Jack Reacher

So I learned in line for this movie that the character Jack Reacher in the books is around 6'5" and 260 lbs, so naturally you would cast Tom Cruise.  Despite the physical description discrepancy he was a really good choice.   

Going into this movie all I knew is that Tom Cruise kicks some ass, and that he did.  Jack Reacher is ex-army and he finds himself investigating a mass murder.  The movie had just the right mix of action and comedy, with a few cheesy dramatic close-ups of Tom Cruise thrown in.  Oh and Tom Cruise is hot in this movie, someone went to the gym.

I saw this movie with Maryellen and Jack (no relation to the main character).  They are not the biggest Tom Cruise fans, but they liked this movie.  It was very enjoyable.  One of my favorite parts was the car chase.  (Really, an action movie had a car chase, unbelievable).  What was different about this chase is it wasn't your James Bond, Bourne Identity perfect chase scene.  When you drive a rear wheeled car in a chase scene it should fishtail.  If you or I got into a car chase this is what it could look like (well maybe not me, I don't often drive that fast).  

A Late Quartet

This movie, beautifully done by Philip Seymour Hoffman, Christopher Walken, Catherine Keener and Daniel Lerner, tells the story of a quartet who is entering its 25th season on tour.  The wonderful cast gives you a behind the scenes look at the music, their craft and their lives.

 I think that this movie touched me a little more than I originally thought it would, because my mom is a musician and she has her own string quartet/trio.  Though her work is mainly for weddings and events and not traveling on tour, I understood the music world the characters lived in. When the first violin case opened I could smell the wood, bow and rosin even though I haven't been by an actual violin in years.  

I kept thinking my mom should see this movie, in fact this came at the most opportune time - right before her birthday.  I know she would point out how some detail in the playing is off, because that is what she does.  I think she will appreciate how they have conversations about how the music should be played, when to use an up bow or the moment of selecting a new violin.  

As TJ says it was a nice picture of how life moves and transcends and how one event effects those who surround you.  TJ wasn't fully satisfied with the movie, because the ending wasn't clearly defined.  It left a little up to your imagination, and in TJs world there was not enough closure for him.  

Chasing Mavericks

Oh I hope this one is going to be marketed as a kids movie.  It's supposed to be that inspirational movie similar to Dolphin Tale that you get goosebumps at the end if it.  Unfortunately that was lost in cheesiness.  Many times I started laughing, but not funny laughing.  More of that oh how embarrassing for you laughter.  

It's a shame, because it is a good story.  You have a kid who learns how to surf.  He cares for his mother who has struggled through life.  Then you have a boy-father type figure relationship that develops from learning how to ride an insanely large wave.  It's one of those stories that you want to succeed.  Go in with low expectations and enjoy the surfing scenes.  

Overall lessons learned-if u are a daredevil, you might not make it out alive.

ARGO

Here's a short history lesson for you.  In 1979 in response to the US putting a leader into power in Iran who brought death and hardship to its people and then harboring him afterwards, the Iranian people captures the US embassy.  6 Americans were able to escape.  They were turned away by the British and a few other countries, but found refuge at the Canadian ambassador's house.  ARGO follows CIA operative Tony Mendez as he attempts to rescue them under the guise that they are a Canadian movie crew looking for a site.  (If you find this a bit unbelievable, well it actually happened)

Now you are up to speed.  Even if you aren't, the movie does a great job explaining all of this right upfront.  The movie is done so beautifully bringing this historical event to life by taking the audience through every aspect of the event.  This is one of those movies where you are on the edge of your seat, and still feel that way when you leave the theater.   It's already receiving Oscar buzz and rightfully so.

This is one of the must see movies of the year.  There are so many crapy movies out there, and when something like this comes along you wonder, why aren't more movies done like this.  It obviously can be done.  If you are going to spend over a million dollars, put a little effort into it.  Well done Ben Affleck, you put more than a little effort into it.  You have proven yourself as not just a great actor, but an amazing director.

I was lucky enough to get to see a screening of this that Ben Affleck spoke at afterwards.  I don't usually get too excited when I see actors in real life, but I was almost to the point of annoyingly giddy.  (Thank you TJ for putting up with me).  Yes Ben was all you would hope for and more: funny, good looking and tall.  Oh and he is a very talented actor and director, but you already knew that.  He spoke about how he wanted to portray the CIA in this movie as how it is, people's everyday jobs.  His reference of movies with Tom Cruise action scenes making the job look all sexy, isn't how it is every day.  Though Ben can make any job look sexy.  Ben Affleck also took time to talk about how he integrated comedy into the movie among the suspensful true story to help build this emotional roller coaster the audience felt.  The comedy duo of John Goodman and Alan Arkin added just the right laughter at the right moments.  It is a beautifully done movie.  

End of Watch

Now this is a f*%#ing good movie.  You have two f$*@ing bad ass cops who accidentally stumble upon the f*%$ing cartel, which gets them marked as a target.  If that's not f&*%ing bad enough they work in one of the roughest parts of the city.  Not only are you going to fall in love with these two f*%$ers, you are in for one roller coaster ride, and the f-bomb over 300 times.

This move has all of the signs of what I consider a great movie (all cursing aside).  
1. Characters you care about or have an actual opinion about at all.  This goes for lead and supporting characters.  You will love both of the leads and you take the perspective of how they feel about the other characters in their world.  You become part of their family. 
2. A plot, an actual point of the movie that isn't full of holes.  
3. Makes you feel a wide range of emotions.  Now the movie's genre, in this case action, will be the main focus.  But as we also saw wit ARGO you can't just have only action you need to break it up.  With this movie I laughed, cried, hid behind my sweater during violent scenes, and was held in suspense through out the movie.

Jake Gyllenhall and Michael Pena do a f$*%ing great job. You feel the f$*%ing brotherly love and understand how the bond becomes so strong when you have to f&^#ing ride in the car with each other all day.  They would take a f$%#ing bullet for each other.  Go see this f$*#ing movie or you'll f*$#ing regret it.

Movie Review - Pitch Perfect

Acayeah!  So I went into this movie only knowing it had something to do with singing (I know, I'm a genius).  About 2 minutes in I think, "oh shit this is the a capella version of Step Up."  Luckily I was 60% wrong.

Acafunny!  This movie had the oddest group of characters, which equaled hilarious.  There is an underlining theme to The Breakfast Club throughout the movie.  No, there was no A Capella in Breakfast Club, though it's a thought for a sequel. What both movies show are the depths of stereotypical side characters you see in everyday life.  The fat girl, the quite Asian (watch out, it's always the quite ones), the lesbian, the alternative girl, the popular girl, etc.  

SNL started the trend, and this is the era of women in comedy.  Let's talk about Rebel Wilson, who plays Fat Amy (no thats her name I'm not being mean).  You may have had your first look at her during What to Expect when You're Expecting or in Bridesmaids.  I didn't know if I would like her character by the end of the movie, but I just wanted more.  She just has awesome comedic timing.  You are going to laugh throughout the movie and it is because of her acaawesomeness.  

You should go see Pitch Perfect.  A Capella has never been so fun.  No really, it hasn't, ever.  

Movie Review - Teachers Edition

In this time of teachers strikes and union wars two movies come out that teach us what is really important, the children. The first, Won't Back Down, shows us how parents and teachers can fight back against failing schools and injustices in the union. The second, Here Comes the Boom, teaches us one teacher can make a difference by becoming a mix martial arts fighter to save the school's music program. Both very realistic possibilities.

Won't back down does bring up real problems that the school systems are facing. What do you do if your child is in a failing school? Why are teachers protected by the union if they are not doing their jobs? I'm not anti union at all, I believe that good, hard working individuals should be protected. What I don't agree with are unions protecting those that don't deserve it. My favorite line in the movie is when the teachers are arguing about compensation. Viola's character stands up and proclaims ironically about the disagreement, "because we all went into teaching for the money!" which is met by endorsing silence.

Here Comes the Boom is about a 2002 teacher of the year who 10 yrs later has lost his drive and love for teaching. When he speaks out about the school cutting the music program for budget reasons and a teacher's job he ends up volunteering to raise the 48k and getting in over his head. I was impressed by the UFC's presence in this movie (and excited that Herb Dean was in the movie-my favorite ref). TJ says that Kevin James is a huge UFC fan, so I'm sure he loved every minute of filming this. Plus he got in really good shape for the role (looking good Kevin). This movie had me laughing out loud and I do love MMA.

Both movies prove the point that teachers can and should make a difference in children's lives. So whether you are up for a good cry or laugh and want to be cheering and inspired at the end, both are good picks.

Movie Review - Just Dredding This

Why?  Why, why, why, why, why, why, why?  Why?  I know we are in a comic book, super hero craze.  I know that they are destined to make money.  But I think we all agree that Judge Dredd is the exception to the: If at first you don't succeed... rule.  I remember the first Judge Dredd.  I was about 12 years old.  It was so bad my friend and I started laughing a third of the way through and couldn't stop the entire movie.   If Stallone can't make an action movie work, then that should tell you something.

There were these weird slow motion drug induced scenes.  A cool at first-turned annoying after the third time cinematography choice.  They added some interesting fighting scene effects at moments.  I mean slow-motion, 3D blood splatter is something each person should see once in their life.  Halfway through the movie TJ and I just looked at each other with a look that asked, “really?  Is the whole movie like this?”  Yes, yes it is.  Maybe if you were high it would take on some deeper meaning. 

In this Judge Dredd, Dredd is evaluating a rookie and responds to a triple death.  The apartment complex they enter is under gang rule.  Soon they find their selves under lockdown trying to fight their way through in order to survive.  Hmmm... I feel like I already saw a very similar situation earlier this year, and Raid Redemption was far superior. 

At the end of the day, if you saw the first one, just leave it at that.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

I grew up in the height of teen coming of age movies. Movie teens of today just don't seem to have the same passion or angst that we had growing up. There's no internal, high school revolution to be had. It's all parties and girl/boy troubles with a little bit of bullying thrown in. There's no breakfast club, dancing to prove yourself, risky businesses to run or Heathers drama to overcome.

Fortunately for this generation seeing The Perks of Being a Wallflower will give them a taste of the teen worlds we were a part of growing up. It has an amazing cast including Emma Watson breaking away from Harry Potter. It was semi based on the writer/director's life during his sophomore year in high school. The entire audience, which was about 10 years younger than me, had read the book which the movie was adapted from. Let's just say that after seeing this I had to read the book, it was that good.

After the screening I was privileges to hear the director, Stephen Chbosky, talk about the film and his book. (TJ was super excited, because he the director created Jericho as well). He spoke of this feeling of being infinite, and how he was surprised that it was never used before. He also spoke about how teens often feel infinite, there's so many possibilities ahead for them. As adults we don't often feel infinite anymore. For me this movie rekindled this feeling that with a few good friends and a place that you belong, I can do anything and I'm already standing on top of the world. Like every teen should.

Magic Mike - Review

Ok ladies, it's time for a little magic in your life.  If you saw the trailer and thought, I want to see this movie, then go see this movie you won't be disappointed.  


Anne and I decided to see this at the Landmark theater, since the audience would probably be as entertaining as the movie.   When TJ met us at the theater he looked around puzzled.  "Aren't we seeing A Friend for the End of the World.""Nope, Magic Mike.""Great, I'm the only straight man here.""Yep."

I learned a few things during this movie.  If you wonder how costume shops stay open year round, the male stripper community keeps them in business.  Channing Tatum can dance.  I never saw him in Step Up, but my money is on him for a dance off.  Matthew McConaughey was made for this role.  I don't know if that is a good or bad thing, but once you see it you will understand.  For other educational elements you will have to derive them from your own viewing pleasure.

My favorite part of the entire movie was when I went to get a refill on my drink.  No I wasn't thirsty from screaming/cheering at the screen.  What I saw was a woman run from the bathroom back into the theater.  Didn't want to miss a thing.

After the movie we were of course all very giddy and happy, well I dont know if TJ was.  I did wonder if I would find him practicing his dance moves at home one night.  (Hasn't happened yet).  Anne's only disappointment with the movie was that she wanted more character background and development for the brother.  To really understand why he was who he was.   My reply, "I'm sorry, you wanted this movie to have more substance?"

Ladies, Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey, Alex Pettyfer, Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer, Adam Rodriguez and Kevin Nash give you all the substance that you need.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

If you are a vampire slayer loving history buff, this movie is for you.  

For those of you who have no idea of what this movie is about, the title kind of explains it all.  Still confused, well let's break it down.  Abraham Lincoln is a vampire hunter.  He moves to Spingfield to find and kill vampires.  The civil war was really about saving America from vampires taking over the country.

Could Abraham Lincoln have saved America from being under vampire rule?  This movie shows that it's possible.  The UN can also be keeping the entire underworld at bay.  President Bush may have saved the world by secretly getting rid of the true weapons of mass destruction-vampire cells in the middle east.  It's all plausible.

The movie does show how the history and the historical characters of Abraham Lincoln's time fit into this new look at this great time period, which shaped our nation.  Which in lies the problem, no matter how good the fight scenes are, no matter how good the actors are, you can't get over the fact that it is Abraham Lincoln fighting vampires.  For those of you who think the title is ridiculous, it is, but it is still entertaining.

TED - Movie Review

TED answers the question of what would happen if children's wishes everywhere came true and their teddy bear came to life.  They would he best buds who enjoy the same activities and they would grow up together.  In adulthood you would have your teddy bear living with you, your drinking/getting high buddy who occasionally brings home hookers.  It's every child's dream. 

Seth MacFarlane's movie debut is hilarious.  Seth, you had the entire theater laughing out loud.  Well done, well done.  Mark Wahlberg is great in this role.  Many of my friends think he's better in comedies, though his action skills are put to use in the teddy bear fight scene that leaves him and Ted trashing a hotel room.

There's been a lot of great comedies this year and TED is towards the top of the list.  Put this movie on your week's to do list. Leave the kids at home and go to see a movie about a teddy bear.

Rock of Ages - Review

I didn't know much about this movie before I saw it.  I saw a preview with Alec Baldwin and Russell Brand and said, "I'm in."  Imagine being in the same room as those two during the taping, must have been hilarious.  Too bad this duo wasn't enough to carry the movie.

The good:

Tom Cruise - Amazing in this role.  (There's no role he can't turn into gold, well except for Mission: Impossible 2, Tom you were set up to fail on that one).

Alec Baldwin and Russell Brand - all I wanted and more.

Catherine Zeta-Jones - great musical numbers, your Broadway experience shows through.

Paul Giamatti - you play a scumbag too well.

Best movie soundtrack ever.

The not so good:

The transitions - I'm a fan of musicals, but the transitions from speaking to singing were horrible about 70% of the time.  I expected it to be more like Grease or Moulin Rouge.  I guess it was too much to ask for.

The really bad:

If you have a rock movie, you need rock leads with strong rock voices.  TJ put it best, if they wanted a young Britney Spears look alike for the lead role they should have just cast Britney Spears.  It was too much pop and not enough rock.

Overall: it has a good story line and has great potential.  I recommend seeing the live musical production, because the movie just didn't deliver.

Men In Black 3 - Review

Now this is how you do a trilogy.  MIB 3 is one of the top movies this year so far.  If you haven't seen the first two you will understand it, but you won't love it. 

In this third installment Agent J travels back in time (because where else do you go after saving the world from aliens twice) to save the world from an alien attack (well how original.  Even more importantly he must save Agent K's younger self from being killed.

Let's talk about Josh Brolin.  I have loved him since the Goonies.  In MIB 3 he plays young Agent K so amazingly that you forget the part is being played by two different actors.  I can only imagine the Tommy Lee Jones impression he did in his audition.

The movie will give you a whole other level of understanding to the story and the characters.  I laughed, I even almost cried.  More importantly to the franchise I look forward to a MIB 4.  The only thing that could of made this movie better is if they played the original MIB music video during the credits.