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!

Movie Review: Horrible Bosses

Brief Summary - One evening, while drinking and comparing horror stories about their dreadful bosses; three friends agree to "take care" of their nemesis. A few drinks later, thanks to a trifling ex-con(Jamie Fox) they hatch a idiotic plan to rid themselves of a life of misery.

Rating - on a scale of 1 to 10 this movie earned a solid 6

Movie Strengths - great cast & lots of inappropriate humor

Movie Weaknesses - unimaginative plot

Final Thoughts - this movie is HILARIOUS!

Movie Review: Transformers 3 - The Dark of the moon

Movie Summary - Optimus Prime and the Autobots face off against the Decepticons in an epic show down. The outcome of their battle will determine the faith of their planet,Cybertron, as well as Earth and all its species.

Rating - On a scale of 1- 10 this movie deserves a 5

Movie Strengths - Relentless action, gleaming whips & graphic robot fights.

Movie weaknesses - Haphazard, transparent & erroneous story line.

Final Thoughts - Micheal Bay is a pyromaniac, every few minutes something exploded ! Autobots, Decepticons, humans all got blown up or mercilessly beat down... I loved it! :) HARDCORE TRANSFORMER FANS BEWARE - forget everything you know about Transformers this movies does not follow past scripts from any comic, cartoon etc...BUT If you enjoy seeing stuff get obliterated & pure carnage then you will be a very happy customer!

Movie Review: Super 8

Brief Summary - While filming a 'homemade' zombie movie, local adolescents witness a terrible train crash. The 'accident' triggers a series of uncanny events, disappearances, and a host of disruptions that eventually materialize into something more horrifying than anyone can imagine.

Rating - on a scale of 1 to 10 super 8 earned an 8.5

Movie Strengths - Likeable cast, refreshing plot, stimulating visuals, epic train crash, loud explosions, chaos & puppy love [aww]

Movie Weaknesses - NONE!

Final Thoughts - Super 8 is watch worthy! I applaud the producers for maintaining the suspense, building viewer expectations and then matching it... I was captivated by this movies mystique, intrigued by its imaginative plot and thoroughly entertained ...BRAVO Abrams & Spielberg beat yuh chest an take a bow :)

Movie Review: X-Men 1st Class

Brief Summary - Before a line was drawn between the famous mutant heroes and villains they were united against a common foe Sebastian Shaw. Shaw is determined to wipe out the human race via World War 3 and its up to young non-bald headed Professor Xavier,'Conflicted' Magneto,'Moody' Mystique,'Baby' Beast and a few other forgettable misfits to stop him.

Rating - on a scale of 1 to 10 the mutants earned a 6.7

Movie Strengths - Consistent action, covert missions, spy/sniper tactics, a few chuckles here & there, ill-fated love interests.

Movie Weaknesses - Kevin Bacon's attempt to be sinister failed to make a favorable impression!

Final Thoughts - This movie is entertaining despite its inaccuracy. As an avid fan of the comics and cartoons it is obvious that the screen writers did not do their homework...shame on them!

Movie Review: The Hangover 2

Brief Summary - Stu is getting married to Lauren in Thailand, but once his crew [Phil,Alan & Doug] arrive what starts out as an innocent camp fire toast ends up being...a catastrophe [for the actors and unfortunately viewers also].

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 this failed comedic mess barely deserves a 3.

Movie Strengths - Stellar cast, picturesque filming locations in Thailand

Movie Weaknesses - this movie is suppose to be hilarious and spontaneous but it is NEITHER thanks to its flat lining script.

Final Thoughts - Sober, buzzed or stale drunk this movie is NOT funny...AT ALL!

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.

Movie Review: Rio

Brief Summary - One day, somewhere in the Amazon a bird poacher steals a baby Macaw, one short plane ride later and he ends up in Moose Lake, Minnesota. Linda finds the parrot names him Blu and they become best friends.Enter random bird specialist... he invites them to Brazil and offers Blu an opportunity to meet a female Macaw in order to save their species. Once they get to Rio, of course all hell breaks loose and a musical adventure ensues.

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 [10 being the highest] this colorful cartoon like flick gets a 6.8

Movie Strengths - Catchy musical moments

Movie Weaknesses - not enough laughs...George Lopez,Jamie Fox and Tracy Morgan were rather subdued :(

Final Thoughts - This film is a kid-pleaser even for those of us who are young at heart!

Movie Review: Insidious

Brief Summary - Josh [Patrick Wilson] his wife Renai [Rose Burn] and their 3 kids are your typical cookie cutter family, until their son Dalton slips into a coma after a minor incident. Everyone in the household becomes increasingly tense & scared as sinister occurrences begin to plague the family.

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 I'd say this thriller deserves a 7.

Movie Strengths - Constantly scary visuals will jolt you out your seat !

Movie Weakness - Loud, menacing, unnerving music = irritating and scary.

Final thoughts - Its been years since I have seen a decent horror movie hence the reason this movie is borderline good.

Movie Review: Hanna

Brief Summary – Hanna [ Saoirse Ronan] is not an ordinary teenager, she was raised & trained to survive by a ex- CIA agent  [Eric Bana]. Although she can outrun/outsmart any opponent and kill without remorse, she is socially inept.Bored with her life in solitude, she embarks on a mission to find out who she is and also to take vengeance on those who killed her mother.

Rating – on a scale of 1 to 10 [ 10 being the highest] this a solid 8.

Movie Strengths – Non-stop action & suspense.

Movie Weaknesses – If you have low expectations [like I did] you wont notice any.

Final Thought - The director paid a lot of attention to the finer details in this film, this made everything seem authentic. I love the clean composition of the montage[shot], the quality of filming made the action sequences painfully realistic.

Movie Review: Battlefield Los Angeles

Brief Summary – What seems to be a meteor shower heading for earth turns out to be a violent alien invasion. "Crash" the aliens land "Bang" they come out of their ships gun ablaze, shooting everything in sight. Sounds good right...WRONG!

Rating – on a scale of 1 to 10 [ 10 being the highest] this mess of a film gets a 3.5 !

Movie Strengths – good gun action, nice beach shot of LA

Movie Weaknesses – I had a lot of issues with this film, I was particularly disappointed by the one sided storytelling.Viewers were denied the aliens point of view for the entire movie!I barely got a good look at the aliens and every crappy cliche you could imagine made an appearance in this film, cheap thrills, corny lines, predictability you name it !

Final Thought - This movie was 'manure' the only people who could possibly like this are those who have never seen a a good alien invasion movie...FYI this movie went from #1 to #10 in the US Box office in record time in reality it should have never made it there it should have gone straight in the toilet !

Movie Review: Limitless

Movie Summary - Bradley Cooper is Eddie Morra a depressed, wannabe writer, he is barely existing until his ex brother-in-law [a suave pusherman/drugdealer] introduces Eddie to NZT-48. This super drug amplifies the connections and synapses in the brain,unlocking hidden potential and allowing users to access 100% of their brain. As a result, vague memories are suddenly crystal clear, all senses,faculties & cognitive abilities are limitless and almost anything is possible.

Rating - on a scale of 1-10 [10 being the highest] this movie gets a solid 7.4

Movie Strengths- Strong, solid performances by lead actors, good action, humor, backstabbing, espionage & lots of savage violence.

Movie Weaknesses - gaping holes in the plot = too many unanswered questions

Final Thoughts- This movie entertains, for all ye thrill seekers out there this film is a no-brainer.

Movie Overview: Unknown (2011)

Brief Summary – Dr. Martin Harris [Liam Neeson] is a passenger in a serious car accident. He rouses from a 4 day coma and he seemingly remembers who he, why he is in Berlin and Gina, his wife [Diane Kruger]. However his wife does not recognise him, another man [Aidan Quinn] is claiming to be the real Dr. Martin Harris and strange people are trying to kill him...

Rating – on a scale of 1 to 10 [ 10 being the highest] this film is a 6.5

Movie Strengths – Rapid action, superb car chase scenes and Liam Neeson doing what he does best.

Movie Weaknesses – This film stark similarities between this movie and the Bourne Identity trilogy are obvious, unoriginal and maddening.

Final Thought - Go see this movie if you are an action junkie who does not mind watching a well acted, rehashed plot...

Movie Overview: The Adjustment Bureau

Summary – David Norris [Matt Damon] is an up and coming politician who has a chance encounter with Elise [ Emily Blunt] a ballet dancer. They fall head over heels in love but little do they know unforeseen powers are constantly conspiring to keep them apart.

Rating – On a scale of 1 to 10 [ 10 being the highest] thou deserveth an 8

Movie Strengths – Great cast & strong chemistry between the lead actors made the  film more believable.

Movie Weaknesses – This movie is a little slow for my taste, not enough action.

Final Thoughts - I had a feeling of Déjà vu all through out this movie and afterward it occurred to me...Adjustment Bureau IS VERY SIMILIAR TO THE MATRIX...miuns the intense action and stellar fight scenes. I never thought anyone was capable of reworking the Matrix plot but I guess I underestimated the strength of drugs people use nowadays j/k.

Movie Overview :The Fighter

Brief Summary – Based on the true story of boxers Dick "Dickey" Eklund and his brother Mickey "Irish" Ward. Dickey is a former champ but he has fallen victim to drug use. Meanwhile Mickey struggles to make a name for himself and keep his dysfunctional family together.

Rating – on a scale of 1 to 10 [ 10 being the highest] this films is a 7.2

Movie Strengths – good fight scenes, humor

Movie Weaknesses – predictable conclusion

Final Thoughts - This movie has its own brand of 'hick' humor which is funny and sad at the same time.

Overview: The Mechanic

Brief Summary – Bishop (Jason Statham) is a unique, talented assassin. He is considered to be the best ‘Mechanic’ in his organization as a result of his professional perfection and total detachment. However, when he is ordered to assassinate his mentor and close friend Harry (Donald Sutherland), Bishop finds himself in the ultimate dilemma.

Rating – on a scale of 1 to 10 this film is an 8!

Movie Strengths – TONS of jaw dropping bone crunching action, lots of blood gushing from bullet shells raining, body parts exploding, loud explosions, vengeance, betrayal, romance, good old fashion ass-whooping … and I could go on and on…

Movie Weaknesses – This movie is very brutish and extremely violent...consider yourself warned.

Overview The Tourist :(

Brief Summary - Frank [Johnny Depp] is an American tourist in Europe, a chance encounter with Elise [Angelina Jolie] makes him a target for a mob boss and the authorities. Their ‘budding romance’ thrusts them both into a very unexciting game of cat and mouse.

Rating – on a scale of 1 to 10 [10 being the highest] this dreary dozer gets a 5.5

Movie Strengths – Location, location, location, watching this made me want to visit Venice …

Movie Weaknesses – lackluster action, lame pick up lines, mismatched chemistry and I could continue but I'll digress.

Final Thoughts - This movie FALLS FLAT because Johnny Depp's performance was not up to par! He is a good actor but this performance was not his best. I am also upset because whenever A.Jolie and J.Depp star in a film you would expect a certain quality of performance which was severely LACKING hence this harsh review! Maybe if two B-List actors were the leads I may [I stress may] not have hated this film.

Movie Review The King's Speech

Brief Summary - Based on the true story of King George VI, fondly known as Bertie (Colin Firth) suffers from a severe speech impediment. His wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) and after a rough start, the two delve into an unorthodox course of treatment and eventually form an unbreakable bond.

Rating – On a scale of 1 to 10 [ 10 being the highest] this film is well worth seeing and it deserves a 9

Movie Strengths – Surprisingly hilarious, painfully realistic, powerful, gripping performances by stellar cast of actors/actresses

Movie Weaknesses – I tried very hard to find some imperfection TO NO AVAIL!

Final Thoughts - I thoroughly enjoyed this movie because of its charm, genuineness, positive message and memorable performances.

Movie Review Tron: Legacy

Brief Summary – The plot revolves around Sam Flynn [Garrett Hedlund] the rebellious son of Tech-tycoon Kevin Flynn [Jeff Bridges, who vanished 25 years ago]. Sam accidentally gets sucked into the dangerous, digital cyberspace where he finds his father and Quorra [Oliva Wilde] and they attempt to escape.

Rating – on a scale of 1 to 10 [10 being the highest] Tron deserves a 6

Movie Strengths – this film is a visual spectacle, exciting fight and bike chase scenes make it 3D worthy!

Movie Weaknesses – Tron’s plot leaves much to be desired…the script writers must have had a bad day otherwise there is no excuse for the lack of creativity in Tron’s conclusion...it was a GI-NORMOUS DISAPPOINTMENT!

Movie Review Black Swan

Brief Summary – New York City ballet dancer Nina [Natalie Portman] is constantly at odds with herself, as she struggles with dueling roles as a swan queen. Between her overprotective mother, Erica [Barbara Hershey], demanding artistic director, Thomas Leroy [Vincent Cassel] and rival, Lily [Mila Kunis] young Nina’s fragile mental and physical condition begins to crumble under the strain of epitomizing perfection.

Rating – on a scale of 1 to 10 [10 being the highest] I give thee 6.5

Movie Strengths – healthy dose of drama, stimulating scenes, strong lead actresses and for the guys scattered lesbian action.

Movie Weaknessess – minus the drama and excessive hype this movie would have been a typical, anemia made me crazy, melodramatic ballet flick.

Movie Review: Kick Ass

Movie Summary - Nerdy teenager Dave Lizewski decides to become a superhero/vigilante nicknamed Kick-Ass. Much to his surprise his painfully naive adventure makes his an overnight sensation. As Dave struggles to balance school, a budding social life and crime fighting, he finds himself in trouble as he possess no real superpowers and his popularity spawns several copy cat foes.

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10... I give this movie a 7.5

Final Thoughts - This movie was a pleasant surprise and it surpassed my expectation probably because I had none…WARNING this film is definitely not for the faint of heart! If you cannot stomach excess, unexpected gore beware… this movie was witty, bloody, brutally painful, layered with tons of action and crude humor. I was really surprised by the raw violence... it was o so satisfying

Movie Reviews for No Country for Old Men & Ghost Writer

Super Brief Movie Summary - This movie depicts the chaos and carnage that ensue after an unsuspecting hunter accidentally stumbles upon some dead Mexicans, drugs and millions of dollars in cash. It blew me away, the director [Joel Coen] did not waste any time getting to the action. In the opening scene Javier Bardem savagely strangles a man to death with handcuffs... obviously this scene sets a violent tone so beware this film will definitely give you nightmares about the sinister,serial killing lead character. I loved this movie because it kept me on the edge of my seat !

Rating - On a scale of 1 to 10 [ten being the highest] this film deserves a 8.5



Ghost Writer Overview

Brief Summary - This movie is a good example of why I love independent films – Despite a significantly reduced budget [compared to larger Hollywood productions] indie films have an irresistible sophistication, rich premises and quality performances by strong casts … Ewan McGregor and Pierce Bronson in a conspiracy type thriller I mean what more can you ask for? This films only weakness is a predictable conclusion which was a bit of a disappointment.

Rating - On a scale of 1 - 10 I give this film a 6.5

The Warlords

Movie Overview

Brief Summary - When I first saw the trailer for this film I was very nervous, although it peaked my curiosity once I recognized one of the lead actors Takeski Kaneshiro's I immediately remembered his performance in Red Cliff [OMG that movie is the epitome of a hot, flaming MESS ...so he stuck out in my mind as an actor to avoid]. Nevertheless I trust Jet Li and thankfully this movie is now one of my favorite fact based, eastern war flicks. The fights scenes are epic and very realistic, there is scandal, betrayal, assassination, a love story,war,corruption…the Warlords was all the entertainment you could ask for and more.

Rating - on a scale of 1 to 10 [ten being the highest] I give this movie a solid 8.5