This Weekend's New Movies

Ok, So it's very seldom that I can come forward on a Friday with NO reviews of the weekend's new releases, but this is one of them.

Three new movies open wide.

Water For Elephants (Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson) 

African Cats 

Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family

None of them screened for the press in my area, and it's too bad...African Cats seems to be the type of film that begs to be seen on a big screen, Water for Elephants is drawing buzz from Pattinson fans worldwide, and Tyler Perry films are always better than they get credit for (they suffer from the lack of screening to critics).

So in essence, I can't recommend (or speak against) any of the new films this weekend. 

It's disappointing that the studios haven't shared the works with us, but it just meant a week of a lot of time with my family -- and that is a good thing.

Now when we get back next week -- a number of the titles are on deck, so things will get back to normal.

Without those titles though, I needed something to give you guys...so in celebration of the release of Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure I grabbed my DISNEY contacts and said, hey...let's give away a BLU RAY / DVD Combo Pack of the new movie...and they said sure -- so it's easy...."Like" me on Facebook (COMMON GUY'S FILM REVIEWS on FACEBOOK) and comment on the thread and you could win -- you've only got until next week to enter. Winner selected on MAY 1. Good Luck and we'll see ya at the movies!

A Closer Look - Fubar: Balls to the Wall

A Closer Look – Fubar: Balls to the Wall


I get emails constantly on a variety of films, some of which I get a chance to look at, and others that I do not. When the note showed up in my inbox on Fubar I jumped on it.

Fubar: Balls to the Wall is the story of Terry and Deaner. They are two friends that are always up to rock the house and drink everyone under the table. But when reality starts to set in on these friends, it’s time to get a job. So they set off further into the great white north and realize this work stuff may just lead to a future change in direction.

Fubar is not for everyone. Language is harsh and frequent from the get go and could turn off those who aren’t willing to give the film a chance.

I went to school with Terry and Deaner. I know the type, and always wondered what happened next. Terry and Deaner try to show us a possible solution to that question. I felt right at home with the characters that were created for this film. They really resonate with me in this film. The trials they encounter make a lot of sense to anyone who knows characters like these two rockers .

Fubar stats slow, but gains steam as the film progresses. The jokes are raw, and harsh at times. But the emotion feels real and unfettered, and for that it serves as a success. Plus the music is truly Balls to the Wall, so much so that I can imagine Accept singing to Terry and Deaner.

The new release Blu Ray gives you a slew of deleted scenes and a commentary track.

Fubar: Balls to the Wall

Rated R – 85 MIN

Directed by: Michael Dowse

Starring: Dave Lawrence, Paul J. Spence, Terra Hazelton

Available 4/19 on Blu ray Disc and DVD.

Home Screening Room - Down the Rabbit Hole to see The King's Speech

Just From Theaters

Gulliver’s Travels – Rated PG (Jack Black, Emily Blunt, Jason Segel)

A classic tale, told with Jack black landing on an island of small people. Didn’t screen for the press and I never caught back up with it, I’m sorry.

The King’s Speech – Rated R (Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter)

The award winning film comes home for you to enjoy. The story of a man who rises to power and overcomes a battle with stuttering is an inspiring and solid film with top-notch performances. Firth is wonderful and a great choice for the Academy Award. And underrated, because of Christian Bale’s crazy good performance in The Fighter, is the Geoffrey Rush performance here.

Rabbit Hole – Rated PG-13 (Nicole Kidman, Aaron Eckhart)

Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart realize every parent’s nightmare in Rabbit Hole. Kidman is mesmerizing in her role as a mother dealing with an ultimate heartbreak. And Eckhart gives one of his best dramatic performances. Although it is hard to watch for parents, it’s well worth the 90 odd minutes of viewing.

Somewhere – Rated R (Stephen Dorff, Elle Fanning)

He’s a Hollywood working actor going about his business when his daughter comes a calling. Now he is forced to grow up and face the world in a different way.

The Way Back – Rated PG-13 (Colin Farrel, Ed Harris)

A fantastic movie that flew under the radar at the end of 2010; this film tells the story of a group of prisoners that escaped a Siberian gulag and set out on one of the most amazing journeys you’ll see.

Also new this week…

American Dad: Volume 6

Falco: The Rise and Fall of an ‘80s Pop Icon – it’s about FALCO….come on people…

Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster – Rated R

Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure – Rated G (Ashley Tisdale) Sharpay is back and better than ever – I’ve got more on this one coming soon…For now...check out the trailer here.

Square Grouper: The Godfathers of Ganja – Rated R Marijuana seizures and more in this documentary.

Street Kings 2: Motor City – Rated R/NR (Ray Liotta, Clifton Powell)

And Finally

Fubar: Balls to the Wall – Rated R (David Lawrence, Paul J. Spence)

The story of Terry and Deaner, two guys who have been pretty much partying their way through life. Now they need a job and head to work with a friend of theirs. Can they get past their old ways and make a lot of money fast? And will that money change who they are? Trailer below – and more thoughts on it Wednesday as we take a closer look at this Blu/DVD release. Check out the Trailer below.

Pick of the Week

You’ve got to have the Academy ® Award winner in your collection (The King's Speech), plus Rabbit Hole is tough to watch but good.

Thanks!

Pop Popcorn, Do the Dew, and Bust out the Blu and remember to Save Me A Seat!

Review - Rio

A Colorful Explosion On Film

Blu (Jesse Eisenberg) is a domesticated Blue Macaw living a simple live in Moose Lake, Minnesota. Little did he know that his owner Linda (Leslie Mann) will soon be offered the chance of a life time; the chance to save the blue macaw from extinction. The fact is, there is only one other Blue Macaw in existence and that Macaw is in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

But Linda has been overprotective of Blu his entire life. In this case, however, she realizes the greater good and decides to head to South America with her bird in tow to do their part to save the species.

Arriving in South America, Blu meets the angel of his dreams. The majestic Jewel (Anne Hathaway) immediately catches Blu's eye and the race is on to save the species. Only someone forgot to tell Jewel they were supposed to be together. Two more different birds could not exist. Blu from the domesticated life where everything is done for him, and he doesn't even have to fly. Jewel from the jungles where she must fly for survival and relate to many of the animals that surround her in the perches high about the forest floor.

While the mating struggles to grab hold, a different challenge is ready to face our two Macaws. Someone has other plans as they are birdnapped and ready to be sold to the highest bidder. Somehow, Jewel and Blu must break free with some help from their South American friends and find their way to freedom. Can they get free, and save the species?

Rio features a color explosion onscreen. The magnificent birds of South America are worth the price of admission. It has a toe-tapping soundtrack that will have your kids singing along in the theater. And a storyline that is easy enough to follow alongside a G rating. It's a solid film for the young kids and mom and dad will be fine with it as well.

Where Rio is different than many animated films today, is that it doesn't try to have a number of jokes that go over the heads of the youngest kids. It may be a bit flat for parents to sit through compared to other films of its type.

Rio is a colorful, fun and cute look at the brilliance of the area. It's a journey that is worth taking to leave wherever you are for 96 minutes and head to Rio.

B

Rio

Universal Pictures

Director: Carlos Saldanha

Voice Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, George Lopez, Jamie Foxx, will.i.am

Rating: G

Runtime: 96 minutes.

Home Screening Room - Harry Potter Gets Country Strong

Just From Theaters

Country Strong – Rated PG-13 (Gwyneth Paltrow, Garrett Hedlund, Tim McGraw) Kelly Carter (Paltrow) is a country star that is at rock bottom. But her husband (Tim McGraw) is ready to take her back on the road for that special comeback. Only she’s not the same person that started treatment. A solid yet only OK film; not awful, not that great…just OK.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 – Rated PG-13 (Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson) This is the beginning of the final chapter of this storied series. It’s the perfect time to get caught up on things before the final film in theaters this summer. This is like the first step in a good book, and its sets the table quite well for the final act. Well worth picking up a copy!

Also new this week…

Flipping Out Season 3 – Jeff Lewis is back in this series that is a great watch!

A Summer in Genoa – (Colin Firth, Hope Davis) - Here's the trailer...



Cars on Blu Ray – enjoy the first film before Cars 2 comes into theaters later this year.

The Incredibles on Blu Ray – Another great Pixar film that finally finds its way to High Def.

And Finally

No specific And Finally selection this week – more next week!

Pick of the Week
The two Pixar titles on Blu Ray are a great add to your collection, and if you add Harry Potter to the mix, you’ll have a winning collection!

Thanks!

Pop Popcorn, Do the Dew, and Bust out the Blu and remember to Save Me A Seat!

(Sorry for the original ugly looking post...not sure what is up with the software here...)

Review - Arthur

Caught Between the Moon and New York City

Remakes are a tough business. Inevitably you will be compared to the original film, even though you should be judged on your own merit. I try to separate the two and most times, I’m successful. But there is always the exception to any rule.

Arthur (Russell Brand) is a rich playboy that goes through life with not a care in the world. He doesn’t work, is living on the wealth of his mother, has a nanny, is surrounded by beautiful women and oh by the way – is constantly drunk. His latest episode is the last straw, and his mother is about to force him to marry her assistant Susan (Jennifer Garner) to ensure a competent individual with the family name will always run the company. And she gives him the ultimatum – marry Susan or be cut off.

But Arthur happens to meet a girl on his own at the same time Naomi (Greta Gerwig) is the type of girl who could possibly bring things to his life that Susan couldn’t even fathom. Susan is in it for the money, the power and the status. Naomi isn’t even in it yet, but is intrigued by this stranger that saved her from possible arrest.

All the while, Arthur is managed at home by his nanny, Hobson (Helen Mirren) who is there to be the mother that he doesn’t really have. His mother has kept Hobson in his life and she works hard to keep the gold digging women away from Arthur, but she is on board with his upcoming marriage to Susan.

Now will Arthur be able to live his life without the money, or will he take the money and marry Susan to continue his extravagant lifestyle. He’s definitely torn between the two, and which will win out?

I tried, desperately, to keep my feelings about the original movie out of this. But Dudley Moore’s Arthur in the 80s was so likable, while Russell Brand’s just seems out of control. There is very little “fun” in this movie, except for when Greta Gerwig is involved. She infuses life in the film when she is onscreen. Unfortunately, Brand seems too disjointed in his role as Arthur.

Even Helen Mirren and Jennifer Garner couldn’t help this film that just seemed lost in the way it did things. I waited and waited and waited some more to enjoy what was going on in Arthur. Unfortunately, I’m still waiting.

This should have been a decent film, it should have been fun and lighthearted and it just didn’t come across that way. I wanted to like, and write a good review here but instead I find myself just caught between the moon and New York City. I know it’s crazy, but it’s true!


C

Arthur
Warner Brothers Pictures

Director: Jason Winer
Cast: Russell Brand, Helen Mirren, Jennifer Garner, Greta Gerwig, Luis Guzman, Nick Nolte

Rating: PG-13 for alcohol use throughout, sexual content, language and some drug references.
Runtime: 110 minutes.

Review - Soul Surfer

A Message That Comes Right Down The Pipe

The story of Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb) has made national news. A young woman, progressing on a path to a promising career in the surfing world has a terrible accident, through no fault of her own. An attack in the middle of the ocean leaves Bethany and her family searching for answers.

Her parents (Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt) have always encouraged her with her dreams. But now they are as devastated as she is that her life will undergo changes beyond what anyone can imagine.

Bethany doesn’t view this as a change in lifestyle. Bethany views her physical condition as yet another challenge that is put in front of her. This journey to greatness will be met with a speed bump. A speed bump that would cause some to fall off the road is just a bump for Bethany. Her family realized long ago that with God all things are possible. And with Bethany’s determination she’s going to make that happen. It may be a different path, but she remains on the same journey.

Soul Surfer makes no excuses for delivering a Christian message in a mainstream movie. From the get go, as Bethany heads from the water, Church plays a prominent role in the film. But it isn’t the only force at work in this film. In fact, I think that if the story has as much of a faith component to it, it would have been truly refreshing to see more overt leaning on God after the first 30-40 minutes of the film.

But that doesn’t distract from the message of determination being delivered in this film. And the delivery of the message is the point of this film. It is a solid message of determination and finding your way through the darkness. Bad things “can” happen to good people. Good people have a way of making those bad things work to their advantage, and that is the case here.

Bethany is a picture of encouragement and the story works on so many levels. But where that works, there is a number of things that didn’t. The dialogue was clunky and out of place at times. There were moments that should have been stronger but seemed to suffer amidst setup and dialogue issues that held the actors back. The accident sequence was “Jawsesque” and not in a good way. But that’s ok; it was good that the scene was slightly toned down.

Films with overt Christian messaging have come a long way and while some of the “cheesy” elements of Soul Surfer distract from the film as a whole the message “hangs ten” and comes right down the pipe.


B-/C+

Soul Surfer
TriStar Pictures

Director: Sean McNamara
Cast: AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, Carrie Underwood, Kevin Sorbo

Rating: PG for an intense accident sequence and some thematic material.
Runtime: 106 minutes.

Review - Hop

Keep Hop In Your Basket Of Choices

E. B. (Russell Brand) is a rock star at heart. All he wants to do is play the drums and be something with his music. Despite that drive, he is the next in line to be the Easter Bunny. When he’s ready to be sworn in to the post; he runs off and heads to Hollywood to see his dream.

While in Hollywood, he gets hit by Fred O’Hare (James Marsden), literally. Now he will work with the out of work O’Hare to follow his dream. While O’Hare is searching for a job, E. B. is being hunted by the elite bunny squad to bring him home. The two forces will collide more than once before we find out if Easter is a go for another year.

EB’s search for stardom will lead him to the ultimate talent broker, David Hasselhoff. Yes the Hoff will get the opportunity to make EB a star, and let’s face it, he’s the Hoff so he knows stars!

Now who will be the Easter Bunny? Who will get the goodies to all the kids around the world? And what will be the fate of EB’s career? And will Fred actually find a job? The fate of Easter lies in everyone’s hands.

Brand as the voice of an animated rabbit just seemed like a weird idea to me, but it works. He is the perfect voice for a rabbit that just doesn’t want to conform to the path that has been selected for him. The live action cast seems a bit over the top at times and I was wondering just how cheesy they could be, but it worked anyway given the story.

The majority of the problem was a thin storyline that gave not much to work with. I love the inclusion of David Hasselhoff as it was the perfect cheesy fun element for a film like this.

Unfortunately Hop has a premise that should have knocked things out of the park. You may not want to hop to the film, but if you have young kids you should at least have it in your basket of choices.

B-

Hop
Universal Pictures

Director: Tim Hill
Cast: Russell Brand (voice), James Marsden, Kaley Cuoco, Hank Azaria (voice), Gary Cole, Elizabeth Perkins, David Hasselhoff

Rating: PG for some mild rude humor.
Runtime: 95 minutes.