If This One Doesn't Get You.........

Changling

I'll start by saying WOW. This movie proves that Clint Eastwood has found his calling as a great film director. He has taken the pieces of an event and turned it into and award winning (at least I would give him one if I could) film. At first I was swaying from the changling because I am not a huge Angelina Jolie fan, but I'm glad I followed through. This movie was provoking and though it contained little to no action, it had me anxious for the next scene. If it's been said once, it's been said a thousand times, but the basis of a true story is what made this movie because outside of that it is so unbelievable and heart wrenching that it would not draw viewers. Angelina plays a mother of a "lost" child, fighting a system that is so corrupt she can't even get the help she needs to find him. And with her character's soft spoken personality, there were times in this movie when I wanted to stand up and speak on her behalf. All in all, I am glad I watched this, it is DEFINITELY worth watching. Kudos to The old gunslinger for a job well done!

My kinda revolt

Youth In Revolt

The new indie star Michael Cera plays Nick Twisp, an unhappy only child living with his mother and her deadbeat boyfriend. When certain events transpire the small mismatched family is forced to take an "extended vacation" to a trailer park where Nick Twisp meets an equally unhappy fellow trailer dweller Sheeni Sauders. Although they live in the same spectrum of life Sheeni is totally out of Nick's league, but this doesn't stop him from trying his best to woo her. After creating an alternate bad-boy persona Nick eventually does succeed, and the couple are perfectly matched in humor and intelligence, but when Sheenis' parents ban the relationship Nick goes to extreme measures to ensure that they end up together. The jokes are witty and quick, while the awkward situations will leave you blushing and squirming in your seat (in a good way) The movie is a non-traditional view on the coming of age and young love themes but it will leave you smiling and remembering some awkward events of your own

Worst

Revolutionary Road

So when i saw Leonardo Dicaprio paired with his Titanic co-star Kate Winslet I thought "Wow this has to be a great movie" but man was i wrong. The movie is about a young couple living in a small 1950's suburb trying to find themselves i guess you could say. To everyone around them they are the "perfect couple" but behind closed doors they are struggling with day to day life. There's no real plot, it's just a hash of unfortunate and taboo events such as infidelity, broken promises, and abortion. Wasn't worth the time i spent to watch it, if i saw it in theaters i would want my money back.

Rooting for the Bad Guy

Law Abiding Citizen
First of all does it seem like Gerard Butler gets naked in every movie he's in or is it just me? Anyways the movie starts off with a bang when Clyde Shelton's, (Gerard Butler) home is broken into and the intruders murder his wife and daughter. When Shelton goes looking for justice the legal system only convicts one of the killers Rupert Ames, and lets the other one, Clarence Darby (who did the actual killing) free. Sheltons' lawyer, Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx) is too worried about his conviction rate to try the case in court and risk losing, which leads Shelton feeling betrayed. When the lethal injection of Ames, the one convicted prisoner goes wrong you start to realize that someone else has a hand in the "justice" department. The movie goes on to attempt to viciously murder anyone who had anything to do with Sheltons' case. Although Shelton becomes an almost crazed killer, you still find yourself silently rooting for him to succeed. There are a couple twists but overall this is a one time watch.

Interesting Game

Gamer

In a world where technology controls everything it is not odd to see that there is a new advancement that leads to the control of actual human beings. There are two different "games" in which these robot-like actors are remotely controlled by other people who are obviously bored with their own lives and living through someone else. The first game is simply a live action version of "Sims" where actors are the avatars, while the other game is a gore and blood filled battle of death row inmates to a certain check point. The story revolves around Kable (Gerard Butler) a death row inmate who has won 27 matches, this is a big deal because after you successfully live past 30 matches you are set free. Kable becomes an iconic "Slayer" who is controlled by a young gamer (Logan Lerman) with too much money and not enough activities to occupy his time. The movie has a interesting plot and Butlers intensity is genuine and captivating. The only issue is there is LOTS of blood and graphic scenes that can lead to many dry heaving moments. If you can look past that, it's a neat movie.

More Like Down In the Dumps

Up In the Air

George Clooney is as always a slick businessman who can handle any situation with an air of grace, hence his roll in this movie as Ryan Bingham, a travelling ax man who conducts employee layoffs for bosses who are too cowardly to do it themselves. Throughout the movie Bingham (Clooney) has a lone wolf persona who cares only about reaching the ten million frequent flyer miles reward. When a young up in coming tech nerd Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) joins the company and threatens to put an end to Binghams' dream by grounding all employees, he takes a stand and has Keener accompany him to learn how to really fire people. Mostly the movie has a feeling of detachment, while Bimgham and Keeney have the same argument over and over again. The only actual entertaining aspect of this movie is the spitfire character Keeney. If the movie revolved more around her rather than the classic (and slightly outplayed Clooney) it would have been more interesting. So despite the film festival awards this movie was a series of sad events followed up by a too quick ending that seems rushed in it's wrap up.

Power to the People

Inglorious Bastards

Brad Pitt is the foreman in this movie playing a war torn southerner who leads a ragtag team of Nazi killers in a plot to assassinate Nazi Germany's political leadership, meanwhile the same assassination is unknowingly planned by a young French Jewish cinema proprietor (Laurent). Quentin Tarantino is the director of this movie and his signature directing style is obvious with all the vicious killing and dramatic subplots. Tarantino spent ten years writing the script for this movie, which leads to a interesting and non stop series of high intensity scenes. There are many times throughout this movie where you may cringe due to some of the brutality, so if you are squeamish to blood this probably isn't a good watch. Although it's interesting, the movie is not historically accurate so don't go citing it as a source for your history paper.

Something Fantastic

Fantastic Mr. Fox

First of all i refused to watch this because I am not usually a fan of animated movies, but after watching this film I might just change my mind. The setting consists of multiple forms of animation that is really neat just to look at. The characters are unique and voiced by an all star cast that includes: George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Swartzman, and many other well known actors. It's a clever film that would be appropriate for children, but the humor is so quick it would probably fly over their heads. This is definitely a watch more than once movie because every time you watch it you will notice different things, both visually and comically. Overall great movie. Hotbox.

Chick flick?

Love Happens

Love happens is a slight twist on the romantic comedy featuring the always endearing Jennifer Aniston and the smooth talking Aaron Eckhart (seen in other recommendable movies such as: Thank you for smoking, and of course Batman) As with most chick flicks the plot is pretty predictable but the friendly banter along the way keeps this movie from being one of those "didn't I just watch this?" type movies. Aniston is cute, while Eckhart is dashing, so all in all a charismatic duo. You are sure to find yourself smiling as the awkward yet sweet scenes unfold. (and if the scene with the parrot doesn't make you laugh just a little there's no hope for you) I would probably say this is one of those movies that you watch once and wait for a while before watching it again when you are in that "feel good" movie mood

Elementary, Dear Watson

Sherlock Holmes
I saw this movie at it's opening, with the high hopes that it would meet the standards of it's over publicized coming. However, in case anyone hasn't noticed, the film quickly faded away from the theaters and our interest. Why? I think there are a few good reasons. One: This new generation only knows the world renown figure of Holmes by name and silly cartoons, so this portrayal was unknown and unappreciated. Two: When we think Sherlock, we think great mystery, not fabled mysticism, when in fact the original stories of the detective were nothing but supernatural based capers, making this movie closer to the original stories than most others we have seen. Thirdly: The film was advertised as a highly intense action (which it was) so when we, the viewers, were hit with the thick plot line that called for attention to detail, we found ourselves a little disheartened. Lastly: the time; this movie was on the verge of being excruciatingly long and I for one have limits on my attention span.
All in all, I thought it was worth the watching and I have a feeling that now that I know what to expect, I will have a far greater appreciation for my second viewing.

The Aliens Are Coming!!

District 9

This movie was not at all what I expected. In fact with the vague previews and confused first viewers, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I will start by saying, I got the feeling that writers were bitter about the condition of the human race, portraying us at our darkest state of being. But I was surprised by the body to the plot; the story was intriguing and kept me watching. The documentary style beginning seemed weird at first but actually added to the realism of the situation and the film. I do wish however, that they swayed from the realism enough to leave us with less of a pathos ending. If it wasn't for that, I might be drawn to see it again. Bottom line, this is a recommended watch, but not an "own it" movie.

Just Another REhash, Those Bastards!!

Inglorious Bastards

Why is there a second review on the same film, you may wonder. Well, because they were both written unbeknown to each writer and in the end, we thought they were both worth reading.

On a scale of one to ten, I have to disappoint you because that's just not how we rate movies around here. I will say that this one was a tough one to judge. It was a good movie, interesting, with a well written plot line, and a star studded cast. But if you are expecting the chuckle filled dark comedy that the previews portrayed then you are up for a disappointment. In fact, the previews pretty much covered the comedic part of the movie. Other than this, I enjoyed it quite a bit. Without downplaying it too bad with the fact that yes it is in fact a new face on something that's already been done, the story was provoking and left you wondering the big "what if". I give this movie props and suggest it to my loyal fans.

Worthy Of The Book

Cloudy With a Chance Of Meatballs

We have a winner, folks!!This movie was great from two major stand points. One: It was a book made movie that actually did the story I appreciated so much as a kid, justice and that's a great step for movie makers. Two: The movie in itself was enjoyable. All reminiscing a side , I enjoyed it as a stand alone film. The animation was great, very bright and fun. The script was entrenched with laughable humor. Last but certainly not least: it was fast enough moving to keep the kids entertained. All in all, it was a great film and will proudly join my library.

LIES!! ALL LIES!!!

The Invention of Lying

Ok, I saw the previews for this movie and had high hopes for side splitting moments. But, I regret to inform my readers that I reached for the remote in temptation to stop the movie multiple times. Yes, it was THAT bad. First off,; someone should have explained to the writers that not being able to lie and verbalizing every little thought in your head, no matter how absurd or vulgar are not the same things. And then there is the ever touchy subject of how far is too far when it comes to the religious content in comedic form. The premise of the movie is that The character could say anything he wanted and he was believed because everyone assumed it was true. So in a moment of panic, he "made up" God to make the gullible masses "feel good". If that wasn't enough, the pizza box ten commandments pushed it to my limits.

I have to admit , this didn't even qualify as one of those: "I laughed, though I probably should have" movies. The humor was dry and repetitious at best.

Die Hard 5?!?!?........

Surrogates

AAAHHHH, just what the doctor ordered, another Bruce Willis, tough guy flick. Only this really wasn't it. I have to say, I had that "haven't I seen this before?" feeling through the entire movie. It was simply readable the whole way through: one main actor / hero = one last actor / hero standing in the end. On top of the predictable plot, the basis of the movie brought flash backs of Disney's WALL-E with the portrayal of America reaching an all time spike in laziness and stupidity, so much so that they must be saved from themselves. Bottom line I was disheartened and probably will not add this one to the library.