Cinema Reviews

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June, 2009
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009) 3/5
2009-06-24 19:08

Let me start by saying that I loved the first Transformers movie. In all honesty, if I were to make a list of pros and cons about the movie, I think the list would be pretty even. But if you look at the weight of each item, the positive far outweighs the negative. Optimus Prime producing a sword from his hand and decapitating Bonecrusher under the freeway definitely makes up for John Turturro in his Sector 7 underwear getting peed on by Bumblebee. Likewise, Jazz’s annoying ebonics and breakdancing are more than made up for by seeing his body ripped in half by Megatron’s bare hands while perched atop a skyscraper. The list goes on and on, but the bottom line is that every annoyance in the first film is easily washed away by the sheer badassery of other elements of the film.
0.3
Year One (2009) 3.5/5
2009-06-21 21:36

Year One is not a bad flick by any means. It is an entertaining comedy that will definitely have people busting up. The problem is that there isn't really enough material to keep the laughs consistent up until the film's conclusion. By the end of the movie everything kind of devolves into a silly farce. There are people who will find the movie amusing from start to finish, however with the caliber of comedies these days, the film leaves the audience wishing for a bit more than what they are left with. Unless you are a huge fan of Jack Black or Michael Cera, I would recommend waiting for video. There are better movies out at theaters that are well worth the price of admission.
0.3
The Hangover (2009) 4/5
2009-06-14 15:58

For many males taking the ultimate step of marriage, there is one time honored tradition most look forward to...the bachelor party. While it's no secret that bachelor parties usually involve a lot of drinking and "questionable" company, the bachelor party is one last hurrah for the groom to be. It may involve going to a strip club, hanging out at the bar with your best buddies or even taking a trip somewhere for the weekend. It's become increasingly popular for the men to do the latter and what better place to visit than Sin City itself, Las Vegas. This bring us to The Hangover, a film by Todd Phillips who was responsible for the ultra funny Old School.
0.3
UP 3-D (2009) 5/5
2009-06-11 14:30

Up, Up and Away! Pixar’s latest release UP, was easily the best animated movie I’ve seen so far this year. Bob Peterson and the rest of the Disney/Pixar team have come together to produce yet another exceptional film. Without giving away too much, I will mention that UP begins with a sweet but very emotional and gut wrenching beginning. Similar to Pixar’s 2008 summer blockbuster Wall·E, the story begins with minimal dialogue, relying heavily on the expressions of its characters and mood of the music to carry the story.
0.3
Drag Me to Hell (2009) 4/5
2009-06-03 02:24

Drag Me to Hell isn’t exactly the scariest movie I’ve ever seen, but it is definitely one of the most entertaining. There is some serious dark humor in this film along with some legitimate jump out of your seat scares. For horror fans, this film is definitely worth checking out and is guaranteed to keep you entertained for the entire time.
0.3
May, 2009
Night at the Museum: Battle of the... 2/5
2009-05-26 11:00

Exhibits coming to life at a museum was a fun idea the first time around. The second time : EPIC FAIL. After the huge success of its predecessor, a second installment was inevitable. With most of the original cast returning to make their second appearances, I actually had high hopes for this film. However, after watching this feature, it was plain to see that Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian was just another one of Hollywood’s attempts at making money by covering up a lame storyline with a massive budget of special effects and CGI.
0.3
Terminator Salvation (2009) 3/5
2009-05-25 02:15

To cope with this, Terminator Salvation attempts to draw an audience with a terrific action spectacle filled with explosions, car chases, and excessive gunfire. This initially works, but without any real story going for it, the movie itself becomes a mindless and pointless mess.
0.3
Angels and Demons (2009) 2/5
2009-05-15 11:00

To his credit, Ron Howard tried his best to answer the call of the heavily criticized Da Vinci Code. Rather than staying true to the script, he along with his team of screenwriters attempted to create a film far more appealing to its general audience by writing a script which moved at break neck speed. In this case however, he probably should have kept with original. Although a tad better than the Code, A&D still fails by epic proportions.
0.3
Star Trek (2009) 5/5
2009-05-08 12:20

Star Trek was an outstanding film. J.J. Abrams has absolutely outdone himself with this wonderfully cast and brilliantly directed film, mixing the old with the new, and pushing its limits without ever straying too far from original Trek universe. With one single stroke, J.J. has revitalized what was once a fading franchise.
0.3
X-Men Origins : Wolverine (2009) 4/5
2009-05-01 03:15

The real meat of the origins story is definitely the love/hate relationship between mutant brothers Wolverine and Sabertooth. Liev Schreiber is very convincing as Saber, and after watching this film, I was completely satisfied with his casting. Most movie goers are already familiar with the Hugh Jackman casting. He really needs no introduction, and from a fans perspective, he definitely was born for his role as Wolverine.
0.3
March, 2009
Streetfighter : Legend of Chun Li (2009) 0.5/5
2009-03-13 19:02

Let’s be honest, when we all heard a Street Fighter movie was being made back in the 90’s, gamers everywhere, myself included, rejoiced at the thought of Ryu and Ken shooting fireballs from their hands. Or even M. Bison dishing out some psycho power. Instead, we got the Muscles from Brussels as the American Guile, a short Sagat played by an actor known for his Native American roots, a not-so-pretty Vega and Damian Chapa as Ken Masters?!
0.3
Taken (2009) 4.5/5
2009-03-12 22:00

Ever since I saw the trailers for this movie, I knew I had to watch it. There is just something about the intensity associated with the tension and desperation of trying to recover an abducted loved one that really appeals to me. Add in the fact that Liam Neeson is the star and the movie was written by Luc Besson, who has written and directed some of the coolest action flicks of my generation, (Fifth Element, The Transporter series, Kiss of the Dragon, The Messenger, etc.) and a kickass film is all but guaranteed.
0.3
Watchmen (2009) 4/5
2009-03-11 01:19

When the Internet started buzzing about a film adaptation of the famed graphic novel Watchmen, I wasn't totally excited because I've never even heard of it. But after seeing the official teaser trailer, I was immediately hooked. Not because of the cool looking blue guy or the Batman looking wannabe, but it was the line spoken at the end " the world will look up and shout save us, and I'll whisper no."
0.3
February, 2009
Friday the 13th (2009) 4.5/5
2009-02-21 19:14

I'm old enough to have seen all of the original Friday the 13th films on VHS in the 1980's. As such, my interest in horror is encapsulated within that time period - sorry folks, I'm not down with the Saws and Hostels and other movies premised on human cruelty and layering on special effects just for the sake of being gross. I just can't stomach it. But 80's cheese I totally dig. Thus begins my review.
0.3
January, 2009
Underworld : Rise of the Lycans 4.5/5
2009-01-30 13:20

The first time I screened the previews for this film, I was almost certain its producers were setting themselves up for disaster. As a huge fan of the Underworld series, the thought of a prequel without Kate Beckinsale or original screenwriter Len Wiseman at its helm didn’t sit right with me. However, after all my apprehension and doubt, I found myself drawn to a film which boasted vampire versus werewolf in a medieval setting.
0.3
Grand Torino (2009) 4/5
2009-01-20 22:12

Overall the movie is excellent. While I didn’t really enjoy the ending, I completely understand why it ended the way it did. For anyone that has viewed Eastwood’s prior films, this one will end no different, leaving the viewer with a bucket full of mixed emotions and no clean cut answers. This is perhaps what I enjoy best about his films.
0.3
My Bloody Valentine 3D (2009) 3/5
2009-01-16 16:39

I'm a sucker for slasher flicks. While there have been some really bad and forgettable ones in recent memory, I had to satisfy my desire for decapitations, gore and of course T&A. Add the fact it's in 3D, I couldn't wait to see this movie. For all the hardcore fans, you're either going to love or hate this movie. For the masses, it's probably just another excuse to snuggle with their other half or get a taste of what the future of cinema might be, namely 3D.
0.3
December, 2008
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) 4/5
2008-12-28 21:49

Overall, this is definitely a film worth watching. Personally, it was one of those movies that has stuck with me even days after viewing it. It has potential to affect people in that manner and possibly have them think about their own lives. They aimed for a more mature audience whose attention spans aren't bound by a leash.
0.3
Seven Pounds (2008) 4.5/5
2008-12-28 10:20

The Pursuit of Happyness was such a huge success that it didn't surprise me when I found out Will Smith would be teaming up with director Gabriele Muccino for a second run at the box office.
0.3
Valkyrie (2008) 3.5/5
2008-12-27 21:50

Those who go into this movie expecting an action packed blockbuster will be sorely disappointed. Those who venture in with an open mind and a desire to gain insight into the most notorious government and dictator in human history will definitely learn alot from this film. Overall the movie is well made with a decent plot, however the average movie goer may be a bit bored as some sections of the movie tend to drag a bit and the action is minimal.
0.3