Planet 51 (Theaters)

It’s been a while since I’ve seen a family film that truly was a family film. (The last family movie I thoroughly enjoyed was “UP.”) My son was captivated from beginning to end, and he understood just about everything that was going on. I found it easy and fun to watch Planet 51.

In a far away world that seems almost Earth-like but set to the American 50′s era, everything seems normal until an “alien” lands in the suburban town of Glipforg. Immediately, the whole town is awestruck yet curious about the invasion.

And when Lem has the unfortunate fortune of meeting up with the alien his life takes a drastic turn. He’s forced to realize that things just aren’t what they seem to be. Naturally, the rest of Planet 51 is in panic, making assumptions as to what the alien is up to and how he’ll bring his plan to invade the planet into action. As the movie progresses, you realize how much alien and the beings from Planet 51 have in common. The moral of the story? Fearing the unknown… it’s amazing how ignorance breeds chaos. ;)

This is a film you and your family are sure to enjoy together.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon (Theaters)

All I can say is, “I want more”! We enjoyed every moment of the film–just about every scene leaves you at the edge of your seat, wondering what’s going to happen next. Even the ending makes you crave the next sequel (“Eclipse”).

Now that Bella (Kristen Stewart) is 18, the rest of the world seems to change before her eyes. Secrets revealed, nemeses return, and jealous rage takes a new form. Edward (Robert Pattinson) decides that he wants Bella to have a normal life–one without him–so the Cullens leave Forks without a trace. Bella is left behind to deal with her extremely broken heart and dreams beyond her measure. Somehow, her broken heart leads her to a closer relationship with Jacob (Taylor Lautner) who turns out to be someone – or something – else. But you’ll have to watch the movie to find out the rest.

Since I don’t have the luxury of reading all the books, I’m really looking forward to watching Eclipse (expected to be released June 30, 2010).

Law Abiding Citizen (Theaters)

There were no clear cut winners by the end of this film. No good guys or bad guys or real resolution by its closing credits. Law Abiding Citizen digs deep into the mind of a man who has lost everything and has nothing left to lose. Although highly implausible, this film definitely questions our justice system and gives you a closer look at the ugly truths of a judicial system which is far from perfect.

Both Jamie Foxx and Gerald Butler were excellent in their casted roles. In fact, during the entire film I was actually uncertain as to who I would cheer for. Foxx takes on the role of prosecution attorney Nick Rice, who’s client Clyde Shelton (Gerald Butler), just lost his entire family in a robbery gone bad. Rice’s decision to short change Shelton becomes a life changing one, and as the film progresses, the decision made directly affects Rice’s life and the lives of everyone around him.

Gerald Butler was great in 300, fantastic in RocknRolla, and a devil in Dracula 2000. Yet despite all his creditable roles, this was perhaps his finest performance of his career thus far. Although he was portrayed as a loving father and husband at the films opening, the changes made by the loss of family and the betrayal of his country transforms him into this beast of a man, who will stop it nothing until his vision of final justice is realized. Yet, despite his extremely cruel and deliberate acts of violence, the hints of pain and anguish he experiences is enough to sympathize for his character when you put yourself in his shoes even for a few moments.

The film was not free from flaws however. Although well casted and fairly intelligent, there was much to be desired at its climax and ending. I’m really not sure if I can elaborate without giving too much away, but I will say that the mystery shrouding Butlers character was erased almost immediately in the last thirty minutes or so.

Overall, this film was an enjoyable one. Despite its mediocre ending which lowered its value on my five star ranking, I’d still recommend it to anyone into action/thriller type films. It will not disappoint.