The Best of 2010

It was a really strong year for movies at the box office, at least in my mind. When putting together my yearly top 10, I found a number of films that equally deserved to be in the list, but didn’t make it. While there weren’t a lot of films that stood head and shoulders above the pack; there were some great films released this year.

Almost on the list were the “island” films like Shutter Island (Martin Scorsese delivers an intriguing film from early 2010 with great performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo) and City Island (The comedy about a different kind of family where everyone has their own quirks starring Andy Garcia).

The amazing animated offerings of 2010 included the spy comedy Despicable Me with the voice talents of Steve Carell; Tangled the story of Rapunzel with the voice talents of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi and especially How to Train Your Dragon that surprised everyone with its beautifully animated film that caught everyone by surprise all got cut at the last minute.

Comedies like Hot Tub Time Machine (yes, it’s here, yes I’m a child of the 80s, what’s it to you); Greenberg featuring a really solid and different performance from Ben Stiller and Greta Gerwig and Please Give starring the amazingly talented Catherine Keener along with Oliver Platt and Amanda Peet all had different great qualities about them, and came close to making a statement.

Dramatic films, that are always on the list had near misses like Solitary Man with Michael Douglass delivering an amazing performance as a man living a truly solitary existence; Never Let Me Go looked at the world that could be with Carey Mulligan and sees it not as a very pleasant society; The Way Back from Director Peter Weir was an unflinching look at a journey through all environments by some very brave individuals and the soon to be released The Company Men which totally took me off-guard as a very real look at today and how real people exist on all levels of the economic spectrum that are affected by the downturn with Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones and Kevin Costner among others.

Documentaries are always one of my favorite groups of films, and it was a strong year for them! Exit Through the Gift Shop was a Banksy film that took a colorful look at street art and an even deeper look at what makes some “art lovers” tick; Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work showed a very real look at a show biz icon and her motivation and drive to keep going, and the education film Race to Nowhere taking a look at homework and the constant stress we place on our kids all touched a nerve with me but fell short.

There was even a horror film that almost made it, Let Me In was a remake, but it was done so well it was not to be forgotten.

And some of the very last films to fall off the list included the amazing Black Swan featuring a groundbreaking performance by Natalie Portman that earned her a Critics’ Choice Award Nomination and had many talking for days after seeing it; the incredible True Grit from The Coen Brothers that showed us we could do a very capable remake with truly talented actors (Jeff Bridges, Josh Brolin, Matt Damon) and a spectacular newcomer in Hailee Steinfeld, and the gut-wrenching Rabbit Hole that examines ground that no parent wants to take a look at with two immensely talented performers in Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart.

So what did make the list?

10. The King’s Speech (Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush)- Ok, so it has a very bad title. But it is a truly inspirational film about a man at a point in history and his determination to lead the nation. Colin Firth got a Critics’ Choice Award Nomination and should be in line to do the same with the Academy.

9. Easy A (Emma Stone) – My favorite comedy this year. It does a really solid job of showing the audience how today’s technology can influence all those around us, while making us all laugh. The performances are solid from top to bottom. (I would love to see a film with just Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson’s characters). Oh and did I mention Emma Stone is bound to be a star!

8. Waiting for Superman – It’s scary and real. This film examines our education system in a way like very few films have dared. It is heartbreaking to see kids that want to learn, being forced into systems that are bound to fail them because of the lock of a lottery. It is disturbing to see teachers who want to teach being held back and maybe even more so to hear of teachers who don’t care being kept on payrolls. Oh and John Legend’s song Shine over the end credits is magnificent.

7. Toy Story 3 (Tom Hanks, Tim Allen) – It’s been awhile since we saw Andy’s toys, but we flocked back to the theater to see them. A film that is as identifiable with children as with their parents who experienced it the first time around. This has a real heart and will emotionally grab even the toughest parent.

6. The Town (Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner, Rebecca Hall) – I tried, time and again, to find a reason to not include this film on my list. But each time I thought of it, I liked it just a bit more. Ben Affleck as a directory takes us into the city that he knows and it shows. I always felt like I was there, watching as friends fought and crimes were committed, and that makes for a good film.

5. Restrepo - No documentary captivated me more this year than this film. We sit in our homes and watch reality programming on television thinking that is the best look at reality. Watching the news we see footage from war that doesn’t really tell the story except for what a reporter filters. When you watch this film, you see the real, unfiltered look at the human beings who put their lives on the line for our country. You see real bullets flying overhead. You see real emotion at the loss of life. You will see nothing this year quite like this film.

4. Winter’s Bone (Jennifer Lawrence) – This is a raw and gritty film with Jennifer Lawrence leading the way. I was amazed at how intently connected I was with the story of a woman fighting to take care of her family, while not being much beyond the age of a little girl.

3. Inception (Leonardo DiCaprio and Director Christopher Nolan) – A Mind-blowing Masterpiece, director Christopher Nolan takes an amazing environment and turns everything upside down, literally! The visuals are stunning throughout and the attention to detail will really turn movie viewing on its head. I was transported into this world that is within and when it ended, I didn’t want to leave.

2. The Social Network (Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield) – Facebook me! This film takes a look at our environment today. How did Facebook come to pass? Who is Mark Zuckerberg? And while the real Mark Zuckerberg takes some issue with what goes on in the film, it is an entertaining story told in an entertaining way.

1. The Fighter (Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale) – Nothing I saw this year quite compares to this film. From top to bottom it is filled with great acting. Mark Wahlberg is the driver as Mickey Ward, and yet no one talks about him when they talk about this film…that’s because he surrounded himself with some of the best performers working. Christian Bale deserves all the credit in the world as Mickey’s brother, and Amy Adams and Melissa Leo show us how strong women’s performances CAN be if given the right opportunity and the right role. Sure I was a fight fan before I saw this film, Mickey Ward and Arturo Gatti’s fights are legendary in my mind, but I didn’t know the story behind Ward, and this film just delivers from the opening bell.

Home Screening Room -- Ending the year with The American

I thought I'd give you some bonus trailers to end the year....so here it is, the final 2010 installment of the Home Screening Room

Just From Theaters

The American (R) George Clooney, Irina Bjorklund
Although the first 10 minutes of this film is action packed, this is a character study more than anything. Solid and extremely compelling work from one of America’s best actors.

Resident Evil: Afterlife (R) Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter
More of Alice, more of the walking dead, more of the Umbrella Corporation.

Also new this week…

And Soon The Darkness (R) Amber Heard, Odette Yustman


Legacy (R) Idris Elba, Eamonn Walker




Twelve (R) Chace Crawford, Emma Roberts




The United States of Tara: The Second Season

Pick of the Week
The American is just too good to pass up. The Clooney character study film works on so many levels.
Thanks!

Pop Some Popcorn, Pop a Pepsi, and Pop in a DVD and remember to Save Me A Seat!

Review - Little Fockers

WTF? Little Fockers Lacks the Little Laughs

Meet the Parents was a nice little film that was not only funny, but it also uniquely told the story of a man meeting his in-laws and struggling to fit in. Meet the Fockers had us meeting the other side of the family and the quirks they possessed. Little Fockers has kids, fraternal twins that are supposed to be the basis for the humor. A problem occurs though, they forgot the humor.

Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) is coming to Greg and Pam’s (Ben Stiller and Terri Polo) house to celebrate the 6th birthday of their two children, and yes he is still watching them. Things have change though…Dr. Bob is splitting from his wife (an affair) Kevin (Owen Wilson) is half way around the world looking to get engaged. And the Fockers (Barbara Streisand and Dustin Hoffman) are apart as Bernie tries to find himself while Roz hosts her sex therapy show.

As Greg is trying to do the best for his family, he takes on a night job as a spokesman for Sustengo (the new erectile dysfunction drug) with his drug rep Andi Garcia (Jessica Alba). So who is watching who, and why, and will this birthday party happen?

This is a hard review to write. Why? I like everyone in this film. In many instances, they have put out a range of films that have generated every emotion within me. But this film had such little emotion that I had to check my pulse when I left.

Sure there are some scenes in here that gave me a chuckle, but there were so many more that felt miserable. It felt miserable all over. I felt bad for the actors. I felt bad for the individual sitting next to me and I felt real uncomfortable for those who mistakenly brought young children to the film.

The movie was supposed to be about the “little” Fockers…but they had what seemed to be small roles in a much bigger movie, so that’s kind of a misnomer.

This film just didn’t work on so many levels. I really don’t want to trash these good people, so I’m not going to. It’s the Christmas season and I will just say, don’t see it. Rent Meet the Parents or buy Meet the Fockers instead either will be a much better selection. Otherwise you may just resort to texting a friend WTF on your way out of the theater.

C- / D+

Little Fockers
Universal Pictures

Director: Paul Weitz
Cast: Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Blythe Danner, Teri Polo, Jessica Alba, Dustin Hoffman, Barbara Streisand

Rating: PG-13 for mature sexual humor throughout, language and some drug content.
Runtime: 98 minutes.

Last Minute Gift Ideas for the DVD fans

Last Minute Gifts For The Movie Fan

In the weeks to come, we’ll talk about some of the big new releases coming to theaters. A year-end Top 10 list will be rolled out, along with a look at some of the worst 2010 had to offer. But for now, here’s a quick look at some of the films your movie fan might like under the tree.

Young Kids

Toy Story 3 (Available Now) - This is the one everyone wants. Kids of all ages, yes that includes Mom and Dad, have loved this popular film.

Shrek Forever After (Available Now) – The fourth and final installment in the series lets Shrek fans revisit what made Shrek a great ogre.

Despicable Me (Available Now) – The minions have their plan to get into your family’s house and your kids will love you for it.

Teens

Twilight: Eclipse (Available Now) – The “Twi-Hards” as they are called, probably already have this in their collection, so check with them first.

Step Up 3 (December 21) – Dance fans and fans of the series may like this latest in the Step Up line.

Easy A (December 21) – This is one of the funniest movies of the year, featuring Emma Stone. It combines a classic story with modern technology.

Action Fans

Salt (December 21) – An action film, with Angelina Jolie, means lots for all the guys on your list that love the genre.

The A-Team (Available Now) – Classic television brings us another action film that a generation off people will want to add to their collection.

More Great Releases for Everyone

Inception (Available Now) – A film that will twist, turn, and all out make you think.

Back to the Future BluRay Boxed Set (Available Now) – Anyone who enjoyed this series and has updated to the new technology, must have this set.

Fantasia / Fantasia 2000 BluRay (Available Now) – Imagine the sights and sounds that you remember, with enhanced technology.

The Town (December 17) – A really underrated film from the year that takes an unflinching look at a group of bank robbers in Boston with Ben Affleck behind the lens.

The Other Guys (Available Now) – Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell star in this comedy about the cops, behind the cops.

You can always pick up a gift certificate to your local theater, and there are some great Television series box sets available as well. Have a Movie Merry Christmas!

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Home Screening Room - Salt gets an Easy A

Home Screening Room

A plethora of PG-13 rated films that are all quite solid....enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Just From Theaters

Salt (PG-13) Angelna Jolie, Liev Schreiber
This fast paced thriller features multiple endings on the BluRay and Special Edition DVDs to make it worth picking up.

Easy A (PG-13) Emma Stone, Amanda Bynes, Patricia Clarkson, Stanley Tucci
A very underrated film that will have you laughing throughout. How fast does the fake sex romp spread throughout school in today’s social media crazed society? Faster than you can text me a note.

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (PG-13) Michael Douglass, Shia LaBeouf, Carey Mulligan Greed is good, and back in style – pick up the newest film featuring the classic character, Gordon Gekko.

Step Up 3 (PG-13) Shami Vinson, Rick Malambri, Adam Sevani
The series is back with the newest film that will pit the best of the streets against hip hoppers.

Devil (PG-13) Chris Messina, Logan Marshall-Green, Jenny O’Hara
Trapped in an elevator, these individuals are in for a ride they never saw coming.

Also new this week…

The Andy Griffith Show: 50th Anniversary
Gene Simmons Family Jewels: The Complete Season 4 & 5
The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Volume 5
Turning Green (R) Timothy Hutton, Colm Meany
UFC 120
WWE: Survivor Series 2010

And Finally
The Heavy (R) (Vinnie Jones, Shannyn Sossamon)
A hitman, Vinnie Jones and Shannyn Sossamon – watch the trailer for more.



Pick of the Week
Can I load up Santa’s sleigh this week? I’d love copies of Easy A, Wall Street and Salt to end my year just right!

Thanks!

Pop Some Popcorn, Pop a Pepsi, and Pop in a DVD and remember to Save Me A Seat!

Review - TRON: Legacy

TRON Finds Itself Stuck Inside The Game

In the years since the original Tron, things have changed. Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) has been missing for 20 years, and his son Sam (Garrett Hedlund) longs for the dad who told him stories or his legendary accomplishments. Sam has a mind of his own and marches to the beat of his own drummer. He has seen his dad’s company become solely interested in profits, with no regard for customers.

But when a mysterious page is received, yes I said page, Sam goes to investigate his dad’s office at the arcade. There he finds many mothballs, lots of vintage games, and his father’s office the way he left it. When Sam examines things a bit closer, he soon finds himself inside the programs that have been his father’s home.

Now Sam must join forces with his Father and find a way out of this world. His father has created so many of the programs around him, and some help, while others do not. Quorra (Olivia Wilde) is a program that is viciously loyal to her creator. She’ll do everything she can to protect Kevin and his son. But the other member of this equation is Clu, the younger version of Kevin who was with him and wanted to help him create the perfect environment. Who will reign victorious? Can Sam and his Father exit the game and continue with life?

This is a really tough film to talk about. I wanted this to be an amazing experience. I wanted to love every aspect of this go around with Tron. I wanted to walk out and tell my friends, get your tickets now. Unfortunately, none of what I wanted became reality.

While it was fun to see they “younger” Bridges, the sexy Olivia Wilde, the charismatic Michael Sheen and more, it just wasn’t enough. The action sequences were exciting when they were happening, there were too few occurrences in this slightly over 2 hour long film. Instead of keeping the pace hoping, there were many places where the film tried to get overly philosophical and dragged endlessly.

Tron isn’t awful; I guess I just expected more. Instead of breaking outside of the realm that contains it; TRON: Legacy finds itself stuck inside the game.

C / C-

TRON: Legacy
Walt Disney Pictures

Director: Joseph Kosinski
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Michael Sheen, Bruce Boxleitner

Rating: PG for sequences of sci-fi action violence and brief mild language.
Runtime: 127 minutes.

Review - How Do You Know

It’s Hard To Know

Lisa (Reese Witherspoon) is a motivated and driven woman. She is a professional softball player that has a past with the US Olympic team. This year is different. The team is going younger and Lisa isn’t as quick or as strong as the youth movement the new coach is moving towards.

She is dating Matty (Owen Wilson). He is a hot pitcher for the Washington Nationals and knows what he wants. What he wants is Lisa, oh and he knows how to relate that fact, even if he doesn’t have an ounce of tact in his system.

This is all complicated a man named George (Paul Rudd). He’s an executive that is about to be indicted. Though he’s done nothing wrong, it’s the company his father has put him in charge of that is in trouble. It could be that his father (Jack Nicholson) has some involvement in the problems, or it could be he knows nothing.

Different individuals with different paths all searching for the answer to the question; how do you know?

Director James L. Brooks has made us laugh for years with a real life backdrop. Even his “bad” films that others dislike, I have tended to enjoy. How Do You Know is a tough film as it seems to have lost some of the regular sensibilities that you are used to finding.

Reese Witherspoon is likable, and I found myself coming away from this film with even more of an appreciation for everything she does. She plays a woman who is motivated and driven, using motivational words, phrases and techniques. Her ability to slip into her role as a champion softball player, with party side is amazingly fun.

Co-star Paul Rudd is perfectly cast as the nice guy who is caught in the middle of things. It’s a role he has gotten used to, and does it well. Owen Wilson gets to take his Fockers character and add a bit of attitude to it to create Matty. Sometimes it felt that it just wasn’t real enough. I almost wanted a bit more attitude out of his character, but you couldn’t help but “like” him and see the side that Lisa saw in him.

I know there were a number of laughs in this film. I know I like Reese Witherspoon more than I did before I saw this film. But ultimately, did I like this movie? It’s hard to know.

B- / C+

How Do You Know
Columbia Pictures

Director: James L. Brooks
Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson, Jack Nicholson

Rating: PG-13 for sexual content and some strong language.
Runtime: 116 minutes.

Review - Yogi Bear

Yogi Is Still Smarter Than The Average Bear

Yogi Bear (Dan Aykroyd) has been stealing pic-i-nic baskets for what seems like a lifetime. Depending on who you ask, it either has helped or hurt the attendance at Jellystone Park. All this of course is taking place with his trusty companion Boo Boo (Justin Timberlake) by his side every step of the way. Ranger Smith (Tom Cavanagh) tries to fight back, but alas the likable Yogi has a mind of his own, and he is a hungry bear.

Jellystone Park is filled with interesting situations. Mayor Brown (Andrew Daly) is trying to sell the logging rights to the historic park in an attempt to relieve a massive budget deficit. Rachel (Anna Faris) is a documentary filmmaker who has come to the park to shoot footage of this “bear that talks”. And Ranger Jones (TJ Miller) is dying to take over the park, and the off road vehicle that the head ranger uses.

As the Mayor unleashes his scheme, it will take everyone to save Jellystone from the treeless future that is envisioned. Will Ranger Smith be able to work with Yogi, instead of against him? Will they be able to save Jellystone?

This film, much like the past releases of The Chipmunks and Garfield reminds me of a movie that is past its prime. Had this movie been release 20 years ago, it may have had more of a chance to connect with the audience. As it is, it feels a little tired.

Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake do admirable jobs at the voice work of these two iconic characters. The animation is smooth and easy to look at. When seen in 3D, they actually make the 3D feel alive and bring you in as part of the movie. Unfortunately for them, the folks that want to feel this immersion are the youngest that can’t by tickets themselves.

There are moments of lighthearted fun, but unfortunately there are too few of them. At only 80 minutes in length, even if you don’t like the film it will be over soon. Yogi is still “smarter than the average bear” but the average moviegoer, even the young ones, are smarter than Yogi.

C+

Yogi Bear
Warner Brothers Pictures

Director: Tom McGrath
Cast: Dan Aykroyd (Voice), Justin Timberlake (Voice), Tom Cavanagh, Anna Faris

Rating: PG for some mild rude humor.
Runtime: 80 minutes.

Critics' Choice Movie Awards Nominees!

Ok the list is out...so here you go!

More with my reaction in the weeks to come -- plus a recap of all the films I've seen the last couple weeks -- tonight it's Tron Legacy --

Follow on Facebook and Twitter for up to the minute info!

NOMINATIONS FOR THE 16^th ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE MOVIE AWARDS

BEST PICTURE

127 Hours

Black Swan

The Fighter

Inception

The King’s Speech

The Social Network

The Town

Toy Story 3

True Grit

Winter’s Bone

BEST ACTOR

Jeff Bridges – “True Grit”

Robert Duvall – “Get Low”

Jesse Eisenberg – “The Social Network”

Colin Firth – “The King’s Speech”

James Franco – “127 Hours”

Ryan Gosling – “Blue Valentine”

BEST ACTRESS

Annette Bening – “The Kids Are All Right”

Nicole Kidman – “Rabbit Hole”

Jennifer Lawrence – “Winter’s Bone”

Natalie Portman – “Black Swan”

Noomi Rapace – “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”

Michelle Williams – “Blue Valentine”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Christian Bale – “The Fighter”

Andrew Garfield – “The Social Network”

Jeremy Renner – “The Town”

Sam Rockwell – “Conviction”

Mark Ruffalo – “The Kids Are All Right”

Geoffrey Rush – “The King’s Speech”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Amy Adams – “The Fighter”

Helena Bonham Carter – “The King’s Speech”

Mila Kunis – “Black Swan”

Melissa Leo – “The Fighter”

Hailee Steinfeld – “True Grit”

Jacki Weaver – “Animal Kingdom”

BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS

Elle Fanning – “Somewhere”

Jennifer Lawrence – “Winter’s Bone”

Chloe Grace Moretz – “Let Me In”

Chloe Grace Moretz – “Kick-Ass”

Kodi Smit-McPhee – “Let Me In”

Hailee Steinfeld – “True Grit”

BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE

The Fighter

The Kids Are All Right

The King’s Speech

The Social Network

The Town

BEST DIRECTOR

Darren Aronofsky – “Black Swan”

Danny Boyle – “127 Hours”

Joel Coen & Ethan Coen – “True Grit”

David Fincher – “The Social Network”

Tom Hooper – “The King’s Speech”

Christopher Nolan – “Inception”

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

“Another Year” – Mike Leigh

“Black Swan” – Mark Heyman and Andres Heinz and John McLaughlin

“The Fighter” – Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson (Story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson)

“Inception” – Christopher Nolan

“The Kids Are All Right” – Lisa Cholodenko and Stuart Blumberg

“The King’s Speech” – David Seidler

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

“127 Hours” – Simon Beaufoy and Danny Boyle

“The Social Network” – Aaron Sorkin

“The Town” – Ben Affleck, Peter Craig and Sheldon Turner

“Toy Story 3” – Michael Arndt (Story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich)

“True Grit” – Joel Coen & Ethan Coen

“Winter’s Bone” – Debra Granik and Anne Rosellini

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

“127 Hours” – Anthony Dod Mantle

“Black Swan” – Matthew Libatique

“Inception” – Wally Pfister

“The King’s Speech” – Danny Cohen

“True Grit” – Roger Deakins

BEST ART DIRECTION

“Alice in Wonderland” – Stefan Dechant

“Black Swan” – Therese DePrez and Tora Peterson

“Inception” – Guy Hendrix Dyas

“The King’s Speech” – Netty Chapman

“True Grit” – Jess Gonchor and Nancy Haigh

BEST EDITING

“127 Hours” – Jon Harris

“Black Swan” – Andrew Weisblum

“Inception” – Lee Smith

“The Social Network” – Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

“Alice in Wonderland” – Colleen Atwood

“Black Swan” – Amy Westcott

“The King’s Speech” – Jenny Beavan

“True Grit” – Mary Zophres

BEST MAKEUP

Alice in Wonderland

Black Swan

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

True Grit

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

Alice in Wonderland

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

Inception

Tron: Legacy

BEST SOUND
127 Hours

Black Swan

Inception

The Social Network

Toy Story 3

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

Despicable Me

How to Train Your Dragon

The Illusionist

Tangled

Toy Story 3

BEST ACTION MOVIE

Inception

Kick-Ass

Red

The Town

Unstoppable

BEST COMEDY

Cyrus

Date Night

Easy A

Get Him to the Greek

I Love You Phillip Morris

The Other Guys

BEST PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

The Pacific

Temple Grandin

You Don’t Know Jack

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

Biutiful

I Am Love

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Exit Through the Gift Shop

Inside Job

Restrepo

Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work

The Tillman Story

Waiting for Superman

BEST SONG

“I See the Light” – performed by Mandy Moore & Zachary Levi/written by Alan Menken & Glenn Slater – Tangled

“If I Rise” – performed by Dido and A.R. Rahman/music by A.R. Rahman/lyrics by Dido Armstrong and Rollo Armstrong – 127 Hours

“Shine” – performed and written by John Legend – Waiting for Superman

“We Belong Together” – performed and written by Randy Newman – Toy Story 3

“You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me Yet” – performed by Cher/written by Diane Warren – Burlesque

BEST SCORE

“Black Swan” – Clint Mansell

“Inception” – Hans Zimmer

“The King’s Speech” – Alexandre Desplat

“The Social Network” – Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

“True Grit” – Carter Burwell

Real Milwaukee -- New Movies

Stopped by the Real Milwaukee set this week...nothing real new to talk about so we talked Tangled, Faster and some great DVD's out now for family movie night at home.

Take a look...hope you enjoy.




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Review - Tangled

Tangled Is A Straight Winner

Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) has been in that tower for what seems like eternity. Well, in her case, it’s only approaching her eighteenth birthday. All she wants to do is stretcher wings and be free. Free to roam in the village, free to see the lights she has only seen from a far, and free to be a young woman.

But her mother won’t let that happen. Of course it is not really her mother. She was stolen away at a young age with the power that existed within her. That power keeps an old woman young and alert but also unknowingly keeps her trapped in the tower that is her home.

Flynn Ryder (Zachery Levi) is an outlaw. Wanted by the King and Queen, he is on the run when he stumbles upon the tower that has held Rapunzel for years. Despite being told she couldn’t keep up with the world, Rapunzel holds her own against the intruding Flynn. To free him, she strikes a deal. He will take her to see the lights that she has dreamt of enjoying. She will trade him the journey for his satchel.

Together, Rapunzel and Flynn head to the lights on a journey that is wrought with challenges. With each passing step, Rapunzel is torn between obeying her mother and her newfound freedom. Will she let her hair down and have a good time, or keep it close to the vest and remain a prisoner in her own home.

What a fun film! Sure this is geared towards young girls, but it has everything that makes an animated film like this work.

Rapunzel is based on a classic tale. The film has bright and vibrant colors and contains great voice work. But probably most importantly it has a quick pace and is full of music to keep the kids constantly amused.

Disney’s 50th animated film is a great representation of what has made Disney an industry leader. Tangled is a straight winner.

B+

Tangled
Walt Disney Pictures

Director: Tom McGrath
Cast: Mandy Moore, Zachery Levi

Rating: PG for brief mild violence.
Runtime: 92 minutes.

Review - Faster

Forgiveness Is Faster, But Revenge Rules

Driver (Dwayne Johnson) is out of prison and he’s got one thing on his mind, revenge. He was in prison for his role in a bank robbery. He was the only remaining survivor after the group was ambushed and killed for their loot. It was then he vowed to get even, and kill all those involved. Today, he begins to keep the vow.

His vengeance leads him first to a telemarketer and after walking into an office and gunning him down in broad daylight he as a Cop (Billy Bob Thornton) on his tail. The Cop and his partner for this case (Carla Gugino) try to put together the pieces and find out who this man is that committing cold blooded murder, and why.

There is one more thing that will make the next couple days a bit interesting. Someone has hired a Killer (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) to take out Driver as they feel they might be at the top of his list. Now it’s just a matter of who will be killed next. Is anyone safe? Just how will this revenge plot play itself out?

This feels a bit like a classic revenge movie. There is the foreboding music, the washed out colors, and the really rough visuals. Dwayne Johnson sheds the lighthearted image he has recently led with in films for the rougher, tougher role. It works, as Johnson can do just about anything.

The rest of the cast rolls through the punches, even if only onscreen briefly. It’s a bit of a murky developing film; there is not much beyond the base plot line. I still found myself racing as the revenge played out. The faster it went, the faster I went. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Despite the fact that some may object to the film’s revenge story, it shouldn’t slow down. Faster is perfect for the audience it’s searching for, and still fun for just about all the rest of us.

C+

Faster
CBS Films

Director: George Tillman Jr.
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton, Carla Gugino, Oliver Jackson-Cohen

Rating: R for strong violence, some drug use and language.
Runtime: 95 minutes.

SNAPSHOTS - Harry Potter and the rest.

Remotely accessing the blog, so the full reviews won't go online until this evening...but here's the SNAPSHOTS.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 - scary for some, this will take Harry Potter fans to the brink with a solid, yet unspectacular setup for the final film next year. Much like the early chapters of a book, there is a lot of exposition that goes on and it can sometimes be confusing for the casual fan. A solid, yet unspectacular effort. B

The Next Three Days - Russell Crowe and Elizabeth Banks in a Paul Haggis film about a woman in jail for murder and her husband that will do anything to get her back. A little out there at times, but definitely a solid popcorn flick. Quick and hard driving action sequences will definitely get the blood going. B-

127 Hours - Now reaching out in wider release, this has one of the performances of the year from James Franco. The one scene may make you uncomfortable, but it should. Franco takes viewers through the whole range of emotions in this award worthy performance. A man trapped goes through feelings like no other. A-

Fair Game - Also now rolling into its wider release window, this is the Valerie Plame story brought to the screen by Naomi Watts and Sean Penn. It's a faster paced thriller type as it's framed and that's not a bad thing. Definitely worth checking out. B-

Those are your SNAPSHOTS on this week's new offerings -- Look for these as we go forward Every Friday at 12:01 AM -- with full reviews to follow! If you don't have time for the full review, always take a peek at the Common Guy's Snapshots.

Review - Morning Glory

This Morning Is More Than Fluffy

The life of a morning news producer is filled with celebrity, glamour, fun, and excitement. Or at least that’s what the public thinks when they talk to the person behind the show they love. They get to work with the on air talent that is wonderful to watch and fun to be around. The producer is respected and revered and everyone waits for their every instruction, right? As Becky (Rachel McAdams) will show you, it’s more about working all hours, all the time and making the show you see something you won’t forget.

Whey Becky loses her job at a little station in New Jersey, she finds herself struggling to find another job in television. She’ll take anyone, if they’ll just give her a chance. So when the lowest rated network calls her for an interview, she accepts the job before she even interviews. That interview shows her two things. One she has a long way to go to live up to the credentials that are in the industry. But more importantly that she has heart and drive that is nearly unmatched.

Getting the job is just the first hurdle for Becky. She inherits a staff that has taken bickering to another level. They each are all in it only for themselves and team unity is nonexistent. After firing the co-anchor she searches the roster of those already under contract to the network to find the next fresh face for the morning show. The fresh face she wants is well past being “fresh”. Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford) has seen it all. He’s been in the hard news business for a long time. He’s interviewed world leaders, seen governmental changes and been at some of the most historic moments in history. He’s under contract to IBS and at a point where he has to accept any offer the network makes to get the remainder of his contract paid.

Now, not willing, not eager and definitely not helpful to the cause, it is up to Mike to help bring Daybreak back from the depths and make Becky a success. Together with cohost Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton) the bickering will get a bit more intense as Mike sticks to “hard” news and Colleen does everything else. Can Becky bring the team together in time to make a difference? Or will she soon need to look for yet another job.

Can I just say; I dug this film! Sure, many of my colleagues will probably call it fluff and discount what is done here. Let me make the case for why I dug this.

First and foremost there is some great casting here. Let’s start with Rachel McAdams. She really is the central character that makes the film tick. She exhibits a youthful exuberance in the role of a driven woman trying to succeed in a tough business. Her drive and dedication towards her chosen profession was obvious and she captured her character.

But it’s not only her, Harrison Ford as a grizzled news veteran is exactly the Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw type. You believe that he feels everything going on is beneath him, and what he has to offer. Diane Keaton is a longtime part of Daybreak that just wants to garner the popularity that comes with the position, she just wants to be loved by her fans.

This array of great talent is put through the paces in a light but effortless pace. It’s a nice combination of comedy and reality. It didn’t feel nearly as “fluffy” as some might think. There are many serious films to come, but this one is simply crowd pleasing and it was a fun experience in the theaters.

B+ / A-

Morning Glory
Paramount Pictures

Director: Roger Michell
Cast: Harrison Ford, Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton, Patrick Wilson , Jeff Goldblum

Rating: PG-13 for some sexual content including dialogue, language and brief drug references.
Runtime: 95 minutes.

Review - Megamind

Mega Fun? Or Just Kinda Fun?

Good versus Evil. It’s the constant battle that is fought day in and day out. So is the case in Megamind. Megamind was sent to earth as a young boy, ejected into space as his planet was facing destruction. At the same time, Metro Man was also on his way to Earth under the same scenario. One landed in a nice house, and one in prison. Their fates had been selected.

As they grow, the rivalry intensifies. And it reaches a heated climax when Metro Man is trapped and his defenses are weakened, but will this final battle be the end for our hero? Or will Megamind need to find his nemesis to be complete?

Megamind is not your father’s animated film. In fact the humor here is not your son or daughter’s either. It is a funny film for boys and maybe even teens/adults but I wouldn’t look to young girls for a group that will enjoy this film. I had fun at some of the jokes that cross the heads of the youngest viewers, but there were more of those than jokes that make the youngsters laugh.

The voice work is top-notch and they do their best, but this film fizzles a bit when it comes to structure and overall pacing. It would have been nice to keep the fun going, but because of the story structure, it just can’t proceed.

Megamind could have been mega fun, but instead it was just kinda fun.


B-

Megamind
Dreamworks Pictures

Director: Tom McGrath
Cast: Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, David Cross

Rating: PG for action and some language.
Runtime: 96 minutes.

Review - Due Date

Road Trip

What should be a simple trip across country becomes very difficult after Peter (Robert Downey Jr.) has a chance encounter with Ethan (Zach Galifianakis). The chance encounter leads to placement on the No Fly List and the daunting task of getting across country without the help of commercial transportation. Ah, but Ethan has rented a car, and with Peter having no ID or wallet (he left them on the plane) there was only one thing to do, ROAD TRIP!

The road trip is filled with bumps along the way. Ethan searches for his glaucoma medicine in Birmingham, annoys Peter at every turn, and even falls asleep behind the wheel causing a rollover accident. Despite Peter’s constant battles with Ethan’s personality, he knows he wants to make it home for the birth of his child, and he puts up with it all. But can they make it to Los Angeles?

This is truly a schizophrenic comedy. It rolls along for extended sequences with humor that is very predictable. And then, out of nowhere, bam, something totally unexpected happens to elicit chuckles. And the unexpected is usually coming from Peter’s behavior. He does things we just don’t see in comedies.

But despite the schizophrenic fun, Due Date’s ultimate downfall is the totally unrealistic, even in a marginal way, setups. To get our two individuals in a vehicle together is crazy in and of itself, but to go further and have them encounter some of the things they do, well that just isn’t right. I normally don’t dwell on this aspect, especially in comedies, but it is just too much.

I laughed at Due Date, and I laughed a lot. That’s a good thing, right? A fun film that has its own identity, Due Date is a unique take on the road trip film.

B

Due Date
Warner Brothers Pictures

Director: Todd Phillips
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis, Michelle Monaghan, Jamie Foxx, Juliette Lewis, Danny McBride

Rating: R for language, drug use and sexual content.
Runtime: 100 minutes.

Home Screening Room - It's All About Toy Story 3

Home Screening Room

Just From Theaters

Toy Story 3 (Tom Hanks, Tim Allen)
Bar none, the best film released on DVD this week, and one of the best of the year. The trilogy will end with grown men and woman weeping as Woody, Buzz and the rest wrap up their journey. Well worth every minute spent with the “toys”. Pick up the great Blu Ray/DVD box set for the best of all worlds!
CHECK OUT THE THEATRICAL REVIEW - MORE ON THE DVD THIS WEEK

Also new this week…

Centurion (Michael Fassbender, Dominic West)
Love & Distrust (Robert Pattinson, Sam Worthington) All these stars, how have I missed this.

Other fun stuff released today.
Beverly Hills 90210: The Final Season – catch the original cast in their final season.
Flipping Out: 1st and 2nd Seasons – Jeff Lewis, pre-Housing meltdown…this is good stuff.
The Goonies - 25th Anniversary Blu Ray
The Larry Sanders Show: The Complete Second Season
Mad About You: The Complete Fifth Season
The Pacific – HBO series that is now on Blu Ray and is well worth checking out.
V: The Complete First Season – I will admit…I totally got sucked in to this one and can’t wait for season 2.

For the Kids
Hannah Montana Forever: Who Is Hannah Montana?

And Finally
ExTerminators (Heather Graham, Jennifer Coolidge)
Check out this Comedy. Come on … it’s got Heather Graham. It’s the story of getting sent to a rage-therapy group after a bad breakup. It’s a dark comedy, but…





Pick of the Week
You’ve got to get your hands on Toy Story 3. This is worthy of any collection. Also I love the release of The Goonies on BluRay.

Thanks!

Pop Some Popcorn, Pop a Pepsi, and Pop in a DVD and remember to Save Me A Seat!

Real Milwaukee - Halloween Movies

Ok, so you've read the text below....(next post down) now here's the video that Facebook fans have already seen at www.facebook.com/CommonGuyFilmReviews

Talking with the folks at Real Milwaukee, don't laugh when you get a look at me on TV please...

Become a fan of the Facebook page to be the first to see these fun links.

Paul on Real Milwaukee on 10/29/10.

Halloween Movies for All

Halloween, a time for scares, chills and more; but what are some movies the whole family can watch? And what are some that are really, adults only endeavors? Here are a couple of suggestions for you if you’ve got a party planned to keep everyone happy.

For the youngest kids

Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown – Everyone has to watch this at Halloween, right? It doesn’t matter how old you are, the Great Pumpkin doesn’t get old.

Casper (1995) with Christina Ricci, Bill Pullman – Sure it’s 15 years old, but it still is one of the more family friendly Halloween films around. Hey come on, he is a friendly ghost.

Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were Rabbit – This one is REALLY underrated. Great animation that will have kids of all ages enjoying the entire experience, it’s a must see eventually.

ET – Have you phoned home yet? E.T. the ride is still going strong at Universal Studios in Florida and you will enjoy this film. Can you believe that one of the most popular movies of all time still has a number of fans to be made with kids today.

PreTeen
Monster House – One of the more recent films on the list, I really love Monster House. A couple of scary sequences keep this from being perfect for even the youngest kids. I think most can handle this, but to be on the safe side, keep it to preteens. You all remember that house on the block that scared everyone; this movie takes a look at that house and everything surrounding it.

Coraline – I really like this film, in fact the biggest problem I thought when it came out was that who knows who will see it. It’s a bit dark but preteens through teens with enjoy this look at another world. My original review is here. (CORALINE review)

Ghostbusters – The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, The Keymaster, Who Ya Gonna Call? ‘Nuff Said!

Poltergeist – They’re here! Classic frights that might be on the edge of younger viewers liking, but most viewers of any age have had a chance to look at this, and let’s face it, this has got creepy past connections to the actual film, well worth checking out.

Aracnnophobia – Spiders, spiders everywhere. Are you afraid of spiders? You will be after you see this fun film.

Gremlins – Again – this is a classic. Gizmo, Stripe, and mayhem when you feed them after midnight.

Older Teen/Adult
Halloween – Really, the one that 16+ should enjoy on/around this time of year, Halloween is a blast to experience. Make sure you check out the original with Jamie Lee Curtis as that is really fun.

Friday the 13th (Original) – The original, the beginning of the legend of Jason. Before he stalked campers at Crystal Lake, he was a boy like any other. This goes through the origin of the story.

Adult
Witchboard – Ouija boards scare me. Witchboard deals with Ouija boards. Yeah, you put it together.

The Omen – What is it with the classics that makes all of them scare me more than most of today’s films.

Amityville Horror – I still remember freaking out at this as a kid, even reaching out to find everything I could read on the supposedly true story on which the film was based.

Saw – The original had a bit of the proper creep factor, after that…not so much.

The Shining – Classic Jack, another one of those that there is not much more needed to be said.

Alien – A Sci-fi / Horror film that will scare you silly! Lucky us it has a brand new (Crystal Clear) Blu Ray edition available. It’s worth going to the store to pick this one up. Turn off the lights, and turn up the volume and it will be creepy!

Best you probably don’t know about
The Descent – I saw this film a couple of years back in a small screening room and it’s stuck with me. There are very few “scary” movies that get shown to the press in advance of release. Not so with The Descent. If you are at all claustrophobic, this will have you scratching at the walls.

Frailty – If you believe in God and have a faith background this will have the skin on your arms standing on end! It’s a story about a man who is supposedly being told by god to kill bad people. Directed and starring Bill Paxton, this is one of those films that will shake everything inside of you. Is this real and is that what’s creepy? OR is this an excuse, and the man a psychopath?

Still the creepiest there is…
The Exorcist (and it is newly available in Blu Ray) – No question, I’ve seen this movie multiple times, and each time I do I get the same result (Major Goosebumps and hairs that stand on end)! Now, in its newest form, this one is the perfect film to watch in a darkened room if you really want to be scared. Hard to believe a film from the early 70s can hold up this well, but they found a way to scare you then – and it’s remains scary today.

Have a safe and fun Halloween everyone!

Home Screening Room - Back the the Future on Blu

Just From Theaters

Sex and the City 2 (Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Chris Noth) The girls are back and this time they are headed out of New York for a different adventure, and they will definitely have fun. Not for me, but hey I’m a guy…maybe don’t listen to me.

Winter’s Bone (Jennifer Lawrence, John Hawkes, Dale Dickey) Jennifer Lawrence is getting a lot of buzz for awards consideration. Here’s your chance to get a peek and see if she should be in the mix.

Also new this week…
Altitude (Jessica Lowndes, Julianna Guill) Check out the trailer below



Attack on Darfur (Billy Zane, Edward Furlong, Kristanna Loken)

King of the Avenue (Ving Rhames, Simon Rex)

Lake Placid 3 (Yancy Butler, Colin Ferguson)

Last Day of Summer (DJ Qualls, Nikki Reed)

Other fun stuff released today.
CSI: New York – The Sixth Season
Star Wars The Clone Wars: The Complete Season Two

For the Kids
Have a Laugh: Volume 1 and Volume 2 – More Disney fun for your day.
Thomas & Friends: Best Tales on the Tracks

And Finally
Back to the Future Trilogy (Michael J. Fox, Lea Thompson, Christopher Lloyd)
It’s here, it’s on Blu Ray – what are you waiting for? Go out, buy it. Show it to your family, and more. Instead of a trailer here, I’ve got a link to the website – it’s at http://www.bttfmovie.com/ for you perusal.

Pick of the Week
I’m in for Back to the Future. There hasn’t been a title I’ve gotten this excited for in quite some time. I can’t wait to share this with my daughter.

Pop Some Popcorn, Pop a Pepsi, and Pop in a DVD and remember to Save Me A Seat!

Review - Hereafter

What Comes Next?

It’s a question that we all ask ourselves. What comes next? When we leave this earth, what can we expect? It makes for a fascinating new film from Director Clint Eastwood and Writer Peter Morgan.

There are three different arcs in the new film Hereafter that merge together and deal with current, topical situations that have taken place in the world.

Marie (Cecile De France) is a popular French reporter. On vacation, enjoying life and her success she is met with the unthinkable. She is a part of the tsunami that rips apart the lives of thousands. During that tsunami, she dies for a bit, and her life will never be the same after seeing the other side.

Marcus and Jason (Frankie and George McLaren) are twins that are dealing with a tough home life. They will do anything for each other to keep their family together. But tragedy strikes and life is not the same without the twins working together to preserve the remaining family unit.

George (Matt Damon) used to talk to the dead. He can still talk; he just chooses not to any more. As he is trying to reacquaint himself with a normal life he meets a woman in a cooking class (Bryce Dallas Howard) who is fascinated by the stories, and in the infancy of the relationship wants him to see what he “sees” with people from her past. But as George is quick to warn her, these readings do not always lead to a stable relationship.

All of these individuals have needs, and it is the hereafter that will connect them. What lies out there, and what do people look to find out about the future? Is there more than what we have on this earth?

Anyone who has a religious foundation has a belief of what comes next. Most people who don’t have that religious foundation also have an idea of what DOESN’T come next. But who is right? Eastwood examines the hereafter in a clever and unique way. The use of three stories to come together is an intriguing and clever way to develop thoughts and questions about the topic.

The problems with the film are mainly in pacing connecting the arcs dots. Eastwood has always been someone who moves at a deliberate pace, but here it felt like this pacing was not beneficial to the overall film. While times it works (the tsunami destruction and deaths), other times it is too much. And when the arcs meet, it feels like a forced encounter that has a lot of the natural feel sucked out of it.

There are solid performances by Damon and De France here that will stay with folks for a long time. Moments in this film are brilliant, but it just felt overall like a disappointing effort at a truly fascinating topic.

Expecting a lot when I sat down in the theater, Hereafter came up short. And despite my unabashed love of Clint Eastwood and everything the man does; I found myself asking the same question as those in the story. What comes next?

B-/C+

Hereafter
Warner Brothers Pictures

Director: Clint Eastwood
Cast: Matt Damon, Cecile De France, Jay Mohr, Bryce Dallas Howard

Rating: PG-13 for mature thematic elements including disturbing disaster and accident images and for brief strong language.
Runtime: 129 minutes.

See Back To The Future at your local AMC Theater

Are you a Back to the Future fan? I am -- and this weekend on Saturday 10/23 and Monday 10/25 at two selected showings you can get a chance to see the 25th Anniversary print for the original Back to the Future. You local AMC theater is showing this film so click the link below to see exactly which theater, and even order tickets. If you go, let me know what you think -- oh and did I mention -- the anniversary will also lead to a Blu Ray release for the films NEXT WEEK!

TO get more information or tickets -- click the link below.

http://www.amctheatres.com/bttf/

Home Screening Room -- Looking Under The Oceans

Just From Theaters

Predators (Adrien Brody, Topher Grace, Alice Braga) – Why haven’t I been able to see this film? Come on, Adrien Brody and some crazy creatures in a jungle…why wouldn’t you want to see this film.

Oceans – Disney Nature takes you below the surface of the majestic oceans that make up the world we know. An amazing thing to see with Blu Ray technology.

Also new this week…

Agora (Rachel Weisz, Max Minghella)
The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingos – more Disney Nature fun with flamingos.
The Hitman Diaries: Charlie Valentine (Michael Weatherley, Tom Berenger)
Holy Rollers (Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Bartha) – Hasidic Jews, smuggling ecstasy between Europe and the US. Based on actual events in the late nineties.
Journey to Promethea (Billy Zane)
The Killing Machine (Dolph Lundgren)
Mirrors 2: Evil Lives (Nick Stahl)
Please Give (Catherine Keener, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt) – A Manhattan couple manages their life and more. Gotta share the trailer here.



Shoot the Hero! (Jason Mewes, Danny Trejo)
Smash His Camera
Until the Light Takes Us – an incredible look inside the world of black metal and the people that it affects. I got to screen this late last year and really was taken by the honest reality that was pulled from the participant in a scary but real film.

Other fun stuff released today.
The Bionic Woman: Season One – the original Lindsay Wagner series comes home.
Man v. Food: Season Two
Pee Wee’s Playhouse: Complete Collection
The Real L Word: Season One
REO Speedwagon: Not So Silent Night – come on, it’s REO!
Scooby’s All Star Laff-A-Lympics: Volume 2 - One of my favorites growing up!

And Finally
The Six Wives of Henry Lefay (Tim Allen, Elisha Cuthbert, Andie MacDowell)
Tim Allen isn’t the nice guy in this one, or he is…depends on your point of view. I love Elisha Cuthbert so I’ll give anything with her a chance.



Pick of the Week
Not much this week, but I would definitely take a peek at Oceans on Blu Ray. Disney Nature is known for getting incredible footage in Earth and now the second film, Oceans, will take you into a majestic kingdom.

Pop Some Popcorn, Pop a Pepsi, and Pop in a DVD and remember to Save Me A Seat!

Review - RED

Sorry this is the abbreviated version.

I’m In!

Mysterious agencies have kept us safe for ever, but what happens when the men and women of those agencies get older. Well of course, they become Retired Extremely Dangerous agents!

Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) is trying to move on with his life in retirement. His one joy is talking to Sarah (Mary-Louise Parker) who helps him when he “loses” his pension checks. But he’s about to be chased down like those he used to chase, and Sarah will become a part of the cross country chase that will bring some of his former co-workers back together. As he gets the “band” back together, do they still have what it takes to fight back.

Ok, you’ve seen the ads, Helen Mirren – with a machine gun, it makes me smile! These are actors that I would watch do anything, and they don’t disappoint here. This is action packed fun for every guy.

Great actors, great action, and Helen Mirren with a machine gun – I’m in!

B

Red
Summit Entertainment

Director: Robert Schwentke
Cast: Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Mary-Louise Parker and Helen Mirren

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of action violence and brief strong language.
Runtime: 111 minutes.

Review - Jackass 3D

Abbreviated Version.

2/3 Genius, 1/3 Gross – All Genuine

Though years have passed since the Jackass guys were causing a firestorm with parents around the world, they come back to the screen and feel like they’ve never missed a beat.

Johnny Knoxville and his merry band of players are back to wreak havoc will all parts of the body and every bodily function. If it’s a male body part, it will get poked, prodded, stung, hit, glued or just plain beat up in this film.

Some of the stunts make great use of the technology to enhance the joke, others are just plain gross. 3D technology will never be the same once these boys are through with it.

I have to admit, being a guy, 2/3 of this film was pure delight. I laughed as hard as I can remember at mindless humor. But then there is about a third of the film that is pure gross out humor. And this gross out humor will make you want to take a shower. There is no way I will ever remove those images from my brain.

Clever humor, clever stunts, and a whole lot of craziness keeps Jackass 3D from being pure dribble. When it’s funny, it’s really funny, but when it’s gross, it’s really gross. Not everyone will enjoy this, but if you generally like this type of humor, it’s time to pay for the 3D and enjoy the madness.

C+

Jackass 3D
Paramount Pictures

Director: Jeff Tremaine
Cast: Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Ryan Dunn, Dave England, Preston Lacy

Rating: R for male nudity, extremely crude and dangerous stunts throughout, and for language
Runtime: 94 minutes.

Review - Secretariat

A Great Ride

Horses fascinate people of all ages. Children always exclaim, “I want a pony!” As you get older, horseback riding is something most want to try. Getting up on top of the beautiful animal and riding with your hair flowing in the breeze has been romanticized more times than one can count. And then there are the animals that race. Muscular and built like any finely tune athlete, these are the horses that become legends. Secretariat would seem to be a story that was written only for the screen, but in fact, it happened.

Penny Chenery (Diane Lane) loved horses. Her father was the proud owner of racehorses for as long as she could remember. But he has reached the point in his life where he can’t really manage the once proud stable. And after Penny’s mother passes, she returns to help her father save the thing he so loved.

As the housewife from Colorado examines things, she realizes that she needs to make more decisions about the stable for her father. And she knows her horses, she was a daddy’s girl growing up, and still holds the passion for the powerful animals. She’s there to help, trying to split time with he family in Colorado and the farm in Virginia. When a special red horse is born, she sees an animal like no other. She knows this horse is special.

After a special selection process, Penny gets her horse, and the training begins. Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich) is trying to retire from the business, but the golf swing isn’t quite up to par. Penny is looking for someone honest to take over their stable, but Laurin isn’t interested. That is until he takes a look at a special red horse and the bloodline that he came from. Despite thought of as the inferior of two horses born together, it is this horse that will make a name for Penny and Lucien.

As they train him, they realize just how unique he is, in every way. When he gets on the track, with the right jockey, he just might be one of the most special horses the world has ever seen. A journey through three races, a horse with a personality, life changing family events, and so much more will lead Penny and Secretariat across the finish line.

This film will pull at your heartstrings, no question about it. The story is one that is so magical that viewers, who don’t know, will be amazed that something like this could be based on actual events. And the team that puts it together knows how to work a family friendly plot.

Diane Lane is a good casting choice as Penny, bringing the drive and desire to a character who is passionate about horses. The real star of the cast is John Malkovich. His portrayal of the colorful character that knows horses makes for a fun addition to the film. The interactions between Lane and Malkovich run the gamut of emotions and are a special thing to watch.

The challenge in this film is that at times, it tries to get cute and cuddly just too much. It borders on cheesy from time to time with reporters that have lines that could have been much more real in feel and tone. But despite the times it is cheesy, despite those occasional over the top portrayals, it got me.

I found myself sucked in to the story. Despite knowing the outcome and how things would end, I wanted to cheer for Secretariat. Any time a film can take a story I know, and still make it enjoyable, that is a positive step. While Secretariat may not run to the lead of movies I’ve seen this year, it is a great ride.


B+

Secretariat
Walt Disney Pictures

Director: Randall Wallace
Cast: Diane Lane, John Malkovich, Scott Glenn, James Cromwell

Rating: PG for brief mild language.
Runtime: 116 minutes.

Review - Life As We Know It

It Wasn’t Supposed To Be Like This

Anyone who has had kids has had the discussion. In the unfortunate situation where both parents would pass away at the same time, who would care for their children? Holly (Katherine Heigl) and Eric’s (Josh Duhamel) best friends have chose them, and the unexpected has happened. Now it’s up to them to raise Sophie and try to maintain lives that are almost total opposites.

They tried to date, a long time ago, and it was an unmitigated disaster. In fact Holly and Eric don’t like each other one bit. Being forced to live together, under the same roof, and raise a child was not in either of their plans. Can they make it work? That is, can they make it work without killing each other?

They both try to keep their lives, jobs and dating in tact, but this will be a bigger challenge than either of them expected. Will they make it? Or will Sophie end up getting lost in the cracks.

Have you seen the trailers for this film? If you have, you’ve seen this movie. This really disappointed me. You head through a roller coaster of emotions as one point tries to be funny and then abruptly we switch to a more serious moment. There seems to be a lack of flow, though that is what can happen in this type of relationship.

Heigl has played this role before, so there is not much memorable from that standpoint. I did like Duhamel as Eric, but this seems like something that is right in his wheelhouse from an acting perspective.

Overall the film was way too uneven and disjointed to get excited about. Women will like it more than men, but only slightly. And, please, despite the cute baby in the commercials – this is PG-13 and if you think your 8-10 year old will like it, you may be red faced more than once. Life As We Know It wasn’t supposed to be like this.


C-

Life As We Know It
Warner Brothers Pictures

Director: Greg Berlanti
Cast: Katherine Heigl, Josh Duhamel, Josh Lucas

Rating: PG-13 for sexual material, language and some drug content.
Runtime: 112 minutes.