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+