Movie reviews

Scream 4 is a guilty preasure. Obviously, this is something everyone knows. However, the opening sequence is pure movie magic. I was in awe watching the genius imagination of Wes Craven be displayed throughout the first ten minutes or so of this movie. After the breathtaking opening, the rest of this movie is typically what you would expect from a Scream film: witty dialogue, inside jokes to fans of the horror genre, twist ending, and lots of good-looking young adults playing high schoolers "biting the dust." However, one death in the movie stands out amongst the rest because the unpredictable amount of gore shown throughout the scene leaves you wondering if you were still watching a Scream movie and not a Saw film. Standout performances include Hayden Panettiere, Rory Culkin, Emma Roberts, and the infamous trio: Neve Campbell (hall-of-fame scream queen) Courtney Cox (spunky Gale Weathers) and David Arquette (doopy cop). Overall, Scream 4 will have you entertained from the very first scene to the very last. B+

Insidious is an old-fashioned haunted house horror movie that leaves you guessing at the end. The acting here is solid and pretty much what you expect from a horror film: no amazing performances but somewhat convincing ones. The story is alright - feels overused - but Insidious shines a creative light on the topic. The way it is presented is something I have not really seen in scary movies: character development. I felt for these charcters, that is, until the end. The ending scene leaves you guessing and ultimately leaves you angry. The whole film develops at a good pace with good scares, but ends on an abrupt, dumbfounded note. At the end of the day, however, it will not become the best horror movie of all time, but just an average film with a stupid ending. B-


Water for Elephants is a cute, old-fashioned romance. It brings the best-selling novel to life and adds an authenticity to it. Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, and Christoph Waltz give great performances but lack chemistry between each other, especially between Rob and Reese. I was not convinced that they were lovers. The performances stand alone just fine, but intertwined, they start to crumble. The story is entertaining and enjoyable. At the end, you will leave a bit depressed, but will feel touched by this love story... even if it stumbles a few times. B

The Next Three Days is a sloppy effort at a prison-break styled movie. It is stuck between a Jason Bourne-like film and a thought-provoking, sensitive drama. The performances are the best part of the film. From Russell Crowe to Elizabeth Banks, the acting is solid. The story has too many loopholes for me to enjoy it and never commits to either an action-packed thriller or an intricate drama. The first ten minutes or so and the last ten minutes or so are the only parts that had me thinking that this film could take off. The middle is sloppy and stuck. C

Hanna is an original, creative masterpiece. I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. The story is incredibly smart and witty. The acting is superb, especially the lead Saoirse Ronan. She commands your attention throughout the entire film. Cate Blanchett and Eric Bana also contribute great performances. You will be unprepared for this experience, but will enjoy every second. The screenplay is greatly written, the acting is non-stop fantastic, and the story smoothly gives you intensity and heart. Hanna is a movie not to be missed. A

The Kennedys

I watched the Kennedys series on Reelz Channel and was compelled to write about it. The acting here is fantastic and authentic... especially Barry Pepper. However, Greg, Katie, Tom, Diana, and Kristen hold their own and make for an incredibly talented ensemble. Even the shorter parts were acted great - i.e. Charlotte Sullivan as Marilyn Monroe. The factual aspect of the show may have been questionable, but the show was A+ entertainment. Some say this show gave a negative outlook on the Kennedys; for me, it made me have more repect for them. It made them human. Just because they were American royalty did not mean they were excluded from flaws. From JFK's affairs to the father's involvement with the mob, I was transfixed to my screen watching magic unfold. The show gave respect to the family and showed why they are American royalty. A

Movie review

The film Battle: LA was disregarded too much in my opinion. It had great visual effects, effective camera work, and a thin, but fun storyline. This disaster flick was treated more as a war film rather than a disaster like the epic Independence Day. I assume that the crew behind this film knew that no disaster film can top Independence Day. It is unbeatable. However, I did enjoy Battle:LA. The cast did their parts respectively: Aaron E., Michele R., Ramon R. I wished there would have been more character development in the beginning and would have taken a few irrelevant scenes (or at least fine-tuned them), but I get that the film wanted to be intense all the way through. Overall, it was enjoyable and fun. B

Another film I saw recently was The Rules of Attraction. James van der Beek, Jessica Biel, Shannyn Sossamon, and Ian Somerhalder. It is refreshing to see the film not end on a particulary happy ending, but the film is only decent. There is no major excellence in this film; everything is done above average. The standout is Sossamon. She is talented and it is seen throughout. James van der Beek gives an alright performance, but not as good as Varsity Blues. Jessica Biel was barely in the movie and wished she was in it more. Somerhalder gives an interesting performance, but found it hard to find him likeable. Actually, that is a flaw in this film - no one is really likeable. However, the rebuttle to that, I guess, would be that it aims for realistic. In that sense, it partially gets the job then. All in all, the film gives a satisfactory feel to the viewer at the end of the day. C

Finally, the last film I will review is Shelter. This is an indie surf movie with Trevor Wright, Brad Rowe, and Tina Holmes. This is a laid-back, relaxing film that encompasses the lifestyle of a surfer. I found the film very enjoyable and felt it was a well-done film. Trevor Wright and Brad Rowe work effortlessly with each other, as if they were not even acting. Tina Holmes, amongst the other cast members, give solid, memorable performances as well. Shelter strives for a relaxed, skillful feel and it achieves it all the way. One of the best scenes in the film is when Trevor's and Brad's characters first meet and appear non-chalant and laid-back. I use the words "laid-back" and "relaxing" alot because they fit this movie like a glove. All in all, Shelter is refreshing and knows what it aims for and acheives it 100%. A-

Daria

Has anyone ever wondered about a movie adaption of Daria? I picture Aubrey Plaza as Daria - she is sarcastic, beautiful, and talented. Kat Dennings might be Jane Lane. I am not sure who would be Trent - Jane's brother. Either way, a movie would an awesome thing. Diablo Cody would write the script and maybe even direct it. Lemme know what you all think.

Anyone watch Dallas 362?

I was watching a few movies this past weekend and one of them was Dallas 362. The movie stars Scott Caan and Kelly Lynch (amogst others) and I thought it was actually a good movie. Parts of it made me laugh, but mostly it was set in a dramatic tone. Scott Caan, I feel, will become one of the most credible directors if he keeps working at this skill. (Of course he is doing Hawaii Five-o right now though - which is one of my favorite shows :) ) I wonder who else likes this movie or does not...