Gangster Squad

Released :  2013

Number of Ginger Snaps:  6 out of 10

6 out of 10 Ginger Snaps!

Director:  Ruben Fleischer

Writers:  Will Beall, Paul Lieberman

Producers:  Dan Lin, Kevin McCormick, Michael Tadross

Main Actors:  Josh Brolin, Sean Penn, Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling





Favorite Character
Officer Max Kennard

Favorite Scene
Shotting Cans - Robert Patrick is bad ass

I had higher hopes for this movie since it is kinda film noir, a genre I've been interested in lately.  It started with me wondering if I would make it through the entire movie, but it picked up and got a lot better.   There was a lot of immediate blood and gore, so that was promising.  :)

Anyway, I do recommend the film if you want an escape involving 1940s gun fights.  It is not for kids, but one would hope people would realize that with the title and all.  Of course, Robert Patrick is pure awesomeness.  I do love that man.  And NO, not just because he was in The X-Files!  (I think, although subconsciously, I may have some bias there).

Interstellar

Released:  2014

Number of Ginger Snaps:  8 out of 10

8 out of 10 Ginger Snaps

Director:  Christopher Nolan

Writers:  Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan

Producers:  Christopher Nolan, Lynda Obst, Emma Thomas

Main Actors:  Matthew McConaughey, Mackenzie Foy, John Lithgow,  Anne Hathaway





Favorite Character
Tars


Favorite Quotes
Wanna clean that up when you're finished praying to it? - Donald
No, I need to feel the air.  - Cooper


Favorite Scene
Cooper seeing the school counselors.


Review
Well written, well acted, excellent production quality, sci fi topic... but... I got a little bored in a few places.  I'm not sure why.  The story was really good and engaging, but it lost my engagement a few times.  It was a 3 hour movie, so maybe that is why.

The pace of the movie was a little slow.  There was a lot to take in and you had to pay attention to figure out what was going on.  That is good, but maybe not the best for when you want to watch a movie to totally escape and forget about the real world and it's frustrations.  (that is what I was in the mood for)

Anyway, I do highly recommend this movie with the caveat that you are in the mood to see a 3 hour thinking movie.

FYI - I'm still thinking about it.  Relativity, gravity, inability for modern science to find a solution to the blight...

Escape Plan

Released:  2013

Number of Ginger Snaps:  5 out of 10

5 out of 10 Ginger Snaps!

Director:  Mikael Hafstrom

Writers:  Miles Chapman, Jason Keller

Producers:  Robbie Brenner, Mark Canton, Remington Chase, Randall Emmett

Main Actors:  Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jim Caviezel







Favorite Character
Dr. Kyrie

Favorite Quote
Doctors are men, who prescribe medicines of which they know little, to cure diseases of which they know less, for men, of whom they know nothing at all.

Favorite Scene
Arnold drawing a 'map' for Jim Caviezel.   hehe


I'm not sure who thought it was a good idea to bring these two guys back into a high action movie, but I'm questioning their sanity.  Don't get me wrong - I love action and am a fan of Syl and Arnold, but...  it worked much better in The Expendables series.  It doesn't work so well in this movie.

The dialogue was pretty bad.  The acting wasn't that commendable.  The plot was a bit too far to the unbelievable side.  Basically, I got the feeling that the two leads just wanted to do another action film, no matter how bad it may have been written.

So, I don't recommend this movie UNLESS you want to see some stuff blow up, which is always pretty good in my view.  I like gunfights and explosions.  They work well for me.  Despite that, I don't want to see this movie again.  Ever.  It's time to retire boys - sorry.

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

Released:  2013

Number of Ginger Snaps:  7 out of 10

7 Ginger Snaps!!!!

Director:  Adam McKay

Writers:  Will Ferrell, Adam McKay

Producers:  Judd Apatow, Will Ferrell, Adam McKay

Main Actors:  Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Christina Applegate, Steve Carell




Favorite Character
Baxter

Favorite Quote
By the hymen of Olivia Newton John!  - Ron

Favorite Scene
The RV Flip was friggin hilarious!


OMG!!!  WTF?!?  This movie was utterly random funniness!  I laughed - a lot.  The story wasn't that great, but the brilliance in the pure randomness and wrongness of it all kept me busting out in giggles during the whole movie.

I am a fan of Will Ferrell.  I think this was actually better than the first Anchorman.  I am putting this in the top tier of my favorite Will Ferrell movies.  Granted, I did have a cocktail or two before seeing this, but it wasn't the alcohol that was laughing.  It was all me... laughing at Will Ferrell... and Paul Rudd... and Harrison Ford...

Obviously, I recommend it.  IT IS NOT FOR KIDS!!!  While it is extremely funny and involves some bathroom humor that 10 year old boys may enjoy, it contains adult jokes that really should be heard and appreciated by adults (just saying).

The fact that Harrison Ford was in it has no effect whatsoever on this rating.  Really.  It doesn't!  Seriously!  For real!         What?!!!      FINE!          HAN SOLO RULES!!!

Murder on the Home Front

Released:  2013 (TV Movie)

Number of Ginger Snaps:  7 out of 10

7 Ginger Snaps!!!

Director:  Geoffrey Sax

Writers:  David Kane, Molly Lefebure

Producer:  Christopher Hall

Main Actors:  Patrick Kennedy, Tamzin Merchant, Emerald Fennell



Favorite Scene
The Metropole - 1st Scene (I love the 1940s!!!)


Favorite Character
Molly Cooper


Review
This was a pretty good movie as far as TV movies go.  I watched it on Netflix - mainly cause it was a murder / suspense film set in the 40s in London.  I'm obsessed with the 40s these days - and London, so...

The best part of the movie was the acting.  I was really impressed with Tamzim Merchant who played Molly.  She gave a strong performance of a curious, motivated woman, yet she portrayed fear when she needed too.  Her chemistry with Patrick Kennedy was well played too.

I do recommend this movie.  The story is a good one and the acting will keep you engaged.  I'm not rating it higher mainly due to some flaws (I think) in the editing and scripting opportunities that were missed.  They could have done a lot more with character interactions.

Mud

Released:  2012

Number of Ginger Snaps:  8 out of 10

8 GINGER SNAPS!!!!!!!

Director:  Jeff Nichols

Writer:  Jeff Nichols

Producers:  Lisa Maria Falcone, Sarah Green, Aaron Ryder

Main Actors:  Tye Sheridan, Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Jacob Lofland



Favorite Lines 
Neckbone:  Did ya touch her titty?
Ellis:  A little

Favorite Scene
Mud taking Ellis to the hospital - the reactions of people in the waiting room were pretty awesome.

Favorite Character
Neckbone

Review
Yeah, yeah... this is totally not a film I thought I would like so much (notice the use of the word "film" here - not "movie", but "film").   It was a drama, which normally makes me cringe a bit on the inside.  If you have read any of my other reviews, you know I am all about Sci-Fi, action movies, and trillers.

So, why did I like this so much?  IT HAD NORMAL PEOPLE DOING NORMAL THINGS NORMALLY, YET I WANTED TO WATCH IT!!!!

Don't take my statement to mean it was like reality TV.  Far from (I am not a fan of reality TV by the way).  It was just amazing acting and directing that pulled you in and, despite the somewhat slow pace of the movie, glued you to the screen.  I was so impressed with the kids acting ability.  I have to admit that I feel in love with Neckbone.  Well done little guy!

When the gun fight broke out, I cheered on the inside.  Having some of my favorite type of movie staples - gun shots, things blowing up, etc... - made the film even better.   And I cried a little.

If you haven't see this, rectify this issue immediately!!!

Guardians of the Galaxy

Released:  2014

Number of Ginger Snaps:  9 out of 10

Director:  James Gunn
Writers:  James Gunn, Nicole Perlman
Producer:  Kevin Feige
Main Actors:  Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper


Favorite Quote:  Captain's gonna learn us.

Favorite Prop:  The Troll

Okay, this was everything I like in a film.  It was funny, things exploded, guns were involved, things exploded, there were spaceships and things exploded.  Did I mention things exploded?  I did?  Oh, well they did.  Big time.

I had heard the movie was good, but I really enjoyed it.  So much so that I want to go see it again.  The cast dynamics were amazing.  They really seemed to work well together.  I think that is what I liked best about the movie - the character relationships and interactions.  Well, that and the big booms.

I do think that those of us awesome people who grew up in the 80s are going to particularly like this movie.  It reminded me so much of junior high and I think a lot of my 80s peeps will also appreciate it just a bit more than the younglings.

The Lego Movie

Released:  2014

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

Director:  Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Writers:  Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Producers:  Roy Lee, Dan Lin
Main Actors:  Will Arnett, Elizabeth Banks, Will Ferrell, Chris Pratt, Liam Neeson

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

This was a really cute movie.  "Everything is awesome" is still going through my head.  Catchy little song.

So, I'm not really sure what exactly to say about it.  I haven't seen anything like this movie before.  Maybe that is what I should say - it is an extremely unique movie.  It definitely brought back memories of playing with Legos when I was little with my stepsister, Kelly.  We had a huge bag full of them.  I don't even know if we had any actual kits cause we never built anything off of instructions.

I recommend this movie.  I also recommend buying a Lego set before watching it cause you will want to build something after seeing it.

Favorite Line(s):  SPACESHIP!...SPACESHIP!...SPACESHIP!    /    Any idea is a good idea except the non-happy ones.

The Wolf of Wall Street

Released:  2013

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

Director:  Martin Scorsese
Writers:  Terence Winter, Jordan Belfort
Producers:  Riza Aziz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Joey McFarland, Martin Scorsese, Emma Tillinger Koskoff
Main Actors:  Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner

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

I was totally engrossed in this movie.  I really enjoyed it, but it wasn't what I thought it would be.  It was a little shocking, a lot funny, a bit dramatic, and totally worth every minute (it was a long movie).

When I state "it wasn't what I thought it would be", I basically mean that I wasn't expecting the humor and absurdity that was prevalent throughout the film.  I appreciated the fallback to the 80s.  It was a time of excessiveness.  I think the film reflected the 80s and 90s attitude perfectly.

There were two scenes that were absolutely amazing - Matthew McConaughey and Leonardo DiCaprio's lunch discussion and the delayed hit of Lemon overdose.  I laughed - and I'm still laughing thinking about it.  That is definitely a sign of a good film.  Just thinking about parts of it make me laugh.

I want to see it again.

Favorite Line:  I am not gonna die sober.

Ender's Game

Released:  2013

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

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

Director:  Gavin Hood
Writer:  Gavin Hood (screenplay), Orson Scott Card (book)
Producers:  Orson Scott Card, Robert Chartoff, Ed Ulbrich, Gigi Pritzker
Main Actors:  Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Hailee Steinfeld, Ben Kingsley

I loved everything except for the end of this movie.  I was totally engrossed in the film and enjoying it until they went to the outpost planet.  Ben Kingsley was great, he was in that part of the movie, but I just didn't like like that whole end section.   It seemed like they were rushing to finish it and left some stuff out that would have explained things a bit better.  

The flow and pace of the movie changed at the end as well.  I know a mega shift in the story occurred, but there were things that happened that didn't seem to have enough motivation.   It was disappointing.

I was impressed with Butterfield's acting.  He did a  good job with the role.  All the kids did well, but I guess they wouldn't be in the movie if they hadn't, right?  And..., I'm rambling.

So, back to the movie review.  Do I recommend this?  YES!!!!! It's science fiction, stars Harrison Ford, shows spaceships, and has explosions.  Even though the end wasn't polished, that list alone makes it a definite "must see".  What else would you need really?

Favorite Quote:
Your mamma cheated.  That's why you look like a plumber.

The Monuments Men

Released:  2014

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

Director:  George Clooney
Writers:  George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Robert Edsel, Bret Witter
Producers:  George Clooney, Grant Heslov
Main Actors:  George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, John Goodman

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

I wonder if George Clooney was involved in this film?  (typed sarcastically)  I take it this was his pet project last year.  It was a noble effort George.  While I wouldn't say this was a brilliant film, I do think it was good and worth seeing.

A couple things that popped into my mind as I watched the beginning of this movie are:  1.  How many war films has Matt Damon done now?, and 2.  How many movies have George and Matt been in together?  This is not what I should be thinking about when I'm watching a movie.  It bothered me that I did, thus leading me to conclude that the movie needed a bit more to fully grasp my attention as soon as it started.

There just seemed to be something missing from the movie.  I can't put a finger on what that is, but there was something that I felt it lacked.  The acting was good, the story was interesting, stuff blew up, guns were in abundance... it was right up the Val alley, yet there was something...

Anyway, I do recommend the movie.  I just think with the talent involved and such an interesting plot, it could have been a bit 'more'.  When I think of what the 'more' is, I'll let ya all know.

Favorite Scene:  Bill Murray and Bob Balaban at the dentist in Germany.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightening Thief

Released:  2010

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

Director:  Chris Columbus
Writers:  Craig Titley (screenplay), Rick Riordan (novel)
Producers:  Michael Barnathan, Chris Columbus, Mark Radcliffe, Karen Rosenfelt
Main Actors:  Logan Lerman, Sean Bean, Pierce Brosnan, Brandon T. Jackson

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

Oh Pierce Brosnan, why?  WHY? WHY? WHY?  I cannot undo seeing you as a Centaur.  And I REALLY wish I could.  I am still disturbed by the image.  You are so hot with the longer hair and leather, but the horse bottom??? MY EYES!!!!! THEY BURN!!!!

Okay, so... aside from my despair of Pierce's character, I thought the movie was okay.  It definitely wasn't something I'd highly recommend, but it had decent entertainment value.  I did like getting reacquainted with Greek mythology.  Memories of theater classes at W&M came flooding back to me, and the original Clash of the Titans, and Hercules - the PST show I was in a few years ago.

The effects were okay.  The monsters were pretty good and definitely frightened me (but I've been a wimp lately).  I do think they could have done a bit more with the effects, but all in all, they were solid.

The fight scenes could have used some work.  I know the actors are young, but I think they would have benefitted from Andrew Dillon's expertise.

I do recommend this movie if your looking for something entertaining, but not mentally intriguing.  Like I said, it's decent.

Favorite Scene:  Percy's first fight in the Half Blood camp and his discovery of the power he has over water.  Kinda cool.

Killing Them Softly

Released:  2012

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

Director:  Andrew Dominik
Writers:  Andrew Dominik, George V. Higgins
Producers:  Dede Gardner, Anthony Katagas, Brad Pitt
Main Actors:  Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta, Scott McNairy, James Gandolfini

Directing:  *  *
Plot:  *
Acting:  *  *  .5
Predictability:  *  *  *  * (I had no idea what was going to happen)
Entertainment Value:  *

This was a weird movie.  It took awhile for it to make sense and for me to actually want to keep watching.  It did pick up once things became clear.  I wouldn't say I liked it, but by the end, I was engaged and wanted to see what happened.

I think the best part of the movie was that I didn't really know what was going to happen.  That is why I have my predictability rating a 4 - it wasn't predictable for me.  I do think the beginning was a little too unpredictable though.  It was just too random.

Things did blow up and there were fights and guns.  Always a plus for a Val review.  There was a bit too much nasty guy talk though.  Totally unnecessary.  I will never understand that - why is talking about gross sexual acts entertaining?  I don't think I want to understand it.  I just know that it is repulsive and I'd rather not hear it.

To sum up, I don't really recommend this movie.  If you're a Brad Pitt fan and want to see him looking like a sleazy, 70s pimp, then you may want to watch it.

Favorite Lines:

"He flies in, whacks the guy and flies out."
"Make him fly coach."

Silver Linings Playbook

Released:  2012

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

Director:  David O. Russell
Writers:  David O. Russell, Matthew Quick
Main Actors:  Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Chris Tucker
Producers:  Bruce Cohen, Donna Gigliotti, Jonathan Gordon

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

Honestly, I thought I'd find this movie only so-so.  It's not Sci Fi or action, so I figured it wouldn't really interest me all that much.  I am happy to admit that I was extremely wrong.

I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!  Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence - well done.  I was pulled into the characters and became fully engrossed in their success.  I could identify with so much of the 'crazy' parts.  Tiffany's (Lawrence's character) love of dance was totally me.  I am not a 'dancer', but I love dancing and I really really want a small studio in my house.  That was awesome.

The story, while watching, seemed so realistic.  I think that is what I liked most about the movie - it was real.  The happy ending wasn't exactly realistic, but the characters, the reactions, the crazy... so true.

I highly recommend the movie in case you couldn't assertion that from what I wrote above.  It is not, in my opinion, a chick flick.  Close, but way to good and realistic to be a full blown girlie movie.  

Favorite Line:  I ordered raisin bran because I didn't want there to be any mistaking it for a date.

Favorite Scene:  4am Hemingway rant in Pat's parents bedroom. 

Fast Five

Released:  2011

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

Director:  Justing Lin
Writers:  Chris Morgan, Gary Scott Thompson
Producers: Vin Diesel, Michael Fottrell, Neal H. Moritz
Main Actors:  Vin Diesel, Paul Walker (RIP), Jordana Brewster, Dwayne Johnson

Directing:  *  *  *
Plot:  *  *  *
Acting:  *  *   .5
Predictability:  *  *  
Entertainment Value:  *  *  *  .5
Fight Staging:  *  *  * 
     (Yes, this is a new category for me - branching out)

Okay, so this is a Hollywood movie.  You HAVE to watch it with a suspension of disbelief.  It was pretty good though.  I liked this one a lot better then the 4th one.  I thought the story was better and, well, they brought in The Rock!  I do like the muscles on that man.  And he is much hotter than Vin Diesel, but I digress.

The acting was better in this movie then the last, but it was still somewhat mediocre.  It wasn't bad, just not really noteworthy.  I'm just commenting cause it was an improvement over 4.  And did I mention Dwayne Johnson is in it?  Oh right...

The car crashes and fights were pretty good.  That is why I added the 'Fight Staging' category to this review.  I'm thinking that my rating is more a review of the 'action coolness factor', but fight staging sounds smarter.

I recommend the movie.  It is predictable, but hey, the explosions and guns make up for that.  It was a bit odd knowing that Paul Walker isn't alive anymore.  RIP dude.   I'll miss these movies.

Favorite Line:  When I win, I'll buy you a lifetime supply of antidepressants.

Favorite Scene:  Gisele driving the course like a badass (Go Women Power!!)

The Debt

Released:  2010

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

Director:  John Madden
Writers:  Matthew Vaughn, Jane Goldman, Peter Staughan
Producers:  Eitan Evan, Eduardo Rossoff, Kris Thykier, Matthew Vaughn
Main Actors:  Helen Mirren, Tom Wilkinson, Sam Worthington, Jessica Chastain

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

This was an intense movie.  You really didn't know what was going to happen next, which is why I gave it a 4 for predictability.  I couldn't predict how it would end.  It drew you in and kept you there wondering how the first scenes of the movie came into play.

The characters were very well developed in the film.  You got to see them grow at a pace that was just right.  I didn't feel like anything was missing from our knowledge of the characters.

The movie definitely didn't glorify the spy world.  These were real people with missions to accomplish.  You became sympathetic to their circumstances and wanted them to succeed.  It was not even remotely similar to a James Bond movie.

I'd recommend the movie, but not if you want to watch something light and fluffy.  Wait until you want to see a 'thinking' movie.  It does deal with choice impacts later in life - hard choices motivated by good intentions - or were they really 'good' intentions...?  ;)

Favorite Scene:  The botched escape into west Germany.

The Lone Ranger

Released:  2013

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

Director:  Gore Verbinski
Writers:  Ted Elliot, Justin Heythe
Producers:  Jerry Bruckheimer, Gore Verbinski
Main Actors:  Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, William Fichtner, Ruth Wilson

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

This movie is not worth your time.  I had such high hopes.  The visuals were okay and there were gunfights, explosions, and chases.  Surprisingly, this didn't make much of a difference to a pretty bad movie.

I have no idea what the writers where thinking.  Oh, that's right... THEY WEREN'T THINKING!!!  It was extremely stupid to have the story told by Tonto as a statue in a carnival exhibit that comes to life.  What was that?  Really?

Okay, so that is about all the time I will invest in reviewing this disappointment.

Favorite Scene:  The end of the credits.  Yeah, that bad.

The Internship

Released:  2013

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  * 

(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  Shawn Levy
Writers:  Vince Vaughn, Jared Stern
Producers:  Shawn Levy, Vince Vaughn
Main Actors:  Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Rose Byrne

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

I do like Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson together - Wedding Crashers, Starsky & Hutch, Zoolander... enjoyable movies for sure.  This movie wasn't as good as some of the others, but I enjoyed it.  It ended up being funnier then I thought it would be.

I do have to admit, the first half of the movie was a lot better then the second half.  It got too ridiculous and a bit schmaltzy at the end.  I laughed more in the first half of the movie.  It almost felt like they weren't sure how to wrap it up so they pulled some standard 'Hollywood' endings and threw them together.  Either that or editing cut way too much out.

The way these two interact is fabulous.  It almost seems like they are improving at times - and maybe they were.  Buddy movies work well for these two.  I actually wish they would make more together.

So... I do recommend the movie if you want to have a relaxing evening with some laughs.  It isn't a 'thinking' movie, thats for sure, but it is definitely entertaining.  It works well for an escape.

Favorite Scene:  The 'on-the-line' interview where they are answering the 'shrunk down to the size of a nickel and dropped in a blender' question.  Laughed very hard at this.

White House Down

Released:  2013

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

Director:  Roland Emmerich
Writer:  James Vanderbilt
Producer: Harald Kloser, Roland Emmerich, James Vanderbilt
Main Actors:  Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gyllenhaal

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

Jamie Foxx, your portrayal of an American President SUCKED!!!!  I'm hoping that was due to bad direction.  I was so friggin annoyed with your character.  I mean really, really annoyed.

So, now that my primary pet peeve with this movie has been announced, I will move on.  Channing Tatum, you are hot, but acting... not so hot.  I just want to see you in movies like Magic Mike okay?  Okay.

Seriously, the movie started off pretty poorly.  It did get better and I ended up being entertained.  It had guns and explosions and stuff, so of course I had to watch the whole thing.  The movie seemed to be done using the basic Hollywood script for action films.  Pretty formulaic.

FYI people:  Money is housed and distributed at each Federal Reserve Bank - there are 12 of them.  Washington DC is where the Board of Governors is, NOT the FRBs.  So, when the movie talked about the money being moved out of the Federal Reserve - not realistic.  And there are billions of dollars in the FRB vaults, not millions.

Okay - I'm off my high horse.  I only recommend this movie if you want a no brainer, don't have to think, watch things go crazy movie experience.

Favorite Scene:  The car chase on the White House lawn.  That was pretty amusing.

Gravity

Released:  2013

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

Director:  Alfonso Cuaron
Writers:  Alfonso Cuaron, Jonas Cuaron
Producers:  Alfonso Cuaron, David Heyman
Main Actors:  Sandra Bullock, George Clooney

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

This is a MUST SEE film.  It was amazing.  Sandra Bullock was absolutely brilliant.  I laughed, I cried, I was totally engrossed in what she was going through.  I went with my friend Cindy and I actually grabbed onto her arm several times.  (I got scared for Sandra B. okay?)

And there were explosions.  If you read my blog, I love to see things blow up in movies.

This is definitely not a 'light and fluffy' movie.  I was totally involved in what was happening.  The fear, relief, determination, etc... that Dr. Stone was experiencing was engrossing.  I could not imagine being in her position, but she brought us into that situation fabulously.

The special effects were great!  I usually don't talk about effects in my reviews, but this movie warrants a shout out for them.  Everything so... so... real.  Well done movie geniuses.  Well done.

Favorite Line:  Dog... arf arf... wolf wolf

2 Guns

Released:  2013

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

Director:  Baltasar Kormakur
Writers:  Blake Masters, Steven Grant
Producers:  Andrew Cosby, Randall Emmett, Norton Herrick, etc...
Main Actors:  Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton

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

Guns, explosions, fights, and money... Yep, it is no surprise I like the movie.  Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg worked really well together.  They were extremely funny, not so much because of the script, but because of the way they said and did things.  I really enjoyed that aspect of the movie.

There was a bit of overkill in the violence area.  Don't get me wrong - it was great, but a bit Terentino-esk.  At one point I did think it was just like a Terentio movie.  Really Mr. Director?  Copying his style?  Slightly Lame

Anyway, I do recommend the movie.  It's a good action flick that keeps ya on your toes.

Favorite Line:  "He either puked or he's dead."