Movies in Review: "Men in Black 3"

I really can't tell you how shocked I am to be writing this, but I absolutely loved this movie. My expectations for this film must have been lower than I thought, although I thought the trailers for this installment had potential. It was Josh Brolin who kept my interest in seeing this film. Him playing a younger K was something I was interested in seeing him pull off, especially since I already enjoyed Tommy Lee Jones. For me it was never the characters that lacked in the earlier films, it was the overall story, which was usually filled with more slime and nonsense than a grown person could handle. All I have to say is that they finally got it right in Men in Black 3.

I think the story was able to develop so well because there wasn't an excessive amount of alien creatures involved. There is the focus of one villain in this film, all other alien features did their part in helping the story along instead of overwhelming it. My favorite alien character was Griffin. His role in the film made sense, and he was the most entertaining to watch. I really hope his character is featured for the next installment. I also loved Josh Brolin. He hit his charter on the nail as the younger Agent K. It really felt like you were watching a younger Tommy Lee Jones, so inserting Brolin did nothing to mess up character dynamics. Will Smith did his thing as I expected, so no complaints there.

I think this franchise would have benefited more if they had started off as good as this 3rd on was. I know many people aren't really looking forward to this film because of the previous installments, but I honestly say give this one a chance. Please don't go in expecting something different from what was given to you before. This film still has the same format, but they finally got it right. Its still corny at point, but in the end you will feel like it all made sense. This one made me smile and left me satisfied, and some of that may have to do with the scene of Will Smith in a wife-beater playing over and over in my head...I'm just saying. I believe the teenagers will love it because there are some really incredibly gadgets, and of course weird aliens doing weird stuff that they seem to like. The women will love it because of Will Smith and Josh Brolin, and the end of the story will probably have them on the verge of tears. I would recommend men to be a little open-minded when going into the theatre. And with that being said, I still recommend it...B+!

Movies in Review: "Battleship"

Who reading this really thought this movie was going to be any good?...Well it seems the answer would be no one, including me.The trailer for this film looked like it would fall into the same circle as "Skyline" and "Battle LA", filled with explosives, and nothing else to back it up. However the film was being marketed with high box office expectations. I honestly would fire the people who actually felt that this movie would be anything but a flop. With a production budget of over $200 million, this movie came in an abysmal 2nd place with only $25million in ticket sales...smh. I'm thinking I should start charging and campaigning myself to producers for my expertise. They could have saved millions in marketing if they had just asked me my opinion first...lol...I'm just sayin. I didn't love this movie, but I did think it was definitely better than Skyline.

The story wasn't great...shocker, but the movie had some interesting elements. I enjoyed the double amputee Canales. He wasn't the strongest actor, but there was something about him that I enjoyed...his attitude. I am surprised to be writing this, but Rihanna wasn't horrible. She seemed to fit into her character naturally, and she made other characters around her better. To be very honest the movie was a disaster and made almost no sense, but it had the strength from a number of characters to at least make it entertaining. One of my favorite scenes was the one in which the US Navy Veterans were put to work on the Battleship.

If you enjoy watching things blow up, then this is the movie might be for you, but to be very honest even some of those scenes were lack-luster. If you're looking for a great movie, pass this one by because it's really not worth all the hoopla they put behind it. Although entertaining, it lacked in so many areas to make it a true blockbuster hit...C-

Movies in Review: "The Dictator"

I'm sorry, but you either love or hate Sacha Baron Cohen's comedy style. I am one who happens to love it.  His comedy style is unlike like any other, so there is always great unexpected surprises.

My review for this movie is short and sweet. I think when you step into one of Sacha Baron Cohen's films you know what to expect. I would be disappointed only if I walked out of the theatre without laughing. Baron didn't disappoint with this one. It was filled with all the hilarious scenes from the trailer, and more. Anna Faris isn't one of my favorite actresses, but her and Baron made a comical pair.

Baron is a fool, and the audience loves him. There is something enjoyable about a comedy that has an entire audience cracking up. This isn't the funniest film that I have seen this year, but it is funny. If you feel like watching nonsense, and having a good laugh while doing it, I recommend this movie...B

Movies in Review: "What to Expect When Your Expecting"

I was honestly expecting this movie to be a little more humorous. It had some laughs, but fewer than I expected. It was a cute movie, but I think it may have suffered from a case of cast overload. It had waaaaayyyyy too many characters, who all had different stories. I don't believe each character's story was developed enough, but I guess they wanted to keep the focus on the pregnancies of the characters.

Each character touched on different pregnancy scenarios...the good, the bad, and the ugly. My favorite characters were Elizabeth Banks and Rebel Wilson (Bridesmaids). Honestly if it wasn't for them, the movie wouldn't have been funny at all. The "Men's Group" was cute, but wasn't half as funny as the trailer made them look. Honestly a lot of their jokes fell flat and the only thing keeping their scene alive was Chris Rock's young son, who was hilariously all over the place.

This movie is a chick flick, but there are elements the men will enjoy. Its cute enough to catch a $6 movie, but I recommend you lower your expectations. This movie is cute, unfortunately just not extraordinary...B-

Movies in Review: "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"

The cast alone was enough to get me on board for this film. Anything starring Judi Dench likely guarantees me a seat in the theatre. All other cast members were added bonuses to a film that looked like an entertaining treat.

I am happy to say that I got all that I expected from this film. This movie was such a joy to watch. It wasn't overly exciting. It was like a coming of age story for senior citizens. I enjoyed the development of each character's personal story, although it seemed a bit rushed at the beginning. However this doesn't ruin the film. The characters have so much life, and I didn't find a dull moment in the movie.

This movie is a fun watch. If you catch a matinee, you won't find yourself disappointed. It's an easy-going film that will likely put a smile on your face...B+

Movies in Review: "Dark Shadows"

Love, Love, Love Johnny Depp to pieces. If his name is listed in the cast, I am there, no matter how unappetizing the trailer looks. Again Depp is playing another quirky character that has you wondering what he's all about. He plays these characters so well, and I found myself looking forward to seeing this movie for this reason alone. Not to mention Michelle Pfeiffer was his co-star, and was looking better than ever in the trailer.


Well the movie whose trailer let little to be desired was exactly that. Tim Burton did a nice job visually, but the story had no substance. I was honestly asking myself why the money was waisted for this release. As far as Depp, I was not disappointed. I guess he did the best he could with what was given. Barnabas Collins was actually a fun character, but he wasn't as interesting as an Edward Scissorhands (and I think that I may have been look for that). Although I liked Depp, I disliked Pfeiffer. As good as she looked she was stiff as a board and every line she spoke seemed scripted. She looked uncomfortable and out of place in a few scenes. Helena Bonham Carter was great as always, but I think it would have helped if she received more screen time, and Pfeiffer less. I thought Chloe Grace Moretz's character was over the top, but her hair was absolutely gorgeous.


All in all this movie was a major disappointment. It was weird, and had a number of scenes that left you hanging and wondering the purpose. If you're a Depp fan I still wouldn't recommend you waste your money to see this one...D

Movies in Review: "Girl in Progress"

This movie may not be on a number of viewers radar. It had a limited release this weekend, and so far hasn't been receiving positive reviews. I went to see the film because I wanted to see how Eva Mendes would do as a lead, and I actually thought the trailer was cute enough.

Well no matter what critics say, I happened to be one of the one's who enjoyed it. Eva Mendes was great, but it was the young actress Cierra Ramirez who played her teenage daughter who stole the show. This young actress had a presence on screen that had you vested in her wish to have her mother take interest in her. It was a teenage coming of age story that had many of the same elements as others, but the young actors/actresses cast added their own quirkiness that made it interesting. The story fell a little short on the development of Mendes and her daughter's characters. It would have been nice to get a little more background on their situation. The movie opens with her daughter already at the point of no return with her mother's behavior. However, the lack of development doesn't ruin the movie for me. I was able to get an idea of what may have happened before the opening scene.

This movie is a tween chick flick. I felt strange seeing grown men in there watching this movie alone. This is a movie that would be great for a mother/daughter, or young girl and her friends. There is no need to rush out and buy a ticket. It's cute, but definitely Redbox value...C+

Movies in Review: "The Avengers"

The movie that everyone has anticipated since last year has finally been released. The Avengers frenzy has outdone anything I've heard from a movie release. I was getting many calls and text messages from friends who found themselves turning away from the theaters because of the crowds...smh. I went to the movies today considerably early trying to catch a 140pm show, only to find that it was sold out as well as all the shows after until 1120pm...wow. Luckily there are plenty of theatre choices in NYC, so I quickly moved to my next destination. I was able to get a ticket, and 40min before the show was scheduled to start people were already lined up outside. Everyone was excited and filled with anticipation.  And the cutest thing walked in the lined behind me, a father dressed like Captain America with shield in hand, and his two young sons both dressed like the Hulk...lol. Sorry to say I was unable to get a pic :(. Sooooooo was it worth it...........

It was cool. The movie had a corniness about it that irked e a little, but it didn't ruin the movie for me. I enjoyed all the characters, except Nick Fury...smh. I love you Samuel L. Jackson, but you are part of the corniness that I am referring too. I honestly didn't believe him as the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. I don't know, he just wasn't doing it for me :/. But thank goodness everyone else was amazing. My favorite characters were Tony Stark and The Hulk...absolutely hilarious. Mark Ruffalo you did your thing as David Banner. I was exceptionally pleased especially since I was still wishing for Edward Norton...lol.

Captain America as I predicted got outdone in every scene that included Iron Man or Thor. But that is to be expected since his powers don't compare to the other two. However I did like that the film worked to expose what makes Captain America so special. He is fearless and a natural born leader, and that is the place he took in the film...loved that. The characters were great separately but even better together.

I enjoyed the film very much. Hopefully with the 2nd installment we are able to get introduced to other great characters, hopefully to replace Fury, and Black Widow...I'm sorry, but they weren't my favorites. This movie has violence, but is still great for the kids, especially if you have sons. This movie will provide a family outing that everyone will enjoy. I was hoping to catch it in IMAX 3D, but it was sold out, and I had to settle for just 3D. The visuals are great so spending the extra cash for IMAX is worth it...A-