Ong Bak 2—Thailand movie—is violent in some places but the violence has been stylized to make it less impactful. Tony Jaa acts in this prequel movie. There is no lack in the makeup department; each scene is incredibly realistic mostly due to the unbelievably good makeup artistry. The film is tailored for the adult audience.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
A wealthy family's son is relegated to the care of a wise man due to political unrest.
Additional Thanks
Thank you to Directors Tony Jaa and Panna Rittikrai for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Prachya Pinkaew, Tony Jaa, Panna Rittikrai, and Akarapol Techaratanaprasert for making the film possible. Cast includes Tony Jaa, Nirut Sirijanya, Sorapong Chatree, Sarunyoo Wongkrachang, and Primorata Dejudom.
Buy a
ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. For
the adult audience it works; but know this movie is not for the 'faint of heart'.
Kit
Kittredge: An American Girl—a simple children’s
classic to be cherished for years to come—captures innocence in its story about
America’s Great Depression. This is a perfect movie for children and adults
desiring to capture life as we wish it could be.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
The
story begins with a typewriter stamping letters onto a page. The camera then shows
the inside of Kit Kittredge’s (Abigail Breslin) tree house. While the credits
are rolling, the camera, on occasion, flips to the typewriter as it types out
the date, May 2, 1934. Kit Kittredge’s voiceover says that the Great Depression
is everywhere, but not in her world. That quickly changes as her father loses
his business and her mother takes in a wide assortment of boarders. All Kit focuses
on, however, is her desire to be a newspaper reporter and she finds her
opportunity in the town’s hobo jungles.
Additional Thanks
Thank you to Director Patricia Rozema for directing efforts.
Thank you to Executive Producers Julia Roberts and Marisa Yeres for making the
film possible. Cast include: Abigail Breslin, Julia
Ormond, Chris O’Donnell, Jane Krakowski, Wallace Shawn, Max Thieriot, Willow Smith, Glenne Headly, and Zach Mills.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes.
It’s a clean, fun-filled, positive film that perfectly captures our imaginative
reminiscences of the 1930 Depression years without the depression.
* Also known as Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Mystery Video Critique Available Here:
Valkyrie—oneof the best directed World War II films—sits among Ben Meyers International Movie Critics favorite films of 2008. The storyline
revolves around the Hitler assassination attempt by Germany’s highest ranking
military leaders. Great acting and portrayal.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
Colonel
Claus Von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) attempts to assassinate Hitler (David
Bamber).
Additional Thanks
Thank you to Director
Bryan Singer for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Ken
Kamins, Chris Lee, John Ottman, Dwight C. Schar, Mark Shapiro, and Daniel M.
Snyder; Music Composer John Ottman; and Script Writers
Christopher McQuarrie and Nathan Alexander for making possible an outstanding
film. Cast include: Tom Cruise, Kenneth
Branagh, Bill Nighy, Tom
Wilkinson, Terence Stamp, Eddie
Izzard and David Bamber.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. A wonderful presentation for Tom Cruise fans. Video Critique Available Here:
College Road Trip—suitable, predictable afternoon watch—plays like light Disney fare for the young teen audience. Know that it serves clean entertainment with no hidden surprises. Martin Lawrence and Raven-Symoné play the father/daughter duo well. A little tweaking of the basic script has potential to push the chuckle factor to the 'riot' level. Camera work needs some improvement. Overall, it's sweet and provides another look at father-daughter relationships.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
A man has a daughter, who he wants to be a good girl, and keeps tight control to protect her even when it is time for her to go to college.
Additional Thanks
Thank you to Director Roger Kumble for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Green, Anthony Katagas, Raven-Symoné and Ann Marie Sandalin for making the film possible. Cast includes Martin Lawrence, Raven-Symoné, Kym Whitley, Adam LeFevre, Rakka Kikka, Brenda Song, Margo Harshman, Lucas Grabeel, and Matthew Schlein.
Buy a
ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe.
It is not a total waste of time and money. The comic element is in place. Expect light comedy and a sweet treatment of the father/daughter relationship.
The Incredible Hulk—a suitable to okay remake—has better storyline than the last film but do not expect much improvement anywhere else in the movie. Edward Norton, in looks, seems a better choice than
Eric Bana and overall, gives a better interpretation of
the Hulk's character. But neither Norton or Bana are as good as Mark Ruffalo who took the Hulk personality to a whole different level. William Hurt replaces Sam Elliot. Tim Roth cannot seem to get enough evil out for his final fight with the Norton Hulk. Watch for Tim Blake Nelson as the intellectual.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
Bruce Banner is injected with an experimental chemical that can turn him into the Hulk.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Louis Leterrier for directing effort. Thank you to Executive
Producer Stan Lee, David Maisel, and Jim Van Wyck, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt, Tim Blake Nelson, Ty Burrell, Christina Cabot, Peter Mensah, Lou Ferrigno, and Paul Soles.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe. It is an okay to suitable watch and tells a better story than the Eric Bana version. But Mark Ruffalo retains the Gold Standard
in the interpretation and overall believability of the Hulk's personality.
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning—prequel story to The Little Mermaid stories—is the third release in the film series. The movie works as a suitable children's watch with its inside story of Ariel from her childhood to her adulthood. The movie serves at a little higher level of quality than part 2. The film has good/suitable voiceovers, acting, presentation, and portrayal.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
Music is banned in Atlantica.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Peggy Holmes for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer John Lasseter, and Producer Kendra Haaland for making the film possible. Cast includes: .Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Jim Cummings, Sally Field, Parker Goris, Tara Strong, Jennifer Hale, Grey Griffin, Jeff Bennett, Kari Wahlgren, Lorelei Hill Butters, Kevin Michael Richardson, and Rob Paulsen.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. The movie works for children. Adults may choose to watch with their children, but not find the interest that can be found in other animated features like Tangled or Zootopia.
Beethoven's Big Break—cute—is part 6 in the Beethoven movie series. The
story is likable and predictable but thin with nothing new or fresh in its
story. The one
applaudable asset here is that the movie is staged in Hollywood studios and has
an eyeful of different places on the studio lots. Watch for Rhea Perlman in the
movie and a host of casting to include: Jonathan Silverman and Stephen
Tobolowsky. Watch for Cesar Millan, who appears in the film.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
This family film is about: an animal trainer acquires a Saint
Bernard who becomes a star performer in Hollywood.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Mike Elliott for directing effort.
Thank you to Producer Wayne Morris for making the film possible. Cast includes:
Jonathan Silverman, Jennifer Finnigan, Moises Arias, Eddie Griffin, Rhea Perlman, Stephen Tobolowsky, Oscar
Nuñez, Joey Fatone, and Cesar Millan.
The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior—part 2 of 5 films—has ‘okay-ness’ written all
over it with its run-of-the-mill revenge story. The centaur and scorpion scenes
mostly hide from the camera. This movie is what it is.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
This
action fantasy film is about: Mathayus escapes
Sargon, flees to Egypt, retrieves the Sword of Damocles, and returns to slay
Sargon.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Russell
Mulcahy for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Sean Daniel and James
Jacks for making the film possible. Cast includes: Michael Copon, Karen David,
Simon Quarterman, Tom Wu, Andreas Wisniewski, Randy Couture, Natalie Becker, Jeremy Crutchley, Shane Manie, Peter Butler, Chase Augulhas, Pierre Marais, Warrick Grier, and Terry Norton.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe. An okay continuation of the series seems
to run on a low budget and quickly becomes an average watch. Watch for Randy
Couture and Michael Copon.
Appaloosa is a good show and worth watching especially for the storyline. The
presentation is good; the portrayal is okay. The acting is good. The movie quickly
becomes an immersive watch that drives a strong need to finish it. It is not
predictable and ends on an unexpected note. Viggo Mortensen plays the western
genre very well. Know there is suggestive dialog, some nudity from a distance,
but it is not over-the-top and it does not serve as the main, repetitive, scene
after scene purpose of the movie.
Thank you to Director Ed Harris for
directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ed Harris, Robert Knott, and Ginger
Sledge for making the film possible. Cast includes: Viggo Mortensen, Ed Harris,
Renee Zellweger, Jeremy Irons, Timothy Spall, and Lance Henriksen.
Rambo—part 4 of five films with a 6th film possibly in the
works—raises in quality from the last three films. While this Rambo movie runs to blood
and gore that is almost cringe-worthy over the last three films, it is not over-the-top, graphic violence
such as The Suicide Squad movie shows. The acting comes in as much improved and the
presentation is much better. The movie bypasses ‘campy’ and delivers a
realistic package due to great film technics. Sylvester Stallone is great and
surrounds himself with an effective and believable supporting cast. The movie
shows the brutalness of Burmese pirate/guerillas when on village raids.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
Missionaries are taken prisoner by
pirates and Rambo is asked to lead mercenary soldiers to rescue them.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Sylvester
Stallone for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Avi Lerner, Kevin King
Templeton, and John Thompson for making the film possible. Cast includes:
Sylvester Stallone, Julie Benz, Matthew Marsden, Graham McTavish,
Reynaldo Gallegos, Jake La Botz, Tim Kang, Maung Maung Khin, Paul Schulze, Cameron Pearson, Thomas Peterson, Tony Skarberg, James With, and Kasikorn Nivompattana.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. This is a great watch for
the Rambo fan. This Rambomovie moves the realism up a few notches and the storyline
also has more richness and depth than previous Rambo movies. Great work for Director Silvester Stallone.
Taken—rough movie—has a need to be told story with a good cautionary message for parents
with independent teens. The film has an excellent presentation that is backed
with an outstanding performance of Liam Neeson at his best. Don’t miss this
watch. It completely involves its audience.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
An ex-CIA’s daughter is abducted and
sold into the sex industry.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Pierre Morel
for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Luc Besson for making the film
possible. Cast includes: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Katie
Cassidy, Leland Orser, Jon Gries, David Warshofsky, Holly Valance, and Xander
Berkeley.
Phoebe in Wonderland—WOW!—watch it and know that Elle Fanning has
talent that many actors and actresses cannot fully access over many years of hard
work. The ability to pull the most from her character would seem impossible.
But her access to the personality of Phoebe is incredible. The movie can seem
complicated but it is that complication that allows an immediate second watch. Watch
for an ending that the audience will have to think about before the ‘AHA’ moment comes. This movie provides a terrific look at imaginary friends, repetitive behavior, deep involvement in
visual processing that blurs the edge of ‘reality,' and mental imaging. Good
work for all involved in this movie’s production.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
A
young girl struggles in school and finds some relief in acting.
Additional Thanks
Thank you to Director Daniel Barnz for directing
effort. Thank you to Producers Ben Barnz and Lynette Howell for making the film
possible. Cast includes: Elle Fanning, Felicity Huffman, Patrica Clarkson, Bill
Pullman, Campbell Scott, Peter Gerety, and Bailee Madison.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. This film is quite a good show. Kind of
wonderful in its own way. Very creative, fresh, and, unfortunately, easy to pass over. Don’t
miss this one. Inspiring. Good work for all involved.
Everest—great acting and presentation—can run a little slow at times, but it’s
so well written that one overlooks the lulls. This film is originally a 2007
television mini-series made into a movie in 2008. It’s interesting to see how this
process works and how well it provides good movie-length entertainment. The
film provides a much different view of mountain climbing as a sport. Watch for cameos of William
Shatner.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
Climbing expedition group attempts to conquer
Everest.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Graeme Campbell for directing
effort. Thank you to Producers Jason Lee and Mary Young Leckie for making the film
possible. Cast includes: Eric Johnson, Jason Priestley, Ted Atherton, John Pyper-Ferguson, Gord Rand, Tom Rooney, William Shatner, Zachary Bennett Vincent Gale, Michael Teigen.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. The movie is both an educational and novel
watch.
Frost/Nixon—fabulous, tense watch—balances itself with excellent dialogue and a
cast that works seamlessly together to tell the story. Watch for Kevin Bacon’s
outstanding performance. Pitting Michael Sheen against Frank Langella
completely works. This movie is more than worth its watch.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
David Frost gets an interview with President Nixon after his
resignation from the presidency.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Ron Howard for directing
effort. Thank you to Producers Brian Grazer. Ron Howard, Tim Bevan, and Eric
Feliner for making the film possible. Cast includes: Frank Langella, Michael
Sheen, Kevin Bacon, Rebecca Hall, Toby Jones, Matthew Macfadyen, Oliver Platt, and
Sam Rockwell.
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