Nim's Island (2008) PG - 3½ Stars

I just love Jodi Foster is just about everything she does. She's one versatile actress! While I thought the parts of this movie were on the unbelievable side, I guess it could happen? But what father in their right mind would leave his young girl on the island alone while he went on a journey to discover a new species of I'm still not even sure what? But all that aside, it is a cute movie. I watched the "special features" and it was pretty cool showing the filming of the water scenes and with the animals and it appears they worked pretty hard to make it look believable.

On a special note, I think whom ever made the animated opening screen cut outs should be designing children's story books cause I really enjoyed that. The movie starts out in this mood and ends this way through the credits. Also I loved the fact, Nim was so excited to read her novels and use her imagination by reading books. For me, this was the main point of the movie, that reading books can take you anywhere you want to go.

Nim Ruscoe (Abigail Breslin), is living on a deserted island with her scientist father. Her mother was lost at sea and as the story goes, swallowed by a whale that still watches out over the island. Nim and her father live in a rather open style hut, complete with all the luxuries like electricity, satellite computer access and running water. When Nim's father wants to go on a trip for a few days to find a glowing plankton of some sort, Nim wants to stay home and read her new adventure book by Alex Rover. It seems her hero Jack Rusoe (Gerard Butler) comes to life and always finds his way into an adventure, and with his courage, gets out of tricky situations. Nim explores new adventures, in the same manor, with her animal friends on the island.

When Alex Rover is stuck on the final chapter of the next book in the series, she turns to the Internet to seek information on what it's like living along side of an active volcano. When Rover contacts Nim's father through email, Nim jumps on the chance to answer her greatest hero's email. She even climbs the volcano to report accurate descriptions about what she finds, thinking all the time she is mimicking Jack Rusoe. When she slips and falls and puts a large gash in her knee, and all alone on the island, she becomes uneasy of what to do next.

A large storm blows in and Nim's father is late getting back and Nim feels she must defend herself on the island to what ever lands on the beach. Rover becomes anxious to read, Nim is all alone and her father's missing, and Nim's knee has become infected. But never fear, Alex Rover to the rescue as Rover knows the coordinates to the hidden away island. But, the largest problem is, Alex is really Alexandria and she has an extreme fear about going outside of her front door. With her character, Jack Ruscoe, pushing her out her front door, Alexandria sets off for the adventure of her life time. But will her phobia hinder her to get there, and will Nim's father come home? Okay from here, you'll have to rent it and see how the story goes.

Summit Entertainment
Directors: Mark Levin, Jennifer Flackett
Writers: Mark Levin, Joseph Kwong, Paula Mazur
Producer: Paula Mazur

The Golden Compass (2007) PG - 3½ Stars

A very elaborate production and visually the movie is stunning but acting wise, it lacks. The best part to me was the Polar Bear "Ice Bear" fight. Sometimes I felt there was more CGI than competent acting going on. There's a lot left unsaid that made me question the movie instead of loosing myself in it. For example, what time period are we supposed to be in? How did Lyra become to live in the dorm where she did? At first I questioned why Lyra would talk to this strange bearded man and then just leave aboard a ship with him. The ending apparently brings the lure of a sequel but a let down after a fairly good battle scene. I'm not sure why the movie had so many problems being labeled anti god or anti religious. Could it be the witches? It's just a fantasy good vs. evil story to me but I think it could have been so much better.

Our star is a young girl who befriends a bear and travels to the north to save her best friend. Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards) is a 12 year old on the quest of a life time. The Magesterium is working to maintain their power within a developing society of people wanting to think for themselves. They're against people like her uncle, Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig), who wants to travel to a parallel world and then is almost poisoned for his non conformity.

The Golden Compass is the last of it's kind and everyone wants a look at it. But Lyra is the true owner as she is the only that can read it. The compass shows the owner, with it's hidden codes, the answers to all truths. Lyra uses it to travel north to find her best friend and the other children who are being separated from their demons. Every human has a demon, your soul in the form of a creature traveling outside of your body. Together with the Egyptians, the flying witches, the fighting Ice Bears, a crazy arrogant Mrs. Coulter (Nicole Kidman), Lyra tries to complete her quest.

2007 - The Golden Compass - Academy - Best Visual Effects.

New Line Cinema
Directors: Anand Tucker, Chris Weitz
Writer: Chris Weitz
Producers: Deborah A. Forte, Bill Carraro

I viewed 5/08

Hancock (2008) PG13 - 3½ Stars

I was a bit disappointed in the concept of this movie. Not like "Superman" or "Spiderman" seems like reality to me, however this idea was borderline silly. I just loved Will Smith, in his powerful performance in "I Am Legend" but to me this was plain silly. To me, it's more of a comedy than a believable drama but still a decent rental.

Hancock (Will Smith), is not your average superhero. He wants to do good, but the fact that he is an alcoholic, clouds his judgement when it comes to properly addressing a problem. He's sarcastic, crude and doesn't really care much what the public thinks of him. As he saves the life of Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman), from being hit by an oncoming train, it costs the tax payers of Los Angeles plenty from all the damage he causes, trying to protect. The people have finally had enough of his shenanigans and Ray, feeling indebted to the Superhero, takes on the mission of giving Hancock a new public image.

Public Realtions is Ray's job and he is sure he can change Hancock's perception by the public. On the other hand, Ray's wife Mary (Charlize Theron) is not pleased when Ray is brought home and literally dropped off, with his car, in the front yard. But there's a close bond between them all that put's Hancock back on track, to becoming the greatest Superhero the world has ever seen.

Sony Pictures Entertainment, Columbia Pictures
Director: Peter Berg
Writers: Vy Vincent Ngo, Vince Gilligan
Producers: Will Smith, James Lassiter, Akiva Goldsman

I viewed 11/08

The Age of Adaline (2015) PG-13 3 1/2 Stars

Unless it's an animated Disney or Pixer movie, it's hard for me to get into a movie that wants me to believe the impossible. This movie does just that, expecting the viewer to accept the fact Adaline can never age beyond her 29th year. Parts of the movie are narrated by Hugh Ross which sometimes go on too long. However, this simple love story, with good acting and romantic cinematography, allows you to get past the impossibility and step on board the ride.

Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively), was born 12:01 New Years Eve 1908. She lived a normal life, married and had a child named Flemming. At the age of 29, she lost her husband in a tragic accident and then was involved in a horrible car accident of her own. Because of the crash, and a weather phenomenal fluke allowing her body to never age past 29.

As Flemming ages (Ellen Burstyn), Adaline is forced to keep her age a secret by moving every decade, changing her identity and never allowing anyone to get close. While her youth has it's benefits of beauty it holds her back on living, never becoming close with friends or relationships. That is until she meets Ellis Jones, (Michiel Huisman), with his persistence and charm. As he takes her home to meet his family William Jones, (Harrison Ford), and Kathy Jones, (Kathy Baker) she'll be forced to make a bog decision.

Lakeshore Entertainment
Director: Lee Toland Krieger
Writers: James Mills Goodloe, Salvador Paskowitz
Producers: Steve Golin, David Kern, Andre Lamal, Sidney Kimmel

I viewed 6/16

Paul (2011) R - 3½ Stars

I have to say this is a movie I would probably not have rented on my own. My friend owns a copy and told me to put on my happy face, sip a little wine and keep an open mind while I watched it. I have to say Paul is an unexpectedly funny almost "cute" movie, though watching the unrated version, I doubt "cute" is the proper word. This is not a movie for children as it does contain many adult situations and strong language but if you need a good laugh it can probably find one of your funny bones.

Paul (voiced by Seth Rogen), an alien from another world, has been on planet earth now for years working solely with our government answering and sharing information. Graeme Willy (Simon Pegg), and Clive Gollings (Nick Frost), two English Sci-Fi geeks and comic book fanatics, are on their way to the Comic-Con convention in San Diego, California. They have rented an RV and vow to have their greatest adventure by visiting every site of major extraterrestrial importance along the way. While headed to New Mexico deserts of Area 51, they stop to help a car that raced passed them and crashed off the side of the road. Paul emerges from the accident he tells Graeme and Cliff the Feds will be looking for him and they must help him escape and get back to his spaceship so he can return home.

Awards: 2011 Best Comedy Award - National Movie Awards, UK

Universal Pictures
Director: Greg Mottola
Writers: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost
Producers: Eric Fellner, Nira Park, Tim Bevan

I viewed 10/15

Final Destination 5 (2011) R - 3 Stars

Even though you know what to expect from the Final Destination series, it's always fun to see what they come up with next. I actually like this version (#5) more than some of the others I've seen as it tied together another episode at the end. Fairly gross in it's special effects, it's really not for younger children. This time, co-workers are on their way together to a corporate retreat when their bus must stop on a suspension bridge while construction takes place. One of the boys, envisions the bridge collapsing and gets a few of them out of the bus only to find out his vision was correct.

Sam (Nicholas D'Agosto), is aboard with some of his other co-workers, Peter  (Miles Fisher), Molly (Emma Bell), Isaac (P.J. Byrne), Candice (Ellen Wroe), Olivia (Jacqueline MacInnes-Wood), Nathan (Arlen Escarpeta), and their team leader Dennis (David Koechner), along with the rest of the crew, headed for a corporate retreat. As the bus makes an unexpected stop over water on a suspension bridge, Sam begins to envision the worst case scenario about the bridge collapsing, plummeting the bus to a gruesome encounter with the ocean below. As things begin to happen exactly as Sam has imagined, he grabs his ex-girlfriend Molly's hand as he explains to the rest they must get out of the bus. A few follow his lead as they watch the bridge finally crumble, sending the rest of the crew to the ocean floor. Agent Block (Courtney B. Vance), investigates the coincidental vision of Sam and tries to make sense of how he knew in advance. Sam, and the others, soon learn there's no way to cheat death.

New Line Cinema, Practical Pictures, Parallel Zide
Director: Steven Quale
Writer: Eric Heisserer
Producers: Warren Zide, Craig Perry

I viewed 1/12

Toy Story 3 (2010) G - 4½ Stars

Geeze what a cute movie that seems to end the series while tugging at the strings of your heart. Buz and Woody are back at it in Toy Story 3. This time Andy (John Morris), is all grown up and going away to college. He has to decide what to do with the items in his bedroom before he leaves. Gathering up all his childhood toys, he decides to put them in the attic for safe keeping. But the bags get switched and the toys end up at Sunnyside school where new toys are forced to play with the young children who don't know how to take care of them. Woody leads the gang into a daring escape to find there way back to the safety of the attic. Toy Story is one of those movies where the sequels are as good as the original. I still have some of my very favorite toys from my youth and of course when I look at their tiny smiling faces, I know I could never part with some of them. A great family adventures for the young and old alike. Perfect G rating.

Featuring Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), Mr. Potato Head (Don Rickles, Rex (Wallace Shawn), Mrs. Potato Head, (Estelle Harris), Hamm (John Ratzenberger), Barbie (Jodi Benson), and new members like Ken (Michael Keaton) and more.

Awards include:
2010 - Austin Film Critics - Best Animated Feature
2010 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Animated Feature
2010 - L.A. Film Critics Association - Best Animated Feature

Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Lee Unkrich
Writers: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, Michael Arndt
Producer: Darla K. Anderson

I viewed 10/11

Death Race 2 (2010) Unrated - 2½ Stars

Now you really have to use your imagination here. Island housing prisoners, okay, I'll buy that. Fights and unrest breaking out at the prison, okay, I'll even buy that. All these pretty woman locked up for life taking part in the Death Matches and Death Races, NOT! Pretty game show host calling all the shots in the prison, getting really hard to buy and if anywhere in the U.S. allows prisoners to kill each other well just think of the housing costs America could save. Since this is supposedly happening in present day, well enough said. It's not my type of movie however having said that, the acting is fairly good from a few of the men. If you love action, weapons and wrecking cars, then you're going to love Death Race. Be forewarned, it looks like Death Race 3 is in store.

It's 2012 and private corporations now own and manage the prison systems. Terminal Island houses some of the most violent criminals in the world and the Weyland Corporation, now hosts a show called Death Match, a televised pay per view competition, with it's unscrupulous producer September Jones (Lauren Cohan), from the island. Death Match does just what it says. It films the battle of two of the strongest inmates who fight to the death. Rating levels have been dropping off and Summer is looking for something new to put her ratings back on top.

Carl "Luke" Lucas (Luke Goss), is the getaway driver for a robbery requested by crime boss Markus Kane (Sean Bean). Luke is working with two new guys who botch up the robbery and Luke ends up killing one of the cops in order for the men to escape. He drops off the two rookies in the midst of being chased and eventually is caught and sent to Terminal Island as a convicted cop killer. Summer has seen how well Luke drove to evade the police and decides to start "Death Race" to get her ratings back on top. In this case, inmates will compete in death races till only one remains and that one is given his freedom back into normal society. She is eager to get Luke to race right away. Luke's pit crew consists of Lists (Frederick Koehler), Goldberg (Danny Trejo), and Rocco (Joe Vaz). Luke is paired up with Katrina Banks (Tanit Phoenix), a woman on death row and now it's a fight to the finish. The two battle to stay alive and possible win their freedom.

Impact Pictures, Capital Arts Entertainment
Directors: Roel René, Roel Reiné
Writer: Tony Giglio
Producers: Paul W.S. Anderson, Mike Elliott, Jeremy Bolt

I viewed 1/11

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls Of Ga'Hoole (2010) PG13 - 3½ Stars

Beautifully created animation of some of my favorite creatures, the owls. The animation in the owls faces and feathers are really great and so real looking. In some cases it looks like the faces match the voices that bring them to life. However, I am not sure this movie is for small children but more for a mature audience. The conversations between owls, is a little too complex for small minds and it actually is pretty violent in the fighting scenes. Not having children it's hard for me to critique what your choice should be, but I think the animation can still allow them to enjoy the movie. Also, I was unable to see it in 3D and it looks like it has some neat special "in your face" effects. All in all, a cute little movie, beautifully done, about good winning out over evil, faith and family rivalries.

Two young brother owls Soren, (Jim Sturgess), and Kludd, (Ryan Kwanten), are just learning to "branch," flapping their wings to practice flying. Mom and Dad tell them of stories about the Guardians of Ga'Hoole to help them fall asleep. Soren always stares in awe over the stories and dreams about becoming just like them. After their parents have gone to find food, Soran and Kludd who should be in bed, keep practicing. But they haven't yet mastered the art of flying and find themselves on the ground below, leaving their young sister Eglantine, (Adrienne DeFaria), alone in the nest. This is one place an inexperienced owl does not want to find himself as many dangers lurk in the dark on the forest floor. From out of the dark flies a pack of the dreaded Pure Ones who snatch Soren and Kludd up taking them far away to St. Aggie's, St. Aegolius Academy for Orphaned Owls, where owlets are moon struck, brainwashed and trained to comply. The Pure Ones are trying to eliminate all owls of the forest and use them as Soldiers or Slaves. The Soldiers will be trained to defend the army of the Pure Ones while the Slaves will pick through regurgitated pellets to find sparks to add to the giant energy field that defends them. Soren and Kludd get separated as Kludd decides he wants to join with the enemy and denounces his brother sending Soren to the depths of the pellet pile. Soren and his new friend Gylfie, (Emily Barclay), escape with the help of one old owl Noctus-Grimble, (Hugo Weaving), who's hoping someone can finally get away. They head towards the sea in search of the guardians of Ga'Hoole to warn them what evil Metal Beak, (Joel Edgerton) and Nyra, (Helen Mirren), are doing with young captured owlets. While stopping to rest, Soren and Gylfie meet Digger, (David Wenham), and Twilight, (Anthony LaPaglia), who have just settled down to enjoy a meal of Soren's good friend and snake, Mrs. Plithiver, (Miriam Margolyes). Soren convinces Twilight not to eat Miss Plithiver and instead join them on their quest to find the guardians.

Arriving at the tree of Ga'Hoole they meet Ezylryb, (Geoffrey Rush), the old wise guardian who sees something special in Soren. He trains Soren for a great mission to rescue and save the kidnapped owlets and stop the Pure Ones from their wrong doings. Soren finds the strength to become as great as the guardians he looked up to.

De Line Pictures, Village Roadshow, Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution
Director: Zack Snyder
Writers: Emil Stern, John Orloff, John Collee
Producer: Zareh Nalbandian

I viewed 12/10

Despicable Me (2010) PG - 4 Stars

Once again, little girls have a way of finding the hearts of even the most villainous types of men. Really wonderful animation, cute story line and the greatest yet strangest bunch of minion workers you've ever seen. Together they form the perfect dysfunctional family. You gotta love Despicable Me! It's the perfect family film.

Gru, (Steve Carell), has been the leading villain of the day until the great Egyptian pyramids are stolen. He's jealous of Vector, (Jason Segel), the up and coming geek whose antics have surpassed Gru, posing a challenge. For his entire life, Gru has dreamt of building a rocket to the moon even though his mother (Julie Andrews), has always been less than in encouraging. To prove her wrong and get back on top, he only needs to get his hands on an amazing shrinking weapon. Once that's done, he can rocket to the moon shrinking it down to size and stealing it, putting him back on top of the number one villainous list. Bank president Mr. Perkins, (Will Arnett), refuses to loan Gru the money needed to construct such a perfect weapon. Gru learns Vector has the incredible shrinking gun. Even with Gru's enormous team of dedicated half wit minions and a mad scientist Dr. Nefario, (Russell Brand ), Gru discovers entrance to Vector's fort needs a softer approach. Gru visits Miss Hattie, (Kristen Wiig), and adopts three little cookie selling orphan girls, Margo, (Miranda Cosgrove), Agnes, (Elsie Fisher), and Edith ,(Dana Gaier), to gain access to Vector's fortress to steal the weapon. After all, who can resist cookies! Now, with shrink gun in tow, Gru pulls off the greatest heist of the century only to find out his mission was really learning the lessons of fatherhood.

Illumination Entertainment, Skywalker Sound, Universal PicturesDirectors: Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud, John Cohen
Writers: Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio
Producers: Janet Healy, Christopher Meledandri, John Cohen

I viewed 12/10

Inception (2010) Pg-13 - 4 Stars

Aka "Oliver's Row", this is a movie you really have to pay close attention, especially at the beginning. My sister and I started to watch it and got about half way through and turned it off because we were lost. We weren't paying enough attention and talking to much. Watching it alone, listening, and really understanding made it much more enjoyable for me. As a matter of fact, it really got me thinking about the power of the subconscious mind long after the movie was over. I really love the "totem" they all keep with them to remind them of reality.

Inception is an extremely complex idea with similarities to The Matrix. I so loved Momento from Christopher Nolan and I'm always amazed on what his dreaming up next. Movies that mess with your mind are my favorites, and the terrific special effects don't hurt. I was really into the movie until the dream scene with the snow. That scene didn't hold my attention as well as the rest, perhaps because of the monotone effect in white. The more I think of it, that is probably why it's like that as a lot of people do not dream in color.

Dom Cobb, (Leonardo DiCaprio), is the worst type of thief. He steals from your mind. The best in his field in corporate espionage, he uses his abilities to extract secrets from deep inside the subconscious mind. It's cost him dearly in his past and when Saito, (Ken Watanabe), offers him a second chance on redemption by pulling off one last assignment, he must accept. But this is no ordinary request of stealing an idea from the mind. This time, he must plant the seed of idea and make it grow, tipping the natural course progression.

Cobb assembles a team of specialists including Ariadne, (Ellen Page), Arthur, (Joseph Gordon-Levitt),  Eames, (Tom Hardy), and Yusuf (Dileep Rao). The plan is to invade the mind of  Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy). Cobb can have it all and return to his normal life but his past Mal, (Marion Cotillard), still haunts him and keeps getting in the way.

Awards:
2010 - Hollywood Film Festival - Hollywood Movie of the Year
2010 - Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Awards - Best Art Direction & Best Original Screenplay -Christopher Nolan

Legendary Pictures, Inc., Syncopy Films, Warner Brothers Pictures
Director: Christopher Nolan
Writer: Christopher Nolan
Producers: Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan

I viewed 12/10

The Fall (2006) R - 4 Stars

I knew from the first time I saw the image on the DVD box, I wanted to see it. The movie lives up to it's cover, jammed packed full of fantasy and visual stimulation. You could almost turn the sound off to watch the film and still obtain the journey. The cinematography is so breathtaking, I pushed the movie up from 3½ Stars to 4 for the stunning visuals alone. It's not your typical family fantasy and given it's "R" rating due to it's content of drug abuse. Parents should decide in sharing with smaller children. The little known cast does an outstanding job blending in the perfect stew of emotional and diverse illusion.

The story is of a little girl who has a broken arm after falling and now inhabits a very unusual 1920's hospital, in the Los Angeles area, as she recovers. I absolutely love Catinca Untaru as Alexandria and her tiny accent wonderfully rounds out the innocence of her character. Traumatized from her childhood, she befriends a patient, Roy a paraplegic, who failed at suicide. But in his morphine stage, he becomes a fabulously creative story teller to help them both pass time. The two develop a close bond where Alexandria will do almost anything Roy requests to keep his stories alive, like sneaking into the dispensary to obtain more morphine. But there's a fine line between reality and fantasy that are turning Roy's stories into Alexandria's nightmares.

Alexandria, (Catinca Untaru), is a curious girl recovering from a broken arm that has her in a full body cast. She suffered the injury from picking oranges on her families ranch. Since recovery is slow, Alexandria has been at the hospital for a while and most have become to know her name. She meets Roy Walker, (Lee Pace), who's a paraplegic stuntman recovering from his attempting suicide over the death of his girlfriend. Desperate and feeling story for himself, he greatly enjoys the company of Alexandria and begins a epic storytelling adventure for her that mixes from their real lives into fantasy. Their fantasy warriors include (Jeetu Verma), the Indian, Charles Darwin, (Leo Bill), the Orderly, (Julian Bleach), the Mystic, Sinclair, (Daniel Caltagirone) as Governor Odious, Otta Benga, (Marcus Wesley), the ice delivery man, the doctor (Kim Uylenbroek), as Alexander the Great, Luigi, (Robin Smith), the one legged man, nurse Evelyn, (Justine Waddell) as Princess Evelyn, (Ketut Rina) as the Chief Mystic and (Emil Hostina) as the Bandit. Roy's imagination grows as does his self pity while he convinces Alexandria to find more morphine to ease his pain before he will carry on with his tale.

Awards include:
2008 - Austin Film Critics - Best Cinematography
2007 - Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival - Best Film

Absolute Entertainment, Googly Films, Radical Media
Director: Tarsem Singh
Writers: Nico Soultanakis, Tarsem Singh, Nico Soutanakis
Producer: Tarsem Singh

I viewed 12/10

Avatar (2009) PG13 - 5 Stars

In honor of Earth Day, I am reposting a perfect movie for the occasion. Also because I saw it again last weekend and today it goes on sale to the general public, "us." I actually talked my boyfriend into going to see the "little blue men movie," so he could experience the films greatness in 3D. I think he changed his opinion of the movie after viewing it.

The only word I can think of to describe this film is In-Fuc*ing-Credible!!! I guess I haven't gotten out much to a movie theater lately to realize how far technology has taken us in 3-D. Awesome, truly awesome as the entire movie clings all around you. Even down to the smallest details of a spark or ash seeming falling into your hands. Visually stunning, I swear they looked inside my head and produced my magical places I go to in my head, and made them even better!! The seed pods look like jelly fish one of my extreme favorites. And the story is amazing too, as it reaches out and touches every sense of your being. I hope everyone walks away with it's powerful message. We can't continue to destroy all the natural beauty on this planet or any other planer or drive any type of life form to extinction for the sake of any mineral or ore.

I had a hard time catching my breathe and cried at the sad ending and I don't think I have ever been as entertained by a movie before. Bravo, James Cameron, Bravo. Everything you can want in a movie and more. Yes it was long, almost too long, but an Academy Award Winner hands down.

On the planet of Pandorra lies an extremely valuable ore that a mega corporation is trying to mine. The problems are, the air on this planet is not breathable to humans, the creatures will hunt you down and eat you and if they don't, the Na'vi, hunters of an indigenous tribe, will. Too disturbing and violent for young children to understand.

Ex war veteran Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), is wheel chair bound and offered the job of replacing his slain twin brother on the planet for a specific mission. The goal is to become an avatar on the planet and gain trust with it's people in order to relocate them from this precious commodity before the colonel goes in and takes it for himself. The tirck is to make avatars with DNA made from the humans so they can breathe the air and infiltrate the "enemy" for the purpose of production.

A story to detailed to spell out in a review as I would never do it justice, it's just that good and a must see for yourself. Excellent casting also starring, Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver), Norm Spellman (Joel David Moore), Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), Col. Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), Trudy Chacon (Michelle Rodriguez), Parker Selfridge (Giovanni Ribisi), Norm Spellman (Joel David Moore), and so many more. If you see no other movies in your lifetime, you must see this one.

Nominated for 9 Oscar's, Awards include:

2009 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Director
2009 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Picture - Drama
2010 - Academy Award Winner - Best Visual Effects
2010 - Academy Award Winner - Best Cinematography
2010 - Academy Award Winner - Best Art Direction

Lightstorm Entertainment, 20th Century Fox
Director: James Cameron
Writer: James Cameron
Producers: Jon Landau, James Cameron

I viewed 2/10, 4/10

Clash of the Titans (2010) - 4 Stars

These 3D movies are growing on me and had to make sure I saw this one opening Easter weekend. The original Clash of the Titans is one of my very favorite all time movies so I was interested in seeing what could become of it today. The movie has great entertainment, action with my biggest complaint of why show Bobu, the mechanical owl, if you're not going to take it on their quest. I didn't care for the witches makeup, as I feel it could have been done a whole lot creepier. For me, the battle with the scorpions was filmed too close up. I suppose that was for the 3d surround effects but made it hard to stay focused on the battle. I loved Medusa but where was the two headed creature that protected her entrance. I feel the suspense of that scene wasn't there and way more intense in the original. While I feel the director should have stayed closer to the original story, it's still definitely an enjoyable and entertaining remake. I think seeing it in 2D is the way to go.

Perseus (Sam Worthington), the son of Zeus (Liam Neeson), survives the banishment of he and his mother from the Heavens. Cast away to earth, and raised by man, Perseus is considered the Demigod with the power to defeat the underworld God, Hades (Ralph Fiennes), before he unleashes his wrath of hell on earth.

It seems man has become too independent with little need for prayer thus weakening the God's strength as prayers gives them their power. Hades convinces Zeus to instill the fear back into man by unleashing the Kraken and destroying the City of Argos. Princess Andromeda (Alexa Davalos), will be sacrificed unless Perseus can defeat the Kraken sending Hades back to his hellish underworld. But in order to defeat such a great power, Perseus must survive a maze of challenges and learn to except the gifts of the Gods.

Thunder Road Pictures, Legendary Pictures, Inc., Warner Bros. Pictures
Directors: Steve Norrington, Louis Leterrier
Writers: Travis Beacham, Matt Manfredi, Phil Hay
Producers: Kevin de la Noy, Basil Iwanyk

I viewed 4/10

The Box (2009) PG13 - 2½ Stars

The best thing about this movie is the special effects of Frank Langella's scarred face. It had me staring in amazement of how well that was done. With Cameron Diaz starring, it has to be great right? Not! Wow, I was so disappointed, as the trailer looked so very thrilling. The beginning is okay but really, why would anyone take a box from a complete stranger and even listen to what he had to say about it. And if the stranger explained the consequences of pushing the button, why did he leave out the most important part of their greediness? What is the point of the movie taken in an earllier time period, 1976? The family is selected based strictly on their work background. Without saying to much about that, well really I can't say too much about that because I am pretty lost there, I did like the very ending with the box being passed to another. But, the middle of the movie has little direction and the outcome is preposterous. Cameron, must have saw the trailer too which is why she probably signed on for this let down.

Norma Lewis (Cameron Diaz), her husband Arthur (James Marsden), and son Walter (Sam Oz Stone), are living a basically normal life until a strange package arrives at their door steps. The door bell is rung, no one is there, just a plain brown wrapped box as a car drives away. The family opens the package to find a wooden box with a domed glass top covering a large red button. The box is locked and no key is included so they think it must be some part of a surprise for an upcoming wedding they will be attending.

Arlington Steward (Frank Langella), shows up at the front door while Norma is home alone and explains the purpose of box. It's simple, she only need take the key he is offering, open the box and press the button. For doing this, she will be paid one million dollars. But, there is one big consequence. Once the button is pushed, someone, somewhere in the world will die.


Lin Pictures, 1821 Pictures, Darko Entertainment, Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: Richard Kelly
Writer: Richard Kelly
Producers: Sean McKittrick, Kelly McKittrick, Richard Kelly

I viewed 3/10

Alice in Wonderland 3D (2010) - 4 Stars

Wow, when I was reading some of the critics reviews, they were pretty hard on poor Alice saying it's been done before. I have to admit, I've never seen any Alice in Wonderland movies even as a little girl. Maybe my parents kept me away from Alice with her strange friends like the tripy blue hash smoking caterpillar. I did know the story and I think Tim Burton did a great job bringing it to 3D life. I absolutely adored the Red Queen, Helena Bonham Carter, and Johny Depp made a great Mad Hatter. Mia Wasikowska made a lovely very believable Alice and I enjoyed the movie very much, especially in 3D.

A 19 year old Alice (Mia Wasikowska), chases TMC Twist the White Rabbit (voice Michael Sheen), through the woods until she falls into a large hole. Ending up in Underland , she knew as Wonderland as a little girl shes visited before. This time as she's being chased by the ferocious Bandersnatch, she can't pinch herself to wake up like she did as a child. Along the way she meets her old friends Tweedledee and Tweedledum (voice Matt Lucas), Mallymkun the Dormouse (voice Barbara Windsor), the blue Caterpillar Absolem (voice Alan Rickman), Chessur the Cheshire Cat (voice Stephen Fry), and of course, has tea with the March Hare (voice Paul Whitehouse), and the Mad Hatter, (Johnny Depp). But this Wonderland is control ed by the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter), and her ruthless army run by Ilosovic Stayne, The Knave of Hearts (Crispin Glover). Before Alice can leave, she must defeat the Red Queen giving power back to the beautiful White Queen (Anne Hathaway).



Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Studios Distribution
Director: Tim Burton
Writer: Linda Woolverton
Producers: Jennifer Todd, Joe Roth, Richard D. Zanuck

I viewed 3/10

2012 (2009) PG13 - 3½ Stars

While 2012, was a fun epic disaster movie, I was little disappointed in it's visual effects. I liked the volcano eruptions at Yellow Stone but the ground giving way while a limo hangs to the road as it unfold behind it, that part was a little far fetched to me. Though I have to admit it has good action and makes you hang on the edge of your seat a few times. But I'm wondering was this is the only family from that city that was able to get out in time? A perfect role for Woody Harrelson as I love him playing dim witted yet intelligent roles.

Jackson Curtis (John Cusack), is now a single dad competing with his ex wife's Kate's (Amanda Peet), new husband in the eyes of his children. Only seeing his children Noah (Liam James), and Lillie (Morgan Lily), on occasional weekends, has caused bitterness with his young son who simply adores his new step father Gordon (Tom McCarthy). On Jackson's weekend trip with his kids to Yellowstone, they stumble across a strange man Charlie Frost (Woody Harrelson), who's broadcasting through his RV radio that the world is coming to an end. Even when Jackson finds the ideal spot he and Kate used to camp in, the small lake is dry and no one seems to be having a good time. The kids want to go home and see Gordon and their mom so the camping trip is cut short.

But as Jackson drops the children back home, he starts thinking about what Charlie Frost was broadcasting over his radio and as the ground starts to shift around him, he heads back to Kate's house to retrieve everyone and get them to safety. The household unloads into Jackson's limo and they all race away barely avoiding the street that is breaking in two behind them. But where do they go from here? Charlie had mentioned he had a map to a secret place that large Arks were being built in order to survive the massive floods and turmoil the entire earth is about to go through. Now, they're only question is can they make it in time.

Centropolis Entertainment, Mark Gordon Company, Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Director: Roland Emmerich
Writers: Roland Emmerich, Harald Kloser
Producers: Larry Franco, Mark Gordon, Harald Kloser

I viewed 3/10

The Time Traveler's Wife (2009) PG13 - 3½ Stars

At first this movie was a little confusing to me with the traveling husband, now you see him now you don't, but the more the movie evolves, the better it gets. Rachel McAdams plays the type of wife you want to find your way back to. Her girl next door image with her soft spoken smile gives Bana the reason to try and stay with her as much as he can. A good romantic journey though the beginning seems a little strange as a little girl gives her blanket to a naked adult man, hiding in the bushes. I would hope most little girls would run immediately home to tell their parents.

When Clare Abshire (Rachel McAdms), was just a little girl, she used to go out to the fields to play by herself. It is here that she first encounters Henry (Eric Bana), a man who appears out of no where, naked in the woods. At first she is shocked by his presence but is convinced to give her blanket to him so he can talk to her and explain he is from another era, traveling through time. Henry returns to the field many times while Clare is growing up, eventually forming a strong bond between them.

As Clare grows up, she waits for the moments that Henry will appear as she has been in love with him since the day she first laid eyes on him. Henry has a rare genetic anomaly that causes him to time travel through different periods of his life. But he is determined to stay as long as he can and Clare desperately tries to build a life with the man she's loved her entire life.

New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution
Director: Robert Schwentke
Writers: Bruce Joel Rubin, Jeremy Leven
Producers: Brad Pitt, Nick Wechsler, Dede Gardner

I viewed 3/10

Up (2009) PG - 3½ Stars

The best thing about this new animated comedy is the bond between the grumpy old man and the determination of the young boy to befriend him. It also helps teach children to be respectful to their elders and all animal types, the importance of keeping your promises, loyalty, and friendship. It's very sad at the beginning but I hope maybe gives children the perspective of not forgetting the elderly. Your kids probably won't get this powerful message but there 's plenty of laughs and action for the entire family to keep everyone entertained. The 2D animation is so good in depth perception that a few times when they got close to the edge, it gave me the chills.

Carl Fredricksen (Ed Asner), has always dreamed of being a great explorer of the world living life to it's fullest just like his idol Charles Muntz (Christopher Plummer). His wife, the love of his life, had the same ambitions and vowed to somday have their home perched high atop Paradise Falls in South America. When she passes away, Carl, now 78, is faced with Construction Foreman Tom (John Ratzenberger), telling him he has to vacate his home as he is impeding s the progress of growth in his neighborhood.

Appearing as just another irritation to Carl, a young rambunctious 8 year old Junior Wilderness Explorer named Russell (Jordan Nagai), is determined to gain his senior citizen badge by helping Carl with anything he needs. Becoming all too annoying for Carl and with his determination to fulfill his lifelong wish, he invents a way to relocate his home to South America without ever leaving it. But when he finds Russell clutching to his front porch as an uninvited stowaway, he must find the strength to keep the young boy safe.

The house touches down in the land of an abnormalities where the two meet an odd looking bird, Kevin, and mans best friend Dug (Bob Peterson), a talking dog, obsessed with squirrels. Carl and Russell's friendship grows as they meet, and must outwit, a ferocious pack of dogs, led by Alpha (Bob Peterson), and Beta (Delroy Lindo), and Gamma (Jérôme Ranft).

Nominated for 5 Oscar's - Awards Include:

2009 - Detroit Film Critics Society - Best Picture
2009 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Original Score
2010 - Academy Award Winner - Best Animated Film
2010 - Academy Award Winner - Best Original Score

Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Directors: Pete Docter
Writers: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
Producer: Jonas Rivera

I viewed 3/10

Star Trek (2009) PG13 - 4 Stars

The movie starts off with the old Enterprise engaged in battle and the tiny tot be given new life in an escape pod. New characters, the descendants of the great Starfleet before will ascend upon the Enterprise once again. I did like guest appearance of Nemoy proving an understanding to their fate. I really think Quinto was cast perfectly in his role as the new younger version of Spock. Nice to see John Cho in a serious role for a change as he's actually pretty good in this. Great special effects and action.

On the same day as James Kirk's (Chris Pine), is born, his father dies on his ship's last stand against the alien vessel, Narada. He was on his way to find Ambassador Spock (Leonard Nemoy), when overtaken and killed, but not before saving the lives of his wife in labor, son and hundreds of others. The ship encountered the alien vessel, the Narada with it's captain Nero (Eric Bana). Captain Nero demands that captain, Richard Robau (Faran Tahir), come aboard. He agrees and the USS Kelvin's command is now that of George Kirk (Chris Hemsworth). Robau wants Kirk to wait only fifteen minutes for a signal from him or evacuate the ship. The signal doesn't come and George Kirk will end his life crashing the ship into the Narada.

Later in the year of 2233, as James Kirk is growing up, he's a little arrogant and a bit of the stuck up side knowing his father was a great commander. One night at a bar, he meets Capt. Christopher Pike (Bruce Greenwood), who through his arrogance and cockiness gets him in a bar fight. But because he's tough, Pike invites Kirk to take part in the Starfleet Academy. While training, Kirk doesn't take it seriously, thinking he knows it all and gets irritated quickly with take his trainer, Lt. Spock's (Zachary Quinto). Kirk thinks he can master his own techniques as they arise. As the two spar off, Spock calls Kirk on his lack of ethics and when these young members of Starfleet are summoned to an emergency call from Vuklcan, the USS Enterprise, will not be under the command of Kirk. Instead Lt. Spock will take the bridge along with Sulu (John Cho), Scotty (Simon Pegg), Leonard "Bones" McCoy (Karl Urban) and Communication Specilaist Uhura (Zoe Saldana). But this will never work and Kirk will be eventually be accused of mutiny aboard the ship when he tries to do what he thinks should be done. Left stranded on Delta Vega, a desert like planet, Kirk will be meet and be saved by the old wise Spock who tells him what he needs to do to save the galaxy.

Nominated for 4 Oscar's

2010 - Academy Award Winner - Best Make Up

Paramount Pictures, Bad Robot, Kurtzman/Orci, Spyglass Entertainment Holdings, LLC
Director: J.J. Abrams
Writers: Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci
Producers: J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof

I viewed 2/10