Showing posts with label 2011 Movie Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2011 Movie Reviews. Show all posts

Saturday, December 31, 2011

New Year's Eve - Movie Review


'New Year's Eve' follows several stories that overlap, cross paths, and intertwine all leading to that big moment in Times Square where we all celebrate the changing of the calendar to a new year. There are stories of hope, reflection, birth, and rebirth along with tales of redemption and reconciliation all played out by an impressive list of Hollywood stars.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

The Adventures of Tintin - Movie Review


Expectation level for an animated adventure film co-directed and produced by Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson should be about as high as one could imagine. Also add the fact that the movie stars such talented names as Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg, Jamie Bell, Carey Elwes, and the incomparable Andy Serkis and then finally throw in a brand new performance capture technology that blows away anything before it, and you have the makings of a true blockbuster.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows - Movie Review


Robert Downey, Jr. returns as the incomparable Sherlock Holmes in 'A Game of Shadows' and this time around goes head to head against his arch rival, Professor Moriarty. With the most important case of his career about to unfold, Holmes must use every ounce of intelligence and ingenuity he has to solve a mystery that leaves the fate of Western civilization hanging in the balance.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Happy Feet Two - Movie Review


The first Happy Feet movie was a huge hit and a surprise success for Fox Animation so naturally plans were set in motion to create a sequel. With an all star cast including Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Sofia Vergara along with the latest in animation and 3D technologies, Happy Feet Two looks to recapture the magic of the first installment.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol - Movie Review


Over the years, Tom Cruise has created several iconic characters and has been one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. The 'Mission: Impossible' series might just end up to be his most notable achievement as he continues to literally take his character, Ethan Hunt, to new heights with Ghost Protocol.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy - Movie Review


Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is a very popular British spy novel from the early 70's and was adapted in to a very popular television mini series. The lead character of George Smiley was played by the one and only Sir Alec Guiness and is considered the defining portrayal of the character. Now we have a Hollywood theatrical version of the story featuring Gary Oldman in the lead role.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Shame - Movie Review


Steve McQueen is quickly becoming one of the hottest directors anywhere with a style of film making that is redefining the cinematic experience. McQueen's debut feature, 'Hunger', shocked audiences with a brutally honest portrayal of imprisoned protesters during a hunger strike and Michael Fassbender's performance in the movie was universally praised. With 'Shame', the duo look to continue their success with an intimate look in to the life of a man dealing with personal demons as he takes in his troubled sister and her own set of issues.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Hugo - Movie Review


If someone had told you that Martin Scorsese had just made a 3D movie starring a couple of kids, you might look at them with a fair amount of confusion. The statement is actually true, although this film is so much more than one might expect and yet the unexpected is what you should hope to find in a film like this.


Sunday, December 4, 2011

Empire of Silver - Movie Review and Director Q&A


I was able to see this movie at a recent screening which featured a Q&A with the director herself. You will find some of her thoughts on the movie and answers to audience questions at the end of my review.

First time director Christina Yao has put together a beautiful movie that is equal parts love story, coming of age tale, and historical drama. Set in China during the late 1800's, Empire of Silver is the story of the Kang family and the banking empire that has been part of their family for generations.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

War Horse - Movie Review and Director Q&A


This review contains some of Steven Spielberg's thoughts and ideas regarding the making of War Horse as expressed by the director himself during a Q&A session that took place after an advanced screening of the film. I was able to jot down a few key points while sitting in the theater and incorporated them in to my review. A video clip that I filmed at the conclusion of the Q&A is also included.

J. Edgar - Movie Review


Clint Eastwood has become known as a director that can present a gritty historical drama that pulls no punches and sheds new light on events that are as important and relevant now as when they first took place. Teaming with lead actor Leonardo DiCaprio, this film has all the makings of yet another award winner even with subject matter that may be a little controversial.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

The Descendants - Movie Review



There are hundreds of great stories out there that will never get made in to movies and there are hundreds of movies without a story that never should have been made. The Descendants is a film that is difficult to categorize in that it tells a story so intimate, you almost feel like you have a part in it and yet this is also a vehicle for George Clooney's continued showcase as one of this generation's great actors and movie stars.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

The Muppets - Movie Review


After purchasing the rights to the Muppets a few years ago, Disney has been slowly incorporating these lovable characters in to their overall strategy. The Muppets is the first major motion picture to feature Kermit, Piggy, Fozzy, and the rest of the gang in what looks to be a new era of Muppet mania.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Red State - Movie Review


Kevin Smith has created an interesting commentary on society, religion, and the youth of America all wrapped in to an independent thriller starring John Goodman, Melissa Leo, and Kevin Pollak. It's nice to see small films like this being created by big name Hollywood types and marketed unconventionally with an internet campaign and VOD availability, but the ultimate question is whether or not this film is worth watching under any format.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Immortals - Movie Review


Immortals looks to attract the same audience that flocked to theaters for 300 which was a highly stylized take on the Trojan soldiers of Sparta and their famous stand at Thermopylae against the Persian army. This time around, the same treatment is given to ancient Greece and the mythological Greek Gods by director Tarsem Sing who is best known for the visually stunning movie, The Cell.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

The Ides of March - Movie Review


A film that is written, directed, and starring George Clooney is sure to be heavy on drama and intrigue with a political message either embedded deep within the story or right up front for everyone to see. Since this picture involves the ins and outs of a Democratic Primary race, you can be assured that the audience will be getting a heavy dose of political commentary thrown up in the screen.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas - Movie Review


I will admit, I have not watched either of the previous Harold and Kumar movies so this was a brand new experience for me. These characters seem to have a penchant for finding trouble under any circumstance and the holidays are no exception. Featuring a screwball cast and a never ending supply of gags, will this movie fill your stocking with three dimensional holiday cheer or will it leave you feeling like Santa Claus had just been hit in the face with a shotgun blast?

Friday, November 4, 2011

Puss In Boots - Movie Review


Puss in Boots is the story of a cat. You know him from the Shrek movies and he is now starring in his very own feature film. Voiced by Antonio Banderas, Puss in Boots is ready to take on the adventures that created the legend we know today.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

The Rum Diary - Movie Review


A movie starring Johnny Depp, Amber Heard, Giovanni Ribisi, and Aaron Eckhart, written for the screen and directed by Bruce Robinson, and with a story originally written by Hunter S. Thompson should be a recipe for the type of film that would have critics falling all over themselves trying to come up with appropriate levels of praise and worship. As I sat down to watch this film I began to wonder if I would become intoxicated by the potent combination of ingredients, or would I look to add this to the multitude of mediocrity that floods the proverbial bottom shelf.

In Time - Movie review



Looking for a slick, stylish, and futuristic movie along the lines of The Matrix or The Adjustment Bureau? In Time races against the clock to place itself next to these and other similar movies. Starring Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried and directed by Andrew Niccol, this film tries to make every second count, but is the end result worth your time, or does the clock run out on this thriller?

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