The Green Hornet

A spoiled playboy inherits his fathers LA newspaper.  His aimless lifestyle comes into question as he and a trusted employee decide to use their new found resources as a way to come into focus, help their fellow man, and literally make the news.

I went into this flick with absolutely no expectations.  Seth Rogan in not a favorite of mine but has been known to have his moments.  However I didn't hold my breath as I sat down to watch this unknown superhero movie unfold.

The set up is a tad long and the movie has a few spots that drag.  The plot is still pretty tight  and finds new ways to present old hat comic book cliches.  Neither campy nor does it take itself seriously but it had a different tone than other, or should I say, most recent comic book adapts.  This is perhaps due to the fact that this was based on a radio program from the 30's.

It could be that I expected nothing or the fact that I was thoroughly oxygenated, but I was delightfully entertained by this.  Seth Rogan reigns in his traditional vulgar self for a more Jack Balckesque character and his side kick, Kato, steals practically every scene he is in.

Nothing to rush out and see, nevertheless, it is by far the best new thing currently in theatres.


** 1/2 Rentable


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

Little Fockers

Yeah they made a third one... even more shocking.... I saw it.


So stupid.  I suppose it was more tolerable than the second but still such a waste of time.

* Not-A-Chance


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

Inside Job

A documentary about the financial meltdown of 2008 that resulted in the biggest recession since the great depression.

This is actually very educational and entertaining.  As you know there is no such thing as an impartial documentary and the film makers do a great job of putting those they feel are in the wrong on the defensive.

It is a tad long,  running at an hour and forty five minutes, but still you will find yourself wanting to hit your forehead and yell out through out the film.  In fact I think I did.

Also be prepared to leave slightly angered and put out with our government as a whole -- not any particular party. Whether you feel more at home amongst the red or the blue matters not.  You blame them all for this movie that apparently cost over $20 Trillion to make.

*** Must See

Rated PG-13 (for language)

The Kings Speech

Prince Albert stammers.  Embarrassed by his speech impediment, made only more noticeable by the new medium of radio, he seeks out a speech therapist.

Based on the true story of King George VI, Colin Firth is perfect in the role.  I love these British docu-dramas.  I would rank this right up there with the Queen and expect to hear just as much Oscar buzz about it.

Geoffrey Rush plays the therapist and is so fun to watch.  The dialogue and friendship between the King and his doctor is what really sets this apart from a simple story about a stutter.

**** Oscar Worthy


Rated R (for language)

Black Swan

Nina, a devoted ballerina finally gets her chance to shine when she is selected as the Swan Princess in her companies performance of Swan Lake.  Although thrilled at the opportunity she is daunted by the task of becoming the black swan and proving her versatility as a dancer. This becomes apparent as the line between her and the black swan becomes more and more blurred.

Wow. This is a very dark adaptation of the ballet Swan Lake.  It is a psychological thriller that takes many twists and turns.  Natalie Portman does a really good job and completely sucks you in.  You are never really sure if she is the victim or the villain.

Extremely dark but very engaging.

*** Must See


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

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Edmund and Lucy, along with their cousin, return to Narnia to help Prince Caspian and his crew seek out the swords of Narnia to restore peace in the land.

Sooooo..... I never read this book.  I don't know how great of an adaptation it is.  But it was entertaining I guess.  It wasn't as magical as the first two.  I understand that Disney dropped the series after the last episode and Fox picked it up... that could have something to do with it.

Anyway it is fun and fantastical just not as epic I suppose.  Good times for the kids and the special effects, though drastically scaled down from the last two are still nicely done.

** 1/2 Rentable


Rated PG (for violence)

The Fighter

Based on a true story, The Fighter is a glimpse into the life of Mickey Ward and his journey to the welterweight title fight.  His brother tries to help him along the way but struggles with demons and a daunting boxing past of his own.

This was interesting.  The acting is amazing.  Christian Bale was spectacular, almost unrecognizable.  Amy Adams and Mark Wahlberg do a pretty good job as well.  They excel at making you feel frustrated and almost unsympathetic towards their characters, which may or may not have been intentional.  Regardless, the entire cast is really fantastic.

Having said that.... the story while interesting and true is not something that I found gripping nor memorable.  This isn't Rocky, nor is it Rudy. It felt more like.... Ray.

Ehhh it will probably be nominated for some acting awards so you may want to see it for that but overall it was just ok.

*** See it for the acting


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

Movie Marathon 2011!

Well once again a new year has come! January 1st 2011 and the marathon was great.  I will get reviews posted as soon as possible, in the mean time here is the list of screenings:

• The Fighter
• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
• Black Swan
• The King's Speech
• Inside Job