Movie Review: Captain Phillips

Brief Summary - Captain Phillips is based on the 2009 true story about an unarmed American Cargo ship that is hijacked. 

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 Capital Phillips deserves a 7

Movie Strengths - The Somali pirate actors all gave authentic performances, their empathetic plights forces viewers to sympathize with their struggle and detest them at the same time.

Movie Weaknesses - The latter half of the movie resembles an extended commercial for the Navy Seals.

Final Thoughts - A round of applause for the cast, the emotional range they all displayed makes this film memorable and watch worthy.

Movie Review: Elysium

Brief Summary - In the not to distant future the majority of Earth's indigent population is exiled on its  polluted surface. Hovering nearby in orbit is Elysium, a plush retreat in space for the filthy rich until a series of uncanny events leads Matt Damon (Max Da Costa) to disrupt the hierarchical system.

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 Elysium is easily worthy of an 7.5

Movie Strengths - Explosive scenes that would make Michael Bay proud, robot hunts, car chase/crashes, failed abductions, sniper missions and much much more ...Sharlto Copley (Kruger) is a memorable villain almost as sinister as Heath Ledger (Joker).

Movie Weaknesses - Certain scenes were too lengthy and at times the vibe is too serious and emotional.

Final Thoughts - Overall this film has a solid plot, strong sci-fi themed motifs, gun/bomb and knife action...your inner action junkie won't be disappointed!

Movie Review: Wolverine

Brief Summary - What does an ex-soldier turned Mutant without a purpose do? Revisit people from the past? Have frequent (borderline) wet dreams about his ex? Roam around in search of someone needing to be rescued? Pick fights with everybody in hopes of an honorable death? The correct answer is YES to all of the above.

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 Wolverine is worthy of a 6.5

Movie Strengths -  Hugh Jackman does not disappoint, he snarls, slashes and bashes villains, ninjas and gangsters mercilessly.To all the comic and cartoon fans surprisingly the plot does not stray far from the source material.

Movie Weaknesses - The chemistry between the female lead characters and Wolverine is creepy and downright uncomfortable to watch.

Final Thoughts -  Thankfully this film is a major improvement of its sloppy predecessor.

Movie Review: Pacific Rim

Brief Summary - A ‘magic’ portal deep beneath the sea floor serves as a passage way for monstrous beings (Kaiju) to attack all ye helpless Earthlings. Naturally, humanity turns to Asia to churn out massive robots (Jaegers) piloted by humans to brawl - cave man style- with said monsters.

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 Pacific Rim earns a 6.

Movie Strengths - Larger-than-life machines vs. monster fight scenes...who needs high tech weaponry when you can haul a ship out of the sea and bludgeon a monster's head with it...EPIC!

Movie Weaknesses - The supporting cast members left much to be desired.

Final Thoughts - Calling all nostalgic Anime and Transformer fans ! The good news - this movie will provide some relief...however that relief is fleeting, so unleash your inner kid, ignore your "mature brain" and enjoy the destruction.

Movie Review: World War Z

Brief Summary - "Vitamin Z"[as I prefer to call it] is infecting the populace faster than the speed of light, but have no fear humanity's salvation is dependent upon ...drum-role...Brad Pitt aka Gerry Lane who happens to be the United Nations equivalent of a superhero (sporting his perfectly parted, styled blonde locks minus the spandex costume).

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 WWZ earns a solid 7

Movie Strengths - Action, suspense, gore, solid performances from Zombie slashers & a plane crash worthy of a cameo in Denzel Washington's movie Flight.

Movie Weaknesses - Book fans BEWARE the only thing this movie has in common with its' source material is a shared title!

Final Thoughts - Even if you are not a fan of the Zombie pandemic genre this film still has something to offer any action-thrill seekers.

Movie Review: Man of Steel

Brief Summary - Man of Steel retraces the origins of Kal-El/ Clarke Kent from his birth on Krypton to his tumultuous adolescent years and outcast-type existence as an adult. Audiences journey with him as he grows into his heroic ‘Superman’ persona and realizes why he was sent to Earth.

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 Man of Steels earns a 8.5

Movie Strengths – Casting (a round of applause for Russell Crowe, Henry Cavill and his severe butt chin), awe-inspiring visuals, exciting fight scenes and eye candy for the ladies... I think I may buy my bf a few unitards for Christmas lol!

Movie Weaknesses – This film has a serious theme and a heavy premise, it is not the typical feel good movie and after 2 hrs and 28 mins of doom and gloom some people may walk away wishing for more of a silver lining.

Final Thoughts – Man of Steel is dark, edgy, gritty, intense-bordering on brutal ...it paints a picture of Superman’s real-life struggle for modern audiences. The movie is long and it can at times feel as if the Director (Zack Snyder Mr. 300) tried to accomplish too much in too little time. However the movie is stimulating, the creative plot twists are exhilarating, overall this film is ambitions and realistic.

Movie Review: Star Trek Into Darkness

Brief Summary – Young Captain Kirk and the Enterprise crew members are summoned to subdue an alien terrorist who has a personal vendetta and is determined  to sabotage the Star Fleet Federation.

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 Kirk and his gang earn a 7.5

Movie Strengths – Standing ovation for Mr. Spock & Khan...OMG Khan’s voice...I have not heard something so rich, deep, scary and sexy at the same time coming from someone that looks the like Benedict Cumberbatch WTH ! 

Movie Weaknesses – This films pacing and fluidity are a bit too slow at times.

Final Thoughts – This movie is a universal nerd pleaser; old trekkies and new fans will find this installation enjoyable. Non-trekkies can benefit from the captivating graphics, gun action and major hand to hand combat, solid plot and stellar performances from talented actors/actresses. 

Movie Review: The Great Gatsby

Brief Summary - Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's Classic American novel, audiences follow mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby and his next door neighbor (Toby McGuire) as he discovers who Gatsby really is and how he become so rich so quickly.

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 Gatz and company earn a 5.5

Movie Strengths – The Imagery in this film is a true treat for those among us that are visually stimulated.  The 1920's never looked so chic! 

Movie Weaknesses –  Leonardo Di Caprio lacks the emotional depth required to effectively portray such a complicated character, his version of Gatsby is bombastic at best.

Final Thoughts – Fans of the book can expect to be disappointed, classic themes such as  profound hope, the downside of the american dream, class struggle & entitlement are not given enough attention. Instead they take a backseat  due to the Director's (Baz Hurhmann) distracting fixation with razzle dazzle, glitz and jazz.

Movie Review: Oblivion

Brief Summary - For the greater part of 2 hrs Jack Harper (Tom Cruise)  enjoys his monotonous, plush life as a glorified ‘space mechanic’ stationed on Earth (in the future) after a War which forces the majority of humans to live in space. Of course he thinks that he and his lone female companion are alone on their mission to harvest Earth’s resources until...dun dun dun

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 Oblivion is worthy of a 5

Movie Strengths – Visuals, visuals, visuals...Joseph Kosinski the director of TRON: Legacy lends his skills and directs this spectacle of a movie

Movie Weaknesses – Talk about predictable script writing, a one ply sheet of toilet paper has more depth than this story line (seriously)

Final Thoughts – If you are a hardcore Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/ Fantasy film fan this film has the main ingredients to scratch your itch, if you can tolerate Tom Cruise for 2 + hrs and a thinly written script.

Movie Review: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Brief Summary - A young Hobbit named Bilbo Baggins is accosted and eventually coerced by a Wizard, Gandalf the Grey, and a gang of dwarfs to join them on a mission to reclaim the lost Kingdom of Erebor, which is occupied by Smaug the Dragon.

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 the Hobbits and company earn a 4.5 !

Movie Strengths - Cheers to hoping that like its predecessor this trilogy will improve as part 2 and 3 are churned out.

Movie Weaknesses - NO eye candy ( for guys or girls) and action suited for kids aged 10 and under.

Final Thoughts - For normal (non nerdy) adults this movie is a snoozer ! You may fall asleep multiple times as a result of the snail paced action deficient plot and pg rated humor.

Must See Movies - Top 10 Watch Worthy Movies of 2013

In No Particular Order:

1. Star Trek Into Darkness

     

Movie Trailer link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diP-o_JxysA

2.  Iron Man 3

     

Movie Trailer link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mKwAYaAZNg

3. Man of Steel                             

    

Movie Trailer link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVu3gS7iJu4

4.  World War Z                 

     

Movie Trailer link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5Y_nOkFvbY

5. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire                                         

    

Movie Trailer link -  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Rvu7Xs_ai8

6. Thor The Dark World

Movie Trailer link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePIcZGmBDXw

7. Kick Ass 2 
     

Movie trailer link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucGQFYqnEzg

8. Fast and Furious 6                          

    

Movie Trailer link – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKi5XoeTN0k

9. The Wolverine                               

    

Movie Trailer link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh1LdTFkm7I

10. Pacific Rim                

     

Movie Trailer link – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1HjooayL4o

Movie Review: Flight

Brief Summary - Experienced Commercial Airline Pilot, Captain Whit Whitaker [Denzel Washington] heroically man-handles a malfunctioning plane [like a BOSS]. The resulting investigations,takes the audience on a roller coaster ride that reveals much more than mechanical failure.

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 Flight is worthy of a 4.5

Movie Strengths - Denzel is an exceptional actor, and he is surrounded by equally talented cast members such as Don Cheadle, John Goodman and Bruce Greenwood.

Movie Weaknesses - Trite script and humdrum action.

Final Thoughts - The ONLY reason anyone should go see this movie is you are a die hard fan of Denzel's work! This film is a dark character study about a man struggling with his demons, he's hit rock bottom and somehow he manages to dig himself deeper. In other words, if no A-list actors appeared in this film it may have gone straight to DVD.

Movie Review: Skyfall

Brief Summary - Daniel ‘Marble face’ Craig makes his third appearance as James Bond aka Agent 007. His mission, as per usual, finds him tracking down yet another international terrorist hell bent on revenge, however, this particular radical [Silva] is from M’s past and his emergence tests Bond’s loyalty to M and M16.  

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 Skyfall earns an earnest 7.

Movie Strengths - Javier Bardem's sociopathic portrayal of Silva is disturbingly phenomenal!

Movie Weaknesses - A major character dies unnecessarily and the studio's choice of replacement is questionable.

Final Thoughts - A lot of people claim that Skyfall is the best Bond film ever! This film stands apart, marking yet another significant departure, from ALL previous Bond movies. Its dark, gritty, emotive & action laced but does Sam Mendes' Skyfall outshine Martin Cambell's Casino Royale ?

Movie Review: Looper

Brief Summary - Looper is set in gangland 2074; forget narco submarines the Mob is so sophisticated that they send assassins 30 years back in time to wipe out targets. These special hitmen are called Loopers and of course they specialize in closing ‘certain’ folk’s loops [aka lifespan] by killing them Gestapo style long before they start causing trouble in the future. In fact, the Mob is so dread they even hire hit men to kill their own hit men… now that’s GANGSTA!

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 Looper's smart script and exceptional cast performance easily earns an 8.8

Movie Strengths - Looper is the PERFECT blend of good ole Wild West gun action and ultramodern sci-fi special effects. Movie goers ought to enjoy the authentic plot twists & stellar performances from the star studded cast.

Movie Weaknesses - One word sums up the conclusion...DAFT!

Final Thoughts - This movie entertains, its not the best action flick of the year but its not a total waste of time either.

Movie Review: The Bourne Legacy

Brief Summary -In a nutshell, Aaron Cross is  the next 'wannabe' Jason Bourne in the unending Robert Ludlum saga.

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 this failure of a films gets a 3.2 !

Movie Strengths - The producers get half of a brownie point for three memorable action scenes...all of which were shown in the trailer.

Movie Weaknesses - This film is painfully sluggish...at its best its a  monotonous, bore.

Final Thoughts - Movie goers beware, despite its association with the Bourne trilogy... this film is ACTION DEFICIENT !

Movie Review: Bachelorette

Brief Summary - As four high school friends reconnect, everything that can go wrong does the night before the Wedding of a mutual friend fondly known as "pig face."

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 Bachelorette deserves a 6.5

Movie Strengths - Consistently funny

Movie Weaknesses - This movie is UNSUITABLE for minors; too much drug use and inappropriate drug-related behavior.

Final Thoughts - This movie will make you laugh and cringe often. You may even attempted to stop watching, during  several gross scenes but you will not be able to pry myself away... its that kind of movie :)

Movie Review: Warrior

Brief Summary - Sparta, a mixed martial arts competition, unintentionally reunites a broken family consisting of a drunken father and his two sons: a former marine gone AWOL and a suspended, destitute teacher.

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 [ten being the highest] Warrior earns a measly 4.5

Movie Strengths - Extremely graphic and well choreographed fight scenes, all except the pathetic finale.

Movie Weaknesses -  BANAL CLIMAX ! Joel Egerton [aka Brendan] character is a TOTAL WIMP... who goes from WWF hard to Twinky/kiss cake soft in minutes... perhaps its a side effect of collecting too many punches in the head?

Final Thoughts - The anti-climatic conclusion of this film robs the characters and audience of some much needed satisfaction after all the hype.

Movie Review: The Amazing Spiderman

Brief Summary - Reclusive High Schooler, Peter Parker [aka The Amazing Spiderman], accidently uncovers new evidence related to his parents untimely death. His quest leads him to Oscorp where he becomes acquainted with Dr. Curt Connors [The Lizard], his father’s former associate.

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 Spidey earns a modest 7.5

Movie Strengths - Exciting/ realistic visuals, adequate action, romance and a strong cast will reel you in.

Movie Weaknesses - It is a well known fact that everyone loves a happy ending, however if you are making a movie based on a comic book why not stick to the original plot and kill the right people for the sake of continuation? Also the fleeting appearance of American Patriotism is superfluous !

Final Thoughts - This reboot is unnecessary, you cannot help comparing this new Spiderman to the 2002 trilogy with Toby Maguire since SO MANY scenes from its predecessor were duplicated.

Movie Review:Ted

Brief Summary - This ingenious film revolves around an obscene teddy bear that was brought to life by a lonely adolescents wish. The little boy [John played by Mark Walberg] is now 30 years old, and he must choose between his lifelong friendship with Ted his teddy bear or his fragile relationship with Lori [Mila Kunis] his girlfriend. 

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 Ted deserves a 5.5

Movie Stengths - Boat loads of inappropriate humor.

Movie Weaknesses - Predictable conclusion! Ted has too many random/off the wall scenes that will leave you scratching your head and asking why?

Final Thoughts - This movie tries very hard but it is not as entertaining/witty as expected !

Movie Review: Snow White and the Huntsman

Brief Summary - Kristen Stewart is Snow White by some miracle and the Queen [Charlize Threon] wants her dead because her Magic Mirror had an off day and declares Stewart is the “fairest of them all” … The Huntsman is sent to retrieve Snow White however he has a change of heart and becomes her defender …blah blah blah!

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 this film is worth a 3

Movie Strengths - This movie has a rich, dark quality worthy of Tim Burton's approval.

Movie Weakness - SCHIZOPHRENIC script writing, probably the most usual cast of unevenly talented actors/actresses... In what parallel universe could Kristen Stewart EVER be fairer that Charlize Theron ...inside or out? 

Final Thoughts -This film is not watch worthy...it is a SURE waste of time and money.

Movie Review: Prometheus

Brief Summary - A gutsy group of scientist and explorers travel to a distant moon seeking clues about the origin of mankind.

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 [10 being the highest] this ambitious film deserves an 8.

Movie Strengths - Stimulating plot, astounding special effects, an impressive cast; Noomi Rapace [from the original dutch movies the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy] is splendid! Who knew Charlize Theron could be such a convincing b*tch and Michael Fassbender as an android put Data [from StarTrek] to shame.

Movie Weaknesses - Viewers are left with too many questions and we will probably have to wait a year for a  sequel that may not offer any answers. Why can't directors make complete movies without leaving audiences with cliffhanger endings?  :(

Final Thoughts - Ridley Scott is BOSS! Although Prometheus seems like its a little ahead of its time both visually and theoretically, that's not necessarily a bad thing. If you are a Sci-Fi fan I grantee you will absolutely love the connections Prometheus makes to another famous Ridley Scott movies... hint hint the movie title begins with the letter A as in...A***ns...get it ?

Movie Review: Marvel's The Avengers

Brief Summary - Loki's [Thor's malicious half brother] sudden, unwelcome presence is a sure sign of trouble. In an effort to thwart Loki's ominous plan, Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D (International Peacekeeping Agency) quickly assembles the Avengers to give Earth a fighting chance against an army of intergalactic warriors.

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 Avengers easily earns a 8.9

Movie Strengths - Incessant action, hearty humor, remarkable cast [both the Villains and Heroes were ideal for their roles]... Marvel really hit the jackpot!

Movie Weaknesses - Tame Thor = BORING

Final Thoughts - Even though the Hulk cannot talk his brute strength/ bashing skills really make this movie a watch worthy crowd pleaser.

Movie Review: Battlesh*t

Brief Summary - One fateful day a gang of models-turned-actors and a handful of seniors challenge some UV allergic aliens as the latter attempts to attack earth. If you are as lucky as me you will waste 2 hours and 10 minutes of your life watching frail aliens battle equally incompetent humans.

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 [10 being the highest] this awful film is worthy of a 2 DEFINITELY NOT watch worthy.

Movie Strengths - The Aliens, the design of their ship and its weaponry is impressive.

Movie Weaknesses - PISS POOR acting, SLOW, WEAK, DULL plot...for crying out loud this movie is based on a bloody board game !

Final Thoughts - This movie is such a DISASTER even the Movie Execs and financiers admit its a bomb...see for yourself  http://movies.yahoo.com/news/comcast-chief-admits-battleships-bomb-185902868.html ...watch at your own risk !

Movie Review: The Hunger Games

Brief Summary - The Hunger Games is set in the futuristic city of Panem. In honor of a past rebellion, male and female tributes from each of Panem's twelve districts must fight to their deaths in a live show      .

Rating - on a scale of 1 to 10 this movies easily earns an 8!

Movie Strengths - This movie is emotive, dramatic and full of teeny-bopper romance.

Movie Weaknesses - Insufficient character development especially for the other Tributes. Also the severity of the Rebellion was very subdued...compared to the book.

Final Thoughts - This movie is teenage crack... under-aged audiences think it's the best thing since sliced bread! As for adults, there is no shame in seeing this movie it is likable and violently entertaining.

Movie Review: Safe House

Brief Summary - Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington) is an infamous/ rogue CIA agent. After being on the run Frost is remanded and sent to a Safe House operated by Matt Weston (Ryan Reynolds) a CIA rookie. The House is attacked with a vengeance and now both men are on the run trying to stay alive and figure out who's trying to kill them.

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 this film gets a 'safe'  6.

Movie Strengths - Good action, surprisingly serious performance from Ryan Reynolds aka Mr. Long Face... admit it his face is shaped like a kidney bean :)

Movie Weaknesses - There's NOTHING new or original about the plot, characters or conclusion.

Final Thoughts - This movie is a variation of the same old bang bang, cars cashing everywhere, blood baths and body pile up. As such, the usual [stereotyped] characters are killed or have a miraculous change of heart and yes it ends exactly the way you think it will ...why because that's just how cliche action/thrillers flow!

Top 10 Watch Worthy Movie Predictions for 2012

1. The Dark Knight Rises             

     Movie Trailer link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMmr_EwwBOg

2 .Skyfall (007) 

     Movie Trailer link -  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24mTIE4D9JM

3. The Hobbit                               

    Movie Trailer link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0k3kHtyoqc

4. Prometheus                              

    Movie Trailer link -  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sftuxbvGwiU

5. The Avengers                           

     Movie Trailer link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-7MWYqicC0

6. Spiderman                                

    Movie Trailer link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EATN_L1WDw

7. Django Unchained [directed by Quentin Tarantino] 
     Movie trailer link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqjie7dpwoI

8.  The Hunger Games                 

     Movie Trailer link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbJ6Q_6JsLU

9. Flight                           
    Movie Trailer link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnVNNR6CEOE

10. Jack Reacher                 

     Movie Trailer link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK7y8Ou0VvM

Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes 2- Game of Shadows

Brief Summary - Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and Dr. Watson (Jude Law) team up once more to bring down a genius, criminal mastermind on the rampage -- Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris).

Rating - On a scale of 1-10 the infamous detective and his sidekick earn a modest 7.2

Movie Strengths - Downey's laughable antics, action and the element of surprise :)

Movie Weaknesses  - TOO LENGTHY

Final Thoughts - If you want to stay alert for the entire movie I suggest you guzzle a few Redbulls before you digest this film. Director Guy Ritchie really needed to edit more, certain parts of the story were too drawn out.

Movie Review: Mission Impossible 4 :Ghost Protocol

Brief Summary - In the wake of a terrorist bombing, IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is assigned to covertly prevent another deadly attack.


Rating - on a scale of 1 to 10 M.I: 4 reels in a solid 7


Movie Strengths - Intense action sequences, kick ass stunts, strong performances from lead actors and subtle drizzles of humor and drama.


Movie Weaknesses - Corny lines + too much hype = unrealistic expectations.


Final Thoughts - Overall, the plot and actors are believable; 
however this movie did not satisfy my action junkie itch...MI 4 is good considering the crappy contenders currently showing in theaters... but it is not phenomenal !

Movie Review: Immortals

Brief Summary - A bastard stonemason named Theseus (Henry Cavill) is selected by Zeus to lead an army against bloodthirsty King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) and his vicious army. The evil that Hyperion threatens to unleash endangers all of mankind and the Gods.

Rating - on a scale of 1 to 10 Immortals is a solid 7.8 !

Movie Strengths - IN YOUR FACE ACTION, strong lead actor and  appealing story-telling.

Movie Weaknesses - minor plot hiccups & Luke Evans is a wimpy, thunder-less Zeus...FAIL!

Final Thoughts -  I honestly think the fight sequences in this movie are bloodier and better crafted than 300! Overall, this film is suited for die hard action fans, Greek mythology geeks and carnage cravers ONLY ...This movie is not very emotive and the love interest is not developed so you should taper your expectations.

Movie Review: In Time

Brief Summary - “Time is Money” and once your human clock starts ticking you fall into 1 of 2 categories (a) Wealthy meaning you inherit  infinite time and you may live for centuries or (b) Forever Poor –  meaning you have to work, pilfer or scrounge, living day to day [if you're lucky]. A chance encounter results in Will Salas (Justin Timberlake) being charged with murder and in order to save himself he MUST beat the system.

Rating - on a scale of 1 to 10 In Time gets 5.5!

Movie Strengths - Genius plot, satisfactory action, suspense & drama.

Movie Weakness - JT'S LACK OF ACTING SKILLS REEK!

Final Thoughts - OMG PLEASE STOP CASTING THIS MAN ...HE REALLY CANNOT ACT! There are so many other good actors that could have been selected... Perhaps the studio could not afford them, so even though the studio's money was well spent on special effects the movie FIZZLES because of a fragile lead actor...tisk tisk!

Movie Review: Contagion

Brief Summary - Initial symptoms include sneezing, coughing and headaches...then you seize, froth and die and in the blink of an eye millions of people are infected... Meanwhile Health officials are scampering around trying to find out why? Viewers get to watch how the Center for Disease Control and the World  Health Organization would attempt to handle such a plague as society falls apart.

Rating - on a scale of 1 to 10 Contagion earned a 5.8

Movie Strengths - Real world appeal, star studded cast, fluid plot, lots of dead people!

Movie Weaknesses - The wrong characters died and sadly all the annoying ones lived.

Final Thoughts -This movie is okay... it adopts a more serious tone than it predecessors "28 days later, 28 weeks later, Zombieland, Resident Evil etc."These movie ALL  share a common theme -  global demise at the hands of an unknown, highly contagious, fatal disease; and although its not original Contagion minor plot twists are somewhat different.

Movie Review: Colombiana

Brief Summary - If your employed by the Columbian Mafia there's a good chance you and your family will get whacked...Right? Fortunately Cataleya [Zoe Saldana] escapes the wrath of the Cartel long enough to become a 'super assassin' with a thirst for revenge.

Rating - on a scale of 1 to 10 [10 being the highest] Colombian Nikita earned a 4.8 !

Movie Strengths - Ninja Assassin would be proud of Saldana's stunts and the fight sequences.

Movie Weaknesses - the plot had more holes than a strainer!

Final Thoughts -Watch this movie if your in the mood to see ninja stunts performed by a scrawny, scantly clad contract killer!

Movie Review : The Help

Brief Summary - On the eve of the Civil Rights Movement in the early 1960’s a young, white, aspiring writer [Skeeter played by Emma Stone] embarks on a secret project with several black maids in Jackson, Mississippi. Their taboo collaboration is a risky undertaking, in spite of that it results in the formation of forbidden friendships, which paints a vivid picture of their lives.

Rating - on a scale of 1 -10 the Help is worthy of a 9.2

Movie Strengths - Viola Davis portrayal of Aibileen's character was so powerful it moved me to tears and I NEVER cry [for movies]

Movie Weaknesses - I feel as though the severity of the racial conflict and taboo nature of what transpired between Skeeter and the maids was downplayed.

Final Thoughts - THIS MOVIE IS WATCH WORTHY it may not be suited to everyone's pallet but its a substantive story worthy of your time and $$

Movie Review : Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Brief Summary - Will Rodman [James Franco] is an over zealous scientist, obsessed with finding a drug to cure Alzheimers. His experiment results in the creation of 'super' intelligent apes desirous of freedom.

Rating - on a scale of 1 to 10 the apes earned a 6!

Movie Strengths - Andy Serkis [voice of Gollum,from the Lord of the Rings trilogy] made Caesar's character very engaging.

Movie Weaknesses - After all  Caesar endured I expected him to go 'more' King Donkey Kong on the humans.

Final thoughts - This franchise is probably as old as time, but the directors managed to revive it without being too predictable.

Movie Review: Cowboys & Aliens

Brief Summary - Gold loving, body snatching aliens land near a desolate town named Absolution in 1875. Unfortunately [for the aliens] a few brazen Cowboys and Native Indians refuse to surrender quietly!

Rating - on a scale of 1 - 10 this sci-fi/western gets a 6.5 !

Movie Strengths - Daniel Craig is his usual barbaric spirited self, gangs of gun-slinging bounty hunters and spear wielding, trigger happy native Indians provide moderate action.

Movie Weaknesses -very subdued performance by Harrison Ford, cowardly aliens, mediocre story telling, non-existent scare factor, flaccid suspense.

Final Thoughts - I expected this movie to be an action masterpiece with Directors such as Spielberg and Favreau I had really high hopes and although I was not thoroughly disappointed I desperately wanted more than this movie offered!