Monday, July 26, 2010

The Kids are Alright

☆☆☆☆


+
In this well-acted (expect a nomination or two) and endearing dramedy Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore) have two children (conceived by artificial insemination) and are in a long-term relationship that is tested when the kids decide to contact their donor father (Mark Ruffalo).
_
The storyline related to Jules’ indiscretion perpetuates the idea that being gay is a choice.

Rated R
1 hr. 44 min.

Visit "The Kids are Alright" Movie Site

















Saturday, July 24, 2010

Salt

☆☆☆1/2

+
An action-packed mystery thriller (full of twists and turns) that answers the question, “Is Evelyn Salt (dynamic performance by Angelina Jolie) a CIA officer loyal to the United States or a Russian spy?”
_
In a wild chase scene, there is just no way the CIA agents would be able to keep up with Salt as she jumps from a freeway overpass to the top of a semi…then to the top of another vechile…

The ending points to a “Salt” sequel.

Rated PG-13
1 hr. 40 min.

Click Here to Visit the Official Movie Site





Wednesday, July 21, 2010

The Girl Who Played With Fire (Flickan som lekte med elden)

☆☆☆1/2

+
In this mystery thriller (and strong sequel to “The Girl…Tattoo”) Lisbeth (excellent performance by Noomi Rapace) and Mikael (Michael Nyqvist) get involved in an investigation, to expose a sex-trafficking ring and clear Lisbeth of murder charges.
_
Swedish with English subtitles

This one is for adults only (violence, rape, strong sexual content, nudity and language).

Rated R
2 hr. 9 min.

www.dragontattoofilm.com





Sunday, July 18, 2010

Inception

☆☆☆☆1/2

+
Leonardo DiCaprio, as Dom Cobb a thief skilled in stealing secrets in an individual’s dream state, leads an all-star cast (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Ken Watanabe, Cillian Murphy, and Marion Cotillard) in this exciting sci-fi thriller with a perfect ending.
_
Some may find the story confusing (and a little long)…stick with it and the details will be revealed as the film progresses.

Moviegoers will be talking about this one after leaving the theater.

Rated PG-13
2 hr. 28 min.

www.inceptionmovie.com





Friday, July 16, 2010

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

☆☆1/2

+
Nicolas Cage stars as Balthazar Blake a sorcerer living in present-day Manhattan…searching for his magical protégé. After finding and training Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel) in the art of magic they set out to defend the city from Blake’s arch-nemesis.

The special effects steal the show in this fantasy adventure.
_

Maybe if we recast a few actors, change the script, and add more magic…it would be better.


Rated PG
1 hr. 52 min.

www.sorcerersapprentice.com






Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Despicable Me

☆☆☆1/2

+
In this animated comedy, the world's greatest villain Gru (Steve Carell) plans to steal the moon, but three orphan girls get in the way.

Steve Carell adds the fun in an outstanding performance, but Elsie Fisher as Agnes gets the biggest laughs…”It’s so fluffy. I’m going to die!”

_
Don’t leave too early…stay through the credits.

2-D…3-D…you decide?

Rated PG
1 hr. 35 min.

www.despicable.me






Sunday, July 11, 2010

I Am Love (Lo Sono L'amore)

☆☆☆

+
Set in Milan, Italy this dramatic love story follows, wife and mother, Emma Recchi (Tilda Swinton) as she pursues a risky passion.

Tilda Swinton gives a flawless performance (in Italian).

The cinematography is beautiful…

_

but may be considered heavy-handed and self-conscience.

This film lacks character development and emotional depth…I expected to be moved.

Rated R
2 hr.

www.iamlovemovie.com




Monday, July 5, 2010

Cyrus

☆☆☆

+
In this enjoyable dramatic comedy, John (John C. Reilly), a divorcee with no social life, meets Molly (the pitch-perfect Marisa Tomei). Although she appears to be the perfect woman, John discovers there is another man in her life.

The craziness begins as we get to know the other man, Cyrus (Jonah Hill).
_
The relationship between Molly and her son Cyrus is unusual and bordering on disturbing.

Rated R
1 hr. 32 min.

www.cyrus




Sunday, July 4, 2010

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

☆☆☆

+
In the third installment of the “Twilight Saga,” while several mysterious murders are taking place in Seattle, Bella (Kristen Stewart) must choose between her vampire boyfriend Edward (Robert Pattinson) and her werewolf friend Jacob (Taylor Lautner).

The “newborns” storyline and the extra action make this romantic fantasy a little more fun.

-
Dialogue, meant to be serious, had viewers laughing throughout the film.

Put shirts on Jacob and the pack…it’s just gratuitous.


Rated PG-13
2 hr. 4 min.

www.eclipsethemovie.com





The Last Airbender

☆☆

+
In M. Night Shyamalan’s fantasy adventure, the Fire nation has declared war on the Air, Water, and Earth nations. Aang, the young Avatar, must develop his skills and stop the Fire Nation.

Strong special effects are key in this family film.
-
Confusing plot, silly dialogue, and some terrible acting ruin this movie.

Save your money…it’s not necessary to see “The…Airbender” in 3-D.
The craze has taken over to allow studios to charge more money.


Rated PG
1 hr. 43 min.

www.thelastairbendermovie.com





Thursday, July 1, 2010

Winter's Bone

☆☆☆☆

+
In this award winning (Best Picture Sundance Film Festival), well-acted, engaging, dramatic thriller, Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence), who lives in the Ozark Mountains with her brother, sister, and sick mother, faces great danger as she searches for her drug-dealing father.

The story provides hope,

-
but this is not a happy film…may even be considered grim.

A little more of an emotional connection would make this a perfect film.


Rated R
1 hr. 40 min.


www.wintersbonemovie.com