GI JOE: Rise of Cobra

I grew up on the REAL GI JOE! The ones that were three times the size of the little plastic toys they pander in the Targets and Wally Worlds. The real ones have moveable joints in the wrists, knees, elbows, and even a fuzzy faced head that pops off! You can dress them up in dozens of uniforms, belts, hats, boots and even scuba gear. They carried a variety of weapons and equipment and drove huge vehicles like jeeps that pulled search lights, boats, and helicopters.

My younger friend says they were "barbie dolls for boys," and had no stories or enemies like the GI Joe's in the cartoons and comic books. Well maybe so, but I had a world of fun slapping a gun in their kung-fu grip and I made up some great stories on my own. They tossed grenades in the deserts of Africa, sailed the Pacific Ocean, and went on secret jungle missions every Saturday morning in my backyard.

Hollywood has finally brought that childhood magic to the big screen with GI JOE, The Rise of Cobra. I was afraid it would be a cheesy cartoon rendition of the animated series, especially with names like Rip Cord, Heavy Duty, and Gung Ho (Special cameo by Brendan Fraser). But I was pleasantly surprised!

The movie was far from corny. The story wasn't bad at all, they kept the one liners to a minimum, and the characters actually had depth to them! That's right, a popcorn action hero movie actually had character's you could really get into. They nicely transitioned the history and backgrounds of several major characters into the story with very little exposition.

The special effects were also top tier! They were jaw dropping gorgeous (not to mention a couple of the female leads). It was quite a thrill ride and a great way to end the summer block busters! It is a must see!

But remember it is PG-13 so don't take the little ones, there are several cringe-worthy death scenes! But everyone else will enjoy seeing your childhood favorites come to life. Jump in your humvee and check out GI JOE Rise of the Cobra.....Go Joe!!

Public Enemies

I’m a huge Johnny Depp fan (who isn’t?). He always plays these ludicrous characters! His role as the Mad Hatter in the upcoming Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland adaptation is case in point. I guess it all started with Benny and Joon or was Edward Scissor Hands first? Either way, Netflix them if you haven’t seen his early work.

So I was a little surprised to see him play a historical figure like John Dillinger in Public Enemies. He is a talented actor and can no doubt pull it off it’s just unusual to see him in a “normal” role. The movie follows the last days of the notorious bank robber who’s crime spree in 1933 captured the attention of the nation and the newly forming FBI. Christian Bale is also in the movie playing FBI agent Melvin Purvis who is charged with capturing Dillinger. His rather flat role and droll speech is in stark contrast to the flamboyant lifestyle of the charismatic bank robber who often jokes with the media after being captured.

It was fun watching the film’s story unfold and kept my attention despite a few scenes that dragged a bit. With all the summer block busters rolling by, you will probably miss this one, so catch Public Enemies on Netflix or your favorite movie rental place in the near future.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Don’t get me wrong, I love the Harry Potter movies, but I don’t think this last one was the best. I get that it was supposed to be rather “dark” but that is not the issue I had with the film. There was just way too much high school romance going on with – one character loves this other character but they are seeing someone else – and the love potions and concoctions, etc. etc.

They could have cut all that out or lessened it, and it would have been much better in my mind. Finally I was a little disappointed with the ending. Apparently in the book there is a huge wizard battle at the end. We got none of that in the movie. Some are saying the film makers got lazy.

This was a “set-up” movie, much like Star Wars Empire Strikes Back. It leaves you wondering “What now?” I will tell you what now. For the final installment of the series, they plan on splitting the last book into two movies! Warner Brothers is certainly reluctant to end its Harry Potter cash cow. So Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part one will come in November 2010 and part two in July of 2011.

If you are fan, then of course you will enjoy seeing the characters on the big screen once again. This film will continue to be successful. Overall I enjoyed the film and loved the performance by Alan Rickman (Severus Snape). He is always fantastic. He draws his words out like a “buzzard pulling at entrails.”

So check out the latest Harry Potter and wear your shoes to bed if you sleep walk!

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

More robots fighting, more Megan Fox, this super-sized sequel to Transformers is every adolescents dream! What’s not to love?

I enjoyed the film and if you liked the first one, then the sequel is must see material. But there were a couple of problems I had with the movie this go around.

First the language was a bit much. I’m no prude, but it would have been nice if Michael Bay had just made an exciting robot smashing action film and left out the bad language and sexual innuendos. There was a little of that in the first movie, but it wasn’t glaringly obvious like it is in the sequel. My ten year old is dying to see this one, and I can’t take him due to the fact that I don’t want him learning words that should not come out of a ten year olds mouth.

Nothing would have been taken away from the movie if the crassness had hit the cutting room floor. Secondly, Sam’s (I can’t spell his last name) parents were adorable in the first movie. The clueless but attentive parents added the perfect comedic balance to the seriousness (as much as a robot movie can be) of the situation.

In Revenge of the Fallen however, I thought they were way over-the-top. Almost to the point they were just annoying rather than funny. Fortunately John Turturro reprises his role and saves the day with several good laughs!

But those things aside, it was a fun ride seeing the transformers in action again. I wouldn’t be surprised if we will get a third movie. I am sure you already have, but if not, check out Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen!

The Taking of Pelham 123

The Tony Scott remake of The Taking of Pelham 123 (1974) begs the question; Should Hollywood do remakes? I say YES! How else would I have ever got to see this gritty New York tale?

Pellam 123 got run over like a freight train by bigger summer movies on it’s opening weekend. This movie is a Hollywood re-make or upgrade to the 1974 film of the same name.

The modern version stars John Travolta and Denzel Washington. Travolta plays Ryder, a convict with a plan to trade hostages on a subway like commodities on the stock market. After taking the train over, he begins a rapport with a district train control center operator named Walter Garber played by Washington.

As Walter tries to learn as much as he can about Ryder, a few dark secrets are learned about Walter himself which adds some dimension to the characters. I thought the conversations were a little over the top between the two protagonists, but it was much better than the banter between Denzel and Clive Owen in Inside Man (sadly they are making Inside Man II).

The movie has a simple premise, a couple of mild action sequences, and really no other interesting character’s other than the mayor perhaps (James Gandolfini).

I enjoyed watching the plot unfold and knew it would “end badly” for one of the characters. But this was not a must see summer block buster by any means. I would recommend checking out Pellam 123 on Netflix!

Land of the Lost

I grew up in the seventies watching the two seasons of the TV series, Land of the Lost. I was really hoping this movie would be a glorious reboot of that creative show. It wasn't

I mean I get that Will Ferrell is a comedian and he has his moments but I had hoped this wouldn't be another "Will Ferrell" flick. It was. Full of language, and sexual innuendo (this is no kid's film), and he even manages to offend Christians by making light of Jesus. (don't get me wrong, he did it in Talladega Nights and Christians do have a sense of humor, it was funny).

But overall I think the audience is getting over the tired Will Ferrell humor train. Box office sales were disappointing for LOTL on it's opening weekend, especially considering the film cost 100 million to make!

I'd definitely wait for the DVD rentals to check this one out if at all, cause soon it will be Lost in the Land of forgotten movies.

Terminator Salvation

They're back!

Those pesky human killing machines have returned to the big screen. Not sure if this one could be called the best of the series, but I definitely enjoyed the movie! I am a big fan of the Terminator franchise and I am still bitter that FOX canceled Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles.

This film is of course set farther into the future than the other movies and we finally get to see a grown up version of John Conner (Christian Bale). I will say the overall look of the film was awesome! Great action and excellent CG effects as one might expect.

The story was adequate but it flitted from character to character and the two main characters, John Conner and Markus battled for attention and so that resulted in weak character development for everyone. I really wanted the whole movie to be just about John Conner and his struggle to save mankind since the premise of the war against the machines is based on him. So I was a little disappointed in that regard. But there were pletny of throwbacks to the previous movies that were great.

Bottom line though, it was a great ride and I hope they make another one. So if you want to live, go check out Terminator Salvation before you are ..... Terminated.

Rest In Peace

David Carradine

12/8/1936 - 06/04/2009

Angels and Demons

Tom Hanks reprises his role as symbologist (how can i get that job?) Robert Langdon. This time the supreme church of Rome, the Vatican needs his help in solving the kidnapping of four cardinals. One of which may become the new pope.

It's a thrill ride of a movie that mixes a little bit of fact with a whole lot of fiction. Because of this the movie has had some controversy in religious circles. But we all know that kind of attention just makes people want to see it all the more.

Personally, it's just a fun film to watch and it is a well written thriller with a good plot twist. I think I mentioned in the Da Vinci Code, that Hank's character was rather bland and it's the same for this movie. He just kinda runs around Rome pointing and shouting "This way!"

But I think that is just the personality of the character he is playing, and therefore he makes an excellent professor. Check out the diabolical and angelic Angels and Demons!

Star Trek

I was a huge Star Trek fan when I was a kid (and still am). So I was totally pumped up to see this new "reboot" of the franchise by J.J. Abrams. I was not disappointed! Just like they brought Spock back to life in the third movie with the original crew, Abrams has breathed new life into a favorite Sci-Fi universe.

This movie gives a fresh look at how the original Enterprise crew comes together. It is an action packed film with very little to complain about. Zarchary Quinto totally nails Spock! I was worried about having visions of Sylar from HEROES, but he does such a great job of channeling Spock, that I never even thought of his other show. His voice is not as deep as Nimoy's but that isn't really his fault.

Chris Pine does a decent job of subtly channeling Kirk, and some of his mannerisms. Unfortunately he has a couple of scenes that turn out to be a little "hokey." I'll blame the writers for that rather than the actor. For example he has an allergic reaction to some medicine that doctor McCoy gives him and is causes him to have "Fat Hands." Now I am sure the scene was meant to be funny and humorous (what's the difference?) But it just came across as silly to me and should have made the cutting floor.

I was surprised that Nimoy had such a major role in the movie. I thought perhaps just a cameo. But in the end I guess it was a good way to "pass the torch" over to the new crew. I loved the film and hope they make five or six with the new crew. All the other actors did a great job with their characters and each was given ample screen time to make their characters shine.

So if you have never been a Trekkie, now is the time to start people! Set phasers to kill, and drive at maximum warp speed to the local theater and check out the new Star Trek!!

Wolverine

I never followed the X-Men comic series, but I understand they are good. I mean I guess so since they made three, well now four films based on them.

I have followed the movies, as I like super-hero films. (I grew up watching Shazam!).

Wolverine was another great flick, and on par with the other X-Men films if not a little toned down. Was it as good as Ironman or *gasp* The Dark Knight? Pa Shaw! (Does anyone still say that?) Of course it wasn't.

But if you are an X-Men faithful, or need a super-hero fix, then you won't be disappointed with Wolverine's Origin movie. It has a cast of colorful characters, a typical comic book story line, and ties the character in nicely with the other X-Films. Hugh Jackman is perfect for the part!

So slither, teleport, fly, or use whatever mutated mode of transportation you have and check out X-MEN ORIGINS: Wolverine!

Crank 2: High Voltage

Yeah I saw it. So sue me. I love Jason Statham. And by "love" I mean a strictly platonic appreciation of his on screen presence. I first saw him in The Italian Job (2003) and thought he had potential.

So when I saw I had somehow missed Crank, in which he stars, I immediately ordered it on Netflix. It was an unusual film to say the least. Crank 2 is just as twisted and bizarre as the first one. In Crank, his character, Chev Chelios (I want to say Cheerios) is injected with some Oriental ninja poison that's going to kill him in an hour unless he keeps his adrenalin pumping.

He manages to stay alive and the sequel picks up where the first one left off. To the very second. In this continuation of the insanity, his prized heart (cause it withstands the poison) is stolen and replaced with an artificial one. But alas the battery pack only lasts for a little while and now he must keep shocking himself (see where the High Voltage comes in?) to stay alive as he tries to get his original blood pumping organ back.

This movie plays out like a video game, the main character never dies, just like a video game and this fact makes him so appealing as the invincible protagonist. Crank 2 never takes itself serious and neither should you. I only watch, like a car wreck you can't turn away from, to see what weirdness happens next.

This type of movie is not for the faint of heart (pun fully intended). I recommend Netflix, but watch Benjamin Button and Valkyrie first. In fact Netflix will probably be your only venue as I am sure it will be out of theaters by the time you read this. Cheers!

Fast and Furious 4

Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker), now working for the FBI in LA, teams up with Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) to bring down a heroin importer by infiltrating his operation.

The actors reunite for yet another installment in the franchise that brings you fast cars, crime, hot girls, and car chases. Brian and Dominic are both gunning for a Mexican crime lord named Braga (John Ortiz) one wants justice and one wants revenge.

I thought this film was on par with the first one, meaning if you liked the first one then you will enjoy this one as well. It delivers on what you expect from this type of popcorn flick. There were a few contrived scenes but they were forgivable as the movie flowed well. It was a fun ride! (pun intended).

So jump in your 10 sec car, speed to the theater and check out Fast and Furious!

Knowing

Most people either like or don't like Nicolas Cage. I fall in the generally-like category. I like his voice and onscreen quirks. Lately though I have noticed that they have trouble with his hair. They are always dying it jet black and the style (if you can call it that) looks horrible. Next and Bangkok Dangerous are just a couple of examples I can think of. It looks passable in this movie.

But enough about the main actor (and his hair), what about the movie, Knowing? The story or the premise deals with determination versus chaotic randomness. Does everything that happens in our world or the universe have meaning or a purpose? Or is it all just a cosmic accident that we are even here?

A scientist's son gets a strange piece of paper from his school's 50 year old time capsule. He notices that the numbers written on the paper correspond to tragic events that take place on earth. 9/11 for example. He frantically starts trying to figure out what events will take place next and he tries to stop them. Will he succeed?

I must say the special effects for the three disasters that happen are outstanding. They were jaw dropping and I think it's worth seeing this film on the big screen just for those stunning sequences! Really well done.

The story makes you think and wonder if and when all this stuff we call life on planet Earth might end, so I give it an extra star for making you ponder long after the credits have rolled.

So if you want an exciting film, that keeps you wondering to the every end (pardon the pun), and you like contemplating the meaning of life then definitely check out Knowing!

Race to Witch Mountain

This re-imagining of the 1975 film, Escape to Witch Mountain is good clean Disney fun! It has the same flavor as the 1975 film and the 1978 follow up Return to Witch Mountain. Those films really inspired my imagination and it was nostalgic goodness to take my son to see the new film starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (Jack Bruno), Anna Sophie Robb (Sarah), and Alexander Ludwig (Seth).

It's a simple story of two young aliens crashing on Earth to retrieve an experiment for their own dying planet. Our military coldly captures their space ship and hunts them down. Fortunately they hook up with a down and out taxi driver who gets caught up in their quest to save earth from invasion.

The acting was a little forced and I would liked to have seen better lines for the humorous parts but overall I enjoyed the ride! There were even cameo appearances of the original two space kids. Kim Richards (Tina the waitress) who played Tia Malone and Ike Eisenmann (Sheriff Antony) who played Tony Malone in the previous Witch Mountain movies)

So checkout Race to Witch Mountain with the kids before the real Star Trek hits the big screen in May!

Watchmen

I had no prior relationship with Alan Moore’s graphical novel on which this movie is based. I was the run of the mill super hero fanboy of Superman, Batman, and Spiderman. (OK throw in Wonder Woman just to balance it out a little).

But make no mistake, Watchmen is anything but "run of the mill." It is an adult superhero film, with adult sex scenes, graphic violence, and adult language and themes. So don't take the kiddies to this one.

It is very dark almost to the point of depressing. Overall it was a compelling story with very interesting characters. Unfortunately I thought it lacked emotional depth. That may be debateable as the character's struggle with love, morality, and humanity itself. But I didn't find myself overly connecting with the character's just basically watching the story unfold.

Speaking of the story, it differs from most superhero flicks in that they don't battle some arch enemy or super villian, rather it is a "who done it" mystery and how they deal with it in the end.

I also thought the film lacked any humor at all. Would have loved the Comedian to have lived up to his name, rather he was the opposite, everything he did was far from funny. Maybe that's the point and the jokes' on me. The scenes in the prison had a few smiles, but each one was followed by a grimace.

From what I have heard, director Zack Synder has stayed true to the famous graphic novel and fans will no doubt enjoy seeing the character's brought to life. In fact the sets and special effects are quite impressive. The blue glowing Dr. Manhatten is a pleasure to watch.

Who watches the Watchmen? I do! Check out the Watchmen on the big screen!

The International

I loved Clive Owen since I saw him play King Arthur in Arthur. However since then, he has been in some real stinkers (IMHO); Children of Men, Inside Man, and the gosh awful Shoot Em Up. However, he may have finally redeemed himself in The International. He plays a determined Interpol Agent trying to bring an International bank to justice that has killed anyone who gets in its way.

Owen’s character, Louis Salinger, is slightly over the top at times, but never got too annoying. He gets help from Naomi Watts (Eleanor Whitman). She helps balance his character out and their chemistry works fairly well.

The film’s plot doesn’t get overly convoluted but has enough twists and turns to keep it interesting. It’s kind of like a giant episode of Law and Order. There is also plenty of excitement as well. A fabulous shootout at the Guggenheim in New York! They must have recreated the museum on the set because they shoot that place literally to pieces.

This was a much better day at the movies than when I saw Taken and I recommend this film over it. So if you win the battle with your wife or girl friend on whether to see a “chick flick” (He’s Just Not That Into You) or a guy movie, then check out The International. If you lost that battle, then you have my condolences.

Taken

I can’t say anything really bad about this movie, but it didn’t blow me away either.
It stars Liam Neeson (Bryan Mills) who is an ex-CIA operative, a “preventer” as he calls himself. He is very paranoid and distrustful of the world, and for good reason, he has seen a lot of bad things in his career. He tries to shield his daughter from them, but she rejects his over-protectiveness as absurd. She wants to go oversees with a friend and needs his permission to leave the country. He reluctantly gives in and his worst nightmare comes true when she is abducted.

The plot was fine, the acting was fine, and the cinematography was fine. This of course all adds up to a “flat-line.” The film had no real pulse. The plots had no twists and turns, the actors, especially Neeson’s character were all two-dimensional. Neeson lacks the suave and pithiness of James Bond, and the style and excitement (for lack of a better term) than Jason Bourne. Maybe the writers didn’t want to emulate those characters but that is what makes them memorable.

So if you find yourself at the movies wondering what intriguing film to see, check out The International over Taken. The International has a heartbeat compared to Taken. I recommend catching Taken when it’s available on Netflix! (Netflix really should share the love and give me a kickback, don’t ya think?)

PUSH

WARNING! Do not go see this Heroes lame rip-off!

This movie was really bad! I get it. Heroes is a great show, so lets rip that off and make a movie. Sounds like a cool idea. But the story, the acting, the effects, all stunk! Little psychic girl Dakota Fanning? I didn't buy her character for a second.

The film was boring, the effects and "super powers" were "stupid powers."

I need to give this film a one star rating, but I guess I will give it two cause it wanted to be really cool and it was consistantly lame from start to finish.

Don't even Netflix this one folks (Now that is harsh). Netflix JUMPER (It was much more fun!) instead and push PUSH to the curb!

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

I wish I had had time to go back and watch the first two films again. Seeing Kate Beckinsale in leather again would certainly be worth it.

The new movie, Rise of the Lycans is a pre-quel sans Beckinsale. (Well that's not entirely true, but you'll have to see the movie to know what I mean.) Instead we get a Kate look-a-like, Rhona Mitra.

She plays Viktor's (Bill Nighy) Daughter Sonja. She falls in love with the head Lycan and it causes a war. It was standard Underworld fare, and I liked it as good as the other films.

Check it out!