Gamera Vs. Viras, typical storyline and feel of previous Gamera
monster movies, displays more realistic monsters. The movie serves as a
teen/adult share for an afternoon watch. Almost a cult classic, it is followed
by Gamera Vs. Guiron.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
Gamera engages battle with Viras.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Noriaki Yuasa for directing
effort. Thank you to Producer Hidemasa Nagata for making the film possible.
Characters/cast include: Nobuhiko Shimada (Kōjirō Hongō), Masao Nakaya (Tōru Takatsuka), Jim Morgan (Carl Craig), Mariko Nakaya (Michiko
Yaegaki), Junko Aoki (Mari Atsumi), Masako Shibata (Junko Yashiro), Commander
of Jietat (Kōji Fujiyama), Viras (Genzō Wakayama), and Gamera (Teruo Aragaki).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. For audiences who love Gamera stories, this film
will not disappoint and is worth a watch.
Osmosis Jones—not great, but not horrible either—has an exceptionally fresh concept
and follows through with a great script that uses live
characters and animated characters to illustrate how the body works when
infected with deadly disease. It is a protagonist versus antagonist story with
completely fresh and creative characters. This movie lost money at box office
but exudes a type of classic storytelling technique that is worth an
investigation. It teaches in a most interesting way the war that goes on within
the human body to preserve life. Great voicing and terrific animation make it
worth watching despite its commonly held reputation for being a complete flop.
It’s a movie ahead of its time but has earned relevancy in this decade. This
film would be an excellent presentation within lower and middle school classrooms
to explain the importance of human health choices toward establishing long, active
lifestyles.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
A zookeeper contracts a deadly disease due to
lowered immune system. Osmosis Jones and team attempt to save the zookeeper’s
life.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Directors
Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly, Piet Kroon, and Tom Silo for directing effort. Thank
you to Producers Dennis Edwards, Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly, Zak Penn, and
Bradley Thomas for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Frank
DeTorre (Bill Murray), Shane DeTorre (Elena Franklin), Mrs. Boyd (Molly Shane),
Bob DeTorre (Chris Elliott), Osmosis Jones (Chris Rock), Thrax (Laurence
Fishburne), Drix (David Pierce), Leah Estrogen (Brandy), Mayor Phlegmming (Ron
Howard), Police Chief (Joel Silver), Mob GermBoxx (Steve Susskind), Spanish
Germ (Carlos Alazraqui), Chill (Antonio Fargas), and Announcer (Rodger
Bumpass).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. Bill Murray performs exceptionally well in
this movie. It earns a watch as a good child/adult share that encourages
excellent discussion material after watching. See it as an exceptionally
educational film. Great work for all involved.
Doogal—interesting concept—has unique animated characters but releases a
weird aura and dialogue based on a rather creepy script that is not
well-written.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
Doogal and friends must collect diamonds to stop an
unwanted ice age.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Dave Borthwick, Jean Duval,
Frank Passingham for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Claude Gorsky,
Andy Leighton, and Pascal Rodon for making the film possible. United States characters/cast
include: Train (Chevy Chase), Dylan (Jimmy Fallon), Ermintrude (Whoopi
Goldberg), Brian (William Macy), Moose (Kevin Smith), Zeebad (Jon Stewart),
Doogan (Daniel Tay), Moose (Kevin Smith), Narrator (Judi Dench), and Kylie
Minogue with Ian McKellan.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
No. There are other animated adventure films like
An American Tail that work at higher entertainment levels.
Awakenings pairs Robert De Niro with Robin Williams to produce a realistic and
superb piece of entertainment. The acting classes itself as WOW! and BRAVO! with
its meticulous detailing of mental patients and the Doctors who serve them. The
movie has meaning and earns a watch.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
A Doctor experiments with a medicine on catatonic
patients with surprising results.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Penny Marshall for
directing effort. Thank you to Producers Walter Parkes and Lawrence Lasker for
making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Dr. Malcolm Sayer (Robin
Williams), Leonard Lowe (Robert De Niro), Eleanor Costello (Julie Kavner), Dr.
Kaufman (John Heard), Paula (Penelope Ann Miller), Dr. Peter Ingham (Max von
Sydow), Mrs. Lowe (Ruth Nelson), Lucy (Alice Drummond), Rose (Judith Malina),
Miriam (Anne Meara), Sidney (Richard Libertini), Anthony (Keith Diamond),
Neurochemist (Peter Stormare), Dr. Tyler (Bradley Whitford), Rolando (Dexter
Gordon), and Orderly (Vin Diesel).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. The movie has all the Robin Williams’-entertainment
features that mark his delivery style and will absolutely satisfy the Robin
Willliams’ fan. This movie qualifies itself as high-level entertainment and can
be enjoyed by teens and adults alike.
The Loud House Movie—movie dedicated to the Nickelodeon TV series of the same name—presents
a lovable, simple story with well-drawn, memorable animated characters that move
through an old storyline with freshness and creativity. The music places itself
well and moves the story along as songs should. It does not ask for a sequel,
but a sequel would not be amiss.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
A family travels to its country of origin, finds
it still owns ancestral lands, and entertains thoughts of resettling in their
newfound homeland.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Dave Needham for directing
effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ramsey Naito,Brian Robbins, and
Michael Rubiner for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Lincoln
(Voice of Asher Bishop), Angus (Voice of David Tennant), Murag (Voice of
Michelle Gomez), Mom (Voice of Jill Talley), Dad (Voice of Brian Stepanek),
Lori (Voice of Catherine Taber), Leni (Voice of Liliana Mumy), Luna (Voice of
Nika Futterman), Luan (Voice of Cristina Pucelli), and Lynn (Voice of Jessica
DiCicco).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. The movie has a spicy and retro presentation
that is quite welcome. It earns its watch.
Predator 2—grittier than its prequel—allows Danny Glover to take the lead whereas
Arnold Schwarzenegger took the lead in the last Predator film. Danny
Glover’s role as a policeman in Los Angeles plays well. Gary Busey’s introductory
scenes, a bit rocky at first, unfold smoothly after his entry. Overall,
audiences who enjoyed the first Predator movie will most likely not be
disappointed by this sequel story.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
The Predator raises a threatening head again and
must be vanquished.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Stephen Hopkins for
directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lawrence Gordon, Joel Silver, and John
Davis for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Lieutenant Mike
Harrigan (Danny Glover), City Hunter/Predator (Kevin Hall), Special Agent Keyes
(Gary Busey), Detective Danny Archuleta (Ruben Blades), Detective Leona
Cantrell (Maria Alonso), Detective Jerry Lambert (Bill Paxton), and Dr. Irene
Richards (Lilyan Chauvin).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. Some audiences may find this sequel movie more
action packed and more exciting than the preceding film.
Legendary—simple horror flick—manages to capture some interest in the unknown
but fails to scare or deliver that creepy feeling that defines an outstanding
horror film. Dolph Lundgren’s part seems a bit ‘cheesy’ at times and allows
Scott Adkins to steal many of the movie’s scenes while supporting cast seem to
be present merely to fill space rather than actually move the story along. The
movie works at the teen/adult share level.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
China becomes the hunting ground for a creature of
legend.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Eric Styles for directing
effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Andy Briggs, Moshe Diamant, Wayne
Godfrey, Sanping Han, Robert Jones, Francesco Juilland, Peter Millburn, and
Haicheng Zhao for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Travis
Preston (Scott Adkins), Harker (Dolph Lundgren), Dr. Lan Zeng (Yi Huang),
Brandon Hua (Nathan Lee), Doug McConnel (James Lance), Katie (Lydia Leonard), Jianyu
(Le Geng), Chuck (Murray Clive Walker), and Vadim (Viktor Sobtchak).
Sidekicks—nothing new or fresh—manages to evoke a certain charismatic appeal
that makes the movie work as a martial arts story. Mako, Jonathan Brandis, and Beau
Bridges create most of that charismatic appeal. It serves the martial arts
movie fan fairly well.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
A boy trains in martial arts in hopes of overcoming
challenges with being bullied by other young boys.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Aaron Norris for directing effort.
Thank you to Producer Don Carmody for making the film possible. Characters/cast
include: Barry Gabrewski (Jonathan Brandis), Himself (Chuck Norris), Jerry
Gabrewski (Beau Bridges), Mr. Lee (Mako), Kelly Stone (Joe Piscopo), Lauren
(Danica McKellar), Randy Cellini (John Buchanan), Horn (Richard Moll), Noreen
Chan (Julia Nickson Soul), Mr.Mapes (Gerrit Graham), and Biker Punk (Eric Norris).
The Legion deeply tries to perform as an epic film with its long-distance screen
shots of landscape and the ancient Roman storyline. When all is said and done,
it seems the disconnect between its purpose for production and its outcome have
been pointlessly and hopelessly lost. With a presentation out of touch with
audience needs, average acting, and the failure to emotionally and heartfully
draw the audience into its scenes, unfortunately, cause a film goer to feel
that the watch has been a waste of time and money. Movies help audiences to
escape and forget the outside world for a few 30-minute segments of time. Films
provide relief and refreshment, perhaps remind one of the importance of better behaviors,
inspire, give education within mostly fictionalized settings, cause reflection,
or simply evoke many emotions that range from fear, revulsion, and horror to
sweetness, caring, laughter, and joy. This movie tries. The work and effort
are evident, but it loses itself along the way.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
A soldier is sent through enemy territory to find
relief for troops in need of sustenance and recuperation.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to
Director José Magán
for directing effort. Thank you to Producer José
Magán for making the film possible. Characters/cast
include: Noreno (Lee Partridge), General Corbulo (Mickey Rourke), Amirah (Bai
Ling), General Paetus (Joaquim de Almeida), Marcus (Vladimire Kulich), Saul (Bosco
Hogan), Duria (Marta Castellvi), Nerses (Tristan McConnell), Madyes (Eric
Higgins), Saka (Gavan Duffy), Scyles (Michael Redmond), Valerius (Michael
Redmond), Valerius (Mark Aaron), and Claudius (Ciaran O’Grady).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
No. A better watch along this military-themed
line is Gladiator.
Missing 411: The Hunted—documentary format—has terrific interviews with
persons who are involved with the events which are being presented as phenomena
rather than regular occurrences that are a consequence of this activity.
Nevertheless, the movie works on good organization and follows through well on
the presentation that these occurrences need further investigation.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
The movie explores cases of missing hunters in
America.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director
Michael DeGrazier for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer David
Paulides for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Self (David
Paulides), Self (Beverly Messick), Self (Rob Messick), Self (Sid Sharpe), Self
(Sid Sharpe III), Self (Shawn Lamouree), Self (Doug Smith), Self (Bob King), Self
(Edna Nadel), Self (Lauren Ellis), elf (Jeanie Chapel), Self (Charlie Rein),
Self (Rebecca Rein), Self (Alan Ronneberg), Self (Chris Bates), and Self
(Giuseppe Ricapito).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. Especially for persons who have not hunted
or do not hunt, the film easily presents itself as a mystery that needs further
investigation. It’s a good teen/adult share film that has set itself up for
multiple investigations of many such events not only in America but internationally
as well.
Monster Hunter: Legends of the Guild—computer animation—bases its story on a video
game. The game is not one of the more popular video games so an audience may
need to read a quick plotline before viewing to understand the story.
Unfortunately, the character development appears shallow, the storyline does
not provide enough information to understand the why behind some action scenes,
the acting is dry, and the Aiden character a bit annoying at times. The story’s
theme works thinly with no depth or richness. This movie seems made for the
teen/adult audience.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
A village needs the appearance of a hero to save
it from a threatening dragon.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director
Steve Yamamoto for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Haruhiro
Tsujimoto and Joshua Wexler for making the film possible. Characters/cast
include: Aiden (voice of Dante Basco), Lea (Voice of Erica Lindbeck), Julius
(Voice of Brando Eaton), Genovan (Karen Strassman), Nox (Voice of Stephen
Kramer Glickman), Elder Daazel (Voice of Katie Leigh), Navid (Voice of Brian
Beacock), Nadia (Voice of G.K. Bowes), and Mitul (Voice of Jay Preston).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
No. There are better monster films than this film
such as the 1998 American version of Godzilla with Matthew Broderick.
Mystery Men—just plain fun—makes no pretense to be a great film or even a film
that could compete for an award. Yet, it hits all the right notes for a
memorable watch that can be enjoyed again over the years.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
Superheroes who don’t quite have it all together
must fight a supervillain who has it all together.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director
Kinka Usher for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Robert
Engelman for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Blue Raja (Hank
Azaria), Bowler (Janeane Garofalo), Shoveler (William H. Macy), Invisible Boy (Kel
Mitchell), Spleen (Paul Reubens), Furious (Ben Stiller), Sphinx (Wes Studi),
Captain Amazing (Greg Kinnear), Casanova Frankenstein (Geoffrey Rush), Dr.
Anabel Leek (Lena Olin), and Tony P (Eddie Izzard).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. Simply made movie that may not be Grade-A
entertainment, but manages to serve its entertainment in a likable manner.
Marshall—Josh Gad and Chadwick Boseman—tells its well-written story straightforwardly.
It earns its watch with its thoughtful presentation of an important legal
battle.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
The movie tells the story of Thurgood Marshall,
first African American to serve as a judge in the United States Supreme Court.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Reginald
Hudlin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Chris Bongirne,
John Cappetta, Jun Dong, Bradley Eisenstein, Wang Jianchun, Kevin Lamb, Lei
Luo, Peter Luo, Tom Ortenberg, Lai Pan, Brandon Powers, David Ryan, Hunter
Ryan, Lili Sun, Ellen S. Wander, and Yan Xu for making the film possible.
Characters/cast include:Thurgood Marshall (Chadwick Boseman), Sam
Friedman (Josh Gad), Eleanor Strubing (Kate Hudson), Joseph Spell (Sterling K.
Brown), Loren Willis (Dan Stevens), Judge Foster (James Cromwell), Buster
Marshall (Keesha Sharp), Walter White (Roger Guenveur Smith), Ted Lancaster (Derrick
Baskin), Bertha Lancaster (Barrett Doss), and Irene Lancaster (Zanete Shadwick).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. It’s a well-written movie based upon an important
legal fight and earns its watch.
The Sleepover—teen flick—becomes an okay to fair teen/adult share movie for an
afternoon or lunchbreak watch.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
Young persons find their mother, a former professional
thief, has been obligated to perform one more job.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director
Trish Sie for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael
Glassman, Scott Holroyd, Jennifer Monroe, Alison Semenza, and Nicole Stoikovich
for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Clancy (Sadie Stanley), Kevin
(Maxwell Simkins), Mim (Cree Cicchino), Lewis (Lucas Jaye), Margot (Malin
Akerman), Ron (Ken Marino), Leo (Joe Manganiello), Baxter (Harry Aspinwall), Henry
Gibbs (Erik Griffin), and Elise (Enuka Okuma).
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid—WONDERFUL acting by Robert Redford, Paul Newman,
and Katherine Ross—uses color to good effect for transitioning scenes. The
storyline holds its own from beginning to end and serves the western movie fan
well with an offbeat story that thoroughly explores the other side of the traditional
good guy in white hat hero delivers the bad robbers to the bench of justice. Watch
for Actor Ted Cassidy, who played Lurch in the original Addams Family television
series from 1964 through 1966.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
Two friends make their living through robbery and
must find safer places to live to be free of punishment.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director George Roy Hill for
directing effort. Thank you to Producer John Foreman for making the film
possible. Characters/cast include: Butch Cassidy (Paul Newman), Sundance (Robert
Redford), Etta Place (Katharine Ross), Percy Garris(Strother Martin), Bike
Salesman (Henry Jones), Sheriff Bledsoe (Jeff Corey), Woodcock (George Furth), Agnes
(Cloris Leachman), Harvey Logan (Ted Cassidy), Marshal (Kenneth Mars), Macon
(Donnelly Rhodes), News Carver (Timothy Scott), Flat Nose Curry (Charles
Dierkop), Card Players 1 and 2 (Paul Bryar and Sam Elliott), and Large Woman on
Train (Jody Gilbert).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. The movie serves up an exceptionally
charismatic story quite different from the usual western movie theme.
My Pet Dinosaur—good storyline—has a great concept, but needs a better presentation onscreen to make it pop. The script proceeds in an orderly manner and can be followed by a widely ranged age group.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
When a boy makes friends with a dinosaur, it
creates huge challenges for a small town.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Matt
Drummond for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Matt Drummond and Megan
Williams for making the film possible. Cast include: Jordan Dulieu, Annabel Wolfe,
George Moses, Rowland Holmes, Christopher Gabardi, Beth Champion, Scott Irwin,
Harrison Saunders, Tom Rooney, Sam Winspear-Schillings, and Darius Williams.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. This movie can be enjoyed by the young teen audience and many adults may find it charming.
