The Amazing Spider-Man ***

Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Martin Sheen, Sally Field, Irrfan Khan
Director: Mark Webb
Running Length: 2:16
MPAA Classification: PG-13

It has been 10 years since the original Spider-Man, and only 5 years since the mis-step that was Spider-Man 3.  Apparently, that's all the time that is needed to start over.  And so, Mark Webb's The Amazing Spider-man has found its way to theaters.  This time, we get a re-told, and slightly different, origin story that promises to shed more light on Peter Parker's parents' disappearance from his life.  I suppose that this is more of an overall story for the recently announced parts 2 and 3 that will be making their way to us over the next few years.

This time around, Spider-Man (Garfield) is more of a smart ass, like he is in the comics.  His love interest is Gwen Stacy (Stone), and the bad guy is The Lizard (Ifans).  Garfield does a good job of bring ing a different version of Peter to the screen.  I wouldn't say better or worse, just different.  Emma Stone brings more personality to the love interest this time around.  Lastly, Rhys Ifans does the best he can with playing the Lizard. 

So, the good...the effects look great.  They have come a long way in five years, and Spidey swinging through the city never looked so good.  The Lizard looks as good as a giant man-lizard can look, and about as real as he could look too.  The chemistry between Garfield and Stone is believeable, and for the most part the supporting cast does a good job trying to not imitate their predacessors.

On the down side, its only been 5 years.  Why reboot?  Why do we need another origin story?  For me, switching actors and continuing the story or just jumping back in mid-stream without an origin story would have been a better way to go.  I can't quite put my finger on the specific reason, but the costume looks terrible this time around.  The Lizard is a weak villian.  He would be better used as a second villion in a two villian movie.

The biggest problem for me is that, with only 5 years having past, its hard to look at this movie without comparing directly to what has gone before.  Like I said previously, a non-reboot sequel would have been the better way to go.  That being said, now that they have established the new universe, I am looking forward to seeing where they go with it.

The Amazing Spider-Man is not the best of the Spider-Man movies.  That honor still falls on Spider-Man 2.  Its not the worst either, and a few years will give a little more distance for the sequel to have less comparisons with Sam Raimi's trilogy.  The franchise has a future, and I think it is promising.

Brave 3D ***

Cast (voices): Kelly MacDonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Robbie Coltrane, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson Director: Brenda Chapman, Mark Andrews
Running Length: 1:35
MPAA Classification: PG


Princess Merida (MacDonald) is strong-willed and a bit of a tomboy.  When suitors are lined up by her monther, Queen Elinor (Thompson), Merida takes control of the situation by one-upping all of the contenders.  Elinor is quite displeased, and tries to lay down the law, but Merida seeks outside help and soon finds the situation out of control as her mother is turned into a bear.  To make matters worse, King Fergus (Connolly), who has some bad history with bears and is unaware of the transfermation, is on the hunt.

Brave is Pixar's first foray into the fantasy realm, and it is a bit of a misfire (for them).  It plays like a Disney princess movie, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but Pixar has always been better than this.  While the story has something to say about mothers and daughters, it is ultimately middle of the road for them.  I don't know what I wanted from Brave, but it definately was something more.  Visually, Brave is beautiful.  They have set the computer-generated animation bar a bit higher here, but that is to be expected.  The voice talent all do excellent jobs as well.

I think that ultimately this film will play well, but it is a bit of a step down from their recent efforts.  Like I said, a good movie in general, but slightly below par by Pixar standards.  Maybe I am just too picky when it comes to their movies, but I have come to expect a little more from them.  The short before the film, "La Luna" was cute, and about on par for the shorts they have placed before their features.

Lastly, I saw this in 3D, mostly to get in to an earlier show time.  Is 3D necessary for Brave?  Not really, but it doesn't take away from the film either, as it is done well.  Either a 2D or a 3D viewing should give about the same experience.

The Muppets ***1/2

Cast: Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Rashida Jones, Jack Black, and the voices of Steve Whitmire, Eric Jacobson, Dave Goelz, Peter Linz
Director: James Bobin
Running Length: 1:37
MPAA Classification: PG

Walter (Linz) is a Muppet-like boy whose dream is to see the Muppet Studios.  Gary (Segel), his big brother, decides to bring him along on a California vacation that he had planned with his girlfriend, Mary (Adams).  While touring the run down Muppet Studios, Walter learns of a sinister plan by millionaire Tex Richman (Cooper) to tear down the studio and drill for oil.  They embark on a plan to thwart Richman's scheme and reunite the Muppets to save the studio.

This is a fun movie.  Of course, I have a soft spot in my heart for the Muppets.  I remember watching The Muppet Show as a child and loving it.  This movie is definitely able to tap into that nostalgia, and it will resonate with others who remember that great show.  There is something truly great about seeing the Muppets on screen again, and handled in such a reverant way.  Jason Segel is the driving force behind this movie, not just starring in and co-writing it, but pushing to get it made in the first place.  Segel and Adams are great as Gary and Mary, providing a likability and certain level of cheesiness that works perfectly.

I have seen this movie about five times now, and have found that it does not grow old with repeated viewings.  The songs are wonderful, from the new stuff to classics like "The Rainbow Connection".  When I initially saw it in the theater, everyone, from child to adult, enjoyed it.  Perhaps the adults even enjoyed it more than the kids.  The Muppets is like visiting with old friends again.  I highly recomment checking it out!

The Avengers ****

Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Clark Gregg
Director: Joss Whedon
Running Length: 2:22
MPAA Classification: PG-13

After years of build up, The Avengers delivers what was hinted at a few years ago in the post credit scene of Iron Man.  Of course, since Iron Man, we were treated to Iron Man 2, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, and Captain America: The First Avenger; all of which only served to build the excitement and expectations that The Avengers would be forced to deliver upon.

The good news is that The Avengers does deliver, and then some.  The story revolves around Iron Man (Downey), the Hulk (Ruffalo), Thor (Hemsworth), Captain America (Evans), Black Wido (Johansson), Hawkeye (Renner), and Nick Fury (Jackson) banding together to stop Loki (Hiddleston) and his alien army from taking over the world.  Honestly though, the joy is in just seeing all of these heroes together finally.  Director Joss Whedon has crafted a story that is action packed and at times very funny.  He was a great choice for director, as he clearly understands the characters and the Marvel Universe in general.

All of the heroes are given pretty much equal time, so fans of individual heroes won't feel cheated.  What is interesting is that Mark Ruffalo, despite being new to the Avengers movie world, somewhat steals the show, both as Bruce Banner and the Hulk.  The Avengers is the best Hulk movie yet, surpassing both Eric Bana and Edward Norton's efforts.

Marvel has done something pretty impressive here.  Their long range plan has totally paid off, leaving DC in the dust.  Next up is the second phase of their Avengers plan, which will include Iron Man 3, Thor 2, and Captain America 2, and will culminate in Avengers 2 in a few years.  I, for one, cannot wait.

Summer Movies (Part 1)

You gotta love the summer movie season.  It brings the biggest, most blockbuster movies to your local theater.  Summers are always pascked with "must see" movies, and 2012 is no exception.  Here's a quick look at some of the movies I'm looking forward to this summer...

The movie I was looking forward to the most has already come out.  That, of course, is The Avengers.  I will most likely go more into my thoughts on this movie in another post, but briefly, this was an incredible movie.  Definitely lived up to the hype, and definitely set the bar high for the rest of the summer blockbusters.

Prometheus is next up on my radar.  A paralell-ish prequel of sorts to the classic Alien, Prometheus reunites director Ridley Scott with that universe.  With each new preview I see, my excitement builds.  This one is going to be good, folks.

The Dark Knight Rises is another biggie on my list of must sees this summer.  I have been a fan of Christopher Nolan since Memento, and with each new film he never ceases to impress.  This will be the final film in his Batman trilogy, and yes, it is a very big deal.  The biggest test for this film will be to see if it can surpass The Avengers.

These are just a few of the movies that I am looking forward to this summer.  I will post my thoughts on them after I see them, and will post about more summer films that I am looking forward to in the near future.  What are you looking forward to?

Time to Begin Again?

In November 2003, I got the idea that I might try doing a blog.  Since I saw a lot of movies, a movie review blog seemed to make the most sense.  After all, I was seeing 1-2 movies in the theater every weekend.  It started out slow, but soon I found my groove and before I knew it, years had passed.  In June 2009, I stopped rather suddenly.  I wasn't seeing movies as much in the theater, and that is what I had limited my reviews to.  Also, it started to feel like a chore, and I didn't want that.

Now, almost three years later, I am contemplating starting up again.  Maybe not just movies seen in the theater, but possibly DVD reviews, TV reviews, and book reviews.  Why the interest in starting up again?  Well, after heavily diving into the Twitter world in the last six months or so, I have come across quite a few people who produce quality blogs.  They have kind of inspired me.

I don't know how this will go, so I am taking it day by day.  I can't promise to post on a regular basis, but if I'm enjoying it, I might surprise myself.  So, what do you think?  Just movies?  Or TV and/or books too?  Let me know what you think.  I have to do some site upgrades as well, but the content is most important.  Also, I would entertaing suggestions for a new blog name, especially if the scope of my little corner of the internet increases.

Vanity Fair **1/2

Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Romola Garai, James Purefoy, Rhys Ifans, Gabriel Byrne, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Bob Hoskins, Eileen Atkins, Jim Broadbent
Director: Mira Nair
Running Length: 2:20
MPAA Classification: PG-13

""Vanity Fair" is the story of Becky Sharp (Witherspoon), a social climber, who attempts to rise from poverty to the British high society. This is done through a marriage to Rawdon Crawley (Purefoy). And once his gambling problem threatens their status in society, Becky quickly seeks to maintain here newfound stature.

Based on the classic novel by William Makepeace Thackeray, "Vanity Fair" is definately not my type of movie. That being said, fans of period pieces and classic novels will probably be satidfied. I found it difficult to get into and even more difficult to care for any of the characters. Finally, at 160 minutes, this movie runs far too long. This is not a movie for everyone, but a small few will find it highly entertaining.

Jarhead ****

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Brian Geraghty, Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper, Dennis Haysbert
Director: Sam Mendes
Running Length: 2:05
MPAA Classification: R

"Jarhead" is the true story of Anthony Swafford (Gyllenhaal) from basic training through the Gulf War. Basic training is rough and reminiscent of the movie "Full Metal Jacket". Swafford emerges from the training as a sniper candidate, and becomes best friends with his spotter, Tony (Sarsgaard). Sergeant Siek (Foxx) is their commander, and sees them as the best snipers of the group. In 1990, Swafford's unit is sent to Iraq to participate in the Gulf War, but this war is not a war for snipers, and he soon finds himself ready to fight, but never allowed to.

The unit is trained and trained and trained to be their very best, but there is no outlet for all their training, and soon that begins to take its toll. They are soldiers who are unable to use the skills that they have, and sooner or later someone is going to snap.

Jake Gyllenhaal is excellent as the baby faced Swafford, and is a definite candidate for an Oscar nomination. Sarsgaard, who has been in a number of films this year, finally has found a role to really shine in. Finally, Foxx is perfect as a true Marine that loves being a Marine. "Jarhead" is an interesting war movie that really has little war in it. Its focus is on the people that are there to fight the war, and what happens when the highly trained men are not allowed to do what they have been trained for. This is the best war movie in recent years, and I highly recommend it.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ****

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Brendan Gleeson, Robbie Coltrane, Miranda Richardson, Ralph Fiennes, Timothy Spall, David Tennant
Director: Mike Newell
Running Length: 2:37
MPAA Classification: PG-13

Harry Potter (Radcliffe) is back for his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizadry, and it is not going to be an easy year. First off, it is announced that there will be the Tri-Wizard Tournament, in which the three participating schools have a champoin chosen for them from the Goblet of Fire. Those champions will compete against each other in a series of challenges. When the names are chosen, not only is each school represented, but the Goblet also chooses a fourth champion: Harry Potter.

Forced to compete in the tournament, Harry soon finds that the tournament is very dangerous, and perhaps someone entered him into it in the hopes that he would be injured or even killed. If that is not enough, Harry is having dreams of Voldemort (Fiennes). It seems that the dark lord may be making a comeback, and that does not bode well for anyone.

"Goblet" is arguably the best of the Harry Potter movies so far. Filled with action and a key plot point - the return of Voldemort, it does not disappoint. The kids have come into their own and it is difficult to imagine anyone else filling those roles. Fiennes is perfect as Voldemort, bringing a creepy evilness that is just right for you know who. Director Mike Newell has taken the longest of the Harry Potter books, streamlined it, and made an entertaining motion picture. Only one and a half years to wait for "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix", and summer 2007 cannot come soon enough.

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.

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian **

Cast: Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson, Hank Azaria, Robin Williams, Christopher Guest, Alain Chabat, Jake Cherry
Director: Shawn Levy
Running Length: 1:45
MPAA Classification: PG

The magical tablet that brings exhibits to life is transferred with a number of the exhibits to the Smithsonian. Larry Daley (Stiller), now an inventor, realizes that this could be a problem, and travels to Washington, D.C. to avert disaster. By the time he arrives, Pharaoh Kahmunrah (Azaria) is planning to take over the world with the help of Napoleon (Chabat), Al Capone (Bernthal), and Ivan the Terrible (Guest). Larry rallies his troops, including Jedediah (Wilson) and Amelia Earhart (Adams) to stop him.

Given the success of the first “Night at the Museum”, a sequel was inevitable. Unfortunately, there is not much story-wise here. What story there is has plot holes, as the script doesn’t like to follow its own rules. The effects are top-notch like in the first film, but that is hardly enough to make this worth seeing. The one bright spot is the always adorable Amy Adams, who gives yet another standout performance. Kids will undoubtedly enjoy this, but adults will find the film lacking. Wait for DVD if you must see this.

Angels and Demons ***

Cast: Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer, Stellan Skarsgård, Pierfrancesco Favino, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Thure Lindhardt
Director: Ron Howard
Running Length: 2:14
MPAA Classification: PG-13

The mourning over the death of the pope has ended in the Vatican, and the time has come to choose a new leader for the Catholic Church. Unfortunately, the four leading candidates have been kidnapped by people claiming to be the Illuminati, an underground society bent on taking down the Church. They threaten to kill the candidates and then blow up Rome with an antimatter bomb stolen from the CERN Large Hadron Collider. Enter Robert Langdon (Hanks), an expert on the Illuminati and Vittoria Vetra (Zurer), one of the scientists who created the antimatter. With the support of Commander Richter (Skarsgård), head of the Swiss Guard and Camerlengo Patrick McKenna (McGregor), they set out to solve the clues left behind to stop the Illuminati.

“Angels & Demons” is the sequel to “The DaVinci Code”, and provides more action and less talking than its predecessor. It is also marginally better (unlike the book which is far superior). Hanks is once again slipping into Langdon’s shoes, and seems comfortable there. (Rumor has it they are already planning an adaptation of the new Langdon novel). The story is entertaining despite being a little on the unbelievable side. The ideas presented are compelling though, and that soothes the more outrageous moments. “Angels & Demons” is definitely worth your time, especially if you enjoyed “The DaVinci Code.”

Star Trek ***

Cast: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Leonard Nimoy, Eric Bana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Zoe Saldana, Anton Yelchin, Bruce Greenwood
Director: J.J. Abrams
Running Length: 2:06
MPAA Classification: PG-13

James Kirk (Pine) is a talented but undisciplined young man. Captain Christopher Pike (Greenwood) sees potential in him and challenges him to be greater than his father, a man who saved many in a deadly attack against a ship he was temporarily captaining. When an emergency mission calls upon the U.S.S. Enterprise, Kirk is there along with First Officer Spock (Quinto), Doctor Leonard "Bones" McCoy (Urban), Communications Officer Uhura (Saldana), and Navigators Sulu (Cho) and Chekov (Yelchin). The only one missing is Scotty (Pegg), who they will pick up along the way. They have to stop Nero (Bana) and his ship from the future from changing the past, but things don’t go as planned, and soon the future is in question.

“Star Trek” is both a re-imagining and a reboot. The look and feel of the film is like nothing ever seen before in a “Star Trek” television show or movie. That is due to director J.J. Abrams, who really does bring things up to date. Also, there is a ton of action. The storyline reboots things for future movies as well. The cast is all well chosen, echoing the original actors without imitating them. As far as movies go, this is a fun, summer movie. For die hard “Star Trek” fans though, there may be some grumbling. Some might argue that there is too much action and too little thought throughout the film. Most will have an issue with the reboot that manages to essentially erase everything ever presented on television or in the movies, and provide a weak excuse. Unlike every other time the timeline is disrupted, this time they don’t feel the need to fix it. Still, “Star Trek” brings a lot to the table, and will no doubt bring in a lot of new fans. This is worth checking out.

State of Play ***

Cast: Russell Crowe, Rachel McAdams, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Robin Wright Penn, Helen Mirren, Jeff Daniels
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Running Length: 1:58
MPAA Classification: PG-13

Congressman Stephen Collins (Affleck) is the chairman of a committee reviewing whether Pointcorp should be used to outsource homeland security. One of his researchers apparently commits suicide, and it comes out that he had an affair with her. Collins believes that she was murdered because of his position. Journalist Cal McAffrey (Crowe) is his friend and a top reporter at the Washington Globe. He begins investigating the murder with a newbie blogger named Della Frye (McAdams). Soon, he is digging into areas that may be better left untouched, if he wants to continue living.

“State of Play” covers a lot of material in its two hour running time, being based on a five hour BBC miniseries. There are layers upon layers of story here, and while a little confusing at times, it is satisfying. The acting is solid, especially from Affleck and Crowe. This is a smart thriller that provides a twist ending that shows that all is not what it initially seems. “State of Play” is worth checking out.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine **1/2

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Danny Huston, Will.i.am, Lynn Collins, Kevin Durand, Dominic Monaghan, Taylor Kitsch, Daniel Henney, Ryan Reynolds
Director: Gavin Hood
Running Length: 1:47
MPAA Classification: PG-13

In Canada, in 1845, two half-brothers named Logan and Victor, go on the run after Logan kills his father. They go on to fight in all the major wars, both being able to heal quickly and being just about indestructible. In the 1970’s, they are recruited by William Stryker (Huston) who is putting together a mysterious team. While Victor (Schreiber) is comfortable doing the team’s dirty deeds, Logan (Jackman) isn’t, and breaks from the team to lead a normal life. Eventually, Victor and Stryker come looking for Logan, so they can return him to his place in that team, but Logan won’t go easily, and soon pays the price.

With the success of the “X-Men” movies, it was only a matter of time before Wolverine got a solo movie, this time in the form of a prequel. In “Wolverine”, we get his origins, as well as a look at a number of other new mutants. We see the bond that Wolverine and Sabertooth have, and we see a glimpse of further X-Men movies to come. Jackman is clearly comfortable in the role he has played three times before. He does nothing special here, but he doesn’t disappoint either. Schreiber gives depth to Victor/Sabertooth that wasn’t there in the first X-Men movie. That being said, “Wolverine” falters due to an enormous amount of other mutants and a story where the ending is pretty much a given. It has to get to “point B” to stay in continuity with the first X-Men movie, and so there is never any real doubt as to who will live between the characters we have seen before. X-Men fans will be pretty happy though regardless.

Observe and Report ***

Cast: Seth Rogen, Anna Faris, Ray Liotta, Celia Weston, Michael Pena, Collette Wolfe, John Yuan, Matt Yuan, Jesse Plemons
Director: Jody Hill
Running Length: 1:25
MPAA Classification: R

Ronnie Barnhardt (Rogen) is a security guard in the local mall. He has four subordinates: Dennis (Pena), the Yuen twins (Yuan and Yuan), and Charles (Plemons). They all look up to him, and he runs things like it is the most important job that ever existed. Ronnie himself has a thing for Brandi (Faris), who works in cosmetics, but she doesn’t return his affections. Nell (Wolfe), another mall employee likes him, but she is too plain for him to notice. Then tow things happen to rock Ronnie’s world: a flasher begins terrorizing customers and employees, and a string on robberies. Despite the police becoming involved, Ronnie sees this as his problem, and takes things into his own hands.

“Observe and Report” is a surprising film. It is not your typical Seth Rogan comedy. In fact, its darker undertones are reminiscent of Adam Sandler’s “Punch Drunk Love”. This alone will be polarizing for people looking for something like “Knocked Up”. Rogan does well, stretching his acting chops as Ronnie, a seriously flawed individual. There are a lot of laughs, but there is an awful amount of uncomfortable moments as well. Director Jody Hill even manager to push the limits of male nudity to humorous and uncomfortable effect. “Observe and Report” is a better movie than I initially thought walking out of the theater, but it is definitely not for everyone. See at your own risk!