The Descendants (2011):

Starring:

George Clooney - Matt King

Shailene Woodley - Alexandra King

Amara Miller - Scottie King

Nick Krause - Sid

Patricia Hastie - Elizabeth King

Beau Bridges - Cousin Hugh

Matt Corboy - Cousin Ralph

Mary Birdsong - Kai Mitchell

Rob Huebel - Mark Mitchell

Robert Forster - Scott Thorson

Matthew Lillard - Brian Speer

Judy Greer - Julie Speer

Director:

Alexander Payne (Sideways; About Schmidt; Election)

Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

Flixster: 80%

Synopsis:

"The Descendants" is a sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic journey for Matt King an indifferent husband and father of two girls, who is forced to re-examine his past and embrace his future when his wife suffers a boating accident off Waikiki.

Review:

This makes 4 out of 9 movies that were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture that I have seen now. A very emotional roller coaster that takes you up & down, back & forth all film. I personally found however that because of the comedic aspects throughout the film that it was hard to really connect with the characters as they went through the emotional journey. I don't know how George Clooney isn't considered one of the greatest actors of all time. The man makes a movie, it gets nominated for several Academy Awards every year. (I Guess he'd be considered the best if he was winning every year). He's at his usual level of both comedic timing with his over powering anger, pain & emptiness as his world unravels & he is forced to become the soul parent & help his children to deal with their tragedy while also hiding his anger towards his wife from his youngest daughter. By the way Shailene Woodley is A TOTAL BABE! WOW!

84%

Lead Acting: 15/15
Supporting Cast: 14/15
Plot: 8/10
Compared To The Genre: 8/10
Cinematography: 16/20
Intrigue: 15/20
Extra: 8/10

Into The Abyss (2011):

Starring:

Werner Herzog (Narrator)

Jason Burkett

Michael Perry

Director:

Werner Herzog (Grizzly Man; Rescue Dawn)

Rotten Tomatoes: 90%

Flixster: 77%

Synopsis:

Michael Perry, a man on death row convicted of a triple homicide which occurred in Conroe, Texas, and his accomplice Jason Burkett. Perry was convicted ten years earlier of the murders, apparently committed in order to steal a car for a joyride. Perry's final interviews for the film were recorded on only 8 days before his execution on July 1, 2010. The film also includes interviews with victims' families and law enforcement officers

Review:

The movie is very slow moving as Herzog didn't cut much of the interviews he conducted with the accused, victims families or those involved in the arrests, trial or execution. However if you are able to get past the slow moving dialogue you will see the unbelievable story of evil told from the view of both convicted murders as well as the family members from the effected families. Very powerful stuff.

68%

Cinematography: 14/20

Intrigue: 14/20

Extra: 7/10

Non-Bias Story Telling: 6/10

Grizzly Man (2005):

Starring:

Timothy Treadwell

Werner Herzog (Narrator)

Jewel Palovak

Warren Queeney

Willy Fulton

Director:

Werner Herzog (Cave Of Forgotten Dreams; Rescue Dawn; Encounters At The End Of The World)

Rotten Tomatoes: 93%

Flixster: 82%

Synopsis:

This documentary centers on amateur grizzly bear expert Timothy Treadwell, who periodically journeyed to Alaska to study and live with the bears. The outdoors man and author -- along with his partner, Amie Huguenard -- was eventually killed and devoured by one of the very animals to whom he had devoted years of study.

Review:

This film is actually very tragic in nature. A man's unconditional love, respect (sometimes lack of) & devotion to natures most powerful creatures which became his ultimate demise. Archive footage shot by Timothy Treadwell over a span of 3 years in the Alaskan wilderness while he lives amongst & with the wild Grizzly Bears that roam the frontier. He was an extremely eccentric man who had an unmatched love for the world & all of the creatures in it. You can see the mental anguish he went through to try & help the world understand his passion & dream to protect them from destruction of habitat, poaching & invasion of their territory. The story is split between Timothy's footage & Director Werner Herzog's interviews of Timothy's friends, colleagues & critics. There is an incredibly sad scene towards the end of the film where one of Timothy's former girlfriends & research assistants allows Herzog to listen to the tape that has the audio of the event where Timothy & his then Girlfriend Amie Huguenard are mauled & killed by a 1,300 lbs. adult male Grizzly bear while at their camp site. After listening to it, both Herzog & Palovak break down & cannot control themselves to which Herzog tells her that she must never listen to the tape & that she should destroy it. In the worst humanly way possible I was slightly disappointed that we are not able to hear the audio, but do completely understand why we are not allowed to hear it. Overall it is a very good documentary with all different emotions tied to it.

73%
 
Cinematography: 12/20
Intrigue: 13/20
Extra: 10/10
Non-Bias Story Telling: 9/10

Knuckle (2011):

Starring:

James Quinn McDonagh
Ian Palmer (Narrator)

Director:
Ian Palmer

Rotten Tomatoes: 95%

Flixster: 69%

Synopsis:

James Quinn McDonagh and Paddy "The Lurcher" Joyce. Names that demand attention. Men related by blood but separated by a feud that dates back generations. As the heads of rival families, they train to represent their feuding Irish travelling clans, in their long-standing history of violent bare-knuckle boxing. With KNUCKLE, filmmaker Ian Palmer presents a hard-edged portrait of Irish Traveller male culture and explores the bond of loyalty, the need for revenge, and the pressures to fight for the honor of your family name. Irish Travellers are normally silent about certain parts of their lifestyle and this is a rare chance to step inside one of the world's most vibrant and elusive communities. Never before has such a portrayal of their fighting traditions been committed to film as Palmer spent years around the clans before they agreed to shoot their secretive world and their way of settling scores: no gloves, no padding, just KNUCKLE.

Review:

Incredible. The film is basically the real life story of Brad Pitt's character in "Snatch". Just the concept of this film would make a great movie, unfortunately for Hollywood this is a real life thing! Families fist fighting over decade long fueds. Young men challenging elders who have fought for years. The disappointment & heart break for the losers to have to face their own families after a loss. The large amounts of money bet on their own fighters that somehow manages to keep the winning man's family economically stable for just that much longer. OH & not to mention that THEY ARE ALL RELATED! You thought that your extended family has issues? You could not be anymore wrong!!


68%


Cinematography: 11/20
Intrigue: 18/20
Extra: 10/10
Non-Bias Story Telling: 2/10

Super High Me (2007):

Starring:

Doug Benson

Graham Elwood

Rob Huebel

Rob Riggle

Brian Posehn

Paul F. Thompkins

Jimmy Dore

Greg Proops

Patton Oswalt

Sarah Silverman

Director:

Michael Blieden

Rotten Tomatoes: 57%

Flixster: 53%

Synopsis:

Comedian Doug Benson sets out to smoke marijuana for 30 days, enduring medical, IQ, and psychic evaluations providing unexpected results. Along the way Doug performs across the country and hangs with fellow notable comedians

Review:

America's Sweet (Leaf) Heart Doug Benson's adaptation of Morgan Spurlock's "Super Size Me" film. This movie will make you laugh, cry & question your stance on pot smoking. Or maybe strengthen it if you already love to get high. Tons of America's top comedians have cameo's.

67%

Cinematography: 8/20
Intrigue: 19/20
Extra: 8/10
Non-Bias Story Telling: 5/10

I Don't Know How She Does It (2011):

Starring:

Sarah Jessica Parker - Kate Reddy

Pierce Brosnan - Jack Abelhammer

Greg Kinnear - Richard Reddy

Christina Hendricks - Allison Henderson

Kelsey Grammer - Clark Cooper

Seth Meyers - Chris Bunce

Olivia Munn - Momo Hahri

Jane Curtin - Marla Reddy

Mark Blum - Lew Reddy

Sarah Shahi - Janine LoPietro

Busy Phillipps - Wendy Best

Director:

Douglas McGrath (Infamous; Company Men)

Rotten Tomatoes: 17%

Flixster: 32%

Synopsis:

"I Don't Know How She Does It" follows a Boston-based working mother trying desperately to juggle marriage, children, and a high-stress job. Kate Reddy devotes her days to her job with a Boston-based financial management firm. At night she goes home to her adoring, recently-downsized architect husband Richard and their two young children. It's a non-stop balancing act, the same one that Kate's acerbic best friend and fellow working mother Allison (Christina Hendricks) performs on a daily basis, and that Kate's super-brainy, child-phobic young junior associate Momo (Olivia Munn) fully intends to avoid. When Kate gets handed a major new account that will require frequent trips to New York, Richard also wins the new job he's been hoping for?and both will be spreading themselves even thinner. Complicating matters is Kate's charming new business associate Jack Abelhammer (Brosnan), who begins to prove an unexpected source of temptation.

Review:

First you should know that I was forced to watch this stupid ass movie by my GF & her sister. I guess it's my own fault for not falling asleep during it like I do so many other movies, TV shows ect. To steal a line from a wonderful "Doug Loves Movies" podcast that they should make the male equivalent starring Matthew Broderick (SJP's real life husband) & title it "I Don't Know How He Does It". Just watching ole horse face for an hour plus was gut wrenching. In almost 95% of any "Kill, Marry, Boff" game I will always choose SJP as my "Kill". Lets hope it doesn't come down to Juliet Lewis, Milla Jovovich & Her because my choice will always be suicide. Horse Face aside the rest of the cast is actually really good. Pierce Brosnan, Kelsey Grammer, Seth Meyers, Greg Kinnear are always at the top of their game. But it was your stereotypical chick flick only lamer.

26%

Lead Acting: 6/15
Supporting Cast: 4/15
Plot: 3/10
Compared To The Genre: 4/10
Cinematography: 7/20
Intrigue: 2/20
Extra: 0/10

Taxi Driver (1976):

Starring:

Roberto De Niro - Travis Bickle

Cybill Sheperd - Betsy

Peter Boyle - Wizard

Albert Brooks - Tom

Harvey Keitel - Sport

Jodie Foster - Iris

Director:

Martin Scorsese (As I've Said Before. If You Don't Know His Other Films, You Shouldn't Read My Blog)

Rotten Tomatoes: 98%

Flixster: 93%

Synopsis:

A sensationalized paranoia movie that is one long preparation for a massacre. It creates a tight, obsessive, suffocating world that excludes normal outlets for relief, rest, connection, gratification. Robert DeNiro is a lonely, impotent, insomniac ex-marine provoked to orgasmic carnage. it is definitely not suitable for the squeamish, the impressionable or the very young.

Review:

WOW. What? I'm reviewing a film that wasn't made in the 2000's or 1990's? CRAZY. In case you want to know, I personally am not a major fan of movie's made before the 1980's. Not because they aren't as good, or because they aren't as good for production value. But it's mainly because of the old acting style, which was that most films & directors hadn't transitioned from stage acting to film acting. Acting towards a crowd of live people is very different than acting towards a camera that is there as a 3rd person. A lot of films made prior to 1980 are still done in the old school technique. However with this film, I had never seen it before & since I am such a huge Scorsese fan I thought that I needed to at least give it a fair chance since it is considered one of his greatest. I watched the 35th anniversary blu-ray & absolutely loved it. De Niro has an amazing ability to transition from a slightly damaged war vet to a completely crazy psycho path & back again. Truly proving why he is a legend. The supporting cast features some early roles from some of Hollywood's future elite & some of that current times bigger names. Jodie Foster playing an under aged (while she was under aged) prostitute who befriends Travis & Cybill Sheperd (who is a complete & total babe) as a campaigner hand for a man running for governor. Albert Brooks plays Sheperd's co-worker who does not like the presence of Travis around Betsy & Harvey Keitel as the pimp/boyfriend to Foster. Obviously the production value isn't as good considering the year, but it holds up real well on blu-ray. I'm very glad that I decided to put away my prejudice towards pre-80's films & watch this because it was incredible. Finally seeing the famous "You Talkin' To Me?" scene in it's entirety was long overdue.

84%

Lead Acting: 15/15
Supporting Cast: 13/15
Plot: 8/10
Compared To The Genre: 10/10
Cinematography: 16/20
Intrigue: 14/20
Extra: 8/10

10,000 B.C. (2008):

Starring:

Steven Strait - D'Leh

Camilla Belle - Evolet

Cliff Curtis - Tic'Tic

Joel Virgel - Nakudu

Affif Ben Badra - Warlord

Mo Zinal - Ka'Ren

Marco Khan - One-Eye

Reece Ritchie - Moha

Omar Sharif - Narrator

Director:

Roland Emmerich (Universal Soldier; Patroit; Godzilla; The Day After Tomorrow; 2012)

Rotten Tomatoes: 8%

Flixster: 44%

Synopsis:

This is a sweeping odyssey into a mythical age of prophesies and gods, when spirits rule the land and mighty mammoths shake the earth. In a remote mountain tribe, the young hunter, D'Leh, has found his heart's passion--the beautiful Evolet. When a band of mysterious warlords raid his village and kidnap Evolet, D'Leh is forced to lead a small group of hunters to pursue the warlords to the end of the world to save her. Driven by destiny, the unlikely band of warriors must battle saber-tooth tigers and prehistoric predators and, at their heroic journey's end, they uncover a Lost Civilization. Their ultimate fate lies in an empire beyond imagination, where great pyramids reach into the skies. Here they will take their stand against a powerful god who has brutally enslaved their people.

Review:

This movie is simply "Terrible". I have seen better acting in children's TV shows. The main actors seem like they are reading their lines off of a teleprompter. Which would be fine if they weren't so terribly monotoned at doing it. Zero emotion from Strait & Belle. Then you have all of the character actors who are all speaking in fake ancient languages who are just as monotoned. Past the acting you get your faced crammed full of CGI EVERYTHING!. Outside of the actual actors you are watching a movie made entirely on a computer screen. There are very few actual sets, you get a CGI Tiger, CGI Prehistoric giant birds & TONS of Mammoths. The CGI looks like it is from the early 2000's in the style that things are designed & the generic wide shots that are clearly one scene cropped together to look like more than one. Even Cliff Curtis couldn't save this film & he is usually pretty good. SUCKED.

14%

Lead Acting: 1/15
Supporting Cast: 2/15
Plot: 2/10
Compared To The Genre: 1/10
Cinematography: 4/20
Intrigue: 4/20
Extra: 0/10

Warrior (2011):

Starring:

Joel Edgerton - Brendan Conlon

Tom Hardy - Tommy Conlon

Nick Nolte - Paddy Conlon

Jennifer Morrison - Tess Conlon

Frank Grillo - Frank Campana

Kevin Dunn - Prinicpal Zito

Maximiliano Hernandez - Colt Boyd

Bryan Callen - Himself

Sam Sheridan - Himself

Noah Emmerich - Dan Taylor

Kurt Angle - Koba

Director:

Gavin O'Connor (Pride & Glory; Miracle)

Rotten Tomatoes: 83%

Flixster: 92%

Synopsis:

Tommy Conlon returns to his hometown of Pittsburgh and enlists his father, a recovered alcoholic and his former coach, to train him for an MMA tournament awarding the biggest purse in the history of the sport. Meanwhile, his estranged brother, Brendan, a former MMA fighter unable to make ends meet as a public school teacher, returns to the amateur ring to provide for his family after being suspended from his day job. When Brendan's unlikely rise as an underdog sets him on a collision course with Tommy, the two brothers must finally confront the forces that tore them apart, all the while waging the most intense, winner-takes-all battle of their lives.

Review:

This would have been the very first A+/50 had I gotten around to writing this before I saw & reviewed The Cabin In The Woods. This film has everything that I personally want in a film. The acting is incredible, it's a shame that Tom Hardy wasn't nominated for more awards for this role (maybe not an Academy Award, but other awards). Nick Nolte was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the father of Hardy & Edgerton. The story has an incredible back story with amazing emotions from all of the actors. The dark & secretive past of Hardy character brings a realism to the story. The action sequences are a little bit far fetched but in the world of Hollywood your not going to show fight scenes that involve ground game, winning on points or anything like that so having all of the fights be a tiny bit over the top isn't completely unrealistic. They also employed several UFC veterans to fight in some of the earlier fights in the movie. (Nate "The Great" Marquardt, Yves Edwards & Anthony "Rumble" Johnson). Jennifer Morrison (Cameron of House fame) is not only super sexy, but also gives a strong family presence to Edgerton's character showing what a man will do to help his family survive in a time where money is tight & you might have to put your body & health on the line to protect the ones you love. One of my top films from last year (even though I didn't see it until it came out on DVD towards the end of the year). I suggest that even if this doesn't look like your kind of film you see it simply for the powerful performances outside of the cage. This film also stars wrestler Kurt Angle as an undefeated Russian fighter named Koba but that doesn't help my argument to see it.  Bryan Callen has a small role as himself pretending to be Joe Rogan & Sam  Sheridan as himself pretending to be Mike Goldberg. Callen is actually pretty fun because he is the poor mans Joe Rogan & has a few pretty funny moments.

97%

Lead Acting: 15/15
Supporting Cast: 15/15
Plot: 9/10
Compared To The Genre: 10/10
Cinematography: 19/20
Intrigue: 19/20
Extra: 10/10

She's Out Of My League (2010):

Starring:

Jay Baruchel - Kirk Kettner

Alice Eve - Molly

T.J. Miller - Stainer

Mike Vogel - Jack

Nate Torrence - Devon

Lindsay Sloane - Marnie

Kyle Bornheimer - Dylan Kettner

Jessica St. Clair - Debbie Kettner

Krysten Ritter - Patty

Debra Jo Rupp - Mrs. Kettner

Kim Shaw - Katie

Director:

Jim Field Smith (First Feature Film)

Rotten Tomatoes: 58%

Flixster: 59%

Synopsis:

An airport security guard gets involved with a girl who's very obviously of a higher caliber than himself, and schemes to make the relationship last as his friends and family watch along in disbelief. Kirk (Jay Baruchel) was languishing in a dead-end job as an airport security agent when he somehow managed to earn the affections of the successful and drop-dead gorgeous Molly (Alice Eve). Even Kirk isn't exactly sure what Molly sees in him, though he's willing to do whatever it takes to make the relationship work. With his friends, family, and ex-girlfriend all watching stunned from the sidelines, Kirk discovers that he'll have to work overtime in order to convince Molly that he's worth hanging on to.

Review:
Does every Jay Baruchel  movie have to feature or be about hockey? I hope so. I think the more I see the film the less I actually like it. First time, I laughed quite a bit, thought the actors were really well written. But then the 2nd & 3rd time I noticed more of the stupid childish jokes, the lame acting & characters that aren't actually very interesting. I will say though that my boy T.J. Miller is always a gem. Even if his name is.... ugh Stainer. WTF?! If you love silly pube shaving scenes or basement hockey games with couch cushions as leg pads, then you will love this film. If your looking for anything more than just an attractive woman & a lanky Canadian, you might be out of luck. YEAH DENVER!

70%

Lead Acting: 9/15

Supporting Cast: 9/15

Plot: 7/10

Compared To The Genre: 6/10

Cinematography: 13/20

Intrigue: 16/20

                                                      Extra: 10/10 

The Way (2011):

Starring:

Martin Sheen - Tom

Emilio Estevez - Daniel

Deborah Kara Unger - Sarah

Yorick van Wageningen - Joost

James Nesbitt - Jack

Tcheky Karyo - Captain Henri

Spencer Garrett - Phil

Director:

Emilio Estevez (Men At Work)

Rotten Tomatoes: 81%

Flixster: 83%

Synopsis:

Tom is an American doctor who goes to France following the death of his adult son, killed in the Pyrenees during a storm while walking The Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of St. James. Tom's purpose is initially to retrieve his son's body. However, in a combination of grief and homage to his son, Tom decides to journey on this path of pilgrims. While walking The Camino, Tom meets others from around the world, all broken and looking for greater meaning in their lives, and discovers the difference between the life we live and the life we choose.

Review:

Emilio Estevez (The Mighty Duck man I swear to god) directing his father walking across Europe. This must show how much he secretly hates his father to make a  72 year old man do all that walking. At least he is the sane son in the family. It's got its heart felt moments of new friendships, adventure & world travel. But in the end, it's an old man walking. And then walking some more. The backdrop of France & Spain however is quite beautiful.Can never speak ill of Martin Sheen. Don't think I've ever seen him do anything that wasn't incredible. Thinking that maybe the people reviewing at R.T. & The Flix liked it a lot more than I did. Wasn't terrible, just slightly boring at times. Holy crap does Emilio ever look like his father now. There is one scene where they show a wider shot of the two of them in a car. It is uncany how similar they look. Almost exactelly the same.

49%

Lead Acting: 8/15
Supporting Cast: 7/15
Plot: 6/10
Compared To The Genre: 4/10
Cinematography: 12/20
Intrigue: 8/20
Extra: 4/10

Colombiana (2011):

Starring:

Zoe Saldana - Cataleya

Jordi Molla - Marco

Lennie James - Ross

Michael Vartan - Danny Delaney

Cliff Curtis - Emilio Restrepo

Callum Blue - Richard

Director:

Olivier Megaton (Transporter 3)

Rotten Tomatoes: 27%

Flixster: 53%

Synopsis:

In the action film "Colombiana", Cataleya, a young woman who has grown up to be an assassin after witnessing the murder of her parents as a child. Turning herself into a professional killer and working for her uncle, she remains focused on her ultimate goal: to hunt down and get revenge on the mobster responsible for her parents' deaths.

Review:

Story was good but reused. Action was good but a little over the top. Zoe Saldana is super sexy.

68%

Lead Acting: 9/15
Supporting Cast: 7/15
Plot: 6/10
Compared To The Genre: 6/10
Cinematography: 16/20
Intrigue: 14/20
Extra: 10/10

Conan The Barbarian (2011):

Starring:

Jason Momoa - Conan

Stephen Lang - Khalar Zym

Rachel Nichols - Tamara

Ron Pearlman Corin

Rose McGowan - Marique

Bob Sapp - Ukafa 

Saïd Taghmaoui - Ela-Shan

Nathan Jones - Akhun

Laila Rouass - Fialla

Morgan Freeman - Narrator

Director:

Marcus Nispel (Pathfinder; Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003))

Rotten Tomatoes: 23%

Flixster - 32%

Synopsis:

"I live. I love. I slay. I am content." - Conan The Barbarian... The most legendary Barbarian of all time is back. Conan's exploits in the Hyborian Age now come alive like never before in a colossal 3D action-adventure film. A quest that begins as a personal vendetta for the fierce Cimmerian warrior soon turns into an epic battle against hulking rivals, horrific monsters, and impossible odds, as Conan realizes he is the only hope of saving the great nations of Hyboria from an encroaching reign of supernatural evil.

Review:

Not nearly as good as the original, just updated effects & CGI. Acting may even be worse. Nathan Jones & Bob Sapp appearances do help its EXTRA rating. Does have a few homage remakes or tribute shots to the original which were nice to see.

42%

Lead Acting: 3/15
Supporting Cast: 4/15
Plot: 6/10
Compared To The Genre: 3/10
Cinematography: 14/20
Intrigue: 8/20
Extra: 4/10

Young Adult (2011):

Starring:

Charlize Theron - Mavis Gary

Patton Oswalt - Matt Freehauf

Patrick Wilson - Buddy Slade

Elizabeth Reaser - Beth Slade

Collettte Wolfe - Sandra Freehauf

Director:

Jason Reitman (Thank You For Smoking; Up In The Air)

Rotten Tomatoes: 80%

Flixster: 53%

Synopsis:

Mavis Gary, a writer of teen literature, returns to her small hometown to relive her glory days and attempt to reclaim her happily married high school sweetheart. When returning home proves more difficult than she thought, Mavis forms an unusual bond with a former classmate who hasn't quite gotten over high school either. 

Review:

Starts off really upbeat & funny. Turns somewhat Dark. Extremely awkward sex scene between Theron & Patton. Patton with his shirt off is not something I can't un-see now. A very non-Hollywood ending (Thanks Scott Henson for that one). Acting was good not great. Story was different. Patton was in early Oscar talk about his role in this but I guess was surpassed towards the end of the year & forgotten about. I thought he did a very good job.

53%

Lead Acting: 9/15
Supporting Cast: 9/15
Plot: 6/10
Compared To The Genre: 5/10
Cinematography: 12/20
Intrigue: 9/20
Extra: 3/10

5 Days Of War (2011):

Starring:

Rupert Friend - Thomas Anders

Emmanuelle Chriqui - Tatia Meddevi

Richard Coyle - Sebastian Ganz

Heather Graham - Miriam Eisner

Jonathan Schaech - Captain Rezo Avaliani

Rade Serbedzija - Col. Alexandr Demidov

Andy Garcia - President Mikheil Saakashvili

Val Kilmer - "Dutchman"

Dean Cain - Chris Bailot

Antje Traue - Zoe

Director:

Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2; Cliffhanger; Deep Blue Sea)

Rotten Tomatoes: 34%

Flixster: 43%

Synopsis:

Based on true events, this intense film is a vivid account of a renegade American journalist, his cameraman and a local woman caught behind enemy lines, and determined to not only survive, but tell the world what was happening, during the swift but devastating 5-day war between Russian and the Georgian Republic in 2008.

Review:

I usually don't read other reviews of things before I review just do I don't unintentionally steal anyone Else's ideas or insight. But for this one, I wanted to see what the general consensus was about it. I personally thought the movie had good action for a movie with limited theatrical release & a small budget. The acting wasn't horrible, the plot was good. Mostly because things based on True Events are usually pretty good. I was surprised to see how many critically acclaimed movie reviewers hated this film. Found it to be preachy propaganda for an event that wasn't that significant to anything. Who is to say what did & didn't happen, but let's be honest it's a goddamn movie. It's not like it's a shot for shot remake of the actual event. Its a movie "BASED ON TRUE EVENTS" meaning its been slightly modified by writers, the director, whomever. So taking this into account I just can't see why reviewers look so far into it. I mean sure it's not Saving Private Ryan, or even McHale's Navy. Val Kilmer is actually the best part of this film & he's in it for maybe 20 minutes total? Hm... don't know that the point that he's the best part helps my argument for this film at all. I mean the man has gone from 180lbs to 235 in the last decade, grown out his hair & done nothing but straight to DVD action films since 2000. He does his role well of comedic relief. Emmanuelle Chriqui is also a super babe, even with a fake Georgian accent (that isn't very good) But Hey she's Canadian.

S.P.R.: C/36

Acting: 7/10

Plot: 8/10

Cinematography: 7/10

Intrigue: 7/10

Extra: 7/10

Kung Fu Panda (2008) &

Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011):

Starring:

Jack Black - Po

Dustin Hoffman - Shifu

Angelina Jolie - Tigress

Ian McShane - Tai Lung

Jackie Chan - Monkey

Seth Rogan - Mantis

Lucy Liu - Viper

David Cross - Crane

James Hong - Mr. Ping

Dan Fogler - Zeng

Michael Clark Duncan - Cammander Vachir

Director(s): Mark Osborne (The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie)
& John Stevenson (Father Of The Pride)

Rotten Tomatoes: 88%

Flixster: 83%

Kung Fu Panda 2:

Gary Oldman - Shen

Michelle Yeoh - Soothsayer

Danny McBride - Wolf Boss

Jean-Claude Van Damme - Master Croc

Victor Garber - Master Thundering Rhino

Director: Jennifer Yuh (First Feature Film)

Rotten Tomatoes: 81%

Flixster: 79%

Synopsis Kung Fu Panda:

Enthusiastic, big and a little clumsy, Po is the biggest fan of kung fu around--which doesn't exactly come in handy while working every day in his family's noodle shop. Unexpectedly chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy, Po's dreams become reality when he joins the world of kung fu and studies alongside his idols, the legendary Furious Five--Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey--under the leadership of their guru, Master Shifu. But before they know it, the vengeful and treacherous snow leopard Tai Lung is headed their way, and it's up to Po to defend everyone from the oncoming threat. Can he turn his dreams of becoming a kung fu master into reality? Po puts his heart--and his girth --into the task, and the unlikely hero ultimately finds that his greatest weaknesses turn out to be his greatest strengths.

Synopsis Kung Fu Panda 2:

In "Kung Fu Panda 2," Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five. But Po's new life of awesomeness is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain, who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu. He must look to his past and uncover the secrets of his mysterious origins; only then will Po be able to unlock the strength he needs to succeed. 

Review:

Jack Black being Jack Black. Just like every other film he is in. Except in animated form. The first film was new, funny, had a good positive plot. The second could not be anymore of the exact same film unless you accidentally watch the 1st one again. The second one is full of the exact same fight sequences, jokes, voice acting & lacks Ian McShane. Good 1st film, mediocre sequel. Wonder how bad the 3rd will be.

S.P.R.: Kung Fu Panda: B/42

Acting: 8/10

Plot: 8/10

Cinematography: 9/10

Intrigue: 8/10

Extra: 9/10 

S.P.R.: Kung Fu Panda 2: C+/38

Acting:

7/10

Plot: 7/10

Cinematography: 9/10

Intrigue: 7/10

Extra: 8/10 

Cast Away (2000):

Starring:

Tom Hanks -  Chuck Noland

Helen Hunt - Kelly Frears

Chris Noth - Jerry Lovett

Nick Searcy - Stan

Director:

Robert Zemeckis (Back To The Future Triolgy; Forrest Gump)

Rotten Tomatoes: 90%

Flixster: 80%

Synopsis:

Chuck Noland, a FedEx systems engineer whose personal and professional life are ruled by the clock. His fast-paced career takes him, often at a moment's notice, to far-flung locales - and away from his girlfriend Kelly. Chuck's manic existence abruptly ends when, after a plane crash, he becomes isolated on a remote island - cast away into the most desolate environment imaginable. Stripped of the conveniences of everyday life, he first must meet the basic needs of survival, including water, food and shelter. Chuck, the consummate problem solver, eventually figures out how to sustain himself physically. But then what? Chuck begins his personal journey. After four years, fate gives Chuck a chance to fight his way back to civilization, only to find an unexpected emotional challenge greater than all the earlier physical ones. His ability to persevere and to hope are a product of his life-changing experience. Though the conclusion of Chuck's story may not be a conventional Hollywood ending, it is, like life, full of truth, pain and promise.

S.P.R.: A/46

Acting: 9/10

Plot: 9/10

Cinematography: 9/10

Intrigue: 9/10

Extra: 10/10

Johnny English (2003) & 

Johnny English Reborn (2011):

Starring:

Rowan Atkinson - Johnny English

John Malkovich - Pascal Sauvage

Natalia Imbruglia - Lorna Campbell

Ben Miller - Bough

Douglas McFerran - Carlos Vendetta

Tim Pigott-Smith - Pegasus

Kevin McNally - Prime Minister

Director:

 Peter Horwitt (Antitrust; Laws Of Attraction)

Rotten Tomatoes: 33%

Flixster: 54%

Starring:

Rowan Atkinson - Johnny English

Gillian Anderson - Pamela

Rosamund Pike - Kate

Dominic West - Ambrose

Daniel Kaluuya - Agent Tucker

Richard Schiff - Fisher

Tim McInnerny - Quartermain

Director:

Oliver Parker (Othello; St. Trinian's)

Rotten Tomatoes: 38%

Flixster: 47%

Synopsis Johnny English:

When her majesty's crown jewels are stolen by a conniving Frenchman, who also plans to steal the queen's throne, spy Johnny English, a bit unseasoned but intensely enthusiastic, is thrown onto the case. Fast cars, high tech gadgets, top secret info--Johnny can hardly believe it. He may be in over his head, but his courage and dedication are unmatched--especially after he meets double agent Lorna Campbell and discovers that falling in love makes saving the nation even more exciting.

 

Synopsis Johnny English Reborn:

Rowan Atkinson returns to the role of the improbable secret agent who doesn't know fear or danger in the comedy spy-thriller Johnny English Reborn. In his latest adventure, the most unlikely intelligence officer in Her Majesty's Secret Service must stop a group of international assassins before they eliminate a world leader and cause global chaos.

Review:

It's a sad day when I have to speak ill of Mr. Atkinson. Mr. Bean was a huge part of my childhood. Later in my years Blackadder became a show I watched. When Johnny English first came out, could not have been more excited than I was. So of course when I found out they were making a sequel. SUPER EXCITED! So once it came out on Blu-ray I ran out (more like a week later while I happened to be at Walmart) grabbed it & then watched them in order. At first I thought I had accidentally put in The Love Guru. Sadly I was mistaken. You know it's horrible when it's compared to The Love Guru. WHY MR ATKINSON WHY!?! Could a 3rd Bean movie been any worse? I'm A Sad Panda. It's sad that the 2nd one has bigger named actors that the 1st, yet I thought the acting was worse. You have Dominic West & his granite chiseled jaw line & Scully from X-Files (still looking hot). But even that can't save the film. In the 1st one you have the incredibly beautiful Aussie Natalie Imbruglia (yes THE Natalie Imbruglia) & John Malkovich doing possibly the WORST French accent you will ever hear in your entire life.

S.P.R.: Johnny English C/29

Acting: 6/10

Plot: 6/10

Cinematography: 5/10

Intrigue: 6/10

Extra: 6/10

S.P.R.: Johnny English Reborn: D/22

Acting: 5/10

Plot: 4/10

Cinematography: 5/10

Intrigue: 4/10

Extra: 5/10