Movie Review: Pirates of the Caribbean- On Stranger Tides

Brief Summary - Our favorite drunkard, Captain Jack Sparrow [Johnny Depp] is recruited by Angelica [Penelope Cruz] and Blackbeard [a malevolent pirate] to find the Fountain of Youth. However, they are not alone...Captain Barbossa [now a British Admiral] and the King of Spain also seek the fabled fountain for their own purpose.

Rating - on a scale of 1 to 10 yar worth 6!

Movie Strengths - The focus is mostly on Jack, and his charming, laughable antics. Penelope Cruz performance was also notable, she held her own next to the 'star man' of the show...bravo

Movie Weaknesses - The plot is somewhat lacking, but given this franchise not so stellar track-record this should not be a surprise!

Final Thoughts - I suggest people lower their expectations and indulge in a little mindlessness every once in a while... critics need to relax, this film is not to be taken seriously. Most of the character are alcoholics who don't bathe and they ALL look like disease carriers :)

Movie Review: Thor

Brief Summary - In the midst of young Thor's coronation ceremony, an ancient nemesis sudden intrusion stirs up unrest. Against his father's advice the arrogant, fearless warrior insists on provoking the situation, bringing war to Asgard [his planet]. His actions bear severe consequences that force him to mature and re-evaluate what is really important.

Rating - on a scale of 1 to 10 Thor gets a solid 7.5

Movie Strengths - good action, animated fight scenes, captivating visuals, strong lead performances by Thor [Chris Hemsworth] and Anthony Hopkins [as always], I also appreciated Thor's barbarian brand of humor.

Movie Weaknesses - Natalie Portman was miscast, her presence did absolutamente nada to compliment this movie!

Final Thoughts - Thor was not nearly half as tacky as I expected it to be...I was genuinely surprised by how elegantly put together this film is. If you are a fan of the comic/cartoon I do not think you will be terribly disappointed. However, if you don't know jack about Thor luckily everything is well explained without TMI.

Movie Review: Fast Five

Brief Summary - Dominic [Vin Diesel] is sentenced in court and as he's being escorted to Prison his 'car jackin' crew help him escape. They flee to Brazil to take one final job and they end up butting heads with a major King Pin in Rio, needless to say things go haywire.

Rating - on a scale of 1 to 10 this gets movie deserves a 6.9

Movie Strengths - to all the car fans yes you will get an eyeful, hats off the director I loved the additional bazookas, grenades,gun action and funny exchanges between Tyrese and Ludacris.

Movie Weaknesses - superman-type stunts e.g Vin Diesel jumped out of a car going 200mph and landing on the ground without getting a single scratch...only in the movies!

Final thoughts - I was impressed with the Rock's performance, he was the epitome of bad-ass...he looked HUGE his neck alone probably outweighed Vin Diesel's body.Overall, the movie was a fitting farewell to the franchise... C'est la vie.