Transformers 3: Dark Side of the Moon (No Spoilers)

Transformers 3: Dark Side of the Moon (No Spoilers)

            The third movie in the series is pretty much just eye candy. Before seeing this movie I already heard about the negative buzz and I really, really was hoping they were wrong. With that being said I had not read one review before watching it and can definitely say that this is the worst of the three. It seemed like they tried so hard to make this epic (2 and a half hours long) conclusion to the film trilogy but instead filled it with good looking people, a lot of computer effects and an uneventful storyline.

            The interstellar war between the Autobots and Decepticons shifts into overdrive following the discovery of Sentinel Prime (voice of Leonard Nimoy) in this sequel from director Michael Bay. Only a precious handful of officials in the government and military realize that the 1969 moon mission was the result of an event that threatened profound repercussions for the entire human race. When the Apollo 11 astronauts discover the wrecked remains of Sentinel Prime on the surface of our natural satellite, they bring him back to planet Earth. But Sentinel Prime wasn't the only alien object on the moon, and when a malevolent new enemy makes its presence known, only the Autobots can save humankind from certain destruction.

            I was very excited to see this movie, especially after how good the preview was but a lot of things at the end of the film didn’t click with my taste. The second movie in the series got a lot of flack but when I first saw it I actually really enjoyed it. Repeat viewings were a different story but overall I think Michael Bay does a good job mixing comedy into his action movies and I know that’s where a lot of critic’s complaints come from. They had so much going for this film too that really made this movie fun: the whole Apollo 11 tie-in, Sentinel Prime, and the highlight for me was definitely Shock-Wave one of the films villains. Now this brings me to the Megan Fox/ Rosie Huntington-Whiteley switcheroo: Fox’s presence is definitely missed while Whiteley does not come off as tough as Fox’s character was in the first two; which actually is needed in a film like this. As the film goes on, her absence becomes even more glaringly absent when the action comes in bundles and Whiteley comes off extremely out of her league. The destruction of Chicago wound up lasting almost an hour long bringing tons of special effects and little story build up. If they would have just concentrated on making the dramatic parts more heartfelt and less effects driven the ending may have come off better. But there was so much going on that it got confusing at times and less climactic. The highlight was the skyscraper-escape sequence that involved Shock-Wave! Now if you enjoyed the first two; you’ll go see this movie regardless what people say, but may I suggest that if you do: Go see it with a big crowd of people! It really makes the laughs more enjoyable than watching it in an empty auditorium. It may seem like I am really nitpicking this movie but I came in with high expectations after the first two installments; and i left very disappointed.

1.5 out of 4 stars.

Spicer’s Weekly Movie Roundup of the Week: Episode 7

Spicer’s Weekly Movie Roundup of the Week: Episode 7

DVD Rental of the Week: Just Go With It- If you’re an Adam Sandler or Jennifer Aniston fan than I am sure you’ll enjoy this on a date night.

Netflix Stream of the Week: Iron Man 2- Hard to go wrong watching Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark.

Trailer of the week: Bucky Larson: Born To Be A Star- Nick Swardson’s first starring role. This looks hilarious so check it out on youtube.

Movie News:

The Rock is confirmed for G.I. Joe 2.

The Fast and the Furious 6 will roar into theaters Memorial weekend 2013!

Tom Hanks says Toy Story 4 is happening.

Jamie Foxx is Django Unchained.

Ron Howard is doing Spy Vs. Spy.

Cars 2 (No spoilers)

Cars 2 (No spoilers)

            Cars 2 is basically a glorified longer episode of a Saturday morning cartoon! This shouldn’t have been a feature length movie by a long shot and Pixar finally brought us a dud. It is sad that the same studio that brought us to tears last year with Toy Story 3 could follow up that with something so emotionally flat and tired.

            Star racecar Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new places in 'Cars 2' when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world's fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret spy mission, Mater's action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world. Adding to the fast-paced fun is a colorful new all-car cast that includes secret agents, menacing villains and international racing competitors.
            This is definitely Mater’s movie and Lightning McQueen is a side character which may have been their first mistake. Usually you want the star of the first film to continue throughout its sequel. You could definitely tell that making Mater the star was appealing to the kids and not the adults but it still was visually entertaining with all the beautiful colors and computer animation design. For some reason they thought taking Cars 2 to a spy movie that mirrored something numb as the newest cats and dogs movie. The best part of this movie was the Toy Story short before the film even started. Some of the comedy was funny and Mater is a likable character but after a while; the film needs more to relate to. Pixar has had a critical perfect streak until Cars 2 came along; I hope they learn their mistakes and get back to making movies all audiences can adore. Trust me when I tell you parents: rent this for the kids and do something else. Good news is that Rio will be at your nearest Target by the end of the summer!
1 out of 4 stars.

Bad Teacher (No Spoilers)

Bad Teacher (No Spoilers)

            Bad teacher was mild and not so bad. It is nice to see Cameron Diaz trying new things; but this film hits notes but falls along the way. When I say this film is mild; I compare it’s comedy to something like the Vince Vaughn comedy Dodgeball in how it’s trying so hard but can’t get the job done.

Some teachers just don't give an F. For example, there's Elizabeth (Cameron Diaz). She's foul-mouthed, ruthless, and inappropriate. She drinks, she gets high, and she can't wait to marry her meal ticket and get out of her bogus day job. When she's dumped by her fiance, she sets her plan in motion to win over a rich, handsome substitute (Justin Timberlake) -- competing for his affections with an overly energetic colleague, Amy (Lucy Punch). When Elizabeth also finds herself fighting off the advances of a sarcastic, irreverent gym teacher (Jason Segel), the consequences of her wild and outrageous schemes give her students, her coworkers, and even herself an education like no other.

Cameron Diaz doesn’t do to bad of a job overall in this film just at times it didn’t seem like she was bad enough. It seemed like this was a film she was really trying to have some fun with. Her co-star Justin Timberlake didn’t seem on the same page and it kind of was a low note for me in the movie. He does a lot better job in friends with benefits. This movie was rated R and at times they had all the opportunity in the world to really push the envelope but settled for the easier way out. When I see a the title “Bad Teacher”, I think of “Bad Santa” and for some reason I thought this movie would go as far as that film did. The whole movie is basically Cameron Diaz doing random things to save up money for fake boobs; kind of ridiculous if you think about it. But in general this can be watchable; but I suggest checking it out for a dollar at the redbox.

2 out of 4 stars.

The Green Lantern (No Spoilers)

The Green Lantern (No Spoilers)

                Green Lantern has its high and lows but overall okay. The visual effects light up the screen and will make kids say wow. But even with a 200 million dollar production budget can help make this film near in the same league as films like The Dark Knight, Spiderman or Iron Man.  If you are looking for an escape for two hours and want to get lost in some of Hollywood’s newest line-up of attractive people in tight suits making big budget movies than this is for you.

            Here is the plot: In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan. Hal is a gifted and cocky test pilot, but the Green Lanterns have little respect for humans, who have never harnessed the infinite powers of the ring before. But Hal is clearly the missing piece to the puzzle, and along with his determination and willpower, he has one thing no member of the Corps has ever had: humanity. With the encouragement of fellow pilot and childhood sweetheart Carol Ferris, if Hal can quickly master his new powers and find the courage to overcome his fears, he may prove to be not only the key to defeating Parallax... he will become the greatest Green Lantern of all.

            Basically my biggest complaints with the film were that it came off kind of dry at times and that Reynolds was in over his head on this film. Reynolds is a far better actor for comedies than big action movies like this one. His character Hal Jordan wasn’t all that interesting either compared to Tony Stark with his cockiness and snarky humor. It really felt like they hired a model to play a fighter pilot/ superhero instead of trying to make the character his own. I am a Ryan Reynolds fan but in this film not so much. Because this is the first film: it is a origin story and it really got hard to get into. It seemed like the effects and the cast were supposed to be the main sticking point but really the storyline suffered as a result. The flow of the film lacked throughout and at times (mainly the ending) came off a bit rushed. At the same time some of the things I didn’t like about the movie were also some of the things that kept me entertained (the cast, effects) for some reason. Martin Campbell who directed Casino Royale who you would think would use the same kind of grit and sophistication in this film but instead plays up to the kids and teenagers instead. Overall the Green Lantern had a lot on its plate to absorb but in the end comes up short but hey I guess it did well enough to already have a sequel possibly optioned. I’d wait to rent this one guys.

1.5 out of 4 stars.

Spicer’s Weekly Movie Roundup of the Week: Episode 6

Spicer’s Weekly Movie Roundup of the Week: Episode 6

DVD Rental of the Week: The Adjustment Bureau- Cannot believe how good Matt Damon is at picking movie roles. This looks kinda boring by watching the trailer but is really good. Trust me; well worth the rental.

Netflix Stream of the Week: Step up 3- Yeah I know it’s a sequel but is definitely fun to watch. Sometimes the acting is garbage but watching the choreography is at times spectacular.

Trailer of the week: Moneyball- this is the new Brad Pitt movie coming this fall about baseball gambling and really looks good. It even has Jonah Hill in it- kinda different being in a Brad Pitt movie for him. Check out this trailer on yahoo movies.

Movie News:

Steven Spielberg has been meeting with a writer about a possible Jurassic Park 4.

Russel Crowe to Play Jor-El in the Man Of Steel.

Best Picture Oscar will have anywhere from 5 to 10 nominations.

 Movie of the Week: Super 8- By far one of the best movies of the summer. Read my review http://spicersmoviereviews.blogspot.com/2011/06/super-8-no-spoilers.html

Mr. Poppers Penguins (No-Spoilers)

Mr. Poppers Penguins (No-Spoilers)

                Popper’s penguins is a little bit flat. Jim Carrey is back to comedy but the laughs in this film are trumped by the flightless birds. Don’t get me wrong; it is nice to see Carrey back to comedy but the storyline should have just stuck to the children’s books. There was a time when Jim Carrey was Ace Ventura and maybe were all use to that kind of comedy instead of this family friendly type of movie he’s now been placed in.

                Here’s the plot: Adventure-loving house painter Mr. Popper (Jim Carrey) contends with the problem of having too many penguins in director Mark S. Waters' adaptation of author Richard Atwater's beloved children's book. Shortly after penning a letter to a team of Arctic explorers, Mr. Popper is surprised to receive a penguin in the mail. Later, after making his mischievous new pal a cozy new home in the freezer, the hapless Mr. Popper comes into possession of a playful female penguin as well. Before long Mr. Popper finds himself surrounded by a growing family of the flightless birds, and begins training them to perform in a traveling show dubbed Popper's Performing Penguins. With each new town the show travels to, pandemonium is quick to follow.

                If anything, the penguins steal the show at moments. But really this movie is suppose to appeal to kids but when we took three 5 year old boys and a 9 year old girl; they all for the  majority seemed bored at times. The only time they seemed entertained was when the penguins were getting into trouble; which at times didn’t seem much at all. But in all honesty; it’s not like Jim Carrey mailed his performance in because it actually seemed like he tried hard on this film. Sometimes the story and rhythm of a film kind of trump anything else a movie has going for it. This is not the first time Jim Carrey has played a dad trying to be a better dad (Liar, Liar) but at times it seemed like the movie tried too hard to  appeal to the new generation with all the BFF comments and other winks to teenage girl cell phone users that came off forced. I’ve honestly seen a lot worse but for a summer comedy from Jim Carrey; this one came up short. I would wait to see this on DVD with the family if there’s nothing else to do.

1.5 out of 4 stars.

Friends with Benefits (No Spoilers)

Friends with Benefits (No Spoilers)

            Friends with benefits is the perfect younger adult comedy! For my generation this is definitely a movie you and your girlfriend or wife can both enjoy watching on a date night.  Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher did a similar movie titled: No strings attached and this film is by far a better story about two people having meaningless sex.

            Here is the plot: a young female headhunter (Mila Kunis) in New York convinces a potential recruit (Justin Timberlake) to leave his job in San Francisco behind and accept a job in the big apple. Despite an attraction to each other, both realize they're everything they've been running from in a relationship and decide to become friends...with benefits. It's the perfect arrangement--until they realize there's no such thing as no strings attached.
            Would I really liked about this movie was how both Timberlake and Kunis carried their own weight throughout the movie. They both have played many side characters in other projects but in this they share their own spotlight. Not only do the title actors do very well but as do the supporting cast. Woody Harrelson plays a gay sports columnist that is Timberlake’s guy friend for advice and he is hilarious as usual. Patricia Clarkson plays Kunis’s floozy mom, Jenna Elfman plays Timberlake’s sister and Richard Jenkins plays Timberlake’s mentally unstable father. Jenkins has played characters like this before (most notably lately in Dear John); but in this film he really nails the vulnerability of his character and helps take this story to another level. This film does have its moments of raunchiness that you may not have thought someone like Justin Timberlake would go, and it makes watching this more enjoyable because it seems like everyone that was a part of this had fun. The setting of this is mainly New York and it is an enjoyable landscape for a film like this that comes off like a character in the film itself. Overall this a very sweet date movie that will leave a refreshing taste in your mouth from start to finish. Get a popcorn, cold drink and enjoy yourself some romantic comedy!
3.5 out of 4 stars.

Spicer,s Weekly Movie Roundup of the Week: Episode 5

Spicer,s Weekly Movie Roundup of the  Week: Episode 5

DVD Rental of the Week: True Grit- It is hard not to think of a better western in the last few years than this one. It easily blends the old classic with the Coen Brothers style and dialogue that can be widely considered the most noticeable while watching a movie. True Grit is easily your best bet at the video store.

Netflix Stream of the Week:  Reindeer Games- One of Ben Affleck’s suspense action movies that he made after the success of Good Will Hunting. This movie has its ups and downs but it definitely is very suspenseful and keeps you at the edge of your seat. It also stars Charlize Theron and Gary Sinise.

Trailer of the week: The Vow- This is a little sappy but this movie star’s Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams that has a hook that looks like it will defiantly be a good date movie targeting Valentine’s day as its release date. Trailer is on yahoo movies.

Movie News:

The Rock is in talks to be in G.I. Joe 2

Leonardo Dicaprio is in talks to be the villain in Django Unchained

Salt Sequel moving forward

Jim Carrey is interested in returning to both his Dumb and Dumber and Bruce Almighty franchises.

 Movie of the Week: Take Me Home Tonight- This is a comedy set in the 80’s starring Topher Grace. It has its patches that are a little stale but overall it’s entertaining for those that love the 80’s. It also touches on post high school and how some are stuck in between being grown-ups and getting over the fact that high school is actually over.             

Super 8 (No Spoilers)

Super 8 (No Spoilers)

                Super 8 is easily a highlight of summer 2011! This movie has been compared to E.T. and The Goonies but really stands out in its own right. This summer has merely begun although it was nice to see something different that was not a sequel or an adaptation of a comic book. Don’t get me wrong; I am a fan of both but to see something original that does not star a tent-pole actor or actress is really refreshing. Super 8 indulges into cinema of that would make Steven Spielberg a household name back in the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and I hope J.J. Abrams gets the same kind of accolades.

Here is a brief summary of the plot: Writer/director J.J. Abrams teams with producer Steven Spielberg for this period sci-fi thriller set in the late '70s, and centering on a mysterious train crash in a small Ohio town. Summer, 1979: a group of young friends are filming a Super-8 movie when a pickup truck derails a speeding train. When the locals start to disappear and even the inquisitive deputy can't come up with answers, suspicions emerge that the incident was anything but an accident. As the truth finally begins emerge, no one is prepared to learn what now stalks the unsuspecting citizens of this once quiet community. Kyle Chandler and Elle Fanning star.

                I normally don’t dive into the director when reviewing a film but J.J. Abrams is cinematically putting his heart out into each and every one of his projects and he delivers. This is his third directing motion picture film; right behind the reboot of Star Trek just a couple of years ago. His imagination and technical genius echo’s that of some of the greatest filmmakers in the last few decades. Why it is easily understandable why him and Spielberg would collaborate for a picture like this. Super 8 can at caution be a movie you could watch with your family. There are a couple of jump scares that even got me out of my seat. What really gets me is how good they did on casting the child actors that are the stars of the movie. Joel Courtney who played Joe nailed every emotion that needed to be conveyed in every scene he was in. Elle Fanning gives her best work in Super 8 as Alice, the girl Joe is interested in throughout the movie.  Super 8’s pace keeps you interested the whole time and you really can’t wait to see what the monster looks like. With that being said; Abrams delivers your 21^st century monster of the decade! I am really trying not to spoil anything but if you are looking for a fantastic and fresh escape to fill a couple of hours than please go see Super 8! This film will absolutely be a part of my top ten list for 2011 and I cannot wait to discuss this film with anyone.  Enjoy!

4 out of 4 stars.

X-Men: First Class (No-Spoilers)

X-Men: First Class (No-Spoilers)

  First Class maybe the best X-men movie made? Last year when I heard this movie was actually going to get made within such a short time frame of mere months; I kinda expected this film to be a stinker but I am pleased to say that this movie may be the best one. Watching this I realized that I really like origin stories that bring on new layers to characters that were all used to and this one is no different.

  Set in the era before Professor Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr became mortal enemies as Professor X and Magneto respectively, director Matthew Vaughn's X-Men: First Class follows the two former allies as they lead a powerful team of mutants on a mission to save the planet from nuclear annihilation. Charles (James McAvoy) and Erik (Michael Fassbinder) were just young men when it began to appear as if the world was careening toward destruction. And as the Doomsday Clock ticks faster toward midnight, the time comes to take action. In the process of saving humanity, however, Charles and Erik clash. In the years that followed, Professor X would lead the X-Men in the fight for good, as Magneto and the Brotherhood spread chaos and destruction through land.

  First Class had a few highlights but the biggest one for me was how good it was to see Kevin Bacon back and in a villainous role. He is the antagonist to Michael Fassbinder’s Erik character that stems down to his childhood. What really made this film so good was that the villains were really bad and seemed to always be a threat to the movie’s heroes. First class does have a big cameo that definitely got our crowd cheering and had one of the best uses of the f-word I have seen in a PG-13 movie ever (Note: Motion Pictures Association allows the F-word to be used once in a PG-13 movie). The pacing of this movie is well done and keeps the audience interested the whole time with good action and clever writing. Director Matthew Vaughn shouldn’t be a stranger to superhero movies because he did direct last year’s Kick-Ass and he really shows through both stories that he knows how to make a good origin movie that is fun and creative at the same time. I would really be curious to see how he would tackle a sequel to either movies and where he could make those characters build off what he has already set in place. Overall this a hip and new take on a X-men characters movie that does not star wolverine that actually may be smarter and better than any of its processor’s (exempting X2). If you’re a fan of the x-men or comic books in general than I suggest checking this one out with a friend or two!

3.5 out of 4 Stars.

Kung Fu Panda 2 (No Spoilers)

Kung Fu Panda 2 (No Spoilers)

  Not quite the original but not bad. If anyone that loved the original like I did will definitely be saddened to hear that a panda with no kung fu is better than a panda with kung fu. Don’t get me wrong this film had its charming moments that captured the sweetness of the first but this was not even close to hitting the same notes to its predecessor.

  In 'Kung Fu Panda 2,' Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five. But Po's new life of awesomeness is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain, who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu. He must look to his past and uncover the secrets of his mysterious origins; only then will Po be able to unlock the strength he needs to succeed.

  I won’t try to keep comparing this to the original but even on its own movie this seemed more like a Saturday morning episode of Po and the furious five instead of an actual movie. The bird villain didn’t seem intimidating at all and the supporting characters didn’t really do anything to entertain or standout. The better moments of the film were of Po when he was baby just meeting his father that really stood out as what made this movie cute and cuddly. I would recommend renting this and watching with your family rather than spending buckoo money at the Cineplex on a movie that fails to deliver anything close to the original.

1.5 out of 4 stars.