My Movie Reviews

Release Date: 13 March 2009
Time: 1 hr 38 min
Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures
Rating: PG
My Rating: PG
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, Alexander Ludwig
Grade: B+

Synopsis: Former professional wrestler Dwayne Johnson (aka "The Rock") makes family-friendly fare with director Andy Fickman’s (THE GAME PLAN) sci-fi adventure, RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN. Johnson plays Jack Bruno, a surly former felon who is trying to stay out of trouble by driving a cab in Las Vegas and who embarks upon the adventure of a lifetime when two teens appear in his taxi and need a ride to (seemingly) the middle of nowhere. He quickly realizes that the mysterious siblings, Sara (AnnaSophia Robb) and Seth (Alexander Ludwig), are far from average--especially when they are pursued by a villain wearing a high-tech suit of armor. With the help of Dr. Alex Friedman (Carla Gugino), the trio travels to Witch Mountain, a secret government outpost in the Nevada desert, with the hopes of evading their pursuers and sending Sara and Seth home--and saving Earth in the process. This latest installment in the Witch Mountain series comes more than 30 years after the release of the first two films, ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN and RETURN FROM WITCH MOUNTAIN. Kim Richards and Ike Eisenmann, who played siblings Tia and Tony in the original films, appear in small but pivotal roles as a waitress and a sheriff. Johnson makes Bruno likable, even though the character barely likes himself. Robb and Ludwig are well cast as the earnest siblings who hold the fate of the world in their hands. Chase scenes abound and special effects that highlight the teens’ special powers are prevalent, but the film remains kid-friendly. Cheech Marin and Garry Marshall make brief cameo appearances

My Review: I've been meaning to watch this film for sometime. I found the film quite entertaining and I enjoyed all of it. Dwayne Johnson gives a good performance and as always has his moments. The kids he meet are pretty good in the film as well and I thought that Dwayne and AnnaSophia had a great on screen relationship going. This film is fast paced and funny which made it great.

Recommend: This is one for the whole family to enjoy.

Release Date: 26 October 2007
Time: 1 hr 38 min
Distributor: Touchstone Pictures
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG
Starring: Steve Carell, Juliette Binoche, Dianne Wiest
Grade: B

Synopsis: Just as LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE did in 2006, DAN IN REAL LIFE reveals that Steve Carell is an actor who can do more than just comedy. He's won both accolades and awards as bumbling boss Michael Scott on THE OFFICE, but there's a greater depth to this performance as a single father and man in love. Advice columnist Dan Burns (Carell) has his hands full with three daughters that he's not willing to let grow up. The girls still grieve for their mother who died four years ago, and Dan hasn't made any attempts to date. So he's pleasantly surprised when he meets Marie (Juliette Binoche) at a bookstore when he goes to his parents' Rhode Island home for the annual family reunion. But his joy is short-lived when he discovers that she is dating his brother (Dane Cook), forcing Dan to hide his feelings and chemistry with Marie. Carell adeptly balances his role's humor and heartache, while Binoche (CHOCOLAT) is radiant as ever. Comedian Cook (GOOD LUCK CHUCK) shows surprising talent as the third leg of their love triangle. Through his duties as director and co-screenwriter, Peter Hedges deserves much of the credit for creating a film that is sweet without being sappy. Even though he's working with a far bigger budget than he did for his directorial debut, PIECES OF APRIL, he still maintains the feelings of intimacy and honesty that made that film such a critical favorite. What could have been a standard romantic comedy of errors turns into a strong film that goes deeper than many of its peers in the genre. DAN IN REAL LIFE also succeeds thanks to its soundtrack from Norwegian indie pop musician Sondre Lerche. The singer's compositions, both originals and favorites from his career, perfectly suit the film's tone and moods.

My Review: This movie was a decent film about Dan's lack of a love life after his wife passes away. The film has its moments but I was hoping that it would be funnier than it was. Steve Carell kind of let me down with this one.

Recommend: This is a fun date night film.

Release Date: 22 December 2006
Time: 2 hr 4 min
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Rating: PG
My Rating: PG
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox
Grade: B

Synopsis: In November 1970, a plane carrying almost the entire Marshall University football team, its staff and fans crashed, killing 75 people in all and devastating the small town of Huntington, West Virginia. WE ARE MARSHALL, directed by McG (THE O.C., FASTLANE) tells the tragic true story of how the university and the citizens of Huntington rebuilt the football program and dealt with the loss of so many of their own. The university's president, Donald Dedmon, earnestly portrayed by David Strathairn (GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK), hires the only willing coach to take on such a daunting task, Jack Lengyl (Matthew McConaughey). With the help of the lone Marshall football coach Red Dawson (Matthew Fox) and the three remaining players who weren't on the plane, Coach Lengyl sets out to restructure Marshall's team, and spirit. But for some in the community it's still too soon, including Paul Griffen (Ian McShane) who lost his football-star son. They fear that moving on so quickly is disrespectful to those who died and to the loved ones who still mourn. The film emphasizes this issue, illustrating the struggle of that harrowing time at Marshall, and in college football history. Although WE ARE MARSHALL contains a similar theme to other sports movies, rising from adversity, the tragedy of so many lives lost in a small community and the painful recovery sets this film apart. Strong performances by McConaughey (FAILURE TO LAUNCH)—his wit and energy adds much needed doses of comic relief, Fox (LOST), and McShane (DEADWOOD) successfully help bring the historical and inspiring story of Marshall University to the big screen, a must-see for all sports fans.

My Review: This is quite an incredible story about the Marshall football program and what it went through to come back to national prominence. McConaughey gives a pretty good performance as the head coach of the new team and like many sports films, it makes you believe in the power of coming together as a team. The film was a bit long at some points and I hoped it would move a little faster, but overall a pretty good film.

Recommend: Possible date night film or if you don't have anyone to watch with then this would be a good one to watch on your own.

Release Date: 17 December 2004
Time: 2 hr 39 min
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, John C. Reilly, Kate Beckinsale
Grade: B

Synopsis: Martin Scorsese's THE AVIATOR is a lavish spectacle of a motion picture that harks back to Hollywood's Golden Era in telling the story of Howard Hughes, one of 20th-century America's most pioneering and influential figures. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the eccentric billionaire, Scorsese's biopic concentrates on Hughes's life between the 1920s and '40s, when he made striking contributions to both the film and aviation industries. At only 25 years of age, Hughes directed the most expensive film ever made up to that point, HELL'S ANGELS (1930), which Scorsese gleefully recreates here in all its sprawling, audacious glory. At the same time, he became known as an unabashed playboy, bedding the likes of Jean Harlow (singer Gwen Stefani), Ava Gardner (Kate Beckinsale), and Katherine Hepburn (a brilliant Cate Blanchett). In the mid-'30s, he turned his attention to the aviation industry, where he quickly became world-renowned for shattering speed and distance records. He also continued to test the limits of flight technology, building bigger, faster, and stronger aircrafts. All the while, he struggled with an obsessive-compulsive disorder that sent him into a full-fledged tailspin after a near-fatal plane crash. The film concludes with Hughes being called before the Senate in 1947 to defend himself against the nefarious Senator Owen Brewster (Alan Alda), who accused Hughes of taking money from the United States government during wartime. Stunningly photographed by Robert Richardson, Scorsese's nearly three-hour drama features an impassioned performance by DiCaprio, who is also credited as an executive producer. Although she appears in less than a third of the film, Blanchett delivers a performance that cements her status as one of the finest actresses ever to appear on the big screen.

My Review: Pretty good and interesting film about the aviator, Howard Hughes. I must say that the film was a little too long and felt like it was dragging by the end but it was interesting to learn a little bit about the history of the airline companies and how crazy Mr. Hughes was. Dicaprio did a good job portraying Mr. Hughes and I was pretty captivated by this odd and different man.

Recommend: Date night maybe? Don't watch this when you're tired as you'll never make it through. Definitely see this film if you haven't.

Release Date: 1 May 2009
Time: 1 hr 47 min
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber
Grade: A

Synopsis: When choosing which mutant hero they would use to launch the X-MEN feature-film prequel series ORIGINS, the creators of the hugely successful franchise had a no-brainer of a decision in going with Wolverine. Not only is he the most well-known and popular X-Men character, but Wolverine--as brought expertly to life in true leading-man fashion by Hugh Jackman--was essentially the star of the three previous X-MEN movies. As the title implies, X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE is the back story of the fiery and conflicted Wolverine (né James Logan), whose mutant powers include killer claws that shoot from his knuckles and a regenerative ability that allows him to live seemingly forever. Taking a few mild liberties but staying relatively faithful to the comic-book source material, ORIGINS follows Logan from his first recognition of his mutant powers as a young child up through his infamous adamantium rebirth and the total memory loss that would subsequently fuel his angry quest. Wolverine’s story has enough intriguing details to allow for a grown-up psychodrama in the mold of THE DARK KNIGHT, and the actors on hand--including Danny Huston as Stryker and Liev Schreiber as Logan’s half-brother, Victor (aka Sabretooth)--have the chops to deliver. Director Gavin Hood, however, opts in favor of cinematic razzle-dazzle heavy on John Woo-style action-ballet and CGI glitz. From Deadpool’s eye-popping swordplay (the action-adventure equivalent of Riverdance) to the tightrope-walk of a fight scene in the film’s finale, WOLVERINE is a blockbuster action film in the most fundamental sense of the word. While some might complain that the film lacks the storytelling substance of the first two X-MEN films, if it’s bang you’re after, then this certainly isn’t a waste of your bucks.

My Review: This film was excellently done. They definitely kept the story in tact by going back and retelling the coming of Wolverine. After seeing the other films and then this one, I was glad that they came back and told this story. It finally makes sense where Wolverine came from after he did so much soul searching in the other films.

Hugh Jackman gives another great performance as wolverine and this film is packed with action as is expected. There is a love story that is intertwined throughout that plays excellently into the entire film. Overall, I was very impressed with the excellent job they did with this film.

Recommend: Most everyone should enjoy this. It can be a family film. If you have really little ones then they might be scared by some of the action.

Release Date: 27 August 2004
Time: 1 hr 39 min
Distributor: Miramax Films
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Jet Li
Grade: B

Synopsis: Using the assasination attempt of the historical figure, Chin Shi Huang Di (The first emperor of China) as a backdrop, this film attempts to explore and develop a better understanding of the Chinese concept of a hero. In a Chinese cultural context, it hopes to explore the preconceptions and misinterpretations of heroism and heroes. At the height of China's Warring States period, the country was divided into seven kingdoms: Qin, Zhao, Han Wei, Yan, Chu and Qi. For years, the separate kingdoms fought ruthlessly for supremacy. As a result, the populace endured decades of death and suffering. The Kingdom of Qin was the most determined of all. The Qin King was obsessed with conquering all of China and becoming her first Emperor. He had long been the target of assassins throughout the other six states. Of all the would-be killers, none inspired as much fear as the three legendary assassins, Broken Sword, Flying Snow and Sky. To anyone who defeated the three assassins, the King of Qin promised great power, mountains of gold and a private audience with the King himself. But defeating the killers is a near impossible task. For ten years no one came close to claiming the prize. So when the enigmatic county sheriff, Nameless, came to the palace bearing the legendary weapons of the slain assassins, the King was impatient to hear his story. Sitting in the palace, only ten paces from the King, Nameless told his extraordinary tale: For ten years, Nameless studied the way of the sword and resolved to challenge the three assassins. Using the secrets of swordsmanship; Nameless defeated the mighty Sky in a furious showdown. Following this initial victory, he destroyed the famed duo of Flying Snow and Broken Sword. This time using a weapon far more devastating than his sword - their extraordinary love for each other. The King hung on every detail of this curious story. But then something most unexpected happened - the King has a different story to tell of how Nameless really came to sit there, face to face with the King! It appears that everything was not so simple. In the centre of the intrigue sits Nameless -a solitary ranger and the King of Qin - the ruler of the Kingdom, with only ten steps between them. Within those ten steps holds an earth-shattering tale of love, honour and duty, a story that moves beyond the reaches of history. A story about what it means to be a HERO.

My Review: This film started out a little slow but got better as it went along. It was interesting to learn about the history of China and how it came to be. The film was a bit tough to watch with the subtitles throughout but the overall story was pretty good. One thing is that you shouldn't be prepared for a Hollywood ending as this is based on a true story in China. It kind of left a bitter taste in my mouth but all was well. The fighting sequences are very excellent as well.

Recommend: If you liked "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" or you like Asian martial art films then you should check this movie out. Kids won't be too interested.

Release Date: 15 August 2008
Time: 1 hr 36 min
Distributor: The Weinstein Company
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Javier Bardem, Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson, Penélope Cruz
Grade: D

Synopsis: Two young Americans spend a summer in Spain and meet a flamboyant artist (Javier Bardem) and his beautiful but insane ex-wife (Penelope Cruz). Vicky (Rebecca Hall) is straight-laced and about to be married. Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) is a sexually adventurous free spirit. When they all become amorously entangled, the results are both hilarious and harrowing.

My Review: This movie was too long and had no point. A movie only and all about sex and that is really all. Dubbed as a comedy but there were practically no funny moments at all in the film. Literally the film was about Juan Antonio and sleeping with all kinds of different women and all of the women ruining relationships. I didn't give it an F because I did watch the entire film and not turn it off.

Recommend: Don't waste your time. This film isn't worth it.