Not over the top in terms of special effects and the plot is totally predictable and a tad spotty.  The casting is OK, from what I understand the role was originally written for Tom Cruise, who turned it down so they re-wrote the part for a female lead.

It is an do-able summer action movie, nothing to run out and see, but assuming you have already seen Inception, I suppose its the best option.

** 1/2 Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for language and violence)

Inception

A group of spies covertly enter into peoples dreams to steal ideas.  When they get caught by one of their targets he offers them their lives in exchange for a plan of his own.  Now instead of extracting information they must try to plant an idea inside someone else in a way that he is convinced it is his own.

I can say with certainty that my summation of this plot is pretty weak.  I don't want to give too much away but still try and get the basic idea across.  So run with me on this.

OK so plot aside, this was one of the most visually stunning movies that I have seen in a long time.  Very high concept and really interesting.  The idea of creating dreams within dreams and controlling that environment -- Genius.


Now, back to the storyline.  Here is were I take issue with this flick.   Again as much of it was delightful eye candy I felt that it seriously lacked any sense of urgency.  There is nothing at stake.  The world will not come to an end if they fail.  Evil will not prevail.  No one will even die.  Someone else will just make more money.  Yes, there is a sub plot that tries to bring in some sort of emotional element, but it still is seriously lacking in any sort of real risk or consequence that makes one care if they succeed or not other than simple curiosity.   Which I guess is enough for some people, but I think they could have upped the ante.

Again visually amazing and the concept is interesting, I just felt that little if anything was at stake.  You know, make me hold my breath.  Oh well, fun enough to see on the big screen I suppose.

*** See it.

Rated PG-13 (for violence and language)

Despicable Me

An evil villain adopts three orphaned girls to unknowingly aide him in his next devious plot to steal the moon.  As he uses them to gain access to the odds and ends he needs to complete his genius scheme, much to his dismay, he finds himself being sucked into their world of ballet recitals and tea parties.

This was pretty forgettable, like a really clever idea that wasn't fully fleshed out.  I loved the concept.  That there is a "villain world" that has it's own businesses, stores and banks.  It was clever and fun.  But the set up itself takes way too long and the main character isn't evil enough nor a successful enough villain for the character arch to really be satisfying when his world is turned upside down by three little girls.

 There are some fun and entertaining moments in this movie but it just wasn't thoroughly developed in a way that made the sentimentality of it memorable or even desirable.  The villain doesn't have enough of an effect on the little girls and they overpower his life leaving things neatly tied up but a little unbalanced.

Cute but not great.

** Rentable

 Rated PG (for violence)

Knight and Day

A woman mistakenly gets involved with a rouge CIA agent.  To save her own name as well as some highly sought after technology she travels the globe as a unwilling side kick to the super spy. 

This was really mediocre.  It was actually pretty well cast and kind of fun to watch, but the story itself has multiple upon multiple holes that seem to be glossed over by simply drugging the main character. Yeah it is a tad odd.  I am still not exactly sure how the title comes into play and the characters are oddly developed. Again Tom Cruise was really good in this.  I like to see him in a comedic role. Granted it is weighted down by the action packed story line, nevertheless, this is leaps and bounds better than Killers.

Not anything to rush out and see, but it is OK for a summer night.

** Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for violence and language) 

Toy Story 3

Andy is grown up and heading off to college. As he's cleaning out his room, his ever-faithful toys led by Woody and Buzz are accidentally donated to Sunnyside Day Care Center, which appears to be toy heaven, until their roll as new recruits is revealed. Woody leads their great escape from day care and their journey back to Andy.

Pixar goes 11 for 11, quite the batting %. I don't think that theirs a trilogy that delivers so well in each movie as the Toy Story trilogy. Maybe The Godfather trilogy? Maybe the original Star Wars trilogy? Lord of the Rings? Although some have issues with the 3rd and final chapter in those trilogies. In this case Toy Story 3 delivers just as well if not better than its predecessors. Of course the technology has advanced and the film just looks better, the animation is better, etc. But the story is so much fun and so well crafted, it's arguable that this is the best movie of the trilogy (however I might call part 2 the best, I'd have to see 3 again to confirm). The opening sequence is a great homage to the opening of the original Toy Story. The middle of the film is as good as any prison-break movie around. But the ending is where this movie really nails it. It is in my opinion the perfect ending to this trilogy, and had me on the verge of tears...yes, toys almost had me in tears. It's what sets Pixar apart; the heart they put into their movies. The old characters are just as lovable as before and the new ones are fun and engaging. Well done Pixar, very well done.

(As always there's a very well done Pixar animated short that plays before the film. It's called Night and Day, a very different short that is an interesting mix of 2D and 3D animation.)

**** out of 4 - Oscar Worthy (Rated G)

The A-Team

In a movie version of the popular 80's tv show, The A-Team, an elite group of Army Rangers is blackmailed in their heroic rescue of stolen US property. The group is sentenced to prison, subsequently break out, then regroup to exact their revenge.

This movie was a lot of fun. There's a lot of campy, over-the-top action as well as some cheesy dialogue but somehow it all works rather well. The characters are all very likable, have lots of chemistry and are very entertaining. The portrayal of the way the team executes their near impossible plans with reckless precision is done very well and a lot of fun to watch. The ending almost got a little too over-the-top for me but it fit the movie and was also entertaining.

*** out of 4 - Must see (PG-13 for lots of violence and language)

Toy Story 3

The Toys are back although their numbers have dwindled over the years as Andy has grown up.  They patiently stay in their toy chest hoping to be remembered by the boy that they adore and maybe be played with once again.  As Andy is packing for college they are shipped off to a Day Care full of children with the promise that they will be played with everyday.  The Day Care, however, isn't everything it seems and soon our hero's decide that they must escape and get back to Andy.

I can't really say enough about how fun, clever, and entertaining this movie was with just the right amount of sentiment.  Sequels always fall short, but not here.  The story is fabulous.  The animation amazing.  If I must find something to criticize I guess it would be that the 3-D isn't needed.  I saw it in 3D and just find the glasses annoying.  Although this is a technical masterpiece, as with all Pixar flicks, it is really all about the story and you will be just as entertained without the irritating head gear.

**** Oscar Worthy

Rated G

The A-Team

A random foursome of Army Rangers is jumbled together in a frantic escape from Mexico.  Years later, they are continuously called upon to complete impossible missions.  Their loyalty to their country is second only to each other,  which comes into question when they are all sentenced to prison after a covert operation goes wrong.


"In 1972 a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit.  These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground.  Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune.  If you have a problem,  if no one else can help,  and if you can find them,  maybe you can hire, The A-Team."


OK that is all I remember about the actual television program from the '80's. Well that, and the fact that Mr. T. was in it.  So going into this movie I had very, very low expectations.  This seemed to work in my favor as I was more than entertained by the movie.  I really liked the editing and how they talk through their ridiculous plans while cutting back and forth with what actually happens.  It made it ever so slightly believable and much more comical without being too campy.  There is some misguided casting (Jessica Biel) and over the top moments, but for a summer "B" action flick, it was a lot of fun. 


*** See it.

Rated PG-13 (for violence and language)

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Prince of Persia, the successful video game series makes the leap to the big screen. Prince Dastan; once a homeless orphan, now an adopted Prince of the Persian Empire is leading armies in the expansion of Persia. A holy city under Persian rule is suspected of dealing arms to enemies of the empire. As Dastan leads a raid on the city, a magical dagger comes into his possession which can turn back time. A weapon that will prove most useful, as he has just been accused of the murder of his father, the King of Persia.

So overall this is a fun movie, but it has it's issues. I don't understand the reason everyone has British accents, even our star Jake Gyllenhaal...who is an American playing a Persian...I guess the same reason why all Hollywood portrayals of ancient Romans have British accents...sounds more historic I guess. Anyway, minor complaint. There is a LOT of action, but a large amount of it suffers from the Bourne Supremacy Syndrome, where the camera is flying around so fast and so close to the action that you're confused as to what's going on and who's doing what. There's some good acting as well as some boxed up performances. Gyllenhaal and Kingsley seem a tad underwhelming in their roles, while Alfred Molina does a great job as a merciless gambler and Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace) is likeable enough as the princess. The story isn't the greatest but it's not bad. We just don't come to really root for the characters. At one point I remember thinking, "This needs a Captain Jack Sparrow-type character", a character that just makes each scene fun. But the running time is good, just under 2 hours, so you're never really getting sick of things and it keeps you interested enough til the end, which has some nice moments.

** out of 4 - Rentable (PG-13 for violence)

The Secret in Their Eyes

A retired court employee decides to write a book about an old murder case that he believes was never properly solved.

This movie won the Oscar this year for Best Foreign Film. It is an Argentinean film in Spanish with English subtitles. I am not going to say much about this, other than, go see it. It was amazing and I don't remember the last time I was so engaged in a movie. It probably isn't in any mainstream theatres, but if you have an independent theatre near you, take the time to go see this film. If you can't find it, Netflix it. It will be well worth the effort.

**** Oscar Worthy

Rated R (for language and violence)

Killers

Ummmmmm......yeah, don't.

* Not-a-Chance

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

A rogue Prince joins forces with a mysterious Princess to save the world from an ancient evil and return a mystical dagger to it's rightful sanctuary.

I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. I went in with little or no expectations and it was charming, fun, and very much echoed the world of Pirates of the Caribbean.

This isn't a great movie, but it was entertaining to watch and had a fun imaginative storyline. The plot itself is a tad predictable but still well written. The casting was interesting, Jake Gyllenhaal is fun and does a decent job with the British accent, a through back to Lawrence of Arabia or Spartacus I presume? Alfred Molina is, as always, brilliant and stole every scene that he was in.

Again a fun family film for the summer.

*** See it

Rated PG-13 (for violence)

Sex and the City 2

The girls are back and it's two years later. Carrie is married. Charlotte is overwhelmed with motherhood. Miranda quit her job, and Samantha is going through menopause.

Ok so I went into this not really expecting much. I wasn't a fan of the first movie, I thought it was so overly dramatic and didn't have enough of the humor or comedy that the series had. Well this one definitely didn't skimp on the comedy. In fact it was so over the top that it seemed almost slap stick. The dialogue seemed forced. And the delivery was horrible. The whole girl power plot line seemed staged, stupid and a little late in the game.

It was corny and campy and never truly addressed issues that 45-60 year old women face in today's world in a comedic or dramatic manner. It was a huge disappointment but nevertheless I am sure many people were happy to see the four of them back on the big screen again.

* 1/2 Rentable

Rated R (for sexual content and language)

Just Wright

Leslie Wright is a physical therapist and a die-hard New Jersey Nets fan. When the star player, Scott McKnight, gets injured Leslie is hired to help him get back into the game before the playoffs.

Just Wright is just wrong. I’m so sorry. I know that I tend to be harsh on movies and even more so with this particular genre, nevertheless, this movie was really pitiful. Now don’t get me wrong, I like Queen Latifah. I think that she does a great job in practically everything she is in. Her co-star however, Mr. Common, is just that.

I think I can best sum up my over all thought of this movie with one word. Awkward. In fact at one point in the movie this word slipped out of my mouth loud enough for the row in front of me and behind me to break out into a fit of laughter. Yeah, Awkward.

* ½ Rentable

Rated PG (for some suggestive material)

Iron Man 2

Tony Stark is back as Iron Man, as he continues to provide world peace while the US government wants his one of a kind, hi-tech suit turned over to the people. Some "people" don't want to wait for it to be turned over and take matters into their own hands.

It's a fun movie, well done and well acted, but it's not one of the rare sequels that out does its predecessor. The opening and ending are exciting and keep you interested. It does get a little bogged down in the middle, as Mandy said, trying to decide whether to be it's own movie, set up Iron Man 3 or set up The Avengers. While the Avengers stuff is interesting, especially to the die-hard fans, however it's not really necessary for this movie. I also felt like the climax of the story kind of comes out of nowhere and is a little unexpected...but still works. The special fx are great and overall it's a pretty good start to the Summer blockbuster season.

**1/2 out of 4 - See it

Robin Hood

King Arthur, now bankrupt and ruined from the crusades, leads his army home. They pillage and plunder their way through France back towards England. In battle the King is killed, leaving Robert Locksley, advisor and friend to the late King, to return the Crown back to England. On his way, Locksley’s entourage is ambushed and slaughtered by the French. A small group of English archers, led by Robin Longstride, come upon the scene and are able to recover the Crown. Robin promises the dying nobleman that they will return the crown to England.

I can only imagine that one was bored out of their mind just by reading my synopsis. Just think what it was like sitting through the two hour and twenty minute movie. That’s right, wince away. So this whole movie is a prequel to the story that we know to be Robin Hood. Which is fine. I can totally get behind, the story behind the story. I get it. But this was just so….off.

First, the set up of the set up: It took about 45 minutes just to get the characters back to England, by the time they got there, I didn’t care anymore. Second: The characters that you recognize in the classic tale, mainly the merry men, i.e. Little John, Will Scarlett and Friar Tuck are oddly assigned the comic relief of the flick, but it comes in awkwardly late in the story and the humor doesn’t fit the tone of the movie itself—they then disappear and you forget about them entirely. The Sheriff of Nottingham is a buffoon and in the movie a total of 6 minutes. Prince John isn’t threatening as a villain and you never take him seriously as the antagonist. I will say that I really like the idea of the cast, namely Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett, who did a great job here – but the material itself was just pitiful.

* ½ Barely Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for violence)

Iron Man 2

Tony Stark is Iron Man and the government, press, and conglomerates alike all desperately want to get their hands on his technology. Tony takes on world peace as a personal duty and is unwilling to share his secrets fearing that they will fall into the wrong hands. However if necessity is the mother of invention, then perhaps it could be said that greed in the mother of emulation.

Well it’s a sequel. And as most sequels tend to do, it did not live up to its predecessor. Nevertheless, I was still entertained. It was a tad lackluster and the story kind of gets lost within itself as it tries to simultaneously set up both Iron Man 3 and The Avengers. It lacked the sharp, edgy wit of the first one. The dialogue is a tad campy and again I got a little bored towards the end.

However the casting was spectacular; specifically Mickey Rourke, who was totally underused as the villain. I mean this guy is way creepy. Like John Malkovich creepy and he just isn’t utilized as he should have been, which was unfortunate. Robert Downey Jr. was again perfect in the role and Scarlett Johansson was surprisingly fun.

Not amazing but a fun kick-off for the summer season.

** ½ See it


Rated PG-13 (for violence and language)

The Back-Up Plan

After years of dating and not finding Mr. Right, Zoe, decides to take matters into her own hands and has herself artificially inseminated. As she leaves the doctors office after the procedure, low and behold, Mr. Right shows up.

Painful. Can I even go into the details of how horrid this film is? No there is too much, let me sum up:

• Cliché
• Corny
• Characterless
• Clumsy
• Callow
• Crude
• Churlish

And those are just the c’s.

If you were considering going to see this movie – you need a back-up plan.


* Not-A-Chance

Rated PG-13 (for sexual content and crude language)

Oceans

This second chapter in the Disney Nature series is a look at the odd creatures that live in that large body of water that covers close to three-fourths of the earths' surface – The Ocean.

Well let’s see. It was interesting I suppose, although not nearly as entertaining as its predecessor. Unlike Earth, which followed the stories of three separate species, this episode seemed to lack that narrative storyline. Pierce Brosnans’ solemn voice-over seemed to be more like he was reading an abstract poem about the ocean while we watched random nature clips. The pacing was horrifically off as well, so much so, that I doubt small children would be engaged enough to make it through the one hour and forty three minute ode.

Nevertheless, it is visually stunning and if you are going to see it, it must be done on the big screen.

** ½ Theatres Must Be Used

Rated G (nature violence)

Kick-Ass

A high school teenager wonders why no one has ever tried to be a superhero. He buys a suit and begins patrolling the neighborhood looking for ways to stop crime. His first attempt leaves him stabbed, beaten, and naked. As he continues his endeavors, mostly in hopes of impressing a girl, he once again finds himself outmanned and out-skilled. Nevertheless his pitiful efforts have inspired a subculture of copy cat vigilantes.

In the movies there is this mysterious little thing called tone. Say it with me – TONE. Kick Ass missed the boat on tone. One might say tone deaf. This attempt at combining Superbad with Pulp Fiction does not mix well – you know like oil and water, it just doesn’t work. The balance is gauche and slightly uncomfortable. Granted there are some funny moments, you’ve all seen them in the commercials, but the story in general jumps back and forth between two genres that never come together in a cohesive satirical way that is able to make fun of itself.

It is jarring and unnerving as it catapults the characters back and forth between teenage angst and acutely graphic mature violence. Again this is not Kill Bill, with over the top, cartoonish exasperated action. It is not a satire. The audience seemed unwilling to be pulled into the comedy because they were constantly on edge waiting for the next blood bath.

Awkward.

** Rentable

Rated R (for language, violence, blood and gore)