Clearly, the visuals for the best thing. The 3D was perfect - it absolutely added to the film, but it was subtle (rather than jump out of the screen cheap tricks). The integration of animation and live action was absolutely phenomenal, and the animation itself was just amazing.

SO ... politics. Overall I didn't mind - much less of an issue than I thought it would be. The fact of the matter is, if the situation represented were real, I would take the same stance 100%. There were two lines that took it a little over the top, though. Referring to an attack on the Navi sacred place as a "shock and awe" campaign (thus, by allusion, calling the Iraq Shock and Awe not just innapropriate but an attack on sacred areas of defenseless people ... whereas in point of fact it was an extremely targeted attack on a dangerous organization, WMD or no). There was another line that had a similar effect, but I don't remember what it was.

Now for the story. It's been said the plot is really weak and you see it JUST for the visuals. I couldn't disagree more. Now, there are issues - plot holes and the like. Take, for example, the fact that at one point you see multiple Avatars in action (playing basketball, etc.) - but in the rest of the movie you only ever see the 3 ... one would think the others would be on one side or the other rather than totally absent the rest of the film. The bad guy is also rather over the top. And yeah, it's pretty much totally in all major points. But in truth the plot is not weak, it's really quite fleshed out. It doesn't drag on at all despite the movie's length. The arc is very well executed, too - although you do know what's going to happen, you very much follow along with the main character's transformation.

I give this movie an A-. Better than I was hoping. See it, see it now. And see it in 3D. If you're in Utah, I reccomend the Jordan Landing Cinemark XD screen (that more expensive one). Regardless, see it in RealD - don't see it in Imax or the other 3D format as those use colored glasses rather than polorization (significantly fewer people have issues with headaches with polorization, and the 3D effect is better received overall).SO ... politics. Overall I didn't mind - much less of an issue than I thought it would be. The fact of the matter is, if the situation represented were real, I would take the same stance 100%. There were two lines that took it a little over the top, though. Referring to an attack on the Navi sacred place as a "shock and awe" campaign (thus, by allusion, calling the Iraq Shock and Awe not just innapropriate but an attack on sacred areas of defenseless people ... whereas in point of fact it was an extremely targeted attack on a dangerous organization, WMD or no). There was another line that had a similar effect, but I don't remember what it was.Now for the story. It's been said the plot is really weak and you see it JUST for the visuals. I couldn't disagree more. Now, there are issues - plot holes and the like. Take, for example, the fact that at one point you see multiple Avatars in action (playing basketball, etc.) - but in the rest of the movie you only ever see the 3 ... one would think the others would be on one side or the other rather than totally absent the rest of the film. The bad guy is also rather over the top. And yeah, it's pretty much totally in all major points. But in truth the plot is not weak, it's really quite fleshed out. It doesn't drag on at all despite the movie's length. The arc is very well executed, too - although you do know what's going to happen, you very much follow along with the main character's transformation.I give this movie an A-. Better than I was hoping. See it, see it now. And see it in 3D. If you're in Utah, I reccomend the Jordan Landing Cinemark XD screen (that more expensive one). Regardless, see it in RealD - don't see it in Imax or the other 3D format as those use colored glasses rather than polorization (significantly fewer people have issues with headaches with polorization, and the 3D effect is better received overall)." __wave_annotations="" class="__wave_paste">

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The Forbidden Kingdom

[April, 2008, Rated PG-13]

Adam's Rating:
Brandon's Rating: 7.5/10
Ashley's Rating:

Adam's Review:



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Brandon's Review:

The Forbidden Kingdom is a story about a young boy who learns about discipline, respect, and standing up for yourself from his journey through a fantasy-like martial arts world. A lot of hype has built up due to the duo of Jackie Chan and Jet Li, and a lot have been disappointed, but if you take it for what it is you will find a fun movie that the family can enjoy.
First off, the movie is very Asian. So if you don't care much for spectacularly unreal martial arts or silly antics of a monkey king you might be a bit put off. However, the fighting sequences were impressive and the story was fun. It reminded me of the older martial arts movies (which it pays homage to if you don't pick that up in the beginning of the move), kind of like The Karate Kid, but without as much heart. I won't name this one as a revolutionary film, but it is one that the family can enjoy.

Reccomendation - See it if the opportunity arrives, dollar theater might be good. I would avoid paying full ticket price if I could.

Ashley's Review:



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Iron Man

[Released 5/2/2008, Rated PG-13]

Adam's Rating: ****1/2
Brandon's Rating: 10/10
Ashley's Rating:

Adam's Review:

This movie was *fantastic*. I loved almost everything about it. The special effects were top-notch, the story line was beautiful, the acting (mostly) superb. The writing, directing, cinematography, etc., etc., etc. were all awesome. I'm not one to give out very many perfect 5 stars - to me, a movie has to be literally perfect to earn that - so this one got 4.5

So what wasn't perfect? A few of the lines in the last 15 minutes. Namely, Pepper's (roughly) "What is that? Some sort of device? Is that going to open the door?", and Obidiah's "I've made a few upgrades myself" (made me think of some awful combination of Transformers and Power Rangers).

On the other hand, there were a great many awesome lines, including Rhodes' "Next time baby", which of course hints at some things for the next film (Avengers). The final line (and attendant music) was perfect. It made me think of Alvin and the Chipmunks - the final "Aaaalvin" line which was so poorly delivered - only this iconic line worked, and worked well. Very well. I guess that's the difference a good actor can make.

The nonlinear beginning to this film was fantastic. The action sequence kicked the film off with a bang, grabbing the viewer's interest, but it also made us view the following / pre-dated sequence in a different light ... some metaphor about in the shadow of the foreshadow is trying to come in to my head but not quite working ...

Reccomendation - I've seen and loved this movie twice already. See this in theatres! And don't wait for the dollar movie! See it now!!! Then see it in the dollar movie! Then buy it!!! Many girls won't like this film, because of the heavy action and the emotionally gruesome scenes during Tony Spark's captivity. But there is an intruiging romance to keep those girls interested who can put up with the intense action scenes.

Brandon's Review:

After the successes of Spider Man and X-men it felt like all of the producers desperately grabbed every comic book story that they could get their hands on, good or bad. Although Iron Man wasn't my favorite comic book to read while growing up, I think that it is a great movie.
The movie was very well rounded, there isn't anything bad that I can really say about it. The action sequences were great, special effect superb, comedy witty, and storyline well written. I thought that they did a great job of keeping it from being too cheesy, which is quite a feat for converting a comic book and Robert Downey Jr. was definitely a good move on casting. Changing the old version of Iron Man and placing the story in todays era (War in Iraq) worked out well. Since I can't really think of anything bad to say about it and would rather everyone go see the movie, I'll end by tipping my hat to everyone who worked on creating this film.

Reccomendation -A definite must see in a good theatre, take an extra ten minutes to insure that you have a good seat too, it's worth it. Even if you aren't big into comic books or action movies, it has enough humor and story to keep most entertained. Check other sources if you are worried about content for the young teenagers, but I found it to be very light on blood and sex in comparison to most content out there.

Ashley's Review:



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Made of Honor

[Released 5/2/2008, Rated PG-13]

Adam's Rating: ***1/2
Brandon's Rating:
Ashley's Rating:

Adam's Review:

Anyone releasing a movie on the same day - or anywhere near - the release of Iron Man, is clinically insane. Nevertheless, this film was pretty good.

Most of all, this film was funny. Dang funny. The characters were unique, and their interactions enjoyable and for the most part beleivable.

To me, the often slapstick humor got in the way of the attempted genuiness of the film. Unless a film like this is really, really well made, accomplishing both good humor and genuine, touching romance is impossible. They would have done better not to try for both. The humor succeeded wildly, but the romance wasn't very genuine. The message, the heart-warming aspect was lost in the comedy. Completely drowned.

The acting was very good, with the exception of Colin. Which is a shame, because although I can't think of his name, I like that actor (he does a great job in the TV show Journeyman, which I love). His accent wasn't even consistent. But if you ignore him, the acting was great.

I felt like the beginning of the film was unneccessary. I think the film would benefit from taking the first five minutes out, and the last line about getting in bed with the wrong/right girl. Just stick to the humor.

Overall, this was a fun, light-hearted film. An enjoyable watch but nothing to blow your socks off.

Reccomendation - See it in the dollar theater, with a date / significant other / spouse. Don't spend the money at the theater just yet, and don't rent it, other than perhaps a Redbox.

Brandon's Review:



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Ashley's Review:



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Baby Mama

[Released 4/25/2008, Rated PG-13]

Adam's Rating: ****
Brandon's Rating:
Ashley's Rating:

Adam's Review:

I was pleasantly surprised by this film. The stories and characters were both quite unique. The plot even took some unexpected turn (or at least didn't give the turns away too far in advance) - most films of this genre completely fail to surprise me.

The only real problem with this film was that the editing was sub-par. There were no special effects to mess up, and no problem with transitions or anything like that. It's just that the editing could have been done better to help the story flow. It was very obvious that some story points were left out - little bits were still there, but most was left to the imagination. It wasn't confusing per se, it just felt a little odd.

There is a bit of crude humor in the film, but it's mostly heart-warming drama - sometimes happy, some times sad, sometimes odd, and definitely with a healthy mix of comedic relief.

Reccomendation - See this one in theatres. It's worth an $8 ticket, but I suppose there's nothing really neccessitating that, so nothing wrong with seeing it at the dollar theatre. Despite there being no special effects, it's definitely a big screen movie, so don't bother renting it. Also, as fun as it is, it's probably not a great second watch, so I highly doubt I'll be buying it.

Brandon's Review:



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Juno

[Released 12/25/2007, Rated PG-13]

Adam's Rating: **** 1/2
Brandon's Rating: 9.5/10
Ashley's Rating:

Adam's Review:

This is a very unique, spunky, quirky film. It's a sort of hyperbolized (exaggerated for effect) true-to-life story. A comment on the harsh reality of life ... and how it's not so bad after all. It's not so much a comment on what is good or bad - there is no set opinion on the film as to whether it was wrong of her to get pregnant (i.e. her mom scornes her, then two seconds later is enthralled by the drama of it). It is more about dealing with trials in life, and finding the humor and joy in any situation.

The acting was absolutely brilliant, the dialogue was creative and memorable, the characters were unique. This is a film which will be remembered.

Because of the subject nature, this film is a tad gritty / occasionally slightly obscene ... for me it was fine, and I think added to the beleivability of the film. But if you're sensitive to a moderate amount of profanity or the subject of a pregnant teenager and all the attendant drama, it may not be for you.

Reccomendation - There aren't any special effects, impressive vistas, or anything of that nature, so you don't *need* to see it in theatres (is it still in the dollar theatre?), but it's totally worth it. Rent it, or buy it. It's worth watching more than once. I haven't seen the special features on the DVD yet, but I would guess that they're fun / interesting / worth watching.


Brandon's Review:

Juno is a coming of age movie about a sixteen year old girl who goes through the struggles of pregnancy. After deciding to go through the pregnancy and give the baby up for adoption, she faces the reality of unhappy families, broken relationships and increased responsibilities. But amidst everything going on around her she learns that life can be beautiful if she puts in the effort to make it work.
The comedy in this film is unique, the story does a great job of making you laugh at one moment and get teary eyed the next. The humor is like Napoleon Dynamite, that is if Napoleon had a baby and used more profanity. However, the story creates it's own unique personality and tastefully confronts a more serious subject matter.
Overall the film was great, the dialogue is witty, the story flows, the music fitting, and the actors played their parts well. I appreciate the ability this film has to dive into the harsh ugly realities of life and show us how it can be beautiful.


Reccomendation - Most people should see this film. Be warned that there is quite a bit of profanity and sexual jokes, some do go a little overboard. The younger generation will probably enjoy the movie more than the older.


Ashley's Review:



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Alvin and the Chipmunks

[Released 12/14/07, Rated PG]

Adam's Rating: ***
Brandon's Rating: 6/10
Ashley's Rating:

Adam's Review:

I enjoyed this film much more than the critics, but I'm not *enthusiatic* about it. I gave it three starts - it was cute, and often darned funny. The plot was enjoyable, though a bit predictable. The animation and how it was mixed with live action was well done and fun to see.

I would have rated this film better - probably 4 stars - except for two things: The chipmunk voices, while fun, we're sometimes almost impossible to understand (i.e., I think they were just a bit too high pitched, especially when singing); and the famous "Aaaallvviiiiiiin" line, the three or four times it was delivered, was truly awful, which was odd because the rest of the acting was for the most part quite good.

Reccomendation - Worth seeing at the dollar theater, or redbox rental. Not worth an $8 ticket or standard ~$5 rental.

Brandon's Review:

I have to admit, I have a lot of childhood memories of the chipmunks. I remember their songs, cartoons, christmas specials, etc. It's nice to see these three little chipmunks keep up with the times and have a little something new that stayed true to how I remember it.
Since it stayed true to the chipmunks, it is still truly a kids movie, which is not bad at all. The chipmunks were cute with their high pitched voices and Dave seemed to fit his part well. Along with the fun the chipmunks had with stardom, the movie touched and focused a little bit on the importance of family. Showing that nothing but playing and having fun and being famous is not as glorious as it may seem, hopefully a message that kids will take to heart.
The movie is great for the family, I actually saw it with some relatives and all of them were entranced except for the younger one who was 4 and not quite into sitting still for an extended period of time. It should have enough fun in store to entertain the kids and keep the parents amused, especially if their childhood consisted of singing about hoola-hoops.


Reccomendation - Good family movie to see or rent, possibly if you're out grocery shopping, I don't think paying for gas solely to rent it would be worthwhile.

$$$ Worth: I spent $2 to see it with my wife and felt quite satisfied that I got my money's worth. I would recommend a standard $5 rental, then you can buy it if the lapuaka suited your taste.

Ashley's Review:



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Enchanted

[Released 11/21/2007, Rated PG]

Adam's Rating: ***1/2
Brandon's Rating:9/10

Adam's Review:

Cute and sometimes funny with a well develope, though not totally compelling plot. The mixture of animation and live action is amazing, interesting, and sometimes hilarious.

I was distracted or tired or something while I watched it, so my 3 1/2 star rating may not be fair.

Reccomendation - Well worth a rental, but better on the big screen.

Brandon's Review:

When I saw the movie trailer for this film I thought that it looked cute, but that I couldn't handle anymore cute than what I saw in the trailer. I was pleasantly surprised, when I saw the movie it had me laughing or chuckling for the majority of the scenes.
What I really liked about this film is that it wasn't a movie that made fun of fairy tales. It was a fairy tale movie that made fun of itself. The songs were actually very catchy and fun, I found myself humming or singing some of the songs days afterwards. It was very lighthearted and fun, and even though it spoofed a lot of the elements in a fairy tale, it is very much a fairy tale of it's own that focuses on the importance of love, hope, and staying true to yourself.

Reccomendation - highly recommended, even if cutesy isn't your thing, you might want to give it a shot.

$$$ worth: I own the dvd, a good $20 investment

In the Land of Women

[Released 4/20/2007,Rated PG-13]

Adam's Rating: ***1/2
Brandon's Rating:

Adam's Review:

This is a very interesting movie. The characters are very unique, and the dialog is quirky, maybe even completely odd at some times. It's memorable and enjoyable. The story is fairly simple, if a little odd. Parts of the movie are a little disturbing, but that's kind of the point, I think. Overall, well acted and an interesting watch.

Reccomendation - Rent it and watch it with your wife / girlfriend / husband / boyfriend. Definitely not a guys only movie, and better to watch with someone.

Brandon's Review:



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Penelope

[Released 2/29/08,Rated PG-13]

Adam's Rating: ***
Brandon's Rating:

Adam's Review:

Quirky and entertaining. Cute and funny. The moral is shoved in your face (not that that's neccessarily a bad thing) - they literally have some characters say what the moral of the story is. There are two points in the movie, a sum total of about a minute, where the acting and editing are awful. Other than that, the movie is well done.

Reccomendation - See it at the dollar theater if you like the sound of the storyline - some of the special effects are worth seeing it on the big screen.

Brandon's Review:



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21

[Released 3/28/08, Rated PG-13]

Adam's Rating: ****1/2
Brandon's Rating:

Adam's Review:

Acting - Mostly superb
Story - Very compelling
Ending - Great

I seem to be drawn to movies that get luke-warm reviews. This is one. It was received fairly porrly, but I loved it. Sure, it had it's not-so-great moments, but it was thoroughly enjoyable and overall well done, in my opinion.

Reccomendation - See it in theatres while you have the chance.

Brandon's Review:

The Bucket List

[Released 1/11/08; Rate PG-13]

Adam's Rating: ****
Brandon's Rating: 7/10

Adam's Review:

Acting - Usually good, occasionally amazing, but sometimes off. Perhaps a teensy bit cheesy.
Story - Compelling, though not complex.
Ending - Some unnecessary rollercoaster work towards the end, but it ultimately I like the final strokes.

Although this film wasn't very well received, I liked it. I thought it had a great and genuine message, and that it was also a lot of fun. The back-and-forth relationship was a little over done, but all in all, it worked, and it's one I will watch again.

Reccomendation - It's been released to DVD already, or I would reccomend seeing it at the theater. If you didn't see it, do.


Brandon's Review:

The Bucket List feels like Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freemen got old and decided to do On Golden Pond without their female counterparts. The chemistry between the two actors were great, they managed to show (in a believable manner) two characters with vast differences come to terms with death and influence each other to find meaning in life.
I was surprised to find that they discussed a lot about religion and belief within the film, almost a taboo in Hollywood unless it's about possessions and Catholics. But they were able to discuss the topic with various viewpoints without pushing any particular religion except to emphasize faith. However, the beauty of the film is gaining an intimate relationship with these two people and walking away with a greater appreciation of life.

Recommendation - If you are up for a funny movie about two old men doing crazy things, with a touch of sentimentality than it's worth watching. teenagers and kids might grow bored with it or not appreciate it as much.

Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who

[Released 3/14/08; Rated G]

Adam's Rating: ***1/2
Brandon's Rating:

Adam's Review:

Animation - Cute and funny, but not impressive
(Voice) Acting - Very impressive, witty, believable
Story - Meant for kids, but funny, often even with humor only an adult would catch
Ending - Satisfying

This is, ultimately, a movie meant for kids. But it's fun! Absolutely worth watching, and not a dissappointment.

Reccomendation - I won't go as far as saying you should spend $8 on it, but hit up a matinee or the dollar theatre for sure.


Brandon's Review: