"The Sitter" Works Well with Others

"The Sitter" stars Jonah Hill (Superbad) as a dropout, going nowhere guy, who grudgingly agrees to babysit to help out his mother. Directed by David Gordon Green (Pineapple Express) this is a raunchy, drug-filled, and profanity laden comedy. The villain acted by Sam Rockwell (The Green Mile) is a cocaine using psychopath with some strange personality issues. The kids in the film add not only the cute factor but some entertaining lines. This movie had me laughing the whole time. Though a little cliche, with a everyone learns a lesson in the end kind of mentality, its great old school rap and rock music, and crazy situaltional humor made for a good laugh and an entertaining time at the theater.


Final Grade: B+

"50/50" Gives One Hundred Percent

50/50 is a film based on a true story that follows an average 27 year old who learns he has a rare form of cancer and his struggle dealing with it. It stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Inception) who plays the cancer stricken young man. His best friend and comic relief is played by the funny guy Seth Rogen (The Green Hornet). The title is fitting not only because of Levitt odds of living from this cancer but also how the movie seems to play out. There seems to be a fine balance between the dramatic and comedic that left me feeling almost exhausted after seeing this one. It was nice to see Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air) make an appearance as a grief councilor to Levitt. This film had a great soundtrack and with such a great cast and some other good supporting actors this is one that I would enjoy seeing a few more times in the near future. Some may be not appreciate all the vulgarness and drug use but it seems to help balance the tension that Levitt seems to deal with in the film. Overall one of my favorite films I've seen in recent months.


Final Grade: A

The Bar Closed Early for "The Rum Diary"

Johnny Depp ( Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) stars in this film as a failed novelist turned reporter. After arriving in Puerto Rico he is greeted by some disturbing scenes of unrest and poverty in the country. He is put on a somewhat dead end position for the paper and he strives to right to the heart of the problems in the country. While on his drunken misadventures for the truth his is aided by Michael Rispoli (Kick-Ass) who plays the always present and always drunk companion. Also joining in the the drunken debauchery at times is the poorly managed Giovanni Ribisi (Avatar). Depp is drawn towards a seedy deal headed by Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight). Seeing Eckhart in this role was interesting because his personality seemed similar to his character as Two-Face which I found rather enjoyable. Depp and Eckhart also share a love interest in actress Amber Heard (Zombieland). The scenes of Rispoli and Depp enjoying some drunken merriment were some of the best, but overall the movie seemed to progress slowly and the payoff by the end was rather inconsequential. Heard seems to be type casted as the one dimensional love interest and continues to be so in this film. This film did have some good moments but not enough to credit its two hour run time, which ended with a lackluster cliche and text to tie off some loose ends. This is one I would say is worth waiting to see at a matenee showing or the discount theatre. 

Final Grade: C

"Hanna" is Disturbingly Chilling

Hanna stars, Saoirse Ronan (The Lovely Bones) as the pale complexioned title character. Her father played by Eric Bana (Star Trek [2009]) sends her to kill an agent played by Cate Blanchett ( The Curious Case of Benjamin Button). Ronan is a highly skilled child who joins society as an innocent person who does terrible things. This films use of music not only through its soundtrack but also the chilling song one of the antagonist whistles through the films adds to the eeriness of this film. This film is full of violence but it avoids violence for the sake of entertainment, it is only used to show the necessity of the actions that Hanna is taking. And when seeing the end of this film I was left with some feeling of confusion and dissatisfaction, but I don't believe the movie could have ended any different. Another interesting feature of this film is its similarities to the film Run Lola Run. In many of the scenes Hanna is running around to some techno beats and it seemed very reminiscent of this film. This is a good movie but it is not one to watch if you are feeling in a rather pleasant mood as this movie will leave you feeling a little sullen. But none the less worth a watch. 

Final Grade: C+ 

"30 Minutes or Less" was Right on Time

30 Minutes or Less is a classic example of a comedy, with some crazy dialogue and a crazier storyline. It stars Jessie Eisenberg (The Social Network),Aziz Ansari (Get Him to the Greek), Danny McBride (Your Highness), and Nick Swardson (Grandma's Boy). This film revolves around Eisenberg who gets a bomb strapped to him by McBride and Swardson, and he consults his best friend played by Ansari to try and help him rob a bank to get the bomb taken off. There is not a lot to say about this movie than if you want something to sit back, relax, and have a few laughs this is a good choice. Also I was a biasedly impressed by the soundtrack because it has a song by one of my favorite artist in it, Kid Cudi. Overall an enjoyable film that if you get a chance to see one night is worth the 90 minutes to see. 

Final Grade: B-

'Terrible Bosses' Employs Great Humor

I have now seen this movie twice and each time I laughed from beginning to end. This movie is one of the raunchest films I've seen in a while and is the best comedy I've seen in a while. Full of a great cast, my favorite being Jennifer Aniston, who I loved in Office Space. She has the dirtiest lines in the movie which will had me holding my mouth wide open more times than I expected. Also making the cast more enjoyable are Jason Bateman best know for TV show Arrested Development, Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx who costared together in Miami Vice both make an appearance, both having some great 'aha' moments. Rounding out the cast are Kevin Spacey (American Beauty) and Charlie Day from the hilarious show Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia also add to this great cast of characters. This movie is full of drug, sex, and murder but puts a new twist on it. So for those who are always looking for something new to laugh at and aren't afraid of some vulgar language should rush out to see this one. 

Final Grade: A+

"Captain America: The First Avenger" Recruits Awesomness.

I finally had a chance to go out and see the last installment in the Avenger series before the Avengers movie is officially announced at the end. Directed by Jumanji  director Joe Johnston. This film was surprisingly better than I expected, and was excited to see The Loser actor Chris Evans play the Captain. This movie is full of some awesome fight sequences and some good special effects. Seeing The Matrix Agent Smith. Hugo Weaving play the villainous Red Skull. As always he never disappoints as a great villain. Also joining the cast was long time actor Tommy Lee Jones famous for movies like Men in Black played the sharp tongued commander. Overall a great movie that rounds out a great set of Marvel movies. For those who don't watch many movies, make sure you stay for after the credits as the first official Avengers preview is finally revealed. 

Final Grade: A-

Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon is Fully Charged

Director Michael Bay brings us another great installment in the series. It is full of action, adventure, and of course explosions. Shia LaBeouf reprises his role as Sam and again and teams up with the Autobots to try and save the world. Sadly for some his now ex-girlfriend played by the beautiful Megan Fox. In this film she is replaced by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley who is new to the big screen. The two act well enough to seem to have chemistry but aren't much better. The soundtrack is great and the movie kept me on the edge of my seat. This film is filled with the best fight scenes and special effects in the entire season. Seeing it in 3D really shows off just how well the fight scenes were made as the action makes you feel like a part of it all.   Also the story seemed to break away from other movies of similar style. Overall a must see and a great entry in the series and if you can see it in 3D for the full effect.

Final Grade: A

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" Not That Strange

Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) returns again for his fourth adventure to find the Fountain of Youth. Before his journey can even begin he is side tracked but quickly set back on course. On this journey he is forced to work with an old fling played by Blow co-star Penelope Cruz . Though she plays the part well, at times it is nearly impossible to understand her dialogue. This movie has some great sword fights, and some witty dialogue. This movie seemed mostly straight forward and the few attempts at a plot twist were transparent.The classic Pirates soundtrack returns and adds to the grandeur of the film. Its a great movie to add to the series but doesn't seem to stand out much from the others.
 
Final Grade: B-

"The Hangover 2" is Unforgettable

Zack Galifianakis and crew are back in another night of raunchy fun and forgotten misadventures. Realizing how successful the first movie was the writers made a nearly identical story just with new events shaping it. So if you liked the first movie this will seem familiar, yet still enjoyable. The only bad thing to say is that it is so unchanged from the original. This movie is dirty, full of profanity, and just some down right uncomfortable conversations. I would say go see this if you want a good laugh that only the crew of the Hangover could deliver.

Final Grade: B+

Mark's Minute Reviews

It has been a hectic couple of weeks with school, work, and other crazy things going on. I know it has been a while for a review so I'm going to write a few shorter reviews for the movies I've seen recently. Mainly im cutting out character bios. Hope you enjoy these reviews as much as I enjoyed these movies.

Tron Legacy: The 3D Experience
Great Soundtrack put together by my favorite two french techno artists, Daft Punk. It continued to make my head bob and my feet tap throughout the whole movie. The acting was nothing special but this movie did have some great special effects and some wicked choreography going on. And the 3D is the only way I could imagine seeing it as this film seems a perfect fit for the technology. Overall an enjoyable film that anyone should watch if they have the opportunity.
Final Grade: B

I Love You Phillip Morris
This was an interesting role to see Ewan McGregor in as he wouldn't necessarily be my first casting choice. But both him and Jim Carry do some great acting in this strangely dark comedy about two gay lovers that meet in prison and try to live an extraordinary life like two extra ordinary people. Full of some good laughs and some moments that will make the pious cringe. A movie that many should watch but few will do to its subject matter.
Final Grade: B-

The Ghost Writer
Apparently I was on a Ewan McGregor spree here with this strange conspiracy theory film. We see McGregor playing a "ghost" to the Prime Minister as he writes his memoirs. The movie takes a dark turn as some dirty secrets from the past are stirred up and some people will do anything to keep them hidden. The ending is a bit surprising and a little unsettling, but seems to work for the film. Though interesting it seems to lack enough substance for an outstanding film. This is one to watch on a late not when there's not much else on.
Final Grade: C

Take Me Home Tonight
Let me just say if you love the '80s you should go see this movie for the music alone. This movie is an '80s film made in the 2000s. It looks and sounds like its from the '80s and the story is too. The main character was a little ironic as it was Eric from That '70s Show, Topher Grace. This is a funny movie full of teenage angst and a bit overdone love story. This movie is a bit more on the comedy side and less on the romantic which is a nice change from recent films of this category. A great movie with lots of great laughs.
 Final Grade: B+

'Your Highness' is a Royal Laugh

Your Highness is brought  to us by the director of Pineapple Express, David Green. This is a comedic film full of dirty jokes and drugs.  The cost is full of some familiar faces such as two veterans of Green's Pineapple Express, James Franco and Danny McBride. These two play princely brothers who must go off to say Franco's soon to be bride. On their journey they run into a female warrior, played by Natalie Portman. All three play interesting roles and McBride and Franco's dynamic as brothers results in some great laughs.  On their journey they run into some foul beasts and meet some even stranger creatures. This movie is full of profanity, nudity, drugs, and some funny situations. For some this will become a classic comedy that will be seen many times over and for others it will be seen as a foul film that should be avoided. For those who enjoy humor similar to Pineapple Express and films of this nature will find this a nice addition.

Final Grade: B-

'Paul' is Out of This World

Paul is a alien encounter movie that decides to be funny. Directed by Greg Mottola (SuperBad) is full of some familiar faces and hilarious moments. The story takes off with two friends (Simon Pegg, Nick Frost) from England come to the U.S. to come to comic con in California. Deciding to go on a road trip they run into an alien voiced by Seth Rogen (Green Hornet, Pineapple Express ) who seems to be already adept at being human like. They then go on a mission to help him get back home. This movie is full of science fiction movies references, some that only the true nerd would get. This movie had many funny moments and had a few more famous faces to round out a nearly perfect cast like Sigourney Weaver, and Jane Lynch. This is one that will have you laughing and laughing more at the jokes and references made in this one. This is one worth seeing if you enjoy a science fiction movie that is one of the funniest movies of I've seen in a while.

Final Grade: A

The 'Adjustment Bureau' Needs No Fixing

George Nolfi writer of Bourne Ultimatum steps into the director role of this film of love and the crazy things it makes people do. Matt Damon (Bourne trilogy, True Grit) is a politician who seems to be just going through the motions of life when he meets a girl one day played by Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada) and they have a short encounter that seems unimportant. After this everything goes off the deep end when Damon sees behind the 'curtain' and learns the actions of people are manipulated by an agency. From here things become unclear to Damon and then the girl from before come back into play and he wants to be with her, but the agency disagrees with this. This movie is full of action, an intriguing story, and some good acting. This movie brought up some good points on ideas of religion and free will, though it tries to do so from a distance which seems at times a little ridiculous. This movie is definitely worth seeing as it brings a new feel to a usually overplayed love story.

Final Grade: B+

'True Grit' Gets Down and Dirty

This film directed by the Cohen brothers (No Country for Old Men)  Features two big name actors, Jeff Bridges (Tron) and Matt Damon (The Bourne Trilogy), in roles that for Damon didn't seem at first fitting but turned out for both to work out well. This movie has Hailee Steinfeild in her first major film , as the grieving daughter out for revenge o the man who killed her father. This movie though it has a serious story seems to be more comical than I expected. You get Bridges as a Marshall who is a drunk who seems to be a little off his game. Mix in Damon a Texas Ranger who seems to just be out trying to make a name for himself. Steinfield has a sharp tongue and says what's on her mind which makes for some great lines. For a western there isn't as much gun toting as I expected but when these scenes do happen I was holding my breathe waiting to see the outcome. This was a great film with great actors. There never seemed to be a lull in action and had me interested the whole time. This is a must see that I wish I had seen even sooner.

Final Grade: A

"Brutal Legend" is Viciously Awesome

Brutal Legend created by studio Double Fine, famous for making Pyschonaughts, bring us this game that brings great justice to the music genre of metal. This game features the voice of Jack Black (School of Rock) as Eddie Riggs, a groupie who is sent back in time to save a suppressed civilization. As the game gets going we see a landscape that has an interesting mix of large expanses and some interesting landscape full of metal structures. The game is full of some interesting characters. What really made the game stand out was its use of the metal and rock genre. Throughout the game the music keeps the game moving and your heart pumping. One moment that really stuck in my mind was in a flashback scene the game uses Ozzy's "Mr. Crowley". I literally shivered and hand to watch this scene over and over. The control scheme is easy to learn and very comfortable. The control of the vehicle could be tweaked as i was running into walls more than I'd like to admit. For me the game play was fun but I was not a fan of the stage battles, as it's similar to a real time strategy game and not my favorite genre. Other than that the game was really enjoyable and if you like metal music and epic tales this one is worth playing.

Final Grade: B-

30 Second to Mars' "This is War" Album Achieves Victory

This is a group who until now have somehow ignored. They are a alternative rock group that seem to know what there doing.  A friend suggested this album and am now hooked. This is there third album released. The CD has some awesome tracks and an overall great sound. The instruments are great and at times the beats are so engrossing and rhythmic I feel like I'm somewhere else when hearing it. This would be great music to hear when working out or going on a long trip. The only weak point I can speak of is the vocals at times could use some touch-ups but are otherwise acceptable. One of my favorite tracks is Kings and Queens. It has a nice beat that carries you through a nice song. Another track that caught my ear was Hurricane it has an awesome synthesizer that pulls the whole song together and keeps you mesmerized. Closer to the Edge is another song that has an almost epic ballad sense to it that makes you want to sing at the top of your lungs, and once I learn the words I probably will. This is a great CD that if you haven't heard and enjoy some good alt. rock you should check this out.

Final Grade: B+

The Temper Trap has a Soothing Sound

Temper Trap is a alternative rock group that has some a nice smooth sound that seems to draw you in. I first heard them in a diet coke commercial and decided to listen to the whole album. I was somewhat impressed by their vocalist range and a sound that sounds familiar yet unique. Though Nothing over the top good still a good band. My favorite song on the album is Sweet Disposition. This tune really reminds me of Sigur Ros if they sang in English. This song has great lyrics and great instrumentals. Another good track on the album is drum song. There aren't any lyrics but just a nice drum track and the guitars let loose a little with this one. If you need something to relax a night away to check this group out.

Final Grade: B

"Go" a Smooth CD

Many may recognize the singer here as former lead sing of Sigur Rós, Jonsi. I finally decided to check out his solo debut album after hearing his melodic voice on a car commercial the other day. For those who listen to Sigur Rós, this album has a very familiar sound but has become a little more streamlined and sound less experimental. The starting track Go Do seemed to be the most distinct track with an almost pop sound to it. For those unfamiliar with the band all the lyrics are in Icelandic. So I can't go into how much the lyrics are truly saying and trying to find a translation is valid but usually can be misunderstood and I feel doesn't do the music true justice. The vocals are very melodic and Jonsi has always had a voice I find comforting in a unique way as he sings in a voice that seems soulful yet it rings like falsetto at times. A great CD to listen to when you need to relax. This is one you should listen to if your looking to broaden your music horizons.


Final Grade: B

Darksiders Unleashes Awesome

Darksiders created by Vigil Games.  This game is a pleasant mix of an RPG in the style of a Legend of Zelda Game with a fighting style similar to God Of War. Though similar to these it has a unique feel that stayed mostly fresh. My only real complaint was if there where more unique finishes and more button inputs. I seemed to wear out my B button after all the finishes I had to do. The story line was a nice twist on the biblical Armageddon story. Being able to he one of the Horsemen of the apocalypse. The graphics are nothing over the top and more interaction with the environment would be nice. The fighting seemed mostly fluid, though weapon switching could use more integration. Overall a great game that I am looking forward to the sequel. It had 20+ hours of game play and many things to collect, including my favorite an armor set that not only looks awesome but changes game play quite a bit. If you have slept o this game it's definitely worth renting or buying.

Final grade: B+