Won't ever see it.
Won't ever be reviewing it.
You are all on your own.
Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull
Famed archaeologist/adventurer Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones is called back into action when he becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover the secret behind a mysterious artifact known as the Crystal Skull.
Let's just get out of the way that I could totally understand die hard Indy fans being beyond disappointed with this movie. I, however, enjoyed it. I was only able to do this though by seeing it as a free standing movie with a known character instead of a continuation of the original trilogy. By doing this, I was able to watch an enjoyable summer type movie. It was definitely the worst of the four Indiana Jones movies though. It reminds me a lot of the Star Wars prequels where I enjoyed watching them the first time even with the obvious flaws, but will never be watching them over and over again like the original trilogy. The real problem with this movie is that Spielberg and Lucas simply tried to hard. They wanted to fit in as much up to date effects instead of the surprisingly simple boobie trap ones from the first three movies and it made a lot of the major scenes way over the top. They also started out the movie waaaaaaay too talkie talkie. The movie didn't really start to feel like and Indiana Jones film until Harrison Ford and Karen Allen were reunited. Once they were back together though the funny lines and banter returned. It was from that point on that I was able to simply watch the movie and not get all wrapped up in how disappointing it was when based against the Indy predecessors. I could see how that would totally ruin the movie for anyone.
I really don't think it matters whether or not I recommend this movie to anyone. You're not going to go and see this regardless? Come on now, people. Just be sure to keep your expectations low for it and you'll probably like it.
Let's just get out of the way that I could totally understand die hard Indy fans being beyond disappointed with this movie. I, however, enjoyed it. I was only able to do this though by seeing it as a free standing movie with a known character instead of a continuation of the original trilogy. By doing this, I was able to watch an enjoyable summer type movie. It was definitely the worst of the four Indiana Jones movies though. It reminds me a lot of the Star Wars prequels where I enjoyed watching them the first time even with the obvious flaws, but will never be watching them over and over again like the original trilogy. The real problem with this movie is that Spielberg and Lucas simply tried to hard. They wanted to fit in as much up to date effects instead of the surprisingly simple boobie trap ones from the first three movies and it made a lot of the major scenes way over the top. They also started out the movie waaaaaaay too talkie talkie. The movie didn't really start to feel like and Indiana Jones film until Harrison Ford and Karen Allen were reunited. Once they were back together though the funny lines and banter returned. It was from that point on that I was able to simply watch the movie and not get all wrapped up in how disappointing it was when based against the Indy predecessors. I could see how that would totally ruin the movie for anyone.
I really don't think it matters whether or not I recommend this movie to anyone. You're not going to go and see this regardless? Come on now, people. Just be sure to keep your expectations low for it and you'll probably like it.
The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian
The characters of C.S. Lewis' timeless fantasy come to life once again in this newest installment of the Chronicles of Narnia series, in which the Pevensie siblings are magically transported back from England to the world of Narnia, where a thrilling, perilous new adventure and an even greater test of their faith and courage awaits them. One year after the incredible events of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, the Kings and Queens of Narnia find themselves back in that faraway wondrous realm, only to discover that more than 1300 years have passed in Narnian time. During their absence, the Golden Age of Narnia has become extinct, Narnia has been conquered by the Telmarines and is now under the control of the evil King Miraz, who rules the land without mercy. The four children will soon meet an intriguing new character: Narnia's rightful heir to the throne, the young Prince Caspian, who has been forced into hiding as his uncle Miraz plots to kill him in order to place his own newborn son on the throne.
Let me start by saying that this movie was great. The story was very well done and the action scenes were amazingly choreographed. The final battle scene was honestly one of the all time bests. The only things that kept me from over the top loving this movie was that it was a good 1/2 hour too long and its marketed totally towards children and couldn't have been less of a kids movie if they tried. This didn't have the cuteness of the first one or really push the sibling care that was in the first one. This one was much more aggresive and pretty violent.
I would recommend that everyone check this out because it is a very well done fantasy epic type movie. However, it is nowhere near the family friendly movie that the first one was so be warned.
What Happens In Vegas
Two strangers awaken together to discover they've gotten married following a night of debauchery in Sin City, and one of them has won a huge jackpot after playing the other's quarter. The newlyweds devise ever-escalating schemes to undermine each other and get their hands on the money – only to find themselves falling in love amid the mutual backstabbing.
This was your standard date movie. You pretty much know every single thing that is going to happen 20 minutes before it happens. These types of movies are usually made or broken by the "sidekicks" or best friends of the main characters. Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz brought basically nothing to the movie. Their characters' friends, however, saved this movie and made it pretty watchable. Their scene stealing was the funniest part of this movie and really carried the first hour or so of this movie's humor. After that - the movie went in to serious mode and the formula factor really kicked in and I was just kind of waiting for the movie to end then.
I would lukewarmly recommend people checking this out. Its one of the better date movies to come out in a while, but thats not really saying much when you take a gander at what has come out. The big laughs at times in this one make it worth the viewing though.
This was your standard date movie. You pretty much know every single thing that is going to happen 20 minutes before it happens. These types of movies are usually made or broken by the "sidekicks" or best friends of the main characters. Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz brought basically nothing to the movie. Their characters' friends, however, saved this movie and made it pretty watchable. Their scene stealing was the funniest part of this movie and really carried the first hour or so of this movie's humor. After that - the movie went in to serious mode and the formula factor really kicked in and I was just kind of waiting for the movie to end then.
I would lukewarmly recommend people checking this out. Its one of the better date movies to come out in a while, but thats not really saying much when you take a gander at what has come out. The big laughs at times in this one make it worth the viewing though.
Speed Racer
Born to race cars, Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) is aggressive, instinctive and, most of all, fearless. His only real competition is the memory of the brother he idolized—the legendary Rex Racer, whose death in a race has left behind a legacy that Speed is driven to fulfill. Speed is loyal to the family racing business, led by his father, Pops Racer (John Goodman), the designer of Speed’s thundering Mach 5. When Speed turns down a lucrative and tempting offer from Royalton Industries, he not only infuriates the company’s maniacal owner (Roger Allam) but uncovers a terrible secret—some of the biggest races are being fixed by a handful of ruthless moguls who manipulate the top drivers to boost profits. If Speed won’t drive for Royalton, Royalton will see to it that the Mach 5 never crosses another finish line. The only way for Speed to save his family’s business and the sport he loves is to beat Royalton at his own game. With the support of his family and his loyal girlfriend, Trixie (Christina Ricci), Speed teams with his one-time rival—the mysterious Racer X (Matthew Fox)—to win the race that had taken his brother’s life: the death-defying, cross-country rally known as The Crucible.
This movie was downright painful for the first 30 - 40 minutes. There was so much information trying to be pushed on you at once and the filming style of assualting your senses like they've never been assaulted before was definitely turning me off. I was ready to throw in the towel and go home early when they got to the cross country race part of the movie. It was as if everything took a 180. Matthew Fox as Racer X became a more prominent character at that point. The information pump slowed up and I was finally able to just enjoy what was going on up there on the screen. The race scenes slowed down a bit and were easier to follow what was going on. And I guess that my brain was able to adjust to the way that they decided to film the movie so that it would be as close to the cartoon as possible even though it was live action. From that point on - I really enjoyed the movie. Looking back, I wish that the first portion of it hadn't been so aggravating. This really would have been a kick a$$ movie if that was the case.
I would recommend people going to see this movie. Just be warned that its a little too much for the first half hour, but then it gets much better. Its rated PG so you can definitely bring the kiddies to check it out. I'm sure that they will get as big of a kick out of the younger brother and Chim-Chim (the monkey) as I did.
This movie was downright painful for the first 30 - 40 minutes. There was so much information trying to be pushed on you at once and the filming style of assualting your senses like they've never been assaulted before was definitely turning me off. I was ready to throw in the towel and go home early when they got to the cross country race part of the movie. It was as if everything took a 180. Matthew Fox as Racer X became a more prominent character at that point. The information pump slowed up and I was finally able to just enjoy what was going on up there on the screen. The race scenes slowed down a bit and were easier to follow what was going on. And I guess that my brain was able to adjust to the way that they decided to film the movie so that it would be as close to the cartoon as possible even though it was live action. From that point on - I really enjoyed the movie. Looking back, I wish that the first portion of it hadn't been so aggravating. This really would have been a kick a$$ movie if that was the case.
I would recommend people going to see this movie. Just be warned that its a little too much for the first half hour, but then it gets much better. Its rated PG so you can definitely bring the kiddies to check it out. I'm sure that they will get as big of a kick out of the younger brother and Chim-Chim (the monkey) as I did.
Made Of Honor
For Tom (Patrick Dempsey), life is good: he's sexy, successful, has great luck with the ladies, and knows he can always rely on Hannah (Michelle Monaghan), his delightful best friend and the one constant in his life. It's the perfect setup until Hannah goes overseas to Scotland on a six-week business trip... and Tom is stunned to realize how empty his life is without her. He resolves that when she gets back, he'll ask Hannah to marry him – but is floored when he learns that she has become engaged to a handsome and wealthy Scotsman and plans to move overseas. When Hannah asks Tom to be her "maid" of honor, he reluctantly agrees to fill the role... but only so he can attempt to woo Hannah and stop the wedding before it's too late.
This movie was horrible. I knew going in that it was going to be totally formula and was essentially a male version of My Best Friend's Wedding. I figured that it would be a decently watchable date movie. I was so wrong. This movie was so insanely formula that it ended up being barely watchable at all. I laughed a total of three times in the movie, I couldn't have cared less about any of the characters at all, and you would have to be a total fool to not know whats going to happen in this movie step by step before even walking in to the theater.
I wouldn't recommend anyone bothering to check this out. Its garbage. Its not even worthy as a date movie, people! Stay away.
This movie was horrible. I knew going in that it was going to be totally formula and was essentially a male version of My Best Friend's Wedding. I figured that it would be a decently watchable date movie. I was so wrong. This movie was so insanely formula that it ended up being barely watchable at all. I laughed a total of three times in the movie, I couldn't have cared less about any of the characters at all, and you would have to be a total fool to not know whats going to happen in this movie step by step before even walking in to the theater.
I wouldn't recommend anyone bothering to check this out. Its garbage. Its not even worthy as a date movie, people! Stay away.
Iron Man
Based upon Marvel's comic, Iron Man tells the story of Tony Stark, a billionaire industrialist and genius inventor who is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon. Instead, using his intelligence and ingenuity, Tony builds a high-tech suit of armor and escapes captivity. Upon his return to America, Tony must come to terms with his past. When he uncovers a nefarious plot with global implications, he dons his powerful armor and vows to protect the world as Iron Man.
I was pretty skeptical when I heard they were going to do a movie based on Iron Man. Even when I saw the trailers, I was still thinking that this one would be one of the hokey comic book adaptions like the Fantastic Four and Daredevil. Thankfully, I was way off the mark. This movie was awesome. The action was great. The story was excellently crafted. The acting was great across the board. Jeff Bridges was a good villain. Gwenneth Paltrow wasn't nearly as annoying as I usually find her. As for Robert Downey Jr., him being cast as Tony Stark/Iron Man might be one of the best casting choices ever. His delivery of sarcasm and not caring in the first half of the movie was perfect and his evolution into caring and wanting to repair all the damage that he had unknowingly done with weapons building was very believable. I didn't think that Iron Man was mainstream enough of a comic book to pull it all off but I was dead wrong and this movie is on the same shelf as the first two Spider Man and original Batmans for me.
I couldn't possibly recommend this movie more if I tried. It was a truly well done movie and beyond entertaining. Go see it . . . . . . and if you are a big comic book fan - stick around until the end of the credits for something truly mind blowing.
I was pretty skeptical when I heard they were going to do a movie based on Iron Man. Even when I saw the trailers, I was still thinking that this one would be one of the hokey comic book adaptions like the Fantastic Four and Daredevil. Thankfully, I was way off the mark. This movie was awesome. The action was great. The story was excellently crafted. The acting was great across the board. Jeff Bridges was a good villain. Gwenneth Paltrow wasn't nearly as annoying as I usually find her. As for Robert Downey Jr., him being cast as Tony Stark/Iron Man might be one of the best casting choices ever. His delivery of sarcasm and not caring in the first half of the movie was perfect and his evolution into caring and wanting to repair all the damage that he had unknowingly done with weapons building was very believable. I didn't think that Iron Man was mainstream enough of a comic book to pull it all off but I was dead wrong and this movie is on the same shelf as the first two Spider Man and original Batmans for me.
I couldn't possibly recommend this movie more if I tried. It was a truly well done movie and beyond entertaining. Go see it . . . . . . and if you are a big comic book fan - stick around until the end of the credits for something truly mind blowing.
Deception
An accountant (McGregor) is introduced to a mysterious sex club known as The List by his lawyer friend (Jackman). But in this new world, he soon becomes the prime suspect in a woman's disappearance and a multi-million dollar heist.
This movie was about as suspenseful as watching paint dry. It was pretty much a remake of that movie Derailed that came out a couple of years ago with Clive Owen and Jennifer Aniston. I sat there for two hours thinking that I had seen this before. There wasn't a single moment where the audience was caught off guard. If it wasn't for McGregor and Jackman's acting abilities, this movie would have made it to the don't touch with a ten foot pole.
I wouldn't recommend anyone checking this one out. It was a pointless piece of film that was made simply to take your ten dollars.
This movie was about as suspenseful as watching paint dry. It was pretty much a remake of that movie Derailed that came out a couple of years ago with Clive Owen and Jennifer Aniston. I sat there for two hours thinking that I had seen this before. There wasn't a single moment where the audience was caught off guard. If it wasn't for McGregor and Jackman's acting abilities, this movie would have made it to the don't touch with a ten foot pole.
I wouldn't recommend anyone checking this one out. It was a pointless piece of film that was made simply to take your ten dollars.
Baby Mama
Successful and single businesswoman Kate Holbrook (Tina Fey) has long put her career ahead of a personal life. Now 37, she's finally determined to have a kid on her own. But her plan is thrown a curve ball after she discovers she has only a million-to-one chance of getting pregnant. Undaunted, the driven Kate allows South Philly working girl Angie Ostrowiski (Amy Poehler) to become her unlikely surrogate. Simple enough... After learning from the steely head (Sigourney Weaver) of their surrogacy center that Angie is pregnant, Kate goes into precision nesting mode: reading childcare books, baby-proofing the apartment and researching top pre-schools. But the executive's well-organized strategy is turned upside down when her Baby Mama shows up at her doorstep with no place to live. An unstoppable force meets an immovable object as structured Kate tries to turn vibrant Angie into the perfect expectant mom. In a comic battle of wills, they will struggle their way through preparation for the baby's arrival. And in the middle of this tug-of-war, they'll discover two kinds of family: the one you're born to and the one you make.
I've never watched 30 Rock. I don't know why. I just haven't. So, I wasn't expecting something similar to that show and just went in to this movie with moderate, at best, expectations of some good laughs and that's exactly what I got. The movie wasn't all out hilarious, most of the really funny scenes were in the commercials, and it definitely dragged a bit towards the end, but Tina Fey and Amy Poehler playing off each other produced more than enough laughs to make the movie worth watching. Amy Poehler definitely made the movie. The karaoke singing scenes were priceless.
I would recommend anyone who was interested in checking this out go ahead and do so. Its not a must see by any means, but its worth the trip to theaters.
I've never watched 30 Rock. I don't know why. I just haven't. So, I wasn't expecting something similar to that show and just went in to this movie with moderate, at best, expectations of some good laughs and that's exactly what I got. The movie wasn't all out hilarious, most of the really funny scenes were in the commercials, and it definitely dragged a bit towards the end, but Tina Fey and Amy Poehler playing off each other produced more than enough laughs to make the movie worth watching. Amy Poehler definitely made the movie. The karaoke singing scenes were priceless.
I would recommend anyone who was interested in checking this out go ahead and do so. Its not a must see by any means, but its worth the trip to theaters.
The Bank Job
A car dealer with a dodgy past and new family, Terry (Statham) has always avoided major-league scams. But when Martine (Burrows), a beautiful model from his old neighborhood, offers him a lead on a foolproof bank hit on London's Baker Street, Terry recognizes the opportunity of a lifetime. Martine targets a roomful of safe deposit boxes worth millions in cash and jewelry. But Terry and his crew don't realize the boxes also contain a treasure trove of dirty secrets - secrets that will thrust them into a deadly web of corruption and illicit scandal that spans London's criminal underworld, the highest echelons of the British government, and the Royal Family itself. This movie is based on a true story.
I had heard nothing but great things about this movie for so long that I thought for sure this would be one of those disappointing movies becuase of high expectations. Happily, my thinking was wrong. This movie was great. It took a little while to get started and was very scattered at the beginning but really came together once the actual bank job was taking place and became an awesome crime thriller during the aftermath of it all. Jason Statham has a great presence throughout the film and the rest of the actors, while unknown, also did great jobs all around.
I would strongly recommend this movie to everyone. It was definitely one of the better movies to come out this year.
I had heard nothing but great things about this movie for so long that I thought for sure this would be one of those disappointing movies becuase of high expectations. Happily, my thinking was wrong. This movie was great. It took a little while to get started and was very scattered at the beginning but really came together once the actual bank job was taking place and became an awesome crime thriller during the aftermath of it all. Jason Statham has a great presence throughout the film and the rest of the actors, while unknown, also did great jobs all around.
I would strongly recommend this movie to everyone. It was definitely one of the better movies to come out this year.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Struggling musician Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) has spent six years idolizing his girlfriend, television star Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell). But his world is rocked when she dumps him and Peter finds himself alone. After an unsuccessful bout of womanizing and an on-the-job nervous breakdown, he sees that not having Sarah may just ruin his life. To clear his head, Peter takes an impulsive trip to Oahu, where he is confronted by his worst nightmare: his ex and her tragically hip new British-rocker boyfriend, Aldous (Russell Brand), are sharing his hotel. But as he torments himself with the reality of Sarah's new life, he finds relief in a flirtation with Rachel (Mila Kunis), a resort employee whose laid-back approach tempts him to rejoin the world.
I'm somewhat on the fence about this movie. The funny scenes were absolutely hysterical. All of the characters were very well developed and played off of each other wonderfully. This applies especially to the rock star boyfriend. He was great. The movie also did an excellent job of portraying the break up emotions whether it be the victim, the supporting friends, or the dumper. It all seemed very genuine. Unfortunately, there were way too many dead spots that dragged. For every total belly laugh, there was blah stuff for a good 10 - 15 minutes. Everyone should also be forewarned about the full frontal male nudity of Jason Segel. I have been a huge fan of "How I Met Your Mother" (if you aren't watching it, people - you totally should be!) and am not sure how I'll be able to watch now fully knowing what his crotch looks like.
I would casually recommend people checking this out if they were interested. Its not a must see, nor an all out laugh fest, but it is a pretty decent watch.
I'm somewhat on the fence about this movie. The funny scenes were absolutely hysterical. All of the characters were very well developed and played off of each other wonderfully. This applies especially to the rock star boyfriend. He was great. The movie also did an excellent job of portraying the break up emotions whether it be the victim, the supporting friends, or the dumper. It all seemed very genuine. Unfortunately, there were way too many dead spots that dragged. For every total belly laugh, there was blah stuff for a good 10 - 15 minutes. Everyone should also be forewarned about the full frontal male nudity of Jason Segel. I have been a huge fan of "How I Met Your Mother" (if you aren't watching it, people - you totally should be!) and am not sure how I'll be able to watch now fully knowing what his crotch looks like.
I would casually recommend people checking this out if they were interested. Its not a must see, nor an all out laugh fest, but it is a pretty decent watch.
The Forbidden Kingdom
In The Forbidden Kingdom, American teenager Jason (Michael Angarano), who is obsessed with Hong Kong cinema and kungfu classics, finds an antique Chinese staff in a pawn shop: the legendary stick weapon of the Chinese sage and warrior, the Monkey King (Jet Li). With the lost relic in hand, Jason unexpectedly finds himself transported back to ancient China. There, he meets the drunken kung fu master, Lu Yan (Jackie Chan), an enigmatic and skillful Silent Monk (Jet Li) and a vengeance-bent kung fu beauty, Golden Sparrow (Crystal Liu Yi Fei), who lead him on his quest to return the staff to its rightful owner, the Monkey King - imprisoned in stone by the evil Jade Warlord (Collin Chou) for five hundred years. Along the way, while attempting to outmaneuver scores of Jade Warriors, Cult Killers and the deadly White Hair Demoness, Ni Chang (Li Bing Bing), Jason learns about honor, loyalty and friendship, and the true meaning of kung fu, and thus frees himself.
I loved this movie! It made me feel like I was five years old again watching kung fu movies on Saturday mornings while my mother was doing laundry. I have always loved these kinds of movies and this one was essentially like a kung fu version of The Wizard Of Oz. Before freaking out at how potentially blasphemous that statement can be - let me explain. The kid gets transported to this crazy land. He then meets three distinct personalities at seperate times and the four of them work together to travel and accomplish their mission. The camaraderie between the four main characters, especially Jackie Chan and Jet Li was awesome. The action and fight scenes were phenomenal. As you can tell from the summary above that the overall story was silly and beyond far fetched and that this movie is not a "great" movie in terms of awards or excellence, but this movie is simple enjoyment at its finest. A truly great popcorn movie.
I fully recommend that everyone check this out. Its old school, simple fun at the movie theater that I really wish they would make more of.
I loved this movie! It made me feel like I was five years old again watching kung fu movies on Saturday mornings while my mother was doing laundry. I have always loved these kinds of movies and this one was essentially like a kung fu version of The Wizard Of Oz. Before freaking out at how potentially blasphemous that statement can be - let me explain. The kid gets transported to this crazy land. He then meets three distinct personalities at seperate times and the four of them work together to travel and accomplish their mission. The camaraderie between the four main characters, especially Jackie Chan and Jet Li was awesome. The action and fight scenes were phenomenal. As you can tell from the summary above that the overall story was silly and beyond far fetched and that this movie is not a "great" movie in terms of awards or excellence, but this movie is simple enjoyment at its finest. A truly great popcorn movie.
I fully recommend that everyone check this out. Its old school, simple fun at the movie theater that I really wish they would make more of.
Leatherheads
Clooney plays Dodge Connolly, a charming, brash football hero who is determined to guide his team from bar brawls to packed stadiums. But after the players lose their sponsor and the entire league faces certain collapse, Dodge convinces a college football star to join his ragtag ranks. The captain hopes his latest move will help the struggling sport finally capture the country's attention. Welcome to the team Carter Rutherford (John Krasinski), America's favorite son. A golden-boy war hero who single-handedly forced multiple German soldiers to surrender in WWI, Carter has dashing good looks and unparalleled speed on the field. This new champ is almost too good to be true, and Lexie Littleton (Zellweger) aims to prove that's the case. A cub journalist playing in the big leagues, Lexie is a spitfire newswoman who suspects there are holes in Carter's war story. But while she digs, the two teammates start to become serious off-field rivals for her fickle affections. As the new game of pro-football becomes less like the freewheeling sport he knew and loved, Dodge must both fight to keep his guys together and to get the girl of his dreams.
I still am not sure what kind of a movie George Clooney wanted this to be. A sports movie? Not really. There was some sports stuff at the beginning and then a big game at the end with an hour and half of character drama in between while they flashed newspaper clippings on how the games were going. A slapstick comedy? Not really. It seemed to mix in some kind of Benny Hill type moments every 25 minutes and to be honest these were my favorite parts of the movie, but then they would just go away. A romantic triangle movie? Mostly. But then any time that it would get to a boiling type point, they would work in the slapstick or make the movie about questioning patriotism. Seriously. This movie was so all over the place that it was almost impossible to enjoy it even though I wanted to so badly.
I wouldn't really recommend anyone checking this out. Its not horrible, but it is a major disappointment.
I still am not sure what kind of a movie George Clooney wanted this to be. A sports movie? Not really. There was some sports stuff at the beginning and then a big game at the end with an hour and half of character drama in between while they flashed newspaper clippings on how the games were going. A slapstick comedy? Not really. It seemed to mix in some kind of Benny Hill type moments every 25 minutes and to be honest these were my favorite parts of the movie, but then they would just go away. A romantic triangle movie? Mostly. But then any time that it would get to a boiling type point, they would work in the slapstick or make the movie about questioning patriotism. Seriously. This movie was so all over the place that it was almost impossible to enjoy it even though I wanted to so badly.
I wouldn't really recommend anyone checking this out. Its not horrible, but it is a major disappointment.
88 Minutes
In 88 Minutes, Al Pacino stars as Dr. Jack Gramm, a college professor who moonlights as a forensic psychiatrist for the FBI. When Gramm receives a death threat claiming he has only 88 minutes to live, he must use all his skills and training to narrow down the possible suspects, who include a disgruntled student, a jilted former lover, and a serial killer who is already on death row, before his time runs out.
I had no clue what was going on when this movie started. It felt like I had missed the first 10 minutes or something because it hit the ground running and played catch up with character development later. I was not a big fan of this. I was getting really annoyed at the fact that it felt like I should know all these people when they had just shown up on screen for the first time. Luckily, I am a huge fan of Al Pacino and stayed interested just because of him. As time went on, and they continued to develop the characters, the movie did get better. It was your basic forensic/crime thriller movie. It was like a really good episode of CSI or Criminal Minds . . . . . with Al Pacino. Although it was very jumpy/choppy for the first half hour or so, it did end up being a pretty decent watch.
I would recommend anyone who enjoys these types of movies check this one out. Just tell yourself that it does get better if you find it kind of blah at the start.
I had no clue what was going on when this movie started. It felt like I had missed the first 10 minutes or something because it hit the ground running and played catch up with character development later. I was not a big fan of this. I was getting really annoyed at the fact that it felt like I should know all these people when they had just shown up on screen for the first time. Luckily, I am a huge fan of Al Pacino and stayed interested just because of him. As time went on, and they continued to develop the characters, the movie did get better. It was your basic forensic/crime thriller movie. It was like a really good episode of CSI or Criminal Minds . . . . . with Al Pacino. Although it was very jumpy/choppy for the first half hour or so, it did end up being a pretty decent watch.
I would recommend anyone who enjoys these types of movies check this one out. Just tell yourself that it does get better if you find it kind of blah at the start.
The Ruins
The Ruins centers on a group of friends whose leisurely Mexican holiday takes a turn for the worse when they accompany a fellow tourist on a remote archaeological dig in the jungle, where something evil lives among the ruins.
Granted, this movie was incredibly silly. That being said - it completely reaffirmed why I will never be looking to travel outside of this country. I got that same feeling I had watching Hostel where tourists can get in to some mind blowing situations in the blink of an eye and never be heard from again. I'll stick to vacationing at Disney thank you very much. Anywho, the movie was very silly like I said before, but that doesn't mean it still didn't manage to make you squirm A LOT. At the risk of ruining it for anyone - SPOILER ALERT - the "killer" in this movie is some kind of plant. This plant has overtaken this ruins site in Mexico. Once you come in contact with this plant, you are considered contaminated by the locals and they will not let you leave the area of the ruins. They will shoot you on sight. However, once you are stuck on the temple like structure, it is only a matter of time before the plant gets you. Again - the movie was totally silly, but the gore and freaking out the people go through is beyond creepy and ends up making the movie pretty watchable . . . . . . . . . and has inspired me to stay as far away from the garden as possible now.
I would recommend that anyone who had some vague interest in checking this out - go ahead and do so. Its not a good movie in terms of quality by any means, but is definitely watchable if you are in to these kinds of movies.
Granted, this movie was incredibly silly. That being said - it completely reaffirmed why I will never be looking to travel outside of this country. I got that same feeling I had watching Hostel where tourists can get in to some mind blowing situations in the blink of an eye and never be heard from again. I'll stick to vacationing at Disney thank you very much. Anywho, the movie was very silly like I said before, but that doesn't mean it still didn't manage to make you squirm A LOT. At the risk of ruining it for anyone - SPOILER ALERT - the "killer" in this movie is some kind of plant. This plant has overtaken this ruins site in Mexico. Once you come in contact with this plant, you are considered contaminated by the locals and they will not let you leave the area of the ruins. They will shoot you on sight. However, once you are stuck on the temple like structure, it is only a matter of time before the plant gets you. Again - the movie was totally silly, but the gore and freaking out the people go through is beyond creepy and ends up making the movie pretty watchable . . . . . . . . . and has inspired me to stay as far away from the garden as possible now.
I would recommend that anyone who had some vague interest in checking this out - go ahead and do so. Its not a good movie in terms of quality by any means, but is definitely watchable if you are in to these kinds of movies.
Prom Night
Donna's senior prom is supposed to be the best night of her life. After surviving a horrible tragedy, she has finally moved on and is enjoying her last year of high school. Surrounded by her best friends, she should be safe from the horrors of her past. But when the night turns deadly, there is only one person who could be responsible... a man she thought was gone forever. Now, Donna and her friends must find a way to escape the sadistic rampage of an obsessed killer, and survive a night "to die for."
This movie was absurd. I went in with bottom of the barrel expectations and this managed to go even lower than that. First of all - the movie starts with explaining how this girl saw her whole family get killed in front of her by some obsessed teacher three years ago and immediatly segways to her talking about her prom dress? What!?! I'm pretty sure that the kid would be rocking back and forth in the corner of a padded room somewhere after experiencing that, not talking trash about who's going to have a better dress. Then, there is the prom scene itself. I know its been a long time since my prom, but I'm pretty sure that it hasn't evolved in to something similar to showing up for the oscars. Seriously. These kids prom had red carpet entrances, paparazzi, and some sort of a dance floor out of a NYC club. It was ridiculous. And all of this took place in the first 30 - 40 minutes of the movie so that you are so annoyed by the time the actual scariness starts that you couldn't possibly care less. Even WW didn't enjoy this movie and she wanted to sooooooooooooooooooooo badly.
I wouldn't recommend anyone checking this movie out. It was beyond lame.
This movie was absurd. I went in with bottom of the barrel expectations and this managed to go even lower than that. First of all - the movie starts with explaining how this girl saw her whole family get killed in front of her by some obsessed teacher three years ago and immediatly segways to her talking about her prom dress? What!?! I'm pretty sure that the kid would be rocking back and forth in the corner of a padded room somewhere after experiencing that, not talking trash about who's going to have a better dress. Then, there is the prom scene itself. I know its been a long time since my prom, but I'm pretty sure that it hasn't evolved in to something similar to showing up for the oscars. Seriously. These kids prom had red carpet entrances, paparazzi, and some sort of a dance floor out of a NYC club. It was ridiculous. And all of this took place in the first 30 - 40 minutes of the movie so that you are so annoyed by the time the actual scariness starts that you couldn't possibly care less. Even WW didn't enjoy this movie and she wanted to sooooooooooooooooooooo badly.
I wouldn't recommend anyone checking this movie out. It was beyond lame.
Nim's Island
Anything can happen on Nim's Island, a magical place ruled by a young girl's imagination. It is an existence that mirrors that of her favorite literary character, Alex Rover- the world's greatest adventurer. But Alexandra, the author of the Rover books, leads a reclusive life in the big city. When Nim's father goes missing from their island, a twist of fate brings her together with Alexandra. Now, they must draw courage from their fictional hero, Alex Rover, and find strength in one another to conquer Nim's Island.
This was a cutesy movie for kids. It had its moments for the parents that have to take them but not enough to make it truly enjoyable for the adults. Abigail Breslin, who plays Nim, is a great young actor and pretty much carries the movie. I don't really know how in the blue hell Jodie Foster ended up in this and Gerard Butler has gone from the dictionary definition of bad ass in 300 to a pretty big joke of a supporting character to a 11 year old. The one really good thing that this movie accomplished from a parenting standpoint was in the first half of the movie when they conveyed reading a book and seeing it all play out in your imagination. I loved watching Stinka and her friends take this in and hope that it will stick with them. Unfortunately, the movie went on to show that the adventurer that Nim loved and worshipped in the books turned out to be a scared to leave her house author. Hopefully, this didn't put out the fire in the kids' imaginations that the beginning did such a good job of starting.
I would lukewarmly recommend parents checking this out with the kids. Its not atrocious and you could probably stick it out for your kids, but its not the most enjoyable viewing either.
This was a cutesy movie for kids. It had its moments for the parents that have to take them but not enough to make it truly enjoyable for the adults. Abigail Breslin, who plays Nim, is a great young actor and pretty much carries the movie. I don't really know how in the blue hell Jodie Foster ended up in this and Gerard Butler has gone from the dictionary definition of bad ass in 300 to a pretty big joke of a supporting character to a 11 year old. The one really good thing that this movie accomplished from a parenting standpoint was in the first half of the movie when they conveyed reading a book and seeing it all play out in your imagination. I loved watching Stinka and her friends take this in and hope that it will stick with them. Unfortunately, the movie went on to show that the adventurer that Nim loved and worshipped in the books turned out to be a scared to leave her house author. Hopefully, this didn't put out the fire in the kids' imaginations that the beginning did such a good job of starting.
I would lukewarmly recommend parents checking this out with the kids. Its not atrocious and you could probably stick it out for your kids, but its not the most enjoyable viewing either.
21
Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess) is a shy, brilliant M.I.T. student who – needing to pay school tuition – finds the answers in the cards. He is recruited to join a group of the school's most gifted students that heads to Vegas every weekend armed with fake identities and the know-how to turn the odds at blackjack in their favor. With unorthodox math professor and stats genius Micky Rosa (Kevin Spacey) leading the way, they've cracked the code. By counting cards and employing an intricate system of signals, the team can beat the casinos big time. Seduced by the money, the Vegas lifestyle, and by his smart and sexy teammate, Jill Taylor (Kate Bosworth), Ben begins to push the limits. Though counting cards isn't illegal, the stakes are high, and the challenge becomes not only keeping the numbers straight, but staying one step ahead of the casinos' menacing enforcer, Cole Williams (Laurence Fishburne).
Although this movie was beyond formula, it was very enjoyable. Kevin Spacey is a phenomenal actor and Jim Sturgess seems to be well on his way to getting to that level. Most important for me actor wise in this movie though was that Laurence Fishburne finally returned to the tough guy demeanor that he kicked ass at in The Matrix before becoming such a whiny little side kick in the two Matrix sequels. I still don't understand how people can count cards after seeing this movie even though they blatantly explain it at one point. I also still question how lame their signals to each other were when working the tables. I also don't understand how Jim Sturgess was starting to be recognized upon entry in to the different casinos even though I thought he was under different personas every time. Regardless of all these nagging issues, I still found myself totally enjoying this movie from start to end with all the twists and turns even though I pretty much saw every one of them coming.
I'd recommend people checking this bad boy out. Its a pretty good watch and worth your time.
Although this movie was beyond formula, it was very enjoyable. Kevin Spacey is a phenomenal actor and Jim Sturgess seems to be well on his way to getting to that level. Most important for me actor wise in this movie though was that Laurence Fishburne finally returned to the tough guy demeanor that he kicked ass at in The Matrix before becoming such a whiny little side kick in the two Matrix sequels. I still don't understand how people can count cards after seeing this movie even though they blatantly explain it at one point. I also still question how lame their signals to each other were when working the tables. I also don't understand how Jim Sturgess was starting to be recognized upon entry in to the different casinos even though I thought he was under different personas every time. Regardless of all these nagging issues, I still found myself totally enjoying this movie from start to end with all the twists and turns even though I pretty much saw every one of them coming.
I'd recommend people checking this bad boy out. Its a pretty good watch and worth your time.
Run, Fatboy, Run
Five years ago Dennis (Simon Pegg) was at the altar about to marry Libby (Thandie Newton), his pregnant fiancée. He got cold feet and ran for the hills and he's been going in circles ever since. When Dennis discovers Libby's hooked up with high-flying-go-getter Whit (Hank Azaria), he realizes it's now or never. He enters a marathon to show he's more than a quitter but then finds out just how much sweat, strain and tears it takes to run for 26 miles. Nobody gives him a chance but Dennis knows this is his only hope to more than a running joke.
Simon Pegg is one of the best up and coming actors in Hollywood. I've already gotten to the point where I will go see a movie just because he's in it. Shaun Of The Dead and Hot Fuzz were two of the best movies to come out over the last couple of years. I was under the thought that this movie was from the same people and was pretty disenchanted to find out it wasn't and that it was actually directed by David Schwimmer of Friends fame. However, Simon Pegg and the guy that played his best friend made this movie just as good as those other movies. There were huge laughs, a true to life character driven script and awesome supporting characters. As it all comes together at the end you find yourself unavoidably cheering for him to make it.
I fully recommend that everyone check this movie out. Its a very funny and heart warming movie that should be seen by all.
Simon Pegg is one of the best up and coming actors in Hollywood. I've already gotten to the point where I will go see a movie just because he's in it. Shaun Of The Dead and Hot Fuzz were two of the best movies to come out over the last couple of years. I was under the thought that this movie was from the same people and was pretty disenchanted to find out it wasn't and that it was actually directed by David Schwimmer of Friends fame. However, Simon Pegg and the guy that played his best friend made this movie just as good as those other movies. There were huge laughs, a true to life character driven script and awesome supporting characters. As it all comes together at the end you find yourself unavoidably cheering for him to make it.
I fully recommend that everyone check this movie out. Its a very funny and heart warming movie that should be seen by all.
Superhero Movie
The creators of The Naked Gun and Scary Movie are back with the comedy Superhero Movie. Meet Rick Riker. He's young, he's cool and he's got superpowers. Now, if he only knew how to use them... but the world is in danger and no one is safe when Zucker and the gang - headed by the hilarious cast of Drake Bell, Leslie Nielsen, Tracy Morgan, Pamela Anderson, Regina Hall and many others - take aim at some of the biggest blockbusters of our time including Spider-Man, Batman, X-Men, and Fantastic Four, to name a few.
As a big fan of spoof movies, this one is a breath of fresh air with some actual laughs when compared to the recent offerings of Date Movie, Epic Movie and Meet The Spartans. This movie was essentially a spoof of Spider-Man with a visit to the school in X-Men, a couple of Fantastic Four characters showing up in costume and the childhood death of parents a la Batman. It stuck close to the movies it was spoofing and didn't stray too far out of control. It was by no means a hysterical movie or a great movie. However, it was definitely watchable and had some pretty good laughs mixed in.
I'd recommend anyone who was interested in checking this out go ahead and do so. Its not a must see by any means, but worth the trip if its your cup o tea.
Shutter
For photographer Ben (Joshua Jackson) and his new wife Jane (Rachael Taylor), his new assignment - a lucrative fashion shoot in Tokyo - was supposed to be a kind of working honeymoon. With this exotic professional opportunity and the limitless possibilities of a new marriage, Ben and Jane arrive in Japan. But as they make their way on a mountain road leading to Mt. Fuji, their new life together comes to a crashing halt. Their car smashes into a woman standing in the middle of the road, who has materialized out of nowhere. Upon regaining consciousness after the accident, Ben and Jane cannot find any trace of the girl Jane believes she hit with the car.Shaken by the accident and by the girl's disappearance, Ben and Jane arrive in Tokyo, where Ben begins his glamorous assignment. Having worked in Japan before and fluent in the language, Ben is comfortable there, and he eagerly reunites with old friends and colleagues. Jane, a newcomer to the city, feels very much like a stranger in a strange land as she makes tentative, unsettling forays through the city. Ben, meanwhile, has discovered mysterious white blurs - eerily evocative of a human form - that have materialized on an entire day's work from the expensive photo shoot. Jane's concerns escalate as she believes the blurs in Ben's photos are the dead girl from the road, who is now seeking vengeance for them leaving her to die.
This is another one of those Japanese horror remakes a la The Grudge and The Ring. Unfortunately, this one was more in the league of One Missed Call and The Return. I didn't find myself anywhere near as creeped out as The Grudge or The Ring. I was able to pretty much figure out all the twist and turns long before they actually happened and had lost all interest in the movie less than half way through it. They really need to hold off on some of these types of movies. When there is one coming out every two to three months, they all become a big giant blur of creepy oriental woman with long black hair looking at you creepy and it loses all effect.
I wouldn't recommend anyone checking this bad boy out. Its not the worst thing I've ever seen but its pretty much just a big waste of time.
This is another one of those Japanese horror remakes a la The Grudge and The Ring. Unfortunately, this one was more in the league of One Missed Call and The Return. I didn't find myself anywhere near as creeped out as The Grudge or The Ring. I was able to pretty much figure out all the twist and turns long before they actually happened and had lost all interest in the movie less than half way through it. They really need to hold off on some of these types of movies. When there is one coming out every two to three months, they all become a big giant blur of creepy oriental woman with long black hair looking at you creepy and it loses all effect.
I wouldn't recommend anyone checking this bad boy out. Its not the worst thing I've ever seen but its pretty much just a big waste of time.
Drillbit Taylor
After being harrased by a school bully, two teenagers hire a former soldier of fortune (Owen Wilson) as a bodyguard, only to find out that he has his own agenda.
This is totally one of those movies that you've essentially seen by watching the preview. You know that the bodyguard guy is only trying to take advantage of the bullied kids and will eventually have a change of heart and actually ended up taking care of them. There was nothing special whatsoever. There were a couple of pretty good laughs, but that was pretty much it. I remember when Owen Wilson used to be totally hilarious on sight. He has fallen quite a long way. The bullied kids totally carried this movie and if it wasn't for them this would have been horrid.
I wouldn't really recommend anyone rushing to check this out. It might be worth renting, but could completely wait until cable.
This is totally one of those movies that you've essentially seen by watching the preview. You know that the bodyguard guy is only trying to take advantage of the bullied kids and will eventually have a change of heart and actually ended up taking care of them. There was nothing special whatsoever. There were a couple of pretty good laughs, but that was pretty much it. I remember when Owen Wilson used to be totally hilarious on sight. He has fallen quite a long way. The bullied kids totally carried this movie and if it wasn't for them this would have been horrid.
I wouldn't really recommend anyone rushing to check this out. It might be worth renting, but could completely wait until cable.
Horton Hears A Who
Horton Hears A Who is a film based on the beloved book by Dr. Seuss. It is about an imaginative elephant who hears a cry for help coming from a tiny speck of dust floating through the air. Suspecting there may be life on that speck and despite a surrounding community which thinks he has lost his mind, Horton is determined to help.
I enjoyed this movie a lot. That's not to say that it is in or near the ballpark of animated greats like Shrek, Finding Nemo or Aladdin. The thing that seperates those movies with this one is that the characters voices are perfectly cast for their animated counterparts. I was totally psyched about Jim Carrey and Steve Carrell voicing animated characters, but to be completely honest they didn't really bring much to the parts. Their two characters could have been voiced by anyone. That being said - this is definitely one of those animated movies where the adults aren't suffering while the kids enjoy it. There were plenty of laugh out loud moments and a lot of them were moments that were put there for us because the kids weren't laughing nearly as hard. Its a great family film with a couple of really strong messages about friendship and respect along with the laughs.
I'd recommend everyone checking this out. Its definitely worth your time. Anyone with children should go out of their way to check this bad boy out.
I enjoyed this movie a lot. That's not to say that it is in or near the ballpark of animated greats like Shrek, Finding Nemo or Aladdin. The thing that seperates those movies with this one is that the characters voices are perfectly cast for their animated counterparts. I was totally psyched about Jim Carrey and Steve Carrell voicing animated characters, but to be completely honest they didn't really bring much to the parts. Their two characters could have been voiced by anyone. That being said - this is definitely one of those animated movies where the adults aren't suffering while the kids enjoy it. There were plenty of laugh out loud moments and a lot of them were moments that were put there for us because the kids weren't laughing nearly as hard. Its a great family film with a couple of really strong messages about friendship and respect along with the laughs.
I'd recommend everyone checking this out. Its definitely worth your time. Anyone with children should go out of their way to check this bad boy out.
Doomsday
A lethal virus spreads throughout the British isles, infecting and killing millions. To contain the threat, acting authorities brutally quarantine the country as it succumbs to fear and chaos. The quarantine is successful. Three decades later, the Reaper virus violently resurfaces in a major city. An elite group of specialists, including Eden Sinclair, is urgently dispatched into the still-quarantined country to retrieve a cure by any means necessary. Shut off from the rest of the world, the unit must battle through a landscape that has become a waking nightmare.
This is one of those movies where I'm going to just blatantly talk about what happens. If you don't want to know because you plan on seeing this and don't want it spoiled - just skip to the last paragraph to see whether or not I recommend doing so.
This movie started off really good. I was shocked. It was kind of like a mix of 28 Days Later and War Of The Worlds. It was still really good when the team first went in looking for a cure. It was like a zombie movie combined with that kick a$$ scene in Aliens when they are trying to get back out of the medical area with the Aliens attacking them. The violence during all of this was totally hardcore and incredibly gory. Guilty pleasure wise - I was loving it. Then the movie started to shift in to a Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome mode and it just got totally over the top and retarded. The psycho leader guy came out to some sort of a ridiculous stage show entrance while Good Thing by the Fine Young Cannibals was playing and then his entourage danced around to the can can. Seriously. This actually happened. I had to literally pick my jaw up off the floor because of how absurd this scene was. They then cooked one of the soldiers. Again . . . . seriously. Cooked him. Over a fire. Cut off pieces of his flesh and threw paper plates out in to the crowd. Jaw once again on the floor. Somehow the soldier girl and her buddies manage to escape these crazies, get on a train, start it up and take the train to some random tunnel off in the woods. After coming out the other end of the tunnel, they literally stepped in to a scene from Gladiator. They now had to fight their way out of this and find another tunnel. This time the tunnel had bad ass sports cars, cell phones, and weapons. Please remember that none of this is made up. They then went driving around really fast until the Terrordome crazies caught up with them so that they could attempt to re-enact that car scene from that movie. The "cure" was helicoptered out of the quarantine zone but the crazy soldier girl decided to stay behind and become the leader of the terrordome people. Did you follow all of that? This was some of the silliest crap I've ever seen. However, the fact that it was so horrible along with the crazy violence/gore made me actually want to see how it ended instead of blatantly campaigning to leave early. Still . . . . it was poo.
I really wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone. Some people might feel the same way that I did and think that it was watchable based on the meter of horridness, but I couldn't ever see myself recommending this to anyone.
This is one of those movies where I'm going to just blatantly talk about what happens. If you don't want to know because you plan on seeing this and don't want it spoiled - just skip to the last paragraph to see whether or not I recommend doing so.
This movie started off really good. I was shocked. It was kind of like a mix of 28 Days Later and War Of The Worlds. It was still really good when the team first went in looking for a cure. It was like a zombie movie combined with that kick a$$ scene in Aliens when they are trying to get back out of the medical area with the Aliens attacking them. The violence during all of this was totally hardcore and incredibly gory. Guilty pleasure wise - I was loving it. Then the movie started to shift in to a Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome mode and it just got totally over the top and retarded. The psycho leader guy came out to some sort of a ridiculous stage show entrance while Good Thing by the Fine Young Cannibals was playing and then his entourage danced around to the can can. Seriously. This actually happened. I had to literally pick my jaw up off the floor because of how absurd this scene was. They then cooked one of the soldiers. Again . . . . seriously. Cooked him. Over a fire. Cut off pieces of his flesh and threw paper plates out in to the crowd. Jaw once again on the floor. Somehow the soldier girl and her buddies manage to escape these crazies, get on a train, start it up and take the train to some random tunnel off in the woods. After coming out the other end of the tunnel, they literally stepped in to a scene from Gladiator. They now had to fight their way out of this and find another tunnel. This time the tunnel had bad ass sports cars, cell phones, and weapons. Please remember that none of this is made up. They then went driving around really fast until the Terrordome crazies caught up with them so that they could attempt to re-enact that car scene from that movie. The "cure" was helicoptered out of the quarantine zone but the crazy soldier girl decided to stay behind and become the leader of the terrordome people. Did you follow all of that? This was some of the silliest crap I've ever seen. However, the fact that it was so horrible along with the crazy violence/gore made me actually want to see how it ended instead of blatantly campaigning to leave early. Still . . . . it was poo.
I really wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone. Some people might feel the same way that I did and think that it was watchable based on the meter of horridness, but I couldn't ever see myself recommending this to anyone.
10,000 B.C.
In a remote mountain tribe, the young hunter D'Leh (Steven Strait) has found his heart's passion - the beautiful Evolet (Camilla Belle). But when a band of mysterious warlords raid his village and kidnap Evolet, D'Leh leads a small group of hunters to pursue the warlords to the end of the world to save her. As they venture into unknown lands for the first time, the group discovers there are civilizations beyond their own and that mankind's reach is far greater than they ever knew. At each encounter the group is joined by other tribes who have been attacked by the slave raiders, turning D'Leh's once-small band into an army. Driven by destiny, the unlikely warriors must battle prehistoric predators while braving the harshest elements. At their heroic journey's end, they uncover a lost civilization and learn their ultimate fate lies in an empire beyond imagination, where great pyramids reach into the skies. Here they will take their stand against a tyrannical god who has brutally enslaved their own. And it is here that D'Leh finally comes to understand that he has been called to save not only Evolet but all of civilization.
This is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. Unfortunately - it was not meant to be funny in any way. It was total garbage and I found myself laughing out loud at how absurdly ridiculous it was. My biggest problem was that they were speaking regular English. In 10,000 B.C.? As if that wasn't bad enough - the dialogue was horrible and the acting right there with it. This movie was as a fellow blogger put it the anti-Apocolypto. The only way that I made it through to the end of the movie was by telling myself that it was actually a spoof of Apocolypto and laughing about how crappy it was. Even the special effects couldn't save this movie. There were three "creature" encounters in this movie and I didn't find myself the least bit awed by the CGI animals. Roland Emmerich made Independence Day back in 96 I believe and has amounted to pretty much nothing since then.
I wouldn't reccomend anyone waste their time on this steaming turd. It was truly a waste of two hours of my life that I can never get back.
This is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. Unfortunately - it was not meant to be funny in any way. It was total garbage and I found myself laughing out loud at how absurdly ridiculous it was. My biggest problem was that they were speaking regular English. In 10,000 B.C.? As if that wasn't bad enough - the dialogue was horrible and the acting right there with it. This movie was as a fellow blogger put it the anti-Apocolypto. The only way that I made it through to the end of the movie was by telling myself that it was actually a spoof of Apocolypto and laughing about how crappy it was. Even the special effects couldn't save this movie. There were three "creature" encounters in this movie and I didn't find myself the least bit awed by the CGI animals. Roland Emmerich made Independence Day back in 96 I believe and has amounted to pretty much nothing since then.
I wouldn't reccomend anyone waste their time on this steaming turd. It was truly a waste of two hours of my life that I can never get back.
College Road Trip
Choosing which college to attend can be the most exciting and thrilling time of a young woman's life... unless your overprotective father isn't quite ready to let you go. In the Disney family comedy, "College Road Trip," Melanie (Raven-Symone) is eagerly looking forward to her first big step towards independence when she plans a "girls only" road trip to check out prospective universities. But when her overbearing police chief father (Martin Lawrence) insists on escorting her instead, she soon finds her dream trip has turned into a hilarious nightmare adventure full of comical misfortune and turmoil.
This was a totally formula family film from Disney. Even though it was so textbook, it was still very enjoyable and had some huge laughs. Casting Raven as Martin Lawrence's daughter was brilliant and their physical/facial humor played awesomely off of each other. The younger brother and the pet pig were also very entertaining from a silly standpoint. They spare nothing at all when it comes to pulling the heartstrings at the end of this movie and anyone with children that they will have to "let go" of one day as part of the growing up process will be brought to tears.
I'd recommend people checking this one out. Its worth the trip to the theater - especially for those of you with children. Its not too often that you get a rated G family comedy nowadays.
This was a totally formula family film from Disney. Even though it was so textbook, it was still very enjoyable and had some huge laughs. Casting Raven as Martin Lawrence's daughter was brilliant and their physical/facial humor played awesomely off of each other. The younger brother and the pet pig were also very entertaining from a silly standpoint. They spare nothing at all when it comes to pulling the heartstrings at the end of this movie and anyone with children that they will have to "let go" of one day as part of the growing up process will be brought to tears.
I'd recommend people checking this one out. Its worth the trip to the theater - especially for those of you with children. Its not too often that you get a rated G family comedy nowadays.
The Other Boleyn Girl
The Other Boleyn Girl is a tale of intrigue, romance, and betrayal set against the backdrop of a defining moment in history. Two sisters, Anne (Natalie Portman) and Mary (Scarlett Johansson) Boleyn, are driven by their ambitious father and uncle to advance the family's power and status by courting the affections of the King of England (Eric Bana). Leaving behind the simplicity of country life, the girls are thrust into the dangerous and thrilling world of court life – and what began as a bid to help their family develops into a ruthless rivalry between Anne and Mary for the love of the king. Initially, Mary wins King Henry's favor and becomes his mistress, bearing him an illegitimate child. But Anne, clever, conniving, and fearless, edges aside both her sister and Henry's wife, Queen Katherine of Aragon, in her relentless pursuit of the king. Despite Mary's genuine feelings for Henry, her sister Anne has her sights set on the ultimate prize; Anne will not stop until she is Queen of England. As the Boleyn girls battle for the love of a king – one driven by ambition, the other by true affection – England is torn apart. Despite the dramatic consequences, the Boleyn girls ultimately find strength and loyalty in each other, and they remain forever connected by their bond as sisters.
I'm usually not a fan of movies like this. Honestly, I have such a hard time watching people dressed like that. How the hell did they do that? Could you imagine walking the streets around her seeing people with the frilly hats and pompous/poofy shirts and dresses that they wore back in the day? Its just plain silly, people! Now that my rant is out of the way, I ended up liking this movie alot. Bana, Johannsen and especially Portman (surprise! Star Wars didn't destroy her talents completely) all contributed great performances. The woman that played the Queen was also amazing. The story was very tight and managed to keep you interested despite all the annoying frilly costumes. Plus, its based on a true story and those always seem to be more enjoyable when done right.
I'd recommend anyone interested in checking this out go right ahead and do so. Even if the old English period pieces aren't your thing - this is still worth viewing.
I'm usually not a fan of movies like this. Honestly, I have such a hard time watching people dressed like that. How the hell did they do that? Could you imagine walking the streets around her seeing people with the frilly hats and pompous/poofy shirts and dresses that they wore back in the day? Its just plain silly, people! Now that my rant is out of the way, I ended up liking this movie alot. Bana, Johannsen and especially Portman (surprise! Star Wars didn't destroy her talents completely) all contributed great performances. The woman that played the Queen was also amazing. The story was very tight and managed to keep you interested despite all the annoying frilly costumes. Plus, its based on a true story and those always seem to be more enjoyable when done right.
I'd recommend anyone interested in checking this out go right ahead and do so. Even if the old English period pieces aren't your thing - this is still worth viewing.
U2 - 3D
For over a quarter-century, U2 has been recognized not only for their musical innovation, but for their incomparable gift for reaching millions of fans through new technologies. U2 3D is the first digital 3D, multi-camera, real-time production. Marrying advanced digital 3D imagery and 5.1 Surround Sound with the unique excitement of a live U2 concert, U2 3D takes viewers on an extraordinary cinematic journey, a quantum leap beyond traditional concert films.
This is probably one of the greatest experiences of watching something in a movie theater that I've ever had. I have always been a HUGE U2 fan and yet they are just about the only band that I have followed that I haven't seen in concert. This movie was awesome because you truly felt like you were there. The stage production that they put on was just as amazing as hearing them perform the music live and their selection of songs was perfect as far as I was concerned. This is the type of movie going experience that I would gladly do again and again if this movie wasn't playing so limited.
If you have a chance to check this out with it playing so limited - you MUST get out there and do so. It is truly phenomenal and its like seeing a concert for $15, people!
This is probably one of the greatest experiences of watching something in a movie theater that I've ever had. I have always been a HUGE U2 fan and yet they are just about the only band that I have followed that I haven't seen in concert. This movie was awesome because you truly felt like you were there. The stage production that they put on was just as amazing as hearing them perform the music live and their selection of songs was perfect as far as I was concerned. This is the type of movie going experience that I would gladly do again and again if this movie wasn't playing so limited.
If you have a chance to check this out with it playing so limited - you MUST get out there and do so. It is truly phenomenal and its like seeing a concert for $15, people!
Step Up 2 The Streets
Step Up 2 the Streets is the follow-up to Step Up. When rebellious street dancer Andie (Briana Evigan) lands at the elite Maryland School of the Arts, she finds herself fighting to fit in while also trying to hold onto her old life. When she joins forces with the school's most popular dancer Chase (Robert Hoffman) to form a crew of classmate outcasts to compete in Baltimore's underground dance battle The Streets, she ultimately finds a way to live her dream while building a bridge between her two separate worlds.
This is one of those completely formula movies. You saw the preview - you saw the movie. Regardless, I didn't go to see this for my own enjoyment. Future steppie Stinka really wanted to see it and I decided to sacrifice two hours of my life for my little buddy. She absolutely loved the movie and to be completely honest - it wasn't the worst two hours I've had to sacrifice. The choreography of the dance scenes was actually really good and there were some pretty enjoyable supporting characters in the movie, namely "Moose" - the doofy sidekick guy. He was great. This was by no means a good movie, but was a lot more watchable than I thought it would be walking in.
I'd recommend this movie to anyone that was interested in seeing it and/or enjoyed the first Step Up. Outside of those people or those of you willing to make sacrifces for the teens/pre-teens in your life - I'd recommend that you stay away from it. Those of you with younger kids be warned that there is a lot of scenes with annoying ghetto talk.
This is one of those completely formula movies. You saw the preview - you saw the movie. Regardless, I didn't go to see this for my own enjoyment. Future steppie Stinka really wanted to see it and I decided to sacrifice two hours of my life for my little buddy. She absolutely loved the movie and to be completely honest - it wasn't the worst two hours I've had to sacrifice. The choreography of the dance scenes was actually really good and there were some pretty enjoyable supporting characters in the movie, namely "Moose" - the doofy sidekick guy. He was great. This was by no means a good movie, but was a lot more watchable than I thought it would be walking in.
I'd recommend this movie to anyone that was interested in seeing it and/or enjoyed the first Step Up. Outside of those people or those of you willing to make sacrifces for the teens/pre-teens in your life - I'd recommend that you stay away from it. Those of you with younger kids be warned that there is a lot of scenes with annoying ghetto talk.
Semi-Pro
Will Ferrell stars in Semi-Pro, a comedy set in 1976 against the backdrop of the maverick ABA – a fast-paced, wild and crazy basketball league that rivaled the NBA and made a name for itself with innovations like the three-point shot and slam dunk contest. Ferrell plays Jackie Moon, a one-hit wonder who used the profits from the success of his chart-topping song "Love Me Sexy" to achieve his dream of owning a basketball team. But Moon's franchise, the Flint Michigan Tropics, is the worst team in the league and in danger of folding when the ABA announces its plans to merge with the NBA. If they want to survive, Jackie and the Tropics must now do the seemingly impossible – win.
I happen to think that Will Ferrell is the funniest man on the face of the planet. I have no idea how anyone can possibly keep a straight face while watching him. He was his usual hysterical self in this movie. Unfortunately, there wasn't much else beside him here. In movies like Anchorman, Talladega Nights and Blades Of Glory, his supporting cast is much funnier than they were in Semi-Pro and you definitely feel it at multiple times during the movie where there seems to be way too much dead space. Don't get me wrong - the laughs are HUGE at times in this movie and worth seeing for them if you enjoy Ferrell, but this is a movie that I wouldn't find myself watching over and over again like his other comedies.
I'd recommend anyone checking this movie out who was interested in seeing it. You won't be completely disappointed, but you will probably be somewhat so even with the occasional huge laughs.
I happen to think that Will Ferrell is the funniest man on the face of the planet. I have no idea how anyone can possibly keep a straight face while watching him. He was his usual hysterical self in this movie. Unfortunately, there wasn't much else beside him here. In movies like Anchorman, Talladega Nights and Blades Of Glory, his supporting cast is much funnier than they were in Semi-Pro and you definitely feel it at multiple times during the movie where there seems to be way too much dead space. Don't get me wrong - the laughs are HUGE at times in this movie and worth seeing for them if you enjoy Ferrell, but this is a movie that I wouldn't find myself watching over and over again like his other comedies.
I'd recommend anyone checking this movie out who was interested in seeing it. You won't be completely disappointed, but you will probably be somewhat so even with the occasional huge laughs.
Vantage Point
In Vantage Point, eight strangers with eight different points of view try to unlock the one truth behind an assassination attempt on the president of the United States. Thomas Barnes (Dennis Quaid) and Kent Taylor (Mathew Fox) are two Secret Service agents assigned to protect President Ashton (William Hurt) at a summit on the global war on terror. When President Ashton is shot moments after his arrival in Spain, chaos ensues and lives collide in the hunt for the assassin. In the crowd is Howard Lewis (Forest Whitaker), an American tourist who thinks he’s captured the shooter on his camcorder while videotaping the event for his kids back home. Also there, relaying the historic event to millions of TV viewers across the globe, is American TV news producer Rex Brooks (Sigourney Weaver). As they and others reveal their stories the pieces of the puzzle fall into place.
This movie was awesome. It reminded me a lot of the show Lost (GREATEST SHOW ON TV, PEOPLE!) when it first started. The first couple of episodes started telling how what was going on with each character when the plane went down. This movie had the same sort of storytelling going on. It would start at the summit and go to a certain point through someone's point of view and then fade out and go back to the summit and start from someone else's point of view. Every time they did it - the story went a little bit further. The movie was so intense though that every time it faded out I was having a bitch fit because I was dying to see where it was going to go. It ended up being totally worth the wait though to see how it all played out. The suspense in this movie was beyond perfection. This was a true edge of your seat thriller and totally matched the expectations I had for the movie from the kick a$$ trailer for it a couple months back.
I couldn't possibly recommend this movie any more. It is a must see, people! This movie totally rocked!
Definitely, Maybe
Ryan Reynolds stars as Will Hayes, a 30-something Manhattan dad in the midst of a divorce when his 10 year-old daughter, Maya (Abigail Breslin), starts to question him about his life before marriage. Maya wants to know absolutely everything about how her parents met and fell in love. Will's story begins in 1992, as a young, starry-eyed aspiring politician who moves to New York from Wisconsin in order to work on the Clinton campaign. For Maya, Will relives his past as an idealistic young man learning the ins and outs of big city politics, and recounts the history of his romantic relationships with three very different women. Will hopelessly attempts a "PG" version of his story for his daughter and changes the names so Maya has to guess who is the woman her father finally married. Is her mother Will's college sweetheart, the dependable girl next-door Emily (Elizabeth Banks)? Is she his longtime best friend and confidante, the apolitical April (Isla Fisher)? Or is she the free-spirited but ambitious journalist Summer (Rachel Weisz)? As Maya puts together the pieces of her dad's romantic puzzle, she begins to understand that love is not so simple or easy.
This was a very cute date movie. I'm a big fan of Ryan Reynolds and his delivery and facial expressions are just as good as always in this movie. I also really enjoyed the chemistry between him and Abigail Breslin as his daughter. They were awesome together. This movie kept making me think how lucky I am to have the future steppie Stinka in my life. The only real knock that I would make against this movie was that it was a tad too long. The movie was around 2 hours long and could have easily been closer to an hour and a half. Other than that, this was a really good romantic comedy with well developed and likable characters.
I'd recommend that people check this movie out. Its a good date movie.
In Bruges
For hit men Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson), Bruges could be their final destination; a difficult job has resulted in the pair being ordered right before Christmas by their London boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes) to go and cool their heels in Bruges for a couple of weeks. Very much out of place amidst the gothic architecture, canals, and cobbled streets, the two hit men fill their days living the lives of tourists. Ray, still haunted by the bloodshed in London, hates the place, while Ken, even as he keeps a fatherly eye on Ray's often profanely funny exploits, finds his mind and soul being expanded by the beauty and serenity of the city. But the longer they stay waiting for Harry's call, the more surreal their experience becomes, as they find themselves in weird encounters with locals, tourists, violent medieval art, a dwarf American actor (Jordan Prentice) shooting a European art film, Dutch prostitutes, and a potential romance for Ray in the form of Chloë (Clémence Poésy), who may have some dark secrets of her own. And when the call from Harry does finally come, Ken and Ray's vacation becomes a life-and-death struggle of comic and surprisingly emotional consequences.
Colin Farrell was hysterical in this film. His character was so completely and uncaringly obnoxious that he had me crying from laughing at certain times. The movie is very weird at times and had some pretty violent moments, but I still found it to be hysterical. Its one of those movies that doesn't necessarily have a straight story and is just about how badly things spiral out of control for these two guys and the people they meet along the way. However, Colin Farrell's interaction with these people and situations totally makes this movie.
I'd recommend everyone checking this one out although I don't think it will ever be released wide enough for you to do so.
Colin Farrell was hysterical in this film. His character was so completely and uncaringly obnoxious that he had me crying from laughing at certain times. The movie is very weird at times and had some pretty violent moments, but I still found it to be hysterical. Its one of those movies that doesn't necessarily have a straight story and is just about how badly things spiral out of control for these two guys and the people they meet along the way. However, Colin Farrell's interaction with these people and situations totally makes this movie.
I'd recommend everyone checking this one out although I don't think it will ever be released wide enough for you to do so.
Jumper
A genetic anomaly allows a young man to teleport himself anywhere. He discovers this gift has existed for centuries and finds himself in a war that has been raging for thousands of years between "Jumpers" and those who have sworn to kill them.
Let me just start by saying that Hayden Christiansen has officially become my least favorite actor in Hollywood. The guy is simply atrocious. He pretty much single handedly destroyed the Star Wars prequels and has consistently gotten worse with every movie he has been in since then. Jumper is no different. The other jumper in the movie with him was great and the effects were awesome. Unfortunately, that was it. As if Hayden didn't suck enough, this movie had to be graced with the presence of Samuel L. "I don't turn down an offer to be in any movie no matter how absurd it or my physical appearance in it will be" Jackson. What is the deal with him? The guy is a great actor with an awesome presence, but he keeps choosing to be in these giant turds that are offered up to him. Samuel, please fire your agent and look in to a little thing called selectivity.
I wouldn't really recommend anyone bothering to check this out. The effects while cool are not nearly enough to help you get past the horrid acting.
Let me just start by saying that Hayden Christiansen has officially become my least favorite actor in Hollywood. The guy is simply atrocious. He pretty much single handedly destroyed the Star Wars prequels and has consistently gotten worse with every movie he has been in since then. Jumper is no different. The other jumper in the movie with him was great and the effects were awesome. Unfortunately, that was it. As if Hayden didn't suck enough, this movie had to be graced with the presence of Samuel L. "I don't turn down an offer to be in any movie no matter how absurd it or my physical appearance in it will be" Jackson. What is the deal with him? The guy is a great actor with an awesome presence, but he keeps choosing to be in these giant turds that are offered up to him. Samuel, please fire your agent and look in to a little thing called selectivity.
I wouldn't really recommend anyone bothering to check this out. The effects while cool are not nearly enough to help you get past the horrid acting.
The Spiderwick Chronicles
From the series of books by the same name comes The Spiderwick Chronicles. It is a fantasy adventure for the child in all of us. Peculiar things start to happen the moment the Grace family (Jared, his twin brother Simon, sister Mallory and their mom) leave New York and move into the secluded old house owned by their great, great uncle Arthur Spiderwick. Unable to explain the strange disappearances and accidents that seem to be happening on a daily basis, the family blames Jared. When he, Simon and Mallory investigate what's really going on, they uncover the fantastic truth of the Spiderwick estate and of the creatures that inhabit it.
This is one of those great fantasy type movies. I love movies like this when you get a chance to view in to this made up world of fairies, goblins, and magic. I had read the books and really looked forward to seeing this movie. I was worried that my expectations were too high and I was inevitably going to end up disappointed. However, I was not at all. I think they did a great job of capturing the world and characters created in the book and that Freddy Highmore (playing both Jared and Simon) has continued on his path of what could be an amazing acting career. The only real knock that I can make against this movie is that there are some parts that are way too scary for really little kids seeing this. The main bad guy turns in to a huge goblin and a massive snake at certain points. I was glad that Stinka was past that waking me up in the middle of the night because she was scared phase at certain points during the movie so be warned parents of young ones.
I would fully recommend people checking this movie out. Its a great trip to another world while you are in the theater watching it.
This is one of those great fantasy type movies. I love movies like this when you get a chance to view in to this made up world of fairies, goblins, and magic. I had read the books and really looked forward to seeing this movie. I was worried that my expectations were too high and I was inevitably going to end up disappointed. However, I was not at all. I think they did a great job of capturing the world and characters created in the book and that Freddy Highmore (playing both Jared and Simon) has continued on his path of what could be an amazing acting career. The only real knock that I can make against this movie is that there are some parts that are way too scary for really little kids seeing this. The main bad guy turns in to a huge goblin and a massive snake at certain points. I was glad that Stinka was past that waking me up in the middle of the night because she was scared phase at certain points during the movie so be warned parents of young ones.
I would fully recommend people checking this movie out. Its a great trip to another world while you are in the theater watching it.
Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins
Martin Lawrence is talk-show sensation RJ Stevens, who left behind his Southern upbringing and family name to transform into a self-help guru dispensing his "Team of Me" philosophy to millions of adoring fans. With a reality-TV-star fiancée and money to burn, there's no piece of the Hollywood dream RJ hasn't achieved. After his parents request that he come home for their 50th wedding anniversary, the TV host packs up his 10-year-old son and diva bride-to-be and heads back to Georgia. It's a chance to prove to his family that he's no longer the awkward kid they relentlessly picked on. At least, that's the plan...But when his crazy, lovable family calls him on his big-city attitude and challenges him at every turn, RJ is forced to take a hard look at the man he's become.
This is one of those formula comedies. You have pretty much seen the movie by watching the commercial. There are still some really big laughs though even if the movie did run a bit too long. I have always found Martin Lawrence to be hysterical. He played really well off of Mo'Nique, Mike Epps, and Michael Clarke Duncan as his family. The only really bad part about this movie was his fiancee. She was so annoying that I wanted to throw my soda at the screen every time she talked.
I'd recommend people checking this one out if they are looking for a laugh. Its nowhere near being a must see, but it might be worth the trip for you.
This is one of those formula comedies. You have pretty much seen the movie by watching the commercial. There are still some really big laughs though even if the movie did run a bit too long. I have always found Martin Lawrence to be hysterical. He played really well off of Mo'Nique, Mike Epps, and Michael Clarke Duncan as his family. The only really bad part about this movie was his fiancee. She was so annoying that I wanted to throw my soda at the screen every time she talked.
I'd recommend people checking this one out if they are looking for a laugh. Its nowhere near being a must see, but it might be worth the trip for you.
Fool's Gold
Ben Finnegan (Matthew McConaughey) is a treasure hunter who is obsessed with finding the legendary 18th century Queen's Dowry--40 chests of priceless treasure that was lost at sea in 1715. In his quest, Finn has sunk everything he has, including his marriage to Tess Finnegan (Kate Hudson). Just as Tess has begun to rebuild her life, working aboard a mega-yacht owned by billionaire Nigel Honeycutt (Donald Sutherland), Finn discovers a vital clue to the treasure's whereabouts. Much to Tess' consternation, Finn maneuvers himself aboard Nigel's yacht and, using his roguish charm, convinces the tycoon and his celebutante daughter, Gemma (Alexis Dziena), to join him in the pursuit of the Spanish treasure. But they are not the only ones after the prize. Finn's one-time mentor, Moe Fitch (Ray Winstone), and a ruthless local gangster (Kevin Hart) are intent on beating Finn to the prize. Let the treasure hunt begin.
This was one of the worst movies I've ever seen and probably a lock for the worst movie of 2008. WW and I didn't even make it to the end. God Bless her beautiful soul for throwing in the towel on the gigantic piece of dung 3/4 of the way through. It speaks volumes that she was willing to leave. She is an incredibly patient person and will usually fully commit to the movie unless it is beyond intolerable. This movie most definitely was. We waited for an hour and a half for this movie to decide where the hell it was going and it still never went anywhere. It just kind of circled the drain for what seemed like an eternity. It was honestly the worst collection of movie characters I've ever seen. Thank God I had no sharp objects on me or I might have stabbed myself in the eyes with it.
I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone. Ever! Seriously. I wouldn't make my worst enemy suffer through this movie.
This was one of the worst movies I've ever seen and probably a lock for the worst movie of 2008. WW and I didn't even make it to the end. God Bless her beautiful soul for throwing in the towel on the gigantic piece of dung 3/4 of the way through. It speaks volumes that she was willing to leave. She is an incredibly patient person and will usually fully commit to the movie unless it is beyond intolerable. This movie most definitely was. We waited for an hour and a half for this movie to decide where the hell it was going and it still never went anywhere. It just kind of circled the drain for what seemed like an eternity. It was honestly the worst collection of movie characters I've ever seen. Thank God I had no sharp objects on me or I might have stabbed myself in the eyes with it.
I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone. Ever! Seriously. I wouldn't make my worst enemy suffer through this movie.
Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best Of Both Worlds
Hannah Montana fans everywhere have a chance to see their favorite singer, songwriter and actress, Miley Cyrus, perform her sold-out concert tour on the big screen in Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert. The film was shot during Cyrus's 54-city tour and is being shown in digital 3D.
I can't remember the last time I saw such total madness at a movie theater. Nobody promotes/markets things better than Disney and this might have been their best ever. This thing has morphed in to more of an event than a movie. It literally felt like you were going to the actual concert and not something that was on the screen at your local movie theater. Tickets for the movie have been sold out months in advance and the excitement level of all the children there to see it was priceless. Of all the Disney channel shows that the future steppie is addicted to, Hannah Montana has pretty much been my least favorite one. I had pretty much no desire to check out this movie but came away pleasantly surprised. The 3D effects of the concert and how it gave the stage so much depth was awesome and it turns out that Miley Cyrus has a lot more talent than I thought she did. I still fully expect her to turn in a crazy crack who-ra a la Britney Spears by the age of 21, but the kid is a pretty good performer. I could have done without the Jonas Brothers songs, but the experience ended up being worthwhile and most importantly - the kids loved it.
I would definitely recommend that people check this out. It such a great experience for the kids and the adults (once they let go and give in to the lunacy of the whole thing) end up liking it as well.
I can't remember the last time I saw such total madness at a movie theater. Nobody promotes/markets things better than Disney and this might have been their best ever. This thing has morphed in to more of an event than a movie. It literally felt like you were going to the actual concert and not something that was on the screen at your local movie theater. Tickets for the movie have been sold out months in advance and the excitement level of all the children there to see it was priceless. Of all the Disney channel shows that the future steppie is addicted to, Hannah Montana has pretty much been my least favorite one. I had pretty much no desire to check out this movie but came away pleasantly surprised. The 3D effects of the concert and how it gave the stage so much depth was awesome and it turns out that Miley Cyrus has a lot more talent than I thought she did. I still fully expect her to turn in a crazy crack who-ra a la Britney Spears by the age of 21, but the kid is a pretty good performer. I could have done without the Jonas Brothers songs, but the experience ended up being worthwhile and most importantly - the kids loved it.
I would definitely recommend that people check this out. It such a great experience for the kids and the adults (once they let go and give in to the lunacy of the whole thing) end up liking it as well.
Meet The Spartans
A spoof of the movie 300.
I am begging Hollywood to put a ban on these spoof movies. How the hell do they spend money on these humongous piles of garbage over and over again? Its like they are sitting there waiting for only 3 things to reach a certain level of pop culture status and then they have to rush production on one of these turds. This one consisted of 300, Stomp The Yard (the only actually funny scene in the movie) and reality tv/game shows. You literally sit there for an hour and a half wondering why in the blue hell you are subjecting yourself to this stuff.
I wouldn't recommend anyone check this crapola out ever. Its one of the most unfunny comedies I've ever seen.
I am begging Hollywood to put a ban on these spoof movies. How the hell do they spend money on these humongous piles of garbage over and over again? Its like they are sitting there waiting for only 3 things to reach a certain level of pop culture status and then they have to rush production on one of these turds. This one consisted of 300, Stomp The Yard (the only actually funny scene in the movie) and reality tv/game shows. You literally sit there for an hour and a half wondering why in the blue hell you are subjecting yourself to this stuff.
I wouldn't recommend anyone check this crapola out ever. Its one of the most unfunny comedies I've ever seen.
The Eye
Sydney Wells (Jessica Alba) is an accomplished, independent, Los Angeles-based concert violinist. She is also blind, and has been so since a childhood tragedy. As our story opens, Sydney undergoes a double corneal transplant, a surgery she has waited her whole life to have, and her sight is restored. After the surgery, neural ophthalmologist Dr. Paul Faulkner (Alessandro Nivola) helps Sydney with the difficult adjustment, and with the support of her older sister Helen (Parker Posey), Sydney learns to see again. But Sydney's happiness is short-lived as unexplainable shadowy and frightening images start to haunt her. Are they a passing aftermath of her surgery, Sydney's mind adjusting to sight, a product of her imagination, or something horrifyingly real? As Sydney's family and friends begin to doubt her sanity, Sydney is soon convinced that her anonymous eye donor has somehow opened the door to a terrifying world only she can now see.
This movie was atrocious. I am really starting to hate the American remakes of Japanese horror movies. For every The Grudge or The Ring, there seems to be three or four juicy turds like this bad boy. Unlike the aforementioned movies - this one had no suspense whatsoever and an incredibly dull story that I couldn't have cared less about if I tried. To make matters even worse - Jessica Alba has to be in the top five worst actresses ever. Her lack of acting talent totally annoys me in a normal movie, but when she has to do things like act like a blind person - its just downright excruciating and I wouldn't wish the retinal scarring of this movie on my worst enemy.
This movie is horrid, people. Don't see it . . . . . . . ever . . . . . . seriously. Its total garbage.
This movie was atrocious. I am really starting to hate the American remakes of Japanese horror movies. For every The Grudge or The Ring, there seems to be three or four juicy turds like this bad boy. Unlike the aforementioned movies - this one had no suspense whatsoever and an incredibly dull story that I couldn't have cared less about if I tried. To make matters even worse - Jessica Alba has to be in the top five worst actresses ever. Her lack of acting talent totally annoys me in a normal movie, but when she has to do things like act like a blind person - its just downright excruciating and I wouldn't wish the retinal scarring of this movie on my worst enemy.
This movie is horrid, people. Don't see it . . . . . . . ever . . . . . . seriously. Its total garbage.
Untraceable
Within the FBI, there exists a division dedicated to investigating and prosecuting criminals on the internet. Welcome to the front lines of the war on cybercrime, where Special Agent Jennifer Marsh (Diane Lane) has seen it all... until now. A tech-savvy internet predator is displaying his graphic murders on his own website – and the fate of each of his tormented captives is left in the hands of the public: the more hits his site gets, the faster his victims die. When this game of cat and mouse becomes personal, Marsh and her team must race against the clock to track down this technical mastermind.
This movie was essentially a two hour episode of Criminal Minds or CSI. If you find any of those procedural shows on tv, like myself and WW, then you will definitely enjoy this movie. The overall premise is pretty creepy and kind of freaks you out when you think about how stuff like this could either be really happening right now or surely will be soon. I must have turned to WW fifty times during this movie to tell her that I don't want the kids on the computer anymore. The only knocks that I could make against this movie is that it could have easily been 15 - 20 minutes shorter and it pushed the cop bravado thing a little too much. You'll see what I mean by the extremely corny last scene before the credits. Outside of that - it was a pretty good suspense movie.
I'd recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys procedural television shows and/or suspense movies. Outside of that - you might find it kind of boring.
This movie was essentially a two hour episode of Criminal Minds or CSI. If you find any of those procedural shows on tv, like myself and WW, then you will definitely enjoy this movie. The overall premise is pretty creepy and kind of freaks you out when you think about how stuff like this could either be really happening right now or surely will be soon. I must have turned to WW fifty times during this movie to tell her that I don't want the kids on the computer anymore. The only knocks that I could make against this movie is that it could have easily been 15 - 20 minutes shorter and it pushed the cop bravado thing a little too much. You'll see what I mean by the extremely corny last scene before the credits. Outside of that - it was a pretty good suspense movie.
I'd recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys procedural television shows and/or suspense movies. Outside of that - you might find it kind of boring.
Rambo
John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) has retreated to northern Thailand, where he's running a longboat on the Salween River. On the nearby Thai-Burma (Myanmar) border, the world's longest-running civil war rages on. Rambo has long given up fighting, even as medics, mercenaries, rebels and peace workers pass by on their way to the war-torn region. That all changes when a group of human rights missionaries search out the American river guide. When Sarah (Julie Benz) and Michael Bennett (Paul Schulze) approach him, they explain that since last year's trek to the refugee camps, the Burmese military has laid landmines along the road, making it too dangerous for overland travel. They ask Rambo to guide them up the Salween and drop them off, so they can deliver medical supplies and food to the Karen tribe. After initially refusing to cross into Burma, Rambo takes them, dropping off Sarah, Michael and the aid workers. Two weeks later, pastor Arthur Marsh (Ken Howard) finds Rambo and tells him the aid workers did not return and the embassies have not helped locate them. Rambo reluctantly leads a band of mercenaries to look for the missing volunteers.
Just like when Rocky Balboa came out last year, I thought that making another Rambo movie was such a horrible joke. And just like Rocky Balboa, I was pleasantly surprised. Its not that this movie is an well done movie. Its not a sequel/prequel or remake like a lot of the garbage that comes out nowadays. Its simply a look at where this character is twenty years later and how he still has people to kill. Its just great for what it is. The movie is a blatant 80s action movie with lots of horrible dialogue, over dramatic pauses, and mounds of violence/gore. These are the types of movies that used to be the biggest movie of the year simply because it was all out testosterone and nobody had to think while watching the massive shoot outs and what not. The whole crowd started clapping the first time that Rambo killed people with his bow and arrow.
I'd strongly recommend this movie to anyone who enjoyed these types of action movies from back in the day. You won't be disappointed. If that wasn't up your alley - I wouldn't remotely recommend you checking this movie out though.
Just like when Rocky Balboa came out last year, I thought that making another Rambo movie was such a horrible joke. And just like Rocky Balboa, I was pleasantly surprised. Its not that this movie is an well done movie. Its not a sequel/prequel or remake like a lot of the garbage that comes out nowadays. Its simply a look at where this character is twenty years later and how he still has people to kill. Its just great for what it is. The movie is a blatant 80s action movie with lots of horrible dialogue, over dramatic pauses, and mounds of violence/gore. These are the types of movies that used to be the biggest movie of the year simply because it was all out testosterone and nobody had to think while watching the massive shoot outs and what not. The whole crowd started clapping the first time that Rambo killed people with his bow and arrow.
I'd strongly recommend this movie to anyone who enjoyed these types of action movies from back in the day. You won't be disappointed. If that wasn't up your alley - I wouldn't remotely recommend you checking this movie out though.
Mad Money
Bridget Cardigan (Diane Keaton) is shocked to learn that she is on the verge of losing her home and comfortable upper middle class lifestyle when her husband Don (Ted Danson) is downsized from his job. Bridget is forced into the unfamiliar labor market with no job skills. Finally, she accepts the only position she can find—janitor at the Federal Reserve Bank.The one-time suburban mom soon discovers she has more in common with her new co-workers than she thought. Bridget forges an unexpected bond with Nina (Queen Latifah), a hard-working single mom with two kids to raise, and Jackie (Katie Holmes), an free spirit with nothing to lose. After a lifetime of playing by the rules, the three devise a plan to smuggle soon-to-be destroyed currency out of the supposedly airtight Reserve. As the unlikely crime syndicate amasses piles of cash, it looks like they have pulled off the perfect crime—until a minor misstep alerts the authorities. With more money than they know what to do with, the women are pushed to the limits of their ingenuity to stay one step ahead of the law!
This movie was just plain stupid. I kept thinking that it would get better, but it kept staying stupid. What is the deal with Queen Latifah? She's like the female version of Hugh Jackman last year in terms of overexposure. The woman seems to show up in every other movie. And as far as Katie Holmes goes - she must have gotten incredibly annoying via injection from Tom Cruise because I spent the whole movie wanting to punch her in the face for her horrible acting and her annoying quirky character. This is one of those movies that you are annoyed on the ride home that you just spent an hour and a half of your life that you can't get back.
I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone. Certainly not in the theaters for the love of God. I wouldn't even rent it. If you are stuck at home doing nothing when this comes on cable then I could suggest maybe watching it.
This movie was just plain stupid. I kept thinking that it would get better, but it kept staying stupid. What is the deal with Queen Latifah? She's like the female version of Hugh Jackman last year in terms of overexposure. The woman seems to show up in every other movie. And as far as Katie Holmes goes - she must have gotten incredibly annoying via injection from Tom Cruise because I spent the whole movie wanting to punch her in the face for her horrible acting and her annoying quirky character. This is one of those movies that you are annoyed on the ride home that you just spent an hour and a half of your life that you can't get back.
I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone. Certainly not in the theaters for the love of God. I wouldn't even rent it. If you are stuck at home doing nothing when this comes on cable then I could suggest maybe watching it.
27 Dresses
Jane (Heigl) has always been good at taking care of others, but not so much in looking after herself. Her entire life has been about making people happy – and she has a closet full of 27 bridesmaid dresses to prove it. One memorable evening, Jane manages to shuttle between wedding receptions in Manhattan and Brooklyn, a feat witnessed by Kevin (James Marsden), a newspaper reporter who realizes that a story about this wedding junkie is his ticket off the newspaper's bridal beat. Jane finds Kevin's cynicism counter to everything she holds dear – namely weddings, and the two lock horns. Further complicating Jane's once perfectly-ordered life is the arrival of younger sister Tess (Malin Akerman). Tess immediately captures the heart of Jane's boss, George (Edward Burns) whom Jane has been in love with for years. Tess enlists her always-accommodating sister to plan yet another wedding – Tess and George's – but Jane's feelings for him lead to shocking revelations... and maybe the beginning of a new life.
This was a total chick flick. I was cracking up at how out of 300 people that go to see this movie, about ten of them would be guys. Well, I was one of them and I have to admit that I ended up not minding this movie at all. See, the deal breaker with chick flicks is always the supporting characters. James Marsden was great in this, but the real scene stealer was Heigl's best friend. She had perfect timing with her one liners and 9 times out of 10 would say the line that I was thinking in my head in response to the situation that was going on. The two of them combined to make this movie pretty enjoyable and helped to get by the atrocious acting of Heigl's sister. That lady could go ahead and never get an acting job again and I'd be thrilled to death.
I'd fully recommend this movie. Its a great date movie and not one of those painful ones for the guys that go.
This was a total chick flick. I was cracking up at how out of 300 people that go to see this movie, about ten of them would be guys. Well, I was one of them and I have to admit that I ended up not minding this movie at all. See, the deal breaker with chick flicks is always the supporting characters. James Marsden was great in this, but the real scene stealer was Heigl's best friend. She had perfect timing with her one liners and 9 times out of 10 would say the line that I was thinking in my head in response to the situation that was going on. The two of them combined to make this movie pretty enjoyable and helped to get by the atrocious acting of Heigl's sister. That lady could go ahead and never get an acting job again and I'd be thrilled to death.
I'd fully recommend this movie. Its a great date movie and not one of those painful ones for the guys that go.
Cloverfield
Five young New Yorkers throw their friend a going-away party the night that a monster the size of a skyscraper descends upon the city. Told from the point of view of their video camera, the film is a document of their attempt to survive the most surreal, horrifying event of their lives.
I'm not really sure what to think of this movie. Part of me wishes that it wasn't done on the personal video camera with all of the running and shakiness. But then I realize that this would be nothing more than a weak version of War Of The Worlds. Part of me realizes that what gives the movie its edge is the fact that its filmed Blair Witch style and it really was well done considering it had such a small budget. There were definite parts of the movie where I found myself tensed up and then there were times where I felt that the camera work totally took away from the movie. I can easily see how a lot of people are going to see this and think that it sucked because of there being waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much hype for it. I find myself thinking that the movie was good. It wasn't great. It wasn't bad. Its kind of locked in between.
I'd recommend people checking this out. Just try to keep your expectations in check. If you are the type of person that gets sick from watching home videos with all the motion though stay far far away from this movie.
I'm not really sure what to think of this movie. Part of me wishes that it wasn't done on the personal video camera with all of the running and shakiness. But then I realize that this would be nothing more than a weak version of War Of The Worlds. Part of me realizes that what gives the movie its edge is the fact that its filmed Blair Witch style and it really was well done considering it had such a small budget. There were definite parts of the movie where I found myself tensed up and then there were times where I felt that the camera work totally took away from the movie. I can easily see how a lot of people are going to see this and think that it sucked because of there being waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much hype for it. I find myself thinking that the movie was good. It wasn't great. It wasn't bad. Its kind of locked in between.
I'd recommend people checking this out. Just try to keep your expectations in check. If you are the type of person that gets sick from watching home videos with all the motion though stay far far away from this movie.
The Bucket List
Corporate billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and working class mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) are worlds apart. At a crossroads in their lives, they share a hospital room and discover they have two things in common: a desire to spend the time they have left doing everything they ever wanted to do and an unrealized need to come to terms with who they are. Together they embark on the road trip of a lifetime, becoming friends along the way and learning to live life to the fullest, with insight and humor. Each adventure adds another check to their list.
This movie was a blatant heartstrings movie. They pulled no punches in trying to make you cry your eyes out. However, I absolutely loved it! I'm usually a sucker for movies like this and this movie was no different. I found myself genuinely caring for Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. Even though I knew Morgan Freeman leaving his wife and family for months and the things that these two guys did (skydiving and car racing) and the places they went (the top of an Egyptian pyramid? mountain climging?) while having 6 months to live from cancer were totally unrealistic and insanely far fetched, I didn't care. I really enjoyed watching their friendship grow and was crying like a little girl at the end of the movie. Granted, my emotional state had a lot to do with mine and WW's snarfing incident and some tears being from an insane giggle fit at the most gut wrenchingly sad moment of the movie, there were still genuine tears of sadness because of watching these well developed characters pass on at the end of the movie.
I'd recommend this movie to everyone . . . . . as long as you can handle the crazy sadness that you get hit with at the end of this movie.
This movie was a blatant heartstrings movie. They pulled no punches in trying to make you cry your eyes out. However, I absolutely loved it! I'm usually a sucker for movies like this and this movie was no different. I found myself genuinely caring for Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. Even though I knew Morgan Freeman leaving his wife and family for months and the things that these two guys did (skydiving and car racing) and the places they went (the top of an Egyptian pyramid? mountain climging?) while having 6 months to live from cancer were totally unrealistic and insanely far fetched, I didn't care. I really enjoyed watching their friendship grow and was crying like a little girl at the end of the movie. Granted, my emotional state had a lot to do with mine and WW's snarfing incident and some tears being from an insane giggle fit at the most gut wrenchingly sad moment of the movie, there were still genuine tears of sadness because of watching these well developed characters pass on at the end of the movie.
I'd recommend this movie to everyone . . . . . as long as you can handle the crazy sadness that you get hit with at the end of this movie.
Atonement
In 1935, 13-year-old fledgling writer Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) and her family live a life of wealth and privilege in their enormous mansion. Robbie Turner (McAvoy), the educated son of the family's housekeeper, carries a torch for Briony’s headstrong older sister Cecilia (Ms. Knightley). Cecilia, he hopes, has comparable feelings; all it will take is one spark for this relationship to combust. When it does, Briony – who has a crush on Robbie – is compelled to interfere, going so far as accusing Robbie of a crime he did not commit. Cecilia and Robbie declare their love for each other, but he is arrested – and with Briony bearing false witness, the course of three lives is changed forever. Briony continues to seek forgiveness for her childhood misdeed. Through a terrible and courageous act of imagination, she finds the path to her uncertain atonement, and to an understanding of the power of enduring love.
This is one of those movies that was made with winning oscars in mind. Unfortunately, I'm usually not a big fan of movies like this. I find myself sitting there, knowing that the movie is very well done and sure to win all sorts of awards and critical praise, but honestly I find it pretty boring. Its like that English Patient movie years ago. You know its good, but its just not your type of movie. The only part of the movie that I found myself truly enjoying was the end when it all tied together. There were very many parts where I was wondering if there was some way that I could just fast forward the movie. Again - its not that its a bad movie at all. If you enjoy movies like this - then you would probably love this movie. I just wasn't very in to it at all.
I'd recommend this movie to anyone who either likes these powerful, "epic" dramas or anyone who likes to see movies that are nominated for awards. Other than that - I wouldn't really recommend this movie.
This is one of those movies that was made with winning oscars in mind. Unfortunately, I'm usually not a big fan of movies like this. I find myself sitting there, knowing that the movie is very well done and sure to win all sorts of awards and critical praise, but honestly I find it pretty boring. Its like that English Patient movie years ago. You know its good, but its just not your type of movie. The only part of the movie that I found myself truly enjoying was the end when it all tied together. There were very many parts where I was wondering if there was some way that I could just fast forward the movie. Again - its not that its a bad movie at all. If you enjoy movies like this - then you would probably love this movie. I just wasn't very in to it at all.
I'd recommend this movie to anyone who either likes these powerful, "epic" dramas or anyone who likes to see movies that are nominated for awards. Other than that - I wouldn't really recommend this movie.
One Missed Call
In One Missed Call, a chain of people receive terrifying cell phone messages of their own final fatal moments. Though the messages can be deleted, their number is up. Beth Raymond (Shannyn Sossamon) is traumatized when she witnesses the gruesome deaths of two friends just days apart. Even more disturbing, she knows that both of them had received chilling cell phone messages—actual recordings of their own horrifying last moments. Impossibly, the calls were received days before they died, but each death occurred precisely when and how the messages foretold. The police think Beth is delusional—except for Detective Jack Andrews (Edward Burns) whose own sister was killed in a freak accident that bears a strange similarity to the deaths of Beth's friends. Together, Jack and Beth work feverishly to unravel the mystery behind the ominous calls. But even as they get closer to the truth, Beth's cell phone begins to ring with an eerie tune, and the readout says One Missed Call.
This movie is another one of those Japanese thriller remakes for American audiences a la The Ring or The Grudge. Ironically enough - it was kind of the same movie as The Ring with getting "one missed call" on your cell phone replacing the watching of the weird video. WW loves these kinds of movies so her opinion should be shared here. "It wasn't The Grudge, but I still liked it," says my loyal movie going companion. I concur with her assessment of the movie. It was definitely watchable, but nowhere near the level of creepiness of the other Japanese remade movies.
If you are in to movies like this - its worth the trip to theaters. If these bad boys are not your cup of tea - don't ever bother checking it out.
There Will Be Blood
There Will Be Blood is set on the frontier of California's turn-of-the-century petroleum boom. The story chronicles the life and times of one Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis), who transforms himself from a down-and-out silver miner raising a son on his own into a self-made oil tycoon. When Plainview gets a mysterious tip-off that there's a little town out West where an ocean of oil is oozing out of the ground, he heads with his son, H.W. (Dillon Freasier), to take their chances in dust-worn Little Boston. In this hardscrabble town, where the main excitement centers around the holy roller church of charismatic preacher Eli Sunday (Paul Dano), Plainview and H.W. make their lucky strike. But even as the well raises all of their fortunes, nothing will remain the same as conflicts escalate and every human value – love, hope, community, belief, ambition and even the bond between father and son – is imperiled by corruption, deception and the flow of oil.
First of all - let's just say that There Will Be Blood could have easily been called There Will Be Numb Asses. The movie is a little bit longer than 2 1/2 hours. Luckily, it doesn't feel it at all for the first hour and half but then it does kind of slow down a bit before turning really good again. Daniel Day-Lewis is phenomenal. Then again, when is that man not? Think about it. Have you ever see him in a less than stellar role? Anywho - he's awesome and his presence is so commanding that you find yourself not realizing that there isn't even any dialogue for the first 20 minutes of the movie. You're just watching him doing whatever he is doing. It was to the point that by the time he did speak I jumped a little out of shock. This cinematography of this movie is also great. The area where they are drilling is just as much of a character as the actors themselves and it was well caught. The weirdest thing about this movie was the non-stop over the top sound. It was like an orchestra was playing the whole time that they were filming. In any other movie - this would have probably driven me nuts. However, it was great in this movie and you end up liking it. This movie was awesome. I wouldn't go so far as to say the best movie of 2007 like many critics did, but it was definitely up there.
I would strongly recommend people checking this one out. It isn't necessarily mainstream fair, but for those of you in to the somewhat artsy movies - this is a must see.
First of all - let's just say that There Will Be Blood could have easily been called There Will Be Numb Asses. The movie is a little bit longer than 2 1/2 hours. Luckily, it doesn't feel it at all for the first hour and half but then it does kind of slow down a bit before turning really good again. Daniel Day-Lewis is phenomenal. Then again, when is that man not? Think about it. Have you ever see him in a less than stellar role? Anywho - he's awesome and his presence is so commanding that you find yourself not realizing that there isn't even any dialogue for the first 20 minutes of the movie. You're just watching him doing whatever he is doing. It was to the point that by the time he did speak I jumped a little out of shock. This cinematography of this movie is also great. The area where they are drilling is just as much of a character as the actors themselves and it was well caught. The weirdest thing about this movie was the non-stop over the top sound. It was like an orchestra was playing the whole time that they were filming. In any other movie - this would have probably driven me nuts. However, it was great in this movie and you end up liking it. This movie was awesome. I wouldn't go so far as to say the best movie of 2007 like many critics did, but it was definitely up there.
I would strongly recommend people checking this one out. It isn't necessarily mainstream fair, but for those of you in to the somewhat artsy movies - this is a must see.
2007: The Best
Honorable Mention - Arthur & The Invisibles
I'm pretty sure that barely anyone knows of this movie. It came out way back in January and I took my future stepdaughter to see it and the two of us absolutely loved it. It reminded me of those movies from when I was a kid like Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal. Its not top ten worthy, but definitely justified an honorable mention shout out.
10. 3:10 To Yuma
Pretty much the only genre of movies that I am not really a fan of is Westerns. However, I completely enjoyed this movie from beginning to end. Christian Bale and Russell Crowe were both great and Ben Foster put forth one of the best performances of the year as the main bad guy.
9. The Simpsons Movie
This movie deserves a spot on this list simply because they can make it as fresh and funny some 19 years after the Simpsons were created. That's simply amazing. Most of the time you get a movie that's way past due and it ends up just kind of being there. That was not the case with this awesome piece of work.
8. Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix
The fact that these movies continue to get better and better five movies deep in to the franchise is phenomenal. This movie struck me as the "Empire Strikes Back" of the franchise. It was darker than the previous one and served as the perfect bridge from the lighter first four and the two that are still to come. Side note - Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange might be the single best casting decision ever.
7. The Bourne Ultimatum
This movie was awesome simply because of how action packed it was and when you think about it - there really weren't any special effects. The fight scenes and car chases all looked so real. Plus the perfectly built suspense keeps your eyes glued to the screen the whole time. This is one of those movies that you can't even check to see what time it is.
6. The Kingdom
I think its a shame how underappreciated this movie was. It was like watching CSI: Saudi and then you couldn't even breathe for the last 20 - 30 minutes because of how terrified you were with the suspense level. Not to mention that Jason Bateman starting to surface in more prominent roles is the single best acting related thing to happen in Hollywood this year. The movie also drives home a really strong message and isn't just a popcorn, patriotic - kick their ass kind of movie.
5. Sweeney Todd
Nobody does quirky better than the combination of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. I was beyond skeptical about this movie (as I am about all musicals), especially with Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter singing. However, this movie did such an amazing job of sucking you in regardless of how weird/dark everything was and how gory it was at times. I found myself loving the music and not finding it out of place at all.
4. The Kite Runner
I loved the book and couldn't wait to see the movie. It still managed to meet my expectations when they were so high. If anyone doesn't like this movie, they simply don't have a heart in their chest. This movie gave such a remarkable insight in to a culture that we are mostly blind to out of rage and drives home the "they aren't all bad" line of thinking.
3. No Country For Old Men
This movie easily would have been number two if it wasn't for the last 2 minutes of the movie. This was the best 99.9% of a movie ever. I was so disenchanted by the final pointless (damn you, artsy directors!) scene that it cost it a silver medal. Javier Bardem's character in this should be a lock for Best Supporting Actor at every award show this year. He was the creepiest guy on screen since Hannibal Lecter. The tension between him and Josh Brolin was one of the best good guy/bad guy things I've seen in a long time.
2. American Gangster
This was an awesome rise and fall gangster movie. It wasn't as good as The Godfathers, Goodfellas or The Departed but it was pretty damn close. Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe were both awesome. The growing build up of their seperate stories was very well done and when it culminated there was no disappointment with the pay off.
1. Transformers
I have waited so long for a true "event" movie. So many have been given that label in the last ten plus years (basically since Independence Day) and haven't fully paid off. I felt that this one truly did. I can't remember the last time I felt like a little kid with the excitement that this movie made me feel. When I heard Optimus Prime's voice and it was the same from the cartoon I was freaking out. The effects were obviously awesome. The script was full of huge laughs along with the great action. Shia LeBeouf is the next Will Smith. He simply has that "it" quality. This may not have been worthy of "Best Picture" status by any means, but I haven't truly enjoyed watching a movie as much as this one in years.
I'm pretty sure that barely anyone knows of this movie. It came out way back in January and I took my future stepdaughter to see it and the two of us absolutely loved it. It reminded me of those movies from when I was a kid like Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal. Its not top ten worthy, but definitely justified an honorable mention shout out.
10. 3:10 To Yuma
Pretty much the only genre of movies that I am not really a fan of is Westerns. However, I completely enjoyed this movie from beginning to end. Christian Bale and Russell Crowe were both great and Ben Foster put forth one of the best performances of the year as the main bad guy.
9. The Simpsons Movie
This movie deserves a spot on this list simply because they can make it as fresh and funny some 19 years after the Simpsons were created. That's simply amazing. Most of the time you get a movie that's way past due and it ends up just kind of being there. That was not the case with this awesome piece of work.
8. Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix
The fact that these movies continue to get better and better five movies deep in to the franchise is phenomenal. This movie struck me as the "Empire Strikes Back" of the franchise. It was darker than the previous one and served as the perfect bridge from the lighter first four and the two that are still to come. Side note - Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange might be the single best casting decision ever.
7. The Bourne Ultimatum
This movie was awesome simply because of how action packed it was and when you think about it - there really weren't any special effects. The fight scenes and car chases all looked so real. Plus the perfectly built suspense keeps your eyes glued to the screen the whole time. This is one of those movies that you can't even check to see what time it is.
6. The Kingdom
I think its a shame how underappreciated this movie was. It was like watching CSI: Saudi and then you couldn't even breathe for the last 20 - 30 minutes because of how terrified you were with the suspense level. Not to mention that Jason Bateman starting to surface in more prominent roles is the single best acting related thing to happen in Hollywood this year. The movie also drives home a really strong message and isn't just a popcorn, patriotic - kick their ass kind of movie.
5. Sweeney Todd
Nobody does quirky better than the combination of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. I was beyond skeptical about this movie (as I am about all musicals), especially with Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter singing. However, this movie did such an amazing job of sucking you in regardless of how weird/dark everything was and how gory it was at times. I found myself loving the music and not finding it out of place at all.
4. The Kite Runner
I loved the book and couldn't wait to see the movie. It still managed to meet my expectations when they were so high. If anyone doesn't like this movie, they simply don't have a heart in their chest. This movie gave such a remarkable insight in to a culture that we are mostly blind to out of rage and drives home the "they aren't all bad" line of thinking.
3. No Country For Old Men
This movie easily would have been number two if it wasn't for the last 2 minutes of the movie. This was the best 99.9% of a movie ever. I was so disenchanted by the final pointless (damn you, artsy directors!) scene that it cost it a silver medal. Javier Bardem's character in this should be a lock for Best Supporting Actor at every award show this year. He was the creepiest guy on screen since Hannibal Lecter. The tension between him and Josh Brolin was one of the best good guy/bad guy things I've seen in a long time.
2. American Gangster
This was an awesome rise and fall gangster movie. It wasn't as good as The Godfathers, Goodfellas or The Departed but it was pretty damn close. Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe were both awesome. The growing build up of their seperate stories was very well done and when it culminated there was no disappointment with the pay off.
1. Transformers
I have waited so long for a true "event" movie. So many have been given that label in the last ten plus years (basically since Independence Day) and haven't fully paid off. I felt that this one truly did. I can't remember the last time I felt like a little kid with the excitement that this movie made me feel. When I heard Optimus Prime's voice and it was the same from the cartoon I was freaking out. The effects were obviously awesome. The script was full of huge laughs along with the great action. Shia LeBeouf is the next Will Smith. He simply has that "it" quality. This may not have been worthy of "Best Picture" status by any means, but I haven't truly enjoyed watching a movie as much as this one in years.
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