The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

British retirees all from different circumstances and backgrounds head off to India to spend their golden years in luxury.  Upon arrival they quickly find it to be less than expected.

I loved this movie. I truly did. It was such a cute and charismatic film.  Kind of like an elderly Sex in the City, only far more clever and the characters much more endearing.  The actors were splendid and the dialogue is just fun and captivating.

There were a few unexpected twists that only add to the depth of the story not to mention the individuals as they are each charmingly relatable in their own way.

Absolutely enchanting.

*** Must See


Rated PG-13 (for language) 

The Dark Knight Rises

It has been eight years since Batman took the fall for the crimes of Two-Face, Harvey Dent. Gotham City has been relatively crime free during Batman's hiatus, however now terrorism and cat burglars force him to return and save the city once again.

The whole thing has an odd feeling to it. First, it feels more like an episode of Die Hard than Batman. I get that the producers have continually gone for a darker take on the comic book series, nevertheless, in doing so they have all but lost the fun that comes with it. Second, in light of the tragic shootings in Colorado, the audience may find itself slightly uncomfortable each time Bane, the nemesis de jour, walks into a public place and without warning starts shooting innocent bystanders. It will be noticeably awkward in the theatre. Third, it has a complicated and convoluted plot that doesn't need to be so, any sophisticated movie goer -- even the common masses, for that matter, will have figured out the plot WAY before the two hour and forty five minute flick is over, leaving everyone to wonder, why it took Batman so long to figure it out?

Over all it was semi-entertaining. It wrapped up nicely and I was pleasantly surprised by the supporting cast. Anne Hathaway, whom I didn't think had enough sex appeal to pull of Cat Woman, took the character into a more street savvy, smart-ass direction that really worked for her.  Joseph Gordon-Levitt was also a nice surprise and pulls his weight through out the show.  Tom Hardy was cruel and merciless as Bane and made the audience jump on several occasions.  Christian Bale, whom I have never been a fan of as the Caped Crusader, still disappoints with his demon voice attempt.  Having said that, any comic fan will likely drink this in as a delightful installment of Christopher Nolan's version of Batman.

** 3/4 Must See (for the devout)


Rated PG-13 (for language and violence)

Moonrise Kingdom

During the summer of '65, two twelve year old children fall in love and run away together to an island off the coast of New England.  A search party consisting of local police, social services, and a scout troop set out to find them and bring them in.

This was very reminiscent of The Royal Tenenbaums, not quite as good, but very entertaining, especially, if you like the dry humor of Wes Anderson.

Extremely quirky with bizarre characters, absurd sets and very interesting music. The story is sweet and surprisingly engaging. As with all of Wes Anderson's stuff this is a tad slow and takes a bit for the story to get going, but there are enough oddities to keep the audience amused along the way.

*** Must See


Rated PG-13 (for language)

The Amazing Spider-Man

Peter Parker finds his father's brief case in his Aunt and Uncles basement. Within the case is a file that has clues he hope will lead him to understanding the disappearance of his parents years ago.

I was never a fan of the Toby Maguire Spider-Man's and went into this version slightly jaded and with no expectations.  I was pleasantly surprised as I found this adaptation much more fun, the characters far more likable not to mention believable, and like the recent Batman series, is not the basic model.

This edition is not as campy as the former installments. Nor is it annoying like the last three (they were so disappointing)  It is also a lot darker. Not, The Dark Knight dark, but still more serious than the previous cycle.

As I am only slightly familiar with the comic books, I have been informed that this follows a different storyline as the love interest is not Mary Jane but Gwen Stacy who later becomes the love interest of the villain Venom, so it seems that we are being set up for the sequel that has been announced as a May 2, 2014 release date. So sit back and prepare yourself for the new Spider-Man.

Hint: stay for the credits.

*** Must See


Rated PG-13 (for violence and language)

Men In Black III

The Men in Black are back in a third installment of the "aliens amongst us" comedy. An alien criminal has escaped from prison and traveled back in time to prevent "K" from making the original arrest. "J" follows him and runs into his younger partner.  Together they must find the criminal to save the future of the world.

So I have absolutely no memory of Men in Black II, and I found that it doesn't matter in the least -- Apparently most people don't. This was a fun sequel that far surpassed part two.  Great comedic moments and all though it was still completely forgettable, Josh Brolin is amazing as a young Tommy Lee Jones.

Fine summer fun.


** 1/2 Rentable


Rated PG-13 (for language and violence)