• Director: Toshio Gotô
• Release Date: 1997
  (Japan)
• Writers: Etsuko Kishikawa (story)
• Country: Japan
• Genre: Animation

• IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1502404/
• Rating: R
• Director: Patrick Lussier
• Release Date: Febuary 2011
• Run Time: 104
• Genre: Action, Fantasy, Thriller

Tagline: Drive Angry

Writers: Todd Farmer, Patrick Lussier

Review: Let me first state that i dont really like Nicholas Cage. However in this movie it really didnt bother me all that much. So even if you are like me and dont like Cage you can still see this movie. On to the movie itself. Its a rather straight forward action movie with a bad ass good guy who chases a bad guy with and his supporters. Milton (Cage) has some history with the baddie and on his way to get to him he uses guns, big explosions and prefers travel by classic American muscle car. While doing so he picks up a hot chick (Heard) to accompany him on the road. Thats basically it.

The reason i still give it a 7 out of 10 is that the action is pretty nice, most of the special effects are good and the story, although limited, moves along at a steady pace so you wont get bored. Fichtners side character is also quite cool. The things a dont like about the film are some cliche dialogs with silly one liners and the feeling that the makers aim for cult status. Too bad the movie isnt good enough for it, but if you hear a title like Drive Angry you expect a simple action movie and thats exactly what you get. Always nice from time to time.

• IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1385826/
• Rating: PG-13
• Director: George Nolfi
• Release Date: March 2011
• Run Time: 105
• Genre: Romance, Thriller

Tagline: Your Future Has Been Adjusted

Writers: George Nolfi, Philip K. Dick

Review: Fate, coincidence and free will come at odds with one another in this sci-fi romance re-imagined by George Nolfi from the short story, Adjustment Team, by sci-fi legend Philip K. Dick. Nolfis plot can go from interesting and intriguing to downright silly at times but the main attraction is not the narrative. It is the pulsating chemistry between lead stars Matt Damon and the sensually beguiling Emily Blunt set in all the famous spots of Manhattan and NYC.

Having been to New York City recently, I find the sets nostalgic, and I am defenseless to the charms of Emily Blunt.

Young Senate candidate for New York City, David Norris (Damon), is rehearsing his speech in the mens restroom when a beautiful stranger (Blunt, right, with Damon) emerges from one of the stalls and starts chatting with him. Before she leaves, in quite a hurry, they have an impulsive, passionate kiss, and he is smitten. Their next encounter in a city bus has to be by chance, and he learns that her name is Elise. He is determined to call her. To court her…

And then David comes across a bunch of Men in Black suits and hats, led by a Mr Richardson (John Slattery), who says bluntly, we are the people who make sure things go according to plan. Davids relationship with the free-spirited Elise is NOT part of their plan and he must not see her again, for both his and her own good! The rest of the movie is, of course, the tussle between Love and Fate for David. After being charmed by Elise, a rising star ballerina, we can understand why David is bent on seeing her. We can also understand how their relationship would possibly wreck their careers, and why David would want to take a chance on that. David and Elise seem so perfect for each other that we root for them.

It is good that Nolfi has written such a romantic angle into this Dick tale instead of turning it into another action flick like Total Recall, Paycheck and Screamers. He could have polished up a bit more on the second half to keep it from becoming childish, though. Still, the notion of Fates personified could not be taken too seriously, and it would be better to just go along with the flow of the love story so charmingly portrayed by Damon and Blunt, and supported by a sympathetic Anthony Mackie and menacing Terence Stamp as members of the Adjustment Bureau.

• IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1555064/
• Rating: PG-13
• Director: Shana Feste
• Release Date: January 2011
• Run Time: 117
• Genre: Drama, Music

Tagline: It does not matter where you have been as long as you come back strong.

Writers: Shana Feste

Review: I just saw this movie today. I cannot understand why it was rated so poorly and it just shows that I am glad I dont listen to the critics. There are so many that dont like it because they compare it to past movies that are somewhat similar. I have seen very few movies like this especially ones that are based on country so I came in very unbiased. Just take the movie for what it is, on its own, for a great script and story!

The acting was sensational. The singing which was done by the actors themselves was fabulously passionate and real. Gwyneth, Garrett, and especially Leighton, WOW! The story line? Big deal if it is similar to others. This movie seemed so very real to what it could actually be like. Gwyneths acceptance to be the character she has to be was remarkable. She had humor, terrific talent and as a woman and wife whos husband had forgotten how to be a husband and partner, she was passionate and playful yet sad and lost. Once again she showed how wonderful and talented an actress she really is.

Garrett and Leighton played their roles very professionally, very real and we need to see more of them.

I love this movie. It had a profound affect on me being a musician and someone who had felt the loss of hope the exact same way Kelly did in this movie.

If the critics hadnt beaten it up so much, this movie would have rocked at the box office! Top marks to all involved. Thank you for doing this!

• IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1464540/
• Rating: PG-13
• Director: D.J. Caruso
• Release Date: Febuary 2011
• Run Time: 109
• Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Tagline: I Am Number Four

Writers: Alfred Gough, Miles Millar

Review: This movie is not the best action film of the year. This movie is not another tongue in cheek teen movie. Most importantly, this movie is not a wannabe of the Twilight franchise. This movie is entertainment for all viewers that delivers a good story, action, and desire to want more at the end. I was lucky enough to work as an extra in this movie for about 2 weeks and was able to see how this film came together, piece by piece. The visual effects truly make the film enjoyable. Seeing it behind the scenes, I could not imagine what it would look like. To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised.

The acting was believable and consistent, unlike previous reviews who claim the actors lost steam halfway thru the film. Timothy Olyphant is perhaps the best character in the film, Pettyfer following right after. The best part about this film is the love story within the plot WAS NOT painful or annoying to watch.

This movie is definitely worth seeing in theaters, as the action scenes truly make the experience. I Am Number Four is a great start to what could be a fantastic franchise.

• IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1401152/
• Rating: PG-13
• Director: Jaume Collet Serra
• Release Date: Febuary 2011
• Run Time: 113
• Genre: Action, Drama, Mystery

Tagline: Take back your life.

Writers: Oliver Butcher, Stephen Cornwell

Review: Multiple people have compared this to Neesons 2008 release of Taken. Both have a similar concept, Liam goes on a fast paced journey to retrieve something special that has been taken from him. This time it is not his daughter, it is his mind. Unlike Taken, Unknown is more of a suspense mystery than an action flick. There are some chases and fight scenes, but that is not the main focus. The movies plot is focus and it is unique for it is unpredictable. We are confused like Neesons character and there are times we dont know if he will succeed. There are multiple twists and unlike most mystery thrillers, it took me more than half through the film to figure it all out.

In short, Unknown is a fairly decent mystery thriller. Good performances. Good story for a mystery. Good music. Good cinematography, I particularly like the whole gray, dreary atmosphere that reflects the films locations bleak weather. Good twists. Good suspense, the sound mixers mustve had a kick in adding emphasis on sound effects to startle the audience. The one thing I will note is that Liam Neeson is really showing his age. This is not necessarily a bad thing, on the contrary, it helps his character out. It gets tiresome that Hollywood always uses the generic 30 something year old actor with smashing abs who is tossed into a terrible situation. It is nice to see an aging actor play an upper middle aged man who has perhaps lost his mind while running away from people trying to kill him.

• IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1464174/
• Rating: PG-13
• Director: John Whitesell
• Release Date: Febuary 2011
• Run Time: 107
• Genre: Comedy

Tagline: Mommas got back-up.

Writers: Matthew Fogel, Don Rhymer

Review: Well, firstly dont go expecting a big momma like the previous 2. Big Mommas Like farther, like son is slightly more immature and corny in comparison to the first two. It felt like it was more for 11 year old girls rather then a movie that you and your buddy can enjoy. However sometimes these corny movies can pull it off and i think this one did just that!

Ignore the low rating, I dont think it was really that bad. It may not be Martin Laurence at his best, but take into account that he was doing a more kiddy movie this time. It did manage to keep me entertained, even though the plot was flat and predictable, I did laugh along with the crowd at Big Mommas wittiness. Also action wise, i would say it was kept at a mediocre level but you cant expect much from a PG movie!

You know when people say watch it with an open mind and you will enjoy it Sorry but this is most definitely one of those movies.

What disappointed me the most was i expected a storyline just like the first Big Momma, thats why i was so let down. One other thing is, at times i thought i was watching High School Musical, you will understand what i mean if youve seen it!

It could most definitely fall under the category, Its so bad, that its good But i think the whole purpose of this film was aimed at a younger audience, you can tell that automatically by looking at the cast. Its not the easiest to review because when the film ended i was neither disappointed or satisfied, it was more like a good way to kill a hour or two.

Chances are your kids will love it and you wont be to tortured because it will bring out a couple of giggles and I must admit it, the songs were very catchy and quite nicely done. My final verdict will be watch it with an open mind and you will enjoy it!

• IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0377981/
• Rating: G
• Director: Kelly Asbury
• Release Date: Febuary 2011
• Run Time: 84
• Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Tagline: A little adventure goes a lawn way.

Writers: William Shakespeare, Kelly Asbury

Review: When I first saw trailers for Gnomeo and Juliet, I groaned at the thought, Romeo and Juliet as told by garden gnomes? Really? Aside from the obvious absurdity of the concept, I wondered exactly how faithfully they would stick to the story. The ending of Shakespeares original story would prove awfully dark for the young audiences that would be naturally drawn to this.

So, with these reservations in mind I saw the film last night with my 7 and 10 year old daughters, and found myself enjoying the movie much more than I expected to. Is the concept absurd? Sure, but the writers made plenty of clever use of that absurdity, with some great sight gags and setups.

I wont go into detail on the issue of the originals dark ending, but the writers here found a sly way to acknowledge that original ending without having to actually incorporate it in this loose remake.

Elton John is credited as an Exec Producer, his partner David Furnish has a Producer credit as well. The movie makes liberal use of EJs music, generally to good effect.

And my daughters both loved it. Great family fare.

• IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1034389/
• Rating: PG
• Director: Kevin Macdonald
• Release Date: Febuary 2011
• Run Time: 114
• Genre: Adventure, Drama

Tagline:

Writers: Jeremy Brock, Rosemary Sutcliff

Review: I thoroughly enjoyed Rosemary Sutcliffs adventure novel and I felt this movie was true to the book, with a few changes that actually made the story better.

First off, Sutcliff wrote a book for teen readers and the movie was done in such a way that I felt comfortable bringing my teenage son to see it. There was violence, owing to the times, but not graphic like most movies these days. In fact, people were killed or executed with most of the gory parts off screen or to the side so you didnt see the actual act. There was no sex or nudity, which for me is a nice change when I want to see a feature film for the story and not have these scenes thrown in for that type of audience.

The story is an intelligent historical adventure bringing the viewer into an unknown world in Northern Scotland. It depicts accurately the relation between the conquering Romans and their subjugated Brittons and Celts. We see Roman period soldiers accurately represented and native Picts as they may have been, without many historical records to verify their way of life.

The movie is also about a friendship that builds between two men from opposite sides of the conflict and the bonds that build despite their differences in culture. There are lots of battles, beautiful scenery, and excitement.

The movie follows Sutcliffs hunt for the 9th Legion Eagle, lost beyond Hadrians Wall in the the mysterious land of the Picts, ruthless tribes of barbarians in present day Scotland. Despite some recent evidence that the 9th Legion was never destroyed in Scotland, the story is captivating and despite being fiction has a real authentic feel.

• IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1092026/
• Rating: R
• Director: Greg Mottola
• Release Date: March 2011
• Run Time: 104
• Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi

Tagline: Who is up for a close encounter?

Writers: Nick Frost, Simon Pegg

Review: Wow, what a ride! No matter what you look for in a movie this has it all. Comedy, Action, and Sci-Fi are all blended together nicely and the result is probably the best film of the year so far.

Finally back together again after the massive successes that were Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost play two British nerds on a vacation in America. The first stop on their list is San Diego where they check out the geek extravaganza known as Comic Con. After scoring the coveted autograph they were after, their journey continues on to Area 51 where they meet a weird old lady, a couple of hillbillies, and a potty mouthed alien named Paul. Paul has been hiding out on the military base for the last 60 years and now for whatever reasons has decided that he wants to escape and get back to his mother ship. And so begins the funniest and craziest road trip adventure since Planes, Trains, and Automobiles or Midnight Run.

The cast of characters that these 3 meet along the way are some very familiar ones in the comedy world. Jane Lynch, David Koechner, Jason Bateman, Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Jeffrey Tambor, Blythe Danner, John Carrol Lynch, and of course Seth Rogen who voices Paul the alien. Seeing all these familiar faces pop up throughout the movie is a great treat to fans of comedy. A lot of inside jokes and special nods to other films from the sci-fi genre are sprinkled throughout and fans of genre should be able to pick up on them get a great enjoyment out of it. Props should also go to Director Greg Mottola for having the balls to even attempt such a beast of a movie.

Everyone definitely brought their A game for this one and it shows. Good funny performances from all including Seth Rogen who, despite getting on a lot peoples nerves, really does have a knack for these voice roles and he didnt annoy me at all. Fantastic direction from Greg Mottola who is now in my opinion 3 for 3 in directing with Superbad, Adventureland, and now Paul. Damn good job of writing by Pegg and Frost too as they crafted a really funny story that pays perfect respect to the movies in the genres that have come before it. Kudos to all involved, damn good work.

So whether you like comedy, action, sci-fi, romance, or adventure, then youre gonna absolutely love Paul. The combination of all these genres fits seamlessly with this cast of characters and they bring on us a ride that as a movie you wont soon forget. Also, be on the lookout for a cameo at the end that will slap a big damn silly smile on face.

• IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1265990/
• Rating: R
• Director: Christian E. Christiansen
• Release Date: Febuary 2011
• Run Time: 91
• Genre: Drama, Thriller

Tagline: 2,000 colleges. 8 million roommates. Which one will you get.

Writers: Sonny Mallhi

Review: I consider myself someone who judges films rather harshly. I feel like most of the people who are bashing this film are people who went into the theater close minded and not even willing to give this film a chance. Im not a fan of Single White Female, as I found every single one of the characters to get on my last nerve. Im not saying theyre acting was bad, Im saying that I didnt think the characters were likable.

The Roommate is a fresh take on Single White Female. I liked the college setting better than the apartment setting because it gave Sara and the viewer a more confined feeling. In an apartment there are doors you can lock and places to hide, whereas in a dorm room theres you and theres the psycho.

Leighton Meesters performance of Rebecca was very good. She did a really good job of portraying the psycho. And a lot of people are bashing Minka Kelly for her portrayal of Sara and to be honest Leighton did outshine her, only because the character of Rebecca is much more complex and interesting. Sara isnt supposed to be an interesting character. Shes a typical college girl who doesnt have much of a back story because she doesnt really need a backstory. Were introduced to Sara as a college freshman who drinks, cusses, and has sex just like the next college freshman on film, but somehow Rebecca sees something in her she wants and will do anything to get.

I appreciated that they didnt just make Rebecca a psycho and left it at that, then I would have been angry, but I think they spent a perfect amount of time explaining Rebecca and her past. We dont know the specifics on Maria because we dont need to, she has two minutes of screen time and in that two minutes of screen time we see that whatever happened between her and Rebecca it definitely left her scarred.

I liked that other than Rebecca and Sara we didnt have a lot of interaction between other characters and thats the way it shouldve been, as that was Rebeccas goal. She wanted to isolate Sara and by doing that, isolating the viewers.

Its not a horror film. Not at all. Not at all. Not at all. It does have its scares and jump scenes and is filled to the brim with chilling moments though. And a part of me even agrees with those are saying it should have been a TV movie. I think it would have been judged a bit more fairly. But I have to say believe it or not, unlike most Screen Gems it does have depth.

Watch it once. And then watch it again. And THEN make your final judgement because in my opinion most of the people that are insulting the writers, actors, director are just stubborn SWF fans.

• IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1578275/
• Rating: PG-13
• Director: Ron Howard
• Release Date: January 2011
• Run Time: 111
• Genre: Comedy, Drama

Tagline: The truth hurts.

Writers: Allan Loeb

Review: Ron Howard has been successful in entertaining me and making good movies, and you can add The Dilemma to a list that also includes Frost Nixon, A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13, Cinderella Man, and Parenthood. He does another great job on directing this bromance comedy, making this his best comedy since Parenthood.

The story is a brilliant one that I like. It shows how one friend is going through the trouble of whether or not to tell his best friend that his wife has been cheating on him. The story continues to stay funny thanks to the witty script by Allan Loeb and Howards directing.

Howard has put together an excellent cast led by Vince Vaughn. Vaughn stars as Ronny Valentine, who runs a car business with his best friend, Nick. Vaughn does sometimes do his usual kind of acting like he has pulled off in Wedding Crashers and Dodgeball, but he makes that work to his advantage. Vaughn gives a hilarious performance where he makes you compassionate in what he is going through.

James is great as Nick, and shows that he still as talent as a comedy actor. James makes you feel bad for him even though he doesnt know what is really going on with Ronny.

Jennifer Connelly and Winona Ryder are both also great as they are Vaughns and James female counterparts. Connelly shows how sweet she makes Beth when she shows her love and concern for Ronny. Connelly makes Beth out to be a very affectionate and loving girlfriend. Ryder gives a hilarious turn as Geneva, Nicks wife. What I like best about Ryders performance is that she makes Geneva out to be the bad one and is hilarious at threatening Ronny.

Overall, this is a fun comedy that continues to be funny as Ronny keeps getting himself into bigger and bigger trouble. What I liked best about The Dilemma is how Ron Howard is able to keep interest in his storytelling and to keep it funny. Howard shows that he is one of the best directors out there and can do any kind of movie.