White House Down (2013)

Another ridiculous Hollywood action flick featuring the destruction of the White House.

Rating: D-

In A Better World (Hævnen) (2010)

A story about anger, restraint, forgiveness, and revenge. There is some powerful imagery here, but the pacing often drags to a crawl. Ultimately I didn’t care for the film all the much.

Rating: C-

The Brave One (2007)

Not Jodie's finest moment. Maybe her bloodiest? She looks terrible in this film—I think it's the hair. Her revenge killings aren't as rewarding as I hoped they'd be. Perhaps because they are too random. This film didn't jive well for me. I need to see Panic Room again. A much much better film.

Rating: C

22 Jump Street (2014)

Plenty of funny and dumb moments throughout. At least they were self-aware about being a ridiculous sequel. Could have been much worse.

Rating: C

Daredevil (2003)

We got to see the usual backstory of our hero. It may be part of the superhero formula, but at least it provides some depth to the main character. The action and special f/x were great. Their interpretation of his sonar sight was pretty cool, and I liked the creativity used in turning his walking stick into a deadly weapon.

This film won me over by not making things look too cartoony and fake. They at least tried to keep things based in reality. I appreciate that.

Rating: C+

Total Recall (2012)

I need Total Recall to remember all the plot holes this film contained. Nice visuals though.

Rating: D+

San Andreas (2015)

Complete scientific lunacy paired with a nonsensical script. What can I say, I’m a sucker for disaster movies. This wasn’t a good one.

Rating: D

Time Bandits (1981)

For some reason, I had heard, or maybe recalled this movie being good. Dwarfs hobble around through time and space robbing people until they face off against the master of evil. Yeah, whatever. The cheesiest of special f/x and camera tricks.

Rating: D

Day Watch (Dnevnoy Dozor) (2006)

These films could be fine Russian jewels if they didn't have a bunch of Vodka swilling monkeys, cranking out the dialogue and storyline. The director is a visual and special effects wizard, but all the talent in the world can't save a film from sucking if nobody bothered to proofread the script. Bring this guy to Hollywood ASAP, and pair him up with some decent writers. I bet the results will be amazing.

Rating: D

12 Years A Slave (2013)

No surprise this was difficult to watch. Very well acted and directed. Not something I could view more than once, but definitely to be seen once.

Rating: B

Some Guy Who Kills People (2011)

A dark comedy with a touch of slasher sprinkled on top. Great performances from the daughter and sheriff helped to keep this indie engaging.

Rating: C

A History Of Violence (2005)

Great performances, intense drama, cool action, but only a decent ending that left me wanting more.

Rating: C+

Neighbors (2014)

I actually laughed quite a bit, but the party got old towards the end.

Rating: C-

Processed People (2009)

Another documentary offering the same simple advice that goes widely ignored—eating a healthy diet and exercise will prevent you from getting sick and having to pump yourself with pills to stay alive. Production value isn’t very high. It’s a lot of interview segments in an infomercial style. Still, the message is good.

Rating: C-

Kate and Leopold (2001)

A pleasant surprise. Smartly written and fun.

Rating: B-

McFarland, USA (2015)

Sure it’s a Disney feel good story, but since I ran cross country in high school, it was fun to reminisce. Extra points for the cross culture subplot.

Rating: C+

Definitely Maybe (2008)

Much better than I expected. Some thought was actually given to the plot and characters. Very funny in parts too. Not just another chick flick.

Rating: C+

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

This is both fun and extremely gory. It's a romantic comedy set against the backdrop of a zombie invasion--British style.

Rating: B

This Is The End (2013)

As far as post-apocalyptic movies go, this is one of the strangest and most f-ed up I’ve ever seen. The comedy is dark and crude—on par with most of the other movies these guys put out. I’ll admit I laughed a lot. Plotlines are completely ridiculous, but fun.

Rating: C+

Dirty Pretty Things (2002)

A nice little UK film about illegal immigrants and a sketchy hotel. Great performances.

Rating: C+

Wild Target (2010)

This falls into the quirky hit man genre. Plot-wise, it’s nothing to write home about, but the characters make it a fun ride.

Rating: C+

The Orphanage (El Orfanato) (2007)

Not a traditional horror movie, thank goodness. More in the vein of The Devil's Backbone. They did a great job building characters and story before getting into the scares. Those looking for gore will be disappointed, but if you like The Others and The Sixth Sense, this is your kind of film.

Rating: C+

Godzilla (2014)

This latest version suffers from all the same missteps of its predecessors. Hokey plot, bad writing, and overuse of CGI. If these creatures couldn’t be destroyed by nuclear weapons on previous attacks, than why is the military bothering to shoot them with guns, tanks, and missiles? Isn’t that all pointless? Every soldier is running around with a gun in his hand, as if it has a purpose in this ridiculous scenario. It got progressively worse.

Rating: D+