Movies in Review: "Colombiana"

Man I was expecting this movie to be great...well maybe not great...but at least good! Sadly to say...it wasn't. The opening scenes had me wanting my money back. With the young Cataleya running through the Colombian streets trying to escape from the men who just murdered her family. Alot of the movie was just too far fetched. Am I really suppose to believe that she navigated her way to safety in Chicago with her uncle. And am I really suppose to believe that her uncle can shoot and kill someone in broad daylight, then have a 10 min conversation at the scene, and not face any repercussions?...WTF!

The story lacked real cohesiveness. Like I have no clue why Cataleya's family was killed. What was on that disk she gave the UN, and why were her parents killers conveniently in protective custody in the US...smh. The only thing this film had going for it was Zoe Saldana, who exudes sexiness as a killer for hire. She is really not bad as an action hero. Her targets at the beginning were a bit boring and the hit in the police station was stupid and a bit over the top. Her "relationship" that was written into the movie was a waste of time. The film only got good when the FBI finally found out who she was, and she set out to get her family's killer. The fight scene in the bathroom was my favorite, and was choreographed well. The "Cujo" scene at the very end was a lame ending to an already lame beginning. This movie is more suited for DVD, just so people won't have to hear you sucking your teeth at what is happening on screen...C-

Movies in Review: "Our Idiot Brother"

Another movie I had no interest in seeing just because I am not a huge Paul Rudd fan either. I mean he's ok, and I don't dislike him as much as Katie Holmes, but the trailer for this film was just ok to me also. However, it was receiving exceptionally positive reviews, and I wouldn't be doing my followers justice if I didn't provide you with my opinion of movies even I don't want to see. So here is what I thought....

It is a comedy, but wasn't outrageously comical. Now this isn't a bad thing, because what it had going for it was a really great story of family and the comical parts of that. The comedy in this movie is not always right in your face. There is alot of humor in the subtle things each character says, or the expressions on their faces, or actions or reactions to things. Just to cut to the chase...it was the best movie I viewed this weekend, I liked it, and it was funny enough. I adored Paul Rudd in this film, and thought he played a great "idiot brother". I didn't leave the theatre screaming "OMG that movie was awesome!!!". I did however leave with a smile, and the feeling that I had gotten my monies worth... for a matinee. I think you will enjoy it...A-

Movies in Review: "Don't be Afraid of the Dark"

This wasn't a film I was interested in seeing, mainly because I don't do horror, and I'm not a huge fan of Katie Holmes. I am however a fan of the young actress Bailee Madison, and also the review buzz for this film was positive, so needless to say, I got on board. Uuugh the opening scene had me cringing, which for a horror flick is a good thing I guess.

Then Katie Holmes's character comes into play, and everything I dislike about her grabbed my attention. Just so you're clear, everything I dislike about her is her inability to ACT. Almost every scene she's in she makes the same stupid and awkward face. Her eyes have this strange look like she's trying to capture an emotion that just fails miserably. She was only appealing to watch when she was getting tortured by the little goblin creatures...lol...I know...that's mean...BUT TRUE! Other than Katie though, the film wasn't that bad. I was scared, those creatures were creepy enough, and what they did to Holmes character at the end just made it all worth it to see...for me anyway. If you're a horror film buff I think you will be pleased. I mean don't get me wrong, some of the scenes are a little ho hum, and I'm guessing a horror film just wouldn't be the same if it wasn't raining or at least overcast everyday...smh. The dreary weather in the film actually had me wanting to curl up and take a nap, I'm thinking you may get the same feeling so don't go tired...B+

Movies in Review: "Conan the Barbarian"

Wow this movie was expected to be a box office hit, with a budget of 90 million, but it just turned out to be a box office flop, only making 10 million its opening weekend. One of the problems is that they unnecessarily released it in 3D. When are you producers and directors going to understand that no one is interested in paying $4+ more for your already overpriced movies...smh. Besides, there was really no 3D action in this film anyway.

Anyone who was hoping that this film would compare to "300", let me tell you that it doesn't. This was the only reason I went to see the film. This movie wasn't even half of what "300" was. It was way too barbaric. I think they overdid it on the bloodshed, and fighting. There was really no story, or dialogue. It seemed as though they were trying to out do themselves with the bloodshed, which by the end of the film had you saying "alright...enough with the blood! No one bleeds like that anyway"...smh...horrible. I thought Jason Somoa was an excellent pick for Conan, its just that the writing and direction was so poor, that there wasn't really much depth to his character. I was thoroughly disappointed...but this is a film definitely more suited for the men. I would advise you wait for the rental, or matinee...C

Movies in Review: "Fright Night"

Yet another remake...Is there a shortage of ideas out there. Everything is getting remade nowadays, I guess they can't see that people are not interested in remakes. This film totally flopped at the box office its opening weekend bringing in only 8.3 million dollars...smh. I am not really a fan of horror films, so I've never seen the original. The only reason I went to see this one was because I thought Colin Farrell looked great as the vampire. After seeing the film, he was as good as I thought he would be. I'm glad to see him back on the big screen after not really being around for a minute.

This movie wasn't a real serious horror film, it was actually kind of comedic, in a good way. I thought that it still provided enough fright as well though. I can't say that its necessary to see it in 3D, which could have been part of the reason why it did so poorly at the box office, because it really wasn't a bad film. Out of all the movies I watched this weekend, this was actually my favorite one. There's enough going on to keep you interested, the story is not totally stupid, and it keeps you a little scared. I liked. Nothing to rush out and see, but not a bad watch...B+

Movies in Review: "One Day"

Another film based from another book, this movie was just OK. I can say that I actually loved Anne Hathaway in this one though. She doesn't always do it for me in all her movies, but this character I think she hit spot on. Her English accent was perfect, as well as the way she blossomed beautifully as the yrs went by. I never want to completely give a film away in my reviews, but this movie kinda just putts along until the big part very close to the end. The movie ran a bit long too,  I felt that they could have cut at least 1/2 hr out of it. The only feeling I got was from the event at the end, which left my heart wrenching...smh. All in all, a movie that is more suited for the girls, or mother/daughter outing. When I went to the theatre there were nothing but 20-65 aged women there with a few men who got dragged in by their wives/girlfriends. Not a bad movie for a rainy day in, or matinee, or if you happen to see it come on TV...C+

Movies in Review: "The Help"

Wow...really enjoyed this movie...really. I heard the book was very dark, so to all of you who read the book, the film doesn't play out as dark. Nonetheless, I think it gives you enough without overpowering it...ya know. If you pay attention you can see the torment that these maids go through, although it is sprinkled with humor and sometimes joy. Listen as they tell you their hourly wage, as they have to take their children out of school so they can start working to help pay bills, the abuse, the mistreatment, its all in there. However you will still come out of this movie feeling good, and may even shed a few tears of joy here and there.

Viola Davis is guaranteed to give a great performance, and no one could have played her character Aibileen better. Octavia Spencer was my favorite character as Minnie. She was just fun to watch and had so much spice and attitude...loved her. I admit though that I thought Emma Stone looked odd in the trailer as Skeeter, and I really didn't think she would pull this character off. Come to find out, the only thing that was off kilter about Emma Stone in this film was her wig...omg that wig was aweful. Other than that, she was great. Believe when I tell you that you will love this film...Love!...A+!

Movies in Review: "30 Minutes or Less"

You can't go into this movie expecting great writing and award winning acting. But if you go in not expecting much at all, you will surely come out laughing your eyes out. To put it frankly, this movie was stupid funny. But would you expect anything else from anything Danny McBride is in...smh. Eisenberg and Aziz make for a hilarious twosome. With Aziz providing most of the laughs...that dude is a fool. I was literally crying in almost every scene he was in. These guys had to be improvising, or at least Aziz was. Eisenberg was just ok, but Aziz made him better. McBride and Swardson were pretty funny too, well mostly Swardson. But my favorite character outside of Aziz was Michael Pena. I wish they would have showed him more, but everything they did show will have you cracking up. And why the hell is he talking like that...hilarious. I am enjoying the comedies that have been released this summer, with this being one of them. I expect a comedy to make me laugh, and this one did. I enjoyed it, I think you will too. My rating is not based off the fact that it was a great movie, but it was pretty damn funny, and I want to see it again just for the bank robbery scene...lmao...B+!

Movies in Review: "The Whistleblower"

I went to see this movie because I found the trailer to be very intriguing and I also enjoy movies based on actual events. This film is based around sex trafficking, which is always a mind blowing topic to say the least. Sad to say that this movie wasn't half as good as the trailer or topic would lead. I don't know if it was the direction or writing, or maybe it was a bit of both. It starts out a bit all over the place with Weisz's character failing to receive a transfer. Then she's watching her ex-husband pack, then we see her in Bosnia...blah blah blah...now she's having sex with some random dude she met in a bar...blah blah blah...oh and now we start to get to the meat of the story...smh.

All of the best parts involved the girls being trafficked, which they did not show enough of, mostly because of the content of their stories. But you do get to see enough of the torment that these seized and slaved young girls have to endure from these men. And your heart wrenches at the fact that they have no one to turn to because all anyone cares about is the money, not the fact that they are breaking any laws. Everyone is in on it. Rachel Weisz didn't really add much to her character. I actually thought she was a little weak and a bit boring, and I just didn't buy it...eh. All in all it had great potential but failed to capture me totally. Not bad if you want to catch it on TV, but I'd save the dough...C

Movies in Review: "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"

Ummmmmm...wow...Im sorry but Ceasar's face still has me a little creeped out. How life like they made these monkeys look was incredible...omg. I swear my eyes hardly blinked because their facial expressions were creeping me out so much...lol. I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this prequel. I feel that it was played out well and written and directed with care for the original...in my opinion. Ceasar is the main ape, and he is amazing. This movie will never have me looking at these animals as weaker or less intelligent ever again...wow. The story was written well and I thought that there were great jolts of action throughout to keep you excited. The only scene I didn't really care for was the bridge scene...eh. It was really the climax of the whole movie and to me it kinda fell flat and played out a little weak. But that was the only thing that I disliked. I was in awe with the rest of it. I think you will leave never being able to look at monkeys the same. You have to see it...A-!

Movies in Review: "The Change Up"

I was crying laughing within the first 5min. So needless to say I was already sold that this was going to be a great comedy. But did it sustain its hilarity throughout the 1hr 45min...hmmmmmm. Well let me tell you that this story/ideal has definitely been done before. What I really liked is that the characters Mitch and Dave had such different and strong personalities that when the switch happened it was not hard to see the same characters when changed into different bodies. Ryan and Bateman in my opinion always make for great comedic actors and have proven themselves well in this film. It was potty humor, but come on what do you expect. All I need is for it to make me laugh, and at least surprise me. And I'm happy to say that it delivered in this regard. Kids are always a great addition when it comes to comedy, so with Dave's twins and Little girls the comedy was only heightened.

The writing wasn't the strongest, but you probably won't notice. The story gets a little dry here and there, but the laughs make up for it. If this helps, I enjoyed it, but I wouldn't go see it a 2nd time like I did "Bridesmaids" and would with "Horrible Bosses". So if your at the movies and are looking to laugh, this is not a bad pick, just for laughs. But if your looking for a decent story to go along with the laughs, you might be better off skipping this one. And you may be more satisfied with a matinee. I think Ryan and Bateman gave it it's winning power...B+

Movies in Review: "Cowboys and Aliens"

Come on! You know that when you saw the trailer for this movie you were thinking it looked weird. Or maybe that was just me. Half the reason I even went to see this film was because Ron Howard's name was behind it as a producer...I trust Ron Howard's name on anything so needless to say I went to see it. It tied at the box office with The Smurfs...lol. It brought in 36.2 million, which doesn't sound bad, but it cost 163 million to make this film, so the premiere could be considered a flop. But anyway...

The movie actually didn't start off that bad, and was actually looking like a great cowboy film. It had all the elements of a really good western, with Harrison Ford, and Daniel Craig leading. But as the trailer leads, things got out of sorts and weird when the aliens came on screen...smh. It was just all a bit too unbelievable to me. I mean come on! These aliens were huge! And you have about 30-50 cowboys and indians shooting their pop guns and arrows at them...come on...not likely that there would truly be any human survivors...smh. I think I missed some important info concerning Olivia Wildes character because the next thing I know she is being resurrected from the dead...ummmmm wht? But like I said, I think I missed something...lol. The sad part about it is that if it were not for the Aliens, this film would have been great. Idk...check it if you'd like. There is enough to keep you entertained thats for sure. I didn't dislike it, I just thought the concept was stupid...B+

Movies in Review: "The Smurfs"

Wow the smurfs just really have appeal when it comes to kids. These guys tied with movie blockbuster Cowboys and Aliens, which was expected to be the #1 movie this weekend...GO SMURFS! I am a smurf fan, and although I was not amazed by this film, I can say that it kept its original essence of the smurf cartoon. Adding live characters really didn't take away from what the smurfs use to be when you were growing up. You only get a real taste of only 6 of your favorite smurf characters, Brainy Smurf (was just like his animated character), Grouchy Smurf (I thought George Lopez was a perfect choice as the voice for this character), Papa Smurf (same ol Papa), Smurfette (not bad Katy Perry), Clumsy Smurf (his voice was a little meeker than I remember it from the animation, but it worked, and he was my favorite in this film), and Gutsy Smurf (they gave him a kilt in this movie, and he's Scottish. Slight change from animation). There was also Gargamel. I thought his costume could have been alot better, but he was a true Gargamel. His cat Azriel was the best, he kept making the most hilarious face. He was my 2nd favorite character.

I don't think they did a bad job with this movie. But if you were never a fan of the Smurfs, you won't really be able to like, understand or appreciate the film. I mean I loved the animated smurfs, and the film was just ok for me. But I am an adult now soooo... I went to see it and the theatre was packed with kids who were clapping with excitement at the end. So it may be one you have to bite the bullet for just to have your kids see it. Planning to take my nephew this weekend...smh. Btw this movie was filmed in 3D although I watched 85% of it with my glasses off. So save your money and catch it 2D if you can. All in all I'd say just go for the kids...B

Movies in Review: "Crazy Stupid Love"

This movie came in 5th place its opening weekend bringing in only 19.3 million, well below what it cost to make this film. Its unfortunate too, because this happened to be my favorite movie from this weekend. What I enjoyed so much is that it did not play out as you think it would if you have seen the trailer. It is quite comical, but would you expect anything else from Steve Carrell, who always delivers. But outside of Carrell, was everyone else he had backing him up, who were just as great.

There is Ryan Gosling, who had me fanning myself the whole time...Damn that man is fine! If this movie teaches men anything it should be to find and wear clothing that actually fit you...I'm just saying. The only thing that bothered me with Ryan's character is that he starts off sounding like an Italian mobster. I thought the accent was a bit thick, but it won't totally ruin it for you. Emma Stone is always great to watch, as was Julianne Moore, Kevin Bacon and others. My favorite character was Carrell's 13yr old son played by actor Jonah Bobo. He was absolutely perfect, and seemed to be the glue for the entire film. The writing couldn't have been better. So if you thought this movie was questionable I hope this review helped in your decision to go check it out. Its a fun feel good movie, and I would recommend it if your in the need of a pick me up...A!