What can you say about a Jonah Hill movie with this setup? It is "Adventures in Babysitting" 2011. Yes, it's funny but you can predict what is to come.
Hill stars as a slacker who takes a babysitting job for a neighbor to help his mom go out for a night. Of course, the kids he is to watch are just freaking nuts. So that means that things are going to go very very bad.
Interestingly enough, I felt that much like in the original, the main character learns more about himself and might just find his path in life. Wait for this one to hit DVD. 3 bags of popcorn.
Monday, December 26, 2011
We Bought A Zoo
This movie is based on a true story, I had no idea about that. Before I go further, this is not just a kid movie about animals.
Matt Damon stars as a father that is trying to recover his life with his 2 kids after losing his wife. Like many of us, everything in his town reminds him of what he has lost so he decides to move. While looking at houses, they find one they love, but it has a condition. It is part of a zoo.
The supporting cast of Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Hayden Church and Elle Fanning all make this a heartwarming tale of love, compassion and how we all need that human interaction. Several times during this film, your author had tears. The line I love from this film that I might use as my life's motto is : You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it."
Go see this movie. Take the family but just know that the kids might get a bit bored at times. A full 4 bags of buttery popcorn.
Matt Damon stars as a father that is trying to recover his life with his 2 kids after losing his wife. Like many of us, everything in his town reminds him of what he has lost so he decides to move. While looking at houses, they find one they love, but it has a condition. It is part of a zoo.
The supporting cast of Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Hayden Church and Elle Fanning all make this a heartwarming tale of love, compassion and how we all need that human interaction. Several times during this film, your author had tears. The line I love from this film that I might use as my life's motto is : You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it."
Go see this movie. Take the family but just know that the kids might get a bit bored at times. A full 4 bags of buttery popcorn.
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
Out of all of the films in this series, this is by far the best one. Lots of great action with some funny one liners. Starring Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg and Jeremy Renner, the IMF is charged with a huge terrorist attack in Russia.
The action sequences are just incredible using the vision of Brad Bird. Personally I love the scene in Dubai where Hunt is climbing the tower. I am not spoiling anything since it is on the commercial.
OK, I know this is short but bottom line...go see it. 4 action filled bags of popcorn which much of was spilled on the floor!
The action sequences are just incredible using the vision of Brad Bird. Personally I love the scene in Dubai where Hunt is climbing the tower. I am not spoiling anything since it is on the commercial.
OK, I know this is short but bottom line...go see it. 4 action filled bags of popcorn which much of was spilled on the floor!
Monday, November 28, 2011
J Edgar
The newest biopic stars Leonardo DiCaprio as J. Edgar Hoover, the creator of the FBI and one of the most interesting characters in modern crime history.
The story starts in 1919 and runs through the Nixon Presidency, told in flashbacks. Hoover was an interesting, ambitious guy that really just took charge. How many other guys can serve under 8 Presidents? But yes, it does appear that he did have secret files on a lot of people. Think of him as the TMZ of his day.
DiCaprio did a really good job of portraying Hoover. Armie Hammer plays Hoover's best friend and suspected lover Clyde Tolson. It ran a bit long and a tad slow at times but a worthwhile film. Double bags of popcorn equaling 4!
The story starts in 1919 and runs through the Nixon Presidency, told in flashbacks. Hoover was an interesting, ambitious guy that really just took charge. How many other guys can serve under 8 Presidents? But yes, it does appear that he did have secret files on a lot of people. Think of him as the TMZ of his day.
DiCaprio did a really good job of portraying Hoover. Armie Hammer plays Hoover's best friend and suspected lover Clyde Tolson. It ran a bit long and a tad slow at times but a worthwhile film. Double bags of popcorn equaling 4!
Twilight - Breaking Dawn Part 1
Yes, I will admit that I have seen all of the movies and read the books. So I figured that I had to go see this one in the theaters like the others.
For what it is, I thought it was ok. The story continues of Bella and Edward as they get married and what happens after. Unless you have been living under a rock, you already know that Bella gets pregnant on the honeymoon which is not all that unusual. What is though is that her half-vampire baby wants out after like 3 weeks. The rest of the movie is your typical Edward vs. BFF Jacob vs the Wolves.
The fight scenes were pretty decent and once you know the story, it was fine. A full 3 bags.
For what it is, I thought it was ok. The story continues of Bella and Edward as they get married and what happens after. Unless you have been living under a rock, you already know that Bella gets pregnant on the honeymoon which is not all that unusual. What is though is that her half-vampire baby wants out after like 3 weeks. The rest of the movie is your typical Edward vs. BFF Jacob vs the Wolves.
The fight scenes were pretty decent and once you know the story, it was fine. A full 3 bags.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
In Time
I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but bottom line is...it's a good movie. Maybe I think that because I can admit that I like Justin Timberlake as an actor. And that Amanda Seyfried who I normally don't like was ok.
The movie is eerily familiar with what we are seeing in the world today. The Have's vs the Have Not's except with time, not money. Everything is paid in time since after you turn 25, you have to earn time. Timberlake plays a blue collar guy named Will Salas who helps out a rich guy in the wrong part of town. As payment, the guy gives Will all his time. At first, he is cool about it but when his mother times out, he wants revenge on the system. Sound familiar at all. Amanda Seyfriend plays the daughter of the richest guy who controls all the time who at first hates Will but eventually falls and helps him. By the way, Amanda looks very hot in this film!
It's a solid movie worth checking out. 3.5 bags
The movie is eerily familiar with what we are seeing in the world today. The Have's vs the Have Not's except with time, not money. Everything is paid in time since after you turn 25, you have to earn time. Timberlake plays a blue collar guy named Will Salas who helps out a rich guy in the wrong part of town. As payment, the guy gives Will all his time. At first, he is cool about it but when his mother times out, he wants revenge on the system. Sound familiar at all. Amanda Seyfriend plays the daughter of the richest guy who controls all the time who at first hates Will but eventually falls and helps him. By the way, Amanda looks very hot in this film!
It's a solid movie worth checking out. 3.5 bags
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Tower Heist
I know that this is a bit late since it has been out about 2 weeks now. Due to a change in my job, I don't have the ability to catch the previews much anymore. I will still review what I see, in case you are thinking of seeing something.
Tower Heist is a comedic, get even story starring Eddie Murphy and Ben Stiller. Though the idea came up years ago from Murphy, the timing couldn't have been better. Alan Alda plays a super rich con man who steals money from people citywide, as well as the staff of the Tower, the building he lives in. Ben Stiller plays the building manager who invested the pension fund with Alda. The fun comes when they try to steal it back.
The movie also stars Casey Affleck, Michael Pena and is just the vehicle for people to remember what made Eddie Murphy a star. Go check it out. I give it 4 bags of popcorn.
Tower Heist is a comedic, get even story starring Eddie Murphy and Ben Stiller. Though the idea came up years ago from Murphy, the timing couldn't have been better. Alan Alda plays a super rich con man who steals money from people citywide, as well as the staff of the Tower, the building he lives in. Ben Stiller plays the building manager who invested the pension fund with Alda. The fun comes when they try to steal it back.
The movie also stars Casey Affleck, Michael Pena and is just the vehicle for people to remember what made Eddie Murphy a star. Go check it out. I give it 4 bags of popcorn.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Drive
I know that this movie is already out in the theaters. I missed the preview but still wanted to see it. I should have listened to the producers and drove away.
Ryan Gosling plays this unnamed driver that is a stuntman by day, getaway driver by night and a moron all the time. I think his script was comprised of 4 pages with many of the lines repeated so he would not forget them.
This movie, with it's horrible 80's graphics, soundtrack and the stupid jacket he wears throughout should have stayed on the producer's Mac. You probably have heard it is violent. It is. There is a lot of blood splattered about but most of it is just funny. Seriously, there were people laughing in the theater, including me.
This movie should have been about 45 minutes long. But the director decided that there just had to be a lot of awkard silences, distant stares, shots of Gosling driving and no dialogue. So it tops out at about 2 miserable hours.
Drive to the theater and choose any other movie. This piece of cinematic crap gets 1/4 of a bag of popcorn.
Ryan Gosling plays this unnamed driver that is a stuntman by day, getaway driver by night and a moron all the time. I think his script was comprised of 4 pages with many of the lines repeated so he would not forget them.
This movie, with it's horrible 80's graphics, soundtrack and the stupid jacket he wears throughout should have stayed on the producer's Mac. You probably have heard it is violent. It is. There is a lot of blood splattered about but most of it is just funny. Seriously, there were people laughing in the theater, including me.
This movie should have been about 45 minutes long. But the director decided that there just had to be a lot of awkard silences, distant stares, shots of Gosling driving and no dialogue. So it tops out at about 2 miserable hours.
Drive to the theater and choose any other movie. This piece of cinematic crap gets 1/4 of a bag of popcorn.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Real Steel
My first thought about this movie was "It's Rock Em Sock Em Robots on the screen". Honestly, I was partly right and mostly wrong.
This movie starring Hugh Jackman and Evangeline Lilly is a solid action/drama/feel good film. But the real star is Max Kenton played by Dakota Goyo. This is Charlie Kenton's (Jackman) son that he abandoned years before. The premise is that the sport of boxing evolved in 2016 when the audience wanted more violence. So robot boxing was invented. Kenton was a boxer in the day and now is more of a "trainer/controller" who is really just on a bad streak.
As with most Boxing movies, the attendees in the audience were screaming out loud cheering on Max's fighter Atom. The thing I found most surprising about this film was the emotional attachment you feel not just for Max & Charlie but for Atom. You get a sense that though he is a robot, he is working hard for them.
This movie starring Hugh Jackman and Evangeline Lilly is a solid action/drama/feel good film. But the real star is Max Kenton played by Dakota Goyo. This is Charlie Kenton's (Jackman) son that he abandoned years before. The premise is that the sport of boxing evolved in 2016 when the audience wanted more violence. So robot boxing was invented. Kenton was a boxer in the day and now is more of a "trainer/controller" who is really just on a bad streak.
As with most Boxing movies, the attendees in the audience were screaming out loud cheering on Max's fighter Atom. The thing I found most surprising about this film was the emotional attachment you feel not just for Max & Charlie but for Atom. You get a sense that though he is a robot, he is working hard for them.
Real Steel is the real deal. Go see this film and try not to spill too much popcorn. A full 4 bags!
Friday, September 9, 2011
Our Idiot Brother
This review will be one of the shorter ones. Why? Because there was nothing good about this movie. I went into this movie after reading a few user reviews and thought this should be ok. Plus it has Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks and Zooey Deschanel. Right?
Nope. Any funny lines were used in the commerical. There was a message in the mess that resonated with me. Again, won't tell you what the message is because you might want to see this film.
This gets 1.75 bags because I took some to throw at the screen.
Nope. Any funny lines were used in the commerical. There was a message in the mess that resonated with me. Again, won't tell you what the message is because you might want to see this film.
This gets 1.75 bags because I took some to throw at the screen.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Moneyball
This was a good, solid movie. Yes, it's a baseball movie. Yes, it's about more than just baseball. But it's a baseball movie.
Brad Pitt plays Billy Beane, the General Manager of the Oakland A's. He meets Peter Brandt played by Jonah Hill and their friendship changes the game. If you are a fan, you will remember a lot of the names and situations in the movie.
Since it's based on a true story and it sticks to the facts, there is not much to say. Pitt and Hill have some real chemistry though I never thought that I would see them on the same screen.
That's the game....4.25 bags of cracker jack!
Brad Pitt plays Billy Beane, the General Manager of the Oakland A's. He meets Peter Brandt played by Jonah Hill and their friendship changes the game. If you are a fan, you will remember a lot of the names and situations in the movie.
Since it's based on a true story and it sticks to the facts, there is not much to say. Pitt and Hill have some real chemistry though I never thought that I would see them on the same screen.
That's the game....4.25 bags of cracker jack!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
A Good Old Fashioned Orgy
Another really funny R-rated summer comedy. As the title says, that is the overall goal of a group of lifelong friends.
This is a crude, laugh out loud, full frontal nudity, sexually charged, not for kids or prudes movie. It totally rates 4.5 bags of popcorn!
Jason Sudekis is Eric, whose father (Don Johnson) has this awesome house in the Hamptons that he and his friends invade all summer long. This group of friends throws the biggest and craziest parties for all major holidays. When Dad informs Eric that the house is being sold, Labor Day becomes well an orgy. The question that runs the middle of the film is whose in?
The cast that makes up the friends are very funny and look familiar. Many of them have done TV shows and some films. Besides Sudekis, who is really coming into his own as a film star, the only other main names you would know are Leslie Bibb (40 YO Virgin, Talledega Nights) and Lake Bell (What Happens In Vegas, It's Complicated). Tyler Labine is Eric's best friend and is very Jack Blackish. I had to remind myself at times it wasn't Jack Black.
This is a crude, laugh out loud, full frontal nudity, sexually charged, not for kids or prudes movie. It totally rates 4.5 bags of popcorn!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Contagion
What to say about a huge cast (Matt Damon, Gwyenth Paltrow, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Kate Winslet) starring in the 2011 version of Outbreak. Let me think about this for a minute. It's ok.
With all the fears and panic about biological weapons, bird flu and other fun things, Director Steven Soderbergh put together a solid movie about a new strain of a deadly virus. The cast is strong including Paltrow who is not in it for longer than 8 minutes total. Great thing about this movie is that you get how quickly things can turn bad and turn into a pandemic the likes of which would be horrific. And you really try hard not to touch anything,
It's a solid movie with a great director. Because I feel that it is another remake, I might not have gone to see it in a theater where I had to shell out cash. But it rates a full 3 bags of popcorn.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Conan the Barbarian in 3D by Rhiannon
Conan the Barbarian.
I went to see this movie in 3D. I was reminded of how much I dislike 3D. Aside from that, let’s talk about the movie itself.
The synopsis was this, as far as I could tell: Conan's mom had him as she was dying on a battlefield. He grows up a bit to be a young boy, played by Leo Howard (Leo Little's Big Show, G.I. Joe). He goes out, kills some enemies. His father, played by Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy, Hellboy), teaches him how to really fight. His father then gets killed by Khalar Zym, played by Stephen Lang (The Men Who Stare at Goats, Avatar). After a quick narration, Conan, played by Jason Momoa (Stargate: Atlantis, Game of Thrones), is all grown up. According to the narration he left his village, and wandered around being a mercenary and a thief. He's still hunting for the group that killed his father. He finds them. Trouble ensues and he meets up with Tamara, played by Rachel Nichols (Charlie Wilson's War, Star Trek), whom he uses to get to Khalar.
As for my opinion: It was a bloodbath, and what rhymes with blood? The word dud comes to mind. The choreography was slow and clunky, and not very well done. The acting and dialogue were abysmal, which is surprising, considering the cast. Ron Perlman stood out at the best actor. Even Rose McGowan could not save this. The actors were 2D, despite it being 3D. The plot... well… what plot? The backdrops were beautifully done; however, most of them didn't make sense for the scenes. And, for some of the panoramic scenes, the 3D made it so that you could tell it was a model. The soundtrack was gorgeous, all two songs of it. Yes, listed in the credits were two songs.
All in all, I give this movie 2 bags of popcorn out of 5. One of the other bags I threw at the screen, and the other 2, I threw away in disgust.
I went to see this movie in 3D. I was reminded of how much I dislike 3D. Aside from that, let’s talk about the movie itself.
The synopsis was this, as far as I could tell: Conan's mom had him as she was dying on a battlefield. He grows up a bit to be a young boy, played by Leo Howard (Leo Little's Big Show, G.I. Joe). He goes out, kills some enemies. His father, played by Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy, Hellboy), teaches him how to really fight. His father then gets killed by Khalar Zym, played by Stephen Lang (The Men Who Stare at Goats, Avatar). After a quick narration, Conan, played by Jason Momoa (Stargate: Atlantis, Game of Thrones), is all grown up. According to the narration he left his village, and wandered around being a mercenary and a thief. He's still hunting for the group that killed his father. He finds them. Trouble ensues and he meets up with Tamara, played by Rachel Nichols (Charlie Wilson's War, Star Trek), whom he uses to get to Khalar.
As for my opinion: It was a bloodbath, and what rhymes with blood? The word dud comes to mind. The choreography was slow and clunky, and not very well done. The acting and dialogue were abysmal, which is surprising, considering the cast. Ron Perlman stood out at the best actor. Even Rose McGowan could not save this. The actors were 2D, despite it being 3D. The plot... well… what plot? The backdrops were beautifully done; however, most of them didn't make sense for the scenes. And, for some of the panoramic scenes, the 3D made it so that you could tell it was a model. The soundtrack was gorgeous, all two songs of it. Yes, listed in the credits were two songs.
All in all, I give this movie 2 bags of popcorn out of 5. One of the other bags I threw at the screen, and the other 2, I threw away in disgust.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Fright Night in 3D - Reviewed by Rhiannon
Since I couldn't be in 2 screenings at once, I asked my friend Rhiannon to see Fright Night and give her thoughts.
Okay, I must say, I am a fan of the original. When I found out they were showing this one in 3D, I was dreading it. I thought Roddy McDowell was the best Peter Vincent there was, but I’m a fan of David Tennant, and his humor, so I thought I’d give it a chance. When the movie opened with a 3D flying above the clouds ala The Lost Boys, I was bored. But then, the opening credits started, and I was hooked on this movie’s 3D effects. Done perfectly, just far enough apart that you forget it’s a 3D movie and then it surprises you with something coming at your face.
The movie stars Anton Yelchin (Star Trek) as Charlie Brewster who has left his old life of D&D and his best friend Ed, played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Role Models, Superbad) behind. When Ed figures out a dark secret about Charlie's neighbor Jerry (Colin Firth), this is where the fun begins. Jerry sets his sights on Charlie. In his sights also are Charlie’s mom, played by Toni Collette(United States of Tara), and Charlie’s girlfriend played by Imogen Poots (V for Vendetta, 28 Weeks Later). Charlie turns to magician/expert in the darker things Peter Vincent, played by David Tennant (Dr. Who, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) for help.
This movie was true to the original with enough of a twist to be an entirely different movie. It is both horror and comedy. The cast was chosen well (hats off to Jo Edna Boldin and Allison Jones!), and the sets were almost perfect. There is a cameo by one of the original cast that is not to be missed. All in all, it could have been a disastrous remake of a good movie, but it was pulled off well! I give it 4.5 out of 5 bags of popcorn. (I threw the rest into the air during one of the scenes).
Okay, I must say, I am a fan of the original. When I found out they were showing this one in 3D, I was dreading it. I thought Roddy McDowell was the best Peter Vincent there was, but I’m a fan of David Tennant, and his humor, so I thought I’d give it a chance. When the movie opened with a 3D flying above the clouds ala The Lost Boys, I was bored. But then, the opening credits started, and I was hooked on this movie’s 3D effects. Done perfectly, just far enough apart that you forget it’s a 3D movie and then it surprises you with something coming at your face.
The movie stars Anton Yelchin (Star Trek) as Charlie Brewster who has left his old life of D&D and his best friend Ed, played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Role Models, Superbad) behind. When Ed figures out a dark secret about Charlie's neighbor Jerry (Colin Firth), this is where the fun begins. Jerry sets his sights on Charlie. In his sights also are Charlie’s mom, played by Toni Collette(United States of Tara), and Charlie’s girlfriend played by Imogen Poots (V for Vendetta, 28 Weeks Later). Charlie turns to magician/expert in the darker things Peter Vincent, played by David Tennant (Dr. Who, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) for help.
This movie was true to the original with enough of a twist to be an entirely different movie. It is both horror and comedy. The cast was chosen well (hats off to Jo Edna Boldin and Allison Jones!), and the sets were almost perfect. There is a cameo by one of the original cast that is not to be missed. All in all, it could have been a disastrous remake of a good movie, but it was pulled off well! I give it 4.5 out of 5 bags of popcorn. (I threw the rest into the air during one of the scenes).
Thursday, August 11, 2011
30 Minutes Or Less
Jesse Eisenberg and Aziz Ansari seemed to enjoy making "30 Minutes or Less". This movie follows the trend of R-rated comedies this summer.
The plot revolves around the 2 best friends of Nick and Chet on one side (the bomb side) and Dwayne and Travis (the dumb criminals played by Danny McBride and Nick Swardson). What you really need to know about this movie is that it's very funny. The things that Nick and Chet have to go through to prevent from blowing up is hysterical.
I hope that you all go out and see this movie...a solid 4 out of 5!
The plot revolves around the 2 best friends of Nick and Chet on one side (the bomb side) and Dwayne and Travis (the dumb criminals played by Danny McBride and Nick Swardson). What you really need to know about this movie is that it's very funny. The things that Nick and Chet have to go through to prevent from blowing up is hysterical.
I hope that you all go out and see this movie...a solid 4 out of 5!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Final Destination 5 in 3D
OK, I went to see this movie for this blog and those that read it. I had no interest in it but if I want to do this and possibly make it bigger, I have to see almost everything. With that said...
SAVE YOUR MONEY! Are people supposed to laugh out loud at a movie like this? What can I tell you about this movie without giving it away? First death happens like 7 minutes in. I do give credit to the writers for the way it wrapped up. For those that like the series, you will appreciate it.
I will never get that 90 minutes back. I give this 1.5 out of 5.
SAVE YOUR MONEY! Are people supposed to laugh out loud at a movie like this? What can I tell you about this movie without giving it away? First death happens like 7 minutes in. I do give credit to the writers for the way it wrapped up. For those that like the series, you will appreciate it.
I will never get that 90 minutes back. I give this 1.5 out of 5.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Cowboys & Aliens
Sorry for the delay on this one. I somehow missed the preview but here's my review anyhow.
After watching this movie, my one thought was REALLY??? It reminded me of a few other movies where you get to a turning point and go huh? The last Indiana Jones and Knowing come to mind. But anyway...
Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford star as 2 outlaws that band together to fight the aliens. This only comes after people are snatched off the ground by the aliens and the little town is busted all to hell. Olivia Wilde is good in her role and her reveal was a nice twist.
Go see it if you haven't already... I give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
PS - besides stars, any ideas of a good rating systems?
After watching this movie, my one thought was REALLY??? It reminded me of a few other movies where you get to a turning point and go huh? The last Indiana Jones and Knowing come to mind. But anyway...
Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford star as 2 outlaws that band together to fight the aliens. This only comes after people are snatched off the ground by the aliens and the little town is busted all to hell. Olivia Wilde is good in her role and her reveal was a nice twist.
Go see it if you haven't already... I give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
PS - besides stars, any ideas of a good rating systems?
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
A slight lull
After going to 2-3 movies a week, it seems to have slowed down. I should have been going to 30 Minutes or Less tonight but things got a bit messed up. I hope to see Rise of the Planet of the Apes this week, Fright Night in 2 weeks and Final Destination 5 next week.
Stay tuned for new reviews and feel free to comment! FYI...I have tried to move this to Facebook but the "Page" for something like this doesn't really work.
Stay tuned for new reviews and feel free to comment! FYI...I have tried to move this to Facebook but the "Page" for something like this doesn't really work.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
50/50
No, these are not the odds that I will succeed with this blog. This is a well written, solid movie with some fine actors. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen star as Adam & Kyle, best friends who have to deal with a sudden diagnosis of cancer.
Sidenote: There are several scenes with doctors talking about Adam's diagnosis. I think that these scenes are very realistic regarding the way doctors and many of the medical professionals handle these sensitive issues. Please remember that we are patients, real people that are being told something so mind blowing, don't rush through it like you are telling me my dinner is ready.
Angelica Houston plays Adam's mom and shines in the role. I'm sure that you can see part of your mom in that role. Bottom line, this movie is emotional, funny (though Seth Rogen is exactly how he is in many of his movies) and makes you think.
Once I wiped the tears away, I am able to give this a solid 4.5 stars out of 5!
Sidenote: There are several scenes with doctors talking about Adam's diagnosis. I think that these scenes are very realistic regarding the way doctors and many of the medical professionals handle these sensitive issues. Please remember that we are patients, real people that are being told something so mind blowing, don't rush through it like you are telling me my dinner is ready.
Angelica Houston plays Adam's mom and shines in the role. I'm sure that you can see part of your mom in that role. Bottom line, this movie is emotional, funny (though Seth Rogen is exactly how he is in many of his movies) and makes you think.
Once I wiped the tears away, I am able to give this a solid 4.5 stars out of 5!
Monday, July 25, 2011
The Smurfs
To be honest, I wasn't even going to see this movie. I had no real desire to see it but some good friends reminded me that if I am going to review movies, I have to see everything, not just want I want to see. With that in mind, I went to see the Smurfs in 3D.
I was more enjoyable than I expected. First of all, you do not have to have seen the cartoon from back in the day. The screenwriters did a great job of bringing the little blue people to life and explain who they are. If you did watch the cartoons, you will recognize so many little things. Papa Smurf, Smurfette and some of the others are there plus some new ones. The movie revolves around Papa, Smurfette, Hefty, Grouchy, Brainy, Clumsy and their arch enemy Gargamel and his cat Azreal. Gargamel chases the Smurfs out of the village and into a portal bringing them to modern day New York City.
Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma Mays play the couple who helps the Smurfs get back home. Honestly, they were perfect for this movie. When you see Mays, you tend to picture her with cartoon birds singing on her shoulders, so Smurfs work well. Harris is his normal fantastic self. But I think the scene stealer goes to Hank Azaria who is just amazing as Gargamel.
A bunch of cute lines from George Lopez and Katy Perry. Overall, the movie is Smurftastic scoring a 3.75 stars out of 5.
I was more enjoyable than I expected. First of all, you do not have to have seen the cartoon from back in the day. The screenwriters did a great job of bringing the little blue people to life and explain who they are. If you did watch the cartoons, you will recognize so many little things. Papa Smurf, Smurfette and some of the others are there plus some new ones. The movie revolves around Papa, Smurfette, Hefty, Grouchy, Brainy, Clumsy and their arch enemy Gargamel and his cat Azreal. Gargamel chases the Smurfs out of the village and into a portal bringing them to modern day New York City.
Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma Mays play the couple who helps the Smurfs get back home. Honestly, they were perfect for this movie. When you see Mays, you tend to picture her with cartoon birds singing on her shoulders, so Smurfs work well. Harris is his normal fantastic self. But I think the scene stealer goes to Hank Azaria who is just amazing as Gargamel.
A bunch of cute lines from George Lopez and Katy Perry. Overall, the movie is Smurftastic scoring a 3.75 stars out of 5.
Friday, July 22, 2011
The Change-Up
So you might be thinking "Oh another movie where people change places ala Freaky Friday/Vice Versa". Well the difference here is not just mom and daughter or father and son. It's 2 guys that live totally different lives and have to try to survive.
Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman are best friends for years. Dave (Bateman) is married to the very funny and sexy Jaime (played by Leslie Mann). He is a lawyer with 3 kids, up for partner and has things together. Mitch (Reynolds) is a bachelor living the bachelor life. I'm sure you can picture what I mean. After a night of drinking and wishing for the other's life, it happens.
Now this is a seriously funny movie with some seriously hard language. It is R for a reason including a scene in the beginning that is honestly just gross. To see Mitch be Dave with all the Mitchism was freaking hysterical. Dave as Mitch was a bit more heartwarming but just as funny. Lots of unexpected laughs throughout this movie.
Oh, one more thing...the funny and very sexy Olivia Wilde is in this movie. Reason enough to go, no run to the theater! 4 out of 5 stars!
Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman are best friends for years. Dave (Bateman) is married to the very funny and sexy Jaime (played by Leslie Mann). He is a lawyer with 3 kids, up for partner and has things together. Mitch (Reynolds) is a bachelor living the bachelor life. I'm sure you can picture what I mean. After a night of drinking and wishing for the other's life, it happens.
Now this is a seriously funny movie with some seriously hard language. It is R for a reason including a scene in the beginning that is honestly just gross. To see Mitch be Dave with all the Mitchism was freaking hysterical. Dave as Mitch was a bit more heartwarming but just as funny. Lots of unexpected laughs throughout this movie.
Oh, one more thing...the funny and very sexy Olivia Wilde is in this movie. Reason enough to go, no run to the theater! 4 out of 5 stars!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Captain America
Since I was not a huge fan of the comic, I had some reservations about this movie when I heard about it. Then the trailers came out and I was more inclined to see it. Now, I have to say that I am glad I did.
Chris Evans plays Steve Rogers, a small skinny kid from Brooklyn (my home town) who wants to serve his country in WWII. Due to his size, he is rejected time and time again. But he is given a special opportunity thanks to a scientist and some super-soldier potion. A little shock here, a little needle there and BAM! A superhero is born. Or is it?
You know I don't like to give anything away. But I will say that Captain America was not always intended on being the badass he became. I found that interesting and funny. The rest of the cast (Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter and Tommy Lee Jones as Col. Phillips) did a nice job of rounding out the movie.
Lots of action, some great one liners equals a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Chris Evans plays Steve Rogers, a small skinny kid from Brooklyn (my home town) who wants to serve his country in WWII. Due to his size, he is rejected time and time again. But he is given a special opportunity thanks to a scientist and some super-soldier potion. A little shock here, a little needle there and BAM! A superhero is born. Or is it?
You know I don't like to give anything away. But I will say that Captain America was not always intended on being the badass he became. I found that interesting and funny. The rest of the cast (Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter and Tommy Lee Jones as Col. Phillips) did a nice job of rounding out the movie.
Lots of action, some great one liners equals a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The Help
All I want to say about the new Emma Stone movie "The Help" is GO SEE THIS MOVIE.
I did not read the book, but the previews made me want to see this. It is a look back at an ugly time in our history but a truthful one. Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan is a journalist who decides to write about injustice and things that bother her. This leads her into a world of the Help. Abilieen (Voila Davis) and Minny (Octavia Spencer) are the 2 maids that are willing to help and tell the truth about life in Jackson, Mississippi.
The cast brought out the feeling and warmth of the characters. Besides Stone, Davis and Spencer, the rest of the cast did a phenominal job. The heart and soul of this movie is written on the faces of each woman.
I would give this movie a solid 4 out of 5! GO SEE THIS MOVIE!
I did not read the book, but the previews made me want to see this. It is a look back at an ugly time in our history but a truthful one. Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan is a journalist who decides to write about injustice and things that bother her. This leads her into a world of the Help. Abilieen (Voila Davis) and Minny (Octavia Spencer) are the 2 maids that are willing to help and tell the truth about life in Jackson, Mississippi.
The cast brought out the feeling and warmth of the characters. Besides Stone, Davis and Spencer, the rest of the cast did a phenominal job. The heart and soul of this movie is written on the faces of each woman.
I would give this movie a solid 4 out of 5! GO SEE THIS MOVIE!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Super 8
I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. I was going into a bit apprehensive but the cast really won me over. In his debut role, Joel Courtney plays Joe Lamb, the son of the recently deceased Elizabeth and Jack, the deputy Sheriff of Lillian, OH. What happens in this small town you wouldn't want to happen to your town, believe me.
The movie revolves around Joe and his friends Charles, Cary, Martin, Preston who are all making a movie about zombies. In need of a leading lady, Charles asks Alice played by Elle Fanning. While filming at midnight, a train is derailed by a pickup truck purposefully and this is where things get interesting.
As you know, I am not a spolier. So, in interest of that, the suspensefulness and drama comes into play here. You know something is out there doing evil things, but you only catch glimpses of it. There are a few moments where you jump back but the fun thing is...it's scary but not really scary. I would give this a comfortable 3.5 out of 5 stars.
The movie revolves around Joe and his friends Charles, Cary, Martin, Preston who are all making a movie about zombies. In need of a leading lady, Charles asks Alice played by Elle Fanning. While filming at midnight, a train is derailed by a pickup truck purposefully and this is where things get interesting.
As you know, I am not a spolier. So, in interest of that, the suspensefulness and drama comes into play here. You know something is out there doing evil things, but you only catch glimpses of it. There are a few moments where you jump back but the fun thing is...it's scary but not really scary. I would give this a comfortable 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Friends With Benefits
When you first saw the previews for this movie, you probably said "Didn't that come out already?" Many people probably confused it with "No Strings Attached" starring Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher. Let's clear this up for everyone...FWB is the clear winner.
This light hearted, very funny movie stars Justin Timberlake as Dylan and Mila Kunis as Jamie. A business meeting brings the 2 together and of course some sparks fly. BUT not the way you would expect. The laughs are plentiful and I missed some of the dialogue that followed the funny lines since the theater was in hysterics.
Woody Harrelson, Jenna Elfman and Patricia Clarkson round out the main cast. Harrelson is especially funny in his role as Tommy, the gay sports editor. Why did I say it that way? There is a reason and I say it with all respect. There are of course some sweet touching moments as this is a rom-com at heart.
Overall, I would give this 4 out of 5 stars. A much funnier movie than Bad Teacher and a better role for Timberlake.
This light hearted, very funny movie stars Justin Timberlake as Dylan and Mila Kunis as Jamie. A business meeting brings the 2 together and of course some sparks fly. BUT not the way you would expect. The laughs are plentiful and I missed some of the dialogue that followed the funny lines since the theater was in hysterics.
Woody Harrelson, Jenna Elfman and Patricia Clarkson round out the main cast. Harrelson is especially funny in his role as Tommy, the gay sports editor. Why did I say it that way? There is a reason and I say it with all respect. There are of course some sweet touching moments as this is a rom-com at heart.
Overall, I would give this 4 out of 5 stars. A much funnier movie than Bad Teacher and a better role for Timberlake.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Horrible Bosses 7/5/11
This is a review for the new movie Horrible Bosses starring Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudekis, Colin Farrell, Kevin Spacey and Jennifer Aniston. I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars.
Nick (Jason Bateman), Kurt (Jason Sudekis) and Dale (Charlie Day) are 3 friends for years that all have issues at work. Nick works for Dave Harken (Kevin Spacey). Harken is just an evil, maniacal, ego-driven guy that enjoys making Nick's life hell. Kurt works for a family owned chemical plant who has a great relationship with the owner. When the owner dies, his son Bobby (Colin Farrell) takes over. Bobby's interest lie in taking every dime from the business and spending it on hookers and coke. Charlie is a dental assistant for Dr. Julia Harris (Jennifer Aniston). Julia is a bit of a wild woman and really wants Charlie, though he is engaged.
Life would be so much better for all 3 if the bosses were removed from the picture. Over drinks and talking hypothetically, the idea of taking them out comes up. This is where the funny comes in. Lots of great lines and some twists that you might not have expected. I don't want to say too much since it is not out yet. I will say that Jennifer Aniston completely breaks our of her shell as the good girl. She stole the show with this role and I think you might see her in more dirty roles in the future. All the guys were great though you have seen this Spacey before. Sudekis works better here than in Hall Pass.
WARNING: This is a HARD R movie for language. DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE PROMOS. If you are slightly prudish about sex, the lines that Julia utters in this movie will make you blush hard. As a guy, I was even shocked by some of the things she said.
Nick (Jason Bateman), Kurt (Jason Sudekis) and Dale (Charlie Day) are 3 friends for years that all have issues at work. Nick works for Dave Harken (Kevin Spacey). Harken is just an evil, maniacal, ego-driven guy that enjoys making Nick's life hell. Kurt works for a family owned chemical plant who has a great relationship with the owner. When the owner dies, his son Bobby (Colin Farrell) takes over. Bobby's interest lie in taking every dime from the business and spending it on hookers and coke. Charlie is a dental assistant for Dr. Julia Harris (Jennifer Aniston). Julia is a bit of a wild woman and really wants Charlie, though he is engaged.
Life would be so much better for all 3 if the bosses were removed from the picture. Over drinks and talking hypothetically, the idea of taking them out comes up. This is where the funny comes in. Lots of great lines and some twists that you might not have expected. I don't want to say too much since it is not out yet. I will say that Jennifer Aniston completely breaks our of her shell as the good girl. She stole the show with this role and I think you might see her in more dirty roles in the future. All the guys were great though you have seen this Spacey before. Sudekis works better here than in Hall Pass.
WARNING: This is a HARD R movie for language. DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE PROMOS. If you are slightly prudish about sex, the lines that Julia utters in this movie will make you blush hard. As a guy, I was even shocked by some of the things she said.
Yes, this is another movie review site.
Welcome to Mikey the Movies Man. On this site I hope to give you just real reviews from my point of view. A little background on me.. I love all types of mainstream movies. I am not into the foreign films that you have to read. If I want to read, I will get a book. Comedies and Action films are my favorite. Some of my favorite films are (in no particular order) Stripes, Transformers, Beverly Hills Cop, Death Race, The American President, Zombieland and many others. Favorite Actors/Actresses: Tom Hanks, Will Smith, Anne Hathaway, Ryan Renyolds, Sandra Bullock, John Cusack.
Each post will be for one movie. Feel free to comment!
Each post will be for one movie. Feel free to comment!
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