Defiance

This movie wasn't bad. But it wasn't really great either. Daniel Craig makes an excellent bond, but a Russia Jew? Not buying it. The film is about a province in Russia coming under German occupation. The Germans even enlist the Russians to help "hunt down" the Jews in the neighborhood.

Based on a true story, Tuvia Bielski (Craig) and his brothers take in Jewish refuges and hide them in the forest. There they build a camp and community to hide from the Germans and try to survive the harsh winter. There is lots of death in the beginning and lots of crying. Then they take the fight to the Germans. During all this the brothers fight with each other.

The film didn't flow very well and seemed a little disjointed. The best part of the movie was seeing all the World War II gun I use in the game Call of Duty: World at War!

It's defiantely worth renting the movie, especially if you are a WWII history buff. And it is a great story of survival and makes you wonder how you would react if you found yourself in the same situation. Would you be Defiant?

Gran Torino

Best movie of 2009! I loved this film! Clint Eastwood is hilarious! It was not what I was expecting at all. Walt Kawalski (Eastwood) has recently lost his wife, but the film isn't about him adjusting to being alone. It's about him living in a changing world and letting go of his past (as a Koren War Vet) and finding peace.

It's a very heart warming film, but make no mistake, Clint still has his outlaw, Dirty Harry presence that kicks butt and takes names. I would never mess with Mr. Eastwood!

Don't let this one pass you by! Check out Gran Torino!

Happy New Year!

~~~Here's looking forward to a New Year at the Movies!~~~

The Spirit

The Spirit is, pardon the pun, shot in the same "spirit" as SIN CITY was. Meaning blood is either bright red or stark white. It has the cheesy lines, the absurd over-the-top action, that defines this rather new style, or the Frank Miller style, just as you can spot a Tim Burton movie five miles away, Miller leaves his indelible and bloody thumbprint on his movies.

Well the film definitely accomplishes whatever it was that it set out to do, and knowing what I was in for, I was able to claim that I had an hour and a half of entertainment. (That's why we go to the movies right?)

There is no Oscar winning performances here, and no heart-felt or even a tree hugger message to walk away from this movie with. Perhaps that's the point. Maybe that's the point of comic books from which this film gets it source material. We buy it, we read its gritty frames, and we escaped into someone else's world for a few hours.

So if you want to escape this color filled existence and delve into some mindless black and white ogling of hot females and big guns, then by all means check out The Spirit.

YES man

There's only one question to ask. Should you go see this movie? YES!

I usually pan comedies on the big screen, thinking that I don't need the theater to see a bunch of witty one liners. But for some reason (the smell of buttered pop corn) I decided to stroll over to the Riviera and check out Jim Carrey's latest pursuit of hilarity.(He's still got it!)

Karl (Jim Carrey) is recently divorced and down in the dumps as a result. He's clammed up and shut everyone and everything out of his life. Until an old friend invites him to a motivational seminar and he decides to give the program a try. Things immediately begin to turn around for him as he goes through life saying yes to every opportunity. He even finds a new love interest (Zooey Descchanel).

So I suppose this was really a romantic comedy hidden in the packaging of a comedy, cause I didn't pick up on that in the trailer. I know i'm going overboard here, but Carrey is really charming in this movie and the film exceeded my expectations. It does drag a little at the end but quickly rebounds for the candy coated happy ending we all know and love.

This was a fun ride and makes a great date movie! So don't be a NO man and check out YES man!

The Day The Earth Stood Still

This is a remake of a classic that started the whole Sci-Fi genre along with Forbidden Planet (which they are also remaking). I was excited for this movie, because I have enjoyed sci-fi shows and films for years.

I don't remember the message of the original film, but this one carried a big green message about mother earth and what the parasites known as humans are doing to her. Aliens are ticked off that we are destroying the earth and they have come to eradicate us and save the planet which is only one of a handful capable of sustaining life in the universe.

Overall I enjoyed the movie. It had a solid story, nice effects, good actors. But I think it could have been so much more. In the end they must convince the alien to let the humans live, and I was disappointed how that developed. It could have been much more powerful , much more compelling. I also thought they went a little soft on showing the atrocities that humans are capable of. All they presented were clips of a few riots. Heck I see that in the news, and I barely notice it. Despite that, I liked the movie. I won't give it a 'must see' but check out The Day The Earth Stood Still when it's released on DVD!

Punisher: War Zone

Fighting his one man war on the world of organized crime, ruthless vigilante-hero Frank Castle (Ray Stevenson) sets his sights on over-the-top mob boss Billy Russoti (Dominic West). After Russoti is left horribly disfigured by Castle, he sets out for vengeance under his new alias--Jigsaw. With the Police "Punisher Task Force" and the FBI unable to take Jigsaw in, Frank must stand up to the formidable army that Jigsaw has recruited before more of his evil deeds go unpunished.

This movie reminded me a little of the more campy Batman movies that came out, like the George Clooney Batman, with Arnold as Mr. Freeze. I think I liked the first Punisher Movie (Thomas Jane) a little better. This film truly was a Live Action Comic Book.

It was two hours of gratuitous and graphic violence (were talking heads exploding like melons, etc.) and over the top villians and a gun blasting, knife stabbing hero. Well if that's what turns your crank then you'll be richly rewarded. If it turns your stomach, then stay away from Punisher War Zone!

Transporter 3

I really like Jason Statham (Frank Martin), his accent, his fighting, his charm. (No I don't want to date him) I loved Transporter One and Two. I thought it was a fresh type of action flick, with great fight and chase scenes, not to mention Statham's dry wit.

So of course I was excited when I saw they were making a third movie in the series. Unfortunately as most sequels do, it fell a bit short on the delivery. The plot was just so so and the lead girl (Natalya Rudakova) was a bit "scary." They tried to up the action ante by doing ridiculously impossible stunts and that just made it worse.

Still being a fan of the first two films, I had to see it and support the sequel. Hopefully they will call it a wrap and let Jason move on new projects. So I recommend checking out Transporter 3 at the rental place or Netflix it!

Twilight

I was afraid this film would be a bit too sappy. To be sure, there is a lot of mushiness to be found, but the story is strong, and the character's are interesting (if not a bit one dimensional).

Make no mistake though, this is not a scary or horror flick (what's the difference?). In fact, it almost lacks so much in action and suspense, I was afraid I would dose off and miss the epic climax.

I always like a new twist on the Vampire genre, so I was curious what this author, Stephenie Meyer brought to the table. (You knew it was based on a book right?) It's a tale about a "family" of vampires that move about the country over the years and they have come home to the always cloudy and rainy Washington state area. They are "good" vampires in that they only feed on animals, not humans. Although the temptation and desire is there.

So it's the same old story of Vampire boy meets Human girl and they fall in love. Will the rest of the family be happy? And whose feeding on the local town folk?

I talked to a fan that had read the book, (I haven't) and she said the film was a "pretty good" adaptation for a book to screen movie. I found that the human girl, Bella Swan, played by Kristen Stewart looked great for the part, but I hated the way she presented her character. She too has recently moved to Washington and is adjusting to her new life with her father. But all her lines were stuttered with confusion, uncertainty, starting and stopping in an annoying fashion. (um...like this blog!) It would have been okay for a scene or two, but she does it the whole movie. I blame the director for that. At some point, she should have evolved into a confident sure-of-herself girl, that finally accepts and knows what she wants.

Overall it was a decent movie, and you should check Twilight out especially if you are a fan of the book. Otherwise Netflix it one day on your XBOX 360!

Quantum of Solace

Bond. James Bond. Quantum of Solace continues the high octane adventures of James Bond (Daniel Craig) in Casino Royale. Betrayed by Vesper, the woman he loved, 007 fights the urge to make his latest mission personal. Pursuing his determination to uncover the truth, Bond and M (Judi Dench) interrogate Mr White (Jesper Christensen) who reveals the organization which blackmailed Vesper is far more complex and dangerous than anyone had imagined. Forensic intelligence links an Mi6 traitor to a bank account in Haiti where a case of mistaken identity introduces Bond to the beautiful but feisty Camille (Olga Kurylenko), a woman who has her own vendetta. Camille leads Bond straight to Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), a business man and major force within the mysterious organization.


On a mission that leads him to Austria, Italy and South America, Bond discovers that Greene, conspiring to take total control of one of the world's most important natural resources, is forging a deal with the exiled General Medrano. Using his associates in the organization, and manipulating his powerful contacts within the CIA and the British government, Greene promises to overthrow the existing regime in a Latin American country, giving the General control of the country in exchange for a seemingly barren piece of land. In a minefield of treachery, murder and deceit, Bond allies with old friends in a battle to uncover the truth. As he gets closer to finding the man responsible for the betrayal of Vesper, 007 must keep one step ahead of the CIA, the terrorists and even M, to unravel Greene's sinister plan and stop his organization.


The critics will tell you the plot was thin, but I disagree. I thought is was as complex as every other Bond Film. This movie is action packed and won't disappoint. It's an excellent sequel to Casino Royale and I enjoyed every minute, leaving the theater wanting more!

Don't wait, get your Walther PPK, bow tie, and Aston Martin and drive unnecessarily fast to the theater to catch the latest 007 thriller, Quantum of Solace!!

Madagascar 2

Your favorite animals are back. (No not Jim Belushi) This time they escape from Madagascar with the help of the lovable and unstoppable penguins! Only to land a short distance away in Africa where Alex the lion is reunited with his family. There he must fight off the schemes of a conniving second lion that wants to dethrone his father. (Steal much from the Lion King?). Alex's father, Zuba is voiced by the late great Bernie Mac.

It was a great sequel, but they spent a lot of time in story exposition, character development, and sub plots like a love triangle with Melman and Gloria. I thought they should have had less of that and more of the laughs. There were just to many "serious" moments for a kids movie.

I mean sure through some stuff in there for the adults, but don't lose sight of your target audience. Other than that small criticism, the movie was a blast. King Louie (Sacha Baron Cohen) was hilarious as usual and the penguins need their own film!

Check out Madagascar II pronto "doll-face!"

Max Payne

I was really looking forward to this film as soon as I saw the preview. I enjoyed playing the game Max Payne which the film is based on. It was an XBOX game about a detective whose family is killed over a new drug.

The film, just like the game is dark and gritty. We find Max Payne in the basement of the police station, working the desk of the cold case unit. After three years he is still looking for his wife's killer.

The story is good, the premise is fantastic. (Hey that's why they made a movie!) But I found the film was definitely lacking something. The writing and acting was sub-par. Mark Wahlberg was underwhelming. The scenes were disjointed and forced. I wanted to like the movie, I really wanted to be on board, but it fell a bit flat. I think Beau Bridges was miscast as well.

The sex scenes were not. Max Payne was not bad-a** enough, and the movie therefore was not up to par. I seem to be on a roll here for Netflix recommendations! I say pass on Max Payne for now.

City of Ember

You are kinda just along for the ride on this movie. Based on a book (children's?) it's the tale of an underground city created by scientists during a nuclear holocaust taking place on the surface. They fill the city with babies and a few guardians that will grow up underground for generations over the next 200 years.

It's illegal for anyone to venture out into the darkness surrounding the city, but as the city's generator begins to fail, and food supplies dwindle, two young kids decide to find an exit from the City of Ember.

It's not a bad tale, and they try hard to create suspense, they try hard to develop the characters, but it was lacking overall in drawing me into the world that they have created. I was constantly aware that I was in a movie theater, just watching a story unfold. I never felt a part of it, never felt drawn in.

I enjoyed the performances by Tim Robbins, Martin Landau (I thought he was dead), and even Bill Murray as the mayor, but it wasn't enough for me to recommend rushing to the theater for this one. Check City of Ember out on video or Netflix!

Body of Lies

If you like watching Russell Crowe take his kids to soccer and look over the top of his glasses for two hours, then you'll love Body of Lies. Actually it wasn't that bad. But they would have had a much better film without Crowe's character. Don't get me wrong, I have huge respect for Russell Crowe and he is an amazing actor. But I feel he was miscast for the part.

Dicaprio did a decent job, making me believe he is a hard core CIA field agent, he almost over sold it. But I thought he did a solid job. The film carries the message that the Iraq War was a bad idea, but it doesn't cram that message down your throat, it's more subtle.

The film seems to lose a little steam toward the end, but it picks back up for the grand finish. There's a little cross-cultureal love story thrown which we could have done without but they needed it for the big finish.

Overall the movie accomplished what it set out to do, but you'd be just as satisfied Netflixing this one at home, check out Body of Lies by putting it in your queue in a few months.

Eagle Eye

Shia LaBeouf has been rolling out the hits lately; Transformers, Indy Jones Four, and now Eagle Eye.

Jerry (LaBeouf) and Rachel (Michelle Monaghan) are two strangers thrown together by a mysterious phone call from a woman they have never met. Threatening their lives and family, she pushes Jerry and Rachel into a series of increasingly dangerous situations, using the technology of everyday life to track and control their every move. (IMDB)

There's no Oscar material here, but the story and acting is solid enough. It never seems to drag and builds enough suspense to keep it interesting. It's slim pickens if you are movie goer coming off the summer blockbusters.

So if you're in the mood for a decent "popcorn" flick, then there is a Porsche Cayenne waiting for you outside. Get in and drive to the nearest theater. You have 15 minutes. Desertion is not an option.

Burn After Reading

I was so excited to see this movie. I mean it's the insanity of the Coen Brothers! I loved Oh Brother Where Art Thou?

This film was a HUGE disappointment! After exactly one hour into the movie, I finally laughed. I was rolling on the floor in the first 3-5 minutes of Oh Brother and I never stopped. I think I only laughed out loud once during this entire weak sauce of a Coen Brother presentation.

It's about a CIA analyst quitting his job, meanwhile his wife and every other person in the movie is having an affair, a couple of not-to-bright fitness trainers find a CD they think has top secret info on it and try to turn it into money, meanwhile the CIA, and private eyes are watching everyone, and through a series of wrong place at the wrong time, and avid paranoia, the story unfolds.

It's not that the story wasn't interesting, or that the character's weren't colorful or not doing a terrific acting job. Heck Brad Pitt was awesome as usual; he played a moron perfectly. So what was wrong with this flick? It was not funny. Not at all. I would have put money on this one as the top comedy of 2008. But you would be much better off going to see Pineapple Express or Tropic Thunder.

At the End of Burn After Reading, the CIA director says, "What have we learned? Heck if I know! But let's not do it again." I hope the Coen Brothers have learned something as well and don't do this again! Catch it on cable one day peeps!

Bangkok Dangerous

Did you see No Country for Old Men? I liked the movie till the ending. Why? Because it did not have the typical "Hollywood" ending that I was expecting, or wanting for that matter since I have been trained or brain-washed over the years to expect a happily ever after ending. Sure the film makers have the right to buck the trend and give us the unexpected, just so long as I can't tell they are doing it just for the sake of bucking the trend. Confused yet?

Well Bangkok Dangerous, starring Nicolas Cage as an assassin (Joe) has an ending that I didn't expect either. But was it a good movie? I'd have to say that I liked it. Except for Nic Cage's hair! What is up with that? It's like the make-up department doesn't know what to do with it. So they dye it jet black and leave it a stringy tangled mess. He had the exact same hair in NEXT, it is awful looking.

Okay, enough about the bad hair. In this film the assassin, Joe leads a lonely life (go figure). He starts thinking about retirement and finding someone special to spend his days with. He just has a few more kills and then he can be out for good. He has four simple rules he lives by, and trouble begins when he starts breaking them.

Overall the acting and actions scenes fall a little flat (like his hair), but the plot moves along well enough to keep you interested. No need to check out Bangkok Dangerous at the theater, I'd add it to your Netflix queue. Cheers!

Babylon AD

I really wanted this movie to be great. The trailer of course got me excited for it. And while it wasn't a bad movie overall it still had its flaws.

Veteran-turned-mercenary Thoorop (Vin Diesel) takes the high-risk job of escorting a woman (Melanie Thierry) and her mentor (Michelle Yeoh) from Russia to America in a near post apocalyptic war-torn future. Little does he know that she is host to an organism that a cult wants to harvest in order to produce a genetically modified Messiah.

I will say that the settings were well done, you really get the feeling that Russia is in tatters from territorial fighting and corruption (art imitating life?), and the future gadgets, cars, and buildings were a nice touch to create a near-future atmosphere.

The film moves along pretty well with a balanced mix of action and exposition, but begins to unravel when they finally reach their destination and the plot becomes a little confusing and convoluted. (Note to Robert Downey Jr.: Don't go see this movie..you won't get it.)


Not much character development other than Thoorop (what a freakin name?) transforms from a hard-core mercenary to a... (well I can't say what he becomes that would spoil the movie) Let's just say he goes soft. And as for the girl he is protecting, we learn her life's story, but it had little effect on me and I did not care what happened to her character. I cared more about Michelle Yeoh's character than any of them.

I'm struggling between two stars (didn't like it) and three stars (liked it). I think I will lean towards liked it, just because I like Vin Diesel, and the settings were nice. But I would recommend Netflix or renting Babylon AD rather than spending your gas money going to the movies.

Deathrace

A remake of the awesome classic 1975 movie Deathrace 2000 starring David Carradine. This time Jason Statham is the star. It's a simple, violent over the top film that does what it is supposed to. Make us cheer for more!

In the year 2012, in response to the collapsing American economy, shady corporations have taken over the prison system and reap huge profits by staging gladiatorial pay-per-view contests among the prisoners. They can win five races and be set free.

Their star racer, Frankenstein is killed after winning four races and the psychotic warden, an ice-queen named Hennessey (Joan Allen), decides to secretly replace him with Jensen Ames (Statham), a former race car driver, so she can keep her ratings up. She promises him freedom, but has no plans to let him escape.

So naturally with help from his "team" he makes his own plans and B-Movie mayhem explodes onto the screen. I loved this thrill ride remake! It's rated R so leave the kiddies at home and buckle up for car flippin fun. Check out Deathrace!

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

This animated feature film was better than I expected. The action was furious, almost too much action! How many times can we see a droid sliced in half by a light saber? How many times can we see a Jedi use the force to retrieve a dropped saber and turn it on in the last second to block an incoming strike?

But you can't say the movie was boring. However I did not like the movie's premise. And by that I mean the mission Anakin and his new padawan are sent on. I won't spoil it but I thought the story was weak and a bit silly. Not Jar-Jar silly, but still...maybe I am getting to old for Star Wars. *gasp*


The animation was a bit "blocky" and a different style, but I didn't mind that. The soundtrack was the most surprising! I loved it. Even the familiar opening music seemed to have an edge to it and there were new beats and rhythms I have not heard in the previous films. I'll have to get the score.


Overall if you are a Star Wars fan boy, you'll go see this, and if the kids are dying to see it, then by all means pick up the plactic red/green/blue/purple light saber off the playroom floor and check out THE CLONE WARS!

PS- From what I hear, this is a pre-lude to a new animated series coming to Cartoon Network.