Ironman

Story: Billionaire industrialist Tony Stark builds a high-tech suit of armor and leads a double-life as the superhero, Iron Man.

Review: This is the best Marvel comic movie yet. If your looking for a fun, riveting, action pack story, look no further - "Ironman" will not disappoint. Other Marvel comic's like "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" and "Spiderman 3" are flops at best. "Ironman" has a strong story and beefy characters. I think Gwyneth Platrow's character, Pepper Potts was refreshingly different from the run of the mill leading action love interests. Tony Stark, could only be played by Robert Downey Jr. Is art imitating life or vice-a-versa? Also Jeff Bridges', portrail of power hungry Obadiah Stane, was to smooth for words. "Ironman," starts off in an unique spot and keeps us there for awhile, which I think makes the movie richer for it. If you want good quality entertaiment, "Ironman" is your best bet for action flicks right now. But who knows for how long, cause "Hulk" may give "Ironman" a run for its money.

Juno

Story: Faced with an unplanned pregnancy, an offbeat young woman makes an unusual decision regarding her unborn child.

Review: I really enjoyed this movie. The characters were genuine and a pleasure to watch. The writer was able to capture a young teen with an adult size problem, so gracefully. Instead of her family ripping her apart for getting pregnant, this movie shows us a family that's in it together. Juno, knowing her limits decides to give up the child to a couple she finds in the Penny Saver. Juno soon finds out she isn't the only one who isn't ready for baby. This movie really allows us to see another side to teenage pregnancy, that there is more than one way to deal with it. Ellen Page shines as Juno. Page captured Juno's brains, strength and maturity in ways other films have not been able to duplicate. You just can't help but be drawn in by Juno's, quick quips, sense of self and her willingness to do what's best for her and her unborn child.

Dan In Real Life

Story: Dan, a widower and father of three daughters; finds himself falling for his brother's girl at the annual family get-together.

Review: Peter Hedges, Director of "About a Boy", has crafted a delightful piece of cinema. As soon as we are introduced to the family, you immediately feel the genuine warmth and love they have for one another. It is refreshing to see a family who generally like each other. Many movies today are hyper-focused on the "shock value" instead of good quality entertainment. "Dan In Real Life," reflects a family we don't typically see on the silver screen, something we need to embrace more often. Steve Carell's character, has always put his girls needs and wants before his own. But when he falls "head over heals" in love with Marie, he finds himself yearning for a relationship he has long missed. This story moves us not because we pity Dan, but because we love him and want the best for him. It reminds us of our own loneliness and how we so desire to share our lives with someone we love.

Charlie Bartlett

Story: Charlie Bartlett has been kicked out of every private school he ever attended. And now that he's moved on to public school, he's simply getting pummeled. But when Charlie discovers that the kids who surround him--the outcast and the popular alike--are secretly in desperate need, his entrepreneurial spirit takes over.

Review: I was hoping for something different and refreshing. Not so much. It was as if, Ferris Bueller crashed into Lloyd Dobler and Charlie Bartlett was born with some hard, not to miss defects. If that is what the studio was shooting for, they missed terribly. Don't get me wrong, the movie is enjoyable to some extent, but it's no "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," or anything remotely close to it. It's also a shame to see Robert Downey, Jr. in such a sell out role. Best watched on DVD.

I Am Legend

Story: Robert Neville is a brilliant scientist, but even he could not contain the terrible manmade virus. Somehow immune, Neville is now the last human survivor in New York City. But he is not alone.

Review: "I Am Legend," wielded good performances largely because of a great story. I would think Richard Matheson, the author of the 1954 book, "I Am Legend," would be pleased by the latest movie rendition of his book, ("The Last Man On Earth" and "The Omega Man" were the other two movies). "I Am Legend," is a difficult movie to watch, but all the more rewarding in the end. A few people actually left our movie theatre in the first 45 minutes of the movie. I believe people walked out because they were uncomfortable being alone. Will Smith's character, Robert Neville, for the first 45 minutes of the movie is essentially the only human being left in NYC. He has his dog and chats with manikins, but it is painfully obvious we depend on the interaction we receive from other humans to make it through life. But, somehow Robert Neville hangs on, and is persistent in his pursuit of finding a cure for the remaining zombies. Highly recommend this movie. Four stars!

27 Dresses

Story: Jane is idealistic, romantic and completely selfless--a perennial bridesmaid whose own happy ending is nowhere in sight. But when younger sister Tess captures the heart of Jane's boss--with whom she is secretly in love--Jane begins to reexamine her "always-a-bridesmaid..." lifestyle."

Review: 27 Dresses started off well, with its main character Heigl, running back and forth between two weddings. After that it gets predictable. Nothing else worth watching really happens. So, if your looking for the same old romantic movie with a few turns (no twists) then this is a good one for you. Bottom line: It's a cute movie.

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

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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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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.