Reviews

The Pink Panther:

No matter what cranky critics say, Steve Martin is brilliant as Inspector Clouseau. While you can't think of the Pink Panther films without thinking of Peter Sellers, Steve Martin defiantly rivals him, and is funnier than Mr. Sellers ever was. Also he has that accent down perfectly. Unfortunately, the movie wasn't as good as I would have hoped. It was still very enjoyable and a great family film, but the problem was it just wasn't funny enough. There were lots of scenes that were meant to get laughs but didn't. Half the jokes were people getting hurt in some comical way that little kids loved, apart from that there were also some scenes that made me laugh out loud too. Another small problem was that I figured out who the bad guy was from the get-go which made it not to exciting, but most others probably won't figure it out, I just watch too much "Monk".

The plot is simply this, after a famous soccer coach is murdered and his Pink Panther diamond stolen, bumbling idiot Inspector Clouseau must solve the case. Pretty straightforward plot which gets going the second the movie starts.

Other than my few complaints this movie was fun! I especially enjoyed the opening credits where the filmmakers brought back the cartoon panther. There is another enjoyable scene where Clouseau, for the life of him, cannot pronounce the word hamburger. The actors are quite good too, Kevin Kline as Chief Inspector Dreyfus elicits some laughs, and surprisingly, Beyonce Knowles as Xania wasn't as annoying as I thought she'd be. Actually she was quite good. Overall, "The Pink Panther" is an enjoyable family flick that will keep you entertained for 93 minutes, and Steve Martin is oh so funny.

I give it 8 out of 10.

This film is rated PG for occasional crude and suggestive humor and language.

When most people think of Christian films they think of low quality, low budget, and preachy movies. Surprisingly, "End of the Spear" is none of that. I was a bit skeptical going into it though, I really didn't know what to expect. Would it be boring? Or would it have downright, horrible acting. I was wrong for the most part.

"End of the Spear" is the true story of the Waodani tribe, known for their extreme violence, from the jungles of Ecuador. When five young missionaries are speared to death by the Waodani in 1956, a series of events unfold to change the lives of not only the slain missionaries' families, but also Mincayani (the violent leader of the tribe) and his people.

This film kept my attention throughout, it never had a slow scene. The complaints I do have were kind of expected since most reviewers already voiced it. The cinematography was mediocre; it was most likely filmed hand-held. In one scene there is a sweeping shot of the Ecuador jungle and you can see and hear the helicopter that filmed it. The scenery is beautiful though, especially since it was filmed on location. The music was good, except it seemed to play on a loop; it was king of like the composer only wrote one song then played it over and over. The editing was poorly done in some parts, and in other parts quite good. The acting, especially by Louie Leonardo as Mincayani, did a great job. Most of the time the actors just acted with their eyes, which I thought was very cool. This film was definitely better then I expected, but it could've been even better. Though it's nice to see a Christian film that is exciting, well acted, and for the most part well done. While not up to par with today's standards, the "End of the Spear" is definitely worth a look.

I give it 7 out of 10.

This film is Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence.

The Incredibles:

Toy Story, Monster's Inc, and Finding Nemo all had one thing in common, they were great family films! They were funny without being crude, and once in a while had some comical violence. The Incredibles was nothing like its predecessors! I was surprised at how much non-comical violence it had! Many bad guys met explosive ends. It is somewhat expected though because it was PG and it was directed by Brad Bird (director of the Simpsons, and Iron Giant). It nevertheless wasn't very funny like the other Pixar films, and it just didn't have the feel of a Pixar film, it was more of a mix between Spy Kids, and X-Men.

Bob Parr (voiced by Craig T. Nelson) was known to all as Mr. Incredible, but now the he has retired to a quiet life in the suburbs and a job as an insurance salesman. But after a mysterious person summons him to a remote island, he springs back into action, along with his superpower-endowed family; Elastigirl (Holly Hunter), Dash, and Violet Parr. Then the plot thickens (maybe too much for a kids movie) when a crazy little scientist tries to take over as the Ultimate Superhero.

The movie is actually pretty good if you think of it more as an action film, then a comedy/kids movie. The effects once again have gotten even more realistic, every explosion actually looks real! The characters are also really funny at points! Especially Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson), and a little man by the name of Gilbert Huph (Mr. Incredibles boss). There were parts where I laughed out loud, but they were few. One other upside is the previews before the movie! There is one incredibly awesome looking Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith trailer, due out in May of next year! Be sure to see that!

All in all: 7 out of 10

Rated PG for action violence.