Director David Slade has taken the boring parts out of “Eclipse” and made a good film with what remains. For the three people on the planet who haven’t read the book, in this one Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward’s (Robert Pattison) relationship is moving forward. He wants to marry her, she feels like she’s too young. (She is.) They also discover a vampire army being built in Seattle, and the army’s target is Bella. The Cullens, Edward’s family, pull together to fight the evil coming their way. The action films are some of the best of the series. While it’s more violent, there isn’t much gore or blood. When you kill a vampire in this series it’s like breaking marble (very cool special effects there). Slade doesn’t let the actors takes themselves too seriously and Edward even smiles in this one. Of course what a good portion of you care about is if Jacob (Taylor Lautner) takes his shirt off. I can tell you, that you’ll have no shortage of a topless Jacob.

Avatar: The Last Airbender
Grade: B-
Director: M. Night Shayamalan
Actors: Noah Ringer, Nicola Peltz, Dev Patel, Jackson Rathbone
Rated: PG-13

The Avatar, Aang (Noah Ringer), has returned and now he must learn how to control all of the elements in order to restore order to the world. Friends Katara (Nicola Peltz) and Sokka (Jackson Rathbone) help to protect him and keep him grounded. Together they search for answers on how to defeat the Fire nation. Fans of the series will find director M. Night Shayamalan stays true to the animated series. He’s set this up to be a franchise and the first book focuses on the water benders. The dialogue is a little hokey at times, and few of the actors go overboard. But for the most part it’s an enjoyable journey with some talented young actors. Rathbone looked so different from his “Twilight” series that I didn’t recognize him. And Ringer who is new to the acting thing, is a little stiff at first, but quite believable as Aang. The best part of the film is the special effects. After watching the series with my youngest son, I wondered how they would handle the air, water, earth and fire bending. They do it wonderfully. There’s a bit of romance for the girls, and a lot of action for the boys.

***

Knight and Day
Grade: B
Director: James Mangold
Actors: Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Peter Sarsgaard
Rated: PG-13

When I go to a big blockbuster action films in the summer, I expect little more than to be entertained. “Knight and Day” certainly entertains, but it’s so much more. The quick-paced dialogue, the acting and the bizarre stunts make this one of the best action films of the summer. Tom Cruise (Roy Miller) is at his best when he’s playing a charming spy, and Cameron Diaz (June Havens) is one beautiful and talented sidekick. Their chemistry isn’t so much romantic as it is feisty. They play off one another well, and let’s face it they aren’t exactly hard to look at. June is a mechanic who is trying to make a flight and when she does, her life changes forever. That’s where June first runs into Roy, who kills everyone on the plane, except for her. In his defense they tried to kill him first. His former bosses believe Roy is a rogue spy gone bad, and June must go with him on this adventure or the “good guys” will kill her too.  “Knight and Day” is sexy, fun and the perfect summer action flick. 

Grown Ups
Grade: C-
Director: Dennis Dugan
Actors: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, Rob Schneider
Rated: PG-13

Call me a crazy, but I expect a comedy with the likes of Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, Rob Schneider and David Spade to be really funny. Honestly, there are big laughs in “Grown Ups,” but the movie is so uneven it’s hard to enjoy them. I think part of the problem is it’s trying to be too many things. The friends have come together to honor their high school basketball coach who recently passed away. The coach made them a winning team when they were 12, but they are all grown now and live diverse lives. The film would have been stronger if the families had been left behind and they made it a guys’ weekend.  A good portion of the time the supporting cast seems uneasy and uncomfortable with the script they’ve been given. I’m sure they all meant well, but it never really comes together. It will make you laugh at times, but it’s a film you’ll forget by the time you reach your car.

***

Toy Story 3
Grade: B+
Director: Lee Unkrich
Voice Actors: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles
Rated: G

Their owner is going to college so Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the rest of the gang are escape the dump but are sent to a day care center. Unfortunately, that’s closer to a torture chamber. Woody can’t stand the idea of being left behind and decides to find his boy. That means the toys are off on another grand adventure. I see why it took them so long to come up with the third film, because this is probably the best animated film I’ve seen in years. It’s beautiful to look at, a great story, wonderful characters and it’s funny. Great entertainment for the whole family, but there are two parts that might be a little intense for children under five.

Jonah Hex
Grade: C-
Director: Jimmy Hayward
Actors: Josh Brolin, John Malkovich, Megan Fox, Will Arnett
Rated: PG-13

Based on a graphic comic, Jonah Hex, mixes western themes with supernatural elements. Jonah (Josh Brolin) is a disfigured bounty hunter, who isn’t afraid to get a little crazy now and then to find his quarry. Turnbull (John Malkovich) is a villain who lives for violence and killed Jonah’s family.  When Jonah goes after Turnbull it turns into one bloody affair. On paper this is one of those movies that looked like a winner, but the poor execution and direction make it almost comically bad. Though, Brolin definitely has his part down. But Malkovich was more like, “look at me I’m a scary villain – again.” Parents it is rated PG-13 but there is a lot of graphic violence and blood.

***

Karate Kid
Grade: B
Director: Harald Zwart
Actors: Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith
Rated: PG

Dre (Jaden Smith) must move to China where his mom has been transferred for a new job. The young boy doesn’t know the language and he’s faced with cultural differences around every corner. When the bullies at school decide to make Dre their pet project, he must find a way to protect himself. His street-fighting techniques are no match for their martial arts. He turns the maintenance man at his apartment, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), who comes to Dre’s rescue one day. Mr Han is the one who teaches Dre that Kung Fu isn’t about throwing punches, but a way of trying to live a peaceful life. This film sticks very close to the original one, except for the setting. Visually, especially when Han and Dre go outside of the city to train, the movie is stunning. Chan is quietly reserved as Han, and it works. Smith is believable in the role, and he must have trained like crazy for this film, as he is perfection when it comes to the martial arts choreography. This is a “Karate Kid” for a new generation and it has a great message for kids and adults.

The A-Team
Grade: B-
Director: Joe Carnahan
Actors: Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Sharlto Copley, Quinton Jackson
Rated: PG-13

Four Army Rangers come together through a series of coincidences and their leader, Hannibal (Liam Neeson) believes it is for a reason. His team, Face (Bradley Cooper), Murdock (Sharlto Copley) and B.A. (Quinton Jackson) are the ones the Army calls on for the jobs no one else can do. When they are double-crossed and framed for a crime they did not commit, they take matters into their own hands. This is a fun action film that will please fans of the old television series. It has the right mix of humor and action, and the camaraderie among the actors is what makes the film. And Bradley Cooper is very tan. (Smile.)  That man is not hard to look at.

***

Get Him to the Greek
Grade: B+
Director: Nicholas Stoller
Actors: Jonah Hill, Russell Brand, Sean Combs, Rose Byrne
Rated: R

Aaron Greenberg (Jonah Hill) has his dream job at a record label, even if his boss (Sean Combs) is crazy. Aaron gets his big break when he’s given the task of bringing rock star Aldous Snow (Russel Brand) from London to the Greek theater in Los Angeles for a concert. Aaron is a huge fan of Aldous, but he soon discovers the unpredictable life of a rock star can be hard on the body and mind – and even tougher on relationships. While we’ve had some good comedies the last couple of years, none of them had the heart of this film. Jonah is the one constant, that everyman we latch onto as we travel  this crazy world into what it means to be a rock star. He’s funny, and the perfect foil for Brand’s brilliant humor. These two may be one of my favorite comedy couples since Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. There are also some hilarious moments for Sean Combs, who throws himself into his crazy character with full abandon. We’ve also never seen Rose Byrne, who plays Aldous ex be so funny. Most of us know her from her role as a lawyer on “Damages,” but there’s no hint of seriousness in this new character.  She too gives it all. That my friends, is why this movie works so well. It’s a combination of brilliant writing combined with some incredibly talented actors who are fully commited. I can’t remember a film that made me laugh as hard as “Get Him to the Greek.” Sure it’s over the top, and crass as they come, but it’s funny. I’m still giggling over the furry wall scene.  Parents, this movie is rated a hard R for a reason. Do not take anyone under 17.

Marmaduke
Grade: C-
Director: Tom Dey
Actors: Owen Wilson (voice), Lee Pace, Judy Greer William H. Macy
Rated: PG

A favorite cartoon in newspapers for years, now “Marmaduke” is taking over the big screen. Marm moves from Kansas to Los Angeles with his family and at first everything seems ideal. They have a huge house with an ocean view. There’s even a dog park where he can hang out with other dogs, but that’s when Marm’s troubles begin. There’s a hierarchy at the dog park separating the pure breeds from the rest of the dogs. It’s a concept Marmaduke has trouble understanding. I’m a fan of the Marmaduke cartoons, but not of talking dog movies.  If there had been anything fresh about the film it would have helped. Unfortunately, the script depends too much on the name Marmaduke, and they didn’t take time to develop a decent story. That said, little kids will love this movie, but parents may want to take a pillow.

Splice
Grade: C+
Director: Vincenzo Natali
Actors: Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, Delphie Chaneac
Rated: R

This sci-fi thriller is one weird movie.  Scientists are upset their cloning lab is about to be shut down. They decided to make a more human-like clone before the lab is taken away, and they find success. Unfortunately, the creature has just as much animal instinct in her as human and she grows at a rapid rate. Knowing things are out of the control the scientists realize they either have to kill or her hide her. There are a few jumpy moments and the way the story plays out is interesting. Unfortunately, director Vincenzo Natali tries to make it a sexy film, and that’s when things take a turn for the worse.  He did a good job with the special effects, especially since he didn’t have much of a budget. But he should have backed off on certain aspects of the story telling that made the film not only uncomfortable, but silly.