Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Title: Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Directed by: Brad Bird

Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Michael Nyqvist, Vladimir Mashkov, Josh Holloway, Anil Kapoor

Genres: Action/Adventure, Adaptation, Sequel, Thriller

Running Time: 2 hours. 12 minutes

Release Date: December 16th, 2011

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: If you enjoyed the previous 'Mission Impossible' movies, you will like "MI4". The flavor is clearly that of another installment in the popular series, but a few things have been shaken up. This time, Tom's team are on their own, without an agency with resources to help them. Of course this bring a whole new set of problems, with continuously failing electronics, tools, computers, etc. which adds a lot of humor to the film.

However, it seems it is not only the equipment that is failing. The team, supposedly highly trained agents, the best of the best, are falling on their face over and over. Throughout the film I'm sitting there in my seat, wondering why the hell Agent Hunt (Tom Cruise) wouldn't be able to catch a middle-aged Swede (played by Michael Nyqvist which some might recognize from the Swedish 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' films), who plays a physics professor with a pot belly & no special training. Over and over again, this professor beats the shit out of Agent Hunt. I find that odd.

Of course, this is a movie, and things happen in movies that wouldn't happen in reality. That goes with the territory. Reality is one of those things one has to temporarily let go of in order to absorb the reality the movie is selling, it's an essential part of appreciating the typical Hollywood action flick. If we start comparing our reality to the one they are selling us in films like this, the enjoyment falls away. However, I am not fact checking this agains our reality, just against the one that has been portrayed in the MI movie series. I do not think that the fact that Agent Hunt can't beat an old man gelled very well with the history of this character, or the reality created in the films.

Besides that, take into account that this is the fourth sequel of the series, something that doesn't happen everyday, it isn't a bad flick, and it's sure to delight fans of the series.

Grade: 6

Abduction

Title: Abduction

Directed by: John Singleton

Starring: Taylor Lautner, Lily Collins, Alfred Molina, Sigourney Weaver, Maria Bello, Jason Isaac

Genres: Drama, Action/Adventure

Running Time: 1 hour. 36 minutes

Release Date: September 23rd, 2011

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: I will say, this is not the typical cheesy action plot, however, a good movie, it is not. Our young hero, Taylor Lautner, and Lily Collins, who plays his love interest, have the chemistry of two paper bags, and the acting chops to match. The acting of the entire cast is actually laughably poor throughout 'Abduction', which I found somewhat surprising given a supporting cast consisting of Maria Bello and Sigourney Weaver.

Overall, 'Abduction' can safely be missed. In fact, save your pennies and your time and skip this one.

Grade: 5.5

Colombiana

Title: Colombiana

Directed by: Oliver Megaton

Starring: Zoe Zaldana, Michael Vartan, Amandla Stenberg

Genres: Action, Thriller

Running Time: 1 hour. 45 minutes

Release Date: August 26th, 2011

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: 'Colombiana' is a classic "child-sees-parents-get-killed-grows-up-seeking-revenge" tale, and as such it is quite predictable. It is action packed, explosive, and filled with fight scenes.

Of course, the notion that a 95 lbs chick would be able to throw 200+ lbs guys around like she's had a dose of Hulk-making radiation is completely ridiculous, unless she really was a female Hulk. And as Zoe Saldana does not bust through her clothes and turn green in this flick (although, with the wardrobe she does have at her disposal, we get to see just as much of Ms. Saldana as if she would have exploded out of her clothes), the notion is back to being ridiculous. But this is popcorn entertainment, so let's not focus on that detail.

All in all, 'Colombiana' delivers what's expected; a sexy action flick, all style and no substance, for some light entertainment. Bring your teenage little brother and his High School buddies, they seem to be the target audience for this flick.

Grade: 6

Cowboys & Aliens

Title: Cowboys & Aliens

Directed by: Jon Favreau

Starring: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde, Sam Rockwell, Adam Beach, Paul Dano

Genres: Western, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Thriller, Action/Adventure, Adaptation

Running Time: 1 hour. 58 minutes

Release Date: July 29th, 2011

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: 'Cowboys & Aliens' is a film with an identity crisis. It starts as a Western, then morphs into a Sci-Fi flick, with some flickers of Action, Adventure, End-of-The-World, and sprinkles of Romance. I decided to give up trying to label this film, and, much to my surprise, I found myself entertained.

I'm usually not a big fan of Daniel Craig films, as I find his lack of acting skills distracting. Here, he is joined by a pretty interesting cast, which aid to dilute his ineptitude, and this is what saves the film. All in all, 'Cowboys & Aliens' is surprisingly entertaining.

Grade: 6

Water For Elephants

Title: Water For Elephants

Directed by: Francis Lawrence

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Christoph Waltz

Genres: Drama

Running Time: 2 hour. 1 minutes

Release Date: April 22nd, 2011

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: Water for Elephants, while I wouldn't call it a great, I can't deny that it is a very pretty film. However, it lacks in substance. Furthermore, the chemistry between Witherspoon and Pattinson is nonexistent. Waltz does a great bad guy, as always, and the elephant is adorable.

Grade: 6

Red Riding Hood

Title: Red Hiding Hood

Directed by: Catherine Hardwicke

Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Shiloh Fernandez, Gary Oldman, Julie Christie, Maz Irons, Virginia Madsen

Genres: Horror, Thriller, Romance, Suspense, Fantasy

Running Time: 2 hours. 0 minutes

Release Date: March 11th, 2011

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: While I can't say that I am looking forward to another Catherine Hardwick film, after her last one, the story about the little Red Riding Hood is epic, and I'm a sucker for a classic fairy tales. This adaptation looked very visually interesting, so I thought maybe, just maybe, this one has a chance.

And 'Red Riding Hood' definitely is visually dynamic, and it is easy to recognize Ms. Hardwick's directorial flavor, last seen in the first movie adaptation of 'Twilight'. Once again, Ms. Hardwick falls short of a great film, although 'Red Riding Hood' is definitely an improvement on her previous work.

Grade: 6

Eat, Pray, Love

Title: Eat, Pray, Love

Directed by: Ryan Murphy

Starring: Julia Roberts, James Franco, Viola Davis, Billy Crudup, Javier Bardem

Genres: Romance, Drama, Adaptation

Running Time: 2 hours. 13 minutes

Release Date: August 13th, 2010

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: After having read, and enjoyed, the book, I went and watched this film by myself (I know, shocking since it is a romantic film). I didn't enjoy the film half as much as the book, and literary sat there thinking "this is a terrible adaptation" throughout the film. However, as it ended, I was surprised to actually leave the theater with somewhat of a positive impression. Although most of what connected me to the story as a reader is missing, some parts of the "follow your heart, go your own way, make yourself happy" takeaway was still there, however hard you have to look for it through the Hollywood-ized popcorn film this story has been turned into. The idea of this journey of self-discovery is still accessible, and the scenery is lovely. Further more, some of the supporting performances are quite nice, and Julia is always Julia.

If you enjoy dime-a-dozen Julia romance flicks you should catch this one. If you would like a great story, stick to the book.

Grade: 6

Salt

Title: Salt
Directed by: Phillip Noyce
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Andre Braugher
Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama, Thriller
Running Time: 1 hour. 39 minutes
Release Date: July 23rd, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG-13


Review: Jolie is gorgeous, of course, that goes without saying. She does just as well as a lead action hero as any other Hollywood star, and the same goes for her ass-kicking skills. Her foreign language abilities are better then most (Daniel Craig in 'Defiance', anyone?), and she has the "if looks could kill" stare down pat. In fact, I prefer her stare down to a lot of other Hollywood actors. In fact, I would have her stare me down all day long, if I never had to see Gerard Butler try "the look" ever again. So what is the problem?

Well, the problem lies not with Jolie, nor with the rest of the cast. They are all doing their jobs well. The problem is the plot itself, as it is very weak. To pick on anything else, such as the ridiculous twists or the play with the laws of physics would be unfair. After all, this is a Hollywood blockbuster action flick. The ridiculousness comes with the territory.

If you are looking for action, things getting blown to pieces, death defying stunt sequences, and lots of combat, you've come to the right place. If you are looking for a grounded, realistic plot with well developed characters, and even the smallest hint of common sense, you really should not be looking to Hollywood for that, should you?

Grade: 6

Killers

Title: Killers
Directed by: Robert Liketic
Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Katherine Heigl, Tom Selleck, Catherine O'Hara, Katheryn Winnick
Genres: Action/Adventure, Thriller
Running Time: 1 hour. 40 minutes
Release Date: June 4th, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG-13


Review: 'Killers' is pretty entertaining for being a pretty typical Rom-Com (which is really what it should be categorized as). Both leads are suitable for this kind of work. The flick is action-packed, predictable, cutesy, and slightly funny on occasion - typical fare of the "American date movie" type. If that is what you are looking for, it shouldn't disappoint.

Grade: 6

Youth In Revolt

Title: Youth In Revolt
Directed by: Miguel Arteta
Starring: Michael Cera, Portia Doubleday, Jean Smart, Zach Galifinanakis, Erik Knudsen
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Adaptation, Family
Running Time: 1 hour. 30 minutes
Release Date: January 8th, 2010
MPAA Rating: R

Review: Micheal Cera as his alter ego is absolutely brilliant. Michael Cera as Nick has his moments of hilarity. The rest of the film; from lightly giggle-inducing to jawdroppingly awful. The first real disappointment of the new year. Please, please, pretty please, let it get better from here.

Grade: 6

The International

Title: The International
Directed by: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Clive Own, Naomi Watts, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Ulrich Thomsen, Brian O Byrne
Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama and Thriller
Running Time: 1 hour.58 minutes
Release Date: February 13th, 2009
MPAA Rating: R

Review: 'The International' is a popcorn action/thriller which is predictable but fairly entertaining. In other words; typical blockbuster fair with a financial-flavored conspiracy twist. It does create some excitement and tension, but fails to hold on to it throughout the movie. Would have been much improved by some tighter editing shaving off 15-20 minutes. Suitable for DVD consumption.

Grade: 6

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

Title: Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist
Directed by: Pete Sollett
Starring: Michael Cera, Kat Dennings, Ari Graynor, Rafi Gavron, Alexis Dziena
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Running Time: 1 hour.30minutes
Release Date: October 3rd, 2008
MPAA Rating:PG-13
Review: Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist is a good, funny, and pretty random movie. It is not a laugh out loud movie, but more of a chuckle movie. As always Michael Cera is adorable, and Kat Dennings was, to me at least, a nice surprise.

Rating: 6