The Help Review ~ A Drama that will make you cry

The Help, based on the best selling book, is a drama film that takes place in the 1940's and is back when black people used to be maids for the rich white people. Until Eugenia comes home for college and bulids a friendship with Minny and Aibileen.  


Then they decide to understake a secret writing project which puts them in danger because of the radical change that was going on in that time period. 


The Help is a film that has a lot of talking, and some more talking, and then a scene that will make you cry a little on the inside. Then there is the conflict with breaking social rules scene. You get the point. It does it's job well and pulls you emotional in. But if drama isn't your thing, you should stay away, since The Help is also a long 2 hours and 20 mins long. 


One of the highlights of the help is Octavia and Viola's performance together. The acting is great and pretty much carries the film. The camera work is also pretty good in some scenes, but most of the time just focuses on the characters with close ups. 


Overall, if racial and drama that takes place in the 1940's is your thing, check out the Help. 

Super 8 Review ~ A retro summer hit

Super 8 is a interesting movie cause it stands out from the super hero films, animated films and comedies this summer. Its a bit of a retro summer movie as it centers around small town america with young kids making a film with a Super 8 camera trying to figure out what was on a train that crashed.

Super 8 is a mix of adventure, mystery and fun. Its not a horror/thirller like Cloverfield was, so if that is what your expecting, go someplace else. Super 8 follows the style of The Goonies with its young cast.

The script is pretty solid, and the story of Super 8 will keep you engage throughout the whole film. If you have seen the trailer, you should have a idea of what kind of ride your in for.

It felt like Super 8 was retrying to capture that old magic of Spielbergs classic films, and while some moments do have their charm, Super 8 feels like it copies elements to many times for it to be totally original. Despite this, Super 8 is still a great film on its own, and a great trip to the movies this summer if your looking for something, say a little different from the norm of whats out right now.

X-Men First Class Review ~ Best X-Men Ever

The 5th movie seems to be the charm this year, (with Fast Five) now with the 5th X-Men movie really bringing its A-game to the big screen. If you where a fan of the earlier films, then you most likely enjoy this one to.

X-Men First Class is a little more plot driven and character driven then its past films, making for a really good script and story. Its not as action pack, but the story makes up for it. (Don't worry, theres still some cool action scenes) In case you don't already know, X-Men First Class explains how the X-men came to be, with Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr being allies before enemies.

All in all, its a great take on companionship, revenge and the choices one makes. The acting in the X-men is some of the best yet and overall makes the script really pop out. If your looking for a plot driven super hero movie this summer, X-men is your choice. Hopefully the spider man reboot will be just as good.

Prom Review ~ Its a little chiched and corny, but its cute

From the makers of High School Musical, Camp Rock and other great hits, Disney finally decided to make a Prom movie. Is it good? Well, that all depends if you liked Prom in high school.

Prom focuses on a bunch of kids who are either excited, or not excited for the upcoming high school prom. In fact, thats what all these kids seem to think about. They are thinking about who is going to ask them out, or how to ask some one out. You would think these kids only think about Prom and nothing else, which of course, no body in real life would be this crazy over Prom.

They put a lot of effort into it to asking each other out, which I don't remember kids from my high school doing that. But that is Disney for you, taking something like Prom and kinda turning it into some fairy tale type of thing.

The pairings, are well, a little chiched to say the least. But thats to be expected as Disney would never go the edgy route. The romance aspect is a little over the top, again due to Disney's "theres love for everyone route" but its not so bad.

What else can I say, its a heart warming, depressing, awkward Prom movie. I was never a fan of Prom, so I wasn't all that into it. But if Prom and watching couples (um, Disney couples) try to figure their way though Prom, then this may be a movie for you.

Tyler Perry's Medea's Big Happy Family Review ~ What can I say

After making a serious mature film, For Colored Girls, Tyler Perry has decided to return to what he loves most, cross dressing, slapstick, and all the crazy drama that the Madea series is known for.

I find it kinda funny that he has to put his name in the title, as the movie itself isn't a movie where I think you would want to have your name there, but Tyler Perry's a rich man, so I guess it doesn't matter.

Within the first ten minutes of Medea's Big Happy Family, a doctor is groped, Madea is handed a cancer death sentence and Mr. Brown threatens to beat up a women.  If your new to the Madea series, don't be surprised, the first two films where like that to.

Along with other drama, we have a teen who just got out of prison, a family trying to raise two disrespectful chriden. Point is, a lot of drama goes down in this film. Due to this, Medea feels like a episode series on TV at parts, switching from character to character. It kinda works in a way, but other times you kinda are getting into that character but the film switches to another character making you lose interest.

Due to Tyler Perry's stage experience, some parts of the film have that theater feel to them, and be prepared for the characters to be screaming at the top of their lungs for your attention.  Also, the film seems to push the idea that you can use violence to solve your problems, which I don't think really works in real life. But uh, to each their own.

All right, so in the end, I wouldn't recommend this film, unless your already a fan of Tyler Perry's Crossdressing, slapstick violence, or odd insane drama.

Water For Elephants Review ~ Its good, for those romance fans

Water For Elephants, based on the book of the same title, is a romance drama film set in a circus setting. One thing that I did like about Water for Elephants is that its not overloaded with CGI or special effects, but still uses its set and locations to create a cool environment and setting.

Water For Elephants stars Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson, who do fit the romance genre well and work as a couple. So the plot goes like this, Jacob gets a job at the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth caring for the circus animals. It is there, when he meets Marlena, a star of the circus show. But she is already married to August, who is the animal trainer. August is charismatic but also a little crazy at the same time. 


And finally, there is Rosie, who is a untrainable elephant. Thoughout the film, Jacob and Marlena bond over taking care for the elephant, and there is drama caused in the mix by August. Overall, its a kinda predictable love story. 


The script itself, is pretty good, but nothing mind blowing or anything like that. Overall, Water For Elephants is a pretty decant romance drama, it won't strike you hard, but its entertaining and has its cute moments. Of course, if romance drama isn't your thing, skip Water for Elephants and wait till Fast Five. 

Beastly Review ~ A cheesy movie that fails to recapture the magic of Beauty and the Beast

Oh dear, where to begin. If your a fan of cheesy dialog, bad acting and a uninspired script, then you might enjoy Beastly. The movie opens up with a montage of Alex working out and showing off his body to some Pop song. It's at this moment, you know you can't hope for much.

But, it is entertaing despite its flaws. If you go in expecting to be blowen away, then you will be disappointed, but if your up for a few laughs and don't expect to much, then Beastly does have its moments.

Vanessa tries to act her best, but some of her lines come out flat. Alex does a pretty good job, but its nothing Oscar worthy. The acting and script make for some pretty funny moments just cause it is pretty bad.

As the plot itself, its pretty predictable. But what can you expect from a Beauty and the Beast remake set in modern times. I must admit, the witch was pretty cool, even though she doesn't have a back-story. She just kinda comes out of nowhere, but that's really not important.

Overall, Beastly is a classy cheesy movie at its best. It has some good laughs and will entertain you if your in the right mood.

Country Strong Review ~ Nothing New here

Was anyone else reminded of Hannah Montana from watching the Country Strong Trailer. It totally looked like Hannah Montana for grown up's, and that is what it kinda turned out to be.

Don't take that to seriously, as while Country Strong is a bit like Hannah Montana, it's not that bad, well, it almost is. If your expecting a great strong screenplay, then you'll already hoping to high. The script is predictable, drags on at some parts and is a little mis jointed together.

The movie follows a fallen Country Singer named Kelly, as she joins forces with Beau, who is a rising young song writer. Together they go on a come back tour along with their manger James and beauty queen diva Chiles.

As you can already guess, tensions arise with romantic pairs and a battle for the spotlight. It's nothing new or anything cool story wise.

The country music is pretty decent, although not being a fan of Country all that well, I wasn't to impressed. It sounds like something you would hear on mainsteam radio, nothing awesome, but good.

Overall, I would suggest you skip Country Strong, unless your a diehard country fan or in the mood for Hannah Montana for grown ups.

True Grit Review ~ A classic remade well

If your a fan of the old movie or new to True Grit, it will be your serious movie this holiday season. True Grit has great acting, camera work and a pretty good script to boot.

The story begins when Mattie dad is killed by a crazy Tom Chaney. 14 year old Mattie wants ravage on Tom and wants him to be charged with what he has done. But since Time Chaney is out in the Indian County, no one else really cares or takes her seriously.

So Mattie finds Cogburn, a old out bond sheriff to help her out. The start of the film has a few out drawn scenes and starts out a bit slow. But once Mattie and Cogburn hit the road, the film gets interesting. They run into Texas ranger La Boeuf who travels with them a bit, a creepy old body that is hanging from the trees and even a run in with some snakes.

The end of the film is when things get really interesting, and is the best part of the film. But I won't spoil anything. Overall, if your in the mood for a movie that takes itself serious in a classic western setting, then True Grit is your film.

Overall, I give it 4 our of 5!

Black Swan Review ~ A dark horror like movie that will make you glad you don't dance

You haven't seen Swan Lake told like this before. If your a fan of movies that are a little bit odd and make you think, then you'll enjoy this. Black Swan is about Nina, and her quest to get the role as the Swan Queen.

Expect in this play, there is the white swan, and the black swan. Nina has no problem playing the white swan, but must learn how to play the black swan. As the film progress's Nina begins to let into her dark side, and it all makes for quite a epic ending.

The film plays out like a psychological thriller, and at times it feels a little horror movieish. Not that it is, but it borrows influence from the genre. The soundtrack is mostly music from Swan Lake, and it's use very well within the movie.

The overall plot sometimes gets a little dark, but that is what makes it great. You never really know which turn the movie is going to take next. There are a lot of mirror shots and some shakey camera moves as it spins around them dancing, but the camera work is very well done.

Overall, if your looking for a dark take on ballet dancing, you have to check out the black swan. Plus, it will make you glad you don't ballet dance.

***** our of ***** (A Must See)

Tangled And Burlesque Review

Tangled ~ Tangled is made by the cartoon family experts that are Disney, and will be the last good animated film in Theaters for a while. Disney has always surprised me with their skill to take old boring fairy tales and turn them into a fun adventure.

This movie will make you want to use a frying pan as a weapon

As I am sure you know, Disney was trying to market this movie to boys as well as girls. The movie still focuses on Rapunzel for its main character, however Flynn plays a big role in the movie as well. The movie isn't as girlie as other Disney films as it does have some cool action scenes like a collapsing dam and a chase though the castle streets. But just be prepared for a few un manly songs, but if your a real man you can take it.

The script is pretty sharp and there are pretty of amusing parts to laugh at.  Overall the story holds pretty strong, even if a tiny bit predictable at some parts. The CGi animation looks nice, and looks like 2D animated colors. 

Tangled does not top Princess and the Frog, but is still a great addition to the family animation library. Over all, I give it

***** Out of *****

Burlesque ~ Burlesque stars Cher, who look amazing for her age, and Christina Aguilera, who also looks pretty good even for her age. Burlesque follows in the style of a musical, but it's not a full out musical. The only time only one sings is when they are stage and dancing at the Burlesque club.

Now, the story is nothing new. Alice (Christina) wants to move away from her crappy waitress job to LA in order to have a better life. When she is looking for a place to work, she stumbles upon the Burlesque club, and is hypnotized by the show. Alice then seeks Tess (Cher) to convince her to let her join. 

Along the way, she befriends a bartender at the place, Jack. Which you can guess revolves the romantic twists in the film.Now the relationship kinda confused me at the end, as I thought Alice forgive him way to easy without really knowing what happen. Its hard to explain this without giving spoilers, but the relationship is amusing to watch.  

Along the way, there is a envy co-star, a guy who wants the buy the Burlesque club to build a sky spacer and Cher's quest to save her club from the bank.

The dancing scenes are nice and showy

Overall, if you don't mind the predictable story and dance moves, then Burlesque is for you. How ever, if your  looking for a little more substance of drama, you may want to look somewhere else.

***** Out Of  *****