He's Just Not That Into You (2009)

My Rating: 95/100

My Review: Honestly, I didn't know what to expect from this movie. It looked like a chick flick, which it very well might be, but it was fanscinating in its examination of human nature. Relationships of almost every kind are depicted in what turns out to me a web of social connections and run-ins.

A truly all-star cast including Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston and Ben Affleck, just to name a few, offer some great acting. This movie really gets you thinking about the reality of relationships. Unlike most movies, this film gives you a look at the reality of our social life and how we as humans connect.

I was overwhealmingly pleased with "He's Just Not That Into You." This movie reminds me of the movie "Prime" just because of how grounded in reality it is.

I think I'll buy this movie on DVD.

Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail (2009)

My Rating: (70/100)

My Review: I think Tyler Perry's Madea character is comedic genius. She is incredibly funny, great in her timing, and has that strong, hard-headed attitude you can't help but love. However, Tyley Perry always uses Madea as background to a more serious storyline. Sometimes that idea can work, however with this film I was left with wanting more Madea.

There are some okay messages here, but I went to this movie for the laughs. I got some laughs, but I had the feeling that seperated, the stories would have been better developed.

If you get a chance, you should watch the filmed stage version of "Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail." It has a completely different storyline, but for me the play was more cohesive. Everything came together and the laughs were much more frequent.

Taken (2009)

My Rating: 75/100

So, I'm sitting in the theater, expecting  a high-octane, rumbling action movie, but instead I'm greeted with a fluffy, drawn out, miserable begining.  It almost seemed like the film makers were trying to make this a heartfelt, emotionally moving, valuable story.  I was thinking to myself, "Common now!  No one came here to see this crap."  However, once the action started, it didn't let up.

The actions scenes were kick-ass awesome.  Do you ever get so pissed off at someone that you imagine you socking it to them a good one, or that you had a gun in your belt, not to shoot them, just to scare the #$%& out of them?  Me neither.  But it's that feeling of sweet revenge that encompasses the whole movie and keeps you on a violence-high throughout.  A little more tension would have added some complexite to the story, but it's always fun to see the good guy be so good at sticking it to the bad guy.

The ending would have been great had the film makers ended it once the action was over.  But like the begining, we have even more emotional fluff, which would have been okay, except it wasn't even good fluff.  Absolutely a waste of film.  

Liam Neeson is in the movie, it must have a great story, right?  Not so.  But if it's an action film you're looking for, Taken is a pretty good choice.  

Movie-o-meter:  Watch it once. (Maybe come a little late so you miss the first 15 minutes.)

Anticipating: Princess Kaiulani Movie (2009?)

Being Hawaiian and from Hawaii, when I first heard the news that a movie was being produced about the life and legacy of Princess Kaiulani (Crown Princess of Hawaii) I was overjoyed. Although final production of the film has pushed back the release numerous times, I am hopeful that we'll get a chance to see it within the next few months.

This movie will give Hawaii and the Hawaiian people unprecedented exposure. I believe a lot of people don't even know that Hawaii was once a independent nation that was quite recently (from a historical stand point) overthrown and eventually taken over by the United States. Many Hawaiian groups are challenging the accuracy of the story, but from what I've read and seen, I believe the film's director and screenwriter, Marc Forby, is attempting to capture the real story of Princess Kaiulani while trying to reach the largest possible audience.

I will definitely keep you updated about this much anticipated film. I'll give you a release date as soon as I'm able.

For more information on Princess Kaiulani check out Wikipedia's article.
For more information on the movie and it's producers visit Matador Pictures.

Bride Wars (2009)

My Rating: 82/100

I went into this movie expecting a spirited, yet trivial chick flick. To know ones surprise, much of the movie was just that.

Two women are best of friends until their lavishly planned weddings are accidentally booked on the same day. Materialistic and shallow name-calling ensues, of course. What did catch me by surprise was the ending (which I won't reveal here) which showed depth and realism.

Although most would say the classic happily-ever-after endings are nice, I am personally more moved by a movie with an unexpected, thought provoking ending which still brings closure to the story. (I hate open ended movies! You know, setups for sequels...eww!) However redeeming a movie is with it's ending, it does not justify a mundane and predictable beginning.

Movie-o-meter: Watch it once.

My Top 10 Animated Films

I've seen a lot of blogs with lists and I particularly enjoy those posts. So I've decided to post one of my own. Here are my top ten animated movies of all time (in reverse order).


10. The Incredibles




















9. Beauty and the Beast
























8. Finding Nemo




















7. Kung Fu Panda (Read my review of Kung Fu Panda.)




















6. The Little Mermaid




















5. Aladdin




















4. Shrek





















3. Wall-E (Read my review of Wall-E.)




















2. Mulan



















1. The Lion King

Doubt (2009)

My Rating: A (95/ 100)

The first thought I had, as I watched the opening of Doubt, was how old and wrinkled everyone looked. The make-up was obviously light and the filming felt really raw, almost like you were actually at an old church in the dead of Winter. It added an interesting element to the movie itself and was excellently complemented by a carefully written, witty, and thought provoking script which allowed the complex story take center stage.

While I was impressed with the script and filming, the acting is what I'll remember from this film. Meryl Streep and Phillip Seymour Hoffman, giants in the industry, were great; however, I was even more impressed with Amy Adams. Her acting, especially her facial expressions, capture the true tension that encompasses the whole movie. She is brilliant!

Run Time: 104 min
MPAA Rating: PG-13

Gran Torino (2009)

My Rating: A (98/100)

I've never been a fan of Clint Eastwood, especially his acting. However, I came away from "Gran Torino" with a new found respect for Mr. Eastwood and his cinematic genius. His performance is one of the best I've seen in the past few years.

One trait of an excellent film, in my opinion, is realistic and complex characterization. Clint Eastwood, in what he is calling his final performance as an actor, in essence is the movie. By the movie's end you feel as if you know his character, Walt Kowalski, on a profoundly deep level. You can feel his pain and experience his growth.

I can see why Clint Eastwood chose this role to be his final performance. Indeed, he has created a masterpiece of film.

Run Time: 116 min
MPAA Rating: R

Revisiting My Review of "The Happening"

I must admit that after watching M. Knight Shyamalan's "The Happening" for a second time, I noticed that I may have been unfairly harsh on the poor guy. Although I stand by my statement that his script could have been better, especially in the dialogue which came from Mark Wahlberg's character.

However, the movie wasn't a complete disaster and I did see the thought put into a lot of the scenes. I also noticed the challenges Shyamalan faced in getting particular shots. (For example, the scene where the jeep crashes into the tree and ejects two people through the windshield.)

I hope Mr. Shyamalan can deliver a movie of the same caliber of his original masterpiece that was "The Sixth Sense."