Lincoln

President Abraham Lincoln has just been re-elected to a second term. As the death toll of the Civil War continues to climb, he faces yet another seemingly impossible challenge, to pass the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

I must admit I was somewhat surprised by this movie. I went in expecting a Braveheart type epic film depicting the life and presidency of the 16th President of the United States and was capriciously presented with something more along the lines of Mr. Smith goes to Washington.

This movie was adapted from the book, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln and covers the last four months of his life.  Having never read the book myself, I assume it is a decent adaptation, however along those lines, the movie may have been more appropriately titled "The 13th Amendment" as it covers more of what was going on in congress than the history and life of 'Honest Abe'.

Nevertheless, the movie was brilliantly cast, superbly acted, and surprisingly comical, showing, how then, as it is now,  it's almost impossible to get congress to agree to anything and the fact that we somehow manage to create new laws is a miracle in and of itself. Also its interesting how perhaps with all the current worries of the media and the need to be "politically correct" congress has taken a step backwards -- the scenes, during sessions in which the congressmen insult each other and call each other names, are particularly funny and delightfully satisfying.

Certain to be nominated for several academy awards, although unexpected and perhaps mistitled, very well done.

**** Oscar Worthy

Rated PG-13 (for violence and language)

Wreck-It Ralph

Burnt out and under-appreciated, a classic 80's arcade game villain decides to leave his game and prove his worth in a new role; hero.  In the unpredictable and sometimes dangerous worlds of his neighboring arcade games he encounters a "glitch" that helps him to see his true worth.

This is definitely an enjoyable movie.  The first third is very engaging and clever, as the inside world of video games and the corresponding rules are set up.  There's lots of fun cameos and nods to classic video games, from the 80's to today.  The varying video game worlds are beautifully realized.  The use of well planned 8-bit animation and top notch 3D animation are cleverly mixed throughout the entire movie, subtly reminding you that you are in a video game.  This ended up being needed because of the lack of time we get to spend in different video game worlds.  Most of the film is spent in a Candy-land type racing game.  Although that world is beautifully designed and well thought out, I found myself wanting Ralph to explore more of the different video game worlds.  Overall it's entertaining, clever and heartwarming enough to keep you rooting for the characters throughout.  Although, Mandy is right, there is a surprising amount of crude humor for a Disney animated feature.

Worth a trip to the theater, *** out of 4.

Skyfall

When a mission goes horribly wrong and 007 is presumed dead by all, MI6 is violently attacked forcing M to relocate the entire secret service underground.

Welcome back Bond. Although this story is weak and the plot line muddled up a bit in unwarranted sentimentality, this film has most certainly presented itself as a gateway to the old 007 formula. The movie as a whole, however is so so and the length is questionable, nevertheless there are several moments that are great fun and remind us all why we flock to the theatre each November.

Much homage is paid to the old films throughout this one so keep your eyes pealed. It seems as though the antiquated cold war Bond will be back as the franchise continues forward.

Can't wait!

** 1/2 Rentable

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

Wreck-It Ralph

A video game villain feels ostracized by the other characters in his game. In an attempt to win their friendship he abandons his post to prove his worth. In doing so he meets a "glitch" in a neighboring  game and finds out what real hero's are made of.

This isn't quite up to Pixar standards in terms of story development but it is very clever.  The setting will appeal most to those familiar with the video games of the late '80's and early '90's. The humor is oddly crude for a Disney movie, perhaps aimed at the tweens more so than young children, but then the little ones may be distracted enough by the bright colors and loud noises that they won't care.

Cute, but forgettable.

** 1/2 Rentable

Rated PG (for some rude humor)

Seven Psychopaths

A screenwriter struggling to get his story onto paper is inspired by newspaper snippets and stories about crazy people.  While his own world begins to collapse he gets caught up in the psychotic world of his best friend.

This is an extremely odd and gratuitously violent dark comedy.  In its own attempt to be innovative and complex it becomes predictable and routine.

It's somewhat disturbing and not in a thought provoking way.

*1/2 Rentable

Rated R (for violence, gruesome images, some nudity and excessive language)

Argo

A CIA agent turns to Hollywood to help him go undercover as a film producer in a hopeless attempt to help six Americans escape from Iran.

Based on a true story, this is easily one of the best movies of the year.  Set in the late '70's, the casting was great and the screenplay was spectacular.

The subtle humor that the characters bring to the film eases the tension while still creating a sense of realism.

The fact that this actually happened makes the story all the more unbelievable. Ben Affleck stars in and directs this film in such a way that regardless of the fact that you may already know the outcome you are still on the edge of you seat. Very well done.


**** Oscar Worthy

Rated R (for language)

Pitch Perfect

A resistant college student ends up in a'cappella group with an eccentric collection of girls competing for the national championship.

This was an unexpected delight. The characters are peculiar and obscure, very Napoleon Dynamitesque. The story, although cliche, is entertaining enough to keep the audience laughing.

The random side kicks really make this movie memorable. They are the best part actually, as that is where all of the humor comes from.

Totally random but worth a peek.

*** Must See

Rated PG-13 (for language and sexual content)

Trouble with the Curve

An aging baseball scout finds himself on a recruiting trip with his estranged daughter.

This movie was absolutely horrid.  Like painfully, horrid.  Eastwood is perfect as the angry old man, but other than the lucky casting the whole thing is just a waste.  The story is so completely predictable, the characters are tragically one dimensional, and the whole product is just a let down.

Don't.

* Not-A-Chance

Rated PG-13 (for language and sexual content)