Valentines’ Day Revisited

Have you ever wondered how many A-list celebrities you can fit into one movie? This February’s box office sensation Valentines’ Day proves that many of us, myself included, were vastly underestimating Hollywood. The sheer number of big names and characters in general in this movie made it simpler to refer to each one as the actor’s name than the character’s and the many overlapping plotlines were often confusing.
However, after getting past the confusion and the overwhelming number of celebrities, I actually found myself enjoying the movie. There is definitely something in there for everybody! This film really showcased their talents and reminded me why some of these people became celebrities in the first place. Many of the couples were absolutely adorable and, once the plot was unraveled, this reviewer came to the decision that the movie was a holiday favorite and enjoyable film. I give it a 4 out of 5!

Movie Review: The Blind Side

THE END is good,  the beginning is good,  even the middle is good.  The Blind Side is a complete movie.  The movie begins with the famous clip of Lawrence Taylor’s career-ending tackle of Joe Theismann and provide a good background for the film.

The movie ends with a clip show of actual photos of the real Michael Oher which really shoots home the “based on a true story” tagline.  The middle…well I can’t give it away, I’ll just say its good.  John Lee Hancock (The Rookie) is no newbie to the true, sports story adaptation of movie.  He did extensive research on the real story and his work pays dividends; of course he doesn’t have a lousy supporting cast either.

Basically every actor in the film does a fine job.  Sandra Bullock, most recently in The Proposal, who even with a new blonde hairstyle, shows off the toughness of a mom in her great performance.  Tim McGraw, the country singer, has a surprisingly good show as Leigh Ann’s (Bullock’s) husband Sean.  McGraw has a somewhat minor role, but does well in his scenes.

Jae Head, Hancock, brought many laughs as the child in the family who provides perfectly timed comic relief.  Kathy Bates (The Waterboy) plays the tutor who never wants anything less than the best and, like always, Bates delivers an amazing performance.

Finally the star of the movie, Quinton Aaron, in his first major role, plays the seemingly oversized boy with a rocky past and little future.  He communicates perfectly the shyness of a boy who has no family to go home to but, on the other hand, the dominating strength of someone who “scores a 98% in protective instincts.”

The film has true emotion whether it has to do with anger, sadness, or love.  The movie is hands-down the best movie I have seen this year, and I give it a near perfect 4.9 out of 5.

Even more important than the movie’s theme is the story of Leigh Ann’s true following of Christ’s commandments to love and have compassion for others. We should all try to exemplify that.  I highly recommend this movie.

photo attribution: Nelso/Warner Bros./nydailynews.com

A Christmas Carol: Classic Tale Comes Alive

THE old fairy tale by Charles Dickens came to the big screen November 6 with much anticipation. The story is about Scrooge and his journey through his past, present, and future to a change of heart. Jim Carey plays Scrooge and he does a believable job displaying Scrooge’s grumpy and unapproachable character. He is funny and plays the role well, but the flashback segments leave something to be desired.

Some material is left out from the original which is disappointing. Viewers don’t see much of Scrooge’s side of the story. The special effects are decent. The spirits are displayed vividly. Out of five, I think A Christmas Carol gets a three. I wouldn’t consider it a premier blockbuster but it didn’t disappoint. The classic story if one for all ages and it continues to tell the tale of the true meaning of Christmas. Rated PG

Movie Review- GI Joe: Rise of Cobra

GI Joe is definitely filled with action, but, unfortunately, most of it is completely unrealistic and animated in nature.  The dialogue is predictable and the plot utterly convoluted.

Director Stephen Sommers (Mummy 1&2, Van Helsing) knows how to use special effects, but in GI Joe he over-uses them. Although most of the acting lacks depth,  Marlon Wayans (Dance Flick, Scary Movie 1&2) stands out.  He plays the stereotypical, overconfident and comedic partner, but does succeed in adding life to the otherwise dry acting by Dennis Quaid (Vantage Point) and Channing Tatum (Fighting).

Movie-goers might find some excitement in the film while the back stories do add some depth.  Overall, if you just want an action movie with thrilling fight scenes and over-the-top gadgets,  GI Joe: Rise of the Cobra is for you.  I give it 2 out of 5 stars. Rated PG-13

Movie Review: This Is It

This Is It, the behind-the-scenes story of Michael Jackson’s life off-stage shows insight into the normal guy hidden away inside the pop legend. In some ways, maybe directing his own choreographers and pianist and having cameramen take videos of people just chewing bubble gum and eating lollipops could be considered not-so-normal to some.

The film does what it can to make the King of Pop seem as normal as possible, however. His humility in the film does go to the heart-warming extent giving guitarists their moments on stage and inadvertently furthering their careers.

Fans of Michael Jackson will enjoy video remakes of some of the King of Pop’s hits such as: Earth Child and the infamous Thriller. Number two in the box office in its second week, I’d give This Is It a 3.5/5. Rated PG

Movie Review: 9 Gets a 3

EVEN though the entire movie seems as if it were in fast-forward mode, Shane Acker’s 9 still persuades audience members to sympathize with the pint-sized rag dolls. After a while, the viewers almost forget that the dolls are not human and the non-stop action delivers the plot an anything-but-boring way.

Elijah Wood, Frodo in Lord of the Rings, provides the voice for 9, the titular role. He does well as the regular guy who steps up.  John C. Reilly, Dale Doback in Step Brothers, does equally well in a rather different role of 5, the doll who is submissive and hesitant. Christopher Plummer, Captain George Ritter von Trapp in The Sound of Music, seems perfect as 1, the grouchy, selfish, and stubborn leader.

With a cast of nine drastically different puppets, the movie-goer can see every side of the predicament. 9 has great special effects where the dolls moved seamlessly like humans and the action is exciting enough to keep any age entertained. An interesting twist leaves few unknowns and the ending is sure to please most audiences.

If you want to watch a movie with an exceptional idea, great graphics, hectic miniature action, then Shane Acker’s 9 would be a good choice. I give the movie 3.5 out of 5 stars and a definite thumbs up.

photo attribution: http://www.filminfocus.com/

Movie Review: Times Like These

“TIMES like these, dark times, they do funny things to people. They can tear them apart.” In the recent box office sensation Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, as this quote from character Arthur Weasley clearly demonstrates, the outlook becomes bleak. During the equivalent of their junior year, the trio of J.K Rowling’s ever-popular series has to deal with more than ever before, attempting to balance the pressures of teenage romance with the threat of Voldemort looming above them. Although it has a runtime of 153 minutes, the film is fast-paced and the tension is palpable until the conclusion. The intense buildup throughout the movie leads to an extremely anticlimactic ending lacking a battle but not a cliché wand salute. However, though not cohesive with the novel, this film is cinematically well done with striking visual effects and equal parts of eeriness and humor. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is overall a great movie and highly recommended.