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Blindside
Grade: B
Director: John Lee Hancock
Actors: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Kathy Bates, Quinton Aaron
Rated: PG-13

Michael Oher (Qunton Aaron) is a poor teen with nowhere to go in Memphis when businesswoman Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) meets him for the first time. He’s out in the cold with nothing but a pair of shorts, and she can’t help but take him into her home. The tough-as-nails woman ends up helping him get a decent education and introduces him to the game of football, which changes his life for the positive. This is a heart-warming film from director John Lee Hancock (“The Rookie”). He brings out the best in his actors, which keeps this from being just another movie about sports. It’s inspiring.

New Moon
Grade: B
Director: Chris Weitz
Actors: Kristen Stewart, Rob Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Dakota Fanning
Rated: PG-13

Based on the popular book in the “Twlight” saga, “New Moon” takes us once again into the world of Bella Swan (Kristen Stweart). This time Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), in a misguided attempt to protect Bella, has decided she’s better off without him. She becomes self-destructive, and her friend Jacob (Taylor Lautner) is there to pick up the pieces. What Bella doesn’t know is that Jacob, someone she thought she could always trust, is also going through some big changes of his own. Bella runs into some serious danger and is protected by a pack of ferocious wolves. She soon discovers she has a bigger connection with the wolves that she could ever imagine. This sequel rocks with chemistry between the characters. It’s a film fans of the series will cherish just as much as they do “Twilight.”

***Review Archive***

Pirate Radio
Grade: B
Director: Richard Curtis
Actors: Phillip S. Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Rhys Ifans, Nick Frost
Rated: R

This film is loosely based on a true story about a group of rouge disc jockeys, who started a pirate radio station out at sea. The British government wouldn’t allow stations to play rock ‘ roll, so these DJ’s took it upon themselves to play the music people wanted to listen to. The more the government tries to crack down on them, the more subversive they become. This movie is far from perfect. It could use some good editing, and transitions, but it is one of my favorite films of the year. It’s the performances by all of the actors that keep you entertained. It’s just fun!

2012
Grade: C+
Director: Roland Emmerich
Actors: John Cusack, Chjwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt
Rated: PG-13

Jackson Curtis (John Cusack) is an out of work author, who has to drive a limo to pay the bills. His wife (Amanda Peet) has moved in with her plastic-surgeon boyfriend, and Jackson’s kids think of the doctor as their dad. But he isn’t giving up. He takes his kids on a vacation to Yellowstone, where he discovers something disturbing. The Earth is changing at an alarming rate. It isn’t long before Jackson is rounding up the family and trying to keep them safe as the world dissolves around them. Here’s the thing with this movie: If you don’t think about the crazy, outlandish story, the special effects make it a pretty fun ride.

The Men Who Stare At Goats
Grade: B
Director: Grant Heslov
Actors: George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey
Rated: R

Wilton (Ewan McGregor) is a down-on-his-luck reporter who joins the military so that he can prove to his ex-wife that he is hero material. He runs into Lyn Cassady (George Clooney) at a hotel in Kuwait, and they end up on a rather insane journey. While they are traveling, Wilton discovers that Lyn was once a part of a special military operation called “New Earth.” These guys could use their minds to go beyond their physical limitations. Wilton is more than wary, and believes Lyn is a crackpot. But it isn’t long before he begins to see some truth to the story. This movie works on several levels. It is absolutely absurd, and it made me laugh out loud. But Clooney and McGregor are so earnest in their roles that you want to take the journey with them.

The Fourth Kind
Grade: B-
Director: Oltunde Osusanmi
Actors: Milla Jovovich, Elias Koteas, Will Patton
Rated: PG-13

This is one of those movies that most critics will hate, but the audience will totally buy into. It’s set in Nome, Alaska. There have been a series of strange disappearances and Abbie (Milla Jovovich) is a psychologist who is looking for answers. Her husband was just murdered in their home, and some of her patients are exhibiting similar behaviors and dreams. She thinks it might all be connected. The director, Oltunde Osusanmi, uses a combination of “found footage” and actors to tell the story. The footage is what helps to add to the films creepiness, and there are some good scares. If you don’t think about it too much, this is one fun movie.

Disney’s A Christmas Carol
Grade: B-
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Voice Actors: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins
Rated: PG

I have to tell you straight up that “A Christmas Carol” is one of my favorite Dickens’ tales. It is a story that stands the test of time, and will hundreds of years from now. In this version Jim Carrey is the voice of Scrooge, and he absolutely embodies the character. You know the story, and director Robert Zemeckis is respectful of it. The 3-D animation is so real you feel like you can reach out and touch the characters. I was absolutely delighted by the entire thing. Though, I do want to warn parents that there are some intense moments that may be a scary for smaller children.

***

Astro Boy
Grade: B-
Director: David Bowers
Voice Actors: Nicholas Cage, Freddie Highmore, Kristen Bell
Rated: PG

Animator Osamu Tezuka created “Astro Boy” back in 1951, and the comic has survived various incarnations throughout the years. The new film is set in a futuristic city. A new robot is built with the mind of a young boy, one that has incredible powers. His balance of humanity and power is what sets Astro Boy (Highmore) on his journey to find his place in the world. The beginning was a little too close to “Artificial Intelligence: AI” for me, but it moved away from that kind of stark alienation fairly quickly. Overall, it’s an enjoyable film for families with children over 8-years-old, and the animation and writing are incredibly clever.

Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant
Grade: B-
Director: Paul Weitz
Actors: John C. Reilly, Chris Massoglia, Salma Hayek
Rated: PG-13

Darren (Chris Massoglia) is a good kid, who is easily influenced by his wayward friend Steve (Josh Hutcherson). A visit to a freak show has Steve wanting to join up, but it turns out that Darren is the one they want. Seems he has been chosen to join the vampires in their war. This is based on a popular series of books that my youngest son absolutely loved. The film is dark and has some mature themes, but over all is great fun for teens and their family.

Amelia
Grade: C+
Director: Mira Nair
Actors: Hilary Swank, Richard Gere, Ewan McGregor
Rated: PG

This is a biopic of Amelia Earhart, who is played by Hilary Swank. Amelia was the woman to fly across the Atlantic, and became a big hero to the world. Unfortunately, my main problem with the film is that it spent a great deal of time on her love life, and not enough time showing why she was so extraordinary.  This is one of those films with a so-so script and some great acting. Swank, Richard Gere and Ewan McGregor give solid performances.

***

Where the Wild Things Are
Grade: B
Director: Spike Jonze
Actors: Max Records, Paul Dano, Forest Whitaker, Michelle Williams
Rated: PG (for mild thematic elements, adventure action and brief language)

Based on Maurcie Sendak’s children’s book, “Where The Wild Things Are” is an action adventure story about Max (Max Records), who feels like people don’t understand him. He decides to escape to the place where the wild things are. Once there, he becomes king and promises that everyone will be happy. But he learns that isn’t always as easy as it may seem. This is a picture book that’s been turned into a film, and visually it’s stunning. The themes can make it a bit of downer at time, but I think ultimately it’s hopeful telling us to accept ourselves as we are. Fans of the book will most likely cherish the film just as much.

Law Abiding Citizen
Grade: C
Director: F. Gary Gary
Actors: Jamie Foxx, Gerard Butler, Viola Davis
Rated: R

Clyde (Gerard Butler) is in prison, but that doesn’t keep him from exacting revenge against those who let the people who killed his family go free. From inside his jail cell he orchestrates some rather brilliant high-profile murders. The only man who can stop him is district attorney Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx), but he is also one of Clyde’s main targets. This movie has some incredible action sequences and it is suspenseful. But it’s also a mess. You aren’t sure who you want to win this game of cat and mouse. It’s gruesome at times, so be warned.  I can see some women going for the Gerard or Jamie factor and discovering just how gory it is.

***

Couple’s Retreat
Grade: C
Director: Peter Billingsley
Actors: Vince Vaughn, Kristen Bell, Jason Bateman
Rated: PG-13

Remember little Ralphie with the BB gun and red hat in “A Christmas Story?” Well, he grew up to be director Peter Billingsley. His new film, “Couples Retreat,” is about four couples who run off to the tropics for some fun in the sun. One of the couples is trying to work on their marriage. The others just want to hang out, but they soon learn that they too must participate in the couple’s therapy. There are some very likable people in this film, which was written by stars Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau. The jokes are little uneven, but there are bright spots. I have a feeling this movie would be funnier if you had a few drinks before the film. (But please don’t drink and drive.)

Paranormal Activity
Grade: B
Director: Oren Peli
Actors: Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat
Rated: R (For language)

This may be the scariest film I’ve seen in a long time. A lot of people are comparing it to “The Blair Witch Project,” but I don’t think that is fair. This move is horrifying, and I’ll be sleeping with the lights on for some time come. I’m not kidding. You’ve heard all the hype about people being freaked out just by the creaking of doors in this film, but it’s true. It feels like you are in the middle of the movie and that it’s happening to you. That’s the beauty of it. You aren’t just a casual observer. Yes, it’s a movie, but it’s also an experience, one you aren’t going to forget any time soon. And then there are the twist and turns that make it chilling thrill ride.

Coco Before Chanel
Grade: B
Director: Anne Gontaine
Actors: Audrey Tautou, Benoit Poelvoorde, Alessandro Nivola
Rated: PG-13

The movie wasn’t about Coco Chanel’s (Audrey Tautou) clothing empire. It’s about the fearless woman she was before all of that.  We see her meager beginning when she and her sister were given to an orphanage and what she went through to find her dream. The movie is a little slow in spots but an absolute feast for the eyes. Tautou has transformed herself once again and I see an Oscar nomination in her future. And the clothes, don’t get me started. It’s a beautiful film.

Whip It
Grade: B
Director: Drew Barrymore
Actors: Ellen Page, Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wiig
Rated: PG-13

Bodeen, Texas doesn’t have a lot to offer Bliss (Ellen Page), who tries to please her mother by entering local beauty pageants. She’s working at a diner and trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life. A quick trip to Austin changes her path when she sees a flyer for roller derby. She sneaks away from Bodeen to try out and is shocked as anyone when she makes the team. What happens next sends Bliss on a journey she could have never imagined. This is Barrymore’s directorial debut and it’s a great one. This is a heart-warming film about girl-power but not done in a necessarily sweet fashion. And guys, it’s not just a chick flick, you’ll get a kick out of it too. It may be one of my favorite films of the year.

Zombieland
Grade: B-
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Actors: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone
Rated: R

Columbus (Jesse Eisenbeg) isn’t exactly brave. In fact he has no qualm about running away from things that frighten him. His complete opposite is Tallahassee (Woody Hareleson), who loves his guns and lives life on the edge. Together they try to survive a zombie infestation.  For me this is the perfect kind of horror film filled with moments that make you laugh, and jump. If you are fan of “Shaun of the Dead,” and I am, then this has the same kind of sensibility. But parent’s it is rated R for violence, gore and language.

The Invention of Lying
Grade: B-
Director: Ricky Gervais, Matthew Robinson
Actors: Ricky Gervais, Jennier Garner, Rob Lowe, Tina Fey
Rated: PG-13

Mark (Ricky Gervais) lives in a world where everyone tells the truth. The concept of lying doesn’t exist. But when Mark is down-on-his-luck, inspiration strikes. He suddenly develops the ability to lie, and his life is forever changed. Everyone believes him because they don’t understand the concept of lying. This is a funny movie. Gervais never fails to make me laugh, and this movie is a delight.

***

Love Happens
Grade: B-
Director: Brandon Camp
Actors: Jennifer Aniston, Aaron Eckhart, Dan Fogler, Judy Greer
Rated: PG-13

Dr. Burke Ryan (Aaron Eckhart) is a self-help expert about to hit the big time. What no one knows is that he’s secretly hiding his pain, and can’t take his own advice. When he meets Eloise Chandler (Jennifer Aniston), she has sworn off men for good. She wants to focus on her business, but these two have an instant connection. These are two broken people who find love when they aren’t really looking. Chemistry is all over the screen here with Eckhart and Aniston. This movie might make you cry, but if you’re in the mood for a romance, it’s the one for you.

“The Informant” is loosely based on whistle-blower Mark Whitacre (Matt Damon), who in the early 1990s decided he would tell the truth about Archer Daniels Midland’s price fixing. The FBI became involved, but what Whitacre didn’t tell them was that his sources for the information weren’t that great. He spins crazy stories about corporate bribery, and what starts out as a little white lie turns into something huge. Damon makes this movie and he has totally immersed himself in this character. The movie can get a little dialogue heavy at times that slows it down, but Damon makes me laugh, so I found the problems with pacing forgivable.

***

Whiteout
Grade: C+
Director: Dominic Sena
Actors: Kate Beckinsale, Gabriel Macht, Tom Skerritt
Rated: R

U.S. Marshal Carrie Stetko (Kate Beckinsale) who is stationed in Antarctica where it is dark six months. She’s trying to keep a bunch of scientists in line. When a body is found in the ice, Carrie must investigate. It’s Antarctica’s first murder. Unfortunately the killings aren’t over, because there are secrets someone doesn’t want revealed.  I think if you don’t pay too much attention to the plot, and just have fun with the action, you’ll have a good time. The secrets aren’t that hard to figure out, but I don’t think it’s such a bad ride.

9
Grade: B-
Director: Shane Acker
Voice Actors: Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, John C. Reilly
Rated: PG-13

9 comes to life and finds himself in a world gone wrong. Machines have taken over and there are only a few survivors. He doesn’t understand why the others want to hide away and are so afraid of life, and he decides to strike out on his own with his one friend. But things go wrong, and he soon discovers that maybe hiding wasn’t such a bad thing after all. The animation in this film is absolutely amazing, but I want to warn parents that this is no happy-go-lucky film. It’s dark, ominous and downright scary at times. There are some frightening images, especially at the beginning of the day. But I liked it, especially that it was a woman who saved the day most of the time. I’d say it’s okay for 12 and up, but may be too intense for the younger kids.

Extract
Grade: B-
Director: Mike Judge
Actors: Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, Ben Affleck
Rated: R

If you are fan of director Mike Judge’s films “Office Space” and “Idiocracy,” he has a new one out for you, “Extract.” In it Joel (Jason Bateman) owns a food extract plant. From the outside it might look like Joel has everything a man could want, but his home life is far from perfect. After talking with his best pal Dean (Ben Affleck), who is a bartender, Joel devises a way to get his wife to cheat on him, so that he can pursue the gorgeous Cindy (Mila Kunis) at work.  What he doesn’t know is that Cindy is slightly psycho. This movie is far from perfect, but the performances kind of make up for it. My problem with this kind of humor is that it feels mean to laugh at these people who seem so clueless. I would have liked it better if they were in on the joke.

All About Steve
Grade: C
Director: Phil Traill
Actors: Sandra Bullock, Bradley Cooper, Thomas Haden Church
Rated: PG-13

Mary Horowitz (Sandra Bullock) is a crossword puzzle constructor who is having a tough time finding the right man. After a blind date with cable news cameraman Steve (Bradley Cooper), she falls for him in a big way. Steve isn’t so crazy about Mary and is more than happy when he’s called away to work. But Mary isn’t giving up, and she follows Steve across the country to be with him. This comedy has a few bright moments, but it ends up being kind of mean-spirited. Mary’s more crazy and pathetic than funny, and Bullock deserves so much more. I’m a big fan of hers, but so disappointed in this film.

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