The Score (2001)

Marlon Brando really needs to go on a diet. He looks like a bloated whale about to purposely beach itself. His role in this movie was small, and I think he was only added to the cast for shock value and name recognition. Edward Norton is fantastic as always. He plays a smaller version of his "Primal Fear" role. DeNiro is still at the top of his game, just older.

For a big heist movie, it was well done. Not up to "Heat" par, but good. Enjoyed the twist ending, and had a good time throughout the film.

Rating: C+

Underworld: Awakening (2012)

Just as ridiculous as the first three, but even more poorly acted, if you can believe it. At least they remained consistent.

Rating: D

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (2007)

Instead of pulling a cute bunny out of his hat, Mr. Magorium opened his hand to reveal a giant turd. Great casting could not save this poorly written master-piece of shit.

Do I really care if Natalie Portman will ever be able to live up to her potential on the piano? No! Do I really care if this Willie Wonka meets K-PAX freak show is an alien or just an eccentric pedophile? Not really. Was I rooting for the 37 year old man trapped inside a little boy's body, Magorium's sidekick, to succumb to a tragic toy related accident? Oh yes!

What really blows my mind is I loved the directors previous film: Stranger Than Fiction. Stay far away from this one.

Rating: F

Goon (2011)

Small town brawler takes his fists to the hockey rink. There are a few laughs, and it’s watchable, but nothing to wet your pants about.

Rating: C

Serving Sara (2002)

Another implausible comedy with only a few laughs here and there and
not much outside of Elizabeth Hurley's amazing body to look at on
screen. Didn't even bother checking out the deleted scenes or
outtakes on the DVD.

Rating: D

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)

Equally as bad as the first two and completely unnecessary, as most of this story was told through flashbacks already. CGI is deplorable. Fight scenes are a choppy mess. Thankfully I only have one more to go in this series.

Rating: D

Double Take (2001)

I was hoping for a funny, low emotional investment kind of movie, but wound up with a stinker. Similar movies have done much better with this plot: "Midnight Run" is a good example. There were a few laughs here and there, but overall, it was crap.

Rating: D-

Born To Be Wild (2011)

A picturesque nature film about orphaned orangutans and elephants. An educational and entertaining way to kill 40 minutes.

Rating: C

Angel-A (2005)

I rented this movie solely on the shoulders of writer/director Luc Besson and a very cool DVD cover. It's worked for me in the past, and it worked out this time. In the hands of another director, this material could very easily have bombed. But in Luc's capable hands, a simple story was uniquely told through stunning visuals and witty French banter. A catchy soundtrack didn't hurt either.

Casting was perfect. The height distinctions between the two main
characters is borderline brilliant. Had the sexy, leggy, blonde angel
not been a full foot taller than her French counterpart, it would have
been a completely different film, and much less rewarding. You'll
agree with me after you see it.

Rating: B+

Underworld: Evolution (2006)

Very much like the first, which is a shame. Was hoping to see some improvements. Backstory does not equal plot.

Rating: D

The Bourne Supremacy (2004)

A good, not great, sequel by Greengrass. I definitely prefer Doug Liman, the director of the original. Some fantastic action sequences, but the story got away from him. The flow was off and the occasional jerky action sequences couldn't save it.

Rating: C+

The Bourne Identity (2002)

Bourne Identity moves fast, keeping the action right in your face. Exactly what you want in an action movie. Acting and plot were solid too. The fight scenes were not only violent by PG-13 standards, but original.Doug Liman did a great job setting up this spy series.

Another plus for me was the return of "Lola" from Run Lola Run, the
German indie film sensation, to the screen. I was pleasantly surprised at how good her English was too. Fantastic? no. A really good action movie? Yes.

Rating: B

The Raid: Redemption (Serbuan Maut) (2011)

There are nights when all you want is to see is a crazy violent action movie. Guys know what I’m talking about. The Raid was made for such evenings. An Indonesian SWAT unit gets trapped in a 15 story building full of bad guys. Mayhem ensues. The fight scenes are varied as they are bloody. Bodies drop at a frenetic pace. Your blood lust will be sated.

Rating: C+

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole (2010)

I'm not a big cartoon guy, but when Zack Snyder makes one, color me intrigued. The film is gorgeous. Let's face it, Zack's other movies are mostly animated, so it's not surprising that he pulls off a celluloid marvel with this one. The source material follows your typical storyline, only this time it's owls instead of numbered rag dolls, dragons, or Rats of Nimh.

Still, I enjoyed the characters and the execution. The pace is quick and the action just brutal enough to satisfy hardened adults. Probably violent enough to
spook a few kiddies. I'd love to see a PG-13 version of this hooted tale. Let the avian blood flow!

Rating: B-

Underworld (2003)

Cartoonish and clichéd. Nothing new or interesting. The best thing going for it is Kate Beckinsale’s skin tight leather outfit.

Rating: D

Elizabethtown (2005)

Certainly not your run of the mill romantic comedy, but then what did you expect from Cameron Crowe? I enjoyed this film and it's uniquely functioning disfunctuality. Crowe made my favorite romantic comedy of all time with "Say Anything" -- here he delivers another fun film in a completely new way.

Rating: B-

Chronicle (2012)

Where to start. I have nothing against the recent outpouring of shows and movies involving “normal” people receiving superhuman powers. Some are really good (Misfits, The 4400). However, it feels like most of the good stories and scripts have already been green lit, and now we’re down to the dregs. Hello Chronicle. Three apparent tools receive amazing abilities and commence telekinetic horseplay.

The decision to have the film shot by the actors doesn’t really bring anything extra special to the production, except for maybe a higher level of obnoxiousness. They should be focusing on their acting, since it’s atrocious. Plot holes abound. The film is completely pointless for the first half and mimicked Iron Man in the second half, only without the suits. Stupid ending.

Rating: D-

Red Dragon (2002)

Keep in mind I read all three books and loved them. I thought they did an excellent job of translating the 3 books to the screen. Red Dragon, as opposed to Manhunter, was much more true to the original story, and very well made.

The cast of actors they pulled together for this film was a true feat of genius. They couldn't have done a better job. Anthony Hopkins hasn't lost his edge a bit. The charaters truley came to life, and put on one hell of a show.

Very disturbing film with some grisly images and a great climatic ending. I was grasping my pillow for dear life. (and I already knew the ending more or less)

Rating: B

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

A lot of buildup and fine acting for a fizzle of a reveal at the end. And they certainly took their sweet time getting there. Pretentious and dry.

Rating: D+

Elling (2001)

I think this was the first Norwegian film I've ever seen. Quirky and unusual with just the right amount of tenderness. A nice break from Hollywood glitz.

Rating: C+