Monday, November 12, 2007

A Bee Movie

Story: Barry B. Benson, a bee who has just graduated from college, is disillusioned at his lone career choice: making honey. On a special trip outside the hive, Barry's life is saved by Vanessa, a florist in New York City. As their relationship blossoms, he discovers humans actually eat honey, and subsequently decides to sue us.

Review: A Bee Movie is not your typical Jerry Seinfeld piece. Yes it is funny and has its oddities; but surprisingly Seinfeld turns his yellow bee green. Is it Oscar worthy? No, but it is worth a second look. My expectations were to hear a bunch of zany one liners and see a cute bee story. Instead, I was pleasantly taken aback when the story turns to the issue of the recent reports of bees vanishing across our country. I didn't realize how much we depend on the honey bee. Below is a link to a NY Times article about the missing honey bee. Hopefully, little Barry B. Benson will be able to promote awareness regarding our missing honey bees, before it is too late.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/27/business/27bees.html?ei=5088&en=3aaa0148837b8977&ex=1330232400&pagewanted=all

Monday, November 5, 2007

Good Luck Chuck

Story: In order to keep the woman of his dreams from falling for another guy, Charlie Logan has to break the curse that has made him wildly popular with single women: Sleep with Charlie once, and the next man you meet will be your true love.

Review: The only words I have to describe this movie is DON'T SEE IT! Terrible movie all around. I was truly appalled by the amount of gratuitous nudity and sex. It was pratically soft porn. Wow, did the writer's strike happen during this movie and no one reported it? Two thumbs down.

Monday, August 6, 2007

The Bourne Ultimatum

Story: Bourne dodges new, superior assassins as he searches for his unknown past while a government agent tries to track him down.

Review: Jason Bourne is the man! If your looking for action pack (and this is packed), this is the summer action movie for you. Where did you go Bruce Willis (I thought it was suppose to be his action pack summer?). Nop, Matt Damon kicks the bad guys booty in ways you never thought possible. So if you are crazy about action flicks this is the one for you. My only criticisms are that it can be very violent in parts and the movie edits can cause a sensory overload (a couple of times I had to look away, because I got dizzy). Other than that, you won't be disappointed!

Monday, July 30, 2007

The Simpsons Movie

Story: Homer Simpson must save the world from a catastrophe he himself created.

Review: The first 30 minutes of the film is hilarious! One belly laugh after another. The writers are quick with wit to make this a really good movie. If you are easily offended you may want to rethink going to the movie. But if you can laugh at yourself you will find this movie very funny. If you love the Simpsons I'm sure you will be delighted with the movies antics. If you never watched the Simpsons (where have you been for the last 18 years?) you will also enjoy the movie. So, don't be one of those Homers that say "Doh, I miss it".

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Story: With their warning about Lord Voldemort's return scoffed at, Harry and Dumbledore are targeted by the Wizard authorities as an authoritarian bureaucrat slowly seizes power at Hogwarts.

Review:
This is the fifth installment of the Harry Potter series (if you didn't know that; please don't tell anyone - you will embarrass yourself). If your a true Harry Potter fan you don't have to read my movie review blog to know that you absolutely can not miss this movie. I know I am bias; but I think J.K. Rowlings creation is a fresh and exciting tale of an old story. Who doesn't want to see the bad guys get creamed and the underdog rise up from the ashes? Plus the brits always do books and film so much better than anyone else! What are you waiting for - go and see this movie.

Transformers

Story: The Earth is caught in the middle of an intergalactic war between two races of robots, the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons, which are able to change into a variety of objects, including cars, trucks, planes and other technological creations.

Review: Ah, I was transformed back into a six year old, for 2 hours and 20 minutes! I marveled at the amazing transformations of the robots. People clapped in my theatre when the first robot transformed in mid air. It was the coolest. The story is funny and also I can not toot Shia LaBeouf's horn enough! His acting gets better with each movie he's in. I left the theatre thinking - "Wow, cinema is back and it is better than ever". Don't miss this blockbuster hit - see it in theatres now.

Disturbia

Story: A teen living under house arrest becomes convinced his neighbor is a serial killer.

Review: Watch out A list stars, because Shia LaBeouf is rising to fame faster than you can get your Mercedes washed! It is such a delight to final find a young actor that can act. "Disturbia", is what you want in a suspense thriller. It has a good story (jumped a few times) and the acting is on par. So, if your looking for a good suspense movie you won't be disappointed with this one.

Live Free or Die Hard

Story: John McClane takes on an Internet-based terrorist organization who is systematically shutting down the United States.

Review: If you were looking for the old school John McClane; well he's not in part four of the movie series. That was what was most disappointing to me. If your not a fan of the "Die Hard" series then you can really enjoy this film. It is well made and has all the elements of an action film. But its not great. It's not like the first 2 (not a huge fan of 3 either); but I was hoping for the same feel. So save your money and rent this one.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Waitress

Story: Jenna is a pregnant, unhappily married waitress in the deep south. She meets a newcomer to her town and falls into an unlikely relationship as a last attempt at happiness.

Review: "Waitress" is a delicious slice of finely crafted cinema! Our fillings are delightfully quirky characters and a bittersweet story. Kerri Russell does an outstanding job as Jenna as well as her wayward husband Earl, played by Jeremy Sisto. Jenna's friends Becky (Cheryl Hines) and Dawn (Adrienne Shelly) performances were top notch.

Check out this wonderfully sweet story!

Monday, June 18, 2007

Knocked Up

Story: For fun loving party animal Ben Stone, the last thing he ever expected was for his one night stand to show up on his doorstep eight weeks later to tell him she's pregnant.

Review: This film made me laugh out loud from beginning to end. However, it is extremely crude, so if anyone gets easily offended you may want to pass. A beautiful, successful woman and an out of work stoner, find themselves with a bun in the oven; what could be a better recipe for a blockbuster hit? Even though it was difficult to extend my disbelief that Katherine Heigel's character would ever think of looking at Ben Stone, let alone have his baby, the movie was still worth watching at least once.


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Fantastic 4: The Rise of the Silver Surfer

Story: The Fantastic Four learn that they aren't the only super-powered beings in the universe when they square off against the powerful Silver Surfer and the planet-eating Galactus.

Review: The story wasn't any great shake; but I will give the movie two thumbs up for the CGI. The Silver Surfer graphics were sleek and eye catching. No surprises here - the story line is stale and the comedic element is minimal. Pretty much what you see in the trailer is what you get in the movie. However, even with its obvious failings it was an enjoyable flick that numbs the mind for 92 minutes.



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Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Story: Captain Barbossa, Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann must sail off the edge of the map, navigate treachery and betrayal, and make their final alliances for one last decisive battle.

Review: If you've seen Pirates of the Caribbean 1 & 2, then you most definitely have seen three. It is a pity, because I really like Johnny Debt, Orlando Bloom and Kiera Knightly's acting. It is too bad they had to do the same movie twice!

Thursday, May 17, 2007

An Inconvenient Truth

An Inconvenient Truth is a must see film. For all those people who like Reality TV; well this is a net flick's rental that you can't afford to miss.

Al Gore does a brilliant job explaining how we came to royally mess up the environment and how we can reverse the tide of global warming. It's a fact filled film and it is told by our former Vice President of the United States. So, if you think he is being bias and you want to "hear" the other side's facts and opinions. Well, I ask you who is the other side? The polar bear that has to swim 60 miles to find land (ice); only to find in its place more water? Or that at least 279 species of plants and animals are already responding to global warming, moving closer to the poles.

I may be paraphrasing Al Gore here, but it is a great quote: "It's not the earth that I am worried about, its the humans". - Al Gore, An Inconventient Truth (novel)

Enough said. Save the humans. Join Al Gore (who was totally robbed of the presidency)at www.climatecrisis.net



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Friday, May 4, 2007

Spiderman 3

Story: A strange black entity from another world bonds with Peter Parker and causes inner turmoil as he contends with new villains, temptations, and revenge.

Review: "Spider-Man 3," earned $148 million over this past weekend; breaking all time records with sinking the record holder, "Pirate's, Dead Man's Chest" opening day box office numbers of $55.8 million ($59.3 million for Spider-Man)!

The web that Spidey spun for me over the weekend had its weak spots. I think for all the money Spiderman has earned and spent, (rumor has it that it cost $500 million dollars to create, making it the most expensive movie ever), should have been incredible. But our friendly neighborhood spider weaves a long and arduous web with too many sub-plots and a water-down romance. Let's just say MJ and Peter Parker are not going to be at the top of the most romantic couple of all time list. The age old story of revenge is pretty sloppily told, but I can give them an A for effort in this area.

However, despite the movie's obvious frailties, the action sequences are fantastic! I forgot to breathe during the first fight scene between Harry (New Goblin) and Spiderman. CG has really come along way since the first Spiderman movie. The first time we see Flint Marko transform into Sandman, it is a quite a remarkable feet of computer graphic engineering (not to be missed). When Venom makes it onto the scene, (screen time for Venom was way to short), he actually made me jump in my seat (I think it was those teeth)!

All in all it was a mediocre film. If you like action pack fight sequences, inventive CG, a dancing Spidey, a strained love triangle and can stomach a teary eyed Peter Parker wooing a two dimensional MJ; you may have a wonderful experience. If not, just go to see Bruce Campbell who gets five hilarious minutes on screen with our man in red tights.

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Children of Men

Story: In 2027, in a chaotic world in which humans can no longer procreate, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea, where her child's birth may help scientists save the future of humankind.

Review: First thing first: This is an excellently crafted film. The acting is superb (Owen, Caine, Moore and new comer Ashitey do a wonderful job); the cinematography, timing, direction, story and overall execution is extremely well done.

With that said it gave me disturbing dreams for an entire weekend! I have tried to figure out why this movie had such an adverse effect on me and I have finally realized why. This film just came to close to home. We witness on a daily bases violent acts of terror. This movie inadvertently made me acutely aware of how violence of this magnitude impacts my inner psyche. Now I'm not talking about "Die Hard" movies (one of my favorite action movies of all time); because to me it is just slightly outside the realm of reality. Therefore I can suspend my disbelief and enjoy Willis blowing up the bad guys. However, it is not the same when it comes to "Children of Men". It is much to real. So, I caution anyone that sees this movie, (definitely an adult movie), ahead of time. It is a good movie but it may have a lasting effect that you would much rather live without.

Sunday, April 29, 2007

How to Eat Fried Worms

Story: During the first day of his new school year, a fifth grade boy squares off against a bully and winds up accepting a dare that could change the balance of power within the class.

Review: Director Bob Dolman (directed "The Banger Sisters"), creates a delightful film that is both funny and poignant for our pre-adolescents. Those who remember their pre-teen years can also relate to hardships that come with being in the fifth grade. I watched this movie with about twenty, 11 year olds that had either already seen it or were viewing for the first time. I have never witness twenty, 11 year olds so glued to a movie! A topic I feel that is mostly glossed over by society; bullying has become a kind of 'right of passage'. Either you were bullied as a kid or your were the bully. As children come into their own it seems to be left up to the kids to decide where they stand. Maybe adults can only coach their kids so far and it is really left up to them to make their own decisions in the matter. Ah, growing pains - don't miss them.

But our choices do mold and shape us for our adult lives. The movie even touches upon Billy's father's difficulties in saying no to playing tennis with his bullying boss. He is terrible at it, but does so to save face, much like his son in eating 10 worms. The film interestingly enough delves into the bully's own bully - his brother Nigel. In the middle of the film there is a scene with Joe (our 11 year old bully) and his brother Nigel discussing Joe's painful experience at school that day. Our sympathy grows for Joe as his brother taunts him regarding his public humiliation that left Joe embarrassed and hurt. It brings to light the origination of "the bully". It starts at home; it is a real problem for our children and eventually for us too - the adults. It makes you wonder if we only could brake the cycle of this kind of abuse, that maybe we could make bullying a footnote in history.

On a lighter note the actors are wonderfully comfortable making the audience squirm and chuckle with laughter at their antics. I recommend this movie for all ages, it will leave you with the warm fuzzies. But those of you with weak stomachs, take note it is a little gross. My pre-adolescents would say that is the best part!

Monday, April 16, 2007

"Peaceful Warrior"

Story: A chance encounter with a stranger changes the life of a college gymnast.

Review: Scott Mechlowicz, who plays Dan Millman was excellent in this mediocre film. What I was most disappointed in was the writer's inability to choose which faith doctrine he supported. If your going to do a movie where the core beliefs of Nick Notle's character (Socrates, appropriately named) are so pertinent to the story, you want to make sure you pick and stick with one faith. The story felt like it had Buddhism and Christianity intertwined through out it; and the writer took from the faith buffet of what suited the his palate.

For instance there is a scene where Socrates, picks up Dan and tosses him over the bridge and into the water below. A extremely upset Dan asks Socrates why he did that and Socrates asked him what he was thinking at the time. The whole exercise was to clear Dan's mind of any junk. Now I think that is great. Clearing your mind is amazing thing to do. But I think this movie doesn't address what to fill it with. As much as this move sounds great, for instance "This moment is the only thing that matters. " Socrates. I think living in the moment is very important, something I feel society has lost this way of life. But yet it still left me pondering if this story was meant to relay life is an individualist sport and that you have to find your way alone? I whole hardly disagree. We need each other - life is more about relationships and less about doing it all by yourself. It is to bad the writer couldn't see that as humans we suffer, but we don't have to go through the pain alone. No one does, not even the writer of this film.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Blades of Glory - Cuts the Ice!

Story: Will Ferrell and Jon Heder star as rival figure skaters, banned and disgraced from the sport, who team together as pairs' skaters.

Review: At first glace you would think this movie is going to be one of those, "Oh it's so stupid, it will have to be funny movies". But no, the dialog between the characters was actually thought out and witty at times. There is also the physical aspect of two guys skating together which makes the movie even more fun. It won't bring home Oscar, but it does deliver the belly laughs. From the moment the movie starts it has you chuckling. Will Ferrell's character is completely nuts; but that is why we love him. Jon Heder holds his own and the combination of both Jon and Will on screen is dynamite. Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, Nick Swardson and Jenna Fischer make the movie so entertaining.

This movie is hilarious, I saw it twice! Two Thumbs up!