Movie Review: Inception

Christopher Nolan both wrote and directed this film, and coming off the heels of The Dark Knight, he had a lot to live up to. Leonardo DiCaprio heads up a cast that includes names like Michael Caine, Cillian Murphy (both of which have been in the pair of Nolan's Batman films), Ellen Page, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Ken Watanabe. When I first saw the trailers, I figured it would be very centered on DiCaprio, but I was pleased to find out that, even though he was a main focal point, it was very much an ensemble cast. It follows a task force of mercenaries that go into people's dreams and con them into giving up some kind of sensitive information. It's a very complicated process and it involves a lot of training, skill, and patience. As this crew embarks on what could potentially be one of their most difficult and dangerous missions, they also have to face some inner demons that they may not be prepared for. This movie is like The Matrix, but not as big and flashy. It's more espionage, and less balls-out craziness. It runs for two and a half hours, but it's solid from beginning to end. This is THE big summer blockbuster that everyone's been looking forward to, and it does not disappoint! Check it out!

I give Inception a 10 outta 10.

Movie Review: Kick-Ass

Kick-Ass! When I used to work at a comic shop (Treasure Island Comics in Fremont, CA... Check 'em out!) I loved it when people would come in and ask how the book was. The answer was always the same after every issue that came out: Kick-Ass! Punny? Most definitely. Wrong? No. This movie was in the works even before the first story arc was completed, and with the creative team working closely with the production, I had a feeling the movie would be just as Kick-Ass as the book, and I was right. Matthew Vaughn did it again, proving why he is one of my favorite directors right now. I'm not even a big fan of Nick Cage's recent stuff, but I liked him in this movie a lot. There was a lot of controversy about the young character of Hit-Girl (Chloe Moretz) and the "adult content" that the character takes part in, and I understand the concern, but let's be honest... she kicked major ass! The movie was shot really well, the soundtrack was awesome, and the cast was perfect. I loved every second of it. Is that just the fanboy in me geeking out? Maybe, but if you want to see a shit-ton of action and violence, this movie delivers!

I give Kick-Ass a 9 outta 10.

Movie Review: Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief

When director, Chris Columbus left the Harry Potter franchise, I figured it was to do something different, but I guess I was wrong. The big difference here though is that Columbus traded in his broom for a pair of winged shoes. This story is full of mythology and adventure, and is full of recognizable faces. From Catherine Keener to Pierce Brosnan, Uma Thurman to Rosario Dawson (who looked INCREDIBLY hot) there were stars around every corner. As a kid, I was really into Greek mythology, so I liked the story a lot (though I have never read the book it was based on). It told of the son of Poseidon, the God of the Sea, and the human woman he fell in love with (Keener). When Zues' lightning bolt is stolen from Olympus, all fingers point to Percy, who is unaware of his Godly heritage. Once he finds out about his past, it's up to him to find out who really took the lightning bolt and return it in order to save his mother and stop a war between the Gods. If you like these kinds of movies, you'll dig this one, but if the Harry Potter or Narnia movies don't do it for you, then steer clear. It's a fun ride though and the I enjoyed it.

I give Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief a 6 outta 10.

Movie Review: Green Zone

Political drama, hidden in an action movie. That pretty much sums up this film. It wasn't bad at all, but after a while, it was pretty evident that you could see where things were headed. Matt Damon plays an officer who is torn between his duty as a soldier and what he knows is the right thing to do. Greg Kinnear plays the douche that spreads lies about WMDs in Iraq, and when the intel doesn't check out, others start to question the validity of his claims. Brenden Gleeson (In Bruges) doesn't buy it and hatches a plan with Damon to get the truth out. When the stakes are this high though, the truth can be a dangerous thing. It's not quite the next 'Bourne' movie I was expecting, but still had plenty going on to keep the war-time action on par with the conspiracy side of the story. It's worth a watch, but just be prepared for the heavy political agenda that comes along with it.

I give Green Zone a 7 outta 10.