"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.

"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.

"Law Abiding Citizen"

Jamie Foxx
Gerard Butler
Bruce McGill
Colm Meaney
Leslie Bibb
Regina Hall
Michael Irby
Gregory Itzin
Christian Stolte
Annie Corley
Richard Portnow






R           108min           2009



A brilliant sociopath who orchestrates a series of high-profile murders that grip the city of Philadelphia - all from inside his jail cell - and the prosecutor assigned to his case who realizes he is the only one who can end the reign of terror. Written by Overture Films


Butler's performance had me gripped and rooting for him. Most would call him the villain of the story but I found him to be an anti-hero. He is charismatic and makes valid points. I felt that Foxx's Rice was too arrogant and never truly learned his lessons. Its more lip service to Butler's Shelton.

I think people will walk away from this film missing the point, Shelton was trying to make. I think people are too jaded to get the message. If Shelton were a real life person and had held Philadelphia in that kind of siege, it would have greater impact.

I was entertain from beginning to end. This was one of the better written thrillers. This films stays together from beginning to end. The ending made sense even if I didn't agree with it.

“Law Abiding Citizen” is a tour de force. Its one of those film that reminds me of that John Travolta speech at the beginning of “Swordfish”. If you don't remember or did not pay attention, go back and watch it. That speech and explosive are worth the viewing.


I give “Law Abiding Citizen” 5 out of 5.

"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.

"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.

"The Kingdom"

Jamie Foxx
Chris Cooper
Jennifer Garner
Jason Bateman
Jeremy Piven
Danny Huston
Richard Jenkins
Ashraf Barhom
Ali Suliman
Kyle Chandler
Frances Fisher
Ashley Scott
Anna Deavere Smith

R           119min           2007

When a terrorist bomb detonates inside a Western housing compound in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, an international incident is ignited. While diplomats slowly debate equations of territorialism, FBI Special Agent Ronald Fleury quickly assembles an elite team and negotiates a secret five-day trip into Saudi Arabia to locate the madman behind the bombing. – from Universal Pictures

“The Kingdom”is one of my personal favorite war movies. It is not only a good drama but it’s a good action film. It brought to light situations about the war and the country of Saudi Arabia that I never knew. It contains an outstanding cast that brought what it took to make this film what it is. It is a film, I think, everyone will love; it is just that good.

This film pleases both sides of your brain. The action is gritty, realistic, and in your face. The drama and plot is intelligent and believable. It pulls no punches.

One of the elements that make “The Kingdom” works is that uses realistic culture situations to move the drama. From how much we have influence there technologic, grow to the second-class citizenship of women. It showed how we all have cultural biases, which influence our thinking and the way we interact with other cultures. However it also shows how much cultural similarities we also have.

Peter Berg does a great job of directing this film. He uses an outstanding cast to tell his story and shots that bring the audience into the film. The cast is at the top of their game and melded together excellently. They capture the emotions of the audience. Let the audience get lost in the drama. The action makes you film like you are a fly on the wall of a drama that just a small piece of a bigger picture.

There is a feature commentary with director Peter Berg. There are a few deleted scenes. There are four behind the scene featurettes, Character by Character: The Apartment Shootout, Constructing the Freeway Sequence, Creating the Kingdom, and History of the Kingdom, an interactive timeline. There is only one movie preview “White Noise 2”.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"Rise: Blood Hunter"

Lucy Liu
Michael Chiklis
James D'Arcy
Carla Gugino
Cameron Richardson
Allan Rich
Kevin Wheatley
Mako



Unrated           122min           2007


Female reporter Sadie Blake (Lucy Liu) wakes up in a morgue to find herself a member of the undead, the victim of a brutal vampire ritual. Trying desperately to fight off her thirst, Sadie prowls the dark city streets, armed with a crossbow and hell-bent on staying the twisted vampires that made her this way. – from the back cover

As a film “Rise: Blood Hunter” is a standard action film that threw my expectations out of the door. It’s abandons the normal vampire lore. It’s a film with a film big-named stars and notable cameos. Lucy Liu takes some daring steps in this film.

This is a film that threw out my expectations and the vampire lore. I thought this was going to be a stylized action film with the vampire world as a backdrop. It turns out to be a character driven film with action sequences. Some of the vampire lore is present and others aren’t and I think that is because of budget reason. Which at some points takes you out of the film.

Lucy Liu is an unwilling turned vampire out to kill the ones who turned her. She is aided by Michael Chiklis as a rogue cop out hunting the ones who killed his daughters. Carla Gugino takes another part that is a waste of her time but caters to her talent. “Rise: Blood Hunter” has a cameo of a former boy band member that if you blink you will miss him because the next time you see him he’s unrecognizably dead.

I think Lucy Liu takes a daring depart from her normal comfort zone in this film. A film that is more erotic than gory than I would have thought. She looks amazing to be close to forty at the time of filming this film. It would have been a better film if it had more money for more special effects.

There are a few featurettes that are thrown together for the sake of putting something on the disc. The behind the scenes featurettes focus on: Blood, Sex & Murder, Location, and Stunts. It has a feature comparing the storyboards to the filmed scenes and a theatrical trailer. There are loads of movie trailers: “Resident Evil: Extinction”, “Boogeyman 2”, “Hostel: Part 2”, “Resident Evil and Resident Evil: Apocalypse Deluxe Edition”, “Pumpkinhead & Blood Feud”, “Closure”, “Urban Justice”, “Kaw”, “Ghost Rider”, “The Company”, “First Snow”, and “Fearnet.com”

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"Resident Evil: Extinction"

Milla Jovovich
Oded Fehr
Ali Larter
Iain Glen
Ashanti
Christopher Egan
Spencer Locke
Matthew Marsden
Linden Ashby
Jason O'Mara
Mike Epps


R           95min           2007


Years after the Raccoon City disaster, Alice (Milla Jovovich
) is on her own; aware that she has become a liability and could endanger those around her. She is struggling to survive and bring down the Umbrella Corporation led by the sinister Albert Wesker (Jason O'Mara) and head researcher Dr. Isaacs (Iain Glen). Meanwhile, traveling through the Nevada Desert and the ruins of Las Vegas, Carlos Olivera (Fehr), L.J. (Epps), and new survivors K-Mart (Spencer Locke
), Claire Redfield (Larter), and Nurse Betty (Ashanti) must fight to survive extinction against hordes of zombies, killer crows and the most terrifying creatures created as a result of the deadly T-Virus that has killed millions. Written by Akoksum2003

"Resident Evil: Extinction" was interesting in its own right but it wasn’t what I expected. It played more like the interlude between films. I think this film set the events of a much better film. At the conclusion it set up the film that I expected to see.

Even with the under whelmed expectation it was a par science fiction action film. It was less about the horror and more about the action. The plot was explain and there wasn’t anymore explanation of it. Characters from previous film are absent without any explanation and maybe they are being saved for future films.

For future films decide what the film is going to be. If the film is going to cater to the horror fans then make it about the horror as they did in the first. If you’re going to cater to the action then define the action. But the most important part is to always keep in mind the development of the characters. The film didn’t know what it wanted to be and that hurt the film for most people

The theatre that I saw this "Resident Evil: Extinction" only showed trailers for “Saw IV” and “30 Days of Night”.

I give 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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"Disturbia"

Shia LaBeouf
David Morse
Sarah Roemer
Viola Davis
Carrie-Anne Moss
Aaron Yoo
Jose Pablo Cantillo
Matt Craven
Amanda Walsh






PG13           104min           2007

“Disturbia” is about Kale Brecht (LaBeouf), living under three months’ house arrest, passes his days spying on the neighbors. It’s all fun and games until things take a horrifying turn for the worse. Kale is convinced his neighbor next door is a serial killer, (Morse), but he can’t prove anything, can’t convince anyone and can’t leave his house without triggering an alarm. Enlisting the help of his friends, Kale is determined to expose the truth but have they all taken on more than they bargained for with a cold-blooded murderer on the loose? – from the back cover

Inspired somewhat by Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rear Window” this film blends genres perfectly. The film is fast paced and exciting. Shia LaBeouf anchor is a good cast of Hollywood young talent, veteran actors, and recognizable character actors. If you are a film movie watcher then you will enjoy this film.

“Disturbia” is the perfect blend of many genres. It starts out as a drama, then turns into a romantic comedy, all the while being a thriller. The genres never overwhelm each other but complement each other moving from one to the other seamlessly.

The pace of the film gets progressive faster and you become engrossed in the film. By the time the ending comes 104 minutes have pass and you won’t know where the time went. Kale is an instantly likable character and because of that you’re instantly drawn into his life, for the most part you’re seeing the world through his eyes.

Shia LaBeouf, portrays Kale, a juvenile delinquent facing house arrest, with the range that is believable and intense, showing why he’s fast becoming a bankable Hollywood star. David Morse, a great veteran actor makes the antagonist, Robert Turner, menacing yet charming. If you were to see him on the street you would never expect him to be a serial killer.

Sarah Roemer last seen in “The Grudge 2”, play his love interest, the girl next door that excites Kale’s voyeur fantasy. Aaron Yoo plays the best friend with the wicked sense of humor. Carrie-Anne Moss is Kale’s mother trying to figure out a way to reconnect with her son and yet give him the space to grieve after the lost of husband and father. Jose Pablo Cantillo is a police officer and cousin of Kale’s Spanish teacher. Viola Davis (‘Traveller’) is the detective assigned to Kale’s house arrest case.

“Disturbia” has an average amount of bonus features. There is an auto commentary with director DJ Caruso, and actors Shia LaBeouf and Sarah Roemer. A few deleted scenes, outtakes, a photo gallery and a make of featurette. It has a “Serial Pursuit Trivia Pop-Up/Quiz” track and a music video of “Don’t Make Me Wait” by The World Fair. It contains movie previews for “Stardust”, “Blades of Glory”, “Next”, “Beneath”, “Super Sweet 16” and “She’s the Man”.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

"Smokin' Aces"

Ben Affleck
Andy Garcia
Alicia Keys
Ray Liotta
Jeremy Piven
Ryan Reynolds
Peter Berg
Taraji P. Henson
Chris Pine
Martin Henderson
Jason Bateman
Common

R           109min           2006

“Smokin Aces” is about a Las Vegas performer-turned-snitch named Buddy “Aces” Israel (Piven) decides to turn state's evidence and testify against the mob, it seems that a whole lot of people would like to make sure he's no longer breathing.

This is a film that will blow you away. This is about one thing smokin’ Aces and the violent that a million-dollar contract hit will entail. It’s full of some of Hollywood most notable name and some amazing performances by some crossover artists Common and Alicia Keys. It’s an experience to watch this film.

“Smokin Aces” has some graphic senseless violent. If you have surround sound you will literally be blown away. The recoil from that 50 cal and the violent and destruction scene on film is worth the price of this film. The action and shoot out are so violent and sudden that at some points it will make you laugh.

This is a film that has namable Hollywood talent in every part except for a few throwaway characters. Ben Affleck in an uncharacteristic cameo part that dies in the first 30mins. Which is shocking in itself but it also has a good performance by Alicia Keyes in her first motion picture part. The stand out has to be though is Jeremy Piven as Aces.

His performance of a man unraveling at the core is so raw that all you can to is laugh at it. Not that his performance is comical its just that disturbing to watch. A man who’s life it coming undone by his own making and he’s losing control and a grasp on his own reality. It’s one of Jeremy Piven’s best performances to date.

Once “Smokin Aces” has ended you will exhale a sigh of relief to be away from this violently convoluted take. Then you will say WTF just happen. Will have to watch it more than once to get all the subtle nuisances of this film. Once you watch it will the endgame in mind it will seem less convoluted and the performances can be appreciated better.

I give it 4/5 Gs.

"Live Free or Die Hard"

Bruce Willis
Timothy Olyphant
Justin Long
Maggie Q
Kevin Smith
Sung Kang
Mary Elizabeth Winstead







PG13           130min           2007


”Live Free or Die Hard” is the fourth installment in the “Die Hard” franchise taking place 18 years after the first, this time around aging officer McClane has to fight internet terrorist out to bring down the United States government infrastructure, as an example of its weakness.

Bruce Willis bring back a character that is the epitome of one-man defense. It’s the same formula that makes the others work but a different flavor. John McClane is out just doing is duty when he’s draw into a larger than life situation that is typical of his life.

I liked that it showed McClane older and a bitterer version. “Live Free or Die Hard” showed that his previous adventures have shaped a bitter character. He’s a man that has lost his family because of the turns his life has taken from the previous films.

This time around the bad guys are more of a gray area. We’re to believe that this terrorist attack is bad because it against the United States. Many people have warned that the US is vulnerable and we need to take steps to fix the problems. Instead the government takes the governmental stance and the chicken came home to roost. I was rooting for the terrorist until they took McClane’s daughter Lucy what was a political statement became personal; the Achilles’ heal of typical bad guys.

Something that I gleamed from this film is that Len Wiseman loves to film strong female characters fighting equally against men. From the moment Willis and Maggie Q start to fight there is not doubt that she can kick his ass. If this were the really world that fight would have turned out differently. But it was a great fight anyway.

It’s not as good as the classic but I do think its up there with Vengeance if not better and it’s way better than Die Harder. Justin Long, a computer hacker, targeted by the group lead by Timothy Olyphant is the comic sidekick just trying to grasp the destruction that he thought would be funny in his mind. Timothy Olyphant plays the thinking man’s bad guy, I think better than Hans Gruber but too easily distracted by McClane.

”Live Free or Die Hard”is a great popcorn movie for the summer of 2007. I can’t say what you’re looking fro from this outing of the ”Die Hard” franchise but for me it did not disappoint. I expected big explosions. Check. I expected a high body count. Check. I expected the authority to be running around hold their dicks. Check. With inside jokes referencing all the previous movies and a funny cameo by Kevin Smith, “Live Free or Die Hard” is a good addition to summer movie season.

I give it 4/5 Gs.

"Breach"

Chris Cooper
Ryan Phillippe
Laura Linney
Dennis Haysbert
Caroline Dhavernas
Gary Cole
Bruce Davison
Kathleen Quinlan


PG13           110min           2007

“Breach” is based on the true story, FBI upstart Eric O'Neill enters into a power game with his boss, Robert Hanssen, an agent who was ultimately convicted of selling secrets to the Soviet Union.

This film is slow but outstanding. I don’t know how much has been dramatized and how much is fact but Robert Hanssen was truly disturbed from all his years of treason. Spy left this man a shell that was truly evil and self-righteous.

I do think that Hanssen, his character has been demonize to a degree but it works in telling this film. This man is the worst criminal in the history of United States and his crimes are so numeral, hurtful to the public at large, and the security of the nation, that they have been classified.

After watching “Breach” I came to the conclusion that some of the secret that Hanssen released could have led to 9/11. That’s why his crimes are classified. I think American could not stand to see just how bad they fouled up and how much of our security has been lost because of him. Then it made me think that he could be an escape goat for a larger conspiracy.

Either way this is an entertaining and suspenseful film. Remembering when this was on the news and now finding the behind the scenes makes the one of my top picks. This is one of those dramatized history lessons that will be appreciated in years to come.

I give it 5/5 Gs.