Movies in Review: "The Five-Year Engagement"

I have to admit that this movie is full of laughs. I love Emily Blunt, and thinks she makes a great comedic actress. Jason Segel does his usual thing and he and Blunt are fun to watch together. Segel looks dehydrated and sick through most of the movie. That problem should have fixed in make-up, but maybe it was the make-up...lol.

I liked the movie, but honestly I was exhausted with this relationship by movie's end and just wanted it to be over. By the end I am sure most of you will find yourself saying "I'm over it"...smh. The death theme seemed to be the way to keep the audience aware of how much time had passed, but it became annoying, and all it did was pinch my nerves. The only thing that kept this movie afloat was the comedy...unfortunately it didn't save it...C+

Movies in Review: "The Raven"

John Cusack I haven't seen you since Hot Tub Time Machine...smh. I was a little uncertain about Cusack's performance in this film. I'm not sure why, but in the trailer I didn't feel he really fit the character. However, I am happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised. Cusack captured me in the opening scene. I quite enjoyed him.

He was fun and witty as the drunk, struggling writer Edgar Allen Poe. The movie itself is filled with thrills and intrigue that has you anticipating the end. Alice Eve was one of the weakest characters whose lack of real chemistry with Cusack kind of stuck out like a sore thumb. Her character was little dry and flat for me. Thank goodness the focus on her was only minimal. The other problem I had was witth the end, and the strength Cusack had with the poison...eh...but other than that, not a bad movie.

The story is interesting enough. Its not as intriguing as the trailer, but its not a total flop. I liked it...B

Movies in Review: "Safe"

I'm sorry I have to say this, but if you've seen one Jason Statham film lately you've seen them all. As much as I love Statham the repetition in his movies is getting a bit redundant and boring. The action is always great, but the story usually lacks depth and Statham usually plays the same character attached to a different name. Unfortunately this movie is no different.

The movie starts out a bit confusing as we meet Statham and the young Asian girl in their respective life situations. They story shows glimpses as it back tracts 1 day earlier, then a yr earlier. Finally Statham and the Asian girl's characters meet. Thank goodness for men like Statham, but his reason for going out of his way to save this little girl is a little unrealistic. The story moves along like most of his movies with corrupt cops, everyone being bought for the best price, and Statham unbeatable and untouchable...smh. This story has run its course with Statham in my opinion.

I like Statham, but I honestly haven't seen him in a decent movie since The Italian Job (2003). If you need an action fix, this one may have you wanting more. Safe isn't packed full of gripping action, but filled with empty story lines and nonsense. All in all its a Jason Statham flick...same ish different title...D :/

Movies in Review: "Think Like a Man"

I will be the first to admit that I am not a fan of Steve Harvey's book, but the trailer for the film looked decent enough for me to see it. I expected to like it, but this movie exceed my expectations, and I am happy to say that I loved it! I am hoping this movie does well at the box office. I was happy to see shows selling out, and even more happy to see Romany Malco (Zeke) movie-goers reactions to the film at the 34th St AMC Loews. Wow! What a treat!

I was shocked that there was nothing I disliked about this movie, or at least nothing worth speaking about. The cast was packed with a great group of talent that made all the characters work. I'm not going to deny it....Kevin Hart was the best part about the movie, or at least the piece that made everyone else better. He had everyone in the theatre cracking up. There is no denying that he was cast for comedy relief. But the movie is filled with a heavy load of talent. Taraji P. Henson has never looked better. Meagan Goode always looks great, but I like how they make her vulnerable, instead of the sexed up sex kitten. It was also nice to see Gabrielle Union's looks played down. It made her character fun and more relatable. My favorite character of the women was Candace, played by Regina Hall. I am a fan of Hall's and I always look forward to seeing her on the big screen. I don't think that her talents get used enough.

The female cast has some of the most beautiful women in hollywood, and the men cast in this movie match them perfectly. From adorable and funny Kevin Hart, to Hot and sexy Michael Ealy, your eyes will have a ball watching this movie if not for the eye candy alone. I like how the characters seem to fit the actors portraying them, and everyone seemed to shine. This movie had me laughing, drooling, and falling in love. Honestly I can show you better than I can tell you of the reasons you (women) need to see this movie...

Ladies need I say more....Yum!

Believe me when I tell you that there are even more surprises in stored for everyone in the movie. There are a number of guests appearances that will have you glad you stepped into the theatre. This movie is too much fun for words. All I have to say is that you will get your monies worth from seeing this film and so much more. I am happy to say that this movie is not a chick flick, but something that will appeal to everyone. I don't say this often, but if you haven't seen this movie, I suggest you see it soon...A-

Movies in Review: "The Lucky One"

Ok so I didn't expect to like this movie. I only went to see it because I wanted the chance to rag on Zac Efron's acting yet again. I had a hard time believing him as a leading man in the trailer for this movie. Although I thought the weight he put on to play this role suit him physical, I just didn't think he really had the acting chops to carry this character...

And I was right, he didn't. Don't get me wrong, he was actually better than I thought, but he was still hard to believe. For example, like the awkward first kiss he and Taylor Schilling's character shared made me cringe. The 2nd kiss was a little better...thank goodness. It was actually kinda of weird because Efron seemed to have very few lines. His performance seemed to be mostly visual. There was a lot of focus on what was being said through his character's eyes. I can't say that I was mad about this. I think having Efron speak too much would have ruined this movie.

The one thing that kills this film is that the story seems to drag. Blythe Danner was one of the major components that added some fun and spice. This movie felt like something that could have been seen on the Lifetime channel. I don't think bringing it to the big screen was the best investment. It's a cute love story, that has very predictable elements. If you're a Zac Efron fan, I don't think you will be disappointed with his performance. I don't think he's a leading man yet, but he's getting there...C

Movies in Review: "Chimpanzee"

Oh how I love documentaries, especially ones with cute little animals. Following the life of a baby chimp named Oscar as he discovers life is adorable. I like how the music really sets the tone and helps to narrate the story. I also love Tim Allen as the narrator, he is really great, and funny. He helps to make the documentary interesting by giving the chimps personality and life.

Im sorry if this review seems short, but the film itself was only 1hr 18min long. Quite honestly this movie seemed more suited for an episode on the National Geographic channel than a major movie production. Its cute, adorable, sweet, and the kids will love it, but definitely something you can wait to add to your netflix queue...B-

Movies in Review: "Woman Thou Art Loosed, on the 7th Day"

Hmmmmmm...why did I go see this movie? Ummmmmm....Blair Underwood of course...Duh. Oh, and I can't forget about Sharon Leal. Yes I am also a fan of her work too. The trailer was interesting enough, but I really found myself wrapped up in the title, especially the extended 2nd part, "on the 7th day"...lol. Cracks me up every time I say it. Anyway...how was it?

I liked it, and let me be the first to tell you that Blair Underwood still has it going on! Whoooooo!!! That mans sex appeal hasn't diminished one bit. I enjoyed his chemistry with Leal. The story is interesting enough, with enough drama to get you vested. The slight twists keep the story from being totally boring. The production could have used a little work, but wasn't expecting anything exceptional in that area. I enjoyed almost everything about this film except Pam Grier's performance. Wow was she over doing it. She really could have benefited from a mild sedative. I don't know who gave her this line, "You got dat der?", but she said it more than I cared to hear...smh.

Although I liked the movie, in my honest opinion, its more suited for a rental. There was really nothing exceptional about the film as a whole. The premise is something that runs strong in many black films like these. Although if your Grandma or Auntie are in town, make this a go, this is definitely their type of movie...C+

Movies in Review: "Lockout"

I might be the only one, but I honestly wasn't expecting much from this movie. I am usually a fan of Guy Pearce, but from what I saw of his character in the trailers, I wasn't impressed. The only reason I went to see this movie is because there was no way I was going to waste my time see The 3 Stooges. Soooooooo here is what I thought...

Guy Pearce wasn't as bad as I thought his character was in the trailer. I actually liked him, and the bickering between he and Maggie Grace's character made for some comical relief. However, the story and the writing itself was just ok. The movie seemed rushed instead of being built correctly. For example, the prisoners were "frozen", I couldn't understand why it only took opening their cages for them to come back to life, healthy and strong. The prison is located in space, but Guy Pearce's character was able to reach the prison from earth in the same amount of time it will take you to read this review.

Unlike The Cabin in The Woods, this movie did have focus, but unfortunately it failed to build a strong story set around the focus of the movie. Don't get me wrong, the movie wasn't horrible, its nothing to rush and see. My suggestion is that you wait for it and add it to your Netflix queue...C

Movies in Review: "The Cabin in The Woods"

I was looking forward to seeing this movie, although I'm not the biggest fan of horror films. I found the movie poster for this film to be intriguing, and the story portrayed in the trailer even more interesting. On the poster it reads "You think you know the story". I had no idea what this movie was about, but I was definitely interested to find out what horrific tale was to be told.

The first scene in the movie is very important, or you might find yourself a little confused about whats going on throughout the rest of the film. After the introduction scene, the movie plays along like any other horror flick. We get introduced to the characters, who of course are college kids headed to a secluded road trip...boring. Once at their destination, of course, the game begins. Unfortunately this game is just as predictable and robotic as all other horror flicks like it.

There is however a twist as the game is being controlled. You think this would add more depth to the story, but in the end, the whole idea just fails miserably. There was nothing exciting about this movie at all. It just seemed as if someone had a big idea that lacked focus. The end of this movie will have you sucking your teeth and shaking your head. Nothing happening in the end made any real logical since. I guess the writers thought that if the had Sigourney Weaver appear out of nowhere and explain everything it would all make sense...smh...it didn't.

I can't believe the money that is wasted on some of these films. When the credits rolled for this one, everyone seemed to have the same disgusted expression on their faces...smh. I usually can smell a BS movie a mile away. But this one was wrapped in everything sweet, but the core was totally rotten. Get the bootleg, get it at RedBox, but whatever you do please do not waste your money and purchase a movie ticket...D

Movies in Review: "American Pie"

Ummmmmmm...am I the only one who didn't know that this is the 4th movie since the original American Pie...wth. I thought this was the sequel...lol. So needless to say I never saw American Pie 2, or American Wedding. Now that I think about it I believe I saw the trailers for the other films, and none of them looked like they were worth seeing, but for some reason the trailer for American Reunion captured my attention. I felt that it was a perfect time to release this movie, and I liked the fact that all the original characters were returning.

Soooooo how was it? It was cool...It wasn't horrible, but I think a lot of that could be credited to Stifler. Honestly without him and his mother, the movie would have been a dud. All of the character's adult lives were pretty boring, but to make the storyline interesting, the writers played up on all the things that we loved about the original film. I was happy to see everyone return, and see Tara Reid get a check. Unfortunately, she was absolutely horrible. Reid was so stiff, and it seemed as if she was reading her lines off of a teleprompter. Her face had a Botox overdose because she had the same expression on her face throughout the whole movie. Poor Tara Reid...smh.

I can't say its better than the last 2 two sequels of the original (since I didn't see them), all I can say is that its nothing exceptional. There are better comedies in the theaters right now, so I only suggest this one for the theaters if you are a die hard American Pie fan. If you're not, you can definitely wait until this one hits a TV near you...C+

Movies in Review: "We the Party"

Ok so I know you are reading the title of this movie I am reviewing and thinking "WTH is this?". Yes I know this movie wasn't on anyone's radar, and I am included in this group. I had only seen the trailer for this movie once, and I vaguely remembered it. All I remember is that it was a teen flick that Mario Van Peebles was behind. Well since there was only one major released film this weekend, I decided to also give this movie a chance.

This movie has us following a group of teenagers as they deal with the same things teenagers always deal with, love, sex, bullying, fitting in...blah blah blah...yeah nothing new there. Although the premise wasn't ground braking, this movie was still fun to watch. Peebles definitely kept this movie in the family, with three of his kids taking on major roles, and of course an appearance made by his father. I don't think any of the kids deserve any acting awards, but that shouldn't take away from the fact that they still made it a fun movie to watch. All the teens meshed well together, and had me smile and laugh at all the crap they were getting themselves into. I was shocked to see Quincy Brown in this movie (Sean Combs son), doing a pretty decent job.

Mario Van Peebles not only directed this film, but also starred in it with Salli Richardson, and Michael Jai white. I don't think this movie would have been half as good as it was without the great direction from Peebles. I actually wish more of his films were on the big screen. His films always provoke thinking, and have a message that reaches his target audience. This movie is for tweens and teens, and I honestly think they will enjoy it...adults like myself may enjoy it as well...B-

Movies in Review: "Wrath of the Titans"

Did we really need a sequel to the Clash of the Titans? I would say No. Who was honestly looking forward to seeing this movie. I didn't happen to think the trailer was super exciting, especially seeing Sam Worthington sport a that crazy mullet. His hair was definitely giving me a problem...but besides that, the movie wasn't that bad.

To be quite honest, it was predictable, and a lot like the first one. We do get introduced to some new characters, as well as old ones. Perseus now has a son, who has only one expression...lol. We are introduced to Ares the God of War played by Edgar Ramirez. I can't say I liked Ramirez as this character, or maybe it was his wig that was causing me the problem. I really can't say what it was, all I know is that he was my least favorite character.

I did enjoy the visual creativity, which definitely outdid the previous movie. My favorite sequence was the scene inside the maze building. The camera shots were amazing! There was plenty of movement, so although predictable, it was at least entertaining. Oh wait...I can't end this review without giving some love to Pegasus...the prettiest black horse with wings that I have ever seen. I love you Pegasus!

This movie is cool. Im sure you all know what to expect, and its not lacking in the entertainment aspect. I did not see it in 3D, but it looks like the graphics could be worth the price...B

Movies in Review: "Mirror Mirror"

I was really looking forward to this movie after seeing the trailer. I am a huge fan of Julia Roberts, and she looked amazing as the "evil" Queen. I enjoyed Lily Collins as the pick for Snow White, at least from what I could see in the trailer. Her resemblance to Snow White was almost a perfect choice. I also didn't mind Armie Hammer as the Prince. I enjoyed his performance in The Social Network and J. Edgar. From what I saw in the trailer I found him to be a nice choice. With these factors my excitement was built...

Unfortunately, it wasn't as good as I would have hoped :/. It was cute, but for some reason, fell a little flat. The biggest problem was Lily Collins...boooooooo! This young lady is not an actress. If she is calling herself one, my advise is that she get a little more practice. She was so boring to watch. If it wasn't for all the other characters they surrounded her with, her performance alone could have been the death of this movie...smh. Although I love Julia Roberts, I can't say that I found this to be her best performance. She was cute and funny, but it also seems like she was trying too hard with some of her lines. I also enjoyed Hammer as the Prince. He was one of my favorite characters in this movie. The only problem I had, was that he sounded almost exactly like the twins he played in The Social Network, except less serious.

Like I said this movie is cute. The seven dwarfs were my favorite. They each had such great personalities, and were the best feature offered for this movie. Honestly, have you ever watch something that was too cute...I think this would fall into that category. If the kids are crying to see it, you may have to suck it up and go. If your thinking of watching this as a solo venture, wait until it comes to a television near you...C+

Movies in Review (DOCUMENTARY): "Bully"

Bullying in recent years has become quite serious in the school system. This is a documentary that gives us an in-depth view of this growing problem as we watch 5 different kids ordeal with it. I didn't find this documentary easy to watch, as I was filled with heartache and anger. Any of you that have children may find it even harder to watch.

In this film you will have the opportunity to see the bullying of 5 kids, but the one that sticks out the most is a 12 yr old boy named Alex. His situation provided the most extreme footage...smh. Alex seemed to be getting hit from all ends. All he wants is a friend, but he's so awkward that usually all he gets is a slap upside the head from his peers. His family offers very little help, and even less from school officials. If you find yourself watching this, you may find yourself wanting to deck the Assistant Principal for more than enough reasons.

The school buses seem to be a stomping ground for bullying. For the life of me I could not understand why the bus drivers aren't more involved. As a matter of fact it seems that all the school officials are taking the high road instead of getting involved. I don't remember being part of a school system where the children seem to be in control and the adults tip-toe around situations. If this is what the world is coming to we are all headed for a heap of trouble.

I found myself angry because we are failing our kids. All of us...authorities, school officials, parents, and no one seems to have a real solution that WORKS to save these kids. I believe all parents, tweens, teachers, anyone planning to have children should see this film. Unfortunately for me this documentary is one of many that have become a source of birth control. To all of you who already have kids, I will pray for you...B