Zookeeper (2011)

102 min, comedy, family, romance

Director: Frank Coraci
Writer: Nick Bakay, Rock Reuben
Stars: Kevin James, Rosario Dawson and Leslie Bibb

Storyline:

In "Zookeeper," Kevin James plays Griffin Keyes, a kind-hearted zookeeper who is convinced the only way to get a girl in his life is to quit his job. The zoo animals, in a panic, decide to break their time-honored rule of not talking to humans and teach Griffin the ways of the wild so he can find a mate and stay at the zoo.

Review:

I'll keep it short. It's "Dr. Dolittle" meets "King of Queens"! Kevin James plays a caring zookeeper who tries to win over his ex girlfriend with a little help from his animal friends. And it works just fine. K. James is as funny as he has always been, and with the funny animal dialogues he carries the whole movie. Add the beautiful Rosario Dawson and you won't regret watching it. It's not the best comedy in the world but it's fun to watch.

Rating: 6,5/10

Friends With Benefits (2011)

109 min, comedy, romance

Director: Will Gluck
Writers: Keith Merryman , David A. Newman
Stars: Mila Kunis, Justin Timberlake and Patricia Clarkson

Storyline:

While trying to avoid the clichés of Hollywood romantic comedies, Dylan and Jamie soon discover however that adding the act of sex to their friendship does lead to complications.

Review:

It's just like any other romcom; boy meets girl, they hit it of, somebody mess it up, and in the end they end up together. But, there is something about "Friends With Benefits" that makes me like it more than other romcom movies. First, what I didn't like is small roles of Jenna Elfman and Woody Harrelsson, who are really funny actors and could have been better used in this one. Expecialy Woddy as a gay sports editor. What I did like is a the story, which is much better then "No String Attached" (which has the same premise), Timberlake and Kunis have good chemistry through all the movie, some funny moments and all in all a good movie. It's not your tipical love story and that's what makes it worth watching.

Rating: 7/10           

Green Lantern (2011)

114 min, action, crime, fantasy

Director: Martin Campbell
Writers: Greg Berlanti, Michael Green
Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively and Peter Sarsgaard

Storyline:

A test pilot is granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, as well as membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe.

Review:

I must say I'm surprised how good "Green Lantern" is. From all I've read and heard about it I expected it to be watchable but nothing more. The biggest surprise was how good Lantern Corp characters are, truthful to the comics. Sinestro, Tomar-Re, Kilowog, Abin Sur are just perfect. As is Hal Jordan, played by Ryan Reynolds, who is really good choice for this movie.  The only character I didn't liked is Parallax's. It looked like shit in space, with a big head. Also I have to say that the story follows the comics almost perfectly, especially Hal becoming a Green Lantern, which was not the case in many former superheroes movies. So don't listen what are people saying or writing and go and see "Green Lantern"!

Rating: 7/10                                              Buy on Amazon: Green Lantern

Bad Teacher (2011)

92 min, comedy

Director: Jake Kasdan
Writers: Gene Stupnitsky, Lee Eisenberg
Stars: Cameron Diaz, Jason Segel and Justin Timberlake

Storyline:

A comedy centered around a foul-mouthed, junior high teacher who, after being dumped by her sugar daddy, begins to woo a colleague -- a move that pits her against a well-loved teacher.

Review:

I will never understand why do they label a movie as comedy and then you can't find anything funny about you. That is how I see "Bad teacher". It's barely an OK movie, and that's about it. You can watch it, but if you're interrupted half way through the film you may not come back to see it till the end. The story is shit,  while a lot of the movie makes no sense. For example, what kind of a teacher would give a kid her bra just to make him cool; or what kind a school would hire a teacher like Miss Halsey. And the actors!? Could be better. Cameron Diaz is really good as the "bitch" teacher, but not funny or likable, Justin Timberlake could have been better, while Jason Segel should have had a bigger role. So if you have absolutely nothing else to do watch it. And even then find something else to do.

Rating: 5/10                                         Buy on Amazon: Bad Teacher

The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

106 min, romance, sci-fi, thriller

Director: George Nolfi
Writers: George Nolfi (screenplay), Philip K. Dick (short story      "Adjustment Team")
Stars: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt and Anthony Mackie

Storyline:

Do we control our destiny, or do unseen forces manipulate us? A man glimpses the future Fate has planned for him and realizes he wants something else. To get it, he must pursue across, under and through the streets of modern-day New York the only woman he's ever loved. On the brink of winning a seat in the U.S. Senate, ambitious politician David Norris (Damon) meets beautiful contemporary ballet dancer Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt) - a woman like none he's ever known. But just as he realizes he's falling for her, mysterious men conspire to keep the two apart. David learns he is up against the agents of Fate itself - the men of The Adjustment Bureau - who will do everything in their considerable power to prevent David and Elise from being together. In the face of overwhelming odds, he must either let her go and accept a predetermined path...or risk everything to defy Fate and be with her.

Review:

WOW!!! Great! It is similar to "Inception" where people controls dreams, and here someone controls people's lives. It's a romance movie like you've never seen before. There is a saying "love conquers all" what could be a theme of this movie. Two people who manage to stay together against all odds. Matt Damon is great in his most romantic role ever; as is Emily Blunt as his soul mate. There aren't almost any special effect for a sci-fi movie, but they are not needed at all. To be honest I didn't expect it to be this good, but it was better!

Rating: 8,5/10                                              Buy on Amazon: The Adjustment Bureau

Priest (2011)

87 min, action, horror, sci-fi

Director: Scott Charles Stewart
Writers: Cory Goodman, Min-Woo Hyung
Stars: Paul Bettany, Cam Gigandet and Maggie Q

Storyline:

PRIEST, a post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller, is set in an alternate world -- one ravaged by centuries of war between man and vampires. The story revolves around a legendary Warrior Priest from the last Vampire War who now lives in obscurity among the other downtrodden human inhabitants in walled-in dystopian cities ruled by the Church. When his niece is abducted by a murderous pack of vampires, Priest breaks his sacred vows to venture out on a quest to find her before they turn her into one of them. He is joined on his crusade by his niece's boyfriend, a trigger-fingered young wasteland sheriff, and a former Warrior Priestess who possesses otherworldly fighting skills.

Review:

I like vampire movies. But what I don't like is when they make them a mindless monsters, instead human like, as they are suppose to look. And that is my only objection. Every thing else works. A post-apocalyptic world, priests, religion...it's all nicely combined into the movie. And it makes sense. Don't get me wrong, it's not an Oscar winning movie, but I enjoyed watching it. The cast is good, story is OK, action scenes are great...So if you like vampire movies you want regret watching "Priest". Just imagine that vampires look like humans.

Rating: 6,5/10                                                  Buy at Amazon: The Priest: A Novel

X-Men: First Class (2011)

132 min, action, adventure, drama

Director: Matthew Vaughn
Writers: Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz
Stars: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence

Storyline:

Before Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time. Before they were archenemies, they were closest of friends, working together, with other Mutants (some familiar, some new), to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known. In the process, a rift between them opened, which began the eternal war between Magneto's Brotherhood and Professor X's X-MEN.

Review:

The best X-Men yet! I can't find anything wrong with it. So instead of writing how great it is I will just recommend you to go and see it for your self. I guarantee, if you liked the previous X-men, you will love this one. Can't wait for sequel(s)!

Rating: 9/10                                                           Buy on Amazon: X-Men: First Class

Your Highness (2011)

102 min, adventure, comedy, fantasy

Director: David Gordon Green
Writers: Danny McBride, Ben Best
Stars: Danny McBride, Natalie Portman and James Franco

Storyline:

Throughout history, tales of chivalry have burnished the legends of brave, handsome knights who rescue fair damsels, slay dragons and conquer evil. But behind many a hero is a good-for-nothing younger brother trying just to stay out of the way of those dragons, evil and trouble in general. Danny McBride and James Franco team up for an epic comedy adventure set in a fantastical world-Your Highness. As two princes on a daring mission to save their land, they must rescue the heir apparent's fiancée before their kingdom is destroyed. Thadeous (McBride) has spent his life watching his perfect older brother Fabious (Franco) embark upon valiant journeys and win the hearts of his people. Tired of being passed over for adventure, adoration and the throne, he's settled for a life of wizard's weed, hard booze and easy maidens. But when Fabious' bride-to-be, Belladonna (Zooey Deschanel), gets kidnapped by the evil wizard Leezar (Justin Theroux).

Review:
I have to be honest and say that I watched only half of the movie. But I just couldn't force my self to watch it till the end. It's stupid and corny. Has a great cast but that's about it. The story is shit, acting is terrible, it's boring and not funny at all. I'm sorry I wasted 45 min of my life on this.

Rating: 3/10

Fast Five (2011)

130 min, action, crime, drama

Director: Justin Lin
Writers: Chris Morgan, Gary Scott Thompson
Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson 

Storyline:

Former cop Brian O'Conner partners with ex-con Dom Toretto on the opposite side of the law. Since Brian and Mia Toretto broke Dom out of custody, they've blown across many borders to elude authorities. Now backed into a corner in Rio de Janeiro, they must pull one last job in order to gain their freedom. As they assemble their elite team of top racers, the unlikely allies know their only shot of getting out for good means confronting the corrupt businessman who wants them dead. But he's not the only one on their tail. Hard-nosed federal agent Luke Hobbs never misses his target. When he is assigned to track down Dom and Brian, he and his strike team launch an all-out assault to capture them. But as his men tear through Brazil, Hobbs learns he can't separate the good guys from the bad. Now, he must rely on his instincts to corner his prey... before someone else runs them down first.  

Review:

Haven't seen many action movies lately so I really enjoyed this one. It really is very good. But I must say this isn't "The Fast and the Furious" movie. It's more a mixture of "Ocean's Eleven" and "The Italian Job". A big heist with a spectacular getaway. "The Fast and the Furious" were all about car tuning, races, beautiful girls...and "Fast Five" is not that. And why isn't it? Because it's missing everything the original had. When I started to watch the movie I expected to see a lot of tuned cars and spectacular driving, witch I was denied of. So I'm a bit disappointed with that part of the movie. Everything else was excellent. 


Rating: 7,5/10                       Buy on Amazon: Fast Five (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Drive Angry (2011)

104 min, action, fantasy, thriller

Director: Patrick Lussier
Writers: Todd Farmer, Patrick Lussier
Stars: Nicolas Cage, Amber Heard and William Fichtner

Storyline:

John Milton (Nicholas Cage) is a mysterious man who is determined to find the killers of his daughter and rescue his infant grandkid from the clutches of this Satanic cult that wants to sacrifice her. Piper (Amber Heard) a spunky waitress joins him in his mission which has another mysterious player, the Accountant (William Fichtner) trying to stall it. Or is he actually trying to help the troubled twosome? 

Review: 

To keep it simple: WHAT A PEACE OF SHIT!!! The whole movie is driving and shooting, and some more driving and shooting. Acting is average at best, the story makes no sense, and the CGI effects are the worst I have ever seen. Surprisingly, this movie has a couple of good things. And those are William Fichtner as the Accountant and the cars they are driving. Every thing else will be fast forgotten.

Rating: 4/10                                                                        Buy on Amazon: Drive Angry

Thor (2011)

114 min, action, adventure, drama

Director: Kenneth Branagh
Writers: Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz
Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman

Storyline:

The warrior Thor (Hemsworth) is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard by his father Odin (Hopkins) for his arrogance and sent to Earth to live among humans. Falling in love with scientist Jane Foster (Portman) teaches Thor much-needed lessons, and his new-found strength comes into play as a villain from his homeland sends dark forces toward Earth.

Review:

Pretty good movie. First I have to say that it would be just as good in 2D as it was in 3D. The best part of the movie, for me, was The world of Asgard and the part of the movie that took place there.Visually it was fantastic! So, Thor: excellent costumes, good acting, effects, cast,... all good reasons to watch Thor!

Rating: 7/10

I Am Number Four (2011)

109 min, sci-fi, action, thriller

Director: D.J. Caruso
Writers: Alfred Gough, Miles Millar
Stars: Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant and Dianna Agron

Storyline:

Extraordinary teen John Smith (Pettyfer) is a fugitive on the run from ruthless enemies sent to destroy him. Changing his identity, moving from town to town with his guardian Henri (Olyphant), John is always the new kid with no ties to his past. In the small Ohio town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events-his first love (Agron), powerful new abilities and a connection to the others who share his incredible destiny.

Review:

Can wait for a sequel! And not just because there are many questions left unanswered, but because it is really good. Good story, great visuals, action scenes, pretty girl...What's not to like about this movie!? There is just nothing bad I could write about it. So if you haven't seen it yet, you should. Because it will be a movie you will not regret watching!

Rating: 8/10               Buy on Amazon: I Am Number Four (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD)

The Eagle (2011)

114 min, adventure, drama

Director: Kevin Macdonald
Writers: Jeremy Brock (screenplay), Rosemary Sutcliff (novel)
Stars: Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell and Donald Sutherland

Storyline:

In 140 AD, twenty years after the unexplained disappearance of the entire Ninth Legion in the mountains of Scotland, young centurion Marcus Aquila (Tatum) arrives from Rome to solve the mystery and restore the reputation of his father, the commander of the Ninth. Accompanied only by his British slave Esca (Bell), Marcus sets out across Hadrian's Wall into the uncharted highlands of Caledonia - to confront its savage tribes, make peace with his father's memory, and retrieve the lost legion's golden emblem, the Eagle of the Ninth.

Review:

Not really sure is this good or bad movie to me. It has a good opening, a dull middle where everything happens too fast and a predictable ending. It's not like we didn't know how it's gonna end. While Jamie Bell was perfect for the part of Esca, I didn't like Channing Tatum as Marcus. He should stick to movies like "GI Joe". The story? It's OK, but in my opinion when you have a good story you should be able to make a really good movie. It's a shame how filmmakers manage to take a good story and make a shitty movie. Oh,yes! When I'm watching a history movie I expect to see some swordplay and battles and not blurred and close up action where I can't see what's going on. You decide will you watch "The Eagle". You will probably watch it only once.

Rating: 5.8/10                                                              Buy on Amazon: The Eagle

Just Go With It (2011)

117 min, comedy, romance

Director: Dennis Dugan
Writers: Allan Loeb, Timothy Dowling
Stars: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston and Brooklyn Decker

Storyline:

Danny is a successful plastic surgeon who pretends to be unhappily married to get women. When he finally meets a girl he believes to be the woman of his dreams, he doesn't use his method on her, but she soon finds the wedding band he uses. Afraid of telling her the truth, he tells her he's getting a divorce, to which she requests to meet his soon-to-be ex. He asks his office manager Katherine to pose as his wife in order to prove his story, but one lie turns into another that brings Katherine's children into his scheme, resulting in a trip to Hawaii that will change all their lives.

Review:

Haven't seen Jennifer Aniston look this good since "Friends". Really sexy. Especially in a bikini. Saying that, let's say something about the movie. It's an Adam Sandler movie. And it's the best one since "The Longest Yard". Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston have great chemistry in every scene, the kids are hilarious (especially the daughter with the fake English accent), and the best and the funniest is "Dolf Lungren". The only one I didn't like is Nicole Kidman. She just didn't belong in this one. It's a comedy, and it's a good one. Enjoy!

Rating: 8/10                                                           Buy on Amazon: Just Go With It

No Strings Attached (2011)

108 min, comedy, romance

Director: Ivan Reitman
Writers: Elizabeth Meriwether (screenplay), Michael Samonek (story)
Stars: Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher and Kevin Kline

Storyline:

In this comedy, Emma (Natalie Portman) and Adam (Ashton Kutcher) are life-long friends who almost ruin everything by having sex one morning. In order to protect their friendship, they make a pact to keep their relationship strictly “no strings attached.” “No strings” means no jealousy, no expectations, no fighting, no flowers, no baby voices. It means they can do whatever they want, whenever they want, in whatever public place they want, as long as they don’t fall in love. The question becomes – who’s going to fall first? And can their friendship survive?

Review:

It's a romantic comedy like many we've seen before. Girl and guy meet, in this case start having sex, fall in love, somebody mess is it up, after a while they make up, we have a happy end and that's it. I like those kind a film's. So, is this better then the rest of them? No. Is it worth watching? Yes. I had a couple a laughs, the cast was good (great chemistry between Portman and Kutcher), nice story...Enjoyable 110 min.

Rating: 7/10                                                       Buy on Amazon: No Strings Attached

The Dilemma (2011)

111 min, comedy, drama

Director: Ron Howard
Writer: Allan Loeb
Stars: Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Jennifer Connelly and Winona Ryder

Storyline: 

A man finds out that what you don't say to a friend is just as important as what you do is this story of how far you can bend a brotherly bond before it snaps. Since college, confirmed bachelor Ronny (Vaughn) and happily married Nick (James) have been through thick and thin. Now partners in an auto design firm, the two pals are vying to land a dream project that would launch their company. Ronny's girlfriend, Beth (Connelly), and Nick's wife, Geneva (Ryder), are by their sides. But Ronny's world is turned upside down when he inadvertently sees Geneva out with another man and makes it his mission to get answers. As the amateur investigation dissolves into mayhem, he learns that Nick has a few secrets of his own. Now, with the clock ticking and pressure mounting on the biggest presentation of their careers, Ronny must decide what will happen if he reveals the truth to his best friend.

Review:

A comedy!? Not even close. We have two really good comedians, and yet, no comedy in the film. It's actually a drama, and quite a boring one. This could have been a good buddy-buddy comedy but something went wrong at the beginning. So instead of a comedy with really good actors, we got a drama with a lousy story and a great cast that is overacting (like Queen Latifah) or not acting at all (like Jennifer Connelly). It's a movie you will watch only once.That is, if you make it to the end.

Rating: 5/10                                                           Buy on Amazon: The Dilemma

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)

146 min, adventure, drama, fantasy

Director: David Yates
Writers: Steve Kloves (screenplay), J.K. Rowling (novel)
Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint

Storyline:

As Harry races against time and evil to destroy the Horcruxes, he uncovers the existence of three most powerful objects in the wizarding world: the Deathly Hallows.

Review:

Well, I haven't read the book so I can't compare it to the movie and say does the movie captures the book completely. It probably doesn't. I watched all seven of the Harry Potter movies and I'm a big fan of the first five. "The Half  Blood Prince" was kinda boring, and I expected more from "The Deathly Hallows". This is suppose to be a great finale but nothing yet happened and the movie is 145 min long. Maybe they should have made one movie instead of splitting it just to make more money. Hopefully " The Deathly Hallows: Part 2" will be the finale the Harry Potter fans deserve.

Rating: 6,5/10             Buy on Amazon: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1

Unknown (2011)

113 min, drama, mystery, thriller

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Writers: Oliver Butcher, Stephen Cornwell
Stars: Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger and January Jones

Storyline:

Dr. Martin Harris awakens after a car accident in Berlin to discover that his wife suddenly doesn't recognize him and another man has assumed his identity. Ignored by disbelieving authorities and hunted by mysterious assassins, he finds himself alone, tired, and on the run.
Aided by an unlikely ally, Martin plunges headlong into a deadly mystery that will force him to question his sanity, his identity, and just how far he is willing to go to uncover the truth.

Review:

It's a kind of movie that is slow and somewhat boring till near the end, making us wonder and guess what the hell is going on. Then we get all the answers to all the questions we had during the movie and we conclude that it's a good movie. Despite the first hour of the movie. "Unknown" is good, but far from excellent. For example, "The Tourist" was much better to me. And if you're looking for an excellent Liam Neeson movie I would rather watch "Taken".

Rating: 7/10                                                         Buy on Amazon: Unknown: A Novel

The Fighter (2010)

115 min, biography, drama, sport

Director: David O. Russell
Writers: Scott Silver, Paul Tamasy
Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams

Storyline:

The Fighter, is a drama about boxer "Irish" Micky Ward's unlikely road to the world light welterweight title. His Rocky-like rise was shepherded by half-brother Dicky, a boxer-turned-trainer who rebounded in life after nearly being KO'd by drugs and crime.

Review:

A truly inspiring movie. It's a kind a movie that makes you believe you can do anything you want, achieve any goal if you believe in it. Sure, there are a lot of sport films where the underdog ends up winning, but what makes this so much better is that this is a true story about a real person and the problems and obstacles he must overcome till his final triumph. Great characters played by a great cast. With all do respect to Mark Wahlberg, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo and others the best performance was that of Christian Bale as Dicky Eklund. Absolutely brilliant. Be sure to watch it!

Rating: 8/10         Buy on Amazon: The Fighter (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy)

Source Code (2011)

93 min, action, mystery, romance

Director: Duncan Jones 
Writer: Ben Ripley
Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan and Vera Farmiga

Storyline:

Colter Stevens an American Army helicopter pilot whose last memory is flying in Afgasnistan, wakes up on a commuter train. But he discovers he has assumed the identity of another man. 8 minutes later the train explodes and Stevens finds himself in some kind of pod. He then talks to someone named Goodwin who tells him he has to go back and find who the bomber is. He is sent back and is going through the whole thing again and tries to find who the bomber is but fails and the bomb goes off and he is back in the pod. He is sent back again and still can't find out anything. When he comes back he asks what is going on, Goodwin and Rutledge, the scientist in charge tells him he is part of a project that can put someone in another person's consciousness during the last 8 minutes of their life. Stevens says why doesn't he just stop the bomb, he is then told that he is not going back in time but placed in the moment so he can find out who the bomber is and if there are any other targets...

Review:

As you may have read this is action, mystery, romance movie. It is also sci-fi and thriller. And it really is all that. I must say, I didn't expected "Source Code" to be this good. But it was even better. There are no big action scenes,but there is plenty of action, there are no love scenes, but it has romance, there is time travel which makes it sci-fi. But most of all this is a thriller that will keep you interested till the end. With a great story and an excellent performance from all the actors this is a movie you do not want to miss.

Rating: 8/10                                                                  Buy at Amazon: Source Code

The Time Traveler's Wife (2009)

107 min, drama, fantasy, mystery

Director: Robert Schwentke
Writer: Bruce Joel Rubin
Stars:  Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams, Ron Livingston

Storyline:

A Chicago librarian suffers from a rare genetic disorder that sends him hurtling through time whenever he is under extreme duress; despite the fact that he vanishes at inordinately frequent and lengthy intervals, he attempts to build a stable future with the beautiful young heiress he loves. 

Review:

This is an adaptation of the novel "The time traveler's wife". Even I haven't read the book, I must suggest: "Read the book first." If a movie is based on a book, I usually read the book first for one obvious reason: Book's are better. I don't know what's the book like, but I know the movie is really good. Basically it's a heart-warming love story, a romantic chick flick, so if you are an action movie fan this is not for you. Everybody else enjoy the film.

Rating: 7/10                                            Buy on Amazon: The Time Traveler's Wife

Sucker Punch (2011)

110 min, action, adventure, fantasy

Director: Zack Snyder
Writers: Zack Snyder, Steve Shibuya
Stars:  Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens, Abbie Cornish

Storyline:

A young girl (Baby Doll) is locked away in a mental asylum by her abusive stepfather where she will undergo a lobotomy in five days time. Faced with unimaginable odds, she retreats to a fantastical world in her imagination where she and four other female inmates at the asylum, plot to escape the facility. The lines between reality and fantasy blur as Baby Doll and her four companions, as well as a mysterious guide, fight to retrieve the five items they need that will allow them to break free from their captors before it's too late... 

Review:

Let's keep this short!
What's good: the story, the action scenes, incredible visuals, it has dragons, samurai's and swordplay,killer robots, sexy girls, great sountrack...
What's bad: nothing that I could see!
If you liked Zack Snyder's "300" you will like "Sucker Punch" as well!

Rating: 8,5/10                                     Buy at Amazon: Sucker Punch - Soundtrack

Battle: Los Angeles (2011)

116 min, action, sci-fi, thriller

Director: Jonathan Liebesman
Writer: Christopher Bertolini
Stars:  Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, Bridget Moynahan

Storyline:

For years, there have been documented cases of UFO sightings around the world – Buenos Aires, Seoul, France, Germany, China. But in 2011, what were once just sightings will become a terrifying reality when Earth is attacked by unknown forces. As people everywhere watch the world’s great cities fall, Los Angeles becomes the last stand for mankind in a battle no one expected. It’s up to a Marine staff sergeant (Aaron Eckhart) and his new platoon to draw a line in the sand as they take on an enemy unlike any they’ve ever encountered before.

Review:

If you're expecting that "Battle:LA" is the new "Independence day", you couldn't be more wrong. All though the story is similar (alien invasion, couple of marines fight against them and finally triumph), "Independence day" is a master piece compared to this. Here is what bothered me about this movie: aliens came but it was never explained why did they come (except to kill humans), what do they want, I never saw one alien clearly, the special effects are not what I expected, to many close up's, especially during fighting...And the worst thing of all is the shaky camera!!! What's up with that!? You get the impression that the cameraman was afraid he might get shut too. So, to me this was disappointing!

Rating: 5,5/10                                                    Buy at Amazon: Battle: Los Angeles

Takers (2010)

107 min, action, crime, thriller

Director: John Luessenhop
Writers:  Peter Allen, Gabriel Casseus
Stars: Matt Dillon, Paul Walker, Hayden Christensen

Storyline:

A seasoned team of bank robbers, including Gordon Jennings (Idris Elba), John Rahway (Paul Walker), A.J. (Hayden Christensen), and brothers Jake (Michael Ealy) and Jesse Attica (Chris Brown) successfully complete their latest heist and lead a life of luxury while planning their next job. When Ghost (Tip T.I. Harris), a former member of their team, is released from prison he convinces the group to strike an armored car carrying $20 million. As the "takers" carefully plot out their strategy and draw nearer to exacting the grand heist, a reckless police officer (Matt Dillon) inches closer to apprehending the criminals.

Review:

First of all, this is a good movie. Could have it been better? Yes. This movie has a good story, but to make it better than a numerous movies with the same or similar story it  needed something more. Maybe more action, an A-list actors, director with more experience...I don't know. But there is something missing. Now, after reading this you must be wondering is this worth watching. Yes, it is. Because if you like a good old fashioned action movie you will enjoyed it.

Rating: 6,5/10                                                                 Buy on Amazon: Takers

Morning Glory (2010)

107 min, comedy, drama, romance

Director: Roger Michell
Writer: Aline Brosh McKenna
Stars: Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton

Storyline:

When hard-working TV producer Becky Fuller (McAdams) is fired from a local news program, her career begins to look as bleak as her hapless love life. Stumbling into a job at "Daybreak" (the last-place national morning news show), Becky decides to revitalize the show by bringing on legendary TV anchor Mike Pomeroy (Ford). Unfortunately, Pomeroy refuses to cover morning show staples like celebrity gossip, weather, fashion and crafts -- let alone work with his new co-host, Colleen Peck (Keaton), a former beauty queen and longtime morning show personality who is more than happy covering morning "news." As Mike and Colleen clash, first behind the scenes and then on the air, Becky's blossoming love affair with fellow producer, Adam Bennett (Wilson) begins to unravel -- and soon Becky is struggling to save her relationship, her reputation, her job and ultimately, the show itself.

Review:

It's fun! It's funny! It's the best comedy I've seen in a long time. I laughed more during the first 45 minutes of "Morning glory" than I did during the last 5, so called, comedy's I've seen. I don't know what I liked more: the easy story with many comical scenes, or the actors and their performances. I really liked Rachel McAdams, as the workaholic television show producer, and what's not to like about Hollywood legends such as Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton and Jeff Goldblum. So, if you are not sure what to watch tonight, this is a really good choice.

Rating: 8/10                                                           Buy on Amazon:  Morning Glory                    

Limitless (2011)

105 min, mystery, thriller

Director: Niel Burger
Writers: Leslie Dixon,  Alan Glynn
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Abbie Cornish, Robert De Niro 

Storyline:

An action-thriller about a writer who takes an experimental drug that allows him to use 100 percent of his mind. As one man evolves into the perfect version of himself, forces more corrupt than he can imagine mark him for assassination. Out-of-work writer Eddie Morra's (Cooper) rejection by girlfriend Lindy (Abbie Cornish) confirms his belief that he has zero future. That all vanishes the day an old friend introduces Eddie to MDT, a designer pharmaceutical that makes him laser focused and more confident than any man alive. Now on an MDT-fueled odyssey, everything Eddie's read, heard or seen is instantly organized and available to him. As the former nobody rises to the top of the financial world, he draws the attention of business mogul Carl Van Loon (De Niro), who sees this enhanced version of Eddie as the tool to make billions. But brutal side effects jeopardize his meteoric ascent. With a dwindling stash and hit men who will eliminate him to get the MDT...

Review:

After watching two really crappy movies I must say I really enjoyed this one. I haven't seen a thriller this good in quite a long time. The first thing about "Limitless" you must like is the original story. Imagine that you could take a pill and suddenly start using all of your brain. Becoming smarter and achieving everything you ever wanted from life. Of course,as any story, there are some loose ends, but by the end of the movie it all makes sense. Suspense, good performance by all the actors, camera tricks and visual effects makes this movie one you must see.


Rating: 7,5/10                        Buy on Amazon: Limitless (DVD), Limitless: A Novel

The Warrior's Way (2010)

100 min, action, fantasy, western

Director: Sngmoo Lee
Writer: Sngmoo Lee
Stars:  Geoffrey Rush, Kate Bosworth, Danny Huston, Dong-gun Jang

Storyline:

In the 19th century, a warrior named Yang (Jang Dong-gun) is ordered to kill the last member of an enemy clan--a baby. He refuses the mission and flees with the child to a dilapidated town in the American West. Despite his attempts, his enemies close in on him and he must fight to protect the child and his newfound comrades: Ron (Geoffrey Rush), the town drunk, and Lynne (Kate Bosworth), both of whom have a tragic past.

Review:

To be honest I don't know what to write about "The Warrior's Way". But since I have to write something here goes. This is not a good movie! Just to name some of my expectations and disappointment's: I expected ninja's and sword fighting which were few and far between, I expected cowboys and got a circus, I expected a good story and got no story...So basically this was a total waste of my time. By the way, don't be misled by the awesome trailer. The trailer is the only part of this movie worth watching.

Rating: 4,5/10                                                 Buy on Amazon:  The Warrior's Way

Age of the Dragons (2011)

91 min, action, fantasy, sci-fi

Director: Ryan Little
Writer: Anne K. Black, McKay Daines
Stars: Danny Glover, Vinnie Jones, Corey Sevier

Storyline:

Set in a mythical realm where Captain Ahab and crew hunt dragons for the vitriol that powers their world, Ishmael, a charismatic harpooner joins their quest. Ahab's adopted daughter Rachel, beautiful and tough, runs the hunting vessel. Ahab's obsession is to seek revenge on a great "White Dragon" that slaughtered his family when he was young and left his body scarred and mauled, drives the crew deeper into the heart of darkness. In the White Dragon's lair Ahab's secrets are revealed and Rachel must choose between following him on his dark quest or escaping to a new life with Ishmael.

Review:

Before you start watching this, assuming that you will watch it, you should know that this is an adaptation of Herman Melville's "Moby Dick". But instead of a white whale here we have a white dragon. This movie is nor god or bad. It's somewhere in between. Watchable. There are better dragon movies, such as "Dragonheart" or "Reign of fire", but if you a fan of dragon movies watch it. Maybe you'll like it. I know I won't watch it again.

Rating: 5/10                             

Reign of Assassins (2010)

117 min, action

Directors: Chao-Bin Su, John Woo
Writer: Chao-Bin Su
Stars:  Michelle Yeoh, Woo-sung Jung and Kelly Lin

Storyline:

Drizzle (Michelle Yeoh) has possessed the body of Bodhi, who is rumoured to have mystical martial arts power and she is determine to return the body back to its righteous place. However, a powerful team of assassins called ‘The Black Stone’ want sole possession of the body. Inevitably, Drizzle changes her appearance and names herself Zeng Jing. Through her journey, she falls in love with Jiang Ahsheng (Jung Woo-sung). When Zeng Jing/Drizzle discovers that Jiang is the son of the person whom she previously assassinated, things take a turn for the worse as a three way battle between Zeng, Jiang and “The Black Stone’ erupts.

Review:
If you liked "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", "House of Flying Daggers", "Fist of Legend"...you are gonna love "Reign of Assassins". Set in ancient China this is a classical Chinese martial art movie that is at times a love story an at others a suspense movie with all the intrigue. Good story, costumes, acting, beautifully choreographed action scenes can all be seen here. This is a film I would recommend anyone to see...more than once. Trust me, you will not regret it.

Rating: 8/10                                                       Buy on Amazon: Reign Of Assassins  

The Next Three Days (2010)

122 min, crime, drama, romance

Director: Paul Haggis
Writers: Paul Haggis, Fred Cavaye
Stars:  Russel Crowe, Elizabeth Banks, Liam Neeson

Storyline:

Lara Brennan is arrested for murdering her boss with whom she had an argument. It seems she was seen leaving the scene of the crime and her fingerprints were on the murder weapon. Her husband, John would spend the next few years trying to get her released, but there's no evidence that negates the evidence against her. And when the strain of being separated from her family, especially her son, gets to her, John decides to break her out. So he does a lot of research to find a way.

Review:

I'm not a big fan of Russel Crowe but I must say he is absolutely perfect in "The Next Three Days". His performance of a desperate man who is ready to do anything  (even kill) to save his wife and keep his family together is amazing. Watching the film you could fell the pain he is going through. Even I found the movie to be a bit slow at the beginning it still keeps you wondering which way will the story go and how will it all end. The most thrilling part of the film is the part when he frees his wife out of jail. The race against time, the problems they encounter, the brilliant solutions during they escape make's you wish it could last a bit longer. A really good movie you should watch.

Rating: 7/10                                            Buy DVD on Amazon:  The Next Three Days