Planeat (2010)

Another reminder to those trying to eat healthier. A lot of good information here that will likely only be viewed by those already converted. A bit bland at times during the data portions. It’s the real life stories that are most inspiring.

Rating: C

American Hustle (2013)

A-list actors putting on a clinic of how it’s done. David O’ Russell, one of my favorite directors, makes the 70’s shine like it hasn’t in a long time. Nonstop eye candy on screen. The story played second fiddle to everything else going on, and I was ok with that. Certainly some nomination-worthy material here, although it wouldn’t be my pick for Best Picture.

Rating: B+

In The Bedroom (2001)

What a mood this movie brings into the room. Very heavy and depressive, but very well done. The performances are so believable. I was completely sucked in.

Rating: B

Live Free Or Die Hard (2007)

For an ancient franchise about an ancient cop, this version holds up pretty well. The plot is ok, if you don't focus too hard. Plenty of good action sequences to keep the heart pounding, and the comic relief ain't bad either. Enjoyed the cameo by Kevin Smith as the nerd hacking master.

Rating: C

Veronica Mars (2014)

Being a super fan of the series, I was definitely the target audience for this movie. It's no easy task piecing together a feature film based on a TV show, especially a decade later. Dead Like Me? Fail. Strangers With Candy? Fail. The list goes on and on.

Hats off to Rob Thomas for making something as good as or better than most of the episodes. Seeing the gang all back together was a real treat.

Rating: C+

Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)

With the sequel came a new director, and a much poorer film. The storyline isn't bad--Rambo has been serving time smashing rocks and is offered a chance at freedom in exchange for helping to rescue some POWs in Viet Nam.

Unfortunately, the level of cheese has been turned way up. Dialogue from virtually everyone is terrible, especially the lone female who struggles to serve as the love interest. Action is over-the-top and phony. Stallone took a major step backwards with this film.

Rating: D+

Triangle (2009)

I read a few theories about this movie online after seeing it. I get what they were going for, but these time warp movies with looping plotlines always frustrate me. Even when I understand them, they still don’t make sense. They never resolve in a way in which I feel satisfied, which I guess is their point, but I don’t watch movies to feel unsatisfied.

Rating: C-

How To Make Money Selling Drugs (2012)

A ballsy documentary that fronts as a video game style guide to getting into the drug business, but is actually a drug legalization opinion piece. Very entertaining and professionally made. Potentially eye opening to those who aren’t familiar with these issues. For the converted, like myself, it’s a nice recap of how we got here and where we stand now.

Rating: B-

I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (2003)

An interesting story that unfortunately unravels at the end. We are left wondering what happened to half the characters.

Rating: C-

The Black Balloon (2008)

Australia’s What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.

Rating: B-

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013)

Just as bonkers as the first; maybe more. Laughs were on and off again. The writers threw everything at the wall. Some of it stuck, some awkwardly slid to the floor. The big fight between the news teams was out of control, not to mention chalk full of cameos. This sequel delivers exactly what you expect it to.

Rating: C

The World’s Fastest Indian (2005)

Hopkins is excellent. It's a great telling of a true story. Despite the high speeds of the film's star, the film itself is very slow paced. Go for the drama, not the action.

Rating: C+

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

State of the art special effects can't make up for dialogue that I believe I wrote in the third grade. Not sure how Lucas got his hands on that. Zero chemistry in between the two leads.

Thankfully Yoda saves the day, and the film, from completely sucking. Some fun action sequences make it worth seeing.

Rating: C

Mitt (2104)

A behind the scenes look at a family on the presidential campaign trail. If this doesn’t make you want to stay out of politics, I don’t know what will. Another interesting project from the guy who did New York Doll. Worth seeing.

Rating: C+

Get Him To The Greek (2010)

A mediocre road trip film with plenty of potholes. Mildly funny.

Rating: C

The Good Shepherd (2006)

The pacing is so slow, you'll have a difficult time making it to the end. With no big payoff at the end, even if you do make it, you'll wonder why you bothered. All cloak, and no dagger.

Rating: D

Training Day (2001)

Oscar worthy performances from both Denzel and Ethan. Gritty film that launched some Terrific TV dramas featuring dirty cops. (ie: The Shield) 

Rating: B+

You’re Next (2011)

So many stupid plot points and character decisions, as is the case with most horror films. Case in point—what’s the purpose of the masks if they plan to kill everyone? Who cares if they see their faces. What’s the point of writing You’re Next on the walls if all they want is them dead so they can collect the inheritance. Classic horror crap. A shame the genre rarely aspires to do anything more than scare.

Rating: D

Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession (2004)

An insider movie buff documentary about a fledgling cable channel in L.A. that aired obscure films during the 1980s. While I haven’t seen most of the movies talked about, it was still interesting to hear them discussed by the directors, critics, and people in the know. I’ve always liked documentaries about very narrow subject matter, and this is one of them.

Rating: C

Trick 'r Treat (2007)

Spooky Halloween stories that interweave one another.

Rating: C