Brave

As I always say, Pixar's movies don't get any better. Sure they're all fantastic, funny, original, and breathtaking. But all the movies are the same level of greatness, one does not stand out from the rest as "better than the last one".
That aside, Brave is another Pixar film. And like all Pixar films, it was fantastic. As always, a family must see.
Unlike in most films today, where the father and the son just don't understand each other, this one shows how mothers and daughters don't always get along. And it's nice to see a heroin when almost every movie has a male hero (And when a woman finally does get a lead roll it normally leads to some form of sexual theme) So it's nice to a non-tainted heroin.

Other than the fact that this is Pixar's most visually stunning film, I don't have that much to say on it's behalf. I just kinda wish that Pixar would challenge itself a bit more and come out with something like no other. They Broke the mold with Toy Story, but they found themselves quite comfortable in the new one.

But still it's a film with a great story, stunning visuals, and content that the whole family can see. Do I recommend it? Yes. Do I think that it could of been better? Yes, yes I do.

The Three Stooges

When hearing about the making of this movie, I had mixed feelings. You see, my father is a huge Stooge fan and owns about every episode of the three bone heads. While I usually take my mom's side of the entertainment boat, I have always found myself enjoying the Stooges. It's more than just smacks and puns. It's the characters, their history, and their ability to make you laugh.

So when this movie came out, I was worried. Hollywood has a tendency to.....how do I put this.....slaughter TV history's most lovable characters. And when the trailer was realized I was also a little worried because of the dreaded and unneeded "bikini nun" scene.

But during the time of the release my father was very stressed. You see, he is a pastor and a police officer. Both jobs don't really fall under the "fun" category. Some things popped up at the church and county work was starting to get to him. So I thought it might be good for us to wing a visit to the local theater and take in an hour and a half of the Stooges.

Grabbed my popcorn, sat down, and my fingers were crossed....Either this movie would do justice or ruin the Stooges for everyone.....and before I could even finish my first handful of popcorn I started choking on it....from laughter....

Another fact you may want to know is that my father doesn't laugh much. He's got a gift for making people laugh and he's got an amazing sense of humor. But, he doesn't laugh that much. Well, as soon as the movie started that all changed. I have never, repeat, never heard him laugh so much. This movie left you with a huge smile on your face. They did the Stooges, they weren't just doing them, they WERE the stooges. The quirks, the gags, and the "NUKS" were all there.

It took me a full day to get rid of that stupid smile I had on, but that didn't stop me from seeing it again (mom dodged it the first time, but the second my dad MADE her see it). He now calls it his "Favorite movie".

I'm a pushover for movie with good writing....and that's not really what I saw here, there were more slaps than words. But to see the Stooges after all these years come to life again, that was priceless. Would I recommend this movie? That depends. If you loved the Stooges, you need to see this film. If you didn't, then don't torture yourself. But again, for those people who know them, and enjoy them. This movie will make your day and always bring a smile to your face when you think about it.

The Hunger Games

Being a huge fan of the books, I wanted the movie to do justice. And you know what? I'm pretty happy about the justice going around here.

The movie's deep meaning was very important to it's success. Showing that we, as a culture, are becoming more and more desensitized to violence. And what would be a good way to show that? Showing violence you don't want to cheer for. In too many movies today we start cheering on the hero (who is normally gunned) to blast away his baddies. By doing this we start to loose our grip on morals, and they end up falling to the floor, shattering. This movie creates a world where violence is completely wrong, and no death is cheered on unless you want to be a part of psychotic and evil capital.

This helps us try to find that one piece that slid under the fridge, out of reach of the vacuum.

But what everyone really is thinking is, "Should I be taking my kid to this?" and "Kids killing kids? Are you crazy?" Let me first say this, whoever says "That movie is evil because of the teen-kill-teen thing" has obviously never read the book. There is a whole other layer to it that would take rewriting the book to explain. The movie isn't cheering it on, it's doing the opposite in fact.
Now, with the kid part. It was on the more violent end of the movie spectrum. In fact, a bit too much for my taste. Speaking of taste, they did the violence quite tastefully. With quick cutaways and the more violent parts of the book skipped over, the movie delivers the book without the book's blood. But that doesn't stop a few splatters here and there. Hey, who's going to get the film's message if there aren't a few shocking moments to slap some sense into people? Another problem for kids is that there are about four swear words in the movie (D's and H's) and that more than anything turns me off to a movie. The words are so out of place that it seems like they finished the movie and said "Oh no! We forgot the swearing!" and then dubbed some right then and there. I would not recommend this film for anyone under 15.

This film also gives us a "On the edge of your seat and on the tip of your toes" feeling. Causing you to stuff as much popcorn in your face as you can just to keep up your energy.
For a movie that was 2 hours and 22 minutes long it kept it's interest going until the credits, giving us a movie that kept feeding us, not just dangling a carrot. That takes skill and great story telling (two things that this movie owns)

My only problem with it is that, if you have not read the book, prepare to be lost. The movie has a strong "If you want to understand what's going on, read the book" mentality, leaving the boyfriend who was dragged there by his girl friend at a complete loss. But, for those of us (let me rephrase that) The majority of us who saw it because the books gave us (as Melvin the Martian said) "All a tingle!" it was a great cinematic experience that did honor to the book and tipped it's hat at the fans along the way.

Hugo

One of the best movies I've ever seen, one that makes me want to jump out of my chair and say "YES!" in a crowded theater.

I thought I was all alone in my movie-loving world. I thought that what I felt for the cinematic arts was something no one else felt. That is, till I saw Hugo. It showed me that what I felt for movies was real and something shared by those in the industry. Something that was not directed toward money (Although many today are that way) but something purely for the love of the art.

The movie is extremely colorful and fun, it's a movie so filled with passion and care that it almost brings tears to your eyes just watching it.
Every shot is planned out beautifully, even where there are dust specs it was on purpose.

The passion it gives is unbelievably hard to explain using just meager words, I guess that's how Scorsese felt, because he used a  movie to better explain it.

Tin Tin

Tin Tin is an amazing ride for kids and adults alike, it's pure blend of awesome animation and clever script is something that is rarely seen in today's movie-mad box office.

The camera angles and the transitions are enough to capture the eye of a typical movie goer, not just someone who looks for them, this takes believable creativity and imagination.
The characters are clean and funny, full of life and know right where they belong in the CG world, giving you the impression that the characters you love will make it through the entire film without any problems. And all the while giving you a ride for the entire family without shying away from the "always needed" action that everybody wants.

I can't say much more than that you need to go to your nearest redbox, rent it, look for the angles and transitions, and just have a good time!

Oh, then buy it.

My first sloppy attempt at a webcomic I may be doing every week. Something where I chat with a movie character or something...well, here you go!

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You!

The Lorax: I don't know about you, but I really enjoyed Horton Hears a Who! So this movie I am genuinely excited about. In fact, I am taking my little brother to see it! And, as an added bonus the company who put Despicable me together is putting this one together!
My guess: Just a plain ol' fun movie, with some laughs along the way and a few "I'm a bit too old to be watching this, but I don't care" moments.

John Carter: "Disney rep": "Ok guys, I say we rip our own movie off, Prince of Persia and toss it into space. Oh, and let's throw in some of that Star Wars stuff the kids are talking about now a days. And what did we learn from Tron? All effects and no script means an awesome movie!"
I'm pretty sure it went down that way.
My guess: The fact that there wasn't really even a reference to a plot in the trailer, and the fact that their cashing in on the "3D" part should tell you that this movie will be like Tron. Movie Theater-one week later-Netflix.

The Hunger Games: Ok, I'm just about to start the books in prep for the movie. And acording to the trailer, they're sticking to the book like glue! It's kind of looks like "Percy Jackson, meets Narnia, meets awesome." Yeah, I'm gonna see it. And honestly, I'm excited.
My guess: The hunger of all the Hunger Games fans will be satisfied. And it will be bigger than Percy Jackson, but not as big as Narnia.

White Collar: When you need to catch a rat, you need to think like a rat. When you need to prepare a meal, you need to think like a cook. When you need to catch a thief, you need to be the best thief.

This is the main idea around USA's show  "White Collar". When the world's best forger brokers a deal with the FBI to help catch criminals one question remains. Has he really changed?

Suave meets action in this series. Every episode has humor, action and a surprising twist along with an amazing intertwining connection to every other episode. You can watch them on their own to enjoy them, or you could watch them all to live them. And trust me, you'll want to do the latter.

Of all the shows I've seen and analyzed this one stands out because of the way it handles itself. Most shows have this "set up and film" mentality, however this one just feels like every scene and transition is planned perfectly. Where other shows want the scene changes to feel unnoticeable, this show wants you to notice them and say "that was cool". Every shot and angle makes you feel like you live in the suave world of the main character.

Speaking of characters, this is another reason I love this show. Now, be honest. You know in ever show you watch there's that moment where you look at one of the main characters and say "I hate that guy!" Because the writers overloaded him with too many flaws, or just wanted him to be jerky. In this show, you'll find yourself very hard pressed to find a character you can't say "I love this guy!" to. Everyone is developed, funny, and very much themselves.

Another thing that caught my eyes (or ears) is the fact that this show is rather clean. Now, there's the moment of "Arg! Why did that have to say that?" But of all the other shows I've watched, this one keeps the language to a minimum, and I hope for them to keep it that way.

Really, the only problem I can find in this show is the fact that they don't let those pesky details of reality really get in the way. If real FBI work will get in the way of something they want to show or do, they'll just ignore it. But my father is County Detective, so I'll probably pick up on it more than you will.

I hope you'll enjoy watching it if you end up coming across it on Netflix or TV. Because this show, is not one that you'll want to miss. I just hope that they don't try to crash it into the ground like so many other shows before it.

Movie Soup for the App Lover's Soul

So, I hear that you are in love with your iPhone. Now, now, it's ok. Everyone loves their iPhone, so it's ok, you can vent. But you think it needs something, something more, something that will turn it into the ultimate device. That's right, movies! And how would one get some movie lovin apps? I am glad that I asked myself that, because here I am with the answers!
So right now, grab your iPhone from your pocket (Don't look away from the computer screen), go to the app store, and download these beauties!

 Apple Movie Trailers: One thing I really love about movies, is waiting for them! The goose bumps you get from them are something that truly awakens the movie lover inside of you! And, most of the time, trailers are more epic and\or contain the entire amount of cool scenes in the entire movie. Well, if I might have rung a bell, this is the app for you. With the trailers updated as soon as they are released, the quality spot on, and the interface beaming at you and saying "I love you", this is an app hard to pass up.

Flixster: This is the best out there for finding out when movies are coming out and when DVDs are finally making there appearance after months of waiting. Every movie window comes equipped with trailers, reviews, pics, list of actors, and....Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know I was overwhelming you, I'll stop now.....are you good?...good. It also comes with a theater finder where you can fine the one most convenient for you, with all of its showings for the next week. Now that's a movie app.

IMDB: "I like this movie....wait! I know that actor! Who is he? WHO IS HE!!! ARG! I know this, I know this....AHHHH...." *POOF* "Hello Johnny, I heard your cry for help" "Who are you?" "My name's not important! But here, I have this to help you with your dilemma!" "It's an iPhone" "Oh hahaha! This isn't just any iPhone, it's one with IMDB!" "Really?" "Yes Johnny, now search for the movie you're watching." *Typing* "There's the movie I'm watching! Here's all types of cool facts about it, and reviews! Oh, and there's the actor! I knew I saw him before, here's the list of all the movie's he's been in!" "What's his name?" "Brad Pitt!" "Boy, keep the iPhone, if you can't figure that out, you'll need it."

Plan for this week

Hello everyone! I know that lately I've been a little slacked on my posts lately, but I hope to fix that!
Here are the list of movies and posts I would like to get out this week, and if I don't get a chance, here are some blurbs to calm your movie itch.
Enjoy, and anticipate!

Real Steel: A movie I was pleasantly surprised with. It's great blend of story and effects made me smile. Still, what writer could stand to have a kid swear?

Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows: My favorite movie of last year. A wonderful movie which has you grinning ear to ear, beginning to end.

White Collar: When you need to catch a thief, you to need to be one. USA's original series brings on the action, and the humor when the world's best forger turns around and helps the FBI.

Best iPhone apps for movie lovers: You love your iPhone. You love your movies. If only there was a way to.. OH, WAIT!

First of all, I would like to thank you for attending the "Zay-y" Awards! This is where movies of the past year (2011) are rated using the highest authority in the land, ME!
This award goes to the worst film I've seen this year,
The Nominations were,
Green Lantern
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Captain America

And the winner (Or looser) is................GREEN LANTERN!

Though the other movies deserved the title, this film had a very special place in my arteries. It's pure lack of character development and its rebellion against well written scripts made my movie loving spirit weep with no end. The only thing that made the movie worse was that the clearplay guy who edited it cut over 30 hours out of the movie for no reason. This movie was just DC comics trying to cash in on Marvel's bounty of movies this year. They didn't worry about characters, scripts or cinematography all they cared about was how much money they could squeeze out of the people pumped up on Marvel films.

In brightest day, in darkest night, no evil will escape my sight....
Then how did this movie get past you?

A Look Back @ 2011

Well, it seems as though another year has come and gone. Which means that DVDs for all of our favorite 2011 films should be out soon! Lets have a look back on a few of the films that released last year.

Tron Legacy: Trailers where amazing! Every part of the 30 second trailer was pure action. And that's about the amount of action in the the movie- 30 seconds. This Tron bike went theater-to-netflix streaming in nothing flat. Yet another example that too many effects cause a small script.
Rating: Leave it alone to glow by itself in the dark corners of Walmart.

Thor: Man of muscle, man of honor, man of quick character change. Though Thor didn't break down any doors or run away with my movie-loving heart, it did find a way to squeeze it's way into my DVD collection.
Rating: The mighty hammer of Thor is worth a DVD, but not Bluray.

Green Lantern: Cool! Not. This poor excuse of a movie was DC's small ride on the wave of Marvel movies that came out this year. It hung ten before hanging itself on on gallows of poor movie making. No character, no script, no dice.
Rating: There is no need to tell you not to buy it, because it seems as though the movie case is so embarrassed of the colors it sporting, it's hiding behind Plan 9 from Outer Space.

Captain America: Did you want a kick-butt hero that fights for honor, integrity, and the American way? Well, if you did, it seems as though Marvel though you wanted a flip-flopping, kick-line dancing, idiot who got his powers from drugs. This movie had no research into the 1940's and no creativity.
Rating: Skip Captain America and go straight for the Captain Taiwan movie. It has better quality.





 Courageous: Cinematic gold. Down to earth, real life, and uplifting. Truly a movie to be proud of. Nothing more needs to be said.
Rating: I heard you didn't pre-order it. Why?

Sherlock Holmes, Game of Shadows: My favorite movie of 2011. Every shot planned out, a twist at every turn, and a bucket of cinematic creativity! Humor abounds on this cake with all the trimmings!
Rating: Purchasing this film would be elementary my dear Watson. (He never said this, but he would have)