Movies in Review: "Good Deeds"

I was not looking forward to seeing this film at all. Mainly because I found Tyler Perry's last movie to be so horrible, and because Tyler Perry himself was actually starring in this movie. I haven't found Perry to be a strong actor when he is playing a man, only when he is in Madea mode. So I didn't think I could take a film of Perry himself.

Well the man must have taken some class, because I enjoyed him as Wesley Deeds. And for the first time I was actually able to separate him from his Madea character and see him as a Man. Perry's movie performed ok at the box office as usual, ranking #2 with 16million in tickets sales. But this is less than what Madea's Big Happy Family brought in its opening weekend, and this movie was far better.

I usually have a problem with the production quality of Perry's films. Too often the production looks cheap, and looks like it's being filmed on a sound stage. I was happy to see an upgrade with this movie. It is filmed in California, as opposed to Atlanta...thank goodness. I know that people have a problem with Perry's writing, but I usually don't. Perry tries to develop a story and characters that is usually relevant with his audience. He has deep messages that come across very strong, well that is when he has a strong cast to get the messages across...luckily he did. We are blessed with the ever-so-lovely Phylicia Rashad, who always brings more to any simple character she is playing. Gabrielle Union takes on the role of Deeds's fiance Natalie. I'm here and there with Union, but she was on point in this film. Thandie Newton was the glue that sealed this movie shut. I had so much fun watching her. She reminds you of the character she played in For Colored Girls, but more refined, and with different circumstances, but she has that same energy, if that makes any sense. It always seems that there is always one character in Perry's film that could have used some restraints. This time it was Brian White, who plays Wesley's brother. Someone should have given him a volume. I seriously wanted to punch this dude in the face...lol

All in all this is one of my top 3 movies from Perry, which also includes Why Did I Get Married, and The Family That Preys...B+

Movies in Review: "Act of Valor"

I must admit this movie was pretty exciting. I think it had a great deal to do with the fact that it seemed like a documentary as opposed to a movie. There were a few actors/actresses cast in this film, but for the most part the characters were being played by active US Navy Seals. So don't expect any Oscar winning performances. The use of real US Navy Seals in my opinion, helped the film more than hurt it. As I said in the intro, it seemed to bring a bit of authenticity to the movie that I found enjoyable.

The covert tasks these men were sent on was an exhilarating ride...wow. I loved the camera shots, as most of the men were wearing cameras on their helmets. It just felt like you were in on the action, kind of like a video game. The action scenes kept me on the edge of my seat. It felt as if I was getting a real in-depth view of what these men go through. Their acts of bravery is unparalleled. You will find yourself rooting for each man in hopes that he makes it home to his/her family. The storyline had me uneasy, just because I was left wondering how much of it was actually true. There are some evil people out there...smh.

The dialogue is a little weak and stiff, but if you keep in mind that these are real men, this may not bother you so much. Besides, you will get so much more from this movie in other areas that will leave you feeling like your money wasn't wasted. This movie is filled with testosterone, so I know the male audience will find it more riveting than my females. A good movie for a father and son to see. I liked it...B

Movies in Review: "Wanderlust"

An R-rated comedy movie, Wanderlust starring Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd, did not fare too well at the box office. One might say that it even BOMBED, ranking a dismal 8th place with ticket sales of only 6million...and btw, the movie cost 35million to make...smh...so that's not good :(. Critic reviews for this film were not great at all, but for some reason I was still eager to see it. This may have been due to the fact that I enjoyed Paul Rudd in his earlier film "Our Idiot Brother", and the fact that I like Jennifer Aniston and I can't help but to root for her. So needless to say, I wasn't expecting much, and after skimming critics write-ups, was expecting alot less...

See...this is why I go with my instincts and not what critics have to say. I enjoyed this movie. I found it to be hilariously funny. I literally laughed at some parts until my stomach cramped, and woke up this morning still laughing. My favorite part being the scene where Paul Rudd's character George is talking to himself in the mirror...LMAO!!! (yeah I'm still laughing at that). There were sooooo many funny scenes like this that you may not care about all the criticism critics threw at this movie. I had fun watching it, and actually would see it again. I enjoyed Aniston in her role, although Aniston's character usually doesn't change, just the characters around her from movie to movie. But who cares as long as it works!

If you're looking for a good laugh I would recommend this one. It gives you the laughs of  Bridesmaids, except funnier...A-

Movies in Review: "This Means War"

The opening sequence of this movie had me ready to walk out. The action sequence was all over the place and unrealistic. It played out like a bad video game, and the dialogue was even worse...smh. I guess it was more Romantic Comedy than Action because the action was weak, the romantic comedy was on point. The action storyline was weak, but the romantic storyline made up for it.

I absolutely love almost everything about Tom Hardy...ummmmm except for maybe that over sized front tooth that kept drawing my attention every time he opened his mouth. Come on! Has no one recommended a dentist to this young man yet. If not, let me be the first...Tome Hardy I love you to death, but you need to get that grin fixed ASAP...Now continuing with review...Hardy is sweet as can be as Tuck (love that name...lol). He's the type of dude you would love to meet. Chris Pine plays his partner and best friend FDR. I thought Pine was cute in Star Trek, but his head overwhelmed the screen in this movie...lol...I'm just sayin. Pine and Hardy worked well together as they find themselves in a love triangle with Lauren Scott played by Reese Witherspoon. I was not looking forward to seeing Witherspoon, as I have found her recent performances to be more than underwhelming. But she was better than ever. She captured what we loved about her in Legally Blonde, but made it better and fitting for this character. She was uber cute and funny. Chelsea Handler plays her best friend Trish, and I have to say that Handler was one who kept me into this movie. I couldn't wait to hear what she was going to say or do next. She had me dying with laughter...Thank You Chelsea!

This movie isn't all that. Just a warning to the fellas, it's more chick flick than action. This isn't the type of movie you would run out and see, but its something that is fun and cute enough to pass the time at a discount theatre, or as a rental...B- (disclaimer: This rating may seem a bit high Im actually borderline on a C with this one, but the comedy aspect kept it at a B for me. I actually left the theatre smiling, so that says alot...lol)

Movies in Review(DOCUMENTARY): "Undefeated"

Oh how I enjoy documentaries. Its a way of getting slapped in the face with a taste of a reality outside of your own, which in my opinion, may offer a new perspective on life. This is exactly what this documentary did. It follows the Memphis Manassas Tigers HS football team as they try to have a winning season, after suffering years of losses. Within the first 10 min you will find yourself shaking your head as the coach is running down the 1st 2wks of practice with his team, which included 4 players either being shot or arrested...omg. Now that's a dose of reality folks...

Bill Courtney is the coach who has volunteered six yrs of his life to try to change this program and the young men who are in it. It is amazing to see how much these young men, who could care less about anybody, let alone themselves, and have the utmost respect for their coach. Some players which we are given a closer look into their own personal lives are Money, O.C. Brown, and Chavis. All are dealing with very similar circumstances, but each one handles them very differently. All I know is that you will find yourself vested in these young athletes. I found myself shedding tears of joy and pain. Their football journey seems short, but its no easy fete when its an uphill climb. If you find this documentary playing in your area, do not let it pass you by. If it doesn't come your way, make it as definite rental...A-

Movies in Review: "Safe House"

WHooooooo...he still got it! Although I was looking forward to this film, I still felt I would leave disappointed. I am happy to say that I wasn't disappointed at all! As good as Denzel looked in the trailer, I was a little skeptical about his character coming off the same way in the movie. I thought I would feel the disappointment I felt about American Gangster. Denzel is the freakin MAN! Ryan Reynolds did his thing too...I can't leave that out.

This action thriller wasn't short on action or thrills, just the way we like an action thriller to be. From the opening sequence you are filled with anticipation of what is going to happen. Then once the action gets rolling, its non-stop. You will find yourself trying to put the pieces together, wondering if Denzel's character is on the up and up, or actually a bad guy. But while you're waiting to find that out, you will be engulfed as you see his and Reynold's characters pull off some pretty awesome fight/action sequences. At the age of 57, Denzel doesn't miss a beat! Denzel has always played this type of character well so he wasn't hard to believe in this role. However we are use to seeing Reynold's in more comedy roles, and I was a little unsure about him for this movie. Needless to say, Reynolds fresh look, and naive presence worked well for him as Matt Weston, a new CIA operative who has had little field work experience. Some of his fight scenes bordered on unbelievable, but they bordered just slightly...so no worries. This movie had my stomach in knots and I wold love to see it again. Mainly just so I can look at both Denzel, who flashes those pearly whites all over the place in this movie, and Reynolds who is just too damn cute for words. Ladies if you need help in deciding if you should see this film, I have added some encouragement below. Men your are going to love it regardless...A!

Movies in Review: "The Vow"

I guess I shouldn't be shocked that this is the #1 movie this weekend, especially since its Valentine's Day weekend. I had fun watching this movie at 4pm this Saturday and see the theatre filled with groups of girlfriends, or guys with girls who had dragged them to this movie, knowing that they actually preferred to be watching "Safe House" in the next theatre...lol.

With Channing as the lead, even though he was starring alongside my beloved McAdams, I did not expect to enjoy this movie...but I am happy to say that I did...ALOT. Awwwwwweeeeee (WARNING:men the "awe" is a clear sign that this is a chick flick) it was sooooooo cute :). We all know that there isn't much to dislike about McAdams, if you can find anything to dislike at all. Tatum was the one who was causing me the problem, but I'm happy to say he was perfect in this movie. I think he plays in romantic drama/comedies well, I think its the genres that has his characters stepping out of his comfort zone that gives him the problem. Tatum seemed to be playing his natural self, which worked and came across well. I thought he and McAdams welded well together and made my heart melt. I fell in love with the two of them and their story.

The girls will love it as they sit there wishing for a love like McAdams's and Tatum's characters. Guys take the girl you love, and she will either leave the theatre hating you because you are nothing like Tatum's character, or if you are doing everything right, she will leave falling in love with you all over again...lol. Ladies you are going to love it regardless, unless you're jaded, if not, make it a night out with the girls...A-

Movies in Review: "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island"

Oh how I tire of Dwayne Johnson "The Rock" playing in these PG kids movies. I think your talents and skills could be used elsewhere Mr Johnson. These roles do not work for you at all my dear...so please stop it...smh. But if it makes you feel any better, I am looking forward to seeing you in the new GI Joe movie :D!

Well needless to say, I was not a fan of this film. I thought the story was uber lame, but I'm wondering if that has anything to do with the fact that I didn't see the 1st one...hmmmmmmm....Regardless the adventure wasn't as fun as I hoped it would be from the trailer. The Rock sounded like he was reading from a parenting manual with every line he spoke. Kristin Davis (Sex in the City) had a small role as the mother of the character Sean, and she wasn't believable. Vanessa Hudgens continues to prove herself as a very unworthy actress in this role where she feels the need to over extend herself...smh. My favorite character was played by Luis Guzman, who plays the goofy father of Hudgens character comically well. I rarely find fault in Guzman, so I may be a little bias...lol.

Although I had an utter distaste for this movie, the kids in the theatre were delightfully cheering. But I think that had more to do with the fact that they were just happy to be at the movies...lol. If your an adult trying to see this film, get the free bootleg. If you pay anything more your just gonna be pissed...D

Movies in Review: "Chronicle"

If Chronicle is any inclination that the movie slump of January is over, then I'd say we are headed in the right direction. This movie wasn't perfect, but had enough great elements to make it a worthwhile film.

To me the best part about this movie was the way it was filmed, which made for some pretty awesome shots. It's filmed like a documentary, as the character Andrew never goes anywhere without his camera. There are also great film shots from the camera of the character Casey who carries her camera for her blog. Andrew however finds security with his camera, and as a result we are able to get a close view of who he is and what his life is like. Wow does this kid take a beating.

Once the 3 main characters Andrew, Steve, and Matt get their superhuman abilities we have fun watching them explore and fully develop their powers. I thought the director did a great job capturing this exploration as wise-cracking, teenage pranksters. It really felt as if you were watching a teenager's own documented film of him and his friends. You will find yourself loving each character, and engrossed in Andrew's own personal life. The only part that lacked for me was the ending. The action sequences at the end, though fun to watch, seemed to lack real reason and substance. I haven't seen a movie with an ending that felt complete in a while, and this is another one. But no worries, other than that this movie was pretty fun to watch...B+