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.