RED TAILS

I had high hopes for what has recently been rumored to be George Lucas’ last Hollywood film, and while there were a lot of great things to be found within Red Tails, unfortunately the hokey dialogue and over dramatic storytelling really keeps this movie from being the commemorative piece that it tried to be.  Red Tails has some great action sequences, and the dogfights are enthralling, but the troubles come when the planes land and the characters start talking. A good majority of the dialogue feels jilted and dumbed down. Throughout the film there are a number of ideas that are repeated again and again, like when one of the engineers recommends they paint the tails of the planes red to stand out, then, in the very next scene the lead engineer comments that, “these planes are really going to be distinctive with these red tails,” or when one of our protagonist continues to pray to his picture of a black Jesus and says, “Thank you Black Jesus for keeping us safe.” These absurd dialogue choices really bring down the quality of the rest of the film and make the characters feel more like caricatures of these brave heroes. Cuba Gooding Jr. and Terrance Howard unfortunately only add to the silliness of the film, playing their roles with straight faces but giving obnoxiously over the top performances, topped only by Gooding Jr.’s over used tobacco pipe.The action sequences and the film itself does do a good job of keeping the viewer involved, and it is certainly incredible to see that bravery, skill, and valor of these men, but I found it strange in this more aware society that these men were ruthlessly killing dozens upon dozens of Nazi soldiers and cheerfully boasting and celebrating their kills. This may be more of a flaw with this genre of film, but I feel that movies like Red Tails really dehumanize war and death. The Red Tails blow up an airplane hangar in one of their missions, as they celebrate their victory, footage of several Nazi soldiers falling to the ground covered in flames as the music swells triumphantly. It just feels weird that these soldiers have no feelings or remorse for the countless number of lives they have just taken, all they care about is racking up a high tally of Nazi kills. Despite these flaws, I did still find myself very interested in the film, and I did enjoy seeing the story of the Tuskegee pilots that fought so bravely. It’s a shame the film ended up being as hokey as it is, but I believe it still gets it point across and will still entertain audiences. If you can get past the silliness and just enjoy the ride, you may find yourself enjoying Red Tails, but if you’re one of those people that can’t get over things like this, wait until dvd to check out Red Tails. Bottom Line- 6/10 
WE BOUGHT A ZOO

Based on a true story, We Bought a Zoo follows single dad Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) as he takes his two daughters on an adventure. Benjamin comes to the conclusion that he and his daughter and son need a fresh start, an adventure; this adventure just so happens to be moving to a zoo. Along with the help of the head zookeeper Kelly Foster (Scarlett Johansson), the rest of the zoo staff, and his brother Duncan (Thomas Haden Church), Benjamin maintains his determination to restore the zoo and happiness of his family.When I first heard about We Bought a Zoo, I wasn’t too sure of whether or not I wanted to see it. The storyline seemed interesting enough; however, I was unable to determine if it was geared toward children or adults. After watching the trailer, I could see that the emotional side of it called for an audience of adults. It was then that I agreed to give it a shot and hoped for the best.That being said, We Bought a Zoo was extremely emotional. It pulled and tugged, and pulled and tugged on my heart strings. I laughed one second and cried the next. Seeing Benjamin Mee’s attempt to maintain composure and happiness around his daughters was heartbreaking. After losing someone that he loved, it was amazing that he was able to take the risk of moving to a zoo and rehabilitating it for the sake of his children. It is a movie like this that truly makes you cherish the people that you love and not take them for granted. Matt Damon portrayed Benjamin Mee fantastically. I was completely convinced that Matt Damon was in fact Benjamin Mee. I saw none of his previous characters and none of their characteristics. What I did see was a father who cared deeply enough for his daughter and son that he would sacrifice anything to make them happy. It was difficult to watch Bejamin’s son Dylan go through such a crucial period of his young adulthood while grieving. Colin Ford did a great job playing Dylan and a troubled teen. Benjamin’s daughter Rosie provided comic relief and was cute as a button, thanks to Maggie Elizabeth Jones. Scarlett Johansson was one of my favorite characters in this film, as she played the rough and tough head zookeeper. I really liked that she was able to help the family move through the grieving process by focusing their attention on caring for the animals at the zoo. Bottom Line7/10: I enjoyed We Bought a Zoo; however, the clichés did get to me. If you don’t mind your emotions being constantly tampered with, then go for it. Otherwise, I would wait until you can curl up on the couch with your sister and a box of tissues. –AlexisRating: PG


THE DESCENDANTS

Matt King is the descendant of Hawaiian royalty. He is also an apathetic husband and father of two girls. Matt, played by George Clooney, is in the middle of a land deal when his wife, Elizabeth, is put on life support after a tragic boating accident. The Descendants, sometimes a comedy and sometimes a drama, follows Matt as he rekindles his relationship with his daughters, struggles with the decision to sell the family land, and approaches his wife’s secret life.

I truly was not prepared for The Descendants. It took me for the ride of my life; an authentic emotional rollercoaster. I lost my breath laughing at quite a few of the awkward, yet hilarious situations. Minutes later, my eyes welled up with tears. The Descendants was humorous, dismal, and adventurous.

George Clooney, while always fantastic, showed another side of himself in this film. I was convinced by his detached, father character. He was awkward and rather disconnected from his family. I liked the realistic depiction of a dysfunctional family. Not all families are like that in The Brady Bunch. This film was a great example a family falling apart, undergoing hardship after hardship. I thought that Clooney did a wonderful job portraying a father who was trying to hold it together for his daughters, while emotionally disintegrating behind closed doors.

Shailene Woodley, who played Matt’s eldest daughter Alexandra, was the most realistic of the crew. Like most teens, Alex was going through growing pains at their peak when her mother was put into the hospital. While dealing with confusing feelings of her own, Alex had to serve as a surrogate mother to her younger sister Scottie. Shailene amazed me with her ability to portray a teenager in such a vulnerable state. I hope to see her in more, along with Amara Miller who played Scottie. The sister relationship was accurate, as I have a younger sister of my own.

Ultimately, this movie was a phenomenal portrayal of a family in this position. I enjoyed seeing Matt’s transition to an involved father, as he had two very difficult daughters. The cast combination was great due to the complete chemistry between them. The Descendants was fantastic from start to finish.

Bottom Line

9/10: GO SEE IT! Because I’m a broke college student, I wouldn’t recommend The Descendants unless I would spend the $10 on it myself. It’s a great movie to see over this holiday weekend with a close friend or family member. The Descendants is one of my favorites of the year, following close behind Martha Marcy May Marlene.

J. EDGAR

J. Edgar explores the public and private life of one of the most powerful, controversial and enigmatic figures of the 20th century. As the face of law enforcement in America for almost fifty years, J. Edgar Hoover (Leonardo DiCaprio) was feared and admired, reviled and revered. But behind closed doors, he held secrets that would have destroyed his image, his career and his life. -- (C) Warner Bros

Andy: Eastwood’s more recent films have been hit or miss. Million Dollar Baby was one of the best films in recent history, while Gran Torino came off as a little silly and heavy handed. I was hoping J. Edgar would be one of Eastwood’s better, but it turned out to be in a weird middle between great and bad.

Alexis: I agree. While J. Edgar told an interesting story, it failed to be excellent. I love Leonardo DiCaprio as an actor, and Clint Eastwood as a director, but I felt as though the two were trying too hard on this one. I respect what Eastwood was trying to do with this film, but I feel like something is missing and I can’t quite put my finger on it.

Andy:  The performances are all pretty great, and the story is somewhat interesting, but the execution is just sort of boring. And when the story does start to pick up, you’re pulled out of the scene because Leonardo DiCaprio is wearing ten pounds of makeup and a fat suit. It just reminds you that you are watching DiCaprio pretend to be J. Edgar Hoover, not actually witnessing J. Edgar Hoover.

Alexis: I can get past the makeup and fat suit. I think the effort was there, like you said, but the execution was definitely mediocre at best. The true story is actually very intriguing, but I didn’t necessarily feel that in the film. J. Edgar was slow, boring, and ultimately disappointing. Saying that is difficult because I haven’t actually disliked anything Leo has been in up until this point. Although I do have to say, I thought Armie Hammer did a great job playing Clyde Tolson… minus his older version of course.

Andy: It wasn’t a complete disappointment, I still found myself interested, but J Edgar was certainly a letdown. It was just sort of bland. I feel like a lot of these movies come out around awards season and they a lot of them just sort of start to blend together. Armie Hammer was great, probably my favorite in the film, but ultimately, the entire movie is quite forgettable, and with such great talent, that makes it all the worse.

Bottom Line

Alexis 5/10- Wait for DVD. All I have to say is, Leo better make up for this.

Andy 5/10- J Edgar is a decent film by all standards, but the fact that all this talent was wasted makes the film feel even worse than it is. And the makeup really pulled me out of the film. The story is there, but the execution falls flat. Wait for dvd if you really need to see it.

 

ANONYMOUS


Set in the political snake-pit of Elizabethan England, Anonymous speculates on whether or not William Shakespeare really was the writer he claimed to be. Giving a different telling of how some of the world’s most famous writing came to be, Roland Emmerich’s Anonymous is a story of political intrigue, illicit romance, and scheming and backstabbing.Andy: I can go either way on a lot of these period pieces, and I usually go only one way on Roland Emmerich films, but I have to say, Anonymous was actually pretty good overall. I’ve always been fascinated with William Shakespeare, which is why I was intrigued by this film, and while it is still very much a Roland Emmerich movie, it feels a little more restrained than his previous work. Alexis: I'm always a sucker for these type of movies. Unlike you, I love the drama in them. I went into Anonymous thinking it was going to be a movie surrounding the life of Shakespeare, when in actuality it wasn't that at all. That's why I really enjoyed this movie. It wasn't about praising Shakespeare's work, rather it was disproving that he had anything to do with it at all.Andy: I think that is what I like about the movie as well. It wasn't just another movie telling the story of Shakespeare, it was a conspiracy theory. I found this take very intriguing, but the film suffers a bit from Roland Emmerich's tendency to send everything he does 10 miles over the top.Alexis: Although I didn't know the actors well, I thought the cast was fantastic. I think the fact that I didn't know them very well made the film that much more convincing. Rhys Ifans was absolutely amazing in his portrayal as the Earl of Oxford. I found his character fascinating, due to his torn relationship with writing.Andy: Most of the acting was pretty great, but Sebastian Armesto, who played Ben Johnson, drove me nuts, his acting was so overblown and ridiculous. Other than him, the other actors were performed very well. Alexis: I thought he was great! You were just jealous because he was good looking. But you know, with this movie, most of all, I loved the multiple stories that were told during the movie. They all ended up being interconnected, somehow, which made Anonymous very dramatic.Bottom LineAlexis 8/10- Anonymous is just a very fun, intriguing period piece. If you have any interest in this era in time, or just enjoy a good twisting story, you’ll love Anonymous.Andy 7/10- It is an intriguing story, and will keep you interested until the end, but a lot of it is just a little too over-the-top for me. Aside from some overblown acting and some overly dramatic moments in the plot, however, Anonymous still ends up being one of Emmerich’s better movies.


THE THING


Andy: Having seen the John Carpenter version of this film, I was intrigued, but quite wary of this remake. I’m often disappointed by remakes, especially the more recent horror remakes, as they tend to focus on cheap scares rather than genuine creepiness and dark atmosphere. The Thing, while executed better than previous remakes like The Fog, is another dumbed down remake of a horror classic, relying on the cheap scare tactics from other modern horror flicks.Having said this, I should note that I was definitely entertained by The Thing, but I was rather disappointed in the direction the filmmakers took the movie into. The idea that this alien can copy the look of human beings creates a very fascinating story, and creates a sort of whodunit aspect that really sets The Thing apart from other more typical horror films. The only problem with this is that the original did it so much better, it’s as if they didn’t want to confuse viewers or make them think, so swapped out those plot points with loud bangs and jump scares, things that are easier to understand, but make the whole movie much less interesting.The film does a good job at keeping tensions relatively high throughout the first act, but by the second, it seems they decided to just make the entire film one that is much more accessible. There really isn’t anything to note about the performances, everyone does an adequate job, but the CGI looks pretty great in a lot of scenes. Overall, The Thing is a decent remake of a classic Carpenter horror film. There are flashes of what could have been a great Halloween horror movie, but it ultimately ends up being a rather bland, by the numbers cheap scare. Worth a rental, maybe a matinee, but if you want to watch something that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end, check out John Carpenter’s version and pass on this. 6/10

DREAM HOUSE

Will Atenton (Daniel Craig) quits a job in New York City to relocate his wife, Libby (Rachel Weisz), and two girls to a quaint New England town. But as they settle into their new life, they discover something sinister happened in their new home, and it may be coming back to haunt their new lives.

Andy: From the trailer, Dream House looked to be a unique psychological thriller that was going to be filled with twists and turns. Because of this, I was actually looking forward to seeing the movie, but by the end of it, I wished I had stayed home.

Alexis: I remember you showing me the trailer and thinking, “Wow. This is going to be a good one!” I had been talking it up to all of my friends. Like you said, though, I wished I hadn’t. The premise was fantastic, the cast was great, but the twist absolutely ruined everything.

Andy: The twist really ruins the entire movie. Dream House begins interestingly, but slowly loses its steam, and once the payoff comes, I was laughing at how absurd it was. It’s a real shame too, because there are some really great ideas that could have made the movie stand out, but it seems like they just gave up by the middle of the second act. The cast was good, I was surprised to see Daniel Craig in a movie like this, but even the greatest cast can’t make up for bad writing.

Alexis: I feel like the writers must have hit a wall. It seems to me like they developed this great story but were unsure of how to end it. If the last 30 minutes were cut out, I would be more satisfied than with them included. Needless to say, I was disappointed. I had been waiting for this movie to come out because Hollywood hasn’t been able to put out a good thriller in quite some time. It looks like the streak is just going to continue.

Andy: I can’t understand how they could have hit a wall with such a good concept; I can think of a dozen better ways to end this movie that work better than the way they did. It almost seems like they tried to water down the ending to make it more accessible for audiences. I heard people explaining the completely idiotic end to their friends as we walked out. If they would have made Dream House more complex, I’m sure those people would be even more lost. I think this is a case of sacrificing artistic merit for capital gains.

Bottom Line

Andy 2/10- The concept of this film is actually a pretty good one, and there are flashes of greatness that can be seen under the mess, but ultimately it seems the filmmakers rushed the final product or tried to dumb down the movie to gain a wider audience. There really is no need to see this movie, I would even question paying a buck at the Red Box.

Alexis 3/10- The beginning and the middle were good, but the end ruined Dream House for me. While I didn’t see the end coming, I definitely wouldn’t consider it a good thing. Don’t waste your time or money. Go see 50/50 instead.

50/50

Inspired by a true story, 50/50 is a story about a 27 year old that is diagnosed with cancer. Adam (Joseph Gordon Levitt) is seemingly healthy; he doesn’t drink or smoke, exercises regularly, and unfortunately, develops a rare form of spinal cancer. Kyle (Seth Rogan), Adam’s humorous best friend, attempts to alleviate pressure through remaining optimistic and comical. Also trying to help him along the way were Adam’s girlfriend Rachel (Bryce Dallas Howard) and his therapist Katie (Anna Kendrick).

On the way to school last Thursday morning, I listened to the NPR interview with Will Reiser (the real life Adam) and Seth Rogan. They provided the background; the true story behind what the rest of the world came to know as 50/50. Ever since I listened to the interview, I had been dying to see the movie. Although the topic was a bit risky, I was reassured when Will and Seth stated that they had tested it with an audience of cancer survivors who absolutely loved it. Watching the trailer for 50/50 made me even more eager to see how the story of a young man battling cancer could be funny.

Let me tell you, it was funny. Will Reiser translated the sensitivity of the situation spot on, yet showed a different way of coping with it. Though it may be hard to believe, the real life comedic friendship between Seth Rogan and Will Reiser created an optimism not often seen. The translation to the big screen was fantastic through Joseph Gordon Levitt’s impersonation of Will Reiser. I don’t think any other actor would have been able to pull it off quite like Levitt. He provided a realistic portrayal of a young man shocked to find out of his cancer diagnosis.  

The chemistry between Levitt and Rogan’s characters was phenomenal, showing how true friendship can carry someone through such a challenging situation. While at times the two had me tearing up, they also had me laughing out loud at the shenanigans they got themselves into.

I really liked Anna Hendrick’s character as a psychiatrist in training too. Hendrick, or Katie in the film, surprised me with how great of an actress she can actually be! The only other movies that I have seen her in are those in the Twilight saga, and she wasn’t anything to write home about in them. I do also want to mention that Bryce Dallas Howard as Adam’s girlfriend Rachel was perfect. She always seems to be the character that you end up feeling indifference for.

Bottom Line

Go see it! 50/50 is a movie that is able to accommodate a diverse crowd. It gives a different perspective; one that is usually not seen among those diagnosed with cancer. I laughed, I cried, but ultimately I was satisfied. -Alexis

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 hour 39 minutes

CONTAGION

Contagion centers on the threat posed by a deadly disease, an international team of doctors contracted by the CDC to deal with the outbreak, a blogger who is trying to expose the truth about the virus, and a family who is being affected by it.

Andy: It’s nice to get back to writing movie reviews after a long summer interning in Chicago, and what a movie to get started with! I have always been a fan of Steven Soderbergh and his films, and Contagion reminded me why I like him so much.

Alexis: It is great! And speaking of great, this movie was just that! I was concerned that it would turn out to be disappointing, but like you said, it’s really great. It isn’t as thrilling and action packed as the trailers make it seem, but that doesn’t make the story any less exciting.

Andy: I agree with you, Alexis. The trailers do make it come off as some action packed thrill ride, but anybody who has seen one of Soderbergh’s films will know that the action of his films comes from the storytelling technique. Much like a virus, the intensity of the film starts low, then quickly ramps up, not with explosions and guns, but with what is happening to the world around the characters.

Alexis: I found myself on the edge of my seat, but oddly enough, there isn’t much action in the film, its mostly just talking and shots of the world falling into anarchy. While this doesn’t sound like it would be exciting, there is something wildly intriguing about the idea of the world as we know it falling apart.

Andy: It is a fascinating concept, and I think it really works, as does the rest of the movie. The performances are all great, though I was disappointed with how little Gwyneth Paltrow was actually in the movie, and you can never have enough Bryan Cranston. Other than this, I had no problems with any of the performances; in fact, I was quite impressed with the cast. Not to mention the musical score was quite great and fit very well.

Alexis: The acting was great! The only real issue I had with the movie at all was that it seemed to slow down a bit, and the ending seemed a little too convenient for a movie with a concept so grim. Nonetheless, Contagion is a great movie!

Bottom Line

Alexis- 8.5/10 If you don’t mind a slower paced, story driven film then see Contagion in theaters. It was intriguing, thrilling, yet terrifying all at once. The line-up of actors was fantastic; that in itself made the movie!

Andy- 8/10 A great story driven thriller, that takes a different route to excitement and action. Aside from a few slowdowns in the plot, the film keeps you very involved. It’s the thinking man’s apocalyptic thriller and feels much more realistic than some of the others out there, which can be good or bad depending on what kind of viewer you are.

 

GLEE 3D MOVIE

I have seen the Jonas Brothers 3D Concert, Miley Cyrus 3D Concert, and of course the Justin Bieber 3D Concert.  I have enjoyed them with my wife and daughter, they are not my favorite movies in the world, but these flicks make you feel like you are at an actual performance.  So I took my 7 year old and wife, who are both big time Gleeks.  I also like the television show because it is like I am reliving my high school days (I was in sports and show choir in High School as well).  Going into this flick I was hoping to see a great performance. Did we or did we not?Well, yes it is a concert format with the opening number being Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” which is done very well.  All the kids from Glee are in the concert.  The actors & actresses act as if they are their characters played in Glee. So here is the list of actors and actresses if you are not a Gleek; Rachel(Lea Michele), Quinn(Dianna Agron),  Blaine(Darren Criss), Kurt(Chris Colfer), Finn(Cory Monteith), Brittany(Heather Morris), Artie(Kevin McHale), Sam(Chad Overstreet), Puck(Mark Salling), Santana(Naya Rivera), Mike( Harry Shum Jr.), Mercedes(Amber Riley), and Tina(Jenna Ushkowitz).  “Glee 3D Concert Movie” had a lot of music to choose from the first two seasons of the T.V. show.  They also had a chance to really bring us into the performance which they do an o.k. job at.  There are many strong performances throughout the flick with Michele singing “Don’t Rain on My Parade” to Mercedes performing “Ain’t No Way”.  The main problem with the flick is they keep interrupting the concert to introduce us to real life people, “Gleeks” who have been touched by Glee.I don’t mind the people telling us their true life story, but going into depth with the character such as, I forget her name, a young woman who has Asperger’s Syndrome who loves Brittany (Heather Morris), and credits her with giving her the courage to go on with life and reach out and be friends with other Gleeks.  While this and the two other people we meet have stories that are great it takes away from the concert itself.  Once the Flick gets moving they break in and continue one of these stories.  I would have rather seen more of the concert from start to finish.  I know in Justin Bieber’s 3D concert flick they kept breaking away and show points of his life as well, which worked because it was about JB.  In this it just does not work and really takes away from the concert itself. The music is great.  Morris does a great Brittany Spears “Slave for You”.  We see backstage footage that is pretty funny.  At one point the camera man asks Michele’s character if she knows Barbra Streisand was there to watch her “Don’t Rain on my Parade” performance. She wasn’t there, but the way Michele plays it is really funny.  The all guy school show choir, “The Warblers” does a great job with their three songs including “Teenage Dream”.  Although the stories were inspiring, I just wish there was more of the concert and not as much from the three stories.   One story I want to see more of is the little boy who is dressed like a Warbler and knows all the dance moves (Stay through the Credits) and you will see what I mean.  Other than that, yes the stories are moving but I can’t tell you how much I would have rather seen the entire concert straight through.  There is a special guest who comes out and sings “Forget You”, but that is the only adult from the show who makes an appearance.  I loved the Final song a “Loser Like Me” I think most school kids should live by the song. As concert movies go I give Glee a B+ not the best, but not the worst either. 

I will tell you my Daughter Addy and my wife, who are huge Glee fans gave it an A.  So kids and true “Gleeks” will love it. 


30 MINUTES OR LESS

Going into “30 Minutes or Less” I was excited because the cast is one of the best assembled cast in a long time.  With Nick (Jesse “Social Network” Eisenberg), Dwayne (Danny Mcbride), Chet (Aziz Ansari, and Travis (Nick Swardson) you would think “Zombie Land” Director Ruben Fleischer would be able to make an awesomely funny Flick.  You would think so……..Here is the plot:  Nick is a pizza delivery man who tries to deliver pizza in 30 minutes or less. He gets a call from Dwayne and Travis who orders a pizza just so they can kidnap Nick, put a Bomb on him and force him to rob a Bank for $100,000.00. They in turn want to give the money to Chango (Michael Pena~) so he can kill Dwayne’s father (Fred Ward), a former Marine. This might sound farfetched but the base of the story really happened in 2003 when (Brian Douglas) was killed because the bomb that was strapped to him against his will went off and killed him.  So, with a far out cast and a far out plot you would think this movie would be nonstop with laughs.  Unfortunately, it is not.  First off Swardson and McBrides talents are wasted, the dialogue between the two is terrible when they are usually really funny in everything.  Eisenberg who isn’t a comedic actor needed some better lines and direction with his role.  There are some scenes you will laugh at, but most of those scenes you have seen in the trailers.  I don’t know if I went into the flick thinking it was going to be way better than it was, but I took my wife as well and she really didn’t care for it either.  Ansari is the only actor who comes off big in this Flick.  His delivery is funny. When he is spray painting the toy guns to help Eisenberg rob the bank the song he sings is hilarious.  That being said this is a wait for DVD Flick.  Don’t waste your 30 bucks and 30 minutes at the theater on this flick there are better comedies out right now.I give 30 minutes or less a D+.

MONTE CARLO

Taking my daughter to “Monte Carlo” I was hoping for something we
would both like.  Unfortunately that was not the case.  My Daughter’s
favorite star from the Disney Channel, and Radio Disney Selena Gomez
stars in what could have been a teen T.V. movie.

This is yet another mistaken identity flick that the younger crowd
might enjoy where the adults can read exactly where the plot is going.
Grace(Selena Gomez) is done with high school from a town in Texas.
We learn that she has saved for a dream trip to Paris after
graduation.  Her plan was to go with her best friend Emma (Katie
Cassidy) who had dropped out of high school and works full time at the
diner with Grace, but her plans change when her Mom and Step Father
have her older step sister Meg(Leighton Meester).  Grace and Meg do
not get along at all but go on the trip to see if they can connect.

Once in Paris, Grace’s trip is a disaster.  The tour company spends
like 5 minutes at each stop and the hotel is a wreck.  After running
in the rain into a nice hotel Grace is mistaken for Cordelia (Gomez
again) who is a spoiled heiress who always gets in trouble.  This is
when Grace and her friends get taken to Monte Carlo.  There is boys,
love, a fancy neck lace, and other familiar plot lines we have all
seen before.

Gomez does o.k. in this Flick.  I and my daughter were disappointed
that she didn’t sing.  She played the mean Cordelia way better than
the Disney sweetheart. I give This Flick a D.  This is something you
have seen before, but your daughters might like it, just send them
with their friends or a babysitter and go see Transformers 3 J

My Daughter gave this Flick a C+.

THOR

The mighty but overconfident Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the celebrated warrior from the realm of Asgard, is cast out by his father and King, Odin (Anthony Hopkins), for rekindling an earlier war. Thor is sent to Earth where he is met by the lovely scientist, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), and becomes a guardian of the human race.

I must say, the God of Thunder never ceased to entertain in this one! Thor is most definitely filled to the brim with action, excitement, as well as laughs, and would please both fanboys and your average moviegoer alike!

Although I’m not a fan of 3D, at all, I thought it only positively added to the wonderful visual effects in Thor. The 3D effects did not at all seem cheesy because they were only used to add depth to the film, and the realms within it, rather than having things fly out at the audience constantly.

Interestingly enough, Thor combined the traditional aspects of the comic book movie with those of a drama. Being action packed, it was nice to see that the storyline was not in any way sacrificed. The action and storyline were equally as awesome, and I do have to say that I liked each element both individually and as one.

In terms of the acting, I thought Chris Hemsworth brought hilarity to the character of Thor. I found myself taking him very serious at times, but also not so serious at others. My favorite was the relationship between Thor and Jane Foster, who is played by Natalie Portman. Although nothing like her character in Black Swan, Natalie played her cute, nerdy character wonderfully.

Though I don’t like to complain, I was a little disappointed when the end drew near. While the movie was a little over 2 hours long, I felt that the story was cut a little short. I had many unanswered questions which I don’t know that The Avengers will be able to answer.

-Alexis

Bottom Line

8.5/10: Thor is by far one of my favorite super-hero movies to date. No matter who you are, or what type of relationship you have with the comic book, you will have a great time watching Thor.

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

JUMP THE BROOM

Two families come together from very different social classes for a wedding in Martha’s Vineyard. The families’ stark difference in upbringing creates tension between both the families and the bride and groom. Will the two families be able to get over their differences for the sake of their children’s wedding? Find out in Jumping the Broom, starring Angela Basset, Laz Alonso, Paula Patton, Loretta Devine, and Mike Epps.

Andy: The Emperor Strikes Back, Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, The Godfather, Seven Samurai, Oldboy, The Big Lebowski. These are some of my favorite movies, and unfortunately, Jumping the Broom doesn’t really fit into any of those genres. This film may not have been made for guys like me, but that doesn’t change the fact the film is bland and conventional. The whole slobs v. snobs plot has been done over time and time again with a different backdrop. We get it, rich people are snooty and think they are superior to the blue collar workers in America. And taking two families that function very differently and putting them in a room together got old half way through Meet the Fockers. But hey, as long as the movie generates some laughs it could still be a success, right?

As conventional and safe as Jumping the Broom is, it also manages to be almost devoid of humor. The very small handful of jokes and gags that worked only had me chuckle. On top of this, the conflicts created are so absurd and so plentiful, I began truly questioning whether or not the bride and groom should really get married.

This movie is clearly not the kind of film I would normally spend my Friday night watching, so it seems a little unfair for me to review it. And maybe the target market for Jumping the Broom would actually enjoy it more than I did, but none of that changes the fact that the film plays it so safe and feels so conventional. I’m sure the filmmakers weren’t trying to make something Earth shattering when they produced Jumping the Broom, but it just comes off as boring doesn’t resonate at all. Jumping the Broom will likely be forgotten completely in a month’s time. I guess as long as they get their cash returns, the producers don’t worry about anything beyond that.

Bottom Line 3/10

SCREAM 4

10 years after the horrific Ghostface murders, Sydney Prescott (Neve Campbell) is finally getting her life back together. But when she visits her hometown for a book signing, the Ghostface killer returns and is trying to finish of Sydney once and for all. Will Sydney and her old friends Dewey and Gail, along with some newcomers survive this onslaught? Andy: Scream was a groundbreaking film when it was first released. By now we all know the twist opening to the film that surprised so many people, not to mention how wonderfully self-aware the entire film was. It was like watching a movie within a movie while listening to the commentary, it was such an original and fresh concept. The second film was great as well, expanding on this concept, but the trilogy seemed to take a bit of a step back with Scream 3 and the concept started to feel stale. I was curious what could be done to revitalize such a unique series, especially in a time where horror films like Saw rule the horror genre. Could an old school slasher flick stand up in today’s technological driven world? Would the frights and gore stand up to the gross out death scenes of Saw and Hostel? Well, without revealing too much, I can say that Wes Craven and Co. have created a true work of art for the Scream series, and the horror genre itself.The new film is very self-aware of the world we are living in today, and also the expectations it has to live up to. With all the great twists and turns to be found in the film, writing about the movie without revealing anything is quite difficult. The opening sequence is fantastic, that’s about all I can say about that. The rest of the film has that classic Scream feeling, but feels much campier than previous entries. The performances are fine for a campy horror movie, and the soundtrack is quite standard. The real fun of Scream 4 comes from the story that keeps you guessing who is going to go next and who the killer is. Scream 4 is every bit as funny as it is scary. I personally was cracking up in between jumping. I think this is what makes Scream 4 a success. So often films try hard to be something profound and thought provoking, I feel like the filmmakers forget that we are there to kick back and have a good time. Scream 4 is simply a great, fun time at the movies. It doesn’t take itself seriously, it doesn’t try to be something it’s not, Scream 4 just entertains. Bottom Line8/10 Aside from some pacing issues, and some standard acting and music, Scream 4 is fresh, fun and spooky. I laughed just as much as I jumped, and I was guessing until the end as to who the killer was. Wes Craven is back with a silly, scary, and downright fun time at the movies.

HANNA

A teenage girl named Hanna (Saoirse Ronan), who was raised by her father (Eric Bana) to be the perfect assassin, is sent on a mission across Europe while being tracked by a sinister intelligence agent (Cate Blanchett) who shares a mysterious past with Hanna’s father.

Alexis: I knew that I was going to like Hanna when I saw the first trailer. I was intrigued by the mystery behind the story of the very young and innocent female assassin. Action movies generally don’t interest me too much, but Hanna isn’t your typical action thriller.

Andy: I was fortunate enough to have not seen any trailers for Hanna, which made this an even more exciting experience. Hanna is a strange hybrid of genres, utilizing concepts of classic thrillers, mysterious storytelling with a dark fantasy mood, all in one action packed movie. The film is filled with some eerie settings and locations, and Cate Blanchett almost has an evil stepmother feel with her signature green high heels and ruthless attitude.

Alexis: One thing is for sure, Cate Blanchett is the epitome of wicked in this film. She seemed to be consumed by her role, remaining merciless throughout. I absolutely loved her southern girl, heartless attitude and how she carried her character. Although Cate Blanchett acted with grace and ease, Saoirse Ronan really showed us what she is capable of doing.

Andy: I truly believe Saoirse Ronan is going to be the next big name in Hollywood. She was the best part of Lovely Bones, and continues to show enormous skill through Hanna. Her wonderful performance adds to the surreal plot that gradually unfolds. The strongest aspect of the film, however, was director Joe Wright’s nearly Kubrickian approach to his material. He took the generic spy genre and blended it into a dark, children’s fairytale.

Alexis: Joe Wright definitely did something right by twisting the classic spy/action movie into something fresh. Hanna was unlike anything I had ever seen before, and it was revitalizing to encounter such a unique take on the stale genre. I’m not going to lie; it was awesome seeing a young girl kick some major ass, all while being so vulnerable and naïve to a world new to her.

Andy: I think the contrast between her naivety and her deadly skill is what makes Hanna such a treat to watch. The action is fantastic, the cinematography is wonderful, and the story is brilliant, and I didn’t even mention the completely awesome soundtrack by The Chemical Brothers! If I had to complain about one thing, I would say it was probably 10 to 15 minutes too long.

Bottom Line

Alexis 9/10- Don’t let the title fool you, Hanna is action packed and full of surprises.

Andy 8.5/10- A film that will probably find great success as a cult classic, Hanna is full of excitement, mystery, and brutal violence. A great soundtrack adds to a wonderfully shot film that really transcends the genre and becomes something much more, and much better. If only it were 10 minutes shorter.

JANE EYRE

Jane Eyre (Mia Wasikowska), a young and educated orphan, takes on a job as a governess of the household for the wealthy widow, Edward Rochester (Michael Fassbender). Upon their first meeting, Jane’s tough personality is tested by Mr. Rochester’s insensitivity and crudeness. However, the two begin to develop a strange relationship as equals even though Mr. Rochester is Jane’s employer. Through this experience, Jane is forced to face her terrible past and also come to terms with a shocking secret that Mr. Rochester has tried so difficultly to hide.Even though the theater I was in while watching Jane Eyre was freezing cold, I was still glued to the screen for the entirety of the film. Jane Eyre was intriguing, rich, and struck the spirit with all of its might. The talented cast made the story most convincing and captivating, through the development of each character’s relationships with others. The relationships formed between them then created a deep connection between the cast and the audience. It was so easy to be consumed by Jane’s emotions, and associate with the different situations that she had gone through to get where she was. Mia Wasikowska played Jane better than any previous actress had before. She did so plainly, but wonderfully, and successfully depicted each state of emotions that Jane went through due to her rough childhood. Although Jane Eyre was a slow film, I think the pace was lucrative to the progress of Jane and Mr. Rochester’s relationship. I didn’t mind the pace at all, but I did hear a few people grumbling about it after the movie ended. I do have to admit, I have a guilty pleasure for films based on this particular era, however this had no effect on my opinion of the movie. I thought it had the perfect combination of drama and romance, and it was by far my favorite romance this year. -AlexisBottom Line: 8/10 Jane Eyre is the perfect romance for a girls’ night, but be prepared for the slow pace and old-English (at times it was hard to understand).


PAUL

Nerdy best friends Graeme and Clive (Simon Pegg & Nick Frost) came to America for a science-fiction convention, but once they arrived they got much more than they would have ever dreamed of. After meeting a fugitive alien named Paul (Seth Rogen), the two work together to save Paul and embark on the greatest adventure of their lives. Andy: Let me start off by saying I'm a huge fan of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead are two of my favorite comedies of all time. Seeing them team up again, I had high expectations, and I'm happy to say my expectations were met. Paul is a hilarious road trip movie with a great balance of humor and excitement. Alexis: I too really loved Paul. The geeky sci-fi references, the laid back, stoner alien, and all the goofiness from every one of the characters had me rolling on the floor! Simon Pegg and Nick Frost work so well together, it is obvious to anyone that watches them they are best friends both on screen and off. But in this movie, I have to say, Seth Rogen as Paul really steals the show. He's obnoxious, crass, rude, and very very funny.  Andy: They really couldn't have picked a better person to play Paul than Seth Rogen. Even if it was just his voice, you get the feeling that this being from another planet has soaked up all of our pop culture and completely embraced the American slacker lifestyle, which is really what makes his character so funny. But even the minor characters were great in Paul. Bill Hader and Jason Bateman bring some good laughs, more from Hader than Bateman, but it was nice seeing him in the movie nonetheless. Alexis: I loved Jason Bateman! He was very dry, but had a great on-screen personality! The movie was really great all around, but when I look back, there wasn't much to it. A couple nerds meet a stoned, Americanized alien and try to get him home. It sounds very simple, and it is, but it is still very entertaining. Andy: That was kind of my only issue with the film. The basic concept is funny, and provides a lot of laughs, but there isn't a whole lot of substance to it. I guess in a movie like this its less about the story and more about the laughs, which Paul succeeds greatly with. Alexis: It does kind of feel like the there isn't enough concept to make up a full-length film, but I think the dynamic between Simon Pegg and Nick Frost really brings the story together. These two best friends having the greatest trip of their lives together, meeting a beautiful woman, and of course, an actual E.T. It wasn't Oscar material, just good fun, stop looking into it so much! Bottom Line Andy 8/10- I'm a nerd, and because of this, the sci-fi references and overtly geeky story sold me, not to mention the great performances by virtually all of the actors in the film. It isn't rocket science, and it does feel a little thin, but Paul is still a hilarious and fun time at the movies. Alexis 8.5/10- I absolutely loved Paul! Seth Rogen killed it as the slacker alien. This movie makes sci-fi look cool, and while the story could have been a little more developed, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost keep the main plot line engaging. Check it out if you love sci-fi or just laughing!


TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT

Matt Franklin (Topher Grace) is a recent MIT grad who, instead of pursuing a career in his field of major, is working at a video store in the local mall. When Matt’s high school crush Tori Frederking (Teresa Palmer) walks into his store and back into his life as she invites him to a party that night, Matt decides to do whatever it takes to make this girl his. Matt, his twin sister Wendy (Anna Faris) and his best friend Barry (Dan Fogler) embark on an epic adventure on this once in a lifetime evening filled with sex, drugs, and synth, lots of 80’s synth.

Alexis: Having recently seen Predators, Topher Grace was on my sh*t list. I had a feeling I was going to be disappointed once again, but was pleasantly surprised with Take Me Home Tonight and especially Topher Grace. Grace did a great job playing the uptight Matt Franklin, subtle yet funny and likeable. I also enjoyed the welcome change of a girl (Anna Faris) as a supporting character for the lead as opposed to two other guys. Ever since Superbad, we always get a group of guys being funny, its nice to see a girl be more than just the romantic interest in a movie like this.

Andy: I’ve always liked Topher Grace, he has a very likeable presence on screen, so I too wass happy with his performance, but I have to say, I think Dan Fogler stole the show. Fogler as his obnoxious, drunk (and for the majority of the film, high) best friend was outrageous, and the situations that occur with him generate the most laughs. Anna Faris does make a welcome addition to the team, but she doesn’t add a whole lot to the overall film in my opinion. 

Alexis: Every time Barry (Dan Fogler) was on screen I was laughing. I love how this film filled the role of your typical 80’s flick. The story flows exactly as that of Valley Girl where an outsider falls for the prom queen and gets his shot with her. I just loved that nostalgic approach.
Andy: Take Me Home Tonight is a total John Hughes ripoff, but in a good way. It’s nice to see a movie that embraces the goofiness of the 80’s and works with it, rather than parodying it. The film plays out just like any number of those 80’s flicks as you said, Alexis, which is both good and bad. It makes it predictable since we always know how those end up, but it also is a nice blast from the past to see a new story in that classic setting.

Alexis: The good news is I have nothing bad to say about Take Me Home Tonight. I loved the characters, the acting, the story, the humor, and the resolution. It was just a fun experience.

Bottom Line
Alexis- 9/10 With a cute story, some great tunes, and some big laughs, Take Me Home Tonight is a fun night at the movies. I would recommend it to anyone who lived through the 80’s, or who grew up on those classic 80’s love stories like I did.

Andy- 7/10 Take Me Home Tonight is very entertaining for the most part. It does, in typical 80’s movie fashion, slow down and misfires on occasion, but it is still a lot of fun. There are certainly some raunchy and gross out gags, but for the most part, it’s a tender, fun movie that isn’t just set in the 80’s, it lives in the 80’s.



THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU

Playboy politician David Norris (Matt Damon) is up for election into the U.S. Senate when he unexpectedly meets Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt), the woman of his dreams. Elise is a contemporary ballet dancer for a well known New York company who David instantly falls for. Just as this happens, David encounters the hands of Fate when stumbling upon a group of mysterious men he was never supposed to know about.

Andy: Adjustment Bureau is one of those movies where the trailer is totally different from what the film is really about. While the trailer looks like a sort of political thriller, in reality Adjustment Bureau is a very classic science-fiction flick. This was a pleasant surprise for me as it was not what I was expecting at all.

Alexis: I’m going to have to disagree with you regarding the trailer. I feel like the trailer gave a fair estimate of what the movie was going to be about. Although it may not have given off as strong of a science-fiction feel. Unlike you, I wasn’t necessarily surprised or relieved for the duration of Adjustment Bureau.

Andy: Maybe I just didn’t see the full length trailer, I don’t really know, what I do know is that I was not expecting what I got and was happier for it. That being said, I wasn’t 100% satisfied with the film. I felt that, while shot gorgeously, with some really awesome effects, the whole concept felt a bit hokey. This could be an issue with the source material, either way, some things did not translate to the screen well.

Alexis: Hokey is definitely a good way to describe it. The main idea seemed a little forced, along with a few character portrayals coming from members of the “Adjustment Bureau.” Matt Damon and Emily Blunt both played their characters wonderfully; however, once the big reveal came into play the fictional world inside Adjustment Bureau slowly started to crumble and the scenario in which they intertwined became less and less convincing.
Andy: That’s how I felt as well. I caught myself laughing at some of the absurdities within the plot. But even with all this, I still found the film entertaining and I loved the stylized direction that they took with it. And Matt Damon is always great to watch.

Bottom Line
Alexis- 6/10 Adjustment Bureau was… okay while it lasted. This movie is just too predictable to waste $9 per ticket on! My recommendation: wait for DVD.
Andy- 6/10 A decent time waster with some really neat effects and some great artistic style, Adjustment Bureau is good, but not great. I found myself entertained, but left with a desire for something more.



CEDAR RAPIDS

Tim Lippe (Ed Helms) is a insurance agent who has never left his rural, hometown. So, when he is sent to represent his agency at an insurance convention in Cedar Rapids, his eyes are opened to a whole new world. While there, Tim befriends three of the conventions veterans (John C. Reilly, Anne Heche, & Isiah Whitlock Jr.) who show him the ropes… and teach him how to party.

 

Andy: With two of my favorite comedic actors working in Hollywood today, I had high expectations for Cedar Rapids. John C. Reily is highly underrated and Ed Helms has been the best part of The Office for quite some time. Needless to say, my expectations were certainly reached. Cedar Rapids is raunchy, absurd, and very, very funny.

Alexis: There wasn’t a single moment in which this film didn’t have my complete attention. I do have to mention that my abs were pretty sore after the hour and a half work out that they went through. The combination of Ed Helms and John C. Reily was perfect, and most definitely priceless. Cedar Rapids wasn’t just an entertaining movie; it was a great experience.

Andy: John C. Reily as a mumbling, idiotic, and masochistic insurance salesman, who thinks that he is too cool for the rest, is pitch perfect. His overtly sexists jokes were the yin to Ed Helms’ yang, or awkward and conservative lifestyle. However, it wasn’t just the two leading actors that brought the laughs. The rest of the cast and supporting roles were every bit as funny.

Alexis: I don’t feel as though there is one specific thing that I disliked about Cedar Rapids. I think the storyline is very original, and sparks comedy just from the initial concept itself. There is no doubt that this movie is quotable, which is always a good sign for any comedy. Ultimately, I can say that I wouldn’t object to watching it again!

Andy: I totally agree with you, Alexis. The concept is so simple, yet it provides plenty of great humor. It isn’t a typical blockbuster comedy. The humor is more subtle than The Hangover and Stepbrothers, but the dryness and quirkiness is what makes Cedar Rapids such a success. It is a cute, little, indie flick that will provide big laughs, so long as you keep an open mind.

 

Bottom Line

Alexis 9/10- Obnoxiously hilarious! Give Cedar Rapids a chance! You won’t regret it!

Andy 8/10- Cedar Rapids is goofy and over the top, but still manages to feel very subtle with its down home story. It’s sharply hilarious, but its appeal to all members of the audience could be limited due to its unique brand of comedy.

JUST GO WITH IT

Danny, a plastic surgeon romancing a much younger schoolteacher, enlists his loyal assistant to pretend to be his soon to be ex-wife, in order to cover up a careless lie. When more lies backfire, the assistant's kids become involved, and everyone heads off for a weekend in Hawaii that will change all their lives.

Andy: Watch out, Adam Sandler is back on the big screen with another romantic comedy. After last summer’s Grown Ups I had given up on Mr. Sandler. He was dead to me. So when entering Just Go With It, I had very little hope, and by very little, I mean none whatsoever. Suffice it to say, however, Just Go With It is better than Grown Ups, much better.

Alexis: I wouldn’t watch Grown Ups again if they paid me. I’m really glad I gave this movie a chance because it was actually very cute and surprisingly funny. There were some lines, specifically from Nick Swarsdon that fell flat. In fact, his entire character was a failure, far too absurd and unbelievable for the rest of the story.

Andy: I was wondering if anyone felt the same way I did about Nick Swarsdon’s character. I thought he belonged in a completely different movie. It just didn’t fit, and frankly, he wasn’t funny. I understand the need for the character from a storytelling perspective, but how Swarsdon portrayed the character simply did not work. I guess it shouldn’t matter too much, the film is very formulaic to begin with, I’m sure anyone can guess what the outcome of the movie will be just from the first 15 minutes.

Alexis: I guessed it in the first 10 minutes, but that can usually be done with all romantic comedies. Brooklyn Decker, the young woman Sandler is swooning over in the film, is also nothing more than a pretty face. Her performance was pretty dull, but I’m assuming she wasn’t hired for her acting skills. I did find it pleasantly surprising to see Nicole Kidman and Dave Matthews in the movie, and found the movie as a whole to be simple, yet very entertaining and enjoyable.

Andy: I will say that I wasn’t bored throughout the whole movie and did find it to be rather enjoyable. It wasn’t anything complex or spectacular, it was just a cute, silly romantic comedy, and sometimes that is all you need. It definitely has some jokes that fail, and the end gets bogged down a bit, but it doesn’t affect the film overall.

Bottom Line

Alexis 7/10 I was pleasantly surprised with Just Go With It. After seeing Grown Ups last summer, I had no hope for Adam Sandler or this movie. Even though I called the ending in the first ten minutes, I still thought it was a very cute movie, especially with Valentine’s Day just around the corner.

Andy 6½/10 Just Go With It isn’t the best movie of the year, it doesn’t redefine the genre and really isn’t anything special, but it is a fun, entertaining movie to watch with your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. Guys and girls will both enjoy it for its simple story, modest laughs, and mushy love story.

NO STRINGS ATTACHED

Emma (Natalie Portman) and Adam (Ashton Kutcher) have quite the history. The two awkwardly met at camp one summer, reunited at a party in college, and ran into one another at a market in New York City. Adam wakes up, naked and with a hang-over on Emma’s couch one morning which is followed by spontaneous sex. Post-passion, Emma and Adam agree to keep their relationship to the level of “no strings attached.” The true question is, can a relationship survive through sex only or will love eventually butt in? Find out in No Strings Attached!

First things first, No Strings Attached was without a doubt a chick flick. I had the pleasure of bringing my best girlfriend to the movie with me, knowing that Andy would have no interest in it what so ever. Not having seen a chick flick in some time, I was delightfully consumed by Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman; not to mention their sexcapades. Regardless of the predictability of the storyline, it was refreshing to simply turn my mind off and follow a cute and comedic romance take flight. As for the acting, I feel that Ashton Kutcher plays an extremely similar character in every film that he is part of. I don’t really know that anyone expects much more from him, so it is hard to criticize his acting style. Natalie Portman played Emma with ease; however, having recently been in the incredible and shocking Black Swan she disappointed a little. I can’t really grasp why Portman would stoop to the level of a romantic comedy such as this when she has appeared in amazing films such as V for Vendetta and Black Swan.

To wrap things up, No Strings Attached is most definitely a typical romantic comedy. It is cute, fun, and has plenty of passionate and loving moments for the ladies. I can easily say that it has been my favorite romantic comedy released this year.

Bottom Line

7/10: No Strings Attached is a movie that ladies should go to with their friends on “girls’ night.” However predictable, it was still sweet and entertaining! Boys, unless you have an extreme crush on Natalie Portman I recommend that you steer clear!

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 hr. 50 min.

THE GREEN HORNET

After the sudden death of his father, playboy Britt Reid finds himself in control of the newspaper empire his father built. At a loss with what to do, Britt strikes up an unlikely friendship with his father’s mechanic Kato. In a drunken haze, the two new friends decide to do something meaningful with their lives, become vigilantes and clean up the streets of Los Angeles.

Alexis: When I saw the trailer for The Green Hornet, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I feared Seth Rogen wouldn’t be able to pull off the superhero character, and even more so the action sequences. I however, was pleasantly surprised. The Green Hornet was very funny, and Jay Chao’s Kato was fantastic and really kept up with Seth Rogen’s humor.

Andy: I too was worried about The Green Hornet, mainly because most movies that are released in January are total crap. There is, however, always an exception to the rule, and The Green Hornet is most definitely one of those. As you said, Seth Rogen is hilarious, and newcomer Jay Chao keeps up with him quite well. But it’s not all laughs, The Green Hornet has some totally badass action.

Alexis: The action was in fact, totally badass. Again, Jay Chao gave a wonderful performance as Seth Rogen’s partner in crime. I loved how Britt (Rogen) described Kato as a “Swiss Army Knife;” it seems as though Chao can actually be described as such, both in the film and in real life! Everything that he built, for example the Hornet Gun and the Black Beauty, cannot be explained as anything except awesome! I do have to say that Chao stole the show in this one with Seth Rogen a bit further behind.

Andy: Seth Rogen brought the laughs, but Jay Chao’s more subtle humor and demeanor kept him right on with Rogen. And Chao’s badass martial arts and driving scenes threw him over the top! Totally kick-ass. Chao was once quoted saying his childhood dream was to become Bruce Lee, as a huge fan of Mr. Lee myself; I must say Chao certainly did a great job filling the shoes of a role his childhood hero once wore. The only real issue I had with the film was the length. I felt they could have trimmed a bit of the backstory and we wouldn’t have known any different. At two hours long, the film drags in some parts.

Alexis: The time didn’t really occur to me. I never once was bored, which made The Green Hornet seem short. But hey, that’s just how I felt! Besides that, I thought that Cameron Diaz was pretty much dispensable. The character that she played didn’t necessarily require a high paid, talented actress. My guess is that she was hired to add a big name to the bill! Also, Christoph Waltz added a twist when his mob boss character appeared. It was interesting to see him in such a different and rather humorous role than Inglorious Basterds.

 

Bottom Line

Andy- 7/10 The Green Hornet is fun. A lot of fun. Don’t expect compelling story or anything award winning, just be prepared to shovel in some popcorn and have a great time. Aside from some running time issues, The Green Hornet is a very enjoyable movie. I should have known that Michel Gondry wouldn’t let me down. He is a wonderful filmmaker, and while not my favorite of his work, The Green Hornet certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Alexis- 8/10 The Green Hornet was a comedy that teens and adults would most definitely enjoy. I personally loved the action/comedy combination and laughed out loud for what seemed to be the duration of the movie; not to mention a few great cameos that I’ll leave for you to find out!

TRON LEGACY

Set in a digital world that's unlike anything you’ve ever seen on the big screen, Tron: Legacy follows Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), the son of Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), as he looks into his father's disappearance and finds himself pulled into the digital world of Tron where his father has been living for 25 years. Will Sam and his father make it out of The Grid alive, or are they destined to play the game for the rest of eternity? Find out in Tron: Legacy!

 

Andy: Having never seen the first Tron, I wasn't completely sure what to expect from Tron: Legacy. But after I heard that Daft Punk was doing the soundtrack for it, I was counting down the days. Now that it is here, I can safely say I am more than satisfied...with the soundtrack at least.

Alexis: I couldn't agree with you more. Daft Punk's soundtrack made the movie. The music was epic, which made the effects that much better. I was in shock and awe when they surprised us with a cameo, djing a party in the grid.

Andy: That was totally awesome! As for the rest of the movie, however, wasn't as thrilling. While I found the effects and the universe to be really amazing to view, the story itself was surprisingly slow. Even the action sequences felt a little disjointed.

 

Alexis: I did notice that I moved around in my seat a lot. The storyline, however good, was extremely slow. Regardless, I would recommend it to anyone who can bear its length for the digital effects alone. The grid was unbelievably beautiful... if technology can be such a thing.

Andy: Technology can certainly be a thing of beauty, look at my Halo Edition Xbox 360. But you are right, Alexis, the film's length, as well as the pacing, make the film somewhat difficult to watch, but the effects are brilliant. Does that make it worth your 10 dollars; well I guess it depends on what you want out of your movie viewing experience.

Alexis: Nostalgia can definitely be a factor when deciding to go see Tron. I haven't yet decided whether it is beneficial or detrimental to have. I, myself, haven't seen the original Tron which makes it hard to compare the two. I still think that fans of the original would enjoy the remake due to the updated effects. The one issue that I had with the movie was the younger CGI version of Jeff Bridges.

Andy: The CGI Jeff Bridges was weird, and aggravating, but I'm not sure how else they could have done it given the plot of the film. In some places it looks great, but others it is obviously computer generated. I suppose the technology still isn't there yet.

Bottom Line

Andy- 6/10 Tron Legacy is an awesome looking film. The effects are amazing, and The Grid is like nothing I have ever seen. Daft Punk's soundtrack is top notch, the only thing keeping this film from greatness is the pacing. It is simply too long and too slow, and the select number of action scenes doesn’t make up for it.

Alexis- 6.5/10 The effects were great, Daft Punk's soundtrack awesome, but the storyline extremely slow. If you've been waiting for a remake since the last, or are a die-hard fan you'll appreciate it no matter what!

BLACK SWAN
            
Nina (Natalie Portman) is a young ballerina living in New York City with her overly involved, jealous mother. Like many other young dancers, Nina is highly competitive and spends all of her time at the studio. When the auditions for the annual production of Swan Lake take place, Nina is first choice for the Swan Queen. However, a new dancer named Lily (Mila Kunis) becomes Nina’s competition. In this production Nina will be required to play both the White Swan as well as the Black Swan. While she does represent the White Swan perfectly, due to her innocence, it seems as though Lily displays more characteristics of the Black Swan, being sexual and free spirited. As Nina becomes more and more jealous, her dark side comes to the surface.

Unfortunately, Andy was not able to experience the incredible Black Swan this evening. Having only seen the trailer, I didn’t really know what to expect and I’m very happy that it worked out that way! The premise behind the film is absolutely genius! The audience is taken behind the scenes of the well known production, Swan Lake, and into the life of an obsessed young dancer who refuses to settle for anything less than perfection. Natalie Portman plays the character of Nina perfectly; starting as an innocent, naïve, young woman and developing into something much darker. Mila Kunis does a wonderful job as well in playing Lily, Nina’s fiesty and rebellious competition. The main thing that I was highly impressed with was both actresses’ ballet dancing skills. Had I been told they were both professional ballet dancers, I would have never given it a second thought.

I honestly have no complaints about Black Swan. The dark and mysterious nature about it had me on the edge of my seat and constantly intrigued. I never put much thought into the amount of  hard work dancers put into a performance and the toll it may take on them… maybe too much so. Black Swan was an eerie yet beautiful film and I would recommend it to anyone!

Bottom Line: 10/10 Black Swan never ceased to entertain! While watching, it was proven to me that a film is able to astonish you and seriously creep you out at the same time! Go see Black Swan; you won’t be disappointed!



127 HOURS
                       

Based on the incredible true story and directed by Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire), 127 Hours tells the story of Aron Ralston (James Franco), a mountain climber who becomes stuck under a boulder. Aron fights to survive over the course of five days. How does he make it out? Find out in 127 Hours!

Andy: Slumdog Millionaire is one of my favorite movies that has come out within the past few years. When I heard that Danny Boyle was directing 127 Hours, I began counting down the days until its release. Now that the film is finally out, I can safely say that 127 Hours is every bit as good as I was expecting.

Alexis: I couldn’t agree with you more, Andy. I was more than satisfied with every aspect of 127 Hours. The premise did make me question the movie at first. I didn’t understand how the filmmakers would span the incident of Aron Ralston getting stuck under a rock across 2 hours.  Thankfully, I can report that however it was accomplished, it was done with success.

Andy: I too wondered how the filmmakers were going to keep our interest for two hours when the main character is stuck under a rock, literally. Luckily, Danny Boyle knows how to make almost any scene unique and interesting. Boyle uses a lot of really unique framing and storytelling techniques that I have never thought or even heard of. He also knows how to get a great performance out of his actors. James Franco is magnificent.

Alexis: James Franco was the best choice to play the character of Aron Ralston. He genuinely convinced the audience of dire situation he was in and truly showed us who Aron is. Franco made the film flow smoothly, and more exciting to watch!

Andy: As weird as this sounds, 127 Hours was incredibly intense and had me on the edge of my seat. Even though I knew what the conclusion was going to be since it is based on a true story, I was still nervous and hopefully until the credits began rolling. I think a lot of the intensity comes from Franco’s performance, but Boyle’s sharp cuts and edits add a lot to the excitement. But one of the best aspects of 127 Hours is the music. The soundtrack acts like a character in itself!

Alexis: The music is really good, I almost forgot! The only trouble I had with 127 Hours was some of the gore. It was done in such an intense way that it was almost unwatchable. They made you feel like you were actually having the pain administered to the audience. I’m sure this is what the filmmakers were shooting for, but it was really hard to sit through, in a good way though.

Bottom Line

Alexis- 10/10 127 Hours exceeded any expectations I had prior to seeing it. It is surprisingly thrilling and never ceases to entertain. 127 Hours plays with your emotions in the best way possible, blending stark humor with intense drama and even some gore. The film is definitely not for the faint of heart, but easily one of the best I’ve seen all year. See it now!

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1

Harry and co. are back in the first half of the final showdown between good and evil. Join Harry, Hermoine, and Ron as they race to destroy the horcruxes before Voldemort becomes all powerful. Can these three Hogwarts students destroy the evil Lord Voldemort, or will evil overcome? Find out in Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

 

Andy: The end is finally here. Well, sort of. In the first half of the final episode of the Harry Potter franchise, Harry, Hermoine, Ron, and everyone else is back for what is easily the darkest entry in the entire series. Far more mature than the previous films, Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is filled with dread and death around every turn.

Alexis: Harry, Hermione, Ron, and I have known one another for quite some time. It was difficult to finish the books; however I was still satisfied in knowing that I had the movies to look forward to. Now, even they are coming to an end. Seeing Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 was nothing less than bittersweet.

Andy: I didn’t read the books so I’m not as sentimental as you about the series. I do, however, find it interesting to see how both the series and the audience have grown up together. I remember seeing the first film when I was 12 years old. Nine years later both I and the films have grown up quite a bit. The one thing I was most worried about when going into Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 was the fact that it was split into two parts. Would there be enough story to span both entries, or were they just going to stretch it out to squeeze every penny possible out of the series? I’m happy to report that there certainly is enough to go around, for the most part.

Alexis: I was most definitely concerned about the split. Yes, the book is long, but aren’t they all? Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 encompassed everything I had imagined, myself, while reading the book. Although I do still feel the movie shouldn’t have been split, it took me back into the world of Harry Potter and on a journey I will never forget. The movies have gotten increasingly better, as the characters have grown up and the filmmakers have created a dark environment with each progression. Being a fan of the Harry Potter franchise, I was satisfied and thoroughly entertained to say the least!

Andy: Having not read the books, I wasn’t sure what to expect. While I was more than satisfied with the film, I felt there were some scenes that kind of felt like filler, especially in the second act. What was strange about these was that I felt like the filmmakers wasted a lot of time showing the characters hiding out in the woods in the second act while there were several other things happening in the film that could have been expanded upon. In one particular scene, a semi-major character is killed, but we only find out about it in one single line of dialogue, then the story moves on. Meanwhile, the characters sat around for a solid 25-30 minutes in the woods trying to plan their next move.

Alexis: I didn’t analyze it as harshly as you, mainly because I am very nostalgic when it comes to Harry Potter.  I did notice filler that really wasn’t necessary to the plot line of a movie though. Unlike movies, books must be very descriptive so that the reader may create the world in his or her mind. This filler that you are describing seems to be unnecessary for this reason. The film allows you to see and experience a lot more! There were a few times were I found myself questioning a scene that the filmmakers put in, but I brushed them aside. Overall, Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 was everything that I expected and more! Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint did a fantastic job yet again!

Bottom Line

Andy- 8.5/10 Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is awesome. The only issue I had was how some of the time was used. It wasn’t that they didn’t have enough story, they simply cherry picked on what story to tell, and unfortunately, I think they dropped the ball a little in the second half. Either way, I’m pumped for the big showdown in part 2!

Alexis- 9/10 Whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter or not, this movie is gripping and highly entertaining for just about anyone. Check it out now and get excited for the big finale coming this summer!

DUE DATE

High-strung father-to-be Peter Highman (Robert Downey Jr) is forced to hitch a ride with aspiring actor and all around weirdo Ethan Tremblay (Zach Galifianakis) on a road trip across the US in order to make it to his child's birth. Will the duo reach their destination on time, or better yet, will they even make it there alive? Find out in Due Date.Andy: Because Todd Phillips, the guy who directed The Hangover, directed Due Date, and I love Robert Downey Jr, and I find Zach Galifianakis to be hilarious, I was really expecting this movie to be awesome. The trailer made me chuckle, but I was assuming they were keeping the funniest stuff for the movie. I’m sorry to say that this isn’t the case. Due Date is a mildly funny road trip movie that loses a lot of steam about half way through its all too familiar plot.Alexis: I totally agree with you. The plot for Due Date is too predictable. Like you, I was expecting a lot more from Todd Phillips, but it turned out to be another film that shows all its best parts in the trailer, which made it a disappointment.Andy: The plot is predictable because it is nearly identical to Planes Trains and Automobiles, except raunchier and filled with more drug references. Robert Downey Jr. plays the stuck up Steve Martin while Zach Galifianakis plays the plump, overly optimistic, and irritating John Candy, but more weird and not nearly as funny. I couldn’t stop thinking about how badly they were ripping off one of my favorite comedy classics.Alexis: I thought the situations they found themselves in were just too outrageous and unrealistic to be really funny. And not to be too harsh, but I didn’t laugh out loud a single time throughout the movie. I love both Robert Downey Jr and Zach Galifianakis, but something just didn’t work with this movie. Andy: I think you are right with that, Alexis. The Hangover was funny because it was one crazy thing after another and they were trying to figure out what happened the night before. The genius was that we never got to see how these things unfolded, we only saw the results. Due Date gives us the events from start to finish, but some of them are just too absurd to be real, which really pulled me out of the movie. I still thought it was a funny movie, unlike you I did laugh out loud a few times, but nowhere near as hilarious I was expecting. Bottom LineAlexis- 5/10 If you haven’t seen the Hangover, rent it; If you have seen it already, watch it again. You’ll have more fun viewing that again than watching Due Date, and you’ll save yourself some money. Wait for DVD on this one.Andy- 6/10 Due Date is moderately funny, but simply does not live up to the hype. It also really bothered me how similar it was to Planes Trains and Automobiles. If you are in desperate need for a comedy, Due Date may quench your thirst, but if you can wait for DVD, you will feel a lot better about the money you spent. And if you haven’t seen Planes Trains and Automobiles, quit wasting your time here and watch it, it is just like this one except funny!

HEREAFTER

A supernatural thriller from Clint Eastwood, Hereafter tells the story of three different people from around the world- a French journalist, an English schoolboy, and a blue-collar American, who are all touched by death in different ways.

Alexis: When I noticed that Clint Eastwood would be directing Hereafter I tried to stay optimistic. After watching the movie, however, I realized that my initial impression was correct. The premise advertised in the trailer is inconsistent with where the plot ends up moving.

Andy: I too was a little wary of Hereafter when I saw the trailer, and after seeing it, I’m still not completely sure how I feel about the film. It isn’t a bad movie, but compared to Clint Eastwood’s other work; it is easily the weakest, and certainly the strangest. Hereafter is far from the film I would expect Eastwood to make based on his track record.

Alexis: I couldn’t have said it better. Compared to Million Dollar Baby or Gran Torino, this movie was a letdown. Matt Damon was the lead actor… right? I feel like I didn’t see or hear him very much at all! On top of that, it took entirely too long to resolve each side story. I found myself looking at my watch a few too many times.

Andy: I felt the same way with the different stories. Marie’s story was boring to me, which made it a drag every time the film would shift to her. It was almost like a chore getting through her story in order to progress the film. All this being said, I still enjoyed the movie, and it was an interesting departure from Eastwood’s other work. If the film were made by a less prolific filmmaker I would like the movie much more, but because Hereafter was made by one of my favorite directors, I feel let down. It simply isn’t the Oscar-worthy work we are used to seeing from Eastwood and Co.

Alexis: I’m a huge fan of the paranormal thrillers but Hereafter was more character driven than focused on the paranormal occurrences. I don’t really know what I was expecting from a paranormal Clint Eastwood movie, I just know that this isn’t it. I guess I should have known better.

Bottom LineAndy- 5/10 Hereafter is a slow character piece centered around death and the possibility of an afterlife. The subject matter is interesting, but the execution is lacking. I can’t say I didn’t enjoy the film; the acting, the music, and the story are all great, I especially enjoyed the young boy’s story. Something is just off with this movie, the plot is too thin and just feels disjointed, which ultimately makes Hereafter a disappointment. Hopefully Clint Eastwood has something better in store for us next time.Alexis- 6/10 A little disappointed in Clint. The pace should have been faster and subplots more intriguing. I can’t say Hereafter had my full attention. If you’re still interested, I’d recommend waiting until Redbox has it.

RED

Based on D.C Comics cult graphic novels, Red follows retired CIA agents Frank, Joe, Marvin, and Victoria (Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, and Helen Mirren, respectively) used to be America’s top crime fighters. But after illustrious government careers and all the time serving their country, their country is about to serve them, with a bullet in the back. Because of the information they learned in their time spent with the CIA, these RED (Retired & Extremely Dangerous) agents are now the CIA’s top targets. Will this team of old-time heroes survive? Find out in Red.While the premise behind Red had me intrigued, as did the casting, I am always nervous about these action/ comedy movies. So often the filmmakers focus too much on one aspect, or try to do too much and end up making the whole movie fall flat. In movies like this, there is a very fine balance that must be achieved, and fortunately Red manages to maintain that balance. The big names surprisingly bring a lot of laughs, while still throwing some badass action scenes in the mix. John Malkovich brings in the most humor as a doped out conspiracy theorist, and really steals the show from Willis and the rest of the gang. Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, and Morgan Freeman are all great. I was especially amused when watching Helen Mirren blast away at dozens of trained CIA agents. The only real issue I had with the film was some of the pacing. It felt very stop and go. We would get a very funny scene, then a cool fight scene and then the movie would slow to a crawl to tell some story. Rinse and repeat. This isn’t to say that I wasn’t thoroughly entertained, quite the contrary, it just felt like the story was somewhat an afterthought. Bottom Line 8/10 Red is an awesome movie. The fight scenes are tight and well choreographed, the explosions and action sequences are exciting and had me on the edge of my seat, and the comedy had me laughing out loud throughout the entire film. The story became a little convoluted and seemed like it could use some work, but honestly, this isn’t the kind of movie you go in to expecting academy award winning storytelling. You’re here to see Helen Mirren wield a machine gun the size of her frail body, and watch John Malkovich blow up a guy a fraction of his age. Simply put, with thrills and laughs, Red is a damn good time at the movies.Rated PG-13 (language, violence)
Running Time 111 mins.


SECRETARIAT

Secretariat tells the story of what is considered the best racehorse to ever live. The film follows the horse’s owner as she takes over the family horse ranch and raises Secretariat to be a racehorse while also juggling a family life and the duties that come with raising children. The film is based on a true story which is, in many ways, its biggest fault. Everyone knows Disney isn’t going to make a movie about a racehorse that lost the Triplecrown, so the climactic race scenes don’t feel as nerve-racking as they should. Another issue I had with the film was its length. I’m not sure why, but lately filmmakers have felt the need to make their movies two hours or more, even if they don’t have enough content to fill that quota. A lot of times in Secretariat, it feels like they are just dragging the film out, trying to hit that two hour marker.

Secretariat isn’t all bad though. It is one of these inspiring true stories, but it is much more entertaining than many of the others in this genre. The horse racing theme is one of excitement, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t like watching such magnificent creatures perform such incredible feats? Horse racing is a fascinating sport, and Secretariat only perpetuates that.

Secretariat is a good movie. The performances are well done. John Malkovich is always fantastic. The music works, nothing special. The issue with Secretariat is simply that there is no surprise. Every time something intense or suspenseful happened, I remembered what happens in the true story.

7/10

Rated PG
Running Time:116 mins


MY SOUL TO TAKE

Wes Craven’s latest horror/thriller My Soul to Take tells the tale of the Riverton Ripper, a notorious serial killer who killed several people including his own wife 16 years ago. According to local legend, the seven children who were born the day he died are haunted by his soul. Each year, on the anniversary of his death, the seven kids who were born fear for their lives and those around them. Will this sixteenth anniversary be the year he returns, and who will survive the wrath of the Riverton Ripper, or is he even real?Andy: If you’ve seen the trailers for My Soul to Take, you probably thought it looked like another crappy teen horror flick, and in some ways you are right. It certainly is a traditional slasher horror/thriller, something Wes Craven knows well, but there is also something else going on. Wes Craven has an added a psychological level to My Soul to Take, it isn’t top notch, albeit, but it is still present, which makes the film much more interesting than it should be.  Alexis: I really wasn’t looking forward to seeing My Soul to Take, but walked out rather surprised. I was engaged during the entire movie, no matter the overplayed teen slasher theme. Compared to many recent American horror films, Wes Craven’s My Soul to Take ranks pretty high. I too was not expecting the psychological aspect of the film, and had it been worked out a little better it really could have made the movie great. Instead, Craven played it safe and kept it somewhat mild and didn’t flesh it out completely.Andy: I felt the same thing. It seemed like the movie was moving in a more psychologically driven direction, then they just sort of gave it up in the end and went with the traditional conclusion, like it was just easier to rehash an old concept. I was really into the movie up until the end, which was just kind of a letdown. On the upside, Wes Craven still knows how to make an audience jump, and he can still write a fun, campy horror story. I was also so glad to see they didn’t force-feed us a bunch of unnecessary 3D effects.Alexis: I didn’t think the 3D was necessary at all, just a waste of money. There was only one scene that I can think of that truly utilized 3D and it didn’t even look that good. The 3D added nothing to the experience; it only made the screen darker and made the action harder to see. But it was nice that they didn’t try filling the movie with useless 3D gags just because they wanted to play with the 3D.Andy: The movie doesn’t have very much action at all, and only a couple death scenes are really shown on screen, so the 3D really is, as you said, unnecessary. I don’t think it was originally intended for 3D, probably something just tacked on to fulfill the whole 3D craze. Bottom LineAlexis- 7/10 Compared to many of the more recent American horror films, My Soul to Take holds its ground. It is a fun night at the movies and will keep you interested, but it didn’t scare me like Paranormal Activity did. Rated R (Language, Violence, Gore)
Running Time 95 minutes



JACK GOES BOATING

Starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman in his directorial debut, Jack Goes Boating is a story of love, betrayal, and friendship. The film, based on a play, follows Jack (Hoffman) a lonely, working class limo driver who meets a girl named Connie (Amy Ryan). The two begin to date while he gets tips on how to attract her and keep her from his friends Clyde and Lucy. Jack Goes Boating is an interesting film on paper, maybe it worked well as a play, but as a film it just feels pretentious.Jack Goes Boating is aware of its audience and the kind of film this is, an independent, art-house thinker. While I have no problem with this kind of movie, actually, I usually like these types. My problem with Jack Goes Boating is that it feels like it is trying to be indie and artsy, it just isn’t. The film is a good character study, and I really enjoy the story that is being told, the problem comes in the execution. All the art-house clichés and indie music just feel too forced. On the upside, the acting is well done. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is wonderful, as always. John Ortiz is goofy and lovable, as is Daphne Rubin-Vega. Amy Adams is strange, but it works quite well. The soundtrack, while somewhat unfitting, is nonetheless awesome. Filled with some of my personal favorite artists including Grizzly Bear and Fleet Foxes, the soundtrack is filled with indie folk and it is a lot of fun to listen to.Bottom Line6/10 While Jack Goes Boating is an interesting concept, it fails in execution. The story is engaging when you reflect upon it, but the movie itself is slow and drawn out with long silent pauses and expressions. It is when Hoffman uses techniques like this that the movie feels like it’s trying to be artsy and just comes off as pretentious. But anything with Phillip Seymour Hoffman can’t be too bad…Well, aside from Twister, no amount of PSH could save that disaster.  Rated PG-13 (Language, Drugs)
Running Time: 89 mins


CATFISH

A young New York photographer named Nev meets a talented family from Michigan on Facebook. As his relationship grows with the family, he begins to learn that these people may not be telling the complete truth. A true story documented by Nev’s two friends, asks who really is who in this age of information and technology? Alexis: Wow. I really am at loss for words. Having heard “the less you know the better,” I only watched the trailer without reading into it. I was completely led astray by the trailer and ultimately very disappointed by Catfish. The trailer gave the impression that the movie would be a horror, with suspenseful music and dark scenes. I kept waiting for someone to get stabbed, but unfortunately it never happened. Andy: That is exactly what I was thinking! After seeing the trailer, I walked into Catfish expecting some sort of thriller. I think they are marketing this movie, or rather documentary, as something that it is not. Everyone I have talked to about Catfish that has seen the trailer is expecting jumps and thrills, and while the content is certainly disturbing, it simply isn’t disturbing in the way the advertisers are making it out to be. I’m trying to be as vague as possible because I don’t want to give anything away. Alexis: It isn’t that Catfish is a terrible film, quite contrary to that in fact, it was well done. Had it been marketed correctly I may have actually enjoyed the film for what it is, a documentary. I was dissatisfied mainly because I kept waiting for a crazy twist or turning point in the movie that never came. The premise was creepy, but in no way is it comparable to a Hitchcock film, as stated in the trailer.Andy: I really did find Catfish to be very interesting and I have been thinking about the film a lot since I saw it. I too thought it was a very intriguing documentary; the problem is that it isn’t at all what it is being advertised as. As a documentarian, you couldn’t ask for a better story to fall upon. And it is a creepy story, but not the Halloween, paranormal, or psychopathic killer type of creepy I think a lot of people were expecting. Alexis: On a positive note, Catfish never stopped entertaining. The documentarians followed through with humorous attitudes, even though the subject matter may have been quite serious. Bottom LineAlexis- 7/10 Well done documentary. If you were expecting another Paranormal Activity, I’m sorry to say Catfish isn’t for you.  Never fear, Paranormal Activity 2 will come out just in time for Halloween!Andy- 7/10 Full of humor and mystery, Catfish is sure to entertain. Maybe knowing what not to expect will prevent you from feeling the disappointment that Alexis and I felt while viewing it. 

DEVIL

The first of M. Night Shyamalan’s Night Chronicles, Devil, tells the story of five strangers trapped in an elevator. What begins as a simple inconvenience quickly turns into a dangerous and deadly situation. Is there a murderous conspiracy happening in this elevator, or is there something supernatural, something demonic cursing these riders? Find out in Devil.Andy: I remember when I first saw the trailers for Devil. Everyone in the theatre, myself included, were very intrigued until the words “from the mind of M. Night Shyamalan” came across the screen. There was universal vocal disapproval as soon as the audience saw his name. That being said, I honestly believe that the disapproval we all felt at that time was not deserved. Devil surprised me, it is easily the best thing with Shyamalan’s name attached to it since Signs, not that that is saying much, though. Alexis: I will admit, I went into Devil with very low expectations, but came out very surprised at how not awful it was. I’m not saying it was great, because it wasn’t, but it certainly wasn’t the disaster I was expecting. Devil has a nice, classic creepy feeling with a surprising amount of humor and suspense.Andy: I wouldn’t categorize Devil as a horror, because it isn’t incredibly scary. There are a couple scenes that made me jump, and the film has a nice eerie vibe, but nothing that is going to keep you up at night. I enjoyed the film much more as a mystery/ thriller over a horror. Trying to figure out which of these five people, or none of them, is the killer, was much more engaging than the horror aspect.Alexis: My biggest complaint with the movie is that it was pretty predictable. The entire movie was filmed in an elevator and with process of elimination you can figure out who the “Devil” actually is. The movie overall was just decent. Andy: I will agree that the movie is decent, it is certainly not the triumphant return that Shyamalan needed, but it is enjoyable. I have to disagree with you on the predictability factor. I actually really enjoyed the fact that there were a very limited number of suspects, I think it added to the intrigue knowing that the killer was standing right in front of you, not someone out of left field. Bottom LineAlexis: 4/10 It isn’t a bad movie, but I’m glad I didn’t have to pay for it. Its worth a rental at the Redbox, but not the $10+ at the theater.Andy: 7/10 Much much better than I anticipated. While it isn’t a masterpiece, it certainly isn’t bad. The biggest problem with the movie is that the story is just very simple. If you like mystery or for some bizarre reason you are an M. Night Shyamalan fan, check it out! While he may have lost his touch with directing, he can certainly still tell a good story.


RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE

As a big fan of zombie flicks and an even bigger fan of the games created by Capcom, I feel very partial to the Resident Evil films. The first film in the series was actually a smart, futuristic action horror. Resident Evil: Apocalypse is a bad movie, a huge letdown compared to the first, but there were some nice treats for fans of the game. Resident Evil: Extinction was a step up from the first sequel and worked more like a straight up action flick, but the ending got really silly. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed either of the sequels as a whole, rather, snippets of each. Resident Evil: Afterlife is probably the best of the three sequels, but it isn’t saying much. It obviously isn’t going to be an Oscar winning film, and it isn’t trying to change the world or even the genre, so I’m not going to sit here and criticize Resident Evil: Afterlife for being cheesy and silly. Yes, the plot is absurd, the acting is bad, and the stunts are so impossible I was laughing out loud, but if you have seen the others then you already know what you’re getting into, so lets break it down. The action scenes are very cool, the 3D adds a lot of neat effects that overall improve the action greatly. This is some of the best 3D we’ve seen since Avatar. My biggest problem with the action sequences was the overuse of slow motion. I’m pretty sure if you played the whole movie at full speed the movie would clock in with a running time of about 30 minutes. Besides the ridiculous amount of slow motion, there are some pretty awesome fight scenes, the final battle ends up being a little disappointing, and the conclusion leaves the series just as ludicrous as the previous entry. The acting is bad. Aside from Milla Jovovich who I’ve always liked, everyone else is so formulaic. Shawn Roberts as Wesker is laughable. Whether this is a problem with the acting or the directing is debatable.Bottom LineSo is Resident Evil: Afterlife a “good” movie? No. Is it entertaining? Yes. There is plenty of senseless violence and gore and enough jumps and scares to keep you busy for an hour and a half. If 3D is your thing, then you won’t be disappointed with the use of it here. But, if you are looking for a serious story or anything less than a cheesy, gore-filled action, you will want your money back. If you’re a fan of the Resident Evil film series, you will be pleased with Afterlife, it is the best of the series since the first. 6/10

Rated R (violence, gore)
Running Time: 97 mins 

MACHETE!

After being betrayed by his former boss, ex federale Machete (Danny Trejo) travels to America to start a new life. Machete is content with living his life out as a day laborer, but when his past catches up to him, he goes on a brutal campaign for revenge.  Andy: When I first saw the faux trailer for Machete during Grindhouse, I remember thinking that it actually seemed fleshed out enough to be a real movie, unlike the other "trailers" shown. Now that Robert Rodriguez and his Troublemaker Studios have brought Machete to life in a full length film, I think it is safe to say I was right. Machete is pure B movie cheese at its finest. The violence is over the top, the plotline is completely ludicrous, and the sex is overtly sleazy.  Alexis: Everything you said about this movie is utterly true. It is over the top and out of control. From Lindsay Lohan as a drugged out internet model to the shotgun toting priest played by Cheech Marin, Machete proved to be pure entertainment. The only issue I had with the film was that after the novelty of the B movie feeling and after the over the top gore starts to settle in, there really wasn’t much else. Andy: You hit the nail on the head, Alexis. While I loved the movie, there was very little character development. Like you said, there really isn’t much else beyond the disemboweling and naked women. In Mr. Rodriguez’s defense, this is probably what he was shooting for when he set out to make a ridiculous film about a Machete wielding killer.  Alexis: I just think ideas like this probably sound better on paper. The concept is brilliant, but the execution, while fantastic, really doesn’t hold enough substance to make it last for the full running time. I will say I found the social commentary to be very interesting. It’s pretty obvious where everyone in this movie stands on the immigration laws present in America today. Andy: I was just thinking that. For a movie so silly and not bothered with making a sensible plot, the social and political commentary seemed well thought out and very apparent.  Bottom Line Andy- 8/10 Machete is 90 glorious minutes of gore and sex. It’s silly and way over the top, but what else could you expect from a movie about a guy named Machete? It won’t win an Oscar, but Machete will entertain the hell out of you. Alexis- 7/10 It’s violent, sexy and stupid, but nonetheless highly entertaining. If you aren’t worried about plot and character development and love senseless violence and sex, check out Machete today!  
 
GOING THE DISTANCE

Drew Barrymore and Justin Long star in this movie about a long distance love truly worth flighting for. Garrett (Justin Long) meets Erin (Drew Barrymore) the day of his breakup. The two hit it off instantly, but trouble comes when Erin’s internship ends without career placement and she is forced to go back to California to finish school. Can these two lovers prove that true love really shows no boundaries? Find out in Going the Distance!Andy: I’m not one for the romantic comedy. I can’t think of a single one I’ve watched and truly enjoyed. Going the Distance may break that statement. This is a movie that straddles the line between romance and comedy very well. While most of the time I find the humor in rom-coms to be bland and generic, I think the writers were putting the comedy first in Going the Distance.Alexis: One major thing that I noticed about Going the Distance, was that the trailer by no means gave away or ruined all of the funny parts in the movie. Most times, the trailers of romantic comedies give away all of the cheesy, funny moments and save nothing for the film itself. I do have to say, the trailer of this one served no justice to the hilarity of the actual moments in the movie. I found myself laughing so hard to the point that I couldn’t breathe, and that’s not usually something I encounter during typical romantic comedies. I have to agree with Andy, the line between comedy and romance is balanced extraordinarily.Andy: Now, I wouldn’t go as far as you and say my breathing was impaired by Going the Distance, nor would I say the line between romance and comedy is balanced to an extraordinary level, but I will say that in terms of romantic comedies, Going the Distance is certainly an above average film for the genre. I found the dynamic between Justin Long Jason Sudeikis, and Charlie Day to be very funny and entertaining, so much so that when the love story would come in to play, it almost felt like a chore. I’m not saying I disliked the love story being told, I actually thought it was a pretty unique take on the love story. My issue with the film is that the R rated humor that comes from Justin Long, Jason Sudeikis, and Charlie Day feels like a completely different movie from the love story between Justin Long and Drew BarrymoreAlexis: I’m going to have to disagree. If the film had been separated into a romance and a comedy alone, then each film would have missing elements. The humor provided by Charlie Day, Justin Long, and Jason Sudeikis only added to Going the Distance  as a romantic comedy. It created an uplifting and humorous environment to the romance side of it, or in other words so that the love story would have less seriousness.  I truly think that both the love story and the comedic spirit of the three friends created a unique, heartening, and entertaining movie. Bottom LineAlexis- 9/10 My expectations were high for Going the Distance, and they were far exceeded. If you like raw humor with a hint of romance, give it a shot!

Andy- 6½/10 Going the Distance is a great romantic comedy, but that doesn’t change the fact that it is a romantic comedy. A lot of times it felt like the film could break out of the genre and become something much better, but the filmmakers instead decided to work within the confines of the genre. Either way, it was entertaining, quirky, and much better than a lot of the crap that’s been coming out recently. And Charlie Day is awesome.


THE SWITCH

Kassie Larson (Jennifer Aniston), an unmarried 40 year old New York woman one day decides to have a child using a donor. Her best friend Wally Mars (Jason Bateman) doesn’t think it’s a good idea. Kassie goes along with her plan and lives her life with her child. Meanwhile, Wally has been living with a huge secret: he replaced her donor’s sample with his own. Andy: Going into The Switch, I had very little knowledge of what the film was going to be about. I hadn’t seen the trailers, and only once did I see the poster of Jason Bateman curiously staring at a cup. I assumed this was going to be a wild, over-the-top sex romp. That being said I was pleasantly surprised to find that The Switch is a cute romantic comedy that doesn’t fill itself with sexual references and jokes, like the plot may have you assume.Alexis: Unlike you, Andy, I came across the trailer not too long ago and became instantly intrigued. I haven’t yet seen Jason Bateman in anything that I didn’t like so I had hope for The Switch. And I am very happy to report that my previous statement is still going strong. Most romantic-comedies have those classic cheesy moments and one-liners, but I thought that Jason Bateman brought an entirely new feel to the genre. Andy: While I do love Jason Bateman, I can’t say I loved this movie. I agree it doesn’t lean on many of the conventional romantic comedy devices, The Switch has no problem being ordinary. A strange twist is brought in with this plot, but the setup and the structure of the film is so routine, it makes the film very plain. It’s a shame because I feel like the cast, including Jeff Goldblum, Patrick Wilson, and Juliette Lewis, could have brought a lot more to this film and really pushed the boundaries of the genre, instead they played it safe and made this film as middle of the road as possible so as to not offend anyone.Alexis: Even though I do agree that they should have pushed the boundaries a little more with this one, due to the stellar cast, I by no means thought it was bad. The story was a bit plain, and straight to the point, but I feel that people will enjoy this one regardless. The Switch is light-hearted, simple, and yet a lot of fun.Andy: I just hate when a movie like The Switch has a lot of potential, great cast, unique concept, and throws it all away by filling it with mediocrity and political correctness. I didn’t dislike The Switch, and I’m sure people will find it enjoyable, I just feel that this film is nothing spectacular and never will be. Bottom Line:Alexis- 7/10 It’s a romantic comedy; ladies will love it, boys won’t mind it.

Andy- 5/10 The Switch relishes in its mediocrity. There are some parts that I found humorous, and Wally and Kassie’s child is very cute, but the whole movie is so plain; I really feel like the filmmakers missed out on the opportunity to make a truly unique film by making this one so universally appealing. 

RATED PG-13 (DRUGS, LANGUAGE, SEXUAL SITUATIONS)
RUNNING TIME: 100 MINS


THE OTHER GUYS

Will Farrell and Mark Wahlberg star in the latest comedy from Adam McKay as The Other Guys, two very average cops who have never been in the spotlight, and have never seen real action in the line of duty. When the chance arises for the two to become more than just “the other guys” the duo get to work on what could be the biggest case of their lives. Alexis: I went into this movie with very little expectations. Recently, Will Farrell has been on a bit of a cold streak, however, I came out of The Other Guys thoroughly surprised and relieved that I wasn’t bored to tears watching yet another Will Farrell/ Adam McKay comedy. Andy: I will most definitely agree with you Alexis. This was a flick I went in with very low expectations for, but I was genuinely surprised at how entertaining The Other Guys was. While they certainly didn’t stray too far from their ludicrous comedy shtick a la Step Brothers and Anchorman, this time around it really seemed to click and work well, especially with the source material. And I was quite surprised with how funny Mark Wahlberg actually was.Alexis: I’ve never seen Mark Wahlberg perform anything like this role. I thought the partnership between Wahlberg and Farrell was very unique and worked very well. Wahlberg’s tough as nails cop with a bizarre soft side plays out hilariously against Will Farrell’s nerdy and awkward police accountant. And although the comedy wasn’t too different from McKay’s comedy, the satirical buddy comedy plot and the new characters really breathed new life into his formula.Andy: It was interesting to see McKay do a film like this, because even though it is primarily a comedic film, I was surprised to see just as much gun-toting action. The Other Guys has dozens of car crashes, firefights, and slow-motion battle sequences that really give it an interesting blend of ridiculous comedy and gripping action. When watching the movie it almost felt like they were doing too much genre bending for one movie.Alexis: I disagree. I thought all the elements were included in the movie to give it that satirical and over-the-top feeling. I think they were intentionally cramming this film with so much action and comedy to really lampoon the genre. The comedy was great, but the action made the film work as parody as well as straightforward comedy. Andy: That’s a very valid point, and when you say that it makes a lot of sense. I guess I didn’t totally look at it like that; my only worry is that I won’t be the only to miss that. Maybe the rest of society will be smarter than me and get it, sometimes I’m a little slow at picking up on these things.Bottom Line:Alexis- 8/10 Don’t knock it ‘till you try it. It’s more than Step Brothers in a police station, there is great satire and hilarious comedy going on too.Andy- 7/10 The Other Guys is very silly. A lot of the comedy had me laughing out loud. But as funny as much of the film was, several of the gags not only fell short, but were just too weird to be even remotely funny. The second half also runs low on jokes and it feels like they added more car crashes and gunfights to make up for that in the last half hour or so. Besides all this, I still recommend The Other Guys for a fun night at the movies and a lot of laughs.
SALT

Salt follows the story of a CIA agent named Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie) who is accused of being a Russian spy sent on a mission to assassinate a political figure. Her life is turned upside down as her co-workers begin chasing her down. Is Evelyn Salt a traitor to America, or is she being set up in a much larger scheme? Find out in Salt.Andy: It has been 3 days since we saw Salt and I’m still not completely sure how I feel about it. While I was entertained throughout the entire film and never once looked at my watch, I felt like there was something lacking. Alexis: I wish I wouldn’t have read into Salt prior to seeing it, because afterward I felt somewhat disappointed. I had high expectations and came out realizing that it is just another overrated summer action flick. Andy: That’s quite an accurate description. Salt had a great concept, awesome action, and some very solid performances. It could have been something truly unique and different, however, the filmmakers instead went the safe route and made a Bourne Identity rip off and changed Jason Bourne to Evelyn Salt. Alexis: There were a few twists in the movie that I didn’t see coming, but they added nothing to the story. It was obvious that several key elements of the film were added just to keep our attention; they did nothing to push the plot forward. I feel like these things took a lot from the film, rather than adding emotion to it.Andy: And more than that, the more they added to get the audience engaged, the more ridiculous the plot became. What started off as a seemingly simple and elegant plot device, a CIA agent being a Russian spy her entire life, turned into something so insane that it just became silly to watch. Alexis: Exactly. Besides all of this, the film is stuffed to the brim with action, which is good as long as there is explanation. Unfortunately for Salt, there was none, and it just left me confused and annoyed.Bottom LineAndy- 6/10 Salt is a good movie to watch and turn your mind off while you watch stuff blow up, but don’t go in expecting Oscar-worthy storytelling. It is the generic, Wal-Mart brand of Bourne Identity, which isn’t bad, just not very good.Alexis- 5/10 If you want to see Angelina Jolie playing yet another government agent/spy, running and gunning with tight clothing on, check out Salt. If you care about plot and don’t like when a movie is dominated by action, skip this one for Inception. Or at least wait for DVD.

Rated PG-13 (Violence, Language)
Running Time: 100 mins.


INCEPTION

In a world where the technology to enter the human mind through dreams, an idea is the most dangerous weapon known to man. Don Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is an extractor, one of the best in the world. His job is to enter the dreams of subjects and steal information they are hiding inside their mind and subconscious. Cobb’s life is in shambles, however, after he was exiled from the United States and forced to abandon his children. By a twist of fate, he is offered the chance to fix his life, in exchange for the impossible, to execute inception; planting an idea into a person’s mind without a trace. Can Cobb and his team perform this incredible mission, or is inception only something possible in dreams?Director Christopher Nolan has a difficult challenge ahead of him. After directing and creating some of Hollywood’s finest modern films including Following, Memento, Insomnia, Batman Begins, The Prestige, The Dark Knight and now Inception, I cannot imagine how he can top himself. Inception is such a wonder to watch, I don’t even know where to begin. The concept is like nothing I’ve ever heard of before, and is totally captivating. Aside from a little confusion in the beginning and some pacing problems in the first half hour, the film left me and the people around me with our jaws on the floor. The entire time I watched the film I kept wondering how such a unique and creative concept was thought up. The only things more captivating were the visuals. Nolan and this team of filmmakers crafted some of the most inventive and awe inspiring visual effects ever. There has not been something so unique and incredible to look at since The Matrix, and I would argue that Inception trumps even that. Christopher Nolan employed some Hollywood heavyweights for Inception, and they all did a fantastic job. Leonardo DiCaprio is, as always, magnificent as Cobb. DiCaprio embodies the character and brings this disturbed and heartbroken character to life on the screen, but his performance is not overly powerful where it casts a shadow on the other actors and actresses in the film. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is fantastic as Arthur, Cobb’s right hand man. Levitt is charming and cool, and after his performance in this film, I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot more of him. The rest of the cast, including Ellen Page, Ken Watanabe, Michael Caine, Marion Cotillard, Cillian Murphy, and more, all give fantastic performances. Bottom Line: 9.5/10 Inception is certainly this decade’s The Matrix, but it’s even more than that. It is the rare science-fiction that not only satisfies the audience with fantastic effects and edge of your seat action sequences, Inception also has a sophisticated and highly original story. And underneath all of this, it also manages to fit in a beautiful love story. I adored this film, from the story, to the visuals, the performances, and the music. The biggest flaw of Inception is also one of its greatest strengths, its complex universe. Explaining the vast universe of Inception is difficult to do as it is very rich and deep, which can be somewhat difficult to follow. When watching the film I had some trouble understanding what the characters were doing until they finished, and then I would realize what they had just done. I always felt like I was one step behind the characters simply because the world of Inception is very full and complex. But if you can handle a bit of head spinning story, you will be rewarded with what is certainly the best film I’ve seen all year and will almost definitely be nominated for a slew of awards this season. RATED PG-13 (LANGUAGE, VIOLENCE)
RUNNING TIME: 148 MINS.


THE LAST AIRBENDER

The Last Airbender follows the story of a young boy named Aang, the last survivor of the Air nation and the successor to a long line of avatars. As the avatar, Aang must save the Water and Earth nation from being enslaved and conquered by the Fire nation. Andy: As much as I’ve been disappointed by M. Night Shyamalan’s last few films, I’ve always thought he would eventually come around and make good movies again. I thought that The Last Airbender. Unfortunately, Shyamalan has let me down once again. Alexis: Sorry, but I’m going to have to disagree with you. I liked The Last Airbender. I thought the effects were awesome and the story was really neat! I will say that some of the dialogue was pretty bad, but overall, I thought it was a pretty enjoyable movie.Andy: There is no denying that the effects were really cool. That wasn’t the problem I had with this movie. The problem I had was that the movie felt so disconnected. The dialogue was absolutely terrible, the story was convoluted, and the conflict was not engaging. Heck, even the fight scenes were slow and kind of boring. Alexis: I don’t know what you’re talking about when you say the story was convoluted. I had no problem understanding the story. Sure, there was a lot of information thrown at us, but that’s just because the filmmakers are introducing us to a very big story. I really can’t think of any other way they could have explained the world of The Last Airbender. This film was sort of like the pilot to a television show, it has to introduce the characters, the world and build the conflict for the sequels. Andy: I agree with what you are saying, to an extent. I realize that this film had a responsibility to introduce us to the world of the Avatar and The Last Airbender, but the way they did it just sort of made my head spin. I felt like they were just dumping all the information onto us in this film so they could have fun in the sequels. Peter Jackson had no problem bringing to life the massive world of Lord of the Rings, so why did Shyamalan have to make this film so hard to watch? And seriously, could the acting and the dialogue have been any more wooden? Alexis: I really have no idea what your issue was with the story. It made perfect sense to me. Guess this is one of those things we are going to have to agree to disagree on. I must say, though, the acting was atrocious. But even with the bad acting, I still enjoyed this movie, and I think kids will like it a lot. It’s a big budget action flick that is tame enough for kids to enjoy, which is the audience the movie was intended for anyway.Andy: I suppose kids won’t be so harsh on the awful acting or the poor story telling as myself. But I have no doubt that the parents that take their kids to see this one are going to leave with a headache after trying to figure what the hell they just watched. Bottom LineAlexis- 7/10 It is certainly a flawed film, but The Last Airbender was entertaining nonetheless. And while it certainly isn’t Shyamalan’s best, it’s a lot better than Lady in the Water. The effects are great and I feel like the story is necessary for the sequel, if they do end up making it. The kids and fans of the show will have fun too!Andy- 3/10 Shyamalan let me down yet again. I didn’t have too high of hopes for this suckfest, but even those hopes were shattered by the piss poor acting, lack of character development, and failure to build a successful story arc and plot conflict. It’s a pretty movie to watch, but it just feels so lifeless.

Rated PG (animated violence)
Running Time: 104 mins.


GROWN UPS

Starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, Rob Schneider, and David Spade, Grown Ups is a comedy about five friends who reunite years later to honor the passing of their childhood basketball coach. With their wives and kids in tow, they spend the Fourth of July holiday weekend together at the lake house where they celebrated their championship years earlier. Andy: I have to admit, I had a little hope for this movie. Adam Sandler has been on a bit of a losing streak for quite some time, so I was hoping that with the star power in this flick, he might finally redeem himself. I’m sorry to say, I was wrong, and Grown Ups also fails to deliver. Alexis: It was by far a disappointment. However, of late, what more can you expect? My biggest issue with this movie was that there was no point to it. There was no conflict, climax, or resolution. Even the “what did we learn?” moment where each character spilled their heart out felt awkward and out of context. Andy: It was a weird movie. When watching it, I really felt like it was just a bunch of big name stars hanging out on the weekend. There was no legitimate conflict in the film, and a lot of the comedy and jokes fell flat. Alexis: I totally agree! I felt like an outsider who was hanging out with a close group of friends. It seemed to me that they were all telling inside jokes and I just felt out of place. Andy: Definitely. A lot of the movie felt like it was probably a lot more fun to make than it was to watch. I really think these guys all had a great time making this movie, they seemed to be having a lot of fun, but it just didn’t translate well to screen. A lot of the humor just wasn’t funny.Alexis: Again, I think the humor came more from the actors’ friendships rather than the comedy written in the screenplay. Andy: Wait, was there a screenplay written for this movie? You could have fooled me. The way the filmed moved, I could have sworn they were just sort of playing it by ear. Alexis: No kidding. It felt like it dragged on forever just because nothing really jumped out. There were no significant plot movements. Many times, I was convinced I was watching a home movie from Adam Sandler’s weekend at the lake.Andy: Exactly! That is a perfect description of Grown Ups. It is like watching a funny home video that just so happens to star some of Hollywood’s most bankable comedic stars. Don’t get me wrong, there were several funny parts in the movie, but a lot of them fell flat. Bottom LineAlexis- 4/10 Save your money and watch Happy Gilmore instead; a time when Adam Sandler was actually funny.Andy- 5/10 Grown Ups is not a good movie at all. No plot, no conflict, and most of the movie is just not funny. That being said, there are a few parts that will make you chuckle, so it is at least not a total failure. Still not very good, though.

Rated PG-13 (language, crude humor)
Running Time: 102 mins.

TOY STORY 3

As Andy prepares to go away to college, Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang is accidently sent to Sunnyside Daycare. What seems like a dream come true, with lots of children to be played with every day soon becomes a nightmare as the toys learn that they are to be played with by kids far too young for them. It is up to Woody and the gang to stop the Strawberry scented Lotso Huggin’ Bear and get back to Andy before he leaves for college. Andy: Well, I have to say, watching Toy Story 3 was quite a nostalgic experience for me. I remember going to the movie theater when I was young to see the first two and being in awe at the idea of my toys coming to life when I wasn’t around and the third film brought me right back to those days. What did you think about it Alexis?Alexis: Like you, I had flashbacks from my childhood. For me, Toy Story has always been one of those movies you can watch again and again. I remember watching the first two over and over with my little brother and sister on rainy days. With Toy Story 3, I was brought right back to those feelings, but I was both curious and cautious to see how they would return to this world of toys after 10 years. Needless to say, I feel like they succeeded greatly. Andy: I completely agree. I wasn’t sure if they would be able to create the same atmosphere and make a sequel that didn’t feel tacked on, but I think they did so quite flawlessly. This film flows so well with the other two; it is like they are all seamless. I find it surprising that there was so much time in between their release. The old characters still have their charm, and the new characters add even more.Alexis: I absolutely loved the addition of Ken and Barbie! I thought it added fresh comedic material to the already hilarious ensemble. I loved seeing some of the toys and reminiscing on playtime with them. I actually owned Ken’s dream house when I was young! It cracked me up!Andy: Michael Keaton was awesome as Ken! I loved the attention to detail with his character. Because he was a 70’s Ken doll, he used old slang and wore obnoxious clothing and thought he was a stud. It was fantastic. As for the rest of the film, I think the entire story was really great, a perfect finale to a perfect trilogy.Alexis: I agree. The climax of the film put me on the edge of my seat, and the resolution was bittersweet and beautiful, almost poetic. As the film came to an end, it felt like the end of an era, and really sort of spoke to me and my generation I think. We all grew up with this series, and just like Andy, we have grown out of our toys and learned to move on. Andy: I felt the same way. It made me sad to see this thing that has been a part of my life for so long come to an end. It was brilliant, and I couldn’t imagine a better way to close the story of Woody, Buzz, Hamm, Mr. Potato Head and everyone else.Bottom LineAlexis- 9/10 I really enjoyed Toy Story 3, but I just think with a series this good, you can never be completely satisfied. Kids and adults will both love it! I highly recommend it.Andy- 10/10 This is about as close to perfect as you can get with a movie. Maybe I’m biased because this series has a special place in my childhood and in my heart, but I felt like a kid again when I watched Toy Story 3. It is fun for the whole family and will make anyone want to be a kid again.Rated G for GREAT!
Running Time 103 mins

KARATE KID

No waxing occurs in this reimagining of the 1984 classic The Karate Kid, but there is certainly a lot of child ass kicking, and of course, some awesome Jackie Chan stunts. This modern update to The Karate Kid follows Dre Parker (Jaden Smith, the son of Will Smith) a young boy who is forced to move to China with his mother for her new job. As soon as they arrive to their new home in Beijing, Dre meets a couple new friends, but even more enemies. A ruthless group of Chinese boys begin picking on Dre and beating him up regularly, until one day their apartment maintenance man, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) puts a stop to it, kung-fu style. After Mr. Han beats up the group of children, which I found to be a little strange (I guess it doesn’t count as child abuse in China if you are using kung-fu to beat the kids), Dre is challenged to perform in the kung-fu tournament. It is now up to Mr. Han to teach Dre the ways of kung-fu before the tournament so Dre can honor his family and save his dignity, and of course, stop getting beat up so much.

 

          The Karate Kid isn’t a bad film by any means; I just didn’t find it to be as good as it was hyped up to be. My biggest issue with the film was the length. At almost two and a half hours, I was struggling to sit still; I can’t imagine how kids are going to feel. There was a good 30-40 minutes of fluff in this movie that could have easily been cut out. I mean, it’s not like we don’t know what’s going to happen anyway, we all know the story, why do you have to spend nearly 30 minutes setting up the premise? The acting is actually very good. Jaden Smith is very likeable, just like his daddy, and his rival in the film is so unlikeable, this kid has a career as an evil James Bond villain in the future. Of course, Jackie Chan is great, his martial arts are still top notch, and I found his acting to be some of the best and most believable in his career.

 

          The film is certainly a crowd pleaser; at the screening I attended people began cheering in during the tournament. I really enjoyed the film, even though it was almost identical to the original in many aspects, but the length of the film truly killed it for me. If they would have cut down on the fluff I would be much less critical. If there is one thing I cannot stand in films it’s when the filmmakers feel like they need to add useless scenes and plot fillers to add length to a film, and unfortunately, The Karate Kid is about ¼ fluff. The action is neat and exciting, but since it is a family flick, the violence never gets too out of hand, like I wanted it to. I’m a huge fan of Kung-Fu movies, so it always makes me sad when the filmmakers are restricted from going all out on their violence. This isn’t a negative aspect of The Karate Kid, but fans of kung-fu movies and martial arts should know going in that the violence is tame, and nobody gets brutally murdered by some awesome ninja kicks.

 

Bottom Line: 6½/10

 

Rated PG (martial arts violence, language)
Running Time: 135 mins 

 

ONDINE
 Directed by Neil Jordan, Ondine tells the story of an Irish fisherman named Syracuse (Colin Farrell) who one day catches a mysterious woman who calls herself Ondine (Alicja Bachleda) in his net. Her suspicious attitude and reclusiveness piques both Syracuse and his daughter Annie’s curiosity. Annie believes her to be a selkie, a sort of Scottish mermaid, and after some bizarre occurrences and a shift in Syracuse’s luck, he too begins to believe she is in fact a selkie. The film moves slowly and remains ambiguous until the very end. You are asking yourself, “Is she really a selkie or is she just crazy?” throughout the entire film. The chemistry between Colin Farrell and Alicja Bachleda is fantastic. They feel genuinely interested and intrigued with each other. Some of the scenes drag on and there is some dialogue that really seems to go nowhere, but the overall atmosphere created is wonderful. Ondine is a very simple film, and that is where it succeeds. The plot and the conflict are easy to identify with and interesting enough to keep you engaged throughout the film. Neil Jordan, who also wrote the screenplay, did a great job at not filling the film up with nonsense. By keeping the plot and the characters simple, he made the film much easier to accept and allowed for the audience to focus less on what was happening in the story and more on whether or not this girl was a selkie or if she was just crazy. The film also has some fantastic music, and fabulous cinematography. Jordan filmed Ondine in a way that makes this particular part of Ireland feel rustic and gritty, yet beautiful, in a nostalgic sense, it’s a very interesting juxtaposition on the fantastical story being told and I believe adds another layer to the film.

          Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Ondine. The acting and cinematography was great and I was very engaged by the story. If they would have trimmed down a few of the scenes, I would be giving this film a nearly perfect score, but I felt that it dragged on just a bit.

 

Bottom Line: 8/10

Rated PG-13 (Language, sexual situations, violence)
Running Time: 111 mins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MACGRUBER

Based on a popular Saturday Night Live sketch, Macgruber tells the story of a real American hero. Macgruber (played by SNL’s Will Forte) is a decorated American war hero who has become legendary for getting the job done, and his signature of never using firearms, rather, he uses everyday household items to defeat the bad guys. Macgruber and his teammates, Lt. Dixon Piper and Vicki St. Elmo are trying the stop the evil Dieter Von Cunth (Val Kilmer) from launching a stolen nuclear warhead, headed towards Washington D.C. Will Macgruber and his team of true American crime fighters pound the evil Cunth, or will he snatch away a victory? Find out in the new action/ comedy Macgruber!  

Andy: Well let me start by saying that it is so great to be back! Five months in Thailand was the ultimate vacation, but I sure did miss going to the theater to see a movie every week! And what better way to be welcomed home than by a mullet haired Will Forte portraying the ridiculous, crime fighting, badass Macgruber.

Alexis: I couldn’t agree with you more, Andy. Macgruber kicked off our theater going in a positive way. I’m going to be honest though, when you showed me the trailer while we were in Thailand I wasn’t impressed at all. It looked like one of those movies where all of the funny parts were given away in the trailer.

Andy: The trailer surely shows a lot of the funny parts, but by no means does it show all of them. Macgruber isn’t funny in the traditional comedy sense; the humor comes in its absurdity and stupidity. When watching, I don’t remember laughing because the situation was funny. I only remember laughing because what was happening was over the top and nonsensical.

Alexis: This movie isn’t one that I’m going to watch again, or necessarily recommend to my friends. With that being said, however, it was entertaining. Like Andy stated, Macgruber is overly obnoxious and for that reason, and that reason only, I laughed.

Andy: I actually really enjoyed Macgruber, and will probably check it out again when it comes out on dvd. I loved that it took the played out storytelling techniques of popular action flicks like Lethal Weapon and Die Hard, and turned them into absurdist comedy. The sad part is that Macgruber hardly had to try to make those movies look ridiculous.

Alexis: Although Andy may have thoroughly enjoyed this film, I found it to be incredibly vulgar comedy. So, parents, keep your kids far away from this one! I don’t normally mind vulgar comedy, for example Superbad or Knocked Up, but Macgruber took vulgar humor to an entirely different level.

Andy: Definitely keep anyone under 17 away from this flick; it’s a dirty one. I completely agree with you that it takes the vulgar comedy to another level. During a lot of the scenes I felt really awkward, almost embarrassed, but I think that is part of the fun of Macgruber.

Bottom Line

Andy- 8/10 If you like vulgar humor, parodies, or SNL, check out Macgruber, but if you get offended easily, stay the hell away from this movie!

Alexis- 7/10 Macgruber will force you to laugh whether you like it or not, but at times the humor is uneven and the jokes push it too far.

Rated R (for strong crude and sexual content, violence, language and some nudity.)
Running Time: 99 mins

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