Home Screening Room - A Beastly Sucker Punch

Just from Theaters

Barney’s Version – Rated R (Paul Giamatti, Minnie Driver)

Beastly – Rated PG-13 (Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Hudgens)

Beauty and the Beast told with some modern twists and a turn by Mary-Kate Olsen.

Season of the Witch – Rated PG-13 (Nicolas Cage, Ron Perlman)

A knight sent to defeat a witch, but will she be too much for him to handle?

Sucker Punch – Rated PG-13 (Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens)

Warfare from a psychological perspective inside the minds, in a fantasy world, what more can I say?

The Warrior’s Way – Rated R (Dong-gun Jang, Kate Bosworth)

A Warrior Assassin in the American West, Yep I’m thinking fun.

Also New this Week

3 Backyards – Rated R (Embeth Davidtz, Edie Falco, Elias Koteas)

Bloodworth – Rated R (Kris Kristofferson, Dwight Yoakam, Val Kilmer, Hilary Duff) Interesting cast, here’s a bonus trailer for you.

Cyrus – NOT RATED (Brian Krause, Danielle Harris)

Guilty Hearts – Rated R (Eva Mendes, Gerard Butler, Kathy Bates, Anna Farris, Charlie Sheen, Julie Delpy)

I had to list them all because….well…how did this one get no play?

Immigration Tango – Rated R (McCaleb Burnett, Elika Portnoy)

Law & Order: Criminal Intent – Season 6

Lebanon, Pa. – Rated PG-13 (Josh Hopkins, Samantha Mathis)

Rizzoli & Isles: The Complete First Season

And Finally…

Wild Cherry – Rated R (Tania Raymonde, Rumer Willis, Kristin Cavallari, Ryan Merriman and Rob Schneider)

Hmmm…yes I’m a guy, so yes bad teen comedies generally elicit a chuckle or two..will this one be “Bad” enough though? Here’s the trailer, you decide.

Pick of the Week

I’ll be honest, for me…not much I would pick out of this group this week. Unless of course I was adding to the cheesy part of my collection.

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

Review - Cars 2

Cars 2 Doesn’t Lap The Field

Radiator Springs seems like a world away in the new film Cars 2.

Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is back home relaxing after winning yet another championship. Half a world away a new competition is about to take place. The World Grand Prix will pit some of the best cars from a variety of disciplines in races across three countries. These cars will compete with an alternative fuel and try to show the world what is possible.

Of course, Tow Mater (Larry The Cable Guy) insists McQueen will dominate. And this bragging brings the crew overseas to take on the world.

When they arrive; the gang is thrown into the midst of a devious plot as someone is trying to wreak havoc on the new fuel and all those who use it. Now Mater is mistaken for a master spy and the world, as we know it, just could come down to Mater’s ability to make a difference. Can McQueen win? But more importantly, can Mater save everyone?

Fairly or unfairly, Pixar has raised the bar on animated films. With that said, it’s tough to watch a film like Cars 2.

I enjoyed the first Cars, just didn’t fawn over it like most. In fact, I was one of few that was only mildly supportive of the film. With Cars 2, the film felt more action, more excitement, but also a little messier. In fact I liked this film a touch more than the original.

The story may not have flowed the same as most Pixar films, but that doesn’t mean the action didn’t jump a notch or two. The attention to detail is wonderful and worth seeing as some of the background fun is truly a sight in and of itself.

The problem for Cars 2 is the fact that we now know what can be done in animated film, and we expect more. It doesn’t make Cars 2 a bad movie, just not one that easily laps the field. Caution ahead, the film is in for a pit stop, but the future is still bright at Pixar.

B-

Cars 2

Walt Disney Pictures

Director: John Lasseter, Brad Lewis

Cast: Larry The Cable Guy, Owen Wilson, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Eddie Izzard

Rating: G

Runtime: 1 hour 52 minutes

Review - Bad Teacher

Bad, But Good While Being Bad

First things first; even before I start in on a review of Bad Teacher I must say, there are NO redeeming characters here.

Elizabeth Halsey (Cameron Diaz) is a teacher that is on her way out. She’s found that special man; the one with lots of money. But when he comes to the realization that she is only using him for his money, the relationship is over and it’s back to school for Halsey.

Going back to the one place she didn’t want to go leads her to master her teaching techniques. There is a constant stream of videos that await the kids in her middle school class and more dealing with hangovers than grades as she searches for her next sugar daddy.

But this year she has someone watching her. Amy Squirrel (Lucy Punch) watches from across the hall as she suspects there to be some shenanigans that are going on. And then there is the new substitute teacher, Scott Delacorte (Justin Timberlake). He becomes the object of Elizabeth’s attentions when she finds out he comes from money.

The quest goes from weird to weirder when the “bad” teacher decides she needs some plastic surgery to enhance her chest. Now every penny she earns, no matter how, goes towards these special enhancements she feels are necessary to grab Scott’s attentions.

All the while the gym teacher, Russell Gettis (Jason Segel) keeps trying to get one date with Elizabeth. But despite being a decent person, he doesn’t have the money she is looking for and stands very little chance.

Will she get the guy? Will she teach the kids? Will she get rid of that nasty hangover?

Teaching is not for Elizabeth, nor for really anyone in this film, but laughs are. Ok, this film has A LOT of problems. It’s a movie about a teacher that hardly touches on the kids she teaches, or anyone teaches for that matter. It has characters that wouldn’t even be liked by their mothers. It has vulgar, insane moments that everyone looks at and says, “that would never happen.” And outside of Cameron Diaz, all the characters are underutilized, every last one of them.

But despite all of those things, I found myself laughing at some things. Sure I was alone in my laughter in the theater at times, but that never bothered me.

Why do we have to like the characters (on a personal level)…EVER? This was a movie to just snicker at and enjoy the moment. I left feeling this has got all the makings of a late night cult film and it just might blossom on DVD and with groups at a later time.

Bad Teacher is not nearly as bad as some will lead you to believe. Sure the “teacher” in this case has nothing, but the film has laughs. Bad Teacher is bad, but good while being bad.

C+

Bad Teacher

Columbia Pictures

Director: Jake Kasdan

Cast: Cameron Diaz, Jason Segel, Justin Timberlake

Rating: R for sexual content, nudity, language and some drug use.

Runtime: 1 hour 32 minutes

Footloose (2011) Trailer....thoughts?

Ok....the trailer for the New Footloose is below....thoughts??? Already have comparisons in my head going to Kevin Bacon's turn....I want to know what you think!

Tags: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

Home Screening Room - Take a Trip to Cedar Rapids with The Adjustment Bureau

Just From Theaters


The Adjustment Bureau– Rated PG-13 (Matt Damon, Emily Blunt)


What happens when the small choices that seem insignificant can actually lead you on a path that impacts your entire life? The bureau will make sure you become who your path says you will be.


Cedar Rapids - Rated R (Ed Helms, John C. Reilly, Anne Heche)


When the insurance agent played by Helms comes to the “big” city convention in Cedar Rapids he finds the insurance game is a lot different than he imagined.


Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules – Rated PG (Zachary Gordon, Devon Bostick)


More from the classic children’s series.


The Eagle – Rated PG-13 (Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell)


Channing Tatum goes on a search for a lost legion to clear his family name.


Unknown – Rated PG-13 (Liam Neeson, January Jones)


After a crash a doctor wakes up to find his life is no longer.






Also new this week…


Bending All The Rules – Rated R (Colleen Porch, David Gail, Bradley Cooper)


Big Time Rush: Season One, Volume Two


Ceremony – Rated R (Uma Thurman Michael Angarano)


The Closer: The Complete Sixth Season


Elextra Luxx – Rated R (Carla Gugino, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Timothy Olyphant)


Harvest – Rated R (Robert Loggia)


Louis: The Complete First Season


Medium: The Final Season






And Finally


You Got Served: Beat the World – Rated PG-13 (Tyrone Brown, Mishael Morgan)


If you thought the future of Hip Hop dance was done with You Got Served…think again! Check out the trailer.

Pick of the Week


Love, Love, Love Cedar Rapids – it is well worth picking up. There is also some merit to The Adjustment Bureau getting picked up .


Thanks!


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

Review - Green Lantern

He’s Green, He’s Ripped, He’s Ryan Reynolds

Super heroes, there have been a number of films about these individuals that rise above and battle the forces of evil. Now it’s the Green Lantern’s turn.

Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) knows how to fly planes, fast. He seems fearless when he is in the sky doing his job. His fearlessness is why he’s in the air with ex-Carol Ferris (Blake Lively) for a big military test. But this test will expose the fact that maybe Hal isn’t as fearless as everyone thinks.

Meanwhile, back in another part of the universe, we are introduced to the Green Lanterns, protectors of us all. But there is a dark force that is trying to eliminate the lanterns and capture the strength of all of humanity.

When one of those guardians is ready to pass on, he heads to the nearest inhabited planet, Earth, to have the ring choose the next lantern.

The ring has a power that knows who is best suited for a job where you need to be fearless and guard the universe against evil. In this case the ring chooses Hal and he is whisked away to see his future.

Now Hal must not only adapt to these newfound powers, but also understand that much of the safety of his home will be his responsibility. Possessing the powers of the ring is just the beginning. Will he be able to conquer his inner fears and get the girl?

I love super heroes. I really do. But let me get this out there right off the bat so there is no confusion in what I’m about to say. This is NOT a good movie, BUT it IS fun!

Ok, let me explain. This is a comic book film; I’m ok with it taking some liberties with my sensible nature. That said, there are so many times where I found myself scratching my head, wondering how Hal knew where to go in deep space and how to get there. Plot holes and story holes that had me just wondering who put the film together dot this effort. Everything I look for in a good film was missing.

That said, I also found myself actually enjoying the 3D treatment that was before me. This was one of few films that just felt right from a 3D perspective. And just watching the crazy action had me smiling. I enjoyed myself amidst the muck that was packaged in the film.

It’s crazy, there are moments where Ryan Reynolds tries out his new look that are just fun and smile inducing. In fact Reynolds OWNS the green suit; I have no problem admitting that. Then there are moments as the story bounces all over the map that are cringe inducing.

What does that mean for me? Well the grade is average; but I’m sure I’m not going to pass this by if it’s showing on a premium channel or when it pops on Blu-Ray (which I expect to be pretty amazing). I’m sure there is a lot of green in the future, and I could actually see a sequel getting better (gasp, did I really say sequel?) but this effort doesn’t run rings around the competition. Bottom line, he’s green, he’s ripped and he’s Ryan Reynolds. And that will be enough for some to see this film, but if they keep going, I need more.

C

Green Lantern

Warner Brothers Pictures

Director: Martin Campbell

Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Tim Robbins

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action.

Runtime: 1 hour 45 minutes

Off The Beaten Path -- Jig

Off the Beaten Path -Jig

There has been a proliferation of dance “reality” shows that have shown up on your television screen in recent years. So You Think You Can Dance has taken Fox by storm and made dance a part of homes everywhere. The show has introduced viewers to many dance forms they may not have experienced earlier, except in the occasional movie. And of course there is Dancing With The Stars in which our favorite athlete, actors, reality personalities and the like get paired with a real dancer and we get to see how hard they work to put on one small routine. But those, shows are child’s play compared to the World Championships of Irish Dance that are exhibited in the new film, Jig.

Jig is a documentary that is about the blood, sweat, tears, money, time, effort, and the list goes on…that goes into Irish dancing at the top levels. Some will say, these are just dancers. After seeing this film I defy anyone to not say they as highly trained and work as hard as any Olympic athlete.

In the film we are treated to a variety of competitors from the young 10 year old to the nearly 20 year olds. Some are nearing their last competition, while others are just embarking on a long journey. Director Sue Bourne tells a story about some of the lead up to the 40th Irish Dancing World Championships that were held in Glasgow in March 2010. The championships are a global event drawing competitors that we meet in the film from the USA, Scotland, Ireland and even a “Flying Dutchman”. And lest you believe this is just girls with long curly wigs, think again! The boys get their chance to shine as well with moves that will make Michael Flatley a bit jealous.

And Bourne delivers just the right amount of suspense as she has covered some winners, some runner-ups, and some that are just happy to be in the country (Visa problems…you know).

As a father of a nearly 7 year old that is enjoying her time in ballet and tap dancing classes, this is just mind-boggling. Some of the footage reminds me of the show “Toddlers and Tiaras” with one clear exception. These kids ALL seem driven by their goals, well most of them at least. The extent to which the parents support their children is amazing as the thousands of dollars that are spent on costumes, wigs, and training lead to this top event.

The behind the scenes in some of the sequences are amazing as we get the admission from one that she watches her competitions videos on You Tube, to learn the moves to hopefully make her a champion. Imagine, being able to learn from your competition that is half a world away. The changes in 40 years of competition aren’t as much shown here as they are implied.

I sat down to watch this with my wife and daughter in the room with me, fully expecting them to run off and do other things, but instead they were as engrossed with the stories being told onscreen. Much as I found myself wanting to know what happened next and watching it as a critic, I ended up more a fan, cheering for the results, watching the finish and knowing that some would be back next year to try harder and some just might walk away one last time.

Jig is not without faults, it has some stories that seemed a bit harder to follow than others, and would have benefited from a bit more screen time as a whole. But this tight 93-minute film is worth dancing around every corner to find.

Check out http://www.jig-the-film.com

Follow the film on Twitter to see when it is showing near you! @jigthefilm

B+ / B

Jig

Rated PG

Dir: Sue Bourne

Opening 6/17 in LA, NY, Boston, Chicago and Toronto with other cities to follow.

Home Screening Room - Battle in Los Angels for a Hall Pass

Just From Theaters


Battle: Los Angeles– Rated PG-13 (Aaron Eckhart, Michael Pena, Bridget Moynahan)


We’ve seen battles; we’ve seen Los Angeles, now enjoy a battle IN Los Angeles. I really dug this and you will too if you crank up the sound and check it out on Blu Ray.


Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son– Rated PG-13 (Martin Lawrence, Brandon T. Jackson)


Big Momma is back…need I say more.


Hall Pass – Rated R (Owen Wilson, Jason Sudekis, Christina Applegate)


Ahh, a week off from marriage, they’re going to tear it up right? Well…not so fast. Laughs and more in this comedy await you!


Red Riding Hood – Rated PG-13 (Amanda Seyfried, Shiloh Fernandez, Julie Christie, Gary Oldman)


The Big Bad Wolf, Red Riding Hood…you’ve never seen the tale quite like this, unfortunately it seems to be more style than substance.


Also new this week…


Chatroom – Rated R (Aaron Johnson, Imogen Poots)


A Cold Day In Hell – Rated PG13 (Michael Madsen)


The Con Artist – Rated R (Donald Sutherland, Rebecca Romijn, Sarah Roemer)


The Concert – Rated PG13 (Melanie Laurent)


Jackass 3.5: The Unrated Movie -- Oh boy….here we go again!


Man vs Food: Season Three


Vanishing of the Bees


And Finally


Kill The Irishman – Rated R (Val Kilmer, Christopher Walken)


Among others…Val Kilmer and Christopher Walken mean…the trailer is worth a look…right?

Pick of the Week


Battle: Los Angeles will produce pure popcorn fun in the home, and Hall Pass has enough going for it to be worth at least another look on DVD.


Thanks!


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

Review - Super 8

Purely Fun Moviemaking


Joe (Joel Courtney) and Charles (Riley Griffiths) have been friends for a long time. Despite a devastating incident for Joe, he wants to push forward and help Charles finish his long overdue film. Charles is a filmmaker and as his right hand, Joe is in charge of makeup and sound. Together with their friends Martin (Gabriel Basso), Cary (Ryan Lee) and Preston (Zach Mills) the five are setting out to create a great zombie movie.


When Charles approaches the virtually unapproachable Alice (Elle Fanning) and she agrees to be his female lead, the cast is set for a special night’s shoot. A scene that Charles has just crafted will be shot at the train station and they will all sneak out after midnight to make it happen.


But while shooting this scene they encounter a passing train. The train serves as a great backdrop for their scene. But this train holds more than a backdrop and a massive derailment leads to an entire town having their lives changed forever. What was on the train and how will it impact everyone? And could that simple Super 8 camera hold the key to seeing just what is at the bottom of this mysterious occurrence?


Specifically non-detailed in my description of the film, Super 8 possesses a secret. This secret really shouldn’t be revealed prior to a viewer experiencing things, so I’m not going to spoil it. Fact is this film is as much of an action summer blockbuster film as a coming of age story with friends in the harshest of circumstances.


The kids cast in Super 8 are absolutely crucial to its success and they work amazingly well. Joel, Riley, Gabriel, Ryan and Zach work extremely well together and with Elle Fanning and Kyle Chandler. If they didn’t work or seemed more actor than kid, the film would have had an extremely hard time connecting.


One of the real strong aspects of Super 8 is in the fact that the details of the surprise are kept secret deep into the movie. The tension builds without being overexposed to the cause for the tension.


But with all the good aspects of Super 8; there are some things that keep this from being that major blockbuster that I had hoped it would be. The “schmaltz” factor is through the roof. Instead of relying on the story that had been created, it felt like we had an attempt to pull things back to give us more “warm fuzzies” that letting the plot go.


Some of the conflict just felt forced between the characters and really unnecessary. The aspect of what happened to Joe’s mom feels forced together in a way that is unnatural and pulls back from the main story.


But despite the small issues, it still is a fun time at the movies. Staying through the credits will give you the full Super 8 film to watch in its entirety. Super 8 takes us back to a simpler time, and treats us to a lot of fun. It reminds me of the pure fun aspect of moviemaking and that in and of itself is a reason to check it out.


B


Super 8
Paramount Pictures


Director: JJ Abrams
Cast: Kyle Chandler, Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Gabriel Basso, Riley Griffiths, Ryan Lee, Zach Mills


Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, language and some drug use.
Runtime: 1 hour 52 minutes

Home Screening Room -- Just Go With It, True Grit That Is

Just From Theaters

Another Year– Rated PG-13 (Jim Broadbant, Lesley Manville, Imelda Staunton)
An amazing performance from Lesley Manville leads a solid Mike Leigh film. One of 2010’s better films.

The Company Men – Rated R (Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, Kevin Costner)
Life in corporate America has seldom been as cutthroat as in today’s world. This is one of the underappreciated releases of late 2010. I really like this one. Not a happy film, but really well done.

Just Go With It – Rated PG-13 (Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston)
Sandler has always had no problem with the ladies, especially with his story of being married. But now, he wants to get serious and his receptionist is his cover story. Funny, but not for everyone.

Santcum – Rated R (Richard Roxburgh, Ioan Gruffudd)
Cave exploring and more – this will take you to beautiful places.

True Grit – Rated PG-13 (Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Hailee Steinfeld)
Sure you may have seen the John Wayne version. But the Coen Brothers take on this classic film is worth every second of your time. Hailee Steinfeld is amazing and it was deserving of every award nomination it received.

Also new this week…

AC/DC: Let There Be Rock – Rated PG – More AC/DC…YES!!!
Blue Crush 2 – Rated PG-13 (Sharni Vinson, Elizabeth Mathis) Did you know there was a sequel. This time the surfer heads to South Africa. Can you blame me for throwing this trailer up?

Breaking Bad: The Complete Third Season
Burn Notice: Season Four
Leverage: The 3rd Season
Love’s Kitchen – Rated PG-13 (Claire Forlani, Dougray Scott, Gordon Ramsey)
I totally dig Gordon Ramsey -- and Claire Forlani...and still can't get over it...Gordon Ramsey in a movie!

Pros & Ex-Cons – Rated R (Sam Worthington)
The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Volume 6
Shadows and Lies – Rated R (James Franco, Josh Lucas)
UFC 128
White Collar: The Complete Second Season
WWE: The Very Best of WCW Monday Nitro – wow..this disc could be long overdue…but it still sounds cool.


And Finally
Rubber – Rated R (Stephen Spinella)
A tire comes to life to wreak havoc. No I’m not kidding…a TIRE! Just check out the trailer…

Pick of the Week
For laughs, Just Go With It…I’m a sucker for Sandler, and I won’t apologize for that…plus Brooklyn Decker’s premiere is nice. I really like The Company Men, and you should check it out. But there is unquestionable one film you NEED to add to your library this week, True Grit!

Thanks!

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

Review - X-Men: First Class

Class Is In Session

The X-Men franchise has had a number of ups and downs through the years. It came out of the blocks like gangbusters and maintained through the second film, but recently it has been viewed as a bit disappointing. But this is a new class, this is the First Class.

The story takes us back to the 1940s before jumping into the timeframe of the film (the early 60s). At this point Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) is not yet a Doctor, but simply a student trying to move forward his ideas. It is at this point that he encounters the beautiful yet different Raven (Jennifer Lawrence).

As circumstances would have it, the government knows about another “different” individual. Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon) has proven to be in bed with every nefarious plot that exists. The impending showdown with the Russians in Cuba seems to be the main target for his efforts as he and a group of mutants he has assembled are working to put the world on the brink.

Charles Xavier and Raven are doing their best to help the US government get Shaw, but they aren’t alone. Erik Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender) has issues with Shaw as well. When the two forces unexpectedly meet up, it is Xavier that brings Erik under his wing and begins to assemble an elite force of the different in society. These individuals will try and harness their energy to stop Sebastian Shaw in his global attempts at domination. But will their own differences prevent them from completing the task at hand?

X-Men: First Class is that rare opening chapter that really punches you with action. If feels like episode one of a great story, but retains all the playfulness of a comic book. We are treated to the backdrop of some characters that grew with us through the franchise.

And here the intro story is fun, even as it is tongue-in-cheek and many points along the way. It is great see where Magneto starts. The beginnings of Mystique ring so true to her attitude in the films we have seen. And Dr. Charles Xavier is driven by what is right, regardless of what anyone thinks.

Where X-Men goes wrong is in some of the casting choices. While they bring in truly talented actors to some of these roles, it seems like only Fassbender and maybe Bacon fit their roles quite nicely. Jennifer Lawrence doesn’t embody Mystique and McAvoy sometimes had me believing he was Xavier, while other times I wasn’t so sure.

X-Men: First Class is definitely a nice prequel in a land of big sequels this summer. While it may not be perfect, it’s good to see this class is in session.

B-

X-Men: First Class

20th Century Fox

Director: Matthew Vaughn

Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Kevin Bacon, Rose Byrne, Jennifer Lawrence

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some sexual content including brief partial nudity and language.

Runtime: 2 hours 12 minutes