Take Me Home Tonight 2011

    A MIT graduate so worried about what to do with his life that he's not living his life is on a holding pattern working for Suncoast Video.  His former high school crush comes into the store and he tells her that he works at Goldman Sachs.  She invites him to a end-of-the summer bash but can he stop being a math nerd for one night?  His friend steals a car for the night from the car dealership he was fired from that day and his twin sister will also be at the party.  Complicated!
    A lot of enjoyable songs from the 80's, some very funny moments and some flat moments.  Dan Fogler is hilarious at times.  3* (This movie is OK)

97 min, Com directed by Michael Dowse with Topher Grace, Anna Faris, Dan Fogler, Teresa Palmer, Chris Pratt, Michael Biehn, Jeanie Hckett, Lucy Punch, Michelle Trachtenberg.

Note  Blockbuster 3*, imdb 6.4 out of 10, 28% critic 47% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon 2011

    The war between the Autobots and Decepticons shifts into overdrive following the discovery of Sentinel Prime.  In 1969 when man went to the moon, the astronauts discovered The Ark which was a space ship from the planet Cybertron piloted by the Autobot leader Sentinel Prime.  In the present day, Optimus Prime and Ratchet go to the moon and bring back Sentinel Prime.  A plan soon evolves to bring Cybertron to earth.
    There is a lot going on and a lot to keep track of with battles everywhere, everything being torn up, cars wrecked all over the place, buildings coming down.  You have to set aside disbelief in the entire concept and just go along fore the ride, otherwise it's 154 long minutes!  3* (This movie is OK)
154 min, Action directed by Michael Bay with Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, John Turturro, Patrick Dempsey, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, Buzz Aldrin.

Note:  Blockbuster 4*, imdb 6.5 out of 10, 35% critic 67% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy 1979

    A double agent is in the ranks of the British Secret Service.  George Smiley, a retired spy is selected to find out who is playing both sides.  Smiley goes through the spy service layer by layer hunting the mole controlled by Karla, a mysterious Russian spymaster.  Based on the infamous Kim Philby scandal of the early 60's.  This will be newly released with Gary Oldman and Colin Firth on 12/9/11.
    This movie does not offer a quick solution with 6 episodes, it's difficult to follow all the code names and names of all the players and suspects.  If you do watch this, maybe this quick cheat sheet will help you.  Top 4 bosses are Percy Alleline - pompous head of service.  Toby Esterhase - shifty.  Bill Haydon - urbane.  Roy Bland - untidy.  Lacon - former boss of George Smiley.  Ricki Tarr - British agent.  Jim Prideaux - British agent.  Ann Smiley - wife of George Smiley.  Control - deceased head of service.  Polyakov - Russian double agent.   3* (This movie is OK)

324 min, Drama directed by John Irvin with Alec Guiness, Michael Aldridge, Bernard Hepton, Ian Richardson, Michael Jayston, Terence Rigby, Alexander Knox, Hywel Bennett, Joss Ackland.

Note:  Blockbuster 4*, imdb 8.8 out of 10, no reviews yet on Rotten Tomatoes. 

Green Lantern 2011

    Hal is a test pilot whose father died in an aviation crash, he's always messing things up running away from responsibility.  A space ship lands on earth and the pilot is dying, his powers lie in a green ring that chooses Hal as the next owner of the ring.  Hal helps the pilot out of the ship and buries him when he dies.  There is a super conflict between the Green Lantern Corps and a powerful evil known as Parallax.  A scientist is called in to examine the alien pilot and he becomes infected with the evil of Parallax.  Can Hal finally face up to what is called for from the green ring or will he run away like he always does? 
    The battle between will and evil is interesting but a lot of the outer space and alien information is tricky.  Blake Lively looks different in her role with dark hair instead of her usual blond.  The scientist gets a super big head when he starts using his evil powers.  3 1/2* (I liked this movie)

114 min, Action directed by Martin Campbell and Greg Berlanti with Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Tim Robbins, Jay O. Sanders, Angela Bassett, Taika Waititi.

Note:  Blockbuster 3 1/2*, imdb 6.1 out of 10, 27% critic 49% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Faces in the Crowd 2011

    Anna is walking home from a seeing her two girlfriends when she sees a woman murdered by a serial killer.  Her phone rings just at the wrong time and he comes after her.  She falls off a bridge in a construction area and hits her head on the way down to the water.  She doesn't have amnesia when she wakes up after a week in a coma but she has prosopagnosia which is face blindness.  She has a lesion on her brain that causes this neurological disorder that prevents her from recognizing faces.  Each time she looks at a face, it looks different.
    Everything in Anna's world is turned upside down in an instant, she's petrified that the killer will come after her and she doesn't know how to function in her job and her life without knowing who anyone is.  This is interesting because of the twist of her little known condition.  3 1/2* (I liked this movie)

102 min, Mys directed by Julien Magnat with Milla Jovovich, Sarah Wayne Callies, Julian McMahon, Michael Shanks, Valentina Vargas, Marianne Faithfull.

Note:  Blockbuster 3*, imdb 5.5 out of 10, not rated by critics yet 35% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Captain America: The First Avenger 2011

    Comic book adventure, a meek U.S. Army soldier takes part in an experimental military program that infuses him with super-human powers.  The time period is 1942 and America has just entered the war.  He uses his new strength to fight the villainous Johann Schmidt also known as the Red Skull.

    The Red Skull has a lot of money and he has a lot of gadgets, planes, tanks, train, one man submarine and a lot of men.  He's working for Nazi Germany on the secret HYDRA research program.  Don't expect a lot of depth from this, it's action after all.  3* (This movie is OK)

 

123 min, Action directed by Joe Johnston with Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Tommy Lee Jones, Sebastian Stan, Dominic Cooper, Huger Weaving, Stanley Tucci, Toby Jones, Samuel L. Jackson.

Note:  Blockbuster 4*, imdb 7.1 out of 10, 78% critic 77% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Senso 1954

 
    An Italian countess is married to a Venetian nobleman but she begins seeing an Austrian military officer.  The Austrians were occupiers of Venice in 1866.  Her cousin is involved with the resistance but he is sent into exile for a year by the officer.  The countess is given money to hold for the resistance but she gives it to the officer so he can bribe a doctor to state he is unfit for military service.

    This starts out with an Italian opera which and opera is not my favorite especially when it's in another language.  There are a lot of battle scenes and racing through villages in carriages.  The wealthy have a very plush life and their dress and decor is interesting.  I wonder about American actor Farley Granger and his fluent Italian speech? 3* (This movie is OK)

123 min, Drama directed by Lucinio Visconti with Alida Valli, Farley Granger, Massimo Girotti, Heinz Moog, Rina Morelli, Marcella Mariani, Christian Marquand, Sergio Fantoni, Tino Bianchi.

Note:  Blockbuster 3 1/2*, imdb 7.6 out of 10, 86% critic 76% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Lebanon, PA

    Will receives the bad news that his father has died, he heads to Lebanon PA to make the arrangements and take care of the house.  His second cousin lives across the street and he becomes friendly with the family.  There is a lot of discord between his cousin, her brother and their father.  Their mother died when her brother was born and their father has raised them for the last 15 years. 
    He's made a lot of mistakes in his life and Will views this as a second chance but he's not sure how to change.  He has 10 years in his job and hasn't progressed, he has 4 years in a relationship that has just ended.  He starts off making more mistakes but he gets better.  3* (This movie is OK)

110 min,Comedy/Drama directed by Ben Hickernell with Samantha Mathis, Josh Hopkins, Rachel Kitson, Ian Merrill Peakes, Mary Beth Hurt, Hunter Gallagher, Julia Yorks, Natasha Sattler.

Note:  Blockbuster 2 1/2*, imdb 6.1 out of 10, 50% critic 56% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Toute une Vie (And Now my Love) 1974

    Three different generations during the 20th century and three different love affairs.  Each section of the film uses a style of film making associated with the time period portrayed.  The central man and woman are played by the same actors in each of the generations.
    This movie seemed almost unwatchable?  Talking and talking and not saying anything?  Doesn't seem believable, is exaggerated and self-indulgent.  2* (I didn't like this movie)

143 min, Drama directed by Claude Lelouch with Marthe Keller, Charles Denner, Andre Dussollier, Charles Gerard, Angelo Infanti, Gerard Sire, Judith Magre, Gilbert Becaud. 

Note:  Blockbuster 3*, imdb 7.4 out of 10, 60% critic 70% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

   

Potiche 2010

    In the 70's a French family's business is making umbrellas, the employees go on strike and take their boss hostage.  The wife is a homemaker but she steps in to take over the business when her husband becomes ill after the kidnapping.  She turns out to be much better at running the company.
    This is supposed to be a comedy but it isn't funny, Catherine Deneuve still looks beautiful and she's a good actress but Gerade Depardieu has gained a considerable amount of weight and he is not even reasonably attractive?  2* (I didn't like this movie)

103 min, Com directed by Francois Ozon, with Catherine Deneuve, Gerade Depardieu, Fabrice Luchini, Karin Viard, Judith Godreche, Jeremie Renier, Sergi Lopez.

Note:  Not listed on Blockbuster, imdb 6.7 out of 10, 84% critic 61% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Peep World 2010

    A writer has recently published a best selling novel that's being made into a major motion picture.  He's feeling pretty good about himself but his family isn't so happy since the book is a thinly disguised version of their dysfunctional family history.  They gather to celebrate the 70th birthday of their father and the subject of the book makes for an evening with explosive potential.
    If I were inclined to peep, which I am not I would not be interested in peeping on this family and they are not worth peeping on.  It's just arguing the entire 79 minutes.  This is supposed to be a comedy but nothing is funny?  2* (I didn't like this movie.

79 min, Com directed by Barry W. Blustein with Michael C. Hall, Sarah Silverman, Rainn Wilson, Ben Schwartz, Judy Greer, Taraji P. Henson, Kate Mara, Lesley Ann Warren, Ron Rifkin.

Note:  Blockbuster 2 1/2*, imdb 5.6 out of 10, 20% critic 23% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Submarine 2011

    Adapted from a novel by Joe Dunthorne, a 15 year old Welsh boy tries to prevent his mother from seeing a smooth talking spiritual guru.  His father has been trying to save the marriage but he loses the will to fight.
    A lot of focus on the 15 year old and his girlfriend, less on the parents marriage.  This is so lukewarm that it can't maintain your interest.  2* (I didn't like this movie)

98 min, Drama directed by Richard Ayoade with Craig Roberts, Yasmine Paige, Sally Hawkins, Paddy Considine, Noah Taylor, Darren Evans, Steffan Rhodri, Osian Cai Dulais, Lily McCann.

Note:  Blockbuster 2 1/2*, imdb 7.4 out of 10, 87% critic 81% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Conspirator 2010

    Historical drama during and after the assassination of President Lincoln.  The owner and operator of a boarding house is brought to trial by a military court because she is a Confederate sympathizer who knew and housed the people behind the crime.  Her son was also one of the suspects in the case but he is the only one who was able to get away.
    I was surprised at the outcome of this movie and it is probably historically accurate but it is boring to say the least.  I just could not keep interested and the characters are very wooden, we don't know much more about them from beginning to end.  2* (I didn't like this movie)

132 min, Drama directed by Robert Redford with Robin Wright, James McAvoy, Tom Wilkinson, Evan Rachel Wood, Kevin Kline, Alexis Bledel, Danny Huston, Justin Long, Colm Meaney.

Note:  Blockbuster 3 1/2*, 7.0 out of 10, 56% critic 66% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

   

The Concert 2009

    The conductor of the Boishoi Orchestra was let go 25 years ago for his refusal to fire Jewish musicians.   He's working now as a janitor in the same theater where he conducted and he comes across an invitation to Theatre Du Chatelet in Paris.  He contacts his old orchestra friends and hopes to stage a performance that will bring a standing ovation.
    I could not get interested in this movie, it just seemed so dry and I did not know it was a comedy.  I didn't see anything funny?  2* (I didn't like this movie)

107 min, Com directed by Radu Mihaileanu with Alexei Guskov, Dmitriy Nazarov, Melanie Laurent, Francois Berleand, Miou-Miou, Valery Barinov, Anna Kamenkova Pavlova.

Note:  Blockbuster 3*, imdb 7.5 out of 10, 61% critic 78% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Trainspotting 1996

    A young man with few prospects and fewer ambitions lives in economically depressed Edinburgh.  He's a heroin addict living in blissful nothingness supporting his habit by theft.  Many times he has tried to stop using and finally he moves to London, finds a job and rents a flat.  This doesn't last when his former friends land on his doorstep with a plan.
    This is rough around the edges and everywhere else!!  Every sentence has more swear words than regular words.  What really is the point of this movie, to make sure you don't try to follow in this lifestyle?  The ending is different that I thought it would be.  2 1/2* (This movie is so-so)

94 min, Drama directed by Danny Boyle with Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Kevin McKidd, Kelly MacDonald, Finlay Welsh, Kevin Allen, Eddie Nestor, Dale Winton.

Note:  Blockbuster 4*, imdb 8.2 out of 10, 89% critic 92% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Dorian Gray 2009

    When Dorian first comes to London after the death of his grandfather, he is young and kind.  After his portrait is painted by Basil, Dorian offers his soul in exchange for eternal youth and beauty.  His friend Henry draws Dorian into his decadent world and he becomes a completely different person.
    This doesn't have very much substance and seems more like a made for TV movie?  You really want Henry to leave Dorian alone and for Dorian to come to his senses.  2 1/2* (This movie is so-so)
 
112 min, Horror directed by Oliver Parker with Ben Barnes, Colin Firth, Ben Chaplin, Rebecca Hall, Douglas Henshall, Rachel Hurd-Wood.

Note:  Blockbuster 3*, imdb 6.3 out of 10, 42% critic 43% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Vision 2009

    The life story of the multi-talented 12th century Benedictine German nun Hildegard von Bingen.  She was a visionary, avid reader and lover of books and learning, composer, philosopher, playwright, poet, naturalist, scientist, physician, herbalist and ecological activist.  She was sometimes at odds with the patriarchal world and the nobility around her.  The monks and nuns become a kind of family, with both confidants and enemies.  There is envy and jealousy among the nuns and between the nuns and monks.
    I thought life in an order would be peaceful and all worldly strife would be set aside for higher goals?  Not so according to this profile of an extraordinary nun and woman.  She did not let opposition, disbelief or ridicule stand in her way or grumbling and also a bad decisions by other nuns deter her but remained true to her visions.  4* (I really liked this movie)

110 min, Bio directed by Margarethe von Trotta with Barbara Sukowa, Heino Ferch, Hannah Herzsprung, Lena Stoize, Gerald Alexander Held, Sunnyl Melies, Paula Kalenberg, Devid Striesow.

Note:  Not listed on Blockbuster, imdb 6.7 out of 10, 85% critic 66% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Trip 2011

    Playing loose versions of themselves, Steve Coogan is a restaurant critic, he invites his friend Rob Brydon go on a business trip through the English countryside.  Steve is reviewing several restaurants throughout the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales for The Observer.  Originally Steve's girlfriend was to accompany him but decides not to go at the last minute.
    Some funny moments but why was this film made?  It's like a trip you or I would go on but filmed?  The countryside is beautiful and the food looks and sounds delicious except some of the choices from the menu would not have been my choices.  Could I film my own trip and get it released as a movie?  Would I just need to be somewhat funny?  3* (This movie is OK)

112 min, Com directed by Michael Winterbottom with Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon, Claire Keelan, Margo Stilley, Rebecca Johnson, Dolya Gavanski, Kerry Shale.

Note:  Blockbuster 3 1/2*, imdb 7.1 out of 10, 89% critic 71% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Tree of Life 2011

    An intimate profile of a Waco Texas family in the 1950's.  There are three sons, the father is very strict and works as an architect, the mother is a homemaker and everyone lets their hair down when the father goes on a business trip.  It is a struggle for the oldest son to come to terms with wanting to be good, wanting to get into trouble, trying to grow up.
    This is long and one complaint I have about the sequence is that you have shocking news in the beginning of the film but you don't find out any details then or later.  It's like you are on the edge of your seat waiting plus it causes confusion and then you expect to find out more but there isn't more information.  I'm not sure all the scenes about the universe, earth and possibly heaven (?) have a place?  3* (This movie is OK)
   
138 min, Drama directed by Terrence Malick with Sean Penn, Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain, Hunter McCracken, Laramie Eppler, Tye Sheridan, Fiona Shaw, Jessica Fuselier, Nicolas Gonda.

Note:  Blockbuster 4*, imdb 7.5 out of 10, 84% critic 65% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Mao's Last Dancer 2009

    The true story of Li Cunxin and his journey from rural China to ballet stardom.  He is one of seven brothers in his peasant family.  A team comes to his school to select boys to be trained in ballet, at this time he is 11 years old.  It is a great opportunity for Li and he's determined to succeed.  Li is chosen to travel to the United States as part of a student exchange with the Houston Ballet Company, he is now 19 years old.  When it's time for him to return to China, he knows he can be his true self in America and he has fallen in love with another dancer.  They decide to get married in order for Li to stay in Houston.
    It's very difficult for Li after he remains in the States, he's offered a contract with the Houston Ballet but his new wife wants to dance also and she knows the Ballet Company will not offer her a contract.  He misses his family and doesn't have any information about them plus he cannot return to China.  Every day is a struggle with the consequences his decision.  3 1/2* (I liked this movie)

117 min, Drama directed by Bruce Beresford with Joan Chen, Wang Shuangbao, Chi Cao, Bruce Greenwood, Amanda Schull, Kyle MacLachlan, Camilla Vergotis.

Note:  Blockbuster 2 1/2*, imdb 7.2 out of 10, 54% critic 80% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Fresh Horses 1988

    University of Cincinnati student Matt is engaged to Alice but then he meets shanty girl Jewel.  Matt feels drawn to Jewel and his friend Tipton tries his best to talk Matt out of pursuing Jewel.  There are a lot of problems with Jewel, she may be only 16 years old, she's married to Green and he's more than a little rough around the edges.  There is a rumor that he's killed two men and he is being shadowed by an undercover cop.  Matt really cares for Jewel and he tries to fix the problems he has the power to fix.
    I enjoyed this movie even though it is slightly dated by the clothing and hairstyles.  Jewel doesn't seem to think the truth matters and sometimes she doesn't know the truth.  There are two sides to their story, Matt's side where they think that Jewel is just seeing Matt for his money, position in society and what he can do for her.  Matt doesn't believe this is true despite all the evidence.  Jewel's friends don't want to see her hurt but Matt doesn't either.  Is there any hope for this relationship?  I disagree with the other ratings.  4* (I really liked this movie)
102 min, Rom directed by David Anspaugh with Molly Ringwald, Andrew McCarthy, Ben Stiller, Leon Russom, Viggo Mortensen, Molly Hagen, Chiara Peacock, Marita Geraghty, Patti D'Arbanville.

Note:  Blockbuster 2 1/2*, imdb 5.0 out of 10, 0% critic 36% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Red Riding Hood 2011

    A werewolf roams the forest surrounding a village, Valerie's sister is killed by the wolf.  Valerie was planning to run away with Peter after the announcement of her arranged marriage to wealthy Henry.  The villagers kill a wolf but it is not a werewolf, they send for a famed werewolf hunter.  Panic and suspicion grip the village when they learn the wolf could be one of the villagers.
    As soon as I saw the setting of a medieval village, I wanted to stop watching.  My first instinct was correct, this is not good.  Overacting, poor acting, ridiculousness.  2* (I didn't like this movie)

100 min, horror directed by Catherine Hardwicke with Amanda Seyfried, Billy Burke, Gary Oldman, Virginia Madsen, Max Irons, Julie Christie.
Note:  Blockbuster 3*, imdb 5.1 out of 10, 11% critic 41% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Leap Year 2010

    Leap year is the day that women can propose to their boyfriends.  Anna flies to Ireland to propose to Jeremy but the weather has different plans, the Dublin Airport is closed due to a storm.  Anna manages to get to Ireland but now she needs a way to get to Dublin.  She hires Declan to drive her but it has to be the next day.  She nearly wrecks the room in his restaurant/hotel just trying to charge her cell phone and she cuts the power to the small community.  She heads off the Dublin the next day but it won't be easy.
    This is funny, I had forgotten that I had seen this before when it first came out.  Just about everything goes wrong for Anna and it keeps going wrong for a while.  3 1/2* (I liked this movie)

60 min, Comedy directed by Anand Tucker with Amy Adams, Matthew Goode, Adam Scott, John Lithgow, Noel O'Donovan, Tony Rohr, Pat Laffan, Alan Devlin, Ian McElhinney.

Note:  Blockbuster 3*, imdb 6.1 out of 10, 22% critic 49% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Soul Surfer 2011

    Based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton who lost her left arm up to the shoulder from a shark bite.  Because of her companions quick first aid, call to 911 and transport to meet the ambulance, Bethany was able to survive the attack even though she lost a large amount of blood.  It was a struggle for her to be able to surf again since she would need to use a smaller board,  paddle with just one arm and the waves took a lot of her energy as they passed by and pushed her down. 
     She took part in a competition soon after her injury, she became very discouraged, gave away her boards and decided to give up.  She gained new perspective after a trip to help tsunami victims.  Her dad helped her by adding a handle to her board so she could use it to stay up when the waves came over her and she went on to share a win in the next competition.
    This is good, she could have died and she could have given up but she showed real courage and determination to keep doing what she loved.  Even everyday actions were a struggle, cutting up fruit, carrying a tray, doing her hair, getting dressed.  3 1/2* (I liked this movie)

106 min, Drama directed by Sean McNamara with AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, Lorraine Nicholson, Carrie Underwood, Kevin Sorbo, Jeremy Sumpter, Ross Thomas, Sonya Balmores Chung.

Note:  Blockbuster 4*, imdb 6.8 out of 10, 46% critic 80% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Les Patriots 1994

    A French thriller that chronicles a young man's journey from idealism to disillusionment and maturity.  Set in the 1980's, Ariel leaves his family in France at 18 years old to pursue a career as an agent in the Mossad.  As the work becomes more subversive and dishonest he must decide whether to follow personal ideals or follow a system.
    As previously shown by Valarie Plame in Fair Game, you can literally give your life to an organization but be thrown to the wolves when you need their help even though it will cost the lives of others.  This is tough watch since you must pay attention because of the subtitles and yet there are times when it is just surveillance work.  Plus, should you feel sorry for someone who is eliminated because of complications even though you don't like the work they were doing?  3* (This movie is OK)
132 min, Mys directed by Eric Rochant with Yvan Attal, Dan Toren, Yossi Banai, Andre Engle, Sandrine Kiberlain, Richard Masur, Nancy Allen, Allen Garfield, Jay Benedict, Emmanuelle Devos.

Note:  Blockbuster 3*, imdb 7.3 out of 10, no critic reviews 88% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Campion: The Case of the Late Pig 1989

    This movie is adapted from a novel by Margery Allingham, private detective Albert Campion receives an invitation to the funeral of a lifelong bully and his principal tormentor during his school days in the early 1900's.  Although he would like to never see Roland "Pig" Peters again, he decides to attend.  Strangely, just three months later Campion is asked to solve a recent murder and the victim turns out to be Pig Peters?  Has Pig died twice?  Who is in the coffin?
    This is good and interesting.  Very British so don't expect a quick resolution.  This is the first episode of a Campion mystery to be shown on PBS Masterpiece Mystery.  3 1/2* (I liked this movie)

107 min, Mys directed by Robert Chetwyn with Peter Davison, Brian Glover, Moray Watson, Amanda Elwes, John Fortune, Claire Williamson, Michael Gough, Rob Edwards, Dilys Laye.

Note:  Blockbuster 3*, imdb 7.9 out of 10, not listed on Rotten Tomatoes.

Priest 2011

    A warrior Priest breaks his vows and promises to save his niece from vampires.  There had been wars between humans and vampires but the vampires were placed on reservations and the people live in heavily fortified walled cities.  The ruling Church denies that they is any trouble between the two groups and the Church becomes more of a menace than the vampires.
    Don't expect anything like the Twilight Saga in this movie.  This is a western-fused post-apocalyptic thriller set in an alternate world based on a series of Korean graphic novels, I had thought Marvel comic books?  I didn't know if I wanted to keep watching this but it did get better.  There are three awesome motorcycles that have a boost to run on nitro, Maggie Q holds her own big time!!  3* (This movie is OK)

87 min, Sci-Fi directed by Scott Stewart with Paul Bettany, Karl Urban, Cam Gigandet, Maggie Q, Lily Collins, Brad Dourif, Stephen Moyer, Christopher Plummer, Alan Dale, Madchen Amick.

Note:  Blockbuster 3*, imdb 5.7 out of 10, 17% critic 38% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Hercule Poirot: Appointment with Death 1989:

 

    Overbearing, rude, abusive Lady Boynton is an intolerable person, she does not spare anyone except her husband.  The family goes to Syria in 1937 to meet Lord Boynton on his latest archaeological dig which is financed by Lady Boynton.  It is hoped that the skull of John the Baptist can be found ancient site.  Only Lord Boynton is surprised when Lady Boynton is found stabbed.
    This is good and very colorful with the fabrics of Syria.  Of course Hercule is using his little gray cells even though there is a substantial amount of heat, dirt and bugs which can be a hindrance to meticulousness!  4* (I really liked this movie)

90 min, Mys directed by Ashley Pearce with David Suchet, Tim Curry, Jawad Elalami, Christina Cole, Tom Riley, Cheryl Campbell, Zoe Boyle, Emma Cunniffe, Angela Pleasence, Elizabeth McGovern.

Note:  Not listed on Blockbuster, 7.3 out of 10 on imdb, not listed on Rotten Tomatoes.

   

   

The Incredible Shrinking Man 1957 new release 2011

    Scott Carey is out on his brother's boat with his wife when a mysterious cloud envelopes him?  Soon after, he discovers that his pants and shirts are starting to get too big for him to wear?  He goes for a check-up but the doctor thinks mistakes had been made before on his height and weight until he begins losing 1" in height every day. 
    I'm not sure if I've seen this before but it is interesting the challenges faced by Carey as he becomes smaller and the changes in his personality.  He has a wonderful wife who remains by his side no matter how small he becomes.  3 1/2* (I liked this movie)

81 min, blk & white, Sci-Fi directed by Jack Arnold with Grant Williams, Randy Stuart, April Kent, Paul Langton, Raymond Bailey, William Schallert, Frank Scannell, Helene Marshall, Diana Darrin, Billy Curtis, John Hiestand.

Note:  Blockbuster 4 1/2*, imdb 7.7 out of 10, 88% critic 81% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Cedar Rapids 2011

      Tim Lippe sells insurance, he gets a big break in his career with an opportunity to attend an industry convention in Cedar Rapids.  There are problems, Tim has never left his hometown, never been on a plane, he has arrested development and his girlfriend is his former elementary school teacher.  Tim must pull this off for his agency win a coveted award.  He does well with his hotel roommate but his out of his league with his other roommate, a hard partying and amoral colleague.  Everything starts to fall apart, he meets Joan, likes her right away and he starts to party.
    This movie would have been a lot better without the unneeded jokes told by John C. Reilly's character.  Another aspect is Ed Helm's other movie, The Hangover makes you want him to be without his tooth again when he gets in a fight.  Cheering begins, knock out the tooth, knock out the tooth!

87 min, Comedy directed by Miguel Arteta with Ed Helms, John C. Reilly, Anne Heche, Isiah Whitlock, Jr., Stephen Root, Kurlwood Smith.

Note:  Blockbuster 3*, imdb 6.5 out of 10, 85% critic 64% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Blitz 2010

    London cop Brant teams up with Officer Nash who is his complete opposite to find out who is killing police officers.  The killer contacts a reporter to further flaunt his escapades.  He seems to be able to stay one step ahead of the investigation, knowing where the cameras are located and turning his back to the lens.
    This is a tough movie, you can't decide if you want to be on the side of either Brant or Nash.  Brant can be brutal and Nash diffident.  Looking for something light, don't choose Blitz.  3* (This movie is OK)    

97 min, Mystery directed by Elliott Lester with Jason Stratham, Paddy Considine.

Note:  Blockbuster 3*, imdb 6.2, 50% critic 40% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.