Transformers DVD

Transformers: This is the most fun I have had with a movie that I am giving a rating of - “Kick it on the floor”. The film did a lot right, such as casting Shia Labeouf – he saves the movie early on with his clumsy humor. Also the plot of the movie is probably as good as it could be considering we are talking about machines transforming into robots. The special effects and sounds of the “transforming” are extremely dazzling as well. All that said the film runs about 30 minutes too long. The action scenes are overwhelming in that is difficult to really now what is going on other than seeing lots of explosions and hearing cool sounds. Not to mention too many of the “over-the-top Michael Bay moments” that just made the movie silly. If you were a “transformers kid” you might enjoy – but for the rest….. “Kick it on the Floor”

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Sicko DVD Review

Sicko: Controversial filmmaker Michael Moore opens his mouth to discuss the current healthcare system. Unlike Moore’s last movie Fahrenheit 911, this movie stays away from taking sides politically and stays focused on the issue at hand. Moore himself stays behind the camera for most of the movie allowing the sad and tragic stories do all of the talking. To drive home his point, Moore travels to other countries such as Canada, England, and France to show how a universal heath care system can improve our current situation. The component of the film that I felt was the most powerful and shocking was when Moore focused on “911 rescue workers” and the failure of the health care system to provide them with proper treatment for their 911 inflicted medical conditions. Michael Moore is a master at using delicate humor to showcase sad events - Sicko will make you laugh, yes…….but it will also make you think!!

“Pick it Up”

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Ratatouille DVD Review

Ratatouille: Can the folks at Pixar do anything wrong? Their latest story centers on a rat (Remy) who lives in Paris and is captivated by the art of finer cuisine. Along the way he befriends a young cook who knows next to nothing about cooking. Together they create some exciting new dishes which bring the spotlight and the buzz back to the once renowned restaurant (Gasteau's). Ratatouille is probably the most adult oriented film from Pixar. I do not mean that in the sense of “jokes for adults”, but rather "themes for adults”. Sure the film provides some laughs, but it was the love for all things “food” that I found the most enjoyable. With the animation pushed to the max, Ratatouille was a very entertaining watch. My only advice – don’t go in expecting the same humor as seen in most Pixar films.

“Pick It Up”

1408 DVD Review

1408: Mike Enslin, an author who writes about ghosts and supernatural occurrences checks into a hotel room (1408) that is believed to be haunted. Playing this ghostwriter is none other than John Cusack (I understand if you stop reading at this point). Normally I walk right by this title, but being October and being in the Halloween spirit – I gave it a spin. I enjoyed it……better yet, I did not feel any urge to do bodily harm to Mr. Cusack after viewing it (I’m not a Cusack fan). The story has a little more substance to it than the normal “scary house” movies. The pacing of the film is perfect, building up slowly to a frenzy of activity in room 1408. I would have liked to see the “scare factor” raised up a bit more, but even still – this is an engaging watch.

“Pick it Up”

Bug

Bug: A very tough movie to categorize. I gave this a spin under the impression that it would be a horror film – it is not. Without giving too much away I would classify it under a physiological drama. This is the second time in as many movies that Ashley Judd has surprised me with her acting ability. Judd’s exceptional performance as with the other lead, Michael Shannon, makes this strange story very compelling. Although it is not a traditional horror flick, it still has a few creepy and unpleasant scenes. When the movie ends I guarantee blank stares at the screen…..at which point some of you will really like it and some will really hate it. It is just that kind of flick.
As for me….I really liked it.

“Pick it Up”