My_Opinion-245-920801 Reviews

Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

Wildly Entertaining

[9/10 · 3 March 2013]

Wreck it Ralph is kid friendly at its core and as an added plus equally entertaining to adult. All you can ask for in child entertainment is firstly, a movie or animation that is not overly violent for know apparent reason. Secondly, there should be a clear point that the children can connect too, in perhaps the form of a life lesson, the size of the lesson or point is irreverent at this point. Thirdly, for God's sake the movie or animation should be able to keep an adults interest; albeit barley!

Wreck it Ralph not only was a bona fide hit but my niece and nephew loved the very fact that is was based on video games. My niece loved the character Vanellope, voiced by none other than Sarah Silverman. Whereas my nephew thought Wreck it Ralph was, to use his words "A good Guy-Not bad guy" yes, he really liked Wreck it Ralph. John C. Reilly, did an outstanding voice over job as The Ralph personality, I sat through the movie trying to put the voice to a Hollywood face.

However, I would be remiss if I failed to take a shot at Brave winner of the "best animated feature" I guess marketing wins over substance. I asked my niece and nephew, whom they preferred, hands down Wreck it Ralph won by a land slide. Furthermore, having performed this rather unscientific poll, I can only assume that a.) Wreck it Ralph came out to late b.) Brave had a massive campaign push that gave it the Oscar edge c.) The Academy dropped the ball yet again. If past evidence has any weight, I whole heartedly believe option C is the most viable option.

Wreck it Ralph was entertaining and taught the little ones that there is more going on then what is on the surface. My niece and nephew, if any indication, loved this movie, and I too think this is a must watch of child and adult alike.

John Carter (2012)

John Carter, had imagination, action and stunning CGI environments.

[7/10 · 23 May 2012]

John Carter, had imagination, action and stunning CGI environments. However it seems the majority of the movie reviewers came down negatively in their reviews of this major motion picture. The resourcefulness, required to bring the Martian landscape to life, should be noted. It was done with creativity and had a life of its' own. There were very few lulls in the action sequences; it was steady and done tastefully. The CGI Martian themselves looked tangible and were believable. If you were to judge this movie on the merit of strictly plot, it would fail miserably. However, in defense of John Carter, one only need look as far back as Battleship, Transformers and countless other entries in the Sci-Fi genera, to fully understand it is not always all about the plot. Although a properly written script works wonders. There are few Sci-Fi movies that have both a resounding plot and effects to boot, such as Star-Wars, Aliens and perhaps even Avatar. Considering all these factors, John Carter was nowhere as bad as all the reviewers would lead you to believe. Yes, the plot was weak, but most people do not go into watching this type of film expecting Sophie Choice or Chariots of Fire. This Hollywood block buster delivered what it advertised an exciting action laden movie with, imaginative environments and plenty of CGI.

Get the Gringo (2012)

Get the Gringo was an exciting action comedy that featured some unpredictable plot twist and turns along the way.

[8/10 · 23 May 2012]

Get the Gringo was an exciting action comedy that featured some unpredictable plot twist and turns along the way. Director Adrian Grunberg, wisely allowed Mel Gibson to be himself, and what the audience received in return was one of Mel Gibson's better performance's to date. He cracked jokes when needed, kicked ass when called upon, and was sly and cunning when it was time to be so; it is very nice to see Mel Gibson back. The part played by Kevin Hernandez of The Sitter, was nothing short of outstanding, I absolutely see an incredible future for this kid, he carried his part and some. The plot that writers Mel Gibson and Adrian Grunberg came up with was original and left you on the edge of your seat. This is a credit to the writers, that a movie such as this could be laced with action and then peppered with comedy it came together like a fine dining entrée at a four star restaurant. There is nothing to complain about, I thought the acting was great the story was tantalizing, the action was credible Get the Gringo was a win, win, for all involved.

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012)

A must watch for those who want to see a bit of substance within the action, adventure, comedy genera.

[8/10 · 20 May 2012]

Journey 2 The Mysterious Island, was a fantastic feel good story that young adults and children alike will enjoy. There was a little bit of everything that all ages groups could relate too. The story was well written; wisely the director Brad Peyton allowed some comedic interjection played by long time veterans Michael Caine and often under-appreciated Luis Guzmán. The "Rock" Dwayne Johnson did his best to not try to over sell the lovey-dovey connection between the characters of Josh Hutcherson and the lovely Vanessa Hudgens.

The writers did a fantastic job allowing the comedy to natural unfold within the plot confines. This strategy was key: keeping any adults watching this movie from wiggling and squirming in their seats. Too often these types of movies are marketed to the children or vice-versa it was a pleasant surprise to see the writers, directors and producers were on the same page.

The acting was solid. The special effects were extraordinary. This is one of the best performances that Dwayne Johnson has been part of. One can only look forward to seeing him involved in more of these types of projects, instead of trying to be the action hero type.

Journey 2 The Mysterious Island was a win for the kiddies, young adults and adults. A must watch for those who want to see a bit of substance within the action, adventure, comedy genera.

Blade Runner (1982)

A cult classic, that will never be replicated!

[10/10 · 18 May 2012]

Blade Runner is a cult classic that surprisingly has held up well over time. Starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer and Edward James Olmos to name but a few prominent stars that were involved in: what every true Sci-Fi fan knows is a cult-classic in the genera.

The story centers around a bounty hunter three escaped androids or replicants as they are now famously described as. The human element at times is discarded in the Sci-Fi genera, but that is not the case in Bade Runner. Their is a human elements that is decreasingly made available to today's audiences.

One only need think of the Transformers movies by Michel "I only blow stuff up" Bay, to understand the concept of the human, emotional connection is rare thing in today's Sci-Fi filmmakers.

In all honesty, I am not sure if the audience is a by product of the directors lack of ability to extend that emotional struggle to the audience or if it's vice-versa. Needless to say , it is sorely missing.

Blade Runner is exceptionable, and delivers on the true nature of this category of film making. Their is plenty of action but more importantly their is a real story that is brilliantly allowed to unfold frame by frame, and that is a rare thing.

Battleship (2012)

very good graphics with a plausible story, its a win!

[10/10 · 18 May 2012]

I am extremely happy to see a movie about an alien invasion, that has nothing to do with the invaders wanting our resources aka Battlefield L.A., Cowboys and Aliens and all the other rubbish that fall's in that category. This motion picture was well written, acted and produced.

Finally Holly Wood pulled their collective heads out of their asses and delivered, the way we all knew they were capable of doing. This was a well thought out movie, with plenty of eye dropping detail that was integrated harmoniously with the special effects. There was balance between the two and it worked to perfection.

There were some surprises that for spoiler reason I can not dive into. All I can say is the United States Navy rocks, they kicked ass. I was cheering, yelling, screaming and finally rooting for the the men and women of the Armed Forces.

Battleship delivered a bonafided block buster, that will not be forgotten for some time to come.

A Real Friend (2006 TV Movie)

Powerful tale that brings horror, emotion and a true tale together splendidly.

[8/10 · 18 May 2012]

Truth be told I stumbled upon this flick by accident. I was bored flicking through my cable channels and thought the description was interesting. I could not have been more surprised at how well executed this movie was. A Real Friend is well written, acted out and directed.

The choices made by the director to focus on the child and slowly bring into focus the monsters and the child's connection and then its strength: was brilliant. The mother's sex drive was odd, but the story in general was a pleasant surprise. Their are some heavy weight monster's on display towards the end, I was thrilled to see it all the elements come together, the mother's sex drive, the father, the monster relationship is was magnificently filmed and written.

I would be remiss if I did not tell you in advance that this is only available with English subtitles, the primary language is Spanish. Works for me since I speak, write and talk it very well.

Final Word If you do not mind subtitles, this is a spectacular movie, which is part of a bigger package: 6 Films to Keep You Awake.

The Grey (2011)

The Grey was a survival movie at heart.

[9/10 · 22 February 2012]

The Grey was a survival movie at heart. What does or what will it take to survive? Are you prepared to make the tough choices or will you allow the deeper sinister part of your personality to surface? Those were some of the questions that were directly answered in The Grey. The adventure starts off quickly and the pace is brisk and attaches itself tightly onto your imagination. Yes, the wolves were super-natural aggressive, but after all we are talking about a movie, not a National Geographical series on predatory wolves. The acting was solid and as always Liam Nelson showed why he is such a good actor, by not only having the lead part, but acting it out as such. You believed that if you found yourself in such circumstances you would want him leading you too. The rest of the cast was stellar; the directing was also up to par.

The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019)

The Big Bang Theory is not only funny, its lol, funny.

[10/10 · 20 February 2012]

The Big Bang Theory is not only funny, its lol, funny. This is one of the few TV comedies that will actually have you laughing intensely at some of the ridiculously plot concepts. This comedy has something for everyone. A little comic and Sci-Fi for those who indulge, also a bit of technically advanced biology and particle acceleration talk. Now, usually those format topics do not co-mingle well. However The Big Bang Theory, the cast, and witty writers make it fun, and even hip, to want to be a nerd. This show does everything well from the actually gear that the cast wears to the props: think the comic shop, to finally the back and forth banter. This is a must see for those who enjoy a smart comedy, there is no stupid humor here.

A Monster in Paris (2011)

Monster in Paris is story telling that children and adults will truly enjoy

[10/10 · 20 February 2012]

A Monster in Paris is a unique uplifting kid's movie. My niece and nephew loved it. It seems the female lead character dressed as an angel is funny and beautiful, my nieces words. Now my nephew on the other hand was more interested in the monster in the film. This is one of those films that you can watch with your young ones and still be amused yourself. The melody's that we were treated to, were both exceptional and catchy. At one point my niece commented that she loved the way the little angel lady was singing. Now, she wants to be an angel/ballerina who sings. Very good movie, which had a strong underlying message to young ones a must see with the kiddies.

The Sacred (2009)

"B" movie at it's worst, sacred ground, cheesy effects, wooden acting....

[2/10 · 18 January 2012]

The Scared was a "B" movie in the horror genera. The effects were not up to par. The special effects and make up was noticeably lacking any type of realism. The scenes were light is supposed to be shimmering off of the tress in the jungle was laughable and not scary in any way. The acting was in line with what you might expect, with a movie that had almost no budget. Sadly, it looked as though it was filmed by some new college graduates fresh out of film school. There really are not a lot of positives to pull out of this debacle from director Jose Zambrano Cassella. The acting was wooden; there was no workable or even remotely believable plot. The positive side of this motion picture is that it finally ended.

Transit (I) (2012)

An absolute gem for those who our simply tired of Hollywood's repetitiveness in regards to action movies.

[8/10 · 17 January 2012]

Transit was an engaging, exhaustive, emotional thrill ride of the best kind. The story was good not great. However where the story began to falter, is at the exact time that the suspense and excitement, blended together forcefully, grabbing ahold of the viewer tightly, and refused to relinquish its hold. This movie was well acted out, the story was solid, as well was the scenic locations that were chosen by the scout teams. Their seeming is a heavy emphasis these days on big name actors, which in all reality rarely pays off. Transit bucked this trend with a movie that was well worth a viewing. Antonio Negret does a good job of allowing actors to be actors, and letting the back grounds and back drops speak for themselves this in its self seems to be somewhat of a lost art in Hollywood right now.

Immortals (2011)

CGI, wardrobe mint the rest pass....this movie is sad!

[3/10 · 15 January 2012]

Immortal was a disappointing story that writer's Charley Parlapanides and Vlas Parlapanides should thoroughly be ashamed of. Look we are talking about a movie that is based loosely on Greek Mythology. As anyone who went to middle school should well know, Greek Mythology is vase; there is an astounding amount of source material that could have been expounded on. Mickey Rourke, with the weird ridiculous costume, seriously why? Even the hero in this movie was uninspiring, what was his name; you see that's how gripping his performance was. His name eludes me, enough said, right. The story, the fight sequences barring the GOD/Titans scenes were pretty sad compared to 300 the movie. I can only assume at this point that you might be asking yourself, was their anything that was gripping, astonishing, worthy to be viewed, or perhaps even mediocre. I can only say the GCI and costumes were worth a mention. The rest of this movie was dissatisfactory in every area and aspect.

The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption (2012 Video)

The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption, was a disaster from the beginning to the end.

[3/10 · 5 January 2012]

The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption, was a disaster from the beginning to the end. The set was cheaply constructed, in one scene there is a castle ruin, door way with all natural gray brick the door is red with a meatal frame, which is just shoddy and unprofessional work, come on metal mitered frame, really. The director's lack of oversight of what the film editor was allowing and disallowing was alarming. In another scene as Billy Zane walks out a treasure chamber yelling slave, then Dave Bautista looks at Selina Lo then the camera cuts to Billy Zane again repeating slave but still in the treasure chamber. I could go on and on but what's the use. The wardrobes were hilarious almost roman soldiers, ninjas, and then there is the ever decreasing ninja custom of the lead actress Krystal Vee. As if we were not going to notice that in every scene her outfit seems to be shorter and well there is a whole lot of missing material. This movie was erroneous on so many levels that I cannot even begin to write about every single one. The script was riddled with language from an ancient era then there were instances of modern verbalized language sprinkled in. Just wrong, wrong, wrong, all around, epic failure from the writing to the directing all way to the cut room and finally wardrobe If you are looking for anything other than some to kill your time pass on this movie truest me you won't miss a thing.

Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star (2011)

Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star was funny and stupid all in one.

[7/10 · 5 January 2012]

I thought Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star was funny and stupid all in one. To clarify when I say stupid, I mean stupid funny. It is a rare feat when this combination in a comedy is pulled of but it worked well here. Yes, some of the humor was off or one could even say stupid without the funny, however for the most part this was a better then average comedy.This movie made you laugh because of the above mentioned absurdity of the subject matter. The acting was solid for a comedy and I really thought the jokes the writers inserted were spot on. Kudos to the director for keeping this a light subject it worked well in my opinion.

The Killing Strain (2010)

Virus/Zombie movie that stays pretty much middle in the middle pack, nothing extraordinary here.

[5/10 · 28 December 2011]

The Killing Strain is your run of the mill low budget zombie/virus movie. In all honesty the movie was not bad, it just was not good. There was nothing extraordinary to separate it from movies such as anything from the Dead Series by George Romero or even the 28 Days Later. So as you can already see the bar is set high to begin with. Yes, this is a low budget reflection of great movies in this genus, however; budget restraints aside there still was nothing that popped out at you and immediately or grabbed your attention. No amazing scenes of violence or compassion. Nor was the sub-standard acting done well, it was hard to tell if the actors played there parts purposely over the top, or was the acting that God awful again, hard to say. The pace of the movie was enjoyable at least they were no long drawn out explanation of what lead to this disaster. I just wish the Directors and writers would have taken the time to put a plot together that would take hold of you, instead we are treated to an ordinary run of the mill zombie-ish movie that will not differentiate it's self from over a 100 other such titles.

We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)

Movies such as this are extremely difficult to write a review on because there are so many variables layered into it

[6/10 · 27 December 2011]

We Need to Talk About Kevin is the type of movie that near or at the actually ending you throw your hands in the air and say, what just happened. What I am referring to is the flash backs along with a fractured plot that is not all that well written. This is a fictional school massacre, written by Lynne Ramsay and Rory Kinnear it is loosely based off of Lionel Shriver award winning Orange Prize author's book of the same title. The precept for this book was established by Lionel Shriver although that is not the direction this movie took. The scenes in We Need To Talk About Kevin were splintered, difficult to follow and absorb. The events leading up to the character of Kevin, Ezra Miller placing *Spoiler* a hamster in the garbage disposal is minimal touched upon. Thus we cannot as an audience quite understand the transformation from a child, albeit ill-mannered child into a full blown sociopath. If the audience is to fully absorb what is taking place in a movie of this caliber with such a tricky and sensitive plot, it was unwise to leave out the details and circumstances that lead this child to becoming a disturbed teenager. Bypassing that the acting on the part of Ezra Miller, as Kevin was sensational to say the least dark, brooding, introvert…but like most sociopaths very intelligent. Tilda Swinton and the rest of the cast were spot on. Movies such as this are extremely difficult to write a review on because there are so many variables layered into this piece of art and after all is said and done or in this case written all art is subjective is it not.

Carnage (2011)

A well written, acted and directed movie centering a quartet of actors.

[9/10 · 26 December 2011]

Carnage is a thought provoking and entertaining movie. The back and forth banter from the four characters, well the only characters, was spot on and amazing. One might think that a movie that has only a quartet of actors would become silly or old, that assumption would be incorrect. The writers Yasmina Reza and Roman Polanski are spot on with this intelligent and vast display of verbal emotion, which the audience is privy to. The course at which the conversation flows fourth in Carnage is engaging and embracing, it is a rare feat when a movie grabs a hold of you with such vigor and life. The director Roman Polanski won an Oscar gold for Rosemary's Baby in 1968, he has once again, shown that he is in full control in the director's seat, while filming and guiding such an accomplished and talented cast. The way the characters interact when outside variables are introduced is stunning; also the change in demeanor, tone, hand gestures, and body language is remarkable. This is not only a well written movie, but it is also visually exquisite to the eye, as you begin to allow yourself to look deeper into what is actually being presented to you. These subtle changes ripple quickly through the scenes and dialogue causing a positive and fruitful effect.

The Amityville Haunting (2011 Video)

The haunting of a home by an evil presence that is intent on removing or worse yet killing the current residents.

[1/10 · 24 December 2011]

The Amityville Haunting was yet another movie filmed in the ultra- irritating 1st person style. The title has the word haunting in it, which to a lay-man like myself, lends itself to indicate there might be a chance you will be scared. I can only tell you there is no such scene. Sadly, this was an awful movie; there was so much script material, and different avenues that could have possibly been explored. Yet, the writers and Directors failed to follow any type of format that would resemble a professional movie; you might say, whatever does he means. Well, allow me to expand, this movie was filmed in such a way, that we are to assume that a child filmed it, really! Why, would anyone want to pay to see a film that has no plot, flow, professionalism, or natural progression, nothing! Yes, I am slightly perturbed, I actually was rooting for this whole family to be mutilated, and that's how annoying this movie was. I rooted and kept thinking to myself: I can't wait for this annoying kid with the camera to get it!

Apollo 18 (2011)

Unimaginative and just plain ridiculous why, I say Why!

[2/10 · 24 December 2011]

Apollo 18 was an odd film, it was offensive and uninspiring to any true fan of the Syfy genera. Honestly, there were no unique angles, nor; where there any exciting twists to be discovered in this movie. The acting was pedestrian at best. Sadly, the special effects in Apollo 18 were also unmemorable: in a science fiction era dominated by CGI. Come on people rocks, the movie was all about rocks! I can only assume, Hollywood is not feeling the same economical crunch, that the rest of the nation is because, they they keep green lighting major motion pictures like this. Now if you or I were the CEO or major stock holder, I would hope we would fire what ever mope pushed this project through. Sorry, went off on a tangent there. Unfortunately, there seems to be a lack of imagination or inspiring thought left in Hollywood, case in point all the remakes we have been made to suffer through as of late. This movie should have went straight to DVD.

Roadie (2011)

The Roadie is engaging, well written, directed and acted out. Along with a sound track that will not disappoint.

[7/10 · 24 December 2011]

I must confess up to the point of actually watching the Roadie, I had no idea what a roadie was or did. This is not my usual type of movie, however we should strive to challenge and expose ourselves to different movies. Just as you would a different language or cultural in order to grow and mature as an all around individual. The movie was interesting and I thought the plot, made a point in trying to relate to the viewer the regret of decisions that we make as youth, that do not pan out or other wise never manifest themselves. The characters were very likable and came across genuine and authentic in the Roadie, which must be stressed is a very necessary thing in a film like this. There was a feel that that the movies' main character could have been anyone of us: in regards to decision or choices that were made in our lives that never quite pan out. Perhaps you could take it a bit further and say that everyone in there life at least once or twice has not let go of an idea or notion until: well it was to late. Atlas, I would be remiss, if I did not mention that the sound track for the Roadie is excellent.

The Sorcerer and the White Snake (2011)

Love and art visually expressed through film.

[8/10 · 21 December 2011]

The Sorcerer and The White Snake is visually stunning as well as breathtakingly inspiring. This movie is more than CGI, computer rendering, or even cinematic location. It's about love. The power that love wields between two people who are in love and the control, twist, and even anguish that love sometimes will exert over us. Yes, the fight scenes were well filmed. Additionally the colors exploded violently from frame to frame, it was exceptional. I would be inconsistent if I however did not point out that if this film had a major Hollywood studio budget. Some of the CGI scenes would have looked slightly less choppy, and perhaps more money, would have helped to further polish an already outstanding movie. The Sorcerer and The White Snake is a rare gem, it is a love story told through art. I found the water sections in the opening of the movie simply stunning. Art and love translated through film, simply exceptional.

I hope you will take my advice and grab a copy of this as soon as you are done reading my review. I promise you, this movie will not disappoint in any way shape or form.