"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.

"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.

National Treasure: Book of Secrets

Nicolas Cage
Jon Voight
Harvey Keitel
Ed Harris
Diane Kruger
Justin Bartha
Bruce Greenwood
Helen Mirren


PG           124min           2007.


Treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) looks to discover the truth behind the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, by uncovering the mystery within the 18 pages missing from assassin John Wilkes Booth's diary.

This one is not as good as the first but still interesting and exciting as before. This time around, they travel to locales that are more international. The plot is too simplistic and Disney driven.

National Treasure: Book of Secrets has Benjamin Gates trying to clear the name of his great, great, great granddad name. The conspiracy theory is more international and a little more nefarious in nature. It deals with more politics that are international but ends up still finding a national treasure that even I had never heard of.

The action was too clean and no one is injury severely. Guns are brandished more than they are fired and mercenary are the worst shot for hired gunman, a definite influence from Disney. You never see an ounce of blood and the only death of the film is off screen. There is a setup of another sequel; that is apparent to anyone watching.

“National Treasure: Book of Secrets” is an alright film and is an ok sequel to the first. Maybe its that I expect more from a Jerry Bruckheimer Film. It felt to Disney influenced and the plot was a little more a stretch of the imagination. I did like what the treasure was and where it was located. The setup of a sequel did make me want to see what it is.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"Illegal Tender"

Rick Gonzalez
Wanda de Jesus
Dania Ramirez
Tego Calderon
Gary Perez


R           108min           2007



College student Wilson de Leon, Jr. never stood up for himself until the gangsters who killed his father came to settle a score. In a gripping, adrenaline-pumping showdown, Wilson and his mother decide to settle that score on their own terms in order to protect the people they love and earn back their family’s honor.

“Illegal Tender” is an salute to sing mothers everywhere and the children they raise. It’s tale of the American dream and the price that must be paid to achieve it. It’s also a cautionary tale of what “the game” can cost you.

Wanda de Jesus does a great job of portraying the single mother trying to raise her children to do better and have a better life than herself. She shows that single mothers can be the protector and provider, if she has too. Even without a formal education, she played the game before the game played her. Wanda de Jesus gives a perfect voice to the single mothers out there.

Wilson de Leon, JR. is a shelter person, who takes his good fortune for granted. When the assassins come and open his eyes. He steps up to take responsibility for protecting his family and find a solution to his family’s problem. When the dust clears, Rick Gonzalez portray of his evolution makes this film more entertaining.

What makes “Illegal Tender” stand out in my mind is that is about achieving the American dream and about facing the demons fo the past. Millie de Jesus took her money and made it work by investing in profitable stocks which in turned provide a life style better than the one she had. It’s something everyone things about at some point in life thinking of how to provide for the future.

The second thing that sticks out in my mind is that once the all the while Millie kept running from the demons of the past. But once they came into the light and Wilson was old enough to confront them she had enough confidence in her son to let him become a man. Wilson in an old gunslinger way came out fighting; fighting to protect the life of his family and the ones they love.

The special features on “Illegal Tender”are minimal at best. There are deleted scenes and a making of featurette. There is an making of and music video for “Dame Dome” by Que No. There are previews for American Pie Presents Beta House, Battlestar Galactica: Razor, The Kingdom, and White Noise 2.

I give it 4/5 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 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.

"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.

"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.

"300"

Gerard Butler
Lena Headey
David Wenham
Dominic West
Vincent Regan
Michael Fassbender
Tom Wisdom
Andrew Pleavin
Andrew Tiernan
Rodrigo Santoro


R           106min           2007

The epic graphic novel by Frank Miller (Sin City) assaults the screen with the blood, thunder and awe of its ferocious visual style faithfully recreated in an intense blend of live-action and CGI animation. Retelling the ancient Battle of Thermopylae, it depicts the titanic clash in which King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) and his mssive Persian army. Experience “300”, history at sword point and moviemaking with a cutting edge – from the back cover

Having only glanced the history behind the battle and never having read the graphic novel I watch this film with virgin knowledge. It grabbed me and held tight, having me watched it three times consecutively. It’s easily in my top ten. Even with the historical inaccuracies this is a battle beyond history and a film for the ages.

“300” has an unique visual style that lends itself to it’s source material. It thoroughly exciting with carnage that is in your face and unrelenting. This is one of those movies that changes the way you to see the genre of comic book action films in a different light.

This is a film that transcends the gender barrier. This is one of the first films that even appealed to my sister on a maniacal level. For weeks after watching this film she would quote lines from the films. Even now talking to her I can start one of the phrases and she will finish it.

If you missed it in the theatre then you really want to purchase this film immediate. You will never be able to use “300” for a report on the Battle of Thermopylae, but you will be able to watch an entertaining historical movie.

As this is only the single disc version it only has a commentary with Zack Snyder, Kurt Johnstan, and Larry Fong. It contains movie previews for “Trick R Treat”, “The Brave One”, “300: The Video Game” and “Superman: Doomsday”.

I give it 5/5 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.

"Transformers (2007)"

Shia LaBeouf
Megan Fox
Josh Duhamel
Racheal Taylor
Tyrese Gibson
Jon Voight
Anthony Anderson
John Turturro
Peter Cullen
Hugo Weaving




PG13           143min           2007


"Transformers" based on the Hasbro Toy line and cartoon of the eighties, an Michael Bay update about technologically advanced alien robots that bring there war to earth fighting over the powerful Allspark, the source of all Transformers power.

Everyone that doubted Michael Bay’s skill can stop, Transformers is the best summer blockbuster of 2007. The special effects are tight and it has a plausible storyline that works. Anyone a fan of the cartoon will love this film. I wouldn’t be surprised if it breaks the Spider-Man records.

"Transformers" is a big loud summer movie that came to handle its business. The cars are awesome to look at and when they transform you feel the weight and the depth of their movements. The special effects are flawless. These are massive machines moving and they are a force to be reckoned with. The destruction that they inflict on the environments is massive just as these machines are and the civilians are running for cover as ants running from the destruction of the anthill.

The fans of the cartoon will love this film immensely. It has most of the characters you love but update and it works. The redesign of Optimus Prime works and makes him just as distinct as in the cartoon. The massively redesign Megatron works also, you know he’s alien, destructive, and here to destroy humanity. Michael Bay gave the characters distinct personalities and they work for each Transformer based on their function on the team.

"Transformers" has everything you’re looking for in a summer blockbuster. The story mainly flows from Sam Witwicky point of view but cut to the government every so often to update us on their progress to find and contain the source of attack on the base in Qatar. For the most part you never see the Decepticons. until last quarter of the film but once you do the come full force.

Once Sam purchases Bumblebee this movie kicks into second gear. When the Autobots come into the scene it kicks in too third gear at about the second quarter of this movie. By the time the Allspark is located this movie is running full throttle and doesn’t stop until the end. It has a complete and satisfying story, with an ending that is plausible and leaves the door open for the inevitable sequel.

Just as Spider-Man redefined the comic books in Hollywood, "Transformers" will redefined the 80s cartoons for Hollywood. This left me full with excitement and I’m already anticipating the upcoming sequel. This is a film that you will have a hard time to have fault with.

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.

"Deja Vu"

Denzel Washington
Val Kilmer
Paula Patton
Bruce Greenwood
Adam Goldberg
Matt Craven
Elden Henson
Jim Caviezel
Erika Alexander
Rich Hutchman
Brian Howe

PG13           126min           2006


“Déjà Vu” is about a group of scientist and an ATF agent uses a government-funded experiment that views the past to stop a ferry terrorist attack. In the process the agent falls in love with the murder victim that is the key to finding the attacker(s).

Washington is everyman’s man reminiscent of his ”Virtuosity” character. Paula Patton is a star on the rise. This is a good science fiction action thriller, on the surface the science works but as you dissect the film it breaks down.

Denzel Washington is again that everyman action hero, reminiscence of his performance in Virtuosity. You believe he’s just a guy trying to solve a case but as he becomes more invested in the case be becomes more invested in the woman. This is what drives this film and he believe and see the changes in his character.

The woman at the heart of “Déjà Vu” Paula Patton. She was previously seen in “Idlewild” she is an actress on the rise, having been behind the camera for a number of years. As you are watching her character you see a woman just living her life at the end of her days. Seeing her mainly from the past, they are reaction to her life and its now entire final twenty minutes that you have her interacting with Washington and see the frailty she brings to the character.

“Déjà Vu” has everything that works in good science fiction films. The science is grounded in reality. They state actually scientific theories, which are used to defend the characters actions, yet you’re not bogged down by it. On the surface the science is sturdy but as you look closely at the foundation you find cracks in it.

Once you realize the significant of certain things and think about them logically they break down. Things that are past and are actually future events down make sense. Only someone obsessive will even figure out what I’m talking about and the only reason I brought it up was that it factors into my grading this film.

Once I started to deconstruct the film it had major plot holes in it. Then I would rewatch it and then another hole would form until it became a black hole. The average viewer may not even pick these things up. I’m not giving the details of them because I don’t want to disappoint an otherwise enjoyable film.

I give it a 3/5 Gs.

"Ghost Rider"

Nicolas Cage
Eva Mendes
Wes Bentley
Sam Elliot
Peter Fonda
Donal Logue
Matt Long
Raquel Alessi
Brent Cullen






PG13           114min           2007


“Ghost Rider” is based on the Marvel comic of the same name, Johnny Blaze, a motorcycle stunt driver, makes a deal with a demon to save a love one and years later when the demon comes to collect he must become the demonic bounty hunter known as the Ghost Rider.

It wasn’t what I expected. It was campier than I would have liked. Nicolas Cage gave patented Nic Cage delivery. The story needed more work.

For an origin story I found “Ghost Rider” was too campy. The tone of the film was too light with many of the actors’ deliveries were too ADD. This movie could not make up its mind in what it wanted to be. half the actors were taking themselves seriously and the other half were making quips every five seconds .

Nicolas Cage played Johnny Blaze a little too jovial, for a man in his position. A demon owns your soul and he knew this for twenty plus years. A man walking in those shoes would be less of optimist and more of pessimist. He plays it flat, there is no difference, you could have taken which for me didn’t work for a character that is constantly living with this cloud over his head.

Eva Mendes one of the most beautiful actresses on screen but this character didn’t fit her. Even with the weak character develop this character was conflicted all around. Her character is heart broken when he leaves her and jovial years later when Blaze stops her in the middle of the road; and her sporadic delivers didn’t help this conflicted film.

“Ghost Rider” is a film that needed major work before filming. For an origin story it is the weakest of all the Marvel film, even weaker than “The Punisher.” The characters were never developed enough for you to care for them. Toward the end I cared more for Blackheart than I did for Ghost Rider and really wanted Blackheart to kick his butt.

Even the outstanding special effects cannot help this film; it left itself nowhere to go. I was left totally disappoint that it wasn’t better. I think I should have pony up to buy it instead of renting it; maybe the extended cut is better, anyone out there if you made it this far and you have the extended cut could you give the 411 in a comment.

I give it 1/5 Gs.

"Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer"

Ioan Gruffudd
Jessica Alba
Chris Evans
Michael Chiklis
Julian McMahon
Kerry Washington
Andre Braugher
Laurence Fishburne
Doug Jones
Beau Garrett




PG           92min           2007


“Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” is about the Fantastic Four learning that there are far superior super-powered beings in the universe bent on destroying our world. They square off against the powerful Silver Surfer and the planet-eating Galactus.

This film rose to the occasion. This time around we find that the Fantastic Four are fallible and are struggling to control their lives as they spiral in the spheres of superheroes, celebrities, and normalcy. This film is better than the first. The story line coming from the comic it has been enhanced and modernized.

The Silver Surfer looks awesome. Given voice by the bass of Laurence Fishburne and the miming of Doug Jones, together this makes the character work. Laurence conveys so much emotion that it gives life to the semi-computer generated character.

“Rise of the Silver Surfer” find our heroes in a turning point in their lives. The character developments are complex yet progress naturally. Even though you know how its going to turn out its well developed and gives each character growth yet keeping true to their characters. There are funnier moments in this film.

This time around this is a more traditional and familiar story from the comics. Combining several story arcs from the comic to make a great comic book movie. Doom returns this time around in his more traditional comic book outfit and character traits.

If you a fan or not you will enjoy “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”. It’s a defiant winner. Where as other comic book movies kills its main villain FF shows its villain’s defeated but never destroyed just as in the comics. The only bad thing I can say about this film is that it ends too soon. You will want another twenty minutes.

I give it 4/5 GS.

"Blade"

Wesley Snipes
Stephen Dorff
Kris Kristofferson
N’Bushe Wright
Donal Logue
Udo Kier
Traci Lords
Arly Jover
Kevin Patrick Walls
Tim Guinee
Sanaa Lathan
Eric Edwards

R           120min           1998


“Blade” is a marvel comic’s superhero. While still in his mother’s belly a vampire attacks her and he is given all the strength and abilities of vampires without any of their weakness. With the help of a mentor named Whistler (Kristofferson), Blade fights the vampire nation where ever they maybe.

Having never read the comic I think this is a cool entry into the “Blade” world. It’s an amazing action film but it doesn’t stand up with the time. It was one of the more grittier comic book movies made at the time.

“Blade” was really a full out showcase of Wesley Snipes skills as a fighter. I would have to say it was one of the highlights of his career. It really showed that comic book characters, other than Superman and Batman, could make money and be appealing to the modern audience. It started the modern comic book craze in Hollywood.

At the time in its own right it had some of the best action sequences. They were stylized violence of high caliber that was exciting to watch. They were kinetic and felt fluid until the Wachowski Brothers changed the game.

The special effects were cheesy looking then and nine years haven’t helped. Now that you look back at it, there are obvious errors in judgment and it was a little rushed. Two sequences that come to mind it when Deacon Frost throws the little girl it obvious and when Blade enter the building in the final showdown, when they explode where is the blood that should have landed on him. If he was going to get sprayed then it wasn’t any reason for him to react.

“Blade” was the first of the new comic book wave that has taken hold of Hollywood. It was the first time that comic book not featuring Superman or Batman, made money. It showed that the audience didn’t even need to been acquainted with the character to enjoy the movie. If it was told with a realistic point of view, filmgoers could get behind a story.

This was the film that got Wesley Snipes out of the B-Movie hell that his career had fallen into and is now back in. It had some of the best action sequences for the pre-Matrix era, but that also makes the movie date itself. It facilitated the Hollywood comic book craze.

The DVD is full of special features, some exclusive to the PC DVD-ROM. “Blade” features a commentary track with stars, Wesley Snipes and Stephen Dorff, writer, David S. Goyer, and producers and an isolated music track with composer Mark Islam. It contains 4 featurettes and other things that are exclusive to the PC.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"The Count of Monte Cristo"

Jim Caviezel
Guy Pearce
Richard Harris
James Frain
Dagmara Domincyzk
Michael Wincott
Luis Guzman
Henry Cavill




PG13           131min           2002


“The Count of Monte Cristo” is a tale of betrayal, adventure and revenge. When the dashing and guileless Edmond Dantes (Caviezel) is betrayed by his best friend (Pearce) and wrongly imprisoned, he becomes consumed by thoughts of vengeance. After a miraculous escape, he transforms himself into the mysterious and wealthy Count of Monte Cristo, insinuates himself into the French nobility and puts his cunning plan of revenge in action.

Based on the book of the same name by Alexander Dumas, “The Count of Monte Cristo” keeps the basic themes and the overall plot of the book but changes some of the major events from the book. You can’t use this version to pass your test. It is still entertaining and exciting to watch.

Caviezel and Pearce play off each other well enough to believe that they are best of friends in the beginning and total enemies in the end. Pearce comes across with an underlying anger that is believable through out the film. Caviezel transformation from a young man naive to the world into a man that has seen the world at its worst and embraces those darker impulses is subtler.

An outstanding cast featuring Richard HarrisLuis Guzman and Dagmara Domincyzk, the woman at the heart of this conflict, supports them. Richard Harris in one of his final performance is Dantes’s mentor in the Chateau d’If. Luis Guzman as “his man for life”, Jacopo is Dantes’s conscience. Dagmara Domincyzk is stunning as Mercedes and Dante’s one true love.

This re-imaging is more accessible to the modern youth than the book is. Having first read this in the ninth grade “The Count of Monte Cristo” has always been a favorite of mine but his a complicated read. I was always intrigued with the betrayal and revenge part of the book, and how it transformed a naïve young man into a harden survivor. This film completely captures what’s in the book with out being completely faithful to it.

I give it 4/5 Gs.