"Casino Royale"

Daniel Craig
Eva Green
Mads Mikkelsen
Jeffrey Wright
Judi Dench
Giancarlo Giannini
Caterina Murino
Simon Abkarian
Issac de Baneole
Jesper Christensen
Ivana Milicevic


PG13           144min           2006


Casino Royale introduces James Bond before he holds his license to kill. But Bond is no less dangerous and with two professional assassinations in quick succession, he is elevated to “00” status. “M” (Judi Dench), head of the British Secret Service, sends the newly – promoted 007 on his first mission that takes him to Madagascar. The Bahamas and eventually leads him to Montenegro to face Le Chiffre, a ruthless financier under threat from his terrorist clientele, who is attempting to restore his funds in a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale. “M” places Bond under the watchful eye of the Treasury official Vesper Lynd. At first skeptical of what value Vesper can provide. Bond’s interest in her deepens as they brave danger together. Le Chiffre’s cunning and cruelty come to bear on them both in a way Bond could never imagine and he learns his most important lesson: Trust no one.

I have watch several of the Bond movies never really being a fan until Pierce Brosnan took over the role but at the same time finding them not the best in the series. Casino Royale was seeing how he began and what made him the man in the earlier films. I found that Daniel Craig is by far the best Bond. He the spy that I imagined Bond should have been.

Daniel Craig showed how dynamic Bond could be. Showcasing a memorable villains and Bond girls, "Casino Royale" is a film to restart the series. Over the decades, Bond has become stale and this film invigorates the series for a new generation. It also gives the fans that have never read the books several important events that make Bond, Bond.

Eva Green and Caterina Murino add to the allure of the Bond Girls. Eva Green’s Vesper Lynd is the most significant of all of Bond Girls. She essentially is the woman behind the man, the myth, the legend. She is the woman who teaches Bond his lesson.

"Casino Royale" is a good action film. It hits all the right beats at all the right moments. It keeps you engrossed in the action from beginning to end, which comes on a high note. When it end you never feel like over two hours have past.

This is a two Disc DVD. The second disc has all the special features. There is one featurette on Craig becoming Bond named “Becoming Bond”. The second feature is about the stunts of the Casino Royale: “James Bond: For Real”. The third featurette is called “Bond Girls are Forever” highlight all the Bond Girls of the Bond Series. The final features on this disc are a music video by Chris Cornell “You Know My Name” and movie trailers for: “Premonition”, “Spider-Man 3”, “Rocky Balboa”, “The Pursuit of Happyness”, “The Holiday”, and “Spider-Man 2.1”.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

"Mr. Fix It"

David Boreanaz
Alana de la Garza
Scoot McNairy
Pat Healy
Lee Weaver
Terrence Evans
Rodney Rowland
Herschel Bleefeld
Gemini Barnett
Daniel Smith
Paul Sorvino


R           95min           2006


Lance Valentine (David Boreanaz) makes a living as “Mr. Fix It”, a man who gets hired by men that have just recently been dumped bu their girlfriend. Lance dates the guys’ ex-girlfriend and becomes the worst date possible, sending then girl back into her ex-boyfriend’s arms. But when Lance gets hired by Bill Smith (Pat Healy) to get Sophia Fiori (Alana de la Garza) back, Lance, for the first time, starts falling for one of his marks. – from imdb


Mr. Fix It is a film that under-performed to its potential. It just did not click with me. I expected more. This film needed more work before its release.

The acting clashed with the script. The lines, action, and plot was cheesy and over the top. Boreanaz and de la Garza did not have any chemistry on film. It was just two beautiful people acting and that is what it felt and looked like.

Nothing in Mr. Fix It seemed believable. The low budget of the film hurt the film. As a viewer you become accustom to certain things in the films and when they are missing its comes blaringly across. Most of all the scenes felt artificial.

If you only familiar with Boreanaz as Angel or Booth you should check out this film, it gives another character in his resume. If you are a fan of Alana de la Garza, you will not be disappointed but she does set the on fire.

I give it 1/5 Gs.

"Hoot"

Luke Wilson
Logan Lerman
Brie Larson
Cody Linely
Tim Blake Nelson
Neil Flynn
Robert Wagner
Clark Gregg
Kiersten Warren
Jessica Cauffiel


PG           90min           2006


A young man (Lerman) moves from Montana to Florida with his family, where he’s compelled to engage in a fight to protect a population of endangered owls.

"Hoot" is a film geared to a younger audience. The whole family can appreciate this film. It gives an entertaining tale while trying display an important message.

It is one of those films that’s truly geared to younger audiences. It has kids standing up to the grownups, who do not listen to the kids even though they are right. It displays cute wildlife that will tug at your heart the moment they are on the screen.

Even with it geared to younger audiences the whole family can appreciate "Hoot". It has enough action that parents will find this film bearable. Its parents a message that they want to impart to their child. Teenager will find it entertaining because of the rebellious nature of the kids in this film.

Hoot has a responsible story about living harmoniously with nature. Showing that its important to standup for your believes even if you are in the minority. It shows that we as humans must find a balance between progress and protecting nature.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"Aquamarine"

Emma Roberts
Joanna “JoJo” Levesque
Sara Paxton
Jake McDorman
Arielle Kebbel
Claudia Karvan
Bruce Spence
Tammin Sursok
Roy Billings
Julia Blake
Shaun Micallef


PG           103min           2006


It’s the end of the summer and Claire (Roberts) and Hailey (JoJo) have a major problem. In just five days, Hailey’s family is moving halfway around the world! These girls need a major miracle, and they get one in the form of Aquamarine, a beautiful mermaid who washes ashore in a late summer storm. Sweet but clueless to the ways of romance, she offers to grant the girls one wish if they help her fin the boy of her dreams. But when they attempt to reel in the cute local lifeguard, the result is something none of them expect… and they discover that sometimes what you wish for isn’t what you really want after all. – from the backcover

I’m not the target audience and was clear aware of it as I watched this movie. This is a film designed for younger kids. I think kids will enjoy the story and parent can appreciate the message that the film is telling. I think that all three stars have potential for better things when there demography gets older.

"Aquamaarine" story caters to the tweens and below. Although adults can appreciate the message of the film it’s not for them to watch. This message is wholesome and at its heart is a funny little family movie. It’s a message that can be appreciated but the packaging leaves something to be desired.

Emma Roberts, JoJo, and Sara Paxton are triple threats to the tweeny nation. Roberts is a of top Hollywood leagacy. Joanna “JoJo” Levesque is the pop sensation transiting into another career. Sara Paxton you could consider the veteran of the three having been seen in film, television, and medleys of soundtracks. It will be interesting to see where each goes as they mature with there demograhic.

It has the wish fulfillment of the wonder that makes Disney so popular. "Aquamaarine" has themes that will resonate with tweenys and young teenagers. If you are a parent looking for something that will entertain your children and not have to worry about the content this is your movie.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"An Inconvenient Truth"

Former Vice-President Al Gore presents a eye opening and compelling view of the future of our planet and our civilization in the MUST SEE documentary of the year. This is a wake up call that cuts through myths and misconceptions to deliver the message that global warning is a real and present danger.

“An Inconvenient Truth” brings home Gore’s persuasive argument that we must act now to save the earth. Each and every one of us can make changes in the ways in which we live our lives and BECOME PART OF THE SOLUTION.


Unrated           90min           2006

"An Inconvenient Truth" is a film that everyone should have seen. It very well maybe the catalyst for the popularity of “Going Green”. Everyone is “green” about something but what Mr. Gore has talked about has been know for years.

What surprises me is that now when were at the critic everyone wants change; when gas gets to be 5 dollars a gallon now everyone wants change. Why did it take over twenty years for people to finally listen and take notice to the damage the world is facing. It’s a world we are inheriting from our parents and grandparents.

"An Inconvenient Truth" is just that. It’s the truth that was too inconvenient for our parents and grandparent to listen too. What is great about this film is that with all the scientific information given Mr. Gore still paints a picture of hope.

It’s that hope that has driven our generation to makes changes and hope that the sins of our parent can be fixed but us. It’s about making little changes that will lead to bigger changes. Even the littlest of changes can affect our odds of survival. When drought is facing the southeast, fires to the west, and floods in middle of the United States, these are just a few examples of the world crying out for help.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

"We Are Marshall"

Matthew McConaughey
Matthew Fox
Ian McShane
Kate Mara
Anthony Mackie
January Jones
Kimberely Williams-Paisley
Brian Geraghty
David Stritharn
L. Warrren Young
Arlen Escarpeta

PG           131min           2006


A true story about a small town’s effort to rebuild after a tragic plane crash killed nearly the entire football team and coaching staff of Marshall University. Jack Lengyel took the job no one wanted: to rebuild Marshall’s football team and restore hope and strength in a grieving community.

"We Are Marshall" is most dramatic and inspiring football movie. It made me run the gambit of emotions. Learning the history behind Marshall University made me appreciate the team and all that it has accomplished.

Most times a football movie gets either the drama right, or the football right but “We Are Marshall” found a way to accomplish both and be respectful to the memory of this tragedy. It’s on that will live in your memory months after you have watched it. It shows the resilient side of the human spirit. The even facing insurmountable odd the human spirit can still rise. After watching this film you will never see Marshall, planes, and the tragedy of death that same way again.

I give it 5/5 GS.

"The Last Time"

Michael Keaton
Brendan Fraser
Amber Valletta
Daniel Stern
Neal McDonough
Michael Lerner
Michael G. Hagerty
Alexis Cruz
William Ragsdale


R           97min           2006


Ted is a successful New York salesman who rediscovers a lust for life after falling for the fiancée of his new sales partner, Jamie, a transfer from the Midwest. Ted’s guilt over the affair prompts him to feed Jamie his sales in an effort to keep him afloat in the company.

"The Last Time" starts out one thing and turns into another. This is a story that has been done several times before. It’s how quickly this film changes on you that makes it interesting. The cast of Keaton and Fraser is interesting in how very different you conceive each character to be.

Keaton’s character is an everyday man version of his Bruce Wayne. Brendan Fraser is a bumbling salesman from the Midwest. Amber Valletta plays his supporting wife that has an affair with Keaton. Daniel Stern plays Keaton’s office manager struggling to keep his office afloat.

"The Last Time" is a standard thriller until the ending. The ending makes this film is worth a look because it is surprising and I was not expecting it. Once you see the ending the whole film takes on another connotation. Everything you think you know you is the old bait and switch.

When watch keep in mind that it has a slow start up to, common to most magic tricks. Once setup the film finishes at a full out sprint. It finishes at a pace that left me a little unsatisfied.

I give it 2/5 Gs.

"The Contract"

Morgan Freeman
John Cusack
Jamie Anderson
Alice Krige
Megan Dodds
Bill Smitrovich
Ned Bellamy




R           96min           2006


While on a hiking trip to reconnect with his son, Ray Keene (John Cusack) stumbles into a nightmare scenario of paid assassins and ex-military guns-for-hire. Frank Cardin (Morgan Freeman) is attempting to fulfill a contract to assassinate a high profile businessman when things go awry and he ends up he ends up in the custody of the U.S. Marshals. After an ill-fated attempt by his compatriots to free him Frank, finds himself in the custody of ex-lawman Ray and his son (Jamie Anderson). As they try to make their way back to civilization Franks’ friends who are intent on freeing their leader in order to collect on the contract relentlessly pursue them. But one may be move foe than friend. – from the back cover

"The Contract" is a bland action adventure masquerading as a character drama. Showcasing some of Hollywood’s veteran character actors trying to be action stars. The story was very predictable and yet still unbelievable. Only if you are a fan of Morgan Freeman or John Cusack would I recommend this film to others.

Morgan Freeman and John Cusack show their acting skills but the plot of the film does lend itself to their strengths. Freeman is supposed to be a bad ass black ops agent that could kick the average man ass. Cusack is supposed to be a former cop turned gym teacher. Both miscast in their respective parts.

The story is truly predictable. You know that the lowly John McClain wanna be is going to save the day. The guy is supposed to be able to take on former special ops soldiers turned black op killers in open terrain no less. I could never truly believe the luck Keene faced during "The Contract".

There is just one featurette on the behind of the scene and many movie trailers. The following trailers are on the DVD: “10 Items or Less”, “Journey to the End of the Night”, “The Propositiion”, “Relative Strangers”, “The Dead Girl”, “The Breed”, and “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints”.

I give it 2/5 Gs.

"Gray Matters"

Heather Graham
Thomas Cavanagh
Bridget Moynahan
Molly Shannon
Alan Cumming
Sissy Spacek
Rachel Shelley



PG13           96min           2007


Thirty-something New Yorker, Gray (Graham) shares just about everything with her wisecracking brother, Sam (Cavanagh): old movies, swing, dancing and – much to her surprise – an attraction to his gorgeous new girlfriend, Charlie (Moynahan). Never having realized she might be gay, Gray’s confusion turns to desperation as she follows the “expert” advice of clueless friends, shrinks and strangers. –from the back cover

"Gray Matters" is a romantic comedy that is the poster child for lesbian liberation. I’m not a twin but I know a set of twins; I found the Gray and Sam’s relationship was a little creepy.

This film shows one instant of a lesbian woman coming out to a loving and understanding family. In fact they realized it long before she did which I find completely funny. If they had a clue may they should have clued her in.

The filmmakers downplayed the enormity of her coming out for the light and comical. When Gray realizes that she may be gay she adjust really well, stumblingly a little bit but finding her strive quite quickly, I little how the ending metaphoric of Gray’s journey and everything was right in her world.

Sam and Gray’s relationship in the beginning is a little dysfunctional. It’s even played up in the comedy. If they weren’t twins they would have been perfect for each other. They had truly formed a symbiosis with each other, broken when Charlie comes into the picture.

Sissy Spacek was under used as a therapist that needs a little therapy herself. She is a scary therapist that looks to be a little too unconventional to be effective. Molly Shannon at point stole the comedic spotlight as a woman obsessed with the drama of soap operas.

I think "Gray Matters" can be like by anyone. The cast is talented and does a good job with the material. The find the humor and are still respectful to the situation of Gray. More than anything its just a funny romantic comedy with a new twist on a love triangle.

On the "Gray Matters" DVD there is only a promotional trailer being displayed as a behind the scene featurette and a theatrical trailer. It does however have movie previews for “The Illusionist”, “Winter Passing”, “Find Me Guilty”, and “Haven”.

I give 3/5 Gs.

"Fifty Pills"

Lou Taylor Pucci
Kristen Bell
John Hensley
Nora Zehetner
Michael Pena
Jane Lynch
Monica Keena
Eddie Kaye Thomas



Unrated           83min           2006



Darren Giles (Lou Taylor Pucci, “Southland Tales”) has lost his college scholarship and doesn’t have the cash to stay in college another semester. Unless he can survive a teenage dominatrix and New York’s biggest drug mogul, convince his parents he’s not gay, write a passing paper on Dante’s Inferno, escape three thugs chasing the wrong guy, and sell fifty pills of Ecstasy in time to make his tuition payment, he’ll never get the chance to date the girl of his dreams (Kristen Bell, TV’s Veronica Mars). – from the back cover

“Fifty Pills” is a quirky low budget indie film. I was drawn to it because of the actors in the film but was pleased by the story being told. Taking place over one day our protagonist meets some of the strangest characters during the day. It’s may not a story you would tell your children or grandchildren but one you would tell your friends you meet after college.

This is a film that you truly just want to find out what trouble Darren will get into over these fifty pills. Every character in this film had some kind out growth. What’s left after this film would make an interesting serial of some kind. He’s left at the turning point and could go several ways.

If you’re a fan of any one of the actors in “Fifty Pills” then you will like this film. If you’re a fan of off the beat path comedic indie film this will appeal to you. Although it concludes the story of fifty pills there is so much that could be explored with this eclectic characters.

This DVD is low on features. It has deleted and extended scenes. There is a behind the scenes featurette. There is a auto commentary by the film makers. There are movie previews fro “Beer League”, “Soup of the Day”, “Glow Ropes”, and “The Big White”.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"Alpha Dog"

Ben Foster
Shawn Hatosy
Emile Hirsch
Chris Marquette
Justin Timberlake
Anton Yelchin
Sharon Stone
Bruce Willis
Amanda Seyfried
Olivia Wilde

R           118min           2006


They grew up together in the suburbs of LA, living their own version of the American dream, with every day a blur of partying and looking for the next thrill. Johnny (Emile Hirsch, “Lords of Dogtown”) is the leader in their sordid world of drugs, greed, power and privilege. But when he is double-crossed by another dealer, things quickly begin to spiral out of control, and an impulsive kidnapping leads to a shocking conclusion. – from the back cover

Inspired by the life of Jesse James Hollywood and the kidnap and murder of Nicholas Markowitz. It’s a stark reminder of what happens when parents don’t take the time to get involved in their children’s lives. Several people along the way had chances to change the outcome and that is what is so tragic about this story. It’s also one of the reason everyone should see this movie.

"Alpha Dog" is heartbreaking cautionary tale. It should be a wake up call to parents and make kids realize that they are not invincible and should be mindful of their surroundings. But the fact that nearly forty people knew he was kidnapped and didn’t report it is an egregious criminal negligent on their part. Some of that forty should be charged to. Evil prospers when good people do nothing.

For his part Nick Cassavetes does a great job of capturing the heart of this story. He shows that negligence comes in many forms and that we must be mindful of them. If just one person would have decided to be an individual and notified the police, Marzursky would be alive. Even with knowning how this story ends it still a gripping thriller.

"Alpha Dog" is one of those film that I just could not believe that it happened. Once I took a step back and just analyzed the individual step it just show the darker side of man’s potential. Man’s nature is to be self-serving until the day he dies. It also showed that the destructive nature of man is like dropping a pebble in a pond it has everlasting ripples.

This DVD has only two special features. One special feature is a making of featurette on “Alpha Dog”. The other special feature is a timeline of the eyewitnesses. The also have clips from the movie. There are movie previews for “Breach”, “Children of Men”, “Smokin Aces”, “Hot Fuzz” and “The Hitcher”.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

"Bickford Shmeckler's Cool Ideas"

Patrick Fugit
Olivia Wilde
Fran Kranz
John Cho
Clark Gregg
Cheryl Hines
Matthew Lillard
Reid Scott
Greg Pitts


R           80min           2006


When a sexy co-ed (Olivia Wilde) steals a book of mind-blowing theories written by brilliant but troubled college student Bickford Shmeckler (Patrick Fugit), his world is turned upside down. From the creators of American Pie, this wild rollercoaster ride to reclaim his book is an award winning clever comedy starring some of today’s hottest stars. – from the back cover

"Bickford Shmeckler's Cool Ideas" is a funny little comedy with quirky performances. This is a film with a story that been shown before but capture me do to the “prop of the movie”, The Book. It’s an old reliable comedy end predictably more about the journey that the destination.

Throughout the movie it has the obligatory jokes, the standard comedic situations, and the plot for a teen comedy. ‘The Book’ is the comic prop of the movie. This book gave most everyone that read it the funniest reaction. It was a book that I would love to have read. What were Bickford Shmeckler’s Cool Ideas?

"Bickford Shmeckler's Cool Ideas" is a comedy the journey more than about the destination. You know who’s it’s going to end but its everything that happens before that is interesting. Like why he gets so bent out of shape when the things in his life happen? There is so much happening within this small window of time in the lives of these characters. I think it would make a funny comedy.

I felt Fugit underplays Bickford’s troubles until you find out what they are and what caused them. Matthew Lillard plays a mentally unhinged homeless person that finds the funniest of cures when he comes to Bickford for help. John Cho and the merry band of Reality Isn’t Club are complete hilarity. Yes there are some over performances but they work in the confidences fo this film. Olivia Wilde again plays a believable smoked-out co-ed, who precipitates the drama of this story.

"Bickford Shmeckler's Cool Ideas" is a bare DVD. It has a featurette “Living With Lew” talking about the director’s life with ALS. There is DVD-ROM content showing the ‘Dungeons and Dragons Character Sheet’. It has movie previews for “I’m Reed Fish” and “Rx”.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"Bobby Z"

Paul Walker
Laurence Fishburne
Olivia Wilde
Keith Carradine
Joaquim de Almeida
Jason Lewis
JR Villarreal
Jacob Vargas
M.C. Gainey

R           94min           2006

Marked for death by a biker gang, ex-Marine convict Tim Kearney (Paul Walker, Into the Blue) just got one last chance to walk out of jail alive. A scheming DEA agent (Laurence Fishburne, Mission: Impossible III) needs somebody to impersonate recently deceased drug lord Bobby Z… and Tim happens to be a dead ringer. It’s a risky proposition, but if Tim plays his part right, he may be able to claim Bobby Z’s smoking hot ex-girlfriend (Olivia Wilde, Alpha Dog) and a cool fortune in illegal profits. Unfortunately, taking on Bobby Z’s name also means taking on his bloodthirsty enemies. Caught in the crossfire, Tim runs for his life as he tries to find a way out of his deadly masquerade.

It’s based on a book "The Death and Life of Bobby Z" by Don Winslow. It wasn’t released in the theatres or for limited release. This was better than I expected. Paul Walker is in another part that plays to his strengths as an action star.

This is an example of the growing straight to DVD market. This film that may not have done well at the theatre but it had everything I look for in an entertaining film. It had action that didn’t overwhelm the film, and a cohesive story with a plausible ending.

“Bobby Z” showcased Paul Walker’s action star status. The action I think was choreographed with his martial arts training in mind. The fight scenes were dynamic. They looked like they really could have in real life.

Laurence Fishburne plays a corrupt FBI that was a reminiscent caricature of his cowboy character from Pee Wee’s Playhouse. The stand out in this film though was Olivia Wilde, she was stunning in every scene and you could see why every character on the screen coveted her. Joaquim de Almeida an under used actor in Hollywood films plays a Mexican Don that has a tone that you just know that he’s a man that is not to be cross.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"Babel"

Brad Pitt
Cate Blanchett
Gael Garíca Bernal
Rinko Kikuchi






R           148min           2006


Pain is universal… but so is hope. From acclaimed Director Alejandro González Inárritu (Amores Perros, 21 Grams) comes the third film in his trilogy, “Babel”, a critically celebrated and emotionally gripping film about the barriers that separate humankind.

A tragic accident in Morocco sets off a chain of events that willl link four groups of people who, divided by cultural differences and vast distances, will discover a shared destiny that ultimately connects them. Brad Pitt (Mr. And Mrs. Smith, Oceans 12), Academy Award Winner Cate Blanchett and Gael Garíca Bernal lead an outstanding international ensemble cast in this breakthrough film. – from the back cover

Let’s start by saying babel is defined as 1 a city in Shinar where the building of a tower is held in Genesis to have been halted by the confusion of tongues, 2a a confusion of sounds or voices, and 2b a scene of noise or confusion. Understanding the definition lends itself to the name of the film. Only knowing that it was critically acclaimed when I watched it I was thrown for a loop and truly lost in confusion.

“Babel” for the most of the film its told in a foreign language. Only about ten percent of this film is in English. This lends to the films name and the power of the film. For me it show how elitist me as an American has become.

Understanding only one language English I still understood the film. It’s told from four different perspectives that is nonlinear in its telling but intersect into one with a devastating event. It could almost be said that this is a examples of “Butterfly Effect” and Six Degrees of Separation Theories. I never truly grasped what had happened until I watched it with the close caption.

Once I watched “Babel” with the caption on I realize that no matter where you are in the world we are connected. Everything you touch affects something and someone in the most mundane to the most extreme of situations. It’s a powerful connection that can be used to change the world in numerous ways.

It features movie previews for “Black Snake Moan”, “Things We Left In the Fire”, “Perfume”, “Flags of our Fathers” and “An Inconvenient Truth”.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

"The Good Shephard"

Matt Damon
Angelina Jolie
Alec Baldwin
Tammy Blanchard
Billy Crudup
Robert De Niro
Keir Dullea
Michael Gambon
Martina Gedeck
William Hurt
Timothy Hutton
Mark Ivanier
Gabriel Macht
Lee Pace
Joe Pesci
Eddie Redmayner
John Sessions
Oleg Steton
John Turturro

R           168min           2006

Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, and Robert De Niro star in this powerful thriller about the birth of the CIA. Edward Wilson (Damon) believes in America, and will sacrifice everything he loves to protect it. But as one of the covert founders of the CIA, Edward’s youthful idealism is slowly eroded by his growing suspicion of the people around him. Everybody has secrets…but will Edward’s destroy him? With an all-star cast including Alec Baldwin, Billy Crudup, William Hurt, Timothy Hutton and John Turturro, “The Good Shepherd” is the gripping spellbinging story. – from the back cover

Chronicling the birth of the C.I.A. Robert De Niro brings to film a story that is a definite dramatization that is entertaining, engaging, provocative. If you didn’t know how dangerous and powerful the C.I.A. is then watching this film will give you an idea. Mr. De Niro give the viewer a complete picture into a small window of a world that most Americans will not want to peer through.

Matt Damon truly is one of Hollywood’s leading men. Damon leads an all-star cast and shows why he’s the best bargain in Hollywood. Damon captures the many facets of Edward Wilson from the ideal young college student to the paranoid amoral man that’s “the heart of the C.I.A.” Coming in at nearly three hour you never grow tired of this film and the next star that shows up on the screen.

It has sixteen minutes of deleted scenes. They only distracts from the perfect film that De Niro created. This is a must see film for anyone into films, history or looking for a great film to watch.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

"Larry the Cable Guy: Morning Constitutions

Larry the Cable Guy




Unrated           66min           2005


He has sold millions of comedy albums and DVDs, and is a two-time Grammy nominee. He was part of the hugely successful Blue Collar Comedy Tour, which generated three hit movies, multi-platinum-selling soundtracks, DVDs, and a television show, Larry is a New York Times bestselling author and a movie star (“Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector”, “Cars”, and “Delta Farce”). “Larry the Cable Guy: Morning Constitutions” was recorded live at the Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis and features all-new material. – from back cover

This is “blue collar” comedy at its best. Larry the Cable Guy brings the humor with a common mans touch. It’s so quick and witty that sometimes it will fly past you. He takes about situations that everyday people face all the time.

“Larry the Cable Guy: Morning Constitutions” is a comedy routine that shouldn’t be missed. If you are a fan of the “Blue Collar” Boys then you will be a fan of this DVD. He’s at the top of his game hitting a wide range of subjects. It’s definitely one of the best from those “Blue Collar” Boys.

The DVD is an hour of stand up routine performed by Larry the Cable Guy. It has little in the way of extra features; only a behind the scenes of stuff leading up to the recording of this performance. It has a preview for “Delta Farce”.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector"

Larry the Cable Guy
Iris Bahr
Bruce Bruce
Joanna Cassidy
Brooke Dillman
Tony Hale
David Koechner
Lisa Lampanelli
Meoyn Price
Thomas F. Wilson
Joe Pantoliano

PG13           90min           2006

“Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector” is Larry the Cable Guy’s feature film debut. He brings a truckload of one-liners to his role as a big-city health inspector, happily going form greasy spoon diners to low-rent ethnic restaurants. But his easy-going life turns upside-down when he’s teamed with a stiff, stright-laced rookie partner (Iris Bahr) and assigned the biggest case of his career: investigating food poisoning at the city’s swankiest restaurants. While running up against a hardnosed boss (Tom Wilson) and the shady Mayor (Joe Pantoliano) and an unscrupulous restaurant owner (Joanna Cassidy), his bad manners and unorthodox methods cost him his job. Larry is forced to go undercover to bring the conspirators to justice and “Git-R-Done!”

This is one of the worst films I have ever seen. I give that Larry the Cable Guy has funny “blue collar” humor but this was a waste of film. I want the time that I wasted on this film back and I can never get it. How does one get a disaster like this film made?

“Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector” is a train wreck from the very beginning. The only glimmer of light in this film was that it was full of Larry’s humor. This film is what happens when you try to tale a comedy routine and turn it into a movie. The story is absurd on a level that I have rarely seen.

This is a film that you rent or buy at your own risk. If you’re reading this review then you have been warned. If you have watched the film and are reading this, then apologizes to you. To Larry the Cable Guy PLEASE next time a script comes your way read it first and visualizes the final product.

I give it a rating of “End of Days”

"Children of Men"

Clive Owen
Julianne Moore
Michael Caine
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Charlie Hunnan




R           111min           2006

In the year 2027, eighteen years since the last baby was born, disillusioned Theo (Clive Owen) becomes an unlikely champion of the human race when he is asked by his former lover (Julianne Moore) to escort a young pregnant woman out of the country as quickly as possible. In a thrilling race against time, Theo will risk everything to deliver the miracle the whole world has been waiting for in “Children of Men”.—from the back cover

Changed in many aspects from the book, the film is easier to follow than it was to read. It shows a bleak outlook to humanities future.

There are many changes from the book to the film that changes the tone and message. Many things in the film are toned down and dulled. Much of the bleakness of the book has been changed to warring instead. In the book they used refugees to do manual labor in the film they are rounded up and put in containment camps. I found the film much easier to face than the book.

“Children of Men” shows a bleak future that is a real possibility. If man does change his habits in the industrialized world we could bring out this future and countless other possibilities. This is just one possibility told in the form of fiction. It’s a terror state that I never want to be alive for.

Having read the book first I knew what to expect. This is one of the first movies that I prefer to than the book. I’m not saying the movie is better than the book in fact its just the opposite. The book though is a mundane read but it hit on many political and social commentaries that are left out of the film.

“Children of Men” has several featurette explaining the different aspects of the film. ‘The Possibility of Hope’ is a documentary by Alfonso Cuarón on how the themes relate to the modern world. ‘Under Attack’ breaks down the dangerous scenes in the film. ‘Theo & Julian’ discusses with Clive Owen and Julianna Moore’s about their characters. ‘Futuristic Design’ looks at the director’s vision of the future from concept to its creation. There are a few deleted scenes.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"She's the Man"

Amanda Bynes
Channing Tatum
Laura Ramsey
Vinnie Jones
Robert Hoffman
Alex Breckinridge
Julie Hagerty
David Cross




PG13           105min           2006


Amanda Bynes proves that girls can do anything guys can do in “She's the Man”. The laughs are non-stop when Viola (Bynes) disguised as her twin brother Sebastian (James Kirk) joins the high school boys’ soccer team and helps win the big game while unexpectedly falling for Duke (Channing Tatum), the star forward. Viola discovers that dealing with high school politics and twisted love triangles is a major challenge when you’re a guy who’s really a girl. – from the back cover

Inspired by “Twelfth Night” by William Shakespeare but more of a re-imagine of “Just One of the Boys”, a title to a movie that I had to research as I saw this movie when I younger. Amanda Bynes leads a cast of beautiful people trying to seem like their lives are normal. It’s a movie that does what it set out to do is be funny.

“She's the Man” takes a lot of the names and places from the Shakespeare play and relies heavily on its plot. But as I was watching it I kept be reminded of this film that I saw when I was a kid and I just couldn’t remember the name. They play very similar to each other by following the same shtick or they are just following the line that William Shakespeare laid.

This is a cast of beautiful people in a beautiful world doing things that until recently people who have never done. Maybe Shakespeare wasn’t just a writer but a foreseer to and instead of making prophecies he wrote them into plays. There’s one moment when she steps out of the car that you believe she could be a boy. The rest of the time her voice betrays her, it sounds like a castrated six year old, which is fine for a girl. The old change in her voice is when she’s coaching Duke in one scene. Even though she’s not convincing to him as a boy she is a talented comedic actress.

“She's the Man” does what it set out to do…be funny. It set its characters in situations that were bound to be funny. Amanda Bynes carries the majority of the load but she also surrounded by some talented comics too. David Cross and Julie Hagerty make you laugh the minute they hit the screen. It’s a teen comedy classic depending on your taste.

This DVD is full of features. It has a director and cast commentary and a pop-up trivia track. It contains several deleted scenes and a gag reel. There is a boiler plate behind the scene make of featurette and a music video by Dave Lichens called “Let Go”, pay close attention to extras in the video many of them are former child stars of the 90’s. There are movie previews for “Over the Hedge”, “Failure to Launch”, Laguna Beach, Season 2”, and “All You’ve Got”.

I give it 2/5 Gs.

"My Super Ex-Girlfriend"

Uma Thurman
Luke Wilson
Anna Faris
Eddie Izzard
Rainn Wilson
Wanda Sykes
Mark Conseulos


PG13           96min           2006


Matt Saunders (Wilson) thinks he has found the perfect girlfriend in Jenny Johnson (Thurman), who just happens to be smart, sexy … and a superhero. But when Jenny turns out to be a needy, neurotic mess, Matt wants to call it quits. Jenny is crushed by the news and will stop at nothing to exact sweet revenge. “My Super Ex-Girlfriend” is an outrageous super-comedy that proves breaking up can be hard to do – and downright dangerous! – from the back cover

It’s the break-up from hell. It’s a film that tries to blend between the romantic comedy and teen sex comedy for adults. What comes out is a film that you know has been done before, it’s easily digestible but in the end it nothing special but its effects.

“My Super Ex-Girlfriend” is plotable even before you sit down to watch it. You know boy gets the girl; the boy breaks up with girl; girl terrorizes boy; someone comes along to help boy face girl. They both find happiness and all is well. What makes this film work is the situations that arise from this formula. There are some truly hilarious moments in this film.

Uma Thurman tries her hand at a comedy and his surround by talented comic actors. At moments, her performance feels awkward and she didn’t trust the in what was happening around her. Luke Wilson turns in another great comedic performance and you feel the angst in his life produced by G-Girl. Rainn Wilson and Anna Faris brought humor to every aspect of their performances. They both have great comedic delivery.

There are some cool cameos by Mark Conseulos or Mr. Kelly Ripa, and Wanda Sykes who is severely under used in this film. I think “My Super Ex-Girlfriend” would have been funnier with more appearances in this film. If you don’t watch closing credit do watch this one, they sort of continue the story.

For a double-sided disc it truly bare of special features. It doesn’t have many deleted scenes. It does have an extended Shark sequence. It has a music video for “No Sleep 2 Nite” by Molly McQueen formerly of No Faders. It has a FOX promo for “The Sentinel”, “Thank For Smoking”, and “John Tucker Must Die”.

I give it 3/5 Gs.