Released the week of April 1st.

The following are the general release films from this week. I did not include the limited releases as I do not have access to them as yet but will include them when/if they are ever on general release.

Source Code

Director: Duncan Jones
Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga
Studio: Summit Entertainment

The Plot: An experimental government program sends soldier Colter Stevens (Gyllenhaal) back in time, where he wakes up in the body of a commuter who witnesses a train bombing. Presented with just 8 minutes to figure out who is responsible, his mission is further complicated by his feelings for a fellow passenger (Monaghan). 

My Take:  Okay another time travel romp that's chock full of drama. The visuals have me intrigued but the remainder of the movie is kinda played out (anyone remember Deja Vu?). With only 8 minutes each trip it will be  a lesson in how many different ways that teh train can be blown up/destroyed killing everyone. I think I might pass on this one and wait for the DVD.

Insidious

Director: James Wan
Stars: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins
Studio: FilmDistrict

The Plot: A family looks to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further.

My Take: {Insert sarcasm here} Yay! Another horror movie. {end sarcasm} Is it really necessary for us to have yet another horror movie centering around possessed children? As I am not a big fan of horror movies in general (not since Nightmare on Elm Street ended) there seems to be no end to the amount of bad, cheap, and generally uninteresting string of horror movies. I think I'll pass on this one as well.

Super

Director: James Gunn
Stars: Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler
Studio: IFC Midnight

The Plot: An everyday guy (Wilson) transforms himself into wannabe superhero the Crimson Bolt after his wife leaves him for Jacques (Bacon), a suave drug-dealer. Joined by teen-sidekick Libby (Page), the duo engage in war against crime and look to take down Jacques and his empire. 

 My Take: Another cheap super-hero knock-off movie. While it certainly has potential to be a fun and interesting film, I'm sure it will be overshadowed by the bigger budget films. It might be worth a look on DVD but I don't think this ones for the theater for me.

Hop

Director: Tim Hill
Stars: Russell Brand, James Marsden, Elizabeth Perkins
Studio: Universal Pictures

The Plot: E.B. (voice of Brand), the Easter Bunny's teenage son, heads to Hollywood, determined to become a drummer in a rock 'n' roll band. In LA, he's taken in by Fred (Marsden) after the out-of-work slacker hits E.B. with his car.

 My Take: From the makers of Despicable Me we have a fun romp through live-action and animation about a wise-cracking teenage son of the Easter Bunny that is just trying to find his way in life. Now while this has awesome potential for hilarity the trailer has left me kind of cold to it. I'm sure its better than most tales around this time of year about the same subject matter but I still think there are otehr films more worthy of my hard-earned dollars. DVD for me on this one but if you have children or just like family movies than by all means see this one.

Aliens and Geeks run amok. Amok I say!

The Previews

Bad Teacher
A comedy centered around a foul-mouthed, junior high teacher who, after being dumped by her sugar daddy, begins to woo a colleague -- a move that pits her against a well-loved teacher.
Another in a long line of comedies that are not very funny. If you like foul-mouthed slap-stick comedy then this one is for you. I personally will probably not see this one unless I am forced to watch it or I am supremely bored. Releases on June 24, 2011.

Bridesmaids
A comedy centered on two women battling to plan their friend's wedding party. 
A romantic comedy for those that love to laugh at and watch the perils of a wedding and all the wackiness that leads up to it.Might be worth a watch if I am willing to punish myself for about 90 mins. Releases on May 13, 2011.

X-Men First Class
In 1963, Charles Xavier starts up a school and later a team, for humans with superhuman abilities. Among them is Erik Lensherr, his best friend... and future archenemy. 
Another film in the ongoing X-Men franchise. Although its a superhero movie I  am still unsure about it since the previous movies have left me with a feeling of dread. I do have to applaud the producers and director for a valiant attempt to continue the franchise but the continual retcon of the universe has left me with a bad feeling. The movies have nothing in common with the comics other than character names and abilities and maybe a few plot points but other than that they are completely different. If there is nothing else conflicting I might go see this on in the theater but it might be worth a watch to see all the changes. Releases on June 3, 2011.

Your Highness
When Prince Fabious's bride is kidnapped, he goes on a quest to rescue her... accompanied by his lazy useless brother Thadeous. 
A high fantasy farce that has all the elements of a quality comedy except that it looks supremely predictable and forced. This is one for a rental if I am in the mood for a low-brow comedy. Releases on April 8, 2011.

Paul
Okay i had the privilege of watching one of the truly great comedy duos of the last 10 years or so this past weekend. Simon Peeg and Nick frost have hit comedy gold once again in one the best films to highlight geeks in who knows how long. I just have one word for you in this regards, brilliant!

Paul is a geeks dream movie. It has all the earmarks and Easter eggs to keep me watching for years to come. I will certainly purchase this one on DVD as well as possibly see it in the theaters once more. For those of you that know nothing of this film it is not to you detriment as you will certainly enjoy the sophomoric humor as well as the inside jokes that poke ultimate fun  at the various sci-fi genres as well including references to Star Trek, Star Wars, Aliens, as well as other favorite franchises. I do not want to spoil anyone's enjoyment of the film so I will remain quiet about the guest appearances and other inside jokes.

All in all this is a fun-filled romp for most adults and is definitely not for children. Be warned there is no shortage of swearing and sexual innuendos.

Entertainment: 5
Family-Friendly: 2
Special Effects: 5
Plot: 5

Released this week of March 25th, 2011

The following are the general reaase films from this week. I did not include the limited releases as I do not have access to them as yet but will include them when/if they are ever on general release.

Sucker Punch

Director: Zack Snyder
Stars: Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens, Abbie Cornish
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

The Plot: After Babydoll (Browning) is institutionalized by her wicked stepfather, she creates a dream world that helps her cope with her harsh reality. Determined to free herself, she invites Rocket (Malone), Sweet Pea (Cornish), Blondie (Hudgens), and Amber (Chung) to join her in a fight against their captors.

My Take: Based on the trailer I have no problem with this movie. In fact I would love to go see it but the person I most likely to see movies with is not interested so I guess it a guys night out then (the ladies may not enjoy it as much but if yours does then by all means take to see this movie). The graphics and visuals make me think of some of the most popular video games out there right now. Let's face it who doesn't want to see their favorite video game up on the big screen? I know I do! This is a must see for me as it is a total guy film and well worth the entry fee. This movie most likely will receive hideously bad reviews from the so-called specialists but I reserve judgment until I have seen it for myself.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

Director: David Bowers
Stars: Zachary Gordon, Devon Bostick, Robert Capron
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

The Plot: Back in middle school after summer vacation, Greg Heffley (Gordon) and his older brother Rodrick (Bostick) must deal with their parents' misguided attempts to have them bond.

My Take:  Another kid friendly movie based on a popular book series. As I am not a pre-teen or have any in my circle of friends/family this is of little interest to me but if you have kids that read the books or just want them to see a good movie about how to deal with life in junior/high school then by all means I think this one might be for you.

of Lizards and the Wild West

The trailers for Rango are coming soon. Until they arrive here then on with the review. (It seems that I am woefully behind in my updating this here blog. I did see this movie almost 2 weeks ago, so I hope that it helps regardless. Maybe for the DVD release if nothing else.)


Rango
So I'm sure you heard by now that the newest animated film from Nickelodeon Movies and several independent production companies has been rocking the Box Office and to be honest there is a really good reason for that. Rango is a quality film. Regardless of the fact of who is starring in it (Johhny Depp duh!) it has a certain appeal to old and young viewers. There were some points that might be scary to younger viewers but overall it was a decent film. I do admit that it was not my first choice in films but it certainly turned out to be one of the best choices I could have made this last weekend.

I would recommend this film to anyone that likes surreal adventures of anthropomorphic animals.

Entertainment: 5
Family-Friendly: 4
Special Effects: 4
Plot: 5