13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

4 out of 5 Stars

13 Hours, the latest film directed by Michael Bay, recounts the real life events that occurred in Libya in 2012 when a small group of soldiers are sent on tour to a top secret CIA base and the 13 hours they experience attempting to rescue an American Ambassador and defend the CIA compound. Beginning with the set up of the primary soldiers, the film later moves into the main conflict.

For quite some time I've really been disappointed in anything Michael Bay has directed or produced. I think there was a point when he came out with a few good films early on in his career but not so much in the past decade. 13 Hours, however, is return to quality for Michael Bay. That isn't to say that his hand can't still be seen in it. There are still plenty of explosions and the extremely fast paced editing he is known for remains in tack. But in this situation it works well as the film takes us from the down time all the way into the chaos of war. And the chaos feels so real in this film that at some points it is almost a little confusing what's happening and who's where. This could be considered a pitfall for a film but considering the nature of battle I think that it works splendidly.

Truly where the film surprises, though, is through John Krasinski. He has come a long way from the office and shows his gravitas as an actor in this film. There wasn't a moment I didn't believe him as a soldier. This is Krasinski as Jack Silva in the same way Bradley Cooper embodied Chris Kyle. They stepped into the shoes of a soldier and lived them in both the world at war and with family at home. With Krasinki's final moments in the film it's hard not to be moved.

This was a film that really hit me deep down as an Army veteran myself and stuck with me emotionally well after the movie ended. It got me to think about life and tugged at my emotions. It's intense and at times graphic (as war is) and not for everybody. But if anything, it was a film that I felt did justice to a lesser known conflict that occurred and the brave men who fought for their brothers.

What Maisie Knew

4 out of 5 Stars

A tragic and beautiful film.

What Maisie Knew follows a little girl through her parents divorce and the tragic self-centered lives they live and how it effects their child. Focused entirely from the perspective of Maisie, the story unfolds as the little girl is used by the adults around her in a story that is awesome painful to watch.

The film does what a lot of films don't even attempt: to see life through the eyes of a child. In this instance it's a portrait that is occasionally beautiful and often tragic. Both of Maisie's parents are far from perfect and both highly incapable of being responsible enough to care for their child. In the midst of the custody battle Maisie is almost thrown around like a rag doll, watching and uncertain what she is supposed to do and confused about what is happening. It's hard not to feel for her as her parent's actions lead to many negative consequences that neither of them seem to notice.

I've really never seen such an amazing portrayal of the effect two parent's life decisions can have on their child. There are ramifications for our actions and in this story the results are difficult to watch. The portrayal of life is so genuine and fierce that it's difficult not to be invested in the lives of the characters. The performances are brought to life surrounding the subtle expression and reactions of the young lead. There really is not a film quite like it that I have seen.

This is a touching and important story in a society where divorce is normal and what it means to truly love a child. It is heartbreaking but the uplifting ending warrants a watch even if you aren't one for a more melancholy film.

Star Wars Episode VII - The Force Awakens

4 out of 5 Stars

The latest installment of the Star Wars comes to us outside of the hands of George Lucas for the first time ever and the wait has well been worth it. There is still no denying that without George Lucas we wouldn't have any of the Star Wars films. There is a unique universe that has been crafted in the films that isn't quite like any other. With a mix of sci-fi and fantasy, Star Wars has captivated the minds of millions for generations and now J.J. Abrams has brought a film for a new generation that does justice to the Star Wars universe.

Plot wise the film is nothing new. All the elements are similar to the original Star Wars but enhanced and done very well. With a new villain and a female lead as the hero, this is a film that has been much needed. The characters are solid and chemistry on screen is absolutely wonderful. Abrams has also managed to hit the nostalgic spot for all those who have loved Star Wars for generations by bringing in little moments that throwback to previous films.

Truly, Abrams has crafted a film that can link both generations new and old into a world that we could have only dreamed of. As a fanboy myself (even more so growing up) I found this to be everything I wanted in a Star Wars movie. At the same time as a stand alone movie I think it's harder to argue how great it is. But I wasn't looking for the next Godfather or Citizen Kane. I was looking for Star Wars, good Star Wars. And that is what I believe you good.

It's a good time. A fun ride. And worth watching more than once.

Guardian of the Galaxy (Short Review)

4 out of 5 Stars

Awesome Mix.

I am Groot.

Pure joyous summer fun.

Worth it!

Parks & Recreation: Seasons 1-6

4 out of 5 Stars

Parks & Recreation, overall, is an absolute delight. I don't remember the last time I enjoyed a comedy on TV this much. This show is not just full of laughs, it's full of heart. Taking on the sitcom format in the vein of shows like The Office, Parks & Recreation finds a footing of it's own, taking the "mocumentary" style in a direction of it's own and taking it's own place in Television history. I bet Leslie Knope is proud.

I'm a late-comer to the show right before it's been announced that it's going into it's last season but it has still been worth it. Season 1 was a rocky start for the show with only 6 episodes and basic setting to how the show would feel. Although still funny, the first few episodes in the series are a bit rough and don't have the same spark but still at least help set up the well-developed characters that will stay with us through most of the series (Leslie Knope, Ron Swanson, April Ludgate, Andy Dwyer, Tom Haverford, Donna, Ann Perkins, and Jerry).

Season 2 is really when the show takes off and hits the charming and funny spark that helps the show sky rocket. The relationships are more firmly forged and greatly used to heighten the comedy. All while continuing to follow Leslie's neverending quest to become the greatest public servant and government employee to live. Really, the show keeps a high streak all the way through season 5. There are a few downs here and there I think (mainly with the Douche) but overall most everything in the show stays entertaining and hilarious. It also never completely loses sight of the end goal. Every season has a through plot that continues to carry the show, among all the various side plots, and manages to stay consistent with the beginning of the show.

In Season 3, two characters are added as leads, Ben Wyatt and Chris Traeger, who add a new dynamic and an added fresh take to the nerd scene to round out the show. And really, every cast member fits the character so well it's as if they embody and personify them. Basically, the casting is impeccable.

Though, I feel at Season 6 they hit a slump, which might be part of why they felt it was time to end the show soon. Although still funny and quite enjoyable, this season starts to feel like the writers are having some trouble coming up with ideas. The hilarity that took place in the previous 4 seasons just isn't quite there and feels like it's dropped a step and a half. This by no means it's not still enjoyable and worth it. Perhaps one of the best parts of season 5 is the exploration of some of the more serious sides of many of the characters. It's the coming of age story for Parks & Recreation, which makes for a more mature and sentimental season, but that also means a few less laughs.

Overall, I would say that all of this show is worth watching so far. Definitely one of the best comedy shows of the past decade along with shows like Arrested Development. If you have not checked it out, I highly recommend it. And if you're not hooked at season 1, I suggest sticking it through to Season 2.

Sin City: A Dame To Kill For

2 out of 5 Stars

The sequel to the innovative Sin City film from Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller follows three primary storylines: Nancy Callahan's (Jessica Alba) plot to get revenge for Hartigan,  Johnny's (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) plot to beat Senator Roark in gambling, and Dwight's (Josh Brolin) love affair with the deceptive dame (Eva Green). Much like the original film, the style is similar, saturated in a stylistic film noir world with a graphic novel feel and specific colors highlighted against the black and white shading scheme.

Outside of that element and closing the story on a few of the characters from the first film (namely Nancy, Hartigan, and Senator Roark), much of what made the first film unique and enjoyable is missing in the sequel. The interwoven plot structure of the first film that brought characters together is separate sequences is completely missing and traded for a simple through line that feels like it's trying to hold onto what the first film captured but failing. The characters fall flat in the new structure despite solid acting from most of the cast. But despite any of the performances, the characters just aren't as engaging as they were in the first film. Even Marv, who was a character that shined in the first film, only feels mediocre in this Sin City re-hash.

We are taken to many of the familiar locations of the first film, such as Old Town, and many of the characters from before are brought back into the sequel. Really, Eva Lord (Eva Green) and Johnny are the only major knew characters. It's still a fun romp with the enjoyable entertainment style that the first film brought. Yet, this time around the style isn't quite as fun and the simpler color scheme that the first film used is heightened with far more color in the sequel, detracting from some of the enjoyment. Rodriguez and Miller this time around should have stuck with the simplicity that made the first film work so well instead of trading it for heightened color schemes and 3D gimmicks.

Salt

3 out of 5 Stars



Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie), a rogue CIA agent, is put on the run after being accused of being a Russian spy. Now she sets out to protect her husband and clear her name. Her supervisor, Winter (Liev Schreiber), believes her story but counterintelligence officer Peabody doesn't and will do anything to bring her in.

Salt is a film that uses a lot of plot cliches including twists. Because of this it is not predictable. In that case it's not that great of a movie. But it's an intriguing film and keeps the viewer interested until the end. Perhaps it isn't the fastest paced thriller but it's still exciting, despite that it's really not very realistic. But what a lot of spy thrillers do terribly wrong this movie does well. It's engaging in it's own right. And Angelina Jolie passes surprisingly well as a Russian. I don't know about a Russian spy. But definitely a Russian. And surrounded by a decent cast this film turns out to be a lot of fun. It won't necessarily keep you guessing for most people but for some people it may keep them asking what side is everyone on. In the end though, this is a political action thriller.

Ramona and Beezus

1 1/2 out of 5 Stars



Ramona and Beezus is based off the best selling books by Beverly Cleary about a young girl who continuously causes mischief but not on purpose. The film follows Ramona on a quest to raise money to help save their house because her dad just lost her job. At the same time she must deal with her older teenage sister and help her aunt with guy problems.

This film had promise from the books. At least what I know from the books. I don't remember if I actually read them or not. But the idea of the character is an idea that could make a fun movie. This was not that movie. The cast was surprising, including newcomer Joey King as Ramona, but not even the acting can save the film. But on another plus note it promotes the imagination of kids, something that should be nurtured and not completely squandered. And in this case that is how Ramona is a bit odd but is what also what makes her special.

But the rest of the movie is terrible. The film attempts to touch on every theme a young child could possible have to deal with besides death of a family member. Family job loss, divorce, marriage, loneliness, bullying, etc. There are far too many themes explored for one movie. And it was far to reminiscent of another horrible film this year, Diary of A Wimpy Kid. But Ramona still flies higher, primarily because the characters are likable. Though there is another level that feels like this is just another movie for transferring a Disney pop star out of the pop star. In this case that would be Selena Gomez. Ultimately what could have been a fun popular book turned movie was a haphazard story attempting to encompass too much of life's troubles into a movie that was supposed to be fun.

Inception

4 out of 5 Stars



Inception is Christopher Nolan's next film after The Dark Knight. It follows the story of Cobb, a skilled extractor, someone who extracts information from people's dreams. We soon learn that after something that went wrong with his wife he has been forced to live out the United States. Now he ends up taking a job that could allow him to go back home. But this job requires inception, planting an idea into someone's brain and letting it grow inside them. This is a very difficult task but Cobb manages to assemble of team of skilled people to infiltrate a man's dreams and accomplish the task. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, Ken Wantanabe, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Apparently Nolan worked on his script of Inception for ten years. And it definitely shows. The ideas and concepts in Inception are so deep and complex it could have easily been written as ultra confusion. And the fact that he was working on his script for so long I can forgive the eerily coincidental story arc of Leo's character from Shutter Island. But the reality is that Inception is incredibly well written. Few films have so directly dealt with the idea of dreams and so very few succeed. Inception is a film that not only succeeds in it's ideas but also manages by the end of the film to play with your mind, causing you to think. But really that is the best way to engage with the audience and many of the best films find ways to truly engage their audience. It's a story that delves into the deep reaches of the human subconscious that are not often thought about and plays with the ideas of dreams while continuously asking "What if?" Because after all, at it's heart it is still half a science fiction film, the other half a heist film.

Inception is also acted very well with an interesting but great cast and has a wonderful and enticing score. It's even directed pretty darn well. It's evident that Christopher Nolan put a lot of heart into this project. I must admit I really did like this film. It was a nice refresher but a big budget summer blockbuster that just explodes. Instead it actually caused you to think, something that the US might consider doing a bit more often. And really it's in the story and it's complexities made less complex by great writing and acting that make this film a real treat.

But there is one major problem. Inception isn't necessarily too long. After all, Return of the King was three and a half hours and needed to be for the importance of story. The problem is more that Inception just feels too long. A little over two hours starts to feel like almost three and by the time the movie is over the only thing that really truly draws you back is that end shot, causing you to ask so many questions. But re-watching it just brings up more questions and doesn't provide much of any answers. And it's in that feel of length that Inception finds it's flaw for no matter how good I feel a movie is, if it doesn't move enough it's hard for me to get into. I've probably seen more movies this year so far in theaters and on DVD than any other single year. And because of that I'm finding myself bored with more movies and it takes more to intrigue me. So the reality is that if Inception would have moved a little bit faster I could have given it my ultimate elusive rating. But the reality is that even The Karate Kid was over two hours and didn't feel like more than two.

The Sorceror's Apprentice

2 1/2 stars out of 5



This movie is suggested by the animated short from Fantasia, that one that many people know and love. And really that is most of this film's real draw. Except now there is more of a story than just a short. The idea is that Nicholas Cage plays a sorcerer who was one of three of Merlin's closest confidants. Only one of them turned evil and joined with Morgana. Now only the prime Merlinian can stop him and that's where Jay Barucel's character comes in. And then the quest to stop evil while still trying to have a social life kicks in.

This film is exactly what it looks like and tries to be; a fun action adventure movie. It's nothing more. It is from the same team as National Treasure after all. It was never supposed to be anything wonderful. But it is something fun. And obviously it's not believable. But all the same the cast is enjoyable, the special effects pretty good, and it's fun to see how they bring a concept to life in a bigger story. And Alfred Molina works as a pretty darn good villain.

If anything this is the film that most people won't see in theaters just because of ticket prices but will probably rent once it comes out. Because really it is fun to watch. And it's a whole lot better than it looked out to be. And every once in a while some of us just need these ridiculous action adventure movies just for the sake of entertainment so we can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Despicable Me

4 out of 5 Stars




Gru is a super villain. He also isn't that good at it. In fact, another super villain who is new in town just stole a pyramid. That is Vector. Then Gru concocts a plan for the ultimate heist, to steal the moon. So he steals a shrink ray but then Vector steals it from him but he can't get into the heavily guarded fort. So Gru ends up adopting three little girls who sold cookies to Vector and works on carrying out his plan but things don't always go quite accordingly to plan as the girls begin to take a place in his heart. And all the while he is helped by little yellow minions.

Despicable Me is the kind of kids movie that makes movies truly fun, especially for kids. This is a film that is filled with great humor, good voice acting, and truly enjoyable characters. And with a year with so few great films it's nice that at least the animated films still hold up this year, the other films being Toy Story 3 and How To Train Your Dragon. Sure the plot is simple and predictable but it's a move geared to kids. It's not meant to be unpredictable. After all as one person I know put it about Toy Story, "You expect the toys to actually die?" There is a reality that in a kid's movie (basically anything rated G) there are just certain themes that are too intense for young kids to handle.

But what Despicable Me has is many laughs, great morals, and much heart. It's easy to know what is going to happen. But at the same time there is enough heart that you can feel for the the characters as you come along for the ride. And of course the addition of the minions makes for a clever and originally creative twist. Really it's a clever rendition of a simple plot. Really, it's the fun that somehow manages to be missed in a good many kids movies. And it's also the fun that somehow Shyamalan managed to miss in Airbender.

Predators

2 1/2 out of 5 Stars




Predators is a direct sequel to Predator. It opens on a bunch of people falling through the sky and finding parachutes they never knew they had. Soon they discover each other and are led through the jungle by Adrian Brody's character and find that they are being hunted by alien creatures known as predators. But of course some people know more than others.

Predators is from what I hear beyond a reasonable doubt much better than the former predator film sequels. I'll just have to take their word for it. All the same, this film is more of a fan film for those who enjoy the franchise more than anything. By all means it's a decent action film with fun sequences throughout the second half of the film. The cast does a surprisingly good job at acting in a film with such a ridiculous plot. It's so simple and mundane that it's storyline follows that of basically hundreds of B-movies but succeeds where they don't. And the acting really does help the films cause.

But the action in the film can't save it from it's mediocrity and slow and mundane first half. Very little seems to happen until close to the one hour mark and therefore causes a sleep inducing feeling before finally picking up the action. And when a film is known as an action film and not much more there is a problem. It was better than I necessarily expected but that didn't save it. I was still too bored. I wanted more action. I wanted more drive. Instead I got lots of walking around and exposition. At least they throw in a samurai and a katana fight.

The Last Airbender

1 1/2 out of 5 Stars




The Last Airbender, M. Night Shyamalan's new film, is based off the popular TV show and follows the first season or book. The avatar is the only one who can control the four elements and bring peace to the nations but he's been missing for a hundred years and the fire nation has waged war. Then Katara and Sokko find Aang, the last airbender and avatar. The only problem is that Aang doesn't know how to control the elements yet so they head out to find teachers all while being chased down by the fire nation.

I have to admit. I really did enjoy this film. Unfortunately, that doesn't necessarily make the film that good. The TV show was a gem. Something unexpected in the realm of kid's animation. Unfortunately Shyamalan didn't translate it very well to the screen. All the characters are there and cast surprisingly well. The general plot is in tact. And it also is a visual feast. And for these things it can be enjoyable but possibly more so if they would have left out the 3D. In that realm almost every film this year has been frustratingly thrown into this madness.

So unfortunately when I think harder about the film after my initial reaction there really is little to the film that makes it good. Much like the Golden Compass the film does not do justice to the source material. The plot may exist in the film but by the end if you've never seen the series you may be trying to fully piece it together. The characters jump from one space to another without any real connection. The major events are still in tact but transitions are missing. Appa and Momo still make appearances but once they do just seem to disappear. And the biggest dilemma of all is that humor seems almost void and turns this film into a fantasy drama. It's an entertaining feast for the eyes but falls far short of what it could have been. So basically, here is another big budget popcorn flick. This is the first time I personally have ever been disappointed in M. Night. I even liked The Happening. So I may have enjoyed this but the reality is that this film just really needed help.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

2 out of 5 Stars




First there was Twilight. Then there was New Moon. Now welcome back to the teenage melodrama with Eclipse. This time around, Bella faces her inner turmoil as she wrestles with the reality that she loves Edward and Jacob. At the same time Victoria is still after her for Edward killing her mate and an army of newborn vampires is created that could wipe everyone out if they aren't taken care of or the infamous Volturi step in.

Truly, Eclipse is the best in the series so far. Sadly, that says very little. Twilight was alright. New Moon was terrible. Eclipse is still pretty bad. These stories are basically the closest thing you could get to a big budget soap opera. And where they went wrong has (at least I believe) nothing to do with the filmmakers. The score was quite excellent. The cinematography absolutely wonderful and I think the best of the three. The acting even improved (though not by a lot). And there was even more action (but only slightly). The different take on the story helped a bit and I think the director must have worked a little on less awkward characters but that doesn't save them from their ridiculous scenarios and dialogue.

Eclipse further exemplifies that Stephanie Meyers books just make horrendous films, especially when realizing how faithful they are to the source material. The books might be enjoyable, at least possibly the first time around, but the reality is that some books should never be movies. This series is a good example. Although Eclipse is the closest they have come to bringing a good film to the screen in this franchise, if they stay true to the books closely there is no possible way to succeed after this. In fact, if so the next film will most definitely be worse. Basically, there is not much of any redemption for this series when it comes to quality. And when it comes to "Team Edward" and "Team Jacob" I realize I start to side with "Team Bella's Father." And that's just because he adds a desperately needed small dose of humor to this laughable film.

Twilight made vampires "cool." Well, vampires were never meant to be cool. For good reason. And then it gave young girls a false reality. To say that this series is like teenie bopper softcore porn doesn't seem to far off the map it seems. Especially if you start comparing it to the idea of romance novels. Now in the midst of it's shortcomings it at least turns on the grounds of modern cinema and advocates abstinence. Unfortunately that can't save this sad storytelling from being so laughable. This is a generational film series and one that has a very influential impact on society but one that falls far short of such series of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. At least those series have some quality. Here, we just have young girls ogling muscular guys with their shirts off.

Killers

3 out of 5 Stars



Katherine Heigl is Jen, a recent bachlerotte who takes a trip with her parents to Nice, France. Ashton Kutcher is Spencer, a spy working for the CIA. Spencer meets Jen. Jen and Spencer fall in love. Then they get married and Spencer gives up his former life. There is only one problem, now a bounty has been put out on Spencer's head so everyone he knows is trying to kill him.

The plot of this film feels a bit contrived and teeter totters between action conspiracy and comedy and balances just enough to find a place to withstand falling. Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl are two actors who are in the realm of people you sometimes like on screen but many people don't. But in this film they seem to pull it off in a quirky way. I think their roles work more in a world of suspended belief than reality but at the same time have a kind of real world charm that pushes you towards wanting to root for them.

But really it's the entertainment factor if anything that saves the film. The comedy is actually funny at times and the action is entertaining. There is also a good moral tale beneath about taking responsibility for your actions, second chances, and the opportunity to change into a different person from your past. The supporting cast also rounds out this film and of course Tom Selleck has an awesome mustache. In the end, Killers isn't much for plot, but it's still fun and entertaining. Though it's still hard to buy Ashton Kutcher as a spy.

Grown Ups

2 out of 5 Stars




Grown Ups follows five childhood friends who won a basketball championship under a coach of theirs. This coach was a close figure in their life. Now they have all grown up to be successful or not so much but the coach dies and his funeral all brings them back together along with their families. Soon they are all staying at an old lake house from their childhood where many boyish antics occur.

This film is one of those comedies that is not only ridiculous but incredibly stupid. For the majority the humor is immature, gross, or just plain wrong. On occasion the humor takes a direction that causes to film to actually be funny, but rarely. A large ensemble cast is set up with noticeable names; Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Rob Schneider. However the talents of some of these actors are wasted. It's a story about learning to grow up that doesn't quite get to anything good and seems to skimp around the point a bit too much. It basically feels like a reminiscent film and trying to remember what it was like to be twelve except at the age of forty.

However, Grown Ups is a good morality tale relevant to the current dilemma faced with the new generation of kids growing up in a technological world. During the film most of the kids are spoiled, stuck up brats. They soon learn that there is more to life than video games, cell phones, and all else that relies on technology and discover the great things that older generations grew up on. And it does have an important message that we all need to take responsibility when we get older, not just live in the past. But even so, that doesn't save this sort of chuckle comedy from its drastic fall into immaturity.

Toy Story 3

4 out of 5 Stars



Pixar returns with its next feature in the third installment of the Toy Story series, the only to date sequels of any Pixar film. This time Andy is all grown up and is about to head off to college. He must therefore decide what to do with all his old toys and when he puts them in a trash bag to go in the attic they accidentally get thrown out. The toys then escape into a donation box and wind up at Sunnyside Daycare. They soon discover that a big bear named Lotso is running the joint but not for the better. Soon it's up to Woody to help save the day and help the toys escape and return to Andy.

Pixar really does have an amazing streak for films. To this day they still have not made a terrible film. People can argue against cars all they want, I still think it was well done. But Toy Story definitely has a special place and the third installment not only once again has the humor that kids can enjoy, but also the occasional adult humor and on top of that there are a large number of toys that adults will remember from their younger years. Toy Story 3 is, like most Pixar films, a film that will pull your heart strings. You'll feel for those toys. I know I did. And it's not so much because you like toys. Rather, it's because these particular toys embody so much of what the human heart longs for and the good inside people strives for. They look out for each other and they don't leave their fellow toy behind. And even when Woody is confronted with the evil Lotso and getting back at him, he still does the right thing. Andy's toys are ones of justice and honor. And it is in these toys that human truth is conveyed.

And of course once again, the wonderful voice talents of the previous two films have returned. There is no doubt in my mind that Pixar has one of the greatest ways of making films; crafting great stories before they even begin. Toy Story 3 is just another gem to add to the wonderful collection of Pixar. And of course that short, Night and Day, was pretty darn clever as well.

The Karate Kid

3 1/2 out of 5 Stars




Dre Parker and his mom have just moved to China. Dre doesn't fit in but he meets a nice girl. Unfortunately he also meets the school bullies who know kung fu and train at a merciless school. Then Dre meets Mr. Han, the maintenance man, who knows kung fu and soon decides to train him. Dre's training prepares him to take part in the official kung fu competition. So basically, the same plot as the original Karate Kid only with kung fu and the kid moves to another country.

When it comes to remakes, this film really is quite faithful. But more accurately it really is a retelling, as I have heard is what the filmmakers said it was. I also understand that the filmmakers have great respect for the original and in this case the new lives up to the old. And if you ask me it exceeds the old. The characters have more depth here. There are more dynamics between the teacher and the student and their lives are always distinctly separate. Kung Fu also looks better on screen than karate and of all the film stars Jackie Chan really is one of the best to portray a kung fu master on screen. This is perhaps one of his best performances.

One of the best parts about this film is that it shows the training that Jaden Smith went through. This kind of authenticity adds to the film immensely and even though it is almost 2 1/2 hours long, it doesn't feel quite that long. The plot may be simple, but it's the same as the previously done and beloved Karate Kid. Only this time the fight scenes are more intense, the master is able to hold his own and truly proves it, and you'll want to cheer for the student at the tournament even more. And even though it's more intense, The Karate Kid teaches important lessons of peace versus violence in the midst of martial arts.

Knight and Day

3 out of 5 Stars



In Knight and Day, June Havens soon finds her life entangled in that of Roy Miller, a secret agent. Despite his attempts to keep her off the plane he's on, higher authorities find a way to get her on and before she knows it she can't escape Roy, leading a series of misadventures.

Knight and Day is a simple movie with a pretty simple plot and one dimensional characters. But at the same time there is lots of action, plenty of witty one liners, and surprising performances by Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. And the filmmakers of course also try to keep you guessing as to the truth. But the reality is that the film just isn't that unpredictable. And I'm pretty sure that it's not supposed to be either. It's a basic summer popcorn flick. You've got action, you've got humor, and really not much else. But the cast makes this movie surprisingly fun. It seemed hard at first to see Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz fitting together in the same movie, but once all the excitement is over it really does seem to work. Although this film is nothing special, it is fun.

Jonah Hex

2 out of 5 Stars




Jonah Hex is yet another of many comic book/graphic novel films to fill the screen this year. Josh Brolin and Megan Fox star in this action western comic story about Jonah Hex, a civil war soldier turned bounty hunter after a man named Turnbull kills his family and brands him alive. From his near death experience Jonah is able to communicate with the dead by bringing them back to life. Soon it turns out that Turnbull faked his own death and Jonah Hex is hired by the government to stop him before he uses a powerful weapon that was never fully completed. And somewhere in the middle of it all Jonah Hex finds time to spend with his love interest, the prostitute, Lilah.

This film is flawed really from beginning to end. The characters are one dimensional, the plot highly cliche, and there is just not enough to any of the story. This has to be one of the shortest comic book movies I have ever seen, running at less than an hour and a half, and it feels like there needed to be more depth which could have been found in a longer movie. When events occur they happen quickly and then end. When supporting characters enter they quickly disappear and we might see them again in a short scene or two. Anyone other than the antagonist, protagonist, and love interest seem to have really any meaning. And of course there is the irritation that ever time Megan Fox shows up on screen her face looks like it was airbrushed on screen.

On the pro side, Jonah Hex has potential to be an interesting character. The action is also fun at times and the gadgets entertaining, though overall it is all quite over the top. It's the kind of movie that if you turn off your mind you could enjoy it. It is the completely mindless action popcorn flick. Sometimes they're fun. In the case of Jonah Hex, it's sort of fun. But even the short action sequences can't save this film but everything else it's lacking. Even The Losers, a previous film this year based off a DC comic, was much more fun. And of course this film is also a western. A completely and ridiculously over the top action western.