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.

TV Review: Entourage (Season 7 Premier)

This is, in my opinion, a show that has a tendency of pulling the audience back in every season with new obstacles and issues right off the bat and getting right back on that roller coaster ride that is Entourage. Last season, we saw Vince on the outs in Hollywood and then reclaim his place when he played the lead in Scorsese's Gatsby. We saw Turtle start to follow his own path. Drama was staring on a hit show and somehow managed to mess that up as usual. E dealt with life without Sloan, and then ended up proposing to her. And last but definitely not last, Ari became the biggest Agent in the world when he bought his old agency from Terrance. The new season starts off with a bit of a jump in time. Vince is working on a new movie and is pressured into doing something that he may regret. Both E and Ari are busy and happy, and even Turtle is running his own business. Drama is already in a panic right away, and things are off to a running start as Season 7 kicks off. Tune in Sunday nights on HBO for the new season or catch the reruns on Spike TV.

I give Entourage (Season 7 Premier) a 5 outta 5.

Movie Review: Grown Ups

If you like Adam Sandler movies, then this is a must-see for you. The big difference between this movie and his other movies is that this one shows a more grown up side (pun actually not intended) that doesn't have him talking in weird voices and screaming at people throughout the film. Then you add Kevin James, and fellow SNL alums: David Spade, Rob Schneider, Chris Rock, Maya Rudolph and even guest spots for Colin Quinn (who I really enjoy) and Tim Meadows. On top of that, Selma Hayek, Steve Buscemi also supply a good deal of humor. With such a large cast, it is fairly easy to follow the story and keep track of all of the relationships while you get to know this diverse and hearty group. The only thing that bugged me was that some of the jokes came across as cheap gags, and were just put in for laughs, but did not add anything to the story. Some of them were just one timers, and others were recurring jokes throughout the film that would have been better off if they did not repeat. All together though, the movie was really enjoyable and a good choice for a summer flick for the whole family to enjoy.

I give Grown Ups a 7 outta 10.

Movie Review: The Book of Eli

Denzel! Gary Oldman! Mila Kunis! All playing in a kind of Max Maxish future where books are hard to come by, but Eli has a very special and rare book in his possession. When Carnegie (Gary Oldman) finds out, he will stop at nothing to get it. Hell, he's even willing to whore out his step-daughter, Solara (Kunis) if it gets him what he wants. In this movie, Denzel is a total bad-ass, and Oldman goes back to playing a nasty SOB like in the good ole days. Add a helping of a dirty, desolate future and a bunch of people running around looking for hidden treasures from the past, such as soap... Yeah, I know, classy. If our future is anything like this movie, then we are pretty much screwed. It's a fun movie, but not too stimulating.

I give The Book of Eli a 5 outta 10.

Movie Review: Quatantine

I waited quite a while before seeing this movie, and after sitting down and watching it the other night, I realize that I could have waited longer. The story follows a TV show host as she hangs out at a fire house one night and when they go out on a routine call, things start to get weird. When it first came out, I was under the impression that they would be up against zombies, or some kind of exorcism type of situation. To my surprise, they were instead up against a strain of super-rabies that one of the tenants was developing. Exciting, right? Not so much, even with the added bonus of the shaky cam from beginning to end... The tenants, TV host, camera man, firefighters and a couple cops are all trapped inside while people continue to get infected and things get worse. Honestly, if you're really looking for something to watch, it's not the worst choice you could make, but don't go looking for this one.

I give Quarantine a 4 outta 10.

(I give a point or two for senseless violence)

Movie Review: Legion

The end of the world! The Rapture! For a small group of people trapped in a rundown diner on a remote road, it's going to be a Hell of an experience. The young waitress is pregnant and if her child is born, God is gonna be pissed! The Archangel, Michael thinks that is lame and decides to take matters into his own hands and goes against the greater good to protect mother and expected child, while Gabriel, his fellow angel, has decided to stay true to the cause and send a shit-ton of weird zombie-goblin people raining down on the diner like the plague. Can Michael, the pregnant chick, Dennis Quaid, Tyrese Gibson, Kate Walsh, Charles S. Dutton (with a hook-hand, no less), and the rest of their ragtag band of yokels and tourists stave off the apocalypse and see that this kid gets born and screws up God's plan? To find out, watch the movie. I'm not just going to tell you.

I give Legion a 6 outta 10.