Tangled

When the kingdom's most wanted—and most charming—bandit Flynn Rider (voice of Zachary Levi) hides out in a mysterious tower, he's taken hostage by Rapunzel (voice of Mandy Moore), a beautiful and feisty tower-bound teen with 70 feet of magical, golden hair. Flynn's curious captor, who's looking for her ticket out of the tower where she's been locked away for years, strikes a deal with the handsome thief and the unlikely duo sets off on an action-packed escapade, complete with a super-cop horse, an over-protective chameleon and a gruff gang of pub thugs.

This is easily the best Disney "princess" movie since The Little Mermaid and Beauty & The Beast. The songs are great and catchy. The background character support tons of humor. The animal sidekicks (chameleon and horse) completely steal the show. The chemistry between the two main characters is great and you have no control over rooting for them. The animation was also very well done (although this is yet another prime example of how 3D is nothing more than a price hike for the most part). I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.

I would absolutely recommend this movie to everyone. Kids will love it (especially the girls!). Adults will love it too.

127 Hours

127 Hours is the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston's (James Franco) remarkable adventure to save himself after a fallen boulder crashes on his arm and traps him in an isolated canyon in Utah. Over the next five days Ralston examines his life and survives the elements to finally discover he has the courage and the wherewithal to extricate himself by any means necessary, scale a 65 foot wall and hike over eight miles before he is finally rescued. Throughout his journey, Ralston recalls friends, lovers (Clemence Poesy), family, and the two hikers (Amber Tamblyn and Kate Mara) he met before his accident. Will they be the last two people he ever had the chance to meet?

This was a powerful movie. I have every intention of buying this a couple of months from now and any time I think things are really bad and overwhelming, I'm going to pop this movie on and know that things could always get worse and you can never give up. It's like really that motivating. The story that it was based on is remarkable. The direction by Danny Boyle is awesome between the different camera angles on James Franco and the memories he's going through while being pinned there . Please be warned that towards the end of this movie, it gets BEYOND gruesome to watch. It's like a scene out of the Saw franchise in the middle of this movie. I could barely watch considering that it was "real".

I would absolutely recommend that everyone check this bad boy out. I have no doubt that this will be up for a bunch of awards at the end of this year. It is a very inspirational watch.

The Next Three Days

Life seems perfect for John Brennan until his wife, Lara, is arrested for a gruesome murder she says she didn't commit. Three years into her sentence, John is struggling to hold his family together, raising their son and teaching at college while he pursues every means available to prove her innocence. With the rejection of their final appeal, Lara becomes suicidal and John decides there is only one possible, bearable solution: to break his wife out of prison. Refusing to be deterred by impossible odds or his own inexperience, John devises an elaborate escape plot and plunges into a dangerous and unfamiliar world, ultimately risking everything for the woman he loves.

This movie was a great story and a fun ride. Sure it is beyond unlikely that someone would b able to pull this off. However, it is a movie like Taken, Edge Of Darkness and Death Sentence where u find yourself indentifying with the main character and "buying in" because you would want to do the same thing for your loved ones.

I would definitely recommend people checking this out. The tension was great and made it a really enjoyable watch.

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows - Part 1

Part 1 begins as Harry, Ron and Hermione set out on their perilous mission to track down and destroy the secret to Voldemort's immortality and destruction—the Horcruxes. On their own, without the guidance of their professors or the protection of Professor Dumbledore, the three friends must now rely on one another more than ever. But there are Dark Forces in their midst that threaten to tear them apart.

At this point, the Harry Potter movies are a lot like Pixar movies. They are automatics. Sure, you might be disappointed with certain aspects of them as fans, but they all are still awesome. This one is probably the best made one out of the entire franchise. If just felt more seriously done than the others. At times I forgot that this was about a fantasy world and what not. Their was a couple of times where the pacing slowed down a little more than I would want it to, but it also wasn't as anti-climactic when "Part 1" ended like I was afraid it would be. And even with the slow paced moments, the movie did not feel like you are sitting there for 2 1/2 hours. The cover a lot of ground and hit the floor running right from the start.

Does it really matter if I recommend this or not? If you are a fan - you will see it. If you haven't seen any of the others yet - you won't. I really enjoyed this movie and simply cannot wait to see the finale of this amazing franchise.

Skyline

In the sci-fi thriller Skyline, strange lights descend on the city of Los Angeles, drawing people outside like moths to a flame where an extraterrestrial force threatens to swallow the entire human population off the face of the earth.

Holy nosedive, Batman!!! This movie had a very simple premise. Aliens invade. Humans fight back. Not that tough of a concept. Somehow they royally botched it though. It started out like Independence Day . . . . . turned in to Starship Troopers and ended like Cabin Fever. What is Cabin Fever? Exactly!!! For those of us tortured enough to see it, it was a horror movie that without about 10-15 minutes left it seemed as if the directors just kind of filmed what they wanted for their own senses of humor at that moment sans script. That is really the only way to describe how this huge turd ended. I just kind of sat there with my mouth wide open for a good 5 minutes after it was over.

I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone. Actually, I'm wrong. You should see it. I want to have friends that have the same WTF feeling I have right now.

Fair Game

As a covert officer in the CIA's Counter-Proliferation Division, Valerie (Naomi Watts) leads an investigation into the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Valerie's husband, diplomat Joe Wilson (Sean Penn), is drawn into the investigation to substantiate an alleged sale of enriched uranium from Niger. But when the administration ignores his findings and uses the issue to support the call to war, Joe writes a New York Times editorial outlining his conclusions and igniting a firestorm of controversy. Soon after, Valerie's covert status is reported by a high-profile Washington journalist. With her cover blown and her overseas contacts placed in mortal danger, Valerie is pushed to the breaking point as her career and private life collapse. After years serving the government, Valerie--a mother, a wife and a field officer with an impeccable record--now struggles to save her reputation, her career and her family.


I liked this movie alot. I was expecting one of those political suspense movies but got a political drama that turned in to a pretty powerful family drama with the wife and husband's reaction to how things played out. Both performances were great, the pacing was really good and it was done well enough that someone with zero interest in politics was still hooked by the movie. Those of you with interest in politics will probably like this movie even more.

I would definitely recommend people checking this movie out. It didn't open too wide, but its a good enough movie for the trip to the theaters.

Morning Glory

When hard–working TV producer Becky Fuller (McAdams) is fired from a local news program, her career begins to look as bleak as her hapless love life. Stumbling into a job at "Daybreak" (the last–place national morning news show), Becky decides to revitalize the show by bringing on legendary TV anchor Mike Pomeroy (Ford). Unfortunately, Pomeroy refuses to cover morning show staples like celebrity gossip, weather, fashion and crafts – let alone work with his new co–host, Colleen Peck (Keaton), a former beauty queen and longtime morning show personality who is more than happy covering morning "news." As Mike and Colleen clash, first behind the scenes and then on the air, Becky's blossoming love affair with fellow producer, Adam Bennett (Wilson) begins to unravel – and soon Becky is struggling to save her relationship, her reputation, her job and ultimately, the show itself.

This movie is formula in every way. And even though I heard nothing but the worst reviews/buzz going in, I kind of enjoyed it. I thought that the three main characters were all very real. I fully bought in to Rachel McAdams trying so hard character and found myself rooting for her to pull it all off. There was good chemistry/banter between all the morning show on screen talent and behind the scenes talent.

I would recommend people checking this out. Its not nearly as bad as everyone made it out to be and there are much worse things that you could be seeing at theaters.

For Colored Girls

For Colored Girls brings to the screen Ntozake Shange's Obie Award-winning play, a poetic exploration of what is to be of color and a female in this world.

I knew just from the opening credits scene that this movie would be nothing more than background noise while doing chores around the house. I love the character of Madea in Tyler Perry's movies. I watch them and try to get through the crazy over dramatic stories and just enjoy the laughs. Once you take that character and the laughs away, the drama is just waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much. In this movie, you would think that Tyler Perry had some sort of a meeting with Nicholas Sparks and Woody Allen on how to have way too many characters/stories going on and all of them with massive hardships.

I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone. Unless you have a need to be depressed and need inspiration to jump off a bridge.

Due Date

Peter Highman (Robert Downey Jr.) is an expectant first-time father whose wife's due date is a mere five days away. As Peter hurries to catch a flight home from Atlanta to be at her side for the birth, his best intentions go completely awry when a chance encounter with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay (Zach Galifianakis) forces Peter to hitch a ride with Ethan--on what turns out to be a cross-country road trip that will ultimately destroy several cars, numerous friendships and Peter's last nerve.

This is one of those movies where a track record leads to funny movies not being funny enough. Todd Phillips was doomed the second that Hangover was that funny. No matter what he churned out after that, there was no way he would be able to capture the same level or top the level of hilarity in that movie. I have always liked this guys movies. Old School is probably one of my favorite comedies of all time and Road Trip is one of those under the radar movies that I will still laugh my a$$ off watching parts of randomly on cable. All of that being said, I still enjoyed Due Date. The two guys played very well off of each other and there were some huge laughs. Unfortunately, I expected a lot more laughs and most of the really good stuff was ruined by the trailer.

Again, this isn't a bad movie. Its super short, there are huge laughs, and I definitely enjoyed it. Just be warned to not have your expectations as high as I did and you can avoid being disappointed.

Unstoppable

Unstoppable is about a runaway train carrying a cargo of toxic chemicals. The film pits an engineer and his conductor in a race against time. They're chasing the runaway train in a separate locomotive and need to bring it under control before it derails on a curve and causes a toxic spill that will decimate a town.

This was a fun, popcorn movie. You don't have to think at all. You just enjoy the ride . . . . . no pun intended. Its short. Its paced well once you get past the initial character introductions. Its got great tension even though you know damn well how the whole thing is going to play out. You really enjoy the banter between the two.

I would absolutely recommend people checking this movie out. Its not like its going to win best picture or anything, but it is simple entertainment and a great trip to the movies.

Megamind

Megamind is the most brilliant super–villain the world has ever known... and the least successful. Over the years, he has tried to conquer Metro City in every imaginable way – Each attempt, a colossal failure thanks to the caped superhero known as Metro Man, until the day Megamind actually defeats him in the throes of one of his botched evil plans. Suddenly, the fate of Metro City is threatened when a new villain arrives and chaos runs rampant, leaving everyone to wonder: Can the world's biggest mind actually be the one to save the day?


I'm kind of torn here. I liked this movie. I actually liked it alot. But I can't help but feel somewhat disappointed because I usually LOVE these movies. The voices were great (although Brad Pitt ended up being pretty pointless), the animation was great. The music was awesome!!! I just found myself not completely enveloped in the characters and story like I usually am. And I really can't put my finger on why. Was I in a bad mood when watching it? Maybe I'll watch it again. Am I actually starting to grow up and get over animated movies? OH DEAR LORD, I HOPE NOT!!!


Again, it's a great and fun movie. I liked it alot. I would absolutely recommend that adults and kids check this out. I just can't for the life of me figure out why I didn't love it.

Conviction

Conviction is the inspirational true story of a sister's unwavering devotion to her brother. When Betty Anne Waters' (Hilary Swank) older brother Kenny (Sam Rockwell) is arrested for murder and sentenced to life in 1983, Betty Anne, a Massachusetts wife and mother of two, dedicates her life to overturning the murder conviction. Convinced that her brother is innocent, Betty Anne puts herself through high school, college and, finally, law school in an 18 year quest to free Kenny. With the help of best friend Abra Rice (Minnie Driver), Betty Anne pours through suspicious evidence mounted by small town cop Nancy Taylor (Melissa Leo), meticulously retracing the steps that led to Kenny's arrest. Belief in her brother - and her quest for the truth - pushes Betty Anne and her team to uncover the facts and utilize DNA evidence with the hope of exonerating Kenny.

Don't get me wrong. This is a great movie and an even greater story. The performances were great across the board. Unfortunately, I just felt that this was one of those movies that was blatantly going for the heartstrings instead of really making you connect with the characters. I also never thought I would complain about something like this, but the movie at just under 2 hours was actually too short. It felt as if they flew through the 18 year journey too fast.

Even with the knocks against the movie, I wouldn't tell people to refrain from seeing it. Its still a good watch. I just felt like they could have made the movie better instead of trying to make the audience cry.

Saw 3D

As a deadly battle rages over Jigsaw's brutal legacy, a group of Jigsaw survivors gathers to seek the support of self-help guru and fellow survivor Bobby Dagen, a man whose own dark secrets unleash a new wave of terror...

This movie is the same as the others. They have the really weak storyline playing out with jigsaw's 700th apprentice by this point. There are random traps for no apparant reason outside of pushing the limits of gore. They also went out of there way for 3D gore scenes.

If you liked the others, you will like this one . . . . and there is something wrong with you. Outside of that I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone and really hope this franchise is done.