Kick-Ass on DVD

Kick-Ass: I was not sure if the movie was going to, as it's title suggests, Kick Ass or if it would be a laughable mess (Nic Cage is in it mind you). I am happy to report that this little gem is one fun watch. I thought they balanced the comedy / action aspects of the film perfectly. It supplies a few laugh out loud moments as well as some well photographed actions scenes. The story centers on a normal teenager who decides to dress up like a superhero and fight crime. He gets beat up badly, but he also kicks off a phenomenon when he is filmed in action breaking up a crime-in-progress. From there he meets other makeshift superheros and helps them complete a mission of revenge on Frank D'Aminco, the movies villain. Comedy, action, and Nic Cage is NOT annoying - what more could you ask for? Give it a spin!

"Pick it Up"

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The Runaways on DVD

The Runaways: Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning star as Joan Jett and Cherie Currie(Who?) respectively. These two girls along with 3 others formed The Runaways, the first all girl rock band in the mid 1970s. I found Kristen Stewart to pull off the role perfectly as for Dakota Fanning.....it was a bit of a stretch. There are a couple of scenes were I am conscious of Fanning trying to "act" like the bad girl. As for the story, it does not dive in too deep, it just gives you a snapshot of how they got their big break. Michael Shannon plays Kim Fowley the producer who helped get the band started. He is the highlight of the film and quickly becoming one of my favorite supporting actors out there. Make no mistake this film is NOT a runaway success, in fact it barely gets a passing grade.

Very Slight - "Pick it Up"

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Clash of The Titans (2010)

Clash of the Titans: Chalk up another example of a remake that should have never been made. This latest version of "Clash" did almost nothing right. The story starts off so fast that you never have time to get to know the characters, in return you never really buy the premise. The acting from Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, and Ralph Fiennes is laughable. Even the special effects look CGI cheesy and you can obviously see at times when they went out of their way to show off a 3D shot (very annoying). I had high hopes for an updated and scary Medusa, but like the rest of the movie - it was a major letdown. Your best bet is to act as if this remake never came out as it should have been called: Trash of the Titans

"Kick it to the Floor"

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Nine on DVD

Nine: It takes great effort to have a talented cast like this and produce such a terrible film!! That is what director Rob Marshall accomplished. Much was made about the large cast, but I did not hear anything about the story. After watching the movie I figured out why - there is no story. Each of the ladies in the movie have one musical number....none of which have much emotion or weight to them. Because each actress is only on screen for a limited time it is difficult to find a relationship in the story to care about. Adding insult to injury, I would say the musical scenes were rather dull with the exception of Fergie's Be Italian. That being said there is no reason to watch this movie, not even the great Daniel Day-Lewis could save it. Shame on you Rob Marshall, shame on you...

"Kick it to The Floor"

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The Lovely Bones on DVD

The Lovely Bones: The whole is suppose to be greater than the sum of its parts, however that is not the case with Peter Jackson's latest film. Based on the novel by Alice Seabold the story is told from the point of view of a 14 year old girl who is murdered. Susie Salmon is currently in the "in between", a mystical place where her soul rests before she can leave her past life and enter her next. The novel tackles many issues and I actually found it a bit scrambled. Unfortunately the film did not correct this, it magnified it. This is a shame because the movie actually has a couple of brilliant scenes that are filled with emotion. For a few moments, I thought I was watching a masterpiece, but as all the scenes added up - the result was average at best.

Slight - "Pick It Up"

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Sherlock Holmes on DVD

Sherlock Holmes: Guy Ritchie gives us a very stylistic version of the great detective. Robert Downey Jr. and Jud Law star as Holmes and Watson respectively. As much as I liked their on screen chemistry, I would have preferred a lesser known actor in the role of Sherlock Holmes. Robert Downey Jr. came across as a 19th century Tony Stark - which took me out of the film slightly. The story revolves around Lord Blackwood and some mysterious crimes. How Holmes solves the crimes are well explained both vocally and visually. Speaking of visuals, the movie supplies a couple of spectacular scenes. I do not see this being that memorable of film, but it is one you can have fun with, which is why I recommend.

"Pick It Up"

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Informant on DVD

The Informant: I truly believe this to be Matt Damon's best performance to date. He plays Mark Whitacre an employee for Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) that goes undercover to expose his company's illegal price-fixing. From there the story makes a right turn and goes in a direction I did not see coming. If this was not based on a true story, I would actually find the premise a bit too unreal. Damon's acting is the anchor of the story. With it comes humor, but also a slow understanding of what the real Mark Whitacre might have been thinking in this odd....but entertaining story!

"Pick It Up"

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September Issue on DVD

The September Issue: A documentary about the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine: Anna Wintour. Wintour is thought to be the inspiration behind Meryl Strep's character (Miranda Priestly) in 2006's The Devil Wears Prada. The film does a fine job of expressing both Wintour's influence on fashion and her intimidation in the office. However the movie failed to give me the behind the scenes information that I would have liked. Such as how much money is spent on putting the September Issue together or who comes up with themes of the photo shoots. I feel the movie focuses too much on Wintour and not enough on the magazine. The result is medicore at best.

"Kick It to The Floor"

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The Cove on DVD

The Cove: An absolute must see documentary concerning the slaughter of dolphins in Taiji, Japan. The "dolphin entertainment business" such as SeaWorld is a billion dollar industry. It all starts with trainers from all over the world going to Taiji to select a dolphin to put into captivity. This is sad enough, but it is what happens to the dolphins that are not selected that is utterly shocking. It is proven that dolphin meat has extremely high levels of mercury and should not be eaten....but that does not stop Japan from serving it in schools. The movie covers these topics and uncovers so much more. "Uncover" being the key word as the documentary turns into a bit of Ocean's 11 as the filmmakers go on missions of espionage to get the footage they need. This is a rare case where a movie is as informative as it is entertaining!!

"Pick it Up"

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Zombieland on DVD

Zombieland: Plain and simple, this movie is a blast to watch! Woody Harrelson plays Tallahassee, a man who gets great joy out of killing zombies. As good as Harrelson is in the movie, the star of the show is actually Jessie Eisenberg who plays Columbus. He narrates the story, from the point when zombies started attacking through his numerous survival rules. His awkward, nerdy college character perfectly matches up with Woody Harrelson for comedic gold. The duo eventually run into 2 sisters who are more conniving than they seem. The script is so well written and the comedy is not just geared towards zombie fans. The cinematography, in particular, the slow motion used to show the graphic demise of the zombies, is carried out beautifully and....dare I say hilariously. The filmmakers also knew when to quit, the 88 minute run-time is perfect. Expect many laughs, some good gore, and an enjoyable story..........ohh and a Lot of zombies!!!

"Pick It Up"

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Whip It on DVD

Whip it: Drew Barrymore makes her directorial debut in this coming of age story that happens to include the beloved sport of roller derby. Ellen Page (of Juno fame) plays a girl that does not fit into the "perfect teenager mold" her mother would like her to. Searching for an alternative activity she comes across roller derby. She doesn't just join the team, but becomes their star player(NO WAY!). The actual roller derby competition scenes reminded me very much of Dodge Ball, except they were not nearly as funny or entertaining. Both Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon play characters that I just wanted to grab off the screen and stomp on their heads. I was not a fan of roller derby before seeing this film...and nothing has changed.

"Kick it to The Foor" or should I say Whip It to the Floor

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Bright Star on DVD

Bright Star: A romantic look at the 19th-century poet John Keats and his true love Fanny Brawne. Not knowing that much about Keats, I walked into this film with no preconceptions. The first half of the movie is very charming and reels you in. I am in no way a huge fan of these English period pieces, but when it is done right, like here in Bright Star, I am down for a viewing. The essential "classical dance sequence" is very brief and the film actually has many humorous moments. As Valentines Day approaches, this wouldn't be a bad pick for you romantics out there!!

"Pick It Up"

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The Hurt Locker On DVD

Hurt Locker: the Film takes place in Iraq and involves an elite Army bomb squad unit. They basically get called out when the army believes they have found a road side bomb or the like. This special unit comes in and tries to defuse it.....while keeping watch on the locals to make sure nobody detonates the bomb. Jeremy Renner plays a new "hot shot" on the squad who defuses bombs in a rather unorthodox way. The movie is filled with intense moments!! The story itself is very timely and poignant and shows us some of the hell these modern day soldiers are going through. My one complaint is the typical story line of the army Sgt who is counting down his last days in Iraq, thus we all pull for him to make sure nothing happens before he leaves for home. I liked the film very much, but not as much as most critics - however it is VERY much worth a spin...

" Pick It Up"

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Moon on DVD

Moon: Sam Rockwell plays Sam Bell, a Lunar Industries employee who is nearing the completion of his 3-year stint on the moon. Lunar Industries is there to mine earth's primary source of energy on the dark side of the moon. Sam is alone, his only contact with other humans during his 3 years is through taped video messages sent back and forth to his family on earth. Soon a strange accident takes place which leads to a mind-bending discovery. This is intelligent Sci-Fi that I just ate up with a spoon! Sam Rockwell's performance(s) is outstanding. The film has a very unique look to it, it most definitely was influenced by sci-fi films of the late 70's. The movie is directed by David Bowie's son - Duncan Jones, who does an excellent job with the low budget constraints. I can not express how much I love a movie that gives me a surprise....and then makes me think about it. Houston - We DON"T have a problem, this movie rocks!

Pick It Up

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Terminator Salvation DVD Review

Terminator Salvation: Being a terminator fan I waited a long time to finally watch this latest chapter in the saga. I did not wait long enough....my eyes still hurt from watching this clunker. This is the 1st Terminator to take place after "Judgement Day" - and hopefully the last. The story was terrible, Christian Bale was awful and the action sequences were meaningless. I really have a tough time thinking of anything good to say about this picture. What a shame that this was my 1st Blu-Ray watch.

"Kick It To The Floor"

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Julia on DVD

Julia: If this movie had parents they would be "Leaving Las Vegas & Fargo." Let that marinate for a bit. An alcoholic tries to kidnap someone she knows for ransom? Indeed! The story is one crazy ride that could have been even better had it been a few minutes shorter. However the outstanding performance of Tilda Swinton makes this an easy recommend.

"Pick it Up"

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