This is the rare type of film that will stay with you long after you leave the theater! It is based on the true story of a thrill-seeking loner who falls into the worst kind of predicament. The story is rather simple, but the directing is so masterful that you quickly realize how special the whole experience will be. There are some amazing flashback scenes that highlight the trapped hiker's state of mind. In the span of 127 hours, the character realizes all of his mistakes and is reborn. This is must-see movie for anyone who likes movies in general, hiking, rock-climbing, rocky romances, carefree living, nature, and survival. I fully expect to hear about this movie come awards time.
You know the formula to this franchise all too well! It delivers exactly what you've come to love (or hate) about it--now that's entertainment! There are plenty of new, elaborate traps to satisfy the blood-thirsty teens who made up most of the audience at the showing I attended. They were screaming and enjoying themselves, without caring about the plot or characters in the movie. Who cares about plot, right? Well, if you do, don't waste your time. This is about sawing up and carving up bad actors, nothing more. They're given a change to redeem their pathetic lives, then they die a horrible death. Don't think too hard while you're watching it and you're sure to enjoy some parts. It sets up yet another sequel at the end (I think this one is the 7th in the series).
This is a great sequel. It spends just enough time building suspense, then scaring you silly. The scariest scenes involve moments of darkness and loud sudden noises. The dog is also a terrific character. Yes, the ending is a shocker, but what goes on from the beginning is also worthwhile.
"Inside Job" tells the story so well that we forget it all really happened! The Great Recession is full of bad guys, and these writers flush them out. I especially liked the in-person interviews with the culprits who try to dance around the issues, including Martin Feldstein and Frederic Mishkin. There's also a balanced presentation of how Bush, Clinton, and Obama are all to blame for inaction and bad decision-making. See this movie for the educational experience and entertainment.
Hilary Swank is terrific as the sister who won't give up to save her brother. In one of the many flashbacks in the film, Rockwell's character saves his sister from a couple of cops who discover them trespassing. He's very protective of his sister! And, the sister gets to return the favor. It's a touching, well told story of a sister and a brother who love each other. I was expecting this film to be a disappointment, but I was wrong. It's a must-see for those who like drama, and especially courtroom drama!
Retired Extremely Dangerous (RED) defines this movie about a bunch of wild geriatric shooters who take revenge on politicians, teach young CIA guns a lesson, and prove they still rock. This movie will give you a wild ride, but it's like watching your grandparents shooting the guns you've come to enjoy on video games like Call of Duty. It's not for everyone. I enjoyed it.
"Hereafter" tells us three different stories that end up being connected with both characters and positions on the hereafter. The pace of the movie is methodical and well-tempered, which is just what Eastwood delivers time-after-time. The most intriguing story features Matt Damon in a terrific performance as a truly gifted psychic seeking a normal life. He is the connection to the hereafter others seek, for better or worse. In the case of his own story, the psychic abilities get in the way repeatedly and he is unable to pursue love or normalcy. This is not your usual Hollywood movie, but it is well worth the investment in time and emotional ride you'll take watching it.
"Nowhere Boy" tells the story of a restless young Lennon and the forming of his first rock band, The Quarymen. It's a terrific story with great acting by the entire cast. It is not, however, full of Lennon music. The music is what may have influenced Lennon, and that's okay because it gives you a feel for how he became interested in music and the chance pairing with McCartney. Even if you don't like the Beatles, you may like this coming of age movie featuring Lennon's ultra-dysfunctional family.
It takes a horrible tragedy and 2-hours of bickering over the responsibilities of parenting for Heigl and Duhamel to finally get it on. They definitely have chemistry and the situations are amusing when they're not depressing. As a guy, I can't recommend this movie for a date. My girlfriend was furious that Duhamel wasn't "more receptive" to Heigle and I got blamed for it. I did, however, enjoy many of the scenes in the movie.