Super 8

Released:  2011

Director:  J. J. Abrams
Producers: J. J. Abrams;  Steven Spielberg
Writer:  J. J. Abrams
Main Actors:  Elle Fanning;  Kyle Chandler;  Joel Courtney

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  *  *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 with 4 being best)

Entertainment Value:  *  *  *  *
Acting:  *  *  *  *
Directing:  *  *  *  *
Predictability Factor:  *  *  *  * 
Story Line:  *  *  *  * 

My first thought about this movie is, well, brilliance.  I want to see it again!  I was on the edge of my seat for a lot of the film.  Yes, this movie has earned my reference to it as a film. 

I dreamed of making movies when I was young (and I still do).  Watching this brought me back to my childhood and the fascination and passion that comes with being young and working to make your dreams happen.  Did I mention the film was brilliant? 

And of course, there was SCI FI!!!!!!!  Yahooooweeeeee!  Those of you that know me are fully aware I'm a sci fi fan and aliens are totally cool to me.  It isn't surprising I like this film. 

I'll state the obvious - I highly recommend this movie.  You may not appreciate it as much as I do (or some of my friends that I know will love it), but it is a very good movie.  I think some defining movie making moments are going to come out of this film.  The train crash could very well become the next 'Indiana Jones running with the bolder behind him' scene.  Everyone knows it. 

Favorite Line:  "And wash your hands this time."

Favorite Character:  Cary (played by Ryan Lee)

Favorite Scene:  Duh - the train crash, but I also liked the scene in the pot head's car

The Rite

Released:  2011

Main Actors:  Anthony Hopkins; Colin O'Donoghue; Alice Braga
Director:  Mikael Hafstrom
Writer:  Michael Petroni
Producers:  Beau Flynn; Tripp Vinson

OVERALL RATING:  *  * 
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being the best)

Acting:  *  *  * 
Directing:  *  *
Predictability:  *
Story:  *  *

There were some great camera shots in this movie, but, unfortunately, they didn't make the film a "must see".  I think I could have done without seeing it.  My life would continue as is without having added this to the movie catalog in my head.

I thought about why I didn't like the movie all that much.  The acting was good and, well, come on... Anthony Hopkins?!?!  Yeah, great casting there.  Anyway, I think it's because the pace of the movie was a bit too slow.  There were so many scenes with nothing really happening except 'dramatic music' in the background. 

So, I can't say NOT to see the movie, but I do recommend A LOT of others before this one. If you want to have a day of Exorcism movies, then definitely include this one that day.

Favorite Scene:  Where Michael first meets Father Exorcist.  Lots of kittens (I like kittens).