Reviews

"Tron Legacy" is what you would call pure eye candy with a heavy visual twist much like "The Matrix"(1998) and "Inception"(2010) the only thing that separates these two films from Legacy is there deep rooted stories groundbreaking visuals, thought provoking premises and phenomenal scripts from there respective directors. This sequel of the 1982 cult classic is rather simple stuff the screenplay by Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis is dull with uninspired dialogue and a lack of real emotions. But what the screenplay lacks the sheer power of this visuals, action, story and the return of Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn greatly makes up for the lack of compelling dialogue in this film. First time director Joseph Kosinski and cinematographer Claudio Miranda do a bang up job bringing this visually lush world to life breathing life into a rather lifeless film and in the process creating a fantastical film that literally jumps out of the screen. "Tron Legacy" is a massive improvement on the original in both visuals and style what the original lacked this absorbing sequel makes up for it with a high octane, bold adventure that is ripped right from the world of TRON, this film may lack compelling dialogue but it has just enough intelligence, style, charm and just enough well written dialogue to save this from being a disaster "Tron Legacy " is a magical in the sense of its wonder and excitement, in its visuals and its at times emotional father son tale at the heart of this film. This film is not one of the years best and it is nowhere near as good as any other high gloss Science Fiction adventure such as "The Matrix" or "Inception" but "Tron Legacy" proves to be one of the years most enjoyable popcorn adventure flicks and one of the most enjoyable film of this holiday season. I loved every minute of this wildly entertaining film.

To watch this film you have to leave you inhibitions at the door, you have to leave logic at the door and just sit back and enjoy the ride, which is what I did. I just sat back and enjoyed this film for what it is flaws and all and trust me when I say this movie has a boatload of them. To save this film the embarrassment I am going to restrain from naming them. However, I will name one the plot; the plot of this film is so full of holes big enough that you could stuff the whole digital world into it. That is not the point of this film that is not why it was made. If this film was made to be "Inception," it would be but sadly, it is not. "Tron Legacy" is a great looking thrilling film that works despite the obvious flaws it has all the appeal of the 1982 supposed cult classic (which I did not like very much). What separates these two films is the upgrade in special effects and story. I know I shouldn't like this film as much as I should but I cannot help It I did this is a very enjoyable film and an excellent way to blow nearly two hours at the movies. This film is escapism at its very best a film where you can sit there and watch as your senses bombarded with visual excess and stylish execution. If you are looking for 1hr. 50 mins of pure unadulterated escapist fun than look no, further than "Tron Legacy" a summer blockbuster released in the winter.

In his day Roman Polanski was and still is one of cinema's top directors directing such revered classics such as "Nó w wodzie"( Knife in the Water) Polanski's directorial debut, "Repulsion"(1965), the noir classic "Chinatown"(1974), "Tess"(1979), "Frantic"(1988)," Cul-De- Sac"(1966), "Le Locataire" (The Tenant), "The Pianist"(2002) and "Oliver Twist"(2005). Over the last forty-eight years, Polanski has established himself as one of cinema's greatest and most controversial directors he has left an impression on Hollywood that will live on long after he has died and some will stand up and cheer when that day happens I might be one of them. There is no denying that Roman Polanski is a director of monumental skill he puts a certain flare and style to sometimes overused plot devices and stories making them viable daring pieces of filmmaking that surprisingly surpass anything Hollywood could possibly throw out of their shops. With his latest effort, "The Ghost Writer" Polanski proves to everyone that although he may be down but he is never out.

Roman Polanski's "The Ghost Writer" is a film that relies heavily on atmosphere the atmosphere is everything when it comes to a thriller of this caliber if you do not feel the tension then there truly will be no tension. You see in theses days with high gloss action thrillers like "Mission: Impossible" series, The Bourne trilogy all the thrillers are turned into high octane action pictures with wall to wall action and inane dialogue, The Bourne trilogy being the exception in this case. "The Ghost Writer" is not an action thriller it is suspenseful but not in the conventional way. It does not have huge explosions tons of armed men shooting at the hero chasing him through some small jungle country no, this film does one better it is a calm thriller, a steady thriller an intelligent and engrossing thriller that keeps you invested in what is going on with theses colorful and dark characters. What they are doing is extremely interesting how the unnamed hero goes upon solving the complex mystery he has found himself tangled up in this complex and ever-intriguing film that never lets you down even in the face of a less than riveting ending. What I like most about this film is the tense and present moody atmosphere that seems to possess every scene, this film is a conspiracy thriller but it is also part noir and the key elements of both are very visible throughout the film that makes this movie a deep and enveloping film. The dark cinematography, the electric direction and the sharp, highly intelligent script by Polanski and Robert Harris helps make this seemingly conventional conspiracy thriller a cut above the rest.

This is the kind of film that keeps you guessing all the way to the end that is hard to come by theses day where almost every thriller ends with a huge fight between the hero/heroine and the villain, a bloody shootout or the hero being killed in the end for what he/she knows. The thing with "The Ghost Writer" is that there is no villain. There is no hero, there are only real people a corrupt politician, his wife, his secretary, and the ghostwriter who is at the center of all the corruption, murder, and deceit is the focus of this tightly bound film a film that proves to be far more than it is appears.

Ewan McGregor is another actor I am a fan of sadly I have not seen many of his films besides the Star Wars prequel trilogy, "Angels and Demons" (2009), "The Island'(2005) and now Roman Polanski's "The Ghost Writer". McGregor's gives one of, if not the best, performance of his career as the anonymous ghost writer who gets wrapped up in a dangerous web of deadly secrets and sinister truths. McGregor plays this role with a subtle yet fiery sense of duty he gives everything he got to this role and in the end it pays offs big time. Pierce Brosnan has given some great performances and then some not so great performances in this film Brosnan gives one of the very best performances of his long career as the seemingly corrupt former British Prime Minister Adam Lang(who is a thinly disguised mock up of Tony Blair). Brosnan is not as subtle as McGregor he gives a fiery and powerful performances that is steeped with anger and resentment that is neither over the top or poorly acted it is perfectly suited for this kind of film the kind of film that needs actors that are calm, cool, collected and totally in command of there said role. Brosnan is in top form in a thriller that is far superior to others. The rest of the cast including Olivia Williams, Kim Cattrall, Robert Pugh, Jim Belushi, Eli Wallach and Timothy Hutton all deliver stellar supporting in this film that proves that Polanski still has what it takes to tango with the fat cats.

"The Ghost Writer" is not a film that everyone will agree with some will call it overly political and bland. Others will find it an engaging and absorbing political/conspiracy thriller that just keeps throwing out twist after twist after twist and never lets you figure out who is lying to who, who is behind what and what is going on with theses shady people until the shocker of a finale. "The Ghost Writer" is an inspired piece of work a brilliant and enticing thriller that is neither boring nor dull and puts to mind what really goes on with theses politicians when the camera is not on them.

For the last 588 years, a legendary story has been passed from generation to generation about a man, a man who stole from the rich and gave to the poor wit not thought to his own actions. This man is the most legendary of all folklore heroes in fact the most legendary of all heroes he is the man who inspire comic book like Batman, The Spirit and most notable of them all The Green Arrow. This man is called Robin Hood a fabled hero, a legendary archer who gave up his position in the high life to help the less fortunate. However, we do not know that for sure. Many people do believe that an archer who went by the name of Robin Hood did exist while others deny the fact that the man ever did exist and believed him to be nothing more than a folklore tale meant to scare the king's soldiers and the sheriff of Nottingham. Ridley Scott (director of Black Hawk Down, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, Thelma and Louise and Blade Runner) takes the oft-told tale of one man and his band of merry men and how they took on the system, how they became legends. How they took the country of England by storm and made a lasting impression on the history books and time itself this film is the story of that man this film is the origin of "Robin Hood." Ridley Scott is a director know more for his epic adventure films such as "Black Hawk Down(2001), Kingdom of Heaven(2005), Gladiator(2000) he is also know for dark films such as Thelma and Louise(1991), Alien(1979) and one of the most influential Science Fiction films of all time "Blade Runner"(1982). Scott is a fantastic director he knows what he wants and he sets out to make it. With "Robin Hood" Scott returns to what truly made him famous epic adventure films "Robin Hood" is a classic medieval war movie wrapped in Scott's typical grit and violent style that has worked for him so many times before and has brought in allot of cash for him as well." Robin Hood" is so much more than just your typical adventure film; in fact, this picture is several type of films rolled into one. It is a love story, a revenge thriller and a war drama all of these different types of genres, or sub-genres as you would like to call them. Are combined effectively into one to create a daring new and original vision of the legendary figure that only the likes of Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe could deliver, "Robin Hood" proves that just because Scott is old doesn't mean he is out.

I liked the atmosphere of this film it is soaked in grit, blood and grim and it gives the legend of Robin Hood a darker and more palpable feel than the previous incarnations in the past it's a rougher and more gritty Robin Hood adventure than a mainstream audience is use to but for fans of Scott and Crowe this is movie heaven(Much like it was for me) but even though I am massive, massive fan of both Scott and Crowe it did not affect my opinion of this film at all it just gave me a reason to see this film. It is not as silly as most Robin Hood adaptations have been in the past in fact Ridley Scott's interpretation cuts out the silly (which in most films can be called the intermediary) and takes it down a more serious path. This film is not without its lighthearted moments and to me that lift the mood form the dark and macabre feel of this adventure film giving it just the right touch of comedy mixed in with the action makes this new adaptation of Robin Hood a merry old time.

Russell Crowe is an actor who is not afraid to try anything he has taken on almost all the tough roles from playing a volatile cop in " L.A. Confidential" to playing a Roman General turned Gladiator in "Gladiator", to playing a selfish stoke broker who finds love in "A Good Year". Crowe is fearless and that is why I love his movies he does not hold back on you and gives you his all that is why no matter what Crowe movie you are watching you know you are going to get far better than you would expect. With "Robin Hood" Crowe delivers a performance that is both powerful and commanding, he literally owns the screen. Moreover, if anyone else was in the title role say Orlando Bloom (Kingdom of Heaven, he was reasonably good in that one) this film would fall apart you need someone of Crowe's stature to play a role like this because only he can make it work. With Scott's sharp direction Russell Crowe and the rest of the cast including Max Von Sydow, Vanessa Redgrave, Gordon Pinsent, Cate Blanchett, William Hurt and a devious and cunning performance from Mark Strong as Sir Godfrey all deliver strong performance in a film that exceeds all expectations and puts a new, fresh, gritty and brutal spin on an old legend.

This film is not perfect and it does not pretend to be instead Ridley Scott and his team aim for near-perfection without actually coming close to being perfect. "Robin Hood" is what you would expect from Scott a brutal, vicious and dark medieval war drama with a hint of inspirational meaning thrust into the midst of all the ensuing action. What you can take away form this film is that you came out entertained and enthralled b y this sprawling epic film that may have less heart that "Gladiator" but more soul than you could ever imagine.

I've seen many films just like or similar to Atom Egoyan's "CHLOE" I can name a few right off the top of my head: "Fatal Attraction"(1987), "9 1/2 Weeks"(1986), "Indecent Proposal"(1993), "Lolita(1997), "Disclosure"(1994). In addition, one of the most infamous of the erotic thriller genre "Basic Instinct"(1992), now I ask you what all these films have in common. Simple they all have alluring femme fatale characters that try to seduce and kill and assert there power over men how theses beautiful and dangerous women and easily manipulate and control the men that are either after them or desire them. Theses type of films can go one of two ways 1. down the road of complete and utter absurdity and rampant sexuality(Basic Instinct, Lolita) that don't have a shred of intelligence and only serve the purpose of giving audiences some good sex scenes and nothing much else. On the other hand, the film can balance brains and sex to coherently tell an intelligent story of love, desire and family social angst (Fatal Attraction, Unfaithful, Eyes wide Shut) to make the film more than about sex. It's more about the complications of begin unfaithful or how sometimes the desire or simple thought of begin with someone else or wanting someone can destroy your life. Atom Egoyan's tempting and beautifully photographed story of how one woman's (Julianne Moore) suspicion takes her to a very dark place that will change her life forever.

Atom Egoyan's potboiler of a drama "CHLOE" succeeds despite the morbid pace of this film how it succeeds all depends on the actors and their performances. If there, performances are flat, the film is flat and while the performances in this film are not Oscar worthy, they certainly are better than the usual that come out of this genre. It's an above average erotic thriller seeing as it is more of a drama than an erotic thriller and that is what makes this film an actually film instead of an 1hr. 36 min sex scene which to me is nothing to sneeze at. What I liked about this film was the character they were all grayed instead of black and white. You knew there motives you know what has happened but you do not know exactly if it's true and there is where the films main strength lies and also one of the main points of the plot and story. You can derive a conclusion but then in the end, when the big reveal, you realize you only got fish. "CHLOE" may not be perfect and it certainly has its moments where it falters in the end this film won't let you down even it may seem that it does.

I am not lying to you when I say that this film is complete and utter guilty pleasure entertainment with some very handsomely written dialogue and amazing cinematography that pull this film all together and with keen direction from Atom Egoyan "CHLOE" does not fail.

Julianne Moore has done so much better than "Chloe" but I will give her the benefit of the doubt and say this in her favor Moore wasn't bad, she wasn't great but she wasn't bad and that for what it is something spectacular. Moore has had a good role in a while and in "CHLOE" she shows that she can return back to the days when she laid on the powerful performances that were Oscar worthy. Certainly her performance in "CHLOE" is nowhere near being worthy of an award but for what it is good enough for me to say that she did a fine job. Liam Neeson never really fails you but lately he has been releasing a string of films that are less than good his performance is almost unnecessary he doesn't fit the part at all he is just droning along at an uneven pace, Neeson just comes off as an eyesore in this picture with his distant performance. The best performance in the entire film comes from someone you would count out as being good, Amanda Seyfried, she gives such an unsettling and haunted performance that this film could survive solely on her if it wanted to. But sadly even though the film is called "CHLOE" she is playing second fiddle to Neeson and Moore being there just as something to look good when in reality she could have been so much more instead of being just the face of the film and nothing more, Seyfried is massively overlooked but amazingly still shines.

"CHLOE" may not impress many and others may overlook this film due to its premise and dismiss it as something they have seen before and while yes this has been done once or maybe twice or hell maybe ten times before. The only thing that keeps "CHLOE" fresh and stylish is the great script, keen direction and solid performances from the main cast. Without those things, "CHLOE" would sink under its own premise but it is good enough on it's own to be called flawed but worthy.

When Alex Proyas adapted the independent comic book "The Crow" to the screen it was one of the few and the only other big comic book adaptation of the 90's. The other being the widely popular Batman films that came out from 1992-1997(One directed by Tim Burton, two directed by Joel Schumacher.) but since "The Crow" massive commercial and critical success no other independent comic book has stepped up to the plate to fill the shoes "The Crow" left behind. That is until a little know director Sylvain White and his writers Peter Berg James Vanderbilt adapted for the screen an extremely little know comic book published by Vertigo X tentatively called "The Losers ". While this film may seem like another A-Team let, you tell you right now that you have never meet a team quite like "The Losers.

Sylvain White's hilarious and audacious comic book adaptation is a work of art, well it is more like a grunge band song mixed with some good old action values, and revenge is a dish best severed cold. This film dish out some seriously cold justice to the baddies with ultra style and flare although films like "The Losers" lost there following at the end of the 90's. director Sylvain White knows this and while he has knowledge that some will not take kindly to a throwback action film, others will embrace it with open arms feeling nostalgic for the days of "FACE/OFF"(1997) and "Die Hard"(1989) and all the other great action films of the 80's and 90's. Some may find "The Losers" well a loser and others will find it to be an extravagant and very well executed action comedy with some serious intellect, it's the kind of film that is just too good to resist and even harder to hate.

What I like most about "The Losers" is the care that was taken into telling the story it is quite well crafted and played out on screen, how all the characters seem to bounce jokes and witty dialogue off of each other. It gave the film a sense that these group of actors had worked together many times before and know how each other tick and that to me is something special it gives the film a better more buddy, buddy type feel instead of a stark military action picture type feel. What makes it feel this way is the joke filled script by Peter Berg and James Vanderbilt they lay on the jokes, the charm, the cool hip vibe and the intelligence to make this action picture stand out amongst the crowd, while it may not seem like "The Losers" should work, it does. It is an action film I am proud to say that I laughed so hard it hurt and was completely riveted by this film.

The well know ensemble cast including Jeffery Dean Morgan, Idris Elba, Zoë Saldana, Chris Evans, Columbus Short, Oscar Jaendada, Holt McCallany and Jason Patric(who this film could have seriously done without.) deliver fine performances in a film that is better than it should be and allot more keen and intelligent than we would have thought. There performances that including Chris Evans, Jeffery Dean Morgan and Zoë Saldana are three that must work so that the others can survive if any of theses three fail than the whole film comes crashing down with the rest of the cast. It is only to them and the quick-witted script that this flawed but extremely worthy film can gain that title, it succeeds on the actor alone.

This film is not perfect it has its flaws and has its holes but the holes in this film are relatively minor ones that you do not really notice unless you are looking for them. From an action fans viewpoint this film is everything you could hope for in an action picture, and I know I have said that a few times but for some films it is mostly true and for "The Losers" it is spot on. I will admit that there were some moments where I questioned this films intention and then someone cracked a joke pr something very intriguing happened and I suddenly did not care anymore. It is a throwback essentially, a throwback to the days when films were entertainment and not super intelligent, scientifically accurate like all films must be today or they will rip it up and burn it. "The Losers" doesn't care it's here to entertain and give you some good laughs with your explosions along the way and if your forgiving I can promise you "The Losers" will deliver.

For teenagers they all think that life is going to be simple and easy, some of them find out the hard way that is not so while others lazily go by doing what they do everyday. For High Schooler Percy Jackson this is so, Percy thinks his only purpose in life is to just survive High School, barely, while dealing with his slob of a step-father. Battling his troubles with dyslexia, ADHD and all the while trying to make his mother proud of him. For a teenager this is no easy feat especially when you're trying your hardest but while on a school trip to The Museum of Metropolitan art he discovers that he is destined for something more than a normal hum drum human existence, he is destined to become something more than he could have ever imagined.

Chris Columbus' "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" is not a teeny bopper exploitation flick like Catherine Hardwicke's "Twilight" or Chris Weitz's "New Moon". "The Lightning Thief" is a fairly well scripted, well acted and well thought out fantasy adventure film, it's kind of like "Lord of the Rings" for teenagers it doesn't go over your head and it doesn't leave you cringing while watching, making you wish you had gone to see something else instead. It's an interesting film as it takes liberties with Greek Mythology turning on it's heel everything we know about and creating a whole new and enthralling world for fantasy lovers, film lovers and history lovers alike to enjoy. "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" may not be exactly like the novel it is based upon, it's not fantastic or phenomenal but it is very, very, very enjoyable and is one of the best fantasy films of the new year. "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" will deliver the action, humor and mysticism you are looking for.

Logan Lerman I have always had faith he would become a great actor and I still do, while this film is not one of his better performances it is one of his good ones. It shows that Lerman is skilled in both being a regular teen and still maintaining the appearance and skill of a seasoned actor. Lerman doesn't try to be the next Al Pacino or the next Robert DeNiro he tries his best and succeeds at just being a true rising star amongst other unworthy competitors. Brandon T. Jackson is fantastic as the satyr Grover Underwood; he's funny, witty and just gives an all around great performance as Logan Lerman's number 2 man, Jackson is natural and doesn't try to be serious as he doesn't need to be, he playing a mythical creature mind you being serious is not needed for the part. And he's playing a satyr no less they have a reputation for being a little more impetuous than serious and Jackson plays the part well. Alexandra Daddario is neither great nor good she is in between, sometimes she is very serious and also very convincing as the tough girl amongst the guys and for that I commend her for being believable. But There were also times I just didn't think she was the right choice for this picture, but then again she is better than most of the other 20 something actresses out there. Daddario is not the best of the best but she has potential to be great and for this I tip my hat to her. The rest of the cast including Catherine Keener, Pierce Brosnan, Sean Bean, Steve Coogan, Melina Kanakaredes, Joe Pantoliano, Rosario Dawson, Kevin McKidd and Uma Thurman all turn in stellar supporting performances in one of the best fantasy films of the new decade.

"Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" is not the greatest of it's genre but it certainly is better than most of its kind that have come out in the last few years. "The Lightning Thief" won't let you down it gives you what you want an outrageously cool and hip thrill ride with a little bit of a history lesson tossed up in there for good measure, it doesn't patronize you like most fantasy/adventure films, it doesn't make you feel like a three year old while your watching it. It meets you at it's own level weather you be an adult, a tween, a teenager whichever it looks you in the eye and tells you not to expect anything great but to expect something enjoyable and worthy of calling good old fashioned entertainment "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" is just that and maybe a little more.

Red Dragon, while not as good as Silence of the Lambs, lives up to it's horrific roots exceedingly well and gives us a great look at evil contained.

Red Dragon is set prior to the events in the 1991 classic Silence of the lambs. In this we see how Lecter was captured and incarcerated at the Psych hospital it also introduces to us yet again retired FBI agent William "Will" Graham the man who captures the beast. After Lecter is tried and convicted of 11 murders an sentenced to 9 consecutive life terms, a new serial killer dubiously nicknamed "The Tooth Fairy" and later "The Dragon". emerges and murders two family in tow different cities a month apart. Naturally this catches the attention of the FBI and they immediately seek out Will Graham(Norton) to help track down this psychopathic mad man. Graham reluctantly agrees to help track down, "Red Dragon." Red Dragon is brilliant, dark, complex, sadistic, horrific and relentlessly suspenseful it's one of the best of the series. But the haunting similarities between this prequel and "The Silence of the Lambs" keeps it from being the truly terrifying epic it could have been. Brett Ratner(Director of X-3 and The Family Man) does amazing here directing season actor Anthony Hopkins at his terrifying best. Ratner understands the material and he understands what Lecter is and how he should be played out on screen. The film is well conceived and well played out in every way imaginable it works on some many levels that when your watching it you don't feel like your seeing a movie but living it. It's extremely nerve jangling. All in all "Red Dragon" is an amazing piece of film making that is sure to please fans of the series and new comers alike.

Anthony Hopkins is more terrifying and sinister than ever as the diabolical Hannibal Lecter but he is left mostly as a bit player. But the scenes he is in are truly terrifying and solidify that Hopkins is one of the best actor of our generation. Edward Norton is fantastic and at the top of his game in this twisty and mind blowing thriller. Norton's Will Graham is much more resourceful and more brilliant than William Petersen version of Graham in Michael Mann"s "Man hunter". Ed Norton use every inch of his genius acting ability to make the character believable and worth watch on screen . Ralph Fiennes steals the show as the malicious and psychotic Tooth-fairy, Fiennes almost outclasses Hopkins and Norton in his role which is sad to see but also amazing at the same time. Fiennes performance truly blows your mind it may also shock you at the same time how crafty and sinister he can be. It's truly a sight to see. But all in all the cast is truly brilliant and something to admire in this heart stopping psychological thriller.

Brett Ratner's "Red Dragon" is enthralling in the fact that it draws you into a world you think you know and then completely spin it around on you and gives you something you've never seen before. It's as mind boggling and it is intriguing it will engage you every minute and every second you watch it. It's one of those films that must be seen not for the characters or the action but for the psychological aspects it relays onto the audience. All in all Red Dragon is one manhunt you'll want in on.

In Frank Capra's 1946 Christmas epic,"It's a wonderful Life" James Stewart got to see what life would be like for the people around him and the world if he had never been born. There by discovering that his life was not bad but missing something.

In this 2000 rendition of that classic film Nicolas Cage plays a similar character, his characters name is Jack Campbell and he's a greedy and self absorbed investment banker who's only goal and love in life is to make money. Well that all changes one night when he stops a young African-American man named Cash from shooting a clerk over a lotto ticket but little does Jack know that this man is not so ordinary street punk but is in reality an Angel sent to help Jack changes his greedy ways. When Cash ask Jack what he wants out of life? Jack replies, "I've already got everything I need." Cash tells him that he brought this on himself and leaves Jack not really thinking about what he had said goes home to bed and the next day wakes up, not as the playboy investment banker he is, but a married tire sales men of two with his college sweetheart he left behind 13 years earlier. Now the only way Jack is ever going to get his old life back is too first learn to live and appreciate life as, "The Family Man".

"The Family Man" is heartwarming, charming, sweet, touching and an all around great time for anyone in the mood for a great Christmas fairytale. While the story may seem a little familiar it does have it's moments that just really grab you and pull you into the deep rooted story about love, family and making the right choices even if at the time they seem wrong. It's one of those films that you have to watch and see just for the story or not even that, see it for the great performances, the high spirited nature of the events unfolding on screen see it just because you've got the itching for a good Christmas story. Whatever the reason you see this film see it with an open mind and an open heart and I can promise you that if you do the story will leave you with a great and warm feeling on the inside. All in all Brett Ratner's "The Family Man" is nothing short of beautiful and touching entertainment at it's very, very best and will entertain if not lift you up.

Nicolas Cage gives one of the best and brightest performances of his career as first being the stuck up, self absorb Campbell and then slowly but surely changing into the man deep down inside he knows he is. It's something magical to watch on screen and the change in Cages performance as the film progress is astounding it's something new for Cage and it plays out very well for him on screen. Tea Leoni is astounding in this as the under payed and over worked wife of Jack in the alternate reality, Leoni plays the part with wit, charm and style and really shows how life as a suburban housewife can be. Leoni doesn't lie in her performance or tries to sugar coat what motherhood is like. She shows you how it works and how she helps the other Jack find solace in being a blue collar worker. Don Cheadle doesn't have allot of screen time in this film but the parts he is in are great and well preformed. But all in all the cast is phenomenal and really shine in this brilliant and beautiful holiday love story.

"The Family Man" Has always been a favorite of mine to watch at Christmas time mainly because of the story and the message it plays out for you. It's just such an amazing film and it's so well told and crafted that it at sometimes doesn't feel like a movie with actors, but a really true to life story about a man who lost his way and has to find his way home. It's a great Christmas film and an amazing drama about how the choices we make can either make us a better person or make us into something we sometimes barley recognize. "The Family man" is a motion picture experience that is pretty original and something that you've never seen before , you may think you've seen this kind of story before but trust me when you watch it you won't think about comparing it to other films because this one is a one of a kind modern classic.

While Twilight has an amazing premise and a great story to back it up, it can't help but fall prey to the terrible script and bad acting from the leads. Stephine Meyers' Twilight has a morbid energy level that resonates with a tale of forbidden love, and the story is highly interesting but it is extremely let down by a bad script, under direction and bad acting from the entire cast. What could have been an amazing Gothic, fantasy romance instead turns out to be nothing more than another teeny bopper romance film.

Twilight is dark, complex and at sometimes it has it's moment where it really dazzles and amazes. But it falls short on an illogical script, unbelievable events and a story at times that defies all reason. But for the most part Twilight is an interesting film that does manage, in some strange way, to hold your attention for the first two acts of the film but it losses it momentum and strength in the third act and turns into a bad chase thriller. But all in all Twilight is a good idea and story muddled by everything imaginable in a film, but still is quite enjoyable even if it is preposterous and illogical.

Kristen Stewart for the first act of the film(Before the entrance of Edward.) delivers a good performances, the second act she kind of starts to lag a little and in the third act her acting abilities are completely gone and she acts like an escape mental patient. Robert Pattinson is terrible in this film from his introduction to the end, he can't hold up the dramatic part he is assigned and really brings down the film causing Stewart to really try hard to keep it afloat , but sadly Pattinson brings Stewart down with him and the film fails to please except for it's dark style and the source material. But none the less the cast tries but fails to elevate this film above average and is just an average teen romance.

Twilight is stylish and fresh but it wears out it's welcome by the third act and it becomes quite irritating and contrived. But all in all it's just another example of a good story and idea gone bad. Twilight is passing entertainment.

This 1990 sequel to the critically acclaimed hit Chinatown has lost some of it's edge and precision over the years but it hasn't lost the heart or the powerful sense of intrigue and mystery that the first film had. But what The Two Jakes delivers is nothing short of smart and cool under the vibrant direction of star Jack Nicholson and the help of the impressive supporting cast that includes Ruben Blades, Harvey Keitel Richard Farnsworth, David Keith and Madeleine Stowe. But what really catches you about this movie is not the intriguing new story laid out for you It's the haunted past of the first film that keeps popping up once ever so often to drive this film and point out he fact that time doesn't heal old wounds.

The Two Jakes has a highly original story blended with the dark and bleak reality of the events that occurred at the middle and end of Chinatown, while not as potent or as well acted as the '74 classic but it has it's moments where it soars above the original and there are moments where it doesn't even come close to succeeding the original. But this film does give you a good dose of mystery and intrigue even if it is at sometimes a little one sided.

Jack Nicholson is great as ever as J.J. Gitties but being older has kind of taken the edge and some of the strength out of the character and made him less of a commanding power on the screen. But never the less Nicholson pulls it off amazingly. Harvey Keitel is fantastic as the other Jake, he brings the betrayal and corruption to the film and is perfectly suited for the role. Madeline Stowe really is a factor for why this film is not as great as it could have been, she is over acting so much in the film that her narcissistic character almost becomes a nuisances. Ruben Blades is slick as the mobster best friend to Harvey Keitel but he also is kind of over and under acting in some of the scenes he's in but nevertheless pulls it off without a hitch. All in all the cast is good here and makes this film a worthy sequel.

The Two Jakes is not as,like I said earlier, near perfect or as gritty and dark as the Chinatown of old, but what it does have is a great and undeniable sense of what is right and what is wrong and how far too go when it comes to digging up the truth. Even when sometimes the truth is best to stay buried. The Two Jakes is not a case you need to jump on right now but it is one you need to look into when the time is right.

Alice in Wonderland is one of the most beloved stories of our time, It tells of a young girl who falls down a rabbit hole and get's transported to another world where strange creatures rule and the possibilities of magic and adventure are endless. But it's been nearly 144 years since that story first appeared and ever since then film makers have been trying to tell the story a different way for years, But thanks to Guillermo del Toro we have the greatest spin off of all, El Laberinto del Fauno, or in English, Pan's Labyrinth.

Guillermo del Toro has crafted a Fantasy adventure the likes no one has ever seen before, and I know that I've said that before but this film breaks some amazing new grounds in special effects and makeup. It's just a film that you have to seen to really, truly believe because if you love Fantasy and dark, deeply emotional films than this is your ticket. While this film is brilliant in every way imaginable it does have it's downside, The film is very creepy and violent and not suited for children and may leave them with nightmares of the grotesque creatures that are shown in this film. But none the less Pan's Labyrinth is a dark and beautiful film It's one of the most exhilarating movie experiences you will ever have and it's a film you will not forget.

The Spanish cast of actors do amazing in this and give this film it's true power and worth, they bring a humanized side to an overall Fantasy movie and bring the stark reality of love, death, cruelty, sorrow and happiness to this film. All in all there fantastic in this film.

Pan's Labyrinth is brilliant, dark, engaging, relentlessly entertaining, heart breaking, horrifying and beautiful. It's a film with so much heart and so much loss and amazing fantasy adventure that when the movie starts your sucked into a world where your greatest fantasies live. And where your greatest nightmare's can lie as well It's a bold , new ground of film making that will enchant and blow your mind. All in all Pan's Labyrinth is one adventure you do want to take.

I first heard about "9" like most people did, sitting a dark movie theater waiting for my movie to play. And as I was waiting a quaint and dark little trailer started to roll it showed a bombed out city and as I watched I became more and more intrigued at the premise of the film and the dark, Gothic style it infused with the brilliant and breathtaking animation. But I didn't see it it until about a month later and now I'm regretting not having seen it while it was in theaters, Shane Acker and Tim Burton's "9" is brilliant, heartbreaking, dark, intense, breathtaking and at sometimes scary.

"9" is not a movie I would show my three step-sisters, the reason is is that "9" is at sometimes very scary and is a little too dark and violent for the mainstream children audience of 5-9 but.The age group of 10-50 may enjoy this film much more than the younger seeing as it is aimed at the more adult and teenage audience. But with that said "9" is a sweeping animated epic that sucks you into a dystopia world and takes you on an adventure the likes you've never seen before, this film get's it's themes straight from the visionary minds of producer Tim Burton and Director Shane Acker they create a vision of a destroyed world and tell you a story of the nine little voodoo dolls that have to save civilization, It's quite a fascinating story and will surely entertain you while it blows your mind as well. Some people think this film doesn't deserve much acclaim or praise, but I'm sorry to say this film deserves every bit of the praise It something new and fresh and not kiddish at all but it does teach some great morals in it like friendship, overcoming your fear and rising to the occasion to be more than what you really are. All in all "9" is a fun, fantastic, action packed, dark and mythic Sci-Fi animated epic like no other.

Elijah wood, Jennifer Connelly, Martin Landau, John C. Reilly, Christoper Plummer and Fred Tatasciore are all fantastic in this as the nine voodoo dolls tasked with stopping the deadly machines. They all bring something different to there characters. Elijah wood(9) brings a soft spoken and heroic prowess to his young character, and he makes 9 more of a hero than a coward he turns him into a leader that is small but has a big heart(metaphorically speaking.). Fred Tatsciore(you may know him as the man who voices Bruce Banner in The Ultimate Avengers.) Brings a strong but dim bulled wit to his character 8, his style and power is more driven toward brute force than brains seeing as 8 is the giant out of the nine, but none the less he brings a little likability to a rather not so likable character. Jennifer Connelly(7) Is tough, smart and strong, she is the second in command to 9, or that's how I see it. Connelly brings her toughness and power to an already impressive and imposing character. 7 is the strongest and the fighter out of the group, she is a force of nature and is not to be taken lightly. Crispin Glover(6) brings a quirky and Tim Burton type charm to this film as the lovable and misunderstood painter of the group, he's fantastic in the scenes he's in and he really brings the kindness and gentle quality to this film. John C. Reilly(5) plays the very friendly and caring 5, hr brings more than what is needed and that is alright because that humanizes the film and brings out of the extreme darkness set by the films story. while the twins 3 and 4 don't say anything they are very sweet and timid characters and are great to have on screen. Martin Landau(2) is the old quirk out of them. And while he may not have much screen time h e does do good at bringing a friendly and smart quality to his character. Christopher Plummer(1) Is the crass, cowardly and not so great leader of the nine. His character believes in hiding instead of learning the truth behind what has happened to the world around them and fighting back, but none the less Plummer does great with his character and brings great power to him. But all in all the cast does a fantastic job n this film and really elevates it to true greatness among the animated films.

"9" Is fantastic in every way imaginable and may not be very suitable for small children but anyone with a love of Tim Burton and his dark world will enjoy this film as much as I did. It's a fun filled Science Fiction epic that has ushered the way for more mature animated films and the breathtaking CGI effects and action sequences are more well worth the price of rental or admission. All in all "9" delivers.

I've heard allot about this movie over the last few years people all over have been praising it as a mild stone in film making. Calling it a cult classic and one of the best action dramas ever put to film, well I'm sorry to say they were wrong. This movie was nothing like people advertised and boasted about, it was at times very hard to discern what was going on and who was killing who and what was really going on in the film.

The Boondock Saints boast a cool and hip visual style that resonates with the best action films of the 80's and early 90's and some of John Woo's japan work before he moved to America. But even that can't save this film from being highly overrated and contrived. TBS was great on the action and humor(what little it had if there wasn't a curse word in it.)It tires so very hard to be convincing, powerful, emotional and most of all smart but it can't under the dumb down dialogue and the poor execution of the film. The mediocre script and direction of Troy Duffy who I've never heard and for good reasons. You see Duffy tries to create a movie where two brothers who are devoted to each other and devoted to helping the little people think there doing God's work by killing all theses mob boss and criminals where in reality there actually psycho killers just mopping up the scum in south Boston. I like the style of the film and I liked the way it played out, but if Duffy had just thought it out more and put a more dramatic and emotional effect into the film, then maybe, just maybe, this film would have made my top ten list sadly it makes my top ten list of the worst films of the 90's. But none the less it had the heart, it had the spirit and it had the strength to be great and groundbreaking bu sadly it falls short due to bad plotting, on par acting, a terrible script and bad action sequences that don't really dazzle you or blow your mind.

Sean Patrick Flanery(Who I never hear of besides this movie.) Plays one of the Mac Manus brothers, he does pretty good here and does try hard to be convincing. But he fails under Duffy's bad script and poor direction and thus is kind of an eye sore with his bad Irish accent. Norman Reedus(Another actor I've never heard of outside this film.) Is areal downside in this with his bad acting he really brings down his character and makes it nothing more than a brainless thug who say a pray for the men they are about to kill. Billy Connolly(Who is alright for the few minutes he's actually in the movie.) is pretty good in this and is one of the higher class acts in the film, he brings some ruthless style and cunning to a very simple character and does well with his time on screen. Willem Dafoe(the saving grace in this film.) Is fantastic in it and is the only reason to see this film besides the slick, but highly under done, action sequences. He brings up the quality of this film and elevates it to from bad to alright. But again even he can't save this film from crumbling under it's own failure. But none the less the cast does there best with the material there given and tries there hardest to make this a great film, but sadly they can't.

The Boondock Saints is dark,violent and sacrilegious, that pretty much sums up the main focal point of this film plot and story and it tells you all you need to know about the film in general. It boast a hip, cool and vibrant style of film making and that can't save it from be a by the book action film with not so special action sequences. All in all The Boondock Saints is passing entertainment bu nothing more.

Lately Hollywood has been trying to Monopolize on the success that Hasbro has created over the years. First in 2007 Michael Bay directed the adequate adaption of the ultra mega popular toy line and cartoon animated franchise Transformers, While his attempt was good it didn't quite make the cut as great as it could have been. Then in 2009 he made the horrible and audacious Transformers : Revenge of the Fallen which was shortly followed by Stephen Sommers G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra which in turn was no different than Revenge of the fallen except, that Rise of Cobra had terrible CGI bad plotting and a really terrible script, It's a film that is easily the worst of the year and it 's number two to Revenge of the fallen.

When I first saw the trailer G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra I instantly thought, "Wow this is going to be an awesome movie!", my expectations were high when I entered the movie theater to see it. But when the light's came back and the credits rolled the smile that was on my face quickly evaporated. Now Why do you ask did that happen? Well let me break it down for you. 1.) the plot , while interesting was shallow and was riddled with bullet holes. also it's story was nothing like that of the G.I. Joe animated series or comics and was way to fast paced and packed with wall to wall action that really brought down the value of the film and killed the story. 2.) The acting, while not as bad as it could have been was terrible and very shallow especially from the senior actors in the cast. 3.) Stephen Sommers(the director of The Mummy and The Mummy Returns.) crafts a poor script and mediocre direction, which is shocking for the man that created one of the greatest film of the 90's . But all in all this film tries very, very hard to be good and plausible entertainment but falls to short.

Dennis Quaid(Who has been failing lately to make good films.) Is alright in this but can't seen to elevate his character past being nothing more than a High School football coach. Channing Tatum(Who needs a new line of work.) Is terrible as Duke the leader of G.I. Joe he's too young to play the part and not very convincing as Duke. He doesn't have what it takes too be the character, but he does give it all he's got which, sadly is not much. Sienna Miller(who tries her best but is degraded to eye candy.) She is even less convincing as Baroness(I mean she didn't even have a Russian accent.) She has the look , the style and the sexiness to play the part. But she lacks the cruel nature of The Baroness and the cunning nature that made her a great character. Rachel Nichols(you may know her from P-2.) Is completely wrong for Scarlett. Again she's got the look the style and she's even got the sexiness down, but yet again she lacks the conviction and even the acting skills to play a tough smart women like Scarlett. Ray Park(Who is the saving grace in this film.) Ray Park does great as Snake Eyes and he is the only reason I went to see this movie in Theaters, seeing as he doesn't say a word he's one of the best of the cast. Joseph Gordon-Levitt(Who is the second class act in this.) He is great as the Doctor and does his very best in this and comes out on top. But none the less the cast tries there hardest and fails to elevate this film to greatness but it falls hard on bad direction and a poor script and acting.

G.I. Joe rise of Cobra is a high class action film with low class T.V. special effects and mediocre acting, it tries hard to be convincing and emotional at sometimes but it fails miserably. While Sommers had a great idea he couldn't quite get it off the ground and this film had the chance to have wings but it doesn't quite learn how to fly. But all in all it's a good popcorn flick, but nothing more beyond that, it is very entertaining at least but even that can't stop it from getting on your nerves from time to time. All in all a good attempt at making G.I. Joe a viable film franchise but sad to say it doesn't come even close. It's good to watch if your bored or have nothing else to see. But beyond that it's not worth going to see in theaters or buying for that matter. All in all G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra is an A- Bomb.

I've seen Mystery thrillers allot of times before, most of the time they have the same plot and story. Somebody dies, a beaten and battered cop , P.I. or somebody is tasked with solving the mysterious occurrences of what is going on. While Whiteout sort of follows that set protocol and then at sometimes it sides steps it and shows it stuff.

Whiteout while totally not original or groundbreaking is fun and a very thought out and semi-smart Mystery thriller. It's got a great and ominous style to it that is a homage to noir films of the 40's, early 50's, 70's and early to mid 90's which is one of the reasons this film interested me so much when I first heard about it. But sad to say not even it's amazing visual style and strong appeal could save it from being a standard issue, run of the mill mystery thriller. All in all Whiteout is not a terrible movie, It's not great either but it's not terrible.

Kate Beckinsale(who I think is great to look at but not much of an actress.)Tries her very hardest and does do well in the second and third act of the film but she can't save this movie from being plain old ordinary. Tom Skerritt( Who you may know from Top Gun.) Is very good here and the only class act in this film, it's he who saves the film from being a complete and total drag to watch,well him and Beckinsale as eye candy. Gabriel Macht(Who is terrible in this as he was in the Spirit.) Is a terrible actor and even less convincing than Beckinsale's character was he really brought this film down and made it bad when it could have been so good. But none the less the cast holds up rather well under the poor script and mediocre direction and elevates this film from really bad to pretty good.

Whiteout while not as great as it could have been suffers from what I can see a rushed production. It's like the filmmakers didn't bother to really put any effort into making what could have been one of the best movies of the year. Instead they made one of the most under made movies of the year, while it boast amazing visuals. like I said. It suffers under poor direction and a mediocre script but besides that Whiteout is a very enjoyable movie, It' s not the best you will ever see in your life but it is great fun to watch play out. And you may never know the surprise twist might actually shock you, that's if you don't figure it out before the end. But none the less Whiteout is a good movie that has been made bad with amazing qualities and a high watchable rate but besides that it's got nothing else. All in all it's fair entertainment.

As an aspiring author seeing this film was something magical and at the same time extremely disturbing. In the Mouth of Madness is not your typical horror, it may look like that from the trailer but let me tell you first hand that this film, as the title suggest, is pure and unflinching madness.

In the Mouth of Madness has to be one of the most effective and well thought out horror pictures of the 90's maybe even today. It draws it's brilliance and dark theme straight from the minds of John Carpenter and Stephen King. It's morbid, dark, ingenious and oh so spooky. It's a film that resonates with the earlier works of John"Spooky" Carpenter and without him this film would have failed miserably to really induce any real madness or scares. It's a brilliant and severely underrated film that if you watch it It will driver you mad.

San Neill(Who does good here.) has some charm and great skill to be in horror as in half the movie once he get's to Hobbs End he is almost always petrified with fear at the horrific things he seems. It's quite amazing to watch and see how your fear can mount and grow into your worst paranoiac nightmare when you least expect it. But none the less the cast does great in this dark psychological horror film.

This film is to me what Titanic is to romance fans. It's a horror gem the likes you have never really quite seen it's the type of film that will haunt your dreams and it will bleed into your reality making everything around you into something horrifying. it's a great film to see, but I have just one request if you do, be careful because if your not I can promise you this film will drive you absolutely mad.

Action films I'm always hesitant to see due to the fact that they can't balance out the story and the big sweeping action sequences in it.(Transformers and it's sequel comes to mind.) But now I've finally found another film, besides Die Hard, that perfectly balances story, action, and character development to the point of absolute perfection.

I first heard of Collateral when it was recommended to me by a friend, seeing as none of my friends have good taste in films I wanted to pass it up. Well I'm now happy to say I'm glad I didn't. It was everything that action films today should be: taunt, suspenseful, extraordinarily smart, well thought out. Need I continue? Michael Mann(Who is the man! no pun intended. ) Crafts an ingenious little machine that creeps along at first very slow and then kicks it into full gear to blow your minds out in the end. It's bold and refreshing and is something amazing to watch unfold on screen as the cat and dog fight between Cruise and Foxx heats up. But none the less this is a brilliant film that is an amazing visual treat for the eyes and the senses.

Tom Cruise(who gives another staggering and mind blowing performance.) plays a hit man like you've never seen before, he plays one with a conscience it is something truly amazing and breath taking to watch the way his character works on screen the ruthless way he kills without a seconds hesitation and then out of nowhere show's emotion for one of his kills, it's amazing and something to admire. Jamie Foxx(Who also delivers a fantastic performance here.) plays the cabby who has to drive around Cruise's character while he systematically whacks people. Foxx's performance is crucial and is in many ways, a contrast to Cruise's character and the way they almost become friends in a weird way is another fascinating thing to watch play out on screen. But all in all the two main leads and the rest of the cast hold up sturdy and strong in this brilliant film.

Collateral is very complex in the way it portrays the relationship of the two main character's is played out so beautifully. The whole film is beautiful it's an amazing and monumental achievement in film making and is one of Cruise's and Foxx's best films to date. It's great fun to watch and see unfold in front of you and is shocking and heart breaking at the same time. All in all this is one hit you want to be in on.

I've seen Sci-Fi films that try and fail miserable to get that emotional reaction from audience by telling a recycled story and a dried up plot. But I'm finally happy to report that there is such a Si-Fi film, and this film is called "District 9." District 9 tells the story of a lone man, who is infected by an alien biotechnology and him and him alone becomes the only hope for the salvation of the aliens. It's a powerful film that resonates with Science Fiction classics of the 50's, 60's, 70's and early to mid 80's. It's an extraordinary example of human and alien courage and the cruelty that can bestowed on both(figuratively speaking.) I haven't seen a movie in a long, long time that has had a really deep lasting and thought provoking effect on me quite like the one this film gave me, I was left speechless by the dark and foreboding sense of justice and the heart that this film put into one mans struggle to free an oppressed race. It was staggering. This is a film that will not only go down in history as one of the best of the best in Sci-Fi, but it will also be remembered for it's heroics it's deep emotional connection you form between the characters, it's one of the best films of the year and is top dog in my book.The cast is mostly unknowns but for the most part they do an absolutely fantastic job.

District 9 was a film when I first heard of it I wasn't too crazy to see it because of the documentary style of filming they showed in the trailer. But after finally seeing it I'm glad to say that it wasn't like hat at all.(well not completely.) The style and the feel of this film will capture you from the very first moment and won't let you go. It holds you in it's ingeniously woven and well thought out story web and the only way out is when the credits roll. But none the less District 9 is a film you will not forget until the day you die, it's a film not quite like anything you've ever seen or will ever see again, it's an ingenious little sleeper with a great heart and amazing emotional depth and character, it's technically brilliant and fantastically entertaining. All in all it delivers.

I've seen movies like this before. Many times before The Matrix, I Robot, Minority Report, The Terminator. The list goes on, while this film lacks originality in the main focal point of the plot it does give a very nice and enjoyable spin on an old tale.

Surrogates is a highly entertaining but ultimately flawed movie due to it's reliance on formula. But it's idea is solid and it's execution is very thought out. So why id it that this film fell flat on it's face? Well there are three good reasons for it: 1.) It' story while entertaining and fresh has been done far too many times before to count. 2.) it's heavy on the action and look and feel of the film but the film crew throw out the idea of giving this movie a well written script and thought that action and eye candy could save it from being a failure, but sad to say it didn't. 3.) The wooden acting from most the cast really brings down the film's production value and makes this almost hard to watch. But if your forgiving and can get over the lousy acting by most of the supporting cast, then I can promise you that this film will give you a good, high tech thrill ride.

Bruce Willis(Who's done way, way better than this.) Gives one of the least impressive performances in a long time, he's so wooden and bland in this it's almost funny when he speaks, but I don't blame him(I blame the lousy directing and script.) Willis tries so hard to really up the appeal of this film but sorry to say he falls short thanks to a terrible supporting cast and there bad acting. Rhada Mitchell(who is my least favorite actress.) is one of the main weak links in this film she really brings down the film and also drags Willis with her. She was really wooden and emotionless(Which is no surprise there she's a terrible actress.) But I think without her this film could have at least stayed a float a little better than it did. But all in all the cast does hold up fairly well under the poor script and bad direction.

Surrogates is nothing groundbreaking or earth shattering. It's a run of the mill Sci-FI action thriller that has an extraordinarily intriguing premise that if it was not mired down by, like I said, bad dialogue and poor direction this would have been a top notch film. But none the less it settles for alright. And I can tell you that if your very, very forgiving and kind than this film will give you your money's worth.

This 2009 follow up to the Massive smash, minor critical hit is nothing short of dull, overly plotted, over crowed and most of all dumb. It tries to live up to the minor smarts the first film had, but it fails miserably because of it's over use of CGI and it's bad script and semi-interesting story. It fails to live up to the Transformers name or even the first film at that. All in all this film is a waste of 200 million dollar.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is nothing short of a good idea gone bad, Michael Bay tries and fails to bring up the value of the sequel to his adequate adaption of the popular kids show and toy line. But there are three main reasons that it failed. 1.) It's dull, overlong and it doesn't follow any strict set of rules or even a coherent plot for that matter. 2.) It's terrible and bland acting on most part of the cast brings down the high production values of this film. But to no avail they don't succeed very well. 3.) It's just a plain, old good car with bad parts. All in all this film could have been so much better.

Shia LaBeouf(Who was alright in the first but bad here.) Tries his best with the bad script and terrible direction on the part of Michael Bay. But he fails to bring any convincing emotion or even good jokes to his character. Megan Fox(who is amazing to look at.) is bad, her bland and inside the box performance is hard to watch sometimes you just want to look at her instead of hear her talk. John Turturro( A saving grace in this film.) Brings the good jokes and the good acting to this film and really makes it one reason to see it just for his time on screen. Josh Duhamel( Another ray of hope.) Does well in this and shows his stuff and makes this film easy to sit trough. But all in all the cast(most of them.) Does alright with there assigned parts and makes this a bad film instead of horrible.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is dumb fun, it uses flashy and stylish CGI rock'em sock'em robot fights, an alluring female lead and bad jokes to entertain. But it fails miserable in it's attempt to be good and plausible entertainment. It drags along for way too long and is very boring at times. But on the bright side it is great fun and a good thrill ride to enjoy. But nothing more. All in all it was a shallow attempt at making a franchise that has been around for more than 30 years and turns it into a bad film. All in all Revenge of the Fallen is an A-Bomb.

I love Romantic comedies, I love everything about them. The atmosphere, the style, the grace and humor(sometimes they got it sometimes they don't.) They are the very epitome of good fun and romance. But over the years this genre(like I said in my review of The Ugly Truth.) Has been stretched thin and mired down by bad and extremely bland Romantic Comedies that you could see what was going to happen before the film even began. But I'm truly and profoundly proud to say that (500) Days of Summer is nothing even close to the formula of romantic comedies, in fact it's one of the most complex and off beat entries in the genre to come out since in 20 years.

This movie I had no interest in seeing at first cause I thought it was just another formula Rom Com and I thought it wouldn't live up to my standards. Boy was I wrong! This movie lived up to my standards and then some. 500 days of summer is clever, smart, funny, honest, heart breaking, touching, sweet and oh so much fun, it's the very core of a great Rom Com and it has the heart of a great romantic drama to boot. It's a film that won't disappoint you and it may change how you see life and love . I know it confirmed my beliefs on both. All in all this film was fantastic in it's execution of the story of a boy meet's girl, boy falls in love with girl, but girl doesn't fall in love with boy; it's so unique in it's portrayal of how love and fate sometimes don't come easy and that sometimes you find love when you least expect it. Or even looking for it for that matter. It was great on some many levels it just made me feel so good and feel so bad at the same time( which is unique fro a Rom Com.) And there lies the keys to it's success and it's unflinchingly honest portrayal of how love really works.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt( Who I like, but has never made a movie that I liked besides Miracle at Saint Anna's.) really shows his stuff and proves he can really pull off a dramatic and comedic performance( In the same film! Which is very hard.) He brings a warm and very touching side to his character and he doesn't do it with grace or style but with the honesty of a regular Joe, which makes his character more likable. Zooey Deschanel( Who I didn't like until now.) makes her character Summer a heart breaker and a breath of fresh air, her character wasn't contrived or over done Summer was simple and plain and that makes her something of an off beat female love interest, but none the less is very effective. All in all the cast does nicely in this gorgeous and brilliant Romantic Dramedy.

(500) Days of Summer is very rare as I've said and it's great and undeniable fun that is really and truly needs to be seen to believe . I don't think in all my years of watching movies have I ever been blown away by a Rom Com, but now I guess I can. This film has gone down as one of the best since Sleepless In Seattle but I'm happy to inform you that this movie surpass Sleepless in Seattle and makes that film look bad. It's a great utterly charming good time that is a film that will be remember and cherished for years to come. (500) Days of summer is 500 days you want to be apart of.

You know Gangster flicks have lost there touch over the years, they've become more and more attuned to the times and they've lost the real true sense of what a Gangster movie use to be. This film is a throwback to an Era and a style of film making long lost to time itself.

Public Enemies chronicles one of Prohibitions greatest and most notorious criminals. John Dillinger. This film was a breath of fresh air in the fact that it didn't use the things that have become so common in Crime films or even modern Gangster epics at that, It doesn't use pervasive language or Violence, it doesn't use strong sexuality(which in some is needed and some not so much.) and it also doesn't use constant drug use . It's done old school so that you can enjoy your time watching it while not being turned off by it at the same time, it's great on many levels It's kinetic energy and wild bank robberies and chases make it fun and really cool to watch. But what made this a great film is the fantastically crafted story and script by Michael Mann and his team it is thanks to him that this movie is elevated high above the regular gangster movie and shoots off into movie greatness.

Johnny Depp(who doesn't seem to stop blowing my mind.) pulls another ace out of his sleeve and makes this movie one of his best and one of cinema's best. His portrayal of Dillinger is both smart and ruthless , cunning and slick it is he who brings up the caliber of this film and makes it so great to watch unfold in front of you. Christian Bale( needs to get an Oscar.) Does exceptional as the relentless blood hound of an FBI agent Melvin Purvis, his smart and unflinchingly ruthless portrayal of Dillinger's enemy is nothing short of breathtaking and brilliant. Marion Cotillard(who I never heard of before this movie.) Is not as good as I thought she could be, seeing as she won an Oscar, she kind of dragged in some places and was kind of not the strong willed type she fit the more " I need to be taken care of" type, but none the less she did alright. But all in all the great cast holds up nicely and pulls no punches or stops to make this a fantastic film.

Public Enemies is possibly one of the year's best films(No Transformer's II does not count.) It's smart, witty, clever, dangerously addictive, well played out and exceptionally well acted. It's again, as I say, a film to be relished and admired for it's style and atmospheric sense of honor to the 30's, Michael Mann creates yet another great entry in film history and can now be looked upon as one of cinema's great directors his film is nothing short of genius and bold and if you see it I can promise you it will deliver a great movie going experience. All in all Public Enemies delivers.

I'm a major fan of the original and I saw this one with medium hopes that Rob Zombie would give me something worth seeing, but my first instinct about this movie sucking eggs was right. It was a bloody mess.

Halloween(or as I like to call it Suckloween.) was a disgrace to the franchise that practical invented the slasher genre. It was too dumb and far too bloody and messy to even try and comprehend the story of the psychotic Michael Myers( no not the Austin Powers guy.) But what it did have, and this is the only good thing, is a pretty good spin on Michael's beginning's not much of it was revealed in the original so that was the only positive thing I found about the whole film. But this movie was a let down none the less.

Tyler Mane an ex- wrestler turned horror star plays the maniac Myer's well(seeing as he doesn't have to say anything.) but his mannerisms are just like the original Michael and he is the only saving grace in this film. Scout Taylor-Compton (who is allot prettier than Jamie Lee Curtis.) Has no real acting talents at all and is just there to scream her head off when needed. Malcolm McDowell(who was the only true good act in this.) does very well as Dr. Sam Loomis but is not as hell bent on killing Michael as he was in the originals, instead here they turned Loomis into a kind hearted soul(which was a mistake.) Being someone who's watched all the Halloween movies Loomis is nothing like his 2007 counter part and that is where again Rob Zombie fails. But Malcolm McDowell does very well in this movie and he holds up nicely against terrible acts. But all in in all the rest of the cast was terrible.

Halloween(2007) Is nothing short of a brutal, mindless, laughably bad mock up of a horror film that tries, and fails to capture the essence or even style of the original. But I will give it this. It does try very hard to be scary but to no avail.All in all Halloween is a A-Bomb.

When I first saw this movie I didn't like the concept, I didn't like the idea of an American solider turning on his kind to fight with the enemy. Boy was I in mature! Now seeing it again now more mature and more knowledgeable of history this film has allot of meaning to me. It's epic, sprawling, beautiful, intelligent, brutal, honorable and most of all heart breaking.

The Last Samurai chronicles the story of a beaten and battered Civli War hero who's seen one too many innocent lives and people killed during his service in the war. Now in 1870's he accepts an offer to train Japans modern army to battle the samurai's, but soon in some strange twist of fate he finds himself learning form his enemy. It's an intense and heart breaking piece of film making that is of the highest caliber, it's a great and powerful film that tells a story of honor and respect and the way of the samurai. It's grand and spectacular and it gives so much of it's self and of it's story the power that it releases is in small capsules that slowly but surely open one at a time releasing strong and bracing scenes from each of them.

Tom Cruise deliverer's one of his finest performances of his career as the battered Civil War hero. Tony Goldwyn is fantastic in the scenes he's in he gives a very good an very convincing antagonistic performance. Billy Connolly(in his small role) does good as always and puts on a very commanding show as the good sergeant. But it is Ken Watanabe who steals the show, his performance is absolutely fantastic and stunning as the leader of the Samurai, he pulls no stops to prove himself and take his game to the next level, he is utterly fantastic. All in all the cast does extraordinarily well in this handsomely mounted film.

The Last Samurai is a blend of old traditions and honor mixed with American military strategies. This film put's up a very good fight and pulls no punches when it comes to story, characters, scenery it put's it's self in the middle of the fight as the Samurai did. It's a beautiful and grand film that needs to be cherished as much as it needs to be respected It's powerful in it's execution, beautiful in it's scenery and production and a staggering piece of film making at it's finest Edward Zwick tops all his previous films and creates a great and magnificent portrayal of what true honor is. All in all The Last Samurai delivers a truly great movie going that will not be forgotten.

I've seen psychological thriller's that try to scare you more than melt your brain, this one I'm proud to say does both. It's a very, very malicious and haunting thrill machine. I t brings the very essence of how horror and Psycho thriller's are suppose to be done, not with over the top gore and CGI, but with old school conventional means.

Secret Window is as sinister as it is smart it rolls along at a very steady pace and brings more to the table than what was required. It shows you what the decent into madness and utter chaos looks like, it shows you the depth and moral ambiguities of a torn man who's lost everything. With that said you can examine the physic of the mind as it cracks under extreme and constant pressure and how your choices do affect who you help, or who you hurt. This film's pace and dark style is meant to reflect horror films of the 40's, 50's, 60's and early 70's before gore became cool but that makes this film such a joy to watch and study. And that makes it a great film, not a good film, a great film.

Johnny Depp( who was fantastic here.) gives a very eccentric and brilliant performance as the conflicted writer Mort Rainey, John Turturro does exceptionally well as the sinister and vicious Shooter and he almost outclasses Depp in this film. Charles S. Dutton does well with the few scenes he's. But the main let down and I think the reason for this film's poor reviews from critics were the bland and very lame performances of Timothy Hutton( he won an Oscar he can do better than this.) and Maria Bello, they really lowered the caliber and class of this film and forced Depp to try harder to make them look good and make there time on screen with him good, but he succeeds and they fail. But Turturro and Depp hold up strong.

Secret Window is a very Keene and captivating psychological/horror thriller that is surefire mind boggling entertainment and out of this world fun. This movie is great rainy day entertainment or any day entertainment for that matter it's just all around a fantastic and mind boggling film that makes you question the sanity of writers and the world they live in ( speaking as one myself.) it brings to question as the thoughts in our mind really our conscious or our selves just speaking out to right the wrongs doe against us It's a film that ask those questions and then you have to answer. All in all Secret Window was a sinister, malicious and thought provoking film that delivers a movie going experience like no other.