REVIEW: Inception: The IMAX Experience

MOVIE
Inception

CAST
Leonardo DiCaprio,
Ken Watanabe

RATING
PG-13

RELEASE
July 16, 2010

DIRECTOR
Christopher Nolan

STUDIO
Warner Bros. Pictures

RUNNING TIME
2 hours 22 minutes




GRADE
A+ (98.5)






STARS
****











REVIEW:

Well, it's finally here. After two years of waiting for the follow up film to the success of The Dark Knight, Christopher Nolan brings audiences all over the globe one of the most sophisticated, emotional, and best movies of 2010: Inception. If you want to read the synopsis, it's right ahead. But I'd recommend you not to since the less you know the more you'll enjoy the film. Dom Cobb is a skilled thief, the absolute best in the dangerous art of extraction, stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state, when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb’s rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back but only if he can accomplish the impossible—inception. Instead of the perfect heist, Cobb and his team of specialists have to pull off the reverse: their task is not to steal an idea but to plant one. If they succeed, it could be the perfect crime. But no amount of careful planning or expertise can prepare the team for the dangerous enemy that seems to predict their every move. An enemy that only Cobb could have seen coming. It's not just that the film was superior, it was also very complex and confusing. I can't give away too much, but this movie can be very confusing for the average moviegoers mind. But I can guarantee that It'll keep you thinking about it after you've gone to bed, and confuse you so much you'll have to either go see it again or read the entire plot through Wikipedia. But I would like to give props to Christopher Nolan, who has directed films like the recent Batman films and Memento for giving the world a very original storyline. I would also like to point out that the films visual effects are quite spectacular and should be recognized at awards season. Also, if you only know Mr. Nolan for the Batman films and you think that that's similar to this movie, then you are surely mistaking. This and The Dark Knight are completely different movies. So if you are either a huge movie buff, Christopher Nolan fan for his work on films like The Prestige or Memento, or a Leo Dicaprio fan, then check out a film from the point of the human mind. An idea like this can only be called an Inception. A darn good one, too.



(NOTE: Synopsis taken from ScreenRant.com)






PREVIEWS YOU MAY SEE:

NON-IMAX:

Due Date

Devil

The Town

IMAX:

MegaMind

Resident Evil: Afterlife

Tron: Legacy

REVIEW: Chicago

MOVIE
Chicago

CAST
Renée Zellweger,
Catherine Zeta-Jones

RATING
PG-13

RELEASE
December 27, 2002

DIRECTOR
Rob Marshall

STUDIO
Miramax Films (Disney)

RUNNING TIME
1 hour 53 minutes




GRADE
A+ (99)





STARS
****









REVIEW:

I've seen a lot of musicals in my lifetime, but never did I see a musical shown from the perspective of several characters minds and emotions. Velma Kelly loves the spotlight. Roxie Hart wants to be in the spotlight. The one thing that they have in common with eachother is that they are on Chicago's famed Murderess row. They also share Billy Flynn, a lawyer who has the talent to turn notorious defendants into local legends. But in The Windy City, only one legend will be permitted. This movie is by far one of the best musicals I've ever seen. It's one that can't get old, even if you watch it in 2052, when it's its 50th anniversary. Even though the story revolves around Ms. Zellweger, the real show-stealer is Cathrina Zeta-Jones. Her performance is sleek, sexy, and electrifying. She puts the cherry and icing onto the cake for this. Richard Gere, who is usually known for his serious roles takes a different turn of providing vocals into his role. And very nice vocals he has I must say. Also, Queen Latifah does a different performance than her usual roles, as she plays a corrupt woman who accepts bribes from her prisoners for cigarettes and phone calls. Other performers, like John C. Riley and Christine Baranski do very good jobs as Roxie's naive husband and Chicago's local news reporter. The only thing that was very interesting about this film is that Ms. Zellweger's character doesn't care about anyone but herself, and doesn't even care about her husband. But overall, Chicago is a cinematic experience not to miss. So if you're a fan of musicals or like any of the talent in this film, then check this out and you won't be upset.

REVIEW: The Longest Yard (2005)

MOVIE
The Longest Yard

CAST
Adam Sandler, Chris Rock

RATING
PG-13

RELEASE
May 27, 2005

DIRECTOR
Peter Segal

STUDIO(S)
Paramount Pictures,

Columbia Pictures,

MTV Films, Happy Madison

RUNNING TIME
1 hour 53 minutes

GRADE
B (85)

STARS
**1/2

REVIEW:

In a world where remakes and Adam Sandler movies dominate the box office, one movie will combine those two genres and become one. That film, is The Longest Yard. Paul Crewe is an ex-football star, who was just sentenced to three years in prison. So when the warden assigns him to help out the prisoner's football team, he will attempt to lead some of the most vicious people in the world to victory. Of all of Sandler's movies, this has to be the raunchiest one so far. It's not that it isn't good, because it is, but I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. Chris Rock is a fun presence to watch and can make you laugh at any time. Adam Sandler does his usual bit of being either a nice guy gone psycho or a psycho turned true sport. And frankly, it's starting to get a little annoying to me. I never saw the original with Burt Reynolds. Actually, Burt Reynolds is in this as the coach of the prisoner's team. But when I do, I'm guessing it'll be funnier than this, since I was excpecting a lot more. But if you want a laugh or two, especially with Tracy Morgan's hilarious tidbit as a transsexual, then rent this and you'll know that comedies are meant for laughs and not seriousness, what ever that means.

REVIEW: All About Steve

MOVIE
All About Steve

CAST
Sandra Bullock, Bradley Cooper

RATING
PG-13

RELEASE
September 4, 2009

DIRECTOR
Phil Traill

STUDIO
20th Century Fox

RUNNING TIME
1 hour 39 minutes





GRADE
B- (82)






STARS
**1/4








REVIEW:

Most of the people who saw this movie hated it, while the rest of those people, which is a small number of people enjoyed it. Me, I'm just stuck in the middle of them, thinking whether or not I should like the movie or dislike. Mary is a brilliantly gifted crossword puzzle writer at the Sacramento herald. But this comes with a price: she is socially awkward and her only friend is her pet hamster. But when her parents set her up with Steve, who turns out to be a stud instead of a dud, she believes she has met the one. So Mary travels all over the country to find Steve, who believes that Mary is a psychopathic stalker that wants to kill him. I wouldn't say this was the worst of 2009, but it's definitely not the best. Sandra Bullock is a little scary in this movie since she will not stop following Steve around the country. But the movie does have a few funny parts in it. The reason critics didn't like the movie is because it wasn't their type of film to see. If it was a group of teenagers - mid 20 year olds who were seeing this movie, they would like it, and that's exactly who this movie was made for. But for those who saw The Blind Side and The Proposal, they will soon find out that this is a different Bullock movie than those hits. This is certainly not the best Bullock performace and Bradley Cooper, who was fresh of of Hangover sucess is just their to be the pretty boy. But overall, if you're a teenager through 25 year old who wants to giggle a little and pass a good two hours in front of the TV, then this is the movie for you. But if you want to see it, wait for it on HBO, it'll make you feel better that you didn't see it in theaters.

REVIEW: Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult

MOVIE
Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult

CAST
Leslie Nielson, Priscilla Presley

RATING
PG-13

RELEASE
March 18, 1994

DIRECTOR
Peter Segal

STUDIO
Paramount Pictures

RUNNING TIME
1 hour 23 minutes

GRADE
B+ (87)

STARS
***

REVIEW:

It's definitely funnier than the second Naked Gun movie, but can't live up to the original, even if this still gives plenty of laughs. Frank Drebin, the bumbling police officer from the first two is back, but is married to Jane and has retired from Police Squad. But now he must come out from retirement to stop a bomb from blowing up and killing everyone in attendance at the Academy Awards. I probably explained the entire movie to you, but that's the official synopsis. The one problem I had with this Naked Gun film is that it felt very short, even though it's a mere 83 minutes. It didn't have much of a story anyway, and it mostly relied on slapstick and sexual jokes throughout. I do give props to the late Anna Nicole Smith, who's "acting" was very superior and excellent. I think that the funniest parts occurred in the beginning and the end, but the middle of the movie sort of lagged the excellence of the original. I'm making this review short and sweet: The Naked Gun 33 1/3 is a funny movie and should be watched by anyone who likes the series. I do hope though that a fourth one comes out, even though O.J. is in jail. They could probably make an excuse for his absence anyway. Any by the way, I personally think the poster is a little better than the movie, only by another half of a star.

REVIEW: The Sorcerer's Apprentice

MOVIE
The Sorcerer's Apprentice

CAST
Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel

RATING
PG

RELEASE
July 14, 2010

DIRECTOR
Jon Turtelaub

STUDIO
Walt Disney Pictures

RUNNING TIME
1 hour 51 minutes





GRADE
A- (92)





STARS
***1/4







REVIEW:

Well I can say that this is a heck of a lot better than Prince of Persia, Disney's earlier summer hit with Jake Ghyllenhaal. I can also say that this is a very fun movie the whole family can watch and still have a great time, even if the daddy or older brother(s) wanted to see Inception with his buddies instead of this. Balthazar Blake has been searching for a thousand years to find the successor of Merlin, his late master. He soon finds this successor in Dave, a 20 year old college nerd living in modern Manhattan. This successor is the only one who can defeat Maxim Horvath, Balthazar's arch nemesis, and Morgana le Fay, Merlin's arch-nemesis who wants to raise the dead and create an army with them to destroy the world. Dave must also get Becky, the girl whom he has loved since 4th grade. In order to suceed in all that must be accomplished for himself and the rest of the world, Dave must become, altogether, The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Like I said, this is a smart and fun family movie that also includes great special effects. Nicolas Cage, who's better known to Disney fans as Ben Gates from the National Treasure series does a great job as Balthazar and seems like he's enjoying every second of it. Jay Baruchel, who was in 2010's earlier hit How To Train Your Dragon plays the same character in every movie he's in. You know, the nerdy whiz kid that eventually gets the girl who's clearly out of his league. (He was also in She's Out Of My League) But he's still an enjoyable screen presence that helps keep the movie alive. But the most interesting role in this movie is Alfred Molina as Maxim Horvath, the films antagonist. Mr. Molina is no stranger to villanous roles. He was Doc Ock in SpiderMan 2, one of my favorite superhero movies ever. His role is probably the most thought out character in the movie, not that he was the best. I also enjoyed the chemestry between Cage and Baruchel, which was very funny and touching to see. Overall, this is one of the summer's better movies that families of all kinds will love. So if you've already seen kids hits like The Karate Kid, Toy Story 3, and Despicable Me, surrender another 2 hours to see Nicolas Cage show off his magical side with The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Also, stay after the credits of the movie for a little extra treat for you. Trust me.



PREVIEWS YOU MAY SEE:



Nanny McPhee Returns


Alpha & Omega


Secretariat


MegaMind


Tangled


Tron: Legacy


The Smurfs Movie

REVIEW: The Karate Kid

MOVIE
The Karate Kid

CAST
Ralph Macchio,
Noriyuki "Pat" Morita

RATING
PG

RELEASE
June 22, 1984

DIRECTOR
John G. Avildsen

STUDIO
Columbia Pictures

RUNNING TIME
2 hours 6 minutes




GRADE
A+ (98)






STARS
****








REVIEW:

Remakes are so overrated, and this movie proves it! Daniel LaRusso and his mom are being relocated from Newark, NJ to Reseda, a San Fernando Valley district in the city of Los Angeles, California for Daniel's mom's job. Daniel of course is the new kid at school and doesn't know anybody. But then he meets the perfect girl, a rich girl who lives on the richer side of town. But on the same day, he meets the local bully who loves to pick on Daniel since Daniel's new crush, who's name is Ali is his ex-girlfriend. So with the help of the local maintenance man, Mr. Miyagi, he will be taught the arts of karate and make an truely unlikely bond unlike any other. This is one of the most realistic and inspirational movies I've ever seen in my life. I can relate to seeing kids being bullied at many other schools I've visited and how upsetting it is to see this horrible crime. I also thought that the chemistry with Daniel/Ali and Daniel/Mr. Miyagi were almost as real as everyday life. Especially with Daniel and Ali because everyday in school I see boys and girls sitting at lunch together, holding hands, hugging, etc. But the relationship between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi is just so pure to watch and so rare to see since films rarely have a relationship like this movie. This movie also is a movie the whole family can watch together, even though the new one might be a little more interesting to see, since it's currently in theaters. But if you haven't seen the new one yet, even though I think it's out of theaters already, watch this one and then make the comparison. Personally, I loved this one so much that it's now in my top 15 favorite movies of ALL time. So if you were a smart person or you just love 80s movies, then watch a true classic movie as you will meet the original Karate Kid.

REVIEW: Despicable Me (2D)

MOVIE
Despicable Me

CAST
Steve Carell, Jason Segal

RATING
PG

RELEASE
July 9, 2010

DIRECTOR(S)

Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud

STUDIO(S)
Universal Pictures,

Illumination Entertainment

RUNNING TIME
1 hour 35 minutes

GRADE
A (94)

STARS

***1/2

REVIEW:

Is Toy Story 3 sold out at your multiplex? Does The Last Airbender want to make you ask for a refund? Well look no further as Despicable Me is a funny, heartwarming, and sweet that can compete against many PIXAR and DreamWorks Animation films. Gru wants to be the worlds #1 supervillan. So he believes that in order to accomplish this goal, he must pull off the ultimate crime: he is going to steal the moon. But when he adopts three little girls for his plan, he must find the hero in himself and decide to be superbad and a superdad. When I say this competes with PIXAR and DreamWorks movies, I mean it. Why not have a supervillan as a good guy for a change. Steve Carell gives a very funny voice to Gru, the main character. Russel Brand, who's known for his R rated raunch-fests does a funny and unrecgonizable voice as Gru's mentor. Now it might look from the previews that Gru's minions would steal the movie, but the real show stealer is Angus, the youngest of the three orphaned girls, who's voiced by Elsie Fischer, a cute and sweet little girl that brings a lot of light to the movie. She also makes some of the movie's funniest jokes and most heartwarming moments. The minions were also featured in some of the funniest moments, although I expected them to be a bit funnier. The animation in this movie is like eye candy to the mind and almost looks like the animation in most PIXAR films. I personally saw this movie in 2D, because my local theater only got the 2D print of it. Even though it was still very enjoyable, this is one of those movies that's worth a 3D ticket boost. But overall, Despicable Me is a fun and sweet family film that adults will enjoy as much as the kids. Plus, this probably won't make you cry like how Toy Story probably did. I can surely say this will be considered for Best Animated Feature come awards season this year.

PREVIEWS YOU MAY SEE:

Ramona And Beezus

Cats And Dogs:

The Revenge Of Kitty Galore

Nanny McPhee Returns

Alpha And Omega

Tangled

The Smurfs Movie

REVIEW: Catch Me If You Can

MOVIE
Catch Me If You Can

CAST
Leonardo Dicaprio, Tom Hanks

RATING
PG-13

RELEASE
December 25, 2002

DIRECTOR
Steven Spielberg

STUDIO
DreamWorks Pictures

RUNNING TIME

2 hours 21 minutes

GRADE
A+ (96.5)

STARS
****

REVIEW:

Get ready for a movie based on the ultimate game of Cat and Mouse. Frank Abagnale Jr. is a happy teenager living with his parents. But that's not all that Frank is. Before his 19th birthday, he successfully conned 2.3 million dollars out of U.S. banks through forged and homemade checks. So for about 5 years he sucessfully impersanates doctors, lawyers, etc. while making his cash and is still able to get away from the FBI. This movie is not a typical Spielberg flick. This isn't a summer blockbuster movie like Raiders Of The Lost Ark or E.T. Instead, it's a movie that's witty, fun, entertaining, and very fascinating to watch. Leonardo Dicaprio, Tom Hanks, and Christopher Walken are teriffic in this movie and deserved Oscar nominations. (I know Walken got nominated) This movie also happened to be very realistic and fantasy like at the same time. The women in the movie, and yes, there are alot, are potrayed beautifully by many talented actresses like Amy Adams and Jennifer Garner. The chemistry between Dicaprio and Hanks is nearly perfect. Also, it's very interesting how Frank, the main character always manages to slip through the fingers of the FBI, until whenever it ends. But if you're a Spielberg fan and is very interesting in true like stories, then see Leo and Tom have it out in Catch me If You Can.

REVIEW: Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy

MOVIE
Anchorman:
The Legend Of Ron Burgundy

CAST
Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate

RATING
PG-13

RELEASE
July 9, 2004

DIRECTOR
Adam McKay

STUDIO
DreamWorks Pictures

RUNNING TIME
1 hour 34 minutes




GRADE
A




STARS
***1/2






REVIEW:

What can I say, Will Ferrell's a very funny man, especially in this one. In San Diego circa mid 1970s, Ron Burgundy led the ratings as top rated newsman. But what Ron and his team don't realize is... times are changing. So before he knows it, he has a new co Anchor and it's a women, which in the 70s didn't happen since men were still the dominent race in the news. Well, to me this is one of those rare times when the trailer shows some of the funniest parts in the movie itself. I'm not saying this is a bad movie, but I'm saying that it didn't live up to what I hoped for. Unlike what most people say, I don't think this was the funniest Will Ferrell movie. My favorite Will Ferrel comedy is actually Taladega Nights: The Balled Of Ricky Bobby, which came out two years after this movie. Will Ferrell, who does a good job in this is not the funniest character in the movie. Personally, I think the funniest character in this movie is Steve Carell as Brick Tamland, (SPOILER) a crazy, idiotic man who said at the beginning of the movie that in a few years, a doctor would tell him that he has an IQ of 48 and is considered "mentally retarded." (END) I think that he stole the show from everyone and more. The rest of the cast, including Paul Rudd, David Koechner, Vince Vaughn, and funny cameos from Luke Wilson and Ben Stiller were also funny, but not as funny as Steve Carell. I would also like to point out that the "Afternoon Delight" scene is quite funny to see and listen to. But if you do enjoy Will Ferrell and/or just love comedies in general, Anchorman is a must see. So if you have time, I recommend you going out and renting Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy.

REVIEW: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

MOVIE
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

CAST
Kristen Stewart,

Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner

RATING
PG-13

RELEASE
June 30, 2010

DIRECTOR
David Slade

STUDIO
Summit Entertainment

RUNNING TIME
2 hours 4 minutes

GRADE
A+

STARS
****

REVIEW:

Yes, the new Twilight phenomenon is here, and it's the best Twilight in the series. Eclipse, the third movie in the Twilight saga takes us where we left off in the last movie. Now, Bella has a choice: Either she can be with Edward, her long-time vampire love, or confess her feeling for Jacob, her long-time friend who is a werewolf, the longtime enemy to a vampire. At the same time, Victoria, who's been hunting to kill Bella after Edward and his family, the Cullens killed Victoria's mate, James is creating a newborn vampire army to kill the Cullens off and make them unstoppable. Before anyone can say anything, Twi-hards will not be disappointed with this movie. What makes this Twilight movie different from the others is that this is the most intense Twilight made so far. Wait, not just the most intense, but the most violent and frightening. So for any young Twilight fans between the ages of 9 and 11 who want to see this, be warned that there's a lot of suspenceful scenes in it. The acting in this movie is better than in the first two movies, even though Kristen Stewart, who plays Bella, the main character always seems bored when she talks, almost as if she doesn't even want to do these movies. The only other critisism I have is that the special effects, mostly of Jacob Black and the rest of his tribe in wolf form doesn't look very realistic, no matter how hard they tried. But overall, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse is one of the summer's most entertaining films. Plus, this Twilight movie might appeal to guys as much as girls due to the heavy action thrown in, thanks to David Slade, the director of the vampire horror flick 30 Days Of Night. But if you do see it, don't see it in IMAX, because in my opinion, this isn't one of those movies you have to see on the world's biggest screen, but just ona regular movie screen would be just fine for it. So if you haven't already, (even though you're probably going to see it for the third time already) go out with your friends and check out The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.

PREVIEWS YOU MAY SEE:

Charlie St. Cloud

Step Up 3D

Easy A

Red

Paranormal Activity 2

Harry Potter

And The Deathly Hallows

The Chronicles Of Narnia:

The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader

REVIEW: Meet The Fockers

MOVIE
Meet The Fockers

CAST
Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller

RATING
PG-13

RELEASE
December 22, 2004

DIRECTOR
Jay Roach

STUDIO(S)
Universal Pictures,

DreamWorks Pictures

RUNNING TIME
1 hour 56 minutes

GRADE
A+

STARS
***3/4

REVIEW:

Meet The Parents was probably the funniest movie of 2000. Four years later, a sequel called Meet The Fockers came out, and it was actually one of the funniest sequels I've seen in my life so far. Greg (Gaylord) Focker had to spend a weekend with his fiance's parents, one of which is an ex member of the CIA. Now, Greg, Pam (his fiance), and Pam's parents must spend a weekend with Greg's parents, the Fockers. Well, the problem with Greg's parents is that, his mom is a sex therapist for senior citizens and his dad is a former lawyer that loves family. This is going to turn into an interesting weekend. All I can say is, this movie is just plain funny. It's filled with so many jokes that you can hardly say which one's your favorite. The entire cast does a terrific job at making a funny movie for the audience to love. But if you're a teenager like me who enjoyed the first one, this sequel has A LOT more sexual content than the first one, most of the time including a rubber breast for breast feeding. But most of the sexual content teenagers would understand and laugh at. There are also some funny scenes with Pam's family cat, Jinxie and Greg's family dog, Moses. I would also like to point out that this movie leads perfectly into another sequel. (Coming this Christmas) Overall, Meet The Fockers is a very funny sequel that anyone over the age of 12 would really really enjoy. So if you love comedy of any sorts or a big Ben Stiller or Robert De Niro fan, then watch Meet The Fockers, the smash hit sequel to Meet The Parents.