Land of the Lost **1/2

Cast: Will Ferrell, Anna Friel, Danny McBride, Jorma Taccone, John Boylan
Director: Brad Silberling
Running Length: 1:33
MPAA Classification: PG-13

Dr. Rick Marshall (Ferrell) is a quantum paleontologist who has created a device to allow him to travel through time and alternate dimensions. To test it out, he and his assistant Holly (Friel), along with tour guide Will (McBride) enter a cave rich in tachyons, which are needed to make the device work. The machine transports them to a world where dinosaurs roam, and lizard-like Sleestak are being molded into an army to take over multiple dimensions. Rick, Holly, and Will must stop them as well as find a way back to our world.

Based on the somewhat cheesy television show of the 1970’s, “Land of the Lost” retains most of that cheese, while adding the latest in special effects. Will Ferrell is in full Will Ferrell mode here, which is either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your feelings toward him. The movie itself is somewhat silly, and generates a fair share of laughs, but doesn’t live up to its full potential. The supporting cast is nothing special here either. This movie is for Will Ferrell fans and fans of the old television show that want a modern look at this crazy world.

Drag Me to Hell ***

Cast: Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, Dileep Rao, David Paymer, Adriana Barazza
Director: Sam Raimi
Running Length: 1:39
MPAA Classification: PG-13

Christine Brown (Lohman) is a loan officer with visions of advancement. To make herself a better candidate than her co-worker, she decides to take the hard-line approach to customers. When Mrs. Ganush (Raver) is behind on her payments and about to lose her house, Christine is unsympathetic. Mrs. Ganush doesn’t take this well, puts a curse on Christine. Christine begins to have nightmarish visions, and seeks out the help of a mystic (Rao). He tells her that after three days of haunting, the demon will drag her to hell if she cannot get rid of it.

“Drag Me to Hell” is the latest horror movie from director Sam Raimi, after his three “Spider-Man” films. It marks a return to his roots, and he doesn’t seem to have missed a beat. The film is scary, gross, and funny. The PG-13 rating, normally the mark of a crap horror movie, works perfectly. In fact, it is about as close to an R rating a film can get. Lohman is good as the unsympathetic lead character, and the supporting cast works well together. “Drag Me to Hell” is a solid horror movie that is worth checking out.

Up 3-D ***1/2

Cast: (voices) Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson, Delroy Lindo, Jerome Ranft
Director: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
Running Length: 1:36
MPAA Classification: PG

After the death of his longtime love, Carl (Asner) decides to fulfill one of their long term goals. This is a visit to Paradise Falls, deep in South America. A former balloon salesman, he ties thousands of helium-filled balloons to his house and takes off. Meanwhile, Russell (Nagai), a youngster who is trying to “help an old person” is caught on the porch. Russell is along for the ride, and when they get to their destination, things are not what they expected.

“Up” is the tenth film by Pixar, and also their tenth great film. It seems that they can do no wrong, and show no signs of slipping. This is a movie for all ages to enjoy, like their previous endeavors. Asner is the perfect choice to play the grumpy old man Carl, and Nagai is likewise great as young Russell. The colors are vibrant and eye-catching. As for the 3-D effects, they are probably the most subtle I have ever seen on film. They are effective, but not distracting. I highly recommend “Up” for all ages.

Terminator Salvation **

Cast: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Moon Bloodgood, Helena Bonham Carter, Anton Yelchin, Bryce Dallas Howard, Common, Jane Alexander, Michael Ironside
Director: McG
Running Length: 1:55
MPAA Classification: PG-13

The year is 2018, and John Connor (Bale) is a local leader of the resistance, fighting Skynet. Those further up the chain of command believe that they have a weapon that can shut down the machines at close range. Connor volunteers to lead the test mission, and along the way locate Kyle Reese (Yelchin), whom the machines have targeted. Reese is in Los Angeles, and befriends a stranger named Marcus Wright (Worthington), who has a secret even he doesn’t know about. When Reese gets captured, Wright and Connor must team up to find him.

“Terminater Salvation”, like “Terminater 3” is a movie that never needed to be made. “T1” and “T2” were great movies that told a complete story, and this feels like an excuse to make more money. Bale steps into the role of Connor, and gets the job done, but the performance is nothing spectacular. Director McG has some tricks up his sleeve, including a helicopter crash that is filmed interestingly, but is unimpressive overall. The biggest delight perhaps is the appearance of a former terminator 2/3 of the way through the film. Overall, I got what I expected here; the problem was that I wasn’t expecting much.

17 Again *1/2

Cast: Zac Efron, Leslie Mann, Thomas Lennon, Matthew Perry, Sterling Knight, Michelle Trachtenberg, Hunter Parrish, Melora Hardin
Director: Burr Steers
Running Length: 1:42
MPAA Classification: PG-13

In 1989, Mike O’Donnell (Efron) is the star of the basketball team. He is one game from getting a big scholarship. Before the game, he finds out his girlfriend is pregnant. Determined to make the right decision, he skips the game and declares that his future is spending the rest of his life with her and raising their child. In 2007, Mike (Perry) is sick of his life, and Scarlett (Mann) is divorcing him. His kids don’t like him either. One day, a mysterious janitor at the school offers him a chance to do it all over again. He eagerly accepts, and the next day wakes up in a 17 year old body.

“17 Again” is nothing new. In fact, it has been done better many times before. This is clearly a starring vehicle for Efron, who is moderately charming and successful in the role. The story could have been written better, but seems dumbed down for the younger audience that would come to see Efron on film. I really cannot recommend this film.