Tower Heist was another movie that I went into with low expectations, I know I need to stop doing that. Well maybe not, maybe that is why I end up enjoying them so much. Tower Heist is a film about a group of people that working in this amazing apartment building known as The Tower. It is in New York and some of the most powerful people in New York live in this building. The staff are dedicated and they live to make sure the people have 5 star experience.
The building manager of The Tower is Josh, played by Ben Stiller. Josh is dedicated to every part of his job. He takes his job very seriously and knows everything about every person living there. He just hired in young hot shot Enrique, played by Michael Pena. Josh also has to deal with his slacker brother in law Charlie, played by Casey Affleck. One of the many people living in the building are about to get evicted because he lost his job is Mr. Fitzhugh, played by Matthew Broderick. Josh finds out that one of the people living in The Tower named Mr. Shaw, played by Alan Alda, is being put on trial for scamming people out of their money. Come to find out, Shaw was in charge of every employees 401 K. All of the money that they have worked for is now gone and they wont get it back.
Josh decides that he is going to steal the money back from Shaw by seeking the help of local criminal Slide, played by Eddie Murphy. Josh finds out from the agent in charge of Shaws case Special Agent Claire Denham (played by Tia Leoni) that Shaw has millions hidden somewhere. Josh figures out that there is a secret safe hidden in Shaws apartment and he is going to steal that money back for the employees.
This is when the movie starts to get really funny! Josh, Enrique, Charlie, Mr. Fitzhugh and Slide all work together to break into The Tower and take back that money. They movie has so many funny moments between the guys. I lied it because it was natural reactions from real people. I think that Matthew stood out the most to me as the funnest character. He was quick and funny and sad all at the same time. Michael was my second favorite because his character is so oblivious to the world around him. He has this sweet innocents that is just adorable.
Some of the movie is a little far fetched but if you just go with it, you will really enjoy the movie. It is very entertaining and really smart. You have to try and stay one step ahead of the characters but they will blow your mind!
Over all: A-
Sunday, November 13, 2011
In Time
In Time was one of those movies that I was not really sure about. I knew it was gonna be interesting but I was afraid it was going to be confusing. I hate when a movie gets lost in it's own terminology. Surprisingly that didn't happen with this movie, it was pretty simple to follow.
Basically, we have a future where we are born with 25 years of life and anytime after that you have to earn. You never age, you are forever young but the poor die young and the rich can live forever. The time they have left is on a ticking count down clock on their arm. Everyone is born with one on their arm and it doesn't start counting until your 25th birthday. Now don't go into this movie thinking that they just can't die, they can't die of old age. They can die by getting hit by a car or being shot or even something like a drug overdose. There is no such thing as money, time is money. You work for more time and you can keep the time for yourself or give it to someone else. The crazy thing is people can steal your time. The people in the ghetto have to watch out for people looking to take their time. The police in this film are known as Time Keepers and they solve crimes related to time.
Our main character is Will, played by Justin Timberlake, is working in the ghetto and just trying to live day to day. He lives with his mother, played by Olivia Wilde and together they work so they can survive. The fun thing about this movie is you have no idea how old people really are. Will's mother looks 25 but really she is 50 but no one would ever know that.
Will meets a man named Henry, played by Matt Bomer, and he has over 100 years on his arm. Some guys try to steal the time from him and Will steps in and saves him. Henry tells Will that he is over 100 years old and that sometimes you just get sick of living. Henry ends up giving Will his 100 years and then sits on a bridge until his time runs out. Will takes off and decides to take his chances in the rich part of the city. Other stuff happens in the middle but I don't wanna mess up the story so you need to just watch it.
Cillian Murphy plays Raymond a Time Keeper that is trying to find out where Henry's time went. During that time Will is earning more time by gambling and he meets this very rich girl named Sylvia, played by Amanda Seyfried. When the Time Keepers find Will he takes Sylvia hostage and they basically go on this Bonnie and Clyde adventure.
The film is very biblical with this idea of who deserves time and should anyone really live forever. What is the cost of everlasting life? The greedy are the ones that do not live life to the fullest and those that have limited time know how important it is to live each day as if it were your last.
Over all the film was very good, lots of adventure and actions. I honestly think Cillian Murphey was my favorite character, his acting was sensational. It also helps that I am seriously in love with that man's eyes! Justin Timberlake was not bad as Will, it kind of seemed like Justin being Justin. Amanda was stunning as this confused rich girl who does not know what she wants out of life. I really enjoyed the whole Bonnie and Clyde theme that was going on. I was not really a big fan of the ending but it made alot of sense.
Actions: Yes
Adventure: Yep
Beautiful Actors: Yes
Over all: B+
Basically, we have a future where we are born with 25 years of life and anytime after that you have to earn. You never age, you are forever young but the poor die young and the rich can live forever. The time they have left is on a ticking count down clock on their arm. Everyone is born with one on their arm and it doesn't start counting until your 25th birthday. Now don't go into this movie thinking that they just can't die, they can't die of old age. They can die by getting hit by a car or being shot or even something like a drug overdose. There is no such thing as money, time is money. You work for more time and you can keep the time for yourself or give it to someone else. The crazy thing is people can steal your time. The people in the ghetto have to watch out for people looking to take their time. The police in this film are known as Time Keepers and they solve crimes related to time.
Our main character is Will, played by Justin Timberlake, is working in the ghetto and just trying to live day to day. He lives with his mother, played by Olivia Wilde and together they work so they can survive. The fun thing about this movie is you have no idea how old people really are. Will's mother looks 25 but really she is 50 but no one would ever know that.
Will meets a man named Henry, played by Matt Bomer, and he has over 100 years on his arm. Some guys try to steal the time from him and Will steps in and saves him. Henry tells Will that he is over 100 years old and that sometimes you just get sick of living. Henry ends up giving Will his 100 years and then sits on a bridge until his time runs out. Will takes off and decides to take his chances in the rich part of the city. Other stuff happens in the middle but I don't wanna mess up the story so you need to just watch it.
Cillian Murphy plays Raymond a Time Keeper that is trying to find out where Henry's time went. During that time Will is earning more time by gambling and he meets this very rich girl named Sylvia, played by Amanda Seyfried. When the Time Keepers find Will he takes Sylvia hostage and they basically go on this Bonnie and Clyde adventure.
The film is very biblical with this idea of who deserves time and should anyone really live forever. What is the cost of everlasting life? The greedy are the ones that do not live life to the fullest and those that have limited time know how important it is to live each day as if it were your last.
Over all the film was very good, lots of adventure and actions. I honestly think Cillian Murphey was my favorite character, his acting was sensational. It also helps that I am seriously in love with that man's eyes! Justin Timberlake was not bad as Will, it kind of seemed like Justin being Justin. Amanda was stunning as this confused rich girl who does not know what she wants out of life. I really enjoyed the whole Bonnie and Clyde theme that was going on. I was not really a big fan of the ending but it made alot of sense.
Actions: Yes
Adventure: Yep
Beautiful Actors: Yes
Over all: B+
Puss in Boots
Ok once again there can be no judgement on my love for kids movies! I always say that I go and see them for the sake of my adorable nephew but really I'm the one that talks him into going and seeing these films. I have always been a fan of the character Puss in Boots! I love that he is a Latin lover and he is adorable. Yes, I am that person who awwwwws when he does the cute kitty face. I think he is the cutest character ever, by far one of the most memorable.
So let's get right into the film, you do not have to have seen the other Shrek movies to understand this film. Puss in Boots is still voiced by the awesome Antonio Banderas. It totally stands alone and never even mentions his other adventures. I'm not sure when this films is suppose to take place, before or after the other films. It honestly does not matter because it is a whole new story with whole new characters.
The story starts with our adorable and dashing Puss being the ladies man of the cat world. He finds out about magic beans that will send him up to a castle in the clouds and the goose that can lay the golden eggs. When he goes to get these beans he finds another cat burglar (pun intended) there trying to get the beans. Puss and the cat get into an epic Latin dance off and we find that the cat is a girl cat named Kitty Softpaws, voiced by Selma Hayek. She is working for Humpty Dumpty, voiced by Zach Galifianakis, who is also looking for magic beans. We find out that Puss and Humpty have known each other for years and had a bad falling out. So the story is does Puss trust the egg that once let him down or trust him again?
The story is filled with many great twists and turns and tons to humor for kids and adults. I was laughing as much as my 7 year old nephew but for very different reasons. The movie was good but it was not my favorite out of the series. It was not bad by any means but I freaking loved Shrek 2. I know it's not fair to compare but I do!
Humor: Yep
Action: Yes
Entertaining: Very
Over all B-
So let's get right into the film, you do not have to have seen the other Shrek movies to understand this film. Puss in Boots is still voiced by the awesome Antonio Banderas. It totally stands alone and never even mentions his other adventures. I'm not sure when this films is suppose to take place, before or after the other films. It honestly does not matter because it is a whole new story with whole new characters.
The story starts with our adorable and dashing Puss being the ladies man of the cat world. He finds out about magic beans that will send him up to a castle in the clouds and the goose that can lay the golden eggs. When he goes to get these beans he finds another cat burglar (pun intended) there trying to get the beans. Puss and the cat get into an epic Latin dance off and we find that the cat is a girl cat named Kitty Softpaws, voiced by Selma Hayek. She is working for Humpty Dumpty, voiced by Zach Galifianakis, who is also looking for magic beans. We find out that Puss and Humpty have known each other for years and had a bad falling out. So the story is does Puss trust the egg that once let him down or trust him again?
The story is filled with many great twists and turns and tons to humor for kids and adults. I was laughing as much as my 7 year old nephew but for very different reasons. The movie was good but it was not my favorite out of the series. It was not bad by any means but I freaking loved Shrek 2. I know it's not fair to compare but I do!
Humor: Yep
Action: Yes
Entertaining: Very
Over all B-
Friday, October 28, 2011
The Rum Diary
As most of my ten readers know, I have a top five favorite actors. My top five actors are JohnnyDepp, Robert Downey Jr, John Cusack, Hugh Jackman, and Jeremy Renner. To be fair, the 5th does tend to change depending on the month. Anyways when I heard about the Rum Diary TWO YEARS AGO I knew that I would love it because it mixes Johnny Depp and Hunter S. Thompson. The movie is based on the book that Hunter wrote in 1961. Now I have not read the book, so this is not a compare and contrast, although I was told that it is very different from the book. So this is strictly a review based on the movie and not the book. I should probably read the book, I heard it was great!
The movie starts just as every Hunter story should, waking up from a binder the night before. I like those kind of openings, it just puts you right into the story and you get to know the character right away, no foreplay if you will. Our main character is Paul Kemp played by the lovely, beautiful, and talented Johnny Depp. He is a writer with a 'slight' alcohol addiction, although he doesn't know it. Kemp is down in the lovely Puerto Rico during the 1960's looking for a new job. The editor in chief, Lotterman, is played by Richard Jenkins and he is perfect for the role. He is a newspaperman just trying to keep the paper going. He is stressed and everyone knows it.
As soon as Kemp walks in he also meets Sala, played by the sensational Michael Rispoli. Sala and Lotterman both welcome Kemp to Puerto Rico and warn him about the locals and the corrupt people the dwell in the town. Kemp gets the golden opportunity to meet Moburg, played by the psychotic Giovanni Ribisi. Moburg is a writer that has taken so many drugs, he is hard to understand. He just keeps showing up and getting paid even though he hardly ever writes a story.
Kemp also meets his lovely Mermaid named Chenault, played by Amber Heard (yeah for the Ambers!!!) This is the mystery girl that Kemp falls head over heels for, but who wouldn't fall for a beautiful girl skinny dipping the in the ocean? Sadly she is the girlfriend of the local wealthy over powered Sanderson played by Aaron Eckhart.
Kemp is pulled into the Rum and lust of Puerto Rico but he sees the people and the pain that they go through trying to fight for their land. The land is now being invaded by fat Americas who only want an expensive view of the ocean. Sadly, every time Kemp tries to take a stand against the wrongs and corruptions, he is shot down. None of his stories are published because no one wants to anger the powers that be.
The whole movie is filled whit HILARIOUS moments that only Depp can deliver. He is so funny without even trying. The film does have alot of Hunter hints, it reminded me of Raoul Drake in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, which is not a bad thing. There are the quirky moments and of course the crazy drug induced delusions.
The actors in this movie are amazing, such a great cast that will probably will never get the credit they deserve. Rispoli is by far the stand out to me, he is so funny but has so much heart. It is hard for actors to hold their own against Johnny but Rispoli does it. Ribisi is so creepy as the drugged out, wash out. He almost plays that role too well, it makes you wonder if he needs a hug in real life. I guess that should be seen as a great actor and nothing less!
I was very surprised by the performances of Amber Heard and Aaron Eckhart. Heard is honestly not one of my favorite actors. I have seen her in a few B rated movies and I have not been impressed. I must say that she blew me out of the water in this movie. I thought it would just be her running around in a bikini being hot but she brought so much more to the film. Her character is so trapped by the life is living that her only way out is Kemp. She sees him as a conquest at first but then sees that he is the only guy that truly sees her. Not gonna lie, I really wanted her job in this movie. Running around Puerto Rico with Johnny Depp and Aaron Eckhart....yes please! Some girls have all the luck!
Aaron Eckhart surprised me because I didn't understand his character. He is portrayed as this bad guy but how he became a bad guy is confusing. He starts as this nice guy and then all of a sudden he is angry. It almost seemed like there was a scene missing that would explain this transformation. His actor was great but the character confused me.
Over all the movie has so much to offer, it has heart and emotion. Sure is also has some very funny moments and is very dialog heavy but it's all quality! The acting is amazing and it will make you wanna travel to Puerto Rico, maybe with a good looking guy like Kemp ;)
If you are in the mood for a good movie I say check it out!
Action: So So
Humor; Yep!
Over All: A-
The movie starts just as every Hunter story should, waking up from a binder the night before. I like those kind of openings, it just puts you right into the story and you get to know the character right away, no foreplay if you will. Our main character is Paul Kemp played by the lovely, beautiful, and talented Johnny Depp. He is a writer with a 'slight' alcohol addiction, although he doesn't know it. Kemp is down in the lovely Puerto Rico during the 1960's looking for a new job. The editor in chief, Lotterman, is played by Richard Jenkins and he is perfect for the role. He is a newspaperman just trying to keep the paper going. He is stressed and everyone knows it.
As soon as Kemp walks in he also meets Sala, played by the sensational Michael Rispoli. Sala and Lotterman both welcome Kemp to Puerto Rico and warn him about the locals and the corrupt people the dwell in the town. Kemp gets the golden opportunity to meet Moburg, played by the psychotic Giovanni Ribisi. Moburg is a writer that has taken so many drugs, he is hard to understand. He just keeps showing up and getting paid even though he hardly ever writes a story.
Kemp also meets his lovely Mermaid named Chenault, played by Amber Heard (yeah for the Ambers!!!) This is the mystery girl that Kemp falls head over heels for, but who wouldn't fall for a beautiful girl skinny dipping the in the ocean? Sadly she is the girlfriend of the local wealthy over powered Sanderson played by Aaron Eckhart.
Kemp is pulled into the Rum and lust of Puerto Rico but he sees the people and the pain that they go through trying to fight for their land. The land is now being invaded by fat Americas who only want an expensive view of the ocean. Sadly, every time Kemp tries to take a stand against the wrongs and corruptions, he is shot down. None of his stories are published because no one wants to anger the powers that be.
The whole movie is filled whit HILARIOUS moments that only Depp can deliver. He is so funny without even trying. The film does have alot of Hunter hints, it reminded me of Raoul Drake in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, which is not a bad thing. There are the quirky moments and of course the crazy drug induced delusions.
The actors in this movie are amazing, such a great cast that will probably will never get the credit they deserve. Rispoli is by far the stand out to me, he is so funny but has so much heart. It is hard for actors to hold their own against Johnny but Rispoli does it. Ribisi is so creepy as the drugged out, wash out. He almost plays that role too well, it makes you wonder if he needs a hug in real life. I guess that should be seen as a great actor and nothing less!
I was very surprised by the performances of Amber Heard and Aaron Eckhart. Heard is honestly not one of my favorite actors. I have seen her in a few B rated movies and I have not been impressed. I must say that she blew me out of the water in this movie. I thought it would just be her running around in a bikini being hot but she brought so much more to the film. Her character is so trapped by the life is living that her only way out is Kemp. She sees him as a conquest at first but then sees that he is the only guy that truly sees her. Not gonna lie, I really wanted her job in this movie. Running around Puerto Rico with Johnny Depp and Aaron Eckhart....yes please! Some girls have all the luck!
Aaron Eckhart surprised me because I didn't understand his character. He is portrayed as this bad guy but how he became a bad guy is confusing. He starts as this nice guy and then all of a sudden he is angry. It almost seemed like there was a scene missing that would explain this transformation. His actor was great but the character confused me.
Over all the movie has so much to offer, it has heart and emotion. Sure is also has some very funny moments and is very dialog heavy but it's all quality! The acting is amazing and it will make you wanna travel to Puerto Rico, maybe with a good looking guy like Kemp ;)
If you are in the mood for a good movie I say check it out!
Action: So So
Humor; Yep!
Over All: A-
The Thing
To start let me make it very clear that this is not a remake but a prequel. They are not trying to recreate the classic film from the 80's. To be a total snob the REAL movie came out in the 1950's and it was in black and white. Now THAT was a good movie but I'm a purist so it's really not fair to compare. This movie takes us back to how they found this creepy creature in the ice.
Our leading lady is Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Kate, she is a student that is sent to Antarctica to dig up this frozen creature they found. She meets up with her friend Eric, played by Eric Christian Olsen and together they work on this dig. The only other actor I knew was Joel Edgerton. I had just seen Warrior and was excited to see him again.
So the movie is basically this, They dig up a frozen Alien and it comes back to life. Now the kicker is this, the Alien can adapt on to a person and become that person. The whole movie we have no idea who to trust and then everything falls apart as the creature starts to kill. People turn against each other and no one is to be trusted.
Honestly the movie was visually NASTY! Seriously it made my tummy turn, it was very graphic. It was like mutants attacking more mutants. The movie did have some great actor and fun fire burning! I'm all about the flame thrower!
The only good acting came from Edgerton, he was a character I believed and rooted for. The others were ok but I really was not emotionally invested in any of their characters. It was the classic scary run around movie. Alot of action but not alot of substance which is not a bad thing, it's just mindless entertainment.
Over all it's bloody and creepy
I give it a C
Our leading lady is Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Kate, she is a student that is sent to Antarctica to dig up this frozen creature they found. She meets up with her friend Eric, played by Eric Christian Olsen and together they work on this dig. The only other actor I knew was Joel Edgerton. I had just seen Warrior and was excited to see him again.
So the movie is basically this, They dig up a frozen Alien and it comes back to life. Now the kicker is this, the Alien can adapt on to a person and become that person. The whole movie we have no idea who to trust and then everything falls apart as the creature starts to kill. People turn against each other and no one is to be trusted.
Honestly the movie was visually NASTY! Seriously it made my tummy turn, it was very graphic. It was like mutants attacking more mutants. The movie did have some great actor and fun fire burning! I'm all about the flame thrower!
The only good acting came from Edgerton, he was a character I believed and rooted for. The others were ok but I really was not emotionally invested in any of their characters. It was the classic scary run around movie. Alot of action but not alot of substance which is not a bad thing, it's just mindless entertainment.
Over all it's bloody and creepy
I give it a C
The Three Musketeers
I have loved the Disney version of Three Musketeers since I was little. The name Athos has been one of my favorites since I saw the movie. The new Three Musketeers is a very modern day adaptation of the traditional story. That is not a bad thing it is just trying to update a classic. Normally I would be very disappointed but they did a good job trying to stay true to the classic story.
This story starts with Porthos, Athos and Aramis (played by Ray Stevenson, Matthew Macfadyn, and Luke Evans) looking for something in Venice. They have the help of Milady DeWinter played by Milla Jovovich as a skilled theif. She is not afraid to make the amazing Athos fall in love with her and then leave him as soon as she gets what she wants. Sadly, the boys are betrayed in the first 5 minutes of the movie when Milady teams up with Buckingham played by Orlando Bloom.
We then flash ahead a few months and see a very young D'Artagnan, played by Logan Lerman, in swordplay with his father. D'Artagnan is on his way to Paris to become a Musketeer. Once he gets to Paris he teams up with our boys who are out of their luck. Together they fight for France against Cardinal Richelieu, played by Christoph Waltz. He is by far the best actor in the film with Matthew a very close second.
The whole film is basically funny moments making fun of the King and seeing the cool special effects. It is very historically far-fetched but still enjoyable to watch. It was basically fun sword fighting and funny boys plotting. I do not mean that as a bad thing, that's just what it is.
Over all the movie was ok, not the best thing I have seen but fun to watch if you are bored or if you really like Musketeers adventures like I do. I say check it out if you are bored, it's a fun sit and watch and don't think movie.
Over all B-
This story starts with Porthos, Athos and Aramis (played by Ray Stevenson, Matthew Macfadyn, and Luke Evans) looking for something in Venice. They have the help of Milady DeWinter played by Milla Jovovich as a skilled theif. She is not afraid to make the amazing Athos fall in love with her and then leave him as soon as she gets what she wants. Sadly, the boys are betrayed in the first 5 minutes of the movie when Milady teams up with Buckingham played by Orlando Bloom.
We then flash ahead a few months and see a very young D'Artagnan, played by Logan Lerman, in swordplay with his father. D'Artagnan is on his way to Paris to become a Musketeer. Once he gets to Paris he teams up with our boys who are out of their luck. Together they fight for France against Cardinal Richelieu, played by Christoph Waltz. He is by far the best actor in the film with Matthew a very close second.
The whole film is basically funny moments making fun of the King and seeing the cool special effects. It is very historically far-fetched but still enjoyable to watch. It was basically fun sword fighting and funny boys plotting. I do not mean that as a bad thing, that's just what it is.
Over all the movie was ok, not the best thing I have seen but fun to watch if you are bored or if you really like Musketeers adventures like I do. I say check it out if you are bored, it's a fun sit and watch and don't think movie.
Over all B-
Paranormal Activity 3
Ok so this movie is a mix bag for me. I really enjoyed the movie because it scared the crap out of me. I was literally clinging to my aunt's arm watching this movie. My only beef with this movie is that all of the good stuff in the trailer did not appear in the movie. Now I understand not wanting to give too much away but you are actually hurting the movie by deceiving the audience. I was expecting more scary moments in the house and more ghost-like occurrings with the girls but it was all taken out. I am pretty sure that they did that because they wanted the ending to be more climatic or to make the movie shorter but there are some MAJOR points taken out.
We know for a fact that from the other movie, the girls house sets on fire. We know that they lose everything and that the monster attacks in the house. None of this happens in the movie! In the trailer we see the house starting on fire but that never happens! It doesn't make sense because the movie ends with a huge gap in the story. I don't know if they are thinking of doing one more and that is why it ended that way, but it didn't make any sense.
Other than that HUGE issue I have with the movie, it was very scary. The movie is very short at a whopping 1 hr and 20 mins but it's long enough. It's the same style with the hand held cameras so it ends in good time.
The movie does what they do best, start to scare you with the little things occurring in the house. A few jumps and screams in the middle and then a few things you can not rationalize in your mind. The ending is so creepy that people were yelling and freaking out, myself included! I can't say much more than this because it will ruin the good parts for you. Just watch this movie and keep your eyes WIDE OPEN!
Over all:B-
We know for a fact that from the other movie, the girls house sets on fire. We know that they lose everything and that the monster attacks in the house. None of this happens in the movie! In the trailer we see the house starting on fire but that never happens! It doesn't make sense because the movie ends with a huge gap in the story. I don't know if they are thinking of doing one more and that is why it ended that way, but it didn't make any sense.
Other than that HUGE issue I have with the movie, it was very scary. The movie is very short at a whopping 1 hr and 20 mins but it's long enough. It's the same style with the hand held cameras so it ends in good time.
The movie does what they do best, start to scare you with the little things occurring in the house. A few jumps and screams in the middle and then a few things you can not rationalize in your mind. The ending is so creepy that people were yelling and freaking out, myself included! I can't say much more than this because it will ruin the good parts for you. Just watch this movie and keep your eyes WIDE OPEN!
Over all:B-
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Real Steel
I have been waiting for Real Steel to come out for months! I think I was starting to go through Hugh Jackman Withdrawals! I have to say it was well worth the wait! This movie was fantastic!
Real Steel is about Hugh Jackman playing Charlie, a former boxer down on his luck. The game of boxing changed in this not to distant future (I think it takes place around 2020ish) Now boxing is done by Robots because they can take a hit better and have more carnage than real people. They can take each other apart in the ring and it's all OK because no one get killed. Charlie controls a fighting robot in this new boxing style. We find out his is down on his luck and honestly his robot kinda sucks. Within 5 minutes the robot starts to fall apart! Even with the help of his friend and former girlfriend, Bailey(played by Evangeline Lily) they can not get this robot to improve.
In the meantime Charlie finds out that his ex-wife has died and now his son needs a guardian. His son(Max) is played by new comer Dakota Goyo who is sensational. This kid is going to have an amazing career, he is so funny and charming. Anyway I'll get to that in a minute! Max's aunt Debra (played by Hope Davis) wants to adopt Max. Charlie ends up making a deal with Debra's husband for them to have custody of Max for money. Part of the deal is that Charlie has to take Max for a few months and then Debra will take full custody. There is alot more to it to that but I don't wanna ruin bits of the movie for you so I'll just leave it at that.
Max finds a robot in the junkyard and together Max and Charlie teach this robot called Atom how to box.
The whole movie is just fantastic! The fighting Robot special effects are sensational! I could not tell what was real and what was CGI and that is saying something because I am picky when it comes to CGI. The robots were believable and I could see something like that being created in the next 10 years. The fact that it was a little in the future really helped the story. Everything was the same but slightly upgraded.
The relationship between Charlie and Max is amazing. You really feel like Jackman and Goyo are father and son. They have this great on-screen chemistry together. They play off of each other so well and they are both so funny. Little Dakota is an amazing little actor that is going to have a long and successful career. He already can keep up with big screen leading man Hugh Jackman, this kid is great. The humor in this movie is so quick and realistic and so funny!
I loved the movie because it had great action with the fighting robots but amazing heart between the actors. At points you forget that Atom is a robot and you feel like he can understand you. The movie shows you that even the toughest creatures have a weakness in them. I'm telling you to go see this movie NOW! I'm already trying to figure out when I can go see it again. It was so good I could have sat and watched it all over again. I never do that but this movie was just that good. A MUST SEE!!!
Over all A
Real Steel is about Hugh Jackman playing Charlie, a former boxer down on his luck. The game of boxing changed in this not to distant future (I think it takes place around 2020ish) Now boxing is done by Robots because they can take a hit better and have more carnage than real people. They can take each other apart in the ring and it's all OK because no one get killed. Charlie controls a fighting robot in this new boxing style. We find out his is down on his luck and honestly his robot kinda sucks. Within 5 minutes the robot starts to fall apart! Even with the help of his friend and former girlfriend, Bailey(played by Evangeline Lily) they can not get this robot to improve.
In the meantime Charlie finds out that his ex-wife has died and now his son needs a guardian. His son(Max) is played by new comer Dakota Goyo who is sensational. This kid is going to have an amazing career, he is so funny and charming. Anyway I'll get to that in a minute! Max's aunt Debra (played by Hope Davis) wants to adopt Max. Charlie ends up making a deal with Debra's husband for them to have custody of Max for money. Part of the deal is that Charlie has to take Max for a few months and then Debra will take full custody. There is alot more to it to that but I don't wanna ruin bits of the movie for you so I'll just leave it at that.
Max finds a robot in the junkyard and together Max and Charlie teach this robot called Atom how to box.
The whole movie is just fantastic! The fighting Robot special effects are sensational! I could not tell what was real and what was CGI and that is saying something because I am picky when it comes to CGI. The robots were believable and I could see something like that being created in the next 10 years. The fact that it was a little in the future really helped the story. Everything was the same but slightly upgraded.
The relationship between Charlie and Max is amazing. You really feel like Jackman and Goyo are father and son. They have this great on-screen chemistry together. They play off of each other so well and they are both so funny. Little Dakota is an amazing little actor that is going to have a long and successful career. He already can keep up with big screen leading man Hugh Jackman, this kid is great. The humor in this movie is so quick and realistic and so funny!
I loved the movie because it had great action with the fighting robots but amazing heart between the actors. At points you forget that Atom is a robot and you feel like he can understand you. The movie shows you that even the toughest creatures have a weakness in them. I'm telling you to go see this movie NOW! I'm already trying to figure out when I can go see it again. It was so good I could have sat and watched it all over again. I never do that but this movie was just that good. A MUST SEE!!!
Over all A
Monday, September 26, 2011
Twelve and Holding
You know how much I like to throw a little curve ball at all you readers (all 6 of you). I have been watching some independent films and I have one that you must check out. The film is called Twelve and Holding and it came out in 2005. The story starts with these twin brothers, Jacob and Rudy, getting chased around by the town bullies. They meet up with their two friends an over weight boy named Leonard and a little girl named Malee. The little group hears that the bullies are going to try to tear down their tree house so Rudy decides to meet Leonard there to stop them. The bullies throw a bottle with a burning towel at the tree house. Leonard escapes after he falls on his head and poor Rudy is buried alive. This is a really hard scene to watch but very good. Don't worry I'm not giving anything away because this happens in the first 5 minutes.
After Rudy's death Jacob tries to live his life. Jacob is different from Ruby because he has a big birthmark on the side of his face. Leonard finds out that he lost his sense of smell and because of that he can no longer taste food. Malee meets a man in her mother's therapy office named Gus (played by Jeremy Renner).
The movie divides into 3 small stories about the year after Rudy's death. Jacob becomes close with the boy who accidentally killed Rudy. He continues to go visit him and tell him about the outside world.
Leonard decides to get in shape and save his own life. He starts working out and eating right. This throws off Leonards whole family because they are big people and eat terrible foods. Leonard see this as his second chance for a better life. I wont mess up the ending but let's just say that he takes the diet to the extremes with his family.
Malee was by far my favorite character. She is this little 12 year old girl that gets her first crush on Gus. To be totally honest what girl wouldn't have a crush on Jeremy Renner if he was sweet to you. Malee starts to sneak around to find information about Gus. She even sneaks into her mother's office to hear his therapy session. Gus used to be a fire fighter and has serious post-traumatic stress. Now Gus is doing construction on the land where Rudy was killed.
I may give you a bit of a spoiler here but I have to talk about this scene, it is so powerful. Malee finds a key to Gus's apartment and shows up there. She goes through his things and finds a gun in his drawer. Just as she grabs it Gus comes home. Malee hides under the bed and watches as Gus gets into the shower. Gus starts to have an emotional break down in the shower. His back is to the door and his head in the corner of the shower. This is some of the best acting I have ever seen with Renner. As he is having this emotional break down, Malee walks into the bathroom and tries to put her hand on his back. She stops and walks out without him ever knowing she was there.
The rest of the movie Malee starts to see Gus more and more. She talks to him about falling in love and not liking the boys her age. As she sees him more and more she starts to dress more like a little woman and not a little girl.
SPOILERS BELOW!!!!!!!!!!!
One night Malee shows up to Gus' and cleans the house, makes the bed, and cooks dinner. When he walks in he looks confused as she is sitting there. He has a moment of realization that she has been in here before and took his gun. She walks up to him and takes off her robe. He looks away and tells her to stop this craziness and get dressed. She is begging him to hold her and says they are soul mates. He covers her up with his jacket and calls her mother.
Later Gus talks to Malee's mother about how he felt terrible because he knew she had a crush on him and didn't discourage it. But then he tells a story about a fire where he killed another little girl. He said that Malee looked at him the same way. She just wanted him to take her pain away. He was Malee's escape from everything that happened.
There is alot more that happen but I want you to WATCH the movie!
The acting by the 3 little actors is stunning. They have the emotional range that gets at your heart. You forget that these are just young kids and believe these wise souls. Jeremy Renner is fantastic and completely tragic in this film. You just want to reach out and help him and the kids with all the pain they are dealing with.
Over all A!
After Rudy's death Jacob tries to live his life. Jacob is different from Ruby because he has a big birthmark on the side of his face. Leonard finds out that he lost his sense of smell and because of that he can no longer taste food. Malee meets a man in her mother's therapy office named Gus (played by Jeremy Renner).
The movie divides into 3 small stories about the year after Rudy's death. Jacob becomes close with the boy who accidentally killed Rudy. He continues to go visit him and tell him about the outside world.
Leonard decides to get in shape and save his own life. He starts working out and eating right. This throws off Leonards whole family because they are big people and eat terrible foods. Leonard see this as his second chance for a better life. I wont mess up the ending but let's just say that he takes the diet to the extremes with his family.
Malee was by far my favorite character. She is this little 12 year old girl that gets her first crush on Gus. To be totally honest what girl wouldn't have a crush on Jeremy Renner if he was sweet to you. Malee starts to sneak around to find information about Gus. She even sneaks into her mother's office to hear his therapy session. Gus used to be a fire fighter and has serious post-traumatic stress. Now Gus is doing construction on the land where Rudy was killed.
I may give you a bit of a spoiler here but I have to talk about this scene, it is so powerful. Malee finds a key to Gus's apartment and shows up there. She goes through his things and finds a gun in his drawer. Just as she grabs it Gus comes home. Malee hides under the bed and watches as Gus gets into the shower. Gus starts to have an emotional break down in the shower. His back is to the door and his head in the corner of the shower. This is some of the best acting I have ever seen with Renner. As he is having this emotional break down, Malee walks into the bathroom and tries to put her hand on his back. She stops and walks out without him ever knowing she was there.
The rest of the movie Malee starts to see Gus more and more. She talks to him about falling in love and not liking the boys her age. As she sees him more and more she starts to dress more like a little woman and not a little girl.
SPOILERS BELOW!!!!!!!!!!!
One night Malee shows up to Gus' and cleans the house, makes the bed, and cooks dinner. When he walks in he looks confused as she is sitting there. He has a moment of realization that she has been in here before and took his gun. She walks up to him and takes off her robe. He looks away and tells her to stop this craziness and get dressed. She is begging him to hold her and says they are soul mates. He covers her up with his jacket and calls her mother.
Later Gus talks to Malee's mother about how he felt terrible because he knew she had a crush on him and didn't discourage it. But then he tells a story about a fire where he killed another little girl. He said that Malee looked at him the same way. She just wanted him to take her pain away. He was Malee's escape from everything that happened.
There is alot more that happen but I want you to WATCH the movie!
The acting by the 3 little actors is stunning. They have the emotional range that gets at your heart. You forget that these are just young kids and believe these wise souls. Jeremy Renner is fantastic and completely tragic in this film. You just want to reach out and help him and the kids with all the pain they are dealing with.
Over all A!
Killer Elite
Alrighty then, so I saw Abduction and Killer Elite in the same night. I must have been in an action adventure mood. Killer Elite is an action drama that is filled with guns, stunts, and government cover-up. All the good things that make films interesting! We have Jason Statham as Danny, he is the best of the best assassins. He know how to do his job and do it well. There is also Robert DeNiro as Hunter, he was the best and he trained Danny. Danny looks at Hunter as a type of father figure/mentor. We then throw in a little sexy Clive Owen as Spike a MI5 former enforcer.
The film starts with Danny and Hunter going on a job in the Middle East during the 1980's. Now this movie claims to be based on real events but you know how loosely that term in used now a days. Anyways, the job goes bad and Danny is injured and decides to get out of the "life". We flash ahead a few years and we see Danny is living in the Outback and has a new girlfriend played by Yvonne Strahovski. She is a new actress but very sweet and charming. She is one of those girls you can't help but like. Danny gets a package with a picture of Hunter being taken prisoner.
Danny finds out that a Middle Eastern man wants revenge for the British government killing his 3 sons. He hires Danny to find these men, get a recorded confession, and kill them but make it look like an accident. This is so the man's son can go back to his homeland with revenge. The only way Danny will do it is if they have Hunter.
Danny must assemble a team and hunt these guys down. Spike is a retired agent that finds out about Danny and tries to stop him. He tries to figure out Danny's every move to stop him.
The movie is filled with everything a Statham film has, action, adventure, and guns. They movie was very well done with stunts. There were only a few that you didn't believe were possible. There is a great one of Statham flipping over while tied to a chair....it's freaking awesome! I must say Owen really kept up with Statham's action. There are a few great fight scenes between the two of them.
The movie does tend to slow down a bit in the middle. It was almost like there was too much action and it didn't have the same effect anymore. It does pick up again near the end and then you will be on the edge of your seat till the credits roll.
Action: Yep
Adventure: no bad
romance: so so
Over all B+
The film starts with Danny and Hunter going on a job in the Middle East during the 1980's. Now this movie claims to be based on real events but you know how loosely that term in used now a days. Anyways, the job goes bad and Danny is injured and decides to get out of the "life". We flash ahead a few years and we see Danny is living in the Outback and has a new girlfriend played by Yvonne Strahovski. She is a new actress but very sweet and charming. She is one of those girls you can't help but like. Danny gets a package with a picture of Hunter being taken prisoner.
Danny finds out that a Middle Eastern man wants revenge for the British government killing his 3 sons. He hires Danny to find these men, get a recorded confession, and kill them but make it look like an accident. This is so the man's son can go back to his homeland with revenge. The only way Danny will do it is if they have Hunter.
Danny must assemble a team and hunt these guys down. Spike is a retired agent that finds out about Danny and tries to stop him. He tries to figure out Danny's every move to stop him.
The movie is filled with everything a Statham film has, action, adventure, and guns. They movie was very well done with stunts. There were only a few that you didn't believe were possible. There is a great one of Statham flipping over while tied to a chair....it's freaking awesome! I must say Owen really kept up with Statham's action. There are a few great fight scenes between the two of them.
The movie does tend to slow down a bit in the middle. It was almost like there was too much action and it didn't have the same effect anymore. It does pick up again near the end and then you will be on the edge of your seat till the credits roll.
Action: Yep
Adventure: no bad
romance: so so
Over all B+
Abduction
So let me get something out there, I did not only see this movie because Taylor Lautner was in it. I really wanted to see this because of the action and adventure.....ok ok I was also curious about our dear little Taylor. For those of you that don't know I met little Taylor once at a book signing for Breaking Dawn. (That's right I just admitted my Twilight readings!) He is from the town next to mine and I have to say he is the sweetest most down to earth guy I have ever met. I did meet him before he was big buff Taylor. Anyways I was interested to see if our local boy could hold his own in this film. I must say, BRAVO
The movie is the typical teen action film. There is a girl that the boy likes and as always she gets mixed up in the mess. You all know I have a strict no spoilers policy unless I feel very passionate about the movie. So I'll try my very best not to give anything away. The film is about Nathan (Lautner) a high school kid who has a less than normal family. His parents are played by Maria Bello and Jason Issacs, both are amazing in this film. They are not in the movie long but they have this amazing chemistry with each other and with Taylor. Issacs trains Lautner how to defend himself and they honestly beat the crap out of each other. The fighting in this movie is awesome and the fact that Taylor does almost all of his stunts is just plain IMPRESSIVE! Let's be honest, the boy has mad skills!
One day Nathan and his neighbor girl Karen (Lily Collins) work on a school project about missing kids. They find a picture of Nathan on a missing kids website. So out of curiosity Nathan get a hold of this website and asks about this missing child. This sends a red flag to all these societies looking for him. This is when everything falls apart. Nathan has to go on the run with Karen as they become attacked by agents and hired guns. We find out that Nathan's family is not who they say they are and now all these little societies are trying to find Nathan because he has information.
So the rest of the movie is Sigourney Weaver trying to hide Nathan and Alfred Molina as the agent trying to hunt them down. There are train fights and car crashes and lots of explosions. All the good stuff that every action film needs.
There is also this great moment where we realise Taylor Lautner is no longer a little kid. He has this great intimate scene with Lily Collins that had my jaw drop. Let's just say it reminded me of that moment in The Fast and Furious where Vin Diesel picks up Michele Rodriquez....YIKES! Yeah let's just say I had to remind myself that Lautner is 19. Boy is gonna be a stud of a leading man!
Over all the movie was pretty good, the stunts and action were awesome. The movie did have a ton of total crap dialog. You could almost predict the cheesy one-liner coming next. Other than that the movie is still entertaining and interesting. I say if you are in the mood for some action and a fun story check this out. The acting is alright and the stunts kick major tail!
Action; Yeppers
Adventure: Yeah
Drama: A little
Romance: So So
Over all: A-
The movie is the typical teen action film. There is a girl that the boy likes and as always she gets mixed up in the mess. You all know I have a strict no spoilers policy unless I feel very passionate about the movie. So I'll try my very best not to give anything away. The film is about Nathan (Lautner) a high school kid who has a less than normal family. His parents are played by Maria Bello and Jason Issacs, both are amazing in this film. They are not in the movie long but they have this amazing chemistry with each other and with Taylor. Issacs trains Lautner how to defend himself and they honestly beat the crap out of each other. The fighting in this movie is awesome and the fact that Taylor does almost all of his stunts is just plain IMPRESSIVE! Let's be honest, the boy has mad skills!
One day Nathan and his neighbor girl Karen (Lily Collins) work on a school project about missing kids. They find a picture of Nathan on a missing kids website. So out of curiosity Nathan get a hold of this website and asks about this missing child. This sends a red flag to all these societies looking for him. This is when everything falls apart. Nathan has to go on the run with Karen as they become attacked by agents and hired guns. We find out that Nathan's family is not who they say they are and now all these little societies are trying to find Nathan because he has information.
So the rest of the movie is Sigourney Weaver trying to hide Nathan and Alfred Molina as the agent trying to hunt them down. There are train fights and car crashes and lots of explosions. All the good stuff that every action film needs.
There is also this great moment where we realise Taylor Lautner is no longer a little kid. He has this great intimate scene with Lily Collins that had my jaw drop. Let's just say it reminded me of that moment in The Fast and Furious where Vin Diesel picks up Michele Rodriquez....YIKES! Yeah let's just say I had to remind myself that Lautner is 19. Boy is gonna be a stud of a leading man!
Over all the movie was pretty good, the stunts and action were awesome. The movie did have a ton of total crap dialog. You could almost predict the cheesy one-liner coming next. Other than that the movie is still entertaining and interesting. I say if you are in the mood for some action and a fun story check this out. The acting is alright and the stunts kick major tail!
Action; Yeppers
Adventure: Yeah
Drama: A little
Romance: So So
Over all: A-
Friday, July 22, 2011
Captain America
I know I am way behind in my movie reviews. I am very sorry for this, it has been a very busy summer for me so please forgive! I promise to try and play catch up as fast as I can get some free time!
So today I saw Captain America and I was so excited. As most of my readers know I am a SUCKER for a good Marvel movie. I am very critical of them because I was raised by comic books! I was excited for this movie because I wanted to see how they would tie it in with The Avengers (2012). So here we go!
The film starts in a time we are unsure of. We think it is the 'near future' because of the tools used. All we see is the Captain America Shield then we flash to 1943ish. We see our amazing and noble Steve Rogers trying to become a soldier. He wants to serve his country in World War II. He is recruited by a new secret society to become a super soldier. Guess who helps him become amazing.....HOWARD STARK! Howard is the father of our very own Iron Man Tony Stark.
I don't want to give too much away because the movie needs to be enjoyed without knowing every detail. Let's just say that he becomes Captain America and has to prove that he can help in the army. They are trying to bring down a glorified cult run by one of Hitler's Nazi's that we call The Red Skull. He is searching for an energy cube that came from 'The God's' there is mention that it came from Odin's Treasure Chamber. (Thor connection!) This energy is being used as a weapon to destroy the world.
Steve/Captain America goes on these little missions to stop them. He has some friendly flirting with Peggy Carter a female that works with the military. We have Tommy Lee Jones as Colonel Phillips who helps lead Steve. He also is always great for a quick comment or joke.
I honestly have to be careful what I tell you next because it will mess up the whole movie for you. SO I'M NOT GONNA DO IT! Some times things need to be left up to surprise.
Over all I really liked the movie. It showed that the character of a man is not his size but his actions. Steve is a pure character that is so kind and just plain amazing. Chris Evans does a fantastic job capturing the heart of the character as well as the pain and determination. The whole ensemble is fantastic together. The action is fantastic and Hugo Weaving is perfect as the Red Skull.
Now to the important stuff....the movie was great and was a fantastic tie to The Avengers but stay after all the credits run!!!!!!!! Do not even THINK about getting your butt up off that chair, I MEAN IT! If you stay you will get an AMAZING sneak peak at.....are you ready...... THE AVENGERS!!!!!!! It's an amazing teaser trailer that I literally squealed at!! We see all of our amazing characters! Bruce Banner (the Hulk), Black Widow, Nick Furry, Tony Stark, Hawkeye, Thor, Captain America, and Loki!!!!!!!!! AAHHHHHHHHHHH I tried to find the trailer but Disney has not released it yet! I WANT IT!! It comes out in May and I am so freaking excited! T-minus 10 months!
Over all: A-
Action: Tons
Adventure: Duh!
Heart: awww so sweet!
So today I saw Captain America and I was so excited. As most of my readers know I am a SUCKER for a good Marvel movie. I am very critical of them because I was raised by comic books! I was excited for this movie because I wanted to see how they would tie it in with The Avengers (2012). So here we go!
The film starts in a time we are unsure of. We think it is the 'near future' because of the tools used. All we see is the Captain America Shield then we flash to 1943ish. We see our amazing and noble Steve Rogers trying to become a soldier. He wants to serve his country in World War II. He is recruited by a new secret society to become a super soldier. Guess who helps him become amazing.....HOWARD STARK! Howard is the father of our very own Iron Man Tony Stark.
I don't want to give too much away because the movie needs to be enjoyed without knowing every detail. Let's just say that he becomes Captain America and has to prove that he can help in the army. They are trying to bring down a glorified cult run by one of Hitler's Nazi's that we call The Red Skull. He is searching for an energy cube that came from 'The God's' there is mention that it came from Odin's Treasure Chamber. (Thor connection!) This energy is being used as a weapon to destroy the world.
Steve/Captain America goes on these little missions to stop them. He has some friendly flirting with Peggy Carter a female that works with the military. We have Tommy Lee Jones as Colonel Phillips who helps lead Steve. He also is always great for a quick comment or joke.
I honestly have to be careful what I tell you next because it will mess up the whole movie for you. SO I'M NOT GONNA DO IT! Some times things need to be left up to surprise.
Over all I really liked the movie. It showed that the character of a man is not his size but his actions. Steve is a pure character that is so kind and just plain amazing. Chris Evans does a fantastic job capturing the heart of the character as well as the pain and determination. The whole ensemble is fantastic together. The action is fantastic and Hugo Weaving is perfect as the Red Skull.
Now to the important stuff....the movie was great and was a fantastic tie to The Avengers but stay after all the credits run!!!!!!!! Do not even THINK about getting your butt up off that chair, I MEAN IT! If you stay you will get an AMAZING sneak peak at.....are you ready...... THE AVENGERS!!!!!!! It's an amazing teaser trailer that I literally squealed at!! We see all of our amazing characters! Bruce Banner (the Hulk), Black Widow, Nick Furry, Tony Stark, Hawkeye, Thor, Captain America, and Loki!!!!!!!!! AAHHHHHHHHHHH I tried to find the trailer but Disney has not released it yet! I WANT IT!! It comes out in May and I am so freaking excited! T-minus 10 months!
Over all: A-
Action: Tons
Adventure: Duh!
Heart: awww so sweet!
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