2009

This film was sadly overlooked in theaters and I hope it finds a new life on DVD. This a sweet, charming coming of age story, not a slapstick sex comedy like it was advertised as. The thing that really impressed me about the film is how honest and real all the characters seemed to be, especially Em who is played by Kristen Stewart.

I will have more later.

I want to straighten some people out. This movie is NOT to be taken seriously. This is just a movie that is meant for entertainment. The action is over-the-top because it is a movie you don't have to think during. Now, on with the review.

Crank 2 is a nonstop action thrill ride that is in the style of 1970s B-movies. It is absolutely hilarious throughout. This is because a) it is so mindless and ridiculous that you want two burst out laughing and b) it is a truly funny comedy. Statham delivers, yet again, the brilliance that is Chev Chelios and all his raging energy. Amy Smart is used more in this film than the first and it is because of her that we are able to have one of the funniest scenes of 2009 so far. For those who haven't seen it, it involves a horse track. This is a hard movie to review because it is, essentially, craziness. If you are not a fan of these types of movies, you will despise it. If you enjoy these types of movies, SEE IT ASAP.

Wow. That's about all I am able to say. Going into this movie with zero expectation and no idea what the plot was going to be, having only seen the teaser trailer, I was completely shocked. The performances are all outstanding from actors I have never heard of. The visual effects and look of the aliens are fantastic. This is one of the few sci-fi movies where the story is new and interesting. You can't really call this a sci-fi movie. This is an action thriller with no-holds-bar bloody action. This movie is extremely violent so keep little kids away. I don't want to say too much about it for the fear of spoilers, but what I can say is to go see this movie 4, 5 times. This'll be tough to top for the rest of the year.

I never thought that I would say this, but I enjoyed the latest chapter of the Harry Potter saga. For me, this felt the most realistic out of the Potter series. Granted, I know it isn't supposed to be realistic, but I enjoyed the mortality and human aspect of the picture.

The main core cast returns to their respective roles. I still am not buying Daniel Radcliffe as a good actor. He gives all of his lines completely one note, and he is just a bit boring. The only one out of Potter's troupe that I like is Hermione, played wonderfully by Emma Watson. She is the only one who is able to grasp emotion out of the core three and it was a delight whenever she was on screen. Ms. Watson was able to give life to a scene due to the dullness of Radcliffe and Grint. The adults are good as always, especially Alan Rickman who is one of our most underrated actors.

The school gets a new professor, played by Jim Broadbent. I am reserving this entire paragraph for him because he is the best part of the film. Broadbent is marvelously funny, but is also able to nail the intense dramatic moments of his character. As of now, he is one of my favorites for Best Supporting Actor at this year's Academy Awards. I know he won't be nominated, but he should.

The special effects are, once again, first rate and the cinematography is absolutely beautiful in its dark, almost gothic, tones. There are some plot points that I wasn't really too keen on and the action sequences are really stupid with the wands. I know that is how they are supposed to be done, I just can't take it seriously when they are, essentially, just waving around sticks. However, they make up for all of that with the humor (this is a very funny movie) and the standout performances from Broadbent, Rickman, and Ms. Watson. Overall, it is worth seeing.

More will come later.

So far, this is the standard for films in 2009. I love films that are able to blend comedy and drama perfectly together. This is no exception. The film stars two of Hollywood's best young actresses in Amy Adams and Emily Blunt. Amy Adams has already established herself with many great films like Enchanted and Charlie Wilson's War, and receiving two Oscar nominations for Junebug and Doubt. Emily Blunt recently arrived on the scene in The Devil Wears Prada. Here, the two of them have perfect chemistry together and each holds their own. Along side them is Oscar winner Alan Arkin. As always, he is wonderful, even though his character is a bit of an extension of his character in Little Miss Sunshine. The movie is fun, bittersweet, and wildly entertaining. It is a must see.

More will come later...

Watchmen is probably one of three most anticipated movies of the year. I'm sorry that you will be disappointed. The story jumps all over the place and you have no idea where the hell you are and what is going on. It feels like each character is in a separate movie, and not in a good way. The movie is overly long with many, unnecessary segments that could be cut out. Another big question is, "Why did Dr. Manhattan have to be naked the whole movie?" That one I'll never know. Another problem in the movie is that has two plot twists it reveals at the end of the film, but you can figure them out within the first 30 minutes. However, the insurmountable problem of the film is the performances. Patrick Wilson, Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Carla Gugino, and Matthew Goode were all completely miscast. I did like Jackie Earle Haley and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, but even they could not save this dreadful film. If you like countless cliches and an overdone Richard Nixon, this is the film for you.

More will come later.