Movies in Review: "Premium Rush"

In my opinion, the title says it all. This movie was definitely a rush, and played out better than I expected it to.

The bike riding shots were phenomenal! It felt like you were actually riding the bikes yourself in the city streets. I am a fan of Joseph-Gordon Levitt, and he did not disappoint as the main character Wilee. I was never worried about his performance, it was Dania Ramirez that had my concern when watching the trailer. Happy to say Ramirez did not do a bad job at all. I enjoyed the speed of this film, there wasn't a moment that did not have my interest. The story was decent, there was suspense, humor and action, what more could you want. I enjoyed almost everything about this movie, except for one scene. Someone tell me if it's possible to do tricks on a bike with broken ribs...I don't think so. But no biggie still an entertaining movie.

This movie obviously did not register on any one's radar, but it needs to be...B+

Movies in Review: "Hit & Run"

This movie didn't really catch my attention. When I watched the trailer, I thought Bradley Cooper looked ridiculous, and for a comedy, the trailer wasn't that funny to me. I was surprised when I saw positive reviews for this movie before its release. But positive reviews or not, something in me was still not convinced.

As I expected...a comedy that wasn't very funny. The only scenes I laughed at were the ones with Tom Arnold. I did honestly crack up on every scene he was in, but unfortunately he wasn't used in nearly enough. Besides the comedy, the story was also lacking. I got annoyed that a trip to LA kept landing the main character back in the town he was hiding out in. It seemed like the scenes were going in circles, which kept the movie from moving the way that it needed to.

I really don't have too much to say. Hit and Run, felt more like a hit and miss. It was ok, but nothing that needed to hit the big screen. I would wait for this one to hit a local TV channel...C

Movies in Review: "Expendables 2"

Wow! What a way to start a movie. The action begins from the opening credits, and stays consistent throughout the entire movie. I guess this was their way of keeping this sequel as entertaining as the first.   I will admit that I was a little apprehensive about this sequel, especially since the first one was so entertaining. I really felt that this 2nd installment would fail like most other sequels. It failed in some areas, I wouldn't call it a total fail.

All characters from the first film made their return, with the addition of other great well known action heroes. I enjoyed Jean-Claude as the villain. I have never been a Jean-Claude fan, but I actually enjoyed him in this movie. His character gave the story substance when it was on the verge of being overloaded with too many characters. Because there were so many new characters, the film did lack some of the charm and humor in the first film. The original characters like Crews and Li did not get the shine that they received in the first film. Whats even more strange is the fact that Li's character was replaced by an Asian female 20mins into the movie. That was disappointing because the female character lacked everything that Lei brought to the film. The overload of characters put this movie on the verge of corniness to me. Characters like Chuck Norris, Schwarzenegger, and Willis were popping up in scenes out of the blue saving the day...smh...corny.

The bickering between Stallone and Statham's characters was the most entertaining to me, besides the action. Although this is an action film and this movie is packed full of it, the action sequences were not written as well as the first movie. Don't worry, it's still a very entertaining movie, especially to see all your favorite action heroes in action again. The first one was definitely better, but I didn't hate this one...B-

Movies in Review: "Sparkle"

Sorry my reviews for last weeks movie releases are so late, but I was on a much deserved vacation. I am sure most of you have already ran to the theatre to see this film. I know I was looking forward to seeing the late Whitney Houston do her thing on the big screen. I did not have high expectations for the overall film, I just wanted to see Whitney. Surprising enough, this movie was better than I expected it to be.

I enjoyed most of the performances. Jordin Sparks is not the strongest actress, but she did a decent job holding her own. Her voice is what took her over the top for me. With her voice, and decent acting, I wasn't disappointed with her as the choice for the main character Sparkle. She was quite adorable, and gave the character what she needed. I enjoyed her and Derek Luke together, and I felt Luke made her better. Mike Epps was cool. I am happy to see him take on more serious roles, although that fight scene with his wife was a little wonky...lol. I loved Tika Sumpter, and wished her character had a more vocal role in the story. My least favorite character was Sister. They tried to portray her as the sexiest sister, but the actress who played her lacked in so many areas. There were scenes that showed seductive shots of her body, but there was no body to show. She had absolutely no curves whatsoever. In my opinion, she wasn't that cute, and it was obvious that they worked hard to play down Sparks looks as to not upstage her. Eh...they could have done a better job casting with this one, but oh well...

Although she did not appear in the movie as much as I hoped she would, I enjoyed every scene Whitney Houston was in. This was my favorite performance from Ms. Houston. She really felt like the mother of the 3 women in the story. I thought she looked and sounded amazing...considering. In my opinion this movie is definitely worth seeing if its just for Whitney alone. If you are expecting great singing, you also won't be disappointed because Jordin Sparks does her thang...that girl can sang! This is a great date movie, or personal matinee. This movie doesn't sparkle as bright as some of you may hope, but there is a glimmer...B-

Movies in Review: "ParaNorman"

I will first let you know that the trailer for this movie did not capture my attention that much at all. However, I did find Norman's chubby buddy to be interesting and funny. I think he was the only reason I even stepped into the  theatre to see this movie. I wasn't expecting much from this film, but I left the theatre happy that I let Norman's chubby little friend guide me in.

The best parts about this movie are the one-liners, and there are plenty to chuckle at. There are some very surprising funny lines that keep the movie interesting for adult viewers. The story was ok, but it was the characters that made the movie. My favorite characters being Norman's friend, and his older sister. The shape of Norman's sister's body alone is enough to get a laugh, everything about her is exaggerated, especially the lip gloss. I loved the way his sister looked...funny.

This movie is cute, but some of the humor could be a little much for younger children under the age of 7. If you are an adult who loves animations, I would recommend this one. If you have no interest in seeing this in the theatre, its definitely worth the watch at home...B+

Movies in Review: "The Bourne Legacy"

Wow...I was receiving text messages about this movie all weekend. I was unable to see the movie until Sunday, but from everyone's disappointment, I wasn't anticipating seeing this new installment as much as I had been Friday. Once the movie started rolling, within the first 15min, I could see where all the disappointment was coming from.

Right from the beginning it is easy to see and feel the difference of this installment and the previous 3. Legacy is directed by Tony Gilroy, who only wrote the screenplay for the other 3. So fair warning, please don't go in expecting to get the same Bourne feel that you received from the earlier 3 movies. What I had a problem with was the way the movie was sequenced and edited. I don't think that the character Aaron Cross was given a proper introduction. It was like the director just threw the audience into a whole new story without much needed background. I thought Jeremy Renner was great for the part, and I enjoyed him as Cross. I had a problem with the fact that I have no clue where the hell he came from. It seems as if his division was totally different from Jason Bourne. Cross and his group were more like science projects...but why?

Like I said, editing, directing, and character development played a role in making this movie as likable as the previous 3. There was way too much going on that made the story hard to follow. I loved the addition of Norton, and I hope they keep his character, although I am unclear about where he came from...but oh well. Once things finally got rolling, the movie wasn't so bad. There were some unanswered questions, but at least the movie was moving because the first 20-30 min felt like it was swimming in molasses. But the worst part about this movie was the beginning and unfortunately the end. This ending almost killed any substance I was able to salvage from this movie. The ending was less developed than the characters and left you hanging...smh. You know an ending that makes you suck your teeth...yeah its one of those. Bourne isn't horrible, but will likely find a way to leave a bad taste in your mouth...C+

Movies in Review: "The Campaign"

I will be the first to say that I'm not a huge Ferrell fan. His movies are usually hit and miss with me. However the trailer for this movie had my interest and had me laughing. I was at least hoping that the movie would be half as decent as the trailer. Hmmmmm...well I'm happy to say that it was, and this Ferrell movie was definitely a hit.

For all Ferrell fans you are definitely in for  a treat. Ferrell and Galifianakis kick the humor into high gear. What I enjoyed most is that I actually believed Ferrell as a politician...in a way. This had to be one of my favorite roles for him. He wasn't goofy funny, he delivered great comedy while also taking hold of his character. Galifianakis and his voice were enough to have you pissing in your pants, but he also gave so much more. You will easily find yourself cracking up. Jason Sudeikis also co-stars and he was a great addition. Loved his southern twang. I think they added Dylan McDermott for sex appeal...and all I have to say is Amen to that! Damn that man is fine! Oh, and he was funny too...lol.

I am just happy to say that this is a comedy that did not fail with the comedy, and had a decent story that kept it from entering a world of nonsense. I got more than I expected from this movie, so The Campaign has my vote...A-

Movies in Review: "Hope Springs"

All I have to say is how can you go wrong with a movie that has Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones starring in its cast. I'm sure many of you did not have this movie on your radar since The Bourne Legacy also opened this weekend. Well let me be the first one to say that this movie is worth a shot.

I left the theatre praying that my relationship, and marriage does not turn into the situation between Streep and Lee's characters. From the opening scene, it is a little hard not to feel Streep's loneliness, and despair with her marriage. Wow when Streep takes on a role, she encompasses that character 100%. When I watch her, it never feels like I'm watching a character. It really felt like I was watching the struggles of a real relationship. I think it had alot to do with the great chemistry between Streep and Jones, but also because the material is very realistic and easy to relate. I enjoyed almost everything about this story, except for maybe all the geriatric sex scenes...but I guess they were necessary for the story...Steve Carell also co-starred in the film, but he just seemed like a pawn. Not that he was horrible, but his role could have been given to any flake, and it wouldn't have matter...I'm just saying.

All the movie-goers in the theatre seemed to really enjoy the film. This movie was written well, with a story that touched everyone. The audience even stayed as the credits rolled. This is a great date movie, a promising matinee that I think is worth the view...A-

Movies in Review: "Total Recall"

I have to admit as much as I liked the original Recall movie with Arnold Schwarzenegger, the trailer for the reboot starring Colin Farrell, had me excited to see this story redone. I was expecting exciting action from this movie, and I'm happy to say that I got just that. In my opinion, this reboot was just as good as the first one, with upgrades.

The story was pretty much the same, there may have been a few changes here and there, but you will definitely find similarities. The movie is just as action packed as the first one except with much needed upgrades. Everything seemed to be amped up more. The action was phenomenal, starting with the first fight scene with Kate Beckinsale. That scene is kick a$$. This has to be one of my favorite action roles for Beckinsale so far. She really owned her character. I also love Farrell as the action hero in this film. I am happy to see him on the big screen again. He does Schwarzenegger's old character major justice. It was great seeing Bokeem Woodbine in a decent co-star role. Although he's been in a few movies here and there, his last major film I can remember was Ray...now I can say Total Recall. I liked that his character had relevance to the story, and he didn't disappoint. One of my least favorite characters however was played by Jessica Biel. I really can't say what it was, but Biel usually doesn't do it for me, and this role was no different. It also didn't help that Beckinsale was so strong, she made Biel seem that much weaker...smh.

I was very pleased with this movie for the most part. The ending was slightly far-fetched considering the place Beckinsale's character was in on the ship. It seemed as if no one wanted to get creative on the ending, and decided to make is predictable. Although, for lack of a better word...dumb...the ending didn't ruin the film. It's a testosterone filled adventure, but with the great addition of Beckinsale, my female audience will also find favor in it...B!