My Movie Reviews

Release Date: 17 October 2008
Time: 1 hr 50 min
Distributor: Fox Searchlight Pictures
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, Paul Bettany, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys
Grade: A-

Synopsis: Haunted by memories of her late mother, 14-year-old Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) runs away with her friend and caregiver Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson) to the South Carolina town that holds the key to her mother's past. There, Lily meets the Boatwright sisters (Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo), who take her in and teach her about beekeeping, honey and the Black Madonna.

My Review: I was very impressed by this film. Very rarely do I find a film better than the book it is based on, but this is one of those rare exceptions. I think the main reason is because of the excellent cast and acting in this film. They truly brought the story to life of Lily trying to find herself. The film follows the book almost exactly with only one small derivation that doesn't affect a whole lot. I really enjoyed this movie.

Recommend: Date night film. Children won't be interested, but this is truly a great film to watch with someone else. Definitely check this movie out.

Release Date: 30 January 2009
Time: 1 hr 27 min
Distributor: DreamWorks
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Emily Browning, Arielle Kebbel, Elizabeth Banks
Grade: A-

Synopsis: Filmmaking duo Thomas and Charles Guard make their feature directorial debuts as the co-directors of this remake of Kim Jee-woon's 2003 Korean film A Tale of Two Sisters. Produced by Asian horror remake king Roy Lee, The Uninvited tells the story of a young girl named Anna (Emily Browning), who was admitted into a mental hospital following the death of her biological mother. Returning home some time later, Anna is shocked to discover that her father (David Strathairn) has recently gotten engaged to Rachel (Elizabeth Banks), her mother's former nurse. Anna's suspicions about Rachel are soon confirmed when her mother reaches out from the beyond to deliver a stark warning, prompting the young girl and her sister (Arielle Kebbel) to try and convince their father that Rachel is not who she appears to be. As the situation in the once-peaceful household rapidly begins to deteriorate, Rachel's true colors finally begin boiling to the surface. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

My Review: I have to say wow. I was really impressed and surprised at this movie. I didn't really expect to be that great but it was pretty good most of the way and the ending was a complete shock and unexpected. The film had its moments of being scary but there wasn't anything too bad. I still can't get over how much I really liked the ending of this movie.

Recommend: Check it out for sure. Don't watch it with the kids though as it won't be too interesting for them and maybe a little too scary. Great movie for a date.

Release Date: 28 June 2006
Time: 2 hr 34 min
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey
Grade: A-

Synopsis: The Man of Steel returns to the big screen with this continuation of the icon's film legacy that picks up after the events of the first two Christopher Reeve films. Some time has passed since the events of Superman II and the world has gotten used to life without Superman (Brandon Routh) ever since his puzzling disappearance years earlier. Upon his return, he finds a Metropolis that doesn't need him anymore, while Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) has moved on with another young suitor Richard White (James Marsden) in the meantime. As the hero begins to tackle the fact that life on Earth has continued without him, he is forced to face his old arch-nemesis Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey) and restore the life that was once his. Directed by Bryan Singer from a script by the writing team of X-Men 2, Superman Returns marks a return to the screen for the man in tights, whose production history has seen many failed attempts including a famous near-miss from Tim Burton and Kevin Smith with Nicolas Cage in the lead role, along with another from director McG and writer J.J. Abrams (Lost). Singer eventually won the prestigious gig when he pitched the idea to not tackle the origin story again, but continue with director Richard Donner's original vision. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide

My Review: This film was great. I probably should have watched the other Superman films that are before this to get the full plot as to what is going on, but this film was still great regardless. Superman was great and I love who they cast for him. There was lot of great action and lots of great Superman moments. They really did an excellent job with the film and even being more than 2 hours it didn't feel long at all. It could have probably gone another half hour without feeling too long. The story had a great twist in it as well. Oh yeah, and Kevin Spacey was perfect as Lex Luther.

Recommend: For sure. The whole family will like it even if you don't remember the earlier films. Check this film out!

Release Date: 10 October 2008
Time: 2 hr 10 min
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Rating: PG
My Rating: PG
Starring: Rob Brown, Dennis Quaid
Grade: A-

Synopsis: (THIS SYNOPSIS CONTAINS A SPOILER) Finding Forrester star Rob Brown steps into the cleats of Heisman Trophy-winning gridiron giant Ernie Davis in director Gary Fleder's inspirational sports docudrama. As a young boy reared not far from the northern Pennsylvania state line, Davis dreamed of blasting through the end zone and scoring a triumphant touchdown while fans rose to their feet and cheered. When Davis later became a star running back for the Syracuse Orangemen, his dreams were finally on the way to becoming a reality. Under the wing of coach Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid), it seemed as if there is nothing that could stop Davis from entering into the annals of sports history; even during an era in which the civil rights movement was just gaining momentum, this fledgling gridiron giant never once doubted his ability to rise to the top. When Davis was diagnosed with leukemia shortly after being drafted into the NFL, however, his will to survive soon eclipsed his dreams of success. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

My Review: Excellent film and right up there with all the other great sports movies. This film really hit home with me and once again made me greatful to live in a day when such dark times are behind us. This story is truly inspirational and the film is a lot of fun. I had never heard of Ernie Davis before watching the film and I grew to greatly respect him for what he did. Great film.

Recommend: Absolutely, and especially if you are a sports fan of any kind. This film is a great one to learn the history of the sport of football as well as America.

Release Date: 26 December 2008
Time: 2 hr
Distributor: Fox Searchlight Pictures
Rating: R
My Rating: PG-13 (almost PG)
Starring:Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Anil Kapoor
Grade: A-

Synopsis: Jamal Malik, an 18 year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, is just one question away from winning a staggering 20 million rupees on India’s “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” But when the show breaks for the night, police arrest him on suspicion of cheating; how could a street kid know so much? Desperate to prove his innocence, Jamal tells the story of his life in the slum where he and his brother grew up, of their adventures together on the road, of vicious encounters with local gangs, and of Latika, the girl he loved and lost. Each chapter of his story reveals the key to the answer to one of the game show’s questions. Intrigued by Jamal’s story, the jaded Police Inspector begins to wonder what a young man with no apparent desire for riches is really doing on this game show? When the new day dawns and Jamal returns to answer the final question, the Inspector and sixty million viewers are about to find out.

My Review: Excellent film and very intriguing. The film kept my attention the entire time and I loved it. The thing that bothered me the worst about this film is its rating. Why in the world did it get an R rating? They don't swear at all (at least that I recall), there is no sex or anything of the nature, and the violence that there is shows practically nothing (there is one scene with some eyes that is kind of disturbing, but if it wasn't there then it would have been a PG rated film). All the same, this film was very well done and it brought a lot of light and knowledge to my eyes about how the people in India live and what lives people in those situations live. I thought the children actors in this film did an excellent job acting. This film is truly inspiring and a great love story.

Recommend: I would recommend this film to all, especially adults. I was intrigued every minute and think everyone will enjoy the storyline here.

Release Date: 27 August 2008
Time: 1 hr 54 min
Distributor: Overture Films
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce
Grade: A-

Synopsis: When straight-arrow agent Roy Clayton (Guy Pearce) assumes command of a special FBI task force, he becomes entangled in a web of covert operations. All the clues in Clayton's investigation point to Samir Horn (Don Cheadle), a former Special Ops soldier who now aids terrorists. But as Clayton digs deeper and contradictory evidence begins to emerge, he begins to question Horn's motives.

My Review: This was an excellent film after the first half hour or so. The film started out slow, but really picked up. The film is full of suspense and there are lots of turns. As I watched, it really made me think about what is going on in terms of terrorism and what people are trying to do to terrorize other nations. It really makes you question what is going on that we don't know about it. The film is action packed and a real thriller.

Recommend: Be ready for some more serious themes and some good action in this film. If you are in the mood for that, then this is just the film for you. If you enjoyed the "Bourne" series, then you will enjoy this film.

Release Date: 2 July 2008
Time: 1 hr 32 min
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman
Grade: A-

Synopsis: There are heroes... there are superheroes... and then there's Hancock (Will Smith). With great power comes great responsibility -- everyone knows that -- everyone, that is, but Hancock. Edgy, conflicted, sarcastic, and misunderstood, Hancock's well-intentioned heroics might get the job done and save countless lives, but always seem to leave jaw-dropping damage in their wake. The public has finally had enough -- as grateful as they are to have their local hero, the good citizens of Los Angeles are wondering what they ever did to deserve this guy. Hancock isn't the kind of man who cares what other people think -- until the day that he saves the life of PR executive Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman), and the sardonic superhero begins to realize that he may have a vulnerable side after all. Facing that will be Hancock's greatest challenge yet -- and a task that may prove impossible as Ray's wife, Mary (Charlize Theron), insists that he's a lost cause.

My Review: I really enjoyed this film. It was very interesting and I really enjoyed the story line. The films underlying theme of being able to change no matter what is inspiring and Will Smith does a great job as Hancock. He plays both a prick and a great hero very well. Also, the chemistry between him and Charlize is quite interesting and brings up a lot of questions. There is a great twist in this film that I had no idea was there, and it made the film very good. And who doesn't want to be able to fly?

Recommend: This is a great film that I think the whole family will enjoy. There is one scene where Will Smith's mouth gets away from him but for the most part the film is suitable for the family (now that I think about it, they like the "A-word" a lot). The film is very inspiring nonetheless.

Release Date: July 2, 2008
Time: 1 hr 41 min
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Rating: G
My Rating: G
Starring: Abigail Breslin, Chris O'Donnell, Julia Ormond
Grade: A-

Synopsis: Producer Julia Roberts brings the American Girl brand to the big screen for the very first time with this inspirational tale concerning a nine-year-old girl named Kit Kittredge (Academy Award nominee Abigail Breslin) growing up during the Great Depression. Though the American Girls have previously appeared on the small screen in Samantha: An American Girl Holiday, Felicity: An American Girl Adventure, and Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front, Kit's adventure marks the very first major theatrical endeavor for the characters created by author Valerie Tripp. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

My Review: Abigail Breslin did an excellent job and she really made this film move a long. She did a good job of playing the little reporter and had some funny moments when she was trying to get her stories published. The story in general made you really think and be grateful for what you do have even in this time of economic downturn. The other character that was really adorable was Countee. Excellent job by the writers with that character (I don't want to give anything away). Also, the mystery side of things made this film very good at the end and it was very enjoyable.

Recommend: This film is a must for the family, and it would be a good film to add to the family collection. It is a lot of fun to watch and the story moves a long very well. The kids will enjoy it because it is understandable enough for them, and parents will enjoy it as well, because it is also a lot of fun for them. Check this movie out.

Release Date: October 24, 1997
Time: 1 hr 46 min
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law
Grade: A-

Synopsis:In the 21st century, genetic engineering makes possible the creation of biologically superior human specimens ("valids"), who then grow to positions of power and prestige. Would-be astronaut Vincent (Ethan Hawke) born the old-fashioned way, can only hope for a janitorial position at the elite Gattaca Corporation--until he buys the blood, urine, and identity of a perfect but paralyzed athlete. But a murder in the company's ranks attracts the attention of a detective who threatens to sniff Vincent out.

My Review: This film never ceases to amaze me. I have watched this movie before - the last time was about 5 years ago. When we decided to watch it, I thought it was going to be a real snoozer, but it turned out to be just the opposite. I think that my favorite character in the film is the one played by Jude Law. He does an excellent job with showing his disability, but the film as a whole is very intriguing. I am usually not a big fan of Uma Thurman, but she does an excellent job here as well. Probably the thing I like most about this film is just that it makes you think about life and what you are really like on the inside, as well as about the equality of everyone.

Recommend: I don't think this one is for the little ones. There is one scene that is a bit bloody, and another that has some strong language. Just the theme of the movie is a little darker than a lot and I think the kids will become lost fast. However, this one is perfect if you want a serious (drama) film. Check this out if you haven't, or we'll lend it to you.

Release Date: April 25, 2008
Time: 1 hr 39 min
Distributor: Universal Studios
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Greg Kinnear, Romany Malco
Grade: A-

Synopsis: Former Saturday Night Live "Weekend Update" co-anchors Tina Fey and Amy Poehler co-star in this baby-fever comedy about a single, career-oriented woman who previously put parenthood on hold, and is forced to hire a surrogate mother when she discovers there is only a one-in-a-million chance that she will be able to get pregnant. Kate Holbrook (Fey) is a 37-year-old professional who has always put her professional life before her personal life, but these days her biological clock is ticking louder than ever before. As with everything else she has accomplished in life, Kate is determined to have a child on her own terms.

My Review: This film is great but some of the humor is very mature. Obviously, with a film about child birth it is kind of expected. There were times when I was laughing I could barely breathe during this film. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey do a great job together in this film and Amy plays here part perfectly as the surrogate mother who is irresponsible. She made the part very believable. Also, I really enjoyed the doorman - Romany Malco. Probably some of the funniest scenes come in the pregnancy class where the two are together and this crazy teacher is teaching them. Finally, by the end, you realize what a blessing it is to actually have kids and be able to watch them.

Recommend: For sure, but probably for an older audience age. I have never had kids, so I am sure there are themes here that I missed or didn't understand, but it was a fun movie. One other thing is that you should definitely watch the deleted scenes. There is one scene about breastfeeding in there that I about died watching. However, there is one deleted scene when Tina Fey is talking to her sister and there is some harsh language that you probably want to skip. Enjoy the film.

Release Date: March 7, 2008
Time: 1 hr. 32 min.
Distributor: Keylight Entertainment Group
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Frances McDormand, Amy Adams
Grade: A- (B+)

Synopsis:In 1939, Miss Guinevere Pettigrew (Frances McDormand), a middle-aged London governess, finds herself unfairly dismissed from her job. An attempt to gain new employment catapults her into the glamorous world and dizzying social whirl of an American actress and singer, Delysia Lafosse (Amy Adams).

Within minutes, Miss Pettigrew finds herself swept into a heady high-society milieu -- and, by the end of the day, discovers her own romantic destiny.

My Review: This was an interesting show, just a little slow at times. Other then that it was very entertaining. I couldn't help but feel bad for Miss Pettigrew at many points, but in the end you leave satisfied. Miss Pettigrew is a woman of high morals and there are many great lessons taught about lies and marriage that are wonderful.

Recommend: The kids will lose interest fast in this one. You're better off to enjoy this chick flick on a date. Other then the general story line of Delysia, the film is quite clean and suitable for anyone who is interested.

Release Date: April 28, 2006
Time: 1 hr. 51 min.
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Rating: R
My Rating: PG-13 (We were watching the TV version)
Starring: J.J. Johnson, Gary Commock, Richard Bekins, Polly Adams, Opal Alladin
Grade: A-

Synopsis: Bloody Sunday director Paul Greengrass marks the five-year anniversary on the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States with this speculative meditation on the events that took place onboard the fourth hijacked plane, and the actions of the passengers who gave their lives to ensure the safety of others. Told in real time and acted out by a cast of unknowns who were provided with detailed studies of their real-life counterparts, United 93 attempts to reconstruct the airborne tragedy from the view of the ground and flight controllers, the passengers, and their nervous families awaiting word on the fate of their loved ones. As the terrified travelers and crew gradually become aware of the historical events taking place on the ground so far beneath them, the 90 minutes in which a random collection of strangers realized their fate and came together to confront an unthinkable threat are re-created. - Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

My Review: This was a very intense film and kept us intrigued the entire time. The film techniques made you feel as if you were there and you were a part of these events. I think that this brings the events of September 11 in even greater light. It certainly goes to show that even the people with power knew as much as the public. Very touching. I do wish we had more information about these events, but we may never know everything about what happened on those other planes.

Recommend: Not a movie for the emotionally weak. You must be ready to watch this film as you may experience a large range of feelings. My opinion is that every American that was old enough remembers where he was when they first heard this news.

Release Date: April 19, 2002
Time: 47 min.
Distributor: IMAX Space Ltd.
Rating: ?
My Rating: G
Starring: Tom Cruise
Grade: A-

Synopsis: Space Station is the story of this unique partnership of 16 nations building a laboratory in outer space -- a permanent facility for the study of the effects of long-duration exposure to zero gravity and the necessary first step towards the global co-operative effort needed if man is to someday set foot on Mars. It is a story of challenges, setbacks and triumphs…and ultimately, the shared international victory of men and women whose dreams exceed the limits of life on this Earth.

My Review: This was an awesome film. I loved every second of it and I was very intrigued the entire time. The only reason I didn't like the film was it was too short, and probably a bit out of date. If it had come out in the last year and been about 30 minutes longer then it would be great. The 3D effects make this even more entertaining.

Recommend: Yes! Take the kids too. IMAX definitely did an excellent job on this film and the whole family will love it. You will want to know more about space and about what life would be like to live on the space station.

Release Date: March 30, 2007
Time: 45 min.
Distributor: MacGillivray Freeman Films
Rating: G
My Rating: G
Starring: John Harlin
Grade: A-

Synopsis: In 1966, John Harlin II died while attempting Europe's most difficult climb, the North Face of the Eiger in Switzerland. 40 years later, his son John Harlin III, an expert mountaineer and the editor of the American Alpine Journal, returns to attempt the same climb.

My Review: This was a very excellent documentary about The Alps and this man's journey to climb it. I was hooked to the screen the whole movie. This is stunning on the IMAX screen and the Alps are absolutely beautiful mountains. This film was a lot of fun and was a good length for the content presented.

Recommend: Yes, and definitely see it on the IMAX screen. It would not have been as good otherwise. If you have been to Switerland or the Alps then you will enjoy this film. Be aware that you will want to move to Switzerland after watching this film :).

Release Date: December 21, 2007
Time:2 hr. 5 min.
Distributor:Walt Disney
Rating: PG
My Rating: PG
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha
Grade: A-

Synopsis: When a missing page from the diary of John Wilkes Booth surfaces, Ben’s great-great grandfather is suddenly implicated as a key conspirator in Abraham Lincoln’s death. Determined to prove his ancestor’s innocence, Ben follows an international chain of clues that takes him on a chase from Paris to London and ultimately back to America. This journey leads Ben and his crew not only to surprising revelations – but to the trail of the world’s most treasured secrets.

My Review: Not quite as good as the first one, but still very entertaining. The major difference between this film and the first one was that the first one had more clues along the path and they seemed to flow better. Nicolas Cage does a great job as usual, and Justin Bartha provides the comical "side-kick". I very much enjoyed this film and hope there is a third one.

Recommend: I would highly recommend this film. You don't have to see the first one to see this, but I would recommend to.

Release Date: May 24, 2007
Time:2 hr. 48 min.
Distributor:Walt Disney
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Geoffrey Rush
Grade: A-

Synopsis: In the follow-up to the 2006 record-breaking smash hit 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest,' we find our heroes Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) allied with Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) in a desperate quest to free Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) from his mind-bending trap in Davy Jones' Locker while the terrifying ghost ship, the Flying Dutchman and Davy Jones, under the control of the East India Trading Company, wreaks havoc across The Seven Seas. Navigating through treachery, betrayal and wild waters, they must forge their way to exotic Singapore and confront the cunning Chinese pirate Sao Feng (Chow Yun-Fat). Now headed beyond the very ends of the earth, each must ultimately choose a side in a final, titanic battle as not only their lives and fortunes, but the entire future of the freedom-loving Pirate Way, hangs in the balance.

My Review: Better than the second, but the first is my favorite. It is great watching Jack talking to himself. Also, Jack running is always classic. Good action sequences, and the love story really heats up.

Recommend: Yes. Might be kind of frightening for children. Also, turning on the subtitles makes this film even better because you can understand all of the jokes (all that pirate talk is hard to follow sometimes).