May 31, 2009

Flash of Genius

The Detroit automakers are in for a run for their money when Bob Kearns invents the intermittent windshield wiper. How far and at what cost will he go to get the credit for what he deserves? This drama was well performed and executed.

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Meet the Spartans

A comedy including a series of films such as "300", this movie will make you laugh and recall those classic movie moments. Including a slew of present day jokes and catch phrases this movie is a great get together hit. Pop this flick in for an instant pick-me-up.

Buttery

Slumdog Millionaire

There is a reason why this film won Best Picture and I for one was thrilled it did. An Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" recaps a young boy's recent street life. An interesting script with catchy music is sure to please more than just the Oscar fans.

Buttery

Milk

I understand this film is not for everyone since it involves the gay community, however I found it provocative and informative. Harvey Milk (Sean Penn) puts his life on the line to become the first openly gay elected official in California. A wonderful story and glimpse at history.

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The Wackness

Teenager, Luke Shapiro spends his last summer in New York before college by selling marijuana and trading it to his unorthodox psychotherapist for treatment. In the process he develops a crush on his therapists step-daughter. This film is insightful and intriguing from start to finish.

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Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Set in a barber shop in London, Johnny Depp stars in this Broadway adaptation. Having seen this story on stage I expected more out of this film and was disappointed. The costumes were highly detailed yet the acting lacked the emotion and dark humor of seeing it preformed live.

Stale

High School Musical 3: Senior Year

Back again, the Wildcats are making tough life choices like where to attend college by preparing to enter the real world. Troy and Gabriella cope with being separated as the school puts on their yearly spring musical. A great sequel with upbeat music and wonderful young talent.

Buttery

Taking Chance

As a volunteer military escort officer, Lt. Col. Michael Strobl (Kevin Bacon) shows the audience a glimpse of the power of patriotism in America today. The film was slow in parts but emotionally moving as a whole. A powerful film based on real-life events.

Buttery

Forever Strong

Looking for a great sports movie that isn't cliche? A troubled rugby player has to switch teams to play against his old team coached by his father. He learns some real life lessons along the way on honor and respect. Based on true events, this story has extra flair to keep its audience cheering.

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May 30, 2009

The Reader

A law student after WWII in Germany watches as his former lover (Kate Winslet) goes through trial. The tale seems all too common for its time period yet wins the Oscar for best actress in a lead role. Not worth the hype.

Salty

May 29, 2009

The Tale of Despereaux

A small mouse with big ears named Despereaux (voice of Matthew Broderick) sets out to save the castle and princess in a tale the whole family will enjoy. The animation and vocal talent make this a must see movie with an easy to follow plot. A pleasant surprise awaits you in this clever presentation.

Buttery

Bolt

Looking for a great kid movie? This is it! When Bolt (voice of John Travolta), a star dog, discovers Penny (voice of Miley Cyrus), his master, has been taken by "evil forces" he will stop at nothing to save her. Wonderful animation and interesting plot make this film enjoyable for all ages.

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Nothing But the Truth

Freedom of the press? Think again. When a female reporter, Rachel Armstrong, faces jail for uncovering a CIA agent and refusing to reveal her source things get heated in more than just the media coverage. Based on actual events this film has subtle twists that keep the audience engaged till the very end.

Buttery

The Wrestler

One of the unnoticed splendors of 2008, this film delivers an inside look at the life of former professional wrestlers such as fictional Randy 'The Ram' Robinson (Mickey Rourke). Amazing performance with well hired cast and realistic script combine to create an Oscar worthy movie I highly recommend. You will be pleasantly impressed with this emotional story of struggle.

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Notorious

The story of Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher Wallace) and how he changed the music world of rap. This film shows a different side compared to "8 Mile" by incorporating names such as Lil Kim and Sean 'Puffy' Combs into the mix. An interesting portrayal on how fame can make and take a life.

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Yes Man

Jim Carrey is at it again making America laugh! A year of "yes" turns his mundane life around to open up new opportunities and chance encounters. This movie may just make you re-think all the fun things in life you might be passing up.

Buttery

The Spirit

Sadly a flop at making a hero comic come to life. The performance was overall awkward as well as the graphic depiction flawed. Not what most of us were expecting. If renting, this one is best avoided.

Stale

Bride Wars

Things go horribly wrong when two best friends end up picking the same wedding day. Not the romantic comedy I was expecting, this film can turn anyone bitter over petty issues. When it comes to wedding films, avoid this one.

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Wanted

With a wonderful cast, instance CGI team and dramatic plot, this film will keep you on the edge of your seat. Filled with non-stop action of chases and fight scenes. A thriller from start to finish.

Buttery

Seven Pounds

Will Smith delivers as an IRS agent in this powerful story just in time for the holiday season. The script pulls the audience in and may even make you cry a tear or two with his performance. A must see on how our lives can make an effect, even on a stranger.

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Soul Men

What could be better than Samuel L. Jackson and the late Bernie Mac? The pair team up as soul-singing legends to perform and charm the audience with their comedy. From issues of aging to dealing with fame, this film is sure to lighten up your mood.

Buttery

New in Town

A Maimi business woman (Renee Zellweger) has to adjust to her new work life in freezing Minnesota. As luck would have it she has personal growth that changes her and the community. A romantic comedy that gets the job done.

Buttery

Twilight

Teens who have read the book may tell you this film was dreamy, but don't be fooled. The romance of a teen in love with a vampire is nothing too adventurous as depicted in this film that almost put me to sleep. While the cast may have sex appeal, the low quality of the film and script may leave you disappointed also.

Kernels

Monsters vs Aliens

"Monsters" work together to help save our planet from yet another invasion. This film includes popular voices from Seth Rogan and Reese Witherspoon, however the animation and comedy were lacking in my opinion. I heard it was better experience seen in 3-D.

Stale

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

If you were hoping for an intense X-Men intro film, this will not meet your expectations. While Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) has a hot new bod and they introduce new character favorites such as Gambit the movie zipped through all the important "origin" details. There are still fast paced fight scenes, but the character development of Wolverine leaves more to be desired.

Salty

Star Trek

James Kirk (Chris Pine) is brought back to life along with the rest of the USS Enterprise crew to save space. An interesting new take on the origional hit with nice interjections of humor. The costumes and CGI are not over the top. A great way to kick off the summer!

Buttery

Wendy and Lucy

After twenty minutes into the film I went from invested into the characters (especially the dog Lucy) to thinking Wendy was an idiot. Rule one of making any story: make the main character someone likable. One of the worst films I've watched this year, sadly.

Stale

Terminator Salvation

John Connor (Christian Bale) is at it again defending humanity against the machines. Amazing use of technology without going over the top with sci-fi lingo. Great summer film with plenty of action (just about everything gets blown up) and fight scenes that make this an enjoyable film. Let's hope there is another sequel coming soon!

Buttery

Watchmen

You don't have to be a comic book nerd to appreciate this 2.5 hour superhero thriller. Wonderful cast and stunning CGI work. After watching this film than reading the graphic novel I am able to fully appreciate the planning that went into staying true to the story without condensing the literary details. Such a great movie you are guaranteed to see it more than just once.

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