Movie Reviews - An Index

Though half of the movies we watch are rentals from Netflix, we do go to the theater to see those that either look promising or we feel might have a better effect on the "big screen." To see Netflix 2009 movie reviews click here 2011 Netflix Reviews.

If you're looking for a great site that shows all past and upcoming releases by month, check out Comingsoon.net/.  Then if you need help in deciding what you want to see, go to Moviefone.com .  This is an excellent site that provides a synopsis and rates each movie by release date.  Below is a list of 2009/2008 movies we have seen at a theater. Click on the movie title to read our review and a brief synopsis.

2011 Movies
The Mechanic - 3-Stars - Posted January 31st, 2011
The King's Speech - 5-Stars - Posted January 23rd, 2011
The Green Hornet - 2 Stars - Posted January 19th, 2011
Black Swan - 4.25 Stars - Posted January 12th, 2011
True Grit - 4.5 Stars - Posted January 7th, 2011

View Our 2010 Movie Reviews
View Our 2009 Movie Reviews
View Our 2008 Movie Reviews
View Our 2007 Movie Reviews

View Our 2010/09 Netflix Movie Reviews
View Our 2008 Netflix Movie Reviews

Movie Review–“The King’s Speech”

RELEASE: 2010; GENERE: Science-Fiction/Fantasy; RUN-TIME: 1 hr, 51 mins; RATED: R for some language; STARRING: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Carter; DIRECTED BY: Tom Hooper

REVIEW: This is definitely not an action movie. However, if you like deep and inspiring movies, this is one of the best ever. A very special film indeed with just the right mix of pathos, humor and well-observed period detail. It is a well crafted chapter of British history that charts a remarkable and unlikely friendship between two men from totally opposite sides of the class divide. Both entertaining and inspirational, it is definitely in the running as 2010's best movie and will - in the end - leave you speechless. Everyone it the theater loved it. We give it [5-Stars].

SYNOPSIS: Based on the true story of King George VI, THE KING'S SPEECH follows the Royal Monarch's quest to find his voice. After the death of his father King George V and the scandalous abdication of King Edward VIII, Bertie (Colin Firth) who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life, is suddenly crowned King George VI of England. With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), the future Queen Mother, arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). After a rough start, the two delve into an unorthodox course of treatment and eventually form an unbreakable bond. With the support of Logue, his family, his government and Winston Churchill, the King will overcome his stammer and deliver a radio-address that inspires his people and unites them in battle.

Movie Review–“The Green Hornet”

RELEASE: 2010; GENERE: Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy; RUN-TIME: 1 hr, 58 mins; RATED: PG-13; STARRING: Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Cameron Diaz; DIRECTED BY: Michael Gondry;

REVIEW: Having seen and been spoiled by Avitar, my first impression was that the 3D photography was kind of "cheesy". It had nowhere near the depth and quality of Avitar. It just didn't seem worth the outrageous 3-D-glasses surcharge. In all senses, there's little that jumps out at you. However, this being only my 2nd 3D movie, I thought maybe I was being too harsh. Then I was confronted with a weak script followed by the poor acting of Seth Rogen, the Green Hornet. He was so bad that he made his sidekick, Jay Chou, look good. Fortunately, there is just enough novelty, action and comedy to keep you in the seat till the end, even though it marred by dull action and non-existent chemistry between the cast. All the buzz in the world isn't enough to turn this movie into a fond memory for most viewers. We were both sorely disappointed. For the money, I give it [2-Stars].

SYNOPSIS: In the 3D action-comedy The Green Hornet, Britt Reid (Seth Rogen) is the son of LA's most prominent and respected media magnate and perfectly happy to maintain a directionless existence on the party scene - until his father mysteriously dies, leaving Britt his vast media empire. Striking an unlikely friendship with one of his father's more industrious and inventive employees, Kato (Jay Chou), they see their chance to do something meaningful for the first time in their lives: fight crime. To get close to the criminals, they come up with the perfect cover: they'll pose as criminals themselves. Protecting the law by breaking it, Britt becomes the vigilante The Green Hornet as he and Kato hit the streets. Using all his ingenuity and skill, Kato builds the ultimate in advanced retro weaponry, Black Beauty, an indestructible car equal parts firepower and horsepower. Rolling in a mobile fortress on wheels and striking the bad guys with Kato's clever gadgets, The Green Hornet and Kato quickly start making a name for themselves, and with the help of Britt's new secretary, Lenore Case (Cameron Diaz), they begin hunting down the man who controls LA's gritty underworld: Benjamin Chudnofsky. But Chudnofsky has plans of his own: to swat down The Green Hornet once and for all.

Movie Review–“Black Swan”

RELEASE: 2010; GENERE: Mystery, Suspense, Drama; RUN-TIME: 1 hr, 50 mins; RATED: R for strong sexual content, disturbing violent images, language and some drug use; STARRING: Natalie Portman; DIRECTED BY: Darren Aronofsky;

REVIEW: Trust me, you have never seen a movie quite like this before. I came out of the theater saying that is was odly strange, sometimes confusing; yet at the same time brilliant. Showing the world of a ballerina at its worst and at it best, is what makes the portrayal so weirdly compelling. It takes a thrilling and at times terrifying journey through the psyche of a young ballerina whose starring role as the duplicitous swan queen turns out to be a part for which she becomes frighteningly perfect. Often melodramatic, it is odly captivating and features some of the best dance sequences you will likely see all year. Without hardly ever raising her voice, Natalie Portman is brilliant in the film and cold end up being a strong contender for an Oscar. Definately one of the most provocative movies we've seen all year. We give it a stong [4.25-Stars].

SYNOPSIS: This is a psychological thriller set in the world of New York City ballet. Staring Natalie Portman as Nina, a featured dancer who finds herself locked in a web of competitive intrigue with a new rival at the company (Mila Kunis), it portrays the life of a ballerina, like all those in her profession, that is completely consumed with dance. She lives with her retired ballerina mother Erica (Barbara Hershey) who zealously supports her daughter's professional ambition; to the point of driving her to near insanity. When artistic director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) decides to replace prima ballerina Beth MacIntyre (Winona Ryder) for the opening production of their new season, Swan Lake, Nina is his first choice. But Nina has competition: a new dancer, Lily (Kunis), who impresses Leroy as well. Swan Lake requires a dancer who can play both the White Swan with innocence and grace, and the Black Swan, who represents guile and sensuality. Nina fits the White Swan role perfectly but Lily is the personification of the Black Swan. As the two young dancers expand their rivalry into a twisted friendship, Nina begins to get more in touch with her dark side with a recklessness that threatens to destroy her.

Movie Review–“True Grit”

RELEASE: 2010 GENERE: Western, Drama, Action and Adventure; RUN-TIME: 1 hr, 50 mins; RATED: R; STARRING: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Hailee Steinfield; DIRECTED BY: Ethan Cohen, Joel Cohen;

REVIEW: In a few words, the casting for this movie was superb; the performances outstanding. In the role of Rooster Cogburn, a grizzly, aging, and often drunk U.S. Marshal, Jeff Bridges provides what is probably his best performance ever.  As for her role of the 14-year-old Mattie Ross, Hailee Steinfield was mesmerizing. The tense verbal comedy of Mattie's early negotiation with a Fort Smith merchant will immediately win you over to her being a star on par with Jeff Bridges. She conquers the role with the maturity of a well seasoned actress. This film offers one of the year’s best overall casts and should garner more than one Academy Award nomination. Truely one of the best films we've seen all year. We give it [4-1/2 Stars].

SYNOPSIS: A stubborn young woman, 14-year-old Mattie Ross (played by Hailee Steinfeld) joins an aging but tough U.S. marshal (Jeff Bridges) and another lawman (Matt Damon) in tracking her father's killer into hostile Indian territory in Joel and Ethan Coen's adaptation of Charles Portis' original novel. Sticking more closely to the source material than the 1969 feature adaptation starring Western icon John Wayne, the Coens' True Grit tells the story from the young girl's perspective.

2010 Movie Reviews

Our 2010 Movie Reviews
The Fighter - 4.5 Stars  Posted December 23rd,2010
The Tourist - 3 Stars Posted December 15th,2010
Burlesque - 3.75 Stars Posted December 8th,2010
The Next Three Days - 3.5 Stars Posted December 1st,2010
Unstoppable - 3.5 Stars Posted November 18th,2010
Red - 3.5 Stars Posted October 30th,2010
Secretariat - 4.0 Stars Posted October 14th,2010
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps - 4-Stars  Posted September 28th,2010
The Town - 5-Stars Posted September 21st,2010
Machete - 3.5 Stars Posted September 8th,2010
The American - 1.5 Stars Posted September 3rd,2010
Eat, Pray, Love - 2-Stars Posted August 25th, 2010
The Expendables - 3-Stars Posted August 20th, 2010
Salt - 4 Stars Posted July 26th, 2010
Inception - 3 Stars Posted July 17th, 2010
Jonah Hex - 2 Stars Posted July 10th, 2010
Knight & Day - 3 Stars Posted June 23rd, 2010
The Karate Kid - 3-1/2 Stars Posted June 16th, 2010
Iron Man 2 - 4 Stars Posted May 28th, 2010
Robin Hood - 2-1/2 Stars Posted May 20th, 2010
The Losers - 2 Stars Posted May 1st, 2010
Date Night - 3 Stars  Posted April 23rd, 2010
Green Zone - 4 Stars  Posted March 23rd, 2010
Brooklyn's Finest - 2-1/2 Stars  Posted March 15th, 2010
The Book of Eli - 2-1/2 Stars  Posted February 24th, 2010
Shutter Island - 3-1/2 Stars Posted February 24th, 2010
Crazy Heart - 4-1/2 Stars Posted February 10th, 2010
Edge of Darknes - 4-1/2 Stars Posted January 30th, 2010
Sherlock Holme - 3-1/2 Stars Posted January 23th, 2010
Avatar - 5 Stars Posted January 20th, 2010
Up In The Air - 4 Stars Posted January 16th, 2010
Invictus - 2-1/2 Stars Posted January 8th, 2010

Movie Review – “The Fighter”

RELEASE: 2010; GENERE: Drama; RUN-TIME: 1 hr, 54 mins; RATED: R for language throughout, drug content, some violence and sexuality; STARRING: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Melissa Leo ; DIRECTED BY: David Russell ;

REVIEW: The thing about boxing movies is that they're boxing movies, it's hard to create anything really different, yah? With that said, this film provides some rich performances by all concerned, wherein "the fighter"'s biggest fight is with his derelict and totally dysfunctional family. The performances of Wahlberg, Bale and Adams are so good that they make you believe you are watching real life being played out right before your eyes. I thought his mother, played by Melissa Leo, was outstanding. There is definitely some potential here for Academy Award nominations. I give it [4.5-Stars].

SYNOPSIS: Based upon a true story, it is a look at the early years of boxer "Irish" Micky Ward and his brother who helped train him before going pro in the mid '80s.

Movie Review – “The Tourist”

RELEASE: 2010; GENERE: Mystery & Suspense, Drama; RUN-TIME: 1 hr, 43 mins; RATED: PG-13 for violence and brief strong language; STARRING: Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp; DIRECTED BY: Florian Henckel von Donnersmark;

REVIEW: If you want to take a breathtaking  journey to Paris and Venice, this is the movie to see. Unfortunately, even though the scenery and the stars are undeniably beautiful, they are unable to make up for the movie’s slow, muddled plot. Jolie is so impeccably dressed in every scene, you almost get the impression that she is walking a “runway”. There is an overwhelming lack of chemistry between Depp and Jolie right down to the ending. I’m still not sure how to categorize it. Lacking any real mystery or suspense, it’s not quite a thriller; not really a romance movie; nor is it a comedic parody. However, though not the best performance of either actor, the movie still comes off as somewhat entertaining. I give it [3 Stars] 

SYNOPSIS: Johnny Depp stars as an American tourist whose playful dalliance with a stranger leads to a web of intrigue, romance and danger in "The Tourist." During an impromptu trip to Europe to mend a broken heart, Frank (Depp) unexpectedly finds himself in a flirtatious encounter with Elise (Angelina Jolie), an extraordinary woman who deliberately crosses his path. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Paris and Venice, their whirlwind romance quickly evolves as they find themselves unwittingly thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Movie Review – “Burlesque”

RELEASE: 2010; GENERE: Drama, Romance, Musical & Performing Arts; RUN-TIME: 1 hr, 40 mins; RATED: PG-13 for sexual content including several suggestive dance routines, partial nudity, language and some thematic material; STARRING: Cher and Christina Aguilera; DIRECTED BY: Steve Antin;

REVIEW: We attended this movie with a couple of our neighbors and even though I felt the script and story line were weak in places, and that too much emphasis and attention appeared to be placed upon Christina Aquilera's singing, we all agreed that we came out of this movie entertained. The muscial numbers, staging and singing were very well done. I even made the comment that I thought it could be adapted into a successful Las Vegas stage show. Though each of us has a somewhat different feel for the movie, it appeared that our combined ratings came out a little higher than the below average critic ratings it had been receiving. We give it [3.75 Stars]

SYNOPSIS: Ali, played by Christina Aguilera, is a small-town girl with a big voice who escapes hardship and an uncertain future to follow her dreams to LA. After stumbling upon The Burlesque Lounge, a majestic but ailing theater that is home to an inspired musical revue, Ali lands a job as a cocktail waitress from the club's proprietor and headliner, Tess, played by Cher. Enraptured by the clubs outrageous costumes and bold choreography, Ali vows to perform there one day. Shortly after being hired as a dancer, and with the help of a jealous performer (Kristen Bell) she gets recognized for her singing voice and eventually becomes the clubs star performer. After her apartment get broken into and ransacked, she hooks up with Jack (Cam Gigandet), a bartender and fellow musician. With the help of a sharp-witted stage manager (Stanley Tucci) and gender-bending host (Alan Cumming), Ali makes her way from the bar to the stage. Even though her spectacular voice and performances restores The Burlesque Lounge to its former glory, it is not enough to save it from financial ruin. However, in the end she is able to help Tess out by coming up with a plan to save the club and everyone lives happily ever after.

Movie Review–“The Next Three Days”

RELEASE: 2010; GENERE: Drama, Mystery, Romance and Suspense; RUN-TIME: 2 hrs, 2 mins; RATED: PG-13; STARRING: Russell Crowe, Liam Neeson, Elizabeth Banks, Brian Dennehy and Olivia Wilde; DIRECTED BY: Paul Haggis;

REVIEW: Even though the performance of Russell Crowe and Elizabeth Banks are very good, this movie still suffers from a rather implausible plot and a pace that is much too slow. About the only thing that keeps you in the seat is the desire to see John (Crowe) succeed in his mission to save his wife from a lifetime of imprisonment. There are a few thrilling scenes that add some action and suspense that are tempered with just the right amount of romance. The movie's weaknesses are overcome by Crowe, who is so good that he actually makes you believe it is all possible. After what seems like a long, drawn out story, the movie actually picks up the pace in the end for a rather exciting finish. Even though I have some mixed feelings about this movie, I decided to give it [3-1/2 Stars].

SYNOPSIS: Life seems perfect for John Brennan until his wife, Lara, is arrested for a murder she says she didn't commit. Three years into her sentence, John is struggling to hold his family together, raising their son and teaching at college while he pursues every means available to prove her innocence. With the rejection of their final appeal, Lara becomes suicidal and John decides there is only one possible, bearable solution: to break his wife out of prison. Refusing to be deterred by impossible odds or his own inexperience, John devises an elaborate escape plot and plunges into a dangerous and unfamiliar world, ultimately risking everything for the woman he loves.

Movie Review–“Unstoppable”

RELEASE: 2010; GENERE: Drama, Action & Adventure, Suspense; RUN-TIME: 1 hr, 38 mins; RATED: PG-13; STARRING: Denzel Washington & Chris Pine ; DIRECTED BY: Tony Scott;


REVIEW: Our first thoughts were "predictable", and "it is what it is"; a movie filled with enough trains, collisions, and explosions to make most action-struck movie fans' hearts throb. With that said, the high-octane train sequences are staged with a surprising amount of tension and appear to be shot without reverting to computer-generated trickery. In a world where CGI has become the standard in most films, director Tony Scott resorts to using real trains, real action sequences and real stunts. Overall, it pays off! However, even with all of its action filled sequences, the end result is a mindless popcorn movie that speeds frantically for much too long before grinding to an anticlimactic stop. I don't think I could have watched the out-of-control locomotive barrel all over Pennsylvania, waiting for the altruistic heroes to enjoy their climactic moment a minute longer than its 90 minutes. Though most reviewers are giving it 4-Stars, I give it [3-1/2 Stars]


SYNOPSIS:This action filled drama is about a runaway train carrying a cargo of explosive toxic chemicals. It pits a 30-year veteran engineer and his young, relatively inexperienced, recently hired conductor in a race against time. They end up chasing the runaway train in a separate locomotive and need to bring it under control before it derails on a curve and causes a toxic spill that will decimate a town.

Movie Review–“Red”

RELEASE: 2010; GENERE: Science-Fiction/Fantasy; RUN-TIME: 1 hr, 51 mins; RATED: PG-13; STARRING: Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren; DIRECTED BY: Robert Schwentke;

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REVIEW: Too sum it up as one person put it, “this is a daffy but enjoyable action-comedy that assembles some impressive oldie firepower.” It is rather fast-paced, provides an appropriate amount of action and ends up being a lot of fun. The performance of Malkovich is hilarious and though she could have used more lines, Helen Mirren’s performance as “hit girl” was well played and very much helped pull things together.  Some critics have said that it is perfect for the AARP crowd. Well that’s what we are and we liked it. We both gave it a strong [3.5  Stars] 

SYNOPSIS: Based on the cult D.C. Comics graphic novels by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner, RED is an explosive action-comedy starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren. Frank Moses (Bruce Willis), Joe (Morgan Freeman), Marvin (John Malkovich) and Victoria (Helen Mirren) used to be the CIA's top agents - but the secrets they know just made them the Agency's top targets. When former black-ops agent Frank Moses' idyllic life is threatened by a high-tech assassin, he reassembles his old team in a last ditch effort to survive. Now framed for assassination, they must use all of their collective cunning, experience and teamwork to stay one step ahead of their deadly pursuers and stay alive. To stop the operation, the team embarks on an impossible, cross-country mission to break into the top-secret CIA headquarters, where they will uncover one of the biggest conspiracies and cover-ups in government history.

Movie Review - “Secretariat”

RELEASE: 2010; GENERE: Drama & Sports; RUN-TIME: 1 hr, 56 mins; RATED: PG; STARRING: Diane Lane & John Malkovich ; DIRECTED BY: Randall Wallace;

REVIEW:   We both felt that it was a well crafted movie that made us both laugh and get teary. Even if the story was a little contrived and strayed far from the true facts, it was an enjoyable story and very entertaining. Apparently, unlike most of the people who review movies, we just go to be entertained, and we were. If it wasn't a movie, it would be called a documentary - hello! The horse racing scenes, shot from the perspective of the horse, were thirilling. Lane seemed perfect for the part of housewife and the strong daughter of a proud stable owner and father. Malkovich as a eccentric trainer was both funny and emotional. If you're looking for a "feel-good" movie, free from mind blowing action scenes, vulgarity and nudity, this is the one to see. We give it [4-Stars].

SYNOPSIS: Based on the Novel "Secretariat: The Making of a Champion" By William Nack, Secretariat chronicles the spectacular journey of the 1973 Triple Crown winner. Housewife and mother Penny Chenery (Diane Lane) agrees to take over her ailing father's Virginia-based Meadow Stables, despite her lack of horse-racing knowledge. Against all odds, Chenery-with the help of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich)-manages to navigate the male-dominated business, ultimately fostering the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years and what may be the greatest racehorse of all time.

Movie Review - “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps”

RELEASE: 2010; GENERE: Drama; RUN-TIME: 2 hrs, 13 mins; RATED: PG; STARRING: Michael Douglas; DIRECTED BY: Oliver Stone;

REVIEW: In this sequel to Wall Street, again staring Michael Douglas, he now returns as an older Gordon Gekko with the same confident smile, arrogant assurance and lethal charm that makes for once again, an infinitely fascinating and repugnant character that truly makes the movie. We both like Michael Douglas and it was good to see him back in the role that won him an Oscar. Except for his release from prison he was missing during the first 30 minutes, and even then only seemed to have sporadic appearances throughout. Though it is nowhere near as edgy as the original and may not be a totally accurate presentation on how Wall Street does business, it's still entertaining because of the individual performances of Douglas, Brolin, and Culligan. From a pure entertainment standpoint, we have to give it [3-Stars].

SYNOPSIS: As the global economy teeters on the brink of disaster, a young Wall Street trader partners with disgraced former Wall Street corporate raider Gordon Gekko on a two-tiered mission: To alert the financial community to the coming doom, and to find out who was responsible for the death of the young trader's mentor.

Movie Review - “The Town”

RELEASE: 2010; GENERE: Drama, Romance, Mystery and Suspense; RUN-TIME: 2 hrs, 3 mins; RATED: R for strong violence, pervasive language, some sexuality and drug use; STARRING: Ben Affleck and Rebecca Hall ; DIRECTED BY: Ben Affleck; 

 
REVIEW: Simply put, we thought this movie was excellent. It is a well written cops and robbers, good guys-bad guys script, good acting from a well cast group of characters, great action that includes a breathtaking car chase scene, and a love story, what more can one ask for. You are fully engaged from the opening scenes to the very end. Expertly directed and shot, the movie provides you with some excellent acting performances and a variety of authentic "Beantown" settings. A very believable, well executed movie that could end up with some Oscar nominations. We give it [5-Stars].

SYNOPSIS: Boston bank robber Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) falls for a woman his gang had previously taken hostage after feigning a chance meeting with her to ensure that she can't identify them. The son of a tough, Charleston, Massachusetts thief, Doug passed on his chance to walk the straight and narrow in favor of becoming a career bank robber. Not only is Doug's crew one of the most ruthless in Boston, but their also one of the best; they never a trace of evidence, and always make a clean break. Over the years, Doug's fearless partners in crime have become something of a surrogate family to him. Jem (Jeremy Renner), the most dangerous of the bunch, is the closest thing Doug has ever had to a brother. But a divide begins to open between the two career criminals when Jem takes bank manager Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall) during a particularly tense heist, and the group subsequently discovers that she hails from their own tight-knit suburb. When Jem proposes that the gang make an effort to find out just how much Claire recalls about the crime, Doug fears that his volatile partner may do more harm than good and volunteers himself for the job. Later, Doug turns on the charm while pretending to bump into Claire by chance, and becomes convinced that she doesn't suspect him of being the same man who just robbed her bank. As the feds turn up the heat on the gang, Doug finds himself falling for Claire, and searching desperately for a means of cutting his ties to his criminal past. But with each passing day, Jem grows increasingly suspicious of Doug's true motivations. Now caught between two worlds with no chance of turning back, Doug realizes that his only hope for finding a happy future is to betray the only family he's ever known.

Movie Review - “Machete”

RELEASE: 2010; GENERE: Action & Adventure, Mystery and Suspense; RUN-TIME: 1 hr, 45 mins; RATED: R for strong bloody violence throughout, language, some sexual content and nudity; STARRING: Danny Trejo, Robert De Niro, Jessica Alba, Michelle Rodriguez; DIRECTED BY: Robert Rodriguez & Ethan Maniquis:

REVIEW: This is a movie that you have to know what your're going to see. With more than a half dozen decapitations and two naked women in the first five minutes of the movie and a later scene where Machete repels out a window using the freshly gutted intestines of one of his victims, it's not for everyone. With that said, Machete is messy, violent, shallow, and tasteless -- and that's precisely the point. The action film mixes some good humor with over-the-top displays of blood and guts, exploits Mexicans, and provides a heavy dose of political satire. It kind of grows on you. We found it was very entertaining if you enjoyed it in the same spirit it was made. We gave it [3-1/2 Stars].

SYNOPSIS: Three years ago in Mexico, determined Federale Machete is betrayed and set-up by his boss, resulting in his wife and child being murdered by drug kingpin Torrez. Now, in Texas, Machete resurfaces and is hired by some unsavory types to assassinate Senator McLaughlin, an extreme advocate against illegal immigration. Just when the highly skilled Federale Machete is about to take the shot, he notices someone aiming at him and realizes he's been set up. He barely survives the sniper's bullet, and is soon out for revenge on his former employers. Machete plots his revenge against the men who've wronged him with the help of resistance fighter Luz, ICE Agent Sartana, and his old friend Cheech Marin, who has become a priest and taken a vow of nonviolence. The shotgun-toting Padre is one priest you don't want to mess with.

Movie Review - “The American”

RELEASE: 2010; GENERE: Drama, Action/Adventure, Mystery & Suspense; RUN-TIME: 1 hr, 45mins RATED: R for violence, sexual content and nudity:

SYNOPSIS: As an assassin, Jack (played by George Clooney) is constantly on the move and always alone. After a job in Sweden ends more harshly than expected for this American abroad, Jack retreats to the Italian countryside. He relishes being away from death for a spell as he holes up in a small medieval town. While there, Jack takes an assignment to construct a weapon for a mysterious contact, Mathilde (Thekla Reuten). Savoring the peaceful quietude he finds in the mountains of Abruzzo, Jack accepts the friendship of local priest Father Benedetto (Paolo Bonacelli) and pursues a torrid liaison with a beautiful woman, Clara (Violante Placido). Jack and Clara’s time together evolves into a romance, one seemingly free of danger. But by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be tempting fate.

REVIEW: Even though the opening sequence is an absolute and almost wordless shocker, this movie is such a slow-moving drama, that when the expected does occur, it is not only anticipated, but a total letdown.  Though some of the scenes and photography of the Italian countryside are quite striking, the script is totally lacking, making the drama and suspense appear somewhat weak. As for the action and adventure, it is all wrapped up in about two scenes that encompass no more than ten minutes of the entire movie. All of this adds up to a low budget feeling making you think that George just happened to film this while he was on a vacation in Italy. If you went expecting non-stop action, as we did, you will be sorely disappointed. What you get is an urge to fly to Italy, rent an apartment in a medieval city and begin your own adventure.

Movie Review - “Eat, Pray, Love”

RELEASE: 2010; GENERE: Drama; RUN-TIME: 2 hrs, 13 mins RATED: PG-13 for brief strong language, some sexual references and male rear nudity:

SYNOPSIS: While trying to get pregnant, a happily married woman realizes her life needs to go in a different direction, and after a painful divorce, she takes off on a round-the-world journey to forgive herself for being the cause of a failed marriage and to find meaning for her life. Unfortunately, this turns out to be little more than a self-indulgent wallow in white upper-class privilege while pretending to have depth through the use of clinches of spiritual wisdom. We should all have the money to roam the world enjoying fine foods and beautiful scenery of far off lands while seeking spiritual meaning to life.

REVIEW: Though this movie is based on Elizabeth Gilbert's best-selling memoir of her year-long spiritual quest for the meaning of life, it appears to have left out much of what made the book such a success. The scenery is nice to look at, and Julia Roberts is as beautiful as ever, but the script is just too shallow to make it survivable; I was praying for the end. Even though I love Julia Roberts, the best I can say about this movie is that I didn’t hate it. It had some splendid scenery and I really didn’t mind watching it, however, I see no reason to ever watch it again. I give it [2-Stars].

Movie Review - “The Expendables”

RELEASE: 2010; GENERE: Action/Adventure, Mystery and Suspense; RUN-TIME: 1 hr, 43 mins RATED: Rated: R:

SYNOPSIS: The Expendables is a hard-hitting action/thriller about a group of mercenaries hired to infiltrate a South American country and overthrow its ruthless dictator. Written, directed by and starring Sylvester Stallone, Without doubt, this movie brings together a dynamic cast including Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Steve Austin, Terry Crews and Mickey Rourke.

REVIEW: If you're a Sylvester Stallone fan, you will enjoy it. If you really like action movies, then this is the one to see, even if it is a somewhat dumb movie with a weak story line. We thought it delivered exactly what the coming attractions promised — a lot of over-the-top action and silliness In spite of the critics' lack luster reviews, it is non-stop action entertainment all the way and we give it [3-Stars].

Netflix Movie Review - “The Lovely Bones”

RELEASE: 2009; GENERE: Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Drama, Horror; RUN-TIME: 2 hrs, 15 mins RATED: Rated: PG-13 for mature thematic material involving disturbing violent content and images, and some language:

SYNOPSIS: On her way home from school on a snowy December day in 1973, young 14-year-old Susie Salmon is lured into a makeshift underground den in a cornfield and brutally raped and murdered, the latest victim of a serial killer--the man she knew as her neighbor, Mr. Harvey. From a gorgeously landscaped limbo state outside heaven’s gate, Susie keeps watch over her grieving family and friends, as well as her brazen killer and the sad detective working on her case.

REVIEW: We viewed this movie with neighbors and all concluded that artistically and technically, this film was superb. The special effects of the "Heaven" scenes provided some wondrous visuals and compelling ideas. We also thought that it provided some rich performances. However, for all its brilliance, The Lovely Bones remains elusive. The film doesn't quite cohere because it is awash in ideas and themes and subplots and characters. However, in spite of this, it is nevertheless compelling. Suzie's afterlife takes place in a dreamscape that is half Salvador Dali and half Norman Rockwell. The visual effects in these sequences never seem like visual effects, but rather "float" across the screen like as seamless threads of a dream, switching back and forth between the real world. The 1970's period detail in and of itself is so good that it almost creates a counter dream for those who grew up in that era. Not having read the novel, one would have to assume it was much more detailed and complex than the actural movie. We all agreed that it was good that the producer saw fit not to show the "bloody" details of the rape and murder. In the end however, even assuming that the family eventually learned of the killers death, we were all a little disappointed that the family was never really able to obtain closure from having the body of Susie found. Though most reviewer never gave this movie much more than slightly above average rating, we liked it and thought it was very entertaining. We give it [3.75-Stars]