Duane (don't call me The Rock) Johnson stars in the weekends number one movie, Disney's - Race To Witch Mountain. This is an updated version of the original Disney movies from the 1970's, Race To, Return To, and Escape From Witch Mountain. If it can be done to Witch Mountain, I think it's been done!
Johnson stars as a convicted felon Las Vegas Cab driver, who by luck of the draw ends up with two aliens as a fare. They look like nice teen-aged kids, and act as such. "Seth, and Sara", commandeer him as their transport back to their crashed space ship. It is imperative that they reach their ship before the assassins from their own planet, who do not want them to complete their friendly mission. The assassin represents a planet that wants to invade Earth and take it's resources. Plus there are thugs trying to catch up with our favorite cab driver from mistakes from an earlier time in his life. AND the Feds are after all of them! So the race is on.
RTWM is a fine, fine family movie. I always think that these kinds of movies are hard to review. These are the kinds of movies that critics of Hollywood are clamoring for movie makers to make. Movies that the whole family can go to, and enjoy without being a cartoon, or some form of animation. It's a nice story that moves long at a nice clip, with up-beat performances by it's main stars. RTWM has been updated nicely and fits well in the 21st century.
There's a bit too much gun play for me at times, but that's the world we live in. No matter how well intended movies are and how well they are done. We seem to always have shoot-outs and gun play even for what is considered general audiences.
But no real problem here, Race To Witch Mountain. Nicely done, and wildly fun! Take the family.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Last House On The Left
Here comes another scary movie to the box office, this weeks it's Last House On The Left. This is a remake of Filmmaker Wes Cravens first movie in the 1970's with a modern spin. Is this movie scary? Why, yes it is. But the world is not a better place for having this movie in it.
It's the story of a very affluent family, and their beautiful lake house they spend their summers in with their 17 year-old daughter. He is a doctor, she is a housewife, and the daughter (Mary) is their only child. Mary wants to go visit a summer time friend, Paige, in the nearby small town the first night of their summer stay. She does, and danger finds her.
Bad decisions are made and somehow these two 17 year - old girls end up in the motel room of a wanted fugitive who just killed two cops. He vows he can't let them go, and so what to do with them? The fugitive is with his own 17 year old son, who is a good kid swept up in this terrible drama. Also on board are the fugitives brother, and girlfriend. Both of them are disturbed as well. You can only imagine what's next. After a horrific, and tortuous afternoon, they kill Paige, leave Mary for dead. The movie then becomes what you think it will. One of revenge and vigilantism. But it's a journey to get there.
LHOTL is very graphic in it's violent nature. Much more that I was ready for. There are truly scary and suspenseful moments in this movie, which at times is skillfully made. But it is harsh. Way, way harsh. Going further, to even get to the blood, you have to wade through long and brutal scenes of torture, slow murder, and a horrific sexual attack on Mary to get there. Many will not. It is understood that this is supposed to make you really hate our villain, and that he's really an awful, awful guy. But that had already been firmly established in the movies first scenes. I was really troubled by the age of the girls under attack. Those scenes don't make it a better movie, just a more distasteful one. It will be too much for some to witness.
As the movie rolls on, it becomes more of a bloodbath with plenty of carving up, bleeding, shooting to go around. It's no surprise that good will triumph over evil, and does. You'll see it coming, it's a bit predictable. At times LHOTL shows signs of being really good, but for me there were a few speed bumps just to big to ignore.
Last House On The Left. Scary? Yes. Harsh? Yes. Good? Could've been much better. The company you keep is crucial for your experience. There are moments that will be just too much for some.
It's the story of a very affluent family, and their beautiful lake house they spend their summers in with their 17 year-old daughter. He is a doctor, she is a housewife, and the daughter (Mary) is their only child. Mary wants to go visit a summer time friend, Paige, in the nearby small town the first night of their summer stay. She does, and danger finds her.
Bad decisions are made and somehow these two 17 year - old girls end up in the motel room of a wanted fugitive who just killed two cops. He vows he can't let them go, and so what to do with them? The fugitive is with his own 17 year old son, who is a good kid swept up in this terrible drama. Also on board are the fugitives brother, and girlfriend. Both of them are disturbed as well. You can only imagine what's next. After a horrific, and tortuous afternoon, they kill Paige, leave Mary for dead. The movie then becomes what you think it will. One of revenge and vigilantism. But it's a journey to get there.
LHOTL is very graphic in it's violent nature. Much more that I was ready for. There are truly scary and suspenseful moments in this movie, which at times is skillfully made. But it is harsh. Way, way harsh. Going further, to even get to the blood, you have to wade through long and brutal scenes of torture, slow murder, and a horrific sexual attack on Mary to get there. Many will not. It is understood that this is supposed to make you really hate our villain, and that he's really an awful, awful guy. But that had already been firmly established in the movies first scenes. I was really troubled by the age of the girls under attack. Those scenes don't make it a better movie, just a more distasteful one. It will be too much for some to witness.
As the movie rolls on, it becomes more of a bloodbath with plenty of carving up, bleeding, shooting to go around. It's no surprise that good will triumph over evil, and does. You'll see it coming, it's a bit predictable. At times LHOTL shows signs of being really good, but for me there were a few speed bumps just to big to ignore.
Last House On The Left. Scary? Yes. Harsh? Yes. Good? Could've been much better. The company you keep is crucial for your experience. There are moments that will be just too much for some.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Thrill Of The Grill!
Good news, the sun is out big-time today, and even tough it's a bit cold it's still a very nice afternoon. Weather like this always reminds me that warm weather indeed is on the way, and so is the much anticipated - Grilling Season. I love grilling season!
Last year I bought a gigantic gas grill. I took my stimulus check and plopped it down on seven burners of fun. Truth be told, I probably spent more time with that grill last summer than any one person. I was grilling for lunch, snacks, dinner, it was borderline out-of-hand. I've had a good off-season I think. Bought a freezer full of meat, been practicing my technique, you know normal off-season stuff that everyone does in preparation for the 2009 regular season this Spring.
I've decided to up my game this year and practice my staring at the food on the grill with my buddies. And I've also really worked on my discussions with my buddies, on how good the meats' gonna be when it's done.. while were staring at it on the grill. That was the weakest part of my game last year. Went to Florida to work on that with my friends in February.
My mind got going today after my friend Charlie came to the house to measure a new section of the patio I'm contemplating. He hadn't seen my grill yet, and I made him. (It's mandatory when you come to the house, just humor me will ya?) We were in total agreement that it was a dandy grill - Charlie pontificated, "Now that's a grill. Big, and easy to get to, because I'm not pan fryin' a steak. I don't care if it's -1o below zero outside!" I decided right then and there, Charlie is the smartest man on earth.
I do have a George Foreman Grill, and it's just fine for small jobs, but it's not the big daddy that sits outside yearning to be used. You can't cook a bunch of great steaks on a Foreman with a London Broil tester (appetizer) at the same time like I do with the big grill.
I've been saying on the air for weeks optimistically, (under much ridicule) that the worst of the weather is over and the warm is on the way. And I still believe it. Baseball, bicycles, burgers, and brats are just days away.
Get ready to come on over the the house, opening day of the grilling season......is almost here! I just have to find someone to come over to give the invocation, and sing the national anthem.
Last year I bought a gigantic gas grill. I took my stimulus check and plopped it down on seven burners of fun. Truth be told, I probably spent more time with that grill last summer than any one person. I was grilling for lunch, snacks, dinner, it was borderline out-of-hand. I've had a good off-season I think. Bought a freezer full of meat, been practicing my technique, you know normal off-season stuff that everyone does in preparation for the 2009 regular season this Spring.
I've decided to up my game this year and practice my staring at the food on the grill with my buddies. And I've also really worked on my discussions with my buddies, on how good the meats' gonna be when it's done.. while were staring at it on the grill. That was the weakest part of my game last year. Went to Florida to work on that with my friends in February.
My mind got going today after my friend Charlie came to the house to measure a new section of the patio I'm contemplating. He hadn't seen my grill yet, and I made him. (It's mandatory when you come to the house, just humor me will ya?) We were in total agreement that it was a dandy grill - Charlie pontificated, "Now that's a grill. Big, and easy to get to, because I'm not pan fryin' a steak. I don't care if it's -1o below zero outside!" I decided right then and there, Charlie is the smartest man on earth.
I do have a George Foreman Grill, and it's just fine for small jobs, but it's not the big daddy that sits outside yearning to be used. You can't cook a bunch of great steaks on a Foreman with a London Broil tester (appetizer) at the same time like I do with the big grill.
I've been saying on the air for weeks optimistically, (under much ridicule) that the worst of the weather is over and the warm is on the way. And I still believe it. Baseball, bicycles, burgers, and brats are just days away.
Get ready to come on over the the house, opening day of the grilling season......is almost here! I just have to find someone to come over to give the invocation, and sing the national anthem.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Who's Watching Your Figure?
I was thrilled to find out on Wednesday of last week, who is to blame for all of this economic mess. It's - Anastasia!
She was on Oprah with her fiance' asking financial advice from money guru Suze Orman. Could they afford the wedding of her dreams? Anastasia is about 25, very beautiful with a nice figure. Her finance' was this real average guy who kind of looked like a computer nerd. I didn't notice his figure - sorry.
Figuratively, both of these people are completely out of their mind. "The Big A" (Anastasia) wants her "dream wedding" about 50 grand worth, and he's thinking about 20 grand. They turned their figures over to Suze who was going to give them her advice. As we sit here, this dynamic duo already has more money going out than coming in each month, and plenty of debt. In fact, on national TV it was disclosed by Suze that Anastasia had about about an extra 20 grand of various debt that her fiance didn't know about till that moment. Awkward? You'd think so....but you would be wrong.
Anastasia giggled, made excuses, and he made excuses for her....blah blah. Look, I get that they were on TV, but come on! Suze stressed that HE should take a look at Anastasia's financial figures for a change, and really wonder how much truth she has told him. Sadly, neither one of them seemed to take Suze seriously. The figures were there right in front of them, and they just laughed through it.
Their figures are an example of what some of the problems are right now. Many think it's okay to spend money they don't have now, on stuff that really doesn't matter, and worry about it later. Plus I've got to wonder about the whole priority thing, but that's another blog for another day. But I will be honest with you, Anastasia made me mad!
As a nation, we're cleaning up after Anastasia right now. I want to stress too, I'm not talking about those who have troubles due to no fault of their own. I'm talking about Anastasia (The Big A) and those who chose to spend tons 'o cash they don't have at an alarming clip for no good reason other than "I deserve it." She even said that line to Oprah! You may even know an Anastasia.
These days we all need to watch our figures. Because in today's economic world, your figure is being watched more than ever. And you know, maybe someone watching your figure, is a good thing.
She was on Oprah with her fiance' asking financial advice from money guru Suze Orman. Could they afford the wedding of her dreams? Anastasia is about 25, very beautiful with a nice figure. Her finance' was this real average guy who kind of looked like a computer nerd. I didn't notice his figure - sorry.
Figuratively, both of these people are completely out of their mind. "The Big A" (Anastasia) wants her "dream wedding" about 50 grand worth, and he's thinking about 20 grand. They turned their figures over to Suze who was going to give them her advice. As we sit here, this dynamic duo already has more money going out than coming in each month, and plenty of debt. In fact, on national TV it was disclosed by Suze that Anastasia had about about an extra 20 grand of various debt that her fiance didn't know about till that moment. Awkward? You'd think so....but you would be wrong.
Anastasia giggled, made excuses, and he made excuses for her....blah blah. Look, I get that they were on TV, but come on! Suze stressed that HE should take a look at Anastasia's financial figures for a change, and really wonder how much truth she has told him. Sadly, neither one of them seemed to take Suze seriously. The figures were there right in front of them, and they just laughed through it.
Their figures are an example of what some of the problems are right now. Many think it's okay to spend money they don't have now, on stuff that really doesn't matter, and worry about it later. Plus I've got to wonder about the whole priority thing, but that's another blog for another day. But I will be honest with you, Anastasia made me mad!
As a nation, we're cleaning up after Anastasia right now. I want to stress too, I'm not talking about those who have troubles due to no fault of their own. I'm talking about Anastasia (The Big A) and those who chose to spend tons 'o cash they don't have at an alarming clip for no good reason other than "I deserve it." She even said that line to Oprah! You may even know an Anastasia.
These days we all need to watch our figures. Because in today's economic world, your figure is being watched more than ever. And you know, maybe someone watching your figure, is a good thing.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Movie Review - Watchmen
The much anticipated Watchmen hits theaters this weekend, and it feels more like a summer blockbuster than a simple March movie. I know we're changing the clocks this weekend but it' still winter, adn Watchmen is trying to make us feel like it's July at the movies.
Based on the wildly popular graphic novel, Watchmen is 2 hours and 43 minutes of comic book come to life. It's a story so complicated that it's not really feasible to go into it here, but in a nutshell - here goes. There are 6 "Watchmen Superheroes." All with a different skill set, and belief system. They were a government project designed to be a wild card in the arms race with the Soviets in the 1960's and 70's. The Feds then abandon the project years later, but the Watchmen still exist, just not officially sanctioned.
Set in 1985, the world is on the brink of nuclear war with the Russians, and the Watchmen are being eliminated by someone. Who and Why? We'll there's your movie. Who's watching the Watchmen?
Watchmen is a very good story that gets bogged down in itself a few times here. There are too many characters, and too much to keep track of. It is very violent, with real blood and gore, as you might suspect...and there is a lot of it. Visually good, but not mind blowing by any regard. Watchmen also has a very interesting soundtrack that is squarely geared at people raised in the 1960's and 70's. Interesting too, a young audience will not understand much of what is going on, as it is based on real events at times, with real historical side characters from the 1960's though the mid 80's. That aspect will leave young viewers in it's wake.
The real star of Watchmen is the character Rorschach played by Jackie Earle Haley. He is the Watchmen with the white mask, trench coat and fedora hat that looks like a private eye from Mickey Spillane. He narrates much of the movie in P.I. style, and is the runaway performance of this movie. Rorschach is by far the best developed character and the movies salvation. Without him, it's a bust. When he's on screen, Watchmen is a better movie. When he's absent, it becomes a bit phony and off track. He's the glue.
Is Watchmen great? No, it does have troubles mainly the length. But for comic book fans, it could be a great night a the movies. If cience fiction and comic books don't interest you, steer clear of Watchmen. This is not Spiderman with side humor and a sexual tension love story intertwined. There is an attempt at it, but it becomes cumbersome and doesn't work. Word too, this is a real "guys" movie. Not very female friendly in any way shape or form.
Watchmen. Not a home run, not a foul ball either. More like a single to left field, from a 3 hour at-bat.
Catch all my movie reviews now at
http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment_movies_expand.asp
Based on the wildly popular graphic novel, Watchmen is 2 hours and 43 minutes of comic book come to life. It's a story so complicated that it's not really feasible to go into it here, but in a nutshell - here goes. There are 6 "Watchmen Superheroes." All with a different skill set, and belief system. They were a government project designed to be a wild card in the arms race with the Soviets in the 1960's and 70's. The Feds then abandon the project years later, but the Watchmen still exist, just not officially sanctioned.
Set in 1985, the world is on the brink of nuclear war with the Russians, and the Watchmen are being eliminated by someone. Who and Why? We'll there's your movie. Who's watching the Watchmen?
Watchmen is a very good story that gets bogged down in itself a few times here. There are too many characters, and too much to keep track of. It is very violent, with real blood and gore, as you might suspect...and there is a lot of it. Visually good, but not mind blowing by any regard. Watchmen also has a very interesting soundtrack that is squarely geared at people raised in the 1960's and 70's. Interesting too, a young audience will not understand much of what is going on, as it is based on real events at times, with real historical side characters from the 1960's though the mid 80's. That aspect will leave young viewers in it's wake.
The real star of Watchmen is the character Rorschach played by Jackie Earle Haley. He is the Watchmen with the white mask, trench coat and fedora hat that looks like a private eye from Mickey Spillane. He narrates much of the movie in P.I. style, and is the runaway performance of this movie. Rorschach is by far the best developed character and the movies salvation. Without him, it's a bust. When he's on screen, Watchmen is a better movie. When he's absent, it becomes a bit phony and off track. He's the glue.
Is Watchmen great? No, it does have troubles mainly the length. But for comic book fans, it could be a great night a the movies. If cience fiction and comic books don't interest you, steer clear of Watchmen. This is not Spiderman with side humor and a sexual tension love story intertwined. There is an attempt at it, but it becomes cumbersome and doesn't work. Word too, this is a real "guys" movie. Not very female friendly in any way shape or form.
Watchmen. Not a home run, not a foul ball either. More like a single to left field, from a 3 hour at-bat.
Catch all my movie reviews now at
http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment_movies_expand.asp
Monday, March 2, 2009
Madea Goes To Jail
Tyler Perry again, with another installment of Madea doing something. This time Medea is going to jail. In the first ten days of it's release, 64 million bucks for Madea and her bunch.
Tyler Perry of course, is Madea and two other characters in this movie about Medea and her slightly dysfunctional family and friends. In MGTJ, you get the whole rounded version with two completely different story lines going at the same time. That seems to be the movies achilles heal, as both are a little unfinished and each have a hole or two.
Madea is going to jail in one story, after assaulting three police officers as they attempt to arrest her. The other is the story of extended family and thier wedding plans. The latter story especially is hole filled, and bordering on the unbelievable at times. Through all this, the movie attempts to grow a heart and have a message, and does to a degree. But not enough to prop it up straight and make you think like it could. The dialogue at times is written-rushed, in an attempt to say it all in a few words. and that doesn't work.
There are a few moments of fun and laughter here, but overall, it's more of the same from movies past. It is fun though to see the movies real star, Keshia Knight-Pulliam, who was Rudi on The Cosby Show from the 80's. She's all grown up now, and still as cute as ever, even though now she is 30 years old.
Madea Goes To Jail. A huge success again from Tyler Perry. His stock keeps going up and up.
Tyler Perry of course, is Madea and two other characters in this movie about Medea and her slightly dysfunctional family and friends. In MGTJ, you get the whole rounded version with two completely different story lines going at the same time. That seems to be the movies achilles heal, as both are a little unfinished and each have a hole or two.
Madea is going to jail in one story, after assaulting three police officers as they attempt to arrest her. The other is the story of extended family and thier wedding plans. The latter story especially is hole filled, and bordering on the unbelievable at times. Through all this, the movie attempts to grow a heart and have a message, and does to a degree. But not enough to prop it up straight and make you think like it could. The dialogue at times is written-rushed, in an attempt to say it all in a few words. and that doesn't work.
There are a few moments of fun and laughter here, but overall, it's more of the same from movies past. It is fun though to see the movies real star, Keshia Knight-Pulliam, who was Rudi on The Cosby Show from the 80's. She's all grown up now, and still as cute as ever, even though now she is 30 years old.
Madea Goes To Jail. A huge success again from Tyler Perry. His stock keeps going up and up.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - The Jonus Brothers 3-D
Get out of the way, here come the Brinks Truck making a healthy deposit into the Jonus Brothers already robust bank account. It's the opening weekend for the Jonus Brothers 3-D Concert Experience.
First and foremost, the actual 3-D in this picture is terrific. Really amazing. And the previews that you see before the show are also in 3-D for upcoming Disney and Pixar movies. They too they too are extraordinary to see. The technology really is something. Plus the days of the cardboard glass are over, instead you get to wear glasses that Buddy Holly would love. So things really have changed in that area.
This picture takes you on a trip with the Jonus Brothers backstage and on stage for a real concert experience. There are special appearances too by Taylor Swift and others that break up the three guys on stage thing. And in fairness, you do feel like you are a part of the audience for much of the concert portion of the picture. There are things flying at you, all around you and that's kind of cool. Kids today loved it, and that's always a good thing. But there is a fly in this ointment, not for the kids - but for you.
The title of this movie speaks for itself. It is a "concert experience" no doubt. But it's not a concert. This picture is a mere 76 minutes long from start to finish, and someone made the great decision to charge $15 a person to see it. That's right, this is $15! They would defend it by saying a real concert would be way more and they would be right. But for two kids to see this movie is $30! In movie terms, it's out of line. My heart goes out to you Mom and Dad if you have to take them and it's 60-75 bucks for an hour to get in. Better save those Buddy Holly glasses too, you may need them to see if there's any money left to fly out of your wallet.
I guess the studio hasn't heard of this recession thing going on, and that's too bad. Your kids will have a good time no doubt; I just hope you can afford to take them. This is an opportunity missed for a major studio to do something really cool for it's fan base, but in the end....there's just too much money to be made, and too many parents that will find some way to pony up the dough to go. And I think the movie makers know that. It's a shame considering that a 2-3 hour movie with real actors and all the bells and whistles is still about 7 bucks for a matinee.
The Jonus Brothers 3-D Concert Experience. 3-D is great, price is not.
First and foremost, the actual 3-D in this picture is terrific. Really amazing. And the previews that you see before the show are also in 3-D for upcoming Disney and Pixar movies. They too they too are extraordinary to see. The technology really is something. Plus the days of the cardboard glass are over, instead you get to wear glasses that Buddy Holly would love. So things really have changed in that area.
This picture takes you on a trip with the Jonus Brothers backstage and on stage for a real concert experience. There are special appearances too by Taylor Swift and others that break up the three guys on stage thing. And in fairness, you do feel like you are a part of the audience for much of the concert portion of the picture. There are things flying at you, all around you and that's kind of cool. Kids today loved it, and that's always a good thing. But there is a fly in this ointment, not for the kids - but for you.
The title of this movie speaks for itself. It is a "concert experience" no doubt. But it's not a concert. This picture is a mere 76 minutes long from start to finish, and someone made the great decision to charge $15 a person to see it. That's right, this is $15! They would defend it by saying a real concert would be way more and they would be right. But for two kids to see this movie is $30! In movie terms, it's out of line. My heart goes out to you Mom and Dad if you have to take them and it's 60-75 bucks for an hour to get in. Better save those Buddy Holly glasses too, you may need them to see if there's any money left to fly out of your wallet.
I guess the studio hasn't heard of this recession thing going on, and that's too bad. Your kids will have a good time no doubt; I just hope you can afford to take them. This is an opportunity missed for a major studio to do something really cool for it's fan base, but in the end....there's just too much money to be made, and too many parents that will find some way to pony up the dough to go. And I think the movie makers know that. It's a shame considering that a 2-3 hour movie with real actors and all the bells and whistles is still about 7 bucks for a matinee.
The Jonus Brothers 3-D Concert Experience. 3-D is great, price is not.
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