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.