R.I.P.D.

Released:  2013

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  Robert Schwentkey
Writers:  Phil Hay,  Matt Manfredi
Producers:  Michael Forttrell, Mike Richardson
Main Actors:  Jeff Bridges, Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Bacon, Mary-Louise Parker

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

I had high hopes for this movie.  It was good, but not as good as I was hoping.  The story just had too many holes and didn't really make a lot of sense.  I mean, come on, policing the world of the half dead is so realistic I don't know how they managed to mess it up!  (insert sarcastic snarky face here)

Good Aspects:  It was entertaining and did hold my interest.  The effects were okay.  There were some very funny scenes.  The concept was engaging.

Bad Parts:  It seemed like they may have edited out some parts that were needed for the story line.  Things just didn't connect very well.  Kevin Bacon was too pretty as a Deado.  He needed more disgustingness.

If you are bored and looking for something purely entertaining to watch, I do recommend this movie. Don't waste your time though if you are looking for a great film.

Favorite Scene:  Roy (as his avatar) being flung through the mall and against buildings as people watched.  Him as a hot chick was pretty brilliant.

Now You See Me

Released:  2013

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

Director:  Louis Leterrier
Writer:  Ed Solomon, Boaz Yakin, Edward Ricourt
Producer:  Bobby Cohan, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci
Main Actors:  Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco

Directing:  *  *  *
Acting:  *  *  *
Entertainment Value:  *  *  *  .5
Plot:  *  *  *
Predictability:  *  *  *

This movie was entertaining, but slightly... ummm... I don't know how to say it... too much?  I was engaged the entire time.  The acting was good.  The effects were well done.  I think it was just a little to 'much'.  I can suspend my disbelief just like any other movie watching drone, but there was something that was bugging me the entire time.  It had to be the over-the-topness of it.

Spoiler Alert:  The fact that they did not keep the money didn't make sense.  They were street performers before getting together.  Merritt, Woody Harrelson's character, would so have taken the money and would not have been in it just to be part of the eye.  It didn't fit the characters for them to have done what they did.  Maybe I'm just being too analytical.

I would recommend the movie.  There are some twists and turns that I didn't expect.  Some were obvious predictions, but others were nice surprises.  Plus, there were explosions and fights - always a good thing in movies.  :)

Favorite Scene:  The car chase - that was cool and you KNEW that the guy didn't die, but it was awesome anyway.

Lincoln

Released:  2012

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  *  .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4)

Director:  Steven Spielberg
Writer:  Tony Kushner
Producers:  Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg
Main Actors:  Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, James Spader

Directing:  *  *  *  * 
Acting:  *  *  *  *
Story Line:  *  *  * 
Entertainment Value:  *  *  * 
Predictability:  (not rated - true events already known)

I loved this movie.  I have no idea why I haven't seen it since now.   I love our Constitution and am studying it, so why I didn't see a movie about the 13th Amendment is beyond me.

First, I laughed in numerous places about how things do not change in government.  Accusations of abusing Executive Power, more and more state laws being overridden by federal legislation, etc... Then, I had to laugh at the "radical Republicans".  That just made my heart happy.  I knew that the Democratic party in the mid 1800s was made up of mostly slavery proponents,  but when I heard the line "radical Republicans" I just laughed.  My how the political parties have changed (or have they?  - Discuss amongst yourselves).

The acting and directing were amazing.  Not surprising though.  Tommy Lee Jones and James Spader were fabulous.

Obviously, I recommend this movie.  The only annoying part of it was the little kid - Tad Lincoln.  He was just irritating.

Favorite Scene:  Where Bilbo is lobbying for the Amendment and the Representative just pulls a gun out and shoots at him.  That was hilarious.

Argo

Released:  2012

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  * .3
(on a scale of 1 to 4)

Director:  Ben Affleck
Writer:  Chris Terrino, Tony Mendez
Producer:  Ben Affleck, George Clooney, Grant Heslov
Main Actors:  Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston,  Alan Arkin, John Goodman

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

Ben Affleck has talent.  I was impressed with The Town and am even more impressed with this film.  I highly doubt that directing, producing, and staring in a movie is easy.  Good job Ben.

The movie kept me engaged and on edge.  I can't say I want to watch it over and over again, but I am very glad that I saw it.  I wasn't too sure how it would be.  When it came out, I wasn't about to go to a theater to see it.  I was curious though.  Now I know, and it is good.

Alan Arkin and John Goodman were fabulous.  They added just the right amount of comic relief.  They played off each other well.

I do recommend this movie - for sure!  If you don't go see it, "Argo fuck yourself".

Favorite Scene:  The Read Through (hahahahaha)

A Good Day to Die Hard

Released:  2013

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

Director:  John Moore
Writer:  Skip Woods
Producers:  Wyck Godfrey, Alex Young
Main Actors:  Bruce Willis, Jai Courtney, Sebastian Koch, Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Directing:  *  *  
Acting:  *  *  * 
Story Line:  *
Entertainment Value:  *  *  * 
Gratuitous Action:  *  *  *  .5

Yes, stuff blew up, gun fights abounded, and cars crashed.  That is about all the awesomeness that was in this movie.  The plot just, well, sucked.  I watched this movie with my boyfriend, Joe, and I knew it was bad when we both started laughing at a the start of a major car chase.  We weren't laughing because Bruce Willis said something funny...

I love the Die Hard series and was hoping for a bit more 'story'.  The action was what I expected, but the plot... really?!?!  I know most action movies have unbelievable stuff in it, but I think this movie took unbelievablility a bit too far.  My suspension of disbelief just couldn't be suspended that much.

Despite the lame script, Bruce Willis was fantastic.  He's getting older, but can still pull it off.  I admit, I am a fan of the B.W.

Anyway, I would only recommend this movie if you were really bored and felt like watching Russia being destroyed.  Other than that, skip it.

Favorite Line:  "I'm not that smart.  I'm on vacation."

Kick-Ass 2

Released:  August 2013

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  *  .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  Jeff Wadlow
Writer:  Jeff Wadlow, Mark Millar
Producer:  Adam Bohling, Brad Pitt, David Reid, Matthew Vaughn
Main Actors:  Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloe Grace Moretz, Jim Carrey

Directing:  *  *  *  
Acting:  *  *  *  * 
Plot:  *  *  *  *  
Predictability:  *  *  * 
Entertainment Value:  *  *  *  * 

I have to admit that this was better then I thought it would be.  I've seen Kick-Ass, but didn't go gaga over it, which is why I was expecting this to just be okay.  Well,  it was more than okay - it was a bit of awesomeness wrapped up into amazing.

After seeing this, I am so making my own super hero and hitting the streets to fight for justice!  Not really, but the thought did cross my mind (several times).  Even though you knew the good guys would win in the end, it was still seat gripping action as the good guys battled it out with the bad boys.

Jim Carrey was awesome.  I had NO idea he was in the movie until afterwards when my boyfriend told me.  He didn't look or sound like himself at all.  I'm still embarrassed I didn't know it was him.

I recommend seeing this.  It is just a good old "the underdog wins" movie and it's really entertaining, and, pleasantly surprisingly, funny.

Favorite Scene:  Hit Girl gets back at the evil clique girls during lunch.  Classic.

Elysium

Released:  2013

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  *  .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  Neill Blomkamp
Producer:  Simon Kinsberg
Writer:  Neill Blomkamp
Main Actors:  Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Alice Braga

Directing:  *  *  *  *
Acting:  *  *  *  * 
Plot:  *  *  *
Predictability:  *  *  *  * 
Entertainment Value:  *  *  *  *

I definitely recommend this movie.  It was awesome!  I liked the uniqueness of the story line and, well, it had spaceships, explosions, and fights, so of course it's fantabulous.

Seriously, I do think it was very well done.  There were a few places that slowed the flow of the movie down a wee bit, but they weren't that big of a deal.  By the time I started to think 'move on', they already had.

Matt Damon was brilliant.  I totally respect his acting abilities, although, I think if someone really was suffering from radiation poisoning, had artificial limbs put on and was stabbed in the stomach, they would not be able to do what he was doing. Minor plot detail.  ;)

Favorite Scene:  Carlyle's attempt to get away.

Hanna

Released:  April 2011

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  *  .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  Joe Wright
Writer:  Seth Lochhead
Producers:  Marty Adelstein, Leslie Holleran, Scott Nemes
Original Music:  The Chemical Brothers
Main Actors:  Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, Cate Blanchett

Directing:  *  *  *  * 
Plot:  *  *  *  *  
Acting:  *  *  *  * 
Predictability:  *  *  * 
Entertainment Value:  *  *  *

I really liked this movie.  I've wanted to see it since it came out.  I'm glad I have finally watched it.

The film was unique for sure.  Some of the cinematography was brilliant and the production design was well done.  One thing I especially liked is the original music used in the film.  It fit perfectly with the action on the screen.

I was impressed with the acting.  Saoirse Ronan, Hanna, was fantastic!  She mixed confusion and uncertainty with ingrained strength and intelligence very well.  I especially liked the relationship she developed with Sophie, played by Jessica Barden.

I do recommend this movie.  It is one that I would definitely watch again.  It kept me engaged and interested.

Favorite Scene:  Hanna on her 'date' describing kissing.

Pacific Rim

Released:  July 12, 2013

OVERALL RATING:  * * * .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  Guillermo del Toro
Writers:  Travis Beacham, Guillermo del Toro
Producers:  Jon Jashni, Mary Parent, Thomas Tull
Main Actors:  Charlie Hunnam, Diego Klattenhoff, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day

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

I so love sci-fi.  This movie was a cross between Transformers, Godzilla, and Aliens.  It made a fabulous combination.  I loved how it started BAM! right into the action.

While some of the technical talk was sooo not correct, I didn't care during the movie.  Well, I did chuckle with the digital / analog lines.  Come on... really?  Aside from that though, it was awesome.  Big huge monsters battling big huge machines - how could you not think greatness?!?

I was impressed with the fight scenes and the number of fights they had.  It was better then a lot of the other mainstream sic-fi battles I've seen recently.  I could tell what was happening - which was the monster and which was the machine.

I'm curious what the shoes meant.  There were multiple shoes that the movie called a lot of attention too.  What's with the shoes Mr. del Toro?  Am I missing something?

Favorite Scene:  The Kaiju taking flight with the Jaegar.  Sweet.

Sharknado

Released:  7/11/2013

OVERALL RATING:  * .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  Anthony Ferrante
Writer:  Thunder Levin
Producers:  Paul Bales, David Michael Latt
Main Actors:  Ian Ziering, Tara Reid

Directing:  *
Acting:  *
Plot Line:  * * 
Predictability:  * *
Entertainment Value:  * * 

OMG!  SyFy - score!!! Another awesomely bad movie.  LOVE IT.  It's like a train wreck - I just HAVE to watch my SyFy movies.

This one was everything I was hoping it would be.  It had no continuity in shots / editing, acting was awful, effects were laughable, and I enjoyed watching it.  Yep, nothing like seeing sharks falling from the sky to make you giggle.

I have to admit that the ending was a bit surprising.  Surprising and fabulous.  No way would that happen, but it was cool none the less.

Favorite Lines:  Why would they put a retirement home by the airport?  Maybe cause they're old.

The Heat

Released:  June 2013

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

Director:  Paul Feig
Writer:  Katie Dippold
Producer:  Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping
Main Actors:  Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy, Demian Bichir

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

It has been a long time since I've laughed so much at a movie - and consistently throughout.  This movie was friggin hilarious!  The chemistry between Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy worked really well.

I think the best part of the movie was the story line.  I wasn't 100% sure where it was going.  Although the overall plot was predictable, there was enough happening in the movie that kept me engaged and wondering what would happen next.

This is what I like about comedies.  It made me laugh, kept me entertained, and totally removed me from my reality for a bit.

Favorite Quotes:  Well contain your areola.  /  You misrepresented my vagina.  /  I'm balls deep in boredom.

Favorite Scene:  Denny's  

World War Z

Released:  June 2013

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  Marc Forster
Writers:  Matthew Michael Garnaha, Drew Goddard, Damon Lindelof
     *Based On Book by Max Brooks
Producers:  Ian Bryce, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Brad Pitt
Main Actors:  Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, Daniella Kertesz

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

I know... I know... how can I give a Zombie movie a 2.5?!!!

I did like this movie.  The problem I have with it is mainly because I read the book.  It has some portions that are like the book, but the overall story is no where near what was written.

The character of Segen was pretty random.  I liked her in it, but the chemistry between her and Brad Pitt didn't work well for me.  The story line should have give more information about her.  It didn't make sense why she became Lane's right hand (hahaha if you seen the movie).  I know they were in a crisis together and he saved her life, but I just left the movie feeling like I needed to know more about her character.

The fear that the actors portrayed was well done.  The kids especially performed well.

Zombies move extremely fast in this film.  It was cool how they had them climb each other to get over walls.  That part was in the book.

All in all, I'd recommend it, but definitely not if you think it will be like the book.

Favorite Scene:  Brad Pitt drinking a Pepsi (nice product placement by the way - could you be MORE obvious?)

Iron Man 3

Released:  May 2013

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

Director:  Shane Black
Writer:  Shane Black,  Drew Pearce
Producer:  Kevin Feige
Main Actors:  Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Guy Pearce

Directing:  *  *  * 
Acting:  *  *  * 
Special Effects:  *  *  *  .5
Plot:  *  *  
Predictability:  *  *  
Entertainment Value:  *  *  *  * 

I liked the first Iron Man better.  It was definitely entertaining though.  I'm glad I got to see it in the theater on the big screen.

It was somewhat of a weird plot line.  The story was just... odd.  That is all I can think of to describe it. It didn't make a lot of cense.   I did like the overall movie though.  It was entertaining and basically what I was expecting from a comic book movie.

Favorite Line:  I just stole a poncho from a wooden statue.

Star Trek Into Darkness

Released:  5/16/2013

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  *  .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  J.J. Abrams
Writers:  Robert Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Damon Lindelof
Producers:  J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk
Main Actors:  Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg

Directing:  *  *  *  *
Plot:  *  *  *  
Predictability:  *  *  *  
Acting:  *  *  *  * 
Entertainment Value:  *  *  *  * 
Costumes / Makeup:  *  *  *

As a stand alone movie, this was awesome.  As a Star Trek movie, not as awesome.  This is a personal issue for me and probably not problematic with the general population.  I have to give this movie high marks as it is a well done, entertaining film, but if I was only viewing it as a Star Trek movie, the score would not be as high.

Here is a list of WHY I don't totally love this movie.  Spoiler alert if you haven't seen it.
1.  At times I was wondering when Princess Leia would come in - the music, background aliens, and some of the costumes were very Star Wars like.  This is not bad cause I love Star Wars, but I like keeping my Star Trek and Star Wards separate.
2.  Spock saying Khan... Just didn't feel right.
3.  Klingons were a bit too different for my taste.
4.  Star Trek always had a clean, institutionalized feel to it for me.  This didn't feel very 'clean'.  I don't know if any of you get what I'm saying, but that is the best way I can think of to describe it.  The feel of the film wasn't as crisp / clean as I usually get when I watch a Star Trek film.  It wasn't bad, just, well, not my normal feeling.
5.  A little too much suspension of disbelief at the end with Spock and Khan.

I do recommend seeing this of course, but I think I need to change my mindset a bit about my Star Trek films.  I am very curious to see what J.J. Abrams does with Star Wars.

Favorite Scene:  Kirk trying to explain to Spock why he lied in his report and why he was upset.  Very Star Trek - Loved.

Olympus Has Fallen

Released:  2013

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

Director:  Antoine Fuqua
Writers:  Katrin Benedikt, Creighten Rothenberger
Producers:  Mark Gill, Gerard Butler, Ed Cathell III
Main Actors:  Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Dylan McDermott

Directing:  *  *  *
Acting:  *  *  * 
Predictability:  *
Plot:  *  *  *  * 
Fight Sequences:  *  *  * 
Entertainment Value:  *  *  *  * 

It was not easy to watch the beginning of this movie due to the recent Boston marathon bombing and the reminder of what happened on 9/11.  Since things blowing up, fist fights, gun shots and action are right up my alley,  I quickly got over my uneasiness and got into the movie.

I thought the fight scenes were well done.  The editing made things look pretty good and the variety of killing styles used was appreciated.  It gets boring if everyone just uses guns.  A good head grab and twist is always well received.

The main problem with this movie was how predictable it was.  Don't get me wrong, there were a few times where I gripped Joe's hand harder in suspense (yep, saw it with my wonderful boyfriend), but you already knew how it would end as soon as it started.  I guess I would have been sad if it had ended differently though.

I recommend the movie if you like action movies.  It was definitely worth seeing.

Favorite Scene:  In the coffee shop with Banning and the boss woman.  The other agents coming in to talk them was amusing - it reminded me of the little puppy dogs following a someone holding a bone.

Assassin's Bullet

Released:  2012

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

Director:  Issac Florentine
Writer:  Hans Feuersinger
Producer:  David E. Ornston
Main Actors:  Christian Slater, Donald Sutherland, Elika Portnoy

Directing:  *
Acting:  *  *  *
Predictability:  *  *  
Plot:  *  *  *
Entertainment Value:  *  *

Why I had high hopes for this movie, I'm not sure.  Oh right - guns, action, suspense.  I thought it would have a lot of those things.  It wasn't horrible or anything, just somewhat mediocre.  I wouldn't recommend it unless you're board out of your mind and nothing is on TV.

The story had so much potential, but I think they just missed the mark on making it good.  There were just really dumb things in the script.  It also needed way more action and less of that lovey dovey stuff.  In addition, the ending was just odd.  It left me thinking "What the @#%@!?".

The directing was not good at all.  The camera choices were lame - they keep using the circle around the actor deal.  The first time, okay, but they did it too much.  If I notice camera work during the film, it isn't good.  There were a couple scenes that needed more extras.  It just looked off.

I do think the actor's did a decent job with what they had.  I do think highly of Donald Sutherland, but his role was not in the movie much.  I would have liked to have seen more of him.

Chupacabra vs. the Alamo

Released:  March 23, 2013

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

Director:  Terry Ingram
Writer:  Peter Sullivan
Producer:  Keith Shaw, Kirk Shaw
Main Actors:  Erik Estrada, Nicole Munoz, Julia Benson

Directing:  *
Plot:  * * * 
Acting:  *  *  
Predictability:  *
Entertainment Value:  * * * 

Erik Estrada on a motorcycle is still kind of hot.  I had to laugh though cause of the background they used when they showed him on front views - it was so bad.  The effects in this movie were horrible, but in a way, great!  It fit with the SyFy original movie expectations.

I liked Crocket.  He was funny and they cast him well.  There were some very bad casting choices though.  Erik Estrada's kids did not at all look like him.  The actor who played his son looked asian.  The daughter was too white to be hispanic.  It just looked weird and it made me make up stories as to why he has an asian son and a white girl daughter - they were adopted.

I did find the movie somewhat entertaining.  It made me laugh and things blew up - if you read my reviews, you know I'm really into blowing up stuff - and guns, and Erik Estrada with a gun, on a motorcycle.

Favorite Quote:  "We got chupacabras up in here"

Flying Monkeys

Released:  2013

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

Director:  Robert Grasmere
Writer:  Silvero Gouris
Producer:  Phillip Poole, Brad Krevoy, H. Daniel Gross
Main Actors:  Electra Avellan, Maika Monroe, Michael Papajohn, Vincent Ventresca

Directing:  *
Acting:  *
Plot:  *
Entertainment Value:  *  *
Predictability:  *

First, I just have to say:  SyFy, I love your movies even though they are horrendous.  It's like a car wreck - I can't not watch.

This is a movie about flying werewolf demon monkeys.  While flying werewolf demon monkeys is intriguing and has potential to be fabulous, it wasn't.  The Asian actors were awful (no offense against Asians, just the ones in this movie).  The directing was lacking.  The production value was cheap.

I have to admit that the monkey they had was really cute.  It made me want to go out and buy a monkey - werewolf demon or not.

They did throw in the gratuitous 'girl in bra' scene.  I suppose that is standard for B movies.

I think the writer and / or director may have been trying to make a political statement about a need to gun control.  If people used their guns and shot the monkeys, the monkeys would double.  Ohhhh evil demon guns!  (lame)

Favorite Line:  "Hey monkey breath - get off my porch."

Flight

Released:  2012

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  *  .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  Robert Zemeckis
Writer:  John Gatins
Producers:  Jack Rapke, Steve Starkey, Laurie MacDonald, Walter Parkes, Robert Zemeckis
Main Actors:  Denzel Washington, Kelly Reilly, Bruce Greenwood

Acting:  *  *  *  *
Directing:  *  *  * 
Plot:  *  *  * 
Predictability:  *  *  * 
Entertainment Value:  *  *  *  *
Engaging Consistency:  *  *  *  * 

Definitely a "Must Watch" movie.  This is a deep dive into the world of an alcoholic pilot who miraculously saves a flight from total disaster while under the influence.  Having personal knowledge of alcoholism and having grown up with an airline pilot, I totally could believe this movie.  It was upsetting, but a very good portrayal of the situation.  I grew up around a lot of airline pilots and yes, they do (or did in the 80s) like to party hard.

I did cry a lot at the end.  This is not a movie to watch when you want something light and fluffy.  It is definitely something to see when you want a good drama (and a good cry).  I saw this movie when I was sick and, if you want a good way to clear out the mucus in your head - I suggest seeing this as you'll cry it all out.

Denzel Washington did an outstanding performance of course.  John Goodman was friggin hilarious.  The performances alone are worth seeing this movie.  They also had good music that matched well with the story.

Favorite Scene:  Nicole taking pictures in the morning - great portrayal of an addict starting in recovery - and there was a Big Book in the scene!!

End of the World

Released:  2/23/2013

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  *  .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  Steven R Monroe
Writers:  Jason Bourque, David Ray
Main Actors:  Greg Grunberg, Neil Grayston, Caroline Cave
Producer:  Rupert Harvey

Directing:  *  *  *  
Acting:  *  *  *  * 
Writing:  *  *  *  * 
Plot:  *  *  *
Entertainment Value:  *  *  *  * 
Predictability:  *  *  *

OMG!!!!!!  I love this SyFy movie!  Greg Grunberg and Neil Grayston are fantastic together!   They are so friggin funny.  I was laughing out loud a lot!

I liked all the references to other Sci-Fi movies most.  There were so many I couldn't begin to remember them all - "I love you.  /  I know";  Princess Leia mentioned;  The Abyss;  ET;  The Mummy;  War Games;  and so many others.  This is truly a geek movie.

Another thing I liked about it was, yes, stuff blew up.  And people exploded.  And there was a cool van.  And they had apocalypse planning.  And....  you get my drift.

I do wish the movie did better on the people explosions.  That was kinda lame.  They could have had more gore there.  Also, I would have liked to have seen the mom live.  That was sad.

I highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes Sci-Fi.  You'll love it.


Favorite Lines:  "Maybe an obsession with Sci-Fi its not so bad.";  "Could you shut up while I'm handling a nuclear warhead?"

Identity Thief

Released:  Feb. 8, 2013

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  Seth Gordon
Writer:  Craig Mazin
Producer:  Pamela Abdy, Jason Bateman, Scott Stuber
Main Actors:  Jason Bateman,  Melissa McCarthy, Amanda Peet, Robert Patrick

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

Don't expect a Horrible Bosses or Bridesmaid type movie when you see this.  It wasn't as good.  I think that was a mistake I was making - thinking it would be as good as Horrible Bosses / Bridesmaid.  I still want to marry Jason Bateman though.

The movie was funny, but I think there was a lot more potential there that the writer didn't grasp.  There was more they could have done to make it funnier, but they didn't.  It did get a bit too ridiculous at times and the amount of times they threw in sex references was just unnecessary.

I was pleasantly surprised to see Robert Patrick in the movie.  Dang is he still looking good!  He's like almost 55 years old!  I have a soft spot for him since he was in The X-Files.  And in Stargate: Atlantis.  And in Psych.

I would recommend seeing it, because it is entertaining.  Wait for when it's rentable though.  It's not something that needs to be seen on the big screen.

Favorite Scene:  Diana taping up Skip in the van

Favorite Quote:  Oh my fibromyalgia !!

Warm Bodies

Released:  Feb. 1, 2013

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

Director:  Jonathan Levine
Writer:  Jonathan Levine;  Issac Marion
Producer:  David Hoberman; Todd Leiberman
Main Actors:  Nicholas Hoult; Teresa Palmer

Directing:  *  *  * 
Acting:  *  *  * 
Story Line:  *  *  *  * 
Entertainment Value:  *  *  *  
Predictability:  *  *  .5

Zombies!!!!  I liked this movie oodles.  It had zombies in it.  It was pretty funny too.  Did I mention it had zombies?

I know it's suppose to be a 'love story' type movie, but I really would have liked to have seen more zombie eating.  They didn't do much with human / zombie interaction except for R and Julie.  They could have thrown in some scenes where people were sent out looking for Julie and they run into zombies and then zombies get brains!

The voice over for most of the movie worked well for me.  It was highly amusing and I laughed out loud numerous times.  There were a little too many flashbacks though.  I think they should have gone lighter on the flashbacks and harder on the zombie violence.

Favorite Scene:  At the beginning when R was in the airport and saw his best friend.  Grunt groan grunt groan... hahhahahha

Tasmanian Devils

Released:  January 2013 (SyFy)

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  Zach Lipovsky
Writer:  Brook Durham
Producer:  Lindsay Moffat
Main Actors:  Danica McKellar, Kenneth Mitchell, Apolo Ohno, Mike Dopud

Directing:  *
Acting:  *  *
Plot:  *
Entertainment Value:  *  *  * 
Predictability:  *  *  *
Gore Factor:  *  *  * 

This is definitely one of the better SyFy movies that I have seen recently.  No, it's not because I was an extra in Danica McKellar's movie, Inspector Mom!  I just really appreciate her superb acting skills.

Seriously, she did do a decent job with that script.  Not exactly the most eloquent lines in the world.  I do think that her boobs varied in cleavage throughout the movie.  This is not due to me trying to look at them, it's simply focus where the director pointed attention too.  Every female forest ranger type neglects to button or zip up their shirts past the base of their bra, right?

The special affects guy must have enjoyed breaking everyone in half.  It seemed like those little devils really liked to play tug of war with bodies.  The beginning of the movie had a very graphic body dismemberment that was kind of cool.  I don't have anything to compare it to though - I mean, I haven't seen someone torn apart by demented tasmanian devils before.

I do think it was entertaining.  Keep in mind - it's a SyFy movie.  I am partial to them and, well, you know I know they aren't really Oscar worthy.

Favorie Scenes:  (I couldn't decide on one - and I've given them names)
  - The flying devil
  - Danica shows off her fire skills
  - Anderson crawls, the devil crawls

Django Unchained

Released:  Dec. 25, 2012

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  *  .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  Quentin Tarantino
Writer:  Quentin Tarantino
Producers:  Reginald Hudlin, Stacey Sher, Pilar Savone
Main Actors:  Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio

Directing:  *  *  *  *
Acting:  *  *  *  *
Plot:  *  *  *
Predictability:  *  *  
Entertainment Value:  *  *  *  *

Highly entertaining movie!  It's Quentin, so expect some flying blood and language.  The basic story was endearing, but of course I didn't come away feeling all gushy and stuff - which is good cause I probably would be rating this movie lower if I had.

There were some very funny moments in the film.  I laughed out loud numerous times.  Also, there are some classic Tarantino shots - like all the gunman coming into the house at one time.  Stuff blew up and people were in shoot outs - right up my ally!!!

I wish I had a better memory cause there are some awesome lines in this.  Samuel L. Jackson threw out some fabulous one liners.  They probably wouldn't be as funny out of context though.  Still, he I think had the best funny lines.

Obviously, I recommend the movie.  It's Oscar nominated for a reason.   I do recommend you NOT let children see this though.  It's Tarantino.

Favorite Scene:  The Klan discussing the bags.  Don Johnson was great!

Wristcutters: A Love Story

Released:  2006

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  * .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  Goran Dukic
Writers:  Goran Dukic, Etgar Keret
Producers:  Chris Coen, Tatiana Kelly, Mikal P. Lazarev
Main Actors:  Patrick Fugit, Shannyn Sossamon, Shea Whigham

Directing:  *  *  *  
Acting:  *  *  *  * 
Plot:  *  *  *
Predictability:  *  *  *  *
Entertainment Value:  *  *  * 

I do not recommend this movie for anyone who wants a funny, happy, escape movie.  It is a good film, but the subject matter is pretty deep.  Suicide is a serious topic and not something people discuss lightly.

The perspective portrayed of what happens after a person 'offs themselves' is interesting.  It makes you think about life, death and religion.  The details of limbo land in the movie are fascinating as well.  The production design fit the plot perfectly.

The acting in the film was great.  Characters who have committed suicide are difficult to play.  You can't be a total downer, but you also can't be too 'happy'.

I recommend seeing this film.  See it when you are emotionally stable though.

Favorite Scene:  The gas station in which people drive off with the gas hose still in their tank.

The Mechanic

Released:  January 2011

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  Simon West
Writer:  Richard Wenk;  Lewis John Carlino
Producer:  Rene Besson;  William Chartoff;  David Winkler
Main Actors:  Jason Statham; Ben Foster; Donald Sutherland

Acting:  *  *  * 
Predictability:  *  
Directing:  *  *  * 
Entertainment Value:  *  *  * 
Plot:  *  *

Ahhhh - Jason Statham - He is such an awesome bad ass action movie guy.  And he's totally hot.  Really really really hot.  I greatly valued seeing him with his shirt off in the movie.

The actual movie was okay.  I wouldn't say it isn't worth seeing, but it's definitely not high on the list of movies you MUST see.  The pace of the movie seemed to drag a bit in certain places.  There were some really good action sequences though.  It was fantasic to see a car just drive into the back of a bus.

It was a predictable movie.  More so than it should have been.  The movie opens with a pool scene that you can fully expect the expected.  There weren't a lot of surprises.  I think it could have been better with a bit of twists here and there.

For some reason, Jason Statham and Donald Sutherland work well in movies together.  I wish Donald had a bigger role though - it was like 'The Italian Job' - he wasn't in the movie much.

If you're looking for something to watch and have seen most of the movies you want to see, pick this one up.  If you're a Jason Statham fan, SEE IT ASAP!

Favorite Scene:  The cemetery - the production design and music worked well in this.