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)

The Odd Life of Timothy Green

A childless couple finds a young boy has mysteriously grown from their garden.  He comes with a designed list of quirks and talents that were tailor made for his new family, including some greenery.

This movie was weird, and odd, and disappointing.  I kind of suspected all of this going in and yet I saw it anyway.  I suppose I was hoping it would surprise me and be a bittersweet mix of Pollyanna and Steel Magnolia's.

Nope. Not even close.

It was more like The Buttercream Gang meets On Our Own. (yes, you read that correctly) Horrifically cheesy and frantically annoying.  Young children may like it, but the story itself is really slow and they too might loose interest.

* Not-A-Chance

Rated PG (for language)

Hope Springs

After 30 years of marriage a couple finds themselves in need of some counseling. They head off to Main to spend a week in intense therapy that may be the end of their marriage.

Ummmmmmm..... can we say awkward?!?!?! OK so there are some very funny parts in this movie.  However, having said that, there are also some very uncomfortable moments.

Bottom line this movie should be rated NC-50.  I was clearly one of the youngest audience members and that in and of itself should have been a sign that this movie wasn't for me.  This is a flick for the fifty and older crowd, believe me, if you are younger than 50 and opt to see this movie be prepared to feel as though you are watching your parents having (or attempting to have) sex.

Awkward!

** Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for language and sexual content and mature themes)

The Bourne Legacy

A CIA agent and a research scientist both escape government assassination attempts. They now must depend on each other to survive.

It should come as no surprise as to how much fun and entertaining this was. Like the original movie in character development, content, and plot, it is action packed and lives up to it's predecessors without the obnoxious camera work.

The beginning of the movie is a tad complicated and confusing but give it a chance as the set up is slow. Nevertheless it picks up the pace and races to the end, leaving the audience a little shell shocked themselves.

The storyline is fun and leaves a huge opening not only for continued sequels, but for Matt Damon to return at any time. Edward Norton is amazing and Jeremy Renner does a spectacular job stepping into a role that is tough to compete with and makes it his own.

*** Must See

Rated PG-13 (for violence and language)

To Rome With Love

A police officer introduces six vignettes about romance while in Rome.

Oh this was such a waste of time! I was so terribly disappointed. I went in expecting something as charming as Midnight in Paris and was left with a collection of intercut Woody Allen shorts, none of which connected to the other and some which made absolutely no sense at all.

I understand it is based on a book and perhaps if I was someone that was actually well read I would have enjoyed it, as it turns out, not so much.

* - Not A Chance

Rated R (for language and sexual content)