Saturday, November 20, 2010

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

3 1/2 out of 5 Stars



This is the first time I've incredibly enjoyed a Harry Potter film since Prisoner of Azkaban. David Yates takes the first part of the final installment in a wonderful direction not only keeping close to the books but directing a well made film. The acting continues to improve and the overall look of the film is incredible. Although there wasn't a full conclusion as it was half of two parts, I felt a sense of closure at the end of the film. It's what I didn't get at the end of the sixth film and felt like I should have. Even without a complete end the first half of seven still feels like it can stand on its own. It's intriguing and well put together. Should be enjoyable for fans of the books and the movies alike.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Unstoppable

3 1/2 out of 5 Stars



Unstoppable is an intriguing thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat despite the predictable ending. Inspired by a true story this film is pieced together very well. It flows in a way that keeps the viewer wanted to know what happens next. Denzel Washington and Chris Pine deliver great performances as well. It's a decent story but is a pretty good thriller. It's a fun ride and full of action. Definitely worth a look if you're a thriller or action fan or if you like trains.

Skyline

1 out of 5 Stars



Good special effects. Nothing else. Absolutely terrible. Awful. Painful. It tries to be Independence Day but with no plot and characters that no one cares about. When the movie ends still nothing makes sense. There's lots of blue lights and weird alien looking creatures. It's a melting pot of science fiction ideas that have absolutely no logical thread of reasoning and has no talent in it. It's the modern day piece for what should be scrutiny of Mystery Science Theater. It's B-movie material with a large budget.

Morning Glory

3 out of 5 Stars



Overall a pretty fun movie. Not much to the story but the cast is chosen well. Harrison Ford delivers some great scenes that allow for some very fun moments in this comedy. There's really nothing much to expect here but it's still an enjoyable movie with some nice substance beneath the surface. A mix of romantic comedy and general comedy, this workplace movie is working quite a bit on the talents of Rachel McAdams and Harrison Ford. What it lacks in story it makes up for in humor.

Megamind

3 out of 5 Stars



There are some good moments with clever characters in this film and some fun as well but this is not one of Dreamworks best though definitely better than Shrek 4. The story is interesting, though it falls a little short, and the characters are clever. But Will Ferrell and Jonah Hill were not the best choices for voices for two of the main characters. Overall a decent family film but still with some pretty good sized flaws in the works. After How To Train Your Dragon this just doesn't cut it for the animation company.

Due Date

3 out of 5 Stars



Although not hilarious, Due Date still delivers quite a few laughs and while still being funny adds some good substance. It's a fun road trip movie from the guy who directed The Hangover but less disturbing. There are some good times and Robert Downey Jr. makes for a good cast. Nothing amazing, but worth a viewing.

Secretariat

4 out of 5 Stars



From Disney comes this true story of an unlikely horse that won the triple crown. Like most inspirational movies they are filled with a lot of material to make people feel good and the end is always seen from the beginning. But Secretariat is done so well that even if the end is seen from the beginning its still hard not to get caught on the edge of your seat during the races. The acting is great, the story is endearing, and there is lots of hope and excitement. A great movie based on a true story.