Ninja Assassin

Raizo (Rain) is one of the deadliest assassins in the world. Taken from the streets as a child, he was transformed into a trained killer by the Ozunu Clan, a secret society whose very existence is considered a myth. But haunted by the merciless execution of his friend by the Clan, Raizo breaks free from them...and vanishes. Now he waits, preparing to exact his revenge. In Berlin, Europol agent Mika Coretti (Naomie Harris) has stumbled upon a money trail linking several political murders to an underground network of untraceable assassins from the Far East. Defying the orders of her superior, Ryan Maslow (Ben Miles), Mika digs into top secret agency files to learn the truth behind the murders. Her investigation makes her a target, and the Ozunu Clan sends a team of killers, led by the lethal Takeshi (Rick Yune), to silence her forever. Raizo saves Mika from her attackers, but he knows that the Clan will not rest until they are both eliminated. Now, entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse through the streets of Europe, Raizo and Mika must trust one another if they hope to survive...and finally bring down the elusive Ozunu Clan.

Even though you just read the incredibly wrong plot summary, this movie is one of those where it is what it is. You can try to explain the "story line" all you want. Its got ninjas in it and its got lots of action/violence. Mission accomplished. They weren't trying to win an Academy Award here and anyone going to check this out doesn't want to see anything like that.

If you want to see a movie with a "story" about a ninja that kicks a lot of ass - this is a great movie. If you aren't in to that kind of stuff - then avoid this. Pretty simple concept.

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Mr. and Mrs. Fox (Clooney and Streep) live an idyllic home life with their son Ash (Schwartzman) and visiting young nephew Kristopherson (Eric Anderson). But after 12 years, the bucolic existence proves too much for Mr Fox’s wild animal instincts. Soon he slips back into his old ways as a sneaky chicken thief and in doing so, endangers not only his beloved family, but the whole animal community. Trapped underground and with not enough food to go around, the animals band together to fight against the evil Farmers - Boggis, Bunce and Bean - who are determined to capture the audacious, fantastic Mr. Fox at any cost.

I really enjoyed this movie. The animation was nothing short of phenomenal. The characters' voices were perfectly cast and the story was beyond quick witted and fast paced. The only problem with this movie is that its an animated movie that really isn't for kids. Its not that the kids won't like it. They probably will just because of the different kind of animation. However, the quick banter and story will probably shoot right over their heads. That being said, I liked it alot and could really see any adults taking kids to see this enjoying it much more than their children.

I would recommend people checking this out. Just be warned that if you are going simply to take your kids to the new animated movie, you should probably check out one of the other ones. If you are going so you can both enjoy the movie - and maybe you could get more entertainment than the usual child's fare -than this is the one for you.

Precious

Set in Harlem in 1987, it is the story of Claireece "Precious" Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a sixteen-year-old African-American girl born into a life no one would want. She's pregnant for the second time by her absent father; at home, she must wait hand and foot on her mother (Mo'Nique), a poisonously angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is a place of chaos, and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and an awful secret: she can neither read nor write. Precious may sometimes be down, but she is never out. Beneath her impassive expression is a watchful, curious young woman with an inchoate but unshakeable sense that other possibilities exist for her. Threatened with expulsion, Precious is offered the chance to transfer to an alternative school, Each One/Teach One. Precious doesn’t know the meaning of "alternative," but her instincts tell her this is the chance she has been waiting for. In the literacy workshop taught by the patient yet firm Ms. Rain (Paula Patton), Precious begins a journey that will lead her from darkness, pain and powerlessness to light, love and self-determination.

Wow! This is one powerful movie. I thought for sure that this was going to be the overly great reviewed movie that would be completely be ruined for me because of my inability to watch it thinking why did everyone say this was so great. Not to say that there weren't moments where my level of being in to the movie faded a little bit. However, MoNique's performance might be the most despicable and hated performance of all time. I've never watched certain scenes of a movie with such feelings of disgust towards a character. There were a couple of the domestic violence scenes where I actually had to look away. Not that they were too graphic. They were just so mentally jarring. Anyone who thinks that they have it "so hard" should go right ahead and check out these scenes. I'm pretty sure it will give them a whole new perspective on life.

I would strongly recommend that people check this out. Its a truly powerful drama with one of the most disturbing yet well done performances ever.

Planet 51

Planet 51 is an animated alien adventure comedy revolving around American astronaut Captain Charles "Chuck" Baker, who lands on Planet 51 thinking he's the first person to step foot on it. To his surprise, he finds that this planet is inhabited by little green people who are happily living in a white picket fence world reminiscent of a cheerfully innocent 1950s America, and whose only fear is that it will be overrun by alien invaders...like Chuck! With the help of his robot companion "Rover" and his new friend Lem, Chuck must navigate his way through the dazzling, but bewildering, landscape of Planet 51 in order to escape becoming a permanent part of the Planet 51 Alien Invaders Space Museum.

This movie was a somewhat decent watch. Its nowhere near the standard of awesome animated movies. Kids will definitely like this more than the adults that take them. Its short enough that it does end before it becomes less than a decent watch. As a huge fan of animated films, I have to honestly say that I was somewhat disappointed by this movie. The only part that I really enjoyed was "Rover". Outside of that, there really wasn't too much that I could take away from this movie other than being able to cross it off my list.

I wouldn't recommend that anyone go rushing to see this. It is not a must see by any means, even for those of you looking for an escape with the kids. If you really have nothing better to do - you could waste an hour and a half by checking this out.

New Moon

In the second installment of Stephenie Meyer's phenomenally successful "Twilight" series, the romance between mortal and vampire soars to a new level as Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she yearns to become part of—only to find herself in greater peril than ever before.


Let's be perfectly clear that these movies are blatantly made for the fanbase. These are not stand alone movies that should be reviewed based on merit or Academy consideration. This movie was made to win only the MTV Movie Award, people! Its just like the first one with absolutely horrid acting and even worse writing. But again - none of that was a factor when making this movie. This movie was made for the die hard fan base and although some of them may be willing to admit how cheesy the movie is - absolutely none of them are or will be disappointed.

I would never recommend this movie to anyone outside of the Twilight fan base. It is a downright awful movie. If you are a fan though and by some remote chance in hell haven't seen it already - go right ahead and do so. You'll love it and will immediately start counting down to seven months from now when the third one comes out.

2012

Never before has a date in history been so significant to so many cultures, so many religions, scientists, and governments. 2012 is an epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors.

This movie is exactly what you expect it to be. Its got crazy special effects, lots of action, stereotype characters, pulls lots of heartstrings and has lots of extra storyline fluff that wasn't necessary. There is absolutely no way that this movie should have been almost 3 hours long. The could have mimized the governmental should we-shouldn't we blah blah. They could have cut out entire characters who really ended up not mattering in the end anyway. They could have left characters getting together by the end of the movie alone because not a single person in the audience cares. This easily could have been an hour and a half disaster movie. That being said - the movie is very watchable as long as you leave your brain at home and just enjoy the ride because ultimately thats all the movie is - one crazy ride. If you are able to do this, you can end up enjoying your time . . . . . . even though it is almost 3 hours of your time.

I would recommend people checking this movie out if you are in to special effects bonanza popcorn movies. Its probably Roland Emmerich's best movie since Independence Day. That's not saying much considering that the offers inbetween were Godzilla, The Day After Tomorrow and 10,000 BC, but its the closest he's come to the fun and crazy movie going experience that he first threw out there with Independence Day.

Pirate Radio

Pirate Radio is the high-spirited story of how 8 DJs love affair with Rock n Roll changed the world forever. In the 1960s this group of rouge DJs, on a boat in the middle of the Northern Atlantic, played rock records and broke the law all for the love of music. The songs they played united and defined an entire generation and drove the British government crazy. By playing Rock n Roll they were standing up against the British government who did everything in their power to shut them down. The band of rebels is lead by The Count, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman, Quentin the boss of Radio Rock, Gavin the greatest DJ in Britian, Midnight Mark, Doctor Dave and Young Carl who comes of age amidst the chaos of sex, drugs and rock n roll.

I really enjoyed this movie. It was a lot of fun. The characters are all eclectic and great. The music was awesome. There really isn't that major of a storyline, but the music and character interaction are so great that you really don't care.

I'd definitely recommend people checking this movie out. Its just a simple, fun, enjoyable time at the movies.

The Box

What if someone gave you a box containing a button that, if pushed, would bring you a million dollars...but simultaneously take the life of someone you don't know? Would you do it? And what would be the consequences? The year is 1976. Norma Lewis is a teacher at a private high school and her husband, Arthur, is an engineer working at NASA. They are, by all accounts, an average couple living a normal life in the suburbs with their young son...until a mysterious man with a horribly disfigured face appears on their doorstep and presents Norma with a life-altering proposition: the box. With only 24 hours to make their choice, Norma and Arthur face an impossible moral dilemma. What they don't realize is that no matter what they decide, terrifying consequences will have already been set in motion. They soon discover that the ramifications of this decision are beyond their control and extend far beyond their own fortune and fate.

This movie was an absolutely awesome psychological thriller . . . . . . for the first hour of the movie. It was like watching one of Alfred Hitchcocks movies. Just the old school tension music alone was awesome at getting you amped up to see what the couple was going to do. Then the movie turned in to this really weird over the top pile of poop that spiraled insanely out of control. I had no clue what was going on and even though I was so into the first hour of the movie - they managed to have me completely not caring at all by the end. I was just relieved that the credits were finally on. Its really unfortunate for a movie that started off this good to end so horribly bad.

I wouldn't recommend anyone going to check this movie out . . . . unless you want to go watch the first hour and then just leave pretending that the movie ends much better than it does. If you are up to doing that - this is an awesome movie. Staying to the end will make you want to punch a small child.

The Men Who Stare At Goats

Reporter Bob Wilton (Ewan McGregor) is in search of his next big story when he encounters Lyn Cassady (George Clooney), a shadowy figure who claims to be part of an experimental U.S. military unit. According to Cassady, the New Earth Army is changing the way wars are fought. A legion of "Warrior Monks" with unparalleled psychic powers can read the enemy’s thoughts, pass through solid walls, and even kill a goat simply by staring at it. Now, the program's founder, Bill Django (Jeff Bridges), has gone missing and Cassady's mission is to find him. Intrigued by his new acquaintance's far-fetched stories, Bob impulsively decides to accompany him on the search. When the pair tracks Django to a clandestine training camp run by renegade psychic Larry Hooper (Kevin Spacey), the reporter is trapped in the middle of a grudge match between the forces of Django's New Earth Army and Hooper's personal militia of super soldiers. In order to survive this wild adventure, Bob will have to outwit an enemy he never thought possible.

I think this movie was ruined by my high expectations. The marketing for it made it look laugh out loud hilarious. It was not. Honestly, it was only watchable because of the talent involved. I was able to push through thinking that it would get better. It never really does though. It ends up just kind of being there. The only good laughs in the movie come from how downright silly whats going on is. It was a major disappointment.

I wouldn't really recommend anyone checking this movie out. Its ends up being one of those movies that is just kind of there and I really can't figure out how this cast was gathered for this movie at all.

A Christmas Carol

Disney's A Christmas Carol captures the fantastical essence of the classic Dickens tale in groundbreaking 3-D. Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) begins the Christmas holiday with his usual miserly contempt, barking at his faithful clerk (Gary Oldman) and his cheery nephew (Colin Firth). But when the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come take him on an eye-opening journey revealing truths Old Scrooge is reluctant to face, he must open his heart to undo years of ill will before it's too late.

I still am not sure how much I enjoyed this movie. I kind of liked it, but . . . . .
1 - Its way too early for them to be releasing a Christmas movie.
2 - How many different tellings of A Christmas Carol can be made?
3 - Was this a kids movie? Way too dark. Way too Old Englishy. I didn't understand half of the expressions. There's no way your kid is going to.
4 - As great as the action part of this kind of animation is, I just find the characters looking freakishly creepy.
5 - I don't remember the Ghost of Christmas Present being some laughing viking.

All that being said - I think that Jim Carrey was perfect for the part and the best parts of the movie were when they gave him to time to just be Scrooge without all the craziness going on with the action animation.

I'm not sure how much I could really recommend this movie though. Its really not for kids and its way too early for Christmas movies. The enjoyment level really is nowhere near an automatic either.

The Fourth Kind

The Fourth Kind is a provocative thriller set in modern-day Nome, Alaska, where—mysteriously since the 1960s—a disproportionate number of the population has been reported missing every year. Despite multiple FBI investigations of the region, the truth has never been discovered. Here in this remote region, psychologist Dr. Abigail Tyler (Milla Jovovich) began videotaping sessions with traumatized patients and unwittingly discovered some of the most disturbing evidence of alien abduction ever documented. Using never-before-seen archival footage that is integrated into the film, The Fourth Kind exposes the terrified revelations of multiple witnesses. Their accounts of being visited by alien figures all share disturbingly identical details, the validity of which is investigated throughout the film.

I found this movie to be annoyingly filmed and stupid. I could, however, see how someone could enjoy this. The fundamental divide exists in how much you buy in to the "never before seen archival footage". I didn't buy it at all. That just made the movie all the more insulting. I just kind of feel like they tried to make the movie too smart and ended up making it dumb instead. It starts with Milla Jovovich introducing herself as . . . . . . Milla Jovovich and how she will be playing the part of Abigail Tyler. She then tells the audience that they will be going back and forth between "archived footage" and the actors. WHAT!?! It kinds of takes away from the movie when you are blantantly telling me that its a movie. I knew that it was a movie going in but I found myself unable to enjoy any of the parts that weren't "archived footage" because of this stupid introduction. As for the "archived footage" it seemed like some of the most bogus crap I've ever seen. Maybe its because I'm not really in to all that alien abduction hoopla and what not. I could see someone who is really liking this a lot more than I did.

I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone. It could have been so much better if they just made it as a normal movie or a home video, archived video type thing. Instead they mushed the two together - even airing them both simultaneously at times - and made it a pretty big turd.