My Movie Reviews

Release Date: 28 March 2008
Time: 1 hr 48 min
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG
Starring: Demi Moore, Michael Caine
Grade: A

Synopsis: Michael Radford (Il Postino and The Merchant of Venice) directs screenwriter Edward Anderson's script about an aging janitor and an American executive who form an unlikely alliance in order to carry out an elaborate jewel heist. Set in 1960s-era London, the tense crime thriller stars Michael Caine as the scheming maintenance man who longs to relieve his employers at the London Diamond Corporation of their valuable inventory, and Demi Moore as the savvy executive who is completely perplexed by the wealthy diamond magnates. - Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

My Review: WOW! This film was great. The film is based around the crime of the stolen diamonds, and why it was done and how it was done. Even though I know who did it, I loved trying to guess why or how. The film is based in the 1960s and Michael Caine does an excellent job. He plays his role perfectly as the old janitor who is very smart. Obviously the theme of the film is not the best about getting back at your enemies, but regardless the film is very intense, and Demi Moore always keeps you guessing as to whether or not she is going to break. The film ends with a positive uplifting end.

Recommend: Yes! The kids will not enjoy this, but this film is very excellent. If you like a detective film then you will love this film. The movie is clean for the kids, but like I said they will lose interest fast. Don't let this movie pass by as it is a must see.

Release Date: 14 February 2008
Time: 1 hr 28 min
Distributor: 20th Century Fox, Regency
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Hayden Christensen, Jamie Bell, Rachel Bilson, Samuel L. Jackson
Grade: B

Synopsis: A genetic anomaly allows a young man (Hayden Christensen) to teleport himself anywhere. He discovers this gift has existed for centuries and finds himself in a war that has been raging for thousands of years between "Jumpers" and those who have sworn to kill them.

My Review: I enjoyed this film quite a bit the first time I watched it. The second time, I watched it, it had lost some of its flare. The power to "jump" is very interesting. It would be cool to be able to have this power I think and they make it look very real. One thing that really bothered me is that there didn't seem to be a good reason for the hunting down of the jumpers. Rachel and Hayden have a good on screen chemistry and the film ended well...I guess I won't say here.

Recommend: I would recommend this film for a date night. You should enjoy the film with the one you love. I certainly enjoy the trip to Rome that is taken and wish I could go there too.

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: 27 June 2008
Time: 1 hr 38 min
Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures
Rating: G
My Rating: G
Starring: Wall-E
Grade: B

Synopsis: Disney and Pixar join forces for this computer-animated tale about a wide-eyed robot who travels to the deepest reaches of outer space in search of a newfound friend. The year is 2700, and planet Earth has long been uninhabitable. For hundreds of years, WALL-E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) has been taking out the trash, and collecting precious knick-knacks in order to stave off the boredom of his dreary routine. Little does WALL-E realize that he has recently stumbled onto a secret that could save planet Earth, and once again make the ravaged planet safe for all humankind. When highly advanced search robot EVE makes friends with WALL-E and realizes the value of his remarkable discovery, she excitedly races back to let the humans know that there's hope for their home planet after all. But after centuries alone in space, WALL-E can't stand the thought of losing the only friend he's ever known, and eagerly follows her into the deepest reaches of space on the adventure of a lifetime. Along the way, the friendly trash-collecting robot who has always known what he was made for gradually begins to understand what he was meant for. Finding Nemo director Andrew Stanton returns to the helm for this family-friendly sci-fi adventure featuring the voices of Fred Willard, Jeff Garlin, and Ben Burtt. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

My Review: I was a bit disappointed with this film. I had heard a lot of hype and good things, but it turned out to be a little slow. Wall-E was great and I enjoyed how they made him seem pretty human and he did a lot of fun things during the film. The basic storyline was a decent one, and so that was good. The end of the film was definitely much better than the beginning. I did enjoy the little cockroach :).

Recommend: The kids will love this one, and most people will enjoy it, but I am warning you not to watch it while you are tired.

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 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.