Tuesday, April 1, 2008

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.

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".