"I Am Number Four"

Alex Pettyfer
Timothy Olyphant
Teresa Palmer
Dianna Agron
Callan McAuliffe
Kevin Durand
Jake Abel







PG13           104min           2011




Based on the book of the same name by Pittacus Lore. I Am Number Four is about nine human looking aliens and their guardians hiding in plain sight being hunted by another race of alien that destroyed their home world. These nine can only be killed in order. The first three are dead. The protagonist is the fourth and he its his story.

As I'm a fan of the book, I really liked “I Am Number Four.” This adaptation did make changes but these changes were for the better and worked better for the visual medium of film. The visual effects are amazing. I have yet to be disappoint on of D.J. Caruso.

This film stay true to the core story of the book and even most of the action sequence of the book. Most of the change are cosmetic to make the action in the book work in the changes in the film. Some changes work probably made to save cost. But of all its a film that story the novel in this series and it works.

Most of this movie is setup work what happens at the end of the film. For the most part, the setup, is streamlined and fast paced. A lot of information about the characters that is in the book is left out but they do it all the broad stroke to make the character interest. The cast is unbelievable hot which does take from the film especially in the case of Sam.
It shouldn't be any surprised that the special effects looked amazing. *Spoiler Alert* You truly believe that light is emitting John's hand and that Six can disappear with ease. I am disappointed in the changes in Four and Six powers; they were better in the book.*Spoiler Alert*


I give 'I Am Number Four' 4 out of 5.

(500) Days of Summer

Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Zooey Deschanel
Geoffrey Arend
Chloe Grace Morentz
Clark Green
Rachel Boston
Minka Kelly









PG13           95min           2009


When his girlfriend Summer (Zooey Deschanel) unceremoniously dumps him, greeting card writer and hopeless romantic Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) begins sifting through the year plus worth of days they spent together, looking for clues to what went wrong. As he recalls the good and the bad times he spent with the commitment-phobic girl his heart reawakens to what it cherishes the most. – back of movie cover

“(500) Days of Summer” is an unconventional story about love and not a love story. The story didn't feel fake. The acting was amazing and felt organic. The non-linear story telling made the difference.

The story felt real and could happen to anyone. I could relate to these characters. I found that I could see facets of my personality and others around me in their performances.

Eventhough the title sequence says the story is fabricated, its indeed based off one of the co-writer's relationship with a Jenny Beckman, may or may not be her true name. This made “(500) Days of Summers” even more fascinating for me. He even showed her the script and her reply is priceless too.

The non-linear story telling does several things to make the viewer invest in the film. Each scene has a title card telling what day in the relationship it is. As it jumps around in the relationship it makes the viewer have to really concentrate on the action of the film which at times is confusing. Which brings it to the next point, you will have to watch “(500) Days of Summers” at least twice to totally get the big picture of the relationship.

“(500) Days of Summers” instantly became one of my favorite romantic movies. Gordon-Levitt hasn't disappointed since seeing him in “Brick” another one of my personal favorites. Deschanel has a quirky sexy appeal that runs in her family. “(500) Days of Summers” is a must see if you are a fan of either one of these actors.

I give (500) Days of Summer a 4 out of 5.

"Avatar"

Sam Worthington
Zoe Saldana
Sigourney Weaver
Stephen Lang
Michelle Rodriguez
Giovanni Ribisi
Joel David Moore
CCH Pounder
Wes Studi
Laz Alonso






PG13           162           2009


In the future, Jake, a paraplegic war veteran, is brought to another planet, Pandora, which is inhabited by the Na'vi, a humanoid race with their own language and culture. Those from Earth find themselves at odds with each other and the local culture. Written by Giorgio_C on imdb.com

As I started watching this film I realize that I had seen this film. It wasn't until I was half thru the film when I realized that it was “Dances with Wolves” with a scifi twist. This is an interesting film with amazing acting. I enjoyed the special effects immensely.

But “Avatar” a story that lacks the same imagination as the special effects. The story takes most of its major plot points directly from “Dances with Wolves.” I not saying its not an interesting story; its just that at the length of 162 minutes it can be a bit taxing to watch. The first two hours is mainly plot development of the three major plots running through the film. The last forty minutes of action is worth the wait.

The special effects that are displayed will bedazzled you. It took James Cameron ten years for technology to catch up with his vision for “Avatar.” I think that the special effect were worth the wait. They drawn you into the story.

Even with a weak story, the amazing special effects, the acting also makes “Avatar” a must see. The emotions that are captured helps you get lost in the film. He come to see the Na'vi as a people and forget that humans played this parts. It's going to firmly puts Sam Worthington on the map for those who didn't see him in “Terminator: Salvation”. He's poised to make his mark on Hollywood with his next major blockbuster as Perseus in the remake of the classic “Clash of the Titans.”

I give “Avatar” 4 out of 5.

"The Stepfather"

Dylan Walsh
Sela Ward
Penn Badgley
Amber Heard
Sherry Springfield
Paige Turco
Nancy Linehan Charles
Marcuis Harris
Braeden Lemasters





PG13           101min           2009


Michael Harding (Penn Badgley) returns home from military school to find his mother Susan (Sela Ward), happily in love with a man known as David Harris (Dylan Walsh). He seems like the perfect father and husband to everyone - except Michael, who suspects that he isn't quite the man he seems to be.

First off this is a remake from the 80's and it had two sequels. Never saw so I can't comment on them. Here's what I do know. This “The Stepfather” was creepier than most and having experience something similar they can go off quicker than him.

Dylan Walsh plays this psychologically damage man to a perfection. There's a part where he asks toward the end “Who am I here?” that one question tells you everything you need to know about this character in nutshell. You see the edge of this character but everything he does can be explain and rationalized, even-though they are the action of an irrational person. What does that say about man?

The acting in “The Stepfather” was above par and I think that helped it from becoming one of those common psych-thriller. There was a lot of build before anything unravels. Which made it all the more sinister. Overall with the acting this wasn't that bad of time. It's not one of the best thrillers I've seen but it did at moments give off a “Disturbia” feeling.

I give “The Stepfather” 3 out of 5.

"The Shortcut"

Drew Seeley
Shannon Woodward
Dave Franco
Katrina Bowden
Raymond J. Barry
Nicholas Ella
William B. Davis












Just behind the grammar school and past the 'No Trespassing' sign is the shortcut through the woods that nobody dares to take: People in town still whisper about the creepy old guy who lives back there and the kids that disappeared near his home a long time ago. Now a group of high school seniors has decided to find out just what the shovel-wielding weirdo may be hiding. But even if they can uncover his shocking secret, will they survive what happens when the truth is finally unleashed.

“The Shortcut” is a PG13 scary movie from the producing minds Happy Madison called Scary Madison. Maybe for younger children it maybe scary. To me it just showed how one mistake after another could lead to so many dead bodies.

Give me a horror film where they died because they made the wrong choice not the “stupid move” but just the wrong choice. Give a horror film that people can actually relate to. Not using the cliché.


I give “The Shortcut” 2 out of 5 Gs.

"Superman and Batman: Public Enemies"

A desperate solution for a troubled country: Lex Luthor for President with the Justice League in the service of the government. Only Batman and Superman stand against the new regime – and their disloyalty proves to be exactly what Luthor intended. Using their outcast status to instigate a scandal against Superman, Luthor finally tastes a victory in his vendetta against the Man of Steel. From Executive Producer Bruce Timm and voiced by the cast from the hit Batman and Superman animated TV series including Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly and Clancy Brown, this DC Universe Original Animated Movie based on Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness's popular graphic novel seethes with political intrigue and action-packed battles between heroes all believing they're on the right side of the law.


Superman and Batman: Public Enemies is just as goods as the graphic novel. Made even better by the familiar voice of Daly and Conroy portraying the Heroes respectively. If you've read the novel then you will love the film. If you haven't read the novel, then get ready of an DC universe Animation that will entertain parents as kids as well.

I give Superman and Batman: Public Enemies 4 out 5 Gs.

"Push"

Chris Evans
Dakota Fanning
Camille Belle
Djimon Hounsou
Neil Jackson












PG13           111min           2009




A group of young American ex-pats with telekinetic and clairvoyant abilities are hiding from a clandestine U.S. government agency. They must utilize their different talents and band together for a final job enabling them to escape the agency forever.

There is nothing spectacular about this film that makes it stand out. It's a good science fiction film, but it felt like it was the pilot to a television show or a setup to a better sequel.

This is a quick paced film from beginning to end. All the fat has been cut to the point of almost leaving it tasteless. I want more from the story and I want to see where the rest of the story is going. With most of the cast being second generation “talents” and references being made to the generation before, there's more interesting story to this film that has not been told.

Push does a good job of grounding its science fiction to reality. The character have layers that where lightly pealed in this film. This does two things... leave the film open to sequel and allows the writer much more room to layer onto these characters.

What this film doesn't do well is conclude the story. At the end of this film it still felt incomplete. This was either done intentional or poor writing. If intentional then I'm looking forward to a sequel; but with so much story untold it could easily be adapted to television.


I give Push 3 out of 5.

Transformer: Revenge of the Fallen

Shia LaBeouf
Megan Fox
Josh Duhamel
Tyrese Gibson
John Turturro
Ramon Rodriguez
Kevin White
Julie White
Isabel Lucas










PG13           150min           2009



Decepticon forces return to Earth on a mission to take Sam Witwicky prisoner, after the young hero learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers. Joining the mission to protect humankind is Optimus Prime, who forms an alliance with international armies for a second epic battle. | – from imdb

If you were around during the heyday of Transformers then you know the story of ROTF. Most parts are taken from the original cartoon movie. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is modernized and simplified for the commercial marketing

“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” definitely does what a good sequel is supposed to. More robots, more hot bodies, and it moves the trilogy arc along. With over 20 different robots represented in the movie, it doubles the number and also most quadruple the screen time from the previous. Jessica Lucas comes to the screen bringing another hot body with a surprise. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen brings more story showing how our civilizations histories are intertwined.

All those crying out that the twins are racists lighten the frak up. They are comic relief and fictional robots as much as I wish they were real. Its the absurdity of the characters that makes them funny.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is what it is... a great summer movie. It's directed by a director at the best of his game. Go, relax, buy some popcorn and soda, and enjoy one of this summer's best film. Coming next week “Public Enemies” starring Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, in his second outing this summer, and Marion Cotillard.

I give Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen 5 out of 5.

"Twilight"

Kristen Stewart
Robert Pattinson
Cam Gigandet
Billy Burke
Ashley Greene
Nikki Reed
Jackson Rathbone
Kellan Lutz
Peter Facinelli
Elizabeth Reaser
Taylor Lautner







PG13           120min           2008


Based on the international bestseller by Stephanie Meyer's Twilight is about a teenage girl moving to a small town in Washington and falling in love with a vampire.

A couple of years ago I came across this web site that named books that were being turned into movies. It had a description of the book and information on the film. Two of the films that happened to be on it were Jumper and Twilight. I read there description and thought they would be interesting reads and they have not disappointed.

This is a faithful adaptation of the book and is one giant shout-out to the fans of the book without leaving out the uninitiated. The angst and drama is all there. The changes made by Melissa Rosenberg and Catherine Hardwicke really make Twilight fresh and new for fans of the book. This going to be a global phenomenon.

There many little things that the fans will recognize from the book. Its these little details that will make fans of the series see it again. But it also a film that girlfriends will take their boyfriends and they can enjoy. There is more action and less of the introspective dialog from Bella that will make most men uncomfortable. Most who are new to the series will not be disappointed.

The angst and drama from the books is there. Pattinson plays Edwards as a younger version of Angel without the curse. Stewart plays Bella unabashed love for Edward rivaling Juliet's love for Romeo. Just as in the book the movie romance scream for a sequel.

The changes made to the screen whether it was in the adaptation of the screenplay by Melissa Rosenberg or the ideas that Catherine Hardwicke made, Twilight is familiar but totally fresh unlike the first two Harry Potter that were almost direct adaptation from the book. It follows the overall plot of the book but makes changes to the story that makes it more accessible for live action. Being a fan and knowing the story I can wait for the next ones to come out.

If you have not be introduce to the Twilight Universe here are the books for purchase:

Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1)

New Moon (The Twilight Saga, Book 2)

Eclipse (The Twilight Saga, Book 3)

Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4)
I give Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1) 4 out of 5.

Trailers at the beginning of my screening was Knowing, Push, and 7 Pounds

I give Twilight 4 out of 5.

"The Lazarus Project"

Paul Walker
Piper Perabo
Lambert Wilson
Linda Cardellini
Shawn Hatosy
Matthew Goodwin
Brooklyn Proulx
Tony Curran
Bob Gunton


PG13 100min 2008

With parole almost behind him, Ben (Paul walker) can't believe how much he has to be thankful for: a beautiful wife, an adorable little girl and a steady paycheck. Life is good. But when he unexpectantly loses his job. Ben foolishly turns back to crime, joining his ex-con brother (Shawn Hatosy) in a robbery with deadly consequences. Suddenly facing a lethal injection, Ben must say goodbye to his family and prepare himself for the worst.

But his death sentence isn't quite what it seems, as Ben regains consciousness near an eerie psychiatric ward, where he's told he's been hired as the groundskeeper, was his previous life only a dream or is he part of something far more sinister?

The Lazarus Project is a strange film that a savvy movie watcher can pick apart in the first fifteen minutes. But the reason we I watch films is to be entertained. This film accomplishes the task. I don't remember seeing this released in theaters because it does have major weak moments.

Even with its weak moments its still an entertaining drama and trying to find the mystery of the drama is half the fun. The clues that are supposed to be subtle are fully apparent. Which gives away major plot points of the film really early. Leaving the film to loses its edge and fall flat. Only if you're a fan of the actors could you entertain this film.

I give The Lazarus Project 2 out of 5.

"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.

"In the Land of Women"

Adam Brody
Kristen Stewart
Meg Ryan
Olympia Dukakis
Mackenzie Vega
Elena Anaya
Dustin Milligan




PG13           98min           2006




Aspiring writer Carter Webb escapes to suburbs of Michigan to care for his ailing grandmother and to work on a book after a recent break-up. The women in the neighborhood help Carter discover that what felt like an end was only just the beginning of something else.


In the Land of Women is a “chick flick” that I could not get. I did not understand the point of this film.

It felt like the characters were not developed and that the filmmakers were trying to hard to put them in real world situations. I did not believe any of the responses the characters had, except for the crazy grandmother played by Olympia Dukakis.


I give it 1/5 Gs.

"The Invisible"

Justin Chatwin
Margarita Levieva
Chris Marquette
Callum Keith Rennie
Alex O’Laughlin
Marcia Gay Harden





PG13           102min           2007


Nick Powell is a handsome young writer with a future as bright as he is. Then one tragic night he’s brutally attacked and left for dead – but he’s really not. He’s trapped in a ghostly limbo where no one can see or hear him except Annie, the one person who might be able to save him. They must work quickly together to solve the mystery of his murder before it is too late and Nick’s chance to live again is lost forever.

"The Invisible" is based on the novel and film, “Den Osynlige” by Mats Wahl. For the most part is a natural progress of the thriller plot. I would have preferred a higher body count. Overall, it delivers what it set out to.

This is an entertaining film but the plot is over simplified and the characters needed fleshing out. From the conflict to resolution, concluded too quickly and simplistic, creating unrealistic feel to the film. The characters were too predictable and followed stereotypical traits. Several places in the film it could have taken an un-Hollywood twist and made the film so much more rewarding for the audience.

Even with everything wrong with it, it’s still better than some of the films out there. "The Invisible" is still an entertaining film that I watched for the body count.

The DVD contains 13 minutes of deleted footage that should have been adding to given more to the characters. It has music videos: “The Kill” by 30 Seconds to Mars and “Taking Back Control” by Sparta. There are two audio commentaries one with the director David Goyer and writer Christine Roam and the other commentary with writer Mick Davis. Rounding out the special features are trailers for: “National Treasure: Book of Secrets”, “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”, “Ratatouille”, Lost: Complete Third Season”, “Wild Hogs”, and “Becoming Jane”.

I give it 3/5 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.

"Next (2007)"

Nicolas Cage
Julianne Moore
Jessica Biel
Thomas Kretschmann
Tory Kittles
Peter Falk
Jose Zuniga
Jim Heaver
Enzo Cilenti
Jason Butler Harner

PG13           96min           2007


Cris Johnson ( Cage) earns his living in a seedy Las Vegas magic act, but his ability to see a few minutes into the future is authentic. Government agent Callie Ferris (Moore) know this, and relentlessly recruits him to help thwart a terrorist group from detonating a nuclear bomb in the heart of Los Angeles. – from the back cover

Based on the short story “The Golden Man” by Philip K. Dick, "Next (2007)" uses special effects efficiently to tell the tale of a this science fiction paranormal drama. It’s a tale that worked as a film but as been done so many times before. Nicolas Cage does his normal waverly coherent acting.

The special effects are prominent but they enhance the film. There is nothing spectacular about them but they do get the job done. They are the standard effects that are tailored to this film. They make this film entertaining in a plot that has been done similar so many times before.

"Next (2007)" is a standard science fiction paranormal drama. It’s an expanded tale from a story but over the decades many time travel films have come before. It’s an interesting talk on the genre but it does not to enhance or redefine the time travel wheel.

Nicolas Cage is a geek at heart but is miss cast in this part. I don’t know if its Jessica Biel as his love interest or what but I felt Cris Johnson would have been a younger manThe character seems to be facing the problems of someone younger. Biel’s character was just too trusting and placed too be the damsel in distress. Julianne Moore as the FBI Agent hunting him was more of a comparative love interest. I think that if the roles between Moore and Biel had been reversed the film would have been more interesting.

Overall there are a few things wrong with "Next (2007)" but it works. It’s science fiction and a suspension of belief goes with the territory as longs as the tale is coherent. The actors are a little miss cast but they make it work. The special effects enhance the film and make it is entertaining.

This DVD’s special features are just half assed promotional featurettes. It has four featurettes talking about four aspects of the film but saying the same thing. There are no other bonuses. It has movie previews for “Transformers”, “A Mighty Heart”, and “Blades of Glory”.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"Gracie"

Dermot Mulroney
Elisabeth Shue
Carly Schroeder
John Doman
Andrew Shue
Peter McRobbie
Leslie Lyles
Jesse Lee Soffer




PG13           96min           2007


Meet Gracie Browen – 15-year-old girl who’s determined to play varsity soccer… on the boy’s team! But when her school forbids her to play and even her family questions her ability, Gracie sets out to prove them all wrong. Fighting to change school policy and facing off against some of the toughest competitors on the field, Gracie must summon the courage to finally show everyone that a girl with a dream can do absolutely anything! – from the back coverGracie

Inspired by the events of the Shue family "Gracie" is truly an inspirational film about triumphing from societies biases, finding your inter-spirit and courage. Carly Schroeder is truly the breakout star of this ensemble film.

Taking place in 1978, at a time when soccer was considered a boys’ sport, I consider soccer now to be dominated by girls now. What a difference 30 years makes. This is a great example of finding the strength to change the view of society. Gracie is a strong willed young girl, with the courage that parents want their children to become.

"Gracie" has an ensemble cast telling a story that can be embrace by anyone. Dermot Mulroney plays a dad disconnected from his family after the death of his star athletic son. Elisabeth Shue is the mother just trying to connect with her daughter as she feels she’s losing her to the family sport, soccer. It’s Carly Schroeder that is the breakout star of this cast.

At first I thought she looked familiar then I realized that she was the little girl that played Serena on the soap operas ‘Port Charles’ and ‘General Hospital’ during the 90’s. She is amazing as Gracie. She not only brings the acting side but she performs the physical side also. It helped to sell me that this is a girl fighting, training and truly deserves to play with the boys.

"Gracie" is a film in the vain of “Miracle” and “Bend It Like Beckham”, films that will inspire feelings of hope, courage and strength. It gave me a tingle of the spine. It you didn’t catch it at the movie then you should go out and get it as soon as you can.

It has two commentaries one with Davis Guggenheim and one with Elisabeth & Andrew Shue. It has a feature about ‘Bringing Gracie to Film’. There is also a theatrical trailer. It has movie previews for “Raise Your Voice” and “Dare to Dream”.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"Dragon Wars: D-War"

Jason Behr
Amanda Brooks
Robert Forster
Aimee Garcia
Craig Robinson
Chris Mulkey
John Ales
Elizabeth Pena
Cody Arens


PG13           107min           2007


Based on a Korean Legend. “Dragon Wars” is about two warring faction of Imoogi, giant serpents from the heavens, fighting over a girl that when consumed will ascend the consumer into a dragon. Every five hundred years the Imoogi are granted the ability to ascend from serpent to dragon. The Good Imoogi will protect Earth and the Bad Imoogi will bring destruction to Earth.

The story is surprisingly coherent and translated well from a Korean legend. The special effects are amazing. It’s a mixture of “King Kong”, “Godzilla” and “Showdown in Little Tokyo”.

Translated from a Korean legend and Americanized for a foreign film with mostly American cast it did surprise me how coherent it was. Most Asian legends have complicated plots and reasonings to them. The plot and action worked together in this one. You understood the reason of the characters even thought the story is predictable from the beginning.

This is the most expensive film in South Korean history. Filmed in 2004, it took three years for the special effects to be completed and when watching you can see why. These creatures are utterly everywhere in L.A. destroying everything. It is a visual marvel at what was put on screen. The special effects make up for what the story is lacking. There is an all out war fought in the middle of L.A. that is amazing to watch.

The back-story takes place in an Asian village in 1507 and the rest takes place in modern time. Jason Behr is a reporter looking for the big story and finds it in his destiny. He’s the reincarnate protector and lover of a 19 year old girl, Amanda Brooks, who’s destiny is to be scarified to the Imoogi, so that it may ascend into a dragon. Yes it does have the Asian sensibilities but it worked.


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”

"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.