Conan The Barbarian Review ~ Its loud, gory and fun, despite its story

Oh Conan The Barbarian, the name of the movie brings back memoires to the old movies of 1982. Sure it was cheesy, but it was epic.

So with this 2011 remake, that is what we get. Cheesy 3D effects and gore action like battles which are pretty cool. But we also get a plot, that sometimes doesn't make sense at times and pretty predictable characters.

Even the acting in this film will make you laugh, there are a few scenes where its pretty bad its just funny. Otherwise, its allright during the rest of the film.

Conan The Barbarian has a few cool creative fight scenes, which I would recommend seeing if your into that kind of stuff. Otherwise, the plot is pretty predictable and stuff you have seen before. Basiclly Conan goes out to seek revenge, and he runs into a witch and there are epic battles.

So overall, its not the worst movie I've seen, but its not super good either. Which is a shame, cause the source materiel is pretty awesome.

Spy Kids: All The Time in the world 4D ~ What a mess

Spy Kids was a great series, up until now. Spy Kids in 4D is a mess, and just plain stupid. So frist off, the film is in 3D, and you get this scratch and sniff card which you use during the movie to recreate smells that are happening on screen. Not only does this distract you from the film itself, more then half the smells are pretty gross.

So besides from that, you've got a plot, that is a lot like the first spy kids. Expect all the charm and fun is taken out. Sure, the first spy kids was campy, but this takes it to a whole new level. They also have thrown in a talking robotic dog, and a baby, which just adds to the noise.

If your taking your kids to this, be prepared as there is nothing offered for adults. (Like the first few Spy Kids films had). The villain makes way to many puns, the dialoge is horrible, and it has super campy fights. So if thats what you want, then go for it.

I would only recommend this film for those who want to watch shiny color effects and mindless action. The effects are better then earlier spy kids films, but it seems like series is only trying to milk itself into the ground. Tis a shame.

Fright Night Review ~ Vampires can be cool

It's sad to say that twilight made vampires uncool for a while, but thanks to the remake of the cult classic Fright Night, I can say vampires still have some badassness to them. Fright Night does what the orignal did, but adds some more gore, style and effects into the mix making a awesome thriller.

The acting is quite good to, with great performances by Colin and David. The film is a mix of a comedy, thriller, and a horror film all wrapped up in a neatly tied package. Plus you got some awesome gore effects to that even die hard Saw films would be pleased with.

Another thing I really like about this film is the camera work, Fright Night does a good job with setting up tension. For example, in one scene, you see a body being dragged out slowly of view, so you know the vampire is there, but you can't see him. Its clichés like this, that make for one hell of a trip.

If your a fan of the orignal, or just like Vampire killing stories in general. You gotta check out Fright Night.

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. 

Final Destination 5 Review ~ Surpassing good

After the awkward fourth Final Destination (or THE Final Destination) number five sets things back on track by going back to Final Destination's roots while keeping it modern and fresh. Granted, its got the gory and death scenes that will the series is knowen for as well taken to a new level.

One of the coolest scenes is in the beginning when the bridge falls down, just because its so over the top and intense. The plot is pretty much the same, kids trying to escape from death. But this time, there is a new twist which works out rather well for the film. Which is if you kill someone you get their life. So the question is, are the characters willing to kill someone innocent so they can live? It works out well and makes for a pretty cool climax.

The kill scenes are over the top and gore tastic. Reminds me a little bit of Saw, so if your into that stuff, you won't be disappointed. Although the chance of any of these deaths happening in real life is pretty much next to zero percent.

The acting is Final Destination is pretty forgettable, its pretty much the same as the other films. Just looking scared, and then they die.

Overall, if your a fan of Final Destination, then you will enjoy number 5. As its a great step up from the pervious film. Now, I wonder what the hell Final Destination Six and Seven will be like.

Must see movies of Fall 2011

So its that time when school starts back up, the leaves turn Orange, and that annoying summer heat finally goes away. But while all this is happening, there are some movies you gotta check out this season at the theaters.

Shark Night 3D ~ All right, so lets just forget about any movie passing Jaws in terms of greatness, but Shark Night looks like it will deliver some great horror and gore sea fun. Hot girls getting eaten by sharks, who can say no to that.

Apollo 18 ~ This film has been delayed, so hopefully the wait has been worth it. Apollo 18 is like a horror documentary film that takes place on the moon with some kind of creepy alien that attacks the crew. It sounds like a rehash of other horror films, but the trailer does make it look interesting. Hopefully Apollo 18 will make us never look at the moon the same way again. 

Lion King 3D ~ You may call this Disney selling out to make some more money off a film that was made almost 20 years ago, but come on, its the Lion King, a true Disney classic. Plus its not like you'll get another chance to see it on the big screen again. This film is interesting cause its 2D animation that is 3D, which is something that hasn't been done very often. So hopefully the 3D turns out somewhat decent. Anyway, if you love cartoons and want to celebrate getting Mac OSX Lion, then you gotta see this one. 

Straw Dogs ~ This film looks interesting and will be one of the more weird films this Fall. Being a remake of the 1971 film, hopefully it does the original justice. Basic its about a couple that goes to live in a quiet village and the people living there turn out to be a little crazier then expected. its a mix of horror and thriller.

Abduction ~ Hey look, its that guy from Twilight. But no seriously, abduction looks like its going to be a pretty intense action thriller. Staring the werewolf from twilight, he must discover his past and figure out why these guys in suits are chasing him. Overall, it looks like it will be one wild ride. Just look at the poster.

Moneyball ~ Where would fall movies be without your sports damera flick. Based on a true story, MoneyBall is about a baseball team that is facing a finical crisis. With Bard Pitt and Jonah Hill, this film should be a great one. 

Footlose ~ A remake of the musical classic, well sure. I guess if your into classic musical tunes, dancing and rebelling with dancing and rock music, then this is a film for you. 

Paranormal Activity 3 ~ Oh yes, even Paranormal Activity is doing what horror movies do best, sequels. Or should I say Prequel, cause that is what it looks like from the trailer. Which could work cause they both talk about their past and being stalked by the demon in the pervious two films. Anyway, Paranormal Activity is sure to scare the little girls and provide a good ride for horror fans. (BTW, no official poster has been released yet)

The Three Musketeers ~ Although there has been more Musketeer movies then you can point a stick at, the 2011 film looks like it will be the most action packed one yet. With hot gothic girls fighting and the Three musketeers blowing stuff up in 3D, how can you go wrong. 

Johnny English Reborn ~ Oh Johnny English, a spoof of the James Bond genre looks like it will be getting another run. Hard to tell if this one will be good or not, but it should provide at least a few laughs. 

And there you go, the top choices of falls that will be landing in September and October. Looks like we have a mix of everything, from horror to action to damra and even a freaking musical. So take a break from school and work, and go enjoy some great movies this fall. 

The Change Up Review ~ We've seen this before

The Change Up is, a decent comedy, its got some funny parts, some not funny parts and its plot is something we have all seen before. It's not horrible  but its not really good. Its alright.

The main problem is that The Change Up sticks to the cliches of the body switching genre, with some profanity and sex jokes thrown in. So, nothing new or exciting here. The plot is pretty predictable and kinda dull, with its lazy gross out humor. You'll see the ending before the 2nd act starts. In fact, watching this film will make Freaky Friday look really amazing.

The actors do a pretty good job of playing each other, though the characters don't have to much depth. You have the guy who is single man who is the king of the jungle, and then the married guy who is having trouble with his wife and kids.

Granted, they did save some funny jokes in the movie that where not in the trailer, but that does not save the Change up from being a boring body switching movie. If your willing to sit though the dull moments to find the funny parts, then go ahead, but otherwise, forget it.

Rise of the Planet of the apes Review ~ A epic prequel

If you have seen The Planet of the Apes, then you know where this movie is heading to from the start, but the trip there is still fun, and then ending of this film is worth the wait.

The story is about a cure to help humans is tested on a Ape to make sure its stable. Of course, they do this behind the companies back, and notice that it increases intelligence. As the ape gets smarter, it only cause's problems as he is treated like a slave, which finally forces him to break out and spared the cure to his fellow breed.

The second act of the film is a little shaky, with a few odd scenes that don't quite fit right. But the third act is awesome, its kinda like a videogame jungle apocalypse scene, and its well worth getting though that second act.

The Apes looks pretty cool, I'm guessing that most of the time they are CGI, but with these large budget movies that is never a problem. The acting is really good as well, putting together a all around great film.

Overall, if your a fan of the Planet of the Apes, then you gotta check this one out.

Father Nature Ramblings

I have to admit, this has been one of the most challenging projects I have ever worked on. Mainly because so many things have gotten in the way of making it. The frist shoot day, one of our actors was a hour late so we where waiting around and it was quiet. But then as soon as he showed up, a band in a near by park started to play music.

Then the next date we where filming a dawn shoot, and our actress thought we where shooting at 5:30 pm instead of AM, so that was a wasted day.

And on the date after that, we got a douche parking ranger in our face and he stole our signs. Like we had these signs taped to the posts and even though he gave us a half hour to film, he took them down and stole. Like, what the hell. Anyway, I find it funny that parking rangers are always kinda douchey, they never seem nice or caring. Their always like, sorry, my park, my rules.

But even with all that, I think we'll pull though. I mean, if that can't stop us, I don't think anything can right?

Winnie the Pooh Review ~ A sweet 60 minutes of Childhood

It is great to see a hand drawn two d film in a age of 3D animation and live action. Winnie the Pooh is a short 65 minute film, but its so worth it.

Those who grow up with Winnie the Pooh in the 90's, or had kids who watched the series, then you should already know what to expect. Cuteness, charm and humor that only Winnie the Pooh can deliver.

There are some songs as well, (remember those days) and some cool animated scene's where the style changes. Overall, the animation is great, and I couldn't ask for anything more. Its not often we get to see a 2D cartoon on the big screen.

The voice acting is pretty good to, they all sound just like they did back in the 90's. The plot is cute and enjoyable, for kids and adults. Overall, if you want to get in touch with your inner child, or just feel like watching something cute, Winnie the Pooh is up your alley.

Harry Potter And the Deathly Hollows Part Two Review ~ A Worthy End

I have to hand it to the Harry Potter series, 8 movies, and their all pretty damn good. It finally ends with the conclusion to the Deathly Hollows, and it goes out with a bang. If you thought there was to much talking and not enough action in part one, well, here is your reward.

Castles burn, dragons shoot fire, stone statues come to life and there is the final battle between Harry and Voldemort. The special effects are top notch and its some pretty awesome wizard battle action. Of course there is the dramatic sandess, darkness and some apocalyptic sences here to. Thus it loses some of the humor and charm that the earlier movies had, but it makes up for it.

Harry Potter part 1 and 2 will be interesting to watch back to back, but I think they will fit together nicely. As for the plot of the movie, I won't spoil it for those who don't know the books. Its the epic showdown that we have all been waiting for so many years, and yet its bittersweet. One of the best book movie franchises come to a end.

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.

Fast Five Review ~ Kicking summer off right

How do you kick off the movie summer season? By having a epic car chase action movie thats how! Fast Five, even though it is the 5th movie in the Fast and the Furious series, is probably the best squeal to date.

Sure, is it over the top? Yes, but that is what makes it so much fun. Cars diving off cliffs, pulling a bank vault around, a fight between look a likes Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson, its funny that they take so seriously. But thats part of the fun. Its so over the top, yet still seems to make sense most of the time.

The script is pretty tight for being what it is, there are some cheesy lines, but it all fits in the plot of things. The main reason you go see this film is for the awesome car chases and action. it kinda rivals Sucker Punch on the action level, but Fast Five has a plot which backs it up.

The actors are all cool and play their lines well. But overall, if your looking for a over the top action movie with explosions, hot chicks, guns and that sort of stuff. This is the perfect film for you, and a great way to start off the movie summer season.

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. 

African Cats Review ~ No wonder Steve Jobs loves cats

African Cats is the 3rd documentary film made by Disneynature. Following the first film, simply entitled Earth, and the sequel, Oceans, African Cats takes a focus in Africa. Now if you have never seen a DisneyNature film, its a pretty cool documentary.

African Cats is told in a story like way, focusing on three main stories. One of the stories is about a 6 old month cub, trying to grow up to be like his mother. But the mother gets hurt protecting the cub, making things a little harder. Another story focuses on the Cheetah's, and the last story is about a pack of Lions, where the leader of the pack must fight to prove that he is King. Even though all the stories take place in Africa, none of them are connected.

Its a serious documentary, but its told in a child like way by the narrator, Samuel L. Jackson. Yeah thats right. The guy from Snakes on a Plane, is narrating a Disney film.I guess they figured that with all his Snake knowledge he would be a good fit for talking about African Cats. Overall, he does a pretty good job of keeping things interesting.

Another good thing about African Cats is the camera work itself. Expect a lot of shots of cute cubs and kittens to make you go AWWWWW, and as well some epic cat fights for those who like action. Overall, the filming work is well done. You get up close to the cats, all while sitting in a comfy movie seat. The movie moves at a nice pace and always keeps you interested.

Overall, I have nothing bad to say about this film. Its a wildlife documentary done well, so if thats what your looking for, you can't go wrong. Plus you can take the kids.

Also, if you go during opening weekend, you can help make a donation to the African Cats with your ticket! So if you plan on seeing it, go opening weekend.

Scream 4 Review ~ Best Scream Yet

I even have to admit that I was worried about this film after the great fail that was My Soul To Take, but Wes Craven has made a great horror comedy with a ending that might blow you away.

Scream 4 plays by the rules of stab movies, as the killer kills all his victims with a knife. Is is the most creative way of killing, no, but its a real weapon and still holds up.

If your a fan of horror movies, then you are going to love all the horror reference's Scream 4 makes. It pokes fun at Saw, has some trivia and hints at some old movies with its kill scenes.

The film also has its comedic moments to when it pokes fun at the horror genre. But also takes itself seriously at the same time.

The actors are all pretty good, and its kinda cool to see Emma Roberts in a horror film like this. Along with Hayden Panettiere (who plays red riding hood in the upcoming WoodHinked movie) and Neve Campbell.

The kill scenes do a pretty good job of building up tension, but the horror factor here isn't as scary as other movies. But it still has a few on the edge seat scenes which will get you. The killers voice is a little comedic in a way, as its kinda scary but laughable at the same time.

Overall, if your a fan of horror and making fun of it, check this one out. You don't have to watch the older screams to understand this one, but it may help if you want to get the full picture. The ending does a great job with its twist.

Wes Craven should stick with directing, cause that is what he seems best at. Or maybe go back to script school.

Your Highness Review ~ Its not as bad as it looks

Your Highness may have bombed at the box office, but I would still recommend to go see if it you have the chance. Your Highness is a pretty good medieval comedy.

Starring Natalie Portman and James Franco, along with some other popular actors, Your Highness has a pretty great cast. The acting was around pretty good and believable.

The comedy has its up and downs, there will be moments where you will be laughing, and then those moments when you wonder who would find this funny. But overall, the film is entertaing and will keep you engaged.

As always, the props and special effects are top notch, which shouldn't be surprising.

The bottom line, if you like midevil adventure and comedy, then you should check out Your Highness.