Movies in Review: "The Watch"

So The Watch was about the only major released film this weekend, but I still don't think that this fact will help it with opening box office sales. I wasn't in a hurry to see this movie, and only watched it because it was the only new release. Although its a comedy, the trailer didn't look very funny to me. Just as I thought, this movie is just luke warm in the comedy category.

I am a fan of Jonah Hill in comedic roles, and I've yet to be disappointed by him...until now. I don't know what it was. Maybe Vince Vaughn overpowered everyone, or this was how his character was directed, but he wasn't very funny. I chuckled here and there, but it seemed as if Hill's charter was being held back. I did however find Vaughn to be the most comical. I am an on and off fan of Vaughn, but I did like him in this movie. Ben Stiller is the same as he is in all of his comedic movies. He makes the same facial expressions, and is so mechanical that it is hard to differentiate his characters from one another...eh.

You would be a fool to go into the theatre expecting a phenomenal story. You have to go into the theatre expecting nonsense and a good laugh. Well this movie is packed full of nonsense but the laughs are more infrequent. I would wait for a rental on this one. It's not the best comedy I have seen this summer, and in my opinion your money would be better spent to see Ted...C

Movies in Review: "Killer Joe"

I can honestly say that the words on the trailer poster really say it all, "A totally twisted deep fried Texas redneck trailer park murder story", because this is exactly what it was...and more. It was very interesting to see the level an NC-17 rating puts a movie on. I guess I forgot how far more graphic the story can get. So you should have seen my face for the opening scene...lol.

It was hard to get bored while watching this movie because scenes would just shock me back into the story. The story is interesting and complicated to keep you interested in the ending. I enjoyed McConaughey's performance in this one, almost as much as I enjoyed him in Lincoln Lawyer. He is not one of my favorite actors, but as of late, he has chosen roles that he really shines in. Some of the scenes made me uncomfortable, but I guess that is to be expected from an NC-17 rating. One thing is for sure, this movie will hand you more surprises than any movie you have seen in a while.

I can honestly say that I enjoyed the story, but it lost me at the end. This movie ended so oddly in my opinion. It was like a non-ending. You know how credits start to roll and your left without closure...yeah this movie ended like that. It didn't ruin the movie, but just left me a little frustrated. If this movie is playing in your area, do yourself a favor and go see it...B

Movies in Review: "Ruby Sparks"

I was looking forward to this movie. I felt the trailer revealed a very interesting love story that was different from any story that I have seen in a while. I am happy to say that this movie gave me everything I was expecting. It is a uber cute chick flick.

This film was written by Zoe Kazan who also stars as the main character Ruby Sparks. I felt that this film was very well written and Kazan couldn't have been more perfect as Ruby. She was cute, and had such great energy. I thought that she captured her character perfectly. Her boyfriend was cast as the writer Calvin. The chemistry between the two was obviously very natural, and made the movie enjoyable to watch. The only odd character to me was Chris Messina who was cast as Calvin's brother Harry. It was odd because Messina and Dano look nothing alike. But Messina's performance was so great, that the fact that they didn't really look like brothers was a passing thought.

Annette Benning and Antonio Banderas made appearances. I am always down to see Banderas, and of course he never disappoints. He was quite adorable in this film, and he and Annette just added more star power to an already decent movie. I lucked up and went to a showing where the lead Paul Dano stopped by for a quick Q&A with viewers. Such a nice treat. I enjoyed this movie, but you would like it more in the comfort of your home. It's a chick flick, but I still think men wouldn't mind a rental of this. Very well written, and great performances...B+

Movies in Review: "The Dark Knight Rises"

This was the most anticipated movie of the summer for me. Without a doubt I thought I would claim this as the best movie of the summer when I walked out of the theatre. With a 3hr running time I was expecting to be taken on the best ride of my life. Well...unfortunately this movie did not meet my expectations at all. I wish someone would step to me because of my views, because I honestly don't have too many positive things to say.

When the movie started, I can't say I really understood what the hell was going on. I was totally confused about all the memorials being held for Harvey Dent AKA Two Face. From what I remember he didn't die at the end of the last movie, but was not represented at all in this film. But no worries, that was no big deal because the villain Bane was more than enough...kinda. This villain had so much potential, but in my opinion was not given full opportunity to shine. Maybe this is because the story was a little all over the place and had no real focus. There was really too much going on, that made for chaos.

There was a great deal of focus of Bruce Wayne coming out of hiding with a number of ailments to overcome...smh. There was also the addition of the cat burglar played by Anne Hathaway. Her infusion to the story caused a little confusion for me and I wonder if she was actually necessary if there we already had Bane. I can't say I felt this installment was better than the previous with Heath Ledger as the joker. I was expecting to be amazed, but instead found myself underwhelmed. Unlike The Dark Knight, the action and gadgets were also lacking. There was the introduction of only 1 new gadget, which I wasn't too impressed with. I was expecting great action sequences, but instead was bored to death with fist fights, and gun battles...lame.

I was upset that I was unable to catch this movie in IMAX, but after seeing it, was happy that I saved a few extra dollars. This installment is definitely not worth the extra dough. For all of you expecting to get that same feeling that Dark Knight gave us, will find themselves disappointed. I honestly found myself falling asleep more than once. As I was watching, I kept trying to hold on hoping it would get better. It didn't...until the end. I can say that I did like the ending, or maybe I was just happy for it to be over...lol. I was hoping to give this movie rave reviews, but it hurts me that this is not the case. I know most of us rushed to be one of the first to see it. For those of you that decided to wait out the crowd, good decision...C+ :(

Please leave a comment and let me know how you enjoyed this film. I honestly was going to give this movie a better grade, but I just couldn't force myself to do it...

Movies in Review: "Ice Age: Continental Drift"

Oh how I savor and look forward to weekends like this when there is only one major movie release, and nothing Independent out worth seeing. Don't get me wrong, I love my movies and giving these reviews, but sometimes a sista needs a break! I'm sorry, but I'm just saying...lol. Ok so after getting that off my chest, I am pleased to give you my thoughts on the 4th Ice Age movie installment...

I know many of you are over the sequels for Ice Age. You are interested in seeing another Ice Age like you're interested in another Shrek movie. Well for all you adults trying to be judgmental about this series, let me remind you that these movie are not for you, they are for the kids...so get over yourselves. The theatre I watched this movie in, the kids enjoyed it, and let me also say, so did the adults. This movie had the adults cracking up, including myself. This 4th installment, in my opinion, was the most humorous. It had the return of all your favorite characters, with plenty of addictions. In my opinion...too many additions.

The addition of Peaches is understandable as the offspring of Manny and Ellie. It was the unnecessary additions of Drake and Nicki Minaj that was a little blah to me. It seemed that producers were interested in reaching a tween audience by adding these two. There were so many other new characters that some favorites like the two possums Crash and Eddie, who made the 1st movie so enjoyable, hardly got any shine. But they were smart to give Sid more shine and even add his granny, who is played by Wanda Sykes. She was my favorite new character, and I hope they keep her in future sequels, if there are any. Leguizamo and Sykes kept this movie entertaining and worth watching.

I enjoyed this movie, and left the theatre smiling. I loved hearing the audience laugh out loud and clap as the credits rolled. I honestly don't think another Ice Age is necessary. If they were to end this series here, I would say they ended it on a good note. This movie is good family fun, and entertaining enough that adults without kids will find enjoyment in it...B-

Movies in Review: "The Amazing Spider Man"

Nothing I have to say about this movie is real deep, it's more simple. I really can't understand why the big wigs behind this unnecessary remake felt it necessary to put so much money and time behind this movie. I am over the Spider Man Franchise, and The Amazing Spider Man was far less amazing than it was overly theatrical and dull.

Although I enjoyed the cast performances in this version better than the 3 Spider Man installments starring Tobey Maguire, the story had nothing new or exciting to offer. The writing was horrible and me catching a few winks more than on one occasion. Long and boring is an understatement. No one in the theatre seemed to be impressed by this remake. And as far as the 3D feature, they are pretty non-existent. I watched over 85% of the movie with my 3D glasses on the top of my head.

This version was hokie (yeah I just got country on you), but to make it clear, it's not worth paying to see in the theatre. Wait for it on a local tv station. It was ok at best, but to keep it plain, you've seen it before...C-

Movies in Review: "Savages"

Well it seems that Oliver Stones latest flick did not register with movie goers. It ranked a disappointing 4th, only bringing in 16.1 in ticket sales...smh. I wonder what it was that turned many movie goers off. I was personally intrigued by the trailer. It had all the elements I look for in a movie, a decent story, action, and a great cast that includes Selma Hayeck and Benico Del Toro. I can't say what was missing to get viewers into the theatre, but I was anticipating this movie more than The Amazing Spider Man.

I can honestly say I was happy with this movie until the ending sequence. It was sexual, which didn't bother me, it worked with the movie. There is a deep violence element, which kept the movie interesting. The story got a little lost, and wasn't as tight as it needed to be, but it was easy to follow. Blake Lively had to be my least favorite character. It is obvious she was put in the movie for sex appeal. I honestly found her annoying and unfit for this character. I think her character need someone stronger. I was hoping for her to suffer a detrimental death just so I could feel like it was worth the time I had spent to watch her on screen...I know...that was mean...oh well.

However what Lively lacked Selma Hayek definitely made up for. Hayek was amazing and looked even better. If it weren't for her and Del Toro, this movie might have found itself more fit for the dogs. Oliver Stone needs to recognize how to leave well enough alone. The dual ending to this film only killed the ending as a whole. When I felt like I may have been ok with the 1st ending, the 2nd came along and left a bitter taste in my mouth for both.

So like I said at the beginning of this review, I enjoyed this movie up until the end. Unfortunately an ending can make or break a movie for me, but luckily for Stone, this ending only left me bruised. For the most part, this movie was entertaining and I was interested to see how it would end. Too bad it didn't end as strongly as I hoped, but it wasn't an epic fail...kinda...C+

Movies in Review: "Ted"

I wasn't really on board with this movie mainly because I'm not a fan of Mark Wahlberg in comedic roles. Yes I'm saying it...I did not like The Other Guys...so there! Imagine my surprise when I found myself cracking the hell up!

I enjoyed this comedy, and it was obvious that it was a hit with all the audience members. EVERYONE was cracking up! This movie is funny as hell. Finally a comedy that got the comedy part right. Mila, Wahlberg, and Macfarlane were a great team for this comedy. Of course I'm not going to lie, Ted was the best part about this movie. The stuff this bear was doing had everyone rolling.

The only complaint I had were the racial jokes that fell flat at times...How did you like that "Cristal" reference? Some may take some offense to some of the jokes...fair warning. This movie was the most enjoyable flick I watched this weekend, and a comedy that is worth the ticket price...B+

Movies in Review: "Magic Mike"

I was shocked when I saw that critic reviews were mostly on the positive side for this film. The trailer already had my interest because I would never turn down the opportunity to see half naked men strut their stuff on the big screen. If the storyline was decent, then this would be an added bonus. After seeing the positive reviews, I became even more excited to see it.

All the women in the theatre cheered in anticipation of what was to come in the opening scene, however by the end there was no applause. The movie wasn't horrible, but not great either. They should have cut 20-30min out of this movie, because parts of the storyline seemed to drag the movie down. It was cool watching the male dancers performances, but by the 5th performance, I was over it. Yes I understand that this was the premise of the movie, but I was hoping for a little more depth.

The actors cast as the male dancers were ok, but didn't have me drooling. The only one who had any moves at all was Channing Tatum. I'm not a fan of Tatum, but when he takes on a role that fits him, my mind has a way of changing. This role was great for Tatum and fit him well. No one would ever deny that this guy has a great body, and even better moves. His dancing was the only thing worth looking at during the performance scenes. Another element that also helped Tatum to shine is that he wasn't the worst actor cast in this movie. Cody Horn the actress who played Brooke lacked depth. She was flat and had problems delivering emotions with her eyes. She looked empty when the camera focused on an emotion on her face...blah.

This movie is for the women and my male compadres who are in to men. Let me warn you, you may feel a rush in the opening scene, but that soon will fade as you reach a point of exhaustion by the end of the film...C+

Movies in Review: "Madea's Witness Protection"

For all you non-Tyler Perry fans please save your breath and complaints about all of Tyler Perry's movies playing out the same. It is what it is, and this movie falls in line with the rest of them. When I go to see Perry's films I know that I am going to get the same format, I just want the movie to be funny, and have a half way decent story, if I also get a great acting performance, then thats a bonus. So how did this one measure up? It was ok...

It wasn't his worse. I definitely enjoyed this movie better than Madea Goes to Jail, or Madea's Family Reunion...awful. The story was cool, but nothing grand. The one thing I enjoyed the most about this movie is that the character Madea was a big part of the story. She was the most entertaining element in this movie. The most annoying element however was Romeo. Again Perry always has a problem in all his movies with one of his characters laying it on too thick. Romeo was the culprit this time. He almost ruined the movie. Every scene he was in I cringed. I wanted him to be good, but unfortunately he was just awful.

I have nothing great to say about this movie. I would never call it a must see, but it wasn't a bad watch. If you're a Tyler Perry fan and need to get your fix, try checking this as a matinee. All others who are not as pressed, waiting for this to hit your local Redbox might be your smartest move...C

Movies in Review: "People Like Us"

This movie only had a running time of 2hrs, but it definitely felt like this movie ran longer than was necessary. I'm not trying to say it was a bad movie. I enjoyed the story, but a little more editing would have helped...

Chris Pine's story was a little over saturated for me. His story involved debt, problems with the job, problems with his family, and his relationship. It was impossible for them to clear everything up by the end of the movie, and some of his issues were not touched on enough. His story could have used the most editing. I enjoyed Elizabeth Banks character's addition to the story. I enjoyed her performance and felt that she kept the movie afloat. Her son Ted played by Mark Duplass is one of the strongest young actors I have seen in a while. I hope to see more of him because he is a pretty amazing actor. Michelle Pfeifer is a natural beauty. She didn't look a day over 40. Her character wasn't developed enough in my opinion, or her relationship with her son played by Chris Pine. Her character's screen time was limited...unfortunately. However when she was on screen, she was great. I definitely enjoyed her performance in this film alot more than her performances in Dark Shadows.

All in all, not a bad movie, just nothing you'd have any interest in running to the theatre to see. Its more of a rental flick. I admit I was bored here and there, but the ending didn't disappoint...C+