My Movie Reviews

Release Date: 16 January 2009
Time: 1 hr 31 min
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Rating: PG
My Rating: PG
Starring: Kevin James, Jayma Mays
Grade: C-

Synopsis: Coming off the finale of television's popular sitcom THE KING OF QUEENS and 2007's I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY, funnyman Kevin James takes the role of a single dad in this largely physical comedy, which the actor also co-wrote. Paul Blart (James) is a hard worker, but has never landed his dream job of being New Jersey state trooper due to his excess weight. Determined to support his mother and his daughter, Blart takes the slightly less glamorous post as the security guard at his local shopping mall. He never complains, approaching the job with impressive diligence and pride, but doesn't get much respect for it. It's only when a group of misfits in Santa's Helper disguises take hold of the mall and several hostages that Blart's would-be cop smarts come in handy and he gets a chance to shine. With a deadly situation on hand, Blart may finally be able to show the world (and his romantic interest, who just happens to be one of the hostages) what he's made of. Though the villains have several advantages over him, Blart has a Segway scooter and a big heart on his side. While many of its jokes come at the expense of James's extra pounds, the film ultimately makes its star out to be a hero. With his everyman appeal, James is well-suited to play Blart, showing that even average Joes can make a difference with the right attitude. PAUL BLART: MALL COP takes the banal out of the shopping mall, infusing a familiar setting with energy, laughs, and high-stakes drama.

My Review: This film was way too cheesy for my liking. I am usually alright with the Hollywood film being a little cheesy but this one is just over the top. The film wasn't as funny as I was hoping either. I did enjoy the film at times but when it was over I was asking myself why I had wanted watch it. There isn't anything that great about it.

Recommend: Only if there is nothing else to watch and you are in the mood for a cheesy film.

Release Date: 22 May 2008
Time: 2 hr 3 min
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, Shia LaBeouf
Grade: B+

Synopsis: When we last saw Indiana Jones on screen, it was 1938, and the world stood on the brink of war as Dr. Jones chased down evildoers to find the Holy Grail. Nineteen years later, he’s cracking his whip again, and many things have changed ... but some have remained the same. Again, the world is at a precipice, this time caused by the specter of nuclear annihilation, and Indy’s struggle is once again to ensure that a precious, mysterious object remains safe from those bent on destroying humanity. --© Paramount Pictures

My Review: This film was about where I expected it to be. Nothing too spectacular and pretty predictable. Most of the Indiana Jones films are pretty predictable though. Harrison Ford still has it as the old Jones in this one. I thought that Cate Blanchett really stole the film though and did an excellent job. She made a very convincing evil Russian woman - and her Russian is actually pretty good compared to most.

Recommend: This is a fun family film. There are a couple of scenes that may be a little intense for little ones, but overall a fun film.

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 May 2009
Time: 2 hr 18 min
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Tom Hanks, Ayelet Zurer
Grade: B

Synopsis: Angels and Demons re-teams director Ron Howard and star Tom Hanks for the sequel to their international blockbuster adaptation of Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code. Although the book Angels and Demons was written before the novel The Da Vinci Code, the movie transpires after the events of the earlier movie. Hanks stars as professor Robert Langdon, the most respected symbologist in the United States, who uses his knowledge in order to decode a symbol on the skin of a murder victim. The clues put him on the trail of an international conspiracy involving the Catholic Church. Ewan McGregor and Ayelet Zurer also star in the Sony Pictures production. - Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

My Review: They did a pretty decent job of taking the book to film. The film was completely action packed and there was no slow parts. My biggest problem with the film was the lack of explanation as to what was going on. I understood what was going on because I have read the book but otherwise I would have been pretty lost. Acting was alright but nothing spectacular. I did think the Carmelengo was well cast. The other issue that I had with the film is that I wish they would have shown the symbols better (Earth, Air, Wind, and Fire). When I read the book, they absolutely captivated me.

Recommend: If you've read the book, then you likely be disappointed. Otherwise, check this film out for a date night.

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: 3 April 2009
Time: 1 hr 43 min
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker
Grade: B

Synopsis: Vin Diesel and Paul Walker return to the film franchise that helped to launch each of their respective careers as the Fast and the Furious series winds to a close under the creative eye of Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift director Justin Lin. Fugitive ex-con Dom Toretto (Diesel) is back in Los Angeles to seek out the truth behind a high-profile crime, but his presence in town doesn't sit well with Agent Brian O'Conner (Walker). These two rivals are forced to unite in the cause of fighting a common enemy, however, when convoy heists and precision tunnel crawls lead them out of Los Angeles and into the Mexican desert. Now, in order to take down a formidable opponent with some serious skills behind the wheel, Dom and Brian forge an uncertain partnership while exploring thrilling new frontiers in the fine art of racing. Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, and John Ortiz co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

My Review: This film was action packed from the very first scene. This is why the rating was so high for me on this one. The storyline was alright, but I think that I liked the 3rd one better than this (in terms of story). Vin Diesel however did a good job and I thought he made this film better. I am not a big car fan but the races in this film were very intense and kept your heartbeat up. Of course there were a lot of underdressed women in this film but that is to be expected in such a film I suppose. Overall a good film.

Recommend: This film would be a great date night film if you are looking for something not as romantic but just more fun. It was an exciting film, but probably not one for the kids.

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: 20 June 2008
Time: 1 hr 50 min
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson
Grade: B+

Synopsis: 40-Year-Old Virgin star Steve Carell steps into the telephonic shoes of television's most beloved bumbling detective in this big-screen adaptation of the hit 1960s-era comedy series created by Mel Brooks. The evil geniuses at KAOS have hatched a diabolical plot to dominate every living man, woman, and child on the planet, and their plot gets under way as they attack the headquarters of the U.S. spy agency Control. As a result of the attack, the identity of every agent working for Control has been compromised. Realizing that the only way to thwart KAOS' evil plan is to promote eager but inexperienced Control analyst Maxwell Smart (Carell) to the rank of special agent, the Chief (Alan Arkin) reluctantly teams Smart with Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway) -- a veteran super-spy whose beauty is only surpassed by her lethality. With no real field experience to speak of and nothing but sheer enthusiasm and a handful of fancy spy gadgets to help him accomplish his deadly mission, Maxwell Smart his new partner, Agent 99, will be forced to faces malevolent KAOS head Siegfried (Terence Stamp) and his loyal army of minions in a decisive fight that will determine the fate of the free world. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, David Koechner, Terry Crews, and Ken Davitian co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

My Review: This film was funny at times. There were times when it felt like it was crawling along. I thought the film got better as the film went along. I thought the story between Carell and Hathaway was pretty good and better than I was expecting because to me it seems like Carell is much older. The film definitely had its laughs - especially the dance scene.

Recommend: Family film. This movie was fun and funny. The kids will like it as well because of the action.

Release Date: 29 August, 2008
Time: 1 hr 30 min
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring:Vin Diesel, Melanie Thierry
Grade: C

Synopsis: Hong Kong action icon Michelle Yeoh stars alongside American muscle Vin Diesel in this science fiction thriller concerning a nun who is charged with the task of caring for a young girl who may be the carrier of a deadly virus. Based on author Maurice Dantec's Babylon Babies, this tale of genetic manipulation comes to the screen courtesy of director Mathieu Kassovitz. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

My Review: This movie was really weird. The whole storyline was strange from the very beginning and it was never quite clear what was going on and how things got the way that they were. Also, the ending of this film was really weird and didn't make a lot of sense how things all fit together. On top of that, I am not even sure where the name of this film came from. Really, it was never made clear what was going on and who was who. There was some decent action in the film, but not much of a love story to speak of. The film was still decent, but just weird.

Recommend: Probably not unless you are a big Vin Diesel fan (my wife, hence watching this show). This film could have been much better if they would have fully explained the storyline.

Release Date: 3 August 2007
Time: 1 hr 55 min
Distributor: Universal Studios
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles
Grade: A+

Synopsis: Matt Damon returns as the amnesia-stricken trained assassin Jason Bourne in this third film based on Robert Ludlum's best-selling novels. As Bourne travels from Moscow to Paris, Madrid, London, New York and Tangier, Morocco, in a quest to reconstruct his past (and thus clear the way for a future), he's joined by returning cast members Julia Stiles and Joan Allen as well as new co-stars David Strathairn and Paddy Considine.

My Review: Awesome! This film was absolutely awesome. It has been a long time since I have seen such a great film. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The plot is very well done and very suspenseful. The action is great. This film is great and Matt Damon delivers another excellent performer. Even though this is the third film of the three, it is just as good as the others.

Recommend: MUST SEE! You have to see this film. Before you do though, refresh your memory by watching The Bourne Identity and The Bourne Supremacy or else you will be lost. Drop everything you are doing and watch this film!

Release Date: 26 September 2008
Time: 1 hr 58 min
Distributor: DreamWorks Pictures
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan
Grade: A

Synopsis: 'Eagle Eye' is a race-against-time thriller starring Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Rosario Dawson, Anthony Mackie and Billy Bob Thornton. Jerry Shaw (LaBeouf) and Rachel Holloman (Monaghan) are two strangers thrown together by a mysterious phone call from a woman they have never met. Threatening their lives and family, she pushes Jerry and Rachel into a series of increasingly dangerous situations--using the technology of everyday life to track and control their every move. As the situation escalates, these two ordinary people become the country's most wanted fugitives, who must work together to discover what is really happening--and more importantly, why.

My Review: This film kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I was constantly looking for what was next. This film didn't feel long at all and in fact left you wanting for more. It was very suspenseful and you didn't know what was going to happen next. The actors did a great job and I have always been a big fan of Billy Bob Thornton. I thought the plot of the film was a little unbelievable, but as long as you go into the film with that expectation, then then film should be a lot of fun.

Recommend: Definitely. Watch this film when you are ready to watch a lot of action. This film is a lot of fun and keeps you interested the whole time.

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: 25 July 2008
Time: 1 hr 44 min
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Amanda Peet
Grade: B+

Synopsis: David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson reprise their roles as Fox Mulder and Dana Scully with this long-delayed big-screen continuation that revives the series six years after it headed off the air in 2002. Creator Chris Carter returns to direct, co-writing the script with series veteran Frank Spotnitz for 20th Century Fox. Billy Connolly, Amanda Peet and rapper Xzibit co-star in the stand-alone sequel. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide

My Review: I was in and out of this movie so I can't give it as good of a review as if I had put all of my attention into it. Regardless, the movie was interesting and it had a good plot to it. The psychic guy was really interesting, and the film had plenty of suspense and questions until the very end. I do have to say that you should know what is going on in the previous X-Files movies or you will probably be lost in some of the personal relationships (specifically of Mulder and Scully). Also, their are a lot of Russians in the film and their accents are really really bad (with exception of a few who are clearly native Russian speakers).

Recommend: If you don't have one of the other films on my list to watch, then pick this one up. Probably wouldn't be too exciting for the kids, and some of the content really isn't for them. Be ready for some good suspense with this film.

Release Date: 18 July 2008
Time: 2 hr 32 min
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart
Grade: A

Synopsis: With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham for good. The triumvirate proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as the Joker, who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces the Dark Knight ever closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante.

My Review: This film was excellent. I absolutely loved it. This film is the continuation of "Batman Begins" and it definitely lived up to all of the hype. The Joker (Heath Ledger) is absolutely twisted. He does an excellent job of playing his character and making the film move along. Also, I love Michael Caine as Alfred and he also was a lot of fun. The film was long, but it kept moving the entire time, and I was hoping there would be more. The joker makes you think about where you stand on issues and if you trust others. The film really made me think about my morals and what I plan to believe in. The action is great as well.

Recommend: Don't take the kids to this one. This is probably a guys night movie. Unless your wife is in to these types of movies, she will probably not enjoy it and likely be quite disgusted. If you like "Batman Begins" then you should definitely check this film out.

Release Date: April 4, 2008
Time: 1 hr 36 min
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Rating: PG
My Rating: G
Starring: Abigail Breslin, Jodie Foster, Gerard Butler
Grade: B

Synopsis: A young girl living on a tropical island with her scientist father is left to fend for herself after her dad's boat leaves him stranded far away and careless tour companies wreak havoc on the secluded paradise in directors Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett's adaptation of the popular children's book by author Wendy Orr. Realizing that she will need adult assistance if she truly hopes to save her home, the resourceful youngster soon begins exchanging e-mails with the author of a book she has been reading. Nim's Island stars Little Miss Sunshine's Abigail Breslin, as well as Jodie Foster and Gerard Butler. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

My Review: Another film with Abigail Breslin where she does an excellent job. I did not enjoy this movie as much as the last one with her, but it was still well done. Some of the parts of the story were very cheesy, especially the ending, but at the same time I wish that I could have been there to help the girl. Watching this film really will want to make you move to a stranded island to live. One thing that I wish they would have expanded on is how they got internet. My wife and I were both wondering the minute we found out they did... Also, Jodie Foster does a good job being the crazy lady in the film.

Recommend: This one is much more for the kids. I think they will enjoy this more than Kit Kittredge, but for the adults, this film is not as entertaining. This is a good family film and it really wants to make you move to the stranded island.

Release Date: July 11, 2008
Time: 1 hr 32 min
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Rating: PG
My Rating: PG
Starring: Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, Anita Briem
Grade: B+

Synopsis: JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH is based on Jules Verne's 1864 novel. A scientist heads out on a treacherous journey to the center of the earth. With him are an intrepid student, an Icelandic guide and the widow of a geologist who steals his information in an attempt to beat him to the earth's core. Along the way the group are confronted by all manner of dangerous obstacles: excessive heat and cold, gale force winds, and tremendous floods.

My Review: This film was interesting and a lot of fun. The film was pretty well done in terms of length and actors. We didn't have 3-D glasses when watching it which would have made this movie all the better. Brendan Fraser did an excellent job and the relationship between him and his nephew was very funny and made the film really move along. Special effects were pretty good, but sometimes they looked cheesy.

Recommend: Get some 3-D glasses before watching this film. The kids will absolutely love it I am sure with the glasses, and even without it is still an enjoyable one. Perhaps read the book too. I have never read the book that the film is based on, but maybe the book will be all the better now that I have seen the movie. All the same, check this movie out.

Release Date: April 18, 2008
Time: 1 hr. 53 min.
Distributor: Lionsgate
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG
Starring: Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Liu Yifei, Michael Angarano
Grade: B+

Synopsis: Legendary martial arts stars Jackie Chan and Jet Li come together onscreen for the first time ever in director Rob Minkoff's time-traveling take on the Monkey King fable that finds an American teen transported back to ancient China after wandering into a pawn shop and discovering the king's fighting stick. Once there, the adventurous teen joins an army of fierce warriors who have sworn to free their imprisoned king at all costs. In addition to appearing as the mythical Monkey King, Li assumes the role of a silent monk, and Chan appears in the role of kung fu master Lu Yan. Famed action choreographer Yuen Woo Ping presides over the fight sequences. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

My Review: You have two of the most famous fighters from American films in Jackie Chan and Jet Li in this film together. This film has a lot of great martial arts scenes, and it is quite entertaining to watch when Chan and Li fight. I was wondering who would really win...Jackie Chan is his normal humorous self as well which brings a nice touch to the film. The only reason I didn't give this film a higher grade is because the storyline was a little cheesy, and the monkey guy really bothered me. Other then that, the film was quite interesting.

Recommend: This is a great film for a date night if you are getting tired of those chic-flicks. This is enjoyable to watch and the fight sequences are exhilarating. The kids would probably enjoy this one as well.

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: November 19, 2004
Time:2 hr. 11 min.
Distributor:Walt Disney
Rating: PG
My Rating: PG
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha
Grade: A

Synopsis: A man sets out to steal a lost fortune in order to save it in this adventure drama from producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) is an archeologist who is from the eighth generation of a family who has shared an unusual quest. As Gates-family legend has it, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin hid a massive cache of gold during the waning days of the Revolutionary War and left clues as to its whereabouts in the original drafts of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. With no firm proof that it actually exists, Gates sets out to crack the code that will lead him to the fortune, which, as a member of the Gates clan, he is sworn to protect from wrongdoers. National Treasure also features Sean Bean, Harvey Keitel, Justin Bartha, and Jon Voight. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

My Review: This was my first time ever seeing this movie and I enjoyed it a lot. I love the adventure type movies and the detective part of this film really got to me. I felt like I was part of the story and I was playing along trying to guess what was next. There were some funny scenes as well.

Recommend: Yes. This is a great film for the entire family. This is a must see.