The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (2005)

Tommy Lee does a bang up job, both in front of and behind the camera. Great acting all around. It's slow moving at the start, maybe even a tad bit confusing. But hang in there--things heat up once they head for the border. I said heat up, not speed up. You might need a Caffeinated beverage to stay alert during this one.

Rating: C+

Moneyball (2011)

As a complete non baseball fan, I really enjoyed watching a movie about it. The setup was simple and relatable. I imagine there were cameos galore and industry quips that were completely lost on me, but that’s the beauty of a good film. Hardcore niche fans and novices alike can enjoy the same movie on a given topic. I just finished watching season 1 of Game of Thrones. Having read the books, I picked up on all kinds of winks and nods to the literature. However, my illiterate friends enjoyed it just as much as I did. Kudos to the production team for making Moneyball palatable to all audiences.

Rating: B-

17 Again (2009)

This movie could easily have been yet another Freaky Friday retread, BUT, thanks in large part to a fantastic supporting cast, it turned out to be quite charming and funny. Great writing. I was completely entertained.

Rating: C+

The Debt (2010)

Stellar cast and an interesting story. BUT, I felt the film needed some editing and some tweaking in the third act. There was suspense and nice pacing in the first hour, but things lost momentum till the end. Could have been better.

Rating: C

Ultramarathon Man: 50 Marathons, 50 States, 50 Days (2008)

I read the book and of course had to see the movie. As a distance runner myself, I found the film to be very motivating. Fun to see some of the people and places described in the book. It doesn't hurt that the cinematography and editing are amazing. This was 10 times better than The Spirit of the Marathon.

Rating: B-

50/50 (2011)

As far as cancer movies go, this is a good one. Most of the contrived, forced scenes have been left out. Instead we get a more straightforward, honest portrayal of what one person’s experience with cancer might be like. Fortunately Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt click as friends, so things stay light despite the downer material. The romantic elements were nice too. Well done.

Rating: B-

Cop Out (2010)

I didn't realize this was a Kevin Smith film until the end, which explains a lot. He's let his cinematic skills go just like his body. Both are flabby, bloated, and hard on the eyes. As far as buddy cop movies go, this was one of the worst I've seen. Any episode of Psych on USA is far funnier than this. And that soundtrack?!? Who was the composer? Eddie Murphy? Terrible 80's synthesized crap.

Rating: D-

Hang 'Em High (1968)

I think there was a better story to be told here. Not a bad Western, but certainly not Eastwood’s best work. Didn’t care for the ending.

Rating: C

He's Just Not That Into You (2009)

Impressive cast surrounding a cute book adaptation. Ginnifer Goodwin and Howie Long stole the show, but Scarlet Johansson proves once again why she is a sex goddess of our time.

Rating: C+

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly (Il buono, il brutto, il cattivo.) (1966)

Where Fistful of Dollars was terrible on every count, Good Bad Ugly is quite an amazing production. There’s a real plot, for one thing, and the narrative is deliberate and rich. At 3 hours, it felt more like watching the entire season of a western television show in one sitting, rather than a movie. Not that I was bored or anxious for it to end. I was entertained all the way through and found the conclusion to be satisfying.

Rating: B-

Red Cliff (Chi Bi) (2008)

I waited to see this until the two-part international version was finally released on Blu-Ray. Glad I waited. It looks and sounds amazing. According to reviews I read earlier, the theatrical version cut out all the back story and characterization, in essence making it a shallow Hollywood movie. Even with a running time of 5 hours, you still have to pay attention to figure out who's who and their role in the film.

John Woo has created a remarkable epic. The battle sequences are on par with the best of them. Sets, costumes, locations—it all looks amazing. My favorite parts were the war strategies used. I'm not sure how much is based on factual historic events, but it was unbelievable to see on film. Really enjoyed it.

Rating: B

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

I’m a sucker for origin stories, and this was a good one. Yes, it’s obvious the chimps are CGI, but once you get past that, it’s pretty slick to look at. I thought they did a solid job of developing the characters, creating emotional bonds, and then propelling the story forward with the ape escape. Sets things up perfectly for the next film. Looking forward to it.

Rating: B

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)

I hated this game growing up. Nothing ate up my meager pocket of quarters faster than my attempts to reach the second level. So it was literally astounding to see these masters of the game make it to the last level, or kill screen, in one of the great showdowns of our time.

OK, one of the great showdowns of some nerds at ComicCon's time. But still, you couldn't make up characters like these if you tried. It's pure entertainment to watch how seriously the world of classic video games takes themselves. And you have to respect that.

Rating: B-

Bran Nue Dae (2009)

Australia is renowned for their quirky road trip movies. This comedy musical was a nice addition, with a terrific cast of aboriginal actors. Very bright and colorful with a very upbeat tone. I enjoyed it.

Rating: C+

Knight and Day (2010)

A bit of mindless fun if you don't look too deep. About as enjoyable as an average episode of Burn Notice. Diaz is getting too old to play cute. Cruz looks younger every year. Go figure.

Rating: C

Intermission (2003)

A strange Irish indie with thick characters talking in thick Irish accents. I had to turn the subtitles on after 5 minutes after realizing I could barely understand anything being said. One of those movies where all the character paths seem to cross and meet up by the end. Some nice, dark humor keeps things interesting.

Rating: C

Away We Go (2009)

I liked the movie, but it sometimes felt a bit forced, like someone trying to mimic Zach Braff. Still, it's an interesting portrayal of a couple trying to find themselves. Some fun supporting characters along the way, especially Allison Janney.

Rating: C

A Fistful of Dollars (Per un Pugno di Dollari) (1964)

Every now and then I need a reminder of why I don’t watch old movies. Unfortunately, this involves actually watching an old movie. In this life lesson, it was A Fistful of Dollars. Everything about the film, with the exception of Clint Eastwood’s look, was terrible. You name it: sound, cinematography, editing, acting, dialogue, editing, picture, plot—all terrible. Did they even try back then, or were people’s expectations so low that they didn’t care?

Rating: F

Role Models (2008)

What can I say? If you loved Superbad, Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, 40 Year Old Virgin, and all the others, like I did, you will love Role Models. It's great writing and really funny, if you enjoy off color jokes and crude, yet witty humor. I laughed almost continuously throughout the entire film, and so did the rest of the
theater. Even funnier than I thought it would be.

Rating: B

Super (2010)

Another effed up indie about fake superheroes. This one is crazy violent with a raging current of dark humor throughout. I’m a huge Ellen Page fan, and she was downright awesome in this role. I could eat her up with a spoon and fork. Not a film for everyone—like I said, the humor is vulgar and dark. The violence will catch some off guard. Kick Ass is still the world supreme champ of this genre, but Super isn’t a bad wannabe.

Rating: C

The Cove (2009)

A well made documentary that answered the fundamental question: Why cows, chickens, and pigs, but not dolphins? You'll have to see the film to get the answer for yourself. Beyond that, it was informative, un-preachy, entertaining, and important. All the things a documentary should be.

Rating: B

Secondhand Lions (2003)

Overly cartoony and sappy for my taste, but not a terrible film overall. Caine & Duvall are fine actors. I haven’t liked Osment in anything since Sixth Sense. Hopefully he stops looking like a man-child at some point.

Rating: D+

The Hurt Locker (2008)

Fast paced and well made, but I would have liked more of a story arc. The movie is a string of events that take place in the lives of a bomb engineering crew. Movies like this are more suspenseful when you identify with the characters. It took most of the film before I had a reasonable idea who anybody was. It didn't help that I expected much more from a Best Picture nominee. But then again, The Blindside and Avatar were nominated, so there you go.

Rating: C+

Invictus (2009)

A historically interesting and inspiring movie with heart, but far from perfect. The audience would have greatly benefited from a more thorough, yet simple explanation of the rules of rugby. Hard to follow and stay interested in the action on the field when you have no idea what’s going on. Mandela’s eye makeup was way overdone to the point it was distracting from Freeman’s performance.

The movie soundtrack was terrible, with one warbled “inspirational” song after another. I noticed someone in Eastwood’s family was in charge of the music during the credits. Clint is tone deaf, so it’s no surprise it runs in the family. The narrative felt mish mashed, trying to tell multiple stories at once, while giving attention to miniscule subplots that should have been edited out. And finally, the ending was a bit heavy handed. It felt like tears were going to be squeezed from my eyes whether I liked it or not. Too many tear inducing gimmicks.

Rating: C

Disturbia (2007)

A little bit The Girl Next Door, a little bit What Lies Beneath. Oh yeah, and that Hitchcock movie it was based on, but more The Girl Next Door. Still, the writing wasn't bad and there was some decent jump scenes that will make you spew your drink if you sip at the wrong time. You could do worse.

Rating: C

Largo Winch II: The Burma Conspiracy (2011)

A similar formula to the first, but at least this time we knew who the main characters were. Some terrific action and fighting sequences. It’s fun to see studios outside Hollywood do their version of a summer popcorn movie. Sharon Stone’s appearance doesn’t do the sequel any favors, unless you enjoy overacting coming from a 24 year old face imposed on a sixty year old body. Ok, her body is smoking too, but she’s still old. Perhaps they needed an American actress with some name recognition, but at a cut-rate price? Still, I’d watch a third one if they made it.

Rating: C+

Couples Retreat (2009)

Pair Jason Bateman and Kristin Bell together as a married couple and I'm there. Seriously, this film is worth renting on cast alone. Sure, it's not in the running for comedy of the year, but there are plenty of belly laughs to make up for the ones that fall flat. Filming in Bora Bora doesn't hurt either. The sets are pure eye candy. I enjoyed most of the Blu-Ray extras too.

Rating: C

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)

Another action packed sequel with impossible stunts, kickass spy gear, and a convoluted plot that threatens world peace.

Rating: C

Brief Interviews With Hideous Men (2009)

I'm not usually a fan of plotless films, but this one was intriguing. It's the smart dialogue that pulls you in, plus some surprisingly well acted scenes that don't exactly jive with the rest of the movie, but are good nonetheless. (The bathroom attendant scene, for example) Reminds me a little of Neil LaBute's early work.

Rating: C+

Largo Winch (2008)

A very French action movie based on a Belgian comic book. American audiences will be slightly confused and a little annoyed for the first half of the film. Plot points and story arcs aren’t being shoved down the viewer’s collective throats. Knowing it was based upon a comic book, I actually expected something a little more superhero-like. In reality, it's more of a white collar thriller.

I discovered today that there is a sequel. Now that all the characters have been set up and the back-story told, I’m hoping for something more straightforward in the next go-around.

Rating: C+

Breach (2007)

This was one of those real life spy stories that Hollywood has to jazz up for it to be even a little exciting. When they write-in a shooting range scene just to get in some gun play, you know the actual story was mainly by the books, literally. Journal entries, emails, memos, text messages, and documents. Not the stuff action movies are made of.

With that said, it's still an interesting film based on true events with solid performances all around.

Rating: C

Colombiana (2011)

What I expected. An ok action/revenge flick with sequences that could only be made possible on screen. Reminded me of an episode of Nikita.

Rating: C

Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009)

I made a point of not seeing this film once I heard it was produced by Happy Madison. They crank out movies dumb enough that you'll literally lose IQ points by seeing them. I still haven't recovered from the god-awful "Don't Mess With The Zohan". But, the fates aligned to have Paul Blart be the star of a Movie Night, so I gave it a viewing.

Pretty bad, but not grotesque. Acting was terrible across the board. Plot was cliché, filled with holes, and cheap. Jokes and gags were sub par, especially having seen them in the previews like 20 times.  Hmmm… maybe it was grotesque.

Rating: D-

Warrior (2011)

Having MMA showcased in a major motion picture shows how far the sport has come. The plot isn’t anything special. This territory has been covered in countless boxing movies. It’s the acting that helps Warrior rise above average status. A lot of heavy themes are covered. The cage fighting itself would have been better suited in an R rated film. My mom wouldn’t agree, but I felt it was a little watered down.

Rating: C+

Seven Up! (1964)

The first in a series of documentaries that follow the lives of a cross-section of children as they mature into adults. It's a fascinating concept that borders on reality television, if you had 49 years to invest in your project. The little rascals can be a bit overwhelming to keep track of, but by the end of the antiquated opener, you'll be anxiously anticipating what comes next.

Rating: C+

Fright Night (2011)

Some decent scares and effects. I never saw the original, but this version was an entertaining take on the vampire genre.

Rating: C

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Beautifully shot rags to riches story, told through the use of flashbacks between the past and present. There's no substitute for shooting on location with local actors and extras.

Rating: B

Unstoppable (2010)

About as exciting as a runaway train movie can be. Tony Scott is known for making hearts pound, however here it felt like he didn’t have much to work with besides a few real life events to fabricate a plot from. Character development is thin and feels forced. The actors give it everything they’ve got in what amounts to a very average action movie.

Rating: C

Battle Royal (Batoru Rowaiaru) (2000)

I could see this Japanese import being remade in the US. Not sure if that's on the horizon. Hopefully they'll polish up the script, but keep the senseless violence. The movie's premise didn't make a lot of sense. Maybe you have to be Japanese to fully appreciate it. Come to think of it, The Hunger Games has similar themes.

Rating: C

It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2010)

Two terrific performances from Keir Gilchrist and Zach G. I thought this would be a lighthearted comedy, but it’s more of a dramedy. The film is based on a book. It feels very personal. The scenes don’t feel manufactured. Zach gets to show his range as an actor—outside the zany or deadpan roles he’s normally cast.

It’s an emotional movie and I got caught up in it. I also thought the editing was unique and creative. It added a lot to the film. A near flawless effort from a movie I’d never heard of. That almost never happens.

Rating: B+