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